COM LAG (2plus2isfive)

Release

The EP was first released in Japan and Australia on 24 March 2004, followed with a release in Canada on 13 April 2004 and finally released in the United Kingdom on 16 April 2007 and in the United States on 8 May 2007. This album has been released with the Copy Control protection system in some regions.

The original Japanese pressings of the EP had a mastering error on the seventh track "Skttrbrain", which caused loud static to be heard in the left channel four times throughout the song. The EP was recalled by EMI/Toshiba, and the error was fixed in later releases.

Cover art

The speech bubble on the cover says "はい、チーズ。" ("Hai, chiizu."), akin to the English phrase "say cheese". The quote on the back cover of the album "I travelled all over the world. I stayed in the best hotels, visited the best beaches and I had access to beautiful women, champagne and caviar. No, I don't regret a minute of it." is from the spy John Symonds.

In an interview with the Radiohead fansite ateaseweb.com, artist Stanley Donwood, who has designed all artwork for the group since 1994, said of the cover: "We added a Dutch influence by imagining a range of Delftware that featured despotic sperm monsters and genetically modified bears. Also, the packaging will have a very shiny varnish. Like a glaze. I would like to make an entire range: tea pot, gravy boat, etc.- more tea, vicar?"

Critical reception

The EP received mixed reviews. NME critic Anthony Thornton wrote: "Never content with relaxing into an accepted way of doing things, this record, while being flawed - it is a B-sides compilation after all - confirms Radiohead as the true inheritors of The Beatles legacy rather than Oasis." Adam Downer of Sputnikmusic stated: "While ComLag does have its flaws, it's not a bad set of B-Sides. Some of it is actually fantastic."

Paste critic Jeff Elbel described the release as "an appealing but inessential curio," writing: "Given the steep asking price for this Japanese import, I’d spare your wallet the needless emptying." Allmusic's Andy Kellman thought: "Naturally, the release isn't nearly as cohesive as Hail to the Thief; its apparent intent is to supply the fans with another stream of the band's recordings, regardless of both how they fit together and how mixed the tracks are to begin with." Chris Ott of Pitchfork criticized the EP, writing: "You'd expect more from ideas that Radiohead fleshed out as a unit, but the stolen-time experiments and solo performances on this EP's tail end far outshine its exhausting first half." Ott also stated that the release is "worthwhile only to Radiohead's wealthiest fans."

Track listing

All music composed by Radiohead.

Personnel