Radiohead - when did they stop being good?
Posted by woodface on 9 May 2008 - 5:37pm.
The latest issue of the Word triggered the above question because, depsite buying pretty much everything they have released, I cannot remember the last time I actually enjoyed one of their albums. The Bends was great as was OK Computer, Kid A was ok but after that..... On a related matter the Thom York solo record (Eraser?) is, in my opinion, probably the worst LP ever! Truly terrible, sub 6th form angsty lyrics that use the word 'fuck' a lot!
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I have to say...
...I'm surprised at the bile directed their way on this site surrounding the new issue and I'm not even really a massive fan save for 'The Bends' or 'OK Computer', both of which I find to be really great albums and I play them regularly. They lose me after that save a few songs, though some of 'In Rainbows' I like now too.
On the subject of 'Kid A' and 'Amnesiac' (and I'd argue 'Hail To The Thief' as well), I was going to start a thread for albums that you admired or endured rather than enjoyed, that nevertheless gain almost blanket critical approval. These would be prime candidates for me.
I think I have been buying
I think I have been buying out of blind loyalty of late, I am usually a very slow learner in this respect. Generally my interest in a band is inversely proportional to how 'political'they are. Thom York does like to spout off about all things; I think pop/rock stars, with their sheltered existence, are ill equipped to comment on wider issues.
Sheltered?
Where do you think he lives? In a cloud city? Believe it or not, he does his shopping, takes his kids to school, reads the newspapers and watches telly just like everyone else. He used to work in clothes shop before the band took off. During the recording of OK Computer in Bath, I occasionally shared a pint with him as the pub I used to drink in was near Stanley Donwood's studio. Nice bloke. No airs and graces, paid for his own drinks, queued at the bar like normal people. Drove himself to the studio, no minders, no PR people, told me some hilarious stories about some very well known people that I cannot repeat on here. An all round top bloke. When you say spouting off, do you mean voicing an opinion? The man has two young children and quite naturally, he's concerned about the world they will be inheriting. He's fully aware that people listen to him because he's Thom from Radiohead, and he's very skilled at exploiting that. God help us if the only people who have any right to be "political" are politicians. Yorke has travelled the world over with his job. Granted, he probably only sees the insides of hotel rooms and arenas, but he is certainly more well travelled than I am. Yet, because I shuffle paperclips in an office (a "proper" job), I somehow know more about the ways of the world than him?
You may be right?
He could well be a perfectly nice chap, but I don't recall him being quite so vocal until after OK Computer. It may be a coincidence, but political 'awareness' just seems to kill the music for me. Let's not kid ourselves that they are just ordinary blokes like us though. Pop/rock stars ultimately lead a life far removed from the everyday and to think that does does not colour their world view is, at best, naive. I would rather not be lectured to by some multi-millionaire with retinue of flunkies and adoring journalists who hang on their every word.
Kid A
Look dad, no tunes.
Radiodread
Thing about Radiohead is, love or hate them, they keep trying. They appear to be in constant motion, not content to rest on their laurels. Shouldn't that ambition be commended?
Well said that man!
I couldn't agree more... they try to take their music to new places with every record. Personally I think they're the greatest band on the planet, although it's obvious that a hell of a lot of people on this site don't share my opinion.
Seconded
In Rainbows was the best album of last year in my book. Their constant quest to improve and evolve can't be matched by any other band at the moment. The album download idea and extended video promotion on YouTube over Christmas was great as well.
They also seem to be the least rock starry rock stars the UK has ever produced, I've come across several people in Oxford (like the bloke who services my old Volvo!) who come across them in everyday situations and they always say what thoroughly decent blokes they are...
Thirded
They do seem to polarise opinion more than anyone ever maybe. I don't understand the post OK Computer no tunes view at all. Amnesiac and Hail to Thief have a few so-so songs but still lots of good stuff. And In Rainbows could be their best yet - not so keen on Videotape though, I prefer the full band being involved. Eraser is good too I reckon (contradicting my previous sentence!).
I said it elsewhere - good to have them in magazine and on cover as artists making great music now rather than decades ago and music that sounds like made in 2008 not 1978 or 1968. But it is all personal taste of course at end of day - obviously.
Me too.
Oddly enough, and in common with woodface, I cannot remember the last time I actually enjoyed one of their albums.
How strange is that?
Kid A / Amnesiac - Milking The Sessions
For me, they haven't made a bad album, but the one I'd least want to play is Pablo Honey. The Bends has always been my favourite, Ok Computer is a little over-rated. In Rainbows is great, total grower. Hail To The Thief was a grower too, but could have been better less a couple of songs.
I think Kid A and Amnesiac both have some great stuff on them, but they made a mistake in the release of the 2. Both were cut from pretty much the same recording sessions and as such there is a little filler on each (Push/Pulk Revolving Door anyone?). Had they released one album from these sessions instead of milking them for 2, you'd probably have their best. The live album I Might Be Wrong demonstrates how good this could have been.
That title personifies everything wrong with Radiohead
Push/Pulk? Really? "Ooh, let's keep a typo. How daring!"
Kid A is the sound of a band disappearing up their own fundament never to be seen again, and yes, I know P/P is off Amnesiac.
Simple answer to simple question:
They didn't.
Justifications to follow? No point - you like them or you don't. This is the most futile kind of thread we get around here.
When did they start being good?
I had a few trudges through OK Computer but couldn't understand the commotion.The Bends was annoyingly played by our neighbours at all hours. But a co worker told me to try In Rainbows.Eureka. I adore it and am now annoying (new) neighbours and family with the exuberance of the new convert.
As I seem to be mirroring woodface I'll have to get the solo album.
Please buy the solo album,
Please buy the solo album, if you can listen to all the way through, without wanting to rip off your own ears, you are indeed my complete opposite.
To like or not to like that is the question.
I don't like them, never have, never will.
I tried OK Computer and it was painful, real painful by track 6!
Their best of (LOL) has to be some sort of joke doesn't it?