Radiohead's importance

musicismylife78 · September 2008

with a username like mine, I guess you would expect a thread like this, nonetheless,

radiohead are one of those bands that intrigue me. I think they deserve massive credit for constantly changing. Making odd songs. Making non commercial music.

And I think their music, is bizaarely political without being political at all, in a way. I think just the mood their music creates, is like some soundtrack to what living in modern day society is like. They dont have to state overtly "capitalism is wrong", they just create almost mood music, and that thought creeps up.

Very few bands have become basically oracles in the way radiohead has, and at the same time taken unheard of musical leaps.

Even In Rainbows, which is most likely their most "pop" and "commercial" sounding record to date, was a curveball because instead of doing the whole experimental Kid A, Amnesiac thing, they made a "normal" sounding record.

Their whole operation is pretty cool as well. Seriously considering as a band whether they ever wanted to tour again. The whole Conan taped thing. The way In Rainbows came about and was available for free.

I think for me, although at the moment its all "indie rock" all the time for me, radiohead are one of those bands that are rare and special. they speak to us. they speak for us. and they create music that is unique and real.

What will their legacy be? Of What importance are they?

reversedarwinism · September 2008

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2rlQdfZXUg&feature=related

The some of the best songs ever made. ever.

xSmackSoundx · September 2008

I couldn't care less about all their ethics and principles. I wouldn't care if they weren't innovative. All that I know is that when I listen to OK Computer, In Rainbows, Kid A and The Bends I hear something that can't be described. I hear something I love.

Anon · September 2008

xSmackSoundx wrote:

I couldn't care less about all their ethics and principles. I wouldn't care if they weren't innovative. All that I know is that when I listen to OK Computer, In Rainbows, Kid A and The Bends I hear something that can't be described. I hear something I love.

great post! :]
radiohead are extremely innovative, and come up with some of the best music out there! love 'em!

Evacuation Rules · September 2008

For me, they're a modern day Pink Floyd. I just hope they never make an album as overblown and pretentious as "The Wall".

DeLukin · September 2008

They've got tons of talent, they never repeat themselves and they stay true to what they believe as far as making music. And since their first album they've waved a giant middle finger at the media and still developed a devout worldwide following. As a fan, what more could you ask for? They are important because they don't compromise musical integrity for anybody, which unfortunately too many newer bands do nowadays.

mr bungle · September 2008

Radiohead is solid gold in every way a band should be.

Blind Melon · September 2008

I've had a falling out with Radiohead... I used to absolutely love them, but as of right now, I don't really care as much for them as I did. They're great, yeah, but to be honest, it seems like recently they're everywhere and Thom Yorke just seems like he's so important... I guess he doesn't think it himself, but that's just the feeling I get from it...

I recently saw them at Camden, and I really didn't enjoy the show... first off, all of In Rainbows is just downright lame (I know the band stated that they were getting tired of playing the same songs... but what about playing all of In Rainbows? They've practically been playing it non-stop since the release of that album, in their basement, all on this tour, fuck...)... all the songs sound exactly the same live, nothing really changed at all. And actually to further this, they really don't change up their songs that much, they stick to how it sounds on the album (minus some songs... the Gloaming they add in that little bass and drum part, Spinning Plates obviously, and EIIRP they just add that little continuous loop at the end), but other than that, the songs remain the same and the length of the song as well. Sure, since you have a huge catalog to go over, you can't really experiment that much, I guess... but I would rather see more creativity, that's why I go to live shows... not to just hear the album live.

Another thing I noticed, when they played their older songs, there was so much energy... I think that's another thing the newer stuff lacks live. Granted, the show was still cool, but I think Bonnaroo 06 just killed them for me live... that was one of the greatest shows I've ever seen, and I think I'm just trying to compare it to that, and bah... when I heard the In Rainbows shit there, I loved it... mainly because it was fresh, I hadn't heard it and other than that, the setlist for that show was just off the hook.

I'm just not sure anymore. I still like Radiohead, but I really haven't listened to an album by them in a while. GO!

catch22 · September 2008

Blind Melon wrote:

I've had a falling out with Radiohead... I used to absolutely love them, but as of right now, I don't really care as much for them as I did. They're great, yeah, but to be honest, it seems like recently they're everywhere and Thom Yorke just seems like he's so important... I guess he doesn't think it himself, but that's just the feeling I get from it...

I recently saw them at Camden, and I really didn't enjoy the show... first off, all of In Rainbows is just downright lame (I know the band stated that they were getting tired of playing the same songs... but what about playing all of In Rainbows? They've practically been playing it non-stop since the release of that album, in their basement, all on this tour, fuck...)... all the songs sound exactly the same live, nothing really changed at all. And actually to further this, they really don't change up their songs that much, they stick to how it sounds on the album (minus some songs... the Gloaming they add in that little bass and drum part, Spinning Plates obviously, and EIIRP they just add that little continuous loop at the end), but other than that, the songs remain the same and the length of the song as well. Sure, since you have a huge catalog to go over, you can't really experiment that much, I guess... but I would rather see more creativity, that's why I go to live shows... not to just hear the album live.

Another thing I noticed, when they played their older songs, there was so much energy... I think that's another thing the newer stuff lacks live. Granted, the show was still cool, but I think Bonnaroo 06 just killed them for me live... that was one of the greatest shows I've ever seen, and I think I'm just trying to compare it to that, and bah... when I heard the In Rainbows shit there, I loved it... mainly because it was fresh, I hadn't heard it and other than that, the setlist for that show was just off the hook.

I'm just not sure anymore. I still like Radiohead, but I really haven't listened to an album by them in a while. GO!

their set at lollapalooza was a huge disappointment, for all the reasons you just stated. i LIKE in rainbows but the show was still boring as hell. i swear at least every other song was nothing but piano and thom mumbling gibberish. if i wanted lounge music, there were plenty of great restaurants in chicago where i could have had a good meal while i listened to music so boring you couldn't help but ignore it. then, after 2 such songs (i think one was videotape), thom has the gall to berate the crowd for being so quiet. if you want a little crowd response and energy thom, you can start by giving some energy and not putting them to sleep by a set full of lullabies.

it was made worse by the fact that when they DID pick it up, it was pretty sweet. the bends, fake plastic trees, kid a, idioteque, national anthem, paranoid android, 2+2=5, there were good moments in there. but they never established any momentum. it was such a lame show.

Joe2TheRevenge · September 2008

catch22 wrote:

their set at lollapalooza was a huge disappointment, for all the reasons you just stated. i LIKE in rainbows but the show was still boring as hell. i swear at least every other song was nothing but piano and thom mumbling gibberish. if i wanted lounge music, there were plenty of great restaurants in chicago where i could have had a good meal while i listened to music so boring you couldn't help but ignore it. then, after 2 such songs (i think one was videotape), thom has the gall to berate the crowd for being so quiet. if you want a little crowd response and energy thom, you can start by giving some energy and not putting them to sleep by a set full of lullabies.

it was made worse by the fact that when they DID pick it up, it was pretty sweet. the bends, fake plastic trees, kid a, idioteque, national anthem, paranoid android, 2+2=5, there were good moments in there. but they never established any momentum. it was such a lame show.

i was there, and i agree 1000%

absolutely boring. poor choice for a headliner.

Julien · September 2008

catch22 wrote:

their set at lollapalooza was a huge disappointment, for all the reasons you just stated. i LIKE in rainbows but the show was still boring as hell. i swear at least every other song was nothing but piano and thom mumbling gibberish. if i wanted lounge music, there were plenty of great restaurants in chicago where i could have had a good meal while i listened to music so boring you couldn't help but ignore it. then, after 2 such songs (i think one was videotape), thom has the gall to berate the crowd for being so quiet. if you want a little crowd response and energy thom, you can start by giving some energy and not putting them to sleep by a set full of lullabies.

it was made worse by the fact that when they DID pick it up, it was pretty sweet. the bends, fake plastic trees, kid a, idioteque, national anthem, paranoid android, 2+2=5, there were good moments in there. but they never established any momentum. it was such a lame show.

yes, I donwloaded lolla show and I was a bit dissapointed with it. The first tracks of the shows are really good, the energy is good, but after 30 or 45 minutes, it becomes boring. I have otehr radiohead shows and they are not like that.

AmadeusD · September 2008

I think they are just arrogant.
Sure, they've made some really good music. OK Computer is in my top 5 albums ever,
But from Kid A on...they lost it. They don't do experimental well and there is a reason Thom is called the most pretentious man in music.

Sorry for the bluntness, but seriously i'm fucking sick of radiohead fanboys.

phatucini · September 2008

JWBusher wrote:

For me, they're a modern day Pink Floyd. I just hope they never make an album as overblown and pretentious as "The Wall".

We all know that Pink Floyd is one of the most overrated bands ever! If Radiohead should be a "modern day Pink Floyd" than they're "Modern Crap". 'Dark Side of the Moon' has some nice songs but let's be honest the Pinkies are really not that great if you're used to hearing really good music.

Anyway, I've seen Radiohead 6 times now and the first 3 times I saw them they were: holy crap jaw dropping hot shit!! Those concerts were during OK Computer Kid A phase. Since then they were still very good but not to the point were it gave me goose bumps or anything like it. I guess it's like with any band that you love and see for the first (couple of) time(s) & they fullfill your hopes (& it can be awesome). Fact is that Radiohead are over their "pinnacle" and I think they're doing an almighty good job of maintaining a very high level of quality with each every one of their records they've released. People should enjoy the talents of Thom Yorke & Jonny Greenwood, the fact that they're not going to be as "good" in the future is simply human.

AmadeusD · September 2008

Darkside is actually one of hte best social commentaries every created. Musically it beats the hell out of anything Radiohead did, and Kid A is already a huge overblown pretentious piece of shit.

Kann · September 2008

phatucini wrote:

We all know that Pink Floyd is one of the most overrated bands ever!

I didn't know that.

Joe2TheRevenge · September 2008

phatucini wrote:

We all know that Pink Floyd is one of the most overrated bands ever!

agreed.

if it weren't for marijuana, they wouldn't have a fanbase.

Soupy · September 2008

I think the last 3 radiohead albums Anmesiac, Hail and Rainbows haven't really done anything to enhance they're 'greatest band in the world' reputation. They are decent but the 3 albums that went before Bends, Computer & Kid A are the albums that will define RH's reputation year after they've broken up. I think they are treding water now, the spark they had in that period is nearly gone.

1STmammal2wearPants · September 2008

Joe2TheRevenge wrote:

agreed.

if it weren't for marijuana, they wouldn't have a fanbase.

Earth called, they'd like to give you back your brain.

Indifference · September 2008

JWBusher wrote:

For me, they're a modern day Pink Floyd. I just hope they never make an album as overblown and pretentious as "The Wall".

That is a great stretch in my opinion. Floyd is one of the best bands of all time - radiohead is well - so so - a few good songs - them being important to anything well - I laugh.

LineOneMightyFine · September 2008

I think Radiohead has an amazing catalogue of music written by extremely talented musicians. I also agree with others that they peaked with Kid A.

After that, there albums have been hits and misses, and their live shows definitely have been somewhat inconsistent. Not enough momentum being built in their shows.

Recently, I've been watching their performance in Paris on YouTube, the "perfect audio" show, which I believe happened in 2001. Simply amazing.

Gonzo1977 · September 2008

Personally I love Radiohead.

I have tons of respect for the way they have managed their career and continue to spit in the face of industry standards and expectations...a very similar approach to another band that we all know and love

Radiohead does their thing, and they do it really really well. I love that they exist. They are like musical mad scientists.

I enjoy checking up on them from time to time and listening to the weird shit they have come up with.

"Kid A" and "OK Computer" are brilliant. They are both very atomspheric, and have this musical landscape that doesn't seem to be of this earth. It's kind of like what music on Mars would sound like. Easily 2 of the most essential albums of their generation.

Although I don't listen to them with the same frequency and tenacity that I do with other bands,(I really have to be in the mood) I still consider them to be one of my all time favorite bands.

Radiohead's importance

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