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Radiohead
“Chill the fuck out!” orders Thom as a crowdsurfer ignores the messages prohibiting such activity adorning the Civic's walls, and momentarily we do. Later, when he gestures to us for more applause, we comply readily - and how could we resist? Without a doubt, though he might claim not to like the attention, this man was purpose built for the spotlight.
Perhaps not the multitude of tape recorders and MTV cameras, or the block-long trails of autograph hunters circa The Bends/OK Computer, but under the warmth of the stage lights is where Thom comes alive. He's not alone, for Jonny, Ed, Colin and Phil sport smiles too as they diligently go about their business, producing the most mind bending space-rock this side of Mars. They're officially back, and boy have we missed them.
Of course, there are the superhits, albeit fewer than in Radiohead sets of old. 'Lucky', 'My Iron Lung', 'Karma Police' and 'No Surprises' are always welcome guests at any pop party, but it's to the new material we look with a sense of expectation. As gorgeous as those four might be, it's hearing the 'Head's latest compositions that provokes the most excitement in those who've lost themselves many times over in the past to all these classics.
Thankfully (and did you really expect anything else?), it's easy to imagine these latest creations giving a new generation of Radiohead fan those same spine-tingling moments. Hearing the masterful full-band version of 'Arpeggi' makes the hairs stand on end, seeing Thom's spasmodic dancing during '15 Step' recalls memories of 2003 and 'Bangers 'n Mash' takes things back ten years further to a full frontal, Pablo Honey-ish garage-grunge assault.
Reports of a wholesale return to guitar music à la The Bends is a little wide of the mark. Instead, it seems the Oxford quintet have cherry picked from their unparallelled back catalogue to produce a new set that offers both brain boggling electronica and guitar pyrotechnics, often in the same song. 'Bodysnatchers', saved for the encore, is one such beast, offering an exciting prelude to the next album, whenever that should arrive.
In the meantime, we're left with a tantalising glimpse of a band free from the shackles of the record industry doing exactly as they please – and, crucially, enjoying what they do once again. Their next move could be a download-only EP, an arena tour or, God forbid, a double album, but whatever they spring upon us, Thom's earlier instruction is going to be damn near impossible for any self-respecting Radiohead fan to follow.
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Arpeggi
Mindblowing
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Bodysnatchers
Even better.
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Ok one point, and it's small
BUT! Can there be some sort of rule that no one can mention that the new album is a return to the fucking guitar driven songs of old.
ITS ANNOYING!!!!!!
and inaccurate.Like when people say Oasis albums are a return to form.
JUST STOP SAYING IT.
I don't want them to regress. They're are doing fine as they are.
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uh...
chill the fuck out.
:)
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and...
"Reports of a wholesale return to guitar music à la The Bends is a little wide of the mark"
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new choooonz...
In their current state, are a bit bobbins. Radiohead are my favourite band ever but, to be honest, I'm doubting this next record will compare to their other work. Live they are untouchable when on form, and usually their studio work is as good, if not better. I just hope people don't think coz the drums and guitars are sounding like most of the scene shit that's everywhere today they have made a 'return to form', as that'd just be a backwards mentality.
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Good point.
And I thought the same as others when I saw the new tracks on Friday. Whenever Radiohead release something new, there's always such a weight of expectation, that the new stuff never lives up to it's promise at first.
To tell the truth, i don't think I've ever listened to a Radiohead album first off and thought it was a classic. I remember trying to give away my copy of OK Computer to my dad after I bought it because I thought it was dreadful. He told me to stick with it, and now it's my favourite album of all time, ever.
Similarly with Kid A, I'd had it well over a year before I started to enjoy it.
The new stuff everyone heard is just a preview, just rough versions of whats to come. You can't dismiss the new tracks yet, they've gotta have breathing space and be given time to become classics first.
I for one have full trust in radiohead to pull off another fantastic album. They certainly know how to do it, and they've never ley anybody down before.
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"Reports of a wholesale return to guitar music à la The Bends is a little wide of the mark"
It just doesn't need to be mentioned, thats all I meant. I'm just sick of it.
Obviously I'm over-reacting but I've been reading Radiohead articles foe over ten years now. And it's always mentioned.
So in summary, I'm a twat.
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yep u r
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???
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u = thom yorke
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no mate
oh p.s. it was "calm the fuck down" not "chill the fuck out".
i was there.
so get ur facts right "rob".
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and...
maybe "you" should take Thom's advice too.
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My friend went to this gig
He came back with brown pants.
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erm, no
yes probably because this site just copied it directly from atease.
and also atease doesn't actually quote yorke, that could quite easily be a paraphrase - i don't see any quotation marks mate. -
Actually mate...
I was there too on the barrier.. It was "Chill the fuck out" not calm down or whatever. Heard it nice and clear
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me too
thanks for having ears
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that wasn't sarcastic btw
it's nice when someone doesn't criticise
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I was him
To be honest I was that crowdsurfer and i really couldnt say for certain what he said. We'll never know.
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chill the fuck out
does it really matter exactly what thom actually said for fuck sake. it was along those lines now give it a rest. it was an awesome gig!
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liars should be branded as such
to be honest, you weren't that crowdsurfer, he wasnt even talking to a crowdsurfer at that point, just some idiot pushing people, perhaps you were that idiot.
the only crowdsurfer was a guy i was there with, and thom said nothing at all to him.
maybe thom just doesnt like you.
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err no mate
no mate don't think you were.
i certainly didn't see you. -
cock
SHUT THE FUCK UP, COCK.
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u
its u he doesnt like
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