The everyone LOVES radiohead thread!

[Jorge]

I mean, think about this, could you cover either of those songs with an acoustic guitar?

Absolutely atrocious barometer for what makes a good song

[tree_]

It's what I look for, I guess. Radiohead write some incredible songs, and to me these two aren't near the top. Cool effects, though.

[tree_]

I feel like a great song should be able to translate to piano, guitar, whatever, and still be great, because it's well-written. Otherwise we're talking about like an effects showcase, not a "song".

[liebzz]

I mean, think about this, could you cover either of those songs with an acoustic guitar? The songs don't really go anywhere. They're just all about the effects.

I largely agree to the extent that there needs to be some sort of balance between songs and cool sounds. That balance was achieved to perfection across Ok Computer and over the course of the whole album in Kid A.

[liebzz]

I Might Be Wrong

I wasn’t sure what to expect from a live album. Much of their studio output is driven by soundscapes particular to the studio, but I was very surprised to hear how good they sound here. Each of the songs feel significantly improved in the live format - even if they are given oversized U2-like treatment. But there’s also variation and development on songs like Everything in Its Right Place, Morning Bell, Dollars and Cents, and nearly everywhere else that makes this essential listening, at least for me getting maybe a different perspective. True Love Waits was also a nice way to end it with a more stripped down finale.

[tree_]

liebzz, are you hearing all these for the first time? Have you heard Moonshaped Pool yet?

[Kevin Davis]

I feel like a great song should be able to translate to piano, guitar, whatever, and still be great, because it's well-written. Otherwise we're talking about like an effects showcase, not a "song".

I think this is a reasonable thought experiment when you're evaluating a very specific set of criteria within a song, but it doesn't really work for a song like "Pulk/Pull" unless you're expecting it to be something it was never meant to be. I expect "Packt Like Sardines" would hold up to this kind of exercise better than you're assuming it would, though -- there's not a lot of harmonic variation in it, but it's got a natural rhythm and melody that I don't think is as dependent on production effects as you think.

Personally, I like Amnesiac better than Kid A, which is full of songs I like but always feels a bit heavy-handed for me as a front-to-back listen. I like the breeziness of Amnesiac -- where Kid A is a record of intense, laser-focused vision, Amnesiac feels like an album made up of things you accidentally see in your periphery, and I always have a weird soft spot for albums like that.

[tree_]

Yeah. I think I just have more respect for a well written song. Great production and effects are a plus.

[liebzz]

liebzz, are you hearing all these for the first time? Have you heard Moonshaped Pool yet?

Some and some. Pablo Honey I never heard, and Amnesiac I have started a million times but never finished. The live album was a first. The three in between I have heard a lot of times. I am starting Hail to the Thief which I have heard a bunch of times but haven’t touched since probably 2004. The rest of their catalogue will all be new to me. I basically fell off their radar after the Thom Yorke solo album. This is an effort to re-engage and honestly I have much more appreciation for it now than I did 15 years ago.

[liebzz]

I feel like a great song should be able to translate to piano, guitar, whatever, and still be great, because it's well-written. Otherwise we're talking about like an effects showcase, not a "song".

I think this is a reasonable thought experiment when you're evaluating a very specific set of criteria within a song, but it doesn't really work for a song like "Pulk/Pull" unless you're expecting it to be something it was never meant to be. I expect "Packt Like Sardines" would hold up to this kind of exercise better than you're assuming it would, though -- there's not a lot of harmonic variation in it, but it's got a natural rhythm and melody that I don't think is as dependent on production effects as you think.

Personally, I like Amnesiac better than Kid A, which is full of songs I like but always feels a bit heavy-handed for me as a front-to-back listen. I like the breeziness of Amnesiac -- where Kid A is a record of intense, laser-focused vision, Amnesiac feels like an album made up of things you accidentally see in your periphery, and I always have a weird soft spot for albums like that.

Great analysis. I am not sure if it is because of familiarity or straight preference but I would take Kid A based on the strength of its songs, and it’s more cohesive single listening experience.

[tragabigzanda]

[tree_]

I don’t sideline it, just don’t appreciate it as much. Why don’t you go kick your dog instead of hurling insults at internet personalities.

[Kevin Davis]

Brian Zeno

This guy? Making ambient soundscapes from his lung function tests or something?
https://www.ohiohealth.com/find-a-docto ... -R-Zeno-MD

[liebzz]

I would think it’s mostly a matter of preference and a matter of mood. It’s my ultimate thing with certain Radiohead albums - you have to actively want that listening experience in that moment or you just don’t follow. It’s why I can listen to them for a while and then not again for 10 years - doesn’t mean I hate it or don’t appreciate it - just that the moment strikes when it does. I had a moment that I wanted to dig in and am gorging myself at the moment because once it’s gone I might not post on this thread for another decade.

Though I feel the need to repeat I like this way better than the last time I really listened.

[tragabigzanda]

Top 10 maybe?
Hello Morning
Close Captioned
The Kill
Place/Position
Do You Like Me?
Latest Disgrace
Recap Modotti
Nightshop
Break
Life & Limb

I'd maybe bump Life & Limb for Epic Problem

[tragabigzanda]

[tree_]

liebzz, are you hearing all these for the first time? Have you heard Moonshaped Pool yet?

Some and some. Pablo Honey I never heard, and Amnesiac I have started a million times but never finished. The live album was a first. The three in between I have heard a lot of times. I am starting Hail to the Thief which I have heard a bunch of times but haven’t touched since probably 2004. The rest of their catalogue will all be new to me. I basically fell off their radar after the Thom Yorke solo album. This is an effort to re-engage and honestly I have much more appreciation for it now than I did 15 years ago.

Since you liked True Love Waits, you’re in for a sweeeet surprise. I’m excited for you.

[tragabigzanda]

[tree_]

Kick your stupid cat then. You know, an argument could be made that those who prefer ambience over melody are the simpletons, but I chalk it up to preference, because I’m kind and considerate.

[tragabigzanda]