The change at the end (the "I lost myself" part) is one of the most epic moments I've ever heard in a song. Completely unexpected the first time you hear it, as the first part of the song seems harmless and easy listening. Always bristles your skin and this is one of the very few Radiohead's songs that are better in studio than live versions. In the studio version you can feel that change harder and the distorted voice of Thom Yorke close the circle. Also, it's amazing how Radiohead sings depressing songs that brings you out of depression. Genius.
Exactly, this is the song that got me into Radiohead and when I first heard that ‘for a minute there I lost myself’ part I was hooked and now a couple years later they’re my favourite band
Radiohead is an extremely diverse band, and one of the most well-respected in the world. Would be a shame if you don't listen to some more, it is pretty much guaranteed to be interesting. Would recommend anything from In Rainbows, especially The Live from the Basement recording on TH-cam.
@ghost mall I think it will be better to show the guys the later, more sophisticated Radiohead. I don't know if Ryan in particular is ever going to actually 'like' them, George may, but isn't it better to give them a broader, more knowledgable overview of the band than just a 3 year period in the 90s that the band themselves moved on from, to great success? 'The Bends' btw may be their 'most popular album' with British fans of a certain age but it by no means is seen that way by all Radiohead fans, especially outside of the Brit rock bubble. 'Kid A' broke them in the US and is hugely popular (despite a lot of UK fans giving them up because it was too much of a departure for them) and 'In Rainbows' is often talked of as their best album (including by me). Some fans are stuck in the 90s but don't assume it's a consensus. Frankly, I like solo Thom and his side projects more than Radiohead these days.
The thing with Radiohead is that they aren't very accessible on first listen - even with the "poppy" songs I think. Probably to do with the dark nature of the songs and unorthodox chord progressions- they are my all-time favourite band but I think their songs generally get better after the first listen.
Haven't even started the video but Ryan is gonna suffer through this one. Another case of best known song winning the poll. I love that you guys are mixing it up with that in general
Yeah, naaah, you'd think folks would know by now what's gonna grab these dudes, and Radiohead is way too diverse a band to write off based on their saddest stuff. Groove Radiohead needs to be the next pick. 15 Step, Talk Show Host, Idioteque, Reckoner, Weird Fishes. Thats the move.
For real!!! For so many great bands I've seen people pick the least "listenable" catchy song for a first listener, and George and Ryan don't get turned on by the band. It's like when you're a big fan of the band and you show your friends a song you love and it's the most obscure one and your friends are just like nah that song's alright, or it's not my style, and you're bummed out. Same thing with Ryan and George.
I love Reckoner, but with Ryan trying to avoid depressing songs, I don't think it's worth visiting for them yet. Personally I think 15 Step is the way to go. Upbeat by their standards, while also with a cool groove and a showcase of their sound
Great choices. I say '15 Step' for being a bit more upbeat and dynamic but the guys will defintely be able to appreciate the subtle and sparse beauty of 'Reckoner'. 'Jigsaw' I don't think think they will like so much.
So unfortunate that this was the redemption song. Karma Police is fantastic, but there are definitely other Radiohead songs that you guys would have vibed with better; particularly off of the album In Rainbows. I hope that you guys do another redemption attempt for this band, and choose songs from In Rainbows, specifically "All I Need" (which sounds very hip-hop influenced, and is one of my favorite songs!), "Reckoner" or "Jigsaw Falling Into Place". OH, and especially the song "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi"!! One of the most chill and vibing songs ever!!
Radiohead’s OK Computer album was in _HEAVY_ rotation in my CD players during the late ‘90s alongside albums from Meshuggah, Death, Primus, Sublime, Twista, Korn and Wu-Tang just to name a fraction of my playlist at the time
"He sounds like he's sad about something." -- That might be Radiohead in one sentence right there! "Airbag" is my favorite Radiohead song and I think both Ryan and George would enjoy it. It's one of those "everything but the kitchen sink" songs where they throw everything at you. SOMETHING is going to grab you.
Bottom line is, Radiohead is a headphone band that you listen to alone for the first time . Also, the only type of track Ryan is going to like is something with a groove like "I Might Be Wrong"...
Ryan, you’re the same as my mum, she hates anything sad or scary. I get it. I’m guessing it’s down to fear of the darkness, fear of going deep down under and drowning. I had depression as a teenager and I know this feeling fairly well. Drowning is always a possibility, but sometimes I think it’s worth embracing those dark places (for a minute) rather than avoiding the feelings all together. It’s simply a part of the human experience, just don’t forget to go back up. I most appreciate your expression of genuineness x
In reading the Radiohead redemption poll comments, it's clear the true Radiohead fans and followers of this channel that understand your preferences know this was a bad choice for you guys. I hope this isn't the last time we see Radiohead on this channel. Would be a real shame. However, even if you guys do a "banger" from them, I can't imagine Ryan ever becoming a Radiohead fan. I think serious Radiohead fans are drawn not only to the brilliance of the music, but to the sadness, emotion, cynicism, and often harsh perspectives on society and relationships. This is exactly the kind of stuff that seems to turn Ryan off. RYAN, if you happen to read this, I think if there's any hope for you in enjoying Radiohead, you have to allow yourself to be emotionally vulnerable. Maybe sitting in front of a camera to do a reaction video isn't the best format. Go home, pour yourself a nice glass of wine or Cognac or whatever you prefer, turn off the lights, put the headphones on, clear your mind, and just push play.
I get what you’re saying. I’m wired like Ryan. Besides Idioteque, this is my favorite Radiohead song, precisely because to me, without all the electronics and synths, they sound far less dreary.
People keep making the mistake of showing you songs that THEY love, rather than taking into account everything you've said about what YOU enjoy in music. Groove seems to be the number 1 thing you're looking for, and with that in mind, "Down is The New Up", "Talk Show Host", "All I Need", "Climbing Up The Walls", "National Anthem", "2+2=5" I think you will rock out with way more. I hope to hear you guys go back and try one of these. Trust that I have your best interests in mind. Love you both.
Radiohead's 'Just' has a completely different vibe to Karma Police and Paranoid Android. And really everything before OK Computer sounds radically different from everything from OK COmputer onward. Just is probably one of the more upbeat sounding tracks they put out, Fake Plastic Trees is such a vibe of a hangover or the washed out day after a party, Street Spirit is smooth and enchanting. A lot of great stuff that kind of gets forgotten by folks who switched on to them following the critical acclaim of OK Computer and Kid A
One of my fav songs by Radiohead is The National Anthem. Not sure if Ryan or George will like it because the crazy dissonance/avant-garde sounds near the middle of the track. I love it 😊
Thom Yorke: "Karma is important. The idea that something like karma exists makes me happy. It makes me smile. 'Karma Police' is dedicated to everyone who works for a big firm. It's a song against bosses."
Yeah, Thom Yorke may be an astonishing musician, but his penchant for believing in quasi-religious claptrap is slightly off-putting. I remember watching their recent headline set from Glastonbury and wishing he would interact with the crowd a bit more; then when he finally did he started talking about lay lines and I wished he'd shut up.
@@dwaynekeenum1916 I'm as much of a WASP as Yorke is. I may be White, I may be of Anglo-Saxon descent (not that it's at all relevant) but I don't believe in any religious claptrap, quasi or otherwise, so I'm certainly not a Protestant.
Karma Police and Paranoid Android are influenced by specific Beatles tracks - Karma Police by Sexy Sadie and Paranoid Android by Happiness is a Warm Gun as per Thom - as Thom said he couldn't believe that Happiness is a Warm Gun was a 3 minute song but had so much happening in it which influenced him writing P.A.
I've never been a huge Radiohead fan but I do like them. I only know this song because a friend of mine used to cover this a lot at open mic night at a coffee shop we used to go to every Thursday night in Memphis so besides it just being a pleasantly melancholy little tune it's got good memories attached so I've always been fond of it
And that is exactly what open mic experiences are good for. Some of the best times playing music is for open mics. It’s my favorite experience next to jamming with friends. Cheers;)
Every member gets full credit for each song… that a Radiohead thing… but I’m sure in reality each member (especially Thom and Johnny Greenwood) contributes a different amount to each track. Thom does write most of the lyrics though..
I have loved this band, and this song, since I was young. I know what this song means to me. But I’ve never heard someone else break down the lyrics as well as you guys did. This was a refreshing and insightful interpretation that really made me look at it and appreciate it with a new perspective. It was like listening to it for the first time. Thank you so much. Keep up the great work!
The “hitler hairdo” line is rumoured to be about Justine Frischmann, the lead singer from Elastica. As for the “talks in maths”, that line speaks to the overall theme of the song, which has been said to be a critique of the alt-rock scene of the time.
"this is the least interesting song off of OK Computer" is probably a true statement, which speaks only to the strength of OK Computer. Yet this is also one of the most listenable songs in Radiohead's discography. The melody's impact is immediate like you guys pointed out. With a lot of other songs from OK Computer, you guys potentially would have to sit with it, as Thom Yorke's warbling and the instrumental layering can take a while to get used to. And the point of these requests sometimes is just to get you guys to listen to another song by the band lol so yeah, it's a safe option. But yeah, damn, I remember listening to OK Computer for the first time when I was 12 and could only stand a couple songs. Did not like Paranoid Android or Airbag at all. But with repeated listens, it took over my life. I remember once it clicked I even listened to the album 4 times in a row until the sun came up. And yeah it is considered almost universally as one of, if not, the best album of the 90's. I think it even ranks as the #1 album of all time on rateyourmusic. But to the point of sad music and catharsis or lack thereof, yeah Radiohead is uniquely depressing. That's what happens when you grow up in England I guess lmao. And I tend to agree that a lot of music is useless in how depressing it is. But the difference with Radiohead for me, is that they're perfectionists and truly exceptional at creating those choruses within a chorus (like with this song and Creep). Plus they capture the emotion of angst better than any other band imo. They also still have some upbeat cuts, such as most songs from In Rainbows. I highly recommend Jigsaw Falling Into Place, you won't regret it
Incredibly relatable, well said! I was 16 when OK Computer came out and was fortunate enough to also have it change my life. The funny thing is I didn't listen to it forever and I don't even listen to Radiohead much in general, but that album's influence on my musical development is probably only joined by a handful of other records. It's worthy of all its praise and then some.
Would love to see them react to Let Down. Especially with Ryan not liking sad songs. The discord between the music and lyrics and how it affects Ryan will be wonderful to see
this is their singalong at their gigs. Radiohead isn't one of those bands you can dip in and out of. The more you listen, the better it gets, and then you're hooked. They're phenomenal live. Thom Yorke tends to write the words and the basic tune, takes it into the studio and the rest of the band contribute. Johnny Greenwood is also a film composer. Phantom Thread, The Social Network and more. He's been on the Oscar shortlist a couple of times.
You can find lots of Radiohead's most serious fans and many will tell you they didn't fall in love at first or second listen. They grow on you as you realize all the subtle stuff they do that is so great. It also helps to listen to whole albums by them and by yourself with headphones and a beer or a spliff to really relax. Then eventually one song then another then another will just start to hit you. Also, like Yes and many other Art/Progressive/Alternative/Indie bands, the lyrics are often written in a somewhat vague fashion so each listener can interpret them in their own way and find their own meaning. But, if you want to hear some good songs of theirs that are more accessible on first listen, I would definitely hit a couple songs from their second album, The Bends. Start with a banger and listen to "My Iron Lung" then hear one of their best ballads "Street Spirit (Fade Out). I bet your opinion of them will change after those two songs. Thanks for listening! Peace from SF P.S. If you'd really like to hear and see something cool and get a good example of their creativity, first listen to the song "15 Step" (album version th-cam.com/video/FJVGN_9sR7Y/w-d-xo.html) then take a look and listen to what they did with it at the Grammy's th-cam.com/video/XgjWVIDN9rQ/w-d-xo.html Sheer genius!
Can’t believe I haven’t seen a comment for The Pyramid Song. By far the best Radiohead song for me. OK Computer is a really tough listen but grows and shows different depths each time but for a complete all killer album, I don’t think they’ll ever improve on The Bends.
This is the song that turned me on to Raiohead. They are a bit like wine. An acquired taste but once you get in to them you can't remember life before them. The Bends still one of my most played albums along with Hail to the Thief, In Rainbows and OK Computer. Theres no one quite like them and every album is very different.
it's SO hard for me to hear this song without the entire album. this song opens like a breath of much-needed air in the dense melancholy of the album, and to me it has to be heard with "Fitter, Happier," the next track that it leads directly into. the whole album is quite an experience, and it takes multiple listens to have it all "click."
Radiohead should be a multimedia experience. The video for Karma Police is so memorable and brilliant. If you guys do another Radiohead song, the video for Just, from their album The Bends, in my opinion one of the best music videos ever.
I've suggested Bodysnatchers for you guys by Radiohead before. You need something upbeat. It's off their "brightest" and most "uplifting" album. It has a super dope groove and a killer trippy switch-up towards the end. It's the right song choice for you guys. Otherwise, Radiohead is an acquired taste. It usually takes multiple listens, but when it clicks IT CLICKS and then you unlock everything. The replay value on Radiohead is almost second to none. True masters at their craft.
This album foretold the future we are now living in, I think partially this is why it's a challenging listen. The album OK Computer is probably the finest rock recording of the last 30 years.
@ghost mall Did Kid A excite or disappoint ? I took a kind of personal offence. I was expecting quite literally the best album ever. Didn't recover from my shock until "Hail to the Thief". I of course appreciate Kid A and Amnesiac but I don't love them.
@ghost mall Did Kid A excite or disappoint ? I took a kind of personal offence. I was expecting quite literally the best album ever. Didn't recover from my shock until "Hail to the Thief". I of course appreciate Kid A and Amnesiac but I don't love them.
2+2=5, Myxomatosis, Everything in its Right Place, No Surprises, All I Need. These represent a pretty good cross section of their catalog. They change their sound constantly, but get amazing sounds. The records are surely not aimed at everyone (most would agree music aimed at everyone rarely evokes this type of conversation also). Check out the album "Radiodread" also. Is a reggae cover album of O.K. Computer with amazing talented artists.
If I had to recommend a Radiohead song based purely on Thom Yorke's performance, I'd probably recommend "Climbing up the walls". His delivery is absolutely haunting.
It's funny, despite Radiohead getting mixed reactions on this channel I went to listen to more of them after the Paranoid Android video and they became one of my fav bands! Thank you for that!
One song I guarantee Ryan and George will vibe on together - the Saturday Night Live version of National Anthem. The bass, synths, and brass horns at end will surely cause the guys to dig it. Live Radiohead!!! Do it! It is one of the legendary SNL performances in a tough acoustic studio environment!
Thom Yorke is a magnanimous person and while he writes most of Radiohead's material (from a legal standpoint) he attributes all the songs to Radiohead (and sometimes other contributors) because he is that kind of man and, of course, they contribute vastly to the the music overall.
"The Bends" would be a good song to react to from them. You have been focusing on "OK Computer," but "The Bends" is just as great and the title track is awesome and has a great guitar solo.
Love this song for what it means to me, growing up in the 90's and not speaking English back in the day all I needed was Tom's voice and that hypnotizing music to have a good trip... Love this song
Those specific people are Justine Frischmann (from the band Elastica): she was the girl with the "Hitler hairdo', and Brett Anderson (from the band Suede) "buzzes like a fridge". This was about the singer of radiohead Thom Yorke's experience when he was laughed at and made to feel like he did not belong at the NME after-show awards in 1994
IMHO..OK Computer should be listened to from start to finish. It is extremely introspective. Yes, it can be depressing but is a great snapshot of the Mid 90s (rise of the internet and corporate productivity gains). They are somewhat of a "love them or leave them" artist. I love them.
Listening to Radiohead for the first time, as a rookie, is like trying to figure out calculus before you can add. You have no chance of understanding what's going on.
Karma Police to me has always felt like a song talking about how judgey people never want to be judged themselves. Idk if thats the real meaning but that's how i've always took it.
I love this song, have heard it a million times and have never stopped to consider the lyrics that deeply... probably because I suspected it was one of those songs where deeper analysis of the lyrics would be a joyless excercise. You proved my suspicion right. I love you guys and what you do but I would suggest that literal analysis of song lyrics/anlysis of lyrics period maybe isn't always the best choice.
Ryan, I mean you love Alice in Chains and songs from Metallica that are super sad and depressing concepts. It's the way Radiohead convey the message of this sad concept that you don't like. I get it, but you can enjoy a sad song like Rooster or Fade to Black easily.
Big fan of: Street Spirit, Fake Plastic Trees, I Might Be Wrong, You and Whose Army, and How to Disappear Completely. These are amazing songs and will give you a good perspective on the different directions of their music. Genius.
First starting watching you guys cause of your Tool reactions. They’re my favorite band. Well these guys are either my second favorite or possibly on the same level. Totally different but both have crazy artistic integrity.
I think you would rock anything out of The Bends album. It's not that experimental and is more in the mainstream way of alternative rock (more emphasis on electric guitars, solos and cool riffs). So please check out songs like "Just", "The Bends", "Fake Plastic Trees", "High and Dry".
The guys in Radiohead do have great senses of humor... but a lot of their output is sad, angsty, melancholy, moody, atmospheric, dreamy, all that stuff. They have songs where they rock out and songs where it's all very beautiful and low-key, but "Creep" is the closest thing they ever did to a party jam besides, like, early demos and stuff before they had their band name. If you want some way-down-the-list recommendations that are a little different? "Stop Whispering" from '92/same album as "Creep" maybe? The Bends is the album between that and OK Computer and splits the difference really well; "Just" is the big rocker, "High and Dry" and "Fake Plastic Trees" are very pretty. Everyone recommends In Rainbows like 5 albums later because they stripped a lot of the studio wizardry back; it really is a great accessibility point. "House of Cards" is pretty much a slow jam. Everything in between is great, and after is still pretty good, but I dunno if it's what you're looking for. The Bends and In Rainbows are probably the best-best albums as far as that.
“High and Dry” and “Fake Plastic Trees” I think would be a bit more accessible/palatable in general, more of their earlier, more radio-friendly material, and damn good songs
if theres one thing i can count on with you guys, its the real breakdowns and reactions for rock music. most reactors that mix genres average like 6 minutes for rock reactions/breakdowns. thanks for your due diligence gents.
Speaking of redemption, I know you attended Mastodon's concert and you changed your mind about the band since your initial reaction, but I think it still deserves a proper redemption reaction (The Czar comes to mind, a beautiful masterpiece).. Also, some songs from Radiohead you may like: Exit Music (personal favorite), Fake Plastic Trees, No Surprises, Street Spirit..
These polls kill me🤣🤣 y’all need to suggest something off of In Rainbows. Almost every song on that album is a banger that doesn’t require too much context.
Love Radiohead! So many interesting albums/songs. I like all their albums so it's hard to recommend a specific song. If you like the more straight-forward guitar oriented stuff I would recommend listening to something off "The Bends" or "Pablo Honey" albums. But the later stuff which is more experimental is simply awesome. If you want to hear Thom's beautiful falsetto singing listen to "Nude" or "Reckoner" off the "In Rainbows" album. "Codex" from "King of Limbs" is hauntingly beautiful too. The groove on "The National Anthem" off "Kid A" is awesome. Sometimes it takes a few listens before you really begin to appreciate and love their stuff, but once you do you will be a fan for life. The side project "The Smile" is also really good stuff.
Radiohead is one of those bands that really reward the time invested in their music. I recommend deep diving in to their music one album at a time. For me the easiest starting place is In Rainbows, which is arguably one of the best albums of all time. If I had to recommend just one song off that album it would be Nude.
‘This is what you get when you mess with us’ is, I think, meant to be ironically pointing out his/their impotence. A counter-point to all the bands at the time that were essentially talking about how dangerous they were in RL. My favourite by them is Fake Plastic Trees, which I suspect you’ll hate but might love.
Ryan: "I don't like a lot of sad stuff". I wouldn't bother with any more radiohead reactions then 😂 "Just" or "My Iron Lung" might work, but even though I love the band, I dont think they're really suited for reaction channels.
With the exception of "old guy listens to OK Computer" where you can watch a guy have a religious experience. But that's a different vibe and format compared to most
If you want stuff that's more rock heavy and upbeat I'd go with Just, Bodysnatchers, Morning Mr. Magpie (from the basement), 2+2=5, Bangers and Mash, Supercollider, or Separator.
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If Ryan thought this was sad, can't imagine him listening to "Exit Music" completely.
'No Surprises' lol.
And How to Disappear Completely
I think he would enjoy the New Seekers singing their carbonated drink advertisement.
and True Love Waits
last flowers
"High and Dry" and "Fade Out (Street Spirit)" are great songs by them.
Those are my two favorite radiohead songs
@@Heisenberg612 and the bends
My faves
The change at the end (the "I lost myself" part) is one of the most epic moments I've ever heard in a song. Completely unexpected the first time you hear it, as the first part of the song seems harmless and easy listening. Always bristles your skin and this is one of the very few Radiohead's songs that are better in studio than live versions. In the studio version you can feel that change harder and the distorted voice of Thom Yorke close the circle.
Also, it's amazing how Radiohead sings depressing songs that brings you out of depression. Genius.
hmm. feels very intuitive to me.
Exactly, this is the song that got me into Radiohead and when I first heard that ‘for a minute there I lost myself’ part I was hooked and now a couple years later they’re my favourite band
Absolutely brilliant genius masterful! One of the greatest turnarounds in a song in the history of music.
Radiohead is an extremely diverse band, and one of the most well-respected in the world. Would be a shame if you don't listen to some more, it is pretty much guaranteed to be interesting.
Would recommend anything from In Rainbows, especially The Live from the Basement recording on TH-cam.
It's so hard to choose a favorite, but In Rainbows is probably my desert island disc.
@ghost mall If you are not into Radiohead after listening to Paranoid Android and Karma Police, I don’t think The Bends will get you there.
@ghost mall I think it will be better to show the guys the later, more sophisticated Radiohead. I don't know if Ryan in particular is ever going to actually 'like' them, George may, but isn't it better to give them a broader, more knowledgable overview of the band than just a 3 year period in the 90s that the band themselves moved on from, to great success? 'The Bends' btw may be their 'most popular album' with British fans of a certain age but it by no means is seen that way by all Radiohead fans, especially outside of the Brit rock bubble. 'Kid A' broke them in the US and is hugely popular (despite a lot of UK fans giving them up because it was too much of a departure for them) and 'In Rainbows' is often talked of as their best album (including by me). Some fans are stuck in the 90s but don't assume it's a consensus. Frankly, I like solo Thom and his side projects more than Radiohead these days.
You will love Karma Police!!!!!!
The thing with Radiohead is that they aren't very accessible on first listen - even with the "poppy" songs I think. Probably to do with the dark nature of the songs and unorthodox chord progressions- they are my all-time favourite band but I think their songs generally get better after the first listen.
Haven't even started the video but Ryan is gonna suffer through this one. Another case of best known song winning the poll. I love that you guys are mixing it up with that in general
Yeah I like karma police and it was a pop hit but not even in their top 10 imo.
Radiohead are incredible but I can't think of a further band from Ryan's taste
would love to see their reaction to something reallly radiohead-y like “myxamatosis”
Thought the same thing.
@@sashwap more like the gloaming or like spinning plates
Street Spirit by Radiohead is my favorite.
Same!
1000000000
Same street spirit tied with there there
Fake Plastic Trees by Radiohead is one of the best songs ever created (imo).
I agree. The message in that really hits
Indeed. It's brilliant.
My personal fave. They’d hate it.
Pure genius
Yessss
Yeah, naaah, you'd think folks would know by now what's gonna grab these dudes, and Radiohead is way too diverse a band to write off based on their saddest stuff. Groove Radiohead needs to be the next pick.
15 Step, Talk Show Host, Idioteque, Reckoner, Weird Fishes. Thats the move.
I’d say the same comment applies to Pyramid Song and How to Disappear Completely, probably not gonna connect with them…may be wrong
For real!!! For so many great bands I've seen people pick the least "listenable" catchy song for a first listener, and George and Ryan don't get turned on by the band. It's like when you're a big fan of the band and you show your friends a song you love and it's the most obscure one and your friends are just like nah that song's alright, or it's not my style, and you're bummed out. Same thing with Ryan and George.
JIGSAW FALLING INTO PLACE???
They'd hate Idioteque
good picks! would love see them react to “idioteque” next. incredible how diverse radiohead is.
I think reckoner or jigsaw falling into place are a couple of my favourites, defo worth doing a deep dive, alot of their albums are very different
Yeah Reckoner would be a solid choice as a song that's easy to get into.
I love Reckoner, but with Ryan trying to avoid depressing songs, I don't think it's worth visiting for them yet. Personally I think 15 Step is the way to go. Upbeat by their standards, while also with a cool groove and a showcase of their sound
Jigsaw Falling into Place and 15 steps would be two of the best songs of them to react to.
Jigsaw is goated
Great choices. I say '15 Step' for being a bit more upbeat and dynamic but the guys will defintely be able to appreciate the subtle and sparse beauty of 'Reckoner'. 'Jigsaw' I don't think think they will like so much.
You should give a go at Radiohead - Just. It's less sad, more rocking, even though quite shredding but could work for both of you. :)
So unfortunate that this was the redemption song. Karma Police is fantastic, but there are definitely other Radiohead songs that you guys would have vibed with better; particularly off of the album In Rainbows. I hope that you guys do another redemption attempt for this band, and choose songs from In Rainbows, specifically "All I Need" (which sounds very hip-hop influenced, and is one of my favorite songs!), "Reckoner" or "Jigsaw Falling Into Place". OH, and especially the song "Weird Fishes/Arpeggi"!! One of the most chill and vibing songs ever!!
Radiohead’s OK Computer album was in _HEAVY_ rotation in my CD players during the late ‘90s alongside albums from Meshuggah, Death, Primus, Sublime, Twista, Korn and Wu-Tang just to name a fraction of my playlist at the time
I love your breakdown of the meaning of this song. Never thought of it that way. Love the accountability message too.
"He sounds like he's sad about something." -- That might be Radiohead in one sentence right there!
"Airbag" is my favorite Radiohead song and I think both Ryan and George would enjoy it. It's one of those "everything but the kitchen sink" songs where they throw everything at you. SOMETHING is going to grab you.
Bottom line is, Radiohead is a headphone band that you listen to alone for the first time .
Also, the only type of track Ryan is going to like is something with a groove like "I Might Be Wrong"...
that’s a good call. or maybe “the national anthem??”
Bodysnatchers. Anything that has a good groove and ups the BPMs a bit.
+ Where I End and You Begin
I’m late, but he might like Jigsaw falling into place
This is the only reaction channel that matters and doesn't feel fake
Ryan, you’re the same as my mum, she hates anything sad or scary. I get it. I’m guessing it’s down to fear of the darkness, fear of going deep down under and drowning. I had depression as a teenager and I know this feeling fairly well. Drowning is always a possibility, but sometimes I think it’s worth embracing those dark places (for a minute) rather than avoiding the feelings all together. It’s simply a part of the human experience, just don’t forget to go back up.
I most appreciate your expression of genuineness x
In reading the Radiohead redemption poll comments, it's clear the true Radiohead fans and followers of this channel that understand your preferences know this was a bad choice for you guys. I hope this isn't the last time we see Radiohead on this channel. Would be a real shame. However, even if you guys do a "banger" from them, I can't imagine Ryan ever becoming a Radiohead fan. I think serious Radiohead fans are drawn not only to the brilliance of the music, but to the sadness, emotion, cynicism, and often harsh perspectives on society and relationships. This is exactly the kind of stuff that seems to turn Ryan off. RYAN, if you happen to read this, I think if there's any hope for you in enjoying Radiohead, you have to allow yourself to be emotionally vulnerable. Maybe sitting in front of a camera to do a reaction video isn't the best format. Go home, pour yourself a nice glass of wine or Cognac or whatever you prefer, turn off the lights, put the headphones on, clear your mind, and just push play.
Jsut facts
(Applauding you right now)
when it comes to the polls, the voters typically steer them wrong lol
Best comment ^
I get what you’re saying. I’m wired like Ryan. Besides Idioteque, this is my favorite Radiohead song, precisely because to me, without all the electronics and synths, they sound far less dreary.
I love the synchronised cup drinking from 2:45-2:48. I think they guessed what they were in for in those opening bars of acoustic guitar.
I also really enjoyed the discussion of the lyrics and themes of the music video for KM at the end.
People keep making the mistake of showing you songs that THEY love, rather than taking into account everything you've said about what YOU enjoy in music. Groove seems to be the number 1 thing you're looking for, and with that in mind, "Down is The New Up", "Talk Show Host", "All I Need", "Climbing Up The Walls", "National Anthem", "2+2=5" I think you will rock out with way more. I hope to hear you guys go back and try one of these. Trust that I have your best interests in mind. Love you both.
Radiohead's 'Just' has a completely different vibe to Karma Police and Paranoid Android. And really everything before OK Computer sounds radically different from everything from OK COmputer onward.
Just is probably one of the more upbeat sounding tracks they put out, Fake Plastic Trees is such a vibe of a hangover or the washed out day after a party, Street Spirit is smooth and enchanting. A lot of great stuff that kind of gets forgotten by folks who switched on to them following the critical acclaim of OK Computer and Kid A
Pyramid song, jigsaw falling into places, how to disappear completely, National Anthem etc. So many epic tracks from Radiohead.
How to disappear completely is my favorite song by Radiohead, but if they thought this one was too sad they're not going to like that
One of my fav songs by Radiohead is The National Anthem. Not sure if Ryan or George will like it because the crazy dissonance/avant-garde sounds near the middle of the track. I love it 😊
I was going to suggest this one. I think they'd enjoy the groove of the bass line. It's got more energy
Live > Album
Y’all want some rocking Radiohead? Listen to something off The Bends - Just, The Bends, High and Dry… the whole album is fantastic!
Thom Yorke: "Karma is important. The idea that something like karma exists makes me happy. It makes me smile. 'Karma Police' is dedicated to everyone who works for a big firm. It's a song against bosses."
Yeah, Thom Yorke may be an astonishing musician, but his penchant for believing in quasi-religious claptrap is slightly off-putting.
I remember watching their recent headline set from Glastonbury and wishing he would interact with the crowd a bit more; then when he finally did he started talking about lay lines and I wished he'd shut up.
@@richiecleanur just a Wasp
@@dwaynekeenum1916 I'm as much of a WASP as Yorke is. I may be White, I may be of Anglo-Saxon descent (not that it's at all relevant) but I don't believe in any religious claptrap, quasi or otherwise, so I'm certainly not a Protestant.
Love hearing different interpretations. For me it was one night where they were out of their heads.
The next Radiohead Song should be "Just" in my opinion. Great Song and great Video.
Karma Police and Paranoid Android are influenced by specific Beatles tracks - Karma Police by Sexy Sadie and Paranoid Android by Happiness is a Warm Gun as per Thom - as Thom said he couldn't believe that Happiness is a Warm Gun was a 3 minute song but had so much happening in it which influenced him writing P.A.
I've never been a huge Radiohead fan but I do like them. I only know this song because a friend of mine used to cover this a lot at open mic night at a coffee shop we used to go to every Thursday night in Memphis so besides it just being a pleasantly melancholy little tune it's got good memories attached so I've always been fond of it
And that is exactly what open mic experiences are good for. Some of the best times playing music is for open mics. It’s my favorite experience next to jamming with friends. Cheers;)
Every member gets full credit for each song… that a Radiohead thing… but I’m sure in reality each member (especially Thom and Johnny Greenwood) contributes a different amount to each track. Thom does write most of the lyrics though..
I have loved this band, and this song, since I was young. I know what this song means to me.
But I’ve never heard someone else break down the lyrics as well as you guys did. This was a refreshing and insightful interpretation that really made me look at it and appreciate it with a new perspective. It was like listening to it for the first time.
Thank you so much.
Keep up the great work!
The “hitler hairdo” line is rumoured to be about Justine Frischmann, the lead singer from Elastica. As for the “talks in maths”, that line speaks to the overall theme of the song, which has been said to be a critique of the alt-rock scene of the time.
I have to throw my hat in for something from In Rainbows, maybe Weird Fishes or Jigsaw Falling Into Place.
"this is the least interesting song off of OK Computer" is probably a true statement, which speaks only to the strength of OK Computer. Yet this is also one of the most listenable songs in Radiohead's discography. The melody's impact is immediate like you guys pointed out. With a lot of other songs from OK Computer, you guys potentially would have to sit with it, as Thom Yorke's warbling and the instrumental layering can take a while to get used to. And the point of these requests sometimes is just to get you guys to listen to another song by the band lol so yeah, it's a safe option.
But yeah, damn, I remember listening to OK Computer for the first time when I was 12 and could only stand a couple songs. Did not like Paranoid Android or Airbag at all. But with repeated listens, it took over my life. I remember once it clicked I even listened to the album 4 times in a row until the sun came up. And yeah it is considered almost universally as one of, if not, the best album of the 90's. I think it even ranks as the #1 album of all time on rateyourmusic.
But to the point of sad music and catharsis or lack thereof, yeah Radiohead is uniquely depressing. That's what happens when you grow up in England I guess lmao. And I tend to agree that a lot of music is useless in how depressing it is. But the difference with Radiohead for me, is that they're perfectionists and truly exceptional at creating those choruses within a chorus (like with this song and Creep). Plus they capture the emotion of angst better than any other band imo. They also still have some upbeat cuts, such as most songs from In Rainbows. I highly recommend Jigsaw Falling Into Place, you won't regret it
Incredibly relatable, well said! I was 16 when OK Computer came out and was fortunate enough to also have it change my life. The funny thing is I didn't listen to it forever and I don't even listen to Radiohead much in general, but that album's influence on my musical development is probably only joined by a handful of other records. It's worthy of all its praise and then some.
Radiohead addresses the deep, downtrodden feelings that we all have suffered. For me, the melodies and delivery is extremely moving.
The vibe/feel seems like Tom was channeling John Lennon to me.
Would love to see them react to Let Down. Especially with Ryan not liking sad songs. The discord between the music and lyrics and how it affects Ryan will be wonderful to see
Facts 💯Please do Let Down! Def one of of my top 3 Radiohead songs ✨
this is their singalong at their gigs. Radiohead isn't one of those bands you can dip in and out of. The more you listen, the better it gets, and then you're hooked. They're phenomenal live. Thom Yorke tends to write the words and the basic tune, takes it into the studio and the rest of the band contribute. Johnny Greenwood is also a film composer. Phantom Thread, The Social Network and more. He's been on the Oscar shortlist a couple of times.
Bodysnatchers should be the next redemption song. I think it's got the groove they're looking for.
THis. 100%
7:38 *One of the most touching and emotional moments in music plays*
Ryan: 🗿
You can find lots of Radiohead's most serious fans and many will tell you they didn't fall in love at first or second listen. They grow on you as you realize all the subtle stuff they do that is so great. It also helps to listen to whole albums by them and by yourself with headphones and a beer or a spliff to really relax. Then eventually one song then another then another will just start to hit you. Also, like Yes and many other Art/Progressive/Alternative/Indie bands, the lyrics are often written in a somewhat vague fashion so each listener can interpret them in their own way and find their own meaning.
But, if you want to hear some good songs of theirs that are more accessible on first listen, I would definitely hit a couple songs from their second album, The Bends. Start with a banger and listen to "My Iron Lung" then hear one of their best ballads "Street Spirit (Fade Out). I bet your opinion of them will change after those two songs. Thanks for listening!
Peace from SF
P.S. If you'd really like to hear and see something cool and get a good example of their creativity, first listen to the song "15 Step" (album version th-cam.com/video/FJVGN_9sR7Y/w-d-xo.html) then take a look and listen to what they did with it at the Grammy's th-cam.com/video/XgjWVIDN9rQ/w-d-xo.html Sheer genius!
Can’t believe I haven’t seen a comment for The Pyramid Song. By far the best Radiohead song for me.
OK Computer is a really tough listen but grows and shows different depths each time but for a complete all killer album, I don’t think they’ll ever improve on The Bends.
This is the song that turned me on to Raiohead. They are a bit like wine. An acquired taste but once you get in to them you can't remember life before them. The Bends still one of my most played albums along with Hail to the Thief, In Rainbows and OK Computer. Theres no one quite like them and every album is very different.
it's SO hard for me to hear this song without the entire album. this song opens like a breath of much-needed air in the dense melancholy of the album, and to me it has to be heard with "Fitter, Happier," the next track that it leads directly into. the whole album is quite an experience, and it takes multiple listens to have it all "click."
In terms of OK Computer - I can see ya’s maybe liking Let Down. But generally their best stuff is on The Bends album
Radiohead should be a multimedia experience. The video for Karma Police is so memorable and brilliant. If you guys do another Radiohead song, the video for Just, from their album The Bends, in my opinion one of the best music videos ever.
I've suggested Bodysnatchers for you guys by Radiohead before. You need something upbeat. It's off their "brightest" and most "uplifting" album. It has a super dope groove and a killer trippy switch-up towards the end. It's the right song choice for you guys.
Otherwise, Radiohead is an acquired taste. It usually takes multiple listens, but when it clicks IT CLICKS and then you unlock everything. The replay value on Radiohead is almost second to none. True masters at their craft.
This album foretold the future we are now living in, I think partially this is why it's a challenging listen. The album OK Computer is probably the finest rock recording of the last 30 years.
I'd put Like Clockwork by Queens Of The Stone Age right above it :)
@@Squatch_11 As a personal preference hell yes why not, if it does it for you then that's all that's important. QOTSA are an epic band.
@ghost mall I agree completely. It's a piece of art best appreciated as a whole.
@ghost mall Did Kid A excite or disappoint ? I took a kind of personal offence. I was expecting quite literally the best album ever. Didn't recover from my shock until "Hail to the Thief". I of course appreciate Kid A and Amnesiac but I don't love them.
@ghost mall Did Kid A excite or disappoint ? I took a kind of personal offence. I was expecting quite literally the best album ever. Didn't recover from my shock until "Hail to the Thief". I of course appreciate Kid A and Amnesiac but I don't love them.
2+2=5, Myxomatosis, Everything in its Right Place, No Surprises, All I Need. These represent a pretty good cross section of their catalog. They change their sound constantly, but get amazing sounds. The records are surely not aimed at everyone (most would agree music aimed at everyone rarely evokes this type of conversation also). Check out the album "Radiodread" also. Is a reggae cover album of O.K. Computer with amazing talented artists.
If I had to recommend a Radiohead song based purely on Thom Yorke's performance, I'd probably recommend "Climbing up the walls". His delivery is absolutely haunting.
Fitter. Happier. More Productive.
It's funny, despite Radiohead getting mixed reactions on this channel I went to listen to more of them after the Paranoid Android video and they became one of my fav bands! Thank you for that!
One song I guarantee Ryan and George will vibe on together - the Saturday Night Live version of National Anthem. The bass, synths, and brass horns at end will surely cause the guys to dig it. Live Radiohead!!! Do it! It is one of the legendary SNL performances in a tough acoustic studio environment!
totes. need to hear the different graduation of sound, space and mystery.
Let Down from OK Computer is one of my favorites. Very emotional.
Thom Yorke is a magnanimous person and while he writes most of Radiohead's material (from a legal standpoint) he attributes all the songs to Radiohead (and sometimes other contributors) because he is that kind of man and, of course, they contribute vastly to the the music overall.
Megadeth. Good Mourning Black Friday
"The Bends" would be a good song to react to from them. You have been focusing on "OK Computer," but "The Bends" is just as great and the title track is awesome and has a great guitar solo.
Love this song for what it means to me, growing up in the 90's and not speaking English back in the day all I needed was Tom's voice and that hypnotizing music to have a good trip... Love this song
Those specific people are Justine Frischmann (from the band Elastica): she was the girl with the "Hitler hairdo', and Brett Anderson (from the band Suede) "buzzes like a fridge". This was about the singer of radiohead Thom Yorke's experience when he was laughed at and made to feel like he did not belong at the NME after-show awards in 1994
Radiohead is in my top 3 bands of all time. They are a stunning musical experiment....
IMHO..OK Computer should be listened to from start to finish. It is extremely introspective. Yes, it can be depressing but is a great snapshot of the Mid 90s (rise of the internet and corporate productivity gains). They are somewhat of a "love them or leave them" artist. I love them.
Listening to Radiohead for the first time, as a rookie, is like trying to figure out calculus before you can add. You have no chance of understanding what's going on.
Karma Police to me has always felt like a song talking about how judgey people never want to be judged themselves. Idk if thats the real meaning but that's how i've always took it.
I love this song, have heard it a million times and have never stopped to consider the lyrics that deeply... probably because I suspected it was one of those songs where deeper analysis of the lyrics would be a joyless excercise. You proved my suspicion right. I love you guys and what you do but I would suggest that literal analysis of song lyrics/anlysis of lyrics period maybe isn't always the best choice.
You should listen to Thom Yorke's collaboration with UNKLE 'Rabbit in My Headlights'! So good!!
Ryan, I mean you love Alice in Chains and songs from Metallica that are super sad and depressing concepts. It's the way Radiohead convey the message of this sad concept that you don't like. I get it, but you can enjoy a sad song like Rooster or Fade to Black easily.
Gents, how about Electioneering off OK computer. Upbeat with some Rockabilly.
The pyramid song and all i need are defiantly 2 radio head songs you should listen too.
Nice to see a band from my hometown of Oxford, UK on the channel 😀
Big fan of: Street Spirit, Fake Plastic Trees, I Might Be Wrong, You and Whose Army, and How to Disappear Completely. These are amazing songs and will give you a good perspective on the different directions of their music. Genius.
WEIRD FISHES is the most beautiful song ever created!
I love your interpretation; George. It relates to a conversation I had with a family member last night.
One of my favorite bands growing up! Happy that I could write with them on some of their newer stuff
Literally clicked on this and haven't watched a single second but calling it now: they're not gonna like this one.
Ryan needs to listen to Thom in Atoms for Peace. Really diferent feeling/grove in there imho.
First starting watching you guys cause of your Tool reactions. They’re my favorite band. Well these guys are either my second favorite or possibly on the same level. Totally different but both have crazy artistic integrity.
Radiohead is a class live act..Must see if they ever tour again! Will not disappoint!
I highly recommend the Easy Star All Stars reggae cover of this one!
Their version of Let Down is unbelievable. Love the original but the ESAS version takes it to another level.
excellent recommendation that prompts me to suggest Dub Side Of The Moon, too goody good on the $$ for me🙃
They have so many songs that have great base and great grooves. I hope you get back to them and play one of those.
But dude always drop specific song suggestions for the boys! Otherwise they have no way of selecting those groovier songs!
I think you would rock anything out of The Bends album. It's not that experimental and is more in the mainstream way of alternative rock (more emphasis on electric guitars, solos and cool riffs). So please check out songs like "Just", "The Bends", "Fake Plastic Trees", "High and Dry".
I cannot put into words why I like them. I just do. It's an interesting sound 🤷
The guys in Radiohead do have great senses of humor... but a lot of their output is sad, angsty, melancholy, moody, atmospheric, dreamy, all that stuff. They have songs where they rock out and songs where it's all very beautiful and low-key, but "Creep" is the closest thing they ever did to a party jam besides, like, early demos and stuff before they had their band name.
If you want some way-down-the-list recommendations that are a little different? "Stop Whispering" from '92/same album as "Creep" maybe? The Bends is the album between that and OK Computer and splits the difference really well; "Just" is the big rocker, "High and Dry" and "Fake Plastic Trees" are very pretty.
Everyone recommends In Rainbows like 5 albums later because they stripped a lot of the studio wizardry back; it really is a great accessibility point. "House of Cards" is pretty much a slow jam. Everything in between is great, and after is still pretty good, but I dunno if it's what you're looking for. The Bends and In Rainbows are probably the best-best albums as far as that.
A lot of it is the vocals - Thom could sing Pharrell's "Happy" and it would sound like a lament.
“High and Dry” and “Fake Plastic Trees” I think would be a bit more accessible/palatable in general, more of their earlier, more radio-friendly material, and damn good songs
For real a sentimental/reflective mood song.
Ryan needs to see World of Tomorrow. "I'm very proud of my sadness because it means I'm more alive"
Radiohead is a strange band. My fav is probably “there there” it’s tense and builds up to a great peak, it’s a great song for driving
if theres one thing i can count on with you guys, its the real breakdowns and reactions for rock music. most reactors that mix genres average like 6 minutes for rock reactions/breakdowns. thanks for your due diligence gents.
Speaking of redemption, I know you attended Mastodon's concert and you changed your mind about the band since your initial reaction, but I think it still deserves a proper redemption reaction (The Czar comes to mind, a beautiful masterpiece)..
Also, some songs from Radiohead you may like: Exit Music (personal favorite), Fake Plastic Trees, No Surprises, Street Spirit..
These polls kill me🤣🤣 y’all need to suggest something off of In Rainbows. Almost every song on that album is a banger that doesn’t require too much context.
Jigsaw falling into Place. Their later stuff is a different sound. It's a better sound. More electronic, more upbeat.
Love Radiohead! So many interesting albums/songs. I like all their albums so it's hard to recommend a specific song. If you like the more straight-forward guitar oriented stuff I would recommend listening to something off "The Bends" or "Pablo Honey" albums. But the later stuff which is more experimental is simply awesome. If you want to hear Thom's beautiful falsetto singing listen to "Nude" or "Reckoner" off the "In Rainbows" album. "Codex" from "King of Limbs" is hauntingly beautiful too. The groove on "The National Anthem" off "Kid A" is awesome. Sometimes it takes a few listens before you really begin to appreciate and love their stuff, but once you do you will be a fan for life. The side project "The Smile" is also really good stuff.
Climbing up to walls is a great song to rediscover Radiohead
Up
Radiohead is one of those bands that really reward the time invested in their music. I recommend deep diving in to their music one album at a time. For me the easiest starting place is In Rainbows, which is arguably one of the best albums of all time. If I had to recommend just one song off that album it would be Nude.
‘This is what you get when you mess with us’ is, I think, meant to be ironically pointing out his/their impotence. A counter-point to all the bands at the time that were essentially talking about how dangerous they were in RL. My favourite by them is Fake Plastic Trees, which I suspect you’ll hate but might love.
Radiohead - In Rainbows (almost pick any song)
Ive never seen such joy and mirth when listening to radiohead 😂
If you guys decide to review Radiohead again, please do “No Surprises”. I love that song. Also can you do Tori Amos “Cornflake Girl”?
Ryan: "I don't like a lot of sad stuff".
I wouldn't bother with any more radiohead reactions then 😂
"Just" or "My Iron Lung" might work, but even though I love the band, I dont think they're really suited for reaction channels.
With the exception of "old guy listens to OK Computer" where you can watch a guy have a religious experience. But that's a different vibe and format compared to most
If you want stuff that's more rock heavy and upbeat I'd go with Just, Bodysnatchers, Morning Mr. Magpie (from the basement), 2+2=5, Bangers and Mash, Supercollider, or Separator.
Jigsaw
PLEASE react to Jigsaw Falling Into Place. It’s the best Radiohead song.