"Exit Music (For a Film)" vs "15 Steps"

First up, take a look at my Radiohead bracket to remind yourself of what we're doing here. As I said before, I'm going through 128 Radiohead songs to determine my #1! I'm already nervous about my first match up, "Exit Music (For a Film)" up against "15 Steps." This is the equivalent of Novak Djokovic going up against Grigor Dimitrov in round one of a tennis tournament. I really like both players, but don't expect either to win, yet the thought of one being out in the first round is not a good one! Both songs are too good to not make it to the sweet 16. But, this is what happens when a band has so many good songs, I guess.

One thing before we get started: I tend to like songs for the music about 90% of the time. There are songs I would consider to be my favorites that I don't even know the lyrics to! I think  important to point out.

Ok, let's go!

"Exit Music (For a Film)"

Wake from your sleep
The drying of your tears
Today we escape, we escape
Pack and get dressed
Before your father hears us
Before all hell breaks loose
Breathe, keep breathing
Don't lose your nerve
Breathe, keep breathing
I can't do this alone
Sing us a song
A song to keep us warm
There's such a chill, such a chill
You can laugh a spineless laugh
We hope your rules and wisdom choke you
Now we are one in everlasting peace
We hope that you choke, that you choke
We hope that you choke, that you choke
We hope that you choke, that you choke 

(1997. OK Computer.)

Right from the beginning I love this song because of Thom Yorke's textured voice. It sounds like he is singing in a dark, empty room with a special microphone to pick up every ounce of emotion in his voice. It's a bit gravelly and I LOVE it. I am also a sucker for  Soft-Loud-Soft types of songs and this sure is one of those. The crescendo/decrescendo is a quick one, but it just adds to the power of the song. I have very few criticisms about the song except maybe that I wish it was longer. It's over way before I'm ready for it to be. I also must note that this song was used in Baz Luhrman's Romeo + Juliet, which came out when I was about 16 so this song is completely connected in my mind to my love for that movie and Leonardo DiCaprio.

"15 Steps"

How come I end up where I started
How come I end up where I belong
Won't take my eyes off the ball again
You reel me out then you cut the string
How come I end up where I started
How come I end up where I belong
Won't take my eyes off the ball again
You reel me out then you cut the string
You used to be alright
What happened?
Did the cat get your tongue
Did your string come undone
One by one
One by one
It comes to us all
It's as soft as your pillow
You used to be alright
What happened?
Etcetera etcetera
Facts for whatever
Fifteen steps
Then a shear drop 

(2007. In Rainbows.)

This first match up is an interesting one since "Exit Music" is so measured in its intensity while "15 Steps" gets its energy from the beats. These two songs could not be more different. It's unfortunate that the entry in the bracket is not Radiohead's Grammy performance of this song with the marching band because that was so awesome and really made me love this song. "15 Steps" is a favorite because it's great for dancing and also because I really like how he sings "etcetera." I know that's a little thing, but it sticks out to me. 

And the winner is...

"Exit Music (For a Film)"!!!!!!!

Slow burn songs get me almost every time and this one reminds me of Leonardo DiCaprio. Tough to beat!