I was going to get back on track with my Radiohead bracket, but omg the site is no more and my bracket is lost! I am kind of sad about this because it was actually a lot of work setting that thing up!!!!
I guess now, if/when I redo it, I can put their latest album on it. *Silver lining*
XO,
SVR
Showing posts with label bracket. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bracket. Show all posts
Saturday, September 17, 2016
Monday, November 17, 2014
"Creep" Vs "Paperbag Writer"
Radiohead Bracket Time!
You know the drill: I'm working through a list of Radiohead songs to see which one comes out as the winner...which one is my favorite!
Creep
When you were here before
Couldn't look you in the eye
You're just like an angel
Your skin makes me cry
You float like a feather
In a beautiful world
And I wish I was special
You're so fuckin' special
But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here
I don't care if it hurts
I want to have control
I want a perfect body
I want a perfect soul
I want you to notice
When I'm not around
You're so fuckin' special
I wish I was special
But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo.
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here
She's running out again,
She's running out
She's run run run run
Whatever makes you happy
Whatever you want
You're so fuckin' special
I wish I was special
But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo,
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here
I don't belong here
(Pablo Honey. 1993)
Maybe Radiohead's most well-known song? Says something about it that it's over 20 years old and still can feel fresh. Soft-Loud-Soft magical formula and Thom Yorke sings some of those words just so perfectly. It might also be that I've been hearing this song for 20+ years and know what to listen for.
Paperbag Writer
Blow into this paperbag,
Go home, stop grinning at everyone.
Blow into this paperbag,
Go home, stop grinning at everyone.
It was nice when it lasted,
But now it's gone.
It was nice when it lasted,
But now it's gone.
Blow into this paperbag.
Take your armor off,
You're not under attack.
Take your armor off,
You're not under attack.
Come on, come on.
Blow into this paperbag,
Go home, stop grinning at everyone.
Blow into this paperbag,
Go home, stop grinning at everyone.
And they were honeybees
On a blade of grass.
Take your armor off,
You're not under attack.
Blow into this paperbag.
Blow into this paperbag.
(Com Lag. 2003)
Dang, comparing songs released 10 years apart. "Paperbag Writer" is a weird one, too. It sounds like Thom Yorke took over a microphone as an orchestra was having a strings sectional. There isn't a lot of movement to this one and I find myself just waiting for something to happen. Like, where's the climax?
And the winner is...
Creep!
You know the drill: I'm working through a list of Radiohead songs to see which one comes out as the winner...which one is my favorite!
Creep
When you were here before
Couldn't look you in the eye
You're just like an angel
Your skin makes me cry
You float like a feather
In a beautiful world
And I wish I was special
You're so fuckin' special
But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here
I don't care if it hurts
I want to have control
I want a perfect body
I want a perfect soul
I want you to notice
When I'm not around
You're so fuckin' special
I wish I was special
But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo.
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here
She's running out again,
She's running out
She's run run run run
Whatever makes you happy
Whatever you want
You're so fuckin' special
I wish I was special
But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo,
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here
I don't belong here
(Pablo Honey. 1993)
Maybe Radiohead's most well-known song? Says something about it that it's over 20 years old and still can feel fresh. Soft-Loud-Soft magical formula and Thom Yorke sings some of those words just so perfectly. It might also be that I've been hearing this song for 20+ years and know what to listen for.
Paperbag Writer
Blow into this paperbag,
Go home, stop grinning at everyone.
Blow into this paperbag,
Go home, stop grinning at everyone.
It was nice when it lasted,
But now it's gone.
It was nice when it lasted,
But now it's gone.
Blow into this paperbag.
Take your armor off,
You're not under attack.
Take your armor off,
You're not under attack.
Come on, come on.
Blow into this paperbag,
Go home, stop grinning at everyone.
Blow into this paperbag,
Go home, stop grinning at everyone.
And they were honeybees
On a blade of grass.
Take your armor off,
You're not under attack.
Blow into this paperbag.
Blow into this paperbag.
(Com Lag. 2003)
Dang, comparing songs released 10 years apart. "Paperbag Writer" is a weird one, too. It sounds like Thom Yorke took over a microphone as an orchestra was having a strings sectional. There isn't a lot of movement to this one and I find myself just waiting for something to happen. Like, where's the climax?
And the winner is...
Creep!
Monday, October 27, 2014
"Hunting Bears" vs "Lozenge of Love"
"Hunting Bears"
Instrumental
(2001. Amnesiac)
This song is like an arrow into my heart and soul. I can't even explain why. There is something about it that I am obsessed with. I think it's the fingers moving on the strings, the added synth (?) halfway through that adds an eerie accompaniment, the fact that I create a short film in my mind every time I hear it. It just sounds so simple and precise, yet at the same time it comes across with so much depth.
Instrumental
(2001. Amnesiac)
This song is like an arrow into my heart and soul. I can't even explain why. There is something about it that I am obsessed with. I think it's the fingers moving on the strings, the added synth (?) halfway through that adds an eerie accompaniment, the fact that I create a short film in my mind every time I hear it. It just sounds so simple and precise, yet at the same time it comes across with so much depth.
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Sunday, October 19, 2014
"Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors" vs "Fake Plastic Trees"
"Pulk/Pull Revolving Doors"
There are barn doors
And there are revolving doors
Doors on the rudders of big ships
We are revolving doors
There are doors that open by themselves
There are sliding doors
And there are secret doors
There are doors that lock
And doors that don't
There are doors that let you in
And out
But never open
But they are trapdoors
That you can't come back from
(2001. Amnesiac)
This is a total robot song. No melody, no real singing. It's just kind of there.
Fake Plastic Trees
Her green plastic watering can for
her fake Chinese rubber plant
In the fake plastic earth
What she bought from a rubber man
In a town full of rubber bands
to get rid of itself
It wears her out, it wears her out
It wears her out, it wears her out
She lives with a broken man
A cracked polystyreneman
Who just crumbles and burns
He used to do surgery
For girls in the eighties
But gravity always wins
And it wears him out, it wears him out
It wears him out, it wears him
She Looks like the real thing
She tastes like the real thing
My fake plastic love
But I can't help the feeling
I could blow through the ceiling
If I just turn and run
And it wears me out, it wears me out
It wears me out, it wears me out
If i could be who you wanted
If i could be who you wanted all the time, all the time
(1994. The Bends)
Is this really from 1994? It has held up so well! I've probably said it before, but my favorite songs almost always have a huge crescendo at the end with a softer resolution. With a lot of Radiohead songs, I love that they sound like they're being sung in an empty bathroom. It's an echo or something or maybe it's just that Thom Yorke is that good and it's not over-produced. I also love songs that get me tapping my foot to a beat that I'm not aware of. Whether it be the bass line or drums that I can't pinpoint- I love it! I think it's a sign of a well-constructed song. Anyway....I didn't really need to write so much about this song. It's great!
And the winner is...
Fake Plastic Trees.
There are barn doors
And there are revolving doors
Doors on the rudders of big ships
We are revolving doors
There are doors that open by themselves
There are sliding doors
And there are secret doors
There are doors that lock
And doors that don't
There are doors that let you in
And out
But never open
But they are trapdoors
That you can't come back from
(2001. Amnesiac)
This is a total robot song. No melody, no real singing. It's just kind of there.
Fake Plastic Trees
Her green plastic watering can for
her fake Chinese rubber plant
In the fake plastic earth
What she bought from a rubber man
In a town full of rubber bands
to get rid of itself
It wears her out, it wears her out
It wears her out, it wears her out
She lives with a broken man
A cracked polystyreneman
Who just crumbles and burns
He used to do surgery
For girls in the eighties
But gravity always wins
And it wears him out, it wears him out
It wears him out, it wears him
She Looks like the real thing
She tastes like the real thing
My fake plastic love
But I can't help the feeling
I could blow through the ceiling
If I just turn and run
And it wears me out, it wears me out
It wears me out, it wears me out
If i could be who you wanted
If i could be who you wanted all the time, all the time
(1994. The Bends)
Is this really from 1994? It has held up so well! I've probably said it before, but my favorite songs almost always have a huge crescendo at the end with a softer resolution. With a lot of Radiohead songs, I love that they sound like they're being sung in an empty bathroom. It's an echo or something or maybe it's just that Thom Yorke is that good and it's not over-produced. I also love songs that get me tapping my foot to a beat that I'm not aware of. Whether it be the bass line or drums that I can't pinpoint- I love it! I think it's a sign of a well-constructed song. Anyway....I didn't really need to write so much about this song. It's great!
And the winner is...
Fake Plastic Trees.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
"Reckoner" vs "You Never Wash Up After Yourself"
It's been awhile, but I haven't forgotten about my Radiohead bracket to figure out my favorite song. Check it out: HERE.
"Reckoner"
Reckoner
You can't take it with you
Dancing for your pleasure
You are not to blame for
Bittersweet distractors
Dare not speak its name
Dedicated to all human beings
Because we separate
Like ripples on a blank shore
In rainbows
Because we separate
The ripples on a black shore
Reckoner, take me with you
Dedicated to all human beings
(2007. In Rainbows)
This is a delicate song, but with movement. This song reminds me of being up too late. It's weird because when I listen to it, I think "This is kind of a dull song" but then I never change it and by the time it's over, I realize I've been singing along. That's got to say something, eh?
"You Never Wash Up After Yourself"
I must get out once in a while
Everything is starting to die
The dust settles, the worms dig
Spiders crawl over the bed
I must get out once in a while
I eat all day and now I'm fat
Yesterday's meal is hugging the plate
You never wash up after yourself
(1994. My Iron Lung)
I am a sucker for arpeggios. Does "Reckoner" even have a chance? I'm so torn because I think "Reckoner" is a betteng, but there's something about "You Never Wash Up After Yourself" that I love. I love how the voice rises and sounds like he gets too close to the microphone and it sounds very...raw. BUT I don't like how the song just ends. It feels a bit unfinished to me.
And the winner is...
I have no idea. I'm listening to them again to be sure. OKAY OKAY OKAY....I'm going with....
Reckoner!
"Reckoner"
Reckoner
You can't take it with you
Dancing for your pleasure
You are not to blame for
Bittersweet distractors
Dare not speak its name
Dedicated to all human beings
Because we separate
Like ripples on a blank shore
In rainbows
Because we separate
The ripples on a black shore
Reckoner, take me with you
Dedicated to all human beings
(2007. In Rainbows)
This is a delicate song, but with movement. This song reminds me of being up too late. It's weird because when I listen to it, I think "This is kind of a dull song" but then I never change it and by the time it's over, I realize I've been singing along. That's got to say something, eh?
"You Never Wash Up After Yourself"
I must get out once in a while
Everything is starting to die
The dust settles, the worms dig
Spiders crawl over the bed
I must get out once in a while
I eat all day and now I'm fat
Yesterday's meal is hugging the plate
You never wash up after yourself
(1994. My Iron Lung)
I am a sucker for arpeggios. Does "Reckoner" even have a chance? I'm so torn because I think "Reckoner" is a betteng, but there's something about "You Never Wash Up After Yourself" that I love. I love how the voice rises and sounds like he gets too close to the microphone and it sounds very...raw. BUT I don't like how the song just ends. It feels a bit unfinished to me.
And the winner is...
I have no idea. I'm listening to them again to be sure. OKAY OKAY OKAY....I'm going with....
Reckoner!
Wednesday, February 12, 2014
"Like Spinning Plates" vs "Everything In Its Right Place"
Guys, this pairing makes me nervous. I love both songs SO much! This is going to be tough.
"Like Spinning Plates"
(2001. Amnesiac. I Might Be Wrong.)
This song is an absolute favorite. It's simple and without a lot of lyrics, but man, those words that are there are just perfect. I've always loved the phrase "like spinning plates" and it just evokes such a desperate feeling. I also love the line "While you make pretty speeches, I'm being cut to shreds". I've always felt like this song would be very fitting in a dystopian movie. The music sounds kind of futuristic, and the lyrics definitely leave a feeling of hopelessness.
"Everything In Its Right Place"
(2000. Kid A. I Might Be Wrong.)
Clearly another song without a ton of lyrics. Not that it affects the greatness of any of their songs. Radiohead excels at creating a feeling with each and every song and they don't need versechoruseverse to do so. I love how this song has multiple layers of sounds throughout and it builds throughout. It's very classical in it's structure. If Beethoven had been a rock musician, he would've written stuff like this.
And the winner is...
Another incredibly tough call, but for a different reason because I do love both of these songs, but I've gotta go with the words from the one so...
Like Spinning Plates!
"Like Spinning Plates"
While you make pretty speeches
I'm being cut to shreds
You feed me to the lions
A delicate balance
And this just feels like spinning plates
I'm living in cloud cuckoo land
And this just feels like spinning plates
My body's floating down the muddy river
I'm being cut to shreds
You feed me to the lions
A delicate balance
And this just feels like spinning plates
I'm living in cloud cuckoo land
And this just feels like spinning plates
My body's floating down the muddy river
(2001. Amnesiac. I Might Be Wrong.)
This song is an absolute favorite. It's simple and without a lot of lyrics, but man, those words that are there are just perfect. I've always loved the phrase "like spinning plates" and it just evokes such a desperate feeling. I also love the line "While you make pretty speeches, I'm being cut to shreds". I've always felt like this song would be very fitting in a dystopian movie. The music sounds kind of futuristic, and the lyrics definitely leave a feeling of hopelessness.
"Everything In Its Right Place"
Everything
Everything
Everything
Everything
In its right place
In its right place
In its right place
In its right place
Yesterday I woke up sucking on a lemon
Yesterday I woke up sucking on a lemon
Yesterday I woke up sucking on a lemon
Yesterday I woke up sucking on a lemon
Everything
Everything
Everything
In its right place
In its right place
In its right place
Right place
There are two colors in my head
There are two colors in my head
What is that you tried to say
What is that you tried to say
Tried to say
Tried to say
Tried to say
Tried to say
Tried to say
Everything
Everything
Everything
Everything
Everything
Everything
In its right place
In its right place
In its right place
In its right place
Yesterday I woke up sucking on a lemon
Yesterday I woke up sucking on a lemon
Yesterday I woke up sucking on a lemon
Yesterday I woke up sucking on a lemon
Everything
Everything
Everything
In its right place
In its right place
In its right place
Right place
There are two colors in my head
There are two colors in my head
What is that you tried to say
What is that you tried to say
Tried to say
Tried to say
Tried to say
Tried to say
Tried to say
Everything
Everything
Everything
(2000. Kid A. I Might Be Wrong.)
Clearly another song without a ton of lyrics. Not that it affects the greatness of any of their songs. Radiohead excels at creating a feeling with each and every song and they don't need versechoruseverse to do so. I love how this song has multiple layers of sounds throughout and it builds throughout. It's very classical in it's structure. If Beethoven had been a rock musician, he would've written stuff like this.
And the winner is...
Another incredibly tough call, but for a different reason because I do love both of these songs, but I've gotta go with the words from the one so...
Like Spinning Plates!
"Faust Arp" vs "Meeting In The Aisle"
Check out the bracket before we get started.
"Faust Arp"
One two three four
Wakey wakey
Rise and shine
It's on again, off again, on again
Watch me fall
Like domino's
In pretty patterns
Fingers in the blackbird pie
I'm tingling tingling tingling
It's what you feel now
What you ought to, what you ought to
Reasonable and sensible
Dead from the neck up
Because I'm stuffed, stuffed, stuffed
We thought you had it in you
But no, no, no
For no real reason
Squeeze the tubes and empty bottles
Take a bow take a bow take a bow
It's what you feel now
What you ought to
What you ought to
An elephant thats in the room is
Tumbling tumbling tumbling
In duplicate and duplicate
Plastic bags and
Duplicate and triplicate
Dead from the neck up
Guess I'm stuffed, stuffed, stuffed
We thought you had it in you
But no, no, no
Exactly where do you get off
Is enough is enough is enough
I love you but enough is enough, enough
A last stop
There's no real reason
(2007. In Rainbows)
This is an interesting arrangement of acoustic guitar, strings, and lyrics that fill the track. It sounds like Thom Yorke is standing very close to the microphone or something in a way that, as a listener, I don't always hear the accompaniment. Unlike a lot of Radiohead songs, the lyrics are front and center for this one and there are a lot of them! Radiohead lyrics aren't always so lengthy. All in all a good song, but not my favorite type of Radiohead song.
"Meeting In The Aisle"
Instrumental.
(1997. Karma Police. Airbag/How Am I Driving. No Surprises/Running From Demons.)
My first thought on listening to this song is that it would have been a great fit for the movie The Beach. Not that there are many aisles in that movie, but it has that trippy feel to it that the movie exudes. I always love a Radiohead instrumental because usually I am so enamored by Thom Yorke's voice that it's special to love one of their songs solely for the instruments.
And the winner is...
Wow, this is a tough one! Honestly, I don't LOVE either one, but I like both. Aweajdksljdklas! Which one wins!? Okay let's see: I like "Faust Arp" because of the lyrics, but I like "Meeting In The Aisles" because of the driving instruments. However, "Faust Arp" has great accompaniment, too, so I think the winner will be...
Fasut Arp!
"Faust Arp"
One two three four
Wakey wakey
Rise and shine
It's on again, off again, on again
Watch me fall
Like domino's
In pretty patterns
Fingers in the blackbird pie
I'm tingling tingling tingling
It's what you feel now
What you ought to, what you ought to
Reasonable and sensible
Dead from the neck up
Because I'm stuffed, stuffed, stuffed
We thought you had it in you
But no, no, no
For no real reason
Squeeze the tubes and empty bottles
Take a bow take a bow take a bow
It's what you feel now
What you ought to
What you ought to
An elephant thats in the room is
Tumbling tumbling tumbling
In duplicate and duplicate
Plastic bags and
Duplicate and triplicate
Dead from the neck up
Guess I'm stuffed, stuffed, stuffed
We thought you had it in you
But no, no, no
Exactly where do you get off
Is enough is enough is enough
I love you but enough is enough, enough
A last stop
There's no real reason
(2007. In Rainbows)
This is an interesting arrangement of acoustic guitar, strings, and lyrics that fill the track. It sounds like Thom Yorke is standing very close to the microphone or something in a way that, as a listener, I don't always hear the accompaniment. Unlike a lot of Radiohead songs, the lyrics are front and center for this one and there are a lot of them! Radiohead lyrics aren't always so lengthy. All in all a good song, but not my favorite type of Radiohead song.
"Meeting In The Aisle"
Instrumental.
(1997. Karma Police. Airbag/How Am I Driving. No Surprises/Running From Demons.)
My first thought on listening to this song is that it would have been a great fit for the movie The Beach. Not that there are many aisles in that movie, but it has that trippy feel to it that the movie exudes. I always love a Radiohead instrumental because usually I am so enamored by Thom Yorke's voice that it's special to love one of their songs solely for the instruments.
And the winner is...
Wow, this is a tough one! Honestly, I don't LOVE either one, but I like both. Aweajdksljdklas! Which one wins!? Okay let's see: I like "Faust Arp" because of the lyrics, but I like "Meeting In The Aisles" because of the driving instruments. However, "Faust Arp" has great accompaniment, too, so I think the winner will be...
Fasut Arp!
Sunday, December 08, 2013
"Where Bluebirds Fly" vs "Planet Telex"
"Where Bluebirds Fly"
Instrumental
( 2003. There There. Com Lag.)
Even though this is listed as being instrumental, there is some singing that goes along with it. This song would fit in perfectly on an Atoms for Peace album with it's weird synthesizers and beats. I can't remember which songs came before and after it on the Radiohead EP so I don't know if it sticks out on there or not.
"Planet Telex"
You can force it but it will not come
You can taste it but it will not form
You can crush it but it's always here
You can crush it but it's always near
Chasing you home
Saying, everything is broken
Everyone is broken
You can force it but it will stay stung
You can crush it as dry as a bone
You can walk it home straight from school
You can kiss you can break all the rules
But still, everything is broken
Everyone is broken
Everyone is, everyone is broken
Everyone is, everything is broken
Why can't you forget
Why can't you forget
Why can't you forget
(1995. The Bends.)
What a classic! I love how this song sounds like we're in a whirlwind of sound. Everything reverberates and, at times, you can't even tell from where the sound is coming. Guitar? Synth? Voice? Huh? I also like the simple guitar melody that is played over all of the sound towards the end. Love things like that. It reminds me of classical music when things are getting so crazy and then you get to hear the main melody again.
And the winner is...
Planet Telex!
Lushness wins. Probably doesn't hurt that I know this song from the first note I hear.
Instrumental
( 2003. There There. Com Lag.)
Even though this is listed as being instrumental, there is some singing that goes along with it. This song would fit in perfectly on an Atoms for Peace album with it's weird synthesizers and beats. I can't remember which songs came before and after it on the Radiohead EP so I don't know if it sticks out on there or not.
"Planet Telex"
You can force it but it will not come
You can taste it but it will not form
You can crush it but it's always here
You can crush it but it's always near
Chasing you home
Saying, everything is broken
Everyone is broken
You can force it but it will stay stung
You can crush it as dry as a bone
You can walk it home straight from school
You can kiss you can break all the rules
But still, everything is broken
Everyone is broken
Everyone is, everyone is broken
Everyone is, everything is broken
Why can't you forget
Why can't you forget
Why can't you forget
(1995. The Bends.)
What a classic! I love how this song sounds like we're in a whirlwind of sound. Everything reverberates and, at times, you can't even tell from where the sound is coming. Guitar? Synth? Voice? Huh? I also like the simple guitar melody that is played over all of the sound towards the end. Love things like that. It reminds me of classical music when things are getting so crazy and then you get to hear the main melody again.
And the winner is...
Planet Telex!
Lushness wins. Probably doesn't hurt that I know this song from the first note I hear.
Monday, October 21, 2013
"Million Dollar Question" vs "The Bends"
Continuing on...
"Million Dollar Question"
Was always waiting for the crush
The car to drive right through the shops
To call in sick and late at work
And take a holiday
Was always tangled up in knots
To keep myself from speaking up
But no-one's listening anyway
Just trying to bribe me..
And if it's alright, then what am I doing here?
And if it's alright, this place is gassed by fear
And if it's alright, I'll tell you, 'cause you never understand
And if it's alright, I'll beg you, 'cause I'm a begging kind of man
Today I wrote a bad cheque
Packed a bag and took a jet
But no-one's looking anyway
I hope they miss me
I just think maybe I'm making a mistake.
This song is fine. Good, even, but something about it feels dated now. It reminds me of the stuff I heard all the time at house shows and cheap concerts when I was in college. Although, I guess they were ahead of their time since I went to college 10 years after this was released. The song has a heavier rock feel (with guitar and drums) than my usual favorite Radiohead songs, but it does use an inverted soft-loud-soft formula, of which I am so fond.
"The Bends"
Where do we go from here
The words are coming out all weird
Where are you now when I need you
Alone on an airplane
Falling asleep against the window pain
My blood will thicken
I need to wash myself again
To hide all the dirt and pain
'Cause I'd be scared that there's nothing underneath
And who are my real friends
Have they all got the bends
Am I really sinking, this slow
My baby's got the bends, oh no
We don't have any real friends, no no no
I'm just lying in a bar with my drip feed on
Talking to my girlfriend
Waiting for something to happen
And I wish it was the 60s,
I wish I could be happy, I wish, I wish, I wish
That something would happen
Where do we go from here
The planet is all gummed up in a sea of fear
And where are you
They brought in the C.I.A
The tanks and the whole marines to blow me away
To blow me sky high
Baby's got the bends
We don't have any real friends
I'm just lying in a bar with my drip feed on
Talking to my girlfriend
Waiting for something to happen
And I wish it was the 60s,
I wish I could be happy, I wish, I wish, I wish
That something would
I want to live and breathe
I want to be part of the human race
I want to live and breathe
I want to be part of the human race, race, race
Where do we go from here
The words are coming out all weird
Where are you now, when I need you
The album this song is on is probably my favorite Radiohead song and this, the title track is a great piece of it. Everything just sounds so much tighter and the great sounds of the guitar and voice are given room to be appreciated. I also love how Thom Yorke enunciates certain words in the song. I'm not always a lyrics person, but in this song I am because of how they're presented.
And the winner is...
The Bends!
The way the words are sung totally gets me!
"Million Dollar Question"
Was always waiting for the crush
The car to drive right through the shops
To call in sick and late at work
And take a holiday
Was always tangled up in knots
To keep myself from speaking up
But no-one's listening anyway
Just trying to bribe me..
And if it's alright, then what am I doing here?
And if it's alright, this place is gassed by fear
And if it's alright, I'll tell you, 'cause you never understand
And if it's alright, I'll beg you, 'cause I'm a begging kind of man
Today I wrote a bad cheque
Packed a bag and took a jet
But no-one's looking anyway
I hope they miss me
I just think maybe I'm making a mistake.
This song is fine. Good, even, but something about it feels dated now. It reminds me of the stuff I heard all the time at house shows and cheap concerts when I was in college. Although, I guess they were ahead of their time since I went to college 10 years after this was released. The song has a heavier rock feel (with guitar and drums) than my usual favorite Radiohead songs, but it does use an inverted soft-loud-soft formula, of which I am so fond.
"The Bends"
Where do we go from here
The words are coming out all weird
Where are you now when I need you
Alone on an airplane
Falling asleep against the window pain
My blood will thicken
I need to wash myself again
To hide all the dirt and pain
'Cause I'd be scared that there's nothing underneath
And who are my real friends
Have they all got the bends
Am I really sinking, this slow
My baby's got the bends, oh no
We don't have any real friends, no no no
I'm just lying in a bar with my drip feed on
Talking to my girlfriend
Waiting for something to happen
And I wish it was the 60s,
I wish I could be happy, I wish, I wish, I wish
That something would happen
Where do we go from here
The planet is all gummed up in a sea of fear
And where are you
They brought in the C.I.A
The tanks and the whole marines to blow me away
To blow me sky high
Baby's got the bends
We don't have any real friends
I'm just lying in a bar with my drip feed on
Talking to my girlfriend
Waiting for something to happen
And I wish it was the 60s,
I wish I could be happy, I wish, I wish, I wish
That something would
I want to live and breathe
I want to be part of the human race
I want to live and breathe
I want to be part of the human race, race, race
Where do we go from here
The words are coming out all weird
Where are you now, when I need you
The album this song is on is probably my favorite Radiohead song and this, the title track is a great piece of it. Everything just sounds so much tighter and the great sounds of the guitar and voice are given room to be appreciated. I also love how Thom Yorke enunciates certain words in the song. I'm not always a lyrics person, but in this song I am because of how they're presented.
And the winner is...
The Bends!
The way the words are sung totally gets me!
Wednesday, October 09, 2013
"Life in a Glass House" vs "Inside My Head"
With Round 1 behind me, I'm ready to tackle anything! Okay, that's a lie, but I know that the next pairing isn't two of my favorites, which should hopefully make it easier.
"Life in a Glass House"
Once again I'm in trouble with my only friend
She is papering the window panes
She is putting on a smile
Living in a glass house
Once again packed like frozen food and battery hens
Think of all the starving millions
Don't talk politics and don't throw stones
Your royal highness's
Well of course I'd like to sit around and chat
Well of course I'd like to stay and chew the fat
Well of course I'd like to sit around and chat
But someone's listening in
Once again we are hungry for a lynching
That's a strange mistake to make
You should turn the other cheek
Living in a glass house
Well of course I'd like to sit around and chat
Well of course I'd like to stay and chew the fat
Well of course I'd like to sit around and chat
Only only only only only only only only only only...
There's someone listening in
(2000. Amnesiac.)
Oh how I love those instruments behind the singing. It reminds me of something I would play clarinet on so, of course, this song gets major bonus points for that! (And, actually, upon doing some research, I see that the clarinet player on this song is Jimmy Hastings, a Scottish musician.Yay!) This song always makes me think of New Orleans at like 6am. Most of the partiers are gone to bed, and just a few musicians and a passionate singer are left on the dirty, streamer-strewn streets, singing about injustices as they walk home.
I really love this song because of the jazz influences and how all of the non-guitar instruments sound so hazy and lazy combined with the singing.
"Inside My Head"
What do you want from me?
Now you got me
Now my fingers bleed
Now they're staring at me
I'm a coward now
I hold my peace
Now you tie me up to your feather bed
And I twist and turn in a Chinese burn
You won't let go
You won't let go
You're inside my head
Inside my head
What do you want from me?
Now you got me
Now my energy you suck from me
And I'm holding on for dear life
Quit smothering me
Quit laughing at me
I've got a disease
An English disease
It won't let go
It won't let go
You're inside my head
Inside my head
What did you put in that syringe?
Whatever you really said to him?
Is sitting there, inside of me
And you bother me
You possess me
You're there again
Ahead of me
And I won't let go
I won't let go
You're inside my head
Inside my head
Inside my head
Inside my head
(1992. Creep. Stop Whispering.)
This song has a lot of energy and really has held up well since it was written 20 years ago (!!). I can imagine hearing this song at a small venue or even at a house show with the crowd going crazy. This song reminds me of Muse a bit, actually. Or, I guess I should say that this song sounds like how Muse ends up sounding later. And oh how I love Muse!
And the winner is...
Life in a Glass House!!!
Thank the clarinet playing for pushing this one to win.
"Life in a Glass House"
Once again I'm in trouble with my only friend
She is papering the window panes
She is putting on a smile
Living in a glass house
Once again packed like frozen food and battery hens
Think of all the starving millions
Don't talk politics and don't throw stones
Your royal highness's
Well of course I'd like to sit around and chat
Well of course I'd like to stay and chew the fat
Well of course I'd like to sit around and chat
But someone's listening in
Once again we are hungry for a lynching
That's a strange mistake to make
You should turn the other cheek
Living in a glass house
Well of course I'd like to sit around and chat
Well of course I'd like to stay and chew the fat
Well of course I'd like to sit around and chat
Only only only only only only only only only only...
There's someone listening in
(2000. Amnesiac.)
Oh how I love those instruments behind the singing. It reminds me of something I would play clarinet on so, of course, this song gets major bonus points for that! (And, actually, upon doing some research, I see that the clarinet player on this song is Jimmy Hastings, a Scottish musician.Yay!) This song always makes me think of New Orleans at like 6am. Most of the partiers are gone to bed, and just a few musicians and a passionate singer are left on the dirty, streamer-strewn streets, singing about injustices as they walk home.
I really love this song because of the jazz influences and how all of the non-guitar instruments sound so hazy and lazy combined with the singing.
"Inside My Head"
What do you want from me?
Now you got me
Now my fingers bleed
Now they're staring at me
I'm a coward now
I hold my peace
Now you tie me up to your feather bed
And I twist and turn in a Chinese burn
You won't let go
You won't let go
You're inside my head
Inside my head
What do you want from me?
Now you got me
Now my energy you suck from me
And I'm holding on for dear life
Quit smothering me
Quit laughing at me
I've got a disease
An English disease
It won't let go
It won't let go
You're inside my head
Inside my head
What did you put in that syringe?
Whatever you really said to him?
Is sitting there, inside of me
And you bother me
You possess me
You're there again
Ahead of me
And I won't let go
I won't let go
You're inside my head
Inside my head
Inside my head
Inside my head
(1992. Creep. Stop Whispering.)
This song has a lot of energy and really has held up well since it was written 20 years ago (!!). I can imagine hearing this song at a small venue or even at a house show with the crowd going crazy. This song reminds me of Muse a bit, actually. Or, I guess I should say that this song sounds like how Muse ends up sounding later. And oh how I love Muse!
And the winner is...
Life in a Glass House!!!
Thank the clarinet playing for pushing this one to win.
Tuesday, October 08, 2013
"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)"
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
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
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!
Saturday, October 05, 2013
Radiohead
Because I am a glutton for punishment, I have set up a 128 song bracket to figure out the best/my favorite Radiohead song. I'm not sure how long this will take, but I do hope you will stay tuned and definitely comment with your votes!
Check out my bracket:
Radiohead Songs
I pretty much just did each entry randomly with a few unofficial seeds to ensure my favorites wouldn't knock each other out early on. I do promise that I did much of this with squinty eyes so I couldn't cheat. And also, since wikipedia says that Radiohead has 161 songs, I started by deleting anything unreleased, which are mostly the last 10 or so. I also left off "Fitter Happier" since it's a robot 'song' as well as some of the more random ones from random EPs. (I'm already certain I've left off some gem.) I really didn't want to leave off anything from a studio album even if I already knew it wouldn't make it past the first round so they're all there. I forced myself to take off the super early B-sides mostly because it's possible I haven't even heard them..and because I HAD to get the song list down to 128.
So, check it out and start picking your favorites! Any early predictions??
I'll start soon...
XO,
SVR
Check out my bracket:
Radiohead Songs
I pretty much just did each entry randomly with a few unofficial seeds to ensure my favorites wouldn't knock each other out early on. I do promise that I did much of this with squinty eyes so I couldn't cheat. And also, since wikipedia says that Radiohead has 161 songs, I started by deleting anything unreleased, which are mostly the last 10 or so. I also left off "Fitter Happier" since it's a robot 'song' as well as some of the more random ones from random EPs. (I'm already certain I've left off some gem.) I really didn't want to leave off anything from a studio album even if I already knew it wouldn't make it past the first round so they're all there. I forced myself to take off the super early B-sides mostly because it's possible I haven't even heard them..and because I HAD to get the song list down to 128.
So, check it out and start picking your favorites! Any early predictions??
I'll start soon...
XO,
SVR
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