Why did Radiohead go all freaky on me?

[rog951]

Ok, I controlled myself. I wanted to call the thread "why did Radiohead start sucking it so bad?" :) But, I'm sure there will be people on here who absolutely LOVE Kid A and Amnesiac. Me? I don't get it. They were one of my favorite bands right through OK Computer and I really miss the "old" Radiohead. Anybody have any theories as to what happened? I think they just kept getting more popular and acclaimed as they got more experimental and they didn't recognize it might be possible to take it too far (at least for me!). Any ideas?

[MattC]

I don't own a single radiohead album, nor do i like the music, but I will sy this: Among those ariginal artists here, how many of us don't want to be paid to create the art we really want to create?

[Shawn1272]

I am a huge fan of Radiohead. I love their old stuff and their new stuff. I can understand if you don't like the direction that they chose to go in but what did you expect? OK Computer 2? I hate it when bands keep re-writing the same songs over and over. (See: Aerosmith) I rather prefer a band that I like to challenge me as a listener, even if I don't get it, than to remain stuck in a certain musical period or genre. The Beatles did it, Beck does it all the time, hell even Led Zeppelin put out L.Z. 3 instead of Whole Lotta Love 2. I feel your pain here, believe me. I was a big U2 fan until about 3 records ago. I thought Achtung Baby was amazing and then ??? And their newest record? Crap! I couldn't believe it when I heard it. But I have to give them credit for going in a new direction. (Except for the last record, that's unforgivable) There's my 2 cents, spend it or not. S

[not Cereal]

wow. not to start an arguement here, but i think radiohead is headed in a direction. kid a seems like the next step after ok computer. i like kid a even more than ok computer. i mean listen to exit music and then listen to some of kid a...... then listen to that "loser" (cant remember the name) song off romeo and juliet, its almost TAME, a normal tune?!

[Chip McDonald]

Isn't that sort of like saying "Why did Pink Floyd get all freaky on me?" Why is _Amnesiac_ freakier? The Pyramid Song is the best thing they've ever done IMO.....

[doug osborne]

I miss their older, funnier movies.

[Parisongs]

All freaky? Hmmmm. do we need hypnotherapy or are we a bit limited in our capacity to comprehend? Maybe smoking a joint will help.

[Gtoledo3]

I agree, they used to be MUCH better. Now they're just releasing the kind of stuff i do when I'm too messed up to feel like writing a song, but I still want to record some. "OK, break out the space echo and the drum machine, lay the guitar on the floor w/ a flanger and let it feed back, hit some pots and pans..." it's like music for chimps.

[rog951]

[quote]Originally posted by Parisongs: [b]All freaky? Hmmmm. do we need hypnotherapy or are we a bit limited in our capacity to comprehend? Maybe smoking a joint will help.[/b][/quote]Yeah, their music must have gotten too smart for me :rolleyes:

[Parisongs]

[quote] I agree, they used to be MUCH better. Now they're just releasing the kind of stuff i do when I'm too messed up to feel like writing a song, but I still want to record some. "OK, break out the space echo and the drum machine, lay the guitar on the floor w/ a flanger and let it feed back, hit some pots and pans..." it's like music for chimps. [/quote]A joke? Or more comprehension problems?

[Gtoledo3]

[quote]Originally posted by Parisongs: [b] [quote] I agree, they used to be MUCH better. Now they're just releasing the kind of stuff i do when I'm too messed up to feel like writing a song, but I still want to record some. "OK, break out the space echo and the drum machine, lay the guitar on the floor w/ a flanger and let it feed back, hit some pots and pans..." it's like music for chimps. [/quote]A joke? Or more comprehension problems?[/b][/quote]Can you say "MAJOR FILLER?"

[rog951]

[quote]Originally posted by Hank The Cave Peanut: [b]>>>But I'd imagine it might get frustrating to listen to their newer stuff too much if they don't really sit down and write proper "songs" any more. Maybe that's where you (rog951) are coming from...?<<<[/b][/quote]As much as I hate to admit it, and as closed-minded as it'll probably make me seem, I think the above quote is at the core of it for me. Good observation. BUT, beyond that, I really do think their sense of melody has suffered on the last two albums (and somewhat on OK Computer too, at least compared to The Bends). I'm not saying there aren't any cool parts or even entire songs anymore; just that they've gotten SO "experimental" that a lot of it is beyond the limits of what I enjoy, musically. To be fair, I haven't given either of the recent CDs the chance that I gave the earlier ones. It always took several listens for me to latch on to their music anyway...it's just that these last few haven't kept my attention long enough to grab me. Hmmmmm. Maybe I just want them to ROCK. I'm so selfish...

[Parisongs]

[quote] To be fair, I haven't given either of the recent CDs the chance that I gave the earlier ones. It always took several listens for me to latch on to their music anyway...it's just that these last few haven't kept my attention long enough to grab me. Hmmmmm. Maybe I just want them to ROCK. I'm so selfish... [/quote]Well, there you go. If at first you don't succeed, try, try, try,try,try again. Really, the [b]melodies[/b](yes, melodies that may defy convention according you losers) on these albums are nothing short of sheer brilliance. Try, try again :freak:

[KenElevenShadows]

I think 'Kid A' is their finest effort. I also really love 'OK Computer' and 'The Bends'. Not a huge 'Amnesiac' fan, though, but 'Kid A' sounds great, and has these lovely warm electronic sounds, and the songs are compelling to me. To each his own, I guess. I also admire their bravery for pursuing their own muse, something that I wish more bands would do.

[not Cereal]

OOH A FIGHT!!! FIGHT!!! FIGHT!!! ;) ;) ;) no just kidding. good points so far though. i like all radiohead's stuff that i have heard and KID A is one of my favorites. if ya'll dont like it thats ok too.

[Roto]

They haven't done anything as good as The Bends as far as I'm concerned. Gimme some Fake Plastic Trees and I'm happy. :) They not only got more experimental, but they also just don't rock as much as they did back when they were being called Nirvana ripoffs because of Creep.

[Salyphus]

Radiohead is one of the only 'modern rock' bands that I like and respect (of those I've heard). They seem to be one of the few who are pursuing both commercial and artistic ends and doing so in a successful and interesting way. Which is exactly what the Beatles did in their heyday. Which reminds me, Karma Police (great song) reminds me in some ways of Sexy Sadie. Obviously tastes will always differ, but you have to respect them for trying new things and not just regurgitating the same crap over and over as is so easy and common. And they actually write [b]songs[/b]. What a concept! :D

[Bunny Knutson]

[quote]Originally posted by GT3: [b]"OK, break out the space echo and the drum machine, lay the guitar on the floor w/ a flanger and let it feed back, hit some pots and pans..." it's like music for chimps.[/b][/quote]LOL! That is freaking hilarious! Good one, George! :D

[Rog]

They didn't go freaky on you. You either couldn't or wouldn't keep up with them. Simple. I know some of the band members expressed doubts as to where Thom was going, it's entirely natural and to be expected when you jettison much of what has made you famous and rich but that's what Thom wanted to do in order to progress. If you can't support what Thom is up to then there's the door, make sure you close it on your way out and be sure to pick up some Rush albums on your way ;) Sorry to be harsh but it fucks me off something rotten when a musician bitches about another musician taking risks and experimenting when that is EXACTLY what music lacks at the moment. Stay cool :)

[MattC]

Rob, I can see your point, but I'm pretty sure that the presiding POV here is that of music fans, not musicians. The music fans here (many of them,anyway) are put off by the fact that the newer music isn't as easy to listen to as their older music. And to hank the cave peanut,I'd like to point out that there are many bands out there that are doing things that are different and challenging- take the entire progressive genre, for instance. Just as new RadioHead may not be everybody's cuppa tea, neither is progressive, but the bands are still out there. RadioHead's music doesn't do it for me, but I can listen to any Dream Theater or Fates Warning disc for hours on end. It is frustrating as a fan, though, to get into a band's music only to have them change directions on you. As musicians, we hold the key: we can create any music we want to hear. Unlike the fans, we're not limited to what's out there already; we can do whatever we want. If you dig old radio head, the solution is simple- play songs in that style. Along the way in your musical journey, you are bound to find other groups who play the music you want to hear. You support them, they support you, and the whole of the musical world is better off for it.

[rog951]

[quote]Originally posted by Rog: [b]>>>They didn't go freaky on you. You either couldn't or wouldn't keep up with them. Simple.<<<[/b][/quote]Yeah, you're probably right. The overwhelming majority of you guys seem to think that Radiohead's stuff is as good or better now than ever. I think that's great. I WANT to like it, really I do. I'm not bitching about them being experimental either; I'm bitching about them making what sounds like crappy music to me. When the experiment is successful, THEN put it on the album! :) Most of that John Cage and Philip Glass-type stuff is annoying to me too. Hey, I've still got all their albums so it's not like I hate the band. Hell, I'll probably continue to buy 'em in the hopes I can someday be as cool as everyone else here! Or maybe I'll finish up my doctorate so I can better comprehend the music like that genius Parisongs! :thu:

[Salyphus]

Ironically, the reason I like their new stuff is because, while they are using innovative techniques, I feel they are using them to actually create good songs, which to me seems quite rare. Obviously it is a matter of aesthetic preference whether you think they are succeeding or not, but you at least have to admit they are attemepting something interesting. Funny additional anecdote: I only started listening to them within the last couple of years (go figure) and didn't know that song 'Creep' was theirs until even more recently. I never liked that song at all and I still don't, it really grates on me for some reason. So I would have to say in my opinion they have definitely improved (though I do like some of their other stuff from that era.)

[Salyphus]

[quote]Originally posted by GThree Wisemen: [b]I agree, they used to be MUCH better. Now they're just releasing the kind of stuff i do when I'm too messed up to feel like writing a song, but I still want to record some. "OK, break out the space echo and the drum machine, lay the guitar on the floor w/ a flanger and let it feed back, hit some pots and pans..." it's like music for chimps.[/b][/quote]Until you write some great words and a melody to go with it, carve it into an interesting arrangement, and then you might have a pretty kickass tune! Hey man, give it a go, I'd love to hear it :thu: What can I say, I'm a chimp, but I'm in good company :D

[Bunny Knutson]

Yes, Sal, you are a chimp. And I mean that in the kindest way. Some of my best friends are chimps, as you know. At least you're not a chump. Look, anyone who likes Radiohead is clearly an idiot. JUST KIDDING! I am one of the poeple who is still trying to like them, so give me time. I need to borrow some of Sal's discs and spend some quality headphone time with them. I think they are a good band, and I really like Pink Floyd, so I think I might end up really liking Radiohead. I think their videos are brilliant, and the music that goes with them is good, too. :D I thought GT3's comment above was hilarious, no matter which band it was about. BTW, GT3 is an excellent musician/songwriter, so his opinion is as valid as anyone's. Bear in mind, of course, that GT3 is also a chimp. :D

[Zohair]

[quote]Originally posted by dBunny: [b]Look, anyone who likes Radiohead is clearly an idiot. [/b][/quote]Um, no. I'm afraid I disagree with you here.