I hate myself for being “that guy” but OK Computer REALLY needs to be a full album experience, man. Literally one of the GOAT albums. As awesome as this song is, coming into it after the oppressive, murky Climbing Up the Walls.. it really amplifies the light & dozy, blissed-out nature of this tune. Full album listen man. We’re here for it.
Many people point out how well this song depicts depression and suicidal desperation but I think what is often missed is that there’s also an ironic sweetness to these low moods which is picked up perfectly by the ostensibly innocent sound of the bells and xylophone. There’s really nothing accidental about Radiohead’s music.
For 25 years I have been trying to determine if he's advocating for a normal life with a pretty wife and nice garden or is he just throwing all of that under the bus. I think Thom is a wonderful Troll.
Their songs don't make you depressed. But when you do have depression, their music actually helps you out. The sheer beauty and the truths you feel and experience from listening, can really pull you out of your sadness.
@@Hypobolic415 while I could see a potential troll that handshake of carbon monoxide removes any doubt. That line has always stuck with me as I was very near shaking it's hand one day myself.
@@itchywitch I think they very much can make someone depressed. I think though the reason they are able to pull me out of my worst moments is because when the doc just wants to shift some chemicals in my head and others just think I need to "cheer up" Radiohead proves to me that someone knows enough about how I actually FEEL to write songs about it.
The song isn't hiding that it's about suicide. The simple/airy nature of the song has a cruel irony when you listen to the lyrics, as death seems like a seductive release when you're in the depths of depression.
'' It could be applied to aging baby boomers who used to protest the government (You were so tired, happy, bring down the government, they don't, they don't speak for us) who have resignated themselves to high-stress jobs where they are subjected to heart disease or exposed to dangerous chemicals that are killing them (a job that slowly kills you), eating foods that clog their arteries and smoke and drink so that their body is full of poisons (A heart that's full up like a landfill), and they are slowly coming down with cancer, strokes, and heart attacks (some cancers have symptoms of bruises that don't go away and heart attacks and strokes can be brought on by blood clots blocking blood vessels and don't move), so they deal with businesses that poison the air (I'll take the quiet life, a handshake of carbon monoxide) such as the automobile industry. No longer arguing or protesting (Silent, silent). They may be on their death bed with a terminal disease caused by their lifestyle of the aforementioned or it could be their last time mentioning their dissent before taking in a life of pure acquiescence (This is my final fit, my final bellyache). They trade in the thrill and flavor of their life for the security of assimilation and in exchange for acceptance they get their house in the suburbs complete with a yard and 2.5 children (Such a pretty house, such a pretty garden). And they don't want any stirring up of their past excitement (No alarms and no surprises, please).'' I copied it off some Song Meaning site
One night I was listening to Radiohead during a snowstorm driving home from work. I couldn't see anything, and the lyric "keep breathing, don't lose your mind" came on and really took me out of the moment.
That one is incredible, 'Nude' , 'The Tourist' and 'I Might Be Wrong' are also incredible. I Will ("No Man's Land") is short but sweet, really iconic for me.
My first daughter would scream & cry as a baby whenever we had to drive anywhere. My wife and I dreaded going anywhere with her. I played "No Surprises" for her hoping it's gentle tone would relax her. She was asleep in 30 seconds. It became mandatory for every trip. I love the song so I'm not complaining. I love it more now for the peace it brought.
@@Michael-dj6pd When they released In Rainbows and you could pay what you wanted for it, I bought it for 50p. Then when I listened to it, and realised it was total genius, I felt like a complete dick and went back and paid full price for it. I now have it on vinyl too. Still feel guilty about it now.
The bit where you say 'Simple isn't easy' really hit me. Simple is one of the hardest things there is. You can put out a super-complex arrangement with layers upon layers upon layers with all kinds of effects and tricks and gimmicks and it's easy for poor choices and wrong steps to vanish in amongst all that 'noise', but in a simple arrangement, the slightest wrong step stands out like a spider on a wedding cake. 'Simple' is HARD.
Radiohead are emotionally draining but very satisfying. I can't describe the feeling when I sit down and listen to their albums. I could just lie down and spend the day listening. I had avoided getting into Radiohead. I don't know why but the only song I had heard from them was Creep, and I did not pursue them further. Then in my first semester in college, I decided to give them a try and I immediately went into a phase where I'd listen only to Radiohead all the time. Discovering a band that can leave an impression on you is such a delight.
The lyrics set against the music set this track apart. The last chorus with the backing vocals saying “let me out of here” gives me chills. Really drives home the album concept of an uneasy relationship with technology in the present (which was the 90s) and where it would take us in the future.
Yeah, I love the sweet, music-box style music, Thom's almost Perry Como style singing, contrasted with the truly dark lyrics. It's definitely in my top ten favorite songs of all time.
I've been listening to this album since it came out and that 'let me out of here' harmony still hits me hard every time. Same with Thom's panned vocals in the climax of 'Let Down'.
I never felt it was about technology, it was all about people and the oppression we face as workers. The first lyrics are "a job that will slowly kill you". It's not about technology, it's about humans becoming robots.
Probably the greatest band to emerge in the past 30 years from these shores, power, poise, emotion, songs that build and go somewhere, devastating live and a vocalist with incredible range they got the lot
This is a song of painful beauty. One of the things I learned about this track is that they purposefully dropped the speed of the arrangement so that it is slightly flat (it drives guitar players batty to try and play along with the track lol), and the vocals are dropped in on the mix after. Such a haunting song about the desire to just be done/finished/ still. Just at the precipice, a desire to push through back into the world feels almost joyous. This song has been there for me in many dark times, and I am glad you got to enjoy it with us
Subterranean Homesick Alien.....recommended listening on star filled night as you ponder Everything and immediately flow into the next track Exit Music for a Film. You won't regret those 9 minutes of your life. Thanks for covering RH.
'Subterranean...' is quite possibly my favourite Radiohead song. I just find it one of the most perfect matches of lyrics and music, and the composition and the mix is so otherworldly. Good shout
subterranean is just perfect... really captures the band's talent to be able to compose and arrange (let alone mix, thanks Nigel!) such a complex song in its intertwining melodies. and the lyrics are so simple yet so beautiful as well.
I just did a cover of Fake Plastic Trees (on my RUclips) and performed it live for the first time last night. Such a gorgeous song, and No Surprises is next :)
One interesting thing about this song is that the instruments were recorded at a faster pace, and then the song was slowed down for the voice to be recorded. There are a few videos with the pitch adjusted and it sounds a totally different song.
When I was younger, I thought this song was about the aspirations to get away from it all. I later heard a more accurate interpretation that it was about the modern social condition wearing you down so much that all you want to do is go and hide, because you can't take any more stress and psychological abuse. - Which is why he's slowly drowning in the music video. - Deep man, really deep, - and beautiful.
Holy cow, I was going to request that you do this song for Father's Day because I sang this to both of my kids all the time when they were babies. What a great gift!
The combination of possibly one of Thom’s best vocals, and the beach boys influence makes this production truly special 😉 no other band in the galaxy could have made this record 🤔 every single person on this planet will relate to at least one line of lyrics from this song 😊
This song still gives me chills after countless listens over so, so many years. I would love to hear your take on Climbing Up the Walls or the next song on the album, Lucky. So many songs put me in the mindset of Pink Floyd with the perfect mix of incredibly catchy hooks, raw emotion and beautiful simplicity. I would love to hear your take on the engineering of the vocals and instrumentation on Climbing Up the Walls, while Lucky feels a little reminiscent of Great Gig in the Sky. I can't wait for the next installment!
This song is beyond special to me. Everything about it is magical. It's a lullaby for the middle aged. "A heart that's full up like a landfill. A job that slowly kills you. Bruises that won't heal." So poignant and always hits me straight in the feels. Every single time. Love your channel, man. Love that you are doing these videos on my favorite band. I'm branching out into your other videos too. Some Radiohead songs I'll love to see you do are 'Weird Fishes/Arpeggi' 'Life In a Glasshouse' 'The National Anthem' 'Nude' and 'All I Need' and 'Exit Music (for a film)
“Weird Fishes” 🙏🏼 (Radiohead) next please. Anyway ... No Surprises has a special place in my heart. Always tear up thinking about my parents being so old. They are 75 now ... I’m 42. Time flies. This song seems to just capture it all.
It's so uplifting and reassuring for me to see the music I've loved the most (Tool and Radiohead) be justified in its brilliance and innovation. It's very cathartic. Plus I get to hear it all again with your ears as if for the first time. It's a truly beautiful experience, every time. OK Computer and Aenema came out around the same time and I've never stopped loving either band. I've also held them as the gold standard of their genres all this time, and it's so good to know that I, a nearly pure listener, have been so fortunate. Thank you, Geebz.
Finally someone articulated it! When you said it was 'sombre and heavy' but at the same time 'relieving and hopeful' - that's exactly how I've experienced Radiohead for 20 years. So many people say it's 'miserable/depressing', but it's so uplifting to me.
OK Computer was the first contemporary album I fell in love with. Prior to that I’d listened to lots of 60s and 70s albums, but as a young adolescent OKC spoke to my teenage angst in a way I may never really comprehend but I knew on the first listen it was special. I still listen to it now but man is it depressing.
The Reckoner is another outstanding song you might be interested in, and/or Lotus Flower, and or Exit music (for a film). There's 3 more for you 😉 I could go on
We've got heads on sticks And you've got ventriloquists As a ventriloquist, you might be interested in the song Kid A on the album of the same name. Like No Surprises, it lures you in with a lullaby sound, but takes a darker turn (in the case of Kid A, a Pied Piper allusion).
Oof... you gotta give a listen to something from their album "In Rainbows". Probably a song like Reckoner or Nude or Jigsaw Falling Into Place? Or the whole thing really... something about that album just moves me so so deeply. It's the perfect blend of melancholy and softness. Not to be too sappy with the comparisons but if OK Computer and Kid A sound like grey winter nights then In Rainbows is a beautiful spring afternoon, y'know? With the breeze in your hair and the sun warming your skin.
Nude is my favorite song. Out of every song I've heard it's my favorite. When it gets to the climax of the song, I was actually so rocked with emotion the first time I heard it that i couldn't breathe. Thom has such a beautiful voice. Reckoner is my second favorite song of all time. It never fails to just make me joyful
@@PlanetTelex00 First time I heard Nude was watching the From the Basement session just last year. I already liked some of their most famous tunes but never considered myself a fan. I clicked on the video because I was bored and I guess I was expecting Thom to be a somewhat decent performer... when he hit that note (we all know which one) I was so moved I immediately decided to look for their entire discography. Gotta thank the RUclips algorithm for that!
I can't tell you how many times I've gone for a night walk with OK Computer being my soundtrack. The climax of No Surprises makes me want to cry every time (in both joy and sadness).
Amazing again. "A Release of Suffering" is exactly why Radiohead is so magically CATHARTIC even when they're completely despairing, because they're genius composers! Their most impactful song on me remains OPTIMISTC. Musically it's an AGGRESSIVE OPPRESSIVE DIRGE, and the lyrics honestly play straight with that theme... AND YET!!!... it has always impacted me, especially at the depths of my depression, as EMPOWERING. And having my feelings of utter despair made so explicit somehow make it possible for the song's seemingly ironic lyrics ("You can try the best you can; the best you can is good enough") hit fully sincerely as good enough reason to keep on going. Sorry, got off on a tangent there, but very similar theme to No Suprises, although almost a complete inverse... No Suprises is the soothing positive song about settling for nothing you really wanted that feels like an ironic (and again-- ironically empowering!) rejection of its own premise.
What a beautiful day! I wake up to see this of all songs.. such a treat and a unique doing by Radiohead. Have you ever heard of Elliot Smith? Waltz#2 is a good start
Man you really need to do Daily Mail by Radiohead! I’d love to hear your thoughts since it has horns, some amazing major lifts, and an intense crescendo!!!!
Such a pretty house and such a pretty garden....... Such a beautiful song! The video its so purposeful! Love ya for doing this. PLEASE stay on the Radiohead wagon..... You will be blown away. They are MASTERS.
There's so much Radiohead material that deserves a reaction, it's even hard to make suggestions. But I'd love to see you react to "Nude" and "Present Tense".
This album.."ok computer" pulled the musican out of me!! After I listened to this album in 97 specifically track 4 "exit music" I bought a guitar and have been writing music ever since! This entire album merits a reaction as some have done, truly one of the greatest rock albums ever made!! This is a song about "suicide" and the guitar does use a capo on the 3rd fret. Pleas do more Radiohead! I rainbows from the basement please!!! I subbed for Radiohead! I'll buy you a ☕☕☕☕☺️
omg if you have the time you should watch the show house md! Around season 7 the first episode starts out with no surprises blasting and after 7 seasons of attachment to the character and seeing how the story took a heartbreaking twist it was literally chilling to watch.
When first heard this right right after one the most terrifying tracks (Climbing Up the Wall) in the album it was one of the most exhilarating musical experiences I’ve ever head, a single moment which made me their lifetime fan. Listen to it as intended and you’ll probably agree.
Went to see Radiohead when Anyone Can Play Guitar had just come out. There was no more than 70 people in the crowd. I knew then that they would be big. The most consistently creative band of a generation imo. And Glastonbury in 97 is still my favourite ever live performance. May they long continue.
You’re so lucky (pun intended), Glastonbury ’97 is one of my favourite documented shows they’ve done - Climbing Up the Walls, My Iron Lung and Exit Music from that show are mind blowing!
i really love the proper analysis you give here. that's the thing that always shocks me about radiohead; thom yorke is obviously an astonishingly talented songwriter in his own right, but the real strength of the band is in their absolutely perfect arrangements. it genuinely astounds me how they are all able to complement each others' parts perfectly and always make a song greater than the sum of its parts. i vaguely remember seeing another member, jonny greenwood, talk about how they saw themselves less like a regular, meat-and-potatoes "oi i want a solo in this one" kind of rock band and more just as a collective of arrangers, and i'm glad you really picked up on this. i've always really admired this song (i think it's the perfect "pop" song with only some latter-day beatles really competing), and so i love that you picked it apart in this way. it's highlighted some of the things i admire about it, and i think your analysis will really help with my own songwriting and arrangements.
It really is a very lush track, tender but fleshed out...almost a hidden intensity and a feeling of open honesty. It's an absolutely beautiful thing! GREAT vid
You really have to try Radiohead's Burn The Witch! I think you'll find it really interesting with their use of strings and bass. It's one of their more recent tracks. Also, did you know band member Jonny Greenwood composed multiple film scores including There Will Be Blood?
I posted a comment on your Pyramid Song video about this but I’ll repeat the gist here: their newer work is absolutely mind-melting from a string arrangement and overall composition perspective. I’d love to hear what you think about Burn the Witch and The Numbers. Thanks for doing what you do!
Someone’s probably already mentioned it, but Jonny Greenwood the lead guitarist said that the song is in 4/4 time, but his guitar arpeggiated melody part over the verses is in 5/4 time. Radiohead does that complexity that sounds simple and “right” really well, as opposed to complexity for complexity’s sake.
Love your reviews as always, so glad you got to dive into this exhalation of a song. STRONGLY recommend National Anthem - amazing orchestration and compositions.
This is one of my favorite Radiohead songs. I never get tired of listening to it. I agree with everyone saying you should do a video listening to the whole album. You need the full experience.
Since you are a base lover you should check out Radiohead - The national anthem. That driving base with the hornes and jazzy mood will make you love it :D
Please take a look at the first songs on each of Radiohead's albums. Burn the Witch has very unusual use of strings; you'll love it! Airbag has an incomplete bassline that stayed that way because it works so well. EverythingIIRP is just a classic; the first song of the 2000s really. 2+2=5 is so energetic, and it's got a very unusual A-B-C-D structure (no repetition). 15 Step is so quirky and in 5/4. Bloom is amazing with 3 drummers working serious polyrhythms , brass and super cool bassline (see live versions for warmer feel than on the album!)
I was waiting to see your reaction when the “get me out of here” vocals came in at the end, did not disappoint haha.. it is a song about death by suicide so your interpretation of sadness and relief are very accurate. Radiohead really know how to sum up complex emotions sonically.
i wouldnt describe the bass as sauntering in the background. i key on it, on this track and it seems to hold the whole thing up. Not surprisingly i find a lot of radiohead songs do this.
Glad you're doing more Radiohead. I know you get suggestions up the kazoo, but Hail to the Thief is such an amazing album musically, I think you'd really appreciate it. 2+2=5, Sit down stand up, and Where I end and you begin in particular. (A lot like the popular single There There from the album, but it's one of the weaker track imho, still good though.). Love your channel, lifelong musician/composer here too. Your facial expressions are so easy to relate to when a track hits your soul.
Really enjoyed this. I see that a few people are suggesting you listen to, "Let Down," and I really hope you do. It's my favorite song from this album.
I’ve been watching your stuff now I think since the beginning of your journey. One of my reactions to your videos is falling in love again with these songs as if I’m listening to them for the first time. I’ve been battling through clinical depression the last few months and watching your videos really pulls me out. They have been helping me by seeing someone enjoying and breaking down the music I love. God bless you man. Love your original content too! I look forward to seeing more of that. Keep it up 😎
I've taken to 'adopt' this song and done plenty of rearrangements to highlight parts of it. The song reminds me of coming home for Christmas, to meet family, relatives and friends. Methinks its gonna be awesome playing this on the ukelele.
The thing about your reactions is that not only you analyze the composition but you truly speak from the heart. You actually try to explain what you feel. I don't know about the other viewers but I like that. It's a human connection.
I completely enjoy your Radiohead reactions! If you're still taking requests I highly recommend their song Weird Fishes - From the Basement session. Aloha from San Francisco!
I’ve been waiting a while for this one. The first time I heard this song, I instantly became a fan. That led me to watch a live concert they performed on MTV Live at the Ten Spot, which further solidified me as a fan. And they hadn’t even done their best work yet, in my opinion. Anyway, thank you for this. You didn’t even talk much about what was going on in the song, but it was still great to see you experience this incredible song for the first time, and to see you so stunned by the music that you forgot what you were doing. I highly recommend Jigsaw Falling into Place for your next Radiohead reaction video. I think you’ll like most, if not all, of their music, but that’s one I think you’ll really enjoy, and it’ll give you a chance to check out something a little further along on their musical journey. Then circle back to Morning Bell, another haunting track, this one from around the midpoint (and some would say high point of their career, creatively), that’s totally different from everything else you’ve heard by them. From their earlier work, which you’ve mostly overlooked thus far, I’d recommend Just. It has some really interesting guitar work that I’m sure you’ll appreciate.
I have just stumbled, somehow, across your channel. It’s absolutely wonderful. I am your newest subscriber. This channel gives me Radiohead goosebumps all over again. ❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️
Love this channel, so many great songs/bands have been covered. Two underatted bands that I'd love to see you react to are 1. daughters with their song guest house 2. Rolo tomassi with their song a flood of light
This is one of my favorite Radiohead songs just because of they way Mr. York sings it live. When you see him sing it you know he means it with every fiber of his being, maybe more than any other song. :) Thanks for the videos.
I saw Radiohead back in the mid-90's at Glastonbury and of all the bands I saw at that time, this was the one band I'd love to go back and re-live, and I was at Knebworth 90 when Pink Floyd played, and they were fantastic but Radiohead was phenomenal.
So happy you love Radiohead. They are in a class of their own. I've ask a few times already you listen to Street Spirit. It is a mellow song that sounds simple, but it brings me to tears every time I hear it. It would make me very happy to watch you react to it ☺
This music man... it takes me to places, always soothing. Like a beautiful lullaby, always with me this song. Never leaves my play list, love playing it to my baby in the crib to make her sleep.
Love your content, keep up the fantastic work! Another for Radiohead’s - Weird Fishes..you’re going to love it, plenty of hi hat/snare and bass! But then there is also House of Cards, Nude and Reckoner…the album is superb :)
🌴🌴Aloha :) I just added a Radiohead Playlist of my reactions to my channel on my main page. So if you're up the journey it's all there - AWWWRIGHT!🌴🌴
Let Down from the same album.... neglected and totaly beautiful composition 💜
That’s awesome!!! I hope it suggests that you will do more videos of radiohead 😁😁
@@astrosurf68 that is one of my favourites also!
@@jessicabrum9200 YESSSSSS most def :)
@@KeyOfGeebz this made my day!!
The more Radiohead you do, the better.
Radiohead and Tool are my favourite reaction videos of his.
Yes sir, Decks Dark and Dreaming would be amazing
You said it brother ..
Do all the Radiohead, and then just do it again.
Live for that, for sure.
I hate myself for being “that guy” but OK Computer REALLY needs to be a full album experience, man. Literally one of the GOAT albums. As awesome as this song is, coming into it after the oppressive, murky Climbing Up the Walls.. it really amplifies the light & dozy, blissed-out nature of this tune.
Full album listen man. We’re here for it.
Abso-bloody-lutely! I would so love to sit all the way through the whole experience with Geebz!
Can confirm would sit through the the entire thing GLADLY.
Climbing Up The Walls, when Thom SCREAMS into the guitar pickups, ooh yah, we feel ya Thom, we always do.
I concur, I’d sit through all of Ok Computer with you Geebz 😀
In Rainbows and Kid A are the same
Many people point out how well this song depicts depression and suicidal desperation but I think what is often missed is that there’s also an ironic sweetness to these low moods which is picked up perfectly by the ostensibly innocent sound of the bells and xylophone. There’s really nothing accidental about Radiohead’s music.
For 25 years I have been trying to determine if he's advocating for a normal life with a pretty wife and nice garden or is he just throwing all of that under the bus.
I think Thom is a wonderful Troll.
@@Hypobolic415 With Thom, I think it's sometimes both ...and ;)
Their songs don't make you depressed. But when you do have depression, their music actually helps you out. The sheer beauty and the truths you feel and experience from listening, can really pull you out of your sadness.
@@Hypobolic415 while I could see a potential troll that handshake of carbon monoxide removes any doubt. That line has always stuck with me as I was very near shaking it's hand one day myself.
@@itchywitch I think they very much can make someone depressed. I think though the reason they are able to pull me out of my worst moments is because when the doc just wants to shift some chemicals in my head and others just think I need to "cheer up" Radiohead proves to me that someone knows enough about how I actually FEEL to write songs about it.
A job that slowly kills him, bruises that won't heal
Haunting...truly
The song isn't hiding that it's about suicide. The simple/airy nature of the song has a cruel irony when you listen to the lyrics, as death seems like a seductive release when you're in the depths of depression.
'' It could be applied to aging baby boomers who used to protest the government (You were so tired, happy, bring down the government, they don't, they don't speak for us) who have resignated themselves to high-stress jobs where they are subjected to heart disease or exposed to dangerous chemicals that are killing them (a job that slowly kills you), eating foods that clog their arteries and smoke and drink so that their body is full of poisons (A heart that's full up like a landfill), and they are slowly coming down with cancer, strokes, and heart attacks (some cancers have symptoms of bruises that don't go away and heart attacks and strokes can be brought on by blood clots blocking blood vessels and don't move), so they deal with businesses that poison the air (I'll take the quiet life, a handshake of carbon monoxide) such as the automobile industry. No longer arguing or protesting (Silent, silent). They may be on their death bed with a terminal disease caused by their lifestyle of the aforementioned or it could be their last time mentioning their dissent before taking in a life of pure acquiescence (This is my final fit, my final bellyache). They trade in the thrill and flavor of their life for the security of assimilation and in exchange for acceptance they get their house in the suburbs complete with a yard and 2.5 children (Such a pretty house, such a pretty garden). And they don't want any stirring up of their past excitement (No alarms and no surprises, please).''
I copied it off some Song Meaning site
@@StratsRUs wow...brutal
@@StratsRUs I don't think Radiohead were going for that... but I am a believer in "art speaks for itself."
You gotta do "Exit Music (For a Film)" one of my favourite songs ever, it's haunting
One night I was listening to Radiohead during a snowstorm driving home from work. I couldn't see anything, and the lyric "keep breathing, don't lose your mind" came on and really took me out of the moment.
YES do this song!
That one is incredible, 'Nude' , 'The Tourist' and 'I Might Be Wrong' are also incredible. I Will ("No Man's Land") is short but sweet, really iconic for me.
@@erog418 'Don't lose your nerve'
@@JasonBhoy7 thanks, you don't need to correct every misquoted lyric you see, it's really annoying. It's just a story.
My first daughter would scream & cry as a baby whenever we had to drive anywhere. My wife and I dreaded going anywhere with her. I played "No Surprises" for her hoping it's gentle tone would relax her. She was asleep in 30 seconds. It became mandatory for every trip. I love the song so I'm not complaining. I love it more now for the peace it brought.
Is she still falling asleep to it?
@@LunarisArts all non Radiohead bands = sleepy af
I bet you've heard this song many times 😊
Agree...... did the same with my daughter, as a consequence she loves Radiohead at 21...
Weird Fishes or Nude would be next. Nude is heartbreakingly beautiful.
I second this comment
I third this comment
Nude is up there with the absolute best.
In Rainbows is my favourite album!
@@Michael-dj6pd When they released In Rainbows and you could pay what you wanted for it, I bought it for 50p. Then when I listened to it, and realised it was total genius, I felt like a complete dick and went back and paid full price for it. I now have it on vinyl too.
Still feel guilty about it now.
The bit where you say 'Simple isn't easy' really hit me.
Simple is one of the hardest things there is. You can put out a super-complex arrangement with layers upon layers upon layers with all kinds of effects and tricks and gimmicks and it's easy for poor choices and wrong steps to vanish in amongst all that 'noise', but in a simple arrangement, the slightest wrong step stands out like a spider on a wedding cake.
'Simple' is HARD.
Geebz, this record is the Darkside of the Moon of the 90's
Any day Geebz does Radiohead is a good day for me. Awright!
Radiohead are emotionally draining but very satisfying. I can't describe the feeling when I sit down and listen to their albums. I could just lie down and spend the day listening.
I had avoided getting into Radiohead. I don't know why but the only song I had heard from them was Creep, and I did not pursue them further. Then in my first semester in college, I decided to give them a try and I immediately went into a phase where I'd listen only to Radiohead all the time. Discovering a band that can leave an impression on you is such a delight.
I went into that phase in 1999 and I haven’t come Out of it yet
@@jrusso7627 👍🏼
The lyrics set against the music set this track apart. The last chorus with the backing vocals saying “let me out of here” gives me chills. Really drives home the album concept of an uneasy relationship with technology in the present (which was the 90s) and where it would take us in the future.
Yeah, I love the sweet, music-box style music, Thom's almost Perry Como style singing, contrasted with the truly dark lyrics. It's definitely in my top ten favorite songs of all time.
I've been listening to this album since it came out and that 'let me out of here' harmony still hits me hard every time. Same with Thom's panned vocals in the climax of 'Let Down'.
@@eatingsound373 yea man, that falsetto break in the final chorus. Total bliss
Absolutely. The almost nursery rhyme simplicity and lightness of the music against the darkness of the lyrics. Love it
I never felt it was about technology, it was all about people and the oppression we face as workers. The first lyrics are "a job that will slowly kill you". It's not about technology, it's about humans becoming robots.
Probably the greatest band to emerge in the past 30 years from these shores, power, poise, emotion, songs that build and go somewhere, devastating live and a vocalist with incredible range they got the lot
There are so many great compositions with Radiohead. Lotus Flower is one you would really enjoy breaking down.
200%
Yes please!
Not a big fan of this song.
Yeah...not a fan of this song either
@@AG-lm5uf not a fan of Lotus Flower? Are your ears broken?
Please do Reckoner or Weird Fishes/Arpeggi. Or both. That would be absolutely fine 😁
reckoner!
I'd love to see him do Jigsaw as well
My thoughts exactly. Love those songs.
Agreed!
Reckoner is SO good!
This is a song of painful beauty. One of the things I learned about this track is that they purposefully dropped the speed of the arrangement so that it is slightly flat (it drives guitar players batty to try and play along with the track lol), and the vocals are dropped in on the mix after. Such a haunting song about the desire to just be done/finished/ still. Just at the precipice, a desire to push through back into the world feels almost joyous. This song has been there for me in many dark times, and I am glad you got to enjoy it with us
Agreed. It's right between E and F. If you have a synth keyboard you can double up instruments and just about hit it
Subterranean Homesick Alien.....recommended listening on star filled night as you ponder Everything and immediately flow into the next track Exit Music for a Film. You won't regret those 9 minutes of your life. Thanks for covering RH.
'Subterranean...' is quite possibly my favourite Radiohead song. I just find it one of the most perfect matches of lyrics and music, and the composition and the mix is so otherworldly. Good shout
Such an amazing song! Thanks for suggesting it, I'm starting to think it's not that underrated after all.
subterranean is just perfect... really captures the band's talent to be able to compose and arrange (let alone mix, thanks Nigel!) such a complex song in its intertwining melodies. and the lyrics are so simple yet so beautiful as well.
Thanks!
If you could do Fake Plastic Trees that would be amazing. It has a little guitar riff that builds and builds into quite a devastating climax.
ahhh, my first REAL Radiohead song.
I think my all time favourite.
Gets me every time.
Yes!! This, so much.
Gravity always wins
I just did a cover of Fake Plastic Trees (on my RUclips) and performed it live for the first time last night. Such a gorgeous song, and No Surprises is next :)
Highlight of my musical career is playing at a festival and the one cover we did was of this song. Thanks for the videos!
Massive fan of Radiohead, so it always puts a smile on my face when you discover and experience more of their music ❤❤
Now you need to react to "Let Down", it's in the same album (Ok Computer), one of the best!!!
Exactly, beautiful song
Last song to be played at my wedding! ❤️❤️
@@valkyriesif love the irony of that - my wife and I walked down the isle to “Mellon collie and the infinite sadness” was our inside joke
Yesssssss
let down literally changed the outlook on how i view the world and so much emotion i feel when i listen to the song truly amazing
One interesting thing about this song is that the instruments were recorded at a faster pace, and then the song was slowed down for the voice to be recorded. There are a few videos with the pitch adjusted and it sounds a totally different song.
When I was younger, I thought this song was about the aspirations to get away from it all. I later heard a more accurate interpretation that it was about the modern social condition wearing you down so much that all you want to do is go and hide, because you can't take any more stress and psychological abuse. - Which is why he's slowly drowning in the music video. - Deep man, really deep, - and beautiful.
And suicide. "A handshake with carbon monoxide".
Holy cow, I was going to request that you do this song for Father's Day because I sang this to both of my kids all the time when they were babies. What a great gift!
because it's a lullaby!
Me too, sing it to my kids as a lullaby. Cheers
The combination of possibly one of Thom’s best vocals, and the beach boys influence makes this production truly special 😉 no other band in the galaxy could have made this record 🤔 every single person on this planet will relate to at least one line of lyrics from this song 😊
Wow I'd never picked up on the beach boys thing, but the instant I read the words I could hear wouldn't it be nice
@@annettecorbett5008 you’ve obviously listened to pet sounds from cover to cover? If not, then you must, you’ll hear snippets all over the place 😉
@@annettecorbett5008 same here
As a composer; I think you’d find Knives Out by Radiohead pretty cool
Idioteque
Whole band is excellent but Thom really is one of the greatest ever front men
SO good that most of the newer albums I don't even know wtf he is singing
Greatest ever frontman? Are you sure about that? You Have never seen people like Mick Jagger or Freddie Mercury, isn’t true?
@@antoniomaraspin one of. Not the.
I can't stand him, he is the main reason I am put off from listening to Radiohead.
He's the best frontman for radiohead. Any other band would suffer w him and he would suffer in a different band.
"Simple is not always easy" 👏🏾
This song still gives me chills after countless listens over so, so many years. I would love to hear your take on Climbing Up the Walls or the next song on the album, Lucky. So many songs put me in the mindset of Pink Floyd with the perfect mix of incredibly catchy hooks, raw emotion and beautiful simplicity. I would love to hear your take on the engineering of the vocals and instrumentation on Climbing Up the Walls, while Lucky feels a little reminiscent of Great Gig in the Sky. I can't wait for the next installment!
This song is beyond special to me. Everything about it is magical. It's a lullaby for the middle aged.
"A heart that's full up like a landfill.
A job that slowly kills you.
Bruises that won't heal." So poignant and always hits me straight in the feels. Every single time.
Love your channel, man. Love that you are doing these videos on my favorite band. I'm branching out into your other videos too.
Some Radiohead songs I'll love to see you do are 'Weird Fishes/Arpeggi' 'Life In a Glasshouse' 'The National Anthem' 'Nude' and 'All I Need' and 'Exit Music (for a film)
This song kicks my ass every time I tell myself I have heard it many times but it still gets me every time anyway.
“Weird Fishes” 🙏🏼 (Radiohead) next please.
Anyway ... No Surprises has a special place in my heart. Always tear up thinking about my parents being so old. They are 75 now ... I’m 42. Time flies. This song seems to just capture it all.
It's so uplifting and reassuring for me to see the music I've loved the most (Tool and Radiohead) be justified in its brilliance and innovation. It's very cathartic. Plus I get to hear it all again with your ears as if for the first time. It's a truly beautiful experience, every time.
OK Computer and Aenema came out around the same time and I've never stopped loving either band. I've also held them as the gold standard of their genres all this time, and it's so good to know that I, a nearly pure listener, have been so fortunate. Thank you, Geebz.
Finally someone articulated it! When you said it was 'sombre and heavy' but at the same time 'relieving and hopeful' - that's exactly how I've experienced Radiohead for 20 years. So many people say it's 'miserable/depressing', but it's so uplifting to me.
OK Computer was the first contemporary album I fell in love with. Prior to that I’d listened to lots of 60s and 70s albums, but as a young adolescent OKC spoke to my teenage angst in a way I may never really comprehend but I knew on the first listen it was special. I still listen to it now but man is it depressing.
The Reckoner is another outstanding song you might be interested in, and/or Lotus Flower, and or Exit music (for a film). There's 3 more for you 😉 I could go on
They're all so good
Yeah! Pleaaase Reckoner!
Reckoner is amazing. Masterpiece.
We've got heads on sticks
And you've got ventriloquists
As a ventriloquist, you might be interested in the song Kid A on the album of the same name. Like No Surprises, it lures you in with a lullaby sound, but takes a darker turn (in the case of Kid A, a Pied Piper allusion).
Oof... you gotta give a listen to something from their album "In Rainbows". Probably a song like Reckoner or Nude or Jigsaw Falling Into Place? Or the whole thing really... something about that album just moves me so so deeply. It's the perfect blend of melancholy and softness. Not to be too sappy with the comparisons but if OK Computer and Kid A sound like grey winter nights then In Rainbows is a beautiful spring afternoon, y'know? With the breeze in your hair and the sun warming your skin.
That's because "In Rainbows" is one of the best albums of the millennia. Reckoner is a song for eternity
Reckoner is mind blowing for its groove vocal Delivery and use of strings in the end - Geebz would flip
Nude is my favorite song. Out of every song I've heard it's my favorite. When it gets to the climax of the song, I was actually so rocked with emotion the first time I heard it that i couldn't breathe. Thom has such a beautiful voice. Reckoner is my second favorite song of all time. It never fails to just make me joyful
@@PlanetTelex00 First time I heard Nude was watching the From the Basement session just last year. I already liked some of their most famous tunes but never considered myself a fan. I clicked on the video because I was bored and I guess I was expecting Thom to be a somewhat decent performer... when he hit that note (we all know which one) I was so moved I immediately decided to look for their entire discography. Gotta thank the RUclips algorithm for that!
@@PlanetTelex00 They both make me want to cry but in a good way.
I can't tell you how many times I've gone for a night walk with OK Computer being my soundtrack. The climax of No Surprises makes me want to cry every time (in both joy and sadness).
Amazing again. "A Release of Suffering" is exactly why Radiohead is so magically CATHARTIC even when they're completely despairing, because they're genius composers! Their most impactful song on me remains OPTIMISTC. Musically it's an AGGRESSIVE OPPRESSIVE DIRGE, and the lyrics honestly play straight with that theme... AND YET!!!... it has always impacted me, especially at the depths of my depression, as EMPOWERING. And having my feelings of utter despair made so explicit somehow make it possible for the song's seemingly ironic lyrics ("You can try the best you can; the best you can is good enough") hit fully sincerely as good enough reason to keep on going.
Sorry, got off on a tangent there, but very similar theme to No Suprises, although almost a complete inverse... No Suprises is the soothing positive song about settling for nothing you really wanted that feels like an ironic (and again-- ironically empowering!) rejection of its own premise.
do Street Spirit (Fade Out) or All I Need for your next Radiohead.
This was great. Cheers.
Those would be wonderful
What a beautiful day! I wake up to see this of all songs.. such a treat and a unique doing by Radiohead. Have you ever heard of Elliot Smith? Waltz#2 is a good start
this song is a lullaby for adults
Man you really need to do Daily Mail by Radiohead! I’d love to hear your thoughts since it has horns, some amazing major lifts, and an intense crescendo!!!!
Yes mate, love your Radiohead content. More please! Maybe Jigsaw Falling Into Place?
Such a pretty house and such a pretty garden....... Such a beautiful song! The video its so purposeful! Love ya for doing this. PLEASE stay on the Radiohead wagon..... You will be blown away. They are MASTERS.
Yes! One of my favorite songs
There's so much Radiohead material that deserves a reaction, it's even hard to make suggestions. But I'd love to see you react to "Nude" and "Present Tense".
Reckoner, there there, go to sleep, national anthem, all I need... so many great ones. Choose any random song from in rainbows, you can't go wrong
Daydreaming 🤤
No surprises Geebz, you got pulled into this song at the start and didn’t want to stop. Hypnotic.
This album.."ok computer" pulled the musican out of me!! After I listened to this album in 97 specifically track 4 "exit music" I bought a guitar and have been writing music ever since! This entire album merits a reaction as some have done, truly one of the greatest rock albums ever made!! This is a song about "suicide" and the guitar does use a capo on the 3rd fret. Pleas do more Radiohead! I rainbows from the basement please!!! I subbed for Radiohead! I'll buy you a ☕☕☕☕☺️
Exit Music (For A Film) would be fun reaction to see. I'll never forget the moment this track laid waste to my trembling soul.
omg if you have the time you should watch the show house md! Around season 7 the first episode starts out with no surprises blasting and after 7 seasons of attachment to the character and seeing how the story took a heartbreaking twist it was literally chilling to watch.
When first heard this right right after one the most terrifying tracks (Climbing Up the Wall) in the album it was one of the most exhilarating musical experiences I’ve ever head, a single moment which made me their lifetime fan. Listen to it as intended and you’ll probably agree.
My favorite one two punch musically of all time it is so perfect.
@@jameshannagan639 Exit Music/Let Down is another example.
Love it, keep 'em coming! Also, Exit Music (For A Film) by Radiohead is a masterpiece!
Went to see Radiohead when Anyone Can Play Guitar had just come out. There was no more than 70 people in the crowd. I knew then that they would be big. The most consistently creative band of a generation imo. And Glastonbury in 97 is still my favourite ever live performance. May they long continue.
Wow you lucky person. Those were the days.
You’re so lucky (pun intended), Glastonbury ’97 is one of my favourite documented shows they’ve done - Climbing Up the Walls, My Iron Lung and Exit Music from that show are mind blowing!
Love the Radiohead reactions. One of my favorite bands.
It's so great to hear a composer talk about radiohead from a theory angle. radiohead are brilliant.
i really love the proper analysis you give here. that's the thing that always shocks me about radiohead; thom yorke is obviously an astonishingly talented songwriter in his own right, but the real strength of the band is in their absolutely perfect arrangements. it genuinely astounds me how they are all able to complement each others' parts perfectly and always make a song greater than the sum of its parts. i vaguely remember seeing another member, jonny greenwood, talk about how they saw themselves less like a regular, meat-and-potatoes "oi i want a solo in this one" kind of rock band and more just as a collective of arrangers, and i'm glad you really picked up on this. i've always really admired this song (i think it's the perfect "pop" song with only some latter-day beatles really competing), and so i love that you picked it apart in this way. it's highlighted some of the things i admire about it, and i think your analysis will really help with my own songwriting and arrangements.
Maybe try ‘ daydreaming’ next, beautiful piano accompanied by a very narrative use of strings in the latter half
It took me way too long in the comments to find someone mention daydreaming. Fantastic Radiohead piece.
There’s only one thing better than listening to amazing beautiful music and that’s listening to amazing beautiful music with Geebz.
It really is a very lush track, tender but fleshed out...almost a hidden intensity and a feeling of open honesty. It's an absolutely beautiful thing! GREAT vid
You really have to try Radiohead's Burn The Witch! I think you'll find it really interesting with their use of strings and bass. It's one of their more recent tracks. Also, did you know band member Jonny Greenwood composed multiple film scores including There Will Be Blood?
If we're going the AMSP route, I think Decks Dark would also be an interesting decomposing.
@@trudel669 My fav song off of the album besides Daydreaming
They are all pretty great really. Solid album
Jonny's a freak genius
I was going to recommend the same song. He loved the use of strings in Pyramid Song, and Burn the Witch is also heavy on strings.
I posted a comment on your Pyramid Song video about this but I’ll repeat the gist here: their newer work is absolutely mind-melting from a string arrangement and overall composition perspective. I’d love to hear what you think about Burn the Witch and The Numbers. Thanks for doing what you do!
Couldn’t agree more - but I’d add daydreaming
Radiohead...where happiness and sadness get together and love each other...
God this song still gives me chills
Someone’s probably already mentioned it, but Jonny Greenwood the lead guitarist said that the song is in 4/4 time, but his guitar arpeggiated melody part over the verses is in 5/4 time. Radiohead does that complexity that sounds simple and “right” really well, as opposed to complexity for complexity’s sake.
Love your reviews as always, so glad you got to dive into this exhalation of a song.
STRONGLY recommend National Anthem - amazing orchestration and compositions.
RUclips, do you think I'm going to watch every video Geebz does of Radiohead?
DAMN RIGHT I WILL
This is one of my favorite Radiohead songs. I never get tired of listening to it. I agree with everyone saying you should do a video listening to the whole album. You need the full experience.
Since you are a base lover you should check out Radiohead - The national anthem. That driving base with the hornes and jazzy mood will make you love it :D
Radiohead do have a knack of perfectly placing the film clip with the song - its an artform in itself. Day dreamers gets me every damn time
Please take a look at the first songs on each of Radiohead's albums. Burn the Witch has very unusual use of strings; you'll love it! Airbag has an incomplete bassline that stayed that way because it works so well. EverythingIIRP is just a classic; the first song of the 2000s really. 2+2=5 is so energetic, and it's got a very unusual A-B-C-D structure (no repetition). 15 Step is so quirky and in 5/4. Bloom is amazing with 3 drummers working serious polyrhythms , brass and super cool bassline (see live versions for warmer feel than on the album!)
I was waiting to see your reaction when the “get me out of here” vocals came in at the end, did not disappoint haha.. it is a song about death by suicide so your interpretation of sadness and relief are very accurate. Radiohead really know how to sum up complex emotions sonically.
Thanks! I love Radiohead! More please!
i wouldnt describe the bass as sauntering in the background. i key on it, on this track and it seems to hold the whole thing up. Not surprisingly i find a lot of radiohead songs do this.
Glad you're doing more Radiohead. I know you get suggestions up the kazoo, but Hail to the Thief is such an amazing album musically, I think you'd really appreciate it.
2+2=5, Sit down stand up, and Where I end and you begin in particular. (A lot like the popular single There There from the album, but it's one of the weaker track imho, still good though.). Love your channel, lifelong musician/composer here too. Your facial expressions are so easy to relate to when a track hits your soul.
I absolutely adore this song. Such emotion, such a simple melody, such a simple video (make sure you watch it).
Such a heavy song, gets me in the feels every time
No other band gets me in the feels like Radiohead does otherworldly at times.
It's my first time here and that intro was badass
Really enjoyed this. I see that a few people are suggesting you listen to, "Let Down," and I really hope you do. It's my favorite song from this album.
I’ve been watching your stuff now I think since the beginning of your journey. One of my reactions to your videos is falling in love again with these songs as if I’m listening to them for the first time. I’ve been battling through clinical depression the last few months and watching your videos really pulls me out. They have been helping me by seeing someone enjoying and breaking down the music I love. God bless you man. Love your original content too! I look forward to seeing more of that. Keep it up 😎
Intricate IS Radiohead. It's beautiful. To say I love them is an understatement.
I've taken to 'adopt' this song and done plenty of rearrangements to highlight parts of it. The song reminds me of coming home for Christmas, to meet family, relatives and friends. Methinks its gonna be awesome playing this on the ukelele.
This is a great album and my favorite song would be "Let Down". I highly recommend adding it to your list of reactions.
The thing about your reactions is that not only you analyze the composition but you truly speak from the heart. You actually try to explain what you feel. I don't know about the other viewers but I like that. It's a human connection.
I completely enjoy your Radiohead reactions! If you're still taking requests I highly recommend their song Weird Fishes - From the Basement session. Aloha from San Francisco!
I’ve been waiting a while for this one. The first time I heard this song, I instantly became a fan. That led me to watch a live concert they performed on MTV Live at the Ten Spot, which further solidified me as a fan. And they hadn’t even done their best work yet, in my opinion. Anyway, thank you for this. You didn’t even talk much about what was going on in the song, but it was still great to see you experience this incredible song for the first time, and to see you so stunned by the music that you forgot what you were doing.
I highly recommend Jigsaw Falling into Place for your next Radiohead reaction video. I think you’ll like most, if not all, of their music, but that’s one I think you’ll really enjoy, and it’ll give you a chance to check out something a little further along on their musical journey. Then circle back to Morning Bell, another haunting track, this one from around the midpoint (and some would say high point of their career, creatively), that’s totally different from everything else you’ve heard by them. From their earlier work, which you’ve mostly overlooked thus far, I’d recommend Just. It has some really interesting guitar work that I’m sure you’ll appreciate.
I have just stumbled, somehow, across your channel. It’s absolutely wonderful. I am your newest subscriber. This channel gives me Radiohead goosebumps all over again. ❤️🌈❤️🌈❤️
Thanks and welcome
Love this channel, so many great songs/bands have been covered.
Two underatted bands that I'd love to see you react to are 1. daughters with their song guest house
2. Rolo tomassi with their song a flood of light
Radiohead have so many great songs, you can get lost in the band. Thanks geebz as always
This is one of my favorite Radiohead songs just because of they way Mr. York sings it live. When you see him sing it you know he means it with every fiber of his being, maybe more than any other song. :) Thanks for the videos.
RADIOHEAD - Wolf at the Door
cheers!
Seconded!
Consider this the tertiary endorsement of this song
Agree
I saw Radiohead back in the mid-90's at Glastonbury and of all the bands I saw at that time, this was the one band I'd love to go back and re-live, and I was at Knebworth 90 when Pink Floyd played, and they were fantastic but Radiohead was phenomenal.
Writing something that is complicated but sounds simple is where musical magic resides.
So happy you love Radiohead. They are in a class of their own. I've ask a few times already you listen to Street Spirit. It is a mellow song that sounds simple, but it brings me to tears every time I hear it. It would make me very happy to watch you react to it ☺
Name a more Iconic Duo than Geebz + Radiohead Reactions!
This music man... it takes me to places, always soothing. Like a beautiful lullaby, always with me this song. Never leaves my play list, love playing it to my baby in the crib to make her sleep.
Happy you enjoyed another Radiohead track! Thanks again for another great reaction!
Love your content, keep up the fantastic work!
Another for Radiohead’s - Weird Fishes..you’re going to love it, plenty of hi hat/snare and bass!
But then there is also House of Cards, Nude and Reckoner…the album is superb :)