Biography 'Exit Music': updated and re-released

Mac Randall's Radiohead biography 'Exit Music: The Radiohead Story'', originally published in 2000, has been updated and will be re-released on May 10th. You can order the book here. [thanks James]

1500 extra tickets on sale for Melbourne shows

A limited number of tickets to two sold-out concerts for the Rod Laver Arena shows in Melbourne will go on sale tomorrow. Promoter Michael Chugg said about 1500 tickets had become available after a reassessment of Rod Laver Arena and the release of tickets being held for fan club members. Tickets to the two shows on April 26 and 27 sold out when they went on sale last November. Tickets are on sale at 9am through Ticketek (132 849). [from the age]

Are Radiohead annoying (or not)?

Radiohead are included on the list of celebrities at AmIAnnoying.com, where site visitors can rate their annoyance. Radiohead have their own résumé for on the site, giving the visitor some background information before voting. In 2003, Radiohead were 42.32% annoying... Whatever that means. Cast your vote here. [thanks Danny]

From Rameau to Radiohead with Chris O'Riley

Christopher O'Riley was interviewed for the Intelligencer Journal (From Lancer O'Rileaster, PA): "There are two types of music - good music and bad music." Rameau, Brahms and Radiohead have all written good music, albeit 250 years apart.

Christopher O'Riley on his shows where he plays both classical music and Radiohead: "I felt like my own lamest back-up band," he said. "They were clearly just waiting for the classical music to get over with so we could get to the good stuff."

If, at the Whitaker Center Thursday, O'Riley notices kids who seem to have come specifically to hear Radiohead, O'Riley said he may be more generous in the second half of his program.

"There might be a couple of 70-year-olds looking at their watches," he said.
Christopher O'Riley had a chance to meet the band last year at Madison Square Garden, where Colin Greenwood told him, "We're so excited about what you are doing. It was a gratifying moment, a conversation I'd been having in my head for years," O'Riley said. [thanks Alex]

Eric Gorfain on Radiohead (again)

Another interview with Eric Gorfain is available on IC Northern Ireland. Gorfain, who is responsible for two Radiohead 'String Quartet' tribute albums, will play 'OK Computer' with The Section String Quartet in Dublin tonight.

[..] And while one might wonder how classically-trained Gorfain deems an artist worthy of a string-laden tribute album, the musician, arranger and producer says the answer is simple - the songs have to stand out on their own, even without the lyrics or percussion. "Radiohead is the perfect example, because their music is so beautiful and structured and well-written and arranged, it really lends itself to other arrangements. The biggest challenge when we do these tributes is that you're missing two things, one the drums and two, the lyrics. So the music has to stand on its own and Radiohead is one of the bands that I never have trouble transferring over to the quartet."

"The fact that I also revere it helps. OK Computer, I listened to for about five years straight," he laughs. "Literally, I listened to it constantly.So I'm coming from it from a fan's point of view, in a way. But I try not to mess with anything, I'm not trying to rewrite it, but it is an interpretation, some things are literal, some are experimental and some are completely different.

"There's a fine balance that you have to achieve so that you're not pissing off fans, but at the same time, not just doing a straight copy. "A lot of times the people that are targeted with these tribute albums are the fans of the band, like Radiohead fans who might want to listen to the music in a different way.

- Strung Out on OK Computer
- Enigmatic: String Quartet Tribute to Radiohead

Neptunes: "Thom Yorke is dope"

Pharrell Williams of the Neptunes was interviewed in the Sydney Morning Herald: "Coldplay and Radiohead specifically I'd like to work with. Thom Yorke is dope." [thanks Josh]

Thom on Mark & Lard: "Just messing around"

Thom Yorke phoned in at the last show of BBC Radio 1's 'Mark & Lard'. Thom was the real mystery celebrity. Presenter Mark Radcliffe asked what he was doing. Thom said he was in the studio. Mark asked if he was working on another album. Thom: "No, just messing around making noises'. He also added he was there on his own, and it was just scrathing their heads downtime at present. [thanks John MC]

Radiohead lecture at university of Quebec

At the Laval University in Quebec (Canada) you can attend a free lecture on Radiohead by Patrick Roy. The lecture entitled 'Radiohead ou l'évidement progressif du réel' will be held from 11:30am - 12:30pm. The lecture is presented by 'Groove', a studygroup on videoclips and their aesthetics. More info (in french) here & here. [thanks fireworksandhurricanes]

DAAU covers '2+2=5' on new album

Belgian band Die Anarchistische Abendunterhaltung (DAAU) have a new album out, which incldes a cover of Radiohead's '2+2=5'. DAAU's fourth album, "Tub Gurnard Goodness" is already available for purchase at their website, daau.com. The album will be officially released on April 27th through PIAS. [thanks Jeroen]

Thursday news roundup

There is a program on 102.1 the edge in toronto called the ongoing history of new music. They had a "top 100 moments" list, including some Radiohead moments: #29 - the release of 'OK Computer', #88 - Jonny trying to sabotage 'Creep'.

MTV is doing a top 10 videos of the 90's and Radiohead is one of the nominees for "Creep." Anyone can vote.

For the Mexican Radiohead fans, there's a Radiohead Fans Party tomorrow at 21:00 hrs (March 26th) with free shirts for the first 50 people to arrive. The party will have djs, videos, a cover band and a presentation of the book "How to disappear completely". Address: DADA X. Bolívar 31, 2° piso. Centro Histórico.

The Muse has an interview with their editors, who seem to be big Radiohead fans: " I really like Radiohead, Hail to the Thief is great, but it’s not for everybody, I can understand that. I like how Radiohead integrates politics into their music. They’re not like my favourite band, Rage Against the Machine, who beat you over the head with their politics. Radiohead are much more subtle and are very poetic about it. They’re just very soothing in a very chaotic time.".. and there's more on Radiohead at The Muse.

[thanks Lloyd, Mitch, Vicente]

Exclusive discount on Com Lag EP & MPIE DVD

The Australian 'Com Lag EP' will be released separately in Australia on April 19th. And as reported ealier, an Australian release of 'Meeting People Is Easy' will be out on March 29th.

Now even better news; Ateaseweb.com has an exclusive offer for At Ease readers in association with SoundWorld.com. The price for the Com Lag EP will be AUD $27,95 (approx. US $21) and the 'Meeting People Is Easy' DVD is available for AUD $29.95.

And on top of that: If you buy both items (CL EP & MPIE DVD) you will pay only AUD $50 (approx. US$37). Remember, this is an ateaseweb.com exclusive... so, don't forget to mention ateaseweb.com when you (pre-)order.

Radiohead essay in Belgian art magazine

In the latest issue (nr. 108) of Belgian art magazine 'De Witte Raaf', you can find an interesting essay on Radiohead. 'De Witte Raaf' is only available in Belgium & The Netherlands, but there's an online edition as well. The essay, entitled: "Cozimnot, Radiohead in twee bewegingen" is included on their website, dewitteraaf.be. And as you've already guessed; it's in Dutch. [thanks Jessie]

NME reviews Com Lag EP

As reported earlier, NME claimed to have a review of the new Radiohead album in this week's issue (out tomorrow in the UK). As expected the magazine will have a review of the Japan only Com Lag EP instead. At least they are the first...

Jonny Greenwood interview in Filter Magazine

There's quite a nice interview with Jonny Greenwood in Filter Magazine. The interview is about Bodysong of course, but also on making music, movie soundtracks and modest English people. And Radiohead of course. Some of the questions:

I will be drawn and quartered by our readers if I don’t ask you about the next Radiohead record.
Jonny: "Ironically, I’m meeting everybody in two hours to plan what we’re going to do in the summer and what we do next. You’re kind of on the wrong side of the meeting for me to really tell you much. But I was in the Radiohead studio today and Phil was there drumming and Thom was there playing. We feel like we’ve only just stopped and already people are wanting us to carry on. "

Everything faster. Fast, fast, fast... next, next, next.
Jonny: "Exactly. Well, you know, it’s not like things are going slowly. We’re going to get into gear."

Do you still get excited about going to a band meeting like that?
Jonny: "Oh yeah. Brilliant. ‘Cause it means decisions and change and something’s going to happen, so it’s cool. I just want to make music."

Read it in full at Filter Magazine.

New York Daily & All Music Guide review Bodysong

Jonny Greenwood's Bodysong was reviewed in Saturday's New York Daily News: "If Radiohead isn't arty enough for you, check out the debut solo album from band guitarist Jonny Greenwood. The disk doubles as the soundtrack to the independent British movie "Bodysong." Far from just a collection of guitar noodling, Greenwood's all-instrumental effort features jazz workouts, string-driven chamber pieces, plus odd assemblages of percussive plinks and plonks. Greenwood's influences range from Miles Davis to King Crimson to John Cage. He employs more than a dozen musicians to flesh it all out.

Despite the abstraction of the pieces, many have a strange beauty, or at least a compelling sense of atmosphere. There's far more variety in sound and instrumentation than you'll hear on any Radiohead record. For the adventurous, it's well worth a spin." [thanks Alex]

All Music Guide posted a review on their site as well: "The varied sounds of Jonny Greenwood's score for the British documentary Bodysong will come as no surprise to hyper-attentive fans of Radiohead, whether they've devoured every interview with the multi-instrumentalist or have studied every detail of his contributions to that band. Each of these pieces was written and produced by Greenwood, with assistance from Radiohead engineer Graeme Stewart. A string quartet is present on four tracks, drums and horns factor in on two tracks filled with nervous energy, and brother/bandmate Colin Greenwood provides bass on another. Everything else — a wide assortment of instruments, including electronics — is handled by the composer. When separated from the film, the music remains a compelling listen. From track to track, the tempos and emotions jerk back and forth with unpredictable unease. Sounds dart as often as they drift, but there's a peculiar linearity at play that keeps the ears hanging on every note. — Andy Kellman" [thanks mr. magpie]

Australian 'Meeting People Is Easy' DVD release

As reported earlier; the Australian Tour EP is off, but EMI Australia will release Radiohead's fly-on-the-wall documentary 'Meeting People Is Easy' in Australia on March 29th.

The DVD was already released in DVD region 1 & 2 (Europe, North America, South Africa & Japan). Now, to coincide with Radiohead's short tour, Australians get to purchase the documentary. [thanks citizen insane]

Radiohead on TMF Belgium

Music channel TMF in Belgium will be broadcasting 'Essential Live' tonight. The show features Radiohead and as the title suggests it will probably be live material. At the moment it's not clear what it will be though. So, you better make sure to see (or tape) the show from 22:30 hrs till midnight. [thanks Jessie]

Radiohead String Quartet interview

There's an interview with Eric Gorfain from The Section String Quartet (who will be performing OK Computer next weekend in Dublin) in the Irish Times today. He is also the man behind several classical tributes to Radiohead (and other bands).

"It's more important that I like and am interested in the music. If I like it then I can hear how it would sound with the quartet. I'm a fan of both Pink Floyd and Radiohead, along with many other rock bands, so I'm not saying I'm refining or doing anything better than they can. That's not the goal of the Section String Quartet; we're basically presenting the music in a new way.

"I try to keep so much of the original elements of the source music - the groove, some musical hook, to keep the listener, the quartet and myself interested. It's never really easy but some songs lend themselves to it more than others. It's not necessarily all down to melody; melody has a major role in it, of course, but it's also to do with structure, counter melodies, counterpoint. It's more what I feel I can leave out and not ruin the structure of the composition. With Radiohead's music that's always a challenge."

"Occasionally, when I snoop around message boards in fan websites, we get called opportunists. Believe me when I say that the publishers and songwriters of the works we do are getting more money than us. Basically, I find myself working on material that I'm a fan of. I come to it from a fan's point of view. I'm genuinely not trying to cash in on someone else's work." [thanks Alex]

- Strung Out on OK Computer
- Enigmatic: String Quartet Tribute to Radiohead

'The Music and Art of Radiohead' released in 2005

Ashgate Publishing will be releasing 'The Music and Art of Radiohead'. The book, edited by Joseph Tate, will be available January 2005.

There are several ways to pre-order. The book is available for pre-ordering online directly from Ashgate in both paperback and hardback versions. The book is also listed for pre-order on Amazon.co.uk in both paperback and hardback versions.

The book is also available via Amazon.fr (France), Amazon.de (Germany), and Amazon.co.jp (Japan).

Here is the book's description: The Music and Art of Radiohead includes compelling close readings of the English band's music, lyrics, album cover art and music videos as well as critical commentary on interviews, reviews and the documentary film Meeting People is Easy. Established and emerging academic scholars engage Radiohead's music and art via concerns of broader implication to contemporary cultural studies. Topics range from the band's various musical and multivalent social contexts to their contested situation within a global market economy; from asking the question, 'how free is art?' to considering the band's musical influences and radical sonic explorations. Together, the essays form a comprehensive discussion of Radiohead's entire oeuvre, from Pablo Honey to Hail to the Thief, with a special focus on the critically acclaimed best-selling albums Kid A and Amnesiac.

Aussie 'A Punch Up A Wedding' Tour EP cancelled

The previously reported release of the 'A Punchup at a wedding' single as an Australia only tour ep will not go ahead, despite being on the release list of EMI Australia.

EMI Australia were not given permission to release the single exclusively, but they have permission to release the (Japan only) Com Lag EP as a bonus on the back of the 'Hail to the Thief' album. Probably to be released seperately from the album as well.

At the moment, there is no release date or catalog number available for the Australian Com Lag release, although it will be very likely just before Radiohead's Australian tour dates in April.

Radiohead in NME & OOR

According to this week's NME (20th March 2004), next week's edition (released 24th March) includes a review of the "new Radiohead album... (yes, really!)" [thanks James]

Also, in the new issue of OOR (out today in the Netherlands) Radiohead are listed at number 2 (Nirvana was number 1) in their top 90 bands of the 90's.

John Mayer on his 'Kid A' cover

John Mayer talks about his 'Kid A' cover to VH1: "'Kid A' is this little funny thing that happened while we were making [2001's] Room for Squares," Mayer explained of his Radiohead cover. "John Alagia, who was producing the record, had to go away for the weekend. So myself and Jeff Juliano, the engineer, just started messing around. I tooled up this version of 'Kid A' because I love the song, I really do. And within an hour and a half or two hours, it was all done."

Where Radiohead's version of the title track from their 2000 album is an amalgam of looped beats and electronic tones, Mayer rendered his take acoustically, demonstrating his versatility and dexterity as a guitar player. Another fundamental difference is that on Mayer's track, the lyrics can actually be understood. [thanks Pat]

Radiohead on compilation DVD/CD

Radiohead's 'There There' video is available on a french compilation cd 'L'Alternative'. A bonus cd is included with the release, featuring the Four Tet remix of Scatterbrain (Skttrbrain). Fnac has a tracklisting online. [thanks Just Radiohead]

David Wrench (cont.)

As reported earlier, Radiohead have declined David Wrench' request to cover 'Creep' for his anti-war EP. Now, this comic has turned up with the stroy in a nut-shell. A funny read anyway. Click! [thanks CUTW]

Colin has poetic licence

More news on Colin today. Colin Greenwood is to judge a competition to find the best English poets of the next generation.

The band members met when they were all pupils at Abingdon School. Mr Greenwood who lives in Oxford went on to read English at Peterhouse College Cambridge.

He will join Poet Laureate Andrew Motion poets Simon Armitage and Bernardine Evaristo and broadcaster James Naughtie in a panel selecting the most exciting poets to have emerged in the past ten years. The New Generation poets will be announced on June 1 by the Poetry Book Society.

Mr Greenwood is not the first Radiohead member to branch out into new areas. The band's frontman Thom Yorke was a guest editor of Radio 4's Today programme in January. [from This is Oxfordshire, Thanks Alex]

Colin's selection of photographs from the V & A

The Victoria and Albert Museum, UK's National Museum of Art and Design have a gallery of photos online with commentary from Colin Greenwood.

Here's one of those photos with Colin's comments: "Well, of course, this is a very typical scene for me. I'm in a band called Radiohead and this is like after the show - the Radiohead dressing room and some of the fans come back to room to see the band, and of course the band have all gone home as early as possible. The light is very similar to that kind of thing. It's a very hard light and there's a general mess all over the floor. Of course they've made this mess - we would always clean up the mess after we've made it." [thanks Guy]

New 'Worm Buffet' shirt at w.a.s.t.e.

Just a plug for a nice shirt added to the w.a.s.t.e. shop today. The stitch design 'Worm Buffet' short sleeve shirt can be yours for £18,- if you can remember those numbers on your on credit card. [thanks plasticant]

Radiohead turn down 'Creep' cover request

Radiohead have turned a request by David Wrench to release a cover of 'Creep' on his 'World War IV' EP. Because of this, the anti-war EP will not be released. David Wrench seems to be disappointed and posted this on his website:

Due to Radiohead banning the cover of creep, the world war IV ep has been withdrawn. We approached Thom Yorke of the band in Manchester to ask why permission was not allowed, but all he did was get angry and started shouting "do you know how hard I work?", well probably quite hard Mr Yorke, but then again so does everyone else I know, and for a fraction of the pay and satisfaction you get out of work. We genuinely believed that Radiohead would have given permission for use of their song on an anti war ep, but they work far too hard apparently. FAKE PLASTIC POP STARS.

Brooklyn Rail reviews Bodysong

The March issue of Brooklyn Rail has a review of Jonny Greenwood's 'Bodysong': Bodysong reveals the influence Greenwood has had on the shaping of Radiohead’s music. He’s skilled at creating eerie and deeply affecting changes in tone from moment to moment. Without the "restriction" of accommodating a vocal track, he has found the freedom to follow some even wilder impulses. He conjures a sense of foreboding here that keeps the listener hovering on the brink in anticipation. [read it in full]

Yorke's finger sold for £248

Thom Yorke's middle finger sensationally turned up on online auction site eBay last week. Radiohead fans desperate to get hold of the digit went in a bidding frenzy until it finally sold minutes ago for a staggering £248. However, on closer inspection, this "pretty unique item of Radiohead memorabilia" seems to have startlingly metallic properties and odd bronze colouring for a piece of frontman flesh.

Measuring at just over two inches high, the finger is in fact the infamous middle digit from the singer's NME Award, which he broke off during the February 12 ceremony because it was "offensive".

Following the band winning awards for Best Album and Best Video, Yorke and guitarist Jonny Greenwood made their way backstage to give interviews, when the singer snapped his trophy. Greenwood then followed suit.

The seller, George Bagilhole, believes that the item is definitely the fragment of Yorke's award, stating: "My friend saw him breaking the finger off against a wall and picked it up after he walked off." [from nme.com]

'I Will' flash animation

Check out mrandmrswheatley.co.uk for a flash animation of 'a space story' with Radiohead's 'I Will'. [thanks Dermo]

120 Minutes reminiscing

The final show of MTV's '120 Minutes' has been taped last year. Altmusictv.com have an article online, interviewing one of the hosts Matt Pinfield who talked about Radiohead's performance on the show:

Matt Pinfield: "We would sometimes tape literally as early as 7 or 8 in the morning. And you know what was an amazing thing? Radiohead came to record some live songs from The Bends, and they showed up at 9AM, and did "High and Dry" and "Street Spirit." It was impeccably beautiful. I can't believe Thom Yorke sounded so amazing at 9 in the morning. It was incredible!"

Speaking of Radiohead, what's your favorite Radiohead album?

Matt: "The Bends was the greatest record. I remember Thom Yorke almost being in tears when he was presented with The Bends gold record here-we all got 'em. And he walked up to me and Andy (MTV) and Lewis, and said, "I know how much shit you guys got for staying behind us, and I just want to say how much it means to me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart." And literally, there were almost tears coming out of Thom Yorke's eyes when he walked out. We looked at each other and said, "That was one of the most amazing fucking moments since we started working here." Just to see Thom Yorke being so affected by the love that we gave them for The Bends. Then the critics caught on, and hailed OK Computer to be the greatest album of all time. They wrote the band off after "Creep" thinking they were a one-hit-wonder, so they ignored The Bends and lost out on a great record. I love OK Computer, but The Bends is the album." [thanks to CUTW for digging up the interview]

Magnet's Best of 2003: At Ease & Hail to the Thief

Some nice news from Magnet Magazine. In their Feb/Mar 2004 issue ateaseweb.com is mentioned as one of the best websites of 2003: "Details to the thief: ateaseweb.com - Whether it's Ed O'Brien's diary, the "hidden" Kid A CD booklet or posts detailing the latest Thom Yorke hairstyling techniques, you'll find it at Radioheads definitive fan site.'" Cool, eh?

Anyway, Radiohead's also listed in Magnet's Top 20 albums of 2003 (at number 7): "Like Bob Dylan, Radiohead released a media-dissing documentary just before going electric/electronic. So even though 'Thief's' word-sign cover seems rooted in Dylan's 'Subterranean Homesick Blues' clip (Thom Yorke and Co. having already composed 'Subterranean Homesick Alien'), this is Radiohead's 'Blonde on Blonde', down to its 14 songs length and cover politics. Honing their dance dread hydraulics, York and his glum troupe weaponize the space between your headphones."

Also, in this month’s issue of Urb, there is a little mention of Radiohead in the Jaylib cover story. Urb mentions Madlib’s future projects 'A Radiohead remix'. Yet on Stone Throw Records’ site (label that Madlib’s on), the Radiohead part is replaced with “Yesterdays New Quintet's revamped Stevie Wonder tribute album”. Well, we'll see what happens. [Thanks Lisa T.]

Delayed reviews: 7 TV Commercials & True Love Waits

Two late reviews in the press last week. One is from the Daily Telegraph, reviewing Radiohead's DVD '7 Television Commercials': "It would have been less than fitting for any of the classic Radiohead singles contained on this DVD - Paranoid Android, Street Spirit, No Surprises, Just, High and Dry, Karma Police and Fake Plastic Trees - not to have been accompanied by their just as stunning and haunting video clips. Fortunately, they are. Standouts are Paranoid Android's animated epic and the bizarre, bare-bones No Suprises, in which frontman Thom Yorke stands in front of the camera in a spacesuit and sings while the mask fills with water. The exception is High and Dry, arguably also the weakest song here, which is accompanied by a slightly lacklustre US-only video. Still, if you're a Radiohead fan you need to own this regardless, in spite of the fact there are no extras included."

In the Deseret Morning News, Christopher O'Riley's 'True Love Waits' was reviewed: " I had never listened to Radiohead, but I found that this album satisfied even my "music-snob" standards, evoking a range of emotions. The piano entranced me with contemporary sounds. My impression wasn't that I was listening to a rock band-cover tune, but to a pianist playing a composer's piece. The CD is loyal to Radiohead's music, though without the singing. Classical pianist Christopher O'Riley has done a remarkable job of capturing the sounds of Radiohead on the piano. The swelling of the dynamics makes one think of rolling waves at times, while at other times it's like a storm breaking out in the middle of a calm day. There are a variety of musical techniques involved throughout the CD, keeping one entranced until the end. I must add, however, if you are expecting the sounds of rock with all the instruments, singing, etc., you'll be disappointed. But if you wanted Radiohead exemplified with some incredible piano playing, then you can find it here." [thanks Alex]

"Hail to the Thief is not a Meisterwerk"

Those Australians are really looking forward to those Radiohead shows in April. From the Sydney Morning Herald: "Hail to the Thief is not a Meisterwerk. Probably the least contentious of these arguments, because Radiohead has always had its detractors, but here goes: can't knock The Bends (even if it is the greatest riff-rock record Queen never made). Can't knock OK Computer (even if Pink Floyd want their templates back). Can't knock Kid A and Amnesiac (even if they were much less experimental than all those critics thought). But Hail to the Thief is the sound of a band noodling. It's a jam session record, self-consciously muso, pointlessly show-offy. If this fails to annoy people, go with: "Norah Jones is Sade without the looks or talent."

Actually, this was part of 'Dinner Party Topics' ... guaranteed to decrease your chances of being invited over again. [thanks Alex]

Celebs on Radiohead

Academy Award nominated actor Haley Joel Osment was asked what kind of music he listens to in the Grand Rapids Press: "I'm big into guitar music. I guess I'm biased on it since I play it. I'm into R.E.M., Radiohead and Coldplay."

Then there's the Ainsly family from Sheffield (they have something to do with Puccini's Tosca at the English National Opera House - yeah, there goes research). The Observer asked them about their favourite music. Father David: "I like to listen mainly to current bands - Underworld, Radiohead, Coldplay, Franz Ferdinand and the Raveonettes - although Radiohead are such posers, I sometimes just shout at them and switch them off!" His son Tim (14) says: "I quite like Busted. In contrast, however, Radiohead make me want to vomit. I have a lot of these odd contrasts. . . "

Now, Nelly Furtado, interviewed in The Independent, was asked about her 'Life in Travel': "I do like the more relaxed approach to travelling though - I always think of that Radiohead song "The Tourist" and the lyric, "Hey man, slow down"."

More trivia? The Times: Last record you bought? R.E.M's Michael Stipe: "The Radiohead album, Hail to the Thief. I think it's tremendous. "

DJ Tiësto has been ranked the No. 1 DJ in DJ magazine's Top 100 DJs poll for the past two years running. In Remix magazine he said: “I can be very dramatic and melancholic. That's why I like bands like Radiohead and Sigur Ros. That's quite dark. But that kind of vibe I really like to present in my music, as well.” Remember that stolen Street Spirit remix?

Chuck Palahniuk mentioned Radiohead on BBC 6 music's show "life in CD" when asked if he listens to music when he's writing: "A. Yes, typically to have a continuity of mood through the book I will listen to one cut from one album on repeat for days and weeks until everyone in my household is disgusted with me. When I was writing my second book 'Survivor' I listened to Creep by Radiohead endlessly. I listened to both the beginning cut of creep and the ending cut of creep from the album until no one in the household ever wanted to hear Radiohead ever again."

One more bit from the Chicago Sun Times' review of a Kid Rock show: "Kid Rock's Friday night big top included the following: an enormous American flag, pole dancers, the theme from "Dukes of Hazzard," a vocoder, an enormous Confederate flag, tongues of fire, a declaration to "F*** Clay Aiken and Radiohead!""

[thanks Alex & Ricci]

Specific songwriter info

Christopher O'Riley posted on the atease mb, sharing some detailed information on the songwriting credits for a number of Radiohead songs, which Chris recorded for his 'True Love Waits' Album. The arrangements by Chris will be published in a book, to be released through christopheroriley.com.

But back to those song credits:

Thom Yorke & Colin Greenwood: Airbag.
Thom Yorke & Jonny Greenwood: Subterranean Homesick Alien, Karma Police, Exit Music (for a film), Like Spinning Plates, Knives Out, The Tourist, Let Down, No Surprises, Paranoid Android & Lift.
Thom Yorke & Ed O'Brien: You, Thinking About You, Black Star, Bulletproof, Polyethylene Pt. 2, Fake Plastic Trees, Planet Telex, I can't, Nice Dream.
Thom Yorke & Phil Selway: Everything in its right place, Motion Picture Soundtrack.
Thom Yorke, Phil Selway & Ed O'Brien: Sail to the Moon.
Thom Yorke, Phil Selway & Jonny Greenwood: True Love Waits.
Thom Yorke, Ed O'Brien & Jonny Greenwood: Cuttooth.
Thom Yorke, Phil Selway, Ed O'Brien, Colin Greenwood & Jonny Greenwood: Good Morning Mr. Magpie, There There.

NY Times: "The Bends Still Sounds Good Years Later"

In this morning's Arts Section of the New York Times, reviewer Neil Strauss lists the albums that have stood the test of time for his own collection. And Radiohead got a stellar mention: "Both this CD and its follow-up, "O.K. Computer," are among the most virtuosic, spellbinding rock releases of the last decade, blazing a path that other bands can watch from a distance. And though "O.K. Computer" is a better work of art, the more rock-driven "The Bends" has the better songs." [thanks Doug & Jonathan]

Newspaper reviews of Jonny Greenwood's 'Smear'

Here are some reviews of the London Sinfonietta performing Jonny Greenwood's 'Smear' in Leeds:

The Financial Times wrote: "Two pieces stood out. If Smear is any guide, FuseLeeds04 has uncovered important classical leanings in Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood. This short, atmospheric piece explores his fascination for the ondes martenot: he finds gainful employment for two of these rare instruments. Emitting a subtle radiance, based on mystic, Messiaenesque meditation one moment and quasi-futuristic motifs the next, Smear reveals an ear for timbre, a gift for musical elaboration and a more sophisticated palette than anyone might have guessed. Greenwood is clearly a composer in the making."

The Times wasn't that impressed: "Even though this sound experiment on two Ondes Martenot (early electronic keyboard) had its moments of atmosphere as the two instruments duetted eerily within the thin textures of the orchestration."

According to The Guardian, 'Smear' was "an ambient ripple of a piece from Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, provided glimpses of exquisitely sumptuous textures where its predecessor had been raw, and it deployed two ondes martenots (a microtonal, semi-electric instrument favoured by Messiaen) that often suggested birds trying to sing synthesiser music."

And finally, The Yorkshire Post: "There was more brooding intensity in Smear, a new composition by Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, which featured twin ondes martenot, early electronic keyboard instruments most familiar to lay listeners from 1950s' sci-fi movie soundtracks." [thanks Alex]

More Bodysong reviews

Two more Bodysong reviews: This one is from The Buffalo News (New York): "The first solo album from a member of Radiohead arrives exactly as it should: in the form of guitarist/multi-instrumentalist Jonny Greenwood's companion piece to a British documentary on "the experience of being human," director Simon Pummell's "Bodysong." Looking for guitar-based stuff? Go somewhere else. Greenwood spends his time crafting soundscapes that run the gamut from primal, heartbeatlike drones to manipulated ambient sonic terrains, to polyphonic and polyrhythmic throwdowns, with nods to musique concrete and the multihued tone poems of French composer Oliver Messiaen. Sound like a mess? It is, and beautifully so, much like the human experience it attempts to parlay in musical language. This is deeply touching stuff, if you'll let it be. Review: 4 stars out of 4 (Jeff Miers)"

And here's one from the Phoenix New Times: "Fans of the last several albums by Radiohead have been equally vocal in their praise of Thom Yorke's songs and their admiration of the relatively abstruse sounds that have surrounded and sometimes enveloped them. Indeed, by the hyperbolic standards of select Kid A reviews, you'd think folks would be just fine with an album consisting only of those sounds -- the keyboard squelches and brass blurts and percussive clang and laptop filigree, detached from the workaday nuisance of chord changes and vocal hooks.

This soundtrack to the little-seen English documentary Bodysong, conceived by Radiohead guitarist-in-name Jonny Greenwood, is that album, and though it's not without the occasional patch of legitimately riveting sound-for-sound's-sake (like the warped wind chime procession "Clockwork Tin Soldiers," which could give even Richard D. James the creeps), it also demonstrates how much more arresting Greenwood's manipulative skills are when serving an ornamental function.

There's simply not enough happening here to hang onto: "Convergence" layers polyrhythmic drum patterns over one another, and that's it; "Nudnik Headache" adds spacy reverb to a musty drum loop, and that's it; "Trench" replicates the sound of sardines packed in a crushed tin box, and that's it. Only "Splitter" really works compositionally, as a sort of footnote to the microwaved Dixieland throb of Amnesiac's "Life in a Glass House."

Typically at this point I'd tell you that Greenwood's freeform musicmaking sounds like it's missing pretty visuals to stave off impatient pop-fan thumb-twiddling, but give him some credit -- the dude already knows that."

[thanks Alex]

Update: Brandeis University's student weekly, The Justice, have a lengthy review of Bodysong as well. [registration required, thanks stoprobbers]

The songs that saved your life

As part of BBC 6 Music's campaign about mental health and music, 6 Music listeners nominated the song that meant most to them in their time of need. It reveals "the songs you cry along to, the ones you shout at, and the tunes that just make you feel a whole lot better." Number 1 was 'I Know it's over' by The Smiths. Almost 10% of the votes went to Radiohead's 'Fake Plastic Trees', ranking at number 5. Check the full list at 6 Music. [thanks Dermo]

The Section String Quartet to perform OKC live

The Section String Quartet from Los Angeles have recorded Eric Gorfain's string arrangements of OK Computer and a compilation of other tracks from The Bends through to Hail To The Thief. Now they are to play their first European show, where they will play the entire OK Computer album arranged for strings on March 27th in Dublin (The Sugar Club, Leeson St. Dublin TSQ)

Tickets cost 21.50 Euro and are available online or the following Dublin Music outlets: Tower Records, Road Records, City Discs, Freebird Records and Sound Cellar.

The Section are also the only act to play on both days of the Coachella Festival in May alongside Radiohead. [thanks Frank Donnelly]

- Strung Out on OK Computer
- Enigmatic: String Quartet Tribute to Radiohead

Michael Cunningham mentions Radiohead

The soundtrack to the movie The Hours, with the Oscar nominated score composed by Phillip Glass, has a little quote from the writer of the book The Hours, Michael Cunningham in the booklet: "Each novel I've written has developed a soundtrack of sorts; a body of music that subtly but palpably helped shape the book in question. I don't imagine most people who've read any of my books could readily see their connections to particular pieces of music, but I have long been aware that... The Hours [is derived from] Schubert (particularly "Death and the Maiden"), Brian Eno's Music for Airports, Pete Gabriel's "Mercy Street," and for reasons I can't begin to explain, Radiohead's OK Computer. " [thanks Thenewjravfour]

Jamie Cullum's live version of 'High and Dry' released

As you may already know, singer-songwriter Jamie Cullum recorded a version of Radiohead's 'High and Dry' on his album 'Pointless Nostalgic' in 2002. Now, a live version of this track will be released on the cd single 'These are the days' on Monday March 8th. [thanks Jimbo]

Radiohead in Mojo Readers Poll results

The March 2004 issue of Mojo magazine features the results of the Mojo Readers' Poll 2003: Artist Of The Year - #2 Radiohead, Album Of The Year - #2 Hail To The Thief, Hero Of The Year - #6 Thom Yorke, Event Of The Year - #1 Glastonbury 2003 (Radiohead headlined on the second day), #8 the Radiohead 'Hail To The Thief' tour, Mojo Magazine Cover Of The Year - #4 Mojo Issue 117 - Radiohead.

The April 2004 issue of Q magazine lists The 50 Best Music Videos Ever. Radiohead's video for 'Street Spirit (Fade Out)' was placed at #26:

"Plot: Taking the band out to the Californian desert, director Jonathan Glazer used a photosonics ultra-slow-motion camera for some woozy trickery. So, Jonny jumps into a caravan watched by the others in real time. Thom jumps slowly over a stick that another Thom is speedily waving above the ground. Gorgeous and genuinely perplexing.

"Behind the scenes: Thom's backwards jump off the trailer roof was onto a craftily edited-out safety mattress."

The 'Street Spirit (Fade Out)' video is available on the recently-released '7 Television Commercials' DVD. [thanks Mark]

At Ease Radiohead tribute

It had to be done sooner or later. Artists like Moby, The Cure, Tears for Fears, The Darkness, Brad Mehldau, Alanis Morissette (and tons of other artists) have already performed Radiohead's music. Christopher O'Riley even did a full album. But now there's the At Ease Radiohead tribute. A tribute album by Radiohead fans.

'Fond but not in love' is an album with 14 different artists, recording 14 different Radiohead songs at their homes with their own gear. The fans, all posting on the atease mb, started a thread to gather fellow fans to compile their covers songs ranging from Banana Co. to Backdrifts. The album is now finished and available for download.

You can download the album on a special site, AtEaseTribute.tk. The artwork is available here.

Coachella & Aussie tickets update

For all of you waiting for their w.a.s.t.e. tickets for the Australian dates; they should all have been despatched by the 10th of March. Tickets for the Coachella Festival will be sent before the end of the month. [thanks Steve]

New Radiohead.com online

As announced on ateaseweb.com earlier this week; Radiohead.com will have a new design. A new site has been launched today. This will be a temporary site until the final site is ready.

Jonny Greenwood interview in the Guardian

There was an article on Jonny Greenwood's 'Smear' (which debuted tonight in Leeds) with the title: 'Ondes but not forgotten': "Jonny Greenwood is known to millions as the guitarist in Radiohead, but he is enjoying a parallel life as the unlikely champion of an obscure instrument called the ondes martenot. The device, invented in 1928 by French experimenter Martenot, has featured on the past three Radiohead albums and on Greenwood's solo debut, Bodysong. It is also, he says, the source of "that swirly sound like a woman's voice on the Star Trek theme".

Greenwood first heard the ghostly instrument at school, when a teacher played him a piece by French composer Messiaen. For years he didn't know what one looked like; eventually he stumbled across one in Paris and bought it immediately. "It looks like a tiny piano, and it's similar to the theremin, but more precise," he says. "There's a string with a ring in it that you slide up and down horizontally, and a button that controls the amount of sound. It's mono, so you can only hear one note at a time - but that is a lyrical way of playing a melody."

Now Greenwood has written Smear (being performed tonight by the London Sinfonietta at the West Yorkshire Playhouse, as part of Leeds's Fuse festival), which features not one but two ondes martenots. "The sound of two of them together is really amazing," he says. In fact, he has become so obsessed with the instrument's sound that he feels "guitars just aren't enough any more". The martenot has become a pivotal part of Radiohead's music: the band have even fed Thom Yorke's vocals through its speakers.

Greenwood welcomes the news that electronics companies are looking to market the formerly obscure instrument. "It might be too late but it's something anyone can play and it really should have had the populist appeal of the Stylophone," he says. "It just needed a Rolf Harris. Although I'm not quite sure if that's me." [thanks Alex]

Stanley confirms artwork. New RH.com in the making

The Com Lag EP cover, as posted yesterday, is indeed the correct cover, despite the Kid A/Amnesiac era artwork. Stanley Donwood told ateaseweb.com: "we added a dutch influence by imagining a range of delftware that featured despotic sperm monsters and genetically modified bears. also the packaging will have a very shiny varnish. like a glaze. i would like to make an entire range:tea pot, gravy boat etc.
more tea vicar?" Stanley also said that there will be a new Radiohead.com in the near future ("we are mixing a big rusty cauldron full of strange ingredients").

Bumblebeeze to support Radiohead in Australia

The Bumblebeez will be supporting Radiohead on their Australian shows in April. The duo from Australia (via Brooklyn, New York) have released an EP on the Modular Records Label in December, entitled Red Printz'. An mp3 of their track, 'Mick Deseases' can be downloaded here. [thanks John]

Com Lag EP artwork

The Japanese HMV has a cover online for the forthcoming Com Lag EP. As you can see, the artwork looks like it was made 3 or 4 years ago.

The Japan only (Enhanced) 10 track EP, released through EMI Toshiba, will be out on March 29th. You can pre-order your copy at Amazon.com. [thanks cutw]

FuseLeeds concert to be broadcast

The concert from Wednesday at FuseLeeds (feature a piece by Jonny for three ondes martinots) will be broadcast at 7.30 on BBC Radio 3. [thanks Bryce]

For a recent interview with Jonny Greenwood, check the latest issue of Filter Magazine (USA) [thanks tim tam]

atease mb back online

Apparently, the message board needed a break for the weekend. The atease mb is back. So, a welcome back to all of you.