FIRST TIME HEARING Radiohead - Fake Plastic Trees REACTION

[@csn10]

"He used to do surgery for girls in the 80's, but gravity always wins..." Thom Yorke wrote this after noticing how fake people were in LA, from the many plastic surgeries to the fake personalities. I'm glad you've gone beyond Creep, and the folks always requesting it to the exclusion of all of their brilliant innovative albums aren't doing the band or themselves any favours.

[@csn10]

Check out their Live from The Basement series, as they are way better live than in the studio: Where I end and you begin, Myxomatosis, Weird Fishes/Aperggi or performances from the Jools Holland show, Glastonbury festival...

[@yoyodynepropulsionsystems]

One of my favorite lyrics from any song ever sung. I listen to this song just waiting for that line, pure genius.

[@mamesmck5236]

I always thought Creep was like a gateway drug into more Radio Head.

[@lisahillis8973]

Exactly!

[@redred222]

check out in rainbows one of there most underrated albums

[@MossTheTree]

The key line for me in this song is “gravity always wins” when he describes the girls and their plastic surgery. He’s saying that no matter how much you try for unblemished, young, and perfect, we all get old eventually- and the pursuit of that fake perfection can wear us all out.

[@janmalandra1899]

The word you're searching for is "melancholy". It's a feeling that prevails throughout all their songs. "Fake Plastic Trees" describes a woman that the protagonist of the song cares about who lives in a world that's entirely artificial. He wants to reach her, but he can't meet her artificial expectations. His heartbreaking cry "If I could be who you wanted! If I could be who you wanted! But, it wears me out. It wears me out.", hits me in the feels every time. I highly recommend "All I Need" and "Wolf At The Door". All Radiohead songs have really deep lyrics and Thom Yorke has an utterly unique singing voice with startling range.

[@tylerjargaille]

All I Need*

[@julien1]

Thom Yorke is the Keats of the 20th and 21st Century.

[@rileytipper5110]

Melancholy is the best and worst feeling. It’s so beautiful it makes me sad.

[@StephanieMarie]

Yes! You get lost in it if you close your eyes! I think you'll LOVE High and Dry too!

[@aarpoonwaify6694]

I can't listen to High and Dry anymore... absolutely destroys me.

[@ecj17cel]

Has he done street spirit yet??

[@GhostlyEcheveria]

High and Dry, and Street Spirit. Street Spirit might be my favorite early Radiohead song.

[@evilashxero]

2 Jump ins a week?! Seriously, though, I would love to see some reactions from songs from The Bends. Love that album.

[@garymcatear822]

I asked him to do high and dry over a year ago but he seems to have left me high and dry.

[@deanmaynard8256]

These guys are really an intellectual Indie band. They have been consistently great for decades now.

[@TheLittleMJPuppet]

Definitely not an indie band man

[@Kdizzle19]

@@TheLittleMJPuppet they are now

[@quirked.]

indie?

[@ArthurRChan]

For all the plaudits Radiohead has gotten for their other albums, "The Bends" will always be my favorite.

[@alansouthall8221]

Beautiful song

[@jemxs]

Mine as well

[@bluemoongirl28]

Same here

[@FightingTorque411]

Tough one - I'd say "OK Computer" is my favourite album still, but "The Bends" a close second, and "Fake Plastic Trees" my single favourite song of theirs.

[@eumaeus]

Ok, I'm going to throw Kid A into the mix, no make that In Rainbows. I've been a huge fan since the release of Pablo Honey. My admiration for this band has grown ever since. I have every album but to my shame, I've yet to see them live, despite being British and in the UK. I would recommend a journey through their albums in chronological order. Some may dislike their progressiveness, others will love it; but it's healthy to have an informed opinion.

[@majorlybad]

"This band can do it all". Man, you have no idea what's to come if you carry on down this road. I can't wait. 😊

[@TheFacrecords]

Hear hear!

[@iainprendergast8311]

Well said

[@bani5196]

Depression

[@manyelephants]

Radiohead are responsible for some of the most beautiful music. “Let Down” also never fails to bring me close to tears.

[@digitalcassette5]

Tom york: making me cry since the 90s One of the greatest bands ever to exist. So raw and beautiful.

[@lisajohnson521]

These guys are gems. Such great musicians. And they are one of the biggest bands in the world, so people know who they are LOL

[@Shrykespeare]

My favorite Radiohead song. Thom Yorke's vocals in this song are insane. Thanks for reacting.

[@RavenaDenver]

You really need to hear Street Spirit if you think this one's good, Street Spirit will just blow your mind. The one they did acoustic in Yokohama, Japan is a great recording of it, I doubt highly it has a copyright (Radiohead doesn't really go after people for that anyways) and the instruments and Thom's voice is awesome. It's pretty easy to find on KZbin. The Radiohead rabbit hole is just as deep and as mind blowing as Pink Floyd's. Just so much good music and once you think you have a grasp on it you find something better in their catalog. Amazing band.

[@hah424]

Yes, Street Spirit live is absolutely beautiful. You can hear every breath and nuance of Thom's voice, and the two guitars in harmony. Perfection.

[@westleyjohnstone4719]

Oddly I really liked the album track "nice dream"

[@westleyjohnstone4719]

And lurgee from the first album, no one ever mentiones that

[@hod2]

Thanks for recommending this Just watched and its awesome.

[@storiedworlds6261]

This and “High and Dry” are great Radiohead songs.

[@StephanieMarie]

High and Dry is SO good!!

[@jimmymac4559]

I enjoy Def Leppard’s “High and Dry” too

[@garmit61]

And ‘Lucky’ is similarly laid back and evocative.

[@piershollott339]

Radiohead songs are often emotional... but this song, 'High and Dry', and 'Lucky' are just so emotional. It feels like they took 'Stop Whispering' from their first album and realized they could dial back the intensity and squeeze out every last bit of emotion from a song.

[@imZornderNudelholzGiselas]

oh my god... this song is so beautiful...i love it! "Codex" , "Pyramid Song", "Where I End Any You Begin", "Videotape,", All I Need", Weird Fishes", "Let Down", "How To Disappear Completeley", "True Love Waits" and "Sail To The Moon" are also great sad songs by radiohead.

[@RavenaDenver]

Weird Fishes is hands down the best song ever written!

[@maartendominicus5108]

How to disappear completely is in Thom's opion the best song they made

[@richardsimpson2439]

@@RavenaDenver Reckoner is maybe my favourite song from that album, but the whole thing is perfect.

[@RavenaDenver]

@@richardsimpson2439 it’s in my top 3 albums of all time. In Rainbows was just inspired perfection. I still can’t believe they gave it away for free.

[@pdog547]

I adore this song. Absolutely beautiful. Sometimes sadness, if expressed in the right way, can make you feel better. As Elton John said, "Sad Songs Say So Much".

[@tinymusikcodottv-Musikverse99]

YOU GOT THE MEANING OF THE SONG PERFECT

[@dreww1609]

Glad you felt this song so much. Been doing it to me since I heard it in college in 1995. I feel like you feel the vibe - they have o much incredible music I hope you keep up the journey. "There, There" is another classic. Few if any of their 9 albums ( were nominated for Grammys) have any songs that sound like "Creep" (not to say anything negative towards that hit)so there is a lot of joy to be gained for anyone willing to give them the time. And yes, "Street Spirit" is a powerful beautiful dark song.

[@edwardferry8247]

It’s the utter exhaustion of living a fake life and the pressures to do so. Lovely to watch your reaction, thank you.

[@daji6675]

Spot on.

[@kenweis7913]

Someone I knew had been to over 100 concerts of all different bands.....they said radio head was the best ever

[@GrimrDirge]

Radiohead is the pinnacle of melancholy, Thom is a brilliant singer, it is hard to listen to a Radiohead song and try to move to another song. Some bands just capture your headspece.

[@Laura......]

He was inspired to sing like this when he went to a jeff buckley concert ( rip) he recorded it apparently and burst into tears after. Check out jeff singing 'grace' on BBC late show. You will never hear anything like it lol

[@colemandias3212]

Go to the In Rainbows album, everyone likes it. Jigsaw falling into place, house of cards, nude, weird fishes. The entire album slaps honestly

[@AngelaSmith-tz7wr]

In Rainbows in the Basement is a MUST watch!!!

[@brokenboxx]

Reckoner!!

[@derekhudson3523]

This is such a great song. It hits me every time. This fake plastic world wears her out, wears the man out and wears him out. He starts to feel something that feels real and wants to turn and run. I feel the sadness of it, because "fake plastic trees" is so real.

[@rohnnyjotten3985]

Radiohead are the most talented consistantly brilliant band thats existed since Pink Floyd, they have done 9 albums so far and 7 of them are considered classics and in fact their last album (#9) is in their top 3, i don't know of any other band who have 7 classic albums in their catalogue. They have recorded so much music through the years that you could make up another 3 albums with b-sides, stand alone singles and tracks they just release to fans for the sake of it, most bands would kill for the quality of material they don't even put on their albums. A lot of their stuff requires patience and a few listens, they often use strange time signatures and chord structures that on first listen can sound strange or jarring but after a few listens you just 'get' it. Its no coincidence that a huge part of Radioheads fanbase are musicians themselves.

[@mikedocemrick9497]

The Beatles definitely have 7 classics

[@rohnnyjotten3985]

@@mikedocemrick9497 Rubber Soul, Revolver, Sgt Peppers, White album, Abbey Road, Let It Be, i give them 6. To be considered one of my greatest of all times you just need 4, its amazing how many 'big' bands don't even have 4 great or classic albums in them, they are few and far between.

[@mikedocemrick9497]

@@rohnnyjotten3985 fair point. I’d also consider Help! as a classic for the title track and Yesterday alone

[@rohnnyjotten3985]

@@mikedocemrick9497 Yeah, fair enough, we'll call it 7, i'm a huge Beatles fan and to be fair The White album is a Double album so could kinda be 8 lol and if Radiohead had released Kid A/Amnesiac as a double album like they had planned then you could have cut Radiohead down to 6 lol Still, it takes a helluva lot of talent and skill to produce just 4 to meet my criteria as a 'great'. When you look at the artists/bands who do have 4 genuine classic albums it does tend to see the classic big name artists make my list and not many more. We are talking, Beatles, Floyd, Stones, Led Zep, Dylan, Doors etc

[@mike04574]

5 or 6 are classics not 7

[@MyargonautsJason]

this song has been a solace to me at so many times in my life... I love this song. My favorite Radiohead song from my favorite Radiohead album - The Bends.

[@andreaalvarez475]

You should see the video "Talk show host". It is a beautiful song of this band.

[@mhtbfecsq1]

''if you close your eyes and listen to it its ten times better'' . Exactly :)

[@aigentina3508]

This is one of the best songs of all time. Lyrics, harmony, Yorke's voice, all perfect.

[@CTqueenie]

You gotta listen to "Just". My favorite off their The Bends album. I sing and scream that out like nobody's business. These guys really started to find their footing with The Bends. A bit more mainstream, better production and mixing. The Radiohead stamp is starting to appear. I've always felt like Thom's vocals have been fully realized since day one, though. He's just got it. Love these guys!

[@jamesdrury6627]

Ignore the video, close your eyes and focus on the lyrics. Love Radiohead so much

[@DoctorMeatDic]

"The National Anthem" by Radiohead will BLOW YOUR MIND

[@bryanstarke2931]

I can't wait to see it .... 😂

[@philrob1978]

You know that feeling where you just want to reach into the screen and hug someone? This is one of those moments right now for me. Jay, have a virtual hug.

[@ambermurphy2154]

This song, among many of their songs, is a journey through humanity. No colors. No races. No limitations. Humanity. This band has a pure artistic heart that is bound by nothing. My advice, if you want to improve your life, is to listen to both of their "from the basement" albums. You're welcome.

[@bschuler6216]

Yeah dude, Street Spirit (Fade Out).is amazing!

[@petem3627]

Singing about fake plants, fake bewbs, fake people, broken people, fake plastic love. Love the lyrics ‘looks like the real thing, tastes like the real thing, my fake plastic love’. Watch their live at Glastonbury video. I will try to link.

[@karthikatchutanna9650]

There is this album called "In Rainbows" a definite listen.

[@silverdoeGirl]

Radiohead - Street spirit it always makes me want to cry it's stunning.

[@sharilynbratton6476]

Wow, I haven't listened to this song in a long while, used to be one of my fave songs off that album. Still have the cd in my closet somewhere in a box, I want to dig it out again and listen to the whole album now!

[@svperstar]

"And I can't help the feeling, I could blow through the ceiling, if I just turned, and ran", to me, is one of the all time lines.

[@brianbarnett1004]

I always got the feeling it is about consumerism and how much of our lives we devote to garbage (rubber, plastic). We live in a world of shallow ideals. It wears you out, striving to keep up, and what have you accomplished?

[@jemxs]

Beautiful song, one of my favorites of all time. I never try to listen to the lyrics too much, Radiohead for me is all about the sound and how it makes you feel and promotes internal thoughts.

[@franceshaas8255]

First time hearing them. Sounds nice so far. Mellow with a message. Like a ballad. Like the composition very much and his voice. Thanks!

[@seanriley199]

Check out High And Dry, Just or Creep by them :)

[@bschuler6216]

Street Spirit Bulletproof...I Wish I Was

[@italoblu]

House of Cards, How To Disappear Completely, Pyramid Song, so many brilliant songs.

[@trickster_qc]

@@italoblu and Let Down and Sulk and Polyethylene Part II and The Tourist and Life In A Glass House

[@reese8050]

I loved your genuine reaction to the video, my guy. It really is a beautiful song.

[@oskarobit]

You are in the mood for Radiohead man. For me this band is in the level of the greatest. Next reaction must be a LIVE song, you'll enjoy it double, trust me.

[@annewoodard6803]

One of my favorite Radiohead songs! I’ve seen them twice in concert, unbelievably great! 😁❤️

[@musicaddict5076]

Prob my favorite song from these guys. Perfect from beginning to end.

[@christina9841]

This song is so beautiful and powerful.... that line.. "if I could be who you wanted, all the time"... I think it hits for a lot of people who felt this way at least once in their lives.. insecurity and feeling like you don't measure up.... and/or someone who you realize doesn't really love you, they love, maybe the idea of who they want you to be...... deep song. I wish it had a better video. I only saw the video for the first time a few years ago.... sometimes the video adds to the experience of a song, sometimes it sort of takes away a little bit, this is one of those, I agree, that is better without the video. Thanks for doing this one. Another great song is called "High and Dry".. a not quite so raw song from them, but beautiful...

[@MrGwaldo]

It’s an absolute goosebumper of a tune. So powerful when performed live.

[@charlottebruce979]

Yes, that line gets to me too. I can definitely relate to it.

[@davidlegaria]

If you like this just wait until you hear "Bulletproof (I wish I was)". My favorite by them probably.

[@shannon3699]

one of their best! and absolutely yes, ethereal is it.

[@joshuapeterson6072]

Jvee this is a fantastic song, good choice. There is a whole fake plastic industry. Plastic surgery, plastic Christmas 🎄, plastic fruit bowls...people will seek out artificial reality, when actual reality is a risk.

[@trevordoolan5011]

Yep..! Need do "Street Spirit" next. Though then you probably need to move on into Radiohead's next phase. "Kid A" and beyond... When you starting listening to Tunes from the Albums "Kid A", "Amnesiac", "Hail To The Thief", "In Rainbows", "The King Of Limbs", "A Moon Shaped Pool" Radiohead become even more musically transcended. Radiohead are one the most innovative bands ever... .

[@CharlesDunkley]

I hope you continue to explore more Radiohead. For me, Radiohead and The Roots are the two best bands of the last 30 years. IMHO their level of talent: musically, instrumentally, lyrically, vocally, stands above everyone else during the same time period. Enjoy!

[@yannhollister9091]

So much beauty in their music, one of the best band of all time in my opinion

[@denizcakr3943]

After Oasis y u are right

[@bschuler6216]

Definitely one of the most beautiful (kinda sad) songs I've ever heard. This song brings involuntary tears to my eyes, in a very similar way to how Kate Bush affects me.

[@davidl9771]

Their songs go straight to the soul.

[@eumaeus]

Whoop whoop. More from Radiohead, you're spoiling us. I absolutely love this song.

[@culture_creature]

Between Creep and this song those are two of my All-time favorite songs. I can't get enough.

[@paulmclaughlin7014]

One of my all time favourite songs. His voice is amazing and haunting.

[@davidtate8273]

I read a biography of the band and it was stated that Thom was in tears and exhausted at the time of singing this track. Deep into the early hours and maybe the 10th take. They kept in the vocals.

[@jrob2473]

If you're a walking dead fan, a young Norman Reedus is in this video.

[@lissy2000us]

What?! Nice catch! I love me some Daryl Dixon!!!

[@TechnicalHotDog]

Radiohead is right up there with the Beatles in my opinion. I saw someone recommend Let Down, which I second. But also Exit Music (For a Film) is mind-blowing. How to Disappear Completely is one of the most beautiful songs I've ever heard. They have so many amazing songs though, it's a beautiful journey to go through them. Edit: How did I not mention Jigsaw Falling into Place. That song is one of the most addicting I've ever heard.

[@LATBEGHUD]

The word is ‘perfect’

[@huhuh9]

Where I End and You Begin is an amazing Radiohead song

[@dlpowers3898]

Such a dreamy soft song from Radiohead....they know how to make original, wonderful tunes like nobody else makes. thanks for sharing Jayvee :)

[@SebGeddy]

Such a beautiful song, the intensity in the last verse ("She looks like the real thing, she tastes like the real thing...") is out of this world

[@timlynch5710]

So, so happy you have heard this. Love this, love you and love Radiohead! Cheers.

[@Atlanticoduck]

My favorite Radiohead song. The lyrics are so nostalgic and ring true to the observations of how fake society was at the time. Lyrics that have only hit even harder as society and technology have progressed.

[@patmoniz4177]

I want to listen to the whole album now. It's great for road trips, or just an evening of introspection. Radiohead are on another level.

[@Johro66]

Every Radiohead song just gets you emotionally, and his range is phenomenal, also, when he sings, that shit feels real.

[@manna6618]

Thom has seriously written some of the most beautiful songs to ever grace this planet...try No Surprises or The Pyramid Song, both so gorgeous they deadset transport you to a special place. Oh and they got some new stuff out too!

[@scotty6388]

IMO it’s about a guy who is loving a woman, and trying to be whatever she wants him to be, but realising he can’t keep up that act forever. So he knows he can only be himself and that may not be enough.

[@sparda1979]

I love watching High and Dry music videos on tv back in 1995 and I regret for not getting The Bends cassette. I got fully hooked with Radiohead since 1997 after I purchased OK Computer.

[@TheChick24]

Ugh, one of my favorites by them! The build is gorgeous! Radiohead is my favorite band, period! Thom's voice is uniquely one of a kind! High and dry Jigsaw falling into place How to disappear completely Backdrifts So so many more!

[@mikeedward9595]

I miss music like this. You used to be able to turn on the radio and hear this stuff. Now you have to dig for it. This song just sounds like that moment in time.

[@Jillyconjem]

First time I saw them, Thom dedicated this to the folks on the lawn who were out there in like this major storm. I was in the pit with a few internet friends. Awesome show, awesome experience. Thom’s voice is ethereal and so strong. Fantastic tune. Did you notice Norman Reedus?

[@lilyraiyne9225]

Beautiful vocals and I like the song overall!!

[@malus.8833]

OMG I love your reaction, Radiohead have so many great songs, and this one is the most beautiful, he looks like a Nerd dude in a library, but, his talent is another level.

[@Patriots-Inc.1776]

This is classic 90’s music! We lived through and felt every song that came out back then! We used to rule ourselves and we were the last generation before the fake plastic phones starting ruling the earth!

[@andrewsharpe4764]

They recorded this track several times. The last time, Thom cried afterwards, and that’s what’s on the album.

[@bodimibiash8888]

I used to listen to ”Ok computer” on repeat while driving after I got my driver’s license. I was obsessed with that record, ”Let down” is still my favourite.

[@tefalhead7396]

Check out Jonny, Thom and a drum machine playing The Numbers at a side event at Glastonbury. You can really see and hear how brilliantly talented they are. It`s almost ethereal.

[@jillgehrke7262]

You should check out Stop Whispering , Exit Music (for a Film) and Everything In Its Right Place.

[@alistairmacdonald2634]

"High & Dry" next please. Best song on the album

[@jcompton8507]

One of my favorite songs from one of my all time favorite bands!

[@alipanroosendaal9503]

His voice really is like an instrument. The words are a meditation on maybe the yearning for connection to something "real". ('House of cards' is another hauntingly beautiful song)

[@manicpanic3544]

This song takes me back to college. They are a massively talented band.

[@kdmullins45]

I love your interpretations! Thanks so much for your true and introspective reactions! You remind me of my first times hearing all of their songs. It's so refreshing.

[@briz1965]

It was a kind of re-launching the UK sound out of brit-pop. Time of stereolab. I took my visiting brother to see Radiohead mid-week on Bank St., Ottawa (Nod to Thom on the stairs), then to ANOTHER ROADSIDE ATTRACTION that weekend in Arnprior, ON with The Tragically Hip ... fun times

[@serenasantiago1964]

Thnx for letting me know why you fade it. I'm a new sub and really appreciate that you made it a point to mention why. So far I'm absolutely loving your channel. I'll always say do some more Prince.😊

[@JayveeTV]

Prince is hard to react to. this fading trick still doesn't work on his videos lol

[@mezellenjohnson2753]

I found watching the music videos mean I cant concentrate on the music, and then I missed so much so now I dont watch them except occasionally it the band is live. This is a wonderful song and the lead singers voice is incredible! What a wonderful voice to listen sit and listen to, although it was a sad song it was just beautiful. Its the first time I heard this, thank you sweetheart. Take care and stay safe please my friends God bless you all love hugs and peace to everyone Mary-Ellen UK

[@forbiddencolor]

Would love to see your reaction to their song "Spectre". Radiohead were commissioned to write the theme for the James Bond film of the same name in 2015 but the producers wound up rejecting it. Radiohead later released the song and included it on their ninth album.

[@SebGeddy]

Thom Yorke's voice is an instrument on its own, not a regular one but one with an amazing range of possibilities

[@jameshannagan4256]

Street Spirit is an incredible song from an early time period as is High and Dry but everything you have listened to is from their early time period you should check out some of their later stuff so you can see how much they evolved try Reckoner, Nude, Everything in its Right Place, the National Anthem, a Wolf at the Door, Lotus Flower, Decks Dark or There There, honestly almost anything you carefully listen to by them will resonate with you but often it requires multiple listens as most of their catalog consists of what a lot of serious music fans call growers, many of my favorite songs by them I did not love or even like that much on first couple of listens ( Weird Fishes).

[@michaelconnolly7681]

I would highly recommend listening to The Bends, the album this song came from. Its phenomenal, like this song. Excellent reaction video. I think it's about the difficulties of developing real and genuine relationships in a 'fake plastic' world.

[@amanr6346]

Integral part of my time at University, often listened to Radiohead on repeat. Incredible music.

[@peterwilkins7013]

FPT one of my favourite songs ever. Street Spirit and High & Dry are probably the best known from the The Bends. But honestly, just listen to the whole 'The Bends' album. It's all quite melancholy and angsty - so you want to be in the right mood! In the mid 90's at uni, it was almost compulsory to own this album.

[@davidduxbury7530]

Fabulous review,thank you for your honesty and love of different music genres,peace!

[@garmit61]

Well read Jayvee. Welcome to the amazing world of Radiohead. If you explore the material,on the three albums The Bends, OK Computer and In Rainbows there’s an amazing variety and intensity of music to get your head around.

[@LPikon]

This track is from The Bends - one of the greatest indie rock albums of all time. This draws you in totally.

[@eZTarg8mk2]

high and dry, street spirit, blackstar...some of my favs from this album - the bends. How to disappear completely and pyramid song are another 2 worth checking out