Radiohead Paranoid Android // Composer Reaction // The Decomposer Lounge

[@OIP_1]

i can still remember hearing this song for the first time, on my car radio, and when it finished the announcer said "if you're in a band, might as well quit now because you'll never release anything as good as that". went and bought the album right after

[@aidan8473]

That's hilarious

[@thaumatology]

true story. I remember the first time I heard Creep I was driving a shuttle van for the hotel where I worked and I nearly drove it into a ditch reaching for the volume knob.

[@mysticmerman]

Ha! Me too! But, the DJ wasn't nearly as cool. I just sat there stunned for a few minutes!

[@kristopherloviska9042]

Car radio for me too. One of the Detroit rock stations. The DJs were kind of making fun of it. They said the line "Ambition makes you look pretty ugly" sounded like "This shirt makes you look pretty ugly". I saw them open for Alanis Morissette some time around then and they just blew her off the stage.

[@MiscerVids]

Lmao

[@JM-co6rf]

So envious that there are people who get to experience Radiohead songs for the first time.

[@anteaters-R-us]

Me too! Im 34 now and my first album was radiohead

[@StephSinalco]

You really believe this guy experiences Radiohead for the first time ? Come on... Either he's a terrible composer or a poor liar ;)

[@Esta-Beed]

Me too!

[@someperson8151]

In Oklahoma City the radio stations were few and played mostly country. I worked full time and went to community college full time. Wasn't able to get around much. I was doing my homework around midnight with MTV on. I saw/heard "Just" for the first time. Blown away. I was already three albums behind.

[@Itiswhatitisitiswhatitiswhatit]

Seriously. What an experience it was!

[@cjmst3k]

They DO play it EXACTLY this way live. All their songs they do it that way. It's crazy.

[@ninagray4441]

Nope, wrong, some of the tracks from Kid A/Amnesiac, they mess around with the arrangements live, like the live album proves.

[@awakeningcry]

NOOOOO, no no no. Every time I hear the studio version of this song, I'm disappointed it's not the live version they played on Jools Holland back in May 1997. Calling it "legendary" doesn't even do it justice. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKuzpaWVo5KgbqM

[@todoesarte3456]

@@ninagray4441 Yeah, but at least Thom's voice is the same.

[@ashleysmith7238]

The point is that there is nothing artificial that they add while recording. My buddy worked professionally with linkin park. For their concerts they would feed in music that was recorded but they couldn’t play live. Radiohead doesn’t do that

[@djackson006]

Still waiting for one of the albums in “from the basement” format. Moon shaped pool.

[@llamasarus1]

"Paranoid Android" does a great job of sounding like nothing close to anything I've ever heard before or ever will in the future more so than most songs.

[@jajjaspson8001]

The first part of this song with all of the interlocking guitars feels kind of like Discipline by King Crimson or even Freehand by Gentle Giant, but then it does a million other things on top of that...

[@JTAproducer]

The only comparable song is Bohemian Rhapsody

[@stonedphilosopherza4915]

Pink Floyd was that for me…

[@cdubbsmusic]

The band has cited Happiness is a Warm Gun as an influence on the structure but yeah Paranoid Android is so unique & innovative, one of my fav songs

[@cdubbsmusic]

It's got a Latin feel but also sounds so alien & mysterious

[@jpwartist]

Jonny Greenwood writes the string arrangements. He's pretty much a musical genius and multi instrumentalist. He also writes classical music and film scores including the score to There will be blood amongst others. His brother Colin Greenwood is the bass player.

[@paulwalker6936]

Not to mention, Jonny can play the guitar and use the head of his guitar to play the piano at the same time!

[@soakedbearrd]

Yeah he’s a really good guitarist with a unique style.

[@ralph9182]

He's also given his H to thom

[@pumbar]

He's not allowed to play the banjo though.

[@ignatiusjharris3442]

Just one of the many, many... many reasons that Radiohead are the best band that have ever existed.

[@pauldavies7746]

For me this song is up there with Bohemian Rhapsody in terms of uniqueness. I suspect it takes a lot of guts to do something so original and different.

[@junkyarddog303]

In terms of uniqueness and that it’s like 3 songs in 1. Masterpiece.

[@seanpease370]

It’s the 90s version of Bohemian Rhapsody for sure.

[@MrBmnmtfk]

It's the weird cousin of Bohemian Rhapsody

[@fredwillerup7209]

that's exactly what David Byrne said in their hall of fame induction kzbin.info/www/bejne/a4jZdmyObrh5gcksi=UHStZBIFoPz9PZ2U&t=130

[@gestapoid]

It's structured more like concert music and less like a rock song.

[@Kampy_]

3:28 "I think at some point in my life, I'm gonna have to see these guys live." Be careful with that... seeing Radiohead live is a slippery slope. They're TOO good live. The experience is so euphoric, it can be addictive. One show isn't enough, and leads to two, five, 10, and the next thing you know it's the summer of 2006 and you're following them around the country and see them 8 times within a month. You'll end up seeing them live over 40 times, and it still won't be enough. You'll go through withdrawals. Don't ask me how I know this. You have been warned.

[@bluestu2]

I saw Radiohead at a Fan Club Only ( I think) recording, at the Shepherd's Bush Empire in London, in 2003, thanks to a friend who was running the door. There were many people there, but somehow I was the only one. It was biblical.

[@NolalanD]

This is so true . Saw them in Nola in 2004 , jumped into the car and headed to Atlanta 2 days later lol .

[@multiversechorus]

I've been lucky to see them 3 times. And when they tour again there's no distance I won't travel.

[@wertdeg]

Damn money bags! Ive only gotten to see them three times..

[@Kampy_]

@@wertdeg far from money bags... it's just that I prioritize live music over all the other "necessities" of life. Plus, I've been going to concerts for 35 years, so the numbers add up. Still, I'm not even close to Howard Mordoh's numbers

[@patriciastanley7816]

Colin Greenwood may be the most underrated bass player i know of. His playing is so tasteful.

[@bobothehobo420]

100%

[@davidstrang3575]

Yeah man! He’s amazing! They all are. Ed O’Brien’s solo album is fantastic. But this song is just a masterpiece, a true work of art, all 5 of them are on fire.

[@dayflowermusic]

Even underrated by himself . . . He's just incredibly modest

[@zoebanks687]

This title belongs to Colin Moulding from XTC.

[@Daviduseche2]

Oh yes, Patricia! In my opinion, one of his best performances is in Airbag (from Ok Computer) where his bassline construction is impressive, using silence as part of the overall performance and creating a deconstructing/constructing effect. To me, seems like an amazing aproach and makes me think of the mid XX century french structuralism. Colin is incredible, actually

[@wjones284]

My 12-yr old daughter is in her middle school rockband, sings and just now picking up guitar. Last night I dropped a pair of good headphones on her and said check this out. To watch her expressions as she journeyed through this musical odyssey was priceless. At the end she slipped the headphones off and exhaled this utterly mesmerized "Wow." So rewarding to see her get it and love it first listen, as we all know this track just gets better the more you experience it. And I keep going back to this album and particular track over the years to get my own fantastical fix, as I do with certain Jeff Buckley tracks, etc. But this one stands out as the richest and most captivating auditory ride for me every time

[@elaredde1549]

Live at Siné EP. Epic

[@fakecubed]

I'm looking forward to taking my own kids through Radiohead when they're old enough to appreciate it.

[@david3agle]

Honestly, Paranoid Android deserves a spot on the top 10 best composed songs of all time. It's just incredible, so many different emotions plugged into one song and it still somehow all works. And it never gets boring to upon repeat listenings.

[@luisendymion9080]

Yep. I already liked Radiohead but I'm more of a metalhead. Imagine my surprise when I discover this masterpiece in an anime ending. true fact. Alternative British rock fan since then (I know, they're above categories, just to make my point)

[@missgoonie444]

You're absolutely spot on. It actually isn't a song that I plan to listen to very often nowadays (though I did own this album on CD in the 90s). But when it comes on the radio/stream, or I stumble upon it, I can't get over how incredibly unique it sounds, while still being a rock song, and also how it simply sounds like no other song. It's a masterpiece.

[@brianbenson1511]

Agree 100% this is a real genius piece of songwriting, never ever get bored of it myself

[@KitsunukiTheDrunkenFoxInari001]

100%

[@EetYajKundorp]

This was my first real introduction to Radiohead and it’s still my all time favorite song. Love it so much.

[@ferkyderky]

i love how he actually knows what he's talking about! it isn't just "oh wow neat, cool, i like this haha." it's actually an analysis, like what a reaction should be.

[@joaquinbaume1291]

that's why his videos are good, he knows his stuff!

[@Jeremy-hx7zj]

I like videos with breakdown and analysis like this, but I also like seeing people who are just enthusiastic about music, getting excited hearing stuff for the first time that I've loved for decades.

[@Dwendele]

Welcome to the family man! The more Geebz you watch, the more Geebz you WANT to watch. I find myself watching the entire video even for bands I really don't like.

[@carolynm.7530]

@@Jeremy-hx7zj Ditto!!!

[@SurfGreenTelecaster]

Yup, that is what is special about this channel - he’s got deep musical knowledge, but not an ounce of pretentiousness. Just his honest enjoyment of it, and he always picks up on many of the same things I enjoy in these songs.

[@MarcoGosatti43]

Paranoid Android on Jools Holland 1997 is one of the greatest live performance ever. Foo Fighters were playing on Jools that night. David Grohl said he experienced music revolution in real time watching that performance.

[@yungfleip]

There literally isn't a bad song on this record, and most of them will blow your socks off. Legit one of the best albums ever made.

[@XistoKente]

Wishing for Geebz to react to "Exit Music". I wonder if he'll pick up on the classical piece it's based upon.

[@richardroberts957]

@@XistoKente fuck yeah. My ex did video media course in college and i acted in one of her pieces and we used exit music and climbing up the walls in her course work short film. Great songs. 👌👌

[@joaquinbaume1291]

true, the only skipper (FOR ME) is Electro

[@Samrojas0]

Amen, brother

[@Lellos_]

@@joaquinbaume1291 do you mean Electioneering?

[@kesstron1]

So stoked for him and the goldmine he’s stumbled upon

[@carolynm.7530]

Exactly!

[@mikeshaw7006]

Wait 'til he discovers In Rainbows!

[@blipbobeep8345]

There´s alaways a siren singing you to shipwreck.

[@sab5043]

To go back and listen to these songs for the first time..... oh my

[@MovedbyTruth]

Seriously. They have a ton of brilliant songs. Looking forward to seeing him react to the second half of The King of Limbs. Lotus Flower, Give Up the Ghost, Separator and Codex. Also, a lot of the songs from A Moon Shaped Pool. (obviously In Rainbows, Kid A and OK Computer too. Everything from those albums is incredible)

[@lueysixty-six7300]

My favorite lyric of all time : *"Ambition makes you look pretty ugly, Kicking, squealing Gucci little piggy!"*

[@bennyblanco2091]

In the the book Hysterical and Useless Thom in an interview stated that the line was inspired from a time he was in a coffee shop in LA and all these pretentious “androids” with their Gucci accessories were crowding the store. It’s a good read.

[@MM-et5kz]

Been listening to this song for years. But whenever I play it I normally sing along to two lines "please could you stop the noise I'm trying to get some rest....and ambition makes you look pretty ugly..." LOL

[@angelcarlos8041]

The guitar after that line always gets me

[@fongy200]

Agreed, pretty good lyrics.

[@mysticmerman]

The main reason that Radiohead had the video made without letting the animator read the lyrics is because they didn't want a "Gucci Little Piggy" in the video. True story.

[@mpsybiln634]

what's brilliant about the last part is that it always feels as though they're modulating up after each turn, but they actually go back to the same key they started in.

[@neilomac]

If you fancy checking out something with a chord progression that actually does continually modulate, check out 'Dirty Boy' by Cardiacs (a band who were an influence on Radiohead and many others) - there's a section about halfway in with a typically bonkers chord progression that modulates up a semi-tone every time it goes around, it's amazing.

[@grantmalone]

Well, they modulate back _down_ to Cm after each turn, which is the key they started, then they go up again to Dm a few bars in.

[@gatorlover1969]

One of the great things about Radiohead is they have released many hours of live video to KZbin for their fans.

[@sarahzentexas]

I know! Some of the performances I’ve seen via their KZbin channel are among the best ever! I was and still am grateful to them for doing this for us all during quarantine year.

[@Kevkin]

I saw Radiohead perform Paranoid Android for one of the first times live at a festival in 1996. No one had heard the song before and it blew the crowd’s minds.

[@jayveebloggs9057]

lucky you must have been amazing .. mind u I saw Joy Division live in Oct 79...

[@kushagra8183]

I saw nothing 🥲

[@whatdothlife4660]

@@jayveebloggs9057 Lucky is really good live too.

[@mkswk09]

Geebz All of us Radiohead fans of heard the song 1 million times already so I’m not sure why anyone wouldn’t stay till the end of this video to hear what you have to say, because that is why we are here. There’s something so satisfying about a stranger falling in love instantly with the music that I love.

[@emeraldkat2167]

So much this. I listen to them in my car everytime I'm in it, I listen every week when they release a new concert too. It's just so lovely to head someone react to them for the first time. It's really fun.

[@asimo3089]

radiohead FTW!!

[@opethium647]

No way, the creator of jailbreak of all ppl. Ok you've officially earned my respect now

[@deathakid]

i didn't know people still said FTW that's all i said on halo 2

[@leandrodamian707]

@@deathakid what does it means

[@ammachado]

@@deathakid FTW!

[@deathakid]

@@leandrodamian707 when you get a clutch shot on cod or halo you say ftw- FOR THE WIN

[@MisfitsJOE]

I saw them live once and it was one of the best days in my life. They got me to tears that day, pure magic.

[@Johro66]

Even watching the live videos does that for me, Glastonbury 2003 wow..

[@10DollarProductions]

Bonnaroo 2006!! Goddamn that was a fantastic show. Anyone that's a fan of the band absolutely needs to see them live, they are great.

[@Jiko_bo]

Fun fact: this song was originally three separate pieces written by three different band members, which they then tried to incorporate each into one cohesive idea. You can definitely hear it too, three very distinct movement.

[@Yubamaravilla]

Wich members? I guess thom , jonny and ed ?? Phil??

[@matthewsaul3533]

I'm curious about this as well. I do know that Jonny Greenwood wrote the harmonic progression for the "rain down on me" section. I'd love to know who wrote the other sections. My guess is that Ed may have written the "gucci little piggy" section?

[@Jiko_bo]

@Lucrecia Paniagua @Matthew Saul I actually don't know. This was always something I'd heard for years, and the wiki's and interviews seem to back it up. Going off what I've read it seems Tom, and Johnny, and either Ed, or Colin. Seems like the song was quite a collaborative effort from the jump, so the others could've been involved as well. But again I don't know for sure, doesn't seem like there's a lot of info about it

[@visubot1887]

It was also inspired by "Happiness Is A Warm Gun" by The Beatles

[@hughgrection5674]

If I’m correct from past interviews the basic structure was built around inspiration from “happiness is a warm gun” which is a Thom favourite 🤔 most of the guitar work was a joint collaboration between Thom, Ed and Jonny.

[@KeyOfGeebz]

Happy ALOHA FRIDAY everyone! Thanks for hanging out on the channel and supporting me through this journey YOU are taking me on. Have a great weekend!

[@StfuFFS]

Guitar break out like Jimi H or James Iha? I heard Siamese Dream in there...

[@craigbrindle108]

You definitely need to see them live. Don't forget the gummy bears, FTW.

[@SkaTim]

I am loving your assessments, Jonny Greenwood is the Composer you are seeking from Radiohead. He is a modern genius.

[@MattEatsVeggies]

I would love to hear you breakdown their track ‘Exit Music (For a Film)’. Based on your previous Radiohead reactions, think it’d be right up your alley.

[@bojangles4118]

♥️♥️♥️🥰 absolute pleasure watching your reaction thank you 🙏🏼🙇🏼‍♂️ Radiohead is magik

[@Debster1014]

You have to listen to the entire album, OK Computer, from start to finish. Pure brilliance. It all works together and flows as a beautiful whole. You don’t get that as much with current albums.

[@tkkcali]

Except cardi b!!!!!

[@teethsjuice]

@@tkkcali hmmmmm…..

[@MrMmnngghh]

@@tkkcali lol

[@tkai6055]

This. One of my "top 5 albums of all times"- list. For sure.

[@katgettingblckdinayellowthong]

When that album came out, it changed my world of music.

[@johnjack30]

Dude, if you get a chance, you have to see Radiohead live. Best concert I've ever seen.

[@ThePhDSpanish]

Seconded. They are one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen. Aside from the drummer I think, basically each member can and will bounce between instruments between songs and sometimes even during. Their musicality is crazy

[@joaquinbaume1291]

same, radiohead, swans and xiu xiu, the best shows I've ever saw

[@beardedtits]

I've seen hundreds of bands live, many of them dozens of times, I've only seen Radiohead once, it stands alone untouched as the best gig I ever went to.

[@TheAndreseao]

Yep, so true

[@jacobneylon647]

Saw them at their last show (to date, I’m sure there’ll be more). August 1st, 2018 in Philadelphia. I’ve been to a lot of concerts in my life, but that one was by far the best. This might be sacrilegious to say, but with their earned status as one of the greats, it almost felt like I was watching The Beatles or Pink Floyd in their heyday. It was mesmerizing.

[@thoronthol1175]

I went on a Radiohead bender for about a decade.. god, it’s incredible to watch someone hear them for the first time. They’re so good it hurts.. but it might be time to open the old wounds.

[@mirjamvond1731]

Radiohead has that quality, where it's really good, but it also makes you sad, but you still want to hear it because feeling sad can feel really good

[@beatlebum7057]

I've been on a Radiohead bender since The Bends came out. Best band of all time.

[@MicahBuzanMUSIC]

This is one of those Radiohead songs that blows you away the first time you hear it, yet continues to do so even after hearing it 1,000 times.

[@10DollarProductions]

Absolutely, this video has really broken it down for me and gave me such a new appreciation for it.

[@danielshaw4716]

Totally agree

[@MrSpencerRichards]

You should check out any of their live studio performances from IN THE BASEMENT - definitely have a better appreciation of these beautiful songs when you see how these sounds are made - next best thing to actually seeing them live.

[@masonmortimeyer2901]

Those made me go deeper past just ok computer into radiohead

[@joaquinbaume1291]

specially the king of limbs! and i don't say this lightly, in rainbows is my favouirte album and i still prefer tkol basement

[@Andrew-cc4vk]

100%

[@aimeelowe1633]

I love their Basement performances of In Rainbows. Weird Fishes is so beautiful. Watching them play is just incredible ❤️

[@monkeyfarm]

This was their breakthrough song for me in the 90's - Saw a documentary that they wrote this album in Jane Seymour's castle in the UK. You must see them live if u can - the best show i've ever seen.

[@RJ1J]

I actually spent a few days at this castle. It was a total wreck inside, so people were squatting it and I joined them for a while. Amazing grounds. I was stunned to hear that Radiohead recorded OK, Computer in one the old halls of Jane Seymour's castle that I wandered around in years earlier, trying to avoid the leaks and mould. I saw from the production photos they had loads of plastic sheets protecting gear. I wonder what happened to that place. From the outside, it was so beautiful. Property developers showed up talking about tearing it down according to long term squatters. This is obvs a long time ago.

[@THE.N1KO]

Which is the title of that documentary? I really want to watch it.

[@jonathanh8320]

I would love to watch that also!

[@grey_f98]

Creep was actually their breakthrough song (generally speaking, I know you were talking about only yourself), but they came such a long way from then, paranoid android is definitely their watershed moment, how to disappear and reckoner are some of their peak songwriting since then

[@DerEchteBold]

Breakthrough? Interesting, to me it was kind of their farewell, didn't like anything after this.

[@stevendegennaro]

The drums are real. This album was played almost entirely live in the studio, and they can recreate it pretty much perfectly in concert.

[@muhammadalfahri6772]

Phil is one of the most underrated drummer of all time. He's a machine behind the drum.

[@jameshurley4337]

@@muhammadalfahri6772 A drum machine, you might say.

[@YouTubeShmooTube]

I’ve always felt that Paranoid Android takes you on a journey kinda like listening to Bohemian Rhapsody. Is it just me?

[@catherinerainville4232]

Right on!

[@hklinker]

I see people say this a lot. Got parts, yeah...but to me nothing like BR.

[@MJ-sj5dv]

Exactly

[@trevor245]

It's mostly due to the song structure. Both are great songs but I personally don't really think they are that similar aside from how they are structured to not have a chorus.

[@pliubumas]

They are both rhapsodies. Wikipedia: A rhapsody in music is a one-movement work that is episodic yet integrated, free-flowing in structure, featuring a range of highly contrasted moods, colour, and tonality. An air of spontaneous inspiration and a sense of improvisation make it freer in form than a set of variations.

[@lenadroks]

Please do “Weird fishes / arpeggi”

[@TheChick24]

Yes please!! And Jigsaw falling into place from the same album!

[@Pwwh0711]

& make it the 'Later with Jools Holland' live version. 'Best bit is watching the other musicians appearing seriously think about finding a new career. 😁

[@theknid]

@@Pwwh0711 their reactions made that video, Like they could not believe their ears. How does this sound so good?!

[@dullknife0490]

commenting

[@dullknife0490]

multiple times

[@stubees88]

The fact that Radiohead can pull this off live is what really transports them into another realm musically!

[@whatdothlife4660]

It's wild that Thom is the one playing the insane guitar part.

[@jslatts74]

No that’s played by Jonny Greenwood…the lead guitarist.

[@whatdothlife4660]

@@jslatts74 I mean the main rhythm which has like 30 chords and very hard shapes to play.

[@nomukun1138]

When I was a teenager I pirated a ton of random music I knew nothing about. I fell asleep listening to mp3s one afternoon and heard "Rain down, come on (karma) rain down on me." For a long time I never knew where that snippet of song came from. I listened to the beginning of every track on album after album but of course the beginning of Paranoid Android doesn't give any hint of that melody. I didn't find it again until my taste improved and I started listening to every track. That's how I managed to hear Paranoid Android the first time twice. Radiohead for the win!

[@adriancervantes4902]

This is a fantastic story. I can imagine going through that, driving you crazy, cause even if you gave every song like 2 minutes, to see if it changes, you'd never find it, and since you were falling asleep... what if I just dreamt that song? What if it doesn't exist? Did I imagine it?? hahaha

[@86hills59]

@@adriancervantes4902 I have a similar story with an oasis song that was only 1-2 minutes long and had a really peculiar song and I scoured their discography and haven’t been able to find it :/ and now I’m thinking I may have made it up or something idk

[@tonysantos6345]

Interesting story.

[@adriancervantes4902]

@@86hills59 Oasis has a hidden song in the what's the story morning glory album, at the very end of it, and it's only like 1-2 minutes long. Could that be it??

[@86hills59]

@@adriancervantes4902 maybe!! Link to it?

[@LoriTriesLife]

I can't believe I'm only a couple years new to this band myself. How could I have existed on this planet without having known the genius that is Radiohead? Don't you feel all tingly now? Thom Yorke's voice - amazing. You could trip over a word he strings out forever but makes it totally work! RH FTW! Gratitude to you for doing this 🎵 song! 🙏

[@mirjamvond1731]

Thom Yorke's voice is the soundtrack of my 90's teenage angst 🖤

[@Valisk]

@@mirjamvond1731 It worked with twenties angst too :)

[@mysticmerman]

@A S, well, I've had the same reaction and feelings to most of their subsequent releases. Other songs that blew my mind were "The National Anthem," "Knives Out," "There There," "2+2=5," "Bodysnatchers," "Little By Little," and many more. Hopefully, there will be future mind blowers!

[@Immortality_rie]

And that’s why Rolling Stone called OK Computer the best album of the 20th century. It’s absolutely amazing.

[@josueavila1306]

really? i didn't know that

[@SuperTonydd]

Apple music gave the gong to Lauren Hill which just flabbergasted me

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

This is basically Radiohead's A Day in the Life or Bohemian Rhapsody: three different songs stitched together that somehow make a coherent work of art despite being so disparate.

[@LoriTriesLife]

I was thinking the same thing

[@966631514]

radiohead called it their happiness is a warm gun

[@morkmorgs2188]

I always get a Band On The Run vibe

[@catherinerainville4232]

👍🏻

[@petergreen2552]

To compare that to Bo Rhap or A Day in the Life is the ultimate musical insult.

[@stevemuzak8526]

Radiohead is endless goldmine of music. The highest level of song writing.

[@texaschica6056]

Is that a hint he needs to listen to their work on the Velvet Goldmine soundtrack?!

[@niallmulheron6438]

@@texaschica6056 I think it might be

[@carlos_al]

naah

[@OrchardFox]

Statements like these are what really turns new people away from their music. I fucking love Radiohead, but just claiming that it's the highest standard of songwriting (just because it seems like it's the only band you listen to) is kind of absurd, considering our long history of music. And I'm also including music from films, video games, all forms of music composition

[@Straaaayyyy]

@@OrchardFox maybe you can reccomend some bands that really are better when it comes to the song writing then? I have listened to so many Rock bands that I didnt find something as good as radiohead in my opinion, I talk about composition and so on of course. You claim that the dude listens only to radiohead but how do you know that? Maybe he really can't find something their level, or he thinks they are the best. I just feel that you sound as though you are the biggest music nerd on this planet

[@dinkelberchs3697]

Man I just love the passion you're showing. Seeing your face when you're noticing these little details leaves absolutely no doubt that you love music with all your heart.

[@robbiebonham]

It's an absolute pleasure watching you discover Radiohead.

[@angrynorway]

It’s amazing watching someone hear this for the first time.

[@angrynorway]

Love the channel, btw!

[@patthewoodboy]

classically trained , highly intelligent musicians become a rock band , this is the result :-)

[@krzysztofkalinski2616]

... also influenced by classical compositor Krzysztof Penderecki :-) as Jonny Greenwood is fascinated by KP music.

[@sophiafake-virus2456]

You missed, middle class, off your list, and freemasons. I saw them on the Johnathon Ross show exchanging masonic handshakes.

[@patthewoodboy]

@@sophiafake-virus2456 no thats the way young people do handshakes , it sometimes confuses me when I'm with my grandson at the skatepark

[@sophiafake-virus2456]

@@patthewoodboy I'll just sit here and do my knitting shall I? As I say, they did, very obvious masonic handshakes.

[@sophiafake-virus2456]

@@patthewoodboy here is the clip. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hZTJemtog7Z6rbM

[@smitlag]

I love Thom York's use of long sustained notes in his vocal performances.

[@cpow6207]

Radiohead live is an experience you can't describe. Don't miss out if you get the chance!

[@Sir_Blobfish]

Been lucky to see ‘em four times in three states... yet I still feel deprived somehow. Glorious evenings... each and all.

[@poclinn]

Totally agree. I've seen them three times. Once about a year after The Bends with less than 100 people and then again about a year after OK Computer with over 8,000 people. Each time was amazing!

[@Prairiepagan316]

I saw them once and thought I died and went to heaven.

[@pja36]

I saw em tour this album before it really broke at the 9:30 club in dc (maybe 800 capacity). Best concert of my life.

[@DANTE83100]

Only manage to see them once. However there are no words to describe what it was like to see/hear How to Disappear Completely live. Well, that and Karma Police.

[@bricciobelloodales1720]

I can humbly say the following. I am 55 years old, I was born with music by giants like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, Deep Purple, Jimmi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, etc. I don't want to bore you with the above. But I want to make it clear that I have always known that the best decades of music worldwide were the 60's and 70's. Well there may be other opinions, but personally the greatest bands in history were created here, being The Beatles, the biggest of all. That being said, I didn't expect that in the 90's, 5 guys that make up a band called Radiohead would appear. When I met them I found them interesting with some songs, but that album "OK Computer" already spoke of a major brand band. Inside this album is this monumental piece called "Paranoid Android". I must comment that the album "OK Computer" is among the 20 best records in the history of rock. The theme "Paranoid Android" is a work of art, which really should belong to the 70's, where musical creativity was at its best, but Thom Yorke, together with Radiohead in the middle of the 90's, created this musical jewel, making it clear that in the 90's you can also create songs of a much higher level. I must note that Thom Yorke, when he listened to Queen and the great song "Bohemian Rhapsody", there he decided to dedicate himself to music professionally. In short, "Paranoid Android" is for me the best creation of Radiohead, as a contribution to world music. Thank you.

[@derricktipps9867]

Gotta do "let down" for your next radiohead!!!

[@mattjscott26]

Let Down's gotta be next for sure, but I'm starting to feel bad for Geebz not actual listening to the entire album because he's doing it chunk by chunk for reactions' sake.

[@quintonking9960]

Let Down through headphones was my full conversion moment - particularly the stereo vocal split into harmonizing counterpoint in the last verse . . .

[@the_____project4582]

Phil selway is a human drum machine. And has quite an affinity for shnazzy dress shirts

[@pvanukoff]

Does it make him look pretty ugly?

[@ddemulling9722]

@@pvanukoff Yes, but only to kicking screaming gucci little piggies.

[@galvinatrix1984]

I noticed this when I watched the From the Basement New Years video. He doesn't miss a beat the entire album!

[@FeedingGrounds]

This song can make me weep with it's sadness/beauty while musically thrilled/tickled. This whole record is one for the ages.

[@FluffyMcFluffavicMeowskiOFluff]

Please do Street Spirit (Fade Out)… such a stunning song. Or the entire In Rainbows album because it's flawless and out of this world!

[@jdubya8762]

My fav from them... That I've heard

[@thejoneses100]

In Rainbows was an instant classic. It’s a shame it’s not thought of in the same vein of Kid A or OK Computer

[@AzazelCain]

I was gonna suggest going to The Bends

[@FluffyMcFluffavicMeowskiOFluff]

@@thejoneses100true! But it is thought of that highly by me mate 👍

[@FluffyMcFluffavicMeowskiOFluff]

@@AzazelCain he can't go wrong with that album! 👌

[@soupformifamli]

We'll get away from this virus someday, and I hope you get to see Radiohead sometime soon after. Hearing, feeling, and being a part of 20,000 people singing along to "Rain down...rain down, come on rain down on me" is the closest I've come to a religious experience.

[@vaprex]

I saw them in Atlanta, GA in 2003 for the Hail To The Thief tour... I had awesome seats (row 12 just right of center stage) -- but I was *jealous* of the people on the lawn seats as it started lightly raining just as the "rain down" part of the song kicked in -- and then the rain quickly ended. It was freaky - like Thom summoned it... (Also, it was the show just before their last on the tour - Madison Square Garden, so they used our show [I think] as the practice for Creep... Never thought I'd get to hear them play Creep live.)

[@jessie778899]

My first ever Glastonbury, 2003 and they did this in the warm light rain. It WAS a religious experience!

[@adampratt1925]

August 8, 2001 at Blossom near Cleveland, with Beta Band and Kid Koala. The best night of my life, a spiritual experience like no other.

[@averyellis]

@@vaprex dude, I was there. They did three songs that mentioned “rain”, and you are right; it was if they summoned it. I wasn’t even under the slight open roof part but the rain was mist-like and did nothing but improve the experience.

[@averyellis]

Also, yeah, it was weird hearing them play their biggest hit when the audience seemed to be saying: play something I *don’t* know.

[@jeremypreston5009]

What's hard to wrap your head around if you didn't hear this album into well after it came out is just how much of a revolution this album was. Like the band was fairly well known at the time, but when this came out I mean it changed "alternative" music forever

[@kildogery]

Nigel Godrich is a production genius. He is Radiohead's George Martin. Unofficial extra member.

[@SirPhilMcCrackinVonBeggington]

No, this isn't accurate at all and I don't even think Nigel would be comfortable with your comparison. Of all the differences here is the easiest: George Martin was an incredibly gifted composer and musician--he composed virtually all the orchestra parts you have ever heard in any given Beatles song, and he played piano in a handful of songs for them too. Nigel is more of an editor / light house beacon in the storm for Radiohead (and Thom Yorke). Nigel's brilliant at cutting through the shit to get to the core of the song and building it back up from there--he does NOT compose for them nor play any instruments on studio albums anywhere. Apples and oranges my friend.

[@strangemarkings]

Well... Nigel did produce an album for Paul McCartney... they both recorded at Abbey Road... he's often referred to as the 6th member of the band... and Radiohead is pretty much at the top of their genre of music... you'd be hard pressed to find anyone who fit the comparison more than him at their level

[@SirPhilMcCrackinVonBeggington]

@@strangemarkings McCartney's solo work sucked, don't fool yourself. Nigel produced my favorite Beck album. I have absolutely no issue with Nigel. And he's a talented producer. But he ABSOLUTELY is not George Martin, who was a world class performer AND composer/arranger. More appropriate comparisons to George Martin off the top of my head: David Foster is a MUCH better example of a producer who composes and performs with artists (ironically he also produced for a Beatle, but he actually played an instrument on his album too). The guy single handedly turned around Chicago's career, and they went on to win a slew of Grammys. How about Bob Rock? The dude not only produced the most commercially successful Metallica albums, but he even played bass for them when Jason left before they hired Trujillo. Has Nigel actually ever played an instrument on a Radiohead album? Sure, I've seen him twist knobs for Thom Yorke on the Henry Rollins show, and I believe Nigel does something in Atoms for Peace--The Eraser was magical, but I don't care for AFP. Anyways to my knowledge, and I'm an absolute Radiohead fanatic, he has never played on a Radiohead album, nor does he even have any writing credits, WHEREAS George Martin composed and arranged extensively for the Beatles--Johnny Greenwood composes all the orchestral pieces for Radiohead. No issues with Nigel, but the comparison is quite literally Apples to Oranges.

[@SirPhilMcCrackinVonBeggington]

@@strangemarkings I'm just having a spirited debate, no hard feelings. A really good example of Radiohead being brilliant without Nigel is the song Videotape. The studio version of Videotape was quite literally Nigel and Thom stripping the track down to the bare minimum. This song live sounds very different, but I actually prefer it live and free from Nigel's influence. Listen to a live version and listen to a studio version, you'll see.

[@DefenestrateYourself]

You’re certainly entitled to that creative opinion, sweetie

[@MovedbyTruth]

You've barely even scratched the surface of Radiohead's great songs.

[@dorkknight42]

can we be honest though, where radiohead has gone now is amazing, but Paranoid Android is still arguably the greatest rock song ever.

[@michaelrogerson5417]

@@dorkknight42 Just the most amazing layers. You can close your eyes and let it wash over you; you can weave yourself into even note. Phenomenal.

[@fishhedz]

@@dorkknight42 I believe that is true.

[@Ethan-fb3yb]

@@dorkknight42 Agreed

[@wichhouse]

@@dorkknight42 I've never understood the appeal of Paranoid Android. Almost every song on Amnesiac is ten times the song that Paranoid is.

[@hanspflueger1897]

Their Live from the basement performance is unreal.! If you feel like watching them live

[@PeedgeMcDuck]

I always thought this would be the best song to play for alien life, once contacted, to describe the human condition. The full spectrum of emotion.

[@innosanto]

No, this is depression, the full song. And not dynamics.

[@notsure1350]

Interstellar Homesick Alien

[@notsure1350]

Subterranean Homesick Alien

[@RustinRoark]

'The panic, the vomit' hahaha

[@targhee159]

Good call on the double phrasing in the vocals. Ed O’Brien (guitar which is often counter melodies and use of atmospheric effects) takes over the “Rain down, come on rain down, on me” part as Thom dances over the top. He’s often the one providing harmonies in other songs.

[@JasonParr]

Your brain looked like it melted at a couple of points. I remember hearing this for the first time and having a similar experience

[@stevefinnegan5142]

I remember watching the video for this song on MTV and being blown away by the song. It's their Bohemian Rhapsody

[@notsure1350]

Same. I had to watch it again because I was so blown away. Unfortunately back then, as you know, the internet was much less robust for finding easy access to safe files or streaming.

[@junnunaumanen6672]

This.

[@DarkPsyence]

the live performance of this on Jools Holland is a must watch.

[@dorkknight42]

theyve also been posting full shows like every week on youtube and paranoid android and everything in its right place are always perfect.

[@michaelharvey1197]

www.radiohead.com/library/#okc/1997-05-21-later-with-jools-holland/0:10

[@Asil0831]

Right now, I'm riding on a Radiohead obsession. Just cannot get enough of them. This song, when performed on 'Later with Jools Holland,' is mind-blowing. I keep watching it over and over. I truly appreciate the way you educate us on how to listen, what it means musically, and why we feel the way we do as a listener. ♥

[@Anita-D]

Could you please, please do a reaction of Let Down by Radiohead? That song has always evoked feelings in me, and I would love to know more about the technical aspect of it. Also, Radiohead FTW

[@g666a666r666r666y666]

My favourite Radiohead song (and I love them all!) I second this!

[@jahmbo]

Underrated Radiohead song

[@2008redsi]

OK computer is probably the greatest album ever written.

[@lohankarachay476]

From a prog rock nerdy wannabe, but death metal lover... I agree.

[@MrKrushgutz]

Right up there

[@mattb.4333]

OK Computer and Dark Side of the Moon are tied at the top of the list in my opinion.

[@jamiesmith3259]

Mellon collie and the infinite sadness disagrees 😉

[@ClaudioMartella]

Radiohead are and have been my favourite band since end 90s, but The Dark Side of the Moon is a masterpiece for me.

[@dez-m]

This song defined the worst moments of my entire life in college dealing with harassment, being followed home, and threatened with violence. This entire album (even to this day) is one I cannot fully digest not because it isn't a perfect work of art or a generation defining album, but because of how in tune this record was with my life. The presence of this song especially, to me, is overwhelming and never ceases to touch me emotionally. I can recall exact moments and words that flew past me whenever I heard this song to my classes, resisting the urge to do something really stupid. And when I did, I was only filled with more regret. But this song was always there. A beautiful, haunting serenade to these last 8 months for me. 3 months later I'm doing a lot better, but it is still so incredibly challenging for me to return to this piece of art work simply because of the power it holds over my worst memories. That being said, a work of art this powerful needs to be shared, and I appreciate the ingenuity if your reaction.

[@donparkison4617]

Thank you for giving Colin Greenwood his due. The John Paul Jones description is definitely apt. Such a great bassist.

[@michaelrogers9467]

Couldn't agree more! Colin needs a bit more love guys... :-)

[@Lmaoh5150]

Weird Fishes should be next! Love your Radiohead vids

[@stevecox6574]

Totally agree, this would be a great choice for the next Radiohead listen.

[@galacticcandycrumbs3245]

The bass work on that is so emotional

[@TheTwoThumbs]

"With your opinion which is of no consequence at all" I love that lyric.

[@castl7489]

I've been listening to Radiohead for nearly three decades now, and I absolutely LOVE these breakdowns of the songs I've loved for so long. It's always gratifying when someone "new" gets it #RadioheadForTheWin

[@Mjwestneat11]

Well said

[@sharontaylor4403]

Here here 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Spaztiq]

"His is just very soothing, and very... um... soothing" That made me laugh harder than I should've... may have been the "gummies".

[@nefariousnewt]

Paranoid Android was the first Radiohead song I heard and it literally changed the trajectory of my musical evolution. Still my favorite song of theirs 25 years later.

[@CO6883-o3c]

A rare song that can go through so many surprising change-ups yet still flow 🤘

[@kiteracer]

When I first heard this composition on headphones in the cold early days of 1998, I knew this was the band that I would follow to the ends of the earth for the rest of my days.

[@trex672]

Pretty spot on analysis. I'm turning 64 in a month and have listened to a wide variety of popular music my entire life - OK Computer is the best album I've ever heard, and this song is only a fraction of that experience. I have hundreds of "favorite albums*" but this one beats them all. Every Radiohead album is filled with great moments, but this one hits every note flawlessly. I'm also a huge fan of The Beatles, and as much as it pains me to say it, I like Radiohead just a little bit more. *Xtc, Gang of Four, Cocteau Twins, The Clash, Elvis Costello, David Bowie, Kate Bush, the Smiths, etc, etc, just the tip of the iceberg.

[@felipegussoni2124]

Never clicked a notification faster lol. So excited for this

[@_nullzy]

Same, sir

[@marksutter182]

The thing I’ve learned about Radiohead in the last few years: their only weak album is their first. If I went to a concert and they played a setlist with literally any track from The Bends on I’d be totally happy. They’re incredible.

[@EricGrassi]

I still adore Pablo Honey. Maybe because I was about 23 when it came out and it helped refocus my entire thought process about music, but I think it was brilliant at the time, and still a very solid album.

[@marksutter182]

@@EricGrassi Yeah. It’s just very similar to a lot that other bands were doing. It’s a solid first effort but they hadn’t quite found that Radiohead spark that has made them one of the great bands of all time.

[@majormajormajortom]

Pablo Honey is the album by a young, seriously talented band that can do ANYTHING and wants to do EVERYTHING and it shows. It's the album of a band that doesn't know what they want to sound like yet.

[@marksutter182]

@@majormajormajortom That’s an excellent way to put it.

[@ajfr1n9e51]

Anyone can play guitar is still a cool song tbf lol

[@03wishes]

When I got sober I couldn’t tolerate the sound of music for almost a year- except Radiohead. I had the wonderful experience of hearing their catalog from a completely different pov. Stoned or clear-headed no other band compares. Pure brilliance.

[@SeanYeomans71]

They actually do play this live, all these parts you might think are dubs... Watch their live shows, man, they are incredible.

[@Levely1110]

@sean was just gonna say...note for note, bleep for bleep, bloop for bloop (remember seeing Idioteque on TV with jaw on floor). Dear (De) composer, for a mind**** see Weezer cover this.

[@alexeypyzhov120]

@@Levely1110 oh, I saw idioteque live as their closing song, it was bananas.

[@ribbo1]

the set they did at Glasto a few years back was just immense.

[@mleg7104]

@@ribbo1 I was there - wish I could remember all of it though🤣

[@midkingsteve]

When I saw them live they reproduced every-single-sound organically. Nothing was missing in any song. Each member is like a magician with the equipment we all just use in standard ways. You're right, all just pedals and guitars and keys and drums. Nobody off to the side turning on samples and such.

[@mysticmerman]

If you've never watched the Scotch Mist sessions, you definitely should. It just reaffirms what you're saying. I believe the first one was "In Rainbows" and it's mind-blowingly good!

[@blondegraemey]

Amazing track. When it came out, it was heralded as a Bohemian Rhapsody for the 1990's. Great reaction video!

[@BT405]

I think one of the members had said that anywhere from 80-85% of the album was done live without any kind of overdubbing. They really spent a lot of time figuring out how to get the sounds and atmospheres they wanted without much studio trickery

[@cantcny]

I saw them at The Gorge in Washington in 2001. Watching them work their asses off with a ridiculous amount of gadgets to perfectly reproduce the studio sound was amazing.

[@jellorelic]

Still here, all the way at the end. You really need to listen to the whole 'OK Computer' album front-to-back, it really is one of the few true Albums from the modern pop/rock era. As much as each song is very, very good the whole truly is greater than the sum of it's parts.

[@vikashramnath4907]

Paranoid Android is a rock symphony. For me, one of the greatest songs of all time, from one of my top 10 albums of all time.

[@voidwraithprime8521]

"Let Down" from the same album is maybe my favorite Radiohead song

[@targhee159]

Same. One of the most beautiful arrangements ever.

[@aluniamalia]

@@targhee159 agree!

[@syntheticsleep]

Such an underrated track. That one actually was the song that made me go "goddamn, Thom is an AMAZING vocalist..."

[@TheCivildecay]

Climbing up the walls is mine

[@justsomejusstsome8994]

All I Need is my fav RH song

[@ubeardave]

Thanks for reacting to this song. I appreciate your insight and enjoy watching your videos. I’d love to see your reaction to a couple of other songs from this album, particularly “Subterranean Homesick Alien,” “Exit Music (for a Film),” and “Let Down.”

[@AHMspadina]

So many greats on OK. Subterranean is a gem i havent heard mentioned yet.

[@coffeejabberwocky]

Ps you are the most professional and genuinely approachable of all the genuine music boffin reactors. Loving your work man ❤️ from Manchester, UK.

[@tonyheupel]

Radiohead FTW! I love seeing you truly anticipate structure and then STILL BE WOWED by the arrangement and individual performances👌👍😜

[@edisons.7637]

This song is a masterpiece, OK Computer is OBVIOUSLY a masterpiece. And when SPIN magazine rates your album as the #1 album of the entire decade that was the best musical decade ever, you did something right.

[@dickmonkey-king1271]

Dude, Q magazine voted it the greatest album of all-time twice.

[@3333biltrite]

The 90s was an impressive decade for music, but it has nothing on the 60s. A Boomers opinion.

[@dickmonkey-king1271]

@@3333biltrite I think 60's was amazing for songwriting, but the 90's had much more diversity plus very good songwriting. Nowadays there is incredible diversity but song-writing is much weaker.

[@edisons.7637]

@@3333biltrite Of course you're going to say that cause you're probably some older white guy. Who of course isn't taking to account the complete rise of rap music, the rebirth of R&B, the beginning of trance and, trip hop and god knows how many other genres you're not acknowledging. Take my word, the 60's isn't even close to the 90's as far as the best, most important and groundbreaking decade in music.

[@user-ze7tl2dw4i]

@Edison Shields chill

[@atverde]

I really enjoy your analysis. I recommend you to watch the band perform this track live. The version they did in 1997 on the Jools Holland show was amazing.

[@markwaltersmusic]

As a composer, dig in to Johnny Greenwood’s work. He is Radiohead’s lead guitar and song and orchestral arranger. He has done incredible score work as well, There Will Be Blood is his stand out film work. Cheers friend. And do not miss them if you have a chance to see them live. Ever. 😉

[@matthewsaul3533]

There will be blood is great. Since then I've heard the work he did for Phantom Thread. Also pretty stand out to me

[@kalle3879]

@@matthewsaul3533 Every score he has done is a stand-out! His scores for Inherent Vice & The Master are definitely great as well. Listen to "Under the Paving-Stones, the Beach!" from Inherent Vice or "Alethia" from The Master (or just watch the movies, they're both great!)

[@johnr797]

@@kalle3879 thank you for giving me an excuse to rewatch Inherent Vice

[@hello-f-holes]

Jonny's Bodysong is brilliant too. After listening to it a couple of times I've been asking myself which ideas in Radioheads' works were Jonny's and which were Thom's. Wonderful artists, both of them.

[@danielfc]

I just gotta thank you. I mean, I play drums as a hobby for 20 years now, and have been into music as long as I can remember, but your videos seem to make me REALLY listen to this songs. It's amazing, to say the least.

[@Fordnan]

The amazing thing about Paranoid Android is it's about the only track I can think of that knocks my socks off in repeat listenings in the same way it did the first time I heard it. And the ending is so post-coital, it's like it's what I want to hear as I pass away.

[@borkkorb]

what i adore about this channel is that it makes me actively listen to a song i know by heart and find new things to love

[@Dead_Bod]

Radiohead ftw! You're quickly becoming my favourite KZbinr. I love watching the joy you get from deconstructing music and how you pick up on and describe all the intricate little details. I'd really like to see you do the full OK Computer album, it's an absolute masterpiece in production

[@queentopia9225]

Radiohead ftw!! Been a huge fan of the group since '96. It was great to take this journey with you!

[@CitroChannel]

Jonny Greenwood is a really original guitar player and keyboardist. He's also a fantastic arranger for the music Thom Yorke writes the primary melodies and lyrics for. And outside of Radiohead he is an outstanding film score composer too! Really one of my favorite people in music with the stuff he comes up with.

[@TanguyBlanchard]

Oh my God hell yeah I hope you loved this song as much as I do

[@gazogle]

My first time on this channel, awesome song and loved one of my favourite songs being broken down and described back to me so intricately and passionately. Im subscribing, thankyou

[@r_y_a_n_j3431]

Bodysnatchers is one of Radiohead's more uptempo songs and my favorite

[@MostlyLoveOfMusic]

the first 4 tracks of In Rainbows are a beautiful journey

[@gorvnice]

If he finds their live version of this From the Basement, he will go nuts. One of the best of all time.

[@r_y_a_n_j3431]

@@gorvnice Absolutely!

[@nightshadespectre409]

@@MostlyLoveOfMusic You mean the first 10 tracks of In Rainbows are a beautiful journey. 😁

[@thegreatgamelord8640]

@@nightshadespectre409 could even say 18, technically

[@LeeDorje]

Brother, you really need to watch the live version from from the Jools Holland BBC music TV show, I think 1997. These boys really can recreate this sound live! Excellent reaction by the way. Big love. 🙏

[@daveinthewildOG]

I missed your comment. You're right.

[@chrislaalo3965]

Radiohead FTW! You're awesome, dude.

[@Rostafari77]

Thanks for covering this tune geebz, one of my fave Radiohead tracks. Radiohead FTW! 👍