Radiohead's Masterpiece in Orchestration

Pre-order my new book! UK: shorturl.at/enn27 US: shorturl.at/4LIAP More info: www.barnabymar...
Radiohead's songs can almost be defined by their use of sound and their unique sound-worlds. In this video, I look at the use of orchestration in one of their most interesting and captivating songs, 'How to Disappear Completely' from Kid A.
Watch my analysis of Radiohead's 'Pyramid Song': • Radiohead: Pyramid Son...
Purchase the PDF of the score here: www.musicnotes...
▶ Support my channel: / listeningin
▶ Subscribe: bit.ly/2PlVaMS
____________________
▶ Website: www.barnabymart...
▶ Twitter: / barnabymartin
#Radiohead

[@Hairyfoot_Studio]

How to disappear completely is definitely one of the finest pieces of their career (so far). So many great songs came out of the Kid A/Amnesiac sessions, but it was Jonny Greenwood coming into his own as a composer and arranger that elevated Radiohead into one of the all time greats of British music

[@fishsmellbad1862]

Probably my favourite Radiohead song, followed by The Numbers and Videotape.

[@shoegaze_bitch1506]

One of the best songs of the 21ct and one of the most underrated

[@nininerikomi7786]

One of the all time greats of western music, not just British. The Numbers my other fave...

[@HungryTacoBoy]

Nice profile picture.

[@Demonicurse666]

Listen to how to disappear into strings

[@DavidBennettPiano]

Brilliant breakdown with stunning graphics 😀😀 great work!

[@ListeningIn]

Thank you David! (took your advice - thank you!).

[@mabeylane7163]

wait this isn't a video by you?

[@jaydenwhitlen1489]

Is this a crossover episode

[@hammerjohn9290]

😁😁gud gud

[@momo-hs5jn]

@@ListeningIn how did you animate those graphics?

[@gpeddino]

The sudden change to E major at the end never fails to give me goosebumps. Probably the most amazing moment in Radiohead's career.

[@spnhm34]

Um, they did the same change in Street Spirit. Don’t mind me while i duck for cover

[@aquiloni_m]

⁠​⁠​⁠isn’t the context different though? Street spirit is in A minor. 🤔 this song is in D? so the context in Street Spirit is a major 5 chord. In this one it’s a major 2 chord? Music theory people help me over here plz lol

[@aquiloni_m]

Or is it actually F# minor (A major)?

[@gpeddino]

@@aquiloni_m I would say the song is in A major, so the verses alternate between IV and vi, and the chorus alternates between I and vi. So when the E chord arrives, it works as a dominant.

[@capguncarcrash]

SAME ugh i’m so very glad they knew what they were doing musically, make already great songs that much greater

[@jimharris6389]

I'll never tire of Kid A. It's a masterpiece in its entirety

[@MrHermanRinger]

my favourite album of all time :-)

[@simonedgbaston]

@@MrHermanRinger 🎶 It & Abmnesiac go together 🎵

[@ab8jeh]

@@MrHermanRinger yep mine too.

[@chrisvanderploeg6563]

And to think Jonny Greenwood was in his 20s when he arranged this.

[@BloodyArmourKnight]

And look what he do with "Phantom Thread" a very beautiful work.

[@sieteocho]

And to think all the Beatles were in their 20s when they were the Beatles.

[@wewepolapy]

@@sieteocho The Beatles are nothing compared to RH

[@oznebabyy]

@@wewepolapy they were innovative in their own right. for their time they were quite ahead of the curve, take “revolver” tomorrow never knows or “srg pepper”... yes, they started off with simple love songs, but “pablo honey” is not a masterpiece either. what im trying to say is that its great that we were gifted with such talented british musicians, and we should not diminish the impact of certain bands. they all are an important part of musical history.

[@Mikhael_bureau]

Fact is, a lot of people can actually doing this kind of innovation......problem is, they are mostly contemporary music student that dont have any interest in commercial and pop music.

[@MoviesILoveandsocanyou]

I’m utterly in awe of your ability to cogently explain this stuff. Also, Kid A rules.

[@ListeningIn]

Wow, thank you Josh! Kid A most definitely rules.

[@brosandimusic]

jonny greenwood is gonna go down as one of the greatest composers of our time. like working on radiohead aside, his control of full cinematic scores!! just insane

[@simenstory3321]

Kid A is a masterpiece, and this song, oh man... Possibly my favorite Radiohead song of all time. Superb video!

[@castor3873]

and my favorite song of all time ;)

[@nicholasharshbarger4454]

It’s almost as good as Pyramid Song, which is no small feat.

[@vickhs]

The first time I heard this song (only a couple months ago since I'm a Radiohead newbie who only became a fan during quarantine) I half expected it to end by the time the strings take over the music... and then 8:21 just happens! The way his voice returns to focus is SO beautiful, oh my god. It's like the briefest moment of clarity in a gloomy day, like you're drowning in the dissonant sound of the strings and all of a sudden his voice pulls you back to the surface and allows you to finally breathe. Just... goosebumps, man. I still have a long way to go on my Radiohead journey but I'm loving every second of it.

[@itchywitch]

Welcome to our world made beautiful by Radiohead ❤

[@buttonman1831]

I have been a Radiohead fan for a few years now. Highly recommend "In Rainbows" which I personally think is their most well crafted album, ok Robot is great, A Moon shaped Pool is a fantastic easy going album, I like "the bends" as well. In Rainbows, OK Computer, and Kid A can all make the case for best album.

[@vickhs]

@@buttonman1831 OK Computer and In Rainbows are the two albums I've lost count on how many times I replayed! So far they're my favorites but In Rainbows is a little more special in my heart so I agree with you. Kid A was denser than what I expected so I've only listened to it twice (as well as AMSP), while the others I've only listened once, but I plan to return to them soon. Radiohead is certainly not made for a single listen so I'm taking it easy and slowly.

[@luizspindola]

That's my favorite part as well! You described it perfectly

[@HungryTacoBoy]

@@buttonman1831 "ok Robot" Had a bit of a chuckle with that.

[@monikamylonopoyloy6223]

The most beautiful song they ever did indeed. Haunting.

[@NeuralOscillations]

Nice avi

[@josephmcfadden6513]

@@NeuralOscillations Agreed about the JB avi. Y’all should check out Tamino if you haven’t already. Colin Greenwood even played on his stuff. : )

[@davidwestonsmith1305]

I've always loved the way that Yorke's vocals literally disappear into the string section when everything drops out. It causes unease and tension which is finally allowed to release when the bass and guitar resume bringing with a breath that allows you to relax. It's art of the highest form as it has absolute control over the listener. Stunning.

[@RetrogradeBeats]

Kid A changed the way I heard music years ago

[@neilcavanagh]

Wonderful video. I love how Yorke's vocal part "gives in" at the end, swooping up in falsetto to sing along with the guitar line, and then the voice..."disappears completely." It's an arrangement-level interpretation of the song's title and theme. The vocal has a focus for the listener (however modest and subtle) throughout the song, but in the end, the voice literally fades itself into a background part.

[@matheusfantinel7970]

I always interpreted that part as sort of surviving a panic attack. The instrumental part becomes distorted and really anxiety-inducing, but the voice remains with the same melody, although a bit faded in the background, but still keeps melodic and "wins" at the end, when the instrumental part goes back to its original state. It does cause that effect on me. When listening to it with headphones, the distorted instrumentals give anxiety, but if I focus solely on the voice, that effect quickly goes away. I feel this goes really well with the lyrics of the song.

[@TalkingWithTom]

thank you for this. you explain the theory behind why the orchestration is so good without getting bogged down in jargon. anyone could watch this video and be captivated, not just musicians, which is really a massive testament to your ability to talk about music

[@ListeningIn]

Hi! Thank you so much! I’ve been meaning to reply to this for a while - I really loved video breaking down the story behind the song. It was fascinating, and incredibly captivating. Our two videos make quite a good pair!

[@markstevens8571]

As a long-time admirer of Radiohead and a person with limited musical theory, I found this utterly fascinating. Thank you so much. Can't wait to see what you made of the Pyramid Song.

[@willem9688]

I was finding words how to comment on this video, but then I read yours.. I agree.

[@Ombromanzo]

"it begins with an exhalation" Even without any technical musical knowledge I really enjoy (even partilly understand) your videos. I'm loving the edit, your voice tone and in general RadioHead. But what I think is really genius is the way you explain the "making of". Everyone should at least once dive such deep in their songs. It is a change of perspective that leads to a better understanding. Thank you so much!

[@mateuszd6614]

could you imagine a better combination than your favourite visual narrator talking about your favourite track of your favourite band?

[@noamlitt]

B-L-O-W-N A-W-A-Y. Some of the best content on the INTERNET man. Really. Greatly Appreciate your work

[@ListeningIn]

Thank you much Noam!!!!

[@clytnvgl]

i’ve never wanted to be 5 people at once so badly

[@findlaylennie7984]

I know very little about music theory but can still follow along. Thankyou for this!

[@mariamman]

No wonder Thom called it the most beautiful thing they’ve ever created

[@BetaBreaking]

This song always happens to make me cry without fail. The strings absolutely pull me in and never stops in making me feel completely small and uneasy. It taps into some primal area of my brain that evokes sadness and confusion

[@michaelpurdieabbott7743]

You can really hear the influence Scott Walker had on this record. Check out the beginning of “Its raining today”

[@chrisvanderploeg6563]

Yes!

[@mikehattias5837]

Came here to see if anyone wrote this

[@the_emmo]

omg you're right!

[@crobinso2010]

Exactly.

[@dejanmarkov14]

Thank you man for revealing Scott Walker to me

[@whoops9443]

Incredible video. This is probably my favorite track on Kid A, it's so gorgeous. I've always appreciated that bit at the end, where the strings go haywire and the melodies devolve into this sinister mass of sound that evokes the image of floating away perfectly - until Thom pulls it back in. It's a beautifully triumphant moment in such a gloomy song.

[@theodoredavidmooney5703]

I have heard "How To...." so many times and the parts are memorized and established in my head. This enabled me to completely understand & appreciate this breakdown in just one viewing. Well done! A fine addition to the ongoing journey of study we get to immerse in as fans of this fantastic band. Thank you!

[@willrobins]

A beautiful song, and just the tip of the KID A iceberg

[@DamianWayneRogue]

this is my favourite song period. i'm always taken aback by the simultaneous simplicity and emotional complexity of it. thanks for this lovely analysis!

[@Coolyourbootsman]

Outstanding breakdown.

[@ListeningIn]

Thank you Paul!

[@i.j.dragonfly3123]

One of a tiny handful of songs I consider to be perfect. Every time I listen, I connect with something new, and my heart breaks all over again.

[@ExileOnDaytonStreet]

I love love love love love love this song.... an it's amazing to me how well everyone's part in this one works. The bass line alone feels like a masterpiece in being simple and meandering at the same time.

[@skywardstargaze1768]

7:05 this chord change right here is my favorite part of the song

[@esthershih5575]

How to disappear completely is amazing. For me it's my second fav after Motion Picture Soundtrack, which literally tears me apart every single time.

[@syrup-]

You know, the best thing about it is that we come up with all these musical terms to describe the way Radiohead makes this all happen. In reality, though, it's nonintentional & doesn't inherently rely on all of that.

[@TandisJenhudson]

I’m glad this video found me. Thank you

[@bluecarrotrm]

Fantastic work! I love how you don't just do the musical math but you try to lay out the emotional content of the song. I loved your approach to the Howard Shore music for the same reason. Keep making these videos. You are wonderful at it.

[@aaronpescasio]

This is the greatest music-related video on KZbin.

[@BlueLotusLover]

There are many, many problems in the world today; yet, sometimes I can put them aside and just fall into some specific aspect in the world of art-such as your Radiohead analyses-and marvel at the beauty, and mastery, and passion of certain people (like Radiohead), and then again in the appreciation of some others who also relish in their talent (like you.) I cannot believe this is free on the internet. Are you gifted? I cannot answer that because I do not have the knowledge to judge such things. But this, what you have created, is a gift. So, thank you. 🙏

[@jalfredprufrock620]

Both the analysis and presentation in this video are just *chef's kiss* mwwha! Also, you might be aware of this, but there's a live performance of this piece where the string parts are played by a group of ondes Martenot. They're placed more prominently in the mix (in fact, they're accompanied only by the vocal and guitar), and IMO work even better than the string section did. At once more precisely expressive and coldly robotic, the combined effect of their electric dissonance is jarring, haunting, and completely elevates the song. It's certainly one of my favorite performances from Radiohead. Here's the link if you're interested: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKiUnHeun6mGrs0

[@ListeningIn]

I hadn't actually come across this version. It's so much darker, in many respects. I really like it!

[@jalfredprufrock620]

@@ListeningIn I know right? Glad I could guide you into the darkness ;)

[@Pablosammy1]

Superb video, this deserves more views!

[@АнастасияБ-б6п]

Before watching the video I didn't even notice how the strings disappear right before he sings "I'm not here"

[@rory_wilson]

This is exceptional analysis. I come back and listen to this and your pyramid and spector videos over and over. Inspirational.

[@kaorimg1230]

I loooove this breakdown, especially the use of musical scores mixed with clever annotation and animation to make it all accessible to non-musicians like me. RH is the first band that made me want to dive in this deep. On the page it looks so deliberate, but their actual process seems more like alchemy.

[@spacerpunk]

How come your videos don't have millions of views? this is an AMAZING analysis.

[@eriktempelman2097]

Kid A will be listened to, analyzed, and most of all, enjoyed in centuries to come. Thanks

[@joshuanesbit]

this is phenomenal - superb editing too

[@Typderkeinevidsmacht]

Oh wow, another band I can now appreciate the genius of thanks to your videos. Thank you!

[@malloryknox6950]

RIP my friend, BENNY..... he absolutely loved this entire album.... A true photography... I miss u, I loveS U

[@wormonthesidewalk]

This has always been one of my favorite radiohead songs but seeing how it's arranged makes it even better

[@peramarkovic7148]

Fantastic, wonderful work. Perspicacious analysis, excellent vocabulary, but video - incomparable. I lost my breath when I saw sheet music for entire song. These sheets are absolutely visual miracle, it's enjoyment per se to see them and follow the song through these notes and symbols... Thank you.

[@consumeproduce]

LOVE this! HTDC is my favorite Radiohead song. That epic rise to the e major is just incredible.

[@Phyx1us]

This breakdown is as perfect as the song itself. Everything about this video and other videos from you are just brilliant. The build-up towards the ending gave me goosebumps.

[@tinaaneke]

I’m so thankful you popped up in my recommended some days ago and I took a chance to look into your channel. Such a carefully and beautifully crafted video for a song deserving of no less. I don’t know much of musical theory but you provided so much clarity as to why certain sections of this song (i.e. the g natural breakthrough in the strings has always been so impactful in capturing the splintered feeling the song emotes) - elevate it to among the bands greatest contributions to music. Can’t wait for more videos like this of other acts.

[@nickmetts]

Great analysis of one of my favorite Radiohead songs. I can still vividly remember the first time I heard this song on a chilly, cloudy day back in October 2000. My wife (who was then just my best friend) and I bought Kid A as soon as it came out. We were already thoroughly in love with Radiohead after OK Computer and The Bends, but Kid A really placed them amongst my musical pantheon. As we were listening to the album I remember tearing up toward the end of "How to Disappear Completely" because I was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty. Placing this song right after "The National Anthem" was a brilliant move.

[@christianschoeneman7692]

I just found your channel this evening. I'm astounded. This is so much more than what I had expected in quality, composition, and content - thank you so much for putting this up. Your reasoning, descriptions, and graphics are undoubtedly fully immersive. Thank you!

[@BrianKrock]

Whoa! I love your editing style- it really allows your thorough analysis to sink in pleasurably. I’m so inspired!

[@bananaaudio]

I loved everything about this. Thank you for taking the time to make these.

[@ListeningIn]

You are so welcome!

[@worrywirt]

Wow! This video was amazing, a perfect, easily understandable breakdown even for those not well-versed in music theory. Plus hearing all the different parts isolated made me fall in love with this song all over again. I kinda wish I could do this for all my (other) favourite songs.

[@milanetc4865]

Wow. Would love to listen to more of your analyses of Radiohead songs. Thank you.

[@krollpeter]

I suspect what you have done is the most competent analysis of How To Disappear Completely.

[@ermanevcil]

Ah man, great work ! Already in love with the song since many years. It is a pleasure to see what is actually going on. Many thanks

[@greenwood3596]

Brilliant work ! Love this song. I've recently heard Scott Walker's It's raining today and I can't help but think about the influence it had on the orchestration of How to disappear, especially the microtonal note at the beginning. Another Radiohead's masterpiece :)

[@thisistheglasshouse]

Extremely well done as always. I hope this blows up!

[@stephenbarrette610]

The song is a masterpiece and this analysis and presentation matches it. Thank you for a brilliant video.

[@Kneza99]

I'm blown away by the quality, great job on the pacing of the video. Thank you for making this.

[@steph4356]

Thank god KZbin recommended me this channel! Love the production quality, keep it up.

[@ins1demanwhitaker527]

Probably the best upload I've ever seen on KZbin. One of my favourite songs of all time. Production value, knowledge and overall editing are incredible. Your obviously passionate about music, and your use of words really brings that to the fore. 10/10

[@perrywilliams5407]

Thank you for this wonderful analysis and for giving us insight into the musical intricacies of one of the most masterful songs ever written.

[@ChevisPreston]

Sometimes I wonder if Johnny Greenwood even puts in thought or if he can just naturally create soundscapes like this in his head

[@xandobe]

Every once in a while, I come back to watch this video. Thanks for breaking down this masterpiece

[@NedJeffery]

This might be the most beautiful to watch musical analysis I've ever seen.

[@paulcolin1264]

This video is a masterpiece in explanation

[@paultreneary]

An analysis that's simply going to improve my enjoyment of a truly wonderful peice of music - going to cue (or queue) it up for a listen in a few minutes...

[@christopherrowley7506]

That e major coming out of the chaos makes me cry. One of the most beautiful moments of music

[@alistaircornacchio5727]

I think you must be a genuis, these productions are literally among the top class if not the best media I've ever consumed

[@robertmcmanus498]

Wow, this editing. Impeccable.

[@C0RRUPT3DITOR]

I know this video is 3 years old and you most likely won't see this comment but.. This was amazing.. I knew How To Disappear Completely was a masterpiece but even I could have never fathomed it's complexity. Thank you. I'm definitely subscribing.

[@SpiralCasterPlaysPedals]

I started watching this and couldn’t stop until it was over. You broke down everything I’ve felt about this piece into the mathematical science that is theory but explained it like poetry. Well done man 👏

[@BradenHolmes]

Love the way you comment while letting the track play on. Really great stuff!

[@aWirelessPiano]

The intro chord for how to disppear completely sounds alot like the intro to Scriabin's Poem of Fire orchestral piece.

[@tornadorundo]

It also sounds like David Bowie’s Space Oddity, same chords, just in a different key.

[@mondegreenmatt849]

It also sounds like It’s Raining Today by Scott Walker.

[@RolandMDV]

Thank you so much for answering questions about my favorite Radiohead song that have been bothering me since the day I heard it for the first time in 2001.

[@Kjelteman]

HOW is the YT algorithm only showing me your work now?!??! I've never subbed so fast. You immediately strike me as one of the best video essayists around. Very excited for you and your KZbin journey, thank you for the amazing content!

[@fishstickkitty8068]

Kid a is a game changer!! This video was great at explaining and the editing was on point!!

[@BlackMarketHoney]

This song floors me every time I here it. Stunning. I love how the Orchestra gets all twisted up towards the end, then the bass comes in and resolves it. It is like a being stuck in a storm at sea, then you see the lighthouse. The bass pulls you back to safety. The bass is the heart beat of the song. It stops during the twisted orchestra section, then brings the song back to life. All the best. Rich in Sweden.

[@thesnagglewolf]

This is such an incredible breakdown of an incredible song.

[@keverton123]

written when Thom was close to a breakdown on the 1997 tour he phoned Michael stipe and asked how he dealt with the endless touring to which he replied just close the curtains and say "I'm not here, this isn't happening"

[@MaddelynKayKay]

What an amazing breakdown of an incredible song. My favorite by the way. So informative, so well thought out and presented.

[@skydoors]

Brilliant video! I particularly love when the strings play those gorgeous cluster chords at 3:00, just before the synths come in

[@user-pr5tx9ep4m]

Great final seconds too. Selway always brilliant.

[@williamjordan3498]

Great breakdowns!... How to Disapear Completely is one of my favorite songs by Radiohead and one I always listen to when revisiting Kid A! This song has always reminded me of The Moody Blues, The Night

[@Geekritique]

Wow, I loved this so much. Thank you!

[@ListeningIn]

Thank you Dak!!

[@benmurray2931]

The production you have put into this is quite extraordinary. Just superbly done.

[@fettycheese2498]

I hope to see more Radiohead analysis videos soon. I loved your analysis on Pyramid Song and I really enjoyed this one. Your editing is also very good.

[@JamesAndTheMindstep]

Holy crap this is how you do an analysis video. Incredible work.

[@yeastboyuk]

Another great example of how RH pitch notes between notes to create uncertainty - musical anxiety. My other favourite is how Thom subtly pitches out then modulates back in on the opening lines of Exit Music for a film. Great fun to sing and doesn't sound wrong. I guess RH's greatest achievement is no matter how they twist and bend melody harmony and rhythm, everything is in it's right place....

[@noahhite1699]

The analysis, presentation, and editing on this is just phenomenal! You have earned yourself a new subscriber

[@kazzj62]

The analysis of a creativity that came about with no analysis at all.... just total inspiration and 'feel' ,....

[@jameshoy380]

This is one of my most favorite Radiohead songs.

[@potsnpaninis]

Whenever I’m listening to this song, I consistently hear an overtone at 8:22 this part. It’s so cool!

[@pablodmdp]

“The most beautiful thing we’ve recorded” TY

[@paulwalker6936]

Brilliant song. Easily my favorite Radiohead song. I get lost in it every time I hear it. It brings out emotions in me that no other song ever has.