"The Smile" Concert Review- Better than Radiohead?: (Massey Hall, Toronto, November 26, 2022)

[@elstink7412]

the tall beer man redemption arc was beautiful and made me shed a tear, Skye does it again

[@ImCalledGreg]

I saw Radiohead live for A Moon Shaped Pool, I saw Thom Yorke during the Anima tour, and now I've seen The Smile, and I have to say that you're absolutely right. I kinda liked seeing Thom solo though, I had the feeling he felt a bit freer. I also felt that with The Smile but he was accompanied by phenomenal musicians. All 3 concerts were amazing in their own way. Also, I saw them in Montreal on friday and Thom said that they were working on another album. I'm sure we can expect another tour!

[@mmmnnnmmmm]

wow! just realized that was your kid. rewatched the video just now and it is so magical. almost cried.

[@pajotrus]

I can't believe I f up my sleep schedule just to watch this video, but honestly - I've been unconsciously waiting for you to see The Smile live! I stumbled upon your videos when you reviewed the first single (You Will Never Work In Television Again) and I made an impromptu decision to try buying the tickets to the first London show (they played three times in the span of twelves hours). I mean, there was no tour announced so it may have been the only chance to see them! That's how it went it my head - a possible infinite regret! I was hyped up as ever as seeing The Smile perform during the online Glastonbury really brought me to life after lifeless COVID months. it was as good as it can be - the most crystal sound ever, the stage setup like I've never seen before, hearing those songs for the first time - really a highlight of my year. it felt like I meant to be there! the kind of feeling when you're in the exact moment and place in time! I was listening to the songs ripped from the live performance exclusively for almost two months. I remember you reviewed the next single and said that you were not gonna listen to the live recordings - "how little does he know by only listening to studio versions" - that's what I thought and it proved true now! Of course, when they announced a European tour it was a must to buy the tickets and see them again, especially in such a great venue that Tempodrom in Berlin is. It was a week after the record came out, but... I couldn't listen to it. The studio versions were lacking the immediacy of the live versions. "Speech Bubbles" didn't even have this catchy vocal transition between "Devastation has come" and "Left in a station with a note upon". It never happened with any album to me before. It was strange. The concert was as fantastic as the first one though. We've waited for 1.5h before so we were basically in the first few front rows - this to me is the ultimate concert experience - seeing them as close as possible. I even caught the eyes of Thom Yorke for a brief few seconds and he smiled (:D) at me - what a surreal experience. This is probably how close we're gonna get in life, but at least I shared these few precious seconds with him! This was the first night they played "Bodies Laughing" and I couldn't believe that they were composing new songs while being on tour! They must be loving it - playing with each other. After this concert, something changed and I could finally listen to the album and appreciate it properly. How would it turn out if it wasn't for this concert? Now, fully equipped with respect for both live and studio versions, I could finally reach my final destination - Primavera Sound. Of course The Smile was gonna play there. Too bad that it was right after The Strokes concert that I was never going to miss. I had the realisation that I'll need to watch it from afar. I wanted to do everything I can to increase my chances though. The moment The Strokes finished, I rushed to the stage where The Smile was gonna play in 30 minutes. I had a friend who wanted to do the same, but him seeing how motivated I was to move through the crowd like it was the last thing I'm gonna do in life made him let me go so I can finally run at my full speed. It was like a kilometre away. I arrived at the side of the stage and slowly made my way, trying to look for the smallest empty space. I did a few "sorries", but to my surprise, I ended up at the six row, centre. perfect! this whole concert is now available on The Smile's YT channel. It was a night when they made a mistake in "Thin Thing" - my absolute favourite song from The Smile. It reminds me of "Ful Stop", it ascends to the sky, the krautrock gears are at full speed. Everything else was without damage. The band was in a perfect mood and with my ears trained meticulously from songs in both version, I was so into it - I danced hard. It was strange that people around didn't seem to get it that way, but I don't blame them! There were two guys just in front of me that knew the songs well and we bonded quickly with a few smiles after the end of the songs! There was a culmination in "You Will Never Work In Television Again" when we kind of did Smile version of moshing and I've never felt so close to people who I've never met before! That's why I also liked your story about the tall guy and the intoxicated guy. Yeah, it's a part of our subjective story. It all ended. It felt like so until the guy threw the one and only setlist and I saw it flying in the air, I did the impromptu calculation to estimate its trajectory and jumped right at it. I GOT IT www.dropbox.com/s/373l38egvf7cvox/IMG_2092.heic?dl=0 ! This review made me relive those moments, thank you very much! what a year it was for The Smile fans! :)

[@HQBacon]

The video of you and your son is legitimately one of the sweetest things I've ever seen in my entire life.

[@c11p]

Great review, as always. Colin Greenwood is doing just fine, playing live with Nick Cave and Warren Ellis on their tour - surely a bucket list gig. Reviews have been rapturous.

[@clairedex]

I was at this show, was lucky enough to be up at the front in the pit! I've never had the chance to see Radiohead live but I really enjoyed this concert, and had the privilege of being able to bring my brother with me for his birthday. To be able to share in his joy alongside my own made the night even better. He and I were joking the entire show waiting for 'Bunga Bunga' as well LOL!! The end of "Bending" was the highlight for me and most of the songs hit harder for me live. I wish the pit was more lively, I did my best to bring some energy 😭 Also completely agree with Johnny being a vampire, he's lowkey way hotter now than in the 90s somehow LOL The opening set from Robert Stillman was quite odd but I enjoyed, it was mostly atmospheric stuff with occasional crazy sax crescendos.

[@everyvillainislemons7583]

The stories in between the concert review are great. What I look forward to most in these videos

[@ThomAvella]

also wanted to add, as a saxophonist it was cool hearing smile songs with added bass clarinet and tenor from robert stillman. his opening set was mostly ambient music, lots of sample manipulation and sax looping. cavernous music, really. he said he was trying to draw our attention upwards and outwards.

[@yangmacri]

Thank you for posting this. Thank you for coming to Toronto to see The Smile, despite us being the shittiest city to drive in - especially this year as every street is under construction - I hate it too! My guess, we'll be a world-class city by 2040. But I digress. I'm here to thank you for so many things that you say in this video. As I type I'm still at 16:00 and you're just getting into the review. But already - you're embodying much of my experience with Radiohead, Thom Yorke, Toronto driving, Massey Hall, but especially The Smile. What a phenomenal privilege to be in one of the finest music halls (I've also been to hundreds of shows in my lifetime - Massey Hall is tied #1 with any other noteworthy venue) intimately witnessing three virtuosos working together, tastefully (it still exists?!) effortlessly (stealing your words as I listen). I admittedly know little of Tom Skinner and learning more about him from listening to you than any reading or research. The fact that he can remain so tasteful, simple, elegant, grooving, laying out a canvas for an exchange of bass and guitar explosion that again has blown my mind. I've been to many GREAT concerts in my lifetime, but only three have literally 🤯🤯🤯 - Radiohead at Liberty State Park in New Jersey August 2001, Thom York at The Greek Theatre UC Berkeley October 2019, and The Smile at Massey Hall November 2022. I am now of the mind that Thom is not of this world. Maybe even Jonny. That show was itself an intergalactic sonic adventure. We were all Tall Beer Man that night, collectively in awe of the mastery we were witnessing. Great review in all of its unedited glory - thanks for posting.

[@crazygoji]

also tell your son feelingpulledapartbyhorses started as a Radiohead song (played live in 2001) so technically they played a 'head song that'll cheer em up

[@efrankheefrankhe7504]

you're so vulnerable! I love uuuu

[@axlgzrdmattick]

Concert reviews are so fun and interesting to watch. Love!

[@efrankheefrankhe7504]

love these concert reviews! plz continueeee them

[@GIBKEL]

Neo Soul Prog Dub if that clears your palate a bit! I paid for the second of live Smile shows they played in the dead of winter, in 22’. It was brilliant and the best we could do in Mt. It was brilliant! Just listened to the new wall of eyes-it did not disappoint. I loved it. So much soul and groove. A bit of the pepper, Can and all three dude’s just killing it softly!

[@candidate4875]

As a massive Radiohead fan, I was hesitant to go see the Smile UP UNTIL THIS VIDEO! Congratulations Professor, you've sold me on going to see the Smile live in concert in LA. Hopefully I'll be able to see Radiohead soon.

[@frontseatastronaut]

thin thing is played with a delay pedal that repeats the notes jonny plays. he has used this technique multiple times in the album and also in identikit! I love it so much

[@janrig]

Don't know any of this myself, but looked it up on the excellent 'king of gear' site : the synthesiser setup tom skinner is using is the combination of a modular synth (... check king o gear) + a Dave Smith Instruments Prophet 08. The modular system comes from Radiohead's set, and was also used on Thom Y's solo tours. But what you refer to as the Moog (waving a white flag), would probably have been a Prophet 08. (I couldn't care less, as long as it creates all the cool sounds :) ) Cheers. I'll be seeing them live on Friday.

[@joebo6044]

I saw the smile in The Netherlands and they were fantastic!

[@jaymowil]

I brought my 14 year-old son to the Toronto show. It was his first real show, and Radiohead is one of his favourites. I’ve also seen Radiohead a number of times, and sat in traffic in 2012 and turned around for the tragedy at Downsview Park. The show at Massey Hall on Saturday, for me, was a personal favourite among all the times Thom/Jonny. We both sat on the balcony in awe. I’ll never forget it.

[@jaymowil]

All the times I’ve *seen* the lads, I meant to write. By the way, Skye, you were completely in the right to dance at the James Brown show. I’m an enthusiastic concert-goer, when so provoked, and have been told to shush on occasion at shows. Expressions of joy are always welcome. Fuck ‘em.

[@paolomasia91]

Radiohead are among my all-time favorite band (I put them in the top 3 along with Beatles and Arctic Monkeys), and I have seen themin concert. I have to be honest, some times it was an unforgettable cathartic experience, but other times I came away a little disappointed. However, especially after this video of yours, I really look forward to seeing The Smile live (maybe not in Toronto). Your enthusiasm is contagious! I am one of the Patreons, and once again I thank you for the very high quality content. I also have a PhD (in Neurobiology) and have been in academia for a while...maybe it is because of that.. the pleasure of analysis.. I don't know.. but I really really love what you do! Kind regards from Italy!

[@anujbeatles]

You gotta come to Calcutta, Prof!

[@kiroolioneaver8532]

Glad you enjoyed yourself (despite the traffic lol; a couple of weeks ago, people were stuck on the street below the Gardiner (Lakeshore Blvd) for hours without moving; a KZbin video covering it from City News, "It took 3 hours to drive a 7-minute walk in Toronto Tuesday" also showed some people doing illegal maneuvers live to beat it lol). Also great (correct) pronunciation of Toronto's name at 7:07 (the second "t" is silent). Funny about the joke about the Marlies "beer guy" since you'll be attending their home arena on Tuesday. And (don't know if you were joking) but "Yonge" is pronounced "young" (like in Kiefer Sutherland's song from earlier this year "Bloor Street" lol) and where every Canadian child is told it's the longest street in the world (which, factually, it allegedly isn't). Hopefully your journey to the Exhibition grounds on Tuesday goes smoother lol

[@professorskye]

Looking unlikely that I’ll make it tomorrow. 😕 Always love your input.

[@kiroolioneaver8532]

@@professorskye Shame as I know Stromae is an artist that you've tuned a lot of people to on your channel

[@ThomAvella]

saw them last week in brooklyn and was blown away. tom skinner's drumming is so funky, he has a real looseness in his time feel that contrasts nicely with phil selway's motoric approach in radiohead. i felt like thom and jonny were having a lot more FUN on stage than they were when i saw radiohead at the garden a few years ago. the low end of their live mix rattled my entire being. the light show was utterly transcendent, felt borderline psychedelic.

[@kaarefestvog6540]

I saw Radiohead at the State Theater in Minneapolis during the OK Computer tour. By far the best concert I ever saw. Teenage Fanclub opened for them.

[@raymondvanmil]

Thom didn't play a guitar solo? He did that in Amsterdam, that was the most unexpected and most beautiful thing!!

[@Q-Ball.]

Waze had so many red lines it looked like an American suburb 😂

[@cartersgoofsandgaffs]

I’m surprised they didn’t play “We Don’t Know What Tomorrow Brings.” You would think it would be a fun pick-me-up after one of their slower cuts.

[@sean1445]

They did play it.

[@patrickwoods8788]

I really hope they come to Australia...

[@mapleboyalex]

York and Gardener Expressway has a hint of evil in the air. I’m sorry you had to drive that

[@crazygoji]

I think the thom-yorke-with-a-camera-on-his-head from Radiohead song is you and whose army but I dunno maybe you saw them maybe he did that for pyramid song too lol just sayin, get it togetha maaan (I haven't seen either songs live in person)

[@tereasia]

Radiohead really has been the best I've seen live.

[@milesmakesnoise]

If you think Radiohead is the best live performance, I'm curious if you've ever seen the mars volta. Probably my favorite live act EVER

[@jorgekech]

Radiohead is much better is top 5 live ever

[@mileslounsbury2535]

As a Torontonian, I am hurt by your words

[@professorskye]

I definitely have all the respect in the world for Torontonians and the city itself. I’ve been to the old Maple Leaf Gardens, I saw the Sky Dome while it was being built… I own a Kardinal Offishal CD.. I go to the AGO just to see the insane Rubens then got a decade back. I just think they need to address some traffic issues. 😀

[@kiroolioneaver8532]

@@professorskyeHa ha Kardi. His song "The Anthem" about Toronto isn't half bad lol (even though I know he's known for BaKardi Slang)

[@ghazaln]

Iraninan rapper #ToomajSalehi, his life is in danger because his great work and his actions have been giving voice to the people of Iran, he’s been arrested and his life is in danger, simply for standing up for freedom and justice, please listen to his songs, bringing attention to his case can hep save his life 😢🙏🏼 I really need to ask you to talk about this rapper, please! Thanks for your great work 🙏🏼,

[@LoboFilms]

Please review the family please review the family please review the family please please please

[@axlgzrdmattick]

next time JPEGMAFIA tours around near you, please see him perform. He is one of the best performers of our time.

[@ethanlammar5554]

Day 45 of Asking for you to Review the song Achilles Come Down by Gang of Youths

[@seanjjpaul]

Move on with your life he doesn’t owe you anything

[@professorskye]

All engagement is welcome!