RADIOHEAD MUSICAL ANALYSIS // Airbag

[@andykadlec3041]

Thought this group would enjoy my Radiohead / The Smile story, so I'm sharing it here with you all. On August 5th, 1997 I was Lucky😉enough to have the best front row seat at the State Theatre (seat 1A) to see Radiohead in Minneapolis on their OK Computer tour. The show was so amazing, of course. Remember - Thom was standing about 3 feet from me the whole time! They even false-started Talk Show Host, and had a good quick laugh about it. After the show ended, one of their people asked me if I wanted to hang out with the band. An already unbelievable night was about to get even better. As I walked to the backroom wearing my "Generic Sticky Pass" on my shirt, Thom was the first person I saw in the room. He invited me to sit with him and we hung out for probably a half an hour, no exaggeration. He was super nice & generous with his time, calling me by name throughout our hang, probably because he has a younger brother Andy and it was easy for him to remember.😊I had just recently turned 22 and he was 28. He asked me if I wanted to meet the band and he took me around to everyone. We spent probably 5 minutes or so with Jonny and just a couple minutes with each of the others. This was pre digital cameras and I didn't even ask him for an autograph, but he offered to sign my setlist and he gave me the 2 other posters that you see here, that he also signed (in his older 'doodle' type of signature) & wrote some things on. He did it in non-permanent marker, so they have faded over the years unfortunately. Oh yeah, when I walked into the room he first said to me "You were in the front row, right?" and that is why he wrote "Andy on front" on the setlist - so cool. He also wrote "Meeting People is Easy" on one of the other pieces and I wonder if that may have been the first time that he ever wrote or said that publicly, because the film by the same name did not come out for a year later. I've seen Radiohead a bunch of times over the years and Thom solo, but this will forever be my greatest concert experience. Now fast-forward 25 years & 4 months...I waited to meet the band in Milwaukee after The Smile concert. I spent a few minutes talking with Thom, as he was the last to sign my album. Over the years, I've wondered what I would say to him after all this time if I ever met him again. I certainly wasn't going to ask him if he remembered me & he certainly would not have, but I did say to him "We met & hung out 25 years ago in Minneapolis" and he looked at me, smiled and said "We did?!" I had re-introduced myself to him when he first came up to me and the last thing he said to me was "See ya Andy"...again, remembering my name.😎

[@shiv_ring]

nice story, i just didn't quite understand: so he remembered your name from before?

[@ernestmaciel]

@@shiv_ring he introduced himself again at the Smile concert

[@jasonaaron1077]

So cool man!! I got chills when I finished reading!:) Thanks for sharing, what an experience I’m so jealous!

[@copbabycombo1311]

You lucky bastard! I'd kill a family to meet the band.

[@hornbenjamin]

​ @CopBabyCombo I was at that show! But in the Balcony... I also saw them in the Main Room at First Ave the year prior. Their live performances in those years were other-worldy.

[@eylvy]

I'm trying to pretend what's it like to have never heard this song or album, watching this great analysis, and going "Wow, this Airbag song is so complex and amazing, the album can only go downhill from here." And then, it ends like Boop-Boop-Boop-Boop, and we all know what that means.

[@iximusic]

Gosh how I love those boops!

[@tomharry9465]

For me, the closest thing to hearing the album again for the first time was this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoWyoqqYqraklbc

[@claudioramirez_]

@@iximusic I was hoping for an honorable mention of the boops!

[@cyclonasaurusrex1525]

I got goose bumps when you said you’re doing the whole album.

[@graemesandstrom5654]

Thanks Ixi! Now you’ve really got me interested. What a wonderful and comprehensive deconstruction. Except for Creep I kind of missed Radiohead but on KZbin they get mentioned a lot so you shown me an entrance for my journey. BTW I’m a 70 y.o. ex Music teacher.

[@greghorn5931]

Wow. Spot on! Seriously

[@Hepburner]

I love the CD artwork opening! Something that was a big thrill in the 90's but is now obsolete... :(

[@ryanashby2459]

About every 5 years or so, I fall in love with this album all over again.

So very true. It's a masterpiece..

[@Jacob-2796]

It's perfect. I love everything that came after, but this will always be the pinnacle for me.

[@ClownenJac73]

Same here.

[@MisterHoTLipS]

And in an interstellar burst I am in love with this Woman...

[@bann13]

don't know why but this brought tears to my eyes. thank you

[@loppol6035]

Yes, and I realize how much content - for thought - there already is in music even after you keep listening over and over. I thought id get tired of this song after hearing it for one year, but there’s always a new perspective to look at it

[@KayButtonJay]

The drums in this song were always my favorite part. I just love how heavy, brittle, and raw they sound

[@Htheorphanarian]

they were actually just sampled collages of phil's drums...I love how it stops and starts, almost like a car in traffic..

[@phlabass]

13:18 i legit chuckled at your visual gimmick. I always loved this bass part. Thank you for this, great job

[@chrisknight2631]

I’m sure someone here will have already mentioned that the bass line in this song is so sporadic because it’s a temporary bass line, a place holder, lay to give the band an idea what was going to be played, until they could write something better and more substantial. When they listened back to it, they loved how it sounded and kept it.

[@dayflowermusic]

Oh Colin. What a G.

[@TheJunehog]

This is just great. The "breakdown" always seemed to me less *fireworks* than an actual *car crash*

[@jonathandavies7462]

Have you seen the Robert Glasper's rendition of "Packt", with beatboxer...awesomeness

[@Flickerbrain]

I never noticed the sleigh bells before, funny!! Kind of makes it a Christmas song!! ;-)

[@andrewhyde4708]

This song still sounds amazing almost 27 years after it was released!

[@fufycaz78]

jesus c., one thing is to adore a song, another thing is to understand and adore a song.... well, at least to start to understand it. Thanks for being soooo deep in ur analysis and yet so light and enjoyable!

[@hugostefaniu]

Airbag and Subterranean Homesick Alien always felt christmas-y to me for some reason. Instantly nostalgic from the very first time I heard them

[@iximusic]

I know what you mean! I think the sleigh bells and the minor iv chord (nostalgia chord, often used in Christmas music) has a hand in that.

[@9thstreetbrandt]

This is the greatest things ever. I’ve been obsessed with this song since the first time I heard it in 1997. Thank you!

[@seancooper967]

So glad you are digging into the genius that is Radiohead.

[@srmpenedo]

The guitar at 22:00 is not really a tremolo. Jonny played 2 different guitars slightly out of phase, one at left channel, another at right channel. When mixed, the effect is like a tremolo (as he does playing live) and brilliant.

[@GlennErikMathisen]

Not too many chords in this song, but still a pretty sophisticated piece. Major/minor tension, modal elements, some seriously well arranged guitars, and a beautiful melody. When they really lean into the lydian sound in the chorus, it is unbelievably beautiful. I love that super bright sound, Brilliant song kicking off an amazing album. Very well analyzed!

[@karlthunderaxe]

i’d never thought of the first chord in the chorus in a lydian context before and always just wondered how starting a chorus on a tonic tritone chord could sound so natural. thinking of it as lydian makes it make so much more sense!

[@clearsidemusic]

So well done

[@RDRussell2]

Congratulations, a really superior analysis that suggests how traditional theory fits with "how they probably approached things" in the studio. When I was in college (late 1980s), I had a music history professor ask "what music of today will still be around in 200 years?" Historical perspective, you know? And I've always thought in 200 years, we will look back to Radiohead as the Bartok or Stravinsky of these times. I cannot speak highly enough of OK Computer; it is the "Rite of Spring" of our era.

[@ClavisRa]

Long reaction? That couldn't have been more than ten min... THIRTY MINUTES?!? Can the waft of a warm breeze keep you aloft for thirty minutes? 😍 This is by far my favorite breakdown of a Radiohead song ever. So detailed and deeply appreciative of the impact sonically and emotionally of every detail. I'm like you with lyrics: some just leap out as touchstones for a song, like "in an interstellar burst I'm back to save the universe" and then I can go for years and years and never know others, just part of the wash of the music that occupies my senses. Thank you!

[@els1f]

Syncopation is the lifeforce of rhythm

[@drewmoorestuff]

This is the only time I've ever cried during a musical analysis. This video is beautiful.

[@eric_james_music]

i always hate to say the first song on an album is my favorite but goddamn the chills of hearing it for the first time. And not knowing what could possibly come after. also amazing vid thank you

[@beigemusic348]

I'm currently working on a complete cover of the album and this was very helpful, thanks :)

[@Dcolvin101]

OOOOO my favourite channel breaking down one of my favourite songs! So excited

[@markwarrensprawson]

Those five guys (apart from Nigel) were all just school buddies who started a band and had this vision of it being their lives, I reckon. "Anyone can Play Guitar" from their debut spells that out for me. Then came "The Bends " and then this! This album revolutionized music and pop culture in ways that so many people are probably unaware of, but it's true as can be. They went out into the country and recorded this album in what was supposed to be this old haunted house, just them and Nigel, locked away from the world for as long as it took. And I'll be damned if they didn't produce the goods, hey? Of course there were people at their label who were like, "This is way too complex for modern audiences," and "This is depressing as," etc... But they stuck to their guns and thank the gods for that! And I couldn't agree with you more; the way this song opens the album up to us, it just doesn't get any better that that. The entire track list - its content and order - is perfect from beginning to end. Are you going to check the whole album out? I'd be mega-excited for "Subterranean Homesick Alien" if you are, and naturally "Exit music" for the Baz Luhrmann "Romeo and Juliet" soundtrack is gonna keep me spellbound, too. I play these tunes myself all the time, and of course I stop here and there and marvel at the magic of what's been done in the harmony and melody, with the textures and different batty instruments that Johnny seems to have this need to bring into the work. Damn, I love them so much.

[@TP_Gillz]

I think its incredible the universe could create such a talented and beautiful person with a musical soul such as yourself. Ive subed. The way u went thru this song, one of my personal favorites, and explained the musical theory behind it was wonderful to watch and listen too. As a song writer myself it was a big help to me. U rule.

[@vivaelfutbol5]

I have such a basic grasp of music theory. Youre f*cking awesome and these videos are AMAZING! your humor is amazing! and your pictures and graphics are so funny. im a big fan!!

[@rhinocore]

My dad used to give me free rein over his cd collection when he wasn't around, and I found OK Computer in there as an elementary school-aged kid and immediately knew I'd found something special.

[@netuno60]

Thank you for your excellent and deep analysis of this great song. I'm Brazilian and an amauter "I'd like to be a songwriter" with a bit of music theory understanding and I'm glad to say that I could understand what you're saying most of the time. I'm 70 y.old and I love Radiohead music most of the times.

[@andrewpulcino6736]

This explains why Airbag is my favorite Radiohead song. I had no idea it was so complex! Thanks for the analysis!

[@vaughnnewman8903]

Yes! My pick for Best Album of the 90's and one of the greatest concept albums ever made. They were ahead of their time with this album- wish I could go back in time and hear it again for the first time.

[@vinivola]

This Album,Band and song changed me and my life as a musician and human when it came out and still remains my all time favorite band.

[@Inequities]

One of the best things about your vids is seeing that I’m not the only one who cries during beautiful parts of rock songs!! I honestly thought I was really weird….

[@billy_plays_bass]

Great breakdown! As a bassist, I’m so glad you spent so much time analyzing the bass part!

[@qrynmuziek]

Parts of the song remind me a bit of greek songs. like the guitar and the way the chords go. Thanks for the video. I really liked it!! Have the whole album on vinyl now so ready to give it another spin very soon

[@RegalEase]

This was a great breakdown, and I can tell you're legit because you hum "this is a (insert interval here)". One crucial thing about this song that I don't think gets enough credit, and I can't explain it in your terms because I'm just a guitarist, is the way the outro lead riff jumps up an octave for just a couple of notes and then drops back into the comfort zone. They didn't play it that way live usually and I understand why (it lacks the punch needed...again, guitarist terms...) but on the album that difference always was special with the way it mixed with the vocals. Anyway, really enjoyed the video. It's great to understand the "why" behind it all.

[@pablo27562009]

Wonderful analysis as usual, Ixi. You have a beautiful singing voice. I would love to hear you cover this song acapella!

[@fooji3107]

This is one of the best analyses I've ever watched. Absolutely loved the way you broke down every part of the song in a way that I was able to learn from. Thank you and keep it up!

[@danielc6991]

The B7 at start of chorus is V/V (in key of A) chord. Used a lot in popular music. The penultimate chord of the chorus being the V

[@taynehenry6924]

These OK Computer breakdowns have been such a revelation to me 🆗💻🙏. Airbag is such a great song!! Being 18 when this album came out back in '97, aswell as being in my final year of high school I believe meant that this album was so important and had such a strong impression on me 💪💟. Love your description of Colin 'playing the long game' with his bass parts as a fellow bass player 😅

[@welderfromhell5086]

loved it. I listened all until the last second. very rare these days...

[@DearBanshee]

It should be noted* that Thom tunes his B string down to A to further embrace that A tonal chord progression. A true masterpiece!

[@josephmchugh4719]

Thanks!

[@Hakucho64]

I don’t know a lot of music theory, but I subbed anyway because first I love Radiohead and second you have such an engaging way of presenting.

[@gookymofo]

Your analysis and breakdown of “Airbag” made me tear up with emotions. This is one of my favorite Radiohead tracks and always listen to when life moves too fast. This is a perfect Radiohead tutorial. I love all the synergic feel of all the elements of their music which is how beautifully describe their art.

[@SomethingWellesian]

Love the talk of the bass, and the description of it as the floor of the house. I feel like the texture of the song is so dense that the lower guitar parts essentially do the job of the bass, meaning that the bass can be more decorative and ornamental.

[@brianmiller1077]

The thing that's unusual about the bass in "Airbag" is it's all these little bits that slowly fill together and all come together one time near the end.

[@TheBobjenks]

Story is he was just feeling for notes in rehearsal and recorded it. It sounded good so they kept it. That's why it's so choppy

[@phoenixinthetrees1446]

Airbag is one of my favourite SONGS, let alone by Radiohead. (It's hugely under-rated by fans.) Apparently, it was inspired by Thom being in a car crash and surviving ("I am born again"); I love how the instrumentation and music sound like elements of a car crash, from the crunching riff - which is amazing to play on guitar, you just whack the bottom E string and then jam a finger on the first fret, and which 'crashes' the major and minor notes together - to the fizzing hi-hats and sleigh bells which imitate smashing glass, along with the syncopated, crashing-metal drum pattern, inspired by DJ Shadow, whose amazing 'Entroducing' album was massive at the time (see also the 'breakdown' section). I can't believe you don't dance to it! I have to shake my head, Thom-style, until it almost falls off. 28:35 Close! It's a musical car crash! (But not a bad one.) 1:11-1:28 Is this how the American version of Airbag / OK Computer starts? In the (UK) version, there's no swelling run-in, it just cuts to the riff: 'UH-ERRRRR'! Much better.

[@simonread8713]

I've always loved the slightly variated reprise of the intro chords (at 30:18 on your analysis).

[@BT405]

this has always been one of my absolute favorite Rahiohead tracks, and favorite songs in general. the way it weaves in and out of keys and creates so many unique sounding sections just always sounded so damn good to me. and this breakdown enhances my appreciation even more hearing it all laid out on the piano

[@soul-5]

this was insanely educational. i just learnt so many things that were confusing me about music theory; bless you! what an awesome, passionate, video

[@kmwinkler]

Thank you for this. I was in tears by the end of this video because it so perfectly explained the mystery of one of my favorite songs. Bless.

[@ambushell5778]

this song always gives me goosebumps. it sounds like the future, something eternal, something uncertain. the album version is great but the stripped down acoustic version on the channel "Johnny airbag" definitely changed how I heard this song. love it, great video.

[@akasickform]

Absolutely spot on with the panning / creating a third "instrument" or sound.. This phenomenon only works with isolated audio for each ear Your brain literally generates the differentiation between the two frequencies This can also be found in binaural beats, however, the jury on "theraputic use" of this is still out But the phenomenon is very real

[@foundriver5162]

The first time I ever heard this song, it made me feel like I was levitating out of my chair. A year or two later, when I started playing guitar, that opening riff was the first thing I taught myself. Absolutely magical.

[@ryansylvia9710]

I have always loved this song. I’m a big enough music nerd to understand all your theory jargon (took two semesters of theory in college), but not nerdy enough to figure them out myself. I appreciate your breakdowns so much! I love that this song has always felt so impactful to me, and now that I’ve heard your analysis I know why. Major 3rd, minor 3rd, flat 6! All the best hallmarks for genius dramatic angsty music haha. Love it can’t wait for more thank you Ixi!

[@Rompler_Rocco]

Pretty sure you're going to get super huge quickly now, because you're awesome and the algorithm must have noticed. I feel every word you're saying 1000%. So, I guess before I'm completely buried in the crowd... um, hi 🙋‍♂️

[@BrandinSteffensen]

Your approach to thinking about their music is so satisfying and thorough without getting lost in the weeds. I love all that you really help me hear in this complicated music I’ve loved my whole life so much!!

[@halpoid]

I knew this song was phenomenal, but I didn't know why. Thanks for the deconstruction. Makes me well-up every play. They opened with this live in '97 at Brixton and nearly blew the roof off.

[@stephenstrang590]

Your voice is so calming and your singing voice is beautiful. Like a lullaby..

[@blackboogaloo]

I absolutely love your passion, I was 35yrs old when this Album was released and I remember buying it on CD in London where i lived back then, your explanation of this is exactly what I felt when hearing this for the first time and even now I thank you so much for this, big love n respect from the UK

[@imtm]

You gave me a whole other view of the bass line in this song I’ve been listening for ages. Thanks. It really makes me realize the importance of just not listening but studying music

[@PennyStocks1269]

This was amazing. I’ll never forget the first time putting on Ok Computer and hearing Airbag. It blew my mine.

[@user-qc2oy3xy6p]

This song got me into rediohead in HS 25 years ago, made me realize that there was more than hip hop out there, still listen to them till this day.

[@stopmikeandjim3196]

Thanks so much for covering this one. It's my favorite song of all time by anyone. I know you didn't go into the lyrics, but "an airbag saved my life" is a reference to "Last Night a DJ Saved My Life"

[@GizzyDillespee]

Some of their song titles sound like they're parodies of consumer culture... but I'm not really sure how to take them

[@specialK319319]

I guess it can be two things at once, but I was always under the impression this whole song is about a horrible car accident Thom was in. One in which an airbag literally saved his life and the existential guilt he had for surviving it. I know for awhile and possibly still, he hates going in vehicles because of it and generally tries to avoid them if he can. I'm not trying to insinuate you're wrong, but do you know where you heard that from? I'm one of those die hard obsessive fans and read tons of interviews/books and don't recall hearing that one, but it's possible I've forgotten or just never run into that fact before.

[@stopmikeandjim3196]

@@specialK319319 I read that years ago, like around 2001 or so. I did know about his issues with cars; Killer Cars is a much more literal version of the same thing

[@specialK319319]

@@GizzyDillespee They've said in interviews that they take ideas from all over the place lyrically even in the same song so the unfulfilling answer is it depends. They do loathe pop culture (especially Thom) so it's very possible some of them are. Unfortunately they generally don't like "explaining" lyrics or songs (at least they didn't in the past) so getting a black and white answer is very difficult for most of them.

[@domjcoller]

Watched this so many times now, thank you so much for this video. Never noticed the lydian sound in the chorus (b11)

[@paulmulligan2895]

absolutely love your channel, especially your analysis of Radiohead, my favourite ever band and I always thought they were incredible musicians, thank you!

[@jackleaves]

I am not a musician but I love your dissection, I find it fascinating. It really opens up the music and helps me appreciate the craft, and there is so much going on in just this one song!!

[@goosemcgoosey902]

Beautiful analysis. I've always been into radiohead but now knowing some of the theory behind it, gives me a whole knew appreciation for it. Thank you

[@merodeadorNocturno]

I was just watching Rick Beato's take on this song and your analysis is so MUCH better. Thank you for sharing.

[@chrisahrens4023]

This song has always been a haunt for me. thank you very much.

[@bryceayoung]

I really love your analyses. Finally learned how to play Pyramid Song thanks to your video. As a music theory nerd and a huge Radiohead fan, I’m excited to watch more of your videos! Thank you for creating these

[@Na5tyify]

Your videos always seem to have the ability to make me appreciate a song I love and elevate that love to a whole new level.

[@pfr94]

More people need to know about your channel. This analysis is fantastic!

[@ElijahFink]

Your content is so good. Some of the most informative analysis of non academic music that I've ever seen, and i studied music at uni

[@russelrw]

I'm sorry but I just think you are wonderful. Keep doing these. Love it. From a songwriter's perspective I've always wondered why I bloody like this music so much and I kind of get it now. Thank you!

[@rohnnyjotten3985]

Congratulations !!! you have won the Internet today !!! Loved the video, subbed.

[@rickenbacker40011]

Best theory breakdown ive ever seeen love it!!

[@bigw722]

You’ve pointed out so many things that I never would’ve caught. Thank you for helping me appreciate this song even more than I thought I ever could

[@phosphenexx3288]

Always loved the theory behind this song so much. Especially how so much of the harmony clashes amongst the different instruments and the bassline but forms a whole greater than the sum of its parts. Amazing lyrics but next level composition and arrangement

[@obsidianman50]

wow, this is bloody great, no messing around, straight into interesting practical analysis of the tracks and mix. Instant subscribe.

[@lifelong5425]

The complexities within any Radiohead song come at you from differing notes heard each time you replay..... their challenge test to the ear....This analysis was wonderful....A pun mistress....respected.....one needs to take note...!

[@glsinsight]

Luv luv luv this as an opener,,,melancholyyyyy!

[@liadcohen8327]

This is my new favorite channel. It's so nice to see music analysis from someone who not only knows her stuff, but has this much love and passion for the music. I could watch you talk about music all day. Thank you!

[@yungkimchee7172]

this editing has earned a huge sub, omg you are so hilarious and informative

[@robpeacock1115]

Love this breakdown. Radiohead often breaks by guitar-playing brain in such a great way and opens me up to new things. Thanks for bringing this to us.

[@djgray1200]

I see you've done another episode big upping Thom since this episode but your mention of DJ Shadow in this analysis made me wanna recommend Rabbit in your Headlights which is Shadow and Thom together. You may already know about Unkle but as an electronica head from the early aughts I'm obliged to mention it ya see.

[@TheTheoTherone]

SO looking forward to the rest of your analysis of OK Computer! This album and The Downward Spiral are, and will always be, in my top 10. Your vids have given me so much insight as to why musically so many of my favorite songs are so great! Even though I have only an old punk rock bass player's knowledge of how music works. Thanks, ixi!

[@poeticthief]

Really love your analysis for the song! I had a very similar reaction that you had when listening to OK Computer for the first time lol

[@TheNormalUniverse]

Lovely! I like how you used color to show when sounds are hitting

[@jdmhexagon2584]

Airbag has slowly worked its way up the list of my favourite RH songs as long as I've been a fan, and honestly I think it's #1 now. Just perfect. And what a great analysis - I can play this on guitar but never noticed how clearly that intro switches between major and minor.

[@monsieurmitosis]

Great analysis! It's always a feeling of reassurance to hear other people articulate their reactions to a song or an album, when they are so similar to my own. With regards to the Aadd9 chord, I think the reason the B note rings out and sustains so clearly is because it's played on the open B string on the guitar. The C#, B and E are all within the same octave as well, which I think contributes to the density of that particular voicing. I could hear how some of the alternative voicings you used on the piano had those notes spread further apart, so they seemed not to create that rubbing function that we hear on the recording.

[@revolutionpoetry1]

I love watching it and pretending I have any idea how music works at all

[@dchody]

I love your analysis of Radiohead compositions. I’m late to discovering both Radiohead and you Ixi but I want you to know you are very much appreciated. I feel like I’m learning so much about music composition from your takes on these amazing creations. Thank you, thank you, Thank YOU!!!

[@josephmchugh4719]

This is excellent! Thank you for the in-depth analysis and bridging the gap for people like me with just a basic knowledge of music theory.

[@mightyjb5261]

Simply marvellous, can't wait for Paranoid Android!

[@IcyMidnight]

Love the visual aids. Really helps to understand what you're explaining!

[@ZosoLU]

You've gained an instant follower. What a fantastic breakdown. Zoop.