Separator (From the Basement)

‘The King of Limbs - From the Basement’ was recorded at Maida Vale Studios in London in 2011. ‘Separator’ is taken from the album of the same name out on XL Recordings. Buy & stream it here: radiohead.ffm.to/thekingoflimbs
Produced and Mixed by Nigel Godrich
Directed and Edited by Vern Moen
Sound Engineer: Darrell Thorpe
Recording Assistant: Drew Brown
Directory of Photography: Daniel Landin
Producers: James Chads, Dilly Gent, Nigel Godrich, John Woollcombe
Drums: Clive Deamer
Brass: Noel Langley, Yazz Ahmed, Clare Moss, Trevor Mires, Owen Marshall, Ben Castle, Phil Todd
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[@sph3r1cal_]

Dad why is my sister named Rose? Because your mom loves roses. Thanks, dad. No problem, transition from speaker audio to studio audio in Separator.

[@kibbajibba5988]

I don't get it. Fill me in? Lol

[@javi1770]

@@kibbajibba5988 1:00 to 1:10

[@nicolasriveros943]

No problem JUSTTHISONEHEREJUSTTHISONEHEREJUSTHISONEHERE

[@deborahsiahaan9261]

HAHA True it's so beautiful

[@KeiNaarr]

* (from the Basement).

[@OkYasser]

The “if you think this is over, then you’re wrong” part always gets me. Such perfection

[@platanardo9696]

the same with “because we sepparate like ripples on a blank shore”.

[@tars3249]

Once I hear the guitar come in at 3:42 I'm already got.

[@guidedoglefroy7342]

The 'wake me up, wake me up'....actually the whole song is brilliant

[@GreenToast01]

wake me up is the best part

[@Name-ko]

best phrase

[@kyrla]

that transition into the studio quality recording though

[@StanislovasRiska]

shivers ran down over how cinematic and seamless it was really

[@ArtPhotographerLindsay]

Yes, Indeed.

[@NightDweller]

The bass is nutty

[@MM-vs2et]

You can hear Clive's jazz experience plays the drum line perfectly, and then on the next bar is Phil playing the same drum line slightly off on every beat or so. No offense Phil

[@pedroexenberger]

1:07

[@muhamarfirmansyah3199]

TKOL is perfect example of "it grows on you" album.

[@JonathanNelsonOfficial]

I loved it immediately.

[@enkita8234]

That’s why fantano doesn’t like it

[@SR91313]

@@JonathanNelsonOfficial -Same. I had no problems with it from the day it came out. I just felt like it was more great RH at the time. I have many fond memories of driving around listening to this with an assortment of different people after this album came out, especially Codex and Separator, and some really liked it, while others just didn't have the patience for it.

[@alistairwadey6452]

Not really sure I like king of limbs. Yea it’s ok king of limbs. I quite like king of limbs actually. Fuck me, king of limbs...

[@faerietygers1323]

I feel like I’m one of the only people that likes it. I mean there are a couple I could take or leave, but there are masterpieces on this album like Bloom, Give Up the Ghost, and my favorite, Separator.

[@tonymattarelliano7007]

Videos like this only strengthen my Radiohead elitist complex. How can ppl not see how awesome they are

[@poppyflowers7897]

Lolol. R. E. C.

[@skaterzrule4]

@@poppyflowers7897 lmaoooo

[@kiteracer2497]

They are stupid

[@Joelrey2007]

People did, is just not popular these days

[@bilboswagginz2808]

deafness

[@smiledelya2]

I’m 32, and I’m a mom of two toddlers, I live an ordinary life in Ukraine, and I listen to Radiohead from my teens. Love that never ends.

[@ieatgod]

Hope you and your family are safe!

[@FountainOfYoot]

When I was a teen I was sexually abused. Radiohead was the protective sound that shielded my mind from it until I was 34 (in 2020) when I had a terrible experience remembering everything in literally the worst year of my life. Through my own terrible mistakes, losing the love of my life (🌻), losing myself, this song has helped me through that period. I have continued to love her, and have grown to love and forgive myself. No song in the world has done more for my healing than this. Every lyric and riff has soothed every pain and regret my soul has felt. And I will forever thank this band for being what they've been for me. "Finally I'm free of all the weight I've been carrying". I hope to hear this rendition of the song live at some point.

[@hans.rs24]

Glad to hear you are doing better! 🌞

[@HungryTacoBoy]

Thank you for sharing part of your story.

[@Matt-lz1cq]

My heart it broken. This is the best band of all time!

[@gregarnold1696]

Love yourself my friend ❤ and carry on

[@SR91313]

I see exactly where you are coming from because after suffering a lot of divorce, deaths in the family, etc, I know how you're feeling(generally speaking) and this song(and RH altogether)makes me feel the same way. That to some degree we're all endless/timeless and that were going to circle around through those good(and bad) times again.

[@thisistheglasshouse]

I get goosebumps every time Thom gets to the third verse. "I fell open" marks a transition into a heavenly ending that ends this complex album in such a gloriously simple and care-free way.

[@ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Oh man, that guitar line... yeah, I absolutely love the way this song opens up and reveals itself. I feel such a peace when I hear this song, it's truly a joy to have it.

[@felipe.sds123]

yes

[@patriciahart2687]

@@felipe.sds123 when they played this at their Brisbane concert in 2012 it was like liquid gold!

[@Kawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww]

Couldn't possibly put it better myself

[@skaterzrule4]

Yes.

[@trentboyd5919]

Thom actually sounds better live than album sometimes. It’s incredible. And to see him get lost in his songs is amazing

[@samsonfreeman5273]

yea sometimes live, especially from the basement, he annunciates his words more which makes the lyrics especially stand out

[@excrono]

I do not own the KOL studio album, only the Live from the Basement version. For me this is definitive.

[@michaelbutler7805]

The most underrated Radiohead song, and the exceptional version - how many bands do you say live sounds better than studio? Brilliance.

[@SinTitulo2]

Of the ones I listen to, only Radiohead and KEANE sound better live, obviously they don't make the same type of music but in my opinion they are high quality bands, one more complex than the other (I hope no Radiohead reddit fan comes to insult me to mention another band that is not Radiohead 😂) If you want to see something live by Keame, I recommend the song Atlantic.

[@jamsohnson8579]

Tiny band called the Grateful Dead pops into mind.

[@scotthooten5967]

Phish is way better live, their studio stuff isn't really worth listening to but their live music is genius.

[@ThinWhiteAxe]

Muse!

[@Hollowsmith]

This is one of Radiohead's happiest songs. Funky, fun, joyous, soulful. Really great vibes.

[@MattD612]

God bless Ed O’Brien. The vibes during the outro are immaculate

[@maticant]

Separator gives me the feeling that I don't deserve Radiohead sometimes. That's how much emotional weight this song carries for me.

[@vb2388]

One of my all time favourite tracks from the band...hardly gets recognition..

[@Matthew-zv8qe]

MF Aphex Heads definitely my favourite on the king of limbs only completely flawless track on the album as much as I love bloom

[@vb2388]

Matt...agreed

[@aspifouette]

Honestly it’s pretty popular among the accomplished fanbase. Id say at least in everyone’s top 3 for TKOL

[@mateoarce]

totalmente

[@johnshanley83]

Aspifouette -Aka Lucien Michel- top 3 out of 8 is almost a coin toss...

[@davidd3777]

This has been mixed unbelievably well

[@JamezKelly]

This being the last track on the album, the first listen made me go: "Oh, that's it." Now i'm like: "Oh yeah, This is it" Love this album so much.

[@PatoNani18]

At 4:25 starts the arguably greatest psychedelic/ambient melody that was ever created in a rock song.

[@Paulco67]

You might be right! It’s superb.

[@Cass99k]

I totally agree

[@ilford6x6]

Yes!! What is the sound/instrument that comes in at that point? It's a bit high pitched and shimmering/wavering and carries through to the end, with it being the last notes? It's absolutely gorgeous and beautiful and mesmerizing

[@djohnson24]

@@ilford6x6its just a chorus effect pedal on electric guitar

[@ilford6x6]

@@djohnson24 thanks!

[@mmtz3051]

TKOL deserves more love

[@p.b.palaciosalmafuerte3463]

I love tkol😍😍💜💜

[@KJ-je9pm]

@@p.b.palaciosalmafuerte3463 same

[@charlespage8692]

a whole helluva lot more. great album!

[@Forestgravy90]

Should have added the dropped songs and cut morning mr magpie

[@skaterzrule4]

@@Forestgravy90 chill Magpie is fire as hell

[@LimusTG]

I swear this song is severely underrated in Radiohead's discography. I love it so much.

[@aimster2084]

That moment when the song kicks in right at 1:10 and just fills your whole head.... Melts me every time.

[@jmasterhs1688]

Better than the studio version, and that’s saying something. Love the wall of synths that builds steadily to a gorgeous crescendo, paired perfectly with godly strums from Thom on the Gibson. I consistently tell folks who care to listen that this recording offers one of the most amazing final 90 seconds of any live-performed song I could possibly share with a fellow human being. This song isn’t hype; it’s not trying to be something else. It’s just incredibly beautiful music performed humbly by some pretty fantastic blokes from Oxfordshire. If you’re here and you’re reading this, you already get it.

[@MrLeoYaus]

It's an Epiphone.. so, close. And it sounds great!

[@excrono]

The KOL studio album never existed in my universe, only Live from the Basement.

[@ThePopbanks007]

No, this is the only one where I like the studio version better. The bass comes in much clearer.

[@robertogerez7119]

It's like I'm fallen out of bed From a long, weary dream The sweetest flowers and fruits are hanging from trees Falling off the giant bird that's been carrying me It's like I've fallen out of bed From a long and vivid dream Just exactly as I remember Every word , Every gesture And my heart, in my mouth Like I'm fallen out of bed From a long and vivid dream Finally I'm free of all the weight I've been carrying And as that woman blows her cover In the eye of the beholder I'm a fish now out of water Falling off a giant bird that's been carrying me I fell open , I laid under At the tip out I was just your number I want stay on it And get back under And if you think this is over Then you're wrong If you think this is over Then you're wrong If you think this is over Then you're wrong If you think this is over Then you're wrong (Wake me up, wake me up) Like I'm fallen out of bed From a long and vivid dream Finally I'm free of all the weight I've been carrying When at last you'll give in When at last you'll give in Wake me up Wake me up Wake me up Wake me up Wake me up Wake me up

[@sagittated]

I want to slip over and get back under

[@RainS2TOSBT]

Thanx for adding the lyrics

[@nylabex]

I really had no clue what he was saying lol

[@briancox9357]

For a band that's been together forty odd years, with exactly the same line up, to be consistently recording and performing music of this standard and intensity and beauty is unique in popular music.

[@briancox9357]

30 odd years sorry

[@chune4383]

Not anymore

[@4piecechickenmcnuggets]

@@chune4383 the are still together though

[@excrono]

Picture the kind of output the Beatles could have produced if they were together for 30 years.

[@martinzamoranomusic]

This is one of the most beautiful drum beats ive ever encountered. The whole song no change and it never gets boring. My life wouldnt be the same without radiohead

[@trymyusername]

Colin needs to self isolate immediately

[@guncreep9905]

Lol

[@jiwoosominapenguinkim]

..like a pig... in a cage...

[@Just2532yd]

dumbo with Antibiotics

[@alexangulorojas3799]

"I'm just expectorating"

[@MrRenanMata1]

LOL I THOUGHT THE SAME WHEN I SAW IT

[@hasanalkabeer6744]

This song live = perfection

[@AashishDMello]

Colin's bass shook up my living room. Loving it.

[@MauricioJara]

I remember not liking this album at first, thinking it sounded boring. But then one day, it just clicked with me, and I'm in love with it. Literally an album that grows on you. It gets better with every listen, and this is probably my favorite song off of this album, along with one of my favorite Radiohead outro songs. It feels very hopeful towards the future with the line "If you think this is over, then you're wrong". I love that damn guitar in the outro at "When at last you give in", so awesome. If there's one way to describe this album, it would be meditative.

[@poppyflowers7897]

I have learned to love this album so much it is in my top #3, and often vies for #1. ;)

[@WinterJellifish]

@@poppyflowers7897 For me, the problem was that I didn't like the production of the studio version, I'm still not liking the studio version of the album. But the production of the live version clicked with me

[@Trendyflute]

This is simply one of my favorite musical performances ever.

[@giuseppesarzano3179]

Qq

[@giuseppesarzano3179]

1¹

[@AngeloDiBen]

This song is an absolute masterpiece. TKOL is a masterpiece. I’ve asked my friends and family to play this track at my funeral.

[@moneyatslander]

Ed and Colin are unappreciated Gods

[@eyboss]

This is the only song that gives me the lump in my throat. I love how beautifully arranged it is.

[@Paine137]

Fuckin' gorgeous.

[@ojomythgimeht]

Lowkey one of Phil's best beats.

[@santiagorojaspiaggio]

I remember the days where TKOL was their last album and the lyrics "if you think this is over, then you're wrong" had become this utopic idea that Radiohead was gonna release a new album (which happened and it was great), or if not, ending their career with this epic glorious "wake me up".

[@gpeddino]

"Finally I'm free of all the weight I've been carrying." 💛

[@Nocalas]

That opening baseline and then the guitar at 5.00, perfection.

[@justwiln]

I love how in the beginning you can hear the ' 'metronome' beat the drummers hear which is not featured but nonetheless an important part of recording

[@coldacre]

Ed’s guitar at 4:30 is just sublime

[@Paulco67]

It’s basically “Meeting in the aisles “ interjected into this song. Quite wonderful.

[@katkatkat88888]

This is such an amazing song! The funny thing is, I first listened to "In Rainbows From the Basement" and just loved it. Someone recommended King of Limbs (also FTB), and after listening I wasn't that impressed. But then I came back to it and after about the third listen through, I now had a bunch more "Favorite Songs", especially this one. How does that happen?? Why are the From the Basement recordings so much better than Radiohead's other recorded albums and even live concerts? The sound quality, the orchestration, the instrumentation, Thom's voice.... ALL of it is just superb, even magical! What IS it? Why can I not stop listening to these songs? I am now a Radiohead fanatic, but only for the "From the Basement" recordings. And Separator is a perfect example of how awesome they all are.

[@TheGamesdefender]

Tourist: I came from the future. Me: How can you prove it? The tourist: TKOL is considered the best radiohead album.

[@ExileOnDaytonStreet]

Hey man, slow down

[@nombreapellido310]

And amnesiac, amnesiac is overhated but is their most deepest and random album

[@malbug]

The bassline in this fantastic.

[@micheleanderson2710]

This song should be an hour long.

[@schuka1]

The first time I listened to this album I was flying into big island of hawaii. This song was the song that was playing as we came into the island. I will never forget seeing the island as we circled for the landing. I was going to find myself on the island and this song was the perfect soundtrack!

[@MORAMAX]

Last night I slept for 8 hours straight, it hadn't happened for months. This morning I woke up and I had Separator from the basement in my head, I think my brain got bored doing nothing for 8 hours... and during the night it listened to this song that he had in his memory... there is no other explanation, I hadn't listened to Radiohead for months🙂

[@nesibedogan8638]

4:28 that sound make an upgrade to another dimension in my mind

[@PatoNani18]

Absolutely right!! I was sleeping on that song for a long time, it was a track that I skipped over for an unknown reason. An Incredible beautiful transition.

[@blue_gen8549]

That guitar gives it a Coldplay vibe that makes me smile everytime. Not cause I love Coldplay, but im thinking god, Radiohead is bringing something new to their music again. Surprising us. Over and over again.

[@dreamtree1510]

@@blue_gen8549 Early Coldplay had a warm melodic component to their sound and is nothing to be ashamed of liking. I can definitely see how the outro here shares that similar warmth.

[@Kawwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww]

I've been listening to this version daily for a year now and never think anything less of it

[@brendaluna173]

This band brings tears to my eyes, when I feel hopeless I just need to hear radiohead

[@aswan802]

that's why I'm here

[@Mrcupcake010]

you can also feel very hopeless lol

[@zaknefain100]

big /hug your way Brenda

[@brendaluna173]

@@zaknefain100 thank u so much 🥲 i'm still trying my best at life

[@Timmendorfer32]

❤

[@belmnoir]

Been a fan since '10 (i was literally a 10 year old). As i get older, radiohead just became more and more relevant.

[@dijanasluzbeni153]

Cant begin to explain how much I love and admire this song, especially how it develops towards the end

[@ForRiel]

There is A LOT going on in this song and I savour every moment.

[@unclejimmyjames]

I’m happy so many others appreciate this song. According to Spotify, my most played song three years in a row

[@bitminer51]

I like how Colin is the first to get up but the last to leave.

[@Ale90fcb]

Separator is such an underrated song

[@BTBAM819]

Perfect cloruse for a beautiful album. I'm new to Radiohead's music, but I liked TKOL the moment I heard it for the first time. It's so different to Kid A and OK Computer yet so good on its own. And this song is fucking beautiful, so as this performance. Long live this fucking amazing band

[@leoriddett6641]

my favourite performance of my favourite song from my favourite radiohead album

[@jayyovs]

This track really lifts off when Thom's guitar kicks at 3:43

[@zuairk]

Best part

[@ChudLife]

The thumbnail preview is just a flipbook of Thom dancing. it's great

[@hippiecheezburger5457]

I remember just being a teenager experimenting with drugs and the ending of this song was so blissful I mean it still is but it’s such a spiritual experience like death is only the beginning, the journey of the soul, everything will be okay in the end. It’s just so beautiful

[@krisnovak1669]

I love Radiohead. This song('s) here in the basement is just soo magical. Love the bass though.👍

[@paperfish7696]

Radiohead is the best

[@Elizabet0909]

№ 1 ... 🔝 🎙️ 💙 👍 💯%

[@mantis7911]

Radiohead was my most listened to this year hehe

[@smashbuns]

The drums, THE DRUMS! It’s tight like a loop and infused with the lightness of jazz all at the same time :-D

[@Final-Destinations]

Underrated masterpiece, the amount of emotion from this song is incredible.

[@DJDownes100]

not only one of their best songs, but one of the best songs ever, period

[@larryd9672]

How many breaks can there be? ... Thanks to the band and the film/production folks for capturing not only a wonderful performance but the off the cuff studio banter between the members. As someone who is currently striving to up my game creatively, this (and the From the Basement stufff generally) is great advice/example on the creative process: i.e. keeping in the flow, not overdoing it (two or three times at most :)

[@borisbobbington3234]

I love how brilliantly it blends together and flows

[@raphylv30]

love when they do these songs from the basement. Sounds so good, feels like you're there with them

[@alias3359]

It's so great, the sound is so perfect. These recordings are gold

[@life.9251]

Eds riff is incredible

[@seyoumyuno]

Colin looks like a true uncle in these sessions

[@wngmv]

Wearing a pink watch 😂

[@timmah3496]

I'm glad I was able to enjoy this during my time on this Earth

[@Beki_R]

radiohead's music is clearer than my own existance. i can't live without them. my drug.

[@pinkraven4402]

Jesus, that dream pop guitars at the end are heavenly

[@Theo-yo8ph]

i have watched this performance so many times it's unreal

[@spitre5456]

Favorite on this album. So love to see studio mixes! So love

[@furqanbaba5274]

I wish that they would play the guitar an octave higher like the album. It makes me cry (in a good way)

[@johnnywynne5514]

Simply perfect, I can't say anymore other than this is one of the most perfect arrangements of music that has ever been produced, still gives me goosebumps

[@sandratello6084]

Song that I never get tired of listening. 🤩🥰❤

[@Potatovoltage]

Top tier Radiohead here

[@bonebibleviper]

3:44 fuck dude, patience is a virtue in good guitar playing…❤

[@bjmadman312]

Such a song. Never really meant much to me before, but those lyrics. "If you think this is over, then you're wrong."

[@kngjon22]

Looks like I have a new favourite radiohead song yet again. People will be studying this music in 100 years.

[@n.ringheim7720]

At about 6 min in, the lead guitar begins to sund like a trumpet or a horn. So even though they have a brass band in the studio, lets make the guitar sound like one. Love it

[@shishankdahiya5016]

You know a song is a masterpiece when 1. There are layers in the song. 2. You wait for a part to come in the song after 2 minutes, 3 minutes..... 3. The best part is the melody on the last 4 lines of the song.

[@poppyflowers7897]

Hahaha best comment ❤️

[@ivory734]

For me, it’s the “i’m a fish now, out of water’…

[@penguin0075]

One of my favourite Radiohead songs. Gorgeous ❤

[@bladerunner_77]

Timing is perfect. thx!

[@xiuehe]

you know what? this version of separator makes me feel a whole different kind of utopia. one i never thought i could feel. this is such a a feel-good song for me but at the same time its such a different kind of feel-good song from the other songs i deem “feel-good” and that’s amazing. this song gives me the strongest feeling of.. feeling good. especially 4:24, when those instruments start kicking in, ..oh my god. so fucking beautiful. i honestly mightve just ascended. and the chorus part/verse after that is too amazing to describe in words. i wouldnt have any. i dont have any words. there arent any to explain how at peace this song makes me feel. and 5:25 is also so beautiful to me, and the instrumental after that. i was just frozen on my bed listening to this playing on my TV. it was so good. i can honestly fall asleep to that.

[@victoriahiggs6501]

I watch this every day

[@Craigjordan121]

3:44 on is god tier.

[@allosanthrwpos542]

I love how he dances while singing … this is how I picture myself singing their songs while in my car 😁😁😁

[@carlosguerrero3885]

Finally I'm free of all the weight I've been carrying... Thank you.

[@averyparkway679]

this is so much better than the studio version it's insane

[@excrono]

“We need to do Separator”. Your darned right!

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Colin's cough makes me extremely nervous.

[@komputnik]

nearly 10 years ago man.

[@Jerry-rm9pk]

He had Coronavirus

[@bipbong2906]

He died right after this performance

[@MarioMSMonreal]

Magic ! ❤

[@booled1]

I just love TKOL so much man.

[@chris_nielsen]

Creative peak.

[@wisenheimer9997]

Just to witness the creation of such perfect beauty from this imperfect little man will always fill my heart with hope... for myself