The Smile - Friend of a Friend (Audio)

Taken from the new album Wall Of Eyes - available now: thesmile.ffm.to/wall-of-eyes-...
Limited edition blue vinyl: store-uk.thesmiletheband.com/
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Artwork by Stanley Donwood
Animation by Sabrina Nichols

[@LasVillafrancas]

Thom’s voice is an elite instrument.

[@ing.lucagiordano]

Talento puro. Grazie ❤

[@bradenwright2586]

By far my favorite vocalist

[@suzycat2026]

Truly is ❤

[@joeneedsfood]

I wish they had less effects on it for parts of this song to be honest, he sounds so good here!

[@windows98rules63]

correction, Thom is the voice of the elite.

[@sakura_pompadour]

After listening to all Radiohead albums and The Smile so many times, it feels surreal to witness a new release, straight out of the oven. I'm glad these guys are still making music even after three-ish decades. They clearly have so many more fun musical ideas to express, and I can't wait to experience even more. Thank you, The Smile!

[@Shercko]

I feel the exact same way. Every time I'm always going "wait, is this real life"?

[@samstellar2960]

The Smile is not Radiohead.

[@INXS1985]

@@samstellar2960true but it kinda doesn’t matter if you’re hooked on Thom

[@samstellar2960]

@@INXS1985 that’s fair

[@thommurray649]

...or Jonny G

[@marvelmaximus7151]

DID NOT EXPECT THIS TO COME OUT TODAY AND MAKE MY DAY. MORE ALARMS AND MORE SURPRISES PLEASE.

[@Bookable_]

Nice reference :)

[@DanielSilva-fj3qi]

goated comment

[@ginaiannicolaianni9998]

​@@DanielSilva-fj3qi What do you mean by goat comment I'm not English I didn't understand. But I think I got it. Let it be known😊

[@jonahhh.]

@@ginaiannicolaianni9998 G.O.A.T. is a phrase used that stands for "greatest of all time", so Daniel is calling this comment one of the greatest ever.

[@ginaiannicolaianni9998]

@@jonahhh. Ah ok master thank you so much for your concern. In answering me. Ciao

[@frodo289]

There are musicians who play same old songs for 20+ years. And there are artists who never stop creating!

[@sophiafakevirus-ro8cc]

...who never stop creating Beatles influenced tunes

[@TickAlick]

@@sophiafakevirus-ro8cc an influence is an influence not a copy the Beatles wish they could have made a song like this lmao

[@sophiafakevirus-ro8cc]

@@TickAlick I doubt that. The Beatles and especially McCartney influence is obvious but being Yorke he makes it sort of disturbing. Most Beatles/McCartney influenced songs are upbeat and predictable but Thom Yorke makes this a bit disjointed. I don't think the Beatles would have liked that quality. What bothers me is that the influence is so obvious. These guys are knocking on in years now, and they go and make a record that is obviously referencing the biggest most popular band of all time. Why? I always think of Exit music for a film as Thom's dark version of She's leaving home, so he has been here before in referencing the lyric idea, but this is paying homage to the Beatles in music and production. Why?

[@lms2932]

​@Not hardly. Apparently you haven't listened to TY's entire catalogue.

[@sophiafakevirus-ro8cc]

​@@TickAlick I do like it though, after a few listens. As he says, "I can go anywhere..."

[@sanderm4115]

LYRICS: [Verse 1] I can go anywhere that I want I just gotta turn myself inside out and back to front With cut out shapes and worn out spaces Add some sparkles to create the right effect They're all smiling, so I guess I'll stay At least 'til the disappointed have eaten themselves away [Pre-Chorus] Buried from the waist down Stop looking over our shoulder [Chorus] All the window balconies, they seem so flimsy as our Friends step out to talk and wave and catch a piece of sun [Verse 2] I guess I believe in an altered state Where they leave their windows and their doors open wide Here the telephone lines are always busy Unable to give a reason or a straight answer [Pre-Chorus] Buried from the waist down Stop looking over our shoulders We need to get this together [Chorus] From our window balconies we take a tumble as our Friends step out to talk and wave and catch a piece of sun [Outro] All of that money Where did it go? Where did it go? In somebody's pocket A friend of a friend All the loose change Loose change

[@richardjames1946]

I've had days like this 💙🇺🇸

[@jasonbradnock4931]

Here*, the telephone lines are always busy. Here* is what I hear 😂 (Bad pun)

[@Hassan047]

​@@jasonbradnock4931yes I think that's correct

[@gnoelalexmay]

Thanks 🙏

[@danielstahl5028]

This song reminds me of this byline... "In the desperate scramble for protective gear and other equipment, politically connected companies reaped billions..." - NYTimes 17 Dec, 2020

[@rabbitfishtv]

Making 5/4 a common time signature one song at a time. This song is so lovely.

[@spiroskaravalakis9358]

Drumming is really pyramid song esque . Outstanding !

[@ajesh99]

Yes, some of the horns section too

[@Platonick66]

Very 5 years from Bowie too

[@Platonick66]

@@LPW638 ha

[@peepsiee]

exactly what i thought

[@galbeeri8360]

5/4

[@deubeulseveun]

I feel a strong Beatles vibe here....love it !

[@PresidentHotdog]

I was thinking Bowie, but I can hear both now.

[@user-fn8vi2zk1e]

Beatles!!!!

[@rozawiatrova4526]

It really looks like it. Great observation😊

[@penazas3116]

I felt the same! The verses are very beatles-like, I love it

[@faure-georsremi4540]

Beatles/crimson!

[@AnimatedLoopHD]

This is the most clear we've heard Thom's voice since The Eraser. What an interesting song with many twists and turns, very cinematic.

[@kirkwarburton2277]

It’s very clear and very beautiful but I don’t know about it being the clearest since The Eraser. Faust Arp? House of Cards? Codex, Desert Island Disk? I don’t want to sound argumentative! Just my opinion.

[@rocios.635]

Cinematic its the perfect word🤌

[@penazas3116]

All their songs are just so meaningful each in their unique way, I don't get how Thom and Jonny still manage to have this level of inspiration after all these years, it's really something to behold.

[@CptEtgar]

indeed. oh so very much.

[@rococoshin]

Just a masterpiece! Sounds like The Beatles would do Amnesiac-ish song!

[@dariuszrubin5510]

Absolutly agree ! I though the same: the Beatles and Amnesiac

[@guluf]

Exactly, immediately reminded me of McCartney’s songwriting

[@andreacosta74]

Greenwood+York+McCartney+B. Wilson+G. Martin

[@sharkieshark2591]

Clearly inspired by A Day in the Life indeed

[@jackroark6928]

I got that vibe as well

[@brucebraca9409]

this feels like its gonna be the most chill, happiest album that thom ever realesed

[@LIBERTYCORP.]

This will age horribly

[@Halochoker]

@@LIBERTYCORP. lmaoooooo

[@LIBERTYCORP.]

@@Halochoker I can’t tell if I was right or wrong💀

[@mariana_po]

When the end has come. This is the name of the painting shown in the video. Remember seeing it in London last September. My favorite one from the whole exhibition. Seems like this song will become one of the fav ones from the upcoming album. What a masterpiece! And definitely I can hear The Beatles influence here.

[@jeffreyroedel9804]

Very McCartney-esque, weird parts but melodically pretty and bouncy! I thought that too. Love all the ground The Smile can cover.

[@YeOldeGnurd]

I was definitely hearing influences from both Lennon and McCartney, more gently combined than, say, A Day in the Life, but still doing a bit of battle with each other.

[@stockholm1752]

@@YeOldeGnurd Yes, that crescendo towards the end…

[@katehirst6046]

How can one song be both sparse and lush at the same time? I'm so grateful that Thom and Jonny spill out musical ideas most musicians would give their lives to have just a handful.

[@rc2257]

Thanks for the info about the painting. Very cool.

[@akoustixx]

Thanks Thom, for reminding us that £12 billion was given to a friend of a friend here in the UK to make profits during the pandemic.

[@fotoni0s]

That bassline has its own life in the universe...

[@RadioheadCentral]

yesss

[@BT-kc3ee]

Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood's songwriting seems get better with age. It's insane how consistently brilliant and creative they've been over their long careers

[@kaylamanor]

So Beatles-esque. So gorgeous. How can three people be so talented!! How!!!!!!!!???? Need summa that!

[@Platonick66]

This genuinely feels like a new direction, so melodic, a real Beatles meets Bowie song, another wonderful track, so glad to be living in this age with these people seemingly getting better and better

[@gonufc]

I absolutely adore this song. There always seems to be at least one song on anything Thom (as in Atoms for Peace, his own stuff, The Smile....Oh and that other little band he was in) puts out that absolutely latches on to me and stays there- last time it was Panavision- it's this one this time.

[@erikhallgren8876]

Sam Petts- Davies production is outstanding!

[@ComradeStiv]

Just wow. Reminds me of the rolling inventive imaginings from Brian Wilsons peak experimental days (Smile, Pet Sounds). I wouldn't be surprised if Johnny and Thom stay this fresh and interesting all the way to the grave, aging be damned. The signs are very good.

[@santerisorsa8301]

This is absolutely breathtaking. It is amazing how natural all these key and time signature changes are and how they complement the song's feeling. If the rest of the album's songs are as good as the singles, then this will probably be one of the best albums of all time on my list. So hyped!

[@sebastiansotosoto9268]

Teleharmonic es "El" tema del album

[@89.]

these guys are def at the top of their game and i am obsessed

[@glennhenry1123]

The greatest track ever.

[@M_Lev]

Like some have mentioned, I too hear Bowie (during the verses) and the Beatles during the chorus. Love it!

[@nutellabss4404]

It's making me want to lock my room and cry for minutes on end. Spectacular, majestic, perfect. Nothing to add.

[@justine8351]

Majestic is the perfect descriptor for this song.

[@tedkezio567]

Just when you think they've reached a pinnacle of sorts, they continue to out do themselves again and again. 👏

[@tonyescobarofficial]

How Thom reinvents himself and in every iteration- I adore his multifaceted brilliance.

[@josueggh]

This song awakens so many emotions and self-reflection. Grab your best headphones, close your eyes and listen to it with your soul.

[@simontucker79]

I’ve just delivered the eulogy at my oldest friends (40yrs) and you guys drop this today. What a welcome balm. Thank you x

[@nigelmoyes9798]

Sorry for your loss.

[@aroamingwitch]

I'm sorry for your loss

[@vjr5261]

Oh my 😢 so sorry mate

[@vaengel]

My condolences

[@user-io7yk7qb1k]

That’s a really tough day, sorry to hear of your loss.

[@Emronia]

A hint of Beatles in this song. So good :)

[@Rain_power]

I feel like the Beatles got mixed in with Radiohead and it works really well.

[@ElJacko979]

Thom has been making the theme music for my life for almost 30 years. Every Song surprises me and makes me cry like a little child. in a good way

[@Cocojoker]

This Is a new classic, unforgettable piece of music!

[@mult_8797]

this song feels like a warm sunny day on a hill in a big field with all your favourite people

[@mixbruu]

It's giving pyramid song vibes, with a hint of beatles sound. ❤

[@warevaporexe420]

Pyramid song meets a day in the life

[@steftones1]

The band that makes me wanna smile

[@scottfoster3643]

"I guess I believe in an altered state, where they leave their windows and doors open wide"

[@Ominous89]

Whenever The Smile or Radiohead release something new, I always have to take a moment for it so I can listen to it with a tear and a smile.

[@cozm8]

Agree 100%!

[@cozm8]

THIS is why I love Thom & Co. Something you can always expect from every song...is something unexpected. This album will get me through 2024...

[@ThommyUnderhill]

I love all of you. I love that we can love this shit together

[@crepequeen643]

5/4 TIME BABY LET’S GO! Loved this song on tour! Feels very Beatles to me c:

[@Bodehi_The_Archivist]

Thom, Tom, Jonny. Y’all are incredible and downright inspiring musicians. The level of emotions in the music is completely untapped by anyone else.

[@kirkwarburton2277]

Except Radiohead! But that’s natural as they have the same core. Musical brilliance is off the charts but it’s the emotional intelligence and potency, coupled with the music, that makes them the best.

[@famousfriend2472]

untapped? nah

[@Lost4life123]

I love your profile picture.

[@cupofsun]

Remember when you first heard OK Computer and it literally felt like Thom Yorke had reached absolute musical ascendance before it was halfway through Airbag? Yeah, we had no fucking idea what we were in for. This song has everything. It feels a bit like a musical in which half-way through you realize it's actually a nightmare you're having... only to go back to watching for a little while longer, cuz it's better than what's on the news or waking up to reality.

[@ashtonchamberlain8984]

I knew I was woken up for a reason… to experience this beauty being released

[@fuentes5209]

in the world of Pyramid Song with A Day In The Life. Gentle and joyful with a little chaos thrown in. Love it. cheers x

[@happycadaver]

Oh yes, I remember this from their live set. So many new songs still coming. Fucking love these guys so much. Just continue to bless us over and over with just the most amazing music

[@Meneervdberg]

We have to protect Thom Yorke, Paul McCartney, Brian Wilson and Paul Simon at all cost!

[@zackzallie8735]

Brian Wilson has dementia. :(

[@Wispy_0]

I've been listening to this all day for a few days lol, I love this band.

[@scotthjackson5651]

have to shout out for the incredibly tight and lovely drumming on this track

[@diegomissaci8019]

Great and beautiful jazzy song. It's pretty good to see your idols trying and experiencing some new approaches to their songs! Looking forward to listening to the whole album! ❤

[@lekayro2170]

The smile has a more jazzy approach also because of skinner, also drummer in the jazz ban sons of kermet

[@5luckyshamrocks1]

Amazing song!! Thank you for the interesting info regarding Skinner….I am not familiar with Skinner … however, i am a huge jazz fan and I picked up on the unique jazz drum tempo. I will be sure to check out Skinner’s jazz band. Peace ✌️

[@leodahan8076]

The Smile is the band that makes me want to show each of their songs to my family and tell them: just listen to how great it is.

[@Outplayedqt]

My Mom, a piano teacher, thinks RH and The Smile’s discography is utter “unlistenable trash.” It’s one of 2 major rifts in our relationship. Sucks not having anyone to appreciate this gorgeous music with. At least we have each other as YT anons online 💞

[@CptEtgar]

my mom loves Thom's voice but she is clueless about music.

[@aperturius]

​@@OutplayedqtIt's one thing to not find RH and The Smile to your tastes, it's another thing entirely to consider it trash. I feel bad for anyone taking music lessons from your mom, they deserve their money back.

[@Outplayedqt]

@@aperturius Well, this is a bit awkward. She started teaching me when I was 4 years old, then went on to became a concert pianist well into my early 20s. I think she's a fantastic *teacher* who unfortunately only likes...you guessed it, classical music. A wide genre for sure, but not one that Radiohead would traditionally fall into. She's not a fan of the electric guitar so Jonny's brilliance simply falls on deaf ears.

[@OkRiver06]

I didn't knew I needed to listen to something like this. This week has been ridiculously stressful to me, but now that this song is out.... I'm going to make it some sort of song to comfort myself. Thank you so much.

[@MicahBuzanANIMATION]

Every new song from The Smile puts a huge smile on my face. This music is such a gift.

[@bliS666ter]

WOW! So much joy by Thom Yorke and his pupils having written a new song in English with the Beatles sound! so many meanings!!

[@alan83p]

And this is how Yorke & friends get us fueled the little bar of life

[@alihammami4470]

Close miking and strings parts at their best. Wow ! ❤

[@suzycat2026]

This is a pleasant, bouncy melody. It feels comfortable to me. 😊 I'm hearing all sorts of musical influences from The Doors~ Soft Parade era , to David Bowie's final album Black Star , the jazz & horns take me places. Love it, Thoms vocals are incredible.😻🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🌠

[@Jorick_73]

I can also hear influence of "The Beatles", took some pushing psychodelic waves of sound from their song "A Day In The Life" in the second part of the song. Although ELO did the same in their song "Mr Blue Sky". Good stuff anyway.

[@suzycat2026]

Yes, I can dig that 👍🏼@@Jorick_73 I guess it also depends what makes each of us, on our lifelong musical journeys Long may they all continue! If music be the food of Love, play on❣😻

[@ejdevo]

Holy effing brilliant. I’m mesmerized. I cannot stop listening on loop. My head & heart are exploding at how unique and phenomenal this is. How is this even possible ? How can an artist continue to just get better and better after 30 years…..wtf…like everything they come up with is the greatest thing ever. I’m dumbfounded and I feel so honored to be alive while Radiohead & the Smile exist.

[@ejdevo]

Maybe TY and JG are aliens?

[@snegvsredy]

you guys are amazing. my meager knowledge of English is not enough to convey my admiration. i'm looking forward to your album!

[@kirkwarburton2277]

After 3 listens its melodies and flourishes have already bloomed beautifully. Jonny’s orchestral compositions just get better, they have become the secret weapon in their latter day evolution. Also getting some White album vibes in the melody.

[@anujbeatles]

Also some A day in the life style orchestral grandiose

[@kirkwarburton2277]

I agree! Grandiosity!

[@Andycrix]

Desde Perú, qué maravilla despertar con una nueva canción de The Smile :))

[@TalonsOfFire]

This seems to be the new Radiohead, at least for now, and it's great stuff. I'll be happy as long as Yorke and Greenwood keep making music

[@AlBeeston]

I Just know the forthcoming Album is going to be my Album of the Year, and it’s only the 9th January ! They just get better with every release, Thom’s voice is sublime, and the musicianship is flawless. ❤😊

[@paulhorsley8922]

Thom is our 21st century Beatles……..not forgetting Jonny of course xx love it.

[@bryanlarsen2330]

So excited for the Vinyl to ship. Love these guys and the community their music has attracted . Enjoy folks.

[@MikeNascimbeni]

I didn't even have to watch this to know it would be beautiful. And now that I did watch it, I feel stupid for underestimating how beautiful it would be.

[@FlorianFuentes]

Increíble la progresión armónica del tema, totalmente novedosa. Thom yorke siempre siempre reinventándose. Gracias por subir la vara de la música todo el tiempo

[@ecotextileStudio]

wow, what a find!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@1Tasteless]

Does it remind anyone else of David Bowie? Amazing stuff, as always.

[@user-fp4pu6vh5b]

Such a pleasure. Their music is the whole universe. Love for 25 years this universe and so happy

[@hippiecheezburger5457]

I love how Jonny and Thom have that signature sound of amazing crescendos

[@thatoneguy8512]

Same title as a Foo Fighters song. In fact, one of the oldest Foo Fighters songs. So now two of my favorite bands have awesome songs called Friend Of A Friend.

[@user-ss6pk3gj6m]

いつまでもこんなに凄まじい曲を作れるなんて、凄すぎる

[@ummmidontknow]

Was kinda bummed when I didn’t see “people on balconies” on the track list for this new album, it was a highlight of the live shows I went to. Glad it made it on to the album under a different name…now I hope colours fly made it too

[@CaveWang]

A review had the descriptions of each song and it doesn't sound like it did

[@ummmidontknow]

@@CaveWangthen fingers crossed there’s a 3rd album…and a fourth

[@shaunthecatlover]

It’ll probably appear on the tenth and final Radiohead album.

[@Hassan047]

​@@shaunthecatloveri have a great feeling about that

[@DeutscherPatrick]

I mean we don’t know about the songs "I Quit" and "You know me!" which could be renames for "colours fly" and/or "Bodies Laughing". The length of these tracks align with the album songs and also "You know me!" sounds like a name that fits with "colours fly"

[@snoozieboi]

I love how they so often play with where the beat begins and I guess the same with the riff. I don't really know the terms, but I am happily confused. So glad to have them this productive and seriously varied.

[@peternagash]

I guess the terms are time signature and key signature. But I got what you mean, the way they play their songs is often against the expectations, it kind of confuses us in a pleasant way

[@MM-vs2et]

This has mid century pop vibes. Very cool

[@LeekClock]

You can say Beatles

[@MM-vs2et]

@@LeekClock Not quite Beatles, more Aretha Franklin.

[@Carob_55]

The Smile are amazing, keep up the great music!

[@deadlight100]

anything they do is magnificent! love you thom

[@luani_miku]

I CAN'T BELIEVE THIS WAS RELEASED A FEW DAYS AGO!!! few months ago I started listening to the entire Radiohead discography (They changed my life and help me with depression, they are like my therapy, every time bad thoughts flood me and I want peace I listen to them) and I heard a few songs from The Smile, I thought this was a song I hadn't heard yet, it's great that they continue making such beautiful music, they certainly don't lose their touch, they get better with age ❤ I really love them

[@granthefato340]

wtf… these guys still make music??? my jaw dropped

[@dongwooistim]

All music lovers in almost every kind… need to thank him very much…once in a while for many were inspired whether or not they realize

[@catkin54]

Their talent and genius just never ends.

[@nellygonzalez5187]

Que interacción maravillosa! Aplausos para Thom, Jonny y no recuerdo al tercero, perdón! Son una banda genial! Y la parte plástica fue un gran complento del arte. ❤❤❤❤ Saludos desde Patagonia Argentina😊

[@Banana_man27]

Finally add this to my playlist

[@exclamationpointman3852]

THESE GUYS ARE MASTERS.

[@cece____]

What a great sinergy between Thom and Jhonny, I swear I sometimes try to dislike something from their music but I can't. Pure genius. Constant inspiration for me and for all the musicians all over the world.

[@jcarrreonn5853]

I loved this song when they played it live, it was incredibly unexpected! Really excited to see what they do with "Under Our Pillows"

[@gitagotsy]

the instruments the voice the writing goodness this is great fills a place in my playlist for sure

[@michaelappourchaux1521]

So excited to see you again in Bordeaux, France next summer guys! Shapes s a big SMILE on me face! ;)

[@rooftopsignals7313]

Seeing this pop up in my feed brought back happiness into my life for a minute Thank you, keep smiling

[@hike3037]

Gorgeous song, visuals are also really good and soothing

[@anabell7184]

i keep going back to this track

[@bungalowbill74]

Omg what an amazing song, can hear some pyramid song vibes along with the Beatles, they are amazing

[@elceguet]

Thank you for another wonderful song to bring hope in these bleak days! This is a delicious treat for the soul...

[@chateaupig826]

Be nice while sitting in your favourite Cafe, sipping and contemplating life

[@simonfonteyn649]

That moment you listen to a song for the first time and you know you're going to listen to it many times again, for years to come. They did it again...

[@AC-hj9tv]

Oh hell yes!!

[@matthewjames206]

The piano always draws me in. This reminds me a bit of "Pyramid Song." I like it. Great visualizer, too. I'm looking forward to the full album 🍻

[@Onyxiate]

I’m so damn excited for the album to drop. Every song just shows the expertise of the band more and more, and I’ve appreciated each track so far as creating a whole and complete image of what The Smile are trying to say. It’s so refreshing yet feels so classical and nostalgic - I’m astounded.

[@Ray-V]

SO Beautiful. I'm melting. Thanks you 'The Smile'

[@therealjoshywashy]

This made me even more hyped for Wall of Eyes. I can’t wait until it comes out.