TOKCT

Hmm. Glee ? Sure, I'll show glee. But I've got to be honest and say a few things that some of you probably will either disagree with or just not like. And this is coming from a die-hard Radiohead fan: In general, I really think I like/love the album. I need more time with it though. Two sittings isn't nearly enough to soak everything in, even though on the whole, the album is very blunt/to the point. But here are my initial impressions song for song: First off, a few general statements: Thom's voice is F'ing PERFECT ! I mean, he pretty much nails everything (bar ONE song for me) in terms of isolation, range, harmony, sustain and everything else. (I'll get to the song in the blow by blow) Phil: IMO, one of his more weak showings. I don't know if it's because he wasn't really into it or because of my next opinion: The arrangements and compositions: I really feel that most of the compositions have outgrown the need for a lot of what Phil and Colin have brought to the table. It's possibly not their faults though. I'm sure the band is writing things thinking that the bass and drums must suit a logical purpose, but in a few songs, the drums and bass totally do NOT feel right or fit. Furthermore, I think that the compositions call for more "mature" instruments, which Phil and Colin could easily have taken up (Colin plays an upright on YAWA, why not on this album ?). The biggest example of this I feel is : Nude. But I'll get into that as it is in order. So, to continue: 1. 15 Step: A boat load of fun, and certainly met or exceeded my expectations comparing to the live versions. I was expecting more from the "Matrix School kids", but that's alright. It's so catchy and makes me smile a lot. Groove worthy for sure. 2. Bodysnatchers: Straight forward and rocks, with a great interlude and chorus which really ties the ends together. Love this song... A lot. 3. Nude Should have left well enough alone. I'm disappointed on more than one level with this song. No, it's not so much that I mind the Organ being gone (was a fan of it though), and it's not even that I am too bent out of shape because of the beautiful missing verse either, no. Where this song fails ME personally, is in its arrangement. I was praying for the omission of that really cheesy and out of place bass line. The beat from Phil helps none either... It's like there are two completely different songs here... Thom's voice and the song FLOWS rather smoothly, until the drums and bass line are made apparent. Even my wife, who I took to the NYC Madison Square Garden show and has really taken a liking to them ( and who is always humming the song) says that the drums make an otherwise smooth song sound somewhat chaotic. I was also expecting more on the side of it being "Lush". Layers of strings and a chorus... where is that ? And the production... kind of cheesy IMO. The seemingly experimental panning at the end of the song with Thom's "Oooooooooh... Ooooooh OOOOOoooooooooh" stuff, is really um, don't know what else to say but.. it sounds stupid. And his singing in general feels rushed. Like he's just sick of the song and wants to get rid of it. Well, I'd much rather of had them leave it the F alone in that case. I was really expecting something monstrous in terms of layering, strings and vocals. Instead, it just feels like.... it's there. Big let down for me. Perhaps It'll grow on me in time, but to be honest, I'll always cherish the San Fransisco version with Jonny on the glock... It has so much more emotion/conviction in it for me. Anyway, sorry for the rant, it's just that I've been looking forward to a studio version of it since it made its bones.... 4. Arpeggi/Fisheeeeeee's ! Well, overall I think they did alright with it, but again, I'm not as impressed (yet perhaps?) as I thought I'd be. Vocals are fantastic, harmonies and all, and the drums are even pretty right on... I guess I was expecting less guitar and more strings. The main guitar riff really would be complimented by some cello's and perhaps some voila's etc... 5. All I need: Spacious, melodic and haunting at times. I really like what they've done with it. 6. Faust Arp ! Wow ! If ever there was a Radiohead song that reminded me of a Beatles composition, this would be it. I'm really pleasantly surprised by this track, and am especially pleased that it's doing it with a new song all together. This song is so inviting and peaceful, and reminds me of how Thom/RH can make such a simple song, a joy to listen to. 7. BAH BAH ... bah ? That is neither Feeling Pulled Apart By Horses or Reckoner, and ya know what ? It's GOD DAMNED FANTASTIC !! I mean, I truly LOVE the version of Reckoner that we've heard up until now.. "BAH BAH BAH !" But this is an entirely new song and a kick ass one at that.. The vocals are absolutely stunning ... Top notch. Funny... For some reason I want to hear the Ewoks singing this at the end of ROTJ. (I hate ewoks and George Lucas BTW). 8. House Of Cards: Um, Thom ? Do you think that you could thicken the god damned echo echo echo and REEEVERB any more than it is ? :whatever::censored::thumbsdown: That being said, after the first verse settles in, I really grow to like the song a lot. But seriously, what's with all the damned reverb ? It's unnatural sounding and really doesn't make the atmosphere as sensual as they were probably thinking it would. On my stereo (ie: not stupid computer) it comes across really cold..which may or may not be the opinion of others. I'll have to check this song again, and again, and again. I'm sure I will.... 9. Jigsaw/Falling to pieces: Did Phil record the drums in another studio and pipe the feed through a dixie cup to where the rest of the band were ? Or did he just opt for the "Llittle tyke" drum kit ? Production here sounds to my ears, a bit amateur-ish. Perhaps it's just the lax feeling of the drums... but to me it sounds like it was recorded with Garage Band or something.. well, the drums do anyway. The guitars after the chorus remind me of "Hotel California", totally has that feel. But I do love the song in general. I need to listen to it more. (remember, these are pretty much initial impressions) Finally.... 10. Videotape: People don't seem to like this one as much as they wanted to, and I'm on the opposite side of the fence here. I think it's almost perfect. It could have been less rushed (tempo needs a slowing down a tad) but the arrangement is just what this song needed as the final track. Phil's 'funeral-procession-esque' drum beat is perfect. It's a haunting track pulled off with precision and fluidity and makes the end" a serene place to be. Well, that's what I"m thinking for NOW. I'm sure my impressions will change as I grow into the music or visa versa. Thoughts ?