Sandino said:

Phishanga said:

Just curious, what makes music "pretentious"? Generally, I mean.

Attempting to reveal deep universal truths or resonate visceral emotions while composing and playing music that is shallow and uninvolving aka pop music aka 7 minute rock songs aka bands up to and including Radiohead.

I see. So what makes music "shallow"?

Phishanga said:

Sandino said:

Attempting to reveal deep universal truths or resonate visceral emotions while composing and playing music that is shallow and uninvolving aka pop music aka 7 minute rock songs aka bands up to and including Radiohead.

I see. So what makes music "shallow"?

Lackin in depth. Having a good idea but not thoroughly expounding on it. That is essentially what makes the pop form inferior to suites, sonatas, fugues, etc. It's akin to coming across a brilliant idea, and writing it down. Upon telling your friend about it you say "alright so I do this first, and then I go on to do this, and this but THIS is what I did first, now after all this I'd like to do this, also I did THIS FIRST, now, I want to do that that and I DID THIS FIRST, I DID THIS FIRST, THIS WAS THE FIRST THING I DID THAT LEAD TO THIS CHAIN OF EVENTS." After about the second time I'm sure you got the point about what he did first right? this is basically why pop songs are considered limited, because they're centered around a chorus normally and often hit the 'reset' button every 30-45 seconds.

Sandino said:

Phishanga said:

I see. So what makes music "shallow"?

Lackin in depth. Having a good idea but not thoroughly expounding on it. That is essentially what makes the pop form inferior to suites, sonatas, fugues, etc. It's akin to coming across a brilliant idea, and writing it down. Upon telling your friend about it you say "alright so I do this first, and then I go on to do this, and this but THIS is what I did first, now after all this I'd like to do this, also I did THIS FIRST, now, I want to do that that and I DID THIS FIRST, I DID THIS FIRST, THIS WAS THE FIRST THING I DID THAT LEAD TO THIS CHAIN OF EVENTS." After about the second time I'm sure you got the point about what he did first right? this is basically why pop songs are considered limited, because they're centered around a chorus normally and often hit the 'reset' button every 30-45 seconds.

Well, by that logic, is funk music shallow? Because the funk is in the steady repitition of the groove.

And I think I follow you, but Radiohead is just the exact opposite of "shallow" and "lacking in depth" to me. But that's great of course, to each their own.

Phishanga said:

Sandino said:

Lackin in depth. Having a good idea but not thoroughly expounding on it. That is essentially what makes the pop form inferior to suites, sonatas, fugues, etc. It's akin to coming across a brilliant idea, and writing it down. Upon telling your friend about it you say "alright so I do this first, and then I go on to do this, and this but THIS is what I did first, now after all this I'd like to do this, also I did THIS FIRST, now, I want to do that that and I DID THIS FIRST, I DID THIS FIRST, THIS WAS THE FIRST THING I DID THAT LEAD TO THIS CHAIN OF EVENTS." After about the second time I'm sure you got the point about what he did first right? this is basically why pop songs are considered limited, because they're centered around a chorus normally and often hit the 'reset' button every 30-45 seconds.

Well, by that logic, is funk music shallow? Because the funk is in the steady repitition of the groove.

No Funk is a form of Dance music, and its main intent is to get people to dance, not think or feel. Most funkateers don't profess to be anything but keepers of the funk, not musical revolutionists whose catalogue is worthy of being compared to the best music ever created in the same way I often see alot of Rock Dinosaurs consider themselves. Also their is a distinction between genre and format. Most genres borne out of popular music are inherently more limited than 'serious music' but that doesn't necessarily mean you can't make serious music in that form, just that you most likely won't using the pop song structure.

A guy like Steve Coleman has done wonders with funk grooves, real impressive shit. Then you have funkateers like the Headhunters, who maybe weren't the most harmonically adventurous, but they mixed interesting sonorities together and were technically impressive.

JoeTyler said:

lastdecember said:

hopefully it will be something on the order of the first two albums, but i wont hold my breath.

their first two albums? REALLY?

I respect that early era of the band, but I'm not a fan of that sound. I agree with Yorke when he says that their pre-Kid A rock albums kinda "missed the point"...

I certainly prefer their 00's albums.

[Edited 2/14/11 17:44pm]

Same here

funkyhead said:

Phishanga said:

YES!!!

And I cannot f*cking see it in my country. BS.

it's a great track, freaked when I saw the title though!!!. Bodes well, more accessible etc.

Thanx

I like this.

Gotta get the album . .

awesome

never been a big fan but i do love the ok computer album...its a classic no doubt...if a bit morbid ....but i have been listening to the new album and i like what i hear...and i love the album cover...if that is what it is....its like a horrible pac man nightmare... ...

It's a keeper.

Fave is 'Lotus Flower.'

I have the new album but have yet to listen to it. Been hit with a cold/flu bug and I'm waiting until I'm in the right state to fully listen and absorb the new album. After all, it's been one of my most anticipated releases in sometime! I haven't listened to one second of it yet. Nor read any full on reviews. Just read some of the few brief comments around here. That's it. I may take take the plunge later today depending how I feel. Either way, I know it will be worth the wait.

like usual with Radiohead, it gets better on repeated listens. I played it all the way through on headphones last night and the layers of sound really blew me away. It's a beautiful record; the details are amazing.

NoVideo said:

like usual with Radiohead, it gets better on repeated listens. I played it all the way through on headphones last night and the layers of sound really blew me away. It's a beautiful record; the details are amazing.

Co-sign

SUPRMAN said:

NoVideo said:

like usual with Radiohead, it gets better on repeated listens. I played it all the way through on headphones last night and the layers of sound really blew me away. It's a beautiful record; the details are amazing.

Co-sign

I must listen to this today. Period.

Creepy cover, but not feeling the first single and I'm a huge Radiohead fan. This can't be good. I hope the rest makes up for it.

Really like it so far. To be honest, I figured i wouldn't after the first listen but it's been on repeat and despite some of the songs being simplistic, there is much depth to uncover.

Lotus Flower. That's familiar.

Just slightly off-topic, have you seen those amazing, professionally recorded videos of Atoms for Peace at Fuji Rock?

I NEED an album of this... need, need, need.

[Edited 2/20/11 12:55pm]

I haven't heard the new album yet, but I was hoping they'd get away from the ambient sounds of Kid A/Amnesiac/Eraser (yes it's solo) and more toward The Bends/OK Computer/Hail To The Thief.

Phishanga said:

Just slightly off-topic, have you seen those amazing, professionally recorded videos of Atoms for Peace at Fuji Rock?

I NEED an album of this... need, need, need.

yeah that's some great footage, that fuji rock show. i'm hoping that we'll also get an album

by atoms for peace this year. perhaps late autumn, but that's just a gut feeling.

from all the crazy posts floating on the RH boards, one is tempted to conclude that this new

album isn't everything they're gonna release this year. there seems to me more to come.

i just hope it doesn't clash with a possible atoms for peace release since i really want one.

also, @ your signature. that's such a cool moment. everyone was thinking it and he

just blurted it out like that. *BURN*

IstenSzek said:

Phishanga said:

...

yeah that's some great footage, that fuji rock show. i'm hoping that we'll also get an album

by atoms for peace this year. perhaps late autumn, but that's just a gut feeling.

from all the crazy posts floating on the RH boards, one is tempted to conclude that this new

album isn't everything they're gonna release this year. there seems to me more to come.

i just hope it doesn't clash with a possible atoms for peace release since i really want one.

also, @ your signature. that's such a cool moment. everyone was thinking it and he

just blurted it out like that. *BURN*

Really? What do the forums say?

Yes, love him for telling the guy to shut up. But, what kind of dumb asses were at those concerts? Wasn't the only time someone thought it funny to yell "THOMMY!" during a quite number like 'Lotus Flower'. I mean, WTH? :-/

As a diehard Radiohead fan, I was a bit terrified listening to this. After the first listen, it felt like the impossible had finally happened: I had been completely disappointed by a Radiohead album. Save for a few select songs, I didn't much care for the album. It didn't grab or excite me at all.

Four listens later, I love it. Tracks I had dismissed as aimless dirge or purposeless noise now have a full ambient richness and depth that I hadn't noticed. All the songs I didn't care much about have grown on me, and the songs I loved before I now love a lot more. All of the songs are above simple hooks and catchy choruses: their beauty is their totality. Great work.

Best band in the world.

p.s. Codex devastates me.

*****/*****

[Edited 2/20/11 16:33pm]

Finally listened to the album and I must admit after one spin, I really dig it! It's almost like In Rainbows writing style combined with KidA/Amnesiac production approach. Very stripped down yet lush and layered. I look forward to repeated listenings which I'm sure reveal, as usual, much more.

Btw, what's of this talk on RH message boards speculating more music possibly later?!? Curious.

[Edited 2/20/11 18:11pm]

love the feel and soundscapes they put over the songs...feel sometimes the actual songs are a little bit lightweight though...that would be my only criticism of what radiohead do....there is no doubt that they are one of the most interesting bands in modern music...

.

i will delve fully into their back catalogue now after hearing this album...'kid a' sort of lost me the first time i heard it...but i seem to be be more open now to what they have been doing since the great 'ok computer' album....

[Edited 2/21/11 3:28am]

PurpleKnight said:

As a diehard Radiohead fan, I was a bit terrified listening to this. After the first listen, it felt like the impossible had finally happened: I had been completely disappointed by a Radiohead album. Save for a few select songs, I didn't much care for the album. It didn't grab or excite me at all.

Four listens later, I love it. Tracks I had dismissed as aimless dirge or purposeless noise now have a full ambient richness and depth that I hadn't noticed.

I'm with you.

Except for the bit where it got better and moved away from aimless dirge.

blackbob said:

love the feel and soundscapes they put over the songs...feel sometimes the actual songs are a little bit lightweight though...that would be my only criticism of what radiohead do....there is no doubt that they are one of the most interesting bands in modern music...

.

i will delve fully into their back catalogue now after hearing this album...'kid a' sort of lost me the first time i heard it...but i seem to be be more open now to what they have been doing since the great 'ok computer' album....

[Edited 2/21/11 3:28am]

If you dig the new album, then now is a perfect time to revisit KidA and onward material. I think you'll hear it with a new appreciation. Also there is some heavier type stuff on Hail To The Thief and In Rainbows. You may be surprised. Lol. Also there's plenty of B-side material and non-album tracks to search out as well. Most of which is as good if not better than some album tracks! Have fun.

PurpleKnight said:

As a diehard Radiohead fan, I was a bit terrified listening to this. After the first listen, it felt like the impossible had finally happened: I had been completely disappointed by a Radiohead album. Save for a few select songs, I didn't much care for the album. It didn't grab or excite me at all.

Four listens later, I love it. Tracks I had dismissed as aimless dirge or purposeless noise now have a full ambient richness and depth that I hadn't noticed. All the songs I didn't care much about have grown on me, and the songs I loved before I now love a lot more. All of the songs are above simple hooks and catchy choruses: their beauty is their totality. Great work.

Best band in the world.

p.s. Codex devastates me.

*****/*****

[Edited 2/20/11 16:33pm]

Nice post! Glad you got into the album. There really is much to discover and love here, IMO.

I played the video to the first single. I thought the song was fine. I always found Thom Yorke to be strangely attractive. The video actually helped matters.

Can't wait for the album to hit stores.

Loving this new album! I will have to agree with some of the speculaters in that I find it kinda hard to believe after 3 years all Radiohead is releasing is a short 8 track album. Don't get me wrong, I'm very grateful and very happy with TKoL. And I'm completely content with album length. It's just Radiohead is known for recording a lot of material. I can't help but think (hope) there's more material on the way. I dunno. Either way, I look forward to purchasing physical cd late March.

I'm mixed on the album

Bloom the opener is a fantastic piece of work! Very jazz fuzz-ion with an electronic lens. Some of the looping instrument sounds where cool! some... got old after hearing them to many times. Feral is a good song where it goes into every nook and cranny of variation i loved it. Overall honestly.... good album, not great... a little disappointed. But still some shinning moments.

Codex & Lotus flower where the 2 other track's i really liked
Lotus Flower grew me on after a few listens