Good God there are some bands I crave sometimes and The The is one of them. Can anyone compare to Matt Johnson? Why yes. After listening to the latest Thom Yorke 12 “, I was suddenly struck by the comparisons. Just listen to this track, ‘The Whisperer“, from The The’s Naked Self 2000 album (their final studio album) and tell me if you don’t hear a little Thom Yorke wailing in there.
It makes sense though. The UK band who formed in the late 70’s rose to prominence in the late 80s/early 90s with the release of Soul Mining (1983) and Dusk (1992), were quite the underground sensation. They even recruited ex-Smith’s band member Johnny Marr for a stint. So if you’re not hip to the sound, be sure and check it out. A wise man once said, ‘true happiness this way lies’.
Thom Yorke has just released a new 12″ this week featuring two tracks, “Feeling Pulled Apart By Horses” and “The Hollow Earth”. I was particularly drawn to this track and it’s back story of apparently being the predecessor to one of my favorite Radiohead tracks, “Reckoner”. You can definitely hear it. Enjoy.
For all the bullshit that was involved with the All Points West Festival in NY this weekend – the poor transportation planning, ridiculous VIP setup, absurd alcohol restrictions, enormous lines and overall clusterfuck – all was redeemed when Radiohead took the stage Saturday night.
As the sun set on the New York city skyline, thousands of people jostled to their places then stood transfixed and mesmerized for the next two hours. It was the most beautiful Radiohead performance I’ve seen yet. So gentle, haunting and moving that it enraptured 30,000 people to such a state of reverent silence you could hear a pin drop when Thom Yorke started in on ‘House of Cards.’
It gave me chills and felt somewhat transcendental. For everything at that moment was perfect – the weather, the scenery, the crowd, the company and most of all the music. I didn’t want it to end – ever.
After the show, there was a palpable sense of calm and peacefulness about the crowd. I was truly amazed no one lost their cool as 30,000 people descended on the only two transportation outlets home. Clearly everyone was affected.
Once we got home, all we could do for hours was reflect. It was a profoundly beautiful evening. And it might have been the closest thing to a religious experience I’ve ever had. My Radiohead religion.
the OCMD 