Why do people like radiohead? Convince me....

[punkrocksta]

I grew up in the days of Radiohead's heyday as some would call it. I've heard their stuff and it just doesn't grab me. I want to hear why you guys like their music. What is so compelling or attractive about it? Cause i just don't see it....

[Chemical Swirl]

It's musically complex and awesome. Genre-defying. Intense. Thom Yorke is a genius.

[xJesusFreakx]

They take genres and influences that normally wouldn't be accessible for the average listener and mold them into successful "pop" songs. They bridge the gap between experimental and mainstream music really well.

Beyond that, they're just a good band. I like their sound, especially on OK Computer and In Rainbows, so I listen to them. That's basically it.

[SSLYBY]

I can only really get into OK computer. :shrug: I really enjoy it though.

[Forever.Zero]

Innovative

[The Personist]

In before Thom Yorke gets a massive paragraph-long blowjob from Ryan.

[Chemical Swirl]

In before Thom Yorke gets a massive paragraph-long blowjob from Ryan.

go back to bed.

[The Personist]

go back to bed.
I fell asleep at 1 and woke up at 10. I overslept and missed my disciplinary hearing.

[summer skin]

Blink 182 (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Blink+182), Sum 41 (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Sum+41), Acceptance (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Acceptance), City and Col (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=City+and+Colour)Blink 182 (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Blink+182), (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=City+and+Colour)Sum 41 (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Sum+41), (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=City+and+Colour)Acceptance (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Acceptance), (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=City+and+Colour)City and Colour (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=City+and+Colour), (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=City+and+Colour)Mayday Parade (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Mayday+Parade), (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=City+and+Colour)Skid"Nevely (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Skid%26quot%3BNevely), (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=City+and+Colour)Tripped and Falling (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Tripped+and+Falling), (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=City+and+Colour)We the Kings (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=We+the+Kings), (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=City+and+Colour)Brand New (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Brand+New), (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=City+and+Colour)Avril Lavigne (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Avril+Lavigne)our (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=City+and+Colour), Mayday Parade (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Mayday+Parade), Skid"Nevely (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Skid%26quot%3BNevely), Tripped and Falling (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Tripped+and+Falling), We the Kings (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=We+the+Kings), Brand New (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Brand+New), Avril Lavigne (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field5=Avril+Lavigne)
for the exact opposite reasons you like these bands

[TheReckoner]

I absolutely ADORE Radiohead.
Thom Yorke has a beautiful voice,
And that,
coupled with the amazing sounds that the band produces,
Is why Radiohead is epic as shit.

[asthenia*]

i think radiohead is good. i think they're a little over my head to be honest. I don't care about their influences enough to orgasim about how arty or weird they are. their songs are just good. ok computer is solid, but basically i dont get the hype

[Hagysaurus Rex]

The music is complex, with switching back between different time signatures on a dime. There's a lot of real creativity in Radiohead. They're not one of my favorite bands, but they are one of the most technical and proficient bands out there. Actually, they can play circles around most of the bands I listen to.

Also, their live show is nuts. You get much more than just the music.

[EvilZeppelin]

for the exact opposite reasons you like these bands

Blink 182, City and Colour, Brand New are the only good thing on that list.

[AndrewStuart]

lyrics? i dunno. the first Radiohead song i can remember actually sitting through was "There There" back in 2003,and i fell in love with it right there. most Radiohead fans don’t even like Hail the Thief, but there was just something about the way the lyrics matched the music so well.
Radiohead is just an acquired taste. like beer.

[Debut_Fin]

they are really genre-defying. the music is so complex and none of their songs sound the same. it's actually amazing how you can listen a whole album and the songs are all really different. not too many bands can pull that off.

if you do get into them, however, they'll be all you listen to for a month or two

[theguy77]

for the exact opposite reasons you like these bands

LOL i was gonna answer this seriously until i saw that. not to be an elitist... but if thats what he listens to then he probably will not see radiohead like i do no matter how i explain it.

[The Personist]

Disappointing.

[jeremypeele]

I grew up in the days of Radiohead's heyday as some would call it. I've heard their stuff and it just doesn't grab me. I want to hear why you guys like their music. What is so compelling or attractive about it? Cause i just don't see it....

Are you really from Trinidad?

[theguy77]

they are really genre-defying. the music is so complex and none of their songs sound the same. it's actually amazing how you can listen a whole album and the songs are all really different. not too many bands can pull that off.

if you do get into them, however, they'll be all you listen to for a month or two

this happened to me. and i go through phases of them; i may not listen for like a month but then i come back to it and it completely dominates my listening habits. my last.fm for the past 6 months has recorded like 870 plays of them, and only 340 for the runner up hahaha.

[what_ever]

If you can't recognize aural beauty when you hear it, you should start soon or quit music.

[Paulb-182]

Simple as. If you need convincing to like them. You shouldn't bother trying.

[Regards]

Still don't enjoy really enjoy this band.

[theguy77]

Still don't enjoy really enjoy this band.

which albums have you tried?

[amo.]

i love thom's voice and just how radiohead's style is so versatile...like listen to "stop whispering," "15 step," then "no surprises."

also, i could listen to "banana co. (acoustic)" for the rest of my lifetime and never get sick of it.

[:-)]

LOL i was gonna answer this seriously until i saw that. not to be an elitist... but if thats what he listens to then he probably will not see radiohead like i do no matter how i explain it.
That's an unfair statement. People's musical tastes evolve. There is every possibility that this guy can come around.

[:-)]

That said.. try listening to The Bends. It's a good introduction.

[theguy77]

That's an unfair statement. People's musical tastes evolve. There is every possibility that this guy can come around.

its clear at this point he listens to music for entirely different reasons than one would listen to radiohead. there'd have to be at least some transition; i doubt he'd be able to jump right in.

[amo.]

mah baby's got the bends

[Troggy]

its clear at this point he listens to music for entirely different reasons than one would listen to radiohead. there'd have to be at least some transition; i doubt he'd be able to jump right in.

Please Ryan, you went from 0 to hip in 60 seconds.

[nerdvglc]

i would guess that either:
(a) they're just not your style. it's ok, you don't have to like all music. in this case, you don't have to like all good music even. your choice. or,
(b) you're a dumbass. why would i want to convince you to like a band in the first place? you're missing out, not me, and that means i can not care at all. if you gave them a try, but don't feel it, then move on.

[Jefferson Rank]

I know how the OP feels. I just don't like Thom Yorke.

[theguy77]

Please Ryan, you went from 0 to hip in 60 seconds.

hahaha, well i mean there was some transition in the months before that though. i started listening to music for the sake of its creativity and the way it was constructed, and not just to hear blind energy and poorly expressed teenage emotion.

[The Personist]

Please Ryan, you went from 0 to hip in 60 seconds.
This.

[And Hours Pass]

Blink 182, City and Colour, Brand New are the only good thing on that list.
Not an Acceptance fan? I mean, they're even listed twice for emphasis (assuming somebody wouldn't make the mistake of listing them twice so close together).

[abcdefghijake]

because non of the songs go verse chorus verse solos chorus

[cacophonous]

Radiohead is the only band I'd be comfortable calling my favorite. That said, it took me a while to get into them. I listened and listened and listened, and something kept drawing me back, but I didn't love them for a long time. But then, when it clicked, man, best thing ever. I just find their music to be very powerful, and I love a band that is constantly pushing itself to do something different rather than becoming stagnant.

One of the reasons I like Radiohead is one of the same reasons I like the Beatles--all the studio mythology. All the innovative, ridiculous, and just plain cool things they do in the studio just makes me love the final product even more (examples: reversing "I Will" to get "Like Spinning Plates," the way the vocals for "Like Spinning Plates" were recorded, the sample in "Idioteque," the kids shouting in "15 Step," all the background flourishes that weave their way through OK Computer, etc.). It's basically the meticulous attention to and investment in their craft.

[Regards]

which albums have you tried?
I believe it was Ok Computer

[Regards]

Please Ryan, you went from 0 to hip in 60 seconds.
Hahahaha. I remember Ryan a year ago.

[lesto17]

I grew up in the days of Radiohead's heyday as some would call it. I've heard their stuff and it just doesn't grab me. I want to hear why you guys like their music. What is so compelling or attractive about it? Cause i just don't see it....

If their music doesn't grab you now, I highly doubt that hearing why it grabs other people will change that.

[travestyrecords]

I don't see why someone would want to be "convinced" into liking a band. All of the reasons said before me our appropriate on why one would like Radiohead, but I don't think any of the reasons are why you should like them. It's music, not a social club. They're an amazing band that I highly recommend, especially OK Computer and In Rainbows, but if it isn't your thing then no amount of explaining will do. Proclaiming Tom Yorke's genius or the bands experimental/mainstream blend isn't going to make you suddenly "get it".

That being said, it looks like we're getting a new Radiohead album: http://twurl.nl/13fq70

Edit:

If their music doesn't grab you now, I highly doubt that hearing why it grabs other people will change that.

The short version of my post. haha

[secretsociety92]

The OP isn't the only one who doesn't like them. I can't stand them never mind want to try and like them.

[briewer]

i would guess that either:
(a) they're just not your style. it's ok, you don't have to like all music. in this case, you don't have to like all good music even. your choice. or,
(b) you're a dumbass. why would i want to convince you to like a band in the first place? you're missing out, not me, and that means i can not care at all. if you gave them a try, but don't feel it, then move on.
I can't think of any music that's considered "good" that I don't like.

I don't see why someone would want to be "convinced" into liking a band. All of the reasons said before me our appropriate on why one would like Radiohead, but I don't think any of the reasons are why you should like them. It's music, not a social club. They're an amazing band that I highly recommend, especially OK Computer and In Rainbows, but if it isn't your thing then no amount of explaining will do. Proclaiming Tom Yorke's genius or the bands experimental/mainstream blend isn't going to make you suddenly "get it".

That being said, it looks like we're getting a new Radiohead album: http://twurl.nl/13fq70

Edit:



The short version of my post. haha
I had your avatar as the desktop image on my computer for like four months. Good choice.

[Troggy]

I believe it was Ok Computer

I'd give In Rainbows a few spins if I were you. You may come around. In Rainbows is a great melting pot of the 90s Radiohead and 00s Radiohead, and overall the songs are pretty accessible.

[cory-182]

Because some people like their music boring???

[xJesusFreakx]

I believe it was Ok Computer

I was going to suggest In Rainbows, but it looks like Troggy already did. It's pretty accessible, so give it a shot.

[Neo Cassady]

They're the one band whose hype has completely turned me off. When I can go for more than a week without someone creaming himself/herself over them to me, maybe I'll give them a fair shot.

[theguy77]

I'd give In Rainbows a few spins if I were you. You may come around. In Rainbows is a great melting pot of the 90s Radiohead and 00s Radiohead, and overall the songs are pretty accessible.

agreed with this rec.

[Shatter_Glass]

I grew up in the days of Radiohead's heyday as some would call it. I've heard their stuff and it just doesn't grab me. I want to hear why you guys like their music. What is so compelling or attractive about it? Cause i just don't see it....


My grandfather has always said "Son, you can't fix stupid." - I'll leave it at that.

If Radiohead isn't your thing there's no reason to force them upon yourself. :shrug:

[theguy77]

haha whoa nobody's "stupid" if they dont like radiohead. why must everybody assume they are mandatory for anyone who hopes to be considered truly well-versed in music?

[xJesusFreakx]

haha whoa nobody's "stupid" if they dont like radiohead. why must everybody assume they are mandatory for anyone who hopes to be considered truly well-versed in music?

Ha, I kind of thought you'd be a proponent of that idea.

[theguy77]

Ha, I kind of thought you'd be a proponent of that idea.

of course not man i'd figure it's pretty easy to recognize that radiohead are not for everybody, their sound is pretty distinctive, from thom's voice on down, and they embrace all their idiosyncracies and bring them to the forefront of their music. so it's really all or nothing and i find it perfectly understandable if their aesthetic doesnt mesh well with somebody.

[xJesusFreakx]

of course not man i'd figure it's pretty easy to recognize that radiohead are not for everybody, their sound is pretty distinctive, from thom's voice on down, and they embrace all their idiosyncracies and bring them to the forefront of their music. so it's really all or nothing and i find it perfectly understandable if their aesthetic doesnt mesh well with somebody.

I agree with this, but I just assumed your mission in life was to go into all the world and preach the good news of Radiohead. ;-)

[HometownHero]

Because they are better then every band you listen you

[murrich]

Why do you want to be convinced into liking a band? Like what you want.

[sonicfury]

Because they are better then every band you listen you

douche.

[theguy77]

I agree with this, but I just assumed your mission in life was to go into all the world and preach the good news of Radiohead. ;-)

lol nah those are just outbursts of fandom ;-)

[anthonydarko]

I absolutely ADORE Radiohead.
Thom Yorke has a beautiful voice,
And that,
coupled with the amazing sounds that the band produces,
Is why Radiohead is epic as shit.
Why do you type like that?
Because they are better then every band you listen you
Right, because your taste is SOOOO much better than his. Honestly you're not helping with the question more than you're just being a dickhead.

[PunkRocks]

Right, because your taste is SOOOO much better than his. Honestly you're not helping with the question more than you're just being a dickhead.

http://www.jonathangiles.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/2361866387_4bdb08a481.jpg

[anthonydarko]

http://www.jonathangiles.net/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/04/2361866387_4bdb08a481.jpg
http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress. com/2007/06/robinamused.jpg

[LastDeclaration]

I haven't really been able to get into anything beyond The Bends and OK Computer. Their other albums seem decent, but nothing ever really grabs me. And I don't think I'll ever be able to understand the giant nuts that everyone busts over Kid A. It makes absolutely no sense to me. I really do love OK Computer though.

[doppelganger]

lol @ op

[PunkRocks]

http://icanhascheezburger.files.wordpress. com/2007/06/robinamused.jpg

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u231/cheezeguy/funny_cat_pictures_pc_6.jpg

[anthonydarko]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u231/cheezeguy/funny_cat_pictures_pc_6.jpg
http://www.funnydogsite.com/pictures/Serious_Dog.jpg

[PunkRocks]

http://www.funnydogsite.com/pictures/Serious_Dog.jpg

http://www.sluniverse.com/php/vb/members/vertigo%20paris/albums/misc%20pics-36/thread-derail-1953.jpg

[IntoTheSun]

for the exact opposite reasons you like these bands

haha wait, why is Brand New listed as a reason to dislike Radiohead? Both of them are two of my favorite bands...>.<

Anyway...

[theguy77]

http://www.sluniverse.com/php/vb/members/vertigo%20paris/albums/misc%20pics-36/thread-derail-1953.jpg

hahahahaha this is a good picture, im saving it.

[anthonydarko]

http://www.sluniverse.com/php/vb/members/vertigo%20paris/albums/misc%20pics-36/thread-derail-1953.jpg
http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/29/Ilikewherethisthreadisgoing.jpg

[BryterJonah]

I grew up in the days of Radiohead's heyday as some would call it. I've heard their stuff and it just doesn't grab me. I want to hear why you guys like their music. What is so compelling or attractive about it? Cause i just don't see it....
Cause my mom didn't beat me retarded like yours.

[bassdrummer2333]

I wanna get into this band, which album do I start?

[TheReckoner]

Ok, Computer is more rocky, and In Rainbows is more unique.

[The Gryphonator]

Blink 182, City and Colour, Brand New are the only good thing on that list.

Don't forget Sum 41. Not the first Sum 41, but the second time he puts it on there... they're way better than the other.

......time for bed..

[IWasaCamera]

Ok, Computer is more rocky, and In Rainbows is more unique.
haha

[punkrocksta]

Are you really from Trinidad?
Yes I am. Why do you ask?

[DeusExMachina]

http://www.threadbombing.com/data/media/29/Ilikewherethisthreadisgoing.jpg
Haha. That one's great. And to OP, you don't like radiohead, coming in here and hearing about why other people like them isn't gonna make you like suddenly like them. That said, if you wanta try to understand, try what I would call "gateway bands". Certain bands that transition you into a different style. I see you like Brand New, they're a good one.

[DeusExMachina]

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u231/cheezeguy/funny_cat_pictures_pc_6.jpg
http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh172/jthees/Serious-Cat-Joker.jpg

[BornUnderPunches]

for the exact opposite reasons you like these bands
haha he put brand new in there twice

[kearn1tm]

its clear at this point he listens to music for entirely different reasons than one would listen to radiohead. there'd have to be at least some transition; i doubt he'd be able to jump right in.

I guess I missed this gem of a thread's best parts. This, for instance. Don't be that guy, Ryan. C'mon, dude.

[theband]

Radiohead is really fucking good, but the majority of the fans are so fucking pretentious and elitist when it comes to them. More than any other band, their fanbase just exudes judgment of people who either don't get them or don't love their music. It's basically "if you don't love Radiohead then you are fucking daft." It is so fucking annoying...

With that said, Radiohead is terrific in my opinion.

[nfgxcountry3]

I just cant get into them!

[ColdNovember]

It is true that Radiohead has a fairly large cult following and that alone can make them out to be the kings of weird and therefore hated by traditional music lovers. However, this band holds something more. To me they are a good band that writes good music. I agree that some songs are weird and therefore warrant a skip once in a while by the untrained fan, but listening to them enough can in most cases get you interested.

Most people that aren't big fans of Radiohead, but like them, are torn between two groups. The Electronica lovers, and the alternative rock fans. If you like both, you love this band. If you like one, you like this band. If you hate both, you listen to too much heavy metal and rap and therefore suffer from headaches and frequent binge coffee drinking. Either way, these guys are just plain versatile which leads them to gain fans of all types of music.

[Alex1410]

I hadn't listened to them up until a few weeks ago, and checked out a few albums (mainly Kid A). At first I didn't see what all the fuss was about but after a few listens I quite enjoyed it. But yeah, I personally don't think they are amazing but maybe that will change with time.

On another note: I think that smugly copying and pasting peoples fave bands from their profile to make a point is stupid.

[DeusExMachina]

I hadn't listened to them up until a few weeks ago, and checked out a few albums (mainly Kid A). At first I didn't see what all the fuss was about but after a few listens I quite enjoyed it. But yeah, I personally don't think they are amazing but maybe that will change with time.

On another note: I think that smugly copying and pasting peoples fave bands from their profile to make a point is stupid.

Blink 182 - Enema Of The State (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Blink+182+-+Enema+Of+The+State), New Found Glory - Self Titled (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=New+Found+Glory+-+Self+Titled), Every Time I Die - Hot Damn (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Every+Time+I+Die+-+Hot+Damn), Four Year Strong - Rise Or Die Trying (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Four+Year+Strong+-+Rise+Or+Die+Trying), Set Your Goals - Mutiny (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Set+Your+Goals+-+Mutiny), Lil' Wayne - Tha Carter 3 (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Lil%27+Wayne+-+Tha+Carter+3), Daggermouth - Turf Wars (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Daggermouth+-+Turf+Wars), The Wonder Years - Get Stoked On It! (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=The+Wonder+Years+-+Get+Stoked+On+It%21), Kanye West - Graduation (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Kanye+West+-+Graduation), Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake It's Morning (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Bright+Eyes+-+I%27m+Wide+Awake+It%27s+Morning), Jay-Z - The Black Album (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Jay-Z+-+The+Black+Album), Have Heart - The Things They Carry (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Have+Heart+-+The+Things+They+Carry), Slayer - Reign In Blood (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Slayer+-+Reign+In+Blood), Manchester Orchestra - Mean Everything To Nothing (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Manchester+Orchestra+-+Mean+Everything+To+Nothing), Comeback Kid - Wake The Dead (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Comeback+Kid+-+Wake+The+Dead), Man Overboard - Hung Up On Nothing (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Man+Overboard+-+Hung+Up+On+Nothing), Modern Life Is War - Midnight In America (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Modern+Life+Is+War+-+Midnight+In+America), Dangers - Anger (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Dangers+-+Anger), Paramore - Brand New Eyes (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Paramore+-+Brand+New+Eyes), Sherwood - QU. (http://www.absolutepunk.net/memberlist.php?do=getall&field6=Sherwood+-+QU.)
Due to the fact you like that album, I disagree. My point is made.

[The Indigo]

Due to the fact you like that album, I disagree. My point is made.
The Black Album is awesome.

I think the OP would enjoy The Bends.

[we are cured]

i can't speak for anyone else but i know why i like them. wonderful melodies, beautiful instrumentation and a very diverse catalog. the song 'life in a glass house' off of amnesiac is probably my favorite and really shows the versatility that they are capable of.

[DeusExMachina]

The Black Album is awesome.

I think the OP would enjoy The Bends.
Haha, I was just kidding. Never even listened to it before.

[theguy77]

I guess I missed this gem of a thread's best parts. This, for instance. Don't be that guy, Ryan. C'mon, dude.

that post was made 5 months ago, and anyway i dont really feel like i was being "that guy". i mean, all i was saying was that i wouldn't expect someone with his tastes to be interested in radiohead. i wasn't when i had tastes in music like that. he's asking what people see in radiohead, when his tastes consist of bands that are primarily known for sugary hooks, energy, and a direct pop appeal, things that are not generally indigenous to radiohead's discography, so in context it makes sense that it wouldn't be up his alley. how is that wrong?

[Two Headed Girl]

Because they are better then every band you listen you
Every band he listens to is better than The Maine.

[HometownHero]

Every band he listens to is better than The Maine.

I doubt that

[Alex1410]

Due to the fact you like that album, I disagree. My point is made.

I don't mean that you can't make a point by doing that, its just an underhanded tactic.

[xJesusFreakx]

i dont really feel like i was being "that guy".

Of course not... You were being "THE guy 77"!

7yl3UMO-TkE

[kearn1tm]

its clear at this point he listens to music for entirely different reasons than one would listen to radiohead. there'd have to be at least some transition; i doubt he'd be able to jump right in.

Okay Ryan, I'll bite. The bolded, for one, is incredibly pretentious. What do Radiohead listeners listen to Radiohead for? He likes powerpop and faux-pop punk (or whatever). Just because you needed a transition period between the two doesn't mean everyone does, and you certainly aren't capable of defining the "reasons" people listen to Radiohead, as if there is a universal reason or way to do so.

[briewer]

Why did this bullshit resurface?

[kearn1tm]

Why did this bullshit resurface?

Slow day, I suspect.

[IntoTheSun]

Me: Panic! At The Disco/The Killers ----> Radiohead

BS Re-resurfaced.

[cshadows2887]

I think I like "When You Were Young" more than any single Radiohead song.

Edit: Nevermind. Fucking "Fake Plastic Trees" spoling all my points.

[theguy77]

Okay Ryan, I'll bite. The bolded, for one, is incredibly pretentious. What do Radiohead listeners listen to Radiohead for? He likes powerpop and faux-pop punk (or whatever). Just because you needed a transition period between the two doesn't mean everyone does, and you certainly aren't capable of defining the "reasons" people listen to Radiohead, as if there is a universal reason or way to do so.

well perhaps i didn't word myself properly, five months ago. i can admit that it's being presumptuous to say there are a specific set of reasons why anyone listens to radiohead, although that was not my intent, the post just came off that way. but while its possible to like both kinds of music, i wouldnt expect someone who ONLY listens to bands like blink 182 and we the kings to enjoy radiohead. radiohead is entirely different. i doubt you find it pretentious, when making an honest recommendation for someone, to imply that you don't necessarily think X band will be up their alley, considering their usual tastes are far different.

[Chromefox]

I don't think it's unreasonable to say that people don't listen to Radiohead because they're youthful and energetic with catchy, power-chord driven hooks, and relatable lyrics about relationships and teenage life.

Maybe you'll turn around and tell me that's not why he listens to Blink182, and that's fair, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the reason a person doesn't like one band is because they have next to nothing at all in common with their favourite bands.

[cshadows2887]

I don't think it's unreasonable to say that people don't listen to Radiohead because they're youthful and energetic with catchy, power-chord driven hooks, and relatable lyrics.

The Bends?

[Chromefox]

The Bends?Eugh.

Anyways, Radiohead as a band. Radiohead are not The Bends.

[kearn1tm]

well perhaps i didn't word myself properly, five months ago. i can admit that it's being presumptuous to say there are a specific set of reasons why anyone listens to radiohead, although that was not my intent, the post just came off that way. but while its possible to like both kinds of music, i wouldnt expect someone who ONLY listens to bands like blink 182 and we the kings to enjoy radiohead. radiohead is entirely different. i doubt you find it pretentious, when making an honest recommendation for someone, to imply that you don't necessarily think X band will be up their alley, considering their usual tastes are far different.

That's fair and that's understandible, for nothing more than that it's reasonable to expect that someone who listens to one very marginalized sound wouldn't tend to deviate away from it, no matter what the favored sound is and the "opposing sound" may be.

However, my qualm is with the fact that you seemed to propose that there's one way to enjoy this band; that someone listening to [x] does so for entirely different reasons than [y] and therefor, they wouldn't like [y] and, intended or not, it did appear as if you were creating a hierarchical arrangement, placing [x] above [y] in the process.

Here's the thing, and this is anecdotal and based entirely on my own relationship with an artist's music, so take it for what it's worth. I listen to Radiohead because they're catchy, for the most part. I don't find most of the sentiments expressed by Yorke to be particularly profound (though they're certainly cogent, sociopolitical at times, which is interesting, and but also frustratingly cryptic or deliberately Dadaist, which isn't any more "deep" than, well, anything else, but kind of entertaining). The arrangements are catchy. They certainly employ different sounds/influences to make their catchy music, but its still catchy, and that's what draws me.

When I get past the nostalgia and the suburb-induced white kid angst of Fall Out Boy's music, you know why I still like them? They're catchy. Before you go ape-shit (and maybe the fact that I'm preemptively reacting to what I think you may say is a bit presumptuous on my part too), I'm not saying they're the same, but they make really catchy music. We've quarreled about his before, but I don't find Radiohead particularly inaccessible (though at times, potentially less so than many other mainstream rock bands). So it becomes very disconcerting when someone begins to label what are and aren't the reasons/motives for listening to a band, as if their experience is some universal gauge, because, by doing that, you've established one reason/motive, and if anyone deviates from that, they're "wrong."

Long response? Yup.

[kearn1tm]

I don't think it's unreasonable to say that people don't listen to Radiohead because they're youthful and energetic with catchy, power-chord driven hooks, and relatable lyrics about relationships and teenage life.

Maybe you'll turn around and tell me that's not why he listens to Blink182, and that's fair, but it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that the reason a person doesn't like one band is because they have next to nothing at all in common with their favourite bands.

Is that why you listen to power pop? Why do you listen to Radiohead?

When you answer these questions, realize two things:

1.) There is no "right" experience.

2.) Check out the Combahee River Collective.

Eugh.

Anyways, Radiohead as a band. Radiohead are not The Bends.

This post made me laugh, but not in any way you intended (and that's not mocking you either. I'm being coy).

[cshadows2887]

I've never thought Yorke's lyrics were uber-deep either, but my view is skewed because I think lyrics about relationships (when done right) are the best that songwriting can do, and I know many people disagree. Love and loss/lack of love are the subjects most worthy of art.

[theguy77]

That's fair and that's understandible, for nothing more than that it's reasonable to expect that someone who listens to one very marginalized sound wouldn't tend to deviate away from it, no matter what the favored sound is and the "opposing sound" may be.

However, my qualm is with the fact that you seemed to propose that there's one way to enjoy this band; that someone listening to [x] does so for entirely different reasons than [y] and therefor, they wouldn't like [y] and, intended or not, it did appear as if you were creating a hierarchical arrangement, placing [x] above [y] in the process.

Here's the thing, and this is anecdotal and based entirely on my own relationship with an artist's music, so take it for what it's worth. I listen to Radiohead because they're catchy, for the most part. I don't find most of the sentiments expressed by Yorke to be particularly profound (though they're certainly cogent, sociopolitical at times, which is interesting, and but also frustratingly cryptic or deliberately Dadaist, which isn't any more "deep" than, well, anything else, but kind of entertaining). The arrangements are catchy. They certainly employ different sounds/influences to make their catchy music, but its still catchy, and that's what draws me.

When I get past the nostalgia and the suburb-induced white kid angst of Fall Out Boy's music, you know why I still like them? They're catchy. Before you go ape-shit (and maybe the fact that I'm preemptively reacting to what I think you may say is a bit presumptuous on my part too), I'm not saying they're the same, but they make really catchy music. We've quarreled about his before, but I don't find Radiohead particularly inaccessible (though at times, potentially less so than many other mainstream rock bands). So it becomes very disconcerting when someone begins to label what are and aren't the reasons/motives for listening to a band, as if their experience is some universal gauge, because, by doing that, you've established one reason/motive, and if anyone deviates from that, they're "wrong."

Long response? Yup.

i see where you're coming from. note though, that you're speaking to a ryan whose perspectives on music have been evolving swiftly over the past year, so even if your perception of that 5 month old post is correct, it's absolutely not consistent with my current opinion. i'm well aware people can listen to the same music for different reasons, and even agree in some instances that radiohead's music is pretty catchy (still not with you on Kid A being a pop album though :-d.) the main significance of that post, as i remember, is simply that he only listens to powerpop/not-pop-punk-but-kinda-but-not-really-at-all, and radiohead doesnt fall anywhere near that category. unless, of course, you want to be facetiously vague and say they're both rock bands, but by that definition i should be a huge slipknot fan.

P.S. irrelevant, but the needlessly cryptic nature of thom's post-OK Computer lyrics aren't what i'd call "deep" nor relate to either. on the subject of reasons people listen to radiohead, the lyrics are definitely not one of those reasons for me, so alas we find something to agree on in this quarrel.

[Chromefox]

Is that why you listen to power pop? Why do you listen to Radiohead? I did cover that in my second statement, you know.


2.) Check out the Combahee River Collective.

I can do that for you.