Talking Radiohead w/ Dr. Brad Osborn + Listener Submissions
Dec 12, 2023
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Acclaimed Radiohead scholar Dr. Brad Osborn joins the show to discuss the 'Binary Theory' of In Rainbows x OK Computer and In Rainbows' Disk 2. They share their Top 5 Radiohead albums and delve into the specifics of the bridge in 'Reckoner'. They also talk about the process of album making, musical debates, different track listings of 'Hail to the Thief', and listener feedback on 'In Rainbows'.
'In Rainbows' is praised for its cohesive nature, well-crafted lyrics, and beautiful sound.
'In Rainbows' provides emotional connection and comfort, capturing converging and conflicting emotions.
'In Rainbows' showcases the technical and artistic brilliance of Radiohead, with cohesive songs and skillful integration of different musical styles.
Deep dives
Deep appreciation for the album's impact and lasting value
The podcast season on Radiohead's 'In Rainbows' highlights the profound impact and lasting value of the album. Listeners express deep appreciation for the album, emphasizing how it continues to resonate and provide new insights with each listen. The cohesive nature of the album, well-crafted lyrics, and beautiful sound are praised, with many listeners considering it one of the most thought-out albums of its time.
The album's emotional connection and comforting presence
Listeners describe 'In Rainbows' as a source of emotional connection and comfort. They appreciate the converging and conflicting emotions that the album captures, noting that it creates a sense of safety and settlement. The album's lyrics offer wisdom and insight, while the overall sound is described as profoundly beautiful. Listeners find themselves repeatedly returning to 'In Rainbows' as a way to feel settled and at home.
The technical and artistic brilliance of the album
The podcast highlights the technical and artistic brilliance of 'In Rainbows.' Listeners recognize the album as one of Radiohead's most cohesive and well-thought-out works. The album's songs are praised for their balance of experimental and conventional elements and their seamless integration of different musical styles. Listeners note the impressive musical structure, precise arrangements, and the way in which lyrics and themes are skillfully intertwined throughout the album.
The intricate composition of the album
In this podcast episode, the host discusses the unique composition of the album, highlighting its through-composed nature and lack of recurring sections. Despite the lack of memorability in individual sections, the album provides an engrossing and in-depth sonic experience. Examples such as the song 'The Gloaming' from 'Hail to the Thief' and the entire album 'The King of Limbs' are mentioned to showcase Radiohead's experimentation with interesting beats, melodies, and percussion. The process behind the creation of 'The King of Limbs' using turntables and looping software is also explored, as well as the impact of experimentation on their subsequent album 'A Moon Shaped Pool'.
Debate on syncopation in 'Videotape'
The podcast also delves into the debate on whether the piano in the recorded version of 'Videotape' is syncopated or not. While the host does not hear the piano as syncopated, they acknowledge that audience interpretation can be influenced by factors like repeated exposure. Additionally, the podcast explores the connection between artist intention and audience interpretation, emphasizing that both perspectives can be valid. The examination of the metronome bleed and its opposition to the piano chords provides evidence that the piano is syncopated in the recording.
Acclaimed Radiohead scholar Dr. Brad Osborn joins the show to talk all things Radiohead. We discuss the infamous In Rainbows x OK Computer "Binary Theory," In Rainbows' Disk 2, share our Top 5 Radiohead albums, and a lot more.
Then we hear from Dissect listeners around the world sharing their thoughts on In Rainbows.