Dissect S11E11 - Videotape by Radiohead (Season Finale)
Dec 5, 2023
In the season finale, the podcast dives into Radiohead's 'Videotape,' exploring the secret rhythm of the piano and the stuttering percussion. The lyrics, written from the perspective of a man saying a final goodbye, are discussed. The connection between 'In Rainbows' and Goethe's Faust is explored, revealing shared themes of human mortality and the importance of striving. The episode concludes with expressions of gratitude to listeners and supporters.
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Struggles Recording Syncopation
- Radiohead struggled to record the original syncopated version of "Videotape" for about a year due to confusion about the rhythm.
- Johnny Greenwood was obsessed with the idea that the piano was an "eighth ahead" of the beat, causing ongoing disagreements.
Metric Fake Out in Videotape
- "Videotape" uses a metric fake out where the piano initially seems on the downbeat but is actually syncopated.
- The drumbeat later reveals the piano plays off the beat, challenging listeners' assumptions.
The Great Videotape Debate
- The album version of "Videotape" removes the drumbeat that reveals the piano's syncopation, sparking debate on how to hear the rhythm.
- Most listeners perceive the piano as on the downbeat, but intention and recording suggest it is syncopated.