5 Reasons Why Radiohead is Overated  

Posted by Crispy in

1. Used Others on Way to Fame - Many Radiohead fans are unaware that Thom Yorke was not the first lead singer of the band. The line-up originally included Canadian singer Geoff Trainor. Geoff wrote most of their early songs including their first hit single "Creep" in 1993. However Geoff never got the success he deserved because Jonny Greenwood little by little edged him out of the band by convincing him Yorke should lead.

2. Sketchy Business - When Radiohead released there latest Album "In Rainbows" for any price the internet collectively applauded. However fans who competed in an itunes sponsored fan remix contest needed to shell out $1-$5 for the music to "Nude". Penny pinching the most die hard followers may not be the most ethical way to make money back from lost sales, but since most still got the album for free, I'll let it slide. However counting these remixes under the Radiohead name to boost billboard charts on the hot 100 does not get a free pass.



3. Music Filler - There is nothing wrong with a little atmosphere in music. Sometimes it can be incorporated very well. Pink Floyd is a the first example that comes to mind. However, Radiohead does so in a fashionably forgettable manor. Every once in a great while songs like "Creep" and "Karma Police" make the mark, but all too often there is no real driving melody which makes every album a drag to listen to. Like elevator music for a new generation.

4. Thom Yorke - He does not necessarily have a bad voice. It can be a little whinny at times, but I'll give him the benefit of doubt and say that it's mostly for a stylistic purpose. So what's the problem? Yorke was initially recruited as a backup singer and that is exactly where he belongs. His voice blends in with the background music which is an excellent trait to have as a supporting role. However as a front man, Yorke lacks the presence needed to help drive the song instead of being carried along with it.

5. Greener Pastures Elsewhere - Aside from the countless crappy Radiohead spin-off groups, there are a few bands that share similarities and improve on their week points. Two of which are Porcupine Tree, a progresive rock band and Tool, a progressive metal band. Unlike Radiohead, the majority of their songs aren't trapped in the same lulling atmospheric drag. They make heavy use of soundscapes as well, but also put an equal emphasis on composition and melody. As a result they both have a much richer sound.

This entry was posted on Friday, December 5, 2008 at 8:50 PM and is filed under . You can follow any responses to this entry through the comments feed .

1 comments

FINALLY!

December 7, 2008 at 9:32 PM

Post a Comment