Lots of you take music way to seriously and get personally offended if someone says Radiohead are less than brilliant.
Radiohead are less than brilliant. In fact, they're pretty plodding listening for the most part. Obviously they have SOME good songs over the course of 6 albums, but nothing worth getting too worked up about.
Fans in defending band shocker
Fans in defending band far too much
and being unable to believe that other people don't like said band shocker.
Well
if thats your opinion.
It definitely does seem to go further with certain Radiohead fans that I see with other bands
whenever any criticism of Radiohead comes up on DiS people who like them do seem to very much take a "if you don't love them you're wrong" attitude far more than fans of other bands do.
Yet another 15 opened his mouth with some trite comment
Which he will spend the rest of the thread qualifying
So...
your username??
It's bizzarely unrelated.
i always thought it was referencing that radiohead song
'you and whose army?'
...Obviously not then.
Shockingly enough,
Radiohead didn't coin that phrase :O
no one said they did
Is it something to with that T Mobile band
You And What Army? If so, EPIC FAIL.
hahaha, no. Although I initially thought they were funny when I first saw them.
Then I realised they weren't joking. No, it's just 'cos I liked the phrase "You and Whose Army", not any relation to the Radiohead song.
No
it's not that people dislike radiohead that irks me, just that most people seem unable to give a reasoned critique of them. When somebody says they don't like them it's usually "WORST BAND EVER! CAN'T BELIEVE PEOPLE FALL FOR THIS. EVERYONE'S AN IDIOT FOR FUCKS SAKE".
Though this seems to be slipping into what you've displayed: a FEIGNED reasoned critique. "Oh you know yeah i'm fairly indifferent to probably the biggest band in the world who has achieved both commercial and critical success on a massive scale. Yeah i mean they've got some good songs, i'll give them that. Well done, Yorke, just try a bit harder yeah?"
which is almost as bad.
Plus, they've had seven albums.
Ok, here's why I dislike radiohead:
When I listen to music, I don't want it to remind me of how awful my life is. It's this same reason that stops me listening to things like Arctic Monkeys. I don't want music to drag me down into life's gutter and make me wish I was a better person. I want it to lift me up and take me away to somewhere else, telling stories and making me feel better. Also, I don't want to have to de-code every single lyric in a song because "It means something like, totally deep about people being shit 'n stuff." If I want to read deeply into metaphors and imagery, then I'll read a book, whilst listening to some Regina Spektor or something.
Happy now? Or is that not "the right explanation"?
It's an acceptable explanation
Just completely the wrong one. You've achieved this by neglecting to mention the massive innovation and influence radiohead have had, and your point about the lyrics is pretty irrelevant as it references the personal motives to listen to music (which are of course personal) and is also just generally wrong.
Ok, I'll admit that Radiohead INFLUENCED some bands that I like
and I'm thankful for that. But what I'm saying is that I don't like listening to their own music.
And the lyric comment was just based upon my disliking for metaphorical lyrics in general, as I find them distracting. So it is personally why I don't listen to them, I'm not saying other people can't. I just wish alot of the fans could accept that other people might not think their music is all that great.
but they're music is so obviously great though
i'm sure you could still appreciate that without liking it. Bach, bob dylan: both obviously amazing, though I don't like listening to them.
Well my brother gave me Kid A and The Bends last christmas
I'll revisit them tomorrow and get back to you.
do it!
and give Kid A a bit of time.
I don't mean to sound patronizing, but there's a good chance you will end up understanding why so many people love them, even if admitting it might me a chastening experience!
For the record (again), I honestly think OK Computer is one of the best albums of all time, although some of the lyrics I don't really pay much attention to, they just help to maintain/create the incredibly cogent mood/tone of the whole thing.
*be
a chastening experience.
I take issue with Radiohead being described as "depressing"
People can say what they want about Radiohead; disliking them because they aren't your cup of tea is fair game, but to say they are depressing is such a ridiculous thing to say. I think if people are that easily depressed by music, they're obviously not very strong characters & are likely to be depressed by all manor of things, plus I can think of more "depressing" bands than Radiohead.
Just because their songs aren't plastic pop or not all up tempo doesn't mean they're not optimistic, happy or even humorous. Personally I find their songs quite uplifting. In Rainbows for instance is a beautiful album and I feel happy when I listen to it. Kid A & Amnesiac have some great dance tracks on them; Pablo Honey, The Bends & OK Computer have anthemic beauties on them which when you're in a field of 40,000 people, all singing along & dancing, you can't help but smile.
So please, if you're going to criticise Radiohead, at least come up with a more original argument, it's about time this "depressing" label died a death.
As for Arctic Monkeys - depressing?! Their lyrics are hilarious! You should open your ears love.
thank you
sleepflower for saying what i probably would have said if i wasnt lazy. the "depressing" tag is one that i find the most annoying, mostly attributed to them by people who havent given a band enough time.
^
This.
its not the right explanation
you've just explained why you don't like them, not why they aren't actually good.
I think your problem is...
you are assuming your criteria for why a song/band is "good" or not are the only criteria that should exist and therefore that Radiohead should be judged upon
To say they are "less than brilliant" because they have more mellow/reflective/melancholy songs than chirpy happy platitudes that cheer you up, or because their lyrics MAY be interpreted by some on another level, is such an arbitray and personal reason that applies specifically to YOU.
Sure it may apply to others, just like those who defend Radiohead's music have their own criteria for good music in conflict with your own, (and debating these in a rational, humorous, lively manor is to be encouraged) but for fucks sake, logically:
Say "I PERSONALLY do not like them" or "I THINK/it is MY OPINION that they are the dripppiest bag of doleful piss I have ever heard" (or whatever the hell you would like to say).
Specifically you could have said: Radiohead have produced mostly "nothing that I THINK is worth getting worked up about".
To state empirically you are "right" about whether or not a band is good is a bag of idiotic toss:
Music is subjective, other people hold different opinions to you. Get with the fucking program, man-up and quit bitching for the love of god.
(for the record, I am not a huge Radiohead fan at all, some stuffs I likes, some stuff I doesnt, so I am not replying to you in this way because I seek to defend the band or its fans. There are also enough other folk on this thread on both sides saying they are "right" in one way or another, and to an extent the above goes for them too. You however started this thread, the zillionth of its type, so I address this to you as you brought it on yourself.)
I actually agree with your point
so let me re-phrase: I PERSONALLY do not like them.
In truth, I didn't originally plan to write the second paragraph of my original post, I just wanted to put it out there. My main point was my annoyance at how close-minded some Radiohead fans are.
Fair enough...
and good on you for rephrasing.
However, you cannot fault someone for having their own strict criteria of why they like the band. It is surely no more "close-minded" than your reasons for not liking them would seem? They will be no more likely to change their opinion than you are.
If you mean they are close-minded in the sense that they apparently could not possibly see why anyone would dislike Radiohead or their music, (and as you acknowledge, this is a broad generalisation to level at Radiohead fans specifically, surely such people can be found being just as overtly defensive of other bands?), then sure, criticise their criteria on an individual basis and defend yours but don't be surprised if they stick to their guns.
And certainly don't be surprised if wading in slagging the band (especially based on your highly individualised views on what makes great music) results in their fans springing to defend them. :)
I'll go on record as saying that I would find it
very hard to take a person's other opinions on music very seriously if they dismissed Radiohead out of hand.
I'm not a fan boy and I wouldn't get personally offended if somebody didn't like them; I'm just glad I'm able to appreciate how important, innovative, consistent and fucking fantastic they've been for the best part of a decade and a half. And I'm pretty sure I'm not the only one.
But, like we like to say, each to his own.
P.S. Myxomatosis, Paranoid Android, Bodysnatchers, My Iron Lung, The National Anthem, 2+2=5, Bodysnatchers, Idioteque - plodding? Come on, son!
Bodysnatchers and 2+2=5 ARE great songs
I'll give you that.
Your post is stoopid
Can I also point out that you have rated The Killers a 9, therefore you lose.
And I don't like Radiohead, btw
You make me laugh
did you call me a 'fucking cunt' or something for saying that Greg Puciato ruined Dillinger?
Hypocrite much?
Oh yeah
I take that back then, people change maaan.
He did though,
ruin Dillinger. Just so you know.
Different opinions, mate.
I love his vocal style, and I'm not a big fan of Calculating Infinity.
Mike Patton trumps them all though.
i used to be radiohead fan
but now classify myself as an impartial observer who smirks with bemusement at the unwavering fanaticism of their fans. Their output since OK Computer has been in seriously varying in quality yet their hardcore fans clamour like performing seals at everything they do good or bad. I dislike the fact they have this holier than thou attitude, they made a conscious decision to shake off a fan base they didn't want after OK Computer by being deliberately up their own arse. I do like the fact they have branched away from their record label to do their own thing under their rules. I still can't get away from the annoyance of their sheep like fans who can't be impartial to the good and the bad of Radiohead. If Thom Yorke and Johnny Greenwood dropped their trousers and did a wet fart through a microphone whist heavily reverbed and flanged and put that out as a record most Radiohead fans would be clamouring "Utter genius! Post modernist quasi-post Kraut-rock inflected genius! The record to end all records!" whilst stroking their beards.
I take issue with radiohead fans being "beard strokers"
pretty much all radiohead songs are based around traditional rock song structures. Really nothing too "difficult" at all. Just interesting.
^ take issue all you like mate
its my opinion and i repeat the word beardstrokers as i meant it in the context of the fact their fans look for cosmic significance at everything they do. not the fact they right complex jazz fusion melodies in 16/9 time signiatures.
So wait...
the fans are stupid for finding unusual aspects to their music... because it's there? What are you saying?
Also, i'm not your mate.
what do you not understand about the point of my original post
or is it national dumb day? there's nothing wrong about finding "unusal aspects to their music". thats not my point. I commented on the lack of impartiality of their fans and that they nod like sheep anytime anything Radiohead release good or bad. Come on don't tell me Radiohead don't release bad music, right?
Is it really, really so hard to believe that people genuinely do like them
because they're actually just a very good rock band who like to experiment every now and then with slightly different styles and sounds (although In Rainbows is pretty straight down the line)? And have a bunch of really good songs? Just a thought there, Sir.
I loved Radiohead to bits when i was 14
They do nothing but bore me shitless now. Absolutely shitless. I don't i owe anyone a detailed explanation to the detail behind my opinion. They're boring. Suck it up and move on. If you don't agree, that's fine with me.
I'm sure
they find you very boring aswell.
OH IM BURING OH CHRIST
IM BURNING.
Fuck off you, cock.
Seeing you
on fire wouldnt be boring.
Same here..
Bored now. Found more interesting music. I also find them depressing. Take issue with it, but I'm right! It's how they make me feel!
the thing is
i KNOW they're great and every album is wonderful, but i never ever want to listen to them. not sure why. maybe overkill of listening to them from 96-02ish?
I used to feel like this^^
I just had a complete disinterest in them, although I knew they were brilliant.
Then, one day, I stopped thinking like that. I don't know why.
Just for the note:
Here's a list of Radiohead songs I like:
Fake Plastic Trees
Just
The Bends
Fitter, Happier
Auctioneering
Karma Police
2+2=5
Bodysnatchers
Down Is The New Up (the only one of theirs I would attach the 'genius' label to)
Auctioneering!
Amazing.
HAHAHAHAHA!!
I thought your opinions seem pretty irrelevant before you posted that... but wow. Also your list of songs is the typical 'Radiohead only have a few good songs' choice of Radiohead songs... great songs, but people who say songs like these are the only good Radiohead songs are generally idiots who don't like anything that branches away from the norm...
you are being a massive hypocrite anyway, meandthatarmy... you are accusing radiohead fans of blindly claiming their greatness and such, then blinsling claiming they aren't any good whilst giving no leeway to the other argument.
giving no leeway?
look at the previous comments. I've stated that they influenced a lot of bands that I like and that I'll listen to them again tomorrow to see if I can "Understand their talent".
Oh and sorry for liking "typical songs", I guess I'll never be super-cool obsessives like you guys that Thom Yorke obviously loves.
I'm not saying theres anything wrong with liking those typical songs
it just happens to be a trait in people who make statements like yours... I love all the songs you stated. Except 'Auctioneering'...never heard that one... ha. And fitter happier... ultimate skip.
I'm also far from an obsessive, I'm like alot of people on this thread who have stated they totally love and appreciate Radiohead, but rarely find the right mood to listen to them in... thhey are also far from my fave band... (see: Animal Collective... another band people like to complain about other people liking)
Anyway, enough bitching, lets talk about music. Kid A is totally incredible, 10/10 without a doubt in my mind. Musically, it blows away - veering away from the stadium rock of yore, creating... well... electronic glitch rock, ambient... ahh its so good. Even if you don't like the music you can't deny its brilliance...
anywho. Radiohead are a great band... dislike them if you will. They will still be great.
i trust i can rely on
your bid?
I sort of agree with the sentiment...
...that Radiohead could release a big steaming pile of dung and most reviewers/critics/fans would jizz all over said dung heap and proclaim it genius, and if you don't get it you are an intellectual pygmy.
However, I think it is very rare for - now - Radiohead to release something that isn't good, or that doesn't at least have some merit.
For what it's worth, I think they have generally got better with age...obviously OK Computer is something of an exception to that rule.
If I were to plot a graph, with time on the x-axis and quality on the y-axis, there would be a steady rise from Pablo Honey to the Bends (two albums I don't rate, with the exception of a few song). OK Computer would be right up the chart and then, the graph would dip slightly, achieving a steady but undramatic incline.
I am currently of the opinion that In Rainbows is their best album.
That graph waffle was truly needless but, hey, I'm drunk.
I actually
think that the converse is true when it comes to a lot of music reviewers/critics. The expectations are so high for Radiohead's records that they almost can't fail to disappoint. I saw some very mediocre reviews of both Hail to the Thief and In Rainbows.
Radiohead are good
but i never feel like listening to them.
still not listened to In Rainbows
i enjoy Kid A. the rest of the albums aren't THAT consistent.
i definately respect them and realise their brilliance, but when i want to listen to a record, i don't think i've ever in my life thought "hmm, i fancy some radiohead". i only listen to them if i force myself, or someone else puts them on.
And
I'm just as sick of hearing people whinge about the fact that they can't understand why anyone would like Radiohead. I'm not a total fan boy but it seems pretty clear to me that they don't deserve the knocks they get.
While we're on it, I don't find that lyrical content about how awful someone's life is drags me down. Empathy, insight or anger is just as valid a reason for liking a band or a song as joy, optimism or excitement.
And besides, whilst I would say that musically Radiohead's back catalogue may be 'atmospheric' (urgghh), I certainly wouldn't say all of their songs have depressing lyrics.
I used to love Radiohead........
15 years ago.
I've seen them three times, back when they seemed to actually enjoy being in a band too!
they sure are glum nowadays
http://youtube.com/watch?v=JBsLFNcnwGM
Say what you want
But I absolutely adore that song.
It may be "glum", but it paints a picture of a dystopian future. So what can you really expect?
it
vas jhoke, best song ever
In Rainbows
is their best album, fact.
No
everyone knows it's Kid A
well big deal,
its too bad you cant give them the consideration they deserve, youre missing out
Personally Radiohead haters make me laugh
I wonder sometimes why people are so keen on sites like this one to knock Radiohead. Personally, I like to enthuse, to go on about bands I DO like - I would never start a thread to point out that I don't much like Muse.
So why is this? Why are some people so keen to point out that they hate / don't rate / are bored by Radiohead? Could it have anything to do with the fact that they are a massive band that, unlike Johnny Foreigner, Youthmovies or the Foals, the man on the street has actually heard of? I mean imagine enjoying the same music that some white-van driving coldplay loving bloke has actually heard on the Radio. Eurghh.
If you hate Radiohead - fine, hate til you are blue in the face. But think carefully about why you feel the need to vocalise your hatred so loudly.
For the last time:
This was originally meant to be an argument about how I disliked alot of Radiohead FANS, I just got carried away when I wrote last paragraph of what I said originally.
And have you looked at the bands I rate in my profile? Hardly indier-than-thou. I'm really not bothered by who likes their music, it's how some people react to people disliking Radiohead.
I know I parodied the thread title
but I wasn't really attacking you - just the general 'I must shout my hatred of radiohead as loudly as possible! - look how individual I am!' mentality.
but...
theres ALWAYS threads on here about how much people hate foals/johnny foriegner/maybe not youthmovies so much... I really really doubt that people are put off by them because 'white-van driving' blokes might like them.
Really?
I've certainly seen more frequent and more vitriolic Radiohead bashing on here myself (the fans as much as the band themselves).