antiMUSIC - Lowdown with Trent McMartin

antiMUSIC is pleased to welcome aboard Trent McMartin who not only has been filing special news reports but now will give you the "lowdown" on various music related topics!

As always the views expressed by the writer do not neccessarily reflect the views of antiMUSIC or the iconoclast entertainment group
.

The Radiohead Backlash

Posted by edu:
Radiohead is one of the very few bands out there creating honest, innovative music. This is an admirable thing because not many bands have the courage to do this... other bands waste their talent trying to make radio friendly songs, with catchy choruses for people to sing along. Bands like Radiohead really deserve our respect for believing in what they do... this is why lots of people get all these wonderful emotions and experiences listening to their music, that's what art is supposed to be.

Posted by Seth:
Kid Rock wouldn't play Radiohead at a party? That's fine... neither would I, and they're far and away my favorite band. I think Radiohead's music is largely meant to be enjoyed on a much more personal level; I do most of my listening alone. As for people who write off the music as "depressing," I'd argue that they need to listen more closely. Yes, many of the songs are dark and moody, but there is incredible beauty and power lurking underneath if you just take the time to really listen to it. And of course, they can still flat-out rock when they want to. In short, Radiohead are a band unlike any other today.

Posted by sean:
I think its even harder to be creative with electronic music and radiohead has showed they can do that too

Posted by wayno:
ok, lets get this straight. 1. radiohead is clearly not party music so why has kid rock even mentioned this and 2. what memorable records has he made? fu*kin* none! yeah, exactly. and radiohead? only two of the greatest albums of the 90s (the bends and ok computer)not just in britain, but anywhere! and its depressing. great, so what. i'd rather have depressing, fantastic songs such as fake plastic trees or karma police than bloody crazy frog which was a number single! what a joke!

Posted by Joke:
Radiohead has written a few depressing songs. But actual meaningful ones. Every band writes a sad song now and then, but most of them are boring, stupid and/or generic.

Posted by www.blindpilot.dk:
don't discuss music...

Posted by Joseph:
I don't understand why everyone thinks that Radiohead's latter albums are all computers and no instruments. There are more instruments (including Guitars, no matter what reviews say) used on Kid A and Amnesiac than any other band out there. All bands use computers these days, the only difference is, whereas most bands use computers to fill in gaps or correct crap musicianship, Radiohead utilizes the technology as another instrument (just one more in their vast arsenal).

Posted by Joe:
I just like Radiohead. I wouldn't give an f if I was the only person on the planet who liked them. So who cares what anyone thinks. Music is art. The thing that is so great about art is that you have any opinion about it that you want.

Posted by Lee Tyrrell:
I love Radiohead and i don't understand this whole depression thing. They don't depress me AT ALL. I still think they're the best band ever, yet too write a bad song let alone album.

Posted by lol:
Nobrega is a dickhead - all for?

Here, here.

Posted by 2+2=5:
Scott Slap, I believe you may be right. Trent may have written this article simply to provoke the exact kind of responses it is getting, which are by and large pro-Radiohead. It's a strange thing to criticize art, with the truth being that some will approve of the art in question and some will not. However, as long as one person out there finds the art inspiring, then the art is still valid, is it not? I don't care for many forms of music myself, rap/hip-hop among them, but I don't believe it is my right to criticize it as an art form. It may not fit my tastes, but if makes someone else happy, provokes them to think, then it is all well and good. These arguments about any art form, art being subjective by nature, end up being pedantic at best. Meanwhile, I wait patiently for the next album by those 'whiny, overachieving lads' from Oxford England.

Posted by flip:
Well, I guess I'm a music snob then.

Posted by souldivine:
If people out there had read Thom or Colin's words, they would have realized that those are words of depth. For those who can't relate to them, i'd say, well, perhaps the time has not come for them to understand. Love it or hate it, it's your choice. But you've gotta admit it, Radiohead set you thinking. So welcome...to the RH world.

Posted by Gerard:
Radiohead are the most original and unique band anywhere in the world at the moment. Very few bands can offer such a strong back catalogue. Despite being non-mainstream the quality of the music leaves the public no choice but to acknowledge their genius. Unfortunately now if a song has a slow melody its called depressing despite some of Radioheads slower tunes having upbeat lyrics (ok not many). And although they have become more electric its essential that a band never stays in the same place (look at Oasis) and continue to push the musical limits. With the technology available today it would be a crime if this was not used to create new sounds and music. Hail to the Thief perhaps the nearest to 'Old' Radiohead since OK Computer sounds amazing and even dance-y in places. If The Beatles were still playing there is no doubt they would be exploring new technologies and breaking the boundaries. In a world of posey rock bands, more interested in matching suits than music, Radiohead are a breath of fresh air. And who cares what Kid Rock thinks!

Posted by white snow:
I think Thom will write something based on this...

Posted by Berkyjay:
Its ok not to like Radiohead, and it's ok if you don't understand their music. But it is also ok for me to feel sorry for the person who can't open themselves up to experiences they are not used to. I hate most country, but I give it a chance and can appreciate it if it's well written and sincere.

Posted by pauldwaite:
Erm, yeah. I don't think you can take an interview with a fan, a Kid Rock comment from a year or two ago, the kids drawing study, and call it a backlash worthy of an article. Face it mate: there's very little that hasn't been said about Radiohead. Why not write about a band that are, y'know, actually doing something at the moment?

Posted by mortifiedpenguin:
Yay! What a load of non-sensical psychoschmuck. What we have established here is: Radiohead are a band. Many people like them. Many people do not like them. Kid Rock does not like them. STOP THE PRESS!

Posted by Joanna:
"Free suicides" I love it.

Posted by amaris:
this is a very clever site that personally fascinates me.In this article i beleive that Radiohead like many fans hear have stated is for the 'smart' people.Yes maybe but also for the realistic thinkers. And thats exactly what this band was made for to speak there mind and opinion through lyrics trying to make others see the reality on things.And they very much so dont need none of us fans to remind them or debate on there way of thinking and composing there music however htey please. I beleive all Radiohead fans are thankful for there way of thinking.Personally it helps you think,cheers you up but best of all it answers those questions that annoy you day & night they answer those questions.That many fear to say or answer.They are unique and truly the best ever.And if anyone out there is either to stubborn or to immature to dislike them its obviously there loss.

Posted by cutesy:
kid rock commenting on radiohead..funny

Posted by Luis B.:
Abyss I Agree with You Too.

Radiohead is for personal entertainment if u dont like it then who cares Radiohead too has changed my life and has open my eyes and life to an other understanding of what we are here for and takes me away from the troubles of this life and helps me out with my life and encourages me to keep going

And Moses Malone You too are correct, go ahead talk who cares, Radiohead isn't here for you'r amusement there here to stand out and make beautiful music

Posted by Luis B.:
People Like Kid Rock trash don't know what real music is and how to appreciate it.They dont know what true talent and potential is.And what it is to actually put feeling into their music poeple like him don't realize who is actually better than them and mock Radiohead to feal better about themselfs and convince eachother to say their music is better when it's not.

Posted by Think:
Intelligence speaks louder than ignorance.

Posted by The Empty Man:
Kid Rock is white trash. Therefore he is stupid. Stupid people don't "get" Radiohead. Only smart people do.

Posted by mazy:
To ask KidRock about Radiohead is an insult not only to Radiohead but every other original musician.
Radiohead is not for mass-appeal! They are musicians not entertainers. You either love them or hate them. There's no midway.

Posted by Moses Malone "The Chairman Of The Boards":
Most of us are here trying to defend Radiohead but we don't really need to. They don't give a crap what the media thinks about them. That's one of many reasons why there so good.

Posted by Alex:
I completely agree with Abyss.

Radiohead is personal music, not something you can share with friends or thousands of other radio listeners. It's just you and Radiohead.

Well said.

Posted by Nic:
Original, full of emotion, boundary pushing, ect, ect. "i can't put them on at a party". whata idiot. put on "2+2=5" and try not to dance. smoke you

Posted by Lucky:
Dizzy Gillespie isn't "party music" either, but no one can say he sucks or cannot be understood. Radiohead does not walk around acting white trash either. A gutter has more insight than this article, clearly made only to create a stir, which is usual class by the media. Great job moron.

Posted by Punch Drunk:
This has to be an American site to publish such meaningless nonsense. Radio doesn't play Radiohead cause there's only so much time in between the bloody advertisements, which is just not enough time to truly appreciate a Radiohead song. Each album has progressed, I think, brilliantly so to being as great as the album before.
Anytime, anyplace, anywhere - there's always a mood for a Radiohead song. This is a band that have been a band for almost 20 years - name any other outside the Rolling Stones and U2. Radiohead's artistry, innovation and esteem have carried me through the 90s and into the the 21st Century. Radiohead continue to be the only band worth honouring and listening to. It's just like one big orgasm in six brilliant albums.

Posted by Abyss:
All I know is that Radiohead changed my life, it made me love music, it made me love life, there is no music as real and beautiful as Radiohead. Radiohead is personal music, its not something you can turn on in the car or share with friends, its just you and
Radiohead.

Posted by it doesnt matter:
why would you bring up kid rock of all people in an article thats trying to insult someone.hes an idiot.cartman on South Park watched kid rock when he was traing to be mentally handicapped.Radiohead is an amazingly talented band, making music that no one has ever heard before.they have created their own genre, and not many bands can say that.

Posted by Diana:
Maybe retards was a bit harsh. I apologize for that but I stand by everything else I said.

Posted by Diana:
Why should we as Radiohead's loving, loyal fans even bother arguing with retards like this. Like Kid Rock said, they just don't understand and they never will because they've all been brainwashed by the the media to believe that anything they don't quite comprehend, anything that's "too weird" must be crap. It doesn't matter, nothing matters and it never will. Let them all go back to listening to their safe, "always release the same old album cuz that's what sells" bands like Coldplay. I'm gonna go listen to Kid A now.

Posted by subterranean:
They suit me and the songs give me good energy..Don't give a damn about what others say..

Posted by Ben:
Sorry, last thing - This is called fan speak, and although some are directed against the writer of the article, I think most are merely explaining their personal rationality on why those who ARE actually against Radiohead are wrong, not why the writer is wrong (because he does seem to be trying to note something interesting about this band).

Posted by Ben:
And for God's sake, please read the review by Black Eyed Angel.

Posted by Ben:
As I would hope most would realize, Radiohead does not write music directed towards fifth graders, which is obviously a damn good thing. I think it says something about a band when there's this much disagreement about them, but it sure as hell says nothing about their talent. If you don't understand their music, that's fine. If you don't like, that's fine. No one should give anyone crap about not liking them because their brand of music is extremely selective, and only a very select group of people (albeit extremely large) can truly appreciate every sound that comes from their minds. But one thing that can't be done on the other side of this is, like I said, any person questioning their talent.

Posted by Felix:
I think Mr. Nobrega would have preferred Radiohead's albums to be The Bends I-VI. One of the things that makes us Radiohead fans so crazy about our band is that they refuse to repeat themselves, unlike many other bands, and this does mean that people with an inflexible (I'm afraid I can't find a more positive adjective) view of what alt-rock should be get upset.

People who are angry about being told they don't get good music don't have much to complain about; the last 50 Cent album sold six million copies and there will probably be more.

Posted by Someone Else:
"Someone" has a point!

Posted by Someone:
This article really says nothing. It notes that some like the band while others do not. The comments from the other musicians are really meaningless. I mean Kid Rock's comment essentially says all music has to be "party" music. Well great...but some others listen to music and other forms of media for other reasons then partying. On another note, articles like this never make much sense. Why does anyone really care if Radiohead's popularity is up or down. Lets just listen to the music they put out and comment on that not hearsay.

Posted by Black Eyed Angel:
It's understandable that some don't understand or like Radiohead. My own father turned it off, proclaiming it to be 'rubbish' due to Thom's vocals and lyrics. The great thing about music though is that it doesn't have to be interpreted. There isn't always some meaning behind it. When I listen to Radiohead, I hear the song as a whole, not as vocals or backing music, but I can feel the whole peice of music. And that's what Radiohead's music did for me - it made me feel. At a critical point in my life, their music gave me hope. I know that sounds lame, but its true. For everyone that says that Radiohead are 'gloom mongers' and that they are just 'depressing', I honestly think they are missing the picture. Music is there to act upon your emotions. It can have the power to bring you down or cheer you up - I've felt both when listening to them. People write the band off because they get no radio play. But for a band that has released six albums, all have gone platinum, despite not having earned one top ten single on the charts. Its true - Radiohead's music is complex. Its jumbled and sometimes you have to work to get past it, to understand the progression of their sound - and that is why I think it is passed over on mainstream radio. Long gone are the days of 'Creep' and the upbeat pop songs of the band's youth, and their more mature sound is much harder to market, especially in the US where most of the radio stations are owned by Clear Channel and have a constant top 40 rotation on the 'rock' and 'alternative stations'. But that has not detracted from their success, because those that stumble upon the band in one incarnation or another are invariably hooked - Radiohead is not music to be force fed to the masses.

Posted by www.myspace.com/braillesound:
Also record sells don't mean much when you sell out 30,000 people arena's. Especially when your sells go from five million to 3 million.

Posted by www.mypace.com/braillesound:
Radiohead are without doubt one of the top 10 best bands ever. They don't make party rock so it's no surprise you wouldnt play them at a party. Darren Nobrega no offense but you obviously must not understand what it's like to be a songwriter or an artist. There's nothing wrong with only being in love with a certain sound a band does, and you don't have to like the rest of what they do. But you have to understand that if they continued to do or even started to do what they did on OK Computer not only would they be criticized for that but they would also be very bored with what they were doing. Any good artist knows when they've worn something out. The thing about Radiohead is that even if you hear them and it's not announced that it is them and even if Thom isn't singing you know that it's Radiohead. If a band sounds like them it's not because they are ripping off a Radiohead song it's beacuse they are stealing an emotion.

daniel kynard

Posted by yetti:
i agree with the fact that a computer based sound cannot replace the sound of 5 passionate musicians jammin'. but i also believe (although i have no experience to back this up) that a band reaches a certain point where either they continue makin' the same record over and over or they become so bored and stagnant within their sound that they have to experiment. when i listen to kid a, amnesiac and hail to the thief, i still feel the passion, it just requires a little more diggin' to find it - which subsequently i think is kinda cool, and totally one of the reasons radiohead's music is so interesting and long lasting.

Posted by Stupid:
I've never been to one of Kid Rock's parties, but I don't think I'm missing out

Posted by Circumambulate:
What strikes me as an interesting phenomenon is that radiohead's album sales seem disproportionately low, when the media acclaim the band receives is taken into account. This is telling. If I'm not mistaken, their best selling album to date is still OK Computer, which currently has sold between four and five million copies worldwide since its release in 1997. In comparison, I've noticed very little critical praise for other acts boasting album releases that reach multi-platinum sales in a matter of weeks. Radiohead may be in the public eye, but they don't even come close to competing with any given week's novelty act in terms of commercial marketability. There seems to be a rift between the sensibility of the consuming public and that of the band/media/critics. Perhaps the backlash is a sense of resentment coming from people as a result of their tastes being insulted by an elitist cultural institution. They don’t “get it,” and they’re tired of hearing that there is something “deeper” that they’re missing. It's an example of the struggle between the avant garde and kitsch. I think we’ve all experienced at times that greater appreciation comes from the things we’ve expended some difficulty in understanding. My advice to somebody who doesn’t like radiohead would be to forget about whatever expectations they might have about the band before they listen to it. Whether or not the band is overrated is determined by the sort of hype they're given and from which source it comes, but I will say that radiohead is one of the few rock bands that can consistently surprise me with effectiveness of the work they put out. Unfortunately, when it comes to matters of opinion, there seem to be no absolutes, so not everybody feels that way. Observed from an individual perspective, art of any kind is like a lady getting out of a car. Sometimes you see it; sometimes you don’t.

Posted by Ash:
Everytime someone doesn't understand music they either discard it as trash or label the band too academic, to hard to understand . . . there are various ways to understand music, some music is made to dance the night away while others are supposed to express complicated idea's etc. The point is that when musical agenda's are conflated people become jaded. Radiohead can be hard to listen to for some, but at the same time it is popular music, it's not Bach or Shoenberg . . .

Posted by Erin:
Radiohead is the first band that ever made me feel...If someone doesn't like what they do... that is their own loss. They need to take in their music...not just mindlessly listen.

Posted by Lady Luck:
What on earth is wrong with being a rock and Roll snob? I'm tired of seeing people emulate these "plastic" idols, i.e. singers chosen by their ability to dance.

Posted by Lindsey:
Infected sycophant masses? Mindless and constant hero-worship? Where are you getting your information? Radiohead isn’t tarnished…not in the least bit. In fact, I would say that they aren’t appraised enough…they are a great band and their sound should be more appreciated. They wholly deserve whatever “worship” they receive.

Posted by A Reasonable Man:
Obviously Kid Rock doesn't understand them. He's a talentless waste of life.

Posted by Lucky:
LO had the best comments yet. I love Radiohead for many reasons and to be honest when I hear that it makes people want to hang themselves I laugh. Because I was once suicidal and their music kept me from killing myself. It does not matter if people love or hate them to me because they touched me in a way that nobody else could have. They will be looked back on as true poets and heroes

Posted by Nico Probst:
Radiohead offers a new branch of Rock that no other band can exemplify, Radiohead is truly unique and being unique means being yourself, Radiohead truly portrays their emotions into their music and creates a stunning sound for the world to hear.

Posted by Sam:
Radiohead is a fine band. I agree certainly that the widespread press worship of them is a bit ridiculous, and its infected sycophant masses into considering them beyond reproach. This sort of mindless and constant hero-worship is the real reason behind the backlash. Its certainly not Radiohead's fault. They're nothing but a great band, and their own reputation should be left untarnished by the stupid bullcrap around them.

Posted by the boney king of nowhere:
there can only be one bone, and you are not him

Posted by The Boney King Of Nowhere:
Radiohead is band that stretches the boundries of its own creativity, not many bands can or have the balls to do that, bands like Kid Crock are transparent and too boring, give me Radiohead any day.

Posted by andrew:
How depressing is a world populated by the serious music of kylie and boyzone

Posted by Tom Condit:
A few words, Polyethylene, Palo Alto, Bishops Robes, Banana Co.,Talk Show Host, Pearly, Rabbit in your headlights,Big Boots, Big Ideas, Lift, Killer Cars, Lozenge Of Love, Fog, Worrywort, How Can you Be sure, True Love Waits, and of course many more but these are just a few of that I love. I've seen them four times and each time was amazing.

Tom Condit

Posted by weirdo:
well this guy just made a rewriting of several articles writen before this... nothing new for people that know about radiohead... but it surely gives some idea of the rdhd world to non believers...
rdhd's been considered a prophetical band... lads... whenever something's made with love... you come out of time and space to the ethernity within our lives and life itself... life is meant to creation and recreation...
when back in 1987, pixies set out the path... we would never imagine the reaction and enormous need for people to start out a band... even Radiohead felt in some way motivated by the pixies... let's not make of radiohead an unreachable superiority thing... they're the proof of the human abilities, sensitivity and need for creative ways of reaching beyond to save the world or change it into a less conflictual space... life

Posted by Michael Blighe:
Radiohead are easily one of the greatest bands ever, at least from the My Iron Lung EP onwards. Pablo Honey was merely a cheap foray into the world of grunge. I understand the people who do not like Radiohead, but I urge them to try and listen to songs that aren't the singles. Songs like Palo Alto, Trickster and True Love Waits hold surprises for most critics of their work. Anyway, no matter what people say, Radiohead will always be seen as a gloomy band, whereas I see them as intelligent and thoughtful music. Although sometimes they're a bit too intelligent for their own good. But that won't stop them from being my favourite band to listen to.

Posted by God:
Radiohead rocks my world

Posted by crap:
The suck my balls

Posted by f.i.f:
Well, there's a shock. Some people like a band; some don't. Who would've thunk it?!
Obviously, bands have their critics. There will never, ever be a band that is loved and adored by all. I'm a huge Radiohead fan; but I'm hardly offended by Kid Rock's point of view. Then again - am I meant to be...? I'm sorry, but I completely fail to see the point of this article. The fact remains, however popular Radiohead are among individuals, they were - and are - still a massive, successful band. The same goes for bands that I can't stand, such as My Chemical Romance or Evanescence. But it hardly makes a difference to me as long as I just avoid them.

Posted by Scott Slapp:
Wow, I can't believe the responses here. I read the article and I don't pick up that Trent was bashing Radiohead. In fact, judging by some of his other writings, I gather he is a fan. I'm gonna step out on a limb here and make some assumptions and also what I took away from this article. One Trent's writing style is more observational than argumentative. I'm going by what I have read of his. What I gathered from this article that there is indeed a Radiohead backlash but mostly from people that do not appreciate the depth of their music. I think using the kids as an example was clever as it shows that you have to a much deeper appreciation of what Radiohead is all about to "get it". It's not like the mindless pop and Kid Rock music that may appeal to the masses but really carries no substance what so ever. I think that dichotomy came through in this article but again Trent didn't go out of his way to "argue" that point, just laid it out there for the reader to draw their own conclusion. I see the backlash all the time and it makes me laugh. Some people just don't honestly care enough about the music to "get" a band like Radiohead. Radiohead is successful because they are honest is what the do. They may take off in different directions but you they are doing it for the music's sake. Then you have the clone bands which may be able to pull off a semi decent copy of the music but don't have the substance behind it, because let's face it, it's not honest, they are setting out to be Radiohead and that comes through and you get the Radiohead version of Creed. A band that people hated because the music lacked the substance of the original band they were ripping off. Understandably so. Again what I got from this is what I've known for quite a while, Radiohead are loved greatly by those that can appreciate the depth of the music over those that just want mindless music. Kid Rock may be able to pick you up but in the longrun that kind of music is like Chinese food, it may fill you up during the moment of consumption but right afterwards you are left hungry again. In other words, you don't walk away with much. Not so with Radiohead.

Posted by hello??:
I don't think most readers here digested the first sentence of this article. I think it might just be a distraction from the content that follows. It's not biased, the opinions within it are. It's well written and it provides interesting perspectives from all sides. Yes, I think Radiohead is a great band, but I think this is more along the lines of why do some people love them, why do some hate, and how does Radiohead publicly fit in to their environment.

Posted by grant:
mcmartin, i dont hate you for having an oppinion but obviously all youve done is piss a bunch of people off. kid rock is not able to understand music such as this because his mind wont allow him to think deep enough. i guess thats why you picked him so you could compare him to the immiturity of a 5th grader. seriously all youve done is gotten a bunch of people pissed off at you, i loathe one sided news reports like this one. i would respect your work if you had made it an equal battle between people who like radiohead and people who dont not bashing radiohead fans.

Posted by calum:
who cares what kid rock thinks. will he be remembered in five years? ive been trying to forget him. and this person Darren Nobrega you keep returning to, who likes his music to be 'belted out.' clearly a guns and roses fan, no? bands that dont progress dont last, look to any of the 'greats.' dylan, pink floyd, neil young etc etc etc. anyone with even the slightest bit of interest in music could see radiohead fit pretty well into that category. kid rock does not. i dont think ive read a music article so narrow minded and irrelevant in quite a while.

Posted by 2+2=5:
Do 10 year old kids and Kid Rock represent much of a valid critical audience? Most 10 year olds would also likely hold their noses (or plug their ears) listening to Beethoven, Stravinsky or Copeland. One can imagine the kinds of pictures these kids would draw while listening to Wagner's 'Seigfried's Funeral March'. So what exactly was point was Mr. McMartin trying to make I wonder? If he really wanted to make his point, perhaps he should have also interviewed some 4 year olds in preschool along with pop stars P. Diddy and Britney Spears to get a a much better sample of listening public :). I would, however, agree with Kid Rock that Radiohead wouldn't be my first choice for music at a party (except for perhaps The Bends), but then that doesn't prevent me from being a fanatical Radiohead fan.

Posted by fraser:
Darren Nobrega? Who is this guy? Sounds like he has no idea about anything, let alone music.

Posted by Cortney:
Radiohead are way ahead of their time. Kid A is the greatest album of the 21st Century. I have never seen a band that plays with as much passion as Radiohead. It's a shame that history may not know them as one of the most talented bands ever to play music.

Posted by Sean:
The opinion of Nobrega is very narrow minded i think. He basically said, every song should be approached with a guitar, since that has the most potential.

What makes Radiohead unique is that they have the ability to do amazing things with any type of instrument and medium. They choose the right approach for each individual song, rather than to just solve everything by grabbing a guitar. And its not even like they arent amazing with guitar either. Listen to 'National Anthem', 'Paranoid Android' or 'I Might Be Wrong'. The cool thing is that in even though they use a wide variety of instruments and media, they still manage to make albums that sound very coherent. They are a very diverse and intelligent group with a refreshing and original approach to music.

Posted by mortifiedpenguin:
i love radiohead, and Liber said it best - Kid A beats Kid rock - but then, that's just my opinion. Hate em or love em, you surely have to respect radiohead - whether you think they are good are not, the fact that they are an inspiration to thousands of other bands out there today has to say something. If you enjoy mind-opening music, i suggest you check out Tool, NIN, Tea Party, Smashing Pumpkins and early Live. I swear, the song 'Let Down' alone is enough to get me through my final year of school this year, let alone the rest of the RH catalog. Amazing, emotive stuff

Posted by greg uk:
I've listened to Radiohead since their early days and their progression as artists is inspiring. Where other musicians, actors, artists appear stagnent, dwelling within a comfort zone, collectives such as radiohead push foreward and attempt to break new ground. As a contemporary artist struggling to get work 'out there', i find inspiration from such creatives. Their contribution to my personal world is a great one, as are the beatles or joni mitchel...etc They create sounds i can fit around my life to help me through a moment. There are many forms of music that i do not have an ear for, but i will always give them a listen just so when quized, i can at least have some informed opinion. I think radiohead are one of those unfortunate bands that are critisized by many but actually listened to by very few of those doing the critisizing. So go on, give head a chance.

Posted by Liber:
Yeah, this guy's full of crap. Especially the comment about how a computer could never replace a guy with a guitar. Well, yes it can. The drive behind the music is what counts, some people choose different tools. I'd take Kid A over Kid Rock any day.

Posted byAdam Box:
Quote: "One child drew a graveyard scene with tombstones, a man who hanged himself and a booth offering “Free Suicides.” Another drew a picture of a child standing on the mountain saying, ‘I hate my life.” Shocking? Yes. It’s kind of unbelievable when a rock band is credited in stirring all these emotions with a bunch of ten year olds. "

Did you read the article? Of course you did, because you stole all the quote-unquote "relevant" parts from it. Did you also see the picture from the kid who drew the 50 foot ice cream cone?

Posted byLO:
I first heard Radiohead when i was in 7th grade. The album was Kid A and my mom bought the cd because she was hearing some good things about Radiohead. At this time in my life i didn't even know who the hell Radiohead was, and i had no biased thoughts in my head or anything to influence me for, or against Radiohead. Anyways, i'm 17 now, and i will honestly admit that if it wasn't for listening to that cd for hours upon hours, i probably wouldn't have over 5 cds in my car. Radiohead, and Kid A, have made me love music. I now own most of Radiohead's work, and have also branched into other bands over the years all because of listening to one cd. Talk about a band with power, i don't care if you don't like Radiohead because its not your particular style, but you have to at least note and respect this band. They've done some amazing things.

Posted byMark:
I am a huge fan of Radiohead and I agree that Kid Rock is an idiot. But we still need guys like Kid Rock. Without them who would we rip on?

More Comments