Thom Yorke - Harrowdown Hill
Related Artist:
Radiohead
Release Date: 21/08/06
Label: XL
Rating: 8/10
This reviewer recently had the misfortune of sharing the same air as some absolute arsebag during Radiohead’s triumphant V Festival headline slot. The pillock in question slurred his disapproval of anything that wasn’t 'a hit' the whole way through, taking particular lager-stained umbrage with the band’s more recent electronic direction. Thankfully (if just to piss this idiot off) Radiohead didn’t listen. 'Harrowdown Hill' sounds so in tune with this point of the band’s career that it could so easily have been one of the songs met with dissatisfaction that night.
If there is one common complaint about Radiohead’s flirtation with bleeps it’s that for all the meticulous technical delicacy, the tune can be lacking. While the origins of this first release from Thom Yorke’s Mercury Prize nominated 'Eraser' album are rooted firmly in the era of 'Kid A', this is a far more accessible listen than most present there. The glitchy beat echoes back to twisted anthem 'Idioteque', but the un-tampered guitar driven bassline and clarity of Yorke’s vocal make this more immediate and melodic than its distant cousin.
From the stuttering soundscape, to the urgent desperation in his masked delivery, this is distinctly, stubbornly Thom Yorke. Those with a little more patience and broadmindedness than my neighbour at the V Festival should enjoy it.
Cameron Clarke
Radiohead Official Site
Buy Radiohead CDs | Buy Radiohead mp3s | Buy Radiohead Tickets | Buy Radiohead Merch
Release Date: 21/08/06
Label: XL
Rating: 8/10
This reviewer recently had the misfortune of sharing the same air as some absolute arsebag during Radiohead’s triumphant V Festival headline slot. The pillock in question slurred his disapproval of anything that wasn’t 'a hit' the whole way through, taking particular lager-stained umbrage with the band’s more recent electronic direction. Thankfully (if just to piss this idiot off) Radiohead didn’t listen. 'Harrowdown Hill' sounds so in tune with this point of the band’s career that it could so easily have been one of the songs met with dissatisfaction that night.
If there is one common complaint about Radiohead’s flirtation with bleeps it’s that for all the meticulous technical delicacy, the tune can be lacking. While the origins of this first release from Thom Yorke’s Mercury Prize nominated 'Eraser' album are rooted firmly in the era of 'Kid A', this is a far more accessible listen than most present there. The glitchy beat echoes back to twisted anthem 'Idioteque', but the un-tampered guitar driven bassline and clarity of Yorke’s vocal make this more immediate and melodic than its distant cousin.
From the stuttering soundscape, to the urgent desperation in his masked delivery, this is distinctly, stubbornly Thom Yorke. Those with a little more patience and broadmindedness than my neighbour at the V Festival should enjoy it.
Cameron Clarke
Radiohead Official Site
Buy Radiohead CDs | Buy Radiohead mp3s | Buy Radiohead Tickets | Buy Radiohead Merch
Comments
No comments yet