Last August, Thom Yorke left us believing Radiohead was done with proper albums for the time being. In an interview with The Believer, Yorke offered something of an explanation, suggesting that: “None of us want to go into that creative hoo-ha of a long-play record again. Not straight off, I mean, it’s just become a real drag. It worked with In Rainbows because we had a real fixed idea about where we were going. But we’ve all said that we can’t possibly dive into that again. It’ll kill us.”
This isn’t exactly good news to hear from a master of sweeping records, but his further ruminations on a changing industry left us content in settling for EPs, orchestrations, and one-off singles.
We don’t have to settle much longer, however: Yorke’s bandmate, Ed O’Brien, is now suggesting that Thom was misquoted. According to Radiohead fan site, AtEase, the guitarist told NME: “WE WILL BE MAKING AN ALBUM!” The band plans to reconvene in its Oxfordshire studio this winter and release an album on vinyl sometime next year. We’ll take it.
O’Brien also mentions the potential for a new influence, “We’re going into the studio in winter. It’s always miserable! Are we at the whim of the seasons? We are! When you’re in a studio in the countryside, the music you make is definitely affected by what season it is.” No huge changes here: unbearable sadness and Radiohead have always gone hand in hand. Seeing as some of their most moving have also been the most tear jerking, here’s to hoping this is a masterpiece!
While you wait for next year, we’ve got ten particularly sad, and especially wonderful, Radiohead songs to warm up your tear-ducts.
“How To Disappear Completely,” Kid A
Yorke’s pleas, “I am not here/this isn’t happening” are truly and primordially sad.
“No Surprises,” Okay Computer
“I’ll take the quiet life/ A handshake of carbon monoxide.” There are not enough chimes in the universe to summon the quiet Yorke seeks.
“Body Snatchers,” In Rainbows
As he hits his peak, he asks: “Has the light gone out for you?/ Because the lights gone out for me.”
“Just,” The Bends
In which you are your own worst memory. Just watch the video.
“Fake Plastic Trees,” The Bends
“But I can’t help the feeling”: This is how we knew Josh was sad in Clueless.
“Street Spirit (Fade Out),” The Bends
This one’s for Ed.
“Motion Picture Soundtrack,” Kid A
Here’s to the next life.
“Let Down,” OK Computer
Written in a major key, this might be Radiohead at their dreamiest dream pop. But don’t be deceived — listen closer as Yorke channels his Gregor Samsa: “Let down and hanging around/ Crushed like a bug in the ground.”
“Creep,” Pablo Honey
An outsiders anthem for the ages.
So there’s nine, and we could go on, but really, almost any song could have made this list. What would your tenth be?