About Gabe Johnson Expertise I am an expert on the material in Radiohead`s songs. I can answer nearly any question related to lyrics interpretations and changes from album to album. I can also answer many questions related to specific band members such as their upbringings and musical influences.
Experience I have listened to Radiohead heavily for three years, and discuss/research Radiohead in order to further my appreciation and knowledge for the band.
I was reccomended by a Pink Floyd expert from this site to apply.
Publications Write monthly music review for school paper.
Expert: Gabe Johnson Date: 5/8/2004 Subject: Other geniuses
Question Yes, I've also tried many of those bands you mentioned, but not Elvis Costello or Magazine. I also like Pink Floyd alot.
Personally, I greatly prefer the Radiohead's rock albums to Kid A or Amnesiac, though I like a few songs off those two.
I think the things I like best about Radiohead are the slow (or quick) rises to incredible sonic intensity (2+2=5, Exit Music), Thom Yorke's vocals (besides Muse's Matt Bellamy, do you know of other imitators?), and their unconvential, but still accessible, song and musical phrase structures. For example, I can't listen to something like Spiral Architect or any number of similarily over-cerebral bands, but I also get annoyed by the over-production of something bland like 12 Stones or pretty much any Nu-Metal band on MTV.
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Followup To
Question -
Radiohead aren't quite my favorite band, but they consistently make intelligent and listenable songs (my favorites are Exit Music, 2+2=5, Karma Police, and Just). For quite a while I've been trying to find bands with a similar approach to music, and a similar sound. I figured since you're such a fan of them you might have some suggestions for me.
Just to give you an example of where I'm at and what I'm looking for.
1. When I say "sounds like Radiohead", I do not mean Coldplay, and I do not mean Aphex Twin. This might give you some idea of what spectrum of similarity I'm thinking about (though suggestions outside the 'boundaries' are welcome as well).
2. I love Muse. They're like Radiohead forever trapped in The Bends.
3. Air is pretty cool, too - I generally only like electronica if it has a certain pop sense to it and is 'beautiful'. Like Air or Goldfrapp (but not Aphex Twin and company).
4. I HAVE done my research, checking out resources such as allmusic.com for Radiohead similar artists, etc.
5. Bands I have already heard: Blur, Verve, Pulp, Spiritualized, Beta Band, Manic Street Preachers, Unebelievable Truth, Belly, Clinic, Super Furry Animals, Mansun, Paloalto, Flaming Lips, Kent, Elbow, Muse, Coldplay, etc.
Of course, the truth is likely that there ARE no bands 'just like Radiohead,' but I figured you might know some that are pretty good that I haven't tried.
Thanks!
Answer -
Exellent question, Luke.
You definitely seem to know your brit-pop/indie stuff. The fact of the matter is, I'm afraid we're on the same page on this one.
Few bands sound "like" Radiohead, that's what makes them great. However, one can find obvious influences all over the music world. I could start with the basics for their influences, those would be Elvis Costello and the Attractions, who incorporated the use of electronics/synth in their albums Get Happy! and Imperial Bedroom, both of which are sophisticated, musical albums. Obviously, the Talking Heads are a huge influence on Radiohead, and their album Remain in Light includes the bizarre-type electronic that can be found in Kid A. I might as well mention Joy Division and Magazine, whose harder, more electronic stuff is somewhat reminiscent of Radiohead. Also try Television, as sometimes their more organized music (not their drawn-out tunes) makes me think of some of Radiohead's more techincal work. If you haven't, try out R.E.M. as well, whose influence is quite obvious in The Bends. Throwing Muses' darker songs are also very reminiscent of Radiohead.
Also, although they're in different leagues/genres/areas, I'd reccomend Pink Floyd. Although you've probably heard your fair share of Pink Floyd and made your opinion on them, I'd reccomend a deeper look. They don't seem like a space-out band the more time you spend on them. I'd reccomend you hear Pink Floyd's Animals and a few songs on Wish You Were Here. Although many disagree with me, I compare Pink Floyd and Radiohead on many different levels.
If you wouldn't mind, please reply to this so we can continue talking about it. I did my best, but, as you know, Radiohead are difficult to make comparisons with. I hope you found me helpful, thanks for the challenging question.
Regards,
Gabe Johnson
Answer Well, I've pondered albums similar to The Bends, and it's really quite difficult to come up with any obvious choices. However, you could try "Head on the Door" by The Cure, The Chameleon's "What Does Anything Mean? Basically", Pinback's "Blue Screen Life", perhaps Modest Mouse's "The Moon and Antarctica", and by the way, I don't know if you or I mentioned Suede yet, but many, many of their songs compare with The Bends and OK Computer on many levels. Check that stuff out if you can.
