The 'Skins' thing worked out well for The Gossip last year didn't it? 'Standing in the Way of Control' became synonymous with youth and debauchery. It was one of the anthems of last year (it only took three releases, but it got there). This year, Skins got darker, and it's time for a new band to try and pick up the mantle. Introducing RADIOHEAD - a five piece from Oxford looking to the mainstream for a future. You will have heard their song on the relentless promotion for the aforementioned Channel 4 drama, so you never know - within months their lead singer may well be naked on the front of the NME and speaking up for the minority that he feels he represents. Perhaps they called the song 'Nude' as a hint of where they plan to go with this song. Of course, they may well prove to be one hit wonders - just like The Gossip - but they should enjoy the fame while it lasts.
I'm joking, of course, but the Skins adverts is surely the only reason that Radiohead picked one of the weaker tracks from their stunning 'In Rainbows' album. It's a good song - it fits well on the album, but as a stand alone single, it just doesn't have the quality of the likes of 'Faust Arp' or 'Jigsaw Falling Into Place.' It's not a Radiohead classic. It's a slow-paced, brooding, rather beautiful number that will move you, but it's hard to find remarkable - it's a Bends ballad thirteen years on (with the style and skill of the more recent Radiohead efforts). They are, however, giving fans the opportunity to remix the single - so perhaps something special will come of that. It's just when you know what they're capable of, you can't help but feel a little disappointed. A victim of their own brilliance perhaps? It says much about a band when you're disappointed to give them seven out of ten, but it really is all relative.
|
|
