Meeting People Sucks

I just finished watching the 1999 documentary film "Radiohead: Meeting People Is Easy." It was my second effort, the first having failed, a couple of years ago, at around the half-way point. The work has not survived the test of time; all that great opportunity to capture meaningful interviews and concert footage wasted by the filmmakers' desire to disconcert. What we're left with 10-12 years after its recording and release – though it may have been attractively edgy in its moment – is a painfully artsy filmic flagellation. (How's that for painfully artsy?)

If the film does capture something accurately, it's the immaturity and misery of a band that, in spite of those self-insufficiencies, managed to turn out some of the most important music of their generation; happily, whatever the band members' current emotional states may be, Radiohead is still doing the same. In spite of the documentary's shortcomings, one can't help but be amazed that such seemingly morose, disconnected young men were able to put together such persuasively moving music.

Now that I think about, away from the TV and writing, maybe the intentional disconnectedness of the film was appropriate. Here's a clip. Judge for yourself....

Intro only...

The Art of Imitation

I found myself thinking a flood of thoughts today, about music, wine, beer, food, art… in other words, a large part of the gamut of creative human expression. It’s amazing how little truly original work is produced from day to day. Yet, at its best, referential work can also be reverential. The perfect, most easily understood example of the imitative arts – no, it’s not derivative cooking or winemaking styles – may just be the cover song. When done right, cover tunes are not meant to improve on the original. Rather, they should pay homage while at the same time incorporating the signature and essence of the present performer.

I’ve been trying to get my arms around In Rainbows, the latest release from Radiohead, over the last few days. Yeah, I know, I’m running behind. But listening brought back the memory of this performance from Radiohead’s November 9 webcast, a cover of the Smith’s Headmaster Ritual. The sound is sparse, moody, and solid if less rich than the original. At the same time, it’s true to Radiohead’s sound. Enjoy.

Intro only...