The Most Paranoid Android

[chiefMOJOrisin]

I've been obsessed with music for ever. Obsessed. I hear music in my head all day long. Whenever I'm awake I'm creating crazy drum beats by clicking my tounge ring all over my teeth. Yes I have several chips, its true.

The first CD I ever purchased was Dirt by Alice in Chains. Soon followed by Jar of Flies when it came out. I was 8. I'm 22 and I honestly listen, and genuinely enjoy just about everything. Its easier to list what I don't like....cheesy pop, michael bolton, hip hop(different than rap) and straight emo.

Favorite bands/artists are (not in order) Tool, Keller Williams, The Beatles, Blood Has Been Shed, Pink Floyd......and of course Radiohead. The list can't include sub-favorites because it would be way too long.

Its been about 10 years since OK Computer has come out and I have not, in the least bit, lost any of my desire to listen to it...or the level of enjoyment I get out of it. Especially Paranoid Android. Out of the broad range of music I listen to, and the thousands of songs those bands have made I can easily say the Paranoid Android is my favorite song.

No other song gives me the emotional ride. Its really not even close. The opening guitars set it off perfectly. I don't think anyone can deny the originality of Thom Yorks vocals...and the lyrics. This song makes Radiohead remind me of the Beatles in a sense. Specifically the wide use of instruments and sounds, such as talking or other 'non-music' sounds.

When the song reaches about 1:58 the tone switches so dramatically. Starting off with an feeling of cocky anger that morphes to strong sarcasm. The way Radiohead has created a book with chapters, IMO, needs to be done more often. Each song has its own feel and message, yet they come together to form the main message.... which is in my opinion about how we as a society are way to self-reliant on machines and as a direct effect its going to ruin everything.

2:55 through around 3:30 is intense. It often seems as if guitar solos give a reminder of a different song, as if the bands influences are coming out. Although I can tell some of Radioheads influences, they habe managed to create, and continue to create, original thought-provoking music.

A great example of the range of emotions experienced during the song is the slow, remorseful/tired/given up part with York proclaiming it to "rain down from a great height" with such effort, and what sounds like true emotions that ends with him singing, "God loves his children". After over 1 1/2 minutes it cuts to the angry, nonchelant sarcastic riff from before but with more force behind it...a very fitting way to end the song.

To me, six minutes and twenty seconds of a reason why I love music.

[Medicine Al]

I have to agree, its one of their best albums and songs, though I have my own faves, this one is a great demonstration of how much good stuff can get into a song, when the musicians accept any challenge to excel. Prog rock has been a lifelong love of mine, and so few bands can pull it off without looking pointlessly arty, these guys are the real deal, equal to Led Zeppelin and Yes, or Pink Floyd, IMHO. They are one band who's music is ahead of it's time, they will be listened to for a long time to come. I just put on Pablo Honey and tripped out on how good it is, still sounds like a new release. Still have to get the new one yet, but soon!

[thedude412]

Paranoid Android was actually three songs put into one....the way that Bob Dylan did it maybe? Idk who it was maybe not old bob...but def some random guy they liked. Read it on green plastic so I would assume that it is correct.

Hence some of the changing tones, etc.

Radiohead is simply amazing.

[chiefMOJOrisin]

Originally Posted by thedude412

Paranoid Android was actually three songs put into one....the way that Bob Dylan did it maybe? Idk who it was maybe not old bob...but def some random guy they liked. Read it on green plastic so I would assume that it is correct.

Hence some of the changing tones, etc.

Radiohead is simply amazing.

thats interesting