My third 3 song shuffle post, where I rip off the AV Club’s idea and write up a bit about the first 3 songs that come up on shuffle on my iPod, no cheating/skipping allowed. Let’s mustard this hot dog.
“I Will” by Radiohead
This is from Hail to the Thief, of course. This album came out when I had just finished recovering from Kid A, so I didn’t then– and haven’t since– had the guts to sit down and give it a serious listen. It’s just too dangerous. And listening to this track now, I’m glad I haven’t. Yeesh. If Kid A affected you in a similar way, you know what I mean.
That album really made me go insane, if only a little bit. And, as my roommate and I discussed just the other day, that was around the time when American Beauty, Fight Club and Office Space were all near the heights of their respective renowns. All good, funny movies, but also dangerous. Coupled with Kid A, they convinced me that my soul was doomed if I didn’t take serious action to improve my station in life.
So I quit my job and drove to Miami and lived in bars for about four months. Got myself a perma-tan that would’ve made George Hamilton blush. Then I felt much better. Sometimes you must make those sorts of decisions.
“Words From the Chief Rocker” by De La Soul
Clocking in at just over one minute, this is a short little number off of Art Official Intelligence. The only thing I know less about in this world than the female brain is hip hop, so I don’t have much to say about the song or album.
Well, maybe one thing. I hadn’t noticed until it just came on now, but the bass line is used in another song in my library. On Alpha’s EP of remixes called Pepper, Underdog uses it to remix “With,” which was on the fantastic Come From Heaven. And I can’t mention it and not post it: “With [Underdog Remix]“ by Alpha
“Every Morning” by Keb’ Mo’
Ah, Keb’ Mo’. I really liked Keb’ Mo’ back in college, back when I was going through my heavy blues phase (though, as Keb’ himself would be the first to tell you, he is not really a blues artist per se). This song is the first track on his first, self-titled album. It was my favorite of his for a long time. It’s a really peaceful song, and man, this guy’s voice is just silk.
I heard a new song of Keb’s on the radio last time I was home in Vermont. My dad and I were driving together and stopped our conversation when we heard that a new Keb’ song was coming up. We didn’t last through the first two minutes. It was rubbish. Shape up, Keb’. You’re better than that slick poppy crap, good buddy.
“I Will” is one of my favorite songs on Hail to the Thief. LOVE the creepy harmony. Also love the ultra-weird lyrics, which is a real change of pace for Radiohead: “Little baby’s eyes eyes eyes eyes.”
P.S. Here’s the Hendrik Hertzberg article I was telling you about.
And here’s my friend’s blog
Addendum to my previous comment: the only thing creepier than Thom Yorke’s voice on a song like that is when he does a three-part harmonizes with himself on a song like that. Jesus Christ, somebody get these bugs of of me.
THE best Thom Yorke harmony comes not on a creepy track like “I Will,” though a sweet track that is… No the best hands down is the very end of “No Surprises.” I’ve been trying to think of ways to rip this song off for years (failing of course).
Dial in minute-marker 3:08, and enjoy!