The Smile - Wall of Eyes | Album Review
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- čas přidán 16. 06. 2024
- The Smile, a band featuring Thom Yorke, Johnny Greenwood, and some other guy, have returned with their 2nd studio album called Wall of Eyes.
For fans of: Radiohead and whatever that other guy did before, probably.
#thesmile #wallofeyes #albumreview #radiohead #thomyorke
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An excellent sophomore album from The Smile & the first essential release of 2024. Thom is in excellent form throughout & the band is sounding confident & fully involved. Some really nice piano & strings here. Excellent.
I thought Teleharmonic was the best song on the album......
That’s Probly my least favorite on the album. Not that I dislike it
Teleharmonic is on another level
Songs like Teleharmonic and I Quit are vibe tracks. There's a certain way you have to listen to them to understand them and get the most out of them. I think it's great music 🎶
Album of the year 🎉
Teleharmonic sounds like it could come for solo Thom album. If you like it you might like Tomorrow's Modern Boxes.
I can't stop listening to this spacious, unbelievably cinematic album!
I am really liking this album. Around the 8 territotory after two listens
It started off around 7-8 and after digesting it I give it a solid 9.
I am really enjoying Wall of Eyes…but after the first listen I agree with first couple of songs are harder to get into…almost ambient…but things really get sonically clever and interesting for the balance of the record. Love the second half especially, with Friend of a Friend almost Beatle-esque, and Bending Hectic so ominous in its build and release. I loved the first album, my favourite of 2022, and this is a very worthy follow-up….need to listen to it more, and I will. Certainly reminiscent of A Moon Shaped Pool-era Radiohead (but I take fair point that this is a different band), but the stars of both shows are Johnny’s wonderful orchestrations and, as ever, Thom’s otherworldly voice and phrasing. An important, clever album, not as immediately catchy as A Light For Attracting Attention, to my ears, but somehow deeper and more prescient. Cheers, JPE
This one caught me by surprise and I have to say I really like it. I think it has some really amazing percussive qualities, interesting time signatures but also Thom's vocals do feel stronger and more confident. There is lots to unpack on this one and its going to take a few more listens yet to fully appreciate it, but I really love how awkwardly beautiful it sounds in parts, tense and overbearing, like a dystopian Sgt Peppers for the Covid generation. (**** 4 Stars) currently possibly 4.5
I feel like this is Thom and Johnny’s best record since In Rainbows. Limiting the record to 45 minutes really helped, too. Hell, I think some tracks go on for too long, so it should’ve been shorter.
Some people have commented that the band sounds looser because of the new producer, and there may be something to that.
All in all, I think this is a 9/10 record or an A-.
Just for fun, here is a ranking and rating of each track, which is how I got to my grade:
(Btw, no decimals allowed for individual tracks)
1. Read the Room 5/5
2. Bending Hectic 5/5
3. Under Our Pillows 5/5
4. Friend of a Friend 5/5
5. Teleharmonic 4/5
6. Wall of Eyes 4/5
7. I Quit 4/5
8. You Know Me! 4/5
That’s an overall score of 36/40, which translates to 90%. So, I have four great tracks, one that’s very good, and the bottom three which are good but a little boring. Those should’ve been shorter or at least been infused with more musical ideas.
Joe’s face in the thumbnail is perfect lmao, and good album too, pretty solid! 😂
Teleharmonic is literally awesome. Have to give it another try.
5 stars for me
Nice reviews fellas - I enjoyed the album very much as well - gave it an 8.25 .
I disagree with Jason about the first 2 tracks. Listening now for the first time on headphones, and I must say those two songs really impressed me. Teleharmonic is a beautiful sonic landscape. Shadows of Bon Iver perhaps.
Hail To The Smile! A 9/10 for me. (But please come back Radiohead) Stuart.
I love it!!!!
Yeah it’s great. Don’t mind Jason. - Joe
I think it's a strong album and more cohesive than the 1st. I would have liked more tracks. I don't agree with Joe that it is their strongest project since Hail To The Thief, In Rainbows.
Just my own opinion of course. I like A Moon Shaped Pool a lot too. I like them all apart from Pablo Honey. I remember clearly buying The Bends on CD and playing it for the 1st time and being blown away. I thought it was such a progression from the debut.
I was going with comedy, “levity” you know, “Smile” it made Me FROWN 😂with the exception of the Lovely, Haunting “Wall of Eyes” best wishes for your show
I Quit is one of the most trance inducing songs I've ever heard.
Exactly why I don’t like it. -Jason
@@TastesLikeMusic I get it. I know your taste pretty well. And I'm usually a song writing oriented music fan myself. But Radiohead and The Smile just have something about them that's an indescribable mood for me.
Dig your channel, man. It's my first time commenting, but it doesn't surprise me that you responded. You guys seem very personable! Tell Joe Hey for me.
The first two tracks are excellent. They're growers. I think you'll come around. Personally, I don't hear a weak song on the album. They aren't "bangers," but it's not that kind of album.
I agree that Teleharmonic is not great but I like Wall of Eyes and love, I Quit. So for me it is just one track short of being a five out of five album. I think that the first album would have been a five out of five had it been shortened to ten tracks.
This album, and The Smile in general, have just not quite done it for me yet. Maybe I need another listen but not much about this gripped me very much at all. There were things I liked about it but I didn't quite get over that hump of liking it so I gave it a strong 3 stars.
Jeez. - Joe
@@TastesLikeMusic I know😔
lmao Teleharmonic is unbelievably good
At putting me to sleep.
Go Joe! Fairly easy listening for Tom. I feel this album wont put me in a downward spiral of despair like some of his other stuff, so that's a bonus.
Good call by Joe on Bending Hectic having a “Scott Walker” sound. No doubt influenced by the legend, not only in instrumentation but Yorke’s vocal approach. I caught that first listen. Also: Scott Walker listography when
We’ll find out in 13 hours if he wins the poll. - Joe
Bisch Bosch is his best album, but I’m sure these guys would give it 2 stars or something.
@@echosmyron1278 Opinions are opinions, but I’m right there with you on Bish Bosch. The culmination of all that had come before in the Trilogy.
Walker was in the lead yesterday. As of right now, he’s losing to Cake. The short skirts and long jackets are coming out of the woodwork.
When that burst of strings came in, about 5 minutes into Bending Hectic, I thought of Ligeti. It's no accident that Walker was a fan and that Greenwood has cited him as as influence. I love Greenwood's soundtrack work, more so than the last few Radiohead albums, and I am really getting into this new Smile as well.
Respectfully disagree about the title track. Although I'm with Joe (the album is one of the strongest of the side projects), this track is often on repeat and sets the more introspective, organic, free flowing, ambient tone of this album up front. That paired with the great P.T. Anderson music video, it really captures a sense of alienation and loneliness, of walking down crowded streets and sitting in crowded bars drinking alone.
I can get behind the title track being the weak link here- but Teleharmonic??? One of the most beautiful songs on the album imo. In general this album is a masterpiece imo. At this point, as long as they keep releasing albums, I don’t really need a new Radiohead.
I agree. I liked the first album a lot, and I absolutely love this one. I didn't care for The King of Limbs at all. Some of A Moon Shaped Pool is enjoyable, but I have to be in a VERY SPECIFIC mood. Overall, I actually think that I PREFER The Smile to the last couple of Radiohead albums.
@user-sy5sy2np8r king of limbs quite similar to this one in that I think it starts out extremely poorly with the first few tracks but then is pretty excellent the rest of the way. -Jason
@@TastesLikeMusic I'm not much of a fan of the opening track either. But I don't understand what you DON'T see in Teleharmonic?!? One of my favorites!
@@user-sy5sy2np8r with you on that. First track is really the weakest moment on the album. Teleharmonic hits me right in the heart though - and it only gets better from there. And I actually prefer King of Limbs on Moon shaped pool.
I prefer this new Smile album on both of those.
@@EthanS1481 The string arrangements on this album are more like I WISH that the majority of AMSP sounded. Greenwood has really hit his apex here as far as CINEMATIC sound goes!
i gave this album 3.0 + , i liked it but didnt love it , i did smile a little bit , i am expecting a boost from further listens🐯
True story. Some years ago, as I was going into my local shop, a man carrying a guitar was coming out. He stopped and asked me for directions. I gave them, he said thanks, offered his hand and added, 'I'm Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead, by the way.' I shit you not. It is not for this reason that I shall be giving this album a listen, as the encounter did little to endear me to Radiohead back then because I am, obviously, a barbarian. The cap fits. I'll take it. No, it is because Joe seems keen and Jason not so much, so I have to find out who I agree with most or I won't sleep at night. Plus, I am always open to another chance and new discoveries. Speaking of which, Nine Inch Nails - I'm somewhat underwhelmed so far. It's all so much more contained and controlled than I'd expected. Still hanging in there.
Was it actually Jonny Greenwood? Not sure. Could have been a nutter. I do attract them.
I Iove this album! My fave since In Rainbows. But I quite grew to love A Light FAA. Man, I really like the track Wall of Eyes. Gotta disagree there.
I wonder what it would sound like if Ed, Phil and Collin made an album.
Probably like this
What’s with Oscar the grouch?
Best since HTTT? What about In Rainbows? Joe redeemed himself from demoting Joy Division and Godspeed You! Black Emperor yesterday. Totally agree with Joe on this one.
This album is about half as good as In Rainbows. -Jason
@@TastesLikeMusicit’s not even as good as A Moon Shaped Pool.
I agree. I have that at 4 Stars @@HeyFella
I like it significantly more than In Rainbows, which I don’t like and more than Moon, which had a few good songs but lots of boring ones too. - Joe
I was mostly indifferent to this album. A few “highlights” here and there, I guess, but I’ve never liked Thom Yorke’s vocals enough to feel truly invested in anything that he’s ever done. I did add “Friend of a Friend” to my 2024 playlist, and now I’m going to use the rest of this post to summarize what I got in January 2024.
Albums (5): Folly Group - Down There!; glass beach - plastic death; Infant Island - Obsidian Wreath; Knoll - As Spoken; Slift - Ilion (a PROG/psych rock album!!!)
Playlist songs (22):
Torres - “Collect”
Katy Kirby - “Cubic Zirconia”
Bruiser Wolf - “Dope Boy”
The Smile - “Friend of a Friend”
The Umbrellas - “Game”
Bill Ryder-Jones - “If Tomorrow Starts Without Me”
Inquisition - “Memories Within an Empty Castle in Ruins”
Kali Uchis - “Munekita”
Tapir! - “My God”
Mariam Hackman - “No Caffeine”
Future Islands - “Say Goodbye”
Brown Horse - “Sunfisher”
Superchunk - “Everybody Dies”
Alkaline Trio - “Bad Time”
Arcwelder - “Paul’s Song”
Sleater-Kinney - “Untidy Creature” (man, this band has really fallen off)
Chemtrails - “Business Class War Paint”
Cheekface - “Largest Muscle” (album is so overrated overall, though)
Ty Segall - “Move”
Courting - “Emily G”
Sentries - “How Many Fools Do I Have to Kill?”
🙄
I love the song Friend Of A Friend. And the video is also great. This will most likely be in my list of favorite songs for 2024. It's very Beatle-y and the drumming has a Ringo feel. There are 3 or 4 other songs on Wall Of Eyes that flirt with a more melodic pop approach. I feel Friend of A Friend doesn't shy away from this and stands firmly in it. This album sums up my love/hate with Radiohead. I liked when Radiohead wrote quirky pop tunes with grooves. I also like their experimental stuff but it eventually wore me down. I think the running order on WoE hurts it. The choice of what song leads into what could do a better job of sucking you into the feel of the album. It's amazing what a song you like can do when carrying you into a song that is more challenging. You give it the benefit of the doubt. You carry the good will of the song before it.
2.5 stars (same for the first one). It feels to me like minimalistic version of Radiohead, but song wise it doing nothing to me.
Since HTTT? Really In Rainbows may be their best album and pretty much critically acclaimed by everyone and on many lists it's in the top 10,20 or 30 for best albums of all time and HTTT is a better record, not a chance. You would be the only person on planet earth that feels that way. I do love HTTT and it's probably in my top 5 Radiohead albums but in no fashion is it better than In Rainbows which is a masterpiece.
In rainbows sucks. I got it for free and I still felt ripped off. - Joe
8.5/10 for me. AOTY so far.
This ain’t anywhere near as good as the first Smile album. The Godrich effect 🔥
Nah everyone agrees it’s better. - Joe
Love Nigel but his sound is starting to feel a little played out
@@TastesLikeMusic Whilst that is true, the tunes on the first album are just better, more of them, a better album. It’ll no doubt improve, to my ears, with more listens. 👍
@@dombrown-tz3zu think that it's a grower and gets better the more you play it as takes time to 'get', at least that was the case for me. After 5 or 6 listens now, for me it's as good as the debut, if not better.
The bass line in Read The Room reminds you of 90s Radiohead?? What the hell no Bahahahaha never
Wow. What an album. Prog music like this is less about assessing the individual songs and more about the album as a whole. You guys didn’t like some of the songs but the first two serve as a sort of introduction to the album. Not meant to be traditional songs.
Putting me to sleep doesn’t exactly set up the rest of the album very well.
4.75
Yeah, Joe. Just go listen to Def Leppard, or something else with ZERO depth!..... Ok, I take it back. You surprised me this time!
I’m the complete opposite of Joe on this. It doesn’t sound anything like 90’s Radiohead. There’s none of Thom’s beautiful melodies. The meme of him just moaning vague nonsense is for the first time really appropriate here. He mentioned hooks, but I don’t hear a single one. Don’t get me wrong as a full project-it’s good stuff, but none of the individual songs work in isolation in the way plenty of tracks did off their last record and on prior Radiohead albums. There’s no genuine emotion or catharsis. It’s like an extended mood piece. It’s more about the jazzier sophisticated arrangements and the atmosphere. His voice is being used as an instrument. He’s not driving any of the songs. There’s no moment like Free In The Knowledge here. Yeah it’s more cohesive and tight, but it’s not nearly as memorable.
You sure you’re not listening to In Rainbows by mistake?
- Joe
@@TastesLikeMusic Your issues with In Rainbows are baffling to me. It’s one of their more straightforward records. Everything from Nude as a beautiful melodic ballad to Jigsaw Falling into Place as a fun catchy upbeat rock song-with everything else in between. It’s like you have some resentment of annoying people liking it at the time that you just haven’t let go of.
@HeyFella I wasn’t a very online guy at the time. I just find it incredibly boring and there is nothing fun about it at all. It’s completely bereft of hooks or any interesting moments. - Joe
@@TastesLikeMusic I guess that’s the beauty of music, because we’re somehow hearing two completely different things
When you listen once and don't have burning desire for second listening .
I bet if you spent 26 bucks on the vinyl you would want a second go :)
Whatever that guy did before? You mean Tom Skinner? Referring to Sons Of Kemet like that is crazy. It’s a great, great modern jazz band.
It's called a joke. Ever heard of them?
Your Queen Is A Reptile is awsome! not really listened to the others as much.
@@TastesLikeMusic No need to be cocky. The joke would’ve worked if you said it in the video, but sarcasm through text is very dumb. Failed joke.
SoK is amazing, and live they're incendiary.
Total fail on the "joke"
@@TastesLikeMusic So, the whole Sea of Tranquility thing was a joke too? Please say yes.
I liked it a bit more than the first one, but I don't really want to go back to it. I love Radiohead but the Smile just isn't it.
It’s time for you guys 😂 to be honest YOU DISLIKE JAZZ AND POSSIBLY REGGAE as well!
I don’t love the modal stuff much. I’ll admit that. - Joe
I really, REALLY don't understand people who say this one is better than the first. I really don't get the people who gush about this album at all. It lacks the teeth, the inspiration, the energy of the first one in every way.
Stop comparing this to Radiohead; Radiohead will always come out on the losing end except some later albums. Yes, I don't like Radiohead. My unhip take is that the more ethereal songs are the best, and the funky jams are the worst. Wouldn't buy but it's not bad. 3.5
if you dont like Radiohead you dont like real music
Very compelling argument.
@@jorgekech Go ahead and talk about your other favorites like Backstreet Boys, Westlife, 98 degrees and Girls Generation.
@@TastesLikeMusic Likewise. There are few compelling arguments for liking or disliking most bands. It's very subjective.
@@jorgekechcalling Radiohead as a perfect example of 'real music' is rather stupid. It's like create your own world and an escape of painful reality.
absurdly boring album. Very annoying. criminally annoying.
you are someone who dont like listening real music
@@jorgekechHe probably likes Beyonce...
It's absolute load of rubbish just admit the truth
Nah not even close. - Joe