Radiohead: Paranoid Android REACTION & ANALYSIS | The Daily Doug (Episode 362)
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- čas přidán 23. 03. 2022
- #Radiohead #ParanoidAndroid
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm listening to Paranoid Android by Radiohead. The song is from Radiohead's landmark 1997 album OK Computer. The song and album take inspiration from elements of Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, as the band tackles alarming societal trends including consumerism and our increasing social and emotional isolation from each other. The song's form takes unexpected twists and turns, and I very much enjoyed being along for the ride. I hope you enjoy!
Reference Video: • Paranoid Android (Rema...
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I loved watching your face as some of these changes went by. And it was fun knowing what was coming. I remember hearing Thom Yorke compare this to "Happiness is a Warm Gun," which is another song that feels longer than it is because it has so many sections.
Mike Masse! The man, the legend!
Hi Mike! Big fan of your work.
@@Doug.Helvering Hi Doug! Likewise. I've enjoyed your Genesis and Yes reactions in particular.
Mike, your and Jeff's version of this classic song is simply amazing. Hard to imagine pulling off such an ambitious song with just two guys. czcams.com/video/NVvdjEb0QdA/video.html
Holy F Mike Masse and Doug in the same comment thread! 😭 My life is complete. This is absolute gold
When I first read a review about OK Computer, it was described as the "Dark Side of The Moon of the 90s". Being a huge Pink Floyd fan, I huffed and said, "whatever". Then I listened to it and said, "I get it."
Indeed, it isn't a *copy* of DSotM, but it's groudbreaking in the same way that DSotM was.
@@garanceadrosehn9691 My thoughts exactly. And in the same way DTOTM was hailed as the Sgt. Pepper of the 70s.
I recognise that feeling, ‘how could it possibly be as good?’ And then it was!
Great analogy
It's better than Dark Side of the Moon
You really should listen to “How to disappear completely”. I’m not sure if it still is but for quite a long time it was Thom Yorke’s own officially stated favourite Radiohead song.
I second that 💪🏻🙏🏻 especially the Live version 😎
@@in_differ_ence need to pick the live version carefully. Make sure it’s a full band version. There are some on CZcams without drums, electric guitar and bass. Still a cool song in that format but without Phil, Ed and Colin it’s not quite the same.
"How to disappear completely", "Fake Plastic Trees", and "Let Down" are all songs that literally bring tears to my eyes every time I hear them.
Yes
I second this - and like spinning plates, especially the live piano version.
I think their decision to not resolve in expected ways is meant to keep the listener feeling uneasy, which really enhances the message of the song.
Completely! Also, I think Thom and Johnny might be students of Miles (as mentioned) and Coltrane.
@@MarcosElMalo2 They have given props to both and Alice Coltrane as well.
A real classic! These days Jonny Greenwood is a respected film composer. This band are incredibly musically literate and unique.
Jonny did the film score for "There Will Be Blood". Outstanding.
Pyramid Song is probably the one I'd most like to see you check out
yes
That rhythm that snaps from “wtf” to “oh”
This is definitely a song he must react, this is radiohead at their proggiest moment
@@zinAab79 Definitely not. Their jazziest moment more like it. Paranoid Android is as proggy as it gets for RH
i agree
It must be beautiful how a person like Doug listens to music and the world.
it's all math :)
kinda the opposite for me, seems a lot more magical when you don't know the theory, in my experience
@@maxseth1 As a musician myself, when you, and more important, your ear knows a lot, "" "normal""" music gets less interesting, maybe predictable. But when a song like this appears, and your attention is sharp enough to notice all the mechanics constantly changing... Well, there's Doug, mindblowed
@@DvdVsMz totally agreed
I feel sorry for musicians, it's literally just math. Everything that isn't complex is boring to them, they lost the ability to enjoy what they love and just become gatekeepers
Hey Doug...for the record, "How To Disappear Completely" the band itself has stated as THEIR favorite song. And as a music lover, it's commonly referenced as probably the most majestic thing they've ever created. The strings in it are otherwordly. Definitely worth a segment.
Couldn’t agree more
Its not the bands favourite song... it was thom yokes favourite song in 2001. Im pretty sure it would have changed by now.
too well known although superb
Radiohead's masterpiece album. I listened to it every day in 1997. It brings back pleasant memories from that summer. I really hope we get to explore more songs from O.K. Computer.
Kids A is better.
@@peachmelba1000 No.
@@peachmelba1000 Yeah it's a competition..
Your ego wins.
@@francescoli306 Whoa, Jan, come on. You're casting some very baseless aspersions. How did you reach the conclusion you made from my truly anodyne declaration?
Me Too .. I was 24 and played it constantly.
You need to just do the album as a whole. It’s one of the best of all time. No weak spots.
Thom Yorke's voice is unparalleled in terms of color, quality and emotion. It does something to you 💜
He’s got an excellent range and can hold the high notes. “Creep” being one.
I remember in college I was dating this girl who was both a radiohead fan and loved the hitchhikers guide to the galaxy series, but absolutely refused to believe me when i said the album and specifically paranoid android was inspired by the books, and even karma police was inspired by the books (a single throwaway line in so long and thanks for all the fish i believe).. She steadfastly refused to believe me and it was playful bickering about it for a few weeks until I finally grabbed a copy of the book and highlighted the words "marvin the paranoid android" and handed it to here.... she broke up with me that day :D
side note.. this song is hands down one of the most amazing songs to test good audiophile headphones on. There are no words to describe the differences between what you think the song sounds like, and what it actually sounds like on killer cans.
I’ve always thought of Radiohead as chemists. LOVE that band. At the end of the day their music articulates what is true about every human being on this planet: you can’t put me in a box because even I don’t know who I am or where I’ll go, so it would certainly be ignorant of you to try.
"Burn The Witch," "Karma Police," "Pyramid Song," "Everything In Its Right Place," "How To Disappear Completely," "The National Anthem," "Identikit"... they have a massive amount of brilliant songs to check out. You could do full album dives of "OK Computer," "KID A," and "A Moon-Shaped Pool" (which are my three favorite albums... and ALL brilliant) Cheers!
Played "A Moon Shaped Pool" today, for the millionth time. It's so beautiful. As I said to Doug, for me, they can do no wrong. Amazing band.
In Rainbows as well is fantastic especially the basement session and the other basement session from the King Of limbs.
@@cosmiccat6708 Totally agree. "Moon-Shaped Pool" might be their most underrated album" absolutely gorgeous. a haunting masterpiece.
@@jameshannagan4256 Absolutely. Love both those albums too.
@@johnmavroudis2054 A masterpiece indeed.
One of the best albums of all time. And I'm a metal head!
Fun fact the song is featured in one of all time best animes, Ergo Proxy
Paranoid Android can take a whole lifetime to unpack
I was lucky enough to see Radiohead perform this live a couple of times in the late 90's. It was arguably better than the record and slightly more unhinged in places. Such an incredibly talented band.
What a great video! You truly made my day, man.
Sorry if my English is bad btw. I'm Dutch, so...
Anyways, I gotta tell you... About an hour ago, after a long day's work (9 am - 9 pm) I was doing one last chore around the house before I could put my feet up and enjoy a nice night off. I looked on my phone and saw there was soon to be uploaded video of you watching Paranoid Android. And mannnnnn, it put a big fat smile on my face.
Thank you so much.
I really enjoy the videos. Please keep it up.
Van der graaf generator is een geweldige band als je die kent. Moest er aan denken door je naam
@@justsomejusstsome8994 Bedankt voor de tip. Ik zal het snel eens gaan luisteren!
I grew up with Radiohead and when ok computer released it was a mind blown moment. My favourite band of all time and for me Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood are especially unique.
I humbly believe that you must have, or at least had in some time, a troubled mind to fully grasp what's being emotionally described in this song. For a person that struggled with depression and anxiety in the past, I can't think of a better way to put all the turmoil caused by the rush of emotions, that sometimes propel you and sometimes freeze you, all at the same time. It's true agony.
This is an amazing piece of music, but it's not easy to endure.
Marvin the paranoid android : "brain the size of a planet and they ask me to make the tea..."
What an absolute beaut of an album. The Bends was a HUGE album at the time but OK Computer was a SHOCKINGLY great album. Ah man! those were the days!
I have studied much of Radiohead's lyrics. This song has been slow to figure it all out, like over 15 years of trying to put my finger on it exactly. I feel I'm close, but the thing that Thom Yorke said about this song always sticks with me as the biggest clue, He said (paraphrasing from memory) he accidently bumped into a woman at a bar (clip seen in the music video) and they became furious. He said the look in her eyes was terrifying and that he will never forget seeing what he saw in that woman's angry eyes. This song's meaning hovers around our reactions to other strangers and our relationship with them.
This song is so great and has so many layers that it is funny to watch Doug’s face when the sections are changing.
Thom Yorke rewrote the rules of melody, harmony and rhythm. And now they’re better than they ever were before.
This album has some of my favorite memories of the early 2000s. I used to love listening to this album while I was living in Japan. The dystopian soundscapes and the awkward feeling of the album met a new resident's insecurities and gave me a familiar escape. This track, has been the first track I play on every computer/phone/sound system since.
I was 24 when OK Computer was released. I played it constantly. Beautiful, dystopian .. almost prophetic.
Ok Computer is one of the masterpieces of recorded music by one of the greatest bands.
cant wait to see your face expressions listening to "Everything in Its Right Place" hahahaha
I'm 62, and I feel like Radiohead is one of the most sonically interesting bands to come along in many years. They are incredible live! Glad I discovered them some years ago. OK Computer is definitely one of best, if not the best, rock album of the 90s.
These videos are always amazing.. thanks for all the insight
Absolutely insane composing by Greenwood. It's pure genius dragging the listener along.
This is fast becoming my favorite CZcams channel. The sheer joy in discovering these songs, along with the brilliant analysis of both the music and the lyrics, literally brings a tear to my eye. It reminds me of the handful of professors I had many, many (many!) years ago who were so brilliant and captivating that it was impossible not to want to learn more.
YES! You are now infected with the Radiohead bug. This entire album deserves your analysis and many repeated listens. Greenwood is a pioneer, whose work increases with complexity over the years. I cannot wait for more.
This music video had my hypnotized as a teenager watching MTV at night. It came on at least every other night. So nuts to still hear it to this day with the same power to blow my mind.
I'm only half way through, and this is a brilliant reaction. This was great!
This is my absolute favorite album ever. Got it in the midt 90's and stil have it... the song is ... so beautiful. Was then, and still is now.
I've always loved this récord but hearing your explanations makes me like It even more!
What a great reaction! So interesting and fun to watch. I LOVE Radiohead and this is probably my favorite song of theirs.
Man. What a band. Even if you hate their music, you gotta respect they always followed the art. That would be my ideal band to be in!
Your reaction to Daily Mail was so superb, I'm beyond delighted that you did this. Thank you...
Love this video, it just amazes me how people can come up with these chords, melodies, lyrics, if you really listen, it is so intricate, I stand in awe of these people, I so wish I had their talent.
Yours is the most cogent analysis of this song I have heard. Great reaction.
Another fantastic analysis and breakdown Doug - always great reactions! Keep up the great job 👍🎼😎
I love you videos man, and the fact you could follow a radiohead song harmonically in your head without an instrument(which is what I would need to reference) is pretty fucking amazing. I’ve said it before, I strive to have an ear as good as your.
I’m not a huge Radiohead fan but this album is one of the best of all time in my opinion. The writing, the musicianship, the ethereal experience and all most every song is a hit. Just a fantastic album.
If you think it’s one of the best albums of all time how come you’re not a huge fan? :)
@@1jmiddyI mean I think The Strokes debut album “Is This It” is one of the best albums of all time but I’m not really that big of a Strokes fan. What I’m trying to say is that even if a band makes a good album that doesn’t mean you HAVE to like their whole discography.
I once heard that the line "Kicking, Squealing, Gucci, Little, Piggy" was a diss at the Spice Girls.
Also Radiohead are responsible for introducing me to my two favourite bands Pink Floyd and Muse. I started listening to Radiohead about 20 years ago at university. I read up on them and saw the comparisons between DSOTM and OK Computer and started listening to PF and was hooked.
At the same time I had a friend who said if I liked Radiohead I should give Muse a listen. So I did. I hear Thom Yorke doesn't like Muse though. 😞
Reference to Spice Girls?! D: Mind Blown.
I'd like to think that they had more important things to think about than dissing the spice girls.
Nice to see someone else who appreciates all three bands as much as me
@@cloudtowerphotography815 So would I, but great art responds to, and reflects the world around it, and Paranoid Android was released three months after the Spice Girls stole the Brit Awards show, featuring Geri Halliwell in "that" Union Jack dress. I can certainly see Thom having an opinion about the biggest UK pop act at the time wearing a half Union Jack/half CND symbol dress at the biggest UK music industry event.
@@vurogj OK Computer was recorded between September and October 1996 though.
The album I return to the most. One of the best bands I've seen live (out of 100s) and the soundtrack band of my life. Great analysis and reaction fella
Damn Doug!
So glad I found your channel.
Your so great to watch and see the facial reactions.
Keep it up mate.
Love it.
So, I was 13 years old when this album broke the sound wall back in 1997, and I had just started taking guitar lessons. My best friend and I went to this classical guitar dude once a week, and we would bring songs that we liked, so he could put down the tabs and teach us how to sort of play them. First week we brought an Oasis song, next week we brought a Blur song. Third week we brought THIS fucking song, and I never thought I'd see the look on his face replicated. So thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking me back to the sweet nineties for a moment, Doug :D
Great watch! I believe this song is about the fall of the roman empire, by the way. Just like that haha
I have listened to this song hundreds of times and saw them do it live in Warrington, UK circa 2000 on the Big Tent tour they did. Still to this day it blows me away the same as it it did the first time I heard it. I think it's important when listening to songs off OK computer to consider them in the context of the album as well, the album tells a story to the listener.
Privileged to see them live at their 'Homecoming' gig in Oxford back in the day. When it came to 'Rain Down' the heavens opened and we were deluged by a rainstorm of almost biblical proportions. An unforgettable moment in an unforgettable show. This is one of my favourite Radiohead tracks.
I was there too- never seen rain like it!
That reminds me how it was raining during their setup at Osheaga (Montreal), and it was their In Rainbows tour period... and the clouds literally parted and a huge rainbow appeared right at the beginning of their set. It was epic.
I was there with him at South Park. An incredible day with an incredible band. Unforgettable.
I'm from Oxford but didn't get to South Park. I was at Glastonbury in 1997 and have seen some of them around (early 00's).
THANK YOU DOUG!
Radiohead 'Bloom' From The Basement is an interesting one - sounds like it's falling apart any second, but at the same time makes total sense. There's also a version of Bloom with Hans Zimmer for Blue Planet II
hey, i liked hearing your thoughts on this one. i've heard this song over 100 times so it's cool for me to hear other perspectives on it
Doug I’ve been watching a load of your videos and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed listen to music with you, especially Pink Floyd etc..
However, your reaction in this was priceless, this song really speaks to Thom’s unique creativity 👍🏻
Amazing reaction!!! so cool to see someone share analysis of the music theory (which we know Radiohead harmonically are fascinating) - and the lyrics - while still appreciating the feel of the music at the same time 👌🏻 10/10 sir
Awesome dissection of an awesome song
Yes, what a beautiful band.
Imagination seems to have no limits with certain bands.
The chromatic compositions and lyrics that build a living and breathing being reveal much of what they think.
On the contrary, other bands seem to build a Frankenstein that despite being alive is actually dead.
At the end of this song we witness something unusual; a revelation of a harmony of elements that seem to emerge from a chilling sensibility.
So raw, so down to earth, a vivid release from the black human ghosts.
The are some great interviews out there, particularly with Ed O'Brien, and he basically doesn't know any music theory, and they really just do thing to serve the song, no ego, just pure inspiration
Johnny is well versed in music theory.
Ed O'Brien doesn't write songs
This music video is phenomenal and so are the live performances of this song. Very impressive live
Please do "the Daily Mail (from the basement) from Radiohead.
Man.. There's just too many.. And Radiohead are.. I have no words.
They make everything else seem sort of ordinary..? and the emotion they convey in ALL of their songs is just amazing.
Hi Doug. Truly amazed by your knowledge of music theory first demonstrated to me in your Radiohead "Daily Mail" video. Would love to see more videos like that, you behind a piano demonstrating, in this instance, "functional tonality" and how "Paranoid Android" goes against that. That "Daily Mail" video is one of my top 10 CZcams videos of all-time, across all topics/genres! Cheers!
Very pleased to see more analysis of Radiohead's work by your well informed self. I'd love to see your appraisal of their song Bodysnatchers, recorded live on Later with Jools.
The whole record is a masterpiece. This is the outpost of its ambition, and the anchor track, one in the same. Just beautiful.
There are a few albums in my life that seriously blew my brains out and Ok Computer is the best fitting example of those few, every single section of every song never lost any of it’s mystery , cleverness and relevancy since it’s release about 25 years (?!!!) ago . I was 18 and just started my first year of college , I was impressed by their previous record the Bends but when we put this album in the cd player at our dorm it just completely broke all our expectations . Boom there you go, alternative music changed forever and lifted to new grounds… thank you for your very well thought out reaction , maybe check another one of Ok Computer. A favorite of mine that I still listen to frequently is Subterranean Homesick Alien , the atmosphere on it is just magical .
Loving your appreciation of this Doug, so many people just don't grok how masterful Thom Yorke's composition is, and that's before we get to some of the ridiculous vocal control he has. I would absolutely love if you would be willing to look at some of his solo work, under Thom Yorke.
Hey Doug, this is one of the few that was a first listen for me as well. But I know that will not be my last listen to Radiohead. Thanks for opening my eyes to a great song and band!
I envy you so much you have so much greay music to discover one thing you should know is that all their albums sound quite different from one another I would highly recommend the two stellar basement sessions live in the studio.
Hey! We still need more Radiohead! 😄Recently came upon your videos and I enjoy your perspective. As for a suggestion, Radiohead Live from the Basement - Codex is a track I think you would enjoy.
I love watching when Doug's mind is being blown by unusual or rule-bending uses of music theory!
Yes. This was one of my favorite songs of my formative years. Excellent.
This just soooo dense both musically and lyrically, yet still it maintains some sort accessibility. Awesome album.
I remember the video to this, you couldn't predict where that was going as well!
This song is classic Radiohead and your reactions were excellent! They’re chord progressions are extremely interesting at times! Such emotional music. 😊
They are chord progressions
I love your videos. When i was doing my dual hons Music and Music technology, we had a lecturer who was a classical composer for stage/tv and film quite famous in some circles though i wont name drop, anyways for our first year music theory and composition classes it was year was when Paranoid Android/OK:C came out and it was one of the songs i brought in (we all got to bring in songs or music pieces to deconstruct) its quite cool seeing you mention some of the same things he pulled out of the music. He loved it BTW he said he was buying the album after class.
12:20 "Than functional tonality dictates". Music theory is a wonderful thing, as long as it's *descriptive*, but it sometimes tends to become *prescriptive* (and often from a western classical point of view) and in my opinion it goes wrong there. Theory can't prescribe how you should write a song, it should hand you the tools to write a song and to communicate amongst musicians. It can give examples of how you could write a song, what chord progressions work etc. But it should only be there to help the composer, inspire to be creative. I guess that's why there are musician that are weary of music theory, because they're afraid it limits them. I don't think that's necessarily true, but I do understand where this thought comes from. I hope that videos like this help musicians to understand the value of knowing (some) music theory, because the more tools you have for grabs, the more you can utilize to be creative with.
Like any art form, if you are good enough, the rules are there to be broken.
@@timcliffsmith the question if there are any "rules". I think a lot of things are just conventions based on observation of often used concepts.
Sometimes I think it's ok to speak of a "rule", for example that C, E and G form a C major chord. That we call it major is a convention, but that the notes together have a specific relation is undeniable. It helps to give chords names that make some sense (although how we name them is a convention).
In terms of composition, I wonder if we should speak to much of "rules". A G7 doesn't have to resolve in a C even when that is used a lot. We can describe what happens, but can't prescribe that a G7 must resolve in a C. There are many options. Theory can help us understanding that. But nothing more. In my opinion.
@@marcvolgers8352 I know nothing about music (beyond listening to it), but of course you are right. 'The word 'rules' implies externality, when often they are reified conventions.
I used to write before learning theory. It's only helped. Not because it's prescribed what I should do... but actually developed the connection between the instruments, my ear and my imagination. If you're learning music theory properly, you are effectively ear training more and more abstract concepts, which then allows you to compose and improvise much more fluently. Often inspiration strikes quick, and so searching for what we hear for too long might actually crash the inspiration wave.
@@memetherapy I identify a lot with what you say! When I was 16, I started playing guitar and wanted to write metal songs. Learned a few chords from my dad. Never had any form of training, other then from the tab books I got from the library. Over time I learned theory. I never was anti-theory, but just wanted to make music.
In hindsight, not sure if this was the best method, but it kinda worked for me ;-). But theory really helped my understanding what I did and what I could do even more!
Love those moments where you just absent mindedly whispered "wow". A truly magical composition.
This was the first album I can remember buying. Completely changed my perspective on music. I'm eternally grateful to these fine gentlemen.
Wow you're quick at analysing the modulation keys ❤
this song makes twists my gut... im f...ng love it
My favorite Marvin story involves him being left behind on a barren planet while the rest of the crew (Arthur, Ford, Zaphod, Trilian (I think that's her name)) travel through time.
Well, they end up leaving Marvin on the planet for 7 times the length of the universe. Even worse, something happened to Marvin (can't recall) that shortens one of his legs, so that for all that time, Marvin walks in a circle, and every so many billion years, changes direction. You can see why he's so depressed.
it's funny. i don't understand chords/a minor/d/etc and i never will - that's why i watch you. but your facial expressions and body movements are exactly what i do when i listen to the amazing radiohead. it just shows it gets you inside whether you know the technicals like you sir, and when you just hear it as a fan. good work - i've looked forward to this one.
If it's something you'd like to understand, try 3 or 4 videos about music theory and you'll be up to speed, no problem.
Learning the language of music is way easier than learning a spoken language.
@@SamRoads always a good idea to learn at least the basics so you can better understand what he's talking about, but without the experience of playing an instrument or singing, that's all it will do.
The guitar from Jonny reminds me of the zither Anton Karas played on the score for The Third Man. I certainly get the feeling of being isolated and alien, because I've never felt like I fit in anywhere. Probably why I so like and identify with this band and their music. Lately I've been listening to bands like Radiohead and The Flaming Lips. Music that was happening in the 90's while I was too busy pretending to be what I thought was an adult. Just trying to catch up on what I missed now. In 2024 I've never felt more connected, and more alone.
One of my
Absolute favorites.
this song gives me chills
Yup! I agree! There's a lot of things in common between Dark Side and OK Computer. A sick society that demands you to follow what they want, no matter what. Two of my favourites bands, by the way. Great video! Great job, dude! Excuse my awful english, I am from Brazil.
Twice I've sobbed like a baby during a gig, first was pink floyd at earls Court, that note from dave gilmour " comfortably numb solo and the second was this at Glastonbury " 97 phenomenal
Saw this live on tv years ago. It was an instant wow, for me.
The look of surprise and joy Doug wears on his face throughout this video is priceless.
“Rain down”, the ability to take pain and suffering and asking for more
Yeah! One of my all time favorite albums.
Thanks for reminding me how great this song is
Hey Doug, loved your impressions and going through this song with you. Again a piece I knew and have listened to before, but it's always fascinating to hear your views.
I was thinking, could it be that the chord progression is moving a "half step below where expected" as a means to express depression? I may be reading too much into this, judging by some of the other comments, but thematically that'd be super clever!
I love this , they are amazing ❤
Loved it: Changing cromatics :) so soothing... section 3 is a prayer
I love this album with all my heart.
When I heard that key riff on 'Creep' back in the day I knew these guys be a band we'd talk about 25 years later. Funny you mention Thom's vocal colour, we both have a neurological condition called synesthesia, which I think helps see their music in a different way.
Loved this reaction. You seemed to be quite into the song. I've always been a fan of how the guitar is so deftly weaved into the song
AMAZING song and band!!!