speed of dark

After alt-gramma mentioned my many versions of Punch Up At A Wedding, I started to compose another Radiohead post in my head, wherein I compared and contrasted each version, discussing the differences in the composition, tempo, and verses of each. But then I couldn't find my favorite version, which is a live set and is by far the most impressive and moving recording of this song. So then I contemplated...what to do? My course of action is clear: to post more live recordings of Radiohead songs, new and old alike.

The original version of A Punchup at a Wedding is on hail to the thief. The recording below is from West Palm Beach, Florida, in 2003. This is not my favorite recording of this song, and I'm very disappointed that I cannot find the one I like best. I'll keep looking.

radiohead: a punchup at a wedding [live west palm beach 2003]

Like Spinning Plates comes from the amazing amnesiac disc, and is especially unique because Thom sang this song backwards, lending it a very weird sound and making the lyrics nearly impossible to decipher. However, in this live recording from the Greek Theatre in Los Angeles in June 2006, Thom sings the words in the right order but retains the odd pronunciation as in the backwards version. Beautiful song.

radiohead: like spinning plates [live los angeles 2006]

The song Big Ideas [Don't Get Any] is probably recognized by anyone who saw Radiohead's DVD, meeting people is easy. It was played at live shows in the mid to late 1990's, originally intended for release on OK Computer, but did not make the final cut (obviously). Recently, the song has been somewhat resurrected in a new form, and is titled Nude. It is one of my favorite live recordings, in no small part thanks to the great line, "you'll go to hell for what your dirty mind is thinking".

radiohead: nude [live boston 2006]

Enjoy these tracks and come back for more before the end of the week.