Jamie’s Radiohead Review

Radiohead – Alpine Valley Amphitheater – East Troy, WI – 8/23/03

First, the obligatory whining, that, I feel, is more than justified:

Alpine Valley’s website and hotline provided the pertinent details for the show (or so it was thought)- gate time, show time, things that were allowed through the gates, and of course, directions. Well, none of these were accurate, to say the least. The directions suggested coming down the country lane, 12/18, crawling in traffic and through the towns that pop up every 15 to 10 miles. While I am one for the scenic route, after all the driving already, I just wasn’t prepared for it. The directions left out one minor detail, one small road. That omission cost about 20 miles. To Alpine Valley’s credit, getting into the venue was quick and painless (when we finally got there).

In the wisdom that comes with experience, we brought libations for the “pre-game”. Thank goodness, the watery barley pops were 7 or 10 bucks a cup. The next A.V. deception was the start times. Steven Malkmus and the Jicks hit the stage by about 6:30 (instead of 7), and most people missed out. That prompted Radiohead to go on well before scheduled and caught many people off guard (especially those caught on the rural highway, lost, or those who may have opted to run back to their cars to put blankets back, because of another last-minute change).

When we got in the gates, it was a mad rush to establish good spots, which were scarce. They were scarce, not because of lack of space, but because of the poor layout of the amphitheater. Most of the 30,000-plus of us were on the lawn (maybe a quarter mile from the stage.) We watched the band on the three screens mounted above the stage canopy, because from the limited tip-toe views, there were big as proverbial ants.

Now, the real reason I was there. Radiohead. The determination of “2+2=5″ seemed a fitting opener as the sun was coming down behind the hills. It became apparent very early in the set that this was a different live Radiohead than the previous times I had seen them. Two undercurrents were driving the show. An air of optimism and positive energy were almost bubbling over the stage and speakers. Second, it felt like the political criticisms, skepticism, and defiance of the new material had spilled over into the whole set to some degree- “…bring down the government, they don’t speak for us”, never rang so true. It was sort of cathartic to have these frustrations released with such passionate artistry.

Radiohead were a well-oiled, flawless, machine. There was little or no fanfare between songs. But it was like each one continued in the breaks, while Thom was ramping up for the next number, like an elf at a rave. This also inspired a dancy feel to the whole show. Not the kind of thing I would normally experience at a show. The vocals were completely sympathetic to the mood of each phrase. Every time I thought Thom was stretching it, he snapped the note right back in line with a smirk. The best example is the taunting of “You and Whose Army.” The intrusive camera, or Yorke, or both, antagonized with a shit-eating-grin, that has become all-to-familiar.

“Paranoid Android” struck me like I had never heard it before. I was blown away by the precision of the distinct string parts. Johnny Greenwood was beyond description. Just to watch him beat the piss out of his plank. It returns all of the abuse with an indignant staccato, and each blow lands perfectly in place. When my jaw wasn’t on the grass, it was flapping along with the vocals.

“Kid A’s” surprising appearance made me wonder, what was more surprising, the fact that they played it, or that you could actually make out some words in the live version? It’s a toss-up. Idioteque, was anticipated, but that song live is worth the price of admission, even if you have to watch Thom flop and flail on a screen. Where’s my glow sticks? The shadows on the backdrops would have made me spit out my beer if I could have afforded it.

Of course, some old favorites came out. “Just” was tight and jolting, and I really don’t think it’s possible to screw up “Fake Plastic Trees,” even though I could have lived without hearing it. “Street Spirit” killed completely. I always like to watch Ed on that one. He and Thom play the same part, but with very different techniques. Ed is unsung. His vocals were spot-on and his guitar and effects support is always outshined by Johnny. Without the textures that he provides, this band would be about half as interesting.

“Lucky” is always one that makes the knees week, especially when I remember what it was like to hear the opening bar at the State Theater a few years ago. That song just sounds right outdoors, though. The strength of the new material was galvanized by the 11 of the 14 Hail tracks Radiohead played. It’s always intriguing to see how they work these things out live.

“Myxamatosis” was one of the one’s I’d wondered about. The bass and Johnny’s keys doubling the funky, dirty lines blended together in a much different kind of stereo than on the album, which really made it memorable.

Colin was more animated than I recall ever seeing him. And despite the serious lack of low end in the mix (save for the loops and electronic tracks) I caught a lot of nuances in his playing I’d not heard before. His lines had a liberation and fluidity that was in tune with the surprising positive energy of the whole performance. I’m used to a little more prescriptive playing from him, which is not a bad thing either.

Phil Selway. Phil Selway. Yes, I had to say it twice. I really take his job for granted until I see them live. If anyone is the glue for the band, it’s Phil. He’s not a terribly complicated or dynamic drummer, but he’s not boring either. Watching him live, it’s evident that he takes care in selecting the appropriate patterns and fills for each song, and you really can’t argue with the choice, unlike some drummers I’ve been listening to lately (Lars).

“There There” was a big highlight. Ed and Johnny on rack toms just gave it bigger swing, while Thom and Colin were all that was needed to carry the melody. It was just the essentials. When the second half drums and guitar kicked in, it was just that much more powerful. Still my favorite track on HTTT, and a nice closer to the first encore.

I’m not a big fan of the second encore opener, “Karma Police”, thanks to the radio/MTV. The uber-excited girlie behind me was however. She was the loudest part of the show-screaming “this is what you get…” at the top of her tar-blackened lungs. But, noticing the Fender Rhodes on stage at the beginning of that last set let me know that “Everything in its Right Place” was coming. I thought it a fitting closer, as literal as the title suggested.

I missed hearing “Pyramid Song,” “The Bends,” or “Let Down,” but I really could not complain about the song choices. I just wished they could’ve played longer. But, after the 2-plus hours of trying to get out of there, I understand the necessity to finish by 10.

It’s tough to judge. I’ve not seen a bad Radiohead show. That’s “unpossible”. It’s tough to top the intimacy of First Ave, the perfect setting of the State Theater, or the most beautiful outdoor venue you can imagine in the Gorge Amphitheater. But as far as content, band energy, organic smells, and sound go, this was so close. I really think it’s the venue that holds it back. I don’t think I will go to another show there, unless I have amazing seats and don’t have to drive 10 hours to get there. This trip was worth it because it was Radiohead. One of the most important things I take from this show is, based on how inspired this band looked, I think Radiohead is rejuvenated and will have more to offer where this came from.