Radiohead
Roseland Ballroom
New York
October 11, 2000

On the title track of Radiohead's triumphant 1995 album The Bends, lead singer Thom Yorke questioned his own popularity: "Who are my real friends?" At the time these words were written, the band was transforming itself from a one-hit wonder into contemporary rock's most vital act. Back then, before the glowing critical success of the band's 1997 OK Computer, Yorke had to wonder if he had any friends at all.

But as Yorke sang the same words Wednesday night at Roseland Ballroom in New York, his question was rendered moot by thousands of fans crying back in adulation. These were fans who waited outside all night for tickets after the band announced the New York show just a few days ago. These were fans who then waited again before the show in a Moscow-style line to pick up the tickets and get into the venue. And more importantly, these were the fans who catapulted the band's brand new album Kid A to No. 1 on Billboard's album chart the morning of the show.

Radiohead took three years to produce Kid A - an album that takes the experimental edge of OK Computer and turns it into a mantra of post-rock exploration. Thusly, the expectations surrounding the album's release were unusually high. Right up until then, in fact, it seemed like the big question surrounding Yorke and Radiohead was no longer whether they have friends but whether they could keep the friends they've already made.

If the New York gig was any indication, Radiohead is in fine shape. Dividing their time evenly between tracks from the new album, OK Computer and The Bends, as well as a few unreleased songs, the band members illustrated just how well their present songwriting blends with the more straightforward tunes of the past. The driving bass of "The National Anthem," which opened the show, matched nicely with the crunchy lead guitar line of "Airbag." Likewise, Yorke's heavenly croon on "How To Disappear Completely," worked beautifully as a prelude to his vocal acrobatics on "Paranoid Android."

Radiohead must be given credit for the ability to transform even its most over-produced studio number into an incredibly full-sounding live song. The first track on Kid A, "Everything In Its Right Place," served as a delicious set closer, with guitarist Jonny Greenwood playing warm synth lines alongside Yorke's digitally altered voice. Equally impressive was the drumming of Phil Selway, who brought incredible energy and precision to songs such as "My Iron Lung," "Talk Show Host" and "Idioteque."

Yorke, of course, was still the main focus of the show. Though his voice faltered at a few moments - as in a so-so rendition of "Airbag" - his gentle wailing called to mind the great voice of Roy Orbison on more than one occasion. On "How To Disappear Completely," his vocals sailed along perfectly, side by side with the band's gentle orchestration. And during the evening's final two songs, "The Pyramid Song" and "Motion Picture Soundtrack," Yorke again proved his unique ability to create a melody completely unfamiliar but entirely inviting.

While the band will play again in New York this week during the taping of Saturday Night Live, fans will have to trek to either Toronto or Los Angeles to catch the band's only other full shows in North America. Rumor has it Radiohead will return to the studio this winter to complete their next album, which should be out before summer 2001. For the sake of Yorke's friends, let's hope the band decides to spend a little more time in the States after that.

Ben French

Nude As The News
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