Those of you who know me also know that I’m a little bit of a Radiohead fan. Ok… I’m actually a HUGE Radiohead fan. I saw them 4 times in 2008, and tried to see them in 2012 but unfortunately the stage tragically collapsed in Toronto and killed their drum technician.

In honor of their new album that just came out called “A Moon Shaped Pool,” and the fact that I’m simply excited to go see them in Montreal this summer at Osheaga, I’ve decided to assemble a something of a Clarinet Radiohead Tribute. We’ll call it “Reediohead,” if you will.

Here are five great performances of Radiohead’s music by clarinetists!

5. Sean Perrin “Motion Picture Soundtrack”

Ok, this one is a shameless plug, so I’ll put it in fifth place. Last year I did an arrangement for Clarinet and piano of one of the most gorgeous songs off my favorite album of all time: Motion Picture Soundtrack from Radiohead’s masterpiece “Kid A.” The music was inspired by Christopher O’Riley’s re-imagination for piano, and was recorded by my wife (piano) and I (clarinet) as part of a Digital EP called “Souvenir” that we recorded as a wedding gift for our guests. I hope you like it!

4. Raffi Altounian Quintet “Paranoid Android”

I don’t know much about these artists, and while the playing is a little rough around the edges here, and sadly it sounds like it was recorded with a potato, these guys deserve some serious credit for pulling some great energy out of what is normally an iconic rock anthem with their unusual instrumentation of Clarinet, Guitar, Violin, Bass and drums.

This arrangement adds just the right amount of personality, with its creative orchestration and subtle moments of improvisation giving a fresh sound without ever trying to overshadow the brilliance of the song, which is surely one of the finest moments of songwriting in the late 20th century. Definitely worth a listen.

3. Tinfoil Umbrella “Creep” (Warning: Strong Language)

Of all the ways I might imagine Radiohead’s famous “Creep” to be covered by fans, acoustic guitar and clarinet might be the very last. Tinfoil Umbrella does just this, however, and pulls off a fantastic, light, folk-like rendition that puts an entirely new spin on an early 90s classic.

Be warned, in spite of its light-hearted nature, the language used here is NOT the clean radio edit. This video contains some strong language.

2. Edmund Welles “Creep” (Live)

Edmund Welles has long been known as the “heavy rockers” of the bass clarinet world. If you’ve never checked out their album “Agrippa’s 3 Books” I challenge you to give it a listen, you might love what you find, and you might not. But either way, you’ll never look at the bass clarinet the same way again. These guys are creative geniuses that have carved out their niche in a familiar genre with perhaps the most unlikely instrument imaginable.

In stark contrast to the breezy cover above, Edmund Welles’s version of Creep sticks to the heavy rock feel of the original tune, perhaps even taking it a bit further. They clearly know how to really play, and take advantage of many contemporary extended techniques for the bass clarinet in a way that puts an exciting and invigorating spin on the song like I’ve never heard before.

1. Jimmy Hasting with Radiohead “Life In a Glasshouse” (Live)

The number one spot on this list goes to the one and only Jimmy Hastings who not only had the pleasure of appearing on the studio version of Life In A Glass House on Radiohead’s 2001 album “Amnesiac”, but also had the chance to perform it live with the band here. He was even introduced personally by Thom Yorke as he came to the stage.

This song famously features an intensely dystopian New Orleans jazz feel, and while it is one of the darkest songs I can think of, it is brought to a surreal climax with the arpeggiated clarinet figures leading the way. To my knowledge, this is the only time the band has performed the full version of the song live, but hey Radiohead if you ever need anyone to sub in on this gig I may know someone who’d be SUPER interested! Just saying.

As a side note, does anyone know Jimmy or have a way to reach him? I’d LOVE to have him on the podcast. I’ll send you a T-shirt for getting me in touch!

What do you think of this list? Have you done a Radiohead cover on your clarinet that you’d like to share? Post below and share your thoughts!

Thanks for reading and happy playing!

Another one: Chloe Feoranzo “No Surprises” 1930s style cover

Since I posted this the wonderful Chloe Feoranzo has shared this unbelievably brilliant performance of No Surprises in a 1930s jazz style. She even sings the verses. Amazing work. I’d love a whole album of Radiohead tunes like this. Enjoy!