Everything In Its Right Place: A Conversation with Brad Osborn Published by on

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Most fans would agree that OK Computer and beyond represents the band’s best work, but have you ever stopped to consider why this is from a musical perspective? Today on the podcast I’m joined by Brad Osborn, who is the author of a book called “Everything In Its Right Place: Analyzing Radiohead.” We discuss the band’s creative use of song forms, musical timbres, and, most interestingly how they choose to combine elements in ways that push the boundaries, but never quite break them. We also reach an amazing realization about why “Lift” may never have made it onto OK Computer.

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Glossary and Mentions

Presented in chronological order.

Discussion Topics

[1:50] – Brad’s Musical Past

His mother made him take piano and band

Started drumming at a young age

Got into Radiohead around Kid A

The ease of falling in love with music when young

[4:27] – Everything In Its Right Place: Analyzing Radiohead

Story time from Sean

Does Radiohead’s music have value compared to the historical greats such as Bach?

Review of songwriting sections and forms: verse, chorus, bridge, intro, outro

[9:01] – Radiohead’s Unique use of Musical Form

Karma Police and the Terminally Climactic Form

As Radiohead makes song form more complex, other elements become less complex (or vice versa)

Perceptual energy and “The Goldilocks Zone”

Is this the true genius of Radiohead?

[14:33] – The True Brilliance of Radiohead

Lift would have been Radiohead’s last attempt at a “normal” song form

Nigel Godrich’s role in the band, especially influence on song form

The “gestation” period for Radiohead songs

Does Godrich “focus” the band’s efforts?

“Pablo Honey could have been written by Oasis or Blur

The risk of exploring song forms

The “absent tonic”

[27:20] – Is the band Aware of the Techniques they are using?

Thom Yorke is one person, but millions have made their own interpretations, the latter is more important

Short answer: no

If they don’t then how?

The songwriting forms of In Rainbows

[30:20] – Why doesn’t Radiohead write longer songs?

It’s just not their thing, it might leave the “Goldilocks Zone”

Through-composed form

What are some examples of Radiohead songs that use this technique

The delayed “catchiness” of Radiohead songs

Idioteque is Brad’s all-time favourite song of theirs

[38:30] – Considering past and future

Which song from the past most influenced their future?

Which song from the present is most reminiscent of their past?

Which song from their latest album gives a hint to their future?

[42:06] – Which came first, Clive or the complex drum parts?

The poly rhythm on The King of Limbs

Clive’s inclusion in the band

Other band members performing

[44:30] – Listener Questions

Who do you think influences the band today?

Thom and Johnny have very different influences Do you plan on writing more about Radiohead?

Brad needs a Radiohead break Have you had access to the band for your research?

Sadly no, but Johnny has a copy of the book What was the first album that you purchased?

Pearl Jam – Versus What bands do you think are following Radiohead’s footsteps?

Mue and Bjork, sadly he hasn’t heard any new ones with the same vision

[49:48] – Lighting Round

What are three other bands Radiohead fans should check out?

Mue

Bjork

Dirty Projectors What is a passion outside of Radiohead that you have?

Climbing and being outdoors What is something you do on a regular basis that you feel leads to your success?

Read a lot and listen a lot. What is something that you do that’s unique amongst your friends?

Not worrying about publishing.