Radiohead is arguably best known for their textured soundscapes and skillful experimentation (not to mention, their infamous pay-what-you-want scheme). Nevertheless, their back catalog includes a number of hauntingly brilliant-yet-minimalistic, piano-centric songs. I would count In Rainbows's "Videotape" and The King of Limbs's "Codex," both of which follow this formula, among my favorite Radiohead album tracks. Perhaps the most minimalistic of their songs is "How I Made My Millions," the flipside to the OK Computer song "No Surprises," which will be spotlighted here.
This song seems to provide a bit of emotional redemption following its A-side, which may very well be one of the most depressing songs of all time. Unlike the aforementioned piano ballads, this track is just Thom Yorke and his keyboard, without any additional instrumentation or effects. There's no need for anything else. Yorke gives a strong performance, his unmistakable voice floating over a breathtaking melody that flawlessly transitions between darkly beautiful and beautifully uplifting.
Interestingly, Thom recorded this song on a 4-track at home. For proof, listen closely. Under the barely intelligible, cryptic lyrics and dreamy piano you'll hear doors opening and closing and some other sounds that almost seem to go right along with the song, at least in some parts. In fact, when I first listened to this song, I mistakenly thought that much of the domestic rustling was just a bit of sparse accent percussion.
As the story goes, this song was supposed to be fleshed-out in studio; however, recognizing the raw beauty in this demo recording, they decided to release it as-is. Don't let the recording imperfections fool you: this song is indeed perfect.
Watch on YouTube:
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