This smart, thoughtful Radiohead tribute is not only a bold new step for Cleopatra Records, but stands to redefine the tribute album by virtue of its stunning variety while still appealing to fans of these widely acclaime... more »d saviors of rock. Contributions span the genre spectrum including a melodic Brit-pop rendering of the spoken-word piece 'Fitter Happier', a moving debut from shoegaze artists October Hill, an electro-ambient treatment of the Gen-X anthem 'Creep' along with industrial offerings from The Illuminati and Meegs Rascon.« less
This smart, thoughtful Radiohead tribute is not only a bold new step for Cleopatra Records, but stands to redefine the tribute album by virtue of its stunning variety while still appealing to fans of these widely acclaimed saviors of rock. Contributions span the genre spectrum including a melodic Brit-pop rendering of the spoken-word piece 'Fitter Happier', a moving debut from shoegaze artists October Hill, an electro-ambient treatment of the Gen-X anthem 'Creep' along with industrial offerings from The Illuminati and Meegs Rascon.
CD Reviews
Almost Anyone Can Play Radiohead
GimP_BiZkiT | La La Land, CA, USA | 05/04/2002
(3 out of 5 stars)
"First off, I have been waiting to listen to this CD in its entirety for quite a while, and now that I have gotten it, I'm must say that I'm pleased. Although, I'm more a fan of Radiohead's earlier work from the mid 90's, this tribute has just about an even variety from their history. It may not be Radiohead, and the bands may not sound even close to them, but that's a good thing for a change. If you are an extreme Radiohead collector, I would buy this CD, the songs aren't too bad, some come off surprisingly well. However, if you liked the originals alot, then you will not be pleased by this. The songs are far more electronic, the vocals don't match up to Thom Yorke's and the songs aren't as touching and spiritual as they originally are. From a different view, the music is unique and quite interesting. All you have to do is look past and the electronics and the quirks and you might enjoy some of the songs. The best tracks I can say are "Fitter Happier", "No Surprises", "Climbing Up The Walls" and the wonderful remake of "Karma Police". Other tracks like "Fake Plastic Trees", "How To Dissapear", "Exit Music" and "Bulletproof" are okay too, but just a little too mellow for me. But, where things get [messed] up are the remakes of "Creep", "Everything In It's Right Place" and "Homesick Alien", this is where the electronics come to ruin the song and make just an absolute mess. This CD is decent, if certain bands layed off the electronics and used some light guitars and regular instruments, then it would have been better. This is just like the other Radiohead tribute 'Plastic Mutations (An Electronic Tribute.....)', only with a different line-up. Well, I would call this the 'Plastic Mutations Part 2', since they both sound similar. I wouldn't give this a too high rating, since only a few songs really stand out, but it does deserve a passing mark, a couple bands do pull of a great cover (i.e. Dragon Style did a good number on "Karma Police")."
They can't play radiohead
roxy | leeds, uk | 06/26/2003
(1 out of 5 stars)
"being a massive radiohead fan for many years i bought this cd hoping it would do justice to the band... oh how wrong i was. this is shocking. it takes the soul out of the songs that are the soundtrack to my life and the bands featured don't seem to be able to pull off the sentiment in the songs, which in my opinion is more important than being stylish and avant guard. these songs deserve better. if i hadn't heard the originals, the album would be ok, but if your a passionate radiohead follower i suggest you don't taint your enjoyment by listening to this."
Better than Plastic Mutilations
Sam Nagasaki | Natick, MA | 07/02/2001
(4 out of 5 stars)
"There are several standout tracks on here. I am a Radiohead fanatic and last month i got Plastic Mutilations and was very upset and approached this with caution. I was very surprised. This tribute is alot more of what Radiohead fans would be looking for. As a record there are alot of good tracks, and some bad ones as well. All in all a strong effort. If you were put off by Amnesiacs new sound than you may find something in here to help you remember Radiohead's past CDs. ~Sam Nagaskai"
Anyone can release a cd called Anyone Can Play Radiohead
Z. Kaplan | Chicago, Il | 10/28/2003
(2 out of 5 stars)
"...and people like me will buy it. This completely takes the soul out of the songs. Like "Fitter Happier" for instance. I admit it's an ok song, but it destroys the message Radiohead tried to put into it. The original presented lyrics changing from what sounds like a normal lifestyle gradually into insanity, with a computer voice to symbolize the inhumanness of it and drunken piano in the background to give a dissonant feeling to it. Silent Gray redoes this song using rock instruemnts and actual singing, and worst of all, they rearrange the lyrics. The message and soul of the song is destroyed.Other bands are hard to listen to without cringing, like Diva Destruction, who can carry a tune but can't sing with anywhere close to the talent or elegance that Radiohead can. Other songs are experimental electronic remixes of songs, which are somewhat interesting but not at all catchy and have no shelf life whatsoever. The rest of the songs are mostly just other bands doing straight covers of Radiohead songs, which really aren't that big of a deal and worth maybe a listen and nothing more.If you're a huge Radiohead fan and must have this album, go ahead and get it, but you'll probably only play about 1/3 of the cd more than once, and maybe two songs off of it more than twice. There's a reason you can't find it anywhere.Don't let this dismay you from buying other Radiohead cover cds however... the compilations by Christopher O'Riley and The Section are fantastic and a must-have. Unfortunately, "Anyone Can Play Radiohead" is simply uninspired."
Track Listings (13) - Disc #1