Radiohead Concert Review, March 6, 2012, Austin City Limits
I’ll go ahead and put it out there that I will never be accused of being a Radiohead fan. After last night’s performance at the Austin City Limits taping, I’m still not a fan.
When Creep hit the airwaves in 1992/3, I really liked it. I also like the song Paranoid Android. Beyond those 2 songs, I’m relatively unfamiliar with their stuff.
I actually tried to get tickets to their performance at the Frank Erwin Center but it sold out quickly. Just a few weeks ago I was presented with the opportunity to see them at their taping for the tv show Austin City Limits. I jumped at the chance to see them in a smaller setting.
Weird going to a show and not knowing anyone but the people I was with and a security guy.
It was truly determined for me last night that they are a band that I don’t mind listening too, mainly as background music, but I’d never want to see them live again.
The performance was solid, even if a bit laid back because it was for tv. They messed one song up halfway through, stopped and restarted it. The magic of tv. Of course I didn’t hear them do Creep and it appears that they haven’t played it live since 2009. It was a very relaxing show. Combine that with the great food from Lambert’s, the margaritas and good folks Mike, Mark and Allies, and I was set up just right for the night.
If I had to give a criticism, it would be that I don’t like seeing bands who don’t really rock trying to rock out. Haha. Also, the double drummer thing always annoys me. Especially when both are practically doing the same thing. I did, however, enjoy seeing some of them being multi-instrumental.
It is also important to note how influential Radiohead is on a lot of the newer droning hipster and indie bands around today.
Click here to view the setlist.
The Metal Files 
You say “I don’t like seeing bands who don’t really rock trying to rock out.” Well, you clearly didn’t see them live before , because their shows always were energetic and rocker. The music might seem laid back, but Radiohead always was, and still, an extraodinaire live band. Few frontmen can be compared with Thom Yorke’s energy when playing live. It is not like they are “trying” to rock. Make an effort and watch some recorded festivals and shows and you will see for yourself.
Thomy Tybr
March 7, 2012 at 12:42 pm
I won’t see them again, but not because of this performance. And I don’t need to investigate past shows. Don’t get your manties in a wad because someone has a different point of view. Cheers.
The Metal Files
March 7, 2012 at 12:50 pm
Beevis/Butthead, is that you???? That is hilarious. What you do not realize is that when you write about Radiohead and you say, “they didn’t play Creep” everyone knows who you are pretty quickly – you are that guy. Maybe you are the one who should not get your manties in a wad when someone calls you out for writing about something that you know nothing about. I’ll make an metaphor that you might better understand. I don’t play Medal of Honor, but I don’t write a blog about how the game sucks because I can’t get past the first level….Cheers.
mikeqtx
March 8, 2012 at 1:03 pm
Your reading comprehension skills are lacking. I admit in the first line of this write up that I’m not a fan. It would be like me criticizing you for disliking a Slayer concert.
I’m TOTALLY that guy! Creep would have been great! I did get paranoid Android, so I was happy.
I’m only mildly familiar with their first 3 or 4 albums.
But oh well.
And oh, I’m definitely more like Butthead than Beavis.
The Metal Files
March 8, 2012 at 1:14 pm
you should list great live shows you’ve seen by comparison so replies can be tailored. i’m curious though, why dish out a concert review with such an obscene lack of knowledge of the band musically? i mean, i nearly dismissed this entire read after the first paragraph, but i like to be humored. ironically, you’d probably be less of a fan after seeing this concert having listened to all of their content already; it’s that good!! i know all of this is subjective and you’re entitled to your opinion but damn this review would’ve been a little less pretentious had you come at us with a few more of their LPs under your belt. point is, why even attend their concert if you couldn’t care less about them despite the opportunity to see them?
sintron
March 11, 2012 at 3:20 am
Pretentious? Like your response? Yeah. Nerd.
Why did I go? Because I could.
Read through this site, there are plenty of great concert reviews. Or don’t, I really can’t care. Typically, I seek out reviews for shows I wasn’t able to attend, mainly out of envy.
It’s funny, though. My review really wasn’t even a negative one in general.
The Metal Files
March 11, 2012 at 8:48 am
haha…don’t get frustrated son at opposing opinions. wait what did you write in response to this other kid?…’manties in a wad because someone has different…’
metal i don’t think you’re an idiot and i get the impression you’re versed in music and who knows maybe in time you’ll start writing ‘great music reviews’ too.
sintron
March 13, 2012 at 2:08 am
^ Haha.
The Metal Files
March 13, 2012 at 6:18 am
Sintron. I don’t understand these statements at all:
“i’m curious though, why dish out a concert review with such an obscene lack of knowledge of the band musically?”
and
“but damn this review would’ve been a little less pretentious had you come at us with a few more of their LPs under your belt. point is, why even attend their concert if you couldn’t care less about them despite the opportunity to see them?”
Being a fan of music in general, and hell, ANY art or form of entertainment, those comments confuse me. 1) Why wouldn’t any fan of music want to see a band whose live performances have had a buzz about them.
2) I am not sure pretentious is the word you mean to use? As that word means to attempt to know or impress by affecting greater knowledge, stature, import, culture etc. I think it’s clear the writer did the exact opposite, and did so right at the beginning.
3) Why not write a review? it’s a blog. People get paid to write far less
4) Are people supposed to watch, hear and write only about what they adore and or are highly versed in or educated in?
5) The review was written in a casual manner and viewpoint so studying up on Radiohead would have gone against the viewpoint, in my opinion.
6) I’ve seen some pretty stellar (and yes, also bad) bands/concerts from bands i was either completely new or ignorant to, or indifferent to previously. Seeing a great live performance can really change things, or if completely ignorant to the material, can really surprise and create a fan out of person. Similar with movies, most people don’t always know the writer director or actors for every movie sthey watch, but after some time they may start to notice.
At the very least, the writer of this review was willing to give a band a good listen. And, as noted, nothing really negative was written. I was all written clearly on a personal level. I am a Radiohead fan (for half the stuff) and I could have written far more negative words.
direttoresabino
March 16, 2012 at 12:30 am
I hear what you are saying man… it’s like they are great at what they do and I don’t mind listening to them, but a lot of the stuff can come off as background music. Some of their tunes have really great grooves and/or lines that are brilliant. I find myself listening to Radiohead only when I feel like my life is spiraling out of control or I’m in a deep depression. About it though. All other times, I’ll stick with Slayer \m/
gearsofrock
March 17, 2012 at 3:41 pm
Expected review from “The Metal Files”. People will such a small IQ can’t enjoy such intellectual music. Maybe if he had played a Shecter through a Mesa Triple Rectifier it would have been a better show for you.
Corey Paul (@niggacorey)
March 21, 2012 at 10:10 am
Hahaha more wadded manties.
The Metal Files
March 21, 2012 at 10:14 am
metalhead always are Pretentious , this guy is the proof
Jose A. Kech
March 31, 2012 at 10:50 pm
Obviously as pretentious as Radiohead fans, eh? You dimwits act like I gave it a a bad review or called them a shitty band. It’s hilarious. But hey, look for me on the DVD when it comes out. Front row in a KISS shirt.
The Metal Files
April 1, 2012 at 12:17 am
I enjoyed the review. I like the band and am looking forward to seeing them in September. I used to be annoyed that they didn’t rock out more. Now I like the fact they continue to challenge me and don’t stick to the same stuff. I totally get where you are coming from – at least you had a good evening…
every record tells a story
April 9, 2012 at 9:06 am