Did anyone catch Radiohead on Late Night with Conan O’Brien last night? As I might have mentioned once or twice before, the Oxford quintet are my bar-none, all-time favorite band ever. No artist’s music has meant more to me over the years. And yet, pathetically lame person that I am, I fell asleep well before their performance aired last night. Luckily, NBC is streaming it online today (below), so I got to see them play this morning. Their performance had been pre-recorded in London — the wisely enviro-consciousband balked at the carbon-emissions cost of flying to Conan’s studio — and it was great to see them jamming comfortably in their home element instead of squashed onto a TV soundstage. They did a sweet, low-key version of In Rainbows standout "House of Cards," complete with guitarist Ed O’Brien’s faint but crucial backing vocals, something I always look forward to in Radiohead’s live incarnation. Truly, a gorgeous performance.
But! I couldn’t help noticing something about the band’s very funny pre-song patter. Thom Yorke, in a mischievous mood, delivered a few well-chosen words on the green life — including a common British profanity used to describe President Bush, to whom he dedicated the song’s "Denial, denial" chorus. (His exact wording, which I suppose makes the clip below somewhat NSFW: "That {expletive} who walked away from the Kyoto agreement, what was his name again?") Of course, I’m not offended in the least by such a fleeting instance of foul language directed at such a deserving target — in fact, it made me enjoy the band’s segment even more! — but I was sorta surprised, considering how cautious the FCC’s overzealous censorship has made the networks lately. Did NBC actually broadcast that word on national television? (If so, I say good for them!) Perhaps not; this YouTube clip suggests it was muted. So, at the admitted risk of making a mountain out of a very minor molehill, I’m still curious — did any live viewers notice whether NBC let that piquant phrase make it to the air? And if so, did you care?
I’m new to Radiohead. This song was nice. Couldn’t understand a word, but I liked it.
To be fair “tw*t” is a fairly mild swear word. I was more surprised by the repeated use of “w*nk*r” on an episode of The Simpsons.
The tee double-you ay tee word was bleeped for the actual telecast. Also, a point of order: the Kyoto treaty was signed in 1997, and it was the Clinton administration that initially chose not to submit it to the Senate for ratification. That doesn’t absolve Bush for his failure anti-Kyoto stance, mind you – but it was Clinton who passed the buck, dropped the ball, screwed the pooch, and made me mix my metaphors.
Ah Simon, between your love of Radiohead & your cute pic in your last blog item, I’m developing a little crush on you! Say you love BSG and I’m sold!
So I hate Bush as much as the next guy, but Kyoto was a joke and those countries that signed on have failed miserably in their implementations.
Wait, so the “tw*t” who walked away from the Kyoto agreement is President Bush?
As far as I’m concerned, Thom Yorke can say just about anything he wants with impunity.
As far as I’m concerned, Thom Yorke can say just about anything he wants with impunity.
Hold the phone, Simon! Did you just inadvertenly admit that you don’t have a tivo/personal video recorder doohickey? Zut, alors! Can’t you claim that as a work expense?
That’s interesting — “w*nk*r* is considered fouler than “tw*t”? From how that word has migrated into US vernacular I would have considered it otherwise.
I forgot it was on yesterday and I missed it. They’re my favorite and and I’m seeing them twice this summer.
Radiohead is so ‘yesterday’. they dont come up with anything thats worth a damn today. face of music is evolving, and they are still neanderthals.
the upcoming band ‘Die Mother’, is too awesome, they make radiohead music sound like cheap elevator music.
they are offering free downloads on their temp website http://www.melwani.net
check it out and let me know what u think.
Ah… Ed O’Brien is the most underrated backing vocalist in rock. He makes me so happy. So does Radiohead in general, really.
…mmm, Radiohead. Can’t wait to see them at Roskilde in a few months.
This writer really needs to read a bit about the Kyotoa protocols, including the devasating effect they would have on developing economies (not to mention how few countries are actually living up to them) before criticizing Pres. Bush for not signing them. Being environmentally conscious is fine, but you would be better served if that was coupled with some actual knowledge of said protocols.
Jack Fear is right, I DVR-d the aired show, they skillfully silenced his words right at that word. Can’t wait to see them at Lollapalooza, totally agree they are the best band in the world that only get better.