I love this so much. You can see how surprised and pleased he is to be interviewed by someone smart and insightful, and it's lovely to see him opening up and having a discussion that isn't a chore for him like it usually is. Speaks volumes that he's disappointed at the end and wants to keep going! I wish it was longer, too. I wonder if she ever got to interview him again?
I'm sure the interviewer and the questions she asked obviously have to do with the brilliance of this particular interview but I've also noticed the peculiar setting up... They're both sitting next to one another (which is not so common), and it looks like Thom Yorke has all this open space in front of him to speak. I do believe that this "non-confrontational" disposition helped a great deal in the quality of the interview. I'm a big believer in the influence of space and positioning on the quality of a conversation. But let's face it... This interviewer is also really smart and genuine which are 2 qualities that will obviously make someone like Thom Yorke more comfortable.
It's a bit similar to the "no eye contact"-interview he did with sook-kin lee in the same time period, which is also really good. Either he doesn't like looking people in the eye, which is probable, especially during that time, or he's just more benign attitude towards women than men, which is reasonable.
I like his reaction to her comment referencing the song "Backdrifts" (8:57). One of the few times he seemed genuinely open to an analysis of his music.
This is actually probably one of the best interviews i've seen. So relaxed and friendly, especially since i just came from watching Thom's interview with Lola Da Musica in 2000 which felt very confrontational, cold, and pushy, and the interviewer even at one point pressed on asking questions that Thom specifically said he didn't want to answer. It's so nice to see such a welcoming, respectful and intelligent interviewer for once.
I just watched that one and got so annoyed at how the interviewer kept pushing him for answers to very personal questions that clearly weren't any of his business
She used the word "Backdrifting" a specific word in one of his songs, so he knows she listened to his song and related to it, understood why he used that word.
I wish that when they decide they're done making music (which I hope will never happen) I want them to release an album with all the songs they felt could be misunderstood and could end their career. It wouldn't matter anymore.
I've seen this interview already many years ago here on youtube but it's always nice to watch again. I honestly think it's the best Thom Yorke interview I've ever seen. Thanks for posting this (AND all the other interviews).
i think that about sums it up. His songs are passed down from the gods themselves, it has nothing to do with him. Well they sure did pick a great musician to use.
"Things are being done in your name and you can't do Jackshit about it." This is true and put in a perspective that I guess I was too busy to think about. I can see how the paranoia begins. Today people are saying how 6 people, the Supreme Court decide the fate of abortion and women's rights for the USA and most people don't agree with these 6 people.
Everything he said is even truer now. At least now the young generation is trying to change this shit in the realization of oblivion being on the doorstep instead of giving up.
I read through the comments to find out who the interviewer is - as formerly commented on, this is one of the best Thom Yorke interviews I've seen. Anyone know who she is? P.s. maybe not as blatant as some have said, but I thought there was a bit of flirting going on! 😍
