Radiohead Paranoid Android // Composer Reaction // The Decomposer Lounge 

i can still remember hearing this song for the first time, on my car radio, and when it finished the announcer said "if you're in a band, might as well quit now because you'll never release anything as good as that". went and bought the album right after

So envious that there are people who get to experience Radiohead songs for the first time.

They DO play it EXACTLY this way live. All their songs they do it that way. It's crazy.

"Paranoid Android" does a great job of sounding like nothing close to anything I've ever heard before or ever will in the future more so than most songs.

Colin Greenwood may be the most underrated bass player i know of. His playing is so tasteful.

So stoked for him and the goldmine he’s stumbled upon

For me this song is up there with Bohemian Rhapsody in terms of uniqueness. I suspect it takes a lot of guts to do something so original and different.

My 12-yr old daughter is in her middle school rockband, sings and just now picking up guitar. Last night I dropped a pair of good headphones on her and said check this out. To watch her expressions as she journeyed through this musical odyssey was priceless. At the end she slipped the headphones off and exhaled this utterly mesmerized "Wow." So rewarding to see her get it and love it first listen, as we all know this track just gets better the more you experience it. And I keep going back to this album and particular track over the years to get my own fantastical fix, as I do with certain Jeff Buckley tracks, etc. But this one stands out as the richest and most captivating auditory ride for me every time

Honestly, Paranoid Android deserves a spot on the top 10 best composed songs of all time. It's just incredible, so many different emotions plugged into one song and it still somehow all works. And it never gets boring to upon repeat listenings.

Jonny Greenwood writes the string arrangements. He's pretty much a musical genius and multi instrumentalist. He also writes classical music and film scores including the score to There will be blood amongst others. His brother Colin Greenwood is the bass player.

My favorite lyric of all time : *"Ambition makes you look pretty ugly, Kicking, squealing Gucci little piggy!"*

And that’s why Rolling Stone called OK Computer the best album of the 20th century. It’s absolutely amazing.

3:28 "I think at some point in my life, I'm gonna have to see these guys live." Be careful with that... seeing Radiohead live is a slippery slope. They're TOO good live. The experience is so euphoric, it can be addictive. One show isn't enough, and leads to two, five, 10, and the next thing you know it's the summer of 2006 and you're following them around the country and see them 8 times within a month. You'll end up seeing them live over 40 times, and it still won't be enough. You'll go through withdrawals. Don't ask me how I know this. You have been warned.

i love how he actually knows what he's talking about! it isn't just "oh wow neat, cool, i like this haha." it's actually an analysis, like what a reaction should be.

I saw Radiohead perform Paranoid Android for one of the first times live at a festival in 1996. No one had heard the song before and it blew the crowd’s minds.

This is one of those Radiohead songs that blows you away the first time you hear it, yet continues to do so even after hearing it 1,000 times.

There literally isn't a bad song on this record, and most of them will blow your socks off. Legit one of the best albums ever made.

what's brilliant about the last part is that it always feels as though they're modulating up after each turn, but they actually go back to the same key they started in.

The drums are real. This album was played almost entirely live in the studio, and they can recreate it pretty much perfectly in concert.

I saw them live once and it was one of the best days in my life. They got me to tears that day, pure magic.

radiohead FTW!!

One of the great things about Radiohead is they have released many hours of live video to RU-vid for their fans.

When I was a teenager I pirated a ton of random music I knew nothing about. I fell asleep listening to mp3s one afternoon and heard "Rain down, come on (karma) rain down on me." For a long time I never knew where that snippet of song came from. I listened to the beginning of every track on album after album but of course the beginning of Paranoid Android doesn't give any hint of that melody. I didn't find it again until my taste improved and I started listening to every track. That's how I managed to hear Paranoid Android the first time twice. Radiohead for the win!

You have to listen to the entire album, OK Computer, from start to finish. Pure brilliance. It all works together and flows as a beautiful whole. You don’t get that as much with current albums.

Exit Music from this album is incredible. Thank for your channel

Geebz All of us Radiohead fans of heard the song 1 million times already so I’m not sure why anyone wouldn’t stay till the end of this video to hear what you have to say, because that is why we are here. There’s something so satisfying about a stranger falling in love instantly with the music that I love.

The fact that Radiohead can pull this off live is what really transports them into another realm musically!

"With your opinion which is of no consequence at all" I love that lyric.

It's an absolute pleasure watching you discover Radiohead.

Please do “Weird fishes / arpeggi”

Their Live from the basement performance is unreal.! If you feel like watching them live

This song can make me weep with it's sadness/beauty while musically thrilled/tickled. This whole record is one for the ages.

I’ve always felt that Paranoid Android takes you on a journey kinda like listening to Bohemian Rhapsody. Is it just me?

Fun fact: this song was originally three separate pieces written by three different band members, which they then tried to incorporate each into one cohesive idea. You can definitely hear it too, three very distinct movement.

Paranoid Android was the first Radiohead song I heard and it literally changed the trajectory of my musical evolution. Still my favorite song of theirs 25 years later.

What's hard to wrap your head around if you didn't hear this album into well after it came out is just how much of a revolution this album was. Like the band was fairly well known at the time, but when this came out I mean it changed "alternative" music forever

Phil selway is a human drum machine. And has quite an affinity for shnazzy dress shirts

Dude, if you get a chance, you have to see Radiohead live. Best concert I've ever seen.

Paranoid Android is a rock symphony. For me, one of the greatest songs of all time, from one of my top 10 albums of all time.

Right now, I'm riding on a Radiohead obsession. Just cannot get enough of them. This song, when performed on 'Later with Jools Holland,' is mind-blowing. I keep watching it over and over. I truly appreciate the way you educate us on how to listen, what it means musically, and why we feel the way we do as a listener. ♥

It’s amazing watching someone hear this for the first time.

Radiohead is endless goldmine of music. The highest level of song writing.

Your brain looked like it melted at a couple of points. I remember hearing this for the first time and having a similar experience

Amazing track. When it came out, it was heralded as a Bohemian Rhapsody for the 1990's. Great reaction video!

Gotta do "let down" for your next radiohead!!!

I went on a Radiohead bender for about a decade.. god, it’s incredible to watch someone hear them for the first time. They’re so good it hurts.. but it might be time to open the old wounds.

They play this live exactly like the album. It's stunning really..

classically trained , highly intelligent musicians become a rock band , this is the result :-)

I love Thom York's use of long sustained notes in his vocal performances.

I can't believe I'm only a couple years new to this band myself. How could I have existed on this planet without having known the genius that is Radiohead? Don't you feel all tingly now? Thom Yorke's voice - amazing. You could trip over a word he strings out forever but makes it totally work! RH FTW! Gratitude to you for doing this 🎵 song! 🙏

Pretty spot on analysis. I'm turning 64 in a month and have listened to a wide variety of popular music my entire life - OK Computer is the best album I've ever heard, and this song is only a fraction of that experience. I have hundreds of "favorite albums*" but this one beats them all. Every Radiohead album is filled with great moments, but this one hits every note flawlessly. I'm also a huge fan of The Beatles, and as much as it pains me to say it, I like Radiohead just a little bit more. *Xtc, Gang of Four, Cocteau Twins, The Clash, Elvis Costello, David Bowie, Kate Bush, the Smiths, etc, etc, just the tip of the iceberg.

Man I just love the passion you're showing. Seeing your face when you're noticing these little details leaves absolutely no doubt that you love music with all your heart.

Nigel Godrich is a production genius. He is Radiohead's George Martin. Unofficial extra member.

You should check out any of their live studio performances from IN THE BASEMENT - definitely have a better appreciation of these beautiful songs when you see how these sounds are made - next best thing to actually seeing them live.

I can humbly say the following. I am 55 years old, I was born with music by giants like The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Queen, Deep Purple, Jimmi Hendrix, Black Sabbath, AC/DC, etc. I don't want to bore you with the above. But I want to make it clear that I have always known that the best decades of music worldwide were the 60's and 70's. Well there may be other opinions, but personally the greatest bands in history were created here, being The Beatles, the biggest of all. That being said, I didn't expect that in the 90's, 5 guys that make up a band called Radiohead would appear. When I met them I found them interesting with some songs, but that album "OK Computer" already spoke of a major brand band. Inside this album is this monumental piece called "Paranoid Android". I must comment that the album "OK Computer" is among the 20 best records in the history of rock. The theme "Paranoid Android" is a work of art, which really should belong to the 70's, where musical creativity was at its best, but Thom Yorke, together with Radiohead in the middle of the 90's, created this musical jewel, making it clear that in the 90's you can also create songs of a much higher level. I must note that Thom Yorke, when he listened to Queen and the great song "Bohemian Rhapsody", there he decided to dedicate himself to music professionally. In short, "Paranoid Android" is for me the best creation of Radiohead, as a contribution to world music. Thank you.

When I got sober I couldn’t tolerate the sound of music for almost a year- except Radiohead. I had the wonderful experience of hearing their catalog from a completely different pov. Stoned or clear-headed no other band compares. Pure brilliance.

Colin Greenwood is Radioheads secret weapon

Radiohead live is an experience you can't describe. Don't miss out if you get the chance!

I really enjoy your analysis. I recommend you to watch the band perform this track live. The version they did in 1997 on the Jools Holland show was amazing.

This song defined the worst moments of my entire life in college dealing with harassment, being followed home, and threatened with violence. This entire album (even to this day) is one I cannot fully digest not because it isn't a perfect work of art or a generation defining album, but because of how in tune this record was with my life. The presence of this song especially, to me, is overwhelming and never ceases to touch me emotionally. I can recall exact moments and words that flew past me whenever I heard this song to my classes, resisting the urge to do something really stupid. And when I did, I was only filled with more regret. But this song was always there. A beautiful, haunting serenade to these last 8 months for me. 3 months later I'm doing a lot better, but it is still so incredibly challenging for me to return to this piece of art work simply because of the power it holds over my worst memories. That being said, a work of art this powerful needs to be shared, and I appreciate the ingenuity if your reaction.

the live performance of this on Jools Holland is a must watch.

"Let Down" from the same album is maybe my favorite Radiohead song

This is not just a song its a MASTERPIECE. Bought this album 25 years ago, wore out the CD & had to replace it asap. The complex layers just blow your mind. I saw them live twice & can safely say they were the Best live act I’ve ever seen….I cried with awe a few times as their music is so emotive. I LOVE Radiohead 🙏❤️🙏❤️

The amazing thing about Paranoid Android is it's about the only track I can think of that knocks my socks off in repeat listenings in the same way it did the first time I heard it. And the ending is so post-coital, it's like it's what I want to hear as I pass away.

We'll get away from this virus someday, and I hope you get to see Radiohead sometime soon after. Hearing, feeling, and being a part of 20,000 people singing along to "Rain down...rain down, come on rain down on me" is the closest I've come to a religious experience.

This is basically Radiohead's A Day in the Life or Bohemian Rhapsody: three different songs stitched together that somehow make a coherent work of art despite being so disparate.

According to one interview to Thom Yorke, he got the inspiration of creating this song is from Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen.

I always got shit when I was younger (middle school trough high school) for loving Radiohead. While all my friends were liking all these more mainstream bands I always stayed on Radioheads boat. I'm 36 now and can tell you while all those other bands have gone to the wayside radiohead is still the band I can play and get lost in. No matter how many times I've listened to a song they always never seize to amaze me. Optimistic is a song I would love you to listen to.

When I first heard this composition on headphones in the cold early days of 1998, I knew this was the band that I would follow to the ends of the earth for the rest of my days.

"His is just very soothing, and very... um... soothing" That made me laugh harder than I should've... may have been the "gummies".

Ed O’Brien’a third guitar work and his tenor on backing vocals is a secret weapon of theirs. You better seize an opportunity to see them if they ever play as a band again. Meanwhile, singer Thom York and lead guitarist, Johnny Greenwood can be seen in their new band, Smile.

This song absolutely blew me away I bought the album and played this 100 times a day in tears, I'd never heard anything like it still remains my favourite song of all time just an incredible track imo

This is my generation's Bohemian Rhapsody

I remember watching the video for this song on MTV and being blown away by the song. It's their Bohemian Rhapsody

Wow, what a great stumble upon! I haven't listened to this song in ages and how fun to listen to it with my earphones on and watching somebody react to it and learning a bit about how it is constructed. Wonderful. And yes, I'm all about the base

First time watching the, "Decomposer Lounge" and it's great to hear someone that really knows and understands music. Not just classics but pop culture bands. Thank you for the great deconstructed show. Radiohead for the Win!!!

OK computer is probably the greatest album ever written.

I always thought this would be the best song to play for alien life, once contacted, to describe the human condition. The full spectrum of emotion.

So cool too see you really feeling it, it's my favourite song and a very emotional ride, there's such power and emotion in it, and truly amazing musicianship from all involved. Radiohead live is a trip, unbelievable how they bring all that to a live performance and even better it. Has to be seen to be believed.

The way the guitar strums along with the drums on the "rain down' part gets me everytime, with that rimshot in there and how even the pick hitting the strings is part of it. Gives me the chills.

A rare song that can go through so many surprising change-ups yet still flow 🤘

When I saw them live they reproduced every-single-sound organically. Nothing was missing in any song. Each member is like a magician with the equipment we all just use in standard ways. You're right, all just pedals and guitars and keys and drums. Nobody off to the side turning on samples and such.

Man. This brings back memories of hearing it the first time myself. I was weeping at Thom’s wordless vocal lines. Radiohead FTW!

I’ve never seen your channel before but I needed to hear this song and you came up in the search. Watching you listen to this song made me fall in love with it all over again. New sub!

Please do Street Spirit (Fade Out)… such a stunning song. Or the entire In Rainbows album because it's flawless and out of this world!

They actually do play this live, all these parts you might think are dubs... Watch their live shows, man, they are incredible.

Most definitely see this band live, it's an experience that will stay with you; a great, mind-blowing experience. So much talent. Love from England.

I just like watching the enjoyment in your face at each amazing twist and turn! Radiohead are perfect for reaction videos as there are so many things to marvel at in their music.

This was their breakthrough song for me in the 90's - Saw a documentary that they wrote this album in Jane Seymour's castle in the UK. You must see them live if u can - the best show i've ever seen.

You've barely even scratched the surface of Radiohead's great songs.

My first time on this channel, awesome song and loved one of my favourite songs being broken down and described back to me so intricately and passionately. Im subscribing, thankyou

This album was my true introduction to Radiohead. It changed my life. ❤ this band.

Good call on the double phrasing in the vocals. Ed O’Brien (guitar which is often counter melodies and use of atmospheric effects) takes over the “Rain down, come on rain down, on me” part as Thom dances over the top. He’s often the one providing harmonies in other songs.

Still here, all the way at the end. You really need to listen to the whole 'OK Computer' album front-to-back, it really is one of the few true Albums from the modern pop/rock era. As much as each song is very, very good the whole truly is greater than the sum of it's parts.

So glad I came across this video. I grew up listening to this song as a kid and only appreciate it more as an adult. It's an onion of a song in that it has a million layers that fit cohesively in that songs ecosystem. So intricate between the harmonies, instruments and vocals. I can probably write colorfully all day about the song FFS. Glad you loved it

I’ve listened to Paranoid Android so many times and it still gives me shivers. One of the best songs of all time.

Could you please, please do a reaction of Let Down by Radiohead? That song has always evoked feelings in me, and I would love to know more about the technical aspect of it. Also, Radiohead FTW

"Daydreaming" is a must listen

One of my favorite songs of all time. Glad I got to see your break down and appreciation.

The live version on “ later with Jools Holland” is mind blowing. This song sounds quite complicated but the way they play at life is really something. That video is on here somewhere on RU-vid well worth checking out