Radiohead - Videotape (Piano Cover by Josh Cohen) 

2024 update! New Radiohead piano tutorials and songbook coming soon! emergencypianohotline.com

This track has an interesting backstory that I wanted to share with you all. When I was selecting songs to transcribe for my songbook, I wanted to find a couple tracks that I hadn’t yet recorded or arranged on the channel to include in my songbook 'Radiohead for Solo Piano'. ’Sail to the Moon’ was the first and the other was ‘Videotape’. As part of my initial research into ‘Videotape', I discovered Warren Lain’s analysis of the track: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-RvKhtFXPswk.html. I agreed with Warren’s take on it all and it became glaringly obvious from watching various other videos online, that ‘Videotape' was indeed felt differently to what I had initially anticipated (pardon the pun). Interestingly, my friends and I had always felt the chords on the beat until watching these clips. Before proceeding with the arrangement, I needed to verify that I was indeed barking up the right tree, as being the perfectionist that I am, I wanted the notation to be as accurate as possible. I reached out to Warren and also spoke with some friends, who all assured me that I was on the right path. Despite the overwhelming evidence pointing me in one direction (of which I wholeheartedly agreed with), I was naturally anxious to follow suit given that every published arrangement of the track (to my knowledge) - including in the official Radiohead songbook - had transcribed the song with the chords on the beat. After much consideration, I decided to back myself and opted to proceed with arranging ‘Videotape’ the way that the band were feeling the track and not in line with the official songbook. When my publisher went through my arrangements for the songbook, I wasn’t surprised to find out that there was some contention with my transcription, as it had been arranged differently to the official ‘In Rainbows’ version, of which they had previously published. Despite them strongly suggesting that I change the arrangement to be in line with the band-approved version, I held my ground and sent through some RU-vid clips to back me up. They were still not convinced with the videos and I was informed that they would be reaching out to Jonny Greenwood to ask him which way the band were feeling the track. There was no guarantee that he would respond, but if he felt like replying, we would have to side with him. If not, my publisher were happy to accept my arrangement and proceed as originally planned. I received an email an hour later with the subject that read, “This will please you”. "Hi Josh, spoke to Jonny this morning, Videotape is indeed off the beat, so you’re right!” ……… I’m not going to get into an in-depth explanation of how ‘Videotape’ is felt, as I’m sure you can conduct your own research, but I am proud to say that, to my knowledge, I think I might be the first person to have officially transcribed ‘Videotape’ correctly. Thanks, Warren - I owe you one. ……… Ironically and somewhat as I predicted, I did find it hilariously challenging to feel the track the way that it was intended after I recorded this take. I’ve overcome that now and can feel it every time, but I did find that to be rather amusing when listening back to the recording. If it’s any help, the first note in the melody at 0:27 comes right in on beat one. ……… Also, some random trivia that I haven’t quite worked out as yet - once again courtesy of Warren - is the tempo, which sits right in the pocket at 154.78. My publisher and I decided to include this in for a laugh, but does anyone know why this is the case? It could be a “Radiohead” thing or perhaps recording to tape might affect the tempo, but honestly I’m not sure. ……… I really appreciate everyone’s support over the years to help get this project off the ground. This is the final track from the songbook and man, what a journey it’s been. I couldn’t be happier with the end result, so thank you. I still have some signed and numbered Radiohead songbooks available off my website. Happy to personalise them too for either yourself or someone who you know that will appreciate the gesture. joshcohenmusic.com I’m off to Berlin this year to see if I can tee up some shows off the back of the book in Europe and America (this was the Melbourne launch: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-zbvrXzFvKow.html), plus I’m itching to write some original music, which will be the next big project for me. Outside of that, we’ll have to see where the wind blows me. Thanks again for everything - I couldn't have done this all without you x

This is crazy. You've literally done something i've been asking for YEARS. You're amazing dude.

The syncopation really comes out with this rendition. I love it. Videotape truly is one of Radioheads greatest pieces. Awesome work.

I also struggle to feel the song with off-beat chords, but this arrangement is beautiful as ever. ❤️

The off-beat always gets me. Well done Josh!

I still have to try to hear the imaginary backbeat to fully grasp this song. Stellar arrangement as always mate- Really captures the essence of the song and then makes it your own.

This was incredible! I hope someday you also cover Nude, and I'll be satisfied (although we'll always want more of these!).

When I'm at the pearly gates This will be on my videotape, my videotape Mephistopheles is just beneath And he's reaching up to grab me This is one for the good days And I have it all here In red, blue, green Red, blue, green You are my center When I spin away Out of control on videotape On videotape On videotape On videotape On videotape On videotape This is my way of saying goodbye Because I can't do it face to face I'm talking to you after it's too late No matter what happens now You shouldn't be afraid Because I know today has been the most perfect day I've ever seen

I probably should have stuck with those piano lessons in elementary school huh?

i can’t believe it’s here!! now waiting for sail to the moon

This is Radiohead’s spirit, encompassed.

Amazing ur playing a syncopated rhythm with no emphasis on the up beats and still being able to play the melody along with it i ca-

I've been "learning" how to hear the syncopated beat and I reached a point where I understand what to hear and I could hear it if I try hard enough. Some of Videotape covers were played without the syncopation in mind, and in my experience, when that happens, I could not hear the syncopation I can hear the syncopation with this cover

Ah yes my favourite Radiohead song Been waiting for this one for forever! Practically jumped in the air when I saw this Well done as always

Oh, wow.

Hey Josh, Im speechless watching these.

YES

I've always thought Radiohead was a group of geniuses but your piano covers made me realize it even more!

how the hell have I've never seen this channel before!? you're amazing!!

This song is so so so tough ! Thank you so much for covering this :,)

Thank you!

I always love your cover, but I think this one is the best you ever made, it almost made me cry...

You should do “Everything You do is a Balloon” by Boards of Canada!!

I'm not a musician, but I watched the Warren Lain’s video, listen the basement version and live version in NY on 2018, and I can tell THAT YOU ARE AMAZING AND CRAZY !

I never ever comment on ANY RU-vid video, the max you get out of me is a thumbs up. But you, you are amazing.

I have just extended my work deadline for this. It's an interesting piece. Thank you, Josh!

A lovely surprise in my subscription feed as always.

I Just wake up and have this ❤️❤️

Thank you Josh! Awesome!

lowkey been waiting for this

Beautiful as always🤙🏿🤙🏿🤙🏿🤙🏿🤙🏿❤️❤️❤️

After months of waiting, Another radiohead cover came. And this is a great cover. Nice job. Also, i hope you cover Planet Telex. Its a great Radiohead Opener

Very cool, so it looks as though we have the 1st of 2000! Thanks, my son will love playing these tracks I hope.

Thank you! I'm in love!

I needed this. Thank you.

Josh, piano is one of the most classical of instruments! What ignites your passion for music?

Oh snap, what a nice way to start the day

The first channel where it’s such a pleasure to observe ideally proportional camera angle and such a beautiful music vibes 🙏🏻 🙌🏻

💙💙💙

You captured the spirit of the original while transforming it for solo piano. Gorgeous playing. Thanks for sharing

This is easily my favourite Radiohead song, and this interpretation is utterly sublime.

Sounds cool

Radiohead are my favorite band, and I seriously think I might prefer your versions to theirs. Your Paranoid Android version was phenomenal. The subtle transitions you incorporated into such a complex arrangement were refreshing and complementary.

A nice track to end the day with. Thanks Josh

One of my favorite radiohead songs~

Great cover. I finally learned sheet music once I bought your book. It’s been a slow process but it’s opened up the whole world of sheet music

One of my favourite pianists!

Men, you have absolutely best covers of radioheads songs.

Thank you for this. I've always enjoyed your arrangements, and have been waiting for the longest time to hear your take on Videotape. This was perfect. Seeing this notification pop up first thing this morning made my day. I really enjoyed the backstory on this one, too. Thank you for sharing this with all of us.

Awesome, I've been waiting for this video to be released for a while now because I bought the book and was going through all the videos and reading the sheet music simultaneously to get a feel for all the songs but couldn't find a video for this one...

i prob wont be fully appreciate this song if i didn't saw that vox video first, great work josh!

Oh, man.so, so beautiful. Amazing arrangement. Thank you

Amazing! Please do a version of Reckoner! Keep up the good work.

I’ve been waiting. And I’m not disappointed.

This has made my day. You play so beautifully. Effortless.

Oh this was beautiful, one of my favourite Radiohead songs!

This is painfully good.

❤️❤️❤️simply stunning, I don't know how you did it, beautiful❤️❤️❤️

Glad to see you back at work Josh!! As always I can't wait for the next one

amazing! thanks for share with us.

Mate, I am so grateful for your generous contribution to the awesomeness of Radiohead. I’m loving your song book and am inspired to keep practicing these arrangements until I get them. Give me 10 years or so...

I've been off work sick today and seeing this pop up on Recommenced list has cheered me up immensely. I have your songbook so maybe I'll be able to learn it someday (I'm just starting). Cheers Josh, From the UK

A really beautiful and deep arrangement. Absolutely perfect

yooooo love to see you back! KEEP IT UP!

Just wow.

Loved it!

I bet you played it in the secret rhythm too. Great addition to the playlist!

I love this

Man this is crazy, when I started to listen I thought "I'm gonna drum on the table that disco beat like in Mephisto Mix" and it was the most amazing thing! It's another song, hidden in the song! Thanks for this beautiful version and all the effort involved in your work!

Beautiful work. I've been waiting for this for a long time.

Thanks for this Josh. Missing your covers

Perfection with that off beat. Great work!

I'm so happy now

Wonderful selections, beautifully performed, tastefully shot, and expertly produced. Much appreciation.

I can’t believe but it’s happened

Damn this feels good

Ok is it just me or am I now I love with these piano versions because of Exit Music Redux..?

well done!

Another great track you should do is “Limerence” by Yves Tumor, it’s a lesser known track and would make a great transition on piano I think.

Loved it. Gracias :)

You are transcribing my life. I want to tell you about it... But there is so much.. Especially how this song *JUST CHANGED EVERYTHING* with your correct arrangement. I just do not think I should put that here.

I wanna be in a band when I get to heaven...anyone can play guitar and they won't be a nothing anymore.

Incredible, really

Amazing job as always, and regarding your comment, it would be fantastic to be able to come to a show to watch you play, if you end up playing in the Netherlands!

beautiful, as always!

wow. amazing

Astonishing work :]

Amazing! I'm wondering if you will do The Amazing Sounds one day...there are only like 1 or 2 covers of it. One of my fav Radiohead songs.

would you ever consider doing last flowers? i've been watching your radiohead covers for an hour now and I'm obsessed

Another song to add to my Spotify list. Great as always Josh.

I’ve been waiting for this.. so beautiful Josh

I need a cover of Nude it would be so beautiful

Interesting how you use the sustain pedal on this piece. It gives the song such a different vibe to it... I like it.

This is beautiful Josh!!

＊ Set playback speed to 0.25 for twenty minutes of pure bliss.

Great cover. This is my favorite song.

At time of writing 3 idiots watched at least some of this incredible piano piece. Great work Josh, beautiful cover.

Absolutely incredible as always. Hoping for Jigsaw next!

It was a long wait but worth it and you have once again ; achieved a fantastic rendition. Cheers man any chance we see street spirit?