Lecture Notes: How to Disappear Completely - Context and Significance

Introduction

• Excerpt from an interview with Radiohead's Tom York by the BBC's Culture Show (October 2006).
• Significant that Tom York confidently chooses the song "How To Disappear Completely" despite a successful back catalogue.

Context of Radiohead's Fame

• By 2006, Radiohead was already a household name for over a decade.
• The expectation is that fame leads to happiness and satisfaction.
• Reality: Fame brought pressure and anxiety for Tom York and the band.

The Lead-Up to "How to Disappear Completely"

• 1997 Release of OK Computer:
  • Close to their third studio album release, Radiohead aimed to create something different from their acclaimed album, The Bends.
  • Decision to innovate rather than replicate previous success.
• Gigs Pre-Release:
  • Band played for only 400 people in Lisbon before the album's release.
  • Post-release: Performed for 38,000 at the Royal Showgrounds, then headlined Glastonbury.
• Mental State of Tom York:
  • The pressure of their rapidly growing fame started to take a toll on him.
  • Nightmares about floating in the Liffey River before the Dublin gig.

Glastonbury Performance

• Technical Difficulties:
  • No monitor speakers led to a chaotic performance.
  • York nearly walked off stage but was persuaded to finish the set.
• Impact:
  • Despite its legendary status, York's mental health suffered as a result.

Coping Mechanisms

• Advice from Michael Stipe (R.E.M.):
  • Suggested shutting down mentally and telling oneself, "I'm not here, this isn't happening."
• Resulted in struggling through the rest of the OK Computer tour.

Aftermath of Touring

• Summer 1998:
  • Left Tom York in a poor mental state and overwhelmed by the pressure to create new music.
• Writer's Block:
  • Creative sessions in Paris and Copenhagen did not lead to productive results.
• Shift in Musical Direction:
  • Band concluded "melody is dead, rhythm is king."
  • Transition to a more experimental sound with the release of Kid A.

Introduction of Kid A

• Release: At the turn of the century, Kid A departed from traditional anthemic sound.
  • Emphasis on synthesizers and digital instruments.
• Johnny Greenwood's Orchestral Contributions:
  • Utilized musical theory to create complex arrangements.

"How to Disappear Completely" Analysis

• Musical Composition:
  • Only song on Kid A to feature acoustic guitar, contrasting with the rest of the album.
  • Uncomfortable string arrangements create tension.
• Lyrical Connection:
  • Lyrics reflect York's personal struggles and nightmares faced during the tour.
  • Chorus echoes Stipe's advice, intertwined with the emotional context of the song.
• Climactic Build-Up:
  • Song climaxes with a wall of sound, representing York's feelings of dissociation.
  • Ends with a sense of resolution and clarity.

Conclusion

• Cautionary Tale of Stardom:
  • Highlights dangers of pushing musicians to their limits.
  • "Headlining Glastonbury" represents a dream that turned into a nightmare for York.
• Legacy of the Song:
  • Ultimately a beautiful and profound piece from an incredible album.
  • Radiohead managed to overcome their struggles and create art that reflects deep emotions.
• Personal Reflection:
  • Tom York sees "How to Disappear Completely" as a crowning achievement of their music.
• Final Thoughts:
  • Encourages reflection on the true value of artistic expression over fame.