Check out the music video of Radiohead’s new song, Lotus Flower, at www.radiohead.com
First impressions after watching the video for a few times:
It’s a video of Thom Yorke dancing — that’s it. Just a simple blend of music, dance, light and videography. It’s not a concept-juggling, mind-fucking video that knocks you out. It’s refreshingly raw … and also surprisingly direct. Sometimes he seems to be illustrating his lyrics with cliched sign-languages (look at what he does with “I’ll shape myself into your pocket,” or “there’s an empty space inside my heart.”)
Coincidentally, I was watching videos of modern dance on Youtube right before I saw this. I was immediately struck by the way Thom Yorke moves … especially in the first minute. The smooth, liquid-like movements of his arms flow through his chest down his waist. Then his body jerks violently as if he is electrocuting himself with his music. At one point he stood, one foot on top of another, as his fingers slowly unfolded.
I kept wondering if he choreographed the dance and movements himself…
Then I saw the credits. Choreographer: Wayne McGregor.*
!!!!
It all makes sense now.
On the music … I can’t help but feel that this song will fit perfectly into Thom Yorke’s solo album, The Eraser. I have to listen to the entire album now. To be honest I hope I’ll hear Radiohead, not Atoms for Peace…
*Wayne McGregor: A giant in England’s contemporary dance scene. He founded Random Dance, one of the most respected contemporary dance companies, and is the resident choreographer of Royal Ballet. I haven’t seen a full Random Dance production, but I have seen an excerpt from Chroma danced by Steve McRae (brilliant dancer from the Royal Ballet) Here’s a video of him talking about Chroma.
thINK... 