The University of Idaho Argonaut

Home

'Eraser' gets its message across

Tuesday, 29 August 2006

Radiohead lead singer Thom Yorke moves out of the band and into his own with “The Eraser,” his the first solo project. The solo album will sound familiar to Radiohead fans, but is still different enough from Yorke’s previous work to be fresh and interesting. The new music is a heterogeneous mixture of rock, disco, techno and electronica. As is appropriate for a solo project, Yorke is more prominent in the music than he has been before. The beats are simplistic and tribal, and Yorke’s voice is brought to the forefront of every song, often whispering his message into the ear of the listener. And there is a message in this album. Even with all the great music, the seductively addictive beats and the haunting vocals, it’s hard not to get caught up in the meaning of Yorke’s words. His music has always been the soundtrack of life, weaving itself into the soul of the listener. This is an album of 2006, one that speaks of the hardships and problems we face now and in the ever-nearer future. In “The Clock,” Yorke sings that “Time is running out for us, but you just move the hands upon the clock.” Yorke is singing about global warming, and how even though with every day of record-breaking pollution we come one step closer to irreversible repercussions, the politicians in charge keep pushing back the subject year after year. Melancholy sentiments like that make you want to escape in a song like “Black Swan” and just “do yourself a favor and pack your bags, buy a ticket and get on the train.” Why? “Because this is f---ed up.” The song’s drums are slow and hypnotic, led along by an eerie guitar. As you are drawn into the rhythm and mood, you begin to become what Yorke proclaims you to be: a black swan, misunderstood and out of place. Influences for the album can be seen in Yorke’s life outside of his music. He is an outspoken activist and has worked for many political causes, including those of Amnesty International and the Friends of the Earth. Yorke is working for change in the world, and even though “The Eraser” is often melancholy and bleak, a message of hope and change can be felt throughout the work. “The Eraser” was released July 2006 and is produced by Nigel Goodrich, a longtime collaborator with Radiohead. This is Yorke’s first album on the independent label XL and is the label’s most successful release to date. Add as favorites (23) | Views: 403 Be first to comment this article Write Comment Please keep the topic of messages relevant to the subject of the article. Personal verbal attacks will be deleted. Please don't use comments to plug your web site. Such material will be removed. Just ensure to *Refresh* your browser for a new security code to be displayed prior to clicking on the 'Send' button. Keep in mind that the above process only applies if you simply entered the wrong security code. Name: Title: Comment: