Saturday, September 6, 2008

Asleep at the Wheel


"Asleep at the Wheel" by Casey Dienel is the song that Radiohead's "Videotape" should have been. The songs have definite similarities: a simple repeating piano line, a gorgeously emotive voice, and drums that enter about halfway through the song.


They have their differences as well. "Videotape" is a dark and brooding album closer. "Asleep at the Wheel" is lighter and more like Regina Spektor.


"Videotape" is disappointing, though. It doesn't go anywhere. The drums are without purpose. It pales in comparison to the Kid A album closer, "Motion Picture Soundtrack," which swells with organ, strings, and emotion.


Where "Videotape" stagnates, "Asleep at the Wheel" rises and falls in beautiful melismatic passages. Each phrase has a natural rise and fall. The drums enter to intensify an already intensifying mood. Casey Dienel seems to be singing about something meaningful; Thom Yorke doesn't seem to be singing about anything important.


So check out both songs. I am interested to hear what you think. Please leave comments! Challenge me.




2 comments:

Unknown said...

Don't you have work you should be doing?

Justin Ferraro said...

tpxI'm so glad someone shares my sentiments concerning Videotape