Lessons on How to Disappear Completely

So, I make it no secret to those that I know that I absolutely love the band Radiohead. To say the least I wear my heart on my sleeve when it comes to describing this band....and care rather little about the controversy the fell upon them for the several years when they decided to experiment with the sound that made them endearing to the masses. This sounds can best be seen in the song "Creep"...an anthem for all those that feel alienated and wish to be loved

With a basic introduction out of the way, let us get to the heart of the post: the opportunity to see my favorite living music artists live.* To sum up my experience in one simple phrase: it was religious.

With a a catalog as rich as theirs (seven albums, several solo projects, and plenty of B-Sides), to put together a set list must be particularly daunting. So, they said to hell with it and played the songs the enjoyed from their older albums (played all of their last album, In Rainbows), which made the experience all the better because they really appeared to enjoy themselves on stage. It also helps that they played mainly music from their later albums, like Kid A (my favorite album by the band) and Hail to the Thief.

However the moment of the show....hell of my musical life...came when they came on to play a heartbreaking rendition of my favorite song: "How to Disappear Completely." This is a song that already has the ability to break down the emotions of your humble narrator and to see it live was bittersweet. It is a song that will leave its listener feeling cold, empty, and alone; however, a sense of light seems to stay, thus creating a perfect emotional balance.

Overall the concert was perfect, or as close to it as it gets. I really did not think the band could reach the expectations that I had for it, but I was wrong. Oh...has it never felt so good to be so wrong.

*Favorite musical artist is Elliott Smith, but he is not with us anymore.