Who's in for a new MeFi Music Album Challenge? June 8, 2012 1:50 PM Subscribe
July 2012 MeFi Music Album Challenge: OK Computer
[details inside]
In July 2009, MetaFilter Music’s challenge for the month was to cover the entire album of The Velvet Underground and Nico, one song at a time, with the songs assigned to the musicians in a master MeFi Music Talk post. You can listen to the results here.
Now we’re doing it again. Because of the potentially tricky nature of the album to be covered this time, we’re giving everyone a heads-up in advance so that everyone who wants to participate can, and so that we’ll have some lead time to work on tracks before the official start of the challenge on July 1.
The album: Radiohead’s OK Computer
How it works:
If you want to participate, just say so in this thread. In a few days, I’ll make a follow-up MetaTalk post making the song assignments.
Then work on your song. Do not post your song in MetaFilter Music until sometime between July 1 and July 31.
Starting July 1, post your song in MeFi Music, being sure to tag your submission "mefimusicchallenge" and “OKComputer” so listeners can easily follow along.
Some people love OK Computer. Others don’t. I hope musical MeFites will participate whether they like the album or not, since some of the most interesting submissions will likely come from people who have no particular love for the source material.
So who’s in?
In July 2009, MetaFilter Music’s challenge for the month was to cover the entire album of The Velvet Underground and Nico, one song at a time, with the songs assigned to the musicians in a master MeFi Music Talk post. You can listen to the results here.
Now we’re doing it again. Because of the potentially tricky nature of the album to be covered this time, we’re giving everyone a heads-up in advance so that everyone who wants to participate can, and so that we’ll have some lead time to work on tracks before the official start of the challenge on July 1.
The album: Radiohead’s OK Computer
How it works:
If you want to participate, just say so in this thread. In a few days, I’ll make a follow-up MetaTalk post making the song assignments.
Then work on your song. Do not post your song in MetaFilter Music until sometime between July 1 and July 31.
Starting July 1, post your song in MeFi Music, being sure to tag your submission "mefimusicchallenge" and “OKComputer” so listeners can easily follow along.
Some people love OK Computer. Others don’t. I hope musical MeFites will participate whether they like the album or not, since some of the most interesting submissions will likely come from people who have no particular love for the source material.
So who’s in?
This post was deleted for the following reason: Poster's Request -- frimble
Why assign songs, though?
Also, can someone find me some sheet music for Exit Music and I'll take a shot at it? :)
posted by empath at 1:55 PM on June 8, 2012
Also, can someone find me some sheet music for Exit Music and I'll take a shot at it? :)
posted by empath at 1:55 PM on June 8, 2012
Why assign songs, though?
Maybe so you don't get 19 version of the hit song?
posted by cjorgensen at 1:59 PM on June 8, 2012
Maybe so you don't get 19 version of the hit song?
posted by cjorgensen at 1:59 PM on June 8, 2012
I think people should take up the Bieber Girlfriend contest as a music challenge.
posted by cjorgensen at 2:00 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by cjorgensen at 2:00 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
I'm in
posted by InfidelZombie at 2:04 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by InfidelZombie at 2:04 PM on June 8, 2012
Fortunately, we know the first chord of Paranoid Android is Cm.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 2:12 PM on June 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Admiral Haddock at 2:12 PM on June 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
Yay! The VU+N album was a lot of fun, and I'm really looking forward to seeing what happens with this one. I might even do more than my main assigned track.
Why assign songs, though?
Makes it a lot easier to get an even distribution of song entries that way instead of a two dozen versions of Karma Police. You can always be an iconoclast and cover whatever song you want anyway if that's how you roll.
posted by cortex (staff) at 2:14 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Why assign songs, though?
Makes it a lot easier to get an even distribution of song entries that way instead of a two dozen versions of Karma Police. You can always be an iconoclast and cover whatever song you want anyway if that's how you roll.
posted by cortex (staff) at 2:14 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
*starts working on two dozen versions of Karma Chameleon*
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 2:29 PM on June 8, 2012 [7 favorites]
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 2:29 PM on June 8, 2012 [7 favorites]
You can always be an iconoclast and cover whatever song you want anyway if that's how you roll.
That's what I'll probably have to do, because there's always a strong possibility I won't finish anyway and that would suck to get assigned a song someone else would love to have had assigned only to squander the opportunity.
posted by Hoopo at 2:31 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
That's what I'll probably have to do, because there's always a strong possibility I won't finish anyway and that would suck to get assigned a song someone else would love to have had assigned only to squander the opportunity.
posted by Hoopo at 2:31 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
on that note, is there a song on that album that is universally considered the least-favorite?
posted by Hoopo at 2:42 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by Hoopo at 2:42 PM on June 8, 2012
Can anyone do a good Shatner impression? Can anyone do an impression of Shatner doing "Fitter Happier"?
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 2:47 PM on June 8, 2012 [7 favorites]
posted by East Manitoba Regional Junior Kabaddi Champion '94 at 2:47 PM on June 8, 2012 [7 favorites]
To my everlasting shame and embarrassment there is nothing I can contribute to MeFi Music in terms of posts, but I will say from the back of the audience (down by the bar) that I'm looking forward to several covers of Paranoid Android from y'all.
posted by carsonb at 3:00 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by carsonb at 3:00 PM on June 8, 2012
i'll do it
posted by pyramid termite at 3:04 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by pyramid termite at 3:04 PM on June 8, 2012
I would like to be involved, yes.
posted by tigrefacile at 3:06 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by tigrefacile at 3:06 PM on June 8, 2012
i think melissa may wants to do a version of a song on this album at some point... so maybe?
posted by sleepy pete at 3:21 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by sleepy pete at 3:21 PM on June 8, 2012
Yes! I'm in!
posted by TwoWordReview at 3:23 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by TwoWordReview at 3:23 PM on June 8, 2012
Can anyone do a good Shatner impression? Can anyone do an impression of Shatner doing "Fitter Happier"?
I can pretty much guarantee a bad Walken doing it.
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:26 PM on June 8, 2012 [6 favorites]
I can pretty much guarantee a bad Walken doing it.
posted by cortex (staff) at 3:26 PM on June 8, 2012 [6 favorites]
May I join in, or is that enough now?
posted by Grangousier at 3:55 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by Grangousier at 3:55 PM on June 8, 2012
I will join carsonb down by the bar to tune in and listen. Excellent band/album choice for experimentation.
posted by headnsouth at 3:57 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by headnsouth at 3:57 PM on June 8, 2012
I'm interested, sign me up.
posted by cathodeheart at 4:11 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by cathodeheart at 4:11 PM on June 8, 2012
Yes please yes please yes please. I haven't done a MeFi Music song for far too long and this sounds really fun.
posted by ZsigE at 4:20 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by ZsigE at 4:20 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Sure.
I got Heroin last time. I'm hoping for something a bit lighter this round.
posted by chococat at 4:20 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
I got Heroin last time. I'm hoping for something a bit lighter this round.
posted by chococat at 4:20 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
You know, one of those fun, happy-hearted tunes on OK Computer.
posted by cortex (staff) at 4:24 PM on June 8, 2012 [21 favorites]
posted by cortex (staff) at 4:24 PM on June 8, 2012 [21 favorites]
I am in for this one. Unlike 2009, where I embarrassingly failed to produce anything.
posted by god hates math at 4:31 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by god hates math at 4:31 PM on June 8, 2012
Ok this is pretty exciting. I don't understand things like "chords" enough to participate but I am giddy with excitement.
posted by fuq at 5:00 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by fuq at 5:00 PM on June 8, 2012
count me in. been waaay to long since i posted anything to mefi music.
posted by th3ph17 at 5:09 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by th3ph17 at 5:09 PM on June 8, 2012
I am interested (in embarrassing myself).
posted by curious nu at 5:18 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by curious nu at 5:18 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
You know, one of those fun, happy-hearted tunes on OK Computer.
Well, I don't really do melodic stuff but I would like to collaborate with someone if they want to make a housy, filtery, super disco version of something.
posted by fuq at 5:49 PM on June 8, 2012
Well, I don't really do melodic stuff but I would like to collaborate with someone if they want to make a housy, filtery, super disco version of something.
posted by fuq at 5:49 PM on June 8, 2012
Can I request that the July 2015 effort be for the eponymous album from The Archies?
posted by hwyengr at 6:21 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by hwyengr at 6:21 PM on June 8, 2012
Count me in.
posted by erikgrande at 6:25 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by erikgrande at 6:25 PM on June 8, 2012
YUSSS. I loved VU+N challenge. Count me in.
posted by azarbayejani at 6:32 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by azarbayejani at 6:32 PM on June 8, 2012
If we don't like the song we're assigned, can we trade with someone else?
posted by John Cohen at 6:50 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by John Cohen at 6:50 PM on June 8, 2012
I have literally never done anything for MeFi Music, but this sounds like fun. Assign away, because otherwise I'll end up doing one of the five songs off the album I know from memory.
Though a major-key version of Climbing Up the Walls just popped into my head as a perverse little idea.
posted by supercres at 6:59 PM on June 8, 2012
Though a major-key version of Climbing Up the Walls just popped into my head as a perverse little idea.
posted by supercres at 6:59 PM on June 8, 2012
OK, I'll give it a shot.
posted by John Cohen at 7:06 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by John Cohen at 7:06 PM on June 8, 2012
I'm in. But only if you accept atonal dub versions of radiohead.
posted by googly at 7:25 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by googly at 7:25 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Man, we should totally have a Metatalk thread about every music challenge. It seems positive, and it sure would improve visibility.
posted by koeselitz at 7:28 PM on June 8, 2012 [3 favorites]
posted by koeselitz at 7:28 PM on June 8, 2012 [3 favorites]
Man, we should totally have a Metatalk thread about every music challenge.
Couldn't agree more, K!
posted by unSane at 7:39 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
Couldn't agree more, K!
posted by unSane at 7:39 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
I didn't even know these things existed! This is awesome. I won't be contributing this round due to life stuff, but I look forward to listening to what folks do!
posted by smirkette at 7:55 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by smirkette at 7:55 PM on June 8, 2012
So let me tell you a story about OK Computer. I never really cared for Radiohead. Not my cup of tea. The Bends was okay, Creep was a pretty good rock song. But then OK Computer came out and I thought, no, no, this is not at all for me, this single is terrible.
I never listened to the rest of the album.
So anyway, I've already been assigned a track, and I won't give away what it is yet, but I've done some close listening and I've banged out a learning-the-song quick-and-dirty two-hour cover. And it's grown on me. I listened to the rest of the album the other day for completeness, and it turns out that it's still not for me, but I "get" it a little better.
I think what I'm saying is, I will likely turn in two or three versions of this song, at least one of which will feature badly-played accordion.
posted by uncleozzy at 8:01 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
I never listened to the rest of the album.
So anyway, I've already been assigned a track, and I won't give away what it is yet, but I've done some close listening and I've banged out a learning-the-song quick-and-dirty two-hour cover. And it's grown on me. I listened to the rest of the album the other day for completeness, and it turns out that it's still not for me, but I "get" it a little better.
I think what I'm saying is, I will likely turn in two or three versions of this song, at least one of which will feature badly-played accordion.
posted by uncleozzy at 8:01 PM on June 8, 2012 [1 favorite]
One of the motivations for choosing OKC was that it's such a polarizing album, which it makes it equally hard to do -- whether you think it's a work of genius or it leaves you entirely cold.
posted by unSane at 8:04 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by unSane at 8:04 PM on June 8, 2012
Man, we should totally have a Metatalk thread about every music challenge. It seems positive, and it sure would improve visibility.
Oh, there have been other music challenges?
posted by John Cohen at 8:30 PM on June 8, 2012
Oh, there have been other music challenges?
posted by John Cohen at 8:30 PM on June 8, 2012
I can't sign up, because I don't think I can promise any results at all, but thanks for posting this. It's convinced me to go back to the album (which I wasn't even aware was polarising) and pick apart the one song that I don't like (likely unsurprisngly, Fitter, Happier.) In listening to it over and over, I was surprised by how much is actually going on to make me uncomfortable.
So, thanks for making me think.
posted by frimble at 8:37 PM on June 8, 2012
So, thanks for making me think.
posted by frimble at 8:37 PM on June 8, 2012
I'm in. I see OK Computer is on Spotify so I have a source.
posted by Ardiril at 9:25 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by Ardiril at 9:25 PM on June 8, 2012
I'm a huge Radiohead fan so I'm anxiously looking forward to all the upcoming posts. I hope to hear a lot of fun takes on Fitter Happier.
posted by Diskeater at 9:38 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by Diskeater at 9:38 PM on June 8, 2012
I would totally like to do this. Yay, garageband!
posted by Rube R. Nekker at 9:56 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by Rube R. Nekker at 9:56 PM on June 8, 2012
I will do this only if I can do a French language a cappella version of Meeting in the Aisle...
Hehe. No really, I'm in! I can pull something together! Fun adventure time!
posted by two lights above the sea at 10:12 PM on June 8, 2012
Hehe. No really, I'm in! I can pull something together! Fun adventure time!
posted by two lights above the sea at 10:12 PM on June 8, 2012
Sign me up please.
posted by fleacircus at 10:25 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by fleacircus at 10:25 PM on June 8, 2012
I've never actually listened to OK Computer. I know, I know, that's gotta be right up there with "I don't even OWN a TV" for most of y'all, but, it's a fact.
But I like surprises, and I like a challenge (MeFiMu and otherwise) and that is why...
I'm in.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 11:23 PM on June 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
But I like surprises, and I like a challenge (MeFiMu and otherwise) and that is why...
I'm in.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 11:23 PM on June 8, 2012 [2 favorites]
I'm not set up to record an entire song, but if anyone needs a pianist/amateurish back up vocals I'm in for a collaboration. Very much looking forward to what comes out, either way.
posted by rhythm and booze at 11:47 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by rhythm and booze at 11:47 PM on June 8, 2012
In please.
posted by Captain Najork at 11:56 PM on June 8, 2012
posted by Captain Najork at 11:56 PM on June 8, 2012
I can't guarantee I'll be able to do it in July but I've always wanted to try a cover of Let Down (semi-infamously one of their songs they almost never play live).
posted by chimaera at 12:02 AM on June 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by chimaera at 12:02 AM on June 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
Oh, I would like a song please!
posted by visual mechanic at 12:34 AM on June 9, 2012
posted by visual mechanic at 12:34 AM on June 9, 2012
Might be interested in collaborating or turning something in. Don't know if I'd be reliable enough for an assigned one, though.
posted by solarion at 12:43 AM on June 9, 2012
posted by solarion at 12:43 AM on June 9, 2012
uncleozzy, I cannot *wait* to see what you do with your song. Same goes for the rest of you.
(It's slightly embarrassing how much I obsessively listen to my fave MeFi Music tracks.)
posted by iamkimiam at 1:27 AM on June 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
(It's slightly embarrassing how much I obsessively listen to my fave MeFi Music tracks.)
posted by iamkimiam at 1:27 AM on June 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
and by see, I mean hear. English is getting really weird w/r/t these verbs.
posted by iamkimiam at 1:28 AM on June 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by iamkimiam at 1:28 AM on June 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
I've never actually listened to OK Computer ... [b]ut I like surprises
No surprises, sorry.
posted by Grangousier at 2:52 AM on June 9, 2012 [9 favorites]
No surprises, sorry.
posted by Grangousier at 2:52 AM on June 9, 2012 [9 favorites]
Come on. You could have a lot of fun with "Fitter, Happier".
posted by Decani at 4:40 AM on June 9, 2012
posted by Decani at 4:40 AM on June 9, 2012
May I have a weird song to cover, please?
You can make anything as weird as you like, even the *straightest* song. Whereas if it's weird in the first place, where you gonna take it?
That is, assuming you wanna make something *weird* yourself.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:30 AM on June 9, 2012
You can make anything as weird as you like, even the *straightest* song. Whereas if it's weird in the first place, where you gonna take it?
That is, assuming you wanna make something *weird* yourself.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 6:30 AM on June 9, 2012
I've never actually listened to OK Computer
i thought i had, but it turns out it was kid a and amnesiac i'd listened to - somehow, i'd never gotten around to hearing this one
i don't get the pink floyd comparisons people make - a lot of the songs sound like mid 60s kinks to me, which is a good thing
posted by pyramid termite at 6:34 AM on June 9, 2012
i thought i had, but it turns out it was kid a and amnesiac i'd listened to - somehow, i'd never gotten around to hearing this one
i don't get the pink floyd comparisons people make - a lot of the songs sound like mid 60s kinks to me, which is a good thing
posted by pyramid termite at 6:34 AM on June 9, 2012
I would like to make a go of this, please.
posted by sinnesloeschen at 6:43 AM on June 9, 2012
posted by sinnesloeschen at 6:43 AM on June 9, 2012
flapjax at midnite: "You can make anything as weird as you like, even the *straightest* song. Whereas if it's weird in the first place, where you gonna take it?"
Many of the things we do as musicians can be thought of as parlor tricks.
One of the best tricks I have up my sleeve is to take something that is "weird" in a pop music context out of that context, and show how much weirder things can get.
But really I've been doing my scales and exercises on the viola for about half a year now (no joke), so I am maybe in a position to go "straight" for once if that inspiration hits me as well (well as straight as a 6 month violist can do, but earnest flawed but folksy sloppy playing works out just fine in a pop music context).
posted by idiopath at 7:48 AM on June 9, 2012
Many of the things we do as musicians can be thought of as parlor tricks.
One of the best tricks I have up my sleeve is to take something that is "weird" in a pop music context out of that context, and show how much weirder things can get.
But really I've been doing my scales and exercises on the viola for about half a year now (no joke), so I am maybe in a position to go "straight" for once if that inspiration hits me as well (well as straight as a 6 month violist can do, but earnest flawed but folksy sloppy playing works out just fine in a pop music context).
posted by idiopath at 7:48 AM on June 9, 2012
Viola, idiopath? You know what they call 100 violas at the bottom of the ocean, right?
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:51 AM on June 9, 2012
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:51 AM on June 9, 2012
Viola jokes are so numerous and ubiquitous, I consider the humbleness required to stick with the instrument one of the perquisites of playing.
All the thin skinned violists commit suicide, or switch to something easier like the violin.
posted by idiopath at 8:05 AM on June 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
All the thin skinned violists commit suicide, or switch to something easier like the violin.
posted by idiopath at 8:05 AM on June 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
I didn't know that many lawyers played the viola.
posted by cjorgensen at 8:14 AM on June 9, 2012
posted by cjorgensen at 8:14 AM on June 9, 2012
If I could play any instruments well and had a way to record anything, I would do this. Since that isn't the case, I anxiously await the results of those that can.
posted by Red Loop at 8:18 AM on June 9, 2012
posted by Red Loop at 8:18 AM on June 9, 2012
No no cjorgensen, the lawyers are actually reincarnated as the violas. It is the sacred duty of the violist to torture those lawyers for their misdeeds, by rubbing them with horsehair and crushing them under our chins.
posted by idiopath at 8:29 AM on June 9, 2012
posted by idiopath at 8:29 AM on June 9, 2012
I'm in.
at least one of which will feature badly-played accordion
Mine is pretty much guaranteed to feature a badly-played concertina.
posted by burnmp3s at 8:34 AM on June 9, 2012
at least one of which will feature badly-played accordion
Mine is pretty much guaranteed to feature a badly-played concertina.
posted by burnmp3s at 8:34 AM on June 9, 2012
It is the sacred duty of the violist to torture those lawyers for their misdeeds, by rubbing them with horsehair and crushing them under our chins.
Hey, some lawyers *like* that.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:52 AM on June 9, 2012
Hey, some lawyers *like* that.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 8:52 AM on June 9, 2012
You know what they call 100 violas at the bottom of the ocean, right?
since when are drummers entitled to tell jokes about musicians?
*ducks*
posted by pyramid termite at 9:46 AM on June 9, 2012 [3 favorites]
since when are drummers entitled to tell jokes about musicians?
*ducks*
posted by pyramid termite at 9:46 AM on June 9, 2012 [3 favorites]
I am notoriously flakey with these sorts of things, but I'd like to be signed up nonetheless. Also, is this the right place to mention the genius that is Rodeohead?
posted by O9scar at 9:47 AM on June 9, 2012
posted by O9scar at 9:47 AM on June 9, 2012
At the risk of saying I'll do it and then not really doing it, I'll sign up.
This is going to get interesting real quick at my house.
posted by theichibun at 9:49 AM on June 9, 2012
This is going to get interesting real quick at my house.
posted by theichibun at 9:49 AM on June 9, 2012
No need to duck, pt. I'm a singer, too.
and I pluck on that little three-string thingie, of which there are maybe already more than 100 of at the bottom of the ocean...
posted by flapjax at midnite at 9:50 AM on June 9, 2012
and I pluck on that little three-string thingie, of which there are maybe already more than 100 of at the bottom of the ocean...
posted by flapjax at midnite at 9:50 AM on June 9, 2012
Shamisen? Balalaika?
Banjo with a flesh wound.
posted by cortex (staff) at 10:44 AM on June 9, 2012 [3 favorites]
Banjo with a flesh wound.
posted by cortex (staff) at 10:44 AM on June 9, 2012 [3 favorites]
I'm in (although it's been years since I wrote music; I've been meaning to find an excuse to get back into it).
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 12:08 PM on June 9, 2012
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 12:08 PM on June 9, 2012
> Also, is this the right place to mention the genius that is Rodeohead?
On a lazy weekend back in 2005, my husband said to me, "Okay, you have to listen to this for a little bit before you tell me 'That's enough.'" I gave him a suspicious, somewhat confused look as the music began to play.
When the lyrics kicked in, the unexpectedness of the whole thing sent me into hysterical laughter. This terrified our cat, and he jumped onto the couch, hackles raised, to huddle next to me. The sight of him bouncing gently with my laughter sent me into harder fits.
The whistle-lisp and cracking whip didn't help.
posted by moira at 12:43 PM on June 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
On a lazy weekend back in 2005, my husband said to me, "Okay, you have to listen to this for a little bit before you tell me 'That's enough.'" I gave him a suspicious, somewhat confused look as the music began to play.
When the lyrics kicked in, the unexpectedness of the whole thing sent me into hysterical laughter. This terrified our cat, and he jumped onto the couch, hackles raised, to huddle next to me. The sight of him bouncing gently with my laughter sent me into harder fits.
The whistle-lisp and cracking whip didn't help.
posted by moira at 12:43 PM on June 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
I've never heard the album, but I'm in. Need something fun and different. Did this before on the Elvis Costello mailing list - we mailed tapes all over the planet. Crazy. I guess this might be simpler now.
posted by Listener at 1:08 PM on June 9, 2012
posted by Listener at 1:08 PM on June 9, 2012
I'm IN!!
posted by roboton666 at 1:23 PM on June 9, 2012
posted by roboton666 at 1:23 PM on June 9, 2012
Yeah, I need the motivation. I'm in.
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 1:34 PM on June 9, 2012
posted by Johnny Wallflower at 1:34 PM on June 9, 2012
I think what I'm saying is, I will likely turn in two or three versions of this song, at least one of which will feature badly-played accordion.
Please let this be Airbag.
posted by jokeefe at 1:42 PM on June 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
Please let this be Airbag.
posted by jokeefe at 1:42 PM on June 9, 2012 [1 favorite]
I'm in!
posted by OrangeGloves at 2:09 PM on June 9, 2012
posted by OrangeGloves at 2:09 PM on June 9, 2012
I'm dubious that I'll have the time, but I'll try. (I, also, have never listened to the album.)
posted by Karlos the Jackal at 3:36 PM on June 9, 2012
posted by Karlos the Jackal at 3:36 PM on June 9, 2012
I'm in! (I'm another person that doesn't particularly love or hate Radiohead and am not familiar with much more than Paranoid Android.)
posted by ignignokt at 7:42 PM on June 9, 2012
posted by ignignokt at 7:42 PM on June 9, 2012
FYI There's a classical music album version of this already, "Strung out on OK Computer", which is pretty good.
Paranoid Android
posted by Chekhovian at 7:53 PM on June 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
Paranoid Android
posted by Chekhovian at 7:53 PM on June 9, 2012 [2 favorites]
No promise that the recording will be any good - it's been awhile since I played anything and I've never tried to record myself before - but I'm in. Well, I'll try anyway.
(Is that enough caveats?)
posted by dismas at 8:31 PM on June 9, 2012
(Is that enough caveats?)
posted by dismas at 8:31 PM on June 9, 2012
yes please, count me in!
posted by the_very_hungry_caterpillar at 6:34 AM on June 10, 2012
posted by the_very_hungry_caterpillar at 6:34 AM on June 10, 2012
I'm in.
posted by lazaruslong at 11:31 AM on June 10, 2012
posted by lazaruslong at 11:31 AM on June 10, 2012
What the hello. I am in!
posted by not_on_display at 2:09 PM on June 10, 2012
posted by not_on_display at 2:09 PM on June 10, 2012
I'm in.
Exit Music is the most emotional piece of music I know. The bassline is basically the devil dragging the singer down to hell.
posted by Sebmojo at 3:17 PM on June 10, 2012
Exit Music is the most emotional piece of music I know. The bassline is basically the devil dragging the singer down to hell.
posted by Sebmojo at 3:17 PM on June 10, 2012
When will assignments be made? Sounds like some people have gotten theirs already...
posted by koeselitz at 1:31 AM on June 11, 2012
posted by koeselitz at 1:31 AM on June 11, 2012
hello again. I do not really know OK Computer, but a friend recommended "exit music" for me to do. Is it possible to request a track? If yes, I'll have exit music please. (Right - off to listen to it then!)
posted by the_very_hungry_caterpillar at 2:12 AM on June 11, 2012
posted by the_very_hungry_caterpillar at 2:12 AM on June 11, 2012
The bassline is basically the devil dragging the singer down to hell.
I wouldn't necessarily say that.
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 2:23 AM on June 11, 2012
I wouldn't necessarily say that.
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 2:23 AM on June 11, 2012
Also, for those of you who haven't heard this album, I was in your place some years ago (mid 2000). In the late 90s, I was an undergraduate music student, and had largely abandoned listening to popular music. My idea was that popular music was the stuff you heard on the hit stations, which, if you remember the late 90s, it was pretty much all crap. Years later, I ended up listening to OK Computer. I don't know why, but it completely changed the way I see musicians doing more popular music. I was finally able to appreciate that popular music could be "art" in exactly the same way that Bach motets are, which was a seismic change in my thinking at the time.
The way that the songs on OK Computer are constructed feels so meticulous. And I say "constructed," because I really get the sense that that's how it works. They have an excellent sense of texture and pacing, and this extends across the song to the whole album. "Exit Music" is a great example. The texture begins very thin and intimate - no percussion. The next verse, the texture gets a bit thicker, building the tension. Just before the beginning of the third verse, the drummer starts teasing us (or warning us?) that the next verse will be bigger, thicker, with the cymbal on beats 2 and 4. Then he begins playing, and his entrance is fantastic. I think the percussion, and the accompanying synthesizer line, really make this song. At the end, the texture winds down, quickly, in the opposite way that it built up. There's so much to love about Exit Music. As a bonus, from what I've read, the song is a sort of "alternate ending" for Romeo and Juliet, where they were a bit smarter and managed to get away together. I always disliked the ending of Romeo and Juliet.
Sometimes after a great song on an album, you're sort of disappointed when the song ends. But Exit Music leads into Let Down, which is even better (I always loved suspensions!). In Let Down, we have the same tension/texture buildup, but it is accompanied by really delicious dissonances (suspensions) and harmonies (Yorke, vocals). Listen especially to what the vocals do across the verses with respect to which channel they're in. It's pretty fantastic.
I know not everyone likes OK Computer, but for me, the idea of covering a song from OK Computer is intimidating. Should be fun trying, at least.
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 3:06 AM on June 11, 2012
The way that the songs on OK Computer are constructed feels so meticulous. And I say "constructed," because I really get the sense that that's how it works. They have an excellent sense of texture and pacing, and this extends across the song to the whole album. "Exit Music" is a great example. The texture begins very thin and intimate - no percussion. The next verse, the texture gets a bit thicker, building the tension. Just before the beginning of the third verse, the drummer starts teasing us (or warning us?) that the next verse will be bigger, thicker, with the cymbal on beats 2 and 4. Then he begins playing, and his entrance is fantastic. I think the percussion, and the accompanying synthesizer line, really make this song. At the end, the texture winds down, quickly, in the opposite way that it built up. There's so much to love about Exit Music. As a bonus, from what I've read, the song is a sort of "alternate ending" for Romeo and Juliet, where they were a bit smarter and managed to get away together. I always disliked the ending of Romeo and Juliet.
Sometimes after a great song on an album, you're sort of disappointed when the song ends. But Exit Music leads into Let Down, which is even better (I always loved suspensions!). In Let Down, we have the same tension/texture buildup, but it is accompanied by really delicious dissonances (suspensions) and harmonies (Yorke, vocals). Listen especially to what the vocals do across the verses with respect to which channel they're in. It's pretty fantastic.
I know not everyone likes OK Computer, but for me, the idea of covering a song from OK Computer is intimidating. Should be fun trying, at least.
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 3:06 AM on June 11, 2012
"The bassline is basically the devil dragging the singer down to hell."
I wouldn't necessarily say that.
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 11:23 PM on June 10 [+] [!]
So... it's a lament bass? In that case I see your cryptic wikipedia link with another one.
As a bonus, from what I've read, the song is a sort of "alternate ending" for Romeo and Juliet, where they were a bit smarter and managed to get away together. I always disliked the ending of Romeo and Juliet.
My reading is that they, uh, escape into death. But yours is a lot cheerier, so yay!
posted by Sebmojo at 6:12 PM on June 11, 2012
I wouldn't necessarily say that.
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 11:23 PM on June 10 [+] [!]
So... it's a lament bass? In that case I see your cryptic wikipedia link with another one.
As a bonus, from what I've read, the song is a sort of "alternate ending" for Romeo and Juliet, where they were a bit smarter and managed to get away together. I always disliked the ending of Romeo and Juliet.
My reading is that they, uh, escape into death. But yours is a lot cheerier, so yay!
posted by Sebmojo at 6:12 PM on June 11, 2012
Sign me up, please!
posted by modernserf at 7:02 PM on June 11, 2012
posted by modernserf at 7:02 PM on June 11, 2012
Huh. My absolute least favorite track on the album.
Perfect! Thank you! This is gonna be fun.
posted by MrVisible at 10:37 PM on June 11, 2012
Perfect! Thank you! This is gonna be fun.
posted by MrVisible at 10:37 PM on June 11, 2012
My reading is that they, uh, escape into death. But yours is a lot cheerier, so yay!
Thom Yorke also had the 1968 adaptation of the play (Romeo and Juliet) in his head: "I saw the Zeffirelli version when I was 13 and I cried my eyes out, because I couldn't understand why, the morning after they shagged, they didn't just run away. The song is written for two people who should run away before all the bad stuff starts. A personal song."
I can't find my original source, but there's that. I wouldn't say cheery, exactly - it's very bitter - but at least they're not dead.
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 11:26 PM on June 11, 2012
Thom Yorke also had the 1968 adaptation of the play (Romeo and Juliet) in his head: "I saw the Zeffirelli version when I was 13 and I cried my eyes out, because I couldn't understand why, the morning after they shagged, they didn't just run away. The song is written for two people who should run away before all the bad stuff starts. A personal song."
I can't find my original source, but there's that. I wouldn't say cheery, exactly - it's very bitter - but at least they're not dead.
posted by Philosopher Dirtbike at 11:26 PM on June 11, 2012
Oh golly, Karma Police. Ugh. Anyone in the Exit Music for a Film category feel like trading? I've played this song way too much.
posted by lazaruslong at 6:22 AM on June 12, 2012
posted by lazaruslong at 6:22 AM on June 12, 2012
I may end up flaking, but I'd like to give this a shot. Sign me up!
posted by owtytrof at 7:12 AM on June 12, 2012
posted by owtytrof at 7:12 AM on June 12, 2012
Ha, I just started playing the chords to Airbag on the piano, and it sounded just like Erik Satie, so I guess that's where I'm going with this!
posted by unSane at 9:31 AM on June 12, 2012
posted by unSane at 9:31 AM on June 12, 2012
Woohoo! Gonna have some fun with this one! Thanks!
posted by TwoWordReview at 9:31 AM on June 12, 2012
posted by TwoWordReview at 9:31 AM on June 12, 2012
but at least they're not dead.
I dunno, the first verse sounds like they're escaping but the second...
Sing.. us a song
A song to keep us warm
There's such a chill, such a chill
You can laugh
A spineless laugh
We hope your rules and wisdom choke you
Now we are one in everlasting peace
... doesn't seem too ambiguous.
posted by unSane at 9:33 AM on June 12, 2012
I dunno, the first verse sounds like they're escaping but the second...
Sing.. us a song
A song to keep us warm
There's such a chill, such a chill
You can laugh
A spineless laugh
We hope your rules and wisdom choke you
Now we are one in everlasting peace
... doesn't seem too ambiguous.
posted by unSane at 9:33 AM on June 12, 2012
Also, apparently I'm gonna need more cowbell!
posted by TwoWordReview at 9:55 AM on June 12, 2012
posted by TwoWordReview at 9:55 AM on June 12, 2012
Oh golly, Karma Police. Ugh.
I like the challenge of covering the "played 50 times when I was 18" songs.
posted by michaelh at 12:46 PM on June 12, 2012
I like the challenge of covering the "played 50 times when I was 18" songs.
posted by michaelh at 12:46 PM on June 12, 2012
I haven't listened to SHA in...a really long time. Welp, here goes nothin'!
posted by dismas at 1:12 PM on June 12, 2012
posted by dismas at 1:12 PM on June 12, 2012
Is it weird that the first thing I did when I started recording was set up a bathroom echo chamber?
posted by uncleozzy at 1:16 PM on June 12, 2012
posted by uncleozzy at 1:16 PM on June 12, 2012
Karma Chameleon Police
Love in your double-lidded eyes all the way
If I listen to their lies would you say
He's a man without conviction
He's a herp who doesn't know
He talks in moths
He buzzes like a fly
He's like a detuned radio
He comes and goes, he summons ghosts
Karma karma karma karma, karma police, arrest this man
He talks in moths, he summons ghosts
Loving should be easy but I've given it all I can
But we've robbed the payroll again
Couldn't hear your flickered tongue everyday
And you have the right to remain silent, I heard them say
As if our love was an addiction
The needle sting of love too strong
But their Hitler stare is
Making me feel tragic
And we Godwinned this party
Even before the lizards came along
Karma karma karma karma, karma police, arrest this girl
Their Hitler stares have tipped the scales
They show their teeth as if to smile
But this is what you get when you mess with reptiles
This is what you get
This is what you get
This is what you get when you mess with reptiles
I sloughed our love for my survival
This is what you get when you mess with reptiles
My soul, my love, dead on arrival
This is what you get when you mess with reptiles
For a minute there, I lost my skin, I lost my skin
Phew! For a minute there, I lost my skin, I lost my skin
For a minute there, I lost my skin, I lost my skin
Phew! For a minute there, I lost my skin, I lost my skin
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 2:27 PM on June 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
Love in your double-lidded eyes all the way
If I listen to their lies would you say
He's a man without conviction
He's a herp who doesn't know
He talks in moths
He buzzes like a fly
He's like a detuned radio
He comes and goes, he summons ghosts
Karma karma karma karma, karma police, arrest this man
He talks in moths, he summons ghosts
Loving should be easy but I've given it all I can
But we've robbed the payroll again
Couldn't hear your flickered tongue everyday
And you have the right to remain silent, I heard them say
As if our love was an addiction
The needle sting of love too strong
But their Hitler stare is
Making me feel tragic
And we Godwinned this party
Even before the lizards came along
Karma karma karma karma, karma police, arrest this girl
Their Hitler stares have tipped the scales
They show their teeth as if to smile
But this is what you get when you mess with reptiles
This is what you get
This is what you get
This is what you get when you mess with reptiles
I sloughed our love for my survival
This is what you get when you mess with reptiles
My soul, my love, dead on arrival
This is what you get when you mess with reptiles
For a minute there, I lost my skin, I lost my skin
Phew! For a minute there, I lost my skin, I lost my skin
For a minute there, I lost my skin, I lost my skin
Phew! For a minute there, I lost my skin, I lost my skin
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 2:27 PM on June 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
a bathroom in Jane Seymour's house
They really got some lovely sounds out of there. Like I said, I can take or leave most of the songs, but the album sure sounds gorgeous.
I'm going to try to mix using two makeshift echo chambers in the house ... the bathroom is tiny, wooden, and oddly-shaped, and there's a stairwell that throws off some really hideous reflections. We'll see how that goes.
posted by uncleozzy at 2:36 PM on June 12, 2012
They really got some lovely sounds out of there. Like I said, I can take or leave most of the songs, but the album sure sounds gorgeous.
I'm going to try to mix using two makeshift echo chambers in the house ... the bathroom is tiny, wooden, and oddly-shaped, and there's a stairwell that throws off some really hideous reflections. We'll see how that goes.
posted by uncleozzy at 2:36 PM on June 12, 2012
Does anyone assigned to "Paranoid Android" want to trade for my "No Surprises"?
posted by John Cohen at 4:28 PM on June 12, 2012
posted by John Cohen at 4:28 PM on June 12, 2012
...trade...
While the MeFiMu Challenge is, of course, all for fun and enjoyment, and while I think being rigidly dogmatic about things that are basically supposed to be fun and enjoyable is, yeah, kinda dumb, I *would* say, nonetheless, that the "challenge" part is something that people should ideally really take to heart. In other words, damn it all, just dive in and do the one you were assigned! Don't wimp out! You don't like it? Tough toenails! Make it into something that you do like! Or express your dislike for it in your cover! Then, if you want, go and do another one, that's more to your liking. But doing the one you were assigned is, hey, kinda what you signed on to do, right?
Anyway, that's my feelings on the subject...
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:51 PM on June 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
While the MeFiMu Challenge is, of course, all for fun and enjoyment, and while I think being rigidly dogmatic about things that are basically supposed to be fun and enjoyable is, yeah, kinda dumb, I *would* say, nonetheless, that the "challenge" part is something that people should ideally really take to heart. In other words, damn it all, just dive in and do the one you were assigned! Don't wimp out! You don't like it? Tough toenails! Make it into something that you do like! Or express your dislike for it in your cover! Then, if you want, go and do another one, that's more to your liking. But doing the one you were assigned is, hey, kinda what you signed on to do, right?
Anyway, that's my feelings on the subject...
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:51 PM on June 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
In response to flapjax at midnite:
(1) I asked if it was OK to trade and The World Famous said, "Sure."
(2) The explanation given — by no less a Metafilter music authority than cortex — about why there are assignments was that this will equalize the number of covers for each song. Trading is consistent with that goal.
(3) The idea that I'm not up for a "challenge" when I'm looking to record "Paranoid Android" instead of "No Surprises" is a little odd.
posted by John Cohen at 5:10 PM on June 12, 2012
(1) I asked if it was OK to trade and The World Famous said, "Sure."
(2) The explanation given — by no less a Metafilter music authority than cortex — about why there are assignments was that this will equalize the number of covers for each song. Trading is consistent with that goal.
(3) The idea that I'm not up for a "challenge" when I'm looking to record "Paranoid Android" instead of "No Surprises" is a little odd.
posted by John Cohen at 5:10 PM on June 12, 2012
If I hadn't already put in so much work on PA, I would have traded with you this morning. Surprise us with your take on "No Surprises" and then use that to lead into your version of PA.
posted by Ardiril at 5:17 PM on June 12, 2012
posted by Ardiril at 5:17 PM on June 12, 2012
I'm willing to trade John - I only listened to this album all the way through for the first time yesterday (though I'd heard parts before.) It's all new to me.
posted by InfidelZombie at 5:20 PM on June 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by InfidelZombie at 5:20 PM on June 12, 2012 [1 favorite]
Cool, thanks, InfidelZombie!
posted by John Cohen at 5:22 PM on June 12, 2012
posted by John Cohen at 5:22 PM on June 12, 2012
Aw shit I got the most amazing song on the album. Crushed like a bug in the ground OSO APROPO
posted by fleacircus at 5:51 PM on June 12, 2012
posted by fleacircus at 5:51 PM on June 12, 2012
I am as giddy as a schoolgirl and looking forward to this.
posted by davejay at 7:22 PM on June 12, 2012
posted by davejay at 7:22 PM on June 12, 2012
Trading is consistent with that goal.
Good point.
And hey, no worries. The overall thing is, it should be fun. Everybody have fun!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:42 PM on June 12, 2012
Good point.
And hey, no worries. The overall thing is, it should be fun. Everybody have fun!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:42 PM on June 12, 2012
Arranging the first verse went much smoother than I anticipated. This stuff was not meant to be handled by a lone person in a limited studio. People will be learning some cool tricks from this exercise.
posted by Ardiril at 5:18 AM on June 13, 2012
posted by Ardiril at 5:18 AM on June 13, 2012
Fitter Happier could arguably be characterized as the Least Likely Song To Ever Be Covered By Anyone, Anywhere.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:45 AM on June 13, 2012
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:45 AM on June 13, 2012
Fitter Happier is not the song I would have picked for you to cover, flapjax. Conversely, if anyone can make something of it, I think you can give it a few interesting twists.
posted by Ardiril at 6:56 AM on June 13, 2012
posted by Ardiril at 6:56 AM on June 13, 2012
I wore this album out when it was released. Whether caterwauling along to it in the car or silently disecting it at night through headphones, I listened to it a lot. Haven't listened to it much in years, though, so this is great.
I was sort of dreading getting Paranoid Android. I just loved that song when it came out. People threw the "prog rock" label at it. In an abstract way, I'd liken it to Bohemian Rhapsody with regards to how its chapters and variations grow and build. Similarly, (for me anyway), it's the kind of song where, if you pull up to your house just as it's starting, you have to sit in the car and listen to it until it's over. And I was dreading it because I think I'd be hard-pressed to find a cover of it I like. Brad Mehldau's awesome instrumental cover from a few years back is the exception. So yeah, challenge. Holy shit.
posted by chococat at 7:31 AM on June 13, 2012 [1 favorite]
I was sort of dreading getting Paranoid Android. I just loved that song when it came out. People threw the "prog rock" label at it. In an abstract way, I'd liken it to Bohemian Rhapsody with regards to how its chapters and variations grow and build. Similarly, (for me anyway), it's the kind of song where, if you pull up to your house just as it's starting, you have to sit in the car and listen to it until it's over. And I was dreading it because I think I'd be hard-pressed to find a cover of it I like. Brad Mehldau's awesome instrumental cover from a few years back is the exception. So yeah, challenge. Holy shit.
posted by chococat at 7:31 AM on June 13, 2012 [1 favorite]
Yo, flapjax, if you'd rather do Airbag, I'll trade you. If you're good with your challenge, then whatevs.
posted by owtytrof at 9:47 AM on June 13, 2012
posted by owtytrof at 9:47 AM on June 13, 2012
Oh, wait, nevermind. You're definitely of the opinion that your challenge is your own!
posted by owtytrof at 9:47 AM on June 13, 2012
posted by owtytrof at 9:47 AM on June 13, 2012
Can anyone beatbox? I have an idea, and I can't do it without a beatboxer! Me mail me. :)
posted by two lights above the sea at 3:37 PM on June 13, 2012
posted by two lights above the sea at 3:37 PM on June 13, 2012
You're definitely of the opinion that your challenge is your own!
Haha! Yeah, I'm gonna dive in and JUST DO IT, as ol' Mr. Nike says. Might do another one after that, though, time permitting.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 3:50 PM on June 13, 2012
Haha! Yeah, I'm gonna dive in and JUST DO IT, as ol' Mr. Nike says. Might do another one after that, though, time permitting.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 3:50 PM on June 13, 2012
flapjax at midnite: “Fitter Happier could arguably be characterized as the Least Likely Song To Ever Be Covered By Anyone, Anywhere. (nonetheless, there seem to be a few...)”
This is easily the most fabulous.
posted by koeselitz at 3:56 PM on June 13, 2012 [1 favorite]
This is easily the most fabulous.
posted by koeselitz at 3:56 PM on June 13, 2012 [1 favorite]
I just went looking for covers of Electioneering and there's a distinct lack of quality covers out there (Exception: Easy Star All Stars version). I found the OKX album which has that Fitter Happier cover and thought "Aha, Cold War Kids covering Electioneering! This should be good." But nooo, horribly plain and not very interesting in my opinion.
I'm expecting Mefi can help fill the void of quality 'Electioneering' covers.
posted by TwoWordReview at 4:25 PM on June 13, 2012
I'm expecting Mefi can help fill the void of quality 'Electioneering' covers.
posted by TwoWordReview at 4:25 PM on June 13, 2012
This is easily the most fabulous.
Yeah, that's gonna be tough to top.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:56 PM on June 13, 2012
Yeah, that's gonna be tough to top.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:56 PM on June 13, 2012
And I guess I shouldn't be too surprised that somebody got there first, but my idea had, right away, been to do that flat, computer voice in a very real, very human voice. Heh.
This really is a tough one, I think.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:06 PM on June 13, 2012
This really is a tough one, I think.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:06 PM on June 13, 2012
FINE FLAPJAX GOSH
Karma Police it is. Maybe I can find a way to work in a harmonica. I just got a new set of keyed blues harps.
posted by lazaruslong at 5:09 PM on June 13, 2012
Karma Police it is. Maybe I can find a way to work in a harmonica. I just got a new set of keyed blues harps.
posted by lazaruslong at 5:09 PM on June 13, 2012
I've always thought that somebody really ought to sing "Fitter Happier," but maybe that's just me.
posted by koeselitz at 5:39 PM on June 13, 2012
posted by koeselitz at 5:39 PM on June 13, 2012
I just got a new set of keyed blues harps.
OMG! Who keyed your harps? You oughtta KICK THEIR ASS!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:47 PM on June 13, 2012 [1 favorite]
OMG! Who keyed your harps? You oughtta KICK THEIR ASS!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 5:47 PM on June 13, 2012 [1 favorite]
Thought about an acapella version of Karma Police, then found this. Not even gonna try and touch that.
posted by lazaruslong at 6:35 PM on June 13, 2012
posted by lazaruslong at 6:35 PM on June 13, 2012
Thought about an acapella version of Karma Police, then found this. yt Not even gonna try and touch that.
I AM FREAKING OUT, MAN
posted by two lights above the sea at 8:26 PM on June 13, 2012 [1 favorite]
I AM FREAKING OUT, MAN
posted by two lights above the sea at 8:26 PM on June 13, 2012 [1 favorite]
Do we have to have actual musical ability or equipment to take part? Because if not, I'm totally in!
posted by nicebookrack at 7:18 AM on June 15, 2012
posted by nicebookrack at 7:18 AM on June 15, 2012
You need to be able to record yourself making noises of some sort and to be willing to share the result. That's about it. A tuneless-humming-and-spoon-on-wok cover of Karma Police would be fine, etc.
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:50 AM on June 15, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by cortex (staff) at 7:50 AM on June 15, 2012 [1 favorite]
Not one of those insipid electric woks, though. We have to have some standards.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 7:55 AM on June 15, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 7:55 AM on June 15, 2012 [1 favorite]
Not one of those insipid electric woks
Wok this way...
posted by flapjax at midnite at 9:05 AM on June 15, 2012
Wok this way...
posted by flapjax at midnite at 9:05 AM on June 15, 2012
OK, I've thought about it, and am pretty sure that if there was ever at time to learn how to lay down a track and post it to MeFi, this is it. Sign me up, The World Famous, and make the random assignment generator give me the spoken word piece, please.
posted by carsonb at 12:31 PM on June 15, 2012
posted by carsonb at 12:31 PM on June 15, 2012
Wow. That sounds fun! Very generous offer as well, thank you sir.
Now, I hope I don't choke!
posted by carsonb at 1:18 PM on June 15, 2012 [2 favorites]
Now, I hope I don't choke!
posted by carsonb at 1:18 PM on June 15, 2012 [2 favorites]
Yeah, for what it's worth for anyone sort-of onboard but worried that they can't cover all the bases they'd want for a recording, there's lots of Music regulars who are happy to collaborate (remotely in most cases but if you're in a major city then who knows), so feel free to broach the subject.
For my part, I'm slowly getting better at drumming and enjoy doing it more than I am actually good at it, so if you want some drums defined largely by their enthusiasm on your recording, feel free to drop me a line.
posted by cortex (staff) at 2:29 PM on June 15, 2012 [1 favorite]
For my part, I'm slowly getting better at drumming and enjoy doing it more than I am actually good at it, so if you want some drums defined largely by their enthusiasm on your recording, feel free to drop me a line.
posted by cortex (staff) at 2:29 PM on June 15, 2012 [1 favorite]
Oh wow, this is an awesome challenge... I'm awed, and also I don't really know much of Radiohead or the song Climbing up the Walls, so I should learn something out of this too. Cool. See you all in a month or so. Not doing swappies or nothing neither suckas, though might take up Cortex' suggestion of looking for some advice from some of the Music Regulars.
I think the idea of the challenge, and advertising it on MeTa to open up Music to more of the user base is great. I really hope it works well, I see no reason why it shouldn't.
posted by Elmore at 2:51 PM on June 15, 2012 [1 favorite]
I think the idea of the challenge, and advertising it on MeTa to open up Music to more of the user base is great. I really hope it works well, I see no reason why it shouldn't.
posted by Elmore at 2:51 PM on June 15, 2012 [1 favorite]
Looking for the new thread . . . don't see it? Well, anyway, it's chamomile tea time . . . good night.
posted by Listener at 10:33 PM on June 15, 2012
posted by Listener at 10:33 PM on June 15, 2012
Thought about an acapella version of Karma Police, then found this. Not even gonna try and touch that.
Yeah, I took a cursory glance on YouTube for Paranoid Android covers and there seems to be thousands of stringy-haired, pubescent boys bashing this song out on an acoustic guitars in front of bedroom computers the world over, so I aborted that search. Nothing will paralyze your creativity more than "checking" if someone else has done it first. Just go with your gut and fuck everyone else.
posted by chococat at 11:17 PM on June 15, 2012 [3 favorites]
Yeah, I took a cursory glance on YouTube for Paranoid Android covers and there seems to be thousands of stringy-haired, pubescent boys bashing this song out on an acoustic guitars in front of bedroom computers the world over, so I aborted that search. Nothing will paralyze your creativity more than "checking" if someone else has done it first. Just go with your gut and fuck everyone else.
posted by chococat at 11:17 PM on June 15, 2012 [3 favorites]
Give me a break, chococat! You can outsing thousands of Internet pretenders before you've even gotten dressed in the morning.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 11:46 PM on June 15, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 11:46 PM on June 15, 2012 [1 favorite]
gotta remember to close those blinds
posted by chococat at 11:55 PM on June 15, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by chococat at 11:55 PM on June 15, 2012 [1 favorite]
Metafilter: defined largely by their enthusiasm.
posted by lazaruslong at 6:22 AM on June 16, 2012
posted by lazaruslong at 6:22 AM on June 16, 2012
I will join the ranks of those who are "in", but isn’t totally sure I will get it done. I also don’t really know the album, so I’m glad to get an assigned song. I’ve joked with friends about this being the new Radiohead album that I just haven’t got around to listening to yet. Except it’s not a joke.
posted by bongo_x at 10:07 AM on June 16, 2012
posted by bongo_x at 10:07 AM on June 16, 2012
I really didn't know about this happening until just now. I would really enjoy being part of this, so sign me up!
posted by hanoixan at 12:15 PM on June 16, 2012
posted by hanoixan at 12:15 PM on June 16, 2012
I wonder, was this motivated by the album's 15th anniversary (which is today?). It got me to put together an OK Computer zomgpost for the occasion -- first one in awhile! It's got a lot of cover versions inside, which might be cool to look through for anyone who's still toying around with how to interpret.
posted by Rhaomi at 12:28 PM on June 16, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Rhaomi at 12:28 PM on June 16, 2012 [1 favorite]
The World Famous: I and the iPhone Voice Memos app are tentatively in! Accompanying me will be the traditional Drumming On The Computer Desk With My Fingers and special guest Cat Noises In The Background.
posted by nicebookrack at 3:46 PM on June 16, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by nicebookrack at 3:46 PM on June 16, 2012 [1 favorite]
Derrr....too late to be in? I want in.
posted by TheRedArmy at 6:25 PM on June 16, 2012
posted by TheRedArmy at 6:25 PM on June 16, 2012
Well I guess I'm gonna do it regardless, but I am happy to accept the choice of the Sorting Hat if preferred.
posted by TheRedArmy at 7:41 PM on June 16, 2012
posted by TheRedArmy at 7:41 PM on June 16, 2012
I am Mefi Music virgin, but I'd love to sign up for this.
posted by swift at 7:51 PM on June 16, 2012
posted by swift at 7:51 PM on June 16, 2012
If anyone ends up doing an acoustic instrumental version of Let Down, that would be awesome because I've been searching for one to play at our wedding for a year now and everything has been crappy quality youtubes with background noise....
I mean, if anyone was thinking about it. Y'know.
posted by Windigo at 10:11 PM on June 16, 2012 [1 favorite]
I mean, if anyone was thinking about it. Y'know.
posted by Windigo at 10:11 PM on June 16, 2012 [1 favorite]
Oh. oh. Sign me up!
posted by onehalfjunco at 3:52 AM on June 17, 2012
posted by onehalfjunco at 3:52 AM on June 17, 2012
Excellent.
posted by TheRedArmy at 6:40 AM on June 17, 2012
posted by TheRedArmy at 6:40 AM on June 17, 2012
Fantastic. I hadn't even thought of doing the Tourist, but as soon as I read my assignment I got ideas. To tell the truth, I was hoping to get Airbag, because I had an idea for a great 9-minute filter house-esque version. But Now I'm excited to tackle one of the most gorgeous songs on the album...
posted by cathodeheart at 8:05 PM on June 17, 2012
posted by cathodeheart at 8:05 PM on June 17, 2012
Thom Yorke is an emo little fuck, ain't he.
posted by Ardiril at 11:24 PM on June 17, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by Ardiril at 11:24 PM on June 17, 2012 [1 favorite]
A big ol' campfire singalong version of Let Down could be fun too. Just keep passing the track around.
posted by cortex (staff) at 8:31 AM on June 18, 2012
posted by cortex (staff) at 8:31 AM on June 18, 2012
Mwahahaha you have assigned me what is basically my favorite song. MWAHAHAHAHH! MWAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAcoughcoughcough
posted by TheRedArmy at 9:37 AM on June 18, 2012
posted by TheRedArmy at 9:37 AM on June 18, 2012
OK so I've been listening to a lot of the Chopin Prelude in E minor the past few days because of this but reading the comments on YouTube (I know. I know!) it turns out very many people have been listening to this particular piece lately because it's mentioned in 50 Shades of Grey and it's so cliché but I threw up in the back of my mouth a little.
posted by carsonb at 11:50 AM on June 18, 2012
posted by carsonb at 11:50 AM on June 18, 2012
That's the track cortex assigned me, and I was planning to do a sped-up Joy Division style version. But I recently picked up a used Martin 000-15 that sounds very nice on recordings, so if I can work out a decent arrangement and play it without being too ham-fisted, I'll take a crack at an acoustic instrumental version, as well. If someone with better acoustic chops than me wants to tack a crack at it, as well, I'd welcome that.
posted by The World Famous
Ant cracks taken would be absolutely, hugely appreciated!
posted by Windigo at 9:57 AM on June 20, 2012
posted by The World Famous
Ant cracks taken would be absolutely, hugely appreciated!
posted by Windigo at 9:57 AM on June 20, 2012
And next year it has to be The White Album, for the forty-fifth anniversary. And we can sit around waiting to see who has to cover Revolution no. 9.
posted by Grangousier at 5:01 PM on June 20, 2012 [2 favorites]
posted by Grangousier at 5:01 PM on June 20, 2012 [2 favorites]
And next year it has to be The White Album
Yes please!
posted by TwoWordReview at 5:23 PM on June 20, 2012 [1 favorite]
Yes please!
posted by TwoWordReview at 5:23 PM on June 20, 2012 [1 favorite]
And we can sit around waiting to see who has to cover Revolution no. 9.
*Has* to cover? Actually, you might be surprised to find that there are a gaggle of folks here who would consider that as GET to cover Revolution no. 9.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:49 PM on June 20, 2012 [3 favorites]
*Has* to cover? Actually, you might be surprised to find that there are a gaggle of folks here who would consider that as GET to cover Revolution no. 9.
posted by flapjax at midnite at 7:49 PM on June 20, 2012 [3 favorites]
Yes, that's true. Still - it wouldn't be the individual deciding, it would be drawn out of the hat. And The Hat is always right.
posted by Grangousier at 3:08 AM on June 21, 2012
posted by Grangousier at 3:08 AM on June 21, 2012
Ooh, ooh, sign me up, please! And I promise to try to promise to try not to flake out...
posted by DaDaDaDave at 11:12 AM on June 22, 2012
posted by DaDaDaDave at 11:12 AM on June 22, 2012
Oh, hey, I just found this comment which gives the assignments, and they aren't in a separate post. I guess it got moved? Anyway, I'm way behind now, and haven't listened to the album yet. So, if anyone wants to trade, I'm willing. I have Fitter Happier. I can trade multiple times, just mefimail me. I don't care which song I get because I haven't heard any of them except paranoid android, which sounded better in 8-bit than the original, to my ear. ;)
posted by Listener at 2:00 PM on June 22, 2012
posted by Listener at 2:00 PM on June 22, 2012
Oh, joke's on me! No way in hell anyone would *want* to cover that "song." But seriously if you do, email me.
posted by Listener at 4:27 PM on June 22, 2012
posted by Listener at 4:27 PM on June 22, 2012
Heh, I'm already building my fuzz bass replacement noise though!
posted by carsonb at 5:10 PM on June 22, 2012
posted by carsonb at 5:10 PM on June 22, 2012
I may still take you up on it, Listener, because spoken word is a bit closer to my current skill level than reinterpreting Chopin/Radiohead. Let's keep that channel open.
posted by carsonb at 5:22 PM on June 22, 2012
posted by carsonb at 5:22 PM on June 22, 2012
Whoever does it, please change the words to "Filter Happier." I mean, really.
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 5:25 PM on June 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by It's Raining Florence Henderson at 5:25 PM on June 22, 2012 [1 favorite]
Sure, carsonb. It's still open. I am mulling over how I am going to approach this whole thing anyway.
posted by Listener at 6:17 PM on June 22, 2012
posted by Listener at 6:17 PM on June 22, 2012
Exit Music (For A Film) - yeah, I can see a bubblegum version of this emo dirge.
posted by Listener at 6:26 PM on June 22, 2012
posted by Listener at 6:26 PM on June 22, 2012
I've been really stressing about putting something together on my computer (I'm so far down the puppy-noises loop-hole it's insane) because I suck at music, but just realized that I'll be spending a weekend around a campfire with my Radiohead-fan musician friend so it looks like a campfire sing-along is the direction I'm headed in now. Yay!
posted by carsonb at 7:15 PM on July 3, 2012 [1 favorite]
posted by carsonb at 7:15 PM on July 3, 2012 [1 favorite]
Damn. Don't know if I'll be able to swing this. I'm in the Ontario wilderness until Sunday with only a guitar and then we are out of the country until August.
posted by chococat at 4:06 PM on July 4, 2012
posted by chococat at 4:06 PM on July 4, 2012
I'm in the Ontario wilderness until Sunday with only a guitar
No pocket recorder or nothing? Dude!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:41 PM on July 4, 2012
No pocket recorder or nothing? Dude!
posted by flapjax at midnite at 4:41 PM on July 4, 2012
Whoever does it, please change the words to "Filter Happier." I mean, really.
Filter, happier, less productive?
posted by TwoWordReview at 11:56 AM on July 6, 2012 [1 favorite]
Filter, happier, less productive?
posted by TwoWordReview at 11:56 AM on July 6, 2012 [1 favorite]
Any bilingual Mefites want to proofread my attempt to translate "Subterranean Homesick Alien" into Spanish for another entrant? I got the rhythm down, but I'm not so sure about the grammar, especially all the tricky subjunctive lyrics towards the end. (And I made a dumb ser/estar mistake at the bottom, but can't focus on fixing it a.t.m.)
posted by Rhaomi at 6:22 PM on July 6, 2012
posted by Rhaomi at 6:22 PM on July 6, 2012
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
posted by The Great Big Mulp at 1:54 PM on June 8, 2012