Radiohead showcases groundbreaking music at HiFi Buys Ampitheater

Wooing fans this past Monday, Radiohead gave a stellar performance at the HiFi Buys Lakewood Amphitheater. The concert was part of the tour promoting their new CD, Hail to the Thief.

After opening with “The Gloaming,” 10 of the 14 songs on the Hail to the Thief album were performed. Such songs included hits like “2 + 2 = 5,” “Myxomatosis” and “Sit Down, Stand Up.”

Though most of the new CD was performed, old favorites like “Paranoid Android” and “Creep” from previous releases made the lineup as well. “Airbag” and “Fake Plastic Trees” were staples of the two encores. However, the show focused primarily on the new material.

Radiohead’s use of lighting effects, smoke and ambient electronic sounds made for a thoroughly rocking experience. Lighting was timed with guitar riffs to simultaneously stimulate multiple senses. The lighting and sound effects almost seemed to defy the laws of physics.

Combined with the vibrations from lead singer Thom Yorke’s vocals, the show reached such fantastic proportions that, for a minute, one could easily become lost in all the frenzied excitement.

Displays of the band could be seen to the immediate left and right of the stage and were as much a part of the show as the band itself. Different camera effects were implemented at various times, enhancing the meaning and experience of songs.

Unfortunately for lawn attendees, a few rain clouds came to spoil the good fun. However, fans were not deterred by the bad weather, which did not last very long. Despite the rain, it was a phenomenal show for die-hard Radiohead fans and occasional listeners alike.

Radiohead is composed of Thom Yorke, Phil Selway, Ed O’Brien and the brothers Jonny and Colin Greenwood. Originally called On A Friday, they later changed their name to the title of a Talking Heads’ song, “Radio Head”. Their music is a unique blend of hard rock, electronic and the occasional slow melody. Hail to the Thief is their sixth CD release. In a weird and wonderful coincidence, Yorke’s birthday was Tuesday, the day after the concert. Fans en masse shouted “Happy Birthday.”

“I get cheap car insurance now,” he said in response.