Feature: Sans label, Radiohead revels in newfound freedom
May 24th, 2008, 9:45 am by Jaime Galvan
By JAKE COYLE/The Associated Press
WASHINGTON - The breakthrough for Radiohead on “Reckoner” - a song that underwent multiple incarnations on its way to “In Rainbows” - came by way of what Jonny Greenwood calls a “big percussion fest.”
Recording in an English country house, all five members of the group make a loud, cathartic racket - a habit-busting trick the band has practiced since primary school, says bassist Colin Greenwood.
“And I’m happy to say that success hasn’t changed us at all,” joked Jonny Greenwood, who would rather leave the percussion to Phil Selway’s drums and Thom Yorke’s rhythm guitar.
Whether through the primal release of a “big percussion fest” or by severing ties with its record label, Radiohead is giving the distinct impression of a band that has exorcised something.
