Let Down (Radiohead song)
"Let Down" is a song by the English rock band Radiohead, from their third studio album OK Computer (1997). It was released as a promotional single in September 1997, and reached number 29 on the US Modern Rock Tracks chart. It was included on Radiohead: The Best Of (2008).
| "Let Down" | |
|---|---|
| Promotional single by Radiohead | |
| from the album OK Computer | |
| Released | 6 September 1997 |
| Genre | |
| Length | 4:59 |
| Label | |
| Songwriter(s) | Radiohead |
| Producer(s) |
|
Background and recording
"Let Down" was intended to be the first single from OK Computer, but "Paranoid Android" was chosen instead, which, along with "Karma Police", solidified the band's popularity.[2] The track was ultimately not released as a single because the band was unsatisfied with the video they had produced, and ended up losing money.[2] The song reached #29 in the US Hot Modern Rock tracks chart.[3]
The song was recorded at St Catherine's Court mansion ballroom. Thom Yorke apparently was inspired to write the song while sitting in a pub, noting the customers "clinging on to bottles" and sensing in them the "emptiest of feelings," a sense of disappointment.[4]
Live performances
The band has rarely performed "Let Down" live. After a 2006 performance, the song was not featured on any of the band's concert setlists for ten years until it was revived on the tour supporting A Moon Shaped Pool.[5] The multi-track recording used in the studio version makes the song difficult to recreate live, especially with respect to the layering of multiple simultaneous vocal parts sung by Yorke. When it has been played live, Yorke has typically opted to skip the final verse and sing the accompanying background vocal part instead.[6]
Influence and cover versions
In 2006 the song was covered by reggae musicians Toots & the Maytals for the Easy Star All Stars compilation album Radiodread, a complete makeover of OK Computer in ska, dub and reggae musical styles. An equally melancholy cover of the song is performed by Pedro the Lion on their 2005 live release Tour E.P. The electronic artist Let Down Loser got his name from this song.[7]
Track listing
CD promo single[8]
- "Let Down" – 4:59
- "Let Down (Edit)" – 4:27
- "Karma Police" – 4:21
Personnel
Radiohead
Additional personnel
- Stanley Donwood – illustrations
- Nigel Godrich – production, engineering
Charts
| Chart (1997) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Billboard Modern Rock Tracks[9] | 29 |
References
- ^ Gerard, Chris (4 April 2014). "50 Best Alternative Albums of the '90s". Metro Weekly. Retrieved 3 May 2021.
- ^ a b Footman 2007, p. 74.
- ^ "Radiohead chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
- ^ "Prepare Yourself for Radiohead's New Album Sunday With This Essential Playlist". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
- ^ Cheng, Cheryl (5 August 2016). "Radiohead Takes Down Donald Trump at Sold-Out Shrine Auditorium Show in L.A." The Hollywood Reporter.
- ^ Ehmann 2020, p. 53.
- ^ "From Arlo Parks to Prince: The best Radiohead covers of all time". Retrieved 17 May 2021.
- ^ Footman 2008, p. 270.
- ^ "Radiohead chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
Bibliography
- Ehmann, Julia (2020). Radiohead and the Journey Beyond Genre: Analysing Stylistic Debates and Transgressions. Abingdon: Routledge. ISBN 978-1-138-33474-8.
- Footman, Tim (2007). Welcome to the Machine: OK Computer and the Death of the Classic Album. New Malden: Chrome Dreams. ISBN 978-1-84240-388-4.
- Randall, Mac (2000). Exit Music: The Radiohead Story. New York: Delta Trade Paperbacks. ISBN 0-385-33393-5.