The new Radiohead song, "Harry Patch (In Memory of)," your thoughts...?

Question

Radiohead released a new song for download today. It's called "Harry Patch (In Memory of)" and is a tribute to the last surviving soldier to have fought in the trenches of the First World War, who died recently at the age of one hundred and eleven.

The MP3 costs £1. The proceeds go to the Royal British Legion, the United Kingdom's leading charity providing financial, social and emotional support to millions who have served or who are currently serving in the British Armed Forces, and their dependants.

NME:

Writing on Deadairspace.com about the track, [lead singer Thom] Yorke explained how he first became aware of Patch, adding that the he and bandmate Jonny Greenwood had recorded the tribute to him in in an abbey shortly before his death.

"I had heard a very emotional interview with him a few years ago on the Today program on BBC Radio 4," Yorke wrote.

"The way he talked about war had a profound effect on me. It became the inspiration for a song that we happened to record a few weeks before his death.

"It was done live in an abbey. The strings were arranged by Jonny [Greenwood]. I very much hope the song does justice to his memory as the last survivor."

Yorke added that he thinks it is important for future generations to keep in mind the "horror" caused by war.

He stated: "It would be very easy for our generation to forget the true horror of war, without the likes of Harry to remind us. I hope we do not forget."

He ended his piece by quoting Patch, who said "irrespective of the uniforms we wore, we were all victims" and hailing "peace and understanding".

Here is the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vztj_TnUQyY

Your thoughts?

Punch · Accepted Answer

I tried downloading it twice this afternoon, damn " credit card code" issue.. I wanted to do my part...

A beautiful string arrangement, just a beautiful stately tribute
I am quite impressed with this song, my thoughts turn with the thoughts of the blood of so many young poor soldiers running into the dirty gutters of countries they have no business being..  so much futile waste..  this song serves as a memorial to all soldier's sacrifice and a reminder that we must not forget...  I'm listening to the raw emotion in Thom's voice as I type this and I am moved beyond my ability to express my thoughts..

will we ever learn, indeed 

oh well  nicely laid out question..

Thanks for sharing

cbell · Answer

I was not moved by the song. The composition was interesting but the vocals seemed pitchy. I felt like I needed more in the lyrics. I had to look them up to get them. I really didn't know about Harry Patch before so it gave me an education. It also brought memories of my grandfather and great uncle. They both served in WWI. In that sense it did cause me to reflect and that is part of what makes a song worthwhile! Everyone is different in what moves them. That is a good thing or we wouldn't have the diversity that we need to create a masterpiece.

The History Man
http://wwwhistoryman.blogspot.com/

bajulal · Answer

a million. I loathed him for being so advise to Harry contained in the 1st couple books, yet after OotP, i think of i began know-how him greater 2. I particularly have honestly no concept yet i think of the clarification he had come to shield Harry is by using the fact he substitute into doing it for Lily 3. Snape did no longer comprehend Harry substitute into greater like his mom than his father. 4. No; Dumbledore is a few distance to smart for that; he could have seen with the aid of it. There had to be a proof. 5. I extremely won't be able to keep in mind. i think of I style of substitute into. Cuz Snape substitute into particularly advise to Harry yet Lily substitute into certainly one of those variety man or woman. 6. Oooh stable question. i won't be able to work out Snape particularly being extreme-high quality to Harry. it may probably be very awkward. 7. probably. Snape could have concept Harry substitute into greater like his mom then. 8. probably 9. perhaps an "i'm sorry"? 10. i did no longer the 1st time I examine it yet I did the 2d time.

Theodore · Answer

It's a great song.Beautiful strings.
However, I'm not convinced by the vocals.I think Thom Yorke's voice isn't good enough for falsetto anymore.
Otherwise great.

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The new Radiohead song, "Harry Patch (In Memory of)," your thoughts...?

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