MovieChat Forums > Meeting People Is Easy (1999) Discussion > Thom, there ARE a lot of Pink Floyd simi...

Thom, there ARE a lot of Pink Floyd similarities

posted 18 years ago by vincent-27
7 replies | jump to latest

Don't believe me? Go watch Pink Floyd Live at Pompeii. Then watch the first live version of Exit Music on the DVD, the one that focuses on Phil and Colin (which I love, nobody ever pays attention to the rhythm section, they are amazing). There is a similar shot in Pompeii of the song "One of these days", Phil Selway plays a helluva lot like Nick Mason. And the way Radiohead progressed from fairly simple rock songs to electronic experimentation parallels Floyd closely (and most rock bands go that route as they get more money = more toys!). I think I attribute this influence more the Johnny though, he seems steeped in prog music and is playing reminds of Rick Wright sometimes, although not as Jazzy. His guitar playing is not as lyrical as Gilmour's, he is muc more spasmotic, but he does love is doodads.

After watching this movie I am amazed that band like Radiohead made it as far as they did, but that was the crazy 90's for you, where music was interesting, record companies were raking it in, right before the internet pirating destroyed them and they could take a chance on a band like Radiohead, such beautiful, interesting, intensely emotional music. It's no wonder they go batty when they tour, to think to play that kind of music night after night? I lump RH with Sigur Ros, it's so intense and beautiful it is almost unlistenable. Similarily Pink Floyd was also an anomaly for their time, an extremely sucessful band making interesting yet catchy tunes.

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"Surrender Dorothy!"

[–] 18 years ago

[deleted]

[–] vincent-27 17 years ago

No, there are several quotes of Thom saying he hates prog music, and I even believe it's in the film. However, I wouldn't label Pink Floyd as prog, many of their songs are in fact quite simple if your break them down, but it's the layering I see a similarity. I have heard Johnny mention PF a few times though, and it's hard to escape their influence. Thom seems to be referring to the really long Floyd songs, the 20 minute extravaganzas and the long jams. Radiohead is certainly no jam band and Thom noted that as much as people labelled Kid A as experimental, it's still 3 minute pop songs when you really look at them. I think Thom is into efficiency, the highest emotional impact in the shortest amount of time.

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"Surrender Dorothy!"

[–] 17 years ago

[deleted]

[–] vincent-27 17 years ago

well, how can he speak for everyone? i am pretty sure that johnny has mentioned PF. no doubt that Thom doesn't like them.

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"Surrender Dorothy!"

[–] iseepinkelefants 16 years ago

I have a video of Thom and Jonny playing an acoustic concert in France and he does mention the 3 minute thing. He seems to be obsessed with time length, no?

I was born when she kissed me. I died when she left me. I lived a few weeks while she loved me.

[–] Whatsitcalled 14 years ago

If Thom allegedly hates Pink Floyd so much, why would he ever cover their "Wish You Were Here"?

[–] MarleyMilk 13 years ago

Thom never said he hated Pink Floyd, he said he hated progressive rock. Jonny has said he only really likes one Pink Floyd album. The rest of the band have made equally unfavourable/muted statements about the genre and band.

Pink Floyd/progrock isn't a influence on them, it's a lazy comparison to make.

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Master and Commander - 8/10
Panic Room - 6/10
Underworld: Rise of the Lycans - 3/10