Hold Steady Dude Disses Radiohead, Digs Oasis

[BlackSwan]

I honestly didn't think the Hold Steady could suck anymore... i might be wrong...

Ugh. Look it's Rock Interviews 101: a band slags another, and like a moth to the Flame, the internet will post it. Because it is inflammatory, and the Internet and Inflammatory are BFFs. So congrats Tad Kubler, you clearly wanted to be blogged, and now you are. The Hold Steady guitarist told BBC6 (via NME):

I think [Radiohead have] lost the plot," he said. "What are they doing? Where are they going? What's happening? I don't get it any more. They lost me.

"I still appreciate what they're doing, or what they're trying to do. But I think they're trying too hard not to be Radiohead. That seems a little ridiculous to me."

"I like them as a rock band, all the buttons and sequencing and stuff like that I don't really care for. I'm a fan of rock music and what they're doing now I don't think is very good."

And you already knew this bit:

"I love Oasis. I love them. I think that what they do is earnest. I think it's honest."

To recap: Oasis = earnest. Radiohead = not very good anymore. (Take it from THS, better to stay in one place than fuss with getting all innovate-y. OK?) Well this all works out because Noel would have words if that opinion was anything else. Meanwhile I wouldn't hold my breath for "Jockin' Jonny G" anytime soon.

http://stereogum.com/archives/hold-steady-dude-disses-radiohead-digs-oasis_015251.html

as if they need anymore blog posts about them...

cue indie whores and pitchfork felaters to defend of them...

[chairmenmeow47]

i hate anyone that refers to electronic music as "pushing buttons". dear god, LIVE IN THE NOW, PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bartelby]

"LIVE IN THE NOW" has to be one of the greatest expressions of all time

[TonyWonder]

It is officially Radiohead hate week on the interwebz.

Pitchfork interview with Dave Berman of Silver Jews a couple of days ago:

You can go through the whole new Radiohead album and try and tell me what they're saying, and all you'll get over and over again is things are miserable, don't try, things suck. And it's all gray. There's nothing there. Never before has there been a "greatest band in the world" who had so little to say about anything.
http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/feature/142559-interview-silver-jews

[miscorrections]

I dislike The Hold Steady. I am ambivalent about Radiohead. I like Oasis. And there you have it.

[C DUB YA]

the new Oasis record is gonna be a good one.

[woogie846]

Trying too hard not to be Radiohead? What does that even mean? It's called progression.

[suprefan]

Well when you have just played New York, and then L.a. is almost on the horizon, the buzz either way for them is high. I wonder if there is a story in the L.a. times before sunday.

[anti-square]

I can't believe they went on record pretty much saying that it is way over their heads. I guess having to use your critical thinking is too much for them.

[Sushov23]

I get what they are saying actually, I fucking love radiohead though, I just get where they are coming from. Silver Jews do make somewhat of a point. In Rainbows isn't exactly the most thought provoking record lyrically. Just saying.

[woogie846]

I get what they are saying actually, I fucking love radiohead though, I just get where they are coming from. Silver Jews do make somewhat of a point. In Rainbows isn't exactly the most thought provoking record lyrically. Just saying.

I totally get what the Silver Jews are saying, and I understand why they think that. The Hold Steady just didn't make very much sense.

[TomAz]

I like the Hold Steady. I love Radiohead. I really don't need to care how they feel about each other, though.

The Silver Jews guy misses the point, though, I think. And it's been done before, dissing RH for being "miserable".. I mean that's like criticizing Dylan for having a bad singing voice. It may be true, but it misses the point by several hundred miles.

[TomAz]

Thank you for playing, here's your parting gift.

[Memorial_07]

He didn't totally diss them

[amyzzz]

I like the lyrics on IR. They don't seem to be as caught up in politics or living in the 21st century (or 20th century on the older albums); the lyrics seem to be more about relationships here. Maybe that's what that guy doesn't get.

[indietron]

I like the Hold Steady. I love Radiohead. I really don't need to care how they feel about each other, though.

The Silver Jews guy misses the point, though, I think. And it's been done before, dissing RH for being "miserable".. I mean that's like criticizing Dylan for having a bad singing voice. It may be true, but it misses the point by several hundred miles.

Seriously this is so spot on. I couldnt have said it better.

[betao]

they're trying too hard not to be Radiohead

... this makes no sense.

[212margarita]

I love the Hold Steady and I love Radiohead, so this is kind of like having to watch one parent belittle the other...I agree with some of what he is saying and i disagree with other parts. But at the end of the day i love both bands and could really care less if they like each other...they are kind of like apples and oranges as far as musical styles go...i never imagined the dudes in the Hold Steady liked Radiohead anyway.

[sonofhal]

I find it sadder that he thinks anyone cares about his opinions on Radiohead. I'd rather he mentioned some bands that he thinks are worth checking out, instead of trashing other bands.

That said, Oasis bore me to tears - sincerely.

[indietron]

That said, Oasis bore me to tears - sincerely.

Same here. I have never seem them live, but if they are anything like they are on the coachella dvd then i dont plan on seeing them.

[TeamCoachellaHellYeah]

who the fuck is Hold Steady anyways?

[BlackSwan]

who the fuck is Hold Steady anyways?

a band who thinks they can get publicity by talking shit about Radiohead.

[TeamCoachellaHellYeah]

a band who thinks they can get publicity by talking shit about Radiohead.

I thought that was Oasis?

[BlackSwan]

I thought that was Oasis?

well, the Hold Steady like Oasis... so they are just following suit.

[Sushov23]

Oasis can eat a dick, The hold steady kick fucking ass. I just wish now that he had never made that remark about Radiohead.

[miscorrections]

That said, Oasis bore me to tears - sincerely.

You call yourself a Brit?

[roberto73]

who the fuck is Hold Steady anyways?

A band that currently makes better albums than Radiohead.

[miscorrections]

I would not pick you for a Hold Steady fan, Roberto. I can forgive Tom because he's a dinosaur and he mistakenly thinks high school themes return him to hipness, but you?

[Sushov23]

A band that currently makes better albums than Radiohead.

I can honestly say Boys and Girls in America> In Rainbows, but I don't want to get into this shit. So that is all i'm going to say, i'm not going to get into an argument about it. nothing, that will be all.

[roberto73]

I would not pick you for a Hold Steady fan, Roberto. I can forgive Tom because he's a dinosaur and he mistakenly thinks high school themes return him to hipness, but you?

Yup, me. I think they're a no-frills rock band in the tradition of The Replacements. The music's catchy, the lyrics are sharp, and their live show is unabashedly fun. They're not innovative, they don't push boundaries or barriers or envelopes, but their last three albums beat the pants off Hail to the Thief and In Rainbows.

[Sushov23]

Yup, me. I think they're a no-frills rock band in the tradition of The Replacements. The music's catchy, the lyrics are sharp, and their live show is unabashedly fun. They're not innovative, they don't push boundaries or barriers or envelopes, but their last three albums beat the pants off Hail to the Thief and In Rainbows.

The guitarist is so fucking legit, and the songwriting is class.

[miscorrections]

Yup, me. I think they're a no-frills rock band in the tradition of The Replacements. The music's catchy, the lyrics are sharp, and their live show is unabashedly fun. They're not innovative, they don't push boundaries or barriers or envelopes, but their last three albums beat the pants off Hail to the Thief and In Rainbows.

I saw them live and was extremely displeased, to say the least. Although I'm not defending Radiohead, because in general whiny baby music is not my thing.

[212margarita]

Really? You were displeased? Why so? Just asking because to me they are one of the best live bands i have ever scene...their shows are just so much fun. Just interested to hear what you didnt care for.

[TomAz]

I would not pick you for a Hold Steady fan, Roberto. I can forgive Tom because he's a dinosaur and he mistakenly thinks high school themes return him to hipness, but you?

Bim7RtKXv90

[roberto73]

I saw them live and was extremely displeased, to say the least. Although I'm not defending Radiohead, because in general whiny baby music is not my thing.

Where (and when) did you see them? Maybe it was an off night. I've seen them a couple times and had a grand old time both nights.

[Memorial_07]

who the fuck is Hold Steady anyways?

I thought the same thing...

[TomAz]

Yup, me. I think they're a no-frills rock band in the tradition of The Replacements. The music's catchy, the lyrics are sharp, and their live show is unabashedly fun. They're not innovative, they don't push boundaries or barriers or envelopes, but their last three albums beat the pants off Hail to the Thief and In Rainbows.

I was with you til the 'but' part, then you totally flew off into the stratosphere.

[miscorrections]

Perhaps I'm judging too hastily because I saw them at a fest (Lolla), but I simply couldn't wait for them to end.

[roberto73]

I was with you til the 'but' part, then you totally flew off into the stratosphere.

Nope, sorry. Hail to the Thief and In Rainbows have done absolutely zero for me. I tried listening to IR again just last weekend, but I couldn't make it through. It just bores me. With one or two exceptions, it seems as though it's all been downhill since Kid A.

EDIT: And I guess I should add that I'm in no way ambivalent about Radiohead as a band. I love them, and I'm excited to see them in SB next week. I've been a fan since the days of Pablo Honey, and the three albums that followed have been influential, pivotal albums in my life. Amnesiac was fine, but the last two discs have been disappointments.

[BlackSwan]

Nope, sorry. Hail to the Thief and In Rainbows have done absolutely zero for me. I tried listening to IR again just last weekend, but I couldn't make it through. It just bores me. With one or two exceptions, it seems as though it's all been downhill since Kid A.


Give Hail To The Thief time... it took me 5 years it like it. I remember when it first came out I hated so much I completely stopped listening to Radiohead for a long time.

[roberto73]

HTTF was released in June 2003. I've listened to it many times since then, and seen them twice on their tour promoting it. If it hasn't happened yet, it's not going to happen. Sorry.

[chairmenmeow47]

hail to the thief is the shit. i don't get it. there there, sit down stand up, a punch-up at a wedding... to each their own i suppose.

[TomAz]

Nope, sorry. Hail to the Thief and In Rainbows have done absolutely zero for me. I tried listening to IR again just last weekend, but I couldn't make it through. It just bores me. With one or two exceptions, it seems as though it's all been downhill since Kid A.

EDIT: And I guess I should add that I'm in no way ambivalent about Radiohead as a band. I love them, and I'm excited to see them in SB next week. I've been a fan since the days of Pablo Honey, and the three albums that followed have been influential, pivotal albums in my life. Amnesiac was fine, but the last two discs have been disappointments.

and here I was, just last week, thinking that IR was not only Radiohead's best album, but one of the best albums by anyone. I mean that album has no weaknesses, every song is well written, strong, interesting, complex without being selfconciously arty. Accessible and intelligent at the same time. Which (in my mind at least) is a hell of an achievement.

[chairmenmeow47]

and here I was, just last week, thinking that IR was not only Radiohead's best album, but one of the best albums by anyone. I mean that album has no weaknesses, every song is well written, strong, interesting, complex without being selfconciously arty. Accessible and intelligent at the same time. Which (in my mind at least) is a hell of an achievement.

it's diverse too. i love any album that feels like i'm listening to a journey, rather than variations of the same style of music. i mean 15 steps sounds like it has a hint of drum and bass and videotape ends the album with something sullen and quiet. i love it.

[bballarl]

Oasis are the best rock n' roll band in the world. This isn't debatable.

[BlackSwan]

Oasis are the best rock n' roll band in the world. This isn't debatable.

yea, sometimes when people say retarded things there is no point in debating them.

[bballarl]

I wouldn't expect you to agree.

[TomAz]

Andrew. I invite you to make me a mix that demonstrates your point. I disagree with you but you have such otherwise excellent taste that I'm willing to keep my mind open.

[Stefinitely Maybe]

Andrew, make him this mix:

1. Rock n Roll Star
2. Morning Glory
3. Headshrinker
4. Stay Young
5. Hindu Times
6. D'You Know What I Mean
7. Acquiesce
8. I Am The Walrus (live)
9. Cigarettes and Alcohol
10. Shock of the Lightning
11. Turn Up The Sun
12. Some Might Say
13. Champagne Supernova

If he still disagrees, he's an idiot.

[frozen pilgrim]

oasis pisses me the hell off. it's another unfortunate situation where the dickheads in the band couldn't keep ther loud mouths and personal lives out of the otherwise pleasant but unremarkable music, forcing those who listen to them to either a) buy into their bullshit and love their music devoutly, ignoring their assholeishness or b) hate their fucking guts, and consequently ignore their decent tunes because of the ass-hattery.

[miscorrections]

Weird, you're like that but without a stellar band.

[Sushov23]

Oasis can eat a dick.

[Stefinitely Maybe]

oasis pisses me the hell off. it's another unfortunate situation where the dickheads in the band couldn't keep ther loud mouths and personal lives out of the otherwise pleasant but unremarkable music, forcing those who listen to them to either a) buy into their bullshit and love their music devoutly, ignoring their assholeishness or b) hate their fucking guts, and consequently ignore their decent tunes because of the ass-hattery.

Or c) realise that the songs are awesome, and that the guys in the band aren't actually dickheads at all, but just some cool guys with genuine attitude and opinions, who know how to court controversy and manipulate the press and create publicity when they need to.

[Sushov23]

Or c) realise that the songs are awesome, and that the guys in the band aren't actually dickheads at all, but just some cool guys with genuine attitude and opinions, who know how to court controversy and manipulate the press and create publicity when they need to.

or just big dickheads.

[Stefinitely Maybe]

or just big dickheads.

Having met both Noel and Liam, I can assure you that you're wrong.

[BlackSwan]

did you fellate them in person too?

[Stefinitely Maybe]

No, but not for lack of trying.

[chairmenmeow47]

one man's dickhead is another's cool guy with a genuine attitude and opinions

[BlackSwan]

i don't think they are dick heads, like some of their music and might even consider seeing them if they do a U.S. tour and don't try to play arenas... however, greatest rock band in the world they are not.

No, but not for lack of trying.

way to take it like a champ btw...

[roberto73]

Bah. I should have known trying to speak critically about Radiohead on this board would be a lost cause. I'll leave the sacred cow alone. Recommence worship.

[thestripe]

It's the dudes personal opinion. He finds Oasis fun and Radiohead miserable, big deal. I like the Holdsteady. I like Oasis. I like Radiohead.



but IR is better than any material that Holdsteady or Oasis have put out, just say'n. For me, the fact that Oasis come off as pricks is kind of part of the fun.

[wmgaretjax]

Bah. I should have known trying to speak critically about Radiohead on this board would be a lost cause. I'll leave the sacred cow alone. Recommence worship.

I think it's impossible to deny that Kid A/Amnesiac was Radiohead high point and that HTTT and In Rainbows are slow steps downwards. I'm surprised that neither album did anything for you, because I think there are good elements on both. They are getting old, it's hard to expect them to get back to the Kid A era.

As far as Oasis, they are entertaining fluff. Nothing more, nothing less. Hold Steady falls into that category for me as well (albeit more interesting imo). Radiohead's worst (excluding PH) is more interesting and compelling than the best of their work.

[TomAz]

Andrew, make him this mix:

1. Rock n Roll Star
2. Morning Glory
3. Headshrinker
4. Stay Young
5. Hindu Times
6. D'You Know What I Mean
7. Acquiesce
8. I Am The Walrus (live)
9. Cigarettes and Alcohol
10. Shock of the Lightning
11. Turn Up The Sun
12. Some Might Say
13. Champagne Supernova

If he still disagrees, he's an idiot.


perhaps I should have mentioned that I do already own Morning Glory. "Champagne" is a nice enough song. It makes me chuckle when he sings "supanover". Paul Weller plays guitar on it and I like Paul Weller. Or rather I like the Jam.

[BlackSwan]

Radiohead's worst (excluding PH) is more interesting and compelling than the best of their work.

QFT

[bballarl]

Tom, I would make you an Oasis mix but I don't have any mp3s on my computer.

Stef, you are spot on about the Gallaghers.

I'll repeat, for the umpteenth time: Radiohead are a very good band but they are not the life-changing force that people seem to think they are.

And again, I'll repeat: Oasis are the best rock n' roll band in the world. But I am not saying they are life-changing, purveyors of truth or make revolutionary music. They write great songs and deliver them as a great band should.

[BlackSwan]

I'll repeat, for the umpteenth time: Radiohead are a very good band but they are not the life-changing force that people seem to think they are.


reality seems to prove otherwise.

[bballarl]

I honestly don't understand this outlook. No band is worth the gushing praise they garner. They make extremely nice music. They are also just a band.

[psycobetabuckdown]

They are also just a band.

By their own admission, I hear.

But I also agree that they are pretty much the most amazing band around today and I don't understand how Oasis is the "best rock band." If Radiohead is a rock band, and I think they are, they are easily better. Oasis makes fun, accessible tunes, Radiohead makes moody, thought-provoking tunes. This alone doesn't automatically make them better, but I can't see anything in Oasis that puts them above Radiohead.

They're both just bands though.

[Sushov23]

Tom, I would make you an Oasis mix but I don't have any mp3s on my computer.

Stef, you are spot on about the Gallaghers.

I'll repeat, for the umpteenth time: Radiohead are a very good band but they are not the life-changing force that people seem to think they are.

And again, I'll repeat: Oasis are the best rock n' roll band in the world. But I am not saying they are life-changing, purveyors of truth or make revolutionary music. They write great songs and deliver them as a great band should.

Not the best RnR band, not even close. the verve>Oasis.
I don't include Radiohead in the rock and roll category because let's face it they aren't a rock band anymore, haven't been since OK Computer, and you could argue not since The bends.

[Sushov23]

Radiohead just a band
Oasis Just a band
The Pixies just a band
Nirvana just a band
Bloc party just a band
Arctic monkeys just a band
The clash just a band

[bballarl]

I am not arguing whether Oasis is better than Radiohead. I am just pointing out that Oasis are the best rock n' roll band in the world. I don't consider Radiohead a rock n' roll band either.

[bballarl]

Bah. I should have known trying to speak critically about Radiohead on this board would be a lost cause. I'll leave the sacred cow alone. Recommence worship.

Rob had the right idea here.

[Sushov23]

The Verve, NIN, My morning jacket, The Raconteurs>>>>> Better Rock n roll bands. And yeah as much as I love radiohead, people are on their dicks a bit too much on here, but eh, it's to be expected on a COACHELLA MESSAGE BOARD.

[sonofhal]

Andrew, make him this mix:

1. Rock n Roll Star
2. Morning Glory
3. Headshrinker
4. Stay Young
5. Hindu Times
6. D'You Know What I Mean
7. Acquiesce
8. I Am The Walrus (live)
9. Cigarettes and Alcohol
10. Shock of the Lightning
11. Turn Up The Sun
12. Some Might Say
13. Champagne Supernova

If he still disagrees, he's an idiot.

The last 2 tracks on that mix are possibly two of my least favourite songs ever by anyone. The lyrics to Champagne Supernova make me want to get stabby.

"Slowly walking down the hall, faster than a cannonball" - right then!

Better make sure i don't get caught beneath any landslides in the sky.

Is it their attempt at an "Octopus's Garden"?

[miscorrections]

Chris, where were you while we were getting high?

[sonofhal]

I was in an octopus's garden, in the shade.

[Stefinitely Maybe]

The last 2 tracks on that mix are possibly two of my least favourite songs ever by anyone. The lyrics to Champagne Supernova make me want to get stabby.

"Slowly walking down the hall, faster than a cannonball" - right then!

Better make sure i don't get caught beneath any landslides in the sky.

Is it their attempt at an "Octopus's Garden"?

Dude, it's all in the delivery.

Also, the lyrics make perfect sense to me. It's a drugs song. It's not literal. It's an awesome rock song.

[fiyahhh!]

Radiohead just a band
Oasis Just a band
The Pixies just a band
Nirvana just a band
Bloc party just a band
Arctic monkeys just a band
The clash just a band

Agreed.
Yes.
Sure.
Ok.
Of course.
Exactly.
Oh, no you di'int!!!!

[TomAz]

yeah i'd say he stretched to absurdity with that one.

[amyzzz]

Dude, it's all in the delivery.

Also, the lyrics make perfect sense to me. It's a drugs song. It's not literal. It's an awesome rock song.
I agree with Stef here. I don't even like Oasis all that much, but that is a great lyric. If you've ever taken any drugs, you should know what he's talking about in that song (time speeding up, slowing down, speeding up and slowing down at the same time, etc).

[SoulDischarge]

Fuck all that 'just a band' shit. Of course they're just a band, but music can and should change yr life. It can expose you to new ideas and expand yr horizons, lead you to new modes of thinking, be a route for social interaction, change yr mood at crucial moments, inspire other acts of creation, etcetcetc. Especially when yr young and need to know that people out there are feeling things similar to you. Coachella devotees should know all of that most of all.

[Sushov23]

dude those are fucking lyrics from dan le sac. Get with this son. Thou Shalt Always Kill.

[woogie846]

dude those are fucking lyrics from dan le sac. Get with this son. Thou Shalt Always Kill.

Is Angles out in the U.S. yet?

[Sushov23]

Is Angles out in the U.S. yet?

I think september.

[malcolmjamalawesome]

I feel that Radiohead is trying too hard to be Shackler's Revenge.

[BlackSwan]

I feel that Radiohead is trying too hard to be Shackler's Revenge.

finally someone is making sense.