Many people tuned into the BBC this morning were treated to a brand new song by Radiohead. The song is called “Harry Patch (In Memory Of) and is dedicated to the last remaining WWI veteran to fight in the trenches, who died on July 25th at the old age of 111. On Radiohead’s webspace, Thom Yorke recounts hearing an interview given by the veteran in which he detailed some of the horrors of trench warfare; an interview that left Yorke very moved and inspired to convey what he feels is an important anti-war sentiment that mankind cannot afford to forget.

The song features a beautifully swelling arrangement of strings by Jonny Greenwood, quite similar in sound to those found in the score he penned for the hit film There Will be Blood. Layered over of the strings, Yorke’s familiarly haunting wail utters phrases from a first-person account of trench warfare. The song is now available on the band’s Waste digital music store for the price of approximately $1.70US.

This song can be taken as yet another indicator that Radiohead is once again in a creative cycle, as the band has been busy writing new material in their practice studio. In addition to the new songs being penned for Radiohead, Yorke is reportedly penning a new song, called “New Moon” for the Twilight sequel of the same name.

Photo: ZUMA Press

Tens of thousands braved the torrential rains and ensuing mud-lakes to bring in the third day of music at All Points West Music Festival in Jersey City, New Jersey this past Sunday. Among other acts to entertain the soaking wet festival goers was Akron, Ohio’s famous blues-rock duo, the Black Keys.

Clearly, this blogger is just using this recent show date as an excuse to call attention to a band that has quickly become one of America’s most respected acts. The stripped-down, two-man lineup of Dan Auerbach on guitar/vocals and Patrick Carney on the drums produces a no-holds-barred, rough and ready sound that is anything but austere.

Carney’s drums are nothing short of a powerful explosion, filling out a barbaric string of rhythms that lends a frantic heartbeat to the band’s bluesy approach. Auerbach’s guitar playing is more like a full-on textural assault as he veritably flogs his Jerry Donahue Telecaster, provoking tones that are a testament to the time he has logged on his instrument. But it’s Auerbach’s vocals that garnish this powerful music with a throaty and whiskey-soaked emotion. If you haven’t already, check this band out. Well worth the listen.

Photo: ZUMA Press