Review And Commentary: Radiohead’s “Harry Patch (In Memory Of)”

  Today on the BBC, Radiohead premiered a new track.  It’s a stirring string-driven number, nearly classical in nature.  It is one of the most beautiful compositions Thom Yorke and company have ever released.  It’s a tribute to Harry Patch, who at 111, was the oldest living British veteran of World War I. (Patch died on July 25th.)  Reportedly, Yorke was inspired to write the song after hearing a BBC interview with Patch. Judging from the song, he must’ve been greatly moved!
The tone is dark, but driven.  The lyrics are as stark as the strings are swirling.  It’s a track about the horrors of war.  A sense of fear is present. Yorke sings, “I am the only one that got through. / The others died where ever they fell.”  He later adds, “I’ve seen devils coming up from the ground. / I’ve seen hell upon this earth.”  All of this is sung in a slow, mannered way in Yorke’s signature high timbre, backed by award-worthy orchestration.  This isn’t surprising considering Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood scored both the documentary “Bodysong” and the much raved-about feature “There Will Be Blood.” 
This song is one with a lesson. War isn’t glamorized here.  Within a few short lines, Yorke creates a picture painted with dread and sadness.  He warns at the end, “The next will be chemical, but they will never learn.”
Needless to say, this is a fitting tribute.  It’s a funeral hymn not only for Patch himself, but also for his fallen fellow soldiers. If one had to compare it to other Radiohead compositions of the past, it might be difficult, considering that it finds the band exploring more delicate, orchestral terrain.  It could be said that its sound lies somewhere between “Pyramid Song” and “How To Disappear Completely.”  It is however more sweeping than both of those tracks.  This is yet another artistic step forward for a band known for raising the bar.  No word as to if the track will wind up on the new record they are currently recording, but for now, you can download it from Radiohead’s official website. The asking price this time around is non-negotiable, unlike their previous  “pick-your-own-price” deal for  “In Rainbows .”  The track can be downloaded for the equivalent of one pound. The band is donating all proceeds to the Royal British Legion. So long, Harry Patch! This is indeed a memorable way to send you on your way!