Let Down (Radiohead song)

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"Let Down" is a song by the English rock band

Modern Rock Tracks chart. It was included on Radiohead: The Best Of
(2008).

Background and recording

"Let Down" was intended to be the first single from OK Computer, but "Paranoid Android" was chosen instead, which, along with "Karma Police", solidified the band's popularity.[1] The track was ultimately not released as a single because the band was unsatisfied with the video they had produced, and ended up losing money.[1] The song reached #29 in the US Hot Modern Rock tracks chart.[2]

The song was recorded at St Catherine's Court mansion ballroom. Thom Yorke apparently was inspired to write the song while sitting in a pub, noting the customers "clinging on to bottles" and sensing in them the "emptiest of feelings," a sense of disappointment.[3]

Live performances

The band has rarely performed "Let Down" live. After a 2006 performance, the song was not featured on any of the band's concert setlists for ten years until it was revived on the tour supporting A Moon Shaped Pool.[4] The multi-track recording used in the studio version makes the song difficult to recreate live, especially with respect to the layering of multiple simultaneous vocal parts sung by Yorke. When it has been played live, Yorke has typically opted to skip the final verse and sing the accompanying background vocal part instead.[5]

Influence and cover versions

In 2006 the song was covered by reggae musicians

Easy Star All Stars compilation album Radiodread, a complete makeover of OK Computer in ska, dub and reggae musical styles. An equally melancholy cover of the song is performed by Pedro the Lion on their 2005 live release Tour E.P. The electronic artist Let Down Loser got his name from this song.[6]

Track listing

CD promo single[7]

  1. "Let Down" – 4:59
  2. "Let Down (Edit)" – 4:27
  3. "Karma Police" – 4:21

Personnel

Radiohead

Additional personnel

Charts

Chart (1997) Peak
position
US
Modern Rock Tracks (Billboard)[8]
 29

References

  1. ^ a b Footman 2007, p. 74.
  2. ^ "Radiohead chart history". Billboard. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  3. ISSN 1059-1028
    . Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  4. ^ Cheng, Cheryl (5 August 2016). "Radiohead Takes Down Donald Trump at Sold-Out Shrine Auditorium Show in L.A." The Hollywood Reporter.
  5. ^ Ehmann 2020, p. 53.
  6. ^ "From Arlo Parks to Prince: The best Radiohead covers of all time". 22 March 2021. Retrieved 17 May 2021.
  7. ^ Footman 2007, p. 270.
  8. ^ "Radiohead Chart History (Alternative Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved 17 May 2021.

Bibliography

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