Radiohead: Hail to the thief
By: Kristin Fjeldheim

       This latest release by Radiohead, Hail to the Thief, is nothing short of what fans have come to expect from this band: innovative, powerful and with something important to say hidden in Thom Yorke's image-filled and descriptive laden lyrics.

       In recent events, the entertainment industry has been colliding with politics, especially with the election of Arnold as governor of California. And Radiohead is a band that has something to say about the juxtaposition and interaction of the enforcers and the enforced upon. From the moment I arrived at the Sound Advice Amphitheater, I found myself, and everyone I was with, hailing the thief.

       Supergrass opened up for Radiohead, and put on a fantastic show. I, personally, had never heard anything about them until the concert. However, I will be buying their album after the emotional and energy-infused show they put on. While waiting for Radiohead to take the stage I ventured to get a bottle of water because my unopened, sealed water bottle was confiscated at the gate as I entered.

       But all of the unpleasantries striving to ruin our good time were but a vague memory as Radiohead took the stage. I had high expectations going into the concert but nothing could have prepared me for the show I was about to experience. Lights were flashing in an amazing display that captivated the audience almost as much as the strength, sound of the music, and the presence and aura of Thom Yorke. He moved smoothly, sometimes playing the guitar, sometimes the keyboard, and sometimes banging on the hand drums that made a dazzling appearance in "There, There." He was the "siren singing [all of us] to shipwreck" because we were all so overtaken by the whole thing that we'd become like the "accidents waiting to happen" that he sung about. When they played "The Gloaming" it was as if the audience and admirers came alive and became their own entity swaying to "when the walls bend, when the walls bend, with your breathing, with your breathing" and Tom warned us all that "they will suck you down to the other side…[and our] alarm bells should be ringing."

       Mine are now ringing loud and clear. With every experience, you should be able to take something away from it. I'm sure as artists Radiohead hopes to affect some thought through their medium of music.