Thom Yorke & Mark Pritchard’s ‘Tall Tales’: A Deep Dive into Electronic Soundscapes
The collaboration between Thom Yorke of Radiohead and electronic music producer Mark Pritchard has birthed 'Tall Tales,' an album exploring experimental soundscapes. Released after years of anticipation, this project sees Yorke venturing further into the electronic realm, guided by Pritchard's expertise. But what makes this album so captivating?
Initially conceived through a digital exchange of song ideas during the pandemic, 'Tall Tales' showcases a unique creative process. According to a Rolling Stone report, the track "The Spirit" proved particularly challenging. Pritchard shared, "[Yorke] put a guide drum in to sing to it, a basic kick and snare drum. And then he sang it to the guide drums and I was like, I need to replace these drums. But I couldn’t find…" Ultimately, they opted to strip down the percussion, highlighting Yorke's vocal delivery and creating an unexpectedly uplifting track.
The album itself is a journey through diverse sonic textures. As noted in reviews, songs like "The White Cliffs" evoke the darker side of Air's 'Moon Safari,' while "The Men Who Dance in Stag’s Heads" reimagines Joy Division's "Atmosphere" as a medieval folk ballad. "The Spirit," on the other hand, offers a "bolt of silvery joy," a welcome departure from the artists' typically melancholic styles. Pritchard said “It’s unusual for me to write in a major key. It’s so basic. We usually go for sadder, minor chords or stranger things, but I guess every now and again, you just need to do something that you don’t normally do,”
However, 'Tall Tales' isn't without its complexities. Some critics point out that the album's sequencing and editing might not immediately reveal the three years spent in its creation. The album features the previously shared singles, “Back in the Game,” “This Conversation Is Missing Your Voice,” and “Gangsters”
Despite moments of harshness, the album offers truly transcendent moments. One standout is "The Men Who Dance In Stags Heads,” described as a beautiful tribute to the Velvet Underground’s “All Tomorrow’s Parties,” with Yorke's vocals sounding like Lou Reed singing a lullaby.
'Tall Tales' marks Yorke's debut release on Warp, a label synonymous with experimental electronic music. This collaboration highlights both artists' willingness to push boundaries and explore new creative territories. With Pritchard providing spacious and varied tracks, the album presents Yorke with the space to stretch out. Yorke's vocals are hauntingly opaque and ensnaringly eerie even by his standards.
Ultimately, 'Tall Tales' is an album that invites listeners to delve into its intricate layers. It's a testament to the power of collaboration and the endless possibilities of sound. What are your thoughts on Yorke's venture into electronic music? Share your opinions in the comments below!