Live at the Astoria
66 min · 17 tracks · alternative rock
A raw and energetic live performance that captures the band’s early angst and evolving sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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Creep Start here — This iconic track serves as a defining anthem of alienation, resonating deeply with audiences and cementing Radiohead's place in music history.
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Fake Plastic Trees — The emotional depth and haunting melody of this song showcase Thom Yorke's vocal prowess and the band's ability to convey vulnerability.
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My Iron Lung — This song reflects the band's struggle with fame and commercial pressures, making it a poignant moment in their live set that connects with fans.
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The Bends — A powerful performance of this title track highlights the band's transition from mainstream success to more experimental sounds, revealing their artistic evolution.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Captures Radiohead's energetic early live performances, highlighting their evolving sound and significant tracks.
What we noticed
- The album features a raw sound with noticeable crowd interaction, emphasizing the energy of the live performance.
- Tracks are performed in a straightforward manner, often extending instrumental sections to enhance the live atmosphere.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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8/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- raw energy from live performance
- cathartic release through intensity
- nostalgic echoes of early work
- engaging sing-alongs with friends
- emotional depth in every track
Maybe skip if you
- prefer polished studio recordings
- seek immediate catchy satisfaction
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Breakthrough — Captures the band's rise post-'The Bends' with energetic live performances.
- Themes
- alienation in youth· commercialism critique· intense live performance· despair and beauty
- Career context
- Released in 1995, 'Live at the Astoria' comes shortly after Radiohead's breakthrough album 'The Bends.' This concert recording encapsulates their rise to prominence, showcasing a blend of Britpop and alternative rock as they were solidifying their artistic identity in the wake of critical acclaim.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sigur Rós· Interpol· The National
Tracklist
- 1 You 3:48
- 2 Bones 3:08
- 3 Ripcord 3:17
- 4 Black Star 3:44
- 5 Creep Start here 4:10
- 6 The Bends 3:56
- 7 My Iron Lung 5:05
- 8 Prove Yourself 2:24
- 9 Maquiladora 3:16
- 10 Vegetable 3:14
- 11 Fake Plastic Trees 4:29
- 12 Just 3:43
- 13 Stop Whispering 5:16
- 14 Anyone Can Play Guitar 4:16
- 15 Street Spirit (Fade Out) 4:24
- 16 Pop Is Dead 2:22
- 17 Blow Out 6:13
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Turn on the Bright Lights
Interpol
Shares a similar emotional intensity and exploration of alienation through intricate guitar work.
Boxer
The National
Both delve into themes of despair and beauty, with a raw, atmospheric soundscape and introspective lyrics.
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Sigur Rós
Features an avant-garde approach to sound and emotion, evoking deep feelings of isolation and beauty.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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