Composer Eric Gorfain has prepared a classical version of Radiohead's 1997 album
"OK Computer", best album of the 20th century according to platekompaniet.no,
according to the website for his recording studio, Quietstreet. Here is an
exclusive interview Eric Gorfain had with The Daily: When will it be released? I'm not sure. I finished the album today, and hand it to the label tomorrow, but I think it will be out in the next 2-3 months as Vitamin is eager to get the album released. If you like, I can keep you updated. What musicians/instruments will be used? The entire album is performed live by my string quartet, The Section, comprising of two violins, a viola and a cello. I played violin along with Roland Hartwell (who fronts his own band called Cynic Guru -- see mp3.com) on second violin, Piotr Jandula on viola and Richard Dodd on cello. What made you decide to re-work OK Computer? Why not another album or artist? I am a fan of Radiohead and OK Computer. I pitched the idea to the label after participating on many string quartet tribute albums for them, including tributes to Tool (release date Sept. 11, 2001), Enya, U2, Bjork, Alanis Morrisette and Led Zeppelin. My next project is a Led Zeppelin greatest hits string quartet album. The label asked if I wanted to do a Radiohead greatest hits album instead of OK Computer, but I held out for OK Computer and got my way!! :) If this one goes over well, perhaps it could lead to another album of songs from The Bends and the other albums. Which tracks are you interested in most? In terms of my versions of the songs, a few of them stand out, including Paranoid Android, Karma Police, The Tourist, Electioneering and No Surprises. But I'm definitely biased, so I think they're all great! Seriously, though, I am very happy with the way the album has turned out. On the original album, I must say that I always think of OK Computer as one entity, not a collection of random songs. In fact, it's weird to hear a single song on the radio out of context from the rest of the album. For the longest time, I never even knew the song titles. How do you think the public will react to this album? Could it open up more peoples' eyes to the music of radiohead as it will be in a different form? I think that fans of the band will like this album because it was made by a fellow fan. What I want the listener to realize is that I tried to break down the album to what it is - beautiful music. After all the lyrics, sounds, effects and drums are removed, what remains is beautiful music. I made a conscious decision to keep the arrangements simple and playable in a live situation -- organic, if you will -- rather than overdub and add all the sounds and effects that Radiohead originally created. This way, I think that it could possibly open up more peoples' eyes to the music of Radiohead. Let's face it, some people have a problem with Thom's vocal style, which may prevent them from getting in to Radiohead's albums. But with the voice replaced by string instruments, the melodies and harmonies take over, which could allow non-fans to discover and, hopefully, enjoy the music. I am very, very curious to see what the public reaction to this album will be. Perhaps your site will help me keep an eye on what people, especially hardcore fans, are saying. |
