Trust Me #60
Lucky by Radiohead
Lucky is an incredibly important song in Radiohead's extensive back catalogue. Originally released in 1995 on the Help album for War Child, Lucky clearly stood out. It was, and is, utterly majestic.
Radiohead left their mark on 1995, releasing The Bends in March, while a string of singles from the album stretched from My Iron Lung in September 1994 through to Street Spirit (Fade Out) in January 1996.
The band were in exceptional form, their development from debut Pablo Honey in 1993 was staggering and there was a lot more to come. 1995 was peak Britpop with landmark albums by Blur, Oasis, Pulp, Elastica, Black Grape and Supergrass. Radiohead were in a class of their own and they quickly cemented that with 1997's OK Computer album.
The concept for the Help album was simple and based around John Lennon's idea for his Instant Karma single; record one day, mix the following, release the next. Many bands opted for re-recordings or cover versions, which (sheer quality aside) is another reason why Lucky stood out a mile.
Help artwork by John Squire
Lucky is like a bridge between The Bends and OK Computer, the sound of a band believing that anything was possible. And even if it felt impossible, they'd give it a go anyway.
Thom Yorke begins quietly, but his voice threatens to explode any time ... and when it does ... it soars heavenly, but with gut wrenching emotion. Watching the video of children affected by war with Yorke singing it's gonna be a glorious day, I feel my luck could change is incredibly moving.
Just listen to the final minute of the song as the band really do soar heavenwards, Greenwood's guitar is beautifully piercing, it sounds like there is an orchestra somewhere in the background ending with Yorke singing when you're standing on the edge.
Radiohead recorded the song in just five hours with Nigel Godrich on production duties. Godrich had previously assisted John Leckie with his production of The Bends, the results on Lucky promoted him to the role of producer for OK Computer.
When asked about the Help Album session, Godrich said; "Those things are the most inspiring, when you do stuff really fast and there's nothing to lose. We left feeling fairly euphoric."
Yorke, speaking about the song and session, said; "Lucky shaped the nascent sound and mood of OK Computer. Lucky was indicative of what we wanted to do. It was like the first mark on the wall."
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