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Easy Star All-Stars — No Surprises (feat. The Meditations)
Album: Radiodread
Avg rating:
6.1

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1417









Released: 2006
Length: 3:57
Plays (last 30 days): 3
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A heart that's full up like a landfill
A job that slowly kills you
Bruises that won't heal

You look so tired and unhappy
Bring down the government
They don't, they don't speak for us
I'll take a quiet life
A handshake of carbon monoxide

No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
Silent, silent

This is my final fit, my final bellyache with

No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises
No alarms and no surprises please

Such a pretty house, such a pretty garden

No alarms and no surprises (let me out of here)
No alarms and no surprises (let me out of here)
No alarms and no surprises please (let me out of here)
Comments (96)add comment
 Duc1098 wrote:

"Don't mess with Radiohead" ought to be a rule. This is like putting flames on a Ferrari.



Thank you!
Posted 2 days ago by TrevorWGoodchild    [ Reply ]
I can never be a fan of covers of great songs that are not even a fraction as good as the original, just wish people would stop trying to do covers of songs without understanding the emotional impact of the original, why it was impactful and capturing the spirit or essence of the original, instead of just basterdizing chords and lyrics. It hurts my ears to hear stuff like this, same goes for Jeff Buckley's cover of Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah also played on RP - can't even come close to evoking the emotion and purse artistry of the original. I can say that about every cover I've heard of Cohen's work. Thom Yorke's vocal range alone is part of the distinct sound Radiohead stood out from other bands with - then you cover this song, take away that vocal range, and the emotion the song has, and you get this version, which does not come close to the original. It becomes another stock song someone else wrote, minus the emotions that inspired it. Thom Yorke, wrote "No Surprises" while Radiohead were on tour with R.E.M. in 1995. It features glockenspiel and a "childlike" sound inspired by the 1966 Beach Boys album Pet Sounds. Radiohead's lyrics conveyed dissatisfaction with social and political order. Yorke said the "childlike guitar sound set the mood for the whole album" - well that mood ain't here, and it is a disrespect to fans of the original which was popular for reasons missing in this cover. 
Posted 2 days ago by TrevorWGoodchild    [ Reply ]
This album deserves, IMNSHO, at least an 8 based on the title alone! I mean, c'mon. Radiodread?
Posted 6 months ago by rheckel    [ Reply ]
Totally different, and totally just as cool as the original. And I'm not a fan of Reggae in general.
Posted 11 months ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Growing on me. 1->2
Posted 1 year ago by jukes1    [ Reply ]
Dub side of the moon was excellent, this RH on the other hand, hmmmmm....
Posted 1 year ago by mgkiwi    [ Reply ]
A surprise but a lovely one.
Posted 1 year ago by peterblair    [ Reply ]
the hilarious name of the album almost justifies this cover version(s). sometimes some effort has to be made just for the sake of a joke
Posted 1 year ago by ergatterer    [ Reply ]
Well this was no No Surprise to me, hadn't heard this cover before, thanks RP. Nice when a cover is twisted, shaken and stirred 
Posted 1 year ago by Canal145    [ Reply ]
When I see this band name I always think of the Imperial Stars, terrible band that blocked a Hollywood-area freeway for an impromptu performance
Posted 1 year ago by LinThizzy    [ Reply ]


Posted 2 years ago by luisaa72    [ Reply ]
A few years back I got to work in an office with a very good friend, who played a lot of reggae in the office, and I learned that there is a reggae version of EVERY song. They all make me smile. 
Posted 2 years ago by ginger    [ Reply ]
This is fun!
Posted 2 years ago by richard237    [ Reply ]
You are knocking it outta the park today. Keeping me happy at work. Thanks!
Posted 2 years ago by sessiehiker    [ Reply ]
One for the dumpster. 
Posted 2 years ago by Lonestar    [ Reply ]
 acolt wrote:

I get what they're trying to do, but I just feel like it could have been done better.



This. It's a workaday cover. Lacklustre.
Posted 2 years ago by MattRudely    [ Reply ]
a really fun album 
Posted 2 years ago by xcranky_yankee    [ Reply ]
I get what they're trying to do, but I just feel like it could have been done better.
Posted 2 years ago by acolt    [ Reply ]
wow

i thought this was warren zevon
Posted 2 years ago by idiot_wind    [ Reply ]
Try this...listen to this track without the pre-disposed idea that it's a Radiohead song.  Like you'd never heard it before.  I'll bet that your rating would be far different than what it currently is.  That's called bias.  We all have them...confirmation bias is one of the most deceiving things that humans experience.  It makes us see "truth" in subtle signs for the ideas that we already believe in.  

So, dismiss your thoughts about Radiohead (love or hate, whatever) and just listen...
Posted 2 years ago by sfoster66    [ Reply ]
 ziggytrix wrote:


I mean, Marcel Duchamp basically did this with the Mona Lisa, and regardless of how you feel about dadaism, it's part of art history now, so...



Good comment, but I don't think the two are really comparable.
Posted 3 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
I LOVE this!
Posted 3 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 Duc1098 wrote:

Really? Do you think putting a tattoo on Michelangelo’s David would be moving culture forward somehow?



I mean, Marcel Duchamp basically did this with the Mona Lisa, and regardless of how you feel about dadaism, it's part of art history now, so...
Posted 3 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Now we need some Dubside Of The Moon. 
Posted 3 years ago by philip1    [ Reply ]
Nobody is a bigger Radiohead fan than me, and I think this a great cover!! So there. Ner.
Posted 3 years ago by SnapDragon66    [ Reply ]
 Mackmoney3000 wrote:

This is a prime example of sniffing your own effluence. Fine if you don't like the cover, awful to say "band x's music is too special to cover".

All culture is taking previous works and mashing and remixing it. Sometimes you might not agree with it, but any cultural work shouldn't sit on a pedestal in a museum, unable to be accessed.
 
Really? Do you think putting a tattoo on Michelangelo’s David would be moving culture forward somehow?

Posted 3 years ago by Duc1098    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by ginger    [ Reply ]
 Duc1098 wrote:
"Don't mess with Radiohead" ought to be a rule. This is like putting flames on a Ferrari.
 
Conversely, I am enjoying this infinitely more than any Radiohead I've had to endure...
Posted 3 years ago by chuck.b.meyers    [ Reply ]
I get those who don't like this. It's not my favorite on this album, but don't write the whole idea off until you listen to 'Let Down' by Toots and Maytals. It is a fantastic cover.
Posted 4 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
I love this. I love the original as well, but this lightens up the mood a bit, while delivering the same message.
Posted 4 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
Mr G sure has a thing for out-of-this-world covers. Thanks!
Can just picture the video with smoke filling up the astronaut helmet instead of water
Posted 4 years ago by Egctheow    [ Reply ]
 Duc1098 wrote:
"Don't mess with Radiohead" ought to be a rule. This is like putting flames on a Ferrari.
 
This is a prime example of sniffing your own effluence. Fine if you don't like the cover, awful to say "band x's music is too special to cover".

All culture is taking previous works and mashing and remixing it. Sometimes you might not agree with it, but any cultural work shouldn't sit on a pedestal in a museum, unable to be accessed.
Posted 4 years ago by Mackmoney3000    [ Reply ]
I love this just as much as the original. Good job !
Posted 4 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
RadioDread. That's pretty dang funny 
The music?  'salright
Posted 4 years ago by MayBaby    [ Reply ]
 debobasu wrote:
 I agree with you trix. However, f*ck all you haters.

This song takes the original and gives it some much appreciated "colour". They have real passion for this song. If you can't recognize it or don't think that's important, than there's something very wrong with you.

ziggytrix wrote:

It's much better within the context of the album.

For a one shot, I like the two "bonus tracks" at the end, which are just heavily stripped down dub style versions of Exit Music and Airbag.
 

 
debobasu, Please, if you want to type "fuck" just type fuck. You aren't fooling anyone, just making yourself look like a PC  DI*K !
Posted 4 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 blotto wrote:
reminds me of a fake watch
 I don't know, maybe I missed the joke but, what's a fake watch?

Posted 4 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
reminds me of a fake watch
Posted 5 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
 debobasu wrote:
 I agree with you trix. However, f*ck all you haters.

This song takes the original and gives it some much appreciated "colour". They have real passion for this song. If you can't recognize it or don't think that's important, than there's something very wrong with you.

ziggytrix wrote:

It's much better within the context of the album.

For a one shot, I like the two "bonus tracks" at the end, which are just heavily stripped down dub style versions of Exit Music and Airbag.
 

 

Maybe the haters just don't like the vocal harmonies?

Is that a minor-key or something even less usual?

There's something ever-so slightly off-putting to me about it that makes me wish I knew enough music theory to identify what it was.

Is that what you mean by colour?
Posted 5 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
I go on Easy Dub All-Stars binges a couple times a year. High Fives! {#Dancingbanana_2}
Posted 5 years ago by einsteinstoe    [ Reply ]
 dig wrote:
I like Radiohead alright, but I always found Thom Yorke a little annoying. For me, this is a little more palatable.
 

YES. Thank you. Warble-angst is fine only in small doses...
Posted 5 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
 Duc1098 wrote:
"Don't mess with Radiohead" ought to be a rule. This is like putting flames on a Ferrari.
 
LOVE your analogy. Yessss!
Posted 6 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
"Don't mess with Radiohead" ought to be a rule. This is like putting flames on a Ferrari.
Posted 6 years ago by Duc1098    [ Reply ]
I appreciate the 'do something of your own' aspect of this cover. The original bears a special meaning for me though...that is lost in this translation.
Posted 6 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Easy Star All-Stars always reminds me of the "Imperial All-Stars", a band that parked their box truck in the middle of a four lane California  highway, climbed up on top and began performing before being arrested.

_X4D6437
Posted 6 years ago by LinThizzy    [ Reply ]
I like Radiohead alright, but I always found Thom Yorke a little annoying. For me, this is a little more palatable.
Posted 6 years ago by dig    [ Reply ]
Hey, at least he's not whining ... I don't know the original, and I thought this was a dreary David Bowie track. 
Posted 6 years ago by hanssachs    [ Reply ]
 pankman wrote:
awful, just awful 

 
It's much better within the context of the album.

For a one shot, I like the two "bonus tracks" at the end, which are just heavily stripped down dub style versions of Exit Music and Airbag.
Posted 7 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
awful, just awful 
Posted 7 years ago by pankman    [ Reply ]
I'll do the caveats first! I love RP. I love that RP consistently provides me with new experiences and challenges my listening sensibilities. It has exposed me to so many new great artists that I love, and for that I am eternally grateful.

Next: Holy crap, what is this garbage? This is the musical equivalent of taking a great piece of sushi and slathering it in ketchup. This is very much one of those "just because you can doesn't mean you should" sorts of things.
Posted 7 years ago by aaronm    [ Reply ]
PSD, quick!!!
Posted 7 years ago by adib    [ Reply ]
Another random covers stretch. Yawn. 
Posted 7 years ago by Kenbob    [ Reply ]
More, please!
Posted 8 years ago by Ulises    [ Reply ]
It's not just that they do covers like this and Wanna Be Startin Something - it's that they do it well.
Posted 8 years ago by Steely_D    [ Reply ]
 drtracey wrote:
Is this random cover versions hour?

 
2 months later. again, wtf,

do not like


Posted 8 years ago by blotto    [ Reply ]
I love Easy Star All-stars' Radiohead renditions - nice choice! {#Dance}
Posted 8 years ago by ohhh_katerina    [ Reply ]
Is this random cover versions hour?
Posted 8 years ago by drtracey    [ Reply ]
No alarms and no surprises
.
but this was a surprise
Posted 8 years ago by Skydog    [ Reply ]
 beinder wrote:
Well, we did sign up for eclectic. I guess we can live with it once every 5 years for comic relief.

 
I'm ok with that. Just as long as the 2021 play occurs during one of the many hours I'm not listening.
Posted 8 years ago by wibadger    [ Reply ]
Not another one  {#Frustrated}
Posted 8 years ago by MargaretRose    [ Reply ]
Why? Just, why? {#No}
Posted 8 years ago by Danimal174    [ Reply ]
...And it's happy hour at the Calypso Lounge. Hopefully this train is coming into the station before too long. My PSD button is going to start getting a workout. 
Posted 8 years ago by Wilfrue    [ Reply ]
Bill.    Yes Reggae covers.    AARrrrghhhh  Enuf already.
Posted 8 years ago by polymerchm    [ Reply ]
Well, we did sign up for eclectic. I guess we can live with it once every 5 years for comic relief.
Posted 8 years ago by beinder    [ Reply ]
Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted 8 years ago by Jellyroll11    [ Reply ]
Not played in 6 years? Probably not long enough.
Posted 8 years ago by n4ku    [ Reply ]
 spaceman wrote:
I don't know how to rate this. No Surprises is one of my all time favorite songs. A good song is a good song is a good song. If this were an original, I'd probably rate it quite high, but knowing the hauntingly beautiful original... I don't know. I'm not going to vote on this one.
 

Every song on OK Computer is a 10, in total seriousness.  But please give this cover a 1. It is tantamount to sacrilege.

Posted 14 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
Wow, that totally caught me off guard, great song!

Funny how Radiohead can sound so much *more* awesome when covered, gives you a better idea of the song. Flaming Lips have an excellent cover of "Knives Out". 
Posted 14 years ago by ufamsm    [ Reply ]
I don't know how to rate this. No Surprises is one of my all time favorite songs. A good song is a good song is a good song. If this were an original, I'd probably rate it quite high, but knowing the hauntingly beautiful original... I don't know. I'm not going to vote on this one.
Posted 14 years ago by spaceman    [ Reply ]
Between this and the other song that plays here from the same album...I'm now officially interested in giving this album a full listen.
Posted 14 years ago by ra990    [ Reply ]
This song gives me the creeps every time I hear it. Every time. It's something that could run as a soundtrack during a bloody rampage in a Tarantino movie, with slow motion shots and everything. - Me likey! ;)
Posted 14 years ago by nu-GFX    [ Reply ]
the worst version of a great song!{#Cry}

Posted 14 years ago by KrischanZ    [ Reply ]
It seems most negative comments about Radiohead center on Thom's voice, so maybe this makes their music more accessible?! Anyway at least it's easier to understand the lyrics!
Posted 14 years ago by stevesaw    [ Reply ]
You know, if I was like chillin in some Caribbean bar, I could enjoy this song.  Here though, not so much..
Posted 14 years ago by dctrpunda    [ Reply ]
God No..... Another Dirge {#Wall} Gets a 1 from me.

Posted 14 years ago by siskinbob    [ Reply ]
 finkle007 wrote:
Abomination, at best.
 
LOL!
Posted 14 years ago by Albert1967    [ Reply ]
twitterpated wrote:
How did Dog reply? :)
The dog is far too smart to be lured into a fail. The dog abides.
Posted 14 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
Abomination, at best.
Posted 14 years ago by finkle007    [ Reply ]
 Businessgypsy wrote:
You know, I was just telling the dog "Dog, what I'd really like is more reggae on Radio Paradise. In fact, I think that they should take the whole playlist and convert it to reggae, no matter how inappropriate or outrageous".

And here we have it.

 
How did Dog reply?  :)


Posted 14 years ago by twitterpated    [ Reply ]
You know, I was just telling the dog "Dog, what I'd really like is more reggae on Radio Paradise. In fact, I think that they should take the whole playlist and convert it to reggae, no matter how inappropriate or outrageous".

And here we have it.

Posted 14 years ago by Businessgypsy    [ Reply ]
lovely track - and a brilliant pairing with Radiohead's House of Cards - thanks for making me first laugh, and then say "oooh yeah!" out loud!
Posted 14 years ago by mocky    [ Reply ]
 Cruzan wrote:
That might get it. 

Flaming Lips doing a Radiohead "tribute" would still be 100x better than this.

* click *

Posted 14 years ago by RadioDoc    [ Reply ]
I think someone should do an all Tuba, Accordian, and Bagpipe version of this Radiohead album.
Allthough it would still be pretty tough to make something that is even more horrible and dissonant than the orignal.
Well, maybe if you got Springstein to sing, Ringo Starrr to drum, and the bass player from Spoon could play the same note over and over and over again through the whole song.

That might get it.

:-)


Posted 14 years ago by Cruzan    [ Reply ]

Most Excellent. Bill rocks.


Posted 14 years ago by Mandible    [ Reply ]
The first time I heard this I thought it was novel. Now I'm just sick of it. Ack! Make it stop.
Posted 14 years ago by isayhoomhom    [ Reply ]
Oh God, forgive them please
Posted 14 years ago by Felix_The_Cat    [ Reply ]

doesn't fit with the lyrics


Posted 14 years ago by rdo    [ Reply ]
+1 for dub side of the moon :)
Posted 14 years ago by skogman    [ Reply ]
I'm feelin this one a lot more than the Karma Police remake from the same album.

Nice nice.

I'm still thinkin some tracks from their Dub Side of the Moon album would fit in the mix.
Posted 14 years ago by ziggytrix    [ Reply ]
Strange.  Sort of humorous.  But I like it, I think.
Posted 14 years ago by oldhippiechick    [ Reply ]
as soon as I figure out this whole uploading thing (lol sorry) I'ma upload another Easy Star comp and some other Reggae
Posted 14 years ago by peacockangel    [ Reply ]
Hmm. Thom Yorke in a reggae stylee. It's sure an improvement on himself, but it does sound a bit klunky.
Posted 14 years ago by fredriley    [ Reply ]
Time is the master and time can be a disaster!
Posted 14 years ago by mandolin    [ Reply ]
{#Stupid} {#Snooty}
Posted 14 years ago by bobringer    [ Reply ]
Looks like an interesting album. Will have to check it out.
Love Radiohead, ska, reggae, so this gets my attention. Nice cover. 
Posted 14 years ago by gatorade    [ Reply ]
Radiohead with dreads... cool.
Posted 14 years ago by beinder    [ Reply ]