Harry Patch (In Memory Of)

[curlycrouton]

As I'm sure many of you aware, Harry Patch, the last surviving soldier to have fought in the trenches of the First World War, sadly died on July the 25th this year.

In 2005, Mr. Patch gave a moving interview to Today Reporter Mike Thompson. Thom Yorke, of the band Radiohead, was so moved and inspired by this interview that he and veritable virtuoso Johnny Greenwood, also of Radiohead, decided to write a song, in tribute.

You can listen to both the song and the interview here, and you can purchase the song here, for one pound, or whatever the equivalent is in dollars/euros etc (all profits will go to the Royal British Legion).

I find this heart-rending, soulful tribute to be one of the most beautiful, inspiring things Radiohead, and indeed any band, have ever done. The lyrics, which are quotes adapted from Mr. Patch's interview, are profound and saddening in equal measure.

And now, I'd like to know what The Escapist makes of it.

 

[manicfoot]

While I admire the gesture, I don't think the song is all that. The string arrangement is beautiful, but the vocals seem kind of forced and tacked on to me. I'm a massive Radiohead fan btw!

 

[Whistler777]

Damned interesting, thanks for the heads-up. I had no idea there was even anyone alive from The Great War!

 

[Wadders]

I must admit that I've never really listened to Radiohead, and in all honesty, I don't like that song. The vocals sound kinda strained and whiny, and the music itself if a tad boring.

I salute their decision to pay tribute to the man, but I think it could have been done better.