_Thom Yorke Debuts His New Band, Along With 4 New Songs

Playing in a small club Friday night, Radiohead’s Thom Yorke debuted his new band in a “low key” but very public dress rehearsal. Backed by some of music’s greatest, Yorke played his entire 2006 solo album, The Eraser, along with some alternative takes on Radiohead songs and premiered four new songs, which he performed completely unaccompanied. (“Open The Floodgates”, “Lotus Flower”, “Skirting On The Surface”, and “Judge, Jury, & Executioner”)

The band consists of Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, Beck/R.E.M. drummer Joey Waronker, and percussionist/multi-instrumentalist Mauro Refosco of Forro in the Dark. The band’s official shows are October 4th and 5th at LA’s Orpheum Theatre.

Check out the videos from the Friday night gig, which quickly ended up all over Youtube (I suggest Yorke’s solo, “Open the Floodgates”). (more…)