The Puzzling Hotness of Thom Yorke

Last night, Hannah and I saw Radiohead at Philips Arena. The show was incredible. Truth be told, I can't claim Radiohead Superfan status. There are songs of theirs that I count among my favorites, but I also have a thousand favorites. Kid A and In Rainbows are two of my most played albums - Kid A is the soundtrack of 2001 for  me - but again: thousands. I learned last night, though, that Radiohead is a band that puts on an enjoyable show even when you don't know every song.

Obligatory poor-quality concert shot

I knew the music was likely to be great, and I had heard that the show was visually gorgeous, but what I was unprepared for was Thom Yorke's unbelievable hotness. I have friends who've mentioned this to me and I just absolutely couldn't see it.

Right?!

Until I saw him perform.

It makes no sense: he is a short, wonky-eyed little fellow who dances like a spastic elf. And I still totally would.

I can't explain it at all. He is magnetic on stage! Part of it is his angelic voice. He has a voice that can hit and hold gorgeous, shimmery notes that are often completely incongruous with the words he's singing.

It could also be that confident people who completely rock what they're working with are always sexy.

Or, maybe it's just the thing they call star quality.

Some things about Thom would annoy the hell out of me. No offense to the Noam Chomsky-loving vegans out there but that's not really my gig. I might be tempted to shush him.

Here's me with Thom, but there would be more kissing.

On the other hand, I think it's kind of appealing the way Radiohead - and specifically Thom - have publicly shut down some big celebs who threw tantrums when they couldn't get an audience with the band. Miley Cyrus famously said she would "ruin them" after they declined to speak to her backstage at some event or another. I loved that they came back at her, releasing a statement in which they basically told her that when she grows up, she'll (hopefully) lose her childish sense of entitlement.

Another celeb they've publicly clashed with is the beloved/vilified Kanye West. Kanye is a MAJOR Thom Yorke fanboy. I remember him talking about how he wanted "Love Lockdown" to sound like "Thom Yorke in a strip club." (Hilarious visual, Yeezy.) But when Kan the Louis Vuitton Don tried to chit chat backstage with TY at the Grammys a few years ago, Thom walked away without a word. Do I need to tell you Kanye was pissed?

So try this: watch the "Lotus Flower" video. Watch Thom kill it all by himself. I'm not sure it comes through the screen the way it does onstage but see what you think.

And then check out this awesomeness:
http://clintard.tumblr.com/

Now fess up: who's your freaky crush?