That one time when 99% of Radiohead fans fell in love with the band, that went from the common rock n'roll ground in "Pablo Honey" to the market revolution of "In Rainbows" and going through the sensational "OK Computer". "Creep" is the usual entrance to Thom Yorke's troupe - mine actually was "Fake Plastic Trees" due to a remarkable commercial revolving a Down syndrome kid - and this clip is a main factor despite it's usual routine in terms of music videos. Radiohead didn't defined themselves with "Creep" but they surely left an impressive mark with this hit single. That song still echoes in our ears, hearts and minds as one of the most important ever made, it touches us deep into our core and trust me, despite all confidence and enthusiasm you may have, you probably have felt like the composer at one time.
Video concept is one of a basic kind: band performs the song, at first giving the impression of just being a solo performance but when the guitars hit the higher louder notes we notice the presence of an electric and enthusiastic crowd enjoying themselves while jumping and cheering. A reduced set of colors that reminds us of "Smells Like Teen Spirit" (and yeah, here's another example why kept comparing Radiohead to Nirvana back in those days) but with more care about the lighting effects properly used in important bits of the song. I might be wrong but this is probably Radiohead's first video and what a remarkable one, in which we are presented to the faces of Yorke, the two Greenwood's, Selway and O'Brien, not your typical rock stars but they definitely carry the presence, the usual trademarks and manage to achieve some original features - Jonny Greenwood's style while playing his guitar became one of the coolest things ever, shaking his head always down (shoe-gaze is the term).
While the clip isn't spectacular in terms of presentation, Radiohead convinces us with their sound and lyrics. Yorke explores sadness and some alienation with the main figure trying to cope with the fact he can't be near the girl he loves - it's quite strange that he actually said that the main interpretation focus on a guy desiring a girl but if you pay attention to the lyrics, it can also go between two guys or two girls and I like this duality; all very touching but downer to the point of BBC avoiding in playing it (yes, it's sort of suicidal but the potency between the players makes it one of those good experiences where you feel good to be alive due to its accuracy in terms and descriptions). Bear in mind that the clip, sadly, is a censored one when it comes to the lyrics ("You're so f*****g special" was turned into "You're so very special"), which kills a little bit the experience.
Seeing is believing and in this particular case, it's easily to attest that Radiohead entered and conquered the world in beautiful ways, without throwing excesses or over-developing too much. It's a true classic of the 1990's. 10/10
