“New atoms for peace track on radio 1 in a minute…,” Radiohead producer and Atoms for Peace member Nigel Godrich tweeted today just before 3pm EST. And just like that, Thom Yorke and Godrich were on Zane Lowe’s BBC Radio 1 show to discuss their new project and debut “Judge, Jury and Executioner,” a cut off Atoms for Peace’s upcoming album Amok.
Of the nine songs featured on Amok, due February 25, “Judge, Jury and Executioner” was the only track that was previously played live by AFP during their brief U.S. tour in 2010. On stage, the song was a dark, aggressive centerpiece among the post-Eraser material, but the AMOK version is mellower and more harmonious than the live rendition, more in tune with the catchy debut single “Default.” Immediately after airing the song, the XL Recordings YouTube page posted the track for those who missed the broadcast. The song will also be available for download on iTunes starting tonight at midnight UK time, and on 12″ vinyl starting March 19 with the exclusive non-LP B-side “S.A.D.” Pre-orders for Amok open tonight, too, and those purchases will unlock an instant download of the single.
Yorke likened Amok to disco in the sense that, like that bygone era of dance music, Atoms’ drummer Joey Waronker and percussionist Mauro Refosco were forced to replicate the beats created by pre-programmed drum machines. When asked about whether Atoms for Peace will tour again, Godrich responded coyly, “Yep, yep, uh-huh.” Yorke added that a tour is “still being discussed,” but one factor holding up playing concerts is “pleasing the Chili Peppers,” since Atoms for Peace bassist Flea is still trekking around in support of I’m With You. However, Yorke said AFP will “definitely” tour Europe “and things” eventually.
Yorke also fielded a question about the much-discussed, still-unannounced recording Radiohead made at Jack White’s Third Man Studio in Nashville prior to headlining at Bonnaroo this past summer. Although Yorke didn’t reveal the exact details — he preferred to talk about White’s upholstery skills — he did hint that Radiohead recorded two of the three new songs they performed on their recent U.S. tour (“Identikit,” “Ful Stop” and “Cut a Hole”) at Third Man. Still, no news regarding when that session will be released.
Hear the album version of “Judge, Jury and Executioner” below, then watch Atoms for Peace perform its early incarnation at the Roseland Ballroom in April 2010.
