#34
MF DOOM + Thom Yorke + Johnny Greenwood: “Retarded Fren”
[from Complex, Volume 1: Lex Records 10th Anniversary / Lex] 

There have been hints at a collaboration between the enigmatic MF DOOM and Radiohead’s Thom Yorke for a few years now. Both artists have made several non-informative allusions to recording sessions that may or may not have occurred, but no concrete evidence existed until last month when Lex Records announced their tenth anniversary compilation complete with a lead off track featuring not just the dynamic duo, but also Yorke’s regular parter in crime, Jonny Greenwood.

The oddly titled “Retarded Fren” is conclusive proof that this collaboration deserves to be more than just a one-off tease, but a full-fledged project. The past ten years have seen Yorke evolve into one of the finest beat crafters around. While many will write him off as a forty year old dad trying to play the part of club kid, there’s no denying that “Retarded Fren” is a master class in new approaches to beat making. 

As usual, DOOM strings together surreal lyrical couplets that take days to wrap your head around entirely. The pairing with Yorke’s beats and Greenwood’s orchestral score prove that DOOM is at his best when working directly with more off-kilter producers in the vein of his previous work with J. Dilla and Madlib. These are three artists that flourish when they each step out of their respective comfort zones.

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