Creep by Radiohead

Though Radiohead are one of the definitive English bands, we’re proud to note that this epochal song was recorded in Cambridge MA, at Fort Apache studio with local guys Sean Slade and Paul Kolderie handling the reins (Radiohead were fans of Dinosaur Jr. and Buffalo Tom, who had used that studio).

The song itself goes back to Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood’s days at Exeter University, inspired by Yorke’s mixed relationship with a girl who was an early fan of the band. After Radiohead went onto greater glories, “Creep” got covered by everyone from Weezer to Prince, who played it at Coachella in 2008.

The song briefly gave Radiohead a “one-hit wonder” status which they resented, so much that they wrote “My Iron Lung” about it.

The tremolo strumming has proven a real sticking point for guitar players on this one.

Redlummada says, “There is a point in the second fast section where the tempo increases slightly and tends to throw everyone off. In my opinion, watching those notes on the screen go by for that part is useless. Open your ears and really listen and try to keep in time to the beat. Also, there is only one Energy phrase after that second part before the end, so make sure you don’t use it all up before then.”

Everywhere. Just ask all the Harmonix staffers who caravanned down to their show in Mansfield, MA last August.