Berkeley, CA--Went to Bezerkley last night to see Christopher Riley perform his pieces for solo piano based on Radiohead songs. It was terrific--on one hand, the cynic in me says Riley could be the Rachmaninoff of his generation, playing emotional versions of popular songs; on the other hand, Riley could be a truly authentic voice--a pianist who is not afraid to merge his love of an alternative band with his classical training.

What is the music like? Melodic, intense, precise. Music I had always wished 'd heard, but didn't know it till that moment. Music I wanted to hear again, to own, and to have a part of my inner life.

Listen here and see for yourself. For all my criticism, I think I've become a total fan...Listening to Riley play Radiohead made made me feel great.--I've got his music going on real player as I write this.

P.S. If you are a Radiohead fan, and are interested in Riley, he said he hangs out at atease.web and his screen name is Blaster.