Just (song)
"Just" is a single by English alternative rock band Radiohead, released in 1995. It is the seventh track on their 1995 album The Bends. In 2007, the NME placed "Just" at number 34 in its list of the 50 Greatest Indie Anthems Ever. In 2008 it was included on the Radiohead: The Best Of collection. English producer Mark Ronson released a cover version in February 2008, the fourth single from his album Version.
"Just" | ||||
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Single by Radiohead | ||||
from the album The Bends | ||||
Released | 7 August 1995 | |||
Recorded | 1994 | |||
Genre | Alternative rock | |||
Length | 3:55 | |||
Label | Parlophone | |||
Songwriter(s) | Radiohead | |||
Producer(s) | John Leckie | |||
Radiohead singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Just" on YouTube |
Writing
Much of "Just" was written by guitarist Jonny Greenwood, who, according to singer Thom Yorke, "was trying to get as many chords as he could into a song".[1]
Music video
The "Just" music video was directed by Jamie Thraves, who adapted it from an idea he had for a short film. The video took two days to shoot; the street scenes were filmed on Liverpool Street, London, and the scenes of the band on a set.[2]
In the video, a man lies in the middle of a pavement without explaining why, causing many bystanders to gather round him in confusion. The members of Radiohead watch from an apartment window. The man eventually reveals the reason to the bystanders, though what he says is not revealed. This causes the bystanders to lie down next to him.[2]
Track listing
CD 1
- "Just" – 3:54
- "Planet Telex" (Karma Sunra mix) – 5:23 (remix by U.N.K.L.E.)
- "Killer Cars" (Mogadon version) – 3:50 (remix by John Leckie)[3]
CD 2
- "Just" – 3:54
- "Bones" (Live) – 3:14
- "Planet Telex" (Live) – 4:07
- "Anyone Can Play Guitar" (Live) – 3:40
Personnel
- Thom Yorke – vocals, electric and acoustic guitars
- Jonny Greenwood – electric guitar, Hammond organ
- Ed O'Brien – electric guitar
- Colin Greenwood – bass
- Philip Selway – drums
Mark Ronson version
"Just" | ||||
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Single by Mark Ronson featuring Alex Greenwald | ||||
from the album Exit Music | ||||
Released | 13 March 2006[4] | |||
Recorded | 2004–2005, 2006 | |||
Length | 5:21 3:51 (radio edit) | |||
Label | RCA | |||
Songwriter(s) | ||||
Producer(s) | Mark Ronson | |||
Mark Ronson singles chronology | ||||
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Alex Greenwald singles chronology | ||||
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Track listing
No. | Title | Length |
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1. | "Just" | 5:21 |
2. | "Just" (radio edit) | 3:51 |
Charts
Chart (2006) | Peak position |
---|---|
Scotland (Official Charts Company)[5] | 36 |
UK Singles (OCC)[6] | 48 |
2008 re-released
"Just" | ||||
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Single by Mark Ronson featuring Phantom Planet | ||||
from the album Version | ||||
Released | 18 February 2008 (re-released)[7][8] | |||
Recorded | 2006–2007 | |||
Genre | Funk rock[9] | |||
Length | 5:20 | |||
Label |
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Songwriter(s) |
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Producer(s) | Mark Ronson | |||
Mark Ronson singles chronology | ||||
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Phantom Planet singles chronology | ||||
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Music video | ||||
"Just" on YouTube |
English DJ and producer Mark Ronson released a cover version of the song in February 2008, the fourth single from his second album Version. The song had been released earlier under the compilation Exit Music: Songs with Radio Heads (a Radiohead album tribute) but was never given much promotion by the label. The song quickly gained airplay, being featured on BBC Radio 1's "A-List". The version on Exit Music featured Alex Greenwald on vocals and Sam Farrar on bass, both of the band Phantom Planet, however, the single release credits the entire band.
The song played as the follow-up to "Valerie", which was still inside the UK top 20 upon the "Just" release. "Just" reached No. 31 after its release and fell to No. 36 a week later. A music video was made for the song. Directed by Jim Canty, it acted as a sequel to and paid homage to the earlier Radiohead video.
Other uses
Shortly after its release, MTV used the guitar melody as background music in commercials that listed specific show's sponsors.
CD 1 88697271202 / download
- "Just" (radio edit) – 3:51[8]
- "Valerie" (SugaRush Beat Company remix) – 3:45
CD 2 88697272032 / download
- "Just" (radio edit) – 3:15[10]
- "Just" (DJ Premier's Justremixitmix) (featuring Blaq Poet) – 3:57
- "Just" (The Go! Team remix) – 2:31
- "Just" (The Loving Hand remix) – 6:12
- "Just" (DJ Premier's Justremixitmix) (featuring Blaq Poet) (instrumental) – 3:57
- "Just" (The Loving Hand remix) (instrumental) – 6:12
10" vinyl 88697271211
- "Just" (radio edit)"
- "Just" (DJ Premier's Justremixitmix) (featuring Blaq Poet)
- "Just" (The Loving Hand remix)
- "Just" (The Go! Team remix)
References
- Randall, Mac. "Radiohead's The Bends 20 Years Later: Reexamining a Modern Rock Masterpiece". Guitar World. Retrieved 20 September 2019.
- Martoccio, Angie (13 March 2020). "'The Bends' at 25: Radiohead's 'Just' Video Director Looks Back". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 13 March 2020.
- "Radiohead – Just single". Discogs. 17 January 2017. Retrieved 3 September 2017.
- "Just (feat. Alex Greenwald) - Single by Mark Ranson". Apple Music.
- "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100 - Official Charts Company". www.officialcharts.com. Retrieved 21 April 2018.
- "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- "Just: Mark Ronson: Amazon.co.uk: Music". Retrieved 1 February 2009."Mark RONSON feat PHANTOM PLANET - Just". Retrieved 1 February 2009.
- "Mark Ronson ft. Phantom Planet "Just" CD1". Discogs. 18 February 2008. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- Elingburg, Scott (17 April 2015). "'The Bends' and Its Cover Songs". PopMatters. Retrieved 5 September 2015.
- "Mark Ronson ft. Phantom Planet"Just" CD2". Discogs. 18 February 2008. Retrieved 20 August 2017.
- "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.
- "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company.