Listen to Radiohead’s Unused Theme Song for Spectre, Which Is So Much Better Than Sam Smith’s

AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS - OCTOBER 14: Thom Yorke of Radiohead performs at Ziggo Dome on October 14, 2012 in Amsterdam, Netherlands. (Photo by Greetsia Tent/WireImage)
Photo: Greetsia Tent/WireImage

If you were one of the many people not blown away by Sam Smith’s theme song for Spectre, “Writing’s On the Wall,” then we have some fun news for you: The theme song was originally going to be performed by Radiohead, the patron saints of capital-A Alternative music. In fact, the theme song was written and performed by Radiohead, but for whatever reason, the filmmakers opted to go with Smith’s song instead. “Last year we were asked to write a tune for Bond movie Spectre. Yes we were …” Thom Yorke posted ominously on Twitter. “It didn’t work out … but became something of our own which we love very much. As the year closes we thought you might like to hear it. Merry Christmas. May the force be with you.” The band posted the song, called, simply, “Spectre,” on their Soundcloud today. It’s a slow, sad, subtle song, which makes one wonder if Radiohead has ever even seen a James Bond movie before. You can listen below. Now if they can just get that new album done already …

Listen to Radiohead’s Unused Theme for Spectre