OK Computer

ugh where to start? I want to call this 54 minute, 12 track collection of songs the most essential album in music history and a gold standard for any aspiring rock bands for centuries to come. It is just a perfect thing they created and I will never grow bored of it's beauty. So lyrically ambitious and sonically adventurous, I will now attempt to use my utterly pointless words to describe this formidable piece of art we have been presented with.

After cementing their spot within alternative rock music's elite in 95' with their sophomore release 'The Bends' where they perfected sounds that existed before them. Radiohead wanted to push the boundaries of rock music with sounds never heard before but who knew it would change music forever?

OK Computer explores themes of the ever-growing fear of technology and the possibility of complete dissociation of technology and self. On track 2 'Paranoid Android', Thom sings about the loss of individuality as it takes inspiration of a depressed Thom being sat in a bar in LA whilst surrounded by intoxicated people trying to enjoy their night out, and the annoyance that comes with being the anomaly in the bar. 'Kicking, squealing, Gucci little piggy' is a direct reference to Thomas disgust whilst sat in the bar observing a violent woman after getting a drink spilled on her. The track being a multi-part song expresses his bi-polar like mood swings as the instrumental goes through three dynamic stages; the song begins rather neutral paired with lyrics of violent fantasies and verbal confusion, the instrumental later ramps up into a chaotic guitar bridge which follows more violent lyrics this time being more direct and without confusion rather coming from which appears to be some kind of authority where Thom demands a person to be beheaded. After a slight annoyance of the person forgetting his name, the song then takes a second turn into a mellow closer where the narrator begs for consequence of his actions. This masterpiece of a song sounds like a playful take on a traditional progressive rock song without taking itself too seriously like the proggers before them. Track 4 'Exit Music' is where I believe Radiohead are at their peak when they start with a gentle demeanor rising to an explosive crescendo of emotion. This song was also used in my favourite episode of Charlie Brooker's anthology TV show Black Mirror where the haunting nature of this song matched the haunting nature of the episode at its climax (S3, EP. For anyone interested).

I could write forever on a record this important to me going in depth with context and analysis for each and every track but I'm sure you readers are ready to disengage if not already. So final words... Thank you my favourite band for one of the only perfect albums my ears have ever had the pleasure to listen to, I will treasure this one forever.

(Best)
Paranoid Android
Karma Police
Exit Music (For A Film)
No Surprises
Lucky
Let Down
Subterranean Homesick Alien
Airbag
Climbing Up the Walls
The Tourist
Electioneering
Fitter Happier
(Worst)