OK Computer

ABSOLUTE CINIMA/10. Listening to OK Computer to me every time feels like staring at a classical painting. Grand and beautiful at first sight and the deeper you look into it, the longer you let the pigments sink into you, it blossoms into a striking and intriguing, otherworldly scene of imagination that are eerily human; what I mean by this is that OK Computer jumps into themes of alienation, despair and solitude, all primal human emotions, that often solicit dread and that are foreshadowed to be caused and widespread like a disease by the rapidly developing technology of the 21rst century. The vocals are as raw as it gets, holding an anxiety and fearfulness that sets the tone for this project, often either building up, even in slightly suffocating manners at times (though this is always subtle), like an overinflated balloon or bursting in dramatic climaxes that mark highlights of the project. Of course you can't have a discussion about this record without talking about the production. Electronic production wasn't exactly a groundbreaking idea at the time, but mixing it with alternative elements the way Radiohead did was a sound no one had ever done before. Not only is it perfectly thematic but it is also sonically extremely interesting and exciting; paired with the rolling, high energy bass, OK Computer stays fresh and captivating all the way through. Another thing worth mentioning is the mathematic and sharp drumming that sets this project up for success. While not the craziest display of drum patterns, Radiohead takes a maximalist approach to minimalism and pushes simple beats to their limits. Might I add, that crunchiness on the kit is just delicious to my ears mmmm yummy.

Highlights: Airbag, Paranoid android, Subterranean homesick alien, Exit music (For a film), Let down, Karma Police, Electioneering
Lowlights: N/A