OK Computer--Radiohead

OK Computer--Radiohead: Capitol Records

For those of you who have been stuck on a desert island for the last twelve months,

THIS ALBUM FUCKING RIPS!!!!
After about 10 years waiting for a truly creative and inspirational album, Radiohead finally delivered.  Honestly I haven’t been this excited about a record since Psalm 69.   EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS RECORD from production, orchestration, lyrics, dynamics, instrumentation and variety IS AWESOME.  They managed to do what I last heard with Blood Sugar Sex Magik, and that is compose an entire album.  This is in opposition to the majority of crap currently on the market which have one or two decent tracks and a butt-load of stuff that should have been left on the studio floor.
For all of you old-school morons that thought less is more, go back to your garage and learn that third chord.
The first review I read of this record said that the band had captured the vibe of an electronic album, but with real instruments.  Of course the first thought creeping through my head was "Oh Fuck....not them too!!!"  I took a chance and bought the thing based on airplay for the album’s fifth track: "Let Down".  Truth be told, it’s an awesome song, but since the sheep in radio refuse to play anything creative, it’s not the strongest pick on the record.
I was quite shocked upon several listens to find that this album would not stop growing on me.  Honestly, it sat in one of my CD players for well over two months. The first listen was kind of awkward as the music is so unlike anything that I’d heard previously.  The last time that had happened was in 1983 with Porcupine from The Bunnymen.  The more you listen to OK Computer, the more you find that everything else seems blasé and common.
Yes there are some synth elements on this record, but mostly just for background ambiance, which over time, is what I have found to be at the core of a lot of Electronic music.  The E-ffects aren’t contrived, and the dissonance they provide gives rich contrast to the beautiful melodies that are present in every song on the record.
The album opens with "Airbag" (which has since been released as a single with six additional tracks) and is followed by "Paranoid Android".  Both of these songs have such a hard groove in them it is almost impossible to not start dancing whenever you listen to them.  Thom Yorke’s vocal control is AMAZING. The last vocalist that could "play" his voice in this manner was Ian McCulloch. Both of these songs also feature another brilliant feature: great interplay between amplified and acoustic instruments.
Following the crunching climax to "Paranoid Android", the listener is shipped off into dreamland with "Subterranean Homesick Alien".  This song is absolutely beautiful.  It’s lyrics, like many on the album are harshly critical of modern culture, contrasting greatly with the otherwise peaceful melodies.
"Exit Music (For A Film)" follows, and again a minimalist intro that transitions into somber symphonic perfection. This is followed by "Let Down" and the other single off of the record, "Karma Police."
Following these two warm and brilliant songs is "Fitter Happier", which is one of the more interesting tracks on the record.  It is more or less a monologue that a speech generating interface on a Macintosh "sings" along with a quiet piano accompaniment.  The litany of lyrical topics satirizes the hopes of the "modern" man.  The music builds around the voice until it becomes a moment of somber reflection on the meaningless ness of our "advanced" life.
After the dehumanization, "Electioneering" follows, and is a brilliant stripped down rocking counterpoint to "Fitter Happier". "Climbing Up the Walls" slows things back down, and has an eerie almost Goth vibe to it.
Anyone who has heard "No Surprises" and not got choked up needs to see a Cardiologist about an immediate implant.  "Lucky" is the penultimate track on the record and is so steeped with soul that it should only be played in Motown. "The Tourist" wraps the effort up and is an incredible exclamation point that begs you to hit the replay button, starting the whole musical journey over again.
This record is perfect for everything except moshing.  Hanging out around the house, driving and screwing are all enhanced by playing this record.
For the life of me I can’t figure out the title.  It seems either a challenge to technology, or a quiet acquiescence to the machine.  It is a unique perspective on the world with the most amazing music I’ve heard since New Order broke up, so
BUY IT NOW!!!!
Rating = 5 out of 5
Reviewed by: Rox 2 July, 1998

Table
1 =Take it back after you've taped the radio track.
2 =Not bad...some promise, but doesn't follow through consistently.
3 =A solid record all the way through, with maybe one or two flashes of brilliance.
4 =A great record that pushes the musical envelope of the moment. A must buy.
5 =A classic that you'll give to your Grandchildren.

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