98: OK COMPUTER | RADIOHEAD
This was always my favorite cut on the record. But it brings back too much nostalgia of that period… and a certain someone.
OK Computer is the third studio album by the English rock band Radiohead, released on 16 June 1997. It is widely regarded as one of the best and most influential albums of all time, and a landmark of the 1990s alternative rock scene. The album explores themes such as alienation, consumerism, technology, and political disillusionment in the modern world.
The album was recorded in various locations, including a 16th-century mansion and a converted shed, with producer Nigel Godrich. The band experimented with different musical styles and sounds, incorporating elements of electronic music, ambient music, classical music, and krautrock. The album also features unconventional song structures, complex arrangements, and lyrics that often use imagery and metaphors.
The album received critical acclaim upon its release, and was nominated for the Grammy Award for Album of the Year. It also topped various polls and lists of the best albums of the year and of the decade. The album has sold over eight million copies worldwide, and has been certified triple platinum in the UK and double platinum in the US.
The album spawned four singles: "Paranoid Android", "Karma Police", "Lucky", and "No Surprises". The songs showcase the band's diverse musical influences and abilities, ranging from the epic six-minute rock opera "Paranoid Android" to the melancholic ballad "No Surprises". The singles were accompanied by innovative music videos that received heavy rotation on MTV.
The album's impact and legacy can be seen in its influence on various genres and artists, such as indie rock, post-rock, electronic music, alternative hip hop, and art pop. The album has also been cited as an inspiration for films, books, video games, and other media. The album is considered to be a masterpiece of musical innovation and experimentation, as well as a reflection of the social and cultural issues of its time.
OK Computer is an album that transcends its genre and era, and remains relevant and influential to this day. It is a testament to Radiohead's artistic vision and creativity, and a milestone in the history of popular music.