Radiohead's OK Computer - WTF???

[RetroLounge]

Okay, I bought this CD way back when, listened to it once and went, "eh? Whatever," and tossed it in a drawer. Now years later, it gets all these rave reviews, best album ever, musical genius, trenchant commentary on alienation, blah blah blah, so I pull it out and toss it in the car and force my self another listen.

Now I liked Pablo Honey and The Bends. But this thing? Sorry, I must be missing something here.

Can someone explain?

RL

[MrScorpio]

1. Ever see the videos?

They make the songs look good

[LoZoccolo]

I think it's really good.

Kind of a soundtrack to the post-9/11 world a few years early.

[RetroLounge]

3. But it's so thin and whiney

Maybe I need to get stoned first?

RL

[Ariana Celeste]

14. If it helps!

:hi:

Though their more recent album "Hail to the Thief" is my absolute favorite, I really enjoy OK Computer. It's unique, and beautiful. Smoke a bowl if you can, and listen to it- without distraction- maybe you'll change your mind. :)

I used to listen to it all the time, stoned, laying in bed, in the dark- just listening. Good stuff.

[RetroLounge]

15. Hmmmmm, too bad I don't get stoned

I will try the laying in the dark routine

It just seems depressing, and I am a happy person...

RL

[justjones]

51. You're right, it is a melancholy album....

that's why I like it!

[justjones]

50. "Hail to the Thief" refers to * IMO.

The first song especially...the words go something like:

And 2 and 2 always makes up five
It's the Devil's way now
There is no way out
You can scream and shout
It's too late now
Because YOU HAVE NOT BEEN PAYING ATTENTION!

To me, it is saying something about our Orwellian society, where up is down and war is peace now that * is in charge. And since the American people haven't been paying attention, the theif is in office stealing democracy.

But then again, OK Computer, which I LOVE, makes me think of traveling intergallactically (sp?), just so you know where I'm coming from:).

[Ariana Celeste]

68. I agree, completely.

That's the message the man and I got when we bought the album. And not just that song, either. Great album.

[LeftyDarthBrodie]

78. I really wish someone could honestly explain this to me

I have never smoked pot and have no interest in doing so. My friend from college is a marijuana afficianado and he makes the case that pot just makes everything better, no reasons. Maybe I shouldn't look for reasons behind everything but I just don't see it. Pot may make you more docile but I have never seen it make someone pay more and better attention to something. It does make really stupid things, like The Chappelle Show, Family Guy and American Dad, very funny though.

[LeftyDarthBrodie]

79. I really wish someone could honestly explain this to me

I have never smoked pot and have no interest in doing so. My friend from college is a marijuana afficianado and he makes the case that pot just makes everything better, no reasons. Maybe I shouldn't look for reasons behind everything but I just don't see it. Pot may make you more docile but I have never seen it make someone pay more and better attention to something. It does make really stupid things, like The Chappelle Show, Family Guy and American Dad, very funny though.

[Guaranteed]

42. I think it's composed.

There's quite a bit of depth to it.

[XemaSab]

30. Kid A

is the soundtrack to the post 9-11 world.

I can't listen to that album without thinking about that fall...

[dave29]

74. Kid-A

my favorite album

[Kathy in Cambridge]

2. That's actually my favorite Radiohead CD

I like the others you mentioned too.

[Gothic Sponge]

7. My favorite too

Music is subjective.

[ok_cpu]

4. Deserves every rave it gets

You are right. It's nothing like Pablo Honey, There's a little bit of it in The Bends though.

[RetroLounge]

6. But why???

I promised to keep it in my car CD player all week until I "get it"

Do I need multiple listens? Will it grow on me?

RL

[ok_cpu]

12. Listen at home

Start to finish. Headphones would be even better.

It's impossible to answer "why" about such a subjective thing. But I will say two of the best songs ever written are on that album. And I mean that - I'm not being a RH fanboy, screen name notwithstanding.

[sundog]

13. that's what i told him... it's not driving music

[Tyrone Slothrop]

23. Karma Police is good driving music

If you've seen the video, you know what I'm talking about.

[sundog]

36. Fitter happier. More productive. Comfortable. Not drinking too much.

Regular excersise at the gym (3 days a week).

[XemaSab]

31. which 2?

n/t

[ok_cpu]

59. Let Down and Lucky n/t

[XemaSab]

67. I'm all there with let down

lucky's good, but not as good as let down.

[sundog]

5. it's fucking great! but kid a is still my fave

:7

[RetroLounge]

8. I have that in a drawer somewhere too.

I just bought a new car with a CD player, so I'll get to try out all these disks my wife bought.

RL

[sundog]

10. listen to it 5 or 6 times... smoke some weed while you're at it

:smoke:

or at least drink something :beer:

kick back & absorb it... it'll make sense...

it's not driving music... it's midnight by your computer music

[xmas74]

35. Even better than sitting on the computer

is getting a bunch of pillows and throwing them all over the floor, lighting some candles, some incense, doing some bong hits and listening to Ok Computer w/ the headphones on in a candlelit only room w/ no distractions.
The music will ripple over your body. Recommend a bottle of wine at your side too.

[sundog]

37. i love you xmas!!!

:bounce:

you read my mind :P

[xmas74]

39. I just used to smoke mass quantities of pot.

There are good ways to do it and even better ways. And music must always be involved.

[sundog]

40. let's party!

:hug:

[xmas74]

44. we should someday.

I can get rid of the kid and remember what it's like to get really mellow like I used to.
Best time I ever had: we set up a screen room tent out on a friends farm when I was in high school and decorated it like a pasha's den. Silk and satin everywhere. We got so high (pot, someone actually got their hands on a little opium and there were the prereq 'shrooms), we drank wine, listened to some great music and talked all night about philosophy.
Best time ever!

[sundog]

45. ah!

i can see where your head's at :7

[xmas74]

47. Thinking about the old days.

I've been doing that alot lately.
I hate growing up.

[no name no slogan]

9. I felt the same way about it

I listened to it a couple of times, but didn't quite "get it".

However, I've been rediscovering my music collection of late. For example, I dismissed "World Outside" by the Pscychedelic Furs when it first came out in 1991 as a last-ditch attempt at credibility by a bunch of 80s has-beens.

However, I recenty dug it out to listen to a tune called "Get A Room", and I'll be damned if that thing hasn't left my CD changer in a few days. I've grown to appreciate it as a mature work by mature artists who had nothing left to prove. Not bad at all really.

[brentspeak]

11. I was/am a real anti-90's music fan

Listening to Radiohead in the background, I snickered at all the "Radiohead is the greatest band in the world" hype.

But I finally gave in, and listened to Kid A. After a few listens, I had to admit to myself it was pretty good.

OK Computer - it's not the masterpiece its fans claim it is, but it is pretty good (but not as good as Kid A). Especially that second song.

[sendero]

16. My son loves it..

... and we have similar tastes. I love Radiohead conceptually, but I really can't listen to Thom Yorke's vocals. I don't know why, they just don't work for me :(

But, too many people (besides my son :)) whose musical taste I respect a lot think OK Computer is a great work.

Who am I to disagree?

[RetroLounge]

17. Oh, I don't begrudge those that like it

I just don't...

Yeah, maybe it's his vocals. Or the fact that I can't find a melody or sing along. Maybe I'm just getting to be an old fuck and should stick to Zeppelin :D

RL

[driver8]

18. I don't get it, either...I have tried to like these guys, I really have.

I just traded my copy of "The Bends" at a used cd store.

[ok_cpu]

19. What'd you get for it?

Something good, I hope.

[driver8]

20. Rykodisc 25th anniversary collection -- 2 cds. Some good stuff

on it.

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

21. i like it a lot, but the bends is better

but now i give you the 5 most overrated cds of all time (in my opinion)

1 any metallica album
2 any van halen album
3 dr dre's the chronic
4 eminem's entire catalog
5 led zeppelin IV

[XemaSab]

32. Most overrated:

Alanis
Nirvana
Green Day
Eminem
Ani Di Franco

[Adenoid_Hynkel]

38. agree with all, but nirvana

though you're right about alanis, especially

[XemaSab]

43. I say Nirvana

not because Nirvana sucks, but because Nirvana is not the be-all and end-all of 90's music.

If you listen to any modern rock station, be it "alternative" or more hard rock, they will play a Nirvana song at least once an hour. That's a lot, considering the dude's been dead for over 10 years, and they only put out, what, 4 albums? 5?

I had friends who were ALL into Nirvana, and frankly, they never did that much for me. I thought most of the lyrics just weren't very clever or insightful, and repeated listens have failed to instill in me a great appreciation for the music. I like it, but it's not, like, all that.

Frankly, if I was on a desert island and I had a choice between Nevermind and Ten, sorry Kurt, Eddie's my man...

[tigereye]

46. oddly enough

there is more to Eminem than meets the eye. I would not have said that 2 years ago... I mostly saw him as a misogynistic creep, but I think there is a very post-modernist element to what he does. Maybe I am being generous. He is taken very seriously by folks in the A-A rap community because they feel he is the real article.

[XemaSab]

49. My ex-bf said

"It takes talent to be truly offensive."

I really don't care if rappers think he's the real deal. He's still a misogynistic asshole, and treating him as a serious artist just validates his misogyny. All the stuff I've heard out of him sucks. Meaningless, repetitive, and hateful.

"Will the real slim shady, please stand up?"

How is that meaningful? It means nothing to me, and I consider myself fairly open minded about music.



I just realized that Eminem and Ani have probably never been on a list together before....

[tigereye]

52. yeah I know what you are saying

I'm probably not the person to debate this. Ani is at the other end of the spectrum, very affirming in a proactive way. But also funny.

[XemaSab]

53. Ani makes me hate men

she's too much about the message.

Like Nirvana, that doesn't make her bad, just overrated.

[tigereye]

62. hasn't she got past that, sort of?

maybe I need to listen harder. ;)

I have seen a lot of women performers that I thought were much more interesting songwriters... but I have to admit there were some songs on Little Plastic Castles that were great. I like that she made her own fame and record company.

[sleipnir]

22. Electioneering....

Brilliant.

The album has a lot to do with alienation, but in the true sense of the word. At a loss from society and others. The feeling of complete aloneness in a world full of instant gratification and global communication.

The fear of failure is also a major aspect, in a world were success is the only measure of a person. This album was released just before the boom of the .Com era and Globalization was publically rearing its ugly head. Just as one must look at the White Album or Highway 61 with a historical eye, you must also have the same historical perspective on OK Computer.

I remember first getting this album as a junior in High School...I'd say it was one of the biggest influences in my life up to that point. It really opened up a lot of windows in my head, being stuck in the Midwest and leading a relatively secure life. I think that this album was a huge wakeup call to a lot of people at that time, that's its power.

It was also the best concept album since, well, who knows when, probably since The Wall.

I like the comment above, music for a post-9/11 world, a few years early...perfect.

[Guaranteed]

48. Did you ever catch the very last note of the album? nt

[sleipnir]

54. Um..yeah...but why?

The "ding"?

Or am I so daft tonight that I don't get the reference?

[Guaranteed]

56. "Your album is done, sir."

I think it's supposed to be like a microwave.

[RetroLounge]

60. Thank you for that!

Your reply inspires me to keep it in the car and listen again...

RL

[WeRQ4U]

24. No offense here, but if you have to smoke dope to like it, it sucks.

Just my two cents, sorry.

[XemaSab]

34. Dope helps

but isn't necessary.

Most of radiohead, you have to listen to a few times.

Go ahead, try it. :-)

[Tyrone Slothrop]

25. No Surprises frequently makes me cry

Quite a moving song.

I do think it's a little overhyped, but I mostly love it.

And they're no fans of Bush, which helps.

"Bring down the government
They don't speak for us"

[ole_evil_eye]

26. I feel the same way

DL'd it(cause I didn't wanna pay) and I couldn't see what the big deal was. Seems like a wannabe Pink Floyd band to me


Coldplay however is very good

[Tyrone Slothrop]

27. Have you examined/listened to the lyrics closely?

Once I actually paid attention to what Thom was saying (which can be difficult, given his phrasing), I had a much deeper appreciation of that album.

Also, the videos are stellar. Check out the one for Paranoid Android.

[Dastard Stepchild]

28. This was my favorite before Amnesiac...

I think I liked it because they started to break away from their Bends and Pablo days. It was a more electronic departure, and I think it worked for them. Musically, they seemed to be talented enough to pull it off. I felt the ame way about Amnesiac. I think for OK Computer, though, it was more about the message and less about the music. This album sits high on my list purely for "No Surprised" and "Paranoid Android."

[asthmaticeog]

64. OMFG, someone else whose fave is "Amnesiac?"

I thought I was all alone!

:cry: <---- tears of joy

[Dastard Stepchild]

72. Me too!

No one ever puts that one at the top of the list, but I say... how can you not?

No....I more demand...How can you not?!

:)

[Ariana Celeste]

70. Amnesiac is awesome!

Pyramid Song and You and Whose Army blew my mind when I first listened to it.

[XemaSab]

29. Listen to it 5 more times

thanks for the suggestion! I'll put that on!

:hi:

Transport, motorways and tramlines
Starting and then stopping
Taking off and landing
The emptiest of feelings
Disappointed people clinging on to bottles
And when it comes it´s so so disappointing

Let down and hanging around
Crushed like a bug in the ground
Let down and hanging around

Shell smashed, juices flowing
Wings twitch, legs are going
Don´t get sentimental
It always ends up drivel

One day I´m going to grow wings
A chemical reaction
Hysterical and useless
Hysterical and ...

Let down and hanging around
Crushed like a bug in the ground
Let down and hanging around

Let down again
Let down again
Let down again

You know, you know where you are with
You know where you are with
Floor collapsing
Floating, bouncing back
And one day....
I am going to grow wings
A chemical reaction
Hysterical and useless
Hysterical and...

Let down and hanging around
Crushed like a bug in the ground
Let down and hanging around

[Guaranteed]

41. That's my suggestion, too.

Actually, make it three, but straight through.

It'll click eventually.

[LastKnight]

33. i donno, i liked it

ive never been a huge Radiohead fanatic. i buy a few of thier Cd's and like most of their songs, i couldnt tell you titles or lyrics for the life of me but i know its radiohead when it comes on the radio.

i liked it. i wouldnt say anything revolutionary. but it was good.

[I Know How To Do it]

55. Radiohead is one of the very few, "rock" bands that not only dare

but have the clout to even try anything adventuresome.

[iconoclastic cat]

57. To each their own. I myself would like it to be playing when I check out.

Assuming my death is on my own terms, of course.

[d_b]

58. I bought the CD back in 97

and had the same reaction as you. I enjoyed 'let down', but other than that I didn't think too much of the album.

No idea how it became the 'best album' or whatever it's being hailed as.

[vi5]

61. I agree wholeheartedly and I like Radiohead....

I like the Bends, Pablo Honey, even select portions of their past 3 "Look ma, we're avant garde!" albums. But O.K. Computer has a good song or two but nowhere near worthy of the raves.

[cheeseit]

63. strong contender for most over-rated album of all time.

Tedious as anything. But i have to admit I'm not a fan of radiohead in general.

[lateo]

65. Most over rated album EVAR.

I agree with you...Pablo Honey and The Bends were great...

[XNASA]

66. It's in my Top 5 of all time, easily. Maybe in the Top 3.

There's no explaining, I suppose. Either you like it, or you don't.

[4_Legs_Good]

69. Maybe it's just not your kind of music - IMO KID A is their best

It's just plain incredible. I like Ok Computer, but nothing they've produced measures up to Kid A, which is sheer genius.

david

[Ariana Celeste]

71. I am a big Radiohead fan.

I love all of their albums and b-sides. I haven't heard anything by them that I haven't liked- although I never really listen to Pablo Honey much.

You might like Hail to the Thief better, or as others said Kid A. Amnesiac is pretty trippy.

The thing I love about Radiohead is that with every new album they do something different. I love Thom's vocals and the feeling I get from his music. Radiohead definitely isn't for everybody- and I've heard just as many bad reviews of OK Computer as I've heard good. It's one of those love it or hate it albums I guess.

If you can download music, maybe you could look up some of their b-sides, for example, Cuttooth, How I Made My Millions, and Bishop's Robes. Why those aren't on any of their albums is just beyond me.

[youspeakmylanguage]

73. I hated "OK Computer", but thought "Kid A" was the greatest album...

I haven't listened to it in about 4 years - will have to find it and pop it in the old streo once again.

[RetroLounge]

75. Well, I listened to it again today to and from work

I'll have to say, it's growing on me a bit...

Funny story: On the way home from picking up my kids today, I had it on in the car. My 5yr old daughter said "Dad, turn that off and play some rock & roll." My 7 yr old son said "But that IS rock & roll." and then they argued about it...

:rofl:

RL

[redqueen]

76. Oh, man... I freakin LOVE that CD!

But Kid A is better, IMO. :)

[ksilvas]

77. Totally agree with Retro, wicked overated.

The first two albums were great but that electronic maudlin thing had already
been done in the late 70's early 80's and all of a sudden it's genius.
I think not. A perfect example of media hype run amok.