Welcome to OK Computer, Radiohead’s third album, released in 1997 on Capitol and Parlophone. Self-produced with help from Nigel Goldrich, the album was a massive critical hit. Many consider it to be one of the greatest albums of all time. The album departed from the guitar-driven arrangements of their sophomore release The Bends and also marked a move away from the Britpop sound common at the time, toward a more atmospheric and melancholy alternative rock. In classic Radiohead style, the lyrics and packaging of OK Computer offer a commentary on capitalism, alienation, political apathy and complacency of modern life. Thom Yorke’s vocals are recorded with nearly zero reverb, lending the effect that we the listeners are in his head, or at least in the room beside him. That, combined with Johnny Greenwood’s incredibly lush guitars, keys and string arrangements provide a creepy power that is hard to rival. Critics believe this album led the way for the next wave of British bands. The sound can certainly be heard in much of Coldplay’s work, for example. Alex Ross wrote for The New York Times, “Throughout the album, contrasts of mood and style are extreme … This band has pulled off one of the great art-pop balancing acts in the history of rock.Band:

Curated by Robby Handley and Andy Lee

Lineup:

• Rhett Huffman – Keys
• Trevor Wolford – Guitar
• Andy Lee – Drums
• Evan Sarver – Bass
• Andres Sosa – Programming, guitar, vocals
• Prisca – vocals