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

Side A
1.Airbag
Matthew Perryman Jones
2.Paranoid Android
Culture Culture
3.Subterranean Homesick Alien
Culture Culture
4.Exit Music (For A Film)
Timbre with ATL Collective Choir
5.Let Down
Daniel DeWitt
6.Karma Police
Wrenn
7.Fitter Happier
Culture Culture

Side B
8.Electioneering
Wrenn
9.Climbing Up The Walls
Matthew Perryman Jones
10.No Surprises
Timbre
11.Lucky
Daniel DeWitt with ATL Collective Choir
12.The Tourist
Wrenn with ATL Collective