Classical Composer reacts to RADIOHEAD: OK Computer | first time listen to the album's last 6 songs
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- čas přidán 8. 06. 2024
- #radiohead #okcomputer
In this edition of #thedailydoug, I'm returning to OK Computer by Radiohead to complete my full album listen. I listened to the first six songs on this album back in May in episode 590. I'm eager to get to the rest of it today. These songs are beautiful and haunting, and they weave in between styles and genres while maintaining their unique voice. I'm quite taken with this album. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Reference Video: • Radiohead - OK Compute...
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"A heart that's full up like a landfill
A job that slowly kills you
Bruises that won't heal"
Doug: "Lovely"
😂
I call ‘em like I hear ‘em…
This track is diabolical. Sucks you in with a gorgeous melody and leaves you feeling utterly melancholy like nothing else. Brilliant.
a beautiful tune set to lyrics dripping with dark sarcasm
I used to think that 'a job that slowly kills you'
was 'the chocolate slowly kills you' !
Radiohead is one of those bands who the more you listen to them the better they sound.
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
So well said.
I find I have to give my ears another tuning after the fifth time around. 🤗
That’s every band
Not really
This album is simply a masterpiece....
No doubt
on the same level as sgt. pepper's lonely hearts club band
2:52 Fitter Happier
7:21 Electroneering
13:26 Climbing Up The Walls
19:12 No Surprises
24:14 Lucky
30:38 The Tourist
I will say this every time about OK Computer: because of just how well it was composed, recorded, and mastered, it still sounds as urgent and as relevant today as it did when released. It sounds like it could have been recorded just yesterday.
And this makes it one of, if not the, greatest albums of all time.
I agree with everything but the sound quality. I’ve got a remastered copy that still leaves me wanting.
@@hklinker
Remaster sucks.
Original vinyl sounded fantastic.
Agree. For me, the two greatest songs ever recorded are A Day In The Life and Paranoid Android. When I was a kid listening to Iron Maiden and Metallica (in the 80s), I often wondered what music I would be listening to at the turn of he century. Then OKC was released. As a band, Radiohead has consumed my life for nearly 30 years.
@@stevehamkins9989we should hang out. But in a 100% non gay way
I've always thought that "No Surprises" is Radiohead's saddest song in their whole catalogue. There's a lot of pain hidden behind that major key and that pretty arrangement, and they somehow make that pain sting even more.
Yeah, I've always interpreted it as coming to terms with giving up. The video to it adds something as well - watching Thom 'drown' as he sings.
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
Yes, incredibly sad song, to me it's always been about somebody frustrated and depressed that chooses suicide, a handshake of carbon monoxide, This is my final fit, My final bellyache, get me out of here. I can visualize somebody choosing to kill themselves in the garage of their "pretty house with a pretty garden" hooking up the exhaust tube inside their car and just sitting there waiting to die. No alarms and No surprises. The video kinda hints at that too with Thom basically drowning.
You should give Videotape a listen
@@hinoartsI always thought of the carbon monoxide as being from traffic... In a city... Where people work 9-5 jobs so they can live stable but unfulfilling lives.
The reaction to "No Surprises" is quite interesting. It's one of their more depressing songs, far more depressing than the 2 that preceded it, but Doug fell for the music, just as Radiohead was trying to show: that people ignore the brutal depressing truth if it comes in a shiny happy package. The "Handshake with Carbon Monoxide" lyric should have been a stark line, but it got totally missed, much like how many depressed people's glaring warning signs & cries for help get missed by those distracted or not looking.
…and when you know about Thom’s mental state in the late ‘90s it hits even harder, at least, it does for me
I feel like he knows how sad it is lyrically but he just enjoys the music that much more. Literally everyone knows about No Surprises nowadays. It's up there with Creep and Radiohead may already be sick of that song as well lmao
Watch the outtakes of him in the helmet with water filling up. Man, he was going through it.
very smart comment
And sometimes you can't see the warning signs or the cries for help because they're just not there, they're not crying out, they're just leaving.
(dw, I'm ok, this is just a reflection on some events from my life)
That wailing guitar in the chorus of Lucky is phenomenal. I almost feel like crying every time I hear it.
The solo in “The Tourist” got me this time 🥲
seen them ten times over the years and as absurd as it is to declare a "favorite" song from their immense catalog, Lucky is it. Phenomenally affecting
Lucky is exquisite. Chills every time. And I'm glad you mentioned Floyd while listening. I've always thought it could have been written by them.
Takes listening over a few times but then you become addicted and it becomes overwhelmingly emotional. A thing of beauty.
Overwhelming constantly.
Those “years of touring”, together with sales from such tracks as “Creep” and the album “The Bends” was invested in their own studio gear. They weren’t beholden to anyone for “OK Computer”. They could do whatever they wanted, in their studio time on their equipment. Artists without deadlines can do incredible things. How many great works are never realised because Sony et al want the next disposable hit?
Great review as always, Doug!
Underrated comment.
The music industry did not heed the advice of The Tourist.
@@herpderp1153 Cheers buddy. Nice reference.
The greatest album ever. Seven out of five.
is amazing how unique their sound is
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
I think ‘The Tourist’ is my fav track on this album. It’s instantly chills me out and it builds to a massive sound without you even noticing it.
Next has to be A Moon Shaped Pool. You will love the strings arrangements in that album
Your Fitter Happier reaction had me in stitches 😂. I’ve been waiting for that for a month and you didn’t disappoint!
I loved Lucky from the moment I heard it on the Help charity album for Bosnia. The guitar solo at the end is astounding!
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
I love how the last song is a perfect segue for the first song. And on and on it goes.
Thom and Jonny are in another band called The Smile. They just dropped a new song called "Bending Hectic" that you really need to hear. Trust me, its crazy.
That string part near the end is one of the most harrowing things I've ever heard in a song. It's amazing.
I saw them live last year - incredible, and such obvious chemistry between them.
Best thing they’ve done in years
YES YES YES YES YES YES YES
This seems to be the most analysed album on YT, that’s for a reason. Every time I hear this record it sounds different, more rewarding, a genuine masterpiece. Set the standards of musicality and production for everything that followed. 👍
"No Surprises" is a suicide note, I'm pretty sure. The reference to carbon monoxide, the CO alarm turned off so he can die in peace. The end is like a hallucination of happy life he never actually had. I think it's sort of like a double meaning, one as a critique of the desire for like a dull and pretty suburban life with no alarms or no surprises, and the other interpretation the suicide note of someone wanting to find that same thing in death as an escape from a stressful and anxious life.
I agree that the song features a narrator who takes his own life, but I don’t think the “happy life” is his imagination. The narrator has achieved the “American Dream”, settled down with someone, started a family, got a 9-5 job, lives in a nice suburban home with a pretty garden. But the tragedy is that the narrator isn’t fulfilled by any of these things. The “dream” doesn’t make him happy, it’s empty and existentially unfulfilling. He’s achieved “success” but at the cost of his own well being, following a society that told him this was the only path towards inner peace.
He’s disillusioned by capitalism, trapped in a soul crushing job that slowly kills him, in a world that alienates people from one another leaving him unable to connect with anyone emotionally.
@@LongSinceDead1 great interpretation, agreed.
Are you ok?
I always read the CO reference as metaphor, but YMMV.
If you're the double entendre-chasing sort, check out "Julie with ..." by Brian Eno
@@LongSinceDead1That’s the right interpretation. The same idea is threaded through the album.
As a music nerd who has studied just enough theory to understand what you’re talking about, I always love how nuanced your interpretation of the music is. If you ever decide to do this long form album review again, please do Kid A or In Rainbows. Two masterpieces crafted by true masters of their craft.
Yeah, I have to second this. Would love to see Doug's reaction to first Kid A, and later In Rainbows. Just listened to the "Dissected" podcast and they do a full deep dive into In Rainbows- well worth a listen.
Been massively looking forwards to this part two! As you enjoyed this so much, I would love to see future reactions on some of the bands later work, In Rainbows, Kid A, A Moon Shaped Pool, theres so much more you'll be able to get from Radiohead!
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
Agreed! Hail to the Thief would be my next pick for Doug.
In Rainbows is just beautiful
Totally agree, hearing someone else’s viewpoint of Radiohead especially someone musically knowledgable is just fascinating. More please…
Second that! In Rainbows and Kid A would both be interesting.
And, of course 'No surprises' really gets me every listen, such emotional lyrics. Personally I always felt it was about committing suicide, but I'm not certain I'm interpreting that right or not. And that view really clashes wonderfully with the soothing almost musical box, lullaby melody.
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
My interpretation was that it was about someone disenchanted with the stereotypical "dream life" hoping nobody interrupts as they die in their sleep and also hoping that they don't wake up in the morning
I saw them on the first stop of the US tour (Boston) in 2003, right after the Iraq War started. He got a huge cheer from the crowd after "bring down the government" and then when he got to "a handshake" he refused to sing the "of carbon monoxide" part after it.
Yep, I've always interpreted it as the peace of finally letting go.
I understood it more as adopting willful ignorance in exchange for a quiet life. The dour lyrics wrapped in a music box melody. Also "no alarms, no surprises" is something a bank robber would shout. Behave yourself and ignore this terrible act and you get to live unmolested. Just my take on it.
It’s always a good day when Doug listens to Radiohead
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
@@Doug_Helvering_-. shut up fake doug
Every song in this album is like any true and original artwork should be. Specifically, you instantly feel a deep connection with it that you cannot explain fully in words that gets deeper and deeper as time goes by until it is part of you.
A heart that's full up like a landfill. Gets me every time. And the video...wow!
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
Radiohead is one of those bands where your life changes when you hear them for the first time. I still remember seeing them do Karma Police on Letterman in 1997 and it was so different and they were so cool. Then I heard the whole album a couple of years later and it opened a new door in my musical soul.
Thank you. Part one showed up on my homefeed today. The title intrigued me so I started watching. Not sure if I’ve ever watched 2 CZcams videos with more concentration then these 2. You made a decade long Radiohead fan very happy. And just like a lot of other commenters, I would love if you do another one of these for another one of their albums.
“no surprise” and “lucky” are my favs from this part 😎 i am looking forward more of your Radiohead journey. You really get their art and creativity 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Ok Computer is an abyss of beauty. Meraviglioso.
Loving your reactions to Radiohead - you are right, they write songs in quite a detailed way that I also thought reminded me of some Pink Floyd too.
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
I think it was after the 20th time I listened to the whole album that it hit me how extraordinary Climbing Up the Walls is. I guess before that I was "distracted" by the more obvious masterpieces, such as Paranoid Android and Karma Police.
same for me. it's purely amazing. was more like 50 to 100 times for me though! or more. during 20 years.
It's up there with one of their best songs, a brilliant song
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
That scream at the end sounds like if Thom just got stabbed in the back……
It's always reminded me of something off Mezzanine by Massive Attack. Very dark and sludgy. Brilliant song.
Doug, this was my first time listening to this album as well, I only knew them from their biggest hit like most people. I never realized how awesome the rest of their stuff is. I’m now hooked on these guys.
They really are like the Beatles and Pink Floyd had a baby who grew up with the artistic integrity of Neil Young, just amazing and make sure you watch the two legendary basement sessions.
Really hopes Doug does more Radiohead - love to see what he makes of Kid A - especially How to Disappear Completely - Thom Yorke's fave Radiohead composition....
How to disappear completely is a masterpiece
Really great and engaging reaction! I'm sure many of us are hoping you react to Kid A next. : D
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
Terrific breakdown. I'm surprised you didn't remark on the crescendo and mood elevation throughout the second verse of Lucky.
I get tingles every time.
It's great to see an album I've loved for 25 years being appreciated with fresh ears
Lucky is my favorite song off this album, it's so simple but the performance and the background details really give it wings. You could teach someone the chords on a guitar in an afternoon and it's full of neat flourishes like the Em - Em/F - Em before the second verse.
I know I keep repeating it Doug, but I'd love for you to react to Kid A next. It was an album so completely different and unorthodox compared to OK Computer. It turned conventions on it's head. Seeing you react to that album would be so interesting to me.
No other album has reached such heights and songs of pure magnificence like this one. It's not my favourite Radiohead album, In Rainbows will always top my list but this one is undeniably, probably the best album of all time. Yes, Revolver came out in 66', Dark Side was hugely impressive and timeless, but OK is flawless. Period! Radiohead could be considered as the most innovative band, the most progressive and forward thinking, always experimenting, never sticking to an easy route. And they don't even care because they know they will do it right and it will sound awesome! Thank you Doug for all your incredible videos!
@@Doug_Helvering_-. Doug! What a brilliant man you are mate! I've been watching your reactions for a long time now! Every time you analyze some certain parts of music, I feel the nerd in me and amazingly I think the same! Keep it up mate, it's a pleasure for all of us music enthusiasts and freaks watching you talk about our favourite bands and albums!
Hey Nicolas, many thanks for your kind comment. I'm just writing quickly here to let you know that the other account you responded to was a fake. You can always tell when it is actually me by the checkmark which displays next to my name.
So, so thrilled that I can help the music nerd in you thrive!!
for me radiohead improved everything the beatles, pink floyd and led zeppelin did
It's a musical piece on its own. Such a full sounding record. Each instrument play its part but it's one whole sound at once. The definition of what a masterpiece should be.
You know a song is evocative when you just say the name ("Climbing Up The Walls") and without even hearing it, I get immediate goosebumps. Haven't even heard it in half a decade and all the notes and emotions are still seared white hot in my memory... just what a rare piece of genius that song is. There's still nothing that sounds like it, or could sound like it. Lightning in a bottle, if said lightning was the aural embodiment of paranoia and sleep paralysis.
But yeh, perfect album if you're in the mood for some catharsis. Will live in time immemorial as firstly a cornerstone in music, and secondly as a monument to the human condition. The kind of thing you'd show aliens to prove we are at least somewhat intelligent hairless monkeys.
The Pink Floyd influence is definite and more than welcome. The soundscapes are again, a rare piece of genius. Greenwood and co are incredible talents. There will never be another band like Radiohead to say the least... and nothing indicates their quality more than for cheap imitations of their sound to remain to be very good bands (Muse and Coldplay for instance).
Cheers, love your work
It's so weird to hear the album track by track. I am so accustomed to each track melding into the next. They are in conversation.
There seems to be a place where people "get" Radiohead. It all comes home. Mine was Pyramid Song. I knew the band, I liked them, but with that one I got it. They are so personal to me (and everyone else who loves their music), I do think that in the future, they'll be teaching Radiohead, which none of the band would appreciate, but it doesn't stop that. And you're right. Gstalt it is.
Pyramid Song is magical
When I was a teenager full of hormones and emotions, whenever I couldn't sleep due to stress from school or all the social troubles, I would lie down and put on my headphones and listen to that song. Worked every time.
No matter what Im feeling, that song is so captivating that it strings me along with it. All my other emotions get washed away, like I'm just along for the journey.
For me it was Let Down. That layered falsetto part gives me goosebumps to this day.
@@karwashblark7499 what a wonderful answer!
To me it was “daydreaming”.
I remember talking g with a profesor in colleague about the album when it came out in 2016 and saying that I didn’t like it, and I was expecting a more heavy sound.
Consider that I wasn’t really into Radiohead and my knowledge was limited to creep and a handful of the bends songs haha😅
Boy was I wrong about that one hahaha 😅
Good Morning from Australia. I have been looking forward to this 🙂
I’ve listened to this album thousands of times and it somehow gets better with every listen. I have no idea what idea what the “official” meaning of No Surprises is, but I get the feeling it’s about someone living their life oblivious to the craziness going on around them. Thanks for the reaction to my favorite album of all time.
"Lucky" is probably my favorite song ever. There is a Bonnaroo acoustic cover of it by Warren Haynes that is pretty awesome too.
I LOVE the excerpts you share about each song and comments band members have made about them. I've loved this album for years but I learned a lot from this, and seems like a fantastic way to digest the album on a first listen!
"Climbing up the walls" talks about anxiety and depression, how it climbs slowly and then it exploses. The slow beginning until it becomes just chaos and panic...
It's amazing how they managed to describe such feelings in a song.
This was my favorite band in high school, and my first concert was theirs in support of this album when I was 16 years old. This album is ingrained in my head. I’ve heard it 100s of times and it’s still fresh every time. Very fun watching you discover it.
This album is a piece of beauty, if MOMA or the National Gallery or the Louvre "displayed" music, this would their Mona Lisa.
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
I believe the key line "heart that's full up like a land fill..", it the thought of all of this room that's ready to accept something good (love) but then gets filled with trash. That's why he can't take anymore alarms or surprises because he's hurt.
i got this album when I was 14 years old, listened to it over and over again for months on end.
it got me through my lowest moments of teenage angst and highest highs.
it set the course of my musical taste... at 40, i still listen to it.
to me, it is still the greatest album ever made. prophetic, haunting, uplifting. i don't think it will ever be surpassed.
thank you for covering it, always great to see others enjoying it as much as i do.
Love that the mellotron was all over this album.
Me too!! It makes everything better, in my opinion :)
Fantastic review, loved this album even more after hearing your reviews, thx a lot, Doug, it’s been such a delight
The Tourist gives me goosebumps every time... beautiful...
how can I double like this video? I love how you dissect every piece of the album. keep it up Doug!
Mr. Helvering, I found your channel thanks to your two-parter on Ok Computer. I immediately subscribed! It's a delight to watch you discovering my favorite band; but also you getting your analysis on what makes these songs special is SUCH a treat! All five members of Radiohead are geniuses, and Thom Yorke in special is obsessive about his craft, so I'd been craving something like this for a long time :33 Thank you!!
Hey Doug. Thank you for this. Radiohead is a gold mine. There are so many amazing songs by them. I would love to get your pov on other fantastic albums by them. Hail to the thief, In rainbows, and their most underated album - Amnesiac.
I have been waiting with anticipation since part 1, thx Doug!
This is the album that started it all for me in terms of Radiohead. Summer of 98, 13 years old and my parents had split that Spring. Went on a 3 week visit to Ontario and listened to this album on repeat non stop. 2 and a half decades later my fanaticism for Radiohead has only strengthened.
Clearly the next step is to explore the next album Kid A. Their evolution over the decades is truly fascinating. But of course Doug, only when the time feels right. Don't forget to take time for yourself to recharge.
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
Doug your enthusiasm is infectious. It’s so much fun to watch you enjoy Radiohead!
Love the teaching at the end of Climbing the walls.
It really is a truly extraordinary piece of work. I’m still discovering more things with every listen. Absolute masterpiece
I was waiting for part 2, thank you ! Always so interesting to hear your commentary, both at the musical level and at the philosophical level. This album is one of the few that I have entirely on my smartphone, it is timeless, and musically it's so good.
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
You came late to the party but thank you for taking many of us back to where it started. Listened to songs from this album every month since it came out. Basically every time my mood needed a "friend" who understood how I felt in the last 25 years.
What an absolute joy that I stumbled upon the joy, wonder, suprise watching and Lisa to you discover Radiohead. prescient indeed. Bravo
Great wisdom in your final comments. Lucky and The Tourist are my two favorite Radiohead songs. Thanks Doug!
Could'nt have said it better myself Doug. Time waits for no man. Brilliant video ive been waiting for this 2nd part of this album.
You start to "get" Radiohead after the 6th or 7th time you listen to the album all the way through. By your 10th play back you'll realize that they are the best band that ever lived. To this day after countless times listening to them (1,000+?), I continue to discover new sounds, rhythms, beats, meanings, perspectives. Their latest album, a Moon Shaped Pool, will take you places within yourself you may have never been. But only after your 10th listen. You should check out some of his solo stuff which I would describe as Radiohead evolved. Not that it's better or worse, but different. May you always have what you need and never need more than you have.
Radiohead are the modern day Pink Floyd. They wouldn't like the comparison, but it was inevitable after this album.
They both created such a truly unique listening experience.
Absolutely agree
I have always thought I'd like to see Radiohead really stretch out on some long-form pieces a la 'Echoes', just to see what they'd come up with.
@svartmetall
Totally! I think they're so anti "prog" that it would never happen, but man, I love your idea.
@@stephencrowley3939 They are the prog of the 90s, which is to say... they are prog, which is to say... they are progressive, which is to say... they are art rock.
And arguably Death Grips are the modern day Radiohead, to carry on the genius music legacy of dystopia
I love this album so much I bought it 3 times back in the 90's. First one was confiscated by a friends parent after I let him borrow it. Second one got scratched by some lava rocks I had In my pack with my CD jewel cases and the third still sits proudly on my CD shelf along with pretty much the rest of Radiohead's discography. All their albums really standout particularly in their cultural context as unique artistic statements through one aspect or another. Worth a deep dive on or off the channel!
@@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
Doug, what an incredible 2 part series. I love watching your videos and your commentary is top notch.
My dad and I used to sit by his record player and deconstruct albums together. Everything from James Taylor, to Pink Floyd and the Dave Brubeck Quartet.
The videos you make give me the same sort of feelings I got with my dad. Sharing music with people is one of the most intimate things than can be shared and I’m so glad you exist and share yourself with us. Keep making content man!
Is his commentary top notch? Or is it basically plagiarised from wikipedia?
Radiohead are such a deep band, and were getting deeper and more experimental during this period. The follow-up, "Kid A" is IMO even more astonishing, though a hard listen in places. You need to have a listen to it, too! In a way, I see "Climbing Up The Walls" as the culmination of the Beatles' experiments on "A Day in the Life". Certainly this album is to the 90s what Sgt Pepper was to the 60s. And "Dark Side..." was to the 70s, too - "No Surprises" is such a beautiful return to melodic - but not lyrical - sanity, in much the same way that "Eclipse" was to that album. "Lucky"'s sudden change to major is also reminiscent of Pink Floyd, as you pointed out.
Nothing like the shock back in the day, of buying the follow up to OK Computer and the first thing you hear is "Everything in its right place". Fantastic album Kid A
Love your analysis, the fact that you hear the music theory going on rather than just what’s on the surface is great…and your facial expressions are priceless.
Please do my favorite album IN RAINBOWS next!!!
I'm 68 and have so many favorite bands and albums over the decades. I have favorites from many different genres, the Beatles, led Zeppelin, pink Floyd, genesis, rush, and Jethro tull to name a few. More recently I became a huge fan of tool and Radiohead. Radiohead has 2 of my favorite albums from the 90s, the bends and ok computer. Also later albums like in rainbows and moon shaped pool. Some other favorites from the 90s, ten( pearl jam) dirt(alice in chains) and jagged little pill ( Alanis morrisett).
A Heart Thats Filled Up Like a Landfill, what a lyric such a beautiful sad song about just giving up.
I thought Fitter Happier was the weirdest thing I'd ever heard on a first listen, and now it gives me chills every time.
I really, really really enjoyed this (part one AND part two). Thanks, Doug!
Love your insights Doug. Thanks for being you 😊 🫂
Great review Doug. I think your summary is right on. Thom is pretty thought provoking. Not my go to album either but a delight whenever I do. And to think they went to school a few miles from where where I was brought up.
Lovely. Thanks for doing it. Greetings from Buenos Aires 😊
In the OkNotOk reissue there's a bonus tape where you can hear a recording of a young girl reciting the lyrics of Climbing up the Walls. Its creepy nightmare fuel.
Doug, you’d love In Rainbows by Radiohead. It’s their most exhilarating album, imo, and has a warmer touch than the colder, yet brilliant OK Computer. I also feel it’s their most refined, and musically mature. My only comp is to Abbey Road for the Beatles, in that it boldly sticks out in their catalog after years of experimentation to bring it back and refine songs and flex their artistic chops. It also has a lighter feel, at times, and with even a dapple of sunlight to make these songs shimmer.
I hope your mom is okay. I so love your commentary. You are so enthusiastic about music, it’s infectious. ❤
Thank you for this video @Doug.Helvering. You made me like this album a bit more.
''The tourist'' is one of my favorite Radiohead song. The way they expressed the urge to slowdown is absolutely pinpoint. The vibe of this song remind me the one on Snowbound by Genesis. Thanks for this video. Always right in the analisys.
Bought this the exact week it dropped, start of summer '97 and remember making a tape of it and had it on a loop in my car for maybe an entire year. After all these years I still love it. One of the greatest albums of the '90s, no doubt about it, for me.
I love this album and out of their discography only In Rainbows can top it for me personally. Great video by the way, it’s been fun hearing your insights
Greetings from Italy!
There is something beautifuly sinister about this album, I adore it.
Great job Doug!! Please do more Radiohead, you will not be disappointed. Kid A, in Rainbows and a Moon Shaped Pool, in that order will give you a very well rounded listening experience to their talents. One of the greatest bands of all time: Take care 🤙
I really appreciate the way you do not just stop the music to talk about it every 20 seconds
First time i listened to Ok Computer i stood astonished for hours
Excellent analysis/review. Just watched them back to back, and as a single piece of work this is by far the best video I’ve watched on this album.
Once or twice a year I search YT for new reviews of it as it’s by far my favourite album of all time. I’m not the biggest of Radiohead fans (I love The Bends & In Rainbows, as well as a few songs off their other albums but I’m not a mega-fan who loves everything they’ve ever done), but OK Computer has given me so much joy since I bought it on CD back in 1997 (still have that copy, too), that I think I’d like to be buried with it when a die! Or at least have it cremated with me so it’s in with my ashes (to be scattered at Old Trafford!).
This and The Bends are two of my top ten easily. They’re just so good and even though they re-used a lot of the arrangements from The Bends on here, it still feels completely fresh compared to it, and still feels like an evolution from TB to OKC.
The harmonies alone on Paranojd Android are enough to get me through the toughest of days. I was about 37 (2017) when I first even noticed there’s a low harmony in there, as well. Twenty years of listening to it and I hadn’t noticed it!
Anyway, I’ll not bore everyone/anyone reading this to sleep, so I’ll just say, once again, great video analysis/review - truly exceptional work, thank you.
Im a metal head and i love this album.
@Doug_Helvering_-. SCAMMER SCAMMER SCAMMER
Lol reminds me of that scene in Family Guy
"I'm into Garbage, Fish, Blur. My parents dont like me listening to that stuff but I do anyway BECAUSE I AM NOT A ROBOT.
...I also like Radiohead."
That scene always bothered me because clearly they were trying to imply theres some kind of dissonance there, but I dont see it. Radiohead made some heavier music, and even their non-heavy stuff is touchstone for music lovers of all stripes.
Such a metalhead thing to say. Why do so many metal fans think that they can only listen to metal? Very strange. The fact that you have a tiny, tiny amount of diversity in your music taste is not a indicator of how great this album is.
I really appreciate the homework you do, and the intellectual curiosity.
Great to listen to Doug’s analysis. I have loved this album since buying it on the day of its release on 16 June 1997.
It makes a lot of sense that No Surprises was the first song recorded for the album since it almost sounds like something that could be on their previous album.
Also nice video, really interesting hearing your take on one of my favorite albums, gonna have to go back and find the first part. :)
Thanks for your reaction to this album. It is said that OK COMPUTER is a turning point in their career and in finding their sound, and in fact RADIOHEAD was thinking on dissolving the band during those years. Also, it is a before and after in the alternative music scene. Previous album such as THE BENDS, is more of the classic Rock formula. I would love for you to do an IN RAINBOWS album reaction, it is a solid album from beginning to end, it was done 10 years after OK COMPUTER, and to me is their best work after maturing as band. Thank you again
LOVE seeing your face when the next chord is in a completely unexpected place x3