Radiohead: OK Computer OKNOTOK 1997-2017

Radiohead’s third album, OK Computer has been hailed as one of the best, if not the best, in their library that contains a few critically claimed releases. The album was somewhat experimental, veering away from The Bends guitar laden approach.

The album’s lyrics portray a world overwhelmed by widespread consumerism, social alienation, emotional isolation, and political discontent. In this regard, OK Computer is considered to possess a foresighted understanding of the 21st-century’s societal atmosphere. The band employed unconventional production methods in the development of this album, incorporating natural reverberation and eschewing audio separation.

The original vinyl release on Parlophone Records reproduced these experimental sounds quite well, much better than any reissue we’ve heard to date. XL Records has pressed many OK Computer reissues, repackaging and marketing each using varying approaches.

This particular reissue is a 3 record set that includes 3 unreleased tracks and 8 B sides. One would assume that a 3 record special edition set, which includes tracks not available on the original release, might be a higher quality pressing. After all, XL advertises that the original tapes were used as the source for this pressing. Not the case.

This is an average pressing at best. Dynamic range is limited and the frequency separation is somewhat compressed. The overall listening experience is no better than a high quality digital download.

TRACK LIST
Disc: 1
1 Airbag
2 Paranoid Android
3 Subterranean Homesick Alien
4 Exit Music (For a Film)
5 Let Down
6 Karma Police
Disc: 2
1 Fitter Happier
2 Electioneering
3 Climbing Up the Walls
4 No Surprises
5 Lucky
6 The Tourist
Disc: 3
1 I Promise
2 Man of War
3 Lift
4 Lull
5 Meeting in the Aisle
6 Melatonin
7 A Reminder
8 Polyethylene (Parts 1 and 2)
9 Pearly
10 Palo Alto
11 How I Made My Millions

If you’re looking for OK Computer on vinyl, we’d recommend the original Parlophone release, which has become pricey, or a used 2 record set. If you want the extras that this record includes, then this is your release. Just don’t expect a “Wow!” listening experience 💵

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