It’s nothing more than a logical progression in their evolution, an act they continue to hone and perfect to this very day. I guess the point I’m trying to make is this: “ OK Computer” is not Radiohead’s best album despite millions of people trying to prove that it is. Everyone wanted “Computer Part Deux”, and the band wisely side-stepped those expectations, giving birth to a group of experimental gents as we know them today. When “ Kid A” dropped, people didn’t like it. No one can deny the staying power of the band during their first five years of existence, but perhaps most impressive is their tendency to shift focus and leave listeners confused as to their intention. Then the second album came, then the massive thud of the third. No one had any reason to be inspired other than fumbling through their pockets digging for ear plugs. The performance was sloppy, the members were moody, and the sound akin to a rickety boombox with a bad cone blaring through an overly mic’ed up sound system. I first saw Radiohead live on the Pablo Honey tour, and I can confirm that myself, along with about 50 other slightly bored listeners that night, had no idea what this band was trying to accomplish, nor did we have much interest. As someone who was there watching it happen from the get-go, I don’t think anyone foresaw what was coming.
In the early days, Radiohead scrambled to find an identity, naming themselves after a Talking Heads song, and evolving their sound to unrecognizable pitches. This fact alone puts them in a rarified air which warrants a deep respect across the board. They’re one of those once-in-a-lifetime happenstances where a band can create really life-shifting music while pushing the boundaries of creativity while still enjoying a modicum of popular success without losing an ounce of credibility. So yeah, we all understand why Radiohead is good by now. So, after long last and massive popular requests, we give you a top ten list sure to touch upon every person’s viewpoints and feelings regarding why Radiohead are so amazing, and maybe even discuss this little-known album celebrating it’s 20th birthday this year…oh, shit, sorry…disregard everything I just said - I was thinking of Hanson.
After all, the upsetting shortage of Radiohead fans out there with few opinions is palpable, and forgetting the band’s music begins to get altogether too easy.
What the world really needs is one more Radiohead piece, right? The planet continues to spin at its orbiting best, but what would really hit the spot for earthlings at this very moment is one more person’s opinions about why Radiohead are great, and all the ways their music touches so many people.