OK Computer

I received my vinyl copy of Radiohead's 1997 release " Ok, Computer". 2 days ago and haven't stopped playing it yet. I suspect that it will be the only album on the turntable for a while.As I unwrapped it I noticed how much more it seemed to weigh (180 g vinyl) . It was definitely put together with deliberate care. The album has 2 discs / 4 sides of music; each disc is in a separate paper sleeve with a plastic lining in addition to the original cardboard sleeves with the album art printed on both sides. To tell you the truth, I'm impressed.As I slip a disc from its' sleeve searching for "side 1 " I notice that there is hardly anything printed on the manila colored disc labels like minimalist art , except at the bottom of each disc you find the Radiohead logo " 2 little stick figures with round heads shaking "stick hands" and some print designating the order of play for each side. The print is very small, at my age (56 yrs.) I almost have to get a magnifying glass to make it out; however, my bifocals suffice. The order of play for each side is designated by a simple rhyme, " eeny, meeny, miney, moe" or one through four accordingly.Put "eeny" or side 1 on the turntable. The first thing that I notice is the bass response. Sounds like the bass player is standing in the room. And that can be said of all the instruments. I admire the layer of guitars in their songs and this album allows each track to break through in clarity. That is why I enjoy this album so much. The format accentuates their sound by making prominent sounds clearer and subtle sounds more pronounced. What you get is like glass that's been polished. BrilliantAnd just for the record , so to speak. I don't care what they say about small speakers of present day being as good or better than the stereo speakers of yesteryear; with our tweeters, and our midrange speakers, and that big ole 15 inch woofer on the bottom , that vibrates the ashtrays right off the table and make small animals run for cover under the bed. While here are some wonderfully crafted speakers designed to fit quite easily on a book shelf, or some other space of convenience , Bose comes to mind; I feel unequivocally my big honking stereo cabinets can't be beat.The investment I made to upgrade my turntable to the Audio-Technica AT-LP120 with a Shure cartridge really did allow this wonderfully crafted piece of work to just shine. One thing about Radiohead is either you love 'em or you just don't get it. My impression is that "OK COMPUTER" is a masterpiece, on vinyl or CD . However, this album gives the listener a full range of frequencies that are just not possible reproduce in a compressed digital format.The only minus to this vinyl version is the album being broken up among 4 sides. I believe that "OK Computer" is best listened to from beginning to end. The songs seem to segue into each other, as the CD version allows. However, when it is broken up between 4 sides , the continuity is broken. But all of that said, I still feel this album would be a wonderful addition to anyones vinyl collection.

A classicThe blog Tiny Mix Tapes nailed it:In an interstellar burst, Radiohead slaps the music world on the face with one of the most respected and acclaimed albums in rock & roll history. OK Computer came seemingly out of nowhere and kicked our asses until there was nothing left to kick. This landmark masterpiece set a new standard for rock musicians that has yet to be challenged. It's beautiful, mysterious, scary, and thought-provoking; a record that will indefinitely be a future classic.The lyrics vary from songs about running away from home ("Exit Music") to homicidal insanity ("Climbing Up the Walls"). The overall theme of OK Computer seems to be more or less a satire on modern life; mocking our choice of living -- a far departure from the less complex lyrics of their sophomore effort The Bends. Yorke sings in "Let Down", "Transport, motorways and tramlines / Starting and then stopping / Taking off and landing / The emptiest of feelings."One of the greatest elements found on this album is the use of dynamics. Each song is a climactic hellride, and although some of the songs have a minor tone, they somehow emit an uplifting feeling. Take "Exit Music (for a film)" for example: dark, mysterious music with somber lyrics. The song begins with a reverb coated Mr. Yorke singing over an acoustic guitar, which is later sprinkled with minimal keyboard sounds and a tape loop. After a few cymbal hits toward the heart of the song, it kicks into full gear with fuzz bass and multiple guitars. Thom then sings an ascending vocal melody that raises the intensity meter to 11, but the music soon trips over itself; falling back on the acoustic guitar and tape loop. Breathtaking.Another noticeable trait on OK Computer is the incredible amount of variety, yet the album still flows perfectly despite the varying styles. A bulk of the songs seamlessly morph into the next, resulting in smooth transitions and easy listening.Even the production is undeniably perfect for this album. Some of their newer efforts (Kid A and Amnesiac) seem to be over-baked or the instruments seem too distant from each other, but with help from producer Nigel Godrich, Radiohead have created a multi-layered soundscape that flawlessly combines a live band atmosphere with a studio environment.Did I mention the last chorus of "Let Down"? The guitar solos in "The Tourist"? The unearthly noises in "Subterranean Homesick Alien?" The bridge section in "Paranoid Android"? The second verse in "Lucky"? From the chaotic, distorted guitar in "Airbag" to the simple bell hit in "The Tourist", OK Computer drags you through an array of emotions, leaving your body in a state of euphoria.Years after its release, OK Computer can still recapture every emotion and feeling I have ever had toward the album -- a true sign of a brilliant piece of work. Words cannot stress how amazing this album truly is. OK Computer is a necessity for every music fan, or human being at that. If this album doesn't move you, you have no soul.

Brand new CD works great

If you’re just as sad and lonely as me, you’ll love this album.

My son scratched his original copy and I couldn’t find this cd in any brick and mortar store. He is super happy since he loves Radiohead

came with a minor crack on the front case

Really good CD nothing came broken or anything like that

Not everyone’s “cup of tea.” But it is unique, fine musicianship, unique sounds, and still a contemporary genre. Highly ranked by various pop music publications.