Tomorrow, June 16th 2007 will mark the 10 year anniversary of one of the best records of all time. OK Computer not only changed music, it created a new standard in alternative rock. It made producer Nigel Godrich a household name (in cool houses,anyway) and eventually created the band Coldplay and many other sound-a-likes.
Looking back, it's hard to imagine how dull the alternative scene had become at that time. Countless grunge bands (Nirvana/Pearl Jam sound-a-likes) were running out of material while rap-rock and teen-pop was slowly taking over the air waves. While Radiohead's OK Computer was never considered a HUGE commercial success, word of mouth and critical praise helped spread a mutual respect among several age groups. Eventually forming one of the biggest cult followings in music. In particular in the UK where OK Computer has been listed as the best record of all time on several critic's list. OK Computer has inspired millions, and will continue to in art and music.
The album came to me as a free promo at the music store I worked at. I grabbed it, but threw it in a stack of "who cares" CDs. A few months later I heard Paranoid Android for the first time, I was a freshman in college. I was instantly hooked, and have been ever since. It may sound cliche, but OK Computer changed my life, and the way I feel and listen to music in general. It has never traveled far from my CD player, and has resulted in too many memories to count. So Happy Birthday OK Computer! Thanks for the all the times you've been there for me.
-Sauer
10/10 - does this thing go to 11?