Radiohead, "OK Computer," 1997 UK 1st Press, Ultrasonic Clean, VG+ / NM
$
325
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Description
Dr. John's Spin Factory is very pleased to offer a 1st UK pressing of the album that established Radiohead as a major musical force in the 1990s. From 1997 it's the double LP, OK Computer on the Parlophone label. In keeping with their highly inventive, often experimental approach to composing modern, guitar-based rock music, the four sides of this double album are not labeled A, B, C, and D. Rather, as my pictures will attest, they are denoted 'eeny,' 'meey,' 'miney,' and 'mo.' Perhaps what Radiohead was telling us--"Listen to the sides in whatever order you wish, we don't think it matters! You know, just pick one and start there!" Having listened to all four sides in varying order many times, I rather think this is likely the case. As for me, this early Radiohead masterpiece has always been a moving aural experience.
As noted in the description of the condition, visually, all four sides rate VG+. While every side gleams like new under regular room light, a strong flashlight shows up many very light, though mostly superficial scuffs and scratches. As noted, sides 1, 3, and 4 play NM with nary a click or pop. Especially after ultrasonic cleaning with the Kirmuss Audio restoration system, the music on all four sides really snaps. It is only on side 2 that some of the visual surface damage sounds on playback. FWIW, I have come to ignore all the light tics on 'meeny' (side 2). Even when I first bought the album (used) many years ago, the minor non-music sounds on side 2 were not a deal breaker. Note: I'm only selling my UK copy because I also have a much later reissue, which, while not as fabulous sonically, is worth a good deal more! Regardless, and in all seriousness, if you buy this record and find side 2 unacceptable, you are welcome to return the album for a full refund.
One final curious note about this 1997 UK version. It differs from the later reissues in one rather insignificant, though readily observable way. At the top of the printed sleeves, on both the 1997 and 1998 versions, there is a small scallop at the top of each printed sleeve, as you will see in the included photos.
As for the music, here is AllMusic's Stephen Thomas Erlewine with his 5-star review of this ground breaking album:
Using the textured soundscapes of The Bends as a launching pad, Radiohead delivered another startlingly accomplished set of modern guitar rock with OK Computer. The anthemic guitar heroics present on Pablo Honey and even The Bends are nowhere to be heard here. Radiohead have stripped away many of the obvious elements of guitar rock, creating music that is subtle and textured yet still has the feeling of rock & roll. Even at its most adventurous -- such as the complex, multi-segmented "Paranoid Android" -- the band is tight, melodic, and muscular, and Thom Yorke's voice effortlessly shifts from a sweet falsetto to vicious snarls. It's a thoroughly astonishing demonstration of musical virtuosity and becomes even more impressive with repeated listens, which reveal subtleties like electronica rhythms, eerie keyboards, odd time signatures, and complex syncopations. Yet all of this would simply be showmanship if the songs weren't strong in themselves, and OK Computer is filled with moody masterpieces, from the shimmering "Subterranean Homesick Alien" and the sighing "Karma Police" to the gothic crawl of "Exit Music (For a Film)." OK Computer is the album that established Radiohead as one of the most inventive and rewarding guitar rock bands of the '90s.
Indeed...this is one of the must-have greats.
Good luck! May your hifi system deliver great music you replay in your head all day, every day... Dr. John
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