I wanted to review this album because it's one that stands out as one of my all time favourites. I guess "OK Computer" is the more widely recognised album by Radiohead, but this is the one that has a hold on my heart.

Them Yorke's voice is haunting and he wails the lyrics that have heartbreaking undertones.

I love the rockiness of this album. Lots of guitars, lots of angst, lots of significance for a time right at the end of the last conservative government.

The title song on this album is one that I find especially poignant. It speaks of depression, it speaks of apathy. These lyrics get me every time: "I wish it was the 60s, I wish I could be happy, I wish, I wish I wish . . . "

All of the songs on this album represent a time of unrest. "Black Star" and "Street Spirit" best represent these themes. the former is about a relationship that has fallen apart because the singer's girlfriend was no longer able to get dressed or tidy the house, go shopping. She has become too depressed. This line is the killer for me: "I know all the things around your head and what they do to you." This always brings a lump to my throat.

"Street Spirit (Fade Out)" is just beautiful. Them Yorke's voice is at its best and the melody conveys a sense of despondency and bleakness. But it's haunting. This is my favourite part of the song: "Cracked eggs, dead birds,
Scream as they fight for life, I can feel death, can see its beady eyes."There's something about that that stays with you long after you listen to the album.

I imagine there's a horde of forty somethings (like me) who love this music. But, when it was released, it spoke to a generation who felt they had no future. The environment was dying around them, Thatcher and the conservatives, had been in power for far too long, unemployment was sky high. There was a feeling of bitterness and unrest, and this album was perfect for that. It still is good for anyone who likes to question their surroundings.

"Bones." This song speaks of the physical side of deep depression. When you've got to feel it in your bones, you know it's bad. "Now I can't climb the stairs, Pieces missing everywhere, Prozac painkillers."

Oh! I can't even begin to describe how that makes me feel.

Listen to it again. Actually, play Street Spirit and Black Star on a loop. These days, I like to watch some of Radiohead's music videos. The one for "Just" is pure genius.

Heard. It made me feel like I'm not on my own. It made me feel understood, less of a freak, a part of something.

Radiohead. I love their earlier music. They ted to experiment a lot with their sound, so that it's never the same on two albums. I'm not entirely sure this always works. But this album, "Pablo Honey," and "OK Computer" are all great examples of there work.

It's important to understand where they are coming from. And Thom Yorke's voice is beautiful.

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Created Oct 09, 2017 at 9:43am • Submit your own review...