Customer Reviews

OK Computer [COLLECTOR'S EDITION- 2 CDs]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I am reacting to the negative reviews calling for remastering. Be careful what you wish for. 90ies technolgy already was highly advanced and Rhs CDs in general sound very good. You can play them loud and at lower volume and they sound good. I've gone through updating many of my 50-60 jazz CDs and in those cases it is amazing what could be done since they were first thrown on the market in the late 80ies. But what should a remastered Rh Cd sound like? Stronger bass, greater volume at high frequencies? I don't think you'd be looking for that. Thing is, Rh came along when the technology was advanced and they utilized it to their ability and artistic views. I am very pleased with what we have and find these expanded reissues a welcome, albeit costly addition. Yes, money is being made of us, but with these reissues something of value is being offered. And it is up each individual to make his or her mind to go for it. Don't dish this just because you have a hangup.

For anyone liking OK Computer and wondering if the extra CD is worth it: The music collected from contemporary EPs is very good, not quite as great as the original album, but very enjoyable.

I have heard some bad remasters. I have already mentioned those in other reviews I have done here, so I won't re-hash that here. You guys gotta realize that remasters and or remixes of albums are not always essential. The older RH albums sound just fine. Last but not least some remasters done these days have the mix volume turned up way way too loud. When in mixers do this to older albums it kind of ruins them. All I can say is appreciate what has been released for you the fans!

Maybe RH don't want their albums messed with just yet. Who knows in the next 20 years maybe they will change their minds and have their catalog remixed. I believe in 20 years time the albums will be in need of a remix and or remaster as the tapes will start to show their age on CD's being made in 20 yrs.

This release is great but buyer beware. It's not remastered and most of the extra tracks; which are excellent are on the Airbag "How's My Driving" EP. If you do not own those; or the My Iron Lung EP in regards to the The Bends Collector's Edition then I highly recommend these releases.

However if you have the singles or EPs from the respective albums you won't find much new material here unfortunately.

Still I'm glad this will be available for the newer generation of Radiohead fans to enjoy. Songs like "Pearly", "A Reminder" and "Meeting in the Isle" are must haves for any Radiohead fan.

Give me a break, folks! Most important album in last 20 years. Gorgeous in every way. Go take your backlash and write it in several of the Eagles albums instead of here.

Five star record, three stars for the re-issue...
"Ok Computer" is a modern classic, definitely one the best records of all-time. This COLLECTOR'S EDITION collects the b-sides and live tracks from the album's singles, as well as 3 songs recorded for the BBC.
You know what you're getting with Disc 1- it is a standard re-issue of the album. The second disc, while compiling all of the non-album tracks, and thus giving a complete picture of Radiohead's "OK" output, still falls short of making this purchase necessary. The live songs are nice, but really, don't add anything to this set, and the remixes, while interesting to hear "Climbing Up the Walls" in a different light, are not going to be listened to more than a handful of times. The best b-sides are already available on the "Airbag/ How's My Driving?" EP. Buy that and the original "OK Computer" pressing (which combined shouldn't cost more than this), and you have all you really need if you are not a completist (who would probably have all of the original singles anyway, thus having no need for this set).

Radiohead
OK Computer Collector's Edition Disc 2; 2009
Capitol Records

My Rating: 71/100

OK, we get it now. Radiohead is a great b-side band. With this round back in 97/98, Radiohead proved themselves to be a fanboy's dream. The three P's - "Pearly," "Polyethylene", and "Palo Alto" - are fabulous cross-eyed rock songs, while "A Reminder" is one of the most gorgeous tracks the band has ever recorded. They showcases a penchant for the quiet and powerful on "Melatonin" and "How I Made My Millions," and "Lull" is just a brilliant little throwaway. Still, what this disc shows more than anything is that Radiohead was experiencing the kind of once-in-a-lifetime inspiration that most bands never experience. My only gripe with the collection over all is that it covers previously released material. Surely there's something lost in the vaults from the OKC sessions that could stand the light of day? "Big Boots?" "Lift?" "Follow Me Around?" "I Promise?"

PS The live tracks are pretty great as well.

PPS The ZERO 7 remix is worth it, the FILA BRAZILA remix is dull.

TRACKS

1. Polyethylene (Parts 1 & 2) (5/5)
2. Pearly (5/5)
3. A Reminder (5/5)
4. Melatonin (4/5)
5. Meeting in the Aisle (5/5)
6. Lull (5/5)
7. Climbing Up the Walls [Zero 7 mix] (5/5)
8. Climbing Up the Walls [Fila Brazila mix] (3/5)
9. Palo Alto (5/5)
10. How I Made My Millions (5/5)
11. Airbag [Live in Berlin] (4/5)
12. Lucky [Live in Florence] (5/5)
13. Climbing Up The Walls [BBC Radio 1] (5/5)
14. Exit Music (for a Film) [BBC Radio 1] (5/5)
15. No Surprises [BBC Radio 1] (5/5)

I purchased this CD only because I lost my original copy, but I am pleasantly surprised by the extra content. All true Radiohead fans should own this CD.

I cannot believe that the 3 Radiohead "Collector's Edition" titles are NOT remastered. CD remastering technology has come a long way since these CDs were initially released. OK Computer is twelve years old! It would have been nice to hear these titles with improved sound quality, but instead EMI (assumably with the band's consent) have just repackaged the same CDs with the various B-sides.

To be fair, the price is good versus having to buy all the EPs and singles to get these tracks. But these days, when classic albums are reissued, it is expected that they are remastered (The Cure, Depeche Mode, New Order, Pearl Jam, etc.)

These non-remastered titles just make Radiohead look as out of touch as The Beatles.

Radiohead sounds like a million other crappy bands. I've had so many people try to nearly brainwash me into liking them...but, they just don't take. Firstly, I don't like Thom Yorke's voice...it's like a calculated, pseudo-emotive voice with a mild element of pretentiousness. Secondly, his lyrics aren't much at all; just a couple notches up from Creed or MGMT or whatever. Don't give me wrong, Yorke seems like a swell person an' all, But he ain't Baudelaire and he ain't Bob Dylan. Their music has a lot of bright spots, but it's not enough to slab over the bland lyrics, and THAT...voice! To make a short story, even shorter, Radiohead aren't the Beatles, Thom Yorke isn't Lennon, and OK, COMPUTER is NOT the WHITE ALBUM. I think what happened with these guys is some music snob magazine critic said they were genuises, and then his critic friends said they were geniuses,an' so on an' so forth. This created an inertia for the band's success, and it sold a hell of a lot of magazines, as well. The sheep filed ranks and swallowed this helping of cultural propaganda with bells on. Enlightened Self-interest at its finest. Radiohead try real hard, but they just don't have that real magic. I think they should break up and start other bands because I think their personal styles are too much in contrast with one another. I think those other bands could be VERY interesting. P.S. The guitarist is pretty damn great; the best part of this ensemble that has always left me scratching my head.

The back of this 2cd packaged on the so called collectors edition states "This compilation 2009". NEVER have I purchased a CD with a more modern date than the original release that was NOT remastered...until now.
Total fraud. No where does the year 1997 appear on the back or front for that matter. The Barnes & Noble store could not even find out via their webiste whether or not it had been remastered. Wishful thinking had me shelling out over 20 bucks. Should have checked here first. I want my money back. Bottom line... EMI-Capitol and I suppose even the band shoule be ashamed. Remastering techniques have come a LONG way even since 2002 and especially since 1997. I have second edition remasters and YES they generally sound much better than the last. INX,Tears for Fears..The Smiths and so on and so on. What I think this boils down to is the lost appreciation for true hi fidelity sonics in the age of MP3.