OK Computer OKNOTOK 1997 2017

OK Computer was first released in 1997 to tremendous critical adulation. While not as immediately accessible as its outstanding predecessor, The Bends, OK Computer has proven to be not only Radiohead's finest release, but one of the best "rock" albums ever. The two CD version of this latest re-release, the third incarnation of OK Computer (the previous releases were the original album and a circa 2009 2CD/1DVD boxed release and companion 2CD release issued by Radiohead's original label), boasts one CD containing a remaster of the original album (from the original analogue masters), and a second CD containing three previously unreleased tracks and a collection of previously released B-sides (including on the last release of the album), also all remastered.

The remaster of the album proper, on first listen, sounds better than ever. The sound is crystal clear and very detailed. I did not notice significant compression, at least on the initial listen. The three "new" tracks are at least very good, certainly not on the level of the album proper, but worthy of repeated listenings, and worth acquiring for any Radiohead fan. The B sides, which include some excellent tracks, are not worth acquiring again, but for those who did not pick them up previously, add to the value of this set, and they are also all remastered.

The packaging of the two CD set is downright skimpy, a simple cardboard fold-out, with no trays and no booklet. The original CD had a booklet with lyrics and graphics.

In short, this set, which includes an excellent remaster of a classic album and three previously unreleased tracks as well as previously released B sides, offered (as of this writing) at a very fair price, is well worth acquiring for anyone into Radiohead or great rock music. Just be forewarned that the packaging is not worthy of the music within.

© 2017 D.A. Rich

Sometimes a highly revered album deserves the status bestowed upon it. This is one such occasion. The fondest memory I have from the album's 1997 release, is the picture of the cover artwork being literally everywhere in the UK, from the back covers of music magazines and newspapers (Q, Select, NME, Melody Maker), and promo posters in music and retail stores (HMV, Our Price, Virgin Megastores, WH Smith, Woolworths), to tube stations. Too young to understand and appreciate the album's brilliance, it almost felt like a forced nightmare being surrounded by the image of a record that was unanimously hailed as an instant contemporary classic. Many years and repeated listens were needed for me to understand the long-term significance of this visionary tech angst masterpiece which carried Radiohead's depressive worldview, building its queasy vision of the future on a foundation from the past, considering the frailty of the body versus the power of machines in a time where the internet was just beginning to become prominent. Walking a thin line between glistening genious and pompous self-esteem, Radiohead on here are at their most violent and beautiful. 20 years on,"OK Computer" still sounds wild, weird, and wondrous.

The notion of a Radiohead-approved deluxe reissue is especially odd when it comes to this particular record, one which already received a 2-disc reissue back in 2009 by the band's former label, EMI. While it is great to have a Radiohead stamp of approval on this 20th anniversary reissue, that alone is not enough to justify forking over money even for the basic 2-disc edition of "OKNOTOK". The rarities included on here have never been all that rare, and some of the songs included on this set are available digitally, or have been performed live for more than a decade. Technically this is a remaster with B-Sides and rarities added on. Avid fans and collectors will naturally go for the true 20th anniversary box set experience of this (out in July). For the fans, however, "OKNOTOK" will live or die by the 3 songs that render it unique. As with the 2009 EMI reissue, it is nice to have the many B-Sides compiled here, but anyone who owns that prior reissue will probably not really need another CD of that same material. To the uninitiated, "OKNOTOK" stands as the complete version of the album; to those well-acquainted with it, the new standard editions represent a near-duplicate entry in their CD collection. Regardless, "OKNOTOK" is an essential listen.

Note: Opaque blue 3x 180 gram vinyl features the original 12-track album, 3 unreleased tracks, and 8 B-Sides, housed in a triple-sleeve gatefold, including a digital download card; a thing of beauty!

***** for the album
***** for this edition

This review is for the CD version

If you are a Radiohead fan considering upgrading their best album this is worth it. The remastering on the album was done by Bob Ludwig one of the best mastering engineers in the world and the album sounds great. There isn't anything radically different (like the Sgt peppers remix) but it definitely sounds a little more crisp then the 97 release.

The main reason to buy this anniversary edition is not the slightly better mastering but the inclusion of b-sides and previously unreleased tracks.The highlight of this release is the three previously unreleased songs and B-sides. All three of the unreleased tracks are great, my favorite being Man of War.

The CD packaging mirrors the vinyl release in that it comes in a cardboard slip case. There isn't any linear booklet which is kind of a drag but doesn't take away from the product overall.

In summary if you love Radiohead this anniversary edition is great. The new remaster is a slight improvement over the 97 release but nothing earth shattering. The bonus disc will give fans greater insight on a band during the period when they crafted one of the greatest albums of all time.

Hauntingly beautiful vocals over tense and complex layers of guitar and piano driven by Phil's ever present force on the drums. Timeless sounds and themes of isolation and corruption of technology.

These 3 heavy duty records are perfectly packaged and surrounded by familiar art. The 8 newly included b-sides fit very well into the original album. On the vinyl version they've all been put together onto the third album. I actually thought they mixed in very well in the order the mp3 album placed them. I'm sure many would rather be able to listen through the original as is.

Overall very happy with the sound, appearance, quality and excuse to spend so much time with a familiar favorite.