Top positive review
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5.0 out of 5 starsMore Than OK
ByD. A. Richon July 8, 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