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Yo La Tengo "Autumn Sweater"
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Radiohead "Paranoid Android"

OK Computer (1997)

Radiohead – "Paranoid Android"

Overview

"Paranoid Android" is the lead single from Radiohead’s third studio album, OK Computer (1997), released on May 26, 1997. The song is acclaimed for its ambitious structure, blending alternative rock, art rock, and progressive rock elements into a six-and-a-half-minute epic12.

Structure and Composition

  • Multi-Part Suite: The song is composed of four distinct sections, each with its own tempo, mood, and style—a structure inspired by The Beatles’ "Happiness Is a Warm Gun" and Queen’s "Bohemian Rhapsody"13.
  • Origins: It was created by fusing together parts from three different unfinished songs, each written by a different band member. The band’s approach was playful and experimental, with early versions stretching to 14 minutes and featuring extended organ outros143.
  • Musical Features:
    • The opening is in G minor, featuring acoustic guitar and Thom Yorke’s vocals.
    • The second section shifts to A minor and features a distorted guitar solo by Jonny Greenwood.
    • The third section slows down dramatically, with choral vocals and a looped, baroque-inspired chord progression.
    • The final section reprises themes from earlier, ending with a chromatically descending guitar motif1.
  • Instrumentation: In addition to standard rock instruments, the song features Mellotron, adding a vintage, atmospheric layer2.

Lyrical Themes and Inspiration

  • Title Reference: The title comes from Marvin the Paranoid Android in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, reflecting a tongue-in-cheek sense of alienation and existential anxiety15.
  • Lyrics: Written primarily by Thom Yorke after an unsettling experience in a Los Angeles bar, the lyrics explore themes of paranoia, alienation, and emotional detachment. Lines like "Please, could you stop the noise?" and the repeated "Rain down" evoke a sense of disconnection and a desire for escape or renewal15.
  • Interpretation: The song’s shifting moods and cryptic verses mirror an emotional journey through confusion, anger, and resignation, resonating with listeners facing the absurdities and pressures of modern life52.

Reception and Legacy

  • Critical Acclaim: "Paranoid Android" is frequently cited as Radiohead’s magnum opus and a defining song of the 1990s. Critics have compared it to the ambitious works of The Beatles and Queen13.
  • Chart Performance: The song reached number three on the UK Singles Chart, Radiohead’s highest position to date1.
  • Influence: Its success demonstrated that complex, experimental music could achieve mainstream popularity, influencing a generation of rock and alternative artists2.
  • Music Video: The animated video, directed by Magnus Carlsson, became iconic but was censored on MTV in the US for nudity1.
  • Live Performances: Early live versions could exceed 15 minutes, showcasing the band’s willingness to experiment and improvise2.

Summary

"Paranoid Android" is a landmark in Radiohead’s catalog and alternative rock history, celebrated for its intricate structure, emotional depth, and fearless experimentation. Its blend of progressive ambition and raw feeling continues to inspire listeners and musicians alike152.

May 21, 1997
byHeptarky

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