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RADIOHEAD is unbelievable; they get better and better with every album they release. After the awesome but not too progressive "The Bends", they have finally escaped the clutches of becoming another footprint in the grunge rock movement which dominated the 1990's. With "OK Computer", Radiohead has not only gone beyond being labelled an "alternative rock band"; they have progressed beyond the borders of known music, crafting a piece which rivals 20th century masterpieces such as PINK FLOYD's "Dark Side Of The Moon" & King Crimson's "In The Court Of The Crimson King".

The album opens up with "Airbag", an awesome song that starts this flawless album off with a burst, paving the way for "Paranoid Android", one of the best art rock songs I've heard in my entire life. I could rave on and on about every track on this album, but the comments would be the same for each of them; they are just that perfect. The album itself explores the themes of consumerism, globalization, and the concept of the perfect human being, which is evidently explored in the track "Fitter Happier". These themes are relevant in modern society, and will invoke many thoughts related to today's world upon spinning up this album.

This album alone is a testament that progressive music does not have to be rapidly-changing time signatures, themes from science fiction/fantasy, and over-the-top technicality. To be progressive is to progress beyond what has already been achieved in music. In fact, bands such as PENDRAGON and countless other neo-progressive groups fall short of being progressive simply because they duplicate a musical style that had already been achieved in the 1970's by groups such as YES, GENESIS, and EMERSON, LAKE & PALMER. I'm not implying that it is bad music; it is just not progressive in the true sense of the word. Furthermore, the term "progressive rock" has become obsolete, because it has extended into countless musical styles and genres.

This is precisely why I believe RADIOHEAD is at the forefront of progressive music. They have gone where few other groups have went, weaving a unique tapestry of sound and songwriting that has truly progressed beyond its time.

A masterpiece of the 20th century; absolutely essential.

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