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OK Computer [COLLECTOR'S EDITION- 2 CDs]

Radiohead - OK Computer [COLLECTOR'S EDITION- 2 CDs] Audio CD

A fair review of the Radiohead "OK Computer [COLLECTOR'S EDITION- 2 CDs]" Audio CD. Please note that the below review is the views of the authors, and authors only. You can get a complete list of all Radiohead reviews here, or go back to the Radiohead tabs.

Band: Radiohead
Title: OK Computer [COLLECTOR'S EDITION- 2 CDs]
Rating:

Release Date: 2009-03-24
Media: Audio CD

Tracks: 1: Airbag 2: Paranoid Android 3: Subterranean Homesick Alien 4: Exit Music (For A Film) 5: Let Down 6: Karma Police 7: Fitter Happier 8: Electioneering 9: Climbing Up The Walls 10: No Surprises 11: Lucky 12: The Tourist 13: Polyethylene (Parts 1 & 2) [Paranoid Android] 14: Pearly* [Paranoid Android] 15: A Reminder [Paranoid Android] 16: Melatonin [Paranoid Android] 17: Meeting In The Aisle [Karma Police] 18: Lull [Karma Police] 19: Climbing Up The Walls (Zero 7 Mix) [Karma Police] 20: Climbing Up The Walls (Fila Brazillia Mix) [Karma Police] 21: Palo Alto [No Surprises] 22: How I Made My Millions [No Surprises] 23: Airbag (Live In Berlin) [No Surprises] 24: Lucky (Live In Florence) [No Surprises] 25: No Surprises [BBC Radio One Evening Session (05/28/97)] 26: Climbing Up The Walls [BBC Radio One Evening Session (05/28/97)] 27: Exit Music (For A Film) [BBC Radio One Evening Session (05/28/97)]

Almost great - could have been more
Radiohead is a great b-side band. Radiohead
OK Computer Collector's Edition Disc 2; 2009
Capitol Records

My Rating: 71/100

OK, we get it now. 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).

duped into purchasing what I already had
NEVER have I purchased a CD with a more modern date than the original release that was NOT remastered. The back of this 2cd packaged on the so called collectors edition states "This compilation 2009". . . 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.

Remasters are not always needed
I have already mentioned those in other reviews I have done here, so I won't re-hash that here. I have heard some bad remasters. 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.

.

Excellent album/ Unnecessary re-issue
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).
.

hey man slow down
Be careful what you wish for. I am reacting to the negative reviews calling for remastering. 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.

You can see a complete list of all Radiohead discography, or go back to the Radiohead tabs. There is also a good guide on how to read guitar tabs here.