We're All Living in OK Computer Now...
On the 25th anniversary of Radiohead's masterpiece OK Computer, the author Sarah Hall examines the album's prophetic, predictive qualities.
On the 25th anniversary of Radiohead’s breakthrough album, admirers from literature, music, science and politics examine the album’s prophetic qualities. Did OK Computer actually shape and predict the future? In June 1997, an also-ran band in the Britpop wars put out a third LP. Moving clear of their musical peers, who were engaged in 60s nostalgia, this was a sonically and psychologically sophisticated record. Released in the first days of the New Labour government, it subverted the era's idealism and “things can only get better”, and lit a flare at the dawn of a new age of postmodern anxiety. Recently, OK Computer was voted the “ultimate 90s album” on BBC Radio 2. But this was more than just a 90s record. Much more. OK Computer is rock music as science fiction. A musical version of George Orwell or JG Ballard. Each song yields a vivid premonition of life as it is lived now, a quarter of a century on. It speaks directly to the major events of our time, from Trump to the climate emergency, big data and surveillance. Author, Booker-nominee, and Radiohead superfan Sarah Hall speaks to contributors including: Lauren Beukes, sci-fi author Daphne A Brooks, academic Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester John Harris, journalist Steve Hyden, rock critic Conor O'Brien, Villagers musician Musa Okwonga, musician and broadcaster Dr Adam Rutherford, scientist Producer: Jack Howson Additional Production: Tess Davidson Executive Producer: Sarah Cuddon Sound Mix: Mike Woolley A Reduced Listening production for BBC Radio 4 With special thanks to Tom Gatti and Bloomsbury Publishing, whose book 'Long Players' inspired this programme.
