I am an off-on sort of Radiohead fan, mainly off during the Kid A phase (ugh), but Ok Computer is still one of the very coolest albums the band has produced.  Unlike Kid A, it branched out and felt experimental and playful, without losing the rock essence of earlier works in the process.

It was a rough choice as to which song I’d profile here, but ultimately, I had to go with this one.  Lyrically, sonically, in all ways, the track captures and almost induces the stated paranoia and heightened tension and anxiety, only to crash down in a wave, like someone finally snapping entirely.  The lyrics are so metaphor-heavy, I can close my eyes and dream up constellations of images for hours if I so choose.

And even over a decade later, it has somehow become more apt, more relevant than before…

Please could you stop the noise, I’m trying to get some rest
From all the unborn chicken voices in my head
What’s that…? (I may be paranoid, but not an android)
What’s that…? (I may be paranoid, but not an android)

When I am king, you will be first against the wall
With your opinion which is of no consequence at all
What’s that…? (I may be paranoid, but no android)
What’s that…? (I may be paranoid, but no android)

Ambition makes you look pretty ugly
Kicking and squealing gucci little piggy
You don’t remember
You don’t remember
Why don’t you remember my name?
Off with his head, man
Off with his head, man
Why don’t you remember my name?
I guess he does….

Rain down, rain down
Come on rain down on me
From a great height
From a great height… height…
Rain down, rain down
Come on rain down on me
From a great height
From a great height… height…
Rain down, rain down
Come on rain down on me

That’s it, sir
You’re leaving
The crackle of pigskin
The dust and the screaming
The yuppies networking
The panic, the vomit
The panic, the vomit
God loves his children, God loves his children, yeah!

Day 358:  Paranoid Android – Radiohead