OK COMPUTER

The universally-praised 1997 release from the creators of the recent (and perennial) international mega-hit, "Creep", critics and the general public were quick to take notice of the huge leap in confidence and maturity that the band had achieved with OK Computer. It's still guitar-based but in a heavily-treated (using a lot of "natural reverb" ambient to the castle in which it was recorded), woven, texturalized way that surprised many who saw the band as potential generators of an endless parade of introspective pop hits. I, personally, like it okay (no pun intended) but, I say, just wait till the next one! (Kid A)

A very good 4.5 star album that has issues for we mere mortal listeners with access, penetrability, and long-term engagement. Despite these "flaws," it is an album that gives back over time far more than the usual album. Many of the album's songs have consistently grown on me over the years).