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Radiohead — Subterranean Homesick Alien
Album: OK Computer
Avg rating:
8

Your rating:
Total ratings: 5673








Released: 1997
Length: 4:20
Plays (last 30 days): 5
The breath of the morning, I keep forgetting
The smell of the warm summer air
I live in a town where you can't smell a thing
You watch your feet for cracks in the pavement

Up above, aliens hover making home movies
For the folks back home
Of all these weird creatures who lock up their spirits
Drill holes in themselves and live for their secrets

They're all uptight, uptight
Uptight, uptight
Uptight, uptight

I wish that they'd swoop down in a country lane
Late at night when I'm driving
Take me on board their beautiful ship
Show me the world as I'd love to see it

I'd tell all my friends but they'd never believe me
They'd think that I'd finally lost it completely
I'd show them the stars and the meaning of life
They'd shut me away
But I'd be all right, all right
I'm all right, all right

I'm just uptight, uptight
Uptight, uptight
Uptight, uptight
Uptight, uptight
Comments (747)add comment
 sfoster66 wrote:

I love this album as a whole, but this particular track does nothing for me.  I've never been able to hear whatever it is that so many do.  It just meanders and doesn't seem to have an emotionally punch-y moment.  What am I missing?



It's hard to place it, but part of it is those ethereal, soothing bell-like EP sounds, part of it is the idea of being taken away by aliens to ride on a spacecraft, but I think mostly it's Jonny Greenwood's beautiful guitar textures and melodies.
There are parts in this song that genuinely give me goosebumps.  I think it's the syncopation.  
I love this album as a whole, but this particular track does nothing for me.  I've never been able to hear whatever it is that so many do.  It just meanders and doesn't seem to have an emotionally punch-y moment.  What am I missing?
 MrTijn wrote:

Yes, I feel often the same way. Unfortunately, the knowledge we gain when we are aging doesn't fit the younger self. Or as Billy Corgan strikingly puts it : Youth is wasted on the young.

And before Billy Corgan was George Bernard Shaw - “Youth is the most precious thing in life; it is too bad it has to be wasted on young folks.”

...you're welcome... 
Recently, Tom Allen, genius host of the great CBC Radio classical music show “About Time” closed his show with a cello and percussion cover of  “Paranoid Android,” and then for good measure  played the last 2 minutes of the original by Radiohead.  So cool to hear them back to back on our nation’s broadcaster.    Tom Allen’s range of knowledge of music reminds me of Bill.  Thanks Bill!
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:

I wish I could go back to 1997 and start again.

I would do things differently in my life knowing what I know now and while I was at it I would appreciate Radiohead when they were current rather than looking back 22 years.


Oh, man. People are still discovering Bach. 26 years is nothing. 
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:

I wish I could go back to 1997 and start again.

I would do things differently in my life knowing what I know now and while I was at it I would appreciate Radiohead when they were current rather than looking back 22 years.


Yes, I feel often the same way. Unfortunately, the knowledge we gain when we are aging doesn't fit the younger self. Or as Billy Corgan strikingly puts it : Youth is wasted on the young.
 Steely_D wrote:

The Bends = Meddle
OK Computer = Dark Side
Kid A = Wish You Were Here
Amnesiac = Animals



it took me a while to process this post, but i totally get it now. spot on.
 Steely_D wrote:

The Bends = Meddle
OK Computer = Dark Side
Kid A = Wish You Were Here
Amnesiac = Animals



The math checks out...
Sonically pure
so beautiful.

i have to go to the cd and play it all in one sitting. i always found it was best to experience it that way.
The Bends = Meddle
OK Computer = Dark Side
Kid A = Wish You Were Here
Amnesiac = Animals
Phish--> The Shins--> Radiohead.  Can RP get ANY BETTER??  Long Live RadioParadise!!
only radiohead song i like
Listening to this on the FLAC stream with a decent set of headphones is surreal.  
Jonny Greenwood is an extremely underrated guitarist.  The guitar work on this song is nothing short of magical.
This is so good. What a trip. The guitar work is so brilliant.
 Dj_Yonke wrote:


but they're above ground
unless that's shag carpet and a hanging light

I'll show myself out
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:

I wish I could go back to 1997 and start again.

I would do things differently in my life knowing what I know now and while I was at it I would appreciate Radiohead when they were current rather than looking back 22 years.



Yeah me too!
It's 2022, and I'm feeling somewhat 'uptight' working through an assignment and worrying about illness in the family. Radio Paradise is easing this burden though. Cheers
Radiohead is hit or miss for me. This is a Good Tune! ...some of their tunes are "meh" for me.
If I didn't know it was Radiohead, I would call it Sublime.
 coloradojohn wrote:

In the spring and summer of '98 I was writing the Fodor's JAPAN travel guidebook, working on the Western Honshu chapter, and I was staying in the surreal time-machine town of Matsue, Shimane-ken; together with Tsuwano, probably my favorite part of the country; and at nightfall I found one of the coolest bars in all Japan. It was called Filaments, and the master-san, who spoke great English, put on this record as he began serving me some excellent sake (I was living 8 years in Noto Hanto, Ishikawa, and I believe that the quality of the rice and water there make for the absolute freaking best in the country, along with Niigata, of course -- KoshinoKanBai RULES!), and we both agreed, even though it had been only a year, that OK Computer was truly a landmark record. Every couple years when I went back to do an update, Master-san and I rocked the bar till dawn (this is quite common in Japan) with our collaborative selections. I loved how fond he was of Cheap Trick, and he loved how fond I was of everything in and about his incredibly unique town, from its exquisite crackle-glaze pottery to the most delicious hon-maguro zushi and uni-don I've ever had. Hearing this from this masterpiece record sends me back to my endless nights at Filaments! Thanks, RP!



I know so little about Japan and Japanese culture, but this is why this place and its music are so important. Want to read that guide and make that trip to Filaments.
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:

I wish I could go back to 1997 and start again.

I would do things differently in my life knowing what I know now and while I was at it I would appreciate Radiohead when they were current rather than looking back 22 years.


I saw them live at a small venue when this album came out and it was stellar...

https://www.setlist.fm/setlist...

If only we could go back and put things right sometimes, but I'd need to go back to way before 1997 to sort my messes out...
 Edweirdo wrote:

Well, O Enlightened One, why don't you tell us mere mortals what is "the greatest album, ever"?

The Rutles, "Let It Rot." Amazing album. Defined its times. And it's still the bestselling rock album of all time.
I hear Netflix is making a new documentary on the recording sessions. It's supposed to have never before seen video that will show Chastity was not the cause of the band's breakup. Mind officially blown here if that's true!!!

 Edweirdo wrote:

Well, O Enlightened One, why don't you tell us mere mortals what is "the greatest album, ever"?


Thirteen Tales From Urban Bohemia by The Dandy Warhols. Oh, sorry, you weren't asking me. But still!
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:

I wish I could go back to 1997 and start again.

I would do things differently in my life knowing what I know now and while I was at it I would appreciate Radiohead when they were current rather than looking back 22 years.




I did appreciate them when they were current... but ditto to starting again in 1997 knowing what I know now....
Radiohead is hit or miss for me. this is a HIT!
 Stetsonman wrote:

I see the radiohead obsessives are commenting.
but this is one overhyped band.
they did not create the greatest album, ever.

their fans need a reality check


Well, O Enlightened One, why don't you tell us mere mortals what is "the greatest album, ever"?
I see the radiohead obsessives are commenting.
but this is one overhyped band.
they did not create the greatest album, ever.

their fans need a reality check
In the spring and summer of '98 I was writing the Fodor's JAPAN travel guidebook, working on the Western Honshu chapter, and I was staying in the surreal time-machine town of Matsue, Shimane-ken; together with Tsuwano, probably my favorite part of the country; and, thanks to a tip from a hip Israeli gal, at nightfall I found one of the coolest bars in all Japan. It was called Filaments, and the master-san, who spoke great English, put on this record as he began serving me some excellent sake (I was living 8 years in Noto Hanto, Ishikawa, and I believe that the quality of the rice and water there make for the absolute freaking best in the country, along with Niigata, of course -- KoshinoKanBai RULES!), and we both agreed, even though it had been only a year, that OK Computer was truly a landmark record. Every couple years when I went back to do an update, Master-san and I rocked the bar till dawn (this is quite common in Japan) with our collaborative selections. I loved how fond he was of Cheap Trick, and he loved how fond I was of everything in and about his incredibly unique town, from its exquisite still-intact castle to the most delicious variety of seafood I've ever had. Hearing this from this masterpiece record sends me back to my endless nights at Filaments! Thanks, RP!
 Stetsonman wrote:

bunch of wankers



Go piss in your hat twerp.
 Stetsonman wrote:

bunch of wankers



bunch of wankers
 sajitjacob wrote:

Maybe I'm getting nostalgic in my old age but I just bumped this to a 10.



It's not just your nostalgia, it is a great song, from a near perfect record.  It's completely understandable.......
Need more RADIOHEAD
Maybe I'm getting nostalgic in my old age but I just bumped this to a 10.
 lizardking wrote:

Or, like Bob Seger said in "Against the Wind" - "I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." 

And I'm going +1, calling this a 9, as I recently acquired this (and several other) RH discs, and I'm (22 years later) starting to dig the band a lot!  Long Live RP!!
 

Samesies. I still can't necessarily reconcile how much I dislike Oasis and Coldplay in general with how much I love these guys.  
I thought it was 

"I'm tired.. I'm tired..."

damn..
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:
I wish I could go back to 1997 and start again.

I would do things differently in my life knowing what I know now and while I was at it I would appreciate Radiohead when they were current rather than looking back 22 years.
 
Interesting point. SO...the question becomes who is that band NOW that we don't want to regret being present to in 22 years?! ;) 
WAAAY too much RadioHead to skip past today....
 ziggytrix wrote:
y'all can play this tune every day if ya like. :)
 
Or just the whole album
 baddog8it wrote:
Not feeling/hearing the attraction to Radiohead...


janac13 wrote:

I'm with you not that I dislike their music it's just I don't connect. My mind tells me this is really good but my heart is just Meh...
 

Radiohead's put out some great, great music and some seriously annoying crap. I'm not even a lukewarm fan but they're definitely worth paying attention to. As long as Thom avoids his moments of histrionic "vocals", I don't mind Radiohead.
totally trippin'.
Love this band! Brings back so many memories! 
Well Bill, it's been a few years since I've have to work from home, now I've gotten RP blasting out of the Sonos and I'm hammering in the keyboard like I used to. Thanks for making this lock down  bearable mate.
I truly believe that if Syd Barrett still had his wits about him when this album came out, he would have wept tears of joy upon hearing it. So many similarities with his work done on the edge of sanity. 
Cool song..not a solid album
Ive heard it said they took some inspiration from our kiwi band Straitjacket Fits who started out about the same time. And I can hear it
it all works fer me
 baddog8it wrote:
Not feeling/hearing the attraction to Radiohead...
 
I'm with you not that I dislike their music it's just I don't connect. My mind tells me this is really good but my heart is just Meh...
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:
I wish I could go back to 1997 and start again.

I would do things differently in my life knowing what I know now and while I was at it I would appreciate Radiohead when they were current rather than looking back 22 years.
 
22 years ago.... I was 20! 
Better late than never I say 
Radiohead at their peak.  There later stuff is good, but seem to have abandoned the incredible guitar work that drives this whole album to the stratosphere.  Great track on a classic album.  
 lizardking wrote:

Or, like Bob Seger said in "Against the Wind" - "I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." 

And I'm going +1, calling this a 9, as I recently acquired this (and several other) RH discs, and I'm (22 years later) starting to dig the band a lot!  Long Live RP!!
 
Thank you, dear royal reptile for that cool Seger quote!!
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:
I wish I could go back to 1997 and start again.

I would do things differently in my life knowing what I know now and while I was at it I would appreciate Radiohead when they were current rather than looking back 22 years.
 
Or, like Bob Seger said in "Against the Wind" - "I wish I didn't know now what I didn't know then." 

And I'm going +1, calling this a 9, as I recently acquired this (and several other) RH discs, and I'm (22 years later) starting to dig the band a lot!  Long Live RP!!
This whole album is genius!
 baddog8it wrote:
Not feeling/hearing the attraction to Radiohead...
 
Yeah, some people don't "get" Radiohead. Quite sad really.
This one gets a 10.  The best song by one of the most powerful, beautiful, and technically sophisticated bands in rock and roll.
"I live in a town where you can't smell a thing"

"Show me the world as I'd love to see it"
Not feeling/hearing the attraction to Radiohead...
Godlike, at least.
de sporadische '10'... timeless
 Stephen_Phillips wrote:
I wish I could go back to 1997 and start again.

I would do things differently in my life knowing what I know now and while I was at it I would appreciate Radiohead when they were current rather than looking back 22 years.
 
I hear you! Mind you, the sad thing is that if we're still around we'll be telling ourselves the same thing in twenty odd years.
And also, better late than never man!!


I wish I could go back to 1997 and start again.

I would do things differently in my life knowing what I know now and while I was at it I would appreciate Radiohead when they were current rather than looking back 22 years.
 Synth80s wrote:
Nothing on this album rates below a 7 or 8, IMO.
 

We agree...
The term soundscape comes to mind...
21 years old !!!! My oh my. Genius.
 adib wrote:
I only gave this a 9.  
I don't dish out many 10s, but really, what was I thinking?  
Now corrected to the 10 it rightly deserves.
 
Well I will bump my rating of 8 and take your vacant 9 rating slot!
I only gave this a 9.  
I don't dish out many 10s, but really, what was I thinking?  
Now corrected to the 10 it rightly deserves.
I always travel to another place with this one!
Be nice for this track to be followed by Have You Seen the Stars Tonight by Jefferson Starship
Sonic magic
 coloradojohn wrote:
The intensity is too much for some, but there really is electronic, sonic, & semantic magic going on in this and many Radiohead songs.

 
No. The main culprit isn't the music but his "odd" voice, to say at the very least. Simply put, when I hear him, my hand does PSD for me.
The intensity is too much for some, but there really is electronic, sonic, & semantic magic going on in this and many Radiohead songs.


Going good with my Ginger Kombucha and chocolate.
A little bit overplayed, IMO
Then I'm radio and, then I'm television.
Rumor now is new album will be released in June - fingers crossed!
 Skydog wrote:
i'm not knocking Yorke's vocals, plenty has been said about that
but wouldn't it be great to listen to this album without the lead vocals
maybe keep the background vocals 

 
I'm uncertain whether you asked a question or not. If you did, my answer is NO!
i'm not knocking Yorke's vocals, plenty has been said about that
but wouldn't it be great to listen to this album without the lead vocals
maybe keep the background vocals 
Probably my favorite Radiohead song.
2 good songs on this album..the rest is forgettable and i really did try to like it !{#Frustrated}
  YESSS !!! {#Cheers}
This was the one that hooked me, and not just because of the titular nod to Dylan.  Couldn't stand Creep, but a good friend sent me a Maxell C90 with The Bends on one side and OK Computer on the other, along with a request to give them another chance.  They've done great work since, but OKC remains their masterpiece to date (and The Bends their best 'guitar' album).
                                Neil, an alien.
                     Jackpot,Cracks in the pavement.
             My memory is short, and my fuse at he fire side.
                And I need to find what to do with the money.


 Jelani wrote:
Does anyone else hear Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds in this?

 
No, but that's a fine suggestion for next up.
dammit I just totally love this, absolutely beautiful.. {#Music}
Thanks for knocking me off my ordinary, everyday path.
Thanks a lot.
lots of radiohead the last days.
more than usually.
fits my mood...
thanks!!
 BBoyes wrote:

Worked for me.

 
One of THE best albums ever made - numerous journalists would/do agree.  Not that that means much necessarily but relevant probably!
this track is growing on me - don't know much Radiohead stuff, only those tracks played on here!
 Kaw wrote:

I don't do drugs. Drugs are bad. Baaaaaad.
But 2 beers in a quiet and lonesome place works too in my experience.

 
Yes agree, beer is a beautiful drug, sometimes.
"Hell I'd go."

-- Dan Hicks 
... was waiting for Radiohead...
{#Notworthy}
best in class
 dragon1952 wrote:
I will buy this based on this track.

 
Worked for me.
I will buy this based on this track.
 caatgrrrl wrote:
Ok computer must be listened to in full.  Preferably stoned.  The beginning of the end of the album.
 
I don't do drugs. Drugs are bad. Baaaaaad.
But 2 beers in a quiet and lonesome place works too in my experience.
Ok computer must be listened to in full.  Preferably stoned.  The beginning of the end of the album.
I love this song, love hearing Radiohead on the radio.  This album would be my favourite of theirs.
 averybadcat wrote:
if i listen to this one my whole weekend will evaporate. preemptive PSD
 
Is this a bad thing?
if i listen to this one my whole weekend will evaporate. preemptive PSD
does anybody hear some YES from the album Tormato, specifically the song Arriving UfO
The flow from PT to this was sooo smoooooth.  Thanks Bill!
 ick wrote:
I don't often listen to Radiohead, but when I do I listen to "OK Computer".  Stay weird my friends.

 
ha, you got that right..
I love songs that take me on a trip. 10.
 fedtho wrote:

I guess I'm finally starting to get your thing, Lazarus... After reading about 99 of your comments stating
"Everybody in my church loves this song... we be dancing..."
...or ANY possible combination of the first and the second half PLUS a lot of others I can't recall right now
{#Bounce},

I finally discover the very first variation on your Mantras with a dozen words used in other heavily RE-occuring combinations.

I'm guessing (just guessing, right?) that if you combine all your elemental praising formulas in one single comment,
you must REALLY be into that song (as opposed to ALL the others you just 'like (a lot?)'...?) - which is cool, because I am too {#Cool}

Now if I'm completely besides the point, anyone please explain Lazarus' heart to me, I'd be really grateful {#Daisy}

 
No, you are spot on. I think??
I don't often listen to Radiohead, but when I do I listen to "OK Computer".  Stay weird my friends.
 rdo wrote:

Singing on key is what you want?  Try Bruno Mars.   This is the big leagues, buddy.  Take that bush league crap outta here.  You are not living up to your handle "King of art"

 
Kinda mean and unnecessary.
Green ink does not flow in my veins, so I  find this just average.
The lyrics are good, and delivery quite good - but it's the music and its production. Atmospheric but structured. That great 3/4 sway to it.
 Lazarus wrote:

Speaking honestly from my heart and kidneys, all I humbly ask for from everybody on the planet is unbridled unabated unquestioning unconditional adulation and worship...  considering how humble and special I am, is that too much to ask?

Hope life is grand for you right now, fedtho...

this song is marvelous...  everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves it...

 
all i want is (are) anchovies on my Caesar... and. apparently, that's often too much to ask
 Lazarus wrote:

Speaking honestly from my heart and kidneys, all I humbly ask for from everybody on the planet is unbridled unabated unquestioning unconditional adulation and worship...  considering how humble and special I am, is that too much to ask?

Hope life is grand for you right now, fedtho...

this song is marvelous...  everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves it...

 
Seems reasonable. Enjoy.
 fedtho wrote:

I guess I'm finally starting to get your thing, Lazarus... After reading about 99 of your comments stating
"Everybody in my church loves this song... we be dancing..."
...or ANY possible combination of the first and the second half PLUS a lot of others I can't recall right now
{#Bounce},

I finally discover the very first variation on your Mantras with a dozen words used in other heavily RE-occuring combinations.

I'm guessing (just guessing, right?) that if you combine all your elemental praising formulas in one single comment,
you must REALLY be into that song (as opposed to ALL the others you just 'like (a lot?)'...?) - which is cool, because I am too {#Cool}

Now if I'm completely besides the point, anyone please explain Lazarus' heart to me, I'd be really grateful {#Daisy}
 
Speaking honestly from my heart and kidneys, all I humbly ask for from everybody on the planet is unbridled unabated unquestioning unconditional adulation and worship...  considering how humble and special I am, is that too much to ask?

Hope life is grand for you right now, fedtho...


this song is marvelous...  everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves it...
 ShaunJ wrote:
Jelani wrote:
Does anyone else hear Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds in this?

 
Nope, but if you try hard enough you will probably convince yourself {#Cheesygrin}



 
Too funny.  

I don't even see any of the Beatles psychedelic era in this song.  Certainly not obvious to me.
Jelani wrote:
Does anyone else hear Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds in this?

 
Nope, but if you try hard enough you will probably convince yourself {#Cheesygrin}