Radiohead

Kid A is sometimes referred to as Radiohead’s nervous-breakdown album since its creation was a reaction to the burnout of incessant touring and the overwhelming commercial success of OK Computer. The record literally explodes the band’s previous sounds and processes. Traditional song structures are intentionally rejected, with singer and chief lyricist Thom Yorke using word cut-ups reminiscent of the Dada poetry movement and the works of William S. Burroughs. Producer Nigel Godrich and the group stretch all boundaries, using obscure 1920s electronic instruments like the ondes Martenot and having members refrain from playing on some tracks. The final product comes across as more a soundscape than any kind of cohesive collection of songs. The mood encourages the listener to look inward and let the music envelop, disturb, or caress.

In the years since its release, Kid A has become widely recognized as one of the most influential records of its time. In spite of its decided move toward electronica, the album feels sonically warmer than its predecessors—largely thanks to Godrich and guitarist Jonny Greenwood’s organic, multi-instrumental approach to arrangements. Side one, in particular, sounds downright cozy—akin to a soft cotton electric blanket. Even when such a safety gets stripped away on the Charles Mingus-inspired “The National Anthem,” the analog charm persists.