麻豆社

On the 25th anniversary of Radiohead鈥檚 breakthrough album, admirers from literature, music, science and politics examine the album鈥檚 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 鈥渢hings can only get better鈥�, and lit a flare at the dawn of a new age of postmodern anxiety.

Recently, OK Computer was voted the 鈥渦ltimate 90s album鈥� on 麻豆社 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 麻豆社 Radio 4

With special thanks to Tom Gatti and Bloomsbury Publishing, whose book 'Long Players' inspired this programme.