OK Computer v The Bends

[TwickenhamCyclist]

Had an argument down the pub earlier, one I’ve had a few times before, The Bends v OK Computer. Best one?? Thoughts everyone please - I’ve stayed up all night playing along (badly) with both albums, twice!! Don’t often get the opportunity… confirmed my opinion but want to hear yours

 

[yello]

OK Computer.

 

[Pottsy]

Despite the fact I love Karma Police, I'm going to plump for The Bends. No special reason, just like it more.

Both very good in my opinion though, but I'm sure there'll be a few slating everything by Radiohead along in a minute...

 

[yello]

Yes, Radiohead do seem to be one of those bands that people have to tell you they don't like! Coincidently, I've just posted on the Man U thread about a similar sort of phenomena! It's like a need to publicly redress the balance or something.

 

[Panter]

The bends, no contest

 

[YahudaMoon]

The Bends purely for the Music. First edition on vinyl had nothing to shout about with the sleeves imo for anything special for quality in the packaging

OK Computer though has slightly better artwork (vinyl) and the first edition has a very good quality gatefold sleeve with beautiful inner sleeves in a lovely gloss finish .

I found for a double album it was OK though a bit drawn out. Also a bit moany. Could have been diluted into a single album imo.

Just dug OK Computer out of a crate and it still looks mint after 15 years . Thats what I love about quality packaging.

 

[Norm]

Looking at my relative ratings, OK Computer gets it for me with a couple of 5* tracks (Airbag, No Surprises) and only a couple of 3* (Fitter Happier, Let Down, Climbing up the walls).

The Bends doesn't get a 5* (although My Iron Lung and Street Spirit get close) and a few more 3*s.

 

[yello]

Just dug OK Computer out of a crate and it still looks mint after 15 years .

Lord, is it that old?

I think I'm going to give the 2 another listen this evening - it's been a while so perhaps a reassessment is on order. The Bends is a great album, and one of my all time favourites, but I do recall just how overwhelmed I was by OK Computer when I first heard it. Time, place and personal situation/circumstances factor into that too though. That initial impact stayed with me for every subsequent listening. Perhaps now, many many years later, I'll be over that and perhaps I'll hear it differently.

 

[Melonfish]

Daaaamn... that is a hard decision, really damned hard, not sure i could make the choice...
bends has so many good tracks but then android does too!

nope, can't decide its just not in my capacity, that'd be like deciding which one of my two sons should live...

almost like deciding between Dookie and Insomniac from Green day.
or S.C.I.E.N.C.E or Make Yourself from Incubus!

 

[Basil.B]

Both are utter tosh!

 

[Fnaar]

Somebody gave me OK Computer as a present. After one listen I gave it away.... bleughhh!

 

[MissTillyFlop]

Kid A

 

[vernon]

So it's got nothing to do with decompression sickness and diving computers?

 

[Norm]

Somebody gave me OK Computer as a present. After one listen I gave it away.... bleughhh!

After one listen, I'd have done that with almost all Radiohead albums.

Fortunately, though, I didn't give them away.

 

[vernon]

Curiosity got the better of me so I looked up 'The Bends' on You Tube.

Five minutes' worth of it was enough to persuade me not to bother looking up 'OK Computer' comparison.