How To Celebrate 10 Years of OK Computer

It is a cause for celebration.

It has been 10 years since Radiohead’s OK Computer fell like a meteor into the ocean of rock and roll. And we are still feeling the waves of that crash today. I could do as every other music magazine has done and tell you everything that is great and genius about this album, but that would do no good. That is information we already have. So, how do we celebrate the 10-year anniversary of one of the greatest albums of all time? How do we honor something that allowed so many people to unwind at the end of the week and made us change the way we look at rock and roll? I have come up with five ways for everyone to venerate OK Computer during this, its anniversary year.

1. The first one is simple. If you have not already, go out and buy the album. It is not good enough to have borrowed once from your buddy, or to have heard a song or two on a mix tape. Everyone should have a copy they can call their own.

2. Most of you probably own OK Computer on CD. That is all well and good, but I think you’re missing out. If you don’t have a record player, buy one. You can get a decent, refurbished turntable for fewer than 50 bucks. Now, go down to your local record store and buy a copy on vinyl. It is an entirely different and exciting experience. You will discover layers of the album you never knew existed and experience a richness and fullness that I don’t think is possible with a digital copy.

3. Sometimes I feel like Jon Stewart’s character in Half-Baked who claims that almost every experience is better while smoking weed. I don’t smoke weed, but I do think that there are numerous experiences that can be enhanced if OK Computer is involved. And that brings us to the next way to celebrate. Buy a book that contains the poetry of William Blake. Blake was a British poet of the Romantic era and a fascinating man. His poetry is eerie and odd, but melodic and memorable. It compliments the album wonderfully. Just make sure that whatever book you buy has enough poetry to last you the duration of the album. Simply, play the album and start reading.

4. Fall asleep with the album playing in the background. This may seem strange, but trust me, it is worth it. Burrow under your favorite blanket on the couch, press play and let Thom and the gang lull you to sleep. Your eyes will start to get heavy after “Paranoid Android” and you should be unconscious by the end of “Karma Police.” I don’t know why, but I have had my best naps and most vivid and fantastic dreams while falling asleep to OK Computer.

5. Take a chance to really listen to the album, and not just hear it. Although it can be different for different people, OK Computer has a message. It tells us that we don’t have to sit and watch out world spin out of control. Our purpose in life is not just to become fitter, happier, and more productive. Hear the message for yourself and see how you can apply in your own life.