Radiohead
Pressing Play
Hello you. Make a cup of tea, put a record on. Welcome to The A to Z of Britpop, your introduction to the bands, music, and characters that defined the most exciting genre of the 1990s. In this article, we introduce Radiohead, a band not strictly Britpop, but undeniably active and influential during the era. Their experimental approach and timeless albums resonate deeply with fans of the Britpop movement, earning them a place as Britpop-adjacent legends.
Britpop was built on personalities, fierce rivalries, soundbites, and, of course, the music that defined a decade. It captured the restless energy of the country and signalled a wave of optimism across the UK that had been missing for years.
Each entry in this series is a fact file, giving you the key details: who they were, where they came from, and what they made. It’s the perfect starting point for revisiting the era if you were there, or figuring out why your mum or dad keeps going on about it.
Overview
Originated in: Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England
Active years: 1985–present
Associated genres: Art rock, alternative rock, experimental rock, electronica
Record labels: EMI, XL Recordings, Parlophone, TBD
Members: Thom Yorke – vocals, guitar, piano, keyboards / Jonny Greenwood – guitar, keyboards, ondes Martenot / Colin Greenwood – bass / Ed O'Brien – guitar, backing vocals / Philip Selway – drums, percussion
Formation and Early Years
Formed in 1985 at Abingdon School by Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Ed O’Brien, and Philip Selway under the name On a Friday.
Influenced by post-punk bands like Joy Division and alternative rock legends like R.E.M.
Signed with EMI in 1991 and adopted the name Radiohead from a Talking Heads song.
Early demo, Manic Hedgehog, drew interest from record labels and set the stage for their debut album.
Rise to Prominence
Released debut album Pablo Honey (1993), which included the international hit single "Creep".
Followed up with The Bends (1995), which showcased more ambitious songwriting and production.
Singles like "Fake Plastic Trees" and "Street Spirit (Fade Out)" cemented their reputation as a groundbreaking rock band.
Commercial Success and Albums
OK Computer (1997) marked their breakthrough, blending art rock with themes of modern alienation.
Kid A (2000) and Amnesiac (2001) diverged sharply from their earlier sound, incorporating electronic and experimental influences.
In Rainbows (2007) was released with a pay-what-you-want model, revolutionizing the music industry.
A Moon Shaped Pool (2016) featured orchestral arrangements, earning critical acclaim.
Later Activities and Legacy
Members have pursued solo projects, with Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood forming The Smile in 2021.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019.
Known for their pioneering use of the internet to distribute music, influencing the industry.
Notable Facts
Radiohead’s OK Computer is often regarded as one of the greatest albums in music history, symbolizing a generation’s anxieties about modernity.
The pay-what-you-want release model for In Rainbows (2007) disrupted traditional music industry norms and inspired countless artists.
Radiohead are the most nominated act for the Mercury Prize, with five nominations, underscoring their consistent critical acclaim.
They were one of the earliest bands to leverage the internet for fan engagement, starting with their website in 1997.
Kid A (2000) was named the greatest album of the decade by multiple outlets, showcasing their ability to redefine rock music.
Defining Lyric
"For a minute there, I lost myself." - Karma Police (1997)
Discography
Pablo Honey (1993)
The Bends (1995)
OK Computer (1997)
Kid A (2000)
Amnesiac (2001)
Hail to the Thief (2003)
In Rainbows (2007)
The King of Limbs (2011)
A Moon Shaped Pool (2016)
Essential Listening
"Creep" (1993): An anthem of outsider angst that propelled them to international fame.
"Paranoid Android" (1997): A multi-part epic that redefined the boundaries of art rock.
"Everything In Its Right Place" (2000): A genre-defining track that introduced their electronic era.
Why You Should Be Listening to Radiohead Now
Radiohead’s music transcends its era, with albums that continue to influence new generations of artists. Their innovative approach to music production and distribution ensures their relevance in a constantly changing industry.
See you on down the road.
