The Radiohead gang all together. Photo courtesy of NME.

  Many people at San Luis Obispo High School are familiar with the English rock band Radiohead. The band’s first album, “On a Friday,” was released in 1986, and though it’s now 2023, the band’s popularity is still flourishing.

  “I’ve always appreciated the layers of texture in Radiohead’s music, as well as the dynamic shifts in tempo and intensity within the songs. Thom Yorke sings with a wildly passionate voice and the band is full of very musically gifted members,” said CTE Arts, Media, and Entertainment teacher Jason Heimerdinger.

  Radiohead has five members which include English musicians Thom Yorke, Jonny Greenwood, Colin Greenwood, Philip Selway, and Ed O’Brien. All members formed Radiohead in the mid-1980s at Abingdon School in Oxfordshire. 

  “I love Radiohead. Their music is great,” said freshman Mikey Carnes.

  Radiohead was greatly influenced by American bands such as R.E.M. and Pixies. Their music has made a big impact on the art-rock subgenre.

  “I think my favorite album is ‘Kid A’ because at the time [of its release] it completely changed my perspective of what music and a concept album could be. I have very distinct memories of when that album first started leaking out,” said TV/Video Production and Digital Photography teacher Zach Roper.

  Radiohead’s starting single “Creep” on their debut album “Pablo Honey” was very popular in the United States. When the band released their other albums “The Bends” and “OK Computer,” fans were pleasantly surprised. 

 “My favorite Radiohead album is ‘OK Computer.’ It may be a cliche choice, but I can effortlessly crank it up and listen from beginning to end, completely tuned in to the lyrics and music,” said Heimerdinger.

  The band is still very popular for a reason.

  “I think there’s something about their music that definitely speaks to a lot of the anxiety that we all have about the state of the world and technology and climate and all of that. I think they’re one of the few bands that is not afraid to keep evolving. Every album is different, and they intentionally set out to try new things with their artwork that always feels fresh,” said Roper.

  Radiohead is a band that many people can connect with and enjoy. Give Radiohead a listen, Tigers!

Source: britannica.com