Alltime Favorite Albums Week: Part 2 of 4, 1995-1998

Radiohead - The Bends, 1995 (Amazon / Insound)
The Bends was the first album I loved in whole immediately. I vividly remember pressing “Play” and perching attentive on the edge of my bed— too mesmerized to know what to do with myself, really, and eventually falling back on the mattress to just lay & listen. My resulting obsession verged on gross: I religiously haunted online message boards & chatrooms, and I’d snatch up any live recording or B-side (or t-shirt, or sticker) I could get my hands on. I also remember feeling a sort of goofy pride in being known as “the girl who loves Radiohead” at school & elsewhere, and made sure to wear my Bends t-shirt on yearbook picture day. Adorable or embarassing, I’m still not sure— but I’m definitely thankful I had the good taste early to obsess over a band I’m still compelled to follow & enjoy.


Radiohead - OK Computer, 1997 (Amazon / Insound)
Piqued by my intense Bends obsession, this was the first album release I remember eagerly counting down towards. I believe I pre-ordered my copy from CDNow (remember CDNow, pre-Amazon buyout?) OK Computer was also my first experience resenting new fans who hadn’t liked the band “back then.” For instance, I clearly recall sitting in the back seat of a high school friend’s car, hearing “Let Down” come on the radio, and absolutely seething inside when the girl next to me, who had otherwise horrible taste in music, sang along & claimed it as her favorite song. I’ve loosened up a whole lot since then, thankfully, though good music’s still a fairly private & possessive experience for me.


Neutral Milk Hotel - In the Aeroplane Over the Sea, 1998 (Amazon / Insound)
Aw, come on. Who’s listened to this album and doesn’t love it? Its title track, at the very least? That and “Ghosts” were a few of my mix tape favorites back in the day, and In the Aeroplane Over the Sea stood strong always as a go-to pick for long rides & roadtrips. I’m listening to it now as I write this, and admittedly, I’d forgotten how completely beautiful it is from start to finish, and I’m a little ashamed I don’t revisit it more.



I’m posting these sentiment-based reviews all week, in order of release date, as part of Alltime Favorite Albums Week, which I’m also hosting. Please free to join in on your own site!