OK Computer
Saw the internet coming and wasn't happy about it.
The Records
The album wall. Mostly the millennial alt canon — melancholy that doesn't wallow, confidence that doesn't announce itself.
The records I keep coming back to. The sound of people figuring themselves out in public.
Kid A
The follow-up that refused to repeat the trick.
InnerSpeaker
One guy, a lot of reverb, talking himself into it.
Currents
The same guy, five years later, talking himself into changing.
...Like Clockwork
The comeback record about almost not making it. You can hear the almost.
AM
Confidence works better underplayed. Exhibit A.
The Queen Is Dead
Miserable and hilarious, usually in the same line.
Deadwing
Prog for people who claim they don't like prog.
Nevermind
Still sounds like something breaking on purpose.
Absolution
Maximalist and unembarrassed. Turn it up.
American Idiot
A concept album that earned the concept.
21st Century Breakdown
The swing-for-the-fences sequel. Respect the ambition.
(What's the Story) Morning Glory?
Swagger with the tunes to back it. Rare combo.
Random Access Memories
Robots chasing something human. They caught it.
Help!
The one where the seams start to show. Better for it.
Dear Catastrophe Waitress
Twee with teeth. Sadder than it lets on.
Strangeland
Homesick piano-pop. Hits different once you've moved countries.
Carnival of Rust
The deep cut on this wall. Earns its spot.