Modern Classics

Music Has The Right To Children

Radiohead is considered by many to be "the greatest band in the world."  Most would consider them to be groundbreaking and cutting edge . . . . but, which artists have had the largest influence the "greatest band in the world?"  Radiohead's first two albums, Pablo Honey and The Bends, are no doubt greatly influence by the 90's grunge scene and 80's classics such as R.E.M., the Pixies, and the Smiths.  But, then something changed when they released Ok Computer in 1997.  With Ok Computer (which is truly one of the greatest albums of all time) Radiohead began to dabble in electronic music and lay the groundwork for their later more experimental work.   Then in 2000 with the release of Kid A and in 2001's Amnesiac Radiohead found themselves thoroughly blending the world of ambient electronic music and alternative rock.  These are my two favorite Radiohead albums, so I wanted to find out a little more about the artists who inspired them.    

  

Thom York has mentioned several electronic acts which have influenced Radiohead over the years: Autechre, Aphex Twin, Massive Attack, Squarepusher, DJ Shadow, and Boards of Canada.  So, I began listening to several of these acts and found myself really liking what I heard . . . and one stood out above the rest.  Boards of Canada.  Boards of Canada is a Scottish electronic music duo who's deep mysterious sounds never fail to fully captivate.  I find myself time and time again lost in their world of rich atmospherics and organic beats.  Boards of Canada's first major release in 1998, Music Has the Right To Children, takes listeners on a rare and relaxing journey and is best enjoyed with some nice headphones.  

Boards of Canada - ROYGBIV

Radiohead  - All I Need