Thursday Throwback is a weekly colour scheme inspired by an iconic album cover of yesteryear. This week’s throwback is the 2000 album “Kid A” by Radiohead. The colours are as follows:
| Colours | HEX | RGB | HSB | CMYK | LAB |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colour 1 | 4E3333 | 78, 51, 51 | 0, 35, 31 | 0, 34, 34, 69 | 24, 12, 4 |
| Colour 2 | #A7AAB1 | 167, 170, 177 | 222, 6, 69 | 5, 3, 0, 30 | 69, 0, -3 |
| Colour 3 | #EAEFF3 | 234, 239, 243 | 207, 4, 95 | 3, 1, 0, 4 | 94, 0, -2 |
| Colour 4 | #3B568C | 59, 86, 140 | 220, 58, 55 | 57, 38, 0, 45 | 36, 7, -33 |
| Colour 5 | #A63D33 | 166, 61, 51 | 5, 69, 65 | 0, 63, 69, 34 | 40, 42, 28 |
When Radiohead released “Kid A” in October 2000, they shattered expectations and redefined the boundaries of rock music. Moving away from the guitar-driven sound that characterised their earlier work, the band embraced electronic music, jazz, and experimental rock, crafting an album that remains a landmark in the evolution of modern music.
“Kid A” was a bold departure from Radiohead’s previous album, the critically acclaimed “OK Computer.” Instead of capitalising on their established sound, the band chose to delve into uncharted territory. The result was a record that defied easy categorization, blending ambient textures, fragmented lyrics, and complex rhythms to create a hauntingly beautiful soundscape.
The experimental nature of “Kid A” extends to its production. Producer Nigel Godrich worked closely with the band to create an album that was as much about texture and atmosphere as it was about melody. The use of unconventional instruments, such as the ondes Martenot (an early electronic instrument), alongside traditional rock instrumentation, resulted in a rich, layered sound that rewards repeated listening.
“Kid A” was initially met with mixed reactions from critics and fans, many of whom were unprepared for such a drastic shift in style. However, over time, it has come to be regarded as one of the most innovative and influential albums of the 21st century. Its impact can be seen in the work of countless artists who have drawn inspiration from its daring approach to music.
For Radiohead, “Kid A” marked a turning point, establishing them not just as rock musicians, but as pioneers of a new musical frontier. It is an album that challenges listeners to rethink their perceptions of music and art, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in the transformative power of sound.
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