Stanley Donwood

As the end of the 20th century approached, Radiohead took to the recording studio to capture the sound of a society that felt like it was fraying at the edges. Many people had high hopes for the new millennium, but for others a low hum of anxiety lurked just beneath the surface as the world changed rapidly and fears of a Y2K meltdown loomed.Amidst all the unease, the famed British band began recording their highly anticipated follow ups to their career-changing album OK Computer. Those two albums, Kid A and Amnesiac, released in 2000 and 2001, were entrancing and eerie — they documented the struggle to redefine humanity, recalibrate, and get a grip on an uncertain world. In this episode, we travel back to the turn of the millennium with Thom Yorke and Stanley Donwood and the music of Kid A and Amnesiac.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Thom Yorke, the iconic lead singer of Radiohead, joins forces with Stanley Donwood, the band's visual artist known for memorable album covers. They discuss the challenging cultural landscape at the turn of the millennium, highlighting the anxieties leading to the release of 'Kid A' and 'Amnesiac.' Yorke reflects on the pressure of evolving as an artist while maintaining authenticity. Donwood shares insights into his artwork's haunting resonance with the music, both capturing a world in turmoil and bridging emotional connections with listeners.