Radiohead's Kid A 25th Anniversary Plus Malcolm McLaren

Dec 26, 2025

Steven Hyden, an author and music critic, dives into the revolutionary elements of Radiohead's Kid A, discussing its dramatic shift from OK Computer and the electronic influences that shaped it. He explores the band's internal tensions and their move away from mainstream success, emphasizing their unique sound and artistic vision. The conversation also touches on Malcolm McLaren's provocative role with the Sex Pistols, his visual approach to music, and the controversial legacy he left behind, creating a fascinating juxtaposition between two iconic figures in music history.

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INSIGHT

Rejecting Arena Ambition

Radiohead chose to forgo chasing

ANECDOTE

Yorke's Voice As Part Of Soundscape

Thom Yorke disliked how

ANECDOTE

The National Anthem's Teen Bassline

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Following up the guitar masterpiece of OK Computer, Radiohead threw the music world for a loop with Kid A. Twenty five years after its release, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk with author Steven Hyden about how the album was made and its lasting impact. They also discuss the life and career of the Sex Pistols and New York Dolls manager Malcolm McLaren.

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Featured Songs:

Radiohead, "Idioteque," Kid A, Parlophone, 2000

The Beatles, "With A Little Help From My Friends," Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, Parlophone, 1967

Radiohead, "How To Disappear Completely," Kid A, Parlophone, 2000

Radiohead, "Subterranean Homesick Alien," OK Computer, Parlophone, 1997

Travis, "Writing To Reach You," The Man Who, Independiente, 1999

Autechre, "Rae," LP5, Warp, 1999

Radiohead, "Fake Plastic Trees," The Bends, Parlophone, 1995

Radiohead, "Everything In Its Right Place," Kid A, Parlophone, 2000

Radiohead, "Kid A (Live)," Unreleased, N/A, 2001

Radiohead, "Kid A," Kid A, Parlophone, 2000

Radiohead, "Treefingers," Kid A, Parlophone, 2000

Radiohead, "The National Anthem (Live)," Unreleased, N/A, 2001

Radiohead, "15 Step," In Rainbows, Parlophone, 2007

Radiohead, "The National Anthem," Kid A, Parlophone, 2000

Sex Pistols, "Anarchy In the U.K.," Never Mind the Bullocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, Virgin, 1977

Sex Pistols, "God Save the Queen," Never Mind the Bullocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, Virgin, 1977

Sex Pistols, "Pretty Vacant," Never Mind the Bullocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, Virgin, 1977

Bow Wow Wow, "I Want Candy," The Last of the Mohicans, RCA, 1982

Malcolm McLaren, "Buffalo Gals," Duck Rock, Virgin, 1983

The Raincoats, "Lola," The Raincoats, Rough Trade, 1979

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