Song · OK Computer era (1996–98)
Palo Alto
Once called “OK Computer”, before the album took the name.
1996–97
silicon valley
It went through two working titles: “Silicon Valley” and then “OK Computer”. When the album took that phrase, the song became “Palo Alto”, after the city at the centre of the valley.
What it is about is exactly what the album is about, said out loud: a town of clean offices and friendly greetings where everybody is doing very well and nobody is at home. That directness is generally given as the reason it did not make the record. It is the thesis without the mystery.
It came out as a B-side to “No Surprises” in January 1998, then on Airbag / How Am I Driving?, and later on OKNOTOK.
the video
From the film Meeting People Is Easy.· NeonOsirisYodelwatch on youtube →
Live history
| Times played | 1 show |
|---|---|
| Live debut | Monday 27 February 1995 · Nederhorst den Berg |
First played live in 1995, 3 years before it was released.
Nights played include broadcasts; opened and closed count gigs only. A cancelled night has no setlist. All setlist stats →
Tabs (2)
sources2
- Wikipedia, “Palo Alto”, for the working titles and the releases.
- The site's own catalogue note, based on Spin and Citizen Insane.