Song · OK Computer era (1996–98)
Polyethylene (Parts 1 & 2)
Two songs in one, formatted like “Paranoid Android” and released on the back of it.
1997
parts one and two
It was recorded during the OK Computer sessions and left off the album. Its structure copies the song it ended up behind: a quiet acoustic first part, then a loud electric second half of organ and distortion in shifting time signatures.
What it is about is plastic. Yorke's irritation with packaging and with the consumer world it belongs to runs from here to the landfill at the start of “No Surprises”.
It came out on the first CD of the “Paranoid Android” single, then on the Airbag / How Am I Driving? EP, and later on OKNOTOK.
the video
The B-side, as released.· ExoArchivewatch on youtube →
explained
The harmony of the acoustic first part, then each section of the second.· The Pop Descriptivistwatch on youtube →
Live history
| Times played | 13 shows |
|---|---|
| Live debut | Wednesday 20 August 1997 · Ottawa |
| Last played | Saturday 18 April 1998 · New York |
Nights played include broadcasts; opened and closed count gigs only. A cancelled night has no setlist. All setlist stats →
Tabs (1)
sources2
- Wikipedia, “Paranoid Android”, for the single's B-sides and their description.
- The site's own catalogue note, based on Citizen Insane and Treble.