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Karma Police
Radiohead
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- Album
- OK Computer
- Released
- 1997
- Genres
- art rock, alternative rock
- Length
- 4:24
- Tempo
- 75 BPM
- Label
- XL Recordings
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About this song
"Karma Police" is one of several singles from Radiohead's OK Computer. The band builds it on a dreamlike chord progression that borrows an old Beatles melody, laid out on piano. Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood have both said the song was meant to be comedic, bringing some lightness to an otherwise tense album.
What it's about
The song's vocals are strained and lackadaisical, echoing the delusions of an addict in the middle of a drug-fueled breakdown. Its warm yet sinister tone gives it an uneasy sense of comfort.
Fun facts
- Sampled in 7 other songs, like “Half Primadonna Girlls by LK CORVUS”.
- Covered 24 times, including “Karma Police by Tribal Blood”.
- Written by Ed O’Brien, Colin Greenwood, Jonny Greenwood, Thom Yorke and Philip Selway.
- Produced by Nigel Godrich and Radiohead.
- Recorded at St. Catherine's Court.