This month, I’m jumping into the #APlaceInTheSong challenge from @JukeboxJohnny2. Great songs have that special ability to describe places in a way that makes us feel like we’re right there. Each day, I’ll pick a track that I think accomplishes that feat.

OK Computer and Kid A are the two most commonly cited Radiohead albums in terms of the band’s massive innovation and influence on rock. While The Bends is still my favorite record of theirs – can’t get enough of Jonny’s monster guitar riffs on that one – OK Computer is my second favorite Radiohead album. Every song is progressive in its own way. But of all the tracks, “Fitter Happier” pushes the norms of rock music the most.

First off, it’s barely a song. It’s a track with the only thing that’s remotely melodic being the wandering piano and disparate synth sounds. “Fitter Happier” feels like the audio equivalent of a David Lynch film. The mood it creates is perhaps its biggest strength. The irony of all the things listed as ways to become fitter and happier seem so lifeless when recited by the automated voiceover. It seems to be more life-draining than life-giving.

“Fitter happier. More productive. Comfortable. Not drinking too much. Regular exercise at the gym 3 days a week.”