At the time of the live recording of "Fake Plastic Trees" on December 6, 1996, Radiohead was in a transition period following the release of their cri... Read Full Description >
At the time of the live recording of "Fake Plastic Trees" on December 6, 1996, Radiohead was in a transition period following the release of their critically acclaimed second album, "The Bends." Released in March 1995, "The Bends" marked a significant step forward for the band, showcasing a more complex sound and lyrical depth compared to their debut album, "Pablo Honey." The performance on "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" highlighted Radiohead's rising prominence in the alternative rock scene, reflecting their growing international audience. Interestingly, "Fake Plastic Trees," a standout track from "The Bends," underscores themes of disillusionment and artificiality—a sentiment resonating deeply with audiences of the time. This performance helped solidify Radiohead's reputation as a band willing to push boundaries and explore intricate emotional landscapes, setting the stage for their later groundbreaking album, "OK Computer," released in 1997.