Ep 9. 1997

As the ninth episode of the fifth season of A Year In Music, "1997" takes a deep dive into the music scene of this pivotal year. A year that saw the rise of alternative and indie rock and the mainstreaming of hip hop, 1997 marked a time of significant development in the music industry. The episode explores the impact of bands such as Radiohead, Oasis and Foo Fighters, who all released critically acclaimed albums, and delves into the influence of iconic musicians like Notorious B.I.G. and Björk.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the year, highlighting some of the industry-changing moments that occurred in 1997. It then moves onto a discussion of the flourishing indie and alternative rock scene at the time. The documentary explores the release of Radiohead's album "OK Computer", which has since been regarded as one of the most influential albums of all time. The masterpiece album not only changed the direction of rock music but also saw the band elevate itself to the status of superstars.

Furthermore, the episode dives into the release of Oasis's third album "Be Here Now," which became a chart-topping success, selling nearly 700,000 copies on the day it was released in the UK. While the album would ultimately be met with mixed reviews, its release marked a significant moment in the band's career as they had truly become a global musical force.

Moving from rock to hip hop, "1997" explores the impact of Notorious B.I.G., who was tragically murdered in March of that year. The episode discusses the release of his seminal album "Life After Death," which would be his last, and delves into the profound influence that the rapper had on the hip hop industry. In particular, it explores the impression left behind by his hit song "Hypnotize," which became an instant classic and earned him critical acclaim.

The episode then shifts gears to discuss the rise of Björk, an Icelandic singer who released her seminal album "Homogenic" in 1997. The documentary explores how Björk's experimental and highly emotive style influenced music and laid the groundwork for other experimental artists to come. It also touches on some of the controversy that the singer ignited during that time, such as her infamous interview with a Thai journalist which sparked a media frenzy.

"1997" concludes with an exploration of the Foo Fighters' breakthrough album, "The Colour and the Shape," which built on the band's success from their self-titled debut. The documentary reveals how frontman Dave Grohl sought to fully establish his band as a cohesive unit, which led him to record most of the parts himself. The album eventually achieved platinum status and helped catapult the band into the mainstream.

As with every episode of A Year In Music, "1997" offers deep insights into the music scene of the time. The episode provides an in-depth look at some of the most significant events of 1997 and the impact that they had on the industry. From the rise of indie and alternative rock to the consolidation of hip hop, "1997" is a must-watch for anyone interested in the music of this era.