Radiohead's appearance on MTV's "Live at the 10 Spot" was billed by the network as a chance to "see God." After all, Thom Yorke and company are at the top of their game. Their latest release OK Computer is widely regarded as one of the best albums of 1997. Despite their critical success, the five-piece band from Oxford, England have yet to blaze a trail on the bland terrain of American Top 40 radio. However, it seemed as if this concert -- for a band with only a handful of songs that have made it onto the American airwaves -- may have been terribly overhyped. After all, "Creep" (from their 1993 debut album Pablo Honey) is a great song, but could they hold the crowd's interest for ninety minutes? I didn't imagine it would be likely.

Nothing could have been further from the truth. From the computerized babble that introduced the band to the final guitar chords over two hours later, seeing Radiohead perform live was nothing short of amazing.

The band's material was so strong that they didn't even play their two biggest commercial hits, the aforementioned "Creep" and "High and Dry" from 1995's The Bends. Instead, they relied on a well-crafted playlist that, while understandably dominated by new tracks, created an incredible theatrical effect. Up-tempo songs were followed by haunting ballads and within each song lay a series of complex time changes that took the audience -- which included Liv Tyler and Michael Stipe -- on a mind-altering roller coaster ride. The end result was a quasi-rock opera starring Yorke on lead vocals and Jonny Greenwood on keyboard and lead guitar.

Without saying a word, they took the stage and immediately ripped into "Airbag," working the crowd into a near frenzy. The initial manic energy quickly faded as the band flawlessly downshifted into "Karma Police," a riveting ballad that brings to mind John Lennon's classic "Cry Baby Cry." From there, Radiohead launched back into overdrive with "The Bends." As Yorke wailed on his guitar like an over-caffeinated bobble head doll, it became apparent that this band is in a league of its own.

The remainder of the show was more of the same. Yorke and Greenwood led the way while Ed O'Brien and Phil Selway created a worthy supporting cast on rhythm guitar and drums, respectively. Meanwhile, Colin Greenwood, Jonny's older brother supplied a steady bass line.

The band's sound can best be described as a cross between the extended psychedelic jams of Syd Barrett-era Pink Floyd and electronic music. However, the smattering of "electronica" is merely a well-placed embellishment, whereas more commercially successful bands -- U2 for example -- have wasted entire songs with overdoses of the musical flavor of the month.

Upon their return for a second encore, Yorke announced, "We're off the air now, and that's cool." Indeed, it was cool. The band continued their musical journey for another thirty minutes and displayed the same level of intensity as they had for the MTV cameras.