Radiohead has again proved why they are the greatest band in the world. And by greatest, I mean not only by musical output, but also ingenious guerilla tactics. I recieved an e-mail yesterday from the band's merchandise site, w.a.s.t.e. saying that Radiohead's new album, titled In Rainbows will be released on October 10 -- yeah, that's next week!
I posted recently about how it was looking like an '08 release for the new album, especially because the band was currently label-less. Well, they still are. The band may just throw the record business on its end because they are offering two ways of getting the album, one of which could be for free. If you follow the In Rainbows link above to pre-order the album, you'll find that if you get the digital/downloadable version, you pick the price. That's right, you pay as much or as little as you feel it is worth (or, I would say, are able to at the time). Then, on October 10, you can download the album.
There is also an option though, for what they are calling the discbox version of the album -- which are made to order. This includes two heavy-pressed twelve inches that vinyl geeks like me drool over, as well as CD versions and extra songs not available for download. Oh, and the artwork, which has always been a reason to buy the special edition Radiohead albums. The discbox is running at 40 British pounds, which is pricey (I haven't even converted it yet), but for quality pressed vinyl in basically a box-set, is not too bad.
The band has talked about doing this for a few years, about how they hate sitting on an album for up to six months after it is finished before the world hears it, about being done with "albums" and possibly releasing net only EPs as they finish the songs, etc. Well, they're taking a big risk. Check out Green Plastic, my favorite Radiohead fan site for more details and some excerpts of record industry reaction. Apparently, some are saying, if the best band in the world is going to offer music for free, why would people pay .99 cents for songs by artists who aren't near as good?
Wow, I am excited. Beyond excited. This is like waking up in June and having someone tell you that Christmas is next week. I am giddy and am heading over to the website to order my copy of the discbox right now.
Until then, contain yourself with these oldies-but-goodies from the band:
Talk Show Host
The Trickster
Pearly*
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