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Radiohead gives fans a gift
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The world of music took yet another step in a new direction Wednesday, with the release of “In Rainbows” by British alternative-rock band Radiohead.
The fact that “In Rainbows” is the first studio release by Radiohead since 2003 is big enough news, but there is an even bigger story behind the new record.
Fans couldn’t find “In Rainbows” in any store Wednesday. It couldn’t even be found in iTunes – none of the online music marketplaces had the rights to sell the album.
Radiohead recorded, produced and released “In Rainbows” with its own money, without the help of its former record company.
It ended a six-album deal with the EMI recording company in 2003.
Since the band was without a label come release time, Radiohead chose to let loose its new tunes in MP3 form, at a price to be determined by the listener.
The official Website for “In Rainbows,” www.inrainbows.com, tells fans, “Radiohead has made a new record. So far, it is only available from this website.
You can order it in these formats: Discbox and download.”
The discbox includes a hard copy of the CD, two vinyl records, and a second, enhanced CD with bonus songs, artwork and photos along with a lyric and art book.
It will be made available Dec. 3 and can be pre-ordered for around $80.
When the option of ordering the download of “In Rainbows” is clicked, an empty price box is displayed, with a question mark next to it that explains to “pay what you want.”
Paying nothing is even an option.
As of Thursday, it was reported that 1.2 million copies of the new album had been “sold.”
To provide a comparison that explains the sheer magnitude of this number, Kanye West’s “Graduation” sold less than one million copies in the first week of its release.
“In Rainbows” is worth every penny, however many (if any) may have been paid for it.
Fans expected something great after the four-year hibernation by Thom Yorke and company, and “In Rainbows” certainly delivers.
With cuts like “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi,” “All I Need” and “Faust Arp,” Radiohead demonstrates some of its best work since its critically-acclaimed album, “OK Computer.”
“In Rainbows” may be one of the most unique and original albums released this year.
The songs are refreshing, smart and well-written. It’s a safe bet to say the band will receive a Grammy nomination for alternative album of the year.
JUSTIN NEWELL
Culture Writer
