The most critically acclaimed band in the planet today ended weeks of internet especulations, cyphered codes and hidden clues about the fate of their new material by anouncing the release of a new album exclusively through their web www.inrainbows.com .
The news are sending shock waves through the industry as this is widely regarded as an historical move that will shape its future. Radiohead terminated their contract with EMI and instead of renewing it or signing with another label, they have decided to manage their output themselves, cutting on the intermediaries (both labels and retail -the band don’t allow their music to be sold via itunes as they don’t agree with albums being unbundled and their tracks sold separately-).
To make things even more interesting, there are no promotional copies being sent to any journalist or media. The download of “In Rainbows” will be available from next Wednesday on a “pay what you want” basis, which could be seen as a radical measure to reduce illegal downloads. However, a boxed physical edition containing a second CD, extra tracks, hard vynil copies, a collector’s book and other merchandising can be also pre-ordered and will be sent out on December the 3rd, priced £40. The boxes will be made to order and are aimed to satisfy hardcore fans. A 2008 physical release on CD is also being considered. More details can be obtained here.
Soundtrack specialist blog The Playlist has compiled clips available in youtube for most of the new tracks, taken from Radiohead’s recent world tour.
Watch them here.
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