Radiohead: New LP out on Oct 10th, no label, no promo, no price?
By: Thomas Hannan
Is this the future?
After making us all giggle with a hoax website, http://www.radioheadlp7.com (now replaced with a message saying 'I had nothing better to do'), which suggested the new Radiohead LP might be released as soon as last Saturday, some even more interesting Radiohead news has come to light.
"Hello everyone. Well, the new album is finished, and it's coming out in 10 days; We've called it 'In Rainbows'. Love from us all. Jonny"
Those the words of Radiohead guitarist Johnny Greenwood on the band's website yesterday. Now that's news worthy enough, but things get even more interesting. The album will only be available on October 10th in a download format, which the band haven't even set a price for. The field is left blank, and we're meant to decide how much we want to pay. Ethical dilemma!
One way of avoiding it is to pre-order the album on its only other available format, known as the 'Discbox' edition. This will contain the new album on CD and two heavyweight 12" vinyls, as well as a second CD containing songs you won't be able to access via download as well as photos and artwork. The hardback book and slipcase (pictured) will also hold a lyrics booklet, will be sent out on the week commencing December 3rd, and will set you back £40.00 including postage, wherever you are in the world.
The normal tracklisting for 'In Rainbows' features these songs, some unfamiliar, some previewed around the world live by the band over the past few years:
'15 Step'
'Bodysnatchers'
'Nude'
'Weird Fishes/Arpeggi'
'All I Need'
'Faust Arp'
'Reckoner'
'House Of Cards'
'Jigsaw Falling Into Place'
'Videotape'
If you plump for the Discbox edition, expect to get a second CD containing a further eight:
'MK 1'
'Down Is The New Up'
'Go Slowly'
'MK 2'
'Last Flowers'
'Up On The Ladder'
'Bangers And Mash'
'4 Minute Warning'
So, bloody hell.
On the one hand, good on 'em. We'd hoped they'd do something along these lines, as if you're Radiohead in 2007, there actually isn't any need to have a record label, or make any more money (though that said, they'll probably make a packet - how much do you want one of those Discbox things?!). It's forward thinking, brave, it's unavoidably pretty damn cool. They'll probably gain a load more new fans off it if anything - even someone with a passing interest isn't going to be able to say no to a potentially free Radiohead record, no? The rest of us rely on trailblazers such as Radiohead and Prince to find new ways of giving their fans music. It's a good thing that they're so dedicated to the cause.
Yet... how the hell are small bands ever meant to compete? It's all very well for Radiohead to give away their download for free (OK, or ask for whatever you're willing to pay), or for Prince to chuck his new LP in with a right wing rag or shove one in your hand as you enter a gig, but are we going to see Noah and The Whale do the same thing? Will Los Campesinos! next release come free pre-loaded on to the new Sony Ericsson mobile? Does the News of the World really want to give away a free F**k Buttons CD? And though Radiohead don't need a label and can afford to record their LP out of their own pocket, that can't be said for many new bands, sparing doggedly lo-fi acts and those with incredibly rich parents.
But that's not Radiohead's fault. They're basking in the freedom that their prior success has afforded them, and doing something damn interesting with it. Rockfeedback will let you know how the actual music on it sounds (something that this whole thing seems set to overshadow) as soon as we can download it - of course, they've no need to send anyone a press copy. I'm getting me a Discbox.
Pre-order 'In Rainbows' HERE.