Radiohead, which according to Chuck Klosterman is somehow both over- and underrated as a band, has decided to take a stand against third-party online music dealers (cough-cough-iTunes) by letting fans decide what to pay for its latest album Rainbows.
Manager Bryce Edge explained, “We’re prepared to take a risk and we might come out looking very foolish. But we believe if your music is great, then people will pay for it.”
The 10 tracks are available on the Radiohead website and costs allegedly vary from nothing to 100 pounds (not the weight; the currency). In fact, we can’t even open it because it keeps crashing from the mad rush of fans trying to get to the goods.
The online version of the album doesn’t include any art or lyrics, but — for those nostalgic for the Napster days — the trusty MP3 format means fans can store, play and swap the music as they wish.
If for some odd reason you need the album art to complete your personal Radiohead collection, you can order a special discbox from the site. It includes perks like special tracks, a vinyl, lyrics and the download. All for a surprisingly plush 40 pounds.
Got to admire the faith these guys have in the love of The People.
