Radiohead to release new album digitally on Oct. 10 :: Music News :: Articles

Oh what a month it’s been in the exciting world of Radiohead spotting! First Jonny Greenwood told us that the band's new album was in the bag. Then came the über-cryptic website RadioheadLP7.com with its doomsday countdown, prompting hope of an imminent album-related announcement. And then came the Rick Roll. With their hopes so cruelly dashed, Radiohead obsessives cursed the black world that gave birth to red-headed soul singers and retreated to their darkened caves.

But only two days after that great tragedy comes the ultimate Radiohead epiphany: a new album title, track listing, and pre-order information. It is not a lie. It is... In Rainbows. Now, if you can suspend your disbelief that Radiohead would ever entitle anything with the word “rainbows,” check out the startling details:

Radiohead still has no label or distribution deal to release the record traditionally. However, that’s not stopping the band from putting out the album digitally on Oct. 10. If that wasn’t enough to freak out record label executives, things only get crazier from there. Fans can name their own price on the album download (in British pounds). “It’s up to you,” reads a prompt on the In Rainbows website. More than just a new Radiohead release (pretty momentous in its own right), this album could prove the tipping point in physical vs. digital distribution of musical content. If In Rainbows thrives using this highly unconventional business model, we could potentially be witnessing a sea change in how the musical industry functions. Granted, very few bands could get away with soliciting a “suggested donation” for their albums and keep financially solvent, but Radiohead is certainly pushing the boundaries here.

All of that said, the band is also offering In Rainbows in a more traditional “discbox” format. It contains two CDs (one containing the album, the other containing bonus songs), two corresponding vinyls, photographs, and artwork. Priced at £40 (or about $80), this package works best for the hardcore fan who demands the total Radiohead experience. These packages will ship “on or before” Dec. 3. Pre-order information is up at InRainbows.com.

Here are the track listings:

In Rainbows:
1. 15 Step
2. Bodysnatchers
3. Nude
4. Weird Fishes/Arpeggi
5. All I Need
6. Faust Arp
7. Reckoner
8. House of Cards
9. Jigsaw Falling Into Place
10. Videotape

Bonus disc:
1. MK 1
2. Down Is The New Up
3. Go Slowly
4. MK 2
5. Last Flowers
6. Up On The Ladder
7. Bangers And Mash
8. 4 Minute Warning

UPDATE (3:52 p.m. EST): Pitchfork reports that In Rainbows will see the light of day in a traditional CD format in early 2008, citing "the band's publicist." So much for completely demolishing the mold. But getting fans to pay for an album leak? That's still pretty revolutionary.

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