Imagine walking into a record store, picking up the brand new release by your favourite band, walking up to the counter to pay, and having the clerk say, "
Well how much would you like to pay?"
In effect, that's what
Radiohead is doing with
Rainbows, their new album that's being released on their website October 10. When fans, who have been anticipating a new record for more than four years, go to pay, they'll encounter a message that says, "It's up to you."
The band hasn't released an album since 2003's
Hail To The Thief, which was put out by EMI. Their contract with the label has since expired, so they're putting
Rainbows out on their own.
They're also releasing a special box set, due out in December, that includes a
Rainbows CD, two vinyl records, another CD with extra songs, and artwork that includes photos and lyrics. The cost for that set is £40, which is roughly $80 Canadian.
But Radiohead isn't the only band that's feeling generous.
The Charlatans also plan to release their next album for free, as a download through English radio station XFM, and on the band's website. It won't be out until next year, but the first single, "You Cross My Path," will be available to download on Xfm.co.uk starting on October 22.So what do you think about bands giving away their music for free? And more importantly, if it were up to you, how much would you pay for a new album by one of your favourite bands?While you're pondering your response,
NME has posted live performances of the new Radiohead tracks.
Photo: FHB
