Yow!
Radiohead (who fulfilled their Capital Records contract with their last release, and are presently “unsigned”) have apparently set up a Web page where one could purchase their new record in digital form at whatever price one wants to pay for it. A physical release is also available, for 40GBP.
Check it out: http://www.inrainbows.com/Store/index.html
A couple of interesting things to consider:
1) The proper physical release streets in December with tons of bonus material:
From www.inrainbows.com:
This consists of the new album, in rainbows, on cd And on 2 x 12 inch heavyweight vinyl records. A second, enhanced cd contains more new songs, along with digital photographs and artwork. The discbox also includes artwork and lyric booklets. All are encased in a hardback book and slipcase.
The package sounds amazing, but thanks to the weak USD, I’d be paying more than $80 for it.
2) The digital release (with less music) is available two months prior to the physical release.
I love the idea from a band in Radiohead’s position. They make the bulk of their income on stadium shows and merch, and they have the name recognition and reputation to pull off a 40GBP package (which has a much higher margin for them as they do not need to split any proceeds with a label). It takes the Stars experiment of breaking street date with their digital release a step further by dropping the financial component.
