In Rainbows

For over three years I've waited for the Radiohead media bombshell to explode once again following their 2003 release of Hail to the Thief, their sixth album. Only last night, at one minute past midnight GMT did they underhandedly announce the release of their eagerly awaited seventh album, In Rainbows, and, already, the music business is fidgeting with discussion. Yahoo have commented on the way Radiohead seem to have bypassed the phenomenon of illegal internet downloading by allowing the consumer to pay whatever they want for the album (nothing, if they like, but what kind of tosser would do that?). This has kicked up quite a fuss amongst record labels, particularly those who thought they had a shot at signing the band. This article from Time magazine acknowledges a fact that many fans have known for years: Radiohead's fan base is vast enough that they no longer need promotional marketing, tactical single releases, or even a distributor - effectively, they can sell the record any way they like. The Guardian Unlimited has posted a rather flattering article (clearly by a fan) which, I believe, has established a new record for the amount of comments posted in response to a blog item. Even this not-so coy blogger identifies the difference that separates Radiohead from the lagging music conglomerate which follows pathetically behind. Radiohead have been, and will always continue to be the most innovative band in the world, forcing themselves in new directions and exploring new horizons, or simply making inaccessible songs. The media bombshell is cracking. Days, rather than weeks, will see the print media scrounging for archive photos of the band to support their headlines. Let the apologists apologise, the Coldplay fans bow out in defeat, the journalists document, the ignorant be enlightened, and the sane appreciate the wonder that is Radiohead's seventh masterpiece.