New Radiohead album - pay what you want

[zipzap]

The new Radiohead album has been released as download only from their website. You can nominate how much or how little you want to pay which I think is an absolute landmark event.

Think about it, they have sidestepped any need to having a record label. All $ in theory would go to the band. I don't know how much a band makes per CD after all the fees to labels, distributors, stores, marketing etc are taken out but I bet it is bugger all. Effectively by purchasing an album in this way you are truly supporting your favourite bands - the labels would be watching this very closely.

Of course the catch is getting people to actually pay to download the album in the first place in this era of Limewire etc. I guess the idea is that even if 25-50% of their fans pay for it, they will still make money due to the overheads that have been disposed of.

Initially the Radiohead site didn't work for me so I downloaded it for free from a torrent site. After listening to it (it's good) and reading an interview with Johnny Greenwood about the idea behind it, I felt compelled to pay for it - so I did, 4 quid which is about 10 bucks. I felt good about it too - I think this is a really cool experiment and I hope more bands follow their lead, will be interesting to see if it is successful or not.

Thoughts? Has anyone else paid for it - how much? If one of your favourite bands did something similar would you pay for it?

[Mic]

I think the reason downloading has not killed the music or DVD business is because many people love to own the originals with the CD or DVD case/cover etc. Therefore I reckon people would prefer buying them from shops, not downloading them onto their computers or blank CDs.

[zipzap]

I think the reason downloading has not killed the music or DVD business is because many people love to own the originals with the CD or DVD case/cover etc. Therefore I reckon people would prefer buying them from shops, not downloading them onto their computers or blank CDs.

I agree which is why I decided $10 was a fair price to pay - If I were to pay more I would definitely expect the artwork etc. I used to be passionate about that kind of thing, and still am really, but do find myself downloading music a lot more (both paid for and not).

But recent evidence is that CD sales generally are way down and steadily declining. Try buying a CD single that's not in the Top 20 these days! I think Radiohead's stunt, if it pays off for them, could have far reaching implications for the industry in general.

An article from the Sunday Mail: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,22543440-910,00.html

[Interceptor]

I think the reason downloading has not killed the music or DVD business is because many people love to own the originals with the CD or DVD case/cover etc. Therefore I reckon people would prefer buying them from shops, not downloading them onto their computers or blank CDs.

For some people quality matters as well.

From what I've read the Radiohead download is encoded at 160 kB/s, which is at least more than the iTunes' 128 kB/s, but still not that great.
This might be fine for listening on mobile devices, but if you've got a decent sound system, I reckon it should be better.

For me, if I'm interested enough to have a listen I'll download a torrent and if I like it, I'll buy the CD (not for $30 though).

[Pseudo]

Matt Johnson (The The) has been selling music downloads from his website (http://www.thethe.com) for years now. He had issues with his record company regarding his last full-length album back in 2000. Unfortunately he has released little new material since then. However you can buy his most recent singles only from his website. No record company necessary! The download includes cover art so you can burn your own CD and print out the cover for it.

[zipzap]

From what I've read the Radiohead download is encoded at 160 kB/s, which is at least more than the iTunes' 128 kB/s, but still not that great.
This might be fine for listening on mobile devices, but if you've got a decent sound system, I reckon it should be better.

That's definitely true and also why I was only willing to pay a tenner as opposed to $17 for an album on iTunes (which although encoded at 128 kB is in the superior AAC format). MP3s are not a patch on CDs. But then some people reckon CDs don't compare with LPs. Must admit, I love cranking up my vinyl from time to time!

For me, if I'm interested enough to have a listen I'll download a torrent and if I like it, I'll buy the CD (not for $30 though).

Same. Today I downloaded Hot Hot Heat after hearing them on Rage and I think I'll be off to JBs very soon!

[zipzap]

Matt Johnson (The The) has been selling music downloads from his website (http://www.thethe.com) for years now. He had issues with his record company regarding his last full-length album back in 2000. Unfortunately he has released little new material since then. However you can buy his most recent singles only from his website. No record company necessary! The download includes cover art so you can burn your own CD and print out the cover for it.

Quite a few bands, mostly those whose glory days are behind them but still maintain a fan base, have been doing this. Lloyd Cole, The Chills, Ghostwriters spring to mind . It's great - but a bit different to the Radiohead model which is a bit more radical in that it's basically an honour system. Some might argue it's a gimmick, others might say it is treating their fans with respect - I just find it a very interesting social experiment and look forward to seeing how it pans out.

[Mr66]

Can anyone give us a review of the album/record/cd? (WTF do you call it?)

[Dogwatcher]

Would it be called a DP?

Download player?

[Mr66]

DD.

Download Disc.

[zipzap]

Can anyone give us a review of the album/record/cd? (WTF do you call it?)

Depends what you like about Radiohead. If you were hoping for a return to the anthemic 'Bends' era then you will, again, be disappointed. But then it's not as experimental as the last few releases either - although it's closer in spirit to them. Some really beautiful tracks, especially House of Cards which is stunning. Other songs start off very simple and relaxed but then go off on interesting tangents. No classic standout singles as far as I can hear, works more as a whole. Bit early to say how good the whole thing is though - like all Radiohead albums it will take a few more listens to reveal itself.

[Snaggletooth Tiger]

I wonder, do ya think Scott Tennerman still likes RADIOHEAD?
"Little Crybaby!"

[brent]

i like this new album without thinking its brilliant or ground breaking, its very listenable, the best way i could describe it is 'keeping it simple' but at the same time arguably some of their best compositions with respect to song writing itself. More traditional structures aswell if you're not a fan of the kid A/amnesiac era. Gentle and melodic, at times it hardly seems to leave 2nd gear in terms of energy, but as far as cruising goes its ideal. Weird Fishes, Nude and House of Cards are a couple of stand outs so far. More so for the little details than anything obvious, so it may take a couple of listens. But if its catchy hooks that you're after then this might not be your record. I should add that i'm not a radiohead geek (no really i swear) so in a lot of ways this album was a suprise for me... you don't have to be a die-hard fan to get into this one

and yes, scott tennerman is still crying