IN RAINBOWS

The release and selling strategy of the latest Radiohead album “In Rainbows” isn’t revolutionary, it has been done before. However, this time around the idea is creating a lot more buzz than previous attempts. Perhaps because this band is a lot more popular. An article by The Times Online that I read actually labeled them as “one of the most popular bands in the world.” With a title like that, anything they do can make a buzz I suppose.
So what did they do? You can visit www.inrainbows.com to see for yourself, but I’ll tell you what it means. In response to free music downloading putting a major slump in the music industry, Radiohead took matters into their own hands. The band is no longer under a record label so they were able to have freedom with the release of In Rainbows. Their solution is to let their fans put a price on the music. Assuming that these people value the talent of Radiohead, they won’t mind paying an amount that they see fit and be ensured it will go directly to the band. You can see on the site that there is the option of buying a disc box for 40 euros or downloading the album for an undetermined price.

The band let the word of the release method spread virally. They had to hope it would fly. During it’s first week of availability it has sold over 1.2 million copies. When you’ve got the name Radiohead, your voice is heard, and also respected as the numbers show.

I think this is a valiant effort on Radiohead’s part. They are walking on unsteady ground, but their popularity allows for them to, so why not give it a shot and see how it goes. A lot of people agree with me and also have some other good input:

“But if successful, In Rainbows could lay down a marker for other established artists to follow, and pose serious questions for the music industry establishment. ” -Stuart Dredge
http://techdigest.tv/2007/10/opinion_radiohe.html

“You can pay whatever you like for the download version. Which on the one hand is forward thinking, anti-capitalist, intelligent, bold and wise but on the other hand is a little smug.” http://jonnyopinion.wordpress.com/2007/10/02/in-rainbows-more-information/

The album itself has gotten mixed reviews. Most people agree it's not their best. But I recommend you listen for yourself, it'll only cost you as much as you want and it's for a good cause.

http://entertainment.timesonline.co.uk/tol/arts_and_entertainment/music/article2602597.ece
www.inrainbows.com