It’s hard not to get caught up in the fever for In Rainbows, Radiohead’s new album. First, it’s a new Radiohead album...“OMG“. I’m listening to it now and it’s great – blog post inspiring. Personally, I’m finding this album to be as accessible as OK Computer which I didn’t expect since Greenwood described it as “going back to Kid A“. This record will certainly burn in some heavy stats on Last.fm.
But more importantly, I think this album will be seen as the game changer for the music industry. A record label is no longer a necessary piece in the supply chain between artists and listeners. Nine Inch Nails, Oasis and Jamiroquai are the next established bands to follow suit with the “tip jar”, digitial download business model. But everyone will remember In Rainbows as the tipping point.
Considering the artists themselves only make $1 or 2 off of each physical album sale, I’d say my £3 tip for In Rainbows was a win-win for me and Radiohead.
I was just listening to Radiohead - All I Need