Radiohead creates revolution with release of 'In Rainbows'

By Amanda Mears

February 27, 2008 | Ever since the highly publicized attacks on music downloading program Napster in 2002 and lawsuits which eventually caused the site to shut down, it seems musicians and record companies alike have begun a relentless campaign to target music aficionados who illegally obtain their tunes.

Instead of fighting it, however, the band Radiohead is actually encouraging it. In October 2007 the band shocked fans by announcing that they would release their latest CD, In Rainbows, in a digital format and allow consumers to pay as much, or as little, as they wanted.

This meant poor college students could have instant access to the CD without being strapped for cash and illegal downloaders could obtain the same music without the pesky, nagging guilt.

In his blog, Nathaniel Gravely discusses the change that Radiohead is single-handedly sparking with their revolutionary release method.

"If any band can change the way music is sold, I'd say Radiohead's rejection of the commercialism standard in the music industry will be enough influence to do it," Gravely wrote. "What's a band to do when they're itching for reformation outside of simply recording music? Look no further than their format for releasing In Rainbows."

However, critics of the band feel the release method is merely media propaganda and overshadows the primary purpose of releasing a CD

On a message board for music magazine The Big Takeover, journalist Steven Wilson writes, "It's unfortunate that all the media interest regarding the method in which Radiohead have chosen to make their new album available threatens to overshadow the music itself, especially as In Rainbows may be the band's most perfectly realized album to date."

Although it is true that the method of release has somewhat overshadowed the material on Radiohead's newest album, most Radiohead fans feel it is with good reason.

It was a revolutionary move for such a successful band and the fact that they received a lot of media coverage for what they did is in important history marker in the world of music. It's apparent in comments to the band on their Myspace that Radiohead fans are well aware of the band's spectacular release, so presenting glowing reviews for In Rainbows seems to be less important than highlighting what the band is doing right now by digitally releasing an album.

In time, there will be a vast amount of reviews to analyze, but for now the real story lies in the method of release and that could be just the Radiohead intended it.

Another concern, that the band would lose profit, was also put to rest shortly after the album was released in a "hard copy."

"Proving that their latest downloading gimmick wouldn't hurt their sales too much," said Gravely, "or perhaps reaffirming that they're that good, Radiohead scored their fifth number one album in the UK."

Whether it's a gimmick or gift from the music gods, Radiohead's alternative thinking could change the way local artists bring music to its listeners. Rather than fighting against downloading, Kyle Bishop said it might be smart for artists to go with the flow.

"It sucks when you make a CD and put all your time and money into it and you know one person will buy it and just share with their friends," said Bishop, who is a member of the band The Firefly Project. "At least by offering it online you have some chance of making a profit."

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