The Last Drop

While the world was going Gaga over Arcade Fire, Radiohead was scheming. Scheming on the best way to dwarf the already unimportant but funner than usual Grammys. Surprise! They succeeded. This Saturday, we get another crack at alternative distribution models and multiple mediums for Radiohead’s latest full album release, The King of Limbs.

The deluxe version promises a “newspaper release” including vinyl, CD, download, visual art, puppies, double rainbows, and a chance to play with them live at the next Superbowl*.  All for the low, low price of 50 clams. Quite the opposite of that pay what you want model, right? Have no fear, there is the digital only release. Much more economical, but lacks all the wow factor to be sure.

Stop on by to put in your  pre-order. Super size at your discretion.

*slightly exaggerated. But not without sincere hope.

So, I have fallen prey to illness and a birthday celebration. Two poor but understandable reasons not to blog. So this post will be short as a catch up post should be.

Want to hear really good artists remixing another really good artist? For free? Download the Radiohead OK Computer remix at your leisure. Yeah, it’s that good. Too bad I just found it.

Stereogum gives you the goods on robots

Radiohead wants YOU to make their latest video. Pick a song. Any song. From In Rainbows. And go at it. Co-sponsored with AniBoom, Radiohead will award one winner $10,000 (only £5,000 to direct their latest video from my notable mention for Top Drop of 2007. If I had an abundance of time, a dollar, and a dream, I would be all for it.

Enter the In Rainbows Music Video Contest

Radiohead, In Rainbows – This will be the shortest post on the new Radiohead album. I think it was best described by my friend Jeff as “beautiful…in a much less paranoid way” than their other work. As someone that loves music primarily for, well, the music I couldn’t think of a better description for the instrumentation of the album. After a few focused listens for lyrics, beautiful was still the best descriptor for the album. The previous albums post OK Computer provided a great sonic landscape with surrealist lyrics that you could take in or out of context. I never paid attention to to the “meaning” of Kid A, but I don’t think it mattered. It’s really delightful to actually pay attention and be rewarded for it. The sense of optimism is even a little thrilling. Thom Yorke falling in love is a bit unnerving, but a surprising reprieve from the usual ambient doom and gloom.

The flow of the album was similar to Hail to the Thief – start with a bang, introspective middle, reasonably epic ending. The added touch of cautious optimism gave this album a much needed uplift from the previous record that truly separates the good from the great. Simply put, it is beautiful.