Looks like the Radiohead boys were itchy to get their new music out to the wild as they flipped the switch to download their new album, “The King of Limbs,” a day early. Before you get visions of “In Rainbows” and expect to download this album for free, know that the price of admission is $9 for an MP3 and $14 for the WAV files. You can still pre-order the “Newspaper album” (essentially a collector’s edition) version of The King Of Limbs that includes a download for a cool $48. It’s a little curious as to why they’re not selling a standard CD version or something tangible in between the $9 download and the $48 extravaganza. Consequence of Sound reports that there will be a standard CD/Vinyl release on March 28th, so why not get in on that pricing tier on their own band site?
I’ve given the 8 track album about two listens so far and I’m not exactly blown away. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not bad, it’s just decidedly…Radiohead. Bear in mind that I’m the type of fan that likes to hear bands succeed at trying out new musical styles. That being said, I can’t really see myself springing for the Newspaper Album, despite wanting to own something collectible.
Give yourself a little sample with this video of “Lotus Flower”: