The word slinging against Radiohead from EMI began late last week when an article for London-based The Times newspaper cited an EMI spokesman's claim that the band had demanded £10 million (roughly $20 million) upfront. Apparently, the £3 million offered by EMI and new chief Guy Hands was insufficient beside the fact that the label would not give up control over the band's previous six albums, a major point of contention for the band. According to the band's manager in the article, the band left the table when that point became unavailable. Radiohead front man Thom Yorke has since hit back at these claims in the band's official blog, dispelling the notion that Radiohead wanted a load of cash, while questioning EMI's decision to air its "dirty laundry" and backing the comments made by the band's spokesman.
In the meantime, In Rainbows was finally released the "traditional" way yesterday by independent label TBD Records. Emulating the original gimmick of "pay-what-you-want", the CD release features a cardboard case with stickers so listeners can "make their own case." It is no real surprise that a label and an artist would disagree on the matter of releasing an album, but cash aside, this issue does not really comment on how the method of release would have been altered if the band had chosen EMI. Perhaps it is too much to speculate that the "pay-what-you-want" method was in direct retaliation for the major label not acquiescing to the band's wishes. At the same time, other artists leaving EMI have mentioned that the label demands too much prep time to release an album. Obviously, Radiohead was looking for the quick release to fans, and even if they did gain financially from the move, fans still benefited from the method and the fact that the music was out there quickly.
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