Radiohead: In Rainbows

We take a listen to the much talked about new Radiohead album

What's the story?

Radiohead's new album, In Rainbows, is available as an mp3 download from today for whatever price you choose to pay, it's up to you. No really, it's up to you. Head to the band's website to buy the 10-track download today, or pre-order a ‘discbox' containing the CD, double vinyl album, artwork, lyric book and a second CD with eight extra tracks for £40, to be released on 3 December. The download will cost you whatever you want to pay. Seriously, nothing or £100 - you decide to pay however much you're happy with. What's more, the tracks are not copy protected so you can burn them to CD or play them on any music playing device you choose. Even before release, this ‘honesty box' approach has won them huge respect from fans and the wider record buying public who aren't used to being treated with such trust and respect. We imagine there will be a lot of headaches and furrowed brows in record company offices at this new approach to music distribution.

But what about the music?

Plenty of people sound a bit like Radiohead but Radiohead never sound like anyone else. They've always been one of the most ambitious bands and In Rainbows shows their continued journey. It's a huge mash of pianos and synths, drums and melody, guitars, pops, squelches and noise. Opener 15 Step is a jagged, beat-heavy affair, Faust Arp is all luscious acoustic guitars and strings while Jigsaw Falling Into Place is a more traditional guitar, bass and drums workout, but the common thread that runs throughout is Thom Yorke's haunting vocal.

So is it worth me paying however much I want for it?

It'll certainly be the most customer-focused purchase you make for a while. And for that reason, that's how this album will always be remembered, regardless of what the music sounds like. Make no mistake, In Rainbows is a challenging first listen but it's one you know you'll come back to. And anyway, don't the best albums always take a bit of work?