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September 5, 2008 6:18:54 PM CDT

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Radiohead Album Offered Free Online Tops Charts

Posted Jan 10, 08 8:00 AM CST in Business,  Technology,  Arts & Living 

(Newser) – Rock band Radiohead's new album "In Rainbows" debuted in the No. 1 spot in record sales on Billboard charts this week despite being available for free on the band's website for months. The down side: only 122,000 copies were sold—good but not great—and the release topped the charts in part because there have been few other new offerings in this traditionally slow post-holiday stretch.

The strong debut would seem to contradict major labels' contention that digital downloads hurt sales. Radiohead signed with an independent label after its contract with Capitol/EMI was up, allowing the band to offer its music in any format. The group decided to let fans download "In Rainbows" and pay any price they felt it was worth—including nothing.

Source Chicago Tribune

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Radiohead's "In Rainbows" download site.   ((c) patrickwoodward)
Thom Yorke, right, and Ed O'Brien of Radiohead perform at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn in this June 17, 2006 file photo. The band's new album, "In Rainbows," topped the Billboard...   (Associated Press)
Thom Yorke, lead singer of the British band Radiohead, performs on stage at the 15th Rock Oz'Arenes music festival, in Avenches, Switzerland, in this Aug. 15, 2006, file photo. The band's new album,...   (Associated Press)
Radiohead's new album "In Rainbows."   ((c) Mat Honan)
Radiohead's new album "In Rainbows."   ((c) Mat Honan)
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music  • music downloads  • music label  • Radiohead  • digital downloads  • Billboard charts  • Capitol Records


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