Radiohead Denies Report That Fans Aren't Paying

Oasis, Jamiroquai are among those mulling freebie releases

(NEWSER) - Oasis, Jamiroquai and other bands not tied to record labels may soon follow in Radiohead's footsteps by offering their music for free download, reports the Daily Telegraph. While fans may pay whatever they choose for Radiohead's new album, released today, a spokesperson says the majority of visitors preordering on the band's web site are bypassing the freebie in favor of the £40 box set. More»

(NEWSER) - Radiohead has recorded its last album, frontman Thom Yorke told the Believer in a recent interview. Instead, the band will focus on download-only singles and EPs. “None of us want to go into that creative hoo-ha of a long-play record again,” he said. Though the band believes there’s “still something great about the album,” making one has “just become a real drag.” More»

French first lady puts her new music online for free

(NEWSER) - If Coldplay and Radiohead can do it, then so can the first lady of France, reports the Wall Street Journal. Carla Bruni is inviting her fans to listen to up to 2 hours of her new album for free on her website. The album, which has sparked extreme interest among her husband's constituents, ranges from bluegrass to Bob Dylan-inspired. More»

With her 18th No. 1, she moves into 2nd place behind Beatles

(NEWSER) - Mariah Carey unseated Elvis for the No. 2 spot in chart-topping songs this week. Her single "Touch My Body" became her 18th No. 1 and pushed Elvis into third place, the Los Angeles Times reports. The Beatles' all-time record of 20 remains, but Carey could eclipse the Fab Four by the end of summer. More»

Band leaves cost of downloading new album up to fans

(NEWSER) - “No, really, it’s up to you,” Radiohead’s website tells consumers pricing out a digital copy of the band’s next album, set to debut Oct. 10. The band is testing the theory that consumers will pay a fair price for the 10-song set if given the choice, bucking Apple’s industry-setting rates. Disdain for singles has long kept Radiohead off iTunes. More»