Lost "In Rainbows." A Radiohead review.

For those who didn't know, Radiohead tried something truly unusual with their latest offering "In Rainbows." Rather than release their newest ten tracks in 15-dolla CD format, the oddball gang offered the whole package for download for whatever price the buyer felt like paying. It could have been $0, it could have been $50, it could have been $Texas, it was up to every individual to decide. Crazy, right?

I'd like to know how much they made off this deal, but the figures haven't been revealed yet. Instead, what I can tell you is how awesome In Rainbows truly is. I paid roughly 12 U.S. dollars and it was well worth every penny. It's been a while since Radiohead had anything new to offer and, unlike the Smashing Pumpkins' recent letdown, this blast from the past had plenty of substance to offer in 2007.

In Rainbows is amazingly sweet (I'm talking emotionally here, not slang) and instantly haunting. As always, the lyrics are intriguing and the instrumental work is imaginative. There's nothing too "new" here as far as the Radiohead sound goes, but what is available are some of the most thoughtful tracks the group has ever put into a single project.

If you missed out on the download deal, you can always pick up the ridiculous collector's edition for 80 bucks. It features two records, a CD and a bunch of other goodies for just under a C-note. Otherwise, according to Reuters, the CD is set for a physical release come early 2008. Assuming it will cost the same as a standard album, trust me, it'll be money well spent.