I know some of you have anxiously been awaiting my next political entry on the USD Dems blog... but I'm going to have to sort of disappoint you for something only quasi political.  Radiohead has a new album out and they are selling it in a REVOLUTIONAIRY way.  Yes, REVOLUTIONAIRY.  Read on for more details...

In short, Radiohead (of "Creep" and "Karma Police" fame, among many others) has released a new album that you can download for $1 off their website.

WOW.

This is seriously the coolest thing ever. Basically they've realized that people who want to pirate will pirate and screw them over. They also know that albums are way over priced because of all the bureaucracy album production goes through (producers, industrial manufacturing, promotion, shipping, retail profits). Their solution? Offer the album directly from their website at a dirt cheap cost.

Here's how it works. Basically you go to the website and just say you want to "download" their album. Then you can put in whatever cost you want to. They are an English band so its in pounds-- but fret not. 1 pound is is equal to $2. So DOUBLE whatever value you see in pounds and that is what you will be paying w/ your credit card. You can put in whatever value you want-- half a pound, 1 pound, 5 pounds, 10 pounds. Whatever. Then when you check out there will be a 1/2 pound (or $1) charge added to your total. That means that everyone pays at least 1 dollar. For example, I put in 2.5 pounds and my total ended up being 3 pounds. That is roughly equivalent to 6 dollars. Why pay the extra money? Just to show your appreciation. You don't have to if you don't want to though.

I just downloaded the album myself and am very impressed with it. It's very ambient. Give it a try. If you're not sure then just pay the bare minimum. The more Radiohead makes from selling their album this way the more likely other bands are to copy them in the future. This is good for music and for the consumer!