Obviously what radiohead have done is significant and laudable, but they're a big, rich successful band. They can do what they like. What's more encouraging about the internet and music are the ways that the smaller bands and less well known musicians can find new ways to have careers and offer their music. One lovely example is this site from Erik Friedlander, promoting his Block Ice and Propane album. Except promoting's the wrong word, it's more a site that 'fills out' the album with pictures, stories, remixes and atmosphere. And it too, offers you various ways to buy.
I came across it on this Studio 360 show loosely themed about road-trips and it does seem to nicely evoke the spirit of the drive, both the solitary night-drive and the country jaunt. He gets great noises out of his cello and the atmosphere is somewhat similar to what The Portico Quartet do (and they've got a new album out soon too.) It's worth having a listen.
Rob Giampietro has some good thoughts about existing in market and gift economies at the same time:
http://linedandunlined.com/2007/01/24/form-giving/
Found this shortly after hearing about the Radiohead album.
Posted by: Zach Rose | October 07, 2007 at 01:08 AM