"(1) Radiohead's web site implies that there are tracks available in the box that aren't available for download. Does anyone know if this is so? If it is, will these tracks be on the CD, when it becomes available in stores?"

A: The bonus CD is included only in the box and does not come with the download. It is unknown if these tracks will be available in stores.

"(2) What format will the downloaded tracks be in -- MP3, ogg/vorbis, FLAC, whatever? Will there be restrictions like Apple's iTunes?"

A: The exact format is unknown. It is probably safe to assume there will be no restrictions. My guess would be mp3 files [most popular format] and a bitrate of at least 256kbps. But that is my own speculation. It is possible they could offer a choice of format and bitrate. Personally, I would love FLAC, but I'm not holding my breath.

I just paid £10, although, not sure if my order has gone through, as I had a bunch of MYSQL errors on the order-confirmation screen? And still no email to confirm (1hour+). I think their site is struggling to cope.

Nick.

In response to the comments about the amount of iTunes payouts, I wanted to mention that I'm an indie artist whose stuff is available on iTunes via CD Baby. I get paid $.637 per download from iTunes. So maybe major label artists are getting screwed, but indies like me aren't.

I tried to buy the discbox, and the store repeatedly emptied my basket halfway through, and occasionally just timed out (after I entered my credit card info!). At this point, I'm going t owait out the traffic the site is getting hit by.

FWIW, I'm already familiar with most of the songs. Bootlegs of their concerts w/ new songs played can be found without a terrible amount of effort (I recommend Greek Theater 6-23/24-2006).

In an excellent article on the future of the music business ((http://www.reportonbusiness.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20070925.wsb-septrosb/BNStory/specialSmallBusiness/home/?pageRequested=2)) Bruce Allen, manager of Bryan Adams, Michael Buble, and Nellie Furtado:

"A lot of artists are making more money in a week onstage than they'll ever see in a royalty statement," says Allen, who adds that acts take home about 90% of net ticket sales."

"People are getting a hold of as much music as they ever have," he says. "The problem is, they're not paying for it. Downloads have replaced the CD in volume, but not in income."

The article continues:

"To stay competitive, the major labels have begun dipping their fingers into everyone else's pies—publishing, merchandise, ring tones. Live shows, which have always been a source of income for musicians through ticket sales and merchandise, have become the final frontier where an artist can make a buck. Care to buy a Bublé teddy bear or signed lithograph? Allen's got 'em. "Even a girl like Nelly Furtado," says Allen, "who's sold as many records as she has—until she's got a live base that can really sell tickets, that's when she'll start making money."

A band like Radiohead rakes it in through their shows. Loss of record sales probably has minimal impact on their bottom line. Really, I've seen more concerts for bands where I don't own their latest CD (or any of their CDs). Bands build following through radio play -- and probably now through file sharing.

Will we see a move to completely free music directly from the bands' own websites if they are content to make their moolah off of touring?

The websites of established bands can also become a surrogate / replacement for record labels -- band memebers and their fans can post "You might also like" tunes of new and upcoming bands, with a link to their own site and concert schedule . . . Get enough bands doing this and you'll also see the rebirth of internet radio . . .

As a big Radiohead fan I have been eagerly awaiting their new album. I was pretty shocked to get a call from a friend today saying I could buy it for whatever I want. I decided that paying the iTunes equivalent ($9.99) was fair to purchase this album. Of course, 5 pounds comes out to about $11.43, but I'm more than willing to stand with the band in shunning the music industry. I think this is a fantastic idea and they are the perfect band to pull this off.

I paid around 5 bucks. I'm sure I will be able to find the second disc of tracks long before December through some, ahem, channels. But I'll probably end up going back to the site and ordering the whole shebang, 'cause I loves me some Radiohead. And vinyl records. If only the dollar would improve a bit. $50 or $60 and I'd have ordered it already.

How can someone say that?

I am fascinated with this whole concept of allowing people to set their own prices for an artist's works. As some have pointed out, radiohead DID play the game to their advantage for some time. I'm not a radiohead fan - i cannot relate to, nor really trust, a singer who sings with his eyes closed - sorry thom we can't see the movie you are watching. but good for them if they are scaring the shit out of the industry.

As a artist who has spent many years - many - mastering the components of songcraft, singing, and production (as opposed to marketing and self-promotion): writing, the playing of instruments, including programming and sound design, the use of all sorts of arcane electronic gear and effects, as well as the ins and outs of arranging and orchestration, spent many thousands more on gear and software - hiring a studio to get the best vocal recordings, live drums, and backing vocals (from other artists I've had to pay) ... then hundreds of hours actually arranging the songs, finally delivering a vocal cd to the mixing engineer ... another cost of $3500-5000 to get an end product that will actually sound comparable to a radiohead/u2/coldplay cd ... that's before mastering and then the actual production of physical cds, and printing. And then I will have advertising, promotion, and payola - yes even for college stations - costs after that.

sorry for the run-on sentence ... even now i know i left some stuff out ... :)

I hope that when I put these songs up online for purchase in the next couple months ... whether it be itunes or pay-what-you-want on my own site ... I get at least a buck a song. As much of it for me as possible.

If you want to pay $4.50 to radiohead because it's more than they would have made from a label, i think that is simply justification for stinginess.

If you love the music, pay MORE!