Just over two months before its release, Radiohead’s sixth studio album, Hail to the Thief, has found its way on to the internet. We’re not sure how it was leaked or if it’s even the mastered copy. Please don’t ask us where you can download it. Head on over to the official Radiohead messageboard and you’ll find how to get a hold of them.
How will this affect the release date? We’re not sure. EMI may decide to release the album earlier than planned. We’ll see…
w.a.s.t.e. has a new poster in their shop for you to purchase. This poster has been donated by the artist Peter Kennard to Stop The War Coalition. Profits will go to help Stop The War Coalition and the Iraqi victims of the war.
To purchase this poster, go to the w.a.s.t.e. shop and click on the “Stop the War” category.
This site (go to slide three) has a listing of upcoming tour dates in the brand new USANA Amphitheatre in Salt Lake City, UT. Notice that Radiohead is listed for August 28th. This will remain a rumor until an official announcement is made by the band.
In other rumor USA tour date news…
We are still getting word about a festival held June 7th and 8th in New York. We reported about this rumor back in February and have heard that there may be an announcement made next week to confirm Radiohead’s participation. It has been learned that Bjork has already agreed to play this festival, among others. Stay tuned…
The Capitol Records Radiohead site has been updated with a new look. Is this a hint to what the album artwork will look like?
(thanks to Ben)
Nigel Godrich is reportedly in a New York studio working with the Strokes on their new album. They’ve enlisted him to work on two songs and if they like what he’s done, they’ll use him for the full album.
(thanks to Kevin)
XFM’s Head of Music Andy Ashton has heard Hail to the Thief and give his opinion on the XFM site. Here’s what he said:
In other news, I heard the Radiohead album. Oh yes! And its not called “2+2=5”, as reported. It is, however, a very, very, very big record. I only heard it once and some tracks I only heard in part. Obviously from that it would be wrong to give a full review or even a vague one. However…
Oh it’s so good. I really liked what I heard. The first single is called “There There” and comes in two versions – the really good full length one and the one Zane will be in his new job (ha ha, sorry Zane couldn’t resist) It’s amazing! As we zipped through the album the only thing I could really gleam as an overview is that all previous Radiohead albums or phases seem to be really well represented. From the recurring and developing melodies of “OK Computer”, to the spiky rock of “The Bends”, and of course the inspired electronic lunacy of the previous two albums. I think Nigel Harding, my music producer hit the nailon the head when saying, “It’s like everything they’ve ever done, and yet nothing they’ve ever done before”. That?\’s the best I / we can offer until we get a further listen. It’s great though, you’re gonna love it. Oh yeah Thom Yorke’s voice is really clean and dry with hardly any weird vocal effects and his voice sounds so strong. I can’t wait to start playing the single (the full-length version).