Co-render.com

Prince distributed free copies of his new album via newspaper, generating publicity for his release, and upcoming tour.   Now, Radiohead is also cashing in on word of mouth momentum, through an internet only distribution of their new album, In Rainbows.

Instead of Thom Yorke’s mournful ululations, the real hook of this gimmick is the “pay what you want” price, a strategy that happens to reflect the digital habits and expectations of Radiohead’s fan base.  Perhaps Radiohead is finally making good on their 2003 album, Hail to the Thief, and realistically dealing with the fact that people simply don’t acquire physical music collections anymore.
Even less well known bands without guilt inducing track titles such as ”Karma Police” are able to pull off this model, however.  As quoted in the Telegraph, Alan McGee (of Oasis fame) firmly believes that;

It is definitely the beginning of the end of the old model. Trying to fight against these initiatives is like trying to close the stable door once the horse has bolted. With the losses in CD sales, the band will get paid more by more people coming to the gigs and buying merchandise. I believe it’s the future business model.

With revenue tied to concerts and live appearances instead of shiny discs, the music industry will be less susceptible to piracy and the illegal distribution of content (although people familiar with the Grateful Dead might dispute that).

Update: Jamiroquai and Oasis have also reportedly jumped onto the free music “bandwagon.”