While Radiohead certainly could have done better with the actual files don’t let that stop you from supporting this new method of distribution. For casual listening from a computer or ipod (or whatever) 160kbps is just fine unless you are an absolute audio freak (no harm in that) in which case buy the cd from the website. When you buy the cd you get the downloads thrown in as well. When you get your CD, rip to your audiophile’s heart content 😊
I paid about $10 USD for the new album as a gift to the wife and as a way to support this type of thing. I love music, I hate the current state of the industry and anything that promotes positive change is good.
If you’re really, seriously disappointed by 160kbps buy the album for $1.
Cons:
1. Purchase process is horrid.
2. Digital files are good but not great.
3. No official album art included.
Pros:
1. You support the artist directly.
2. You give the finger to DRM
3. You get the new Radiohead album.
4. Pick your own album cover courtesy of John Hicks.
Whatever Radiohead did not get right, they certainly have gotten more right by removing DRM than the vast majority of the corporate music industry has.