1/03/2008

in (an abundance of) rainbows -or- how nerdy I can be

Well, how many copies of Radiohead's new album In Rainbows does a fan need to own? Most people will answer 1, but I am crazy. I now own 3 copies, all of which were officially purchased. Why? Let me tell you:

1. Original download: the original release of the album was a pay-what-you-wanna download, for which I paid around $8 because I love the band... of course this release was 160 kbps, requiring that I get the CD for high quality audio tracks later on. I still have these MP3s for nostalgic reasons.

2. Discbox: The coveted, ridiculously priced discbox containing, the CD; a bonus CD of b-sides, photos and art; two vinyl records;  and two massive booklets, all in a thick record book enclosed in a hard slipcase. Almost 7 pounds of awesome. I guess this is the holy grail for me as a Radiohead fan, sure they've done special editions in the past, but this one takes the cake. So excessive that only Radiohead could pull it off. This came to me via my amazing and loving fiancee Rachel, who, for better or worse, actually supports me in my crazy record collecting hobby. Love ya hon!

3. Regular CD edition: Why on earth would I buy the regular CD edition after receiving the discbox for Christmas? For a few reasons, actually. First, it is on a small label, and I like supporting indie labels (crazy to call Radiohead an "indie" band, but technically they are now). Second, the packaging is awesome. It comes in a box with the booklet, and stickers so you can create do-it-yourself art on a jewel case. Very cool indeed. I'm a sucker for well designed CD art, and frankly, quality graphic design is one of the main reasons I still collect CDs as opposed to getting all digital music. (That and the superior sound quality). And finally, it was only $7.99 at Future Shop, and my mom just gave me some Birthday money, so yeah, how can I pass it up being that cheap.

This concludes my rant about obsessively buying Radiohead merchandise. They're my favorite band, I'm a collector, and they package everything so well... this only translates into me doing ridiculous things, like buying their new album 3 times. I wonder how many other obsessive fans have done the same thing? Any takers? Leave a comment!

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3 Comments:

Blogger Jerry said...

I've actually just finished my first full listen-through of the record, and I must say it is excellent.

You'll hate me for saying this, but they remind me of the Appleseed Cast, Copeland, and Cool Hand Luke.

And I might like those bands better.

Sorries! :P

It's still their best disc since OK Computer in my books. :)

11:12 PM  
Blogger shine.is.dead said...

I don't hate you, but the reason Radiohead reminds you of those bands is that all those bands were heavily influenced by Radiohead.

Liking those bands more is criminal though (however there are individual songs by AC and CHL that I enjoy more than some Radiohead songs)

I think Kid A is their best disc since OK Computer but I'm also an electronica lover, and I like Kid A more than OK Computer anyway, so that fits. In Rainbows is definitely better than Amnesiac and Hail to the Thief though... and I also like it more than The Bends.

11:45 PM  
Blogger Jerry said...

Someday I will actually listen to Kid A and Amnesiac. HTTF put me to sleep, while I was driving. That is bad.

10:03 PM  

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