Radiohead is a band loved by many thanks in part to their unorthodox approach to music making and music "selling." The band's 2007 release In Rainbows is a textbook example of their style, initially released as a digital download under a "pay what you want" agreement with consumers.
The band fulfilled their obligations to EMI subsidiary Parlophone with 2003's Hail to the Thief and subsequently left it to sign with independent label XL Recordings, on which they released In Rainbows. In a curiously revengeful move, EMI announced they'd be re-releasing the band's entire back catalogue, which would go one sale the exact same week as In Rainbows, which was eventually released in several physical formats as well, was slated to ship.
Radiohead, a band widely known for being particular about the means by which their music reaches their fans, was not involved with the label's decision. Luckily, the band has since found a more suitable home in XL.
1. Fiona Apple vs. Epic
Though Fiona Apple's third LP, Extraordinary Machine, was ready for release in 2003, it wasn't officially dropped by Epic until Fall 2005. Apple tapped into the creatively warped music mind of producer Jon Brion for the album's first recording.
Apple and Brion submitted it to Epic, only to receive a thumbs-down, the label citing its lack of commercial appeal. But Apple was given the chance to re-craft Machine, which she did by employing Dr. Dre collaborator Mike Elizondo.
Machine was virtually shelved for all of 2004. It's rumored that Epic only gave Apple enough money to re-record one track at a time, and the doe-eyed singer's loyal fans were stirring an already bubbling pot. One such fan, Dave Muscato, launched the site FreeFiona.com, a campaign to petition Epic and owner Sony Music Entertainment for the long-awaited release of Machine.
Fans sent boxes of foam apples to express their impatient displeasure in the label's withholding the album. Eventually, Machine was given the green light and released in October 2005. Many argue it's her strongest record to date, but in true Fiona Apple fashion, we have yet to hear a follow-up.
