In the aftermath of Radionhead's music distribution experiment, and subsequent "defection" to XL for the physical release of "In Rainbows", EMI have been engaged in a bitchy game whereby they keep trying to trump their former charges. Up until now, EMI had possibly been the coolest major label of the year, by actually coming forward and saying "hey guys, DRM is actually unfair on the consumer". Last week, they announced a Radiohead 7 CD boxset due to drop on 3rd December - the exact same day that the discbox of "In Rainbows" is due for release.

According to Pitchfork, EMI had asked Radiohead to relase the physical version of LP7 through them, seeing as both the label and band had been such good mates over the last 15 years or so. The band declined, preferring a deal with XL (who released Thom Yorkes solo effot in 2006). EMI then told them that if they signed with another label, they would release a physical package in competition with In Rainbows on the same day.

It gets funnier. It has been reported today on NME.com that up until last week, if you typed "Radiohead" into Google, the top ranking adword would be a link reading "Radiohead - New Album "In Rainbows" now available as boxset". Those 50 quid lunchtime browsers clicking the ad would not be directed to the In Rainbows boxset - they were actually directed to EMI's own 7 album boxset instead. The ad has since been taken down, with EMI announcing an "investigation" into the offending ad. But as anyone with any kind of Google Adwords experience will tell you, there's no way this is an accident.

Amusing.

MP3 Radiohead - Revolver