Author: Rob

The numbers prove it can work. Radiohead has permanently changed the way people will get music in the future:

Radiohead, which offered its latest album as free downloads last week, has seen 1.2 million downloads of “In Rainbows.” With no label, no promotions, and direct access to fans, Radiohead gave up its music for free and asked for donations, whatever fans deemed reasonable, in return. What the band got was an average of $8 per album sold, bringing estimates of profit to about $10 million. Not too shabby for one week. The number of albums sold in the past week exceeded the launch week sales of its three previous albums combined.

Full story here.

One of my favorite musicians, Andrew Peterson, has just launched a new site that looks pretty exciting. From his opening entry:

I believe strongly in the value of the artists in this world. I believe that when someone who was made to strive to create beauty in the world is, as Brennan Manning said, “ambushed by Jesus,” the art that results bears a God-given power that draws men to Christ. I have encountered that power in the sub-creations of Christ-followers countless times. (I’ve also encountered it in the works of those who haven’t yet succumbed to the source of their gifting.) Those works of art have helped me to better understand the Bible and its author, they have given me the tools with which to worship, to serve, to revel in the greatness of the Maker.

It looks like it will become a great place to discuss books, music, and art of all kinds. Join in on the C.S. Lewis-inspired fun at The Rabbit Room.

I picked up John Doe’s record, A Year in the Wilderness, on a whim last month. After a few listens, I’ve resolved to be more whimsical. Doe, former member of 70s LA punk outfit X, belts out some pretty gritty songs, perfectly penned. I really like Golden State, available for listening below. Share your take in the comments.