English, baby!

Radiohead

Date: Nov 12 2007

Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

It’s like a dream come true. One of the biggest bands in the world makes an album and says you can have it, just pay them however much you’d like. It’s such a far cry from the rest of music industry which is panicked over decreasing CD sales and determined to crack down on file sharing.

But in a changing world, why not try something new if you’re able to? Since forming in 1986, Radiohead has been at the forefront of music, mixing rock and electronic sounds into a style that appeals to a lot of people of different ages. But now, with the release of In Rainbow, they’re leading a coup in the music industry as well. Listen to Jason and Devan talk about it.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Jason

Devan

Jason: So I heard they made the last CD today. The last one. They pressed it. They’re not gonna make anymore.

Devan: More CDs? In general? Period?

Jason: Nope. No more. They’re done.

Devan: No way. You’re kidding.

Jason: Well yeah. But it might as well be the case.

Devan: Why’s that?

Jason: Because CDs are over, man. You know what Radiohead did?

Devan: I heard about that. The new album…

Jason: Yeah, they released their album online for free…

Devan: Well, actually…

Jason: You can pay as much as you want.

Devan: Yeah, you can pay as much as you want for it. I heard that people are paying an average of $10 for it. But it goes straight to Radiohead because they don’t…it’s not on their label.

Jason: Wow, they’re probably making so much more money…

Devan: Seriously. They’re getting all the money for it! It’s crazy.

Jason: Wow. People are paying an average of $10. Why do you think that is?

Devan: Because people are insane about Radiohead. They love them.

Jason: You think it’s just out of loyalty?

Devan: I think it’s out of loyalty to the band and probably because they think it’s really cool what they’re doing. They’re letting you pay however much you want for it. I think people think that’s how much they deserve to get.

Jason: I think it’s cool. I heard Trent Reznor is going to do it, and maybe some other people.

Devan: Really? So do you think this is like the new way of how music is going to be done?

Jason: Maybe. I don’t know. But I definitely think it’s exciting. It’s cool to have something new happening, at least.

Devan: Have you heard the new Radiohead album?

Jason: Yeah, it’s actually really good.

Devan: Yeah I heard it too. I like it a lot. It’s real good. But I didn’t pay any money for it.

Jason: I don’t own it, I just heard it. And I liked it. Yeah.

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Discussion

Jason jokes with Devan that no more CDs are going to be made. It’s not true, but Devan seems to believe him for a moment. It doesn’t seem too far-fetched considering that record companies are selling fewer and fewer CDs all the time. And considering that Radiohead just offered their new album online for whatever price you want to pay.

Interestingly enough, Radiohead has actually made more money letting their fans choose how much to pay than they would have from a normal CD release because all the money goes straight to them. There is no middle man. Plus, the average amount people have chosen to pay is $10.

Devan thinks that people are paying that much simply because they love the band so much. They also appreciate the risk Radiohead is taking by releasing their album this way and want to support that.

Jason mentions that he’s heard that other artists are planning to release their recordings the same way. He’s not sure if it will catch on, but he likes that bands are trying something new.

How much would you pay your favorite band for their album if they let you choose the price? How do you think music is going to be distributed in the future?

Comments

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GavinZheng

China

Ｉlike their ” creep” the best.

samento

Thailand

so fast. can't follow it easily.—>Jennie Hu

I agree with you. Some sentences are too fast to be caught. I have to listen for five times plus read the text to understand all.

Well, If my favorite bands or artists let me choose the price of their products, I will spend at least 10 Bth/song. (0.3 $US). And if the products still have high prices, I think that online Website is the best choice to get songs your really want and pay however much as you want.

julywidiawati

Indonesia

i think it’s a new solution but some singers in my country already use that way, but pay as much as you want?? i don’t think so, so…go radiohead!!

kristyhu

China

The Radiohead band ,I have not heard of them,needless to say their music.where are they come from?

Although I do not know them,after i read the above dialogue,I think they are very great and brave.I like them,and hoping you also like them.

smart2022

Saudi Arabia

actully, i don't look for music so mcuh … i download thm for free … or take them from friends

if it's important to pay … i will pay whatever they want for my favorit music

lily zeng

China

Next friday ,there is a concert of zhangxueyou in our school,but the it charges so high ,so I will not buy the ticket to see it .

kaushalyats

Sri Lanka

this looks far-fetched story because it's hard to believe that popular band has released their album online for free.This is a very innovative way and definitely a solution for piracy and illeagal downloads.they will get atleast they get revenue from their loyal music lovers and will make coup in the music industry.But this is more appropriate for popular bands rather than upcoming bands i believe. since because upcoming bands have only few loyal listners.

kaushalyats

Sri Lanka

this looks far-fetched story because it’s hard to believe that popular band has released their album online for free.This is a very innovative way and definitely a solution for piracy and illeagal downloads.they will get atleast they get revenue from their loyal music lovers and will make coup in the music industry.But this is more appropriate for popular bands rather than upcoming bands i believe. since because upcoming bands have only few loyal listners.

tangqian

Hong Kong

这里没有翻译的吗….我只有一点基础的知识,,,有点看不懂啊

badu

North Korea

i am insane about them..i bought all of thier cds.

especially,"ok computer" i also bought Thom yorke's cd. even if i don' like electronic music.

i think his voice has masical power.and cds don't disappear yet..i 'd like to have cds..foever!!

coco wang

China

i just know the 'creep',wonderful music,i like it.

naws

China

My god!It's my favorite British band!Don't you know them?Don't you know the songs like 'creep','fake plastic tree','high and dry' 'let down','black star'.........?

babyfaceding

China

Radiohead is so cool~~ it's probably a new way for music industry. Nowadays, people can download mp3 or mp4 everywhere on the internet, I think the ones who really love music would appreciate to pay for it.

jenni hu

China

so fast. can't follow it easily.

thisisbenmo

China

I am insane about classical music. Are they free? haw-haw.

thisisbenmo

China

Wow, it's cool. People are able to choose how much money they will pay for their favorite bands. But a lot of albums offered on the Internet are free. We can download our favorite songs on www.baidu.com It's wonderful!

beliefman

South Korea

Radiohead? Who are they? Are they famous?

xuefenbunny

China

radiohead?i`ve never listened to their album.but i'll have a try.

it is navel way to propagande their album.the music is free,but it is also priceless,the one who appreciate it will pay as much as possible to get it ,while ,the one who don't like it will never see it even a singt.