Bloggers Told To Remove Radiohead Material

'In Rainbows' tracks removed

A number of blogs have been targeted by the RIAA and the IFPA after placing Radiohead material on their sites.

Radiohead have a curious relationship with the internet. The band’s 2007 album ‘In Rainbows’ was released as a ground breaking download, with the band deciding fans were able to ‘pay what you like’.

The release broke new ground, with Radiohead receiving praise for existing outside the label structure. However in a high profile spat last year Lily Allen attacked the band, claiming that the scheme only worked due to their fame – established by major label EMI.

Radiohead guitarist Ed O’Brien is the head of the FAC, and has previously adopted a pro-file sharing stance. Lily Allen’s outburst brought the issue to a head, poking holes in the band’s argument.

Now bloggers have been targeted by copyright organisations after placing Radiohead material on the internet. The tracks stem from ‘In Rainbows’ with the RIAA and IFPI issuing a takedown plea to Google.

The request means that Google would stop listing the sites, effectively blocking them off the internet due to the power of the search engine.

ChillingEffects have managed to get hold of the letter RIAA sent to Google, which demands the takedown of the blogs. The organisation claims that the tracks “have not been authorised” for free download by their “member companies”.

Radiohead have yet to comment on the matter.

Meanwhile, singer Thom Yorke is preparing to perform at this year’s Big Chill. The singer is set to play solo, with recent sets leaning heavily on both Radiohead material and his own album ‘The Eraser’.

Drummer Philip Selway, meanwhile, is preparing to release his debut solo album. Recorded earlier this year, ‘Familial’ is a confident introduction to his rarely heard songwriting.

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