STOP THE WORLD'S AXIS! NEW RADIOHEAD ALBUM IMMINENT!

Just when I'd finished rattling off about Valentine's Day and some love for music metaphor, then along comes the greatest news of all, that of a new Radiohead album. Yep, it's official, make your way to The King of Limbs website for full details, but essentially we'll have brand new music from the Oxford quintet this Sat 19th Feb.

I don't want to downplay the significance of this event, but we all sort of knew that this was coming, so it doesn't have the same kind of shock and awe that the the release of In Rainbows did. That, and the pay-what-you-want model has been ditched, not a big problem for those who plan to buy the super deluxe set (details below) but it's interesting that after being lauded for popularising such a revolutionary model the band would opt for a fixed price scheme for this release.

Anyway, what does it matter - say it out aloud, nay, shout it across the rooftops "New music from Radiohead!"

So here's the facts:

The album is available to pre-order in both a digital version (as mp3 or wav) and "the world's first Newspaper Album". A lavish set containing the following:

• Two clear 10" vinyl records in a purpose-built record sleeve.
• A compact disc.
• Many large sheets of artwork, 625 tiny pieces of artwork and a full-colour piece of oxo-degradeable plastic to hold it all together.
• The Newspaper Album comes with a digital download that is compatible with all good digital media players.
• The Newspaper Album will be shipped on Monday 9th May 2011 you can, however, enjoy the download on Saturday 19th February 2011.
• Shipping is included in the prices shown.
• One lucky owner of the digital version of The King Of Limbs, purchased from this website, will receive a signed 2 track 12" vinyl. 

That's all officially from the band's website, but there's still speculation as to the details of the album's tracklisting. At Ease, one of the more esteemed Radiohead fansites, has some fairly logical conclusions that it will be eight tracks in length, containing material the band have played live in their recent tours.

But that's the great part, we only have to wait four more days and it's here. For everyone. No leaks, no pre-emptive, slamming reviews. And despite the obvious fevered anticipation, little preconceptions about what the record will be. Colour me excited.