Radiohead‘s much-ballyhooed approach to the release of their upcoming new record is precisely what the RIAA fears most. The bad news for them is that it’s going to happen more and more.

Briefly, as of 10 October, fans will be able to download a digital version of the record from their web site and pay any amount they wish, from nothing on up. A special edition of the album, which comes with two CDs, two heavyweight vinyl records, some extras, and the option to download as well, is on sale for about $80 (priced in pounds, so that’s subject to drift) and will ship in time for Christmas. It’s a one-two combo that the labels can’t match: the music is (nearly) free, but there’s a nice pile of extras that fans will line up to pay a premium for.

(Dear Intarwub: Please buy us the special edition for Christmas. KTHXBI.)