Radiohead tend to do things their own way and do it right: from production and mastering techniques of their last 2 records (KidA and Amnesiac) which are must listens on headphones (arguably the most harmonic and aurally spatial LP�s released in years), to their holiday �gift� to us.

You see, while REM and Pearl Jam release holiday packages chock full of stickers, and exclusive fan club only CDs, Radiohead says 'Fuck the gifts, lets throw a party' and webcast it online.

Last evening, Thom, Colin, and crew setup some turntables in their Oxford studios and spun their favorites live. Mixing utterly disturbing video of Bush and Saddam sharing a kilo of coke, to Thom�s attempts at mixing a Squarepusher track into an aged, ska Bob Marley 7inch, the band obviously does it their way and does not give a fuck about (perceived) image. Even more impressive, viewers were treated to 4 new songs performed live and off CDR (which may or may not make it onto their next release slated for dropoff on March 25, 2003)�.that in itself is the true gift of music.

Final question: did their webcast violate the DCMA regimes' stance on webcast royalty control ? Oh right.. Readiohead webcast the event out of UK. The RIAA doesnt control that market.... .

Zero Music Budget = Gifts of Music. A kind soul has supplied me with some very nice gifts: Kenny Glagow's "Toronto Mix Sessions" (on Turbo; featuring Rother's Decepticon-esque 'Simulationszeitalter') and Triple R "Friends" (on Kompakt). A span of choice mixes which cover the gamut between electro-tech and micro-house. Tiime to take a listen ... and thank you Erik.