Don't buy EMI's upcoming Radiohead release, The Best Of

I wouldn't usually advocate not purchasing an album that has Radiohead on it, but this is too much.

Radiohead's former record label, Parlophone/EMI, plans to release a greatest hits compilation to coincide with Radiohead's upcoming world tour.

Now, this wouldn't be a problem, except that it reflects the ongoing rivalry between Radiohead and its former label. Radiohead left Parlophone/EMI after the two could not come to terms on renewing their contract (which have been controversial and mysterious). Radiohead subsequently released their latest album In Rainbows independently, first as a name your price download on their Web site, and later through TBD Records.

The rivalry has continued because EMI still owns the rights to Radiohead's back catalog, and continues to milk the Radiohead buzz for their own corporate gain. First, there was the Radiohead box set, which included their entire discography (minus In Rainbows).

Now comes this, a "best of" collection that exists only to profit from Radiohead's growing success as an independent act. True fans will see through EMI's attempt at profiteering from Radiohead's back catalog, and lets not forget that EMI isn't doing so well right now.

Frankly, I'm tired of the major labels trying to catch up to the success of independents, and Radiohead's success is just one more reason why going independent is better. The best musicians out there are already on independent labels anyway.

So don't buy this best of collection. EMI doesn't need your money, and Radiohead is doing fine without them anyway.