Thom Yorke solo album
Radiohead frontman to release 'The Eraser' in July

Radiohead frontman Thom Yorke is set to release a solo album in July, it has emerged.

In a dramatic statement Yorke said the album would be called 'The Eraser' and that its "elements have been kicking round now for a few years." Just last night (May 12), Radiohead kicked off the UK leg of their European tour, giving fans a taste of six tracks from the forthcoming new Radiohead album.

Yorke's solo album will be produced by long-time band producer Nigel Godrich. According to the statement - which was released to respected Radiohead fan site www.ateaseweb.com - Yorke wrote at the tracks and played all instruments.

"I have been itching to do something like this for ages," he said. " It was fun and quick to do. Inevitably it is more beats & electronics. But its songs. Stanley [Donwood - Radiohead's cover artist] did the cover. Yes its a record! No its not a radiohead record. As you know the band are now touring and writing new stuff and getting to a good space."

Yorke also headed off any speculation about the record signalling problems within the band.

"I want no crap about me being a traitor or whatever splitting up blah blah... this was all done with their blessing. And I don't wanna hear that word solo. Doesnt sound right. Ok then thats that."

He added that XL - the White Stripes UK label - would put out the album. Radiohead play Blackpool's Empress Ballroom again tonight (May 13)

NME

What do you think? Will you be buying/downloading this?

I'm a little unsure of the wiseness of this. I hope he doesn't start ranting about evil corporations. But I guess we'll never know if he works outside of a band setting unless he tries it.

I have to say, I'm quite surprised by this. I always thought he'd do a solo album, but not this soon.

I'll probably buy it. I say "probably" because it's apparently more "beats and electronics", which isn't really my thing. I love Thom Yorke though, so it's likely that it will eventually find its way into my CD collection.

I'm not that big of a fan of current radiohead.....blasphemy, I know but to me they make a lot more interesting sounds as oppose to interesting songs that stick with me.

though I don't know what to expect from this.....how much of an impact does Yorke have the band's songwriting?

i will probably have its entire lyrical content tattooed on my forearm.

i just love these fuckers. all of 'em.