First of all, big thanks to Dave Rawkblog for hosting great live versions of all the new Radiohead songs thus far. The best thing about that is he did it back in July. So thanks, buddy.

But yeah, “15 Step.” I was telling someone the other day that for the most part, I’d avoided listening to Radiohead’s new material. Aside from hearing most of these songs done at Bonnaroo, I can’t say I know too much about how the new album will sound. It’s not out of laziness or a desire to hear it fresh on the release date (which is a pleasant by-product of it), but rather out of fear — fear that the songs would break Radiohead’s six album streak of good records.

MP3: Radiohead - 15 Step (live)

Occasionally I get far too neurotic with my music. Case in point: I still haven’t listened to any David Byrne solo albums out of the fear that it’ll be bad and ruin my enjoyment of any subsequent Talking Heads listening I might do. Crazy, right? And I know it’s crazy. But last night got me really, really hyped for this new Radiohead record. All uncertainty has been washed away and I’m ready to find enjoyment in it.

I’ve got to say that a large part of that was to to remembering how incredible “15 Step” was when I heard it at Bonnaroo. Ed (I think) teased us afterwards that Americans were unable to clap along with anything except 4/4 songs, and Thom danced like Michael Stipe alone in his room. Oh yeah, and the song’s incredible too.

So who’s springing for the deluxe box set? I plan on ordering mine after I get back from class. After all, $80 is the new free.

In Rainbows is available for preorder now and will be available for digital download October 10.