Yes—Radiohead’s In Rainbows is available on vinyl. The original 2007 release was a 45 rpm, two-LP set, and later standard reissues have made the album easier to find; the special “Discbox” edition also included a bonus CD and artwork.
What is the In Rainbows vinyl release?
In Rainbows is Radiohead’s seventh studio album, released digitally in October 2007 and as a physical edition later that year. Its original vinyl presentation spreads the ten main-album tracks across two records, rather than fitting them onto one LP. That format gives the album room to play at 45 revolutions per minute, a detail often mentioned in descriptions of the original pressing.
The album’s physical editions were notable in the context of its release. Radiohead first offered the digital version through its website using a pay-what-you-want model, then followed with a deluxe physical package and conventional retail releases. The vinyl is the main album—not a different recording or an expanded track list—and its familiar sequence runs from “15 Step” through “Videotape.”
Original Discbox and standard editions
The 2007 “Discbox” was a deluxe package sold directly by the band. It included two 12-inch vinyl records, a CD of the album, a second CD with additional material, and a hardback book of artwork. It was a limited direct-sale release, so it is now chiefly encountered through resale rather than ordinary new-stock retail.
The Discbox’s bonus CD contains material associated with the In Rainbows sessions, commonly referred to as Disk 2. Its tracks include “Bangers + Mash,” “Down Is the New Up,” and “Go Slowly.” This second disc is not part of the ten-track standard album, and its presence is one of the key things to check when a seller describes a copy as a Discbox.
Standard vinyl editions contain the two-record album without the full Discbox package. Later reissues may differ in label, packaging, country of manufacture, or catalog information, but they should not automatically be treated as the original 2007 Discbox. Check the exact edition rather than relying on a listing title such as “first pressing” or “deluxe.”
Track list and how the records are arranged
The standard album has ten tracks. The two-LP format separates them into sides; the exact side layout can be confirmed from the labels and sleeve of the edition in question. The track list is:
- “15 Step”
- “Bodysnatchers”
- “Nude”
- “Weird Fishes/Arpeggi”
- “All I Need”
- “Faust Arp”
- “Reckoner”
- “House of Cards”
- “Jigsaw Falling into Place”
- “Videotape”
Track order matters when comparing vinyl with a streaming service or another physical format, since a two-record edition has side breaks that a continuous digital playlist does not. The album itself remains the same set of ten songs; the Discbox bonus material is a separate addition.
How to choose a copy
For someone who wants to listen to the album on vinyl, a standard reissue is usually the straightforward option. A collector interested in the 2007 packaging or bonus disc will need to look specifically for the Discbox and assess its condition and completeness. Before buying, check:
- Edition: Is it a standard two-LP release or the original Discbox?
- Contents: For a Discbox, are both vinyl records, both CDs, and the book included?
- Condition: Ask about scratches, warping, sleeve wear, seam splits, and whether the records have been play-tested.
- Identification: Compare the catalog number, label details, and packaging with a reliable discography or the seller’s clear photographs.
- Price: Compare sold listings for the same edition and condition, not just asking prices for vaguely similar copies.
A listing’s use of “180 gram,” “audiophile,” or “original pressing” should be supported by edition-specific details. Weight alone does not establish that a record sounds better, and a reissue can be a legitimate official edition without being the original pressing. If exact provenance matters, ask for photographs of the labels, spine, inserts, and any included CDs.
Sound, speed and playback
The original vinyl edition is specified as 45 rpm. A turntable must therefore be set to 45 rpm to play it at the intended speed; playing it at 33⅓ rpm will make the music sound slower and lower in pitch. Many turntables have a speed selector, but some require moving the belt or changing a setting. Check the record label or sleeve if you are uncertain about a particular reissue.
Vinyl can offer a hands-on listening experience, with side changes and physical artwork, but it is not automatically superior in sound to a CD or a lossless digital version. Results depend on the pressing, record condition, turntable setup, cartridge, and playback system. A clean, well-kept copy and a correctly configured turntable matter more than broad claims about vinyl being inherently warmer or more faithful.
Availability, price and condition
Standard reissues are generally more practical to find than a complete original Discbox. Availability and prices change, so there is no dependable single price for every copy. A used standard LP in good condition and a complete Discbox are different purchases and should be compared separately.
For second-hand records, condition has a major effect on value and listening quality. “Mint” and “near mint” are grading terms, not guarantees; ask how the record was stored and whether the seller can describe audible noise. A visibly clean surface can still have wear, while dust may often be removable with suitable record-cleaning methods. Avoid buying a costly collectible solely from a stock photograph when the actual copy’s condition is central to the price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is In Rainbows available on vinyl?
Yes. It has been released as a two-LP vinyl album, with later standard reissues as well as the original deluxe Discbox edition.
How many records are in the In Rainbows vinyl album?
The standard album is spread across two LPs. The original Discbox also contains two CDs, including a bonus disc, in addition to the vinyl.
Does every In Rainbows vinyl edition include Disk 2?
No. The bonus material is associated with the Discbox’s second CD; standard vinyl editions generally contain the ten-track album only. Check the specific edition’s contents.
What speed does the original In Rainbows vinyl play at?
The original two-LP edition is a 45 rpm release. Confirm the speed on the labels or sleeve of the copy you own, especially when dealing with a different reissue.
Is the Discbox the same as a regular reissue?
No. The Discbox is a deluxe package with extra physical contents, including a bonus CD and artwork book. A standard reissue is a separate, simpler vinyl edition.
Is the In Rainbows vinyl worth buying?
That depends on whether you value the physical format, artwork, or collectible packaging. For listening, compare its price and condition with other formats; for collecting, verify the edition and included components before paying a premium.
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