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HITS Daily Double
Both ATO and WB have ex-Capitol employees who have strong relationships with the band and their handlers.

WHEELS & DEALS: PABLO HONEY, PLEASE COME TO FLORIDA

Two Labels in Face-off Over Radiohead
All this Radiohead talk reminds us about the band’s first album title. We miss those crank-callin’ Jerky Boys. But back to the subject at hand... The whole town is buzzing about the bold move by the group of offering online pre-orders of their new album without a major label deal in place. That doesn’t mean Radiohead will remain unsigned, however. Insiders share that ATO and Warner Bros. Records have been duking it out to snap up the band. Yup, that blind item in our last column was indeed about ATO, which appears to be leading the charge. Interestingly, both ATO and WB have ex-Capitol Records employees who have strong relationships with the band and their handlers. Former Capitol promo head Phil Costello and ex-A&R SVP Ron Laffitte are now working at Redlight Management, which is connected to the ATO imprint, while onetime Capitol marketing head Rob Gordon and former A&R SVP Perry Watts-Russell are at WB. The X-factor playing into this deal is ATO’s new distribution arrangement in the wake of its split with RCA, which sources say will be with RED. See I.B. Bad’s 10/6 column for more on this still-unfolding story…

NEWS TO USE: As we said in our last piece, most of the true signing gems of late aren’t coming from L.A. or N.Y. proper. We hope you’re on the Eli Young Band, hailing from Denton, TX—otherwise you’ll have some ’splaining to do to your bosses. The George Couri-repped group is signed to indie Carnival Records, but they have offers from majors in both N.Y. and Nashville, and here’s why: The group’s 2006 total touring income grossed $350k, and their 2007 touring total to date is at $1.05 million. In addition, 12 markets that the band recently played in had hard-ticket sales north of 1,500, while four of those markets were beyond 2,500 paid. On top of that, their merch income clocks in at about $4k per show. Great stats, so get on it... Finally, the buzz is brewing on indie label Iamsound Records. The Niki Roberton/Paul Tao-run company has released albums by Sunny Day Sets Fire, Get Shakes, The Black Ghosts, Cut Off Your Hands and Nico Vega, with a new release from The Slips next month. The fledgling label already has several majors sniffing...

BUZZIN’: Leigh Lust, Sam Sparro and Monte Negro… Hit me up: [email protected]

BUZZ/GIGS
ASCAP CMJ SHOWCASE
Wed., Oct. 17, Canal Room
BMI CMJ SHOWCASE
Wed., Oct. 17, Arlene’s Grocery
SESAC CMJ SHOWCASE Thurs., Oct. 18, The Delancey