The Daily Swarm - Official White House response to Radiohead's In Rainbows release: 'Is that a band?'

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October 13, 2007

Official White House response to Radiohead's In Rainbows release: 'Is that a band?'

Deputy press secretary Tony Fratto said he is a big fan of Thom Yorke and the boys, and plans to get their new album, “In Rainbows,” which came out yesterday.

Mr. Fratto, however, appeared to be the only person in the press shop who was aware of the new album, which has drawn attention for its release. The band did not use a record label, distributed it over the internet, and allowed fans to pay what they wanted.

White House deputy press secretary Scott Stanzel said that while he does not own any Radiohead albums, he is an “appreciator” of their music.

Gordon Johndroe, spokesman for the National Security Council, said he is “90 percent sure” that he has a few Radiohead tunes on his iPod.

When asked if any of those songs were from their 2003 album, “Hail to the Thief,” which some consider a reference to President Bush, Mr. Johndroe said, “not that one.”

And what about press secretary Dana Perino, the No. 1 mouthpiece for President Bush?

“I don’t even know what that is,” she said, when asked. “Is that a band?”