After the Radiohead episode, it looks like more bands are looking for newer and more innovative ways of reaching their fans (and getting new ones of course) and persuading them to purchase their product.
The latest idea seems to be a try before you buy version whereby fans can trial new music before buying. This hits two birds with one stone sometimes as with REM letting fans hear their new album via the iLike function on FaceBook recently. REM wanted fans to let them know whether their return to earlier influences was a good or a bad move, and also obviously gave them a huge PR opportunity...
Now, Portishead (the authors of the soundtrack of a thousand aspirational dinner parties in the 90's) are releasing their long awaited third album via CD and iTunes as usual but are also making it available in its entirety via Last FM for a limited period. After this expires (or immediately if you like what you hear) users will be directed to online retailer sites to purchase the album.
It'll be interesting to see whether this promotional route is effective or not. However, as REM discovered, it allowed them to fine tune the album running order (not certain if they used feedback to the extent of track selection) and to learn from the immediate reactions of their fanbase.
A word to the wise however - both REM and Portishead are dependent on the perceived quality of the product and not an innovative promotional channel for their continued success...watch that space.