Since myspace, and cheaper pc recording software, labels are becoming less and less crucial for the success of an artist.

I'm really glad there's a Thom Yorke quote in there, Radiohead basically developed a very interesting business model for musicians. You should google to read more details about it, but basically after being a slave for so long to their label, they released "in colors" through their own label for free on their website and told their fans to pay whatever they could afford for it. They got donations averaging $5, but some were $200.

They ended up making WAY more money on this album than any other album previously released by Radiohead. It was a great, generous but risky idea that paid off big for them.

I personally am against buying albums for the most part, because the bands do not hardly see any type of monetary gain from the album itself unless they are selling millions and signed a good contract (which does not happen often)

I'll download music and when I find music that I like a lot, I will spend money on their tshirts and other merchandise, and travel to watch them play a show. That's where bands get their money from, merch sales and touring.

So if you'd really like to support your favorite band, go see them on tour, and buy a shirt or two.