Stanley Donwood Says Radiohead's Upcoming Album Is a 'Work of Art'

As fans continue to champ at the bit for Radiohead’s ninth album, the band’s longtime visual collaborator Stanley Donwood assures it will be well worth the wait. “It’s a work of art,” he told DIY.

Donwood revealed he’s heard the follow-up to 2011’s The King of Limbs, but it’s “not yet” finished. He’s also still working on the art: “There’s quite a lot I still have to do.” Nevertheless, Donwood -- who has collaborated with the English alt-rockers since he created the artwork for their 1994 single “My Iron Lung” -- said his still-unfinished cover for the band's ninth album is his best yet. When asked about his favorite Radiohead collaboration, he replied, “I’ve just had a think about this, and I think it’s the one that’s no-one’s seen yet. It was made by the strong warm winds of southern France.” (Some believe, however, we already saw Radiohead’s newest artwork when they recently updated their Facebook photos.)

Radiohead’s ninth album is expected very soon, as the band just announced a string of world tour dates (which sold out within minutes much to Thom Yorke’s chagrin) and established a new company possibly for the LP’s distribution. Radiohead's tour will take them to the U.S. in July when they're scheduled to play two nights at New York City's Madison Square Garden. They have another two-night residency in L.A. in August.