Who will be the first band so independently sell a million units through the Internet? The Chicago Sun-Times' Jim DeRogatis thinks it could be Radiohead, the superstar band that has been public in its distaste for re-signing with EMI or any other major music group.

"In recent interviews, its members have indicated that they're seriously considering whether they need to re-up with Capitol/EMI or any other label. Among what they see as the cons of self-releasing their music are their fondness for old-school vinyl LPs and their worry that some (mostly likely very small) number of their fans may not have Internet access. ...

The musicians also wonder if such a plan would distract them from their craft, making them businessmen instead of artists. But face it: A group like Radiohead is already a sizable enterprise, with a dozen or more people -- roadies, managers, sound technicians and publicists -- in its employ."

Running a website, argues DeRogatis, is much easier than the coordinating a tour or setting up a private recording studio. Why not just put it on the website and let people buy it?

If only it were that easy, but it's a lot easier to cut out the record label than it is to cut out the retailers. Would a million people give Radiohead their credit card information for only one purchase? Probably not. Why not use iTunes and other online stores, which is where people go to buy music online? Part of selling music is getting the music to those places -- online and physical -- where people shop.

Jim's right, the first DIY digital platinum award could very well go to Radiohead. It would be a global million, though, which doesn't seem impossible since the band would take credit card orders from customers around the world. The UK alone could do a big chunk...if it's done right. Sure, it's possible.