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"I tell you it was all a frame / They only did it ‘cos of fame / I don't need the pressure / I can't stand the useless fools / Unlimited supply / Hello EMI." John Lydon spat these words in 1977 as the Sex Pistols stuck two fingers up at their former label and staggered into the skag-pockmarked arms of Sid Vicious. Thirty years on and we can't expect such a venomous outburst from the more measured mind of Thom Yorke. But as his band's greatest hits nears acrimonious release, the insurmountable chasm between Radiohead and their estranged bosses is obvious.

Judging by the comments from the singer in a new interview, the compilation's artwork (pictured) was not inspired by the final meeting between Yorke and EMI number-crunching chief Guy Hands. Thom has angrily dismissed his claim they demanded £10 million for a spanking new deal, calling it "a clear indication the relationship was over". Listening to the best of now, it doesn't take a Famethrowa in full-on Mensa mode to explain its existence. The tracklisting is pure pop gold, despite's Thom's disingenuous observation that "we haven't really had any hits".

Whether EMI's motives are financial, antagonistic or both is beside the point. In an age when labels justifiably fear for their future, blood from every song must be squeezed. Yorke's concern, it seems, is the contents. "It's a wasted opportunity in that if we'd been behind it, and we wanted to do it, then it might have been good", he says. Basically, Radiohead wanted to shaft the label and choose the wording of the suicide note. Well, Famethrowa has amazingly unearthed their top secret tracklisting, which is reproduced in full, non-commercial, anti-EMI, glory below:

"Anyone Can Play Drums"
- Thom, aged 4, hits saucepan and milk bottle erratically in his dad's shed

"Creep" (Live)
- Abingdon boys school take starring drama teacher Mr Collins on cow bell

"The Bends"
- Early ‘80s demo inspired by bizarre swimming accident in Margate

"No Surprises"
- Long forgotten, loved-up Euro-disco re-interpretation starring Cilla Black

"Karma Sutra Police"
- Ill-fated remix intended to corner Eastern European sex market

"Fitter Happier" (12" remix)
- Unlistenable 15-minute extended version of "OK Computer" robot racket

"National Anthem" (Oz Version)
- Thom and co cover Australia's favourite son, "Land Down Under"

"The Gloaming" (Harold Shipman remix)
- Exclusive behind bars best of commission, dedicated to EMI

"A Punch Up At A Wedding" (Outtakes)
- Field recording made during fracas at recent nuptials of Guy Hands' daughter

"EMI"
- Radiohead dispatch swansong with slashing, embittered Pistols cover

Whichever way you look at this fall-out, one thing is clear. EMI's greatest asset has quit and given their best album in a decade away for nothing. Agreed?

Today's Famethrowa's

New: "I Was A Man" Jape
Old: "Exit Music For A Film" Radiohead