Radiohead releases unused Bond song

British band Radiohead offers a surprise Christmas gift to its millions of fans across the globe - a theme song for the movie Spectre, which remained unused as the producers of the 2015 movie opted for young British sensation Sam Smith's version.

"It didn't work out, but became something of our own, which we love very much," the band wrote on its website.

"As the year closes, we thought you might like to hear it," Radiohead said, releasing the track free of charge.

The song is entitled "Spectre" and is an attempt by the band to balance its typical style and modern experimentation. Band member Thom Yorke opens the song with these lines: "I'm lost / I'm a ghost / Dispossessed."

The rock band did not explain why their song was not selected by the makers of Spectre. However, they did finish their message with what might be interpreted as a veiled swipe at the Bond franchise, by quoting the "Star Wars" box office rival and telling fans: "May the force be with you."

Radiohead has not released an album since 2011. Guitarist Jonny Greenwood said in an interview in mid-2015 that the band was back in the studio, but didn't give details.

The members of the British band have been involved in their personal projects though, with Yorke releasing last year his second solo album "Tomorrow's Modern Boxes."

shs/msh (AFP, www.Radiohead.com)