The Charlatans To Give Away New Album For Free

The Charlatans have revealed that they will be giving away their tenth album for free.

The band have signed an exclusive deal with the radio station XFM which will enable fans to download the as-yet-untitled LP from the XFM website.

The album is currently being finalised ready for an early 2008 release but will be preceded by the single, ‘You Cross My Path,’ which will be available from October 22nd.

Speaking about their reasons for releasing the album independent of a record label, the band’s lead singer, Tim Burgess said: “We want 'the people' to own the music and we want the artist, i.e. us, to own the copyright. Why let a record company get in the way of people getting the music?”

The release of the album is being overlooked by former Creation records boss and owner of Alan McGee Management, Alan McGee.

“Why would you volunteer to join the army for 10 years unless you had no choice? Record companies are kind of like the army; very regulated,“ said McGee about the band’s forthcoming release.

He added: “The band will get paid by more people coming to gigs, buying merchandise, publishing and synch fees. I believe it’s the future business model!”