The fact that The Charlatans' new album is being downloaded like hot cakes (not sure you can download a hot cake, but there you go) might have something to do with the fact that it's been given away. But the point is, it's doing really well, and the band are really pleased that 30,000 downloads have been made, meaning that if it were eligible, 'You Cross My Path' would be sitting at number two in the UK albums chart.
The band's Tim Burgess says this: "When [Charlatans' manager] Alan McGee and I had this idea 18 months ago, we never imagined that it could be this successful. It's a tribute to people's belief in us and if we were in the shops, 20 years after The Charlatans started, we would be the number two most popular group in the country this week - going free was the best thing for us. Thanks to everyone that has downloaded the record".
The aforementioned McGee added, "I feel we are totally vindicated with the philosophy that if you go free and make a great record, you can exceed your dreams. No longer does music have to work in the traditional major-label dominated way".
The album, which, as previously reported, was digitally released via Xfm's website last week, will also be released as a double CD, single CD and vinyl record on 12 May.