Xfm are doing a Mail On Sunday and starting a campaign to have all illegal immigrants shot. No, hang on, they're giving a way a new album in its entirety for free, yeah, that's it. Yep, following Prince's decision to give away his new album via the tabloid, now The Charlatans have announced they will give away their next album via the indie station's website, starting with first single 'You Cross My Path' on 22 Oct.
The press release on the promotion describes it thus: "The Charlatans and Xfm first started discussing the idea a couple of months ago and were really excited by the prospect of creating an industry first. The band had found themselves in the unique situation of being out of contract with a record label, owning their own recording studio and having the backing of Alan McGee of Alan McGee Management. Everyone thought that it would be a great way of getting their new material out to their fans. With live music currently booming they are confident that they are still onto a winner and this was backed up when the band, who have just returned from Los Angeles, announced their first tour dates in London, Glasgow and Manchester all of which sold out immediately".
Xfm's Head Of Music Mike Walsh, meanwhile, says this: "Xfm is a proudly innovative brand and we are very excited to be involved with The Charlatans new material in this way. Providing our listeners which such great exclusive content was an offer we couldn't refuse".
Alan McGee, meanwhile, added this: "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. We were really excited when Xfm got behind us and were as enthusiastic about the download as we are - they are the first people to embrace music for the people. 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!"
And finally, Charlatans frontman Tim Burgess, says this: "We want 'the people' to own the music and we want the artist, ie us, to own the copyright. Why let a record company get in the way of people getting the music? We are excited at releasing our forthcoming singles and 10th studio album online free of charge through Xfm.co.uk".