What is going on today?! First Radiohead announce that their new album will be available to download for a chosen donation. Now The Charlatans are at it by announcing that their new, as yet untitled album will be available as a free download 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!”