Brit-rockers The Charlatans will be giving away their entire new album via Xfm.com. The first single, “You Cross My Path” will be available October 22 as a free download on the site. The album will be available upon completion in early 2008.

With the band having been backed by industry legend/mogul and Creation Records founder Alan McGee, out of contract with their label, Sanctuary and having access to their own studio, began discussions with Xfm a few months ago. With the exciting possibility of a record industry first as a result, The Charlatans have realized the idea of getting music to their fans, free of charge.

Tim Burgess, the lead singer, stated “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 the people getting the music? We reckon the people who listen to Xfm are the people who love The Charlatans and we’re excited at releasing our forthcoming singles and tenth studio album online free of charge through xfm.co.uk.”

The UK band will feature a new song on 15-track CD on the cover of the October 15 issue of NME as well.http://www.xfm.co.uk/Article.asp?b=news&id=485685