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Free Albums: NIN, The Charlatans & More

By now, most of you know about the Radiohead In Rainbows free album download, which is no longer available.....

Last week Nine Inch Nails offered a free download of The Slip, following the release of some free tracks of Ghosts.

Today I was checking out Sky News and read the article: 'It's Time To Make Us Some Money' which talks about British band The Charlatans who offered up their latest album, "You Cross My Path" for free on XFM and have decided to tour to generate revenue.

All that lead me to a great blog that specializes in free, legal album (not just track) downloads: Free Albums Galore.

It is clear, well established artists can give away music and later sell it (as Radiohead, NIN and The Charlatans have done) without traditional record label support much like independent musicians have been doing for years.

A lot of the revenue these bands generate is coming from special edition packaging of their work and touring. It is a simple formula: give music away to fans who come to shows and then buy souvenirs and special editions....or even just a copy of the downloaded material to touch and feel.

These established bands have taken a nod from the independents, you don't need a record label to survive.
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