I’ve been waiting months for this. The Charlatans have released their new album You Crossed My Path as a totally free download. This is not a collection of b-sides, demos, or throw-aways but a fully realized album of new material that is as good as anything they have ever recorded.

Available from the web site of radio station Xfm. You Crossed My Path is a lively example of The Charlatans’ signature sound. Blending elements of alternative, 80s new wave, and a little 60s psychedelica, the band still sounds as fresh as they did in the early 90s. “Oh Vanity!” moves along with a driving rhythm and a equally riveting vocal. The title tune is high intensity rock and roll and one of my favorite tracks. Except for the bizarre “My Name is Despair”, every track is an upbeat winner. It’s too early to say what the best album, free, online or otherwise, of the year is but this is certainly a contender.

The album is available as separate track or album zip in 192kbps MP3. If you like the music, support the band by buying their CDs.

No longer available