Artists are outmarketing the record labels once again. Savvy artists are really figuring out that it's about community and monetizing their fans directly - not worrying about Soundscan numbers.
ITunes continues to raise prices on songs, and now Coldplay is continuing the trend utilized by Radiohead and Trent Reznor and the NIN gang. They're offering their new album (a live album) for free.
It's called LeftRightLeftRightLeft and it's available as a free download at the band's web site.
Here's the link: Give em an email addresss - real if you're a fan - fake if you're not - and you get the music.
They're calling it a "thank you" to the fans.... I'm not a fan - but I love that they're doing this - and I'll be downloading it just to see if it's any good. Who knows - maybe I'll become one too.