The Charlatans get 30,000 downloads

The Charlatans' new album, 'You Cross My Path', has been downloaded over 30,000 times since it was made available on Xfm's website last Monday – a phenomenal number which would have seen the album enter the UK chart at number two if conventionally released.

The album is currently available as a free download on www.xfm.co.uk. Says the band's manager, Alan McGee: "I feel we are totally vindicated with the philosophy that if you go free and make a great record, you can exceed your dreams. No longer does music have to work in the traditional major label dominated way. Long live the Charlatans."

'You Cross My Path' will also be made available from the Charlatans official site www.thecharlatans.net on Monday 17th March before being physically released on deluxe double CD, single CD and vinyl through Cooking Vinyl on Monday 12th May.

Says the band's vocalist Tim Burgess: "When Alan McGee and I had this idea 18 months ago, we never imagined that it could be this successful. It's a tribute to people's belief in us and if we were in the shops, 20 years after the Charlatans started, we would be the number two most popular group in the country this week – going free was the best thing for us. Thanks to everyone that has downloaded the record, cheers."

Actor Joaquin Phoenix , meanwhile, downloaded the LP this week from XFM and posted this message online: "Holy fucking shit, The Charlatans record is mega. A real beauty. I can't wait to see it live"