While this blog is primarily focused on independent and alternative music, there are some mainstream bands that are too talented to ignore and who somehow seem to transcend all of the trappings that normally taint once-indie bands that 'crossover'.

mp3: Heaven Forbid - The Fray
mp3: How To Save A Life - The Fray

According to The Fray's official website, the Denver-based band are taking time off after nearly two years on the road. A new full-length release is expected this some time in mid-2008.

The Fray's 2003 independent debut EP Reason has been re-released. The new 'digitally-enhanced' re-issue of Reason includes all of the recordings not found on their 2006 double-platinum, worldwide blockbuster How to Save a Life.

There are some videos, photographs and an online journal of the band's time on the road, but on the whole, considering the 'fame' of the band, their website offers surprisingly little for fans.

You'd think Sony/Epic would put some of its immense resources into creating a website that would at least make an attempt to 'wow' fans. There's not even one MP3 offered on the studio's Fray page, but if you sign-up for the mailing list from their 'official' website, you apparently get one free download. Whoopie! (play smack audio clip here)

But that website is on the U.K. domain system because both Fray.com and more importantly, thefray.com, are taken. Apparently the owner of the latter was either never offered any money for the domain or is holding out.

So, here are some other Fray websites:

- MySpace - The Fray
- AllMusic - The Fray
- Facebook's iLike - The Fray

Labels: The Fray, The Fray CDs, The Fray Concerts, Top Ten Albums 2006