MP3: "Joy Kicks Darkness" (sample) - Ash

With the introduction of their unique A-Z singles subscription service last month, members of the indie band Ash have created a new type of music distribution model. For a one-time subscription fee of approximately $20, subscribers will receive 26 vinyl and digital copies of new songs - one every two weeks - until October 2010. Regardless of when subscribers sign up, they will receive all 26 vinyl and/or digital singles. The first single, "True Love 1980", was released last month.

After deciding they would never again release a traditional LP record, and instead only put out series of singles, Ash devised the A-Z subscription series (see the promo video below). By doing so, the band has set out into a brave new world where the musicians take back more control of their work while simultaneously focusing on building a stronger relationship with their most dedicated and loyal fans.

If you think about it - from a marketing standpoint, and other angles like promotion, fan retention and publicity - the idea is genius. Don't be surprised if other artists and bands follow a similar path to releasing new music (we'll have more about this later in a feature called "Is the LP Concept Dead?").

To find the subscription that works best for you - including iTunes - visit the band's official web store. Check out the FAQs page for full details.

There are hundreds of new music videos that have come out in the past few weeks and months, but the following are favorites here in the cafe. Included in this installment of New Music Videos are song reels from the awesome 'buzz' band Surfer Blood, plus Matt & Kim, Monsters of Folk, Japandroids, Fool's Gold, The Horrors, Little Comets and an album promo video of Julian Casablancas' Phrazes for the Young. First, though, check out this just released (11/16) video of Beck and The Record Club (including Wilco and Feist members) covering former Moby Grape and Jefferson Starship member Skip Spence's "Little Hands," followed by an MP3 of the original song.


MP3: "Little Hands" - Skip Spence


MP3: "Swim (To Reach The End)" - Surfer Blood


MP3: "Daylight" - Matt & Kim


MP3: "Say Please" - Monsters of Folk


MP3: "Crazy/Forever" - Japandroids


MP3: "Whole New Way" - The Horrors


Julian Casablancas - Album Preview Video for Phrazes for the Young
MP3: "11th Dimension" - Julian Casablancas


MP3: "Surprise Hotel" - Fool's Gold



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Labels: Indie Rock Videos