Why Cut Out the Middle Man? Yaris and Urban Outfitters Release Benefit Compilation

Urban Outfitters and Toyota aren't the kind of corporations who follow the rules or use vowels in their proper places. They say "fuck you grammar, wr done with yr oppression." They're the 21-century Allen Ginsberg and Thurston Moore of the manufacturing and retail sectors. At last that is how they see themselves, or how they want you to see them.

On January 27, Toyota -- under their branding of their hip new station wagony car thing, the Yaris -- and Urban Outfitters -- that store where your little sister shops -- recently released a Free Yr Radio compilation. The digital release features (a) exclusive tracks from bands that people who read this site tend to like, and (b) an avenue to recruit a new target market for Toyota and UO products. The album is available exclusively at Insound for 99¢, with proceeds going to 12 independent radio stations that are probably out of range of wherever it is that you live.

In the words of their PR strategists, the corporate duo's goal for the Free Yr Radio campaign is to "start a conversation with their customers about the importance of independent radio and to encourage people to talk about, listen to and support their favorite stations." What a nice sentiment.

Personally, I think people who "illegally" download music should be sent to Gitmo for one last taste of real U.S. justice before it closes in 2010 (maybe). But those of you with no respect for the rule of law could probably grab these albums off the internet for free, make a donation to your local community radio station, feel good about yourself, and avoid having to participate this PR campaign altogether. It's yr choice.

Free Yr Radio tracklist:

1. !!! – Must Be The Moon (Live at KEXP)
2. Chairlift – At My Side
3. Yeasayer – Final Path (Daytrotter Sessions)
4. White Williams – Blue Steel
5. Dan Deacon – Cave Birth
6. No Age – Padded Chair
7. Mudhoney – The Lucky Ones (Live)
8. King Khan & Saba Lou – Past and Gone
9. The Secret Machines – The Walls Are Starting To Crack (Live at KEXP)
10. The Walkmen – In The New Year (Live)
11. Tokyo Police Club – Your English Is Good (K-Os Remix)
12. Jamie Lidell – Rope of Sand (Live at Austin City Limits)

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