Hugh Cornwell has now spent more time out of the Stranglers than in after a 16-year role as the band's front man. Since the Stranglers he has released as many albums as a solo artist as he did with the band, to varying degrees of critical acclaim.
His latest album, Hooverdam, is probably his best solo album with some excellent songs, but rather than sell it like all the others Hugh is giving this one away as a free internet download. Why?
Since leaving the Stranglers, Hugh's audience has comprised two main groups. Those that followed from being Stranglers fans, and a few people who became interested after hearing his music along the way. The Stranglers tag has always been too big and prevented many people from coming to his work with an unbiased pair of ears. Hugh has been entertaining a sizeable but static audience.
The free download is meant to break the pattern. Hugh is hoping that this free music will reach many more people, some new fans, some lapsed fans, some Stranglers fans who followed the band rather than Hugh after the split. With the high standard of this work he hopes they will investigate his back catalogue (which is not free for download) and remain loyal for future albums.
Will the gamble pay off? That's up to people like you.
Hooverdam is available for download, free at www.hooverdamdownload.com
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