Novel concept ... giving the product away. Via ThinkChristian, I get the joy of discovering Derek Webb, an erstwhile member of Christian supergroup Caedmon's Call. Derek is letting anyone just download the entire album ... for free. As in zero dollars and zero cents. Just head to FreeDerekWebb.com, add your email to Derek's list, tell five friends via email and sit and wait while a nearly 70MB file heads your way.

Once unzipped, I was floored by the quality of music. So much so that I had an unusual first listen through the material. Instead of listening to the entire project (I remember when calling them 'albums' was antiquated ... is referring to this as a 'CD' now the same?) all the way through, I found myself wanting to back up and listen to a song a few more times just to fully absorb some aspect of the song in more detail. Maybe a certain lyric, a well-penned verse, or just a nice bit of musicianship that warranted appreciation. It makes for a slow way to get through the whole thing, but it's worth it.

TC offered this as a hint of Webb's tunes:

Webb has also made many waves with raw, honest lyrics expressing his frustration with the dark underbelly of the American brand of Christianity. His new album, Mockingbird, is no different.

...

Whether it’s giving away his album or barbecuing sacred cows, Webb has no problem going against the flow, even though it has meant losing fans and Christian bookstores as outlets for his music.

So check it out, but understand it ain’t lite listening – it IS exceptional acoustic music filled with passion and love for a faith that is too often stained by culture.

By far, an understatement. If you're on a high speed connection, do yourself the favor. Download it and soak it all up. Webb also has a good swing of tour dates for Texans. I'm as good as booked for the firsts Houston show.

Marshall, TX
September 21, 2006 (7:30pm)
East TX Baptist University

College Station, Texas
September 22, 2006 (7:00pm)
Texas A&M University – George Bush Complex

Houston, TX
September 24, 2006 (7:30pm)
Ecclesia Arts Center
Tickets: $12.00
713-622-1846

Double Oak, TX
September 25, 2006 (7:30pm)
Roads Coffee

Dallas, TX
September 27, 2006 (9:00pm)
The Gypsy Tea Room

Houston, TX
November 26, 2006 (6:00pm)
Clear Lake United Methodist Church
with Andrew Peterson
Cost: Free
281-450-1539

Houston, TX
November 27, 2006 (6:00pm)
Grace Presbyterian Church
with Andrew Peterson
Cost: $5.00-$10.00
713-267-5075

For those who need some visual assistance, Derek also has a video of "A New Law" (one of my favorites)