{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}} {{Use British English|date=January 2013}} {{Infobox album | name = You Cross My Path | type = studio | artist = [[The Charlatans (English band)|the Charlatans]] | cover = The Charlatans You Cross My Path Album cover.jpg | alt = Silhouettes of five cats against a buff-coloured background | released = {{start date|2008|3|3|df=y}} | recorded = * Hollywood, California * [[Blessington]], Ireland * Big Mushroom, [[Cheshire]] | studio = | genre = <!-- sourced in prose --> * [[Electro (music)|Electro]] * [[Pop music|pop]] | length = 36:40 | label = * [[Self-publishing|Self-released]] * [[Cooking Vinyl]] | producer = * Tony Rogers * [[The Charlatans (English band)|The Charlatans]] | prev_title = [[Forever: The Singles]] | prev_year = 2006 | next_title = [[Who We Touch]] | next_year = 2010 | misc = {{Singles | name = You Cross My Path | type = studio | single1 = You Cross My Path | single1date = 22 October 2007 | single2 = Oh! Vanity | single2date = 25 February 2008 | single3 = The Misbegotten | single3date = 5 May 2008 | single4 = Mis-Takes | single4date = 14 July 2008 }} }} '''''You Cross My Path''''' is the tenth studio album by British [[Rock music|rock]] band [[The Charlatans (English band)|the Charlatans]], released on 3 March 2008 as a [[Digital distribution|free download]] from radio station [[Xfm]]'s website. Following promotion for the band's ninth studio album, ''[[Simpatico (The Charlatans album)|Simpatico]]'' (2006), frontman [[Tim Burgess (musician)|Tim Burgess]] and manager [[Alan McGee]] devised an idea to give away their music for free. Guitarist [[Mark Collins (musician)|Mark Collins]] and keyboardist Tony Rogers visited Burgess in Los Angeles, California, where they would write new material, and followed this up with jam sessions with the whole band in early 2007. Recording sessions were split across Hollywood, California, [[Blessington]], Ireland, and [[Cheshire]], [[Greater Manchester]], with Rogers given a separate producer credit independent of the band. ''You Cross My Path'' is an [[Electro (music)|electro]] and [[Pop music|pop]] album that evokes the work of [[Kasabian]], [[New Order (band)|New Order]], and [[Simple Minds]]. Following the [[reggae]] direction of ''Simpatico'', Rogers' organ returned to the forefront of the band's sound on ''You Cross My Path''.

''You Cross My Path'' received generally favourable reviews from music critics, many of whom praised the songwriting, though some were less enthusiastic about its quality. It charted at number 25 in Scotland, number 39 in the United Kingdom, and number 96 in Ireland. After their former label folded, the Charlatans announced their decision to release the album for free. Some writers thought they were copying [[Radiohead]], who announced on the same day that they would be doing that strategy with ''[[In Rainbows]]'' (2007). "You Cross My Path" was released as the [[lead single]] from the album of the same name in October 2007 and was promoted with a tour of the UK the following month. "Oh! Vanity" was released as its second single in February 2008, followed by "The Misbegotten" in May 2008. ''You Cross My Path'' was released physically through [[Cooking Vinyl]] that same month, and the Charlatans toured the UK in support of it. "Mis-Takes" appeared as the fourth single from it in July 2008; over the next two months, they played at a few festivals and held a live show in New Zealand at the end of the year.

==Background and development== The Charlatans released their ninth studio album, ''[[Simpatico (The Charlatans album)|Simpatico]]'', in April 2006 through [[Creole Records|Creole]] and [[Sanctuary Records]].<ref name=BillUKsales>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/charlatans-team-up-with-mcgee-1355046/|title=Charlatans Team Up With McGee|magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|author=Sexton, Paul|date=2 May 2006|access-date=11 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205210541/https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/charlatans-team-up-with-mcgee-1355046/|url-status=live}}</ref> It peaked at number ten on the [[UK Albums Chart]], while one of its singles, "Blackened Blue Eyes", charted within the top 30 of the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name=UKhistory>{{cite web|url=https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/6463/charlatans/|title=Charlatans / full Official Chart History|publisher=[[Official Charts Company]]|access-date=9 February 2023|archive-date=21 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220421130008/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/6463/charlatans/|url-status=live}}</ref> A month later, it was reported that the band left their long-serving manager Steve Harrison in favour of Stephen King and former [[Creation Records]] owner [[Alan McGee]], both of Creation Management.<ref name=BillUKsales/> McGee's first suggestion as a manager was for the band to do a [[Greatest hits album|greatest hits]] tour.<ref name=MENinterview>{{cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music/charlatans-fresh-start-1006444|title=Charlatans' fresh start|work=[[Manchester Evening News]]|date=16 April 2010|access-date=15 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205205833/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music/charlatans-fresh-start-1006444|url-status=live}}</ref> Shortly afterwards, frontman [[Tim Burgess (musician)|Tim Burgess]] decided to give up drinking and doing drugs,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/tim-burgess-blew-cocaine-up-his-anus/|title=Tim Burgess Blew Cocaine Up His Anus|work=[[Vice Media]]|author=Haddow, Joshua|date=1 June 2012|access-date=11 February 2023|archive-date=11 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230211121543/https://www.vice.com/en/article/e64e9r/tim-burgess-blew-cocaine-up-his-anus|url-status=live}}</ref> eventually going through a [[Detoxification|detox]] programme.<ref name=Burgess175>Burgess 2013, p. 175</ref> Following this, the band went on a tour of the United States to promote the album<ref name=BillUKsales/> and then appeared at the [[Oxegen]], [[T in the Park]], and [[V Festival]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-118-1356701|title=The Charlatans write song for Carl Barat|work=NME|date=24 May 2006|access-date=12 February 2023|archive-date=3 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210703091429/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-118-1356701|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2006, Burgess and McGee went on a DJ tour, which the former saw as a bonding event between the pair that would help them map out the band's future plans.<ref name=Burgess191/>

During this time, Burgess realised that the [[Internet]] was gaining momentum as a self-promotional tool, with the pair having used [[Myspace]] to promote their tour. He was aware that [[Pete Doherty]] of [[the Libertines]], which McGee used to manage, would post various live or demo recordings online for others to check out. Fans enjoyed this; Burgess commented that these were early indications that [[record label]]s were not required to release music into the wider world. He noted that listeners were "plundering the internet" to acquire music via [[peer-to-peer]] [[file sharing]] websites.<ref name=Burgess191/> McGee similarly arrived at the conclusion that no one was purchasing CDs, saying that people preferred to download music online.<ref name=BTfree>{{cite web|url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/charlatans-to-give-away-new-album-as-free-download/28064710.html|title=Charlatans to give away new album as free download|work=[[Belfast Telegraph]]|author=Burrell, Ian|date=1 October 2007|access-date=17 February 2023|archive-date=6 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206141822/https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/music/news/charlatans-to-give-away-new-album-as-free-download/28064710.html|url-status=live}}</ref> While on the tour, Burgess and McGee came up with the suggestion of giving away the Charlatans' new music to others.<ref name=Burgess191>Burgess 2013, p. 191</ref> The band considered several proposals, including working with Sanctuary again, signing to a different label, or founding their own label.<ref>Burgess 2013, pp. 191–2</ref> After ultimately deciding on giving away music, they made some terms to stick to: they needed it to be the best album they could write; it had to be given away to the highest number of people as was possible; and they had to "go into it wholeheartedly".<ref name=Burgess192>Burgess 2013, p. 192</ref>

==Writing and recording== In November 2006, their third compilation album ''[[Forever. The Singles]]'' was released,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-98-1358889|title=The Charlatans unveil 'Best Of' details|work=NME|date=24 August 2006|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213143057/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-98-1358889|url-status=live}}</ref> promoted with a UK tour until the end of the year.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-99-1359358|title=The Charlatans announce winter tour|work=NME|date=22 August 2006|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213143056/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-99-1359358|url-status=live}}</ref> It included a remix of one of their earlier tracks, "You're So Pretty –We're So Pretty" from their seventh album ''[[Wonderland (The Charlatans album)|Wonderland]]'' (2001), done by [[Youth (musician)|Martin "Youth" Glover]]. Burgess said he altered the speed of it, which gave Burgess the idea that their next album should have a faster tempo.<ref name=MENinterview/> When asked if they would follow the sound of ''Simpatico'', Burgess responded that they would be following the compilation, as there were "[t]oo many dark thoughts around [the making of ''Simpatico'',] so we want get away from that." They planned to record with Youth or ''Wonderland'' producer [[Danny Saber]];<ref name=PBMinterview/> when hearing a demo of "You Cross My Path", McGee also proposed [[Alan Moulder]].<ref name=Burgess206>Burgess 2019, p. 206</ref> Burgess said that McGee wanted them to release another new album by mid-2007, which Burgess thought was not an ideal deadline.<ref name=PBMinterview/> In January 2007, guitarist [[Mark Collins (musician)|Mark Collins]] went to meet Burgess in Los Angeles, California; keyboardist Tony Rogers also visited for a week.<ref name=PBMinterview/> The two stayed at a flat on the corner of the [[Sunset Boulevard|Sunset]] and [[Vine Street]]s, which Burgess would visit to work on material and McGee supervised.<ref name=Burgess201/> Burgess thought it was an appropriate place to work on their next album, as "Sunset & Vine" had been the name of the final track on ''Simpatico''.<ref name=Burgess201>Burgess 2013, p. 201</ref>

The Charlatans then held jamming sessions throughout February 2007.<ref name=PBMinterview>{{cite web|url=https://pennyblackmusic.co.uk/Home/Details?id=14358|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220625140844/https://pennyblackmusic.co.uk/Home/Details?id=14358|title=Charlatans - Interview|publisher=Pennyblackmusic|author=McNeill, Jonjo|date=7 January 2007|archive-date=25 June 2022|access-date=11 February 2023}}</ref> Surrounding supporting shows for [[the Who]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-94-1337183|title=The Charlatans to support The Who|work=NME|date=20 April 2007|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213143100/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-94-1337183|url-status=live}}</ref> the Charlatans played a one-off headlining show at [[Delamere Forest]] in [[Cheshire]], [[Greater Manchester]], in June 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-92-1347426|title=The Charlatans play special outdoor show|work=NME|date=22 January 2007|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213143059/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-92-1347426|url-status=live}}</ref> Recording sessions were done in Hollywood, California, [[Blessington]], Ireland, and at Big Mushroom Studios in Cheshire; the album's booklet gives Rogers a separate producer credit independent of the band.<ref name=YCMPbooklet/> Discussing the varied locations they worked in, he explained that they had a computer and recording gear and made it wherever they decided to visit,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://floodmagazine.com/14455/the-charlatans-uk-just-lookin-back/|title=The Charlatans UK: Just Lookin' Back|work=Flood Magazine|author=Martell, Nevin|date=7 May 2015|access-date=15 February 2023|archive-date=24 October 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024071139/https://floodmagazine.com/14455/the-charlatans-uk-just-lookin-back/|url-status=live}}</ref> using the [[Logic Pro]] [[Digital audio workstation|DAW]] software.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Burgess, Tim|user=Tim_Burgess|number=1316487391620849668|title=Tony had all the files on his computer meant we could always work on it. Was our first album we made using logic. Tony was in charge of it. Alan Moulder mixed the album in London. Tony assisted.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014211546/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1316487391620849668|archive-date=14 October 2020|date=14 October 2020|access-date=16 February 2023}}</ref> As Burgess watched Rogers use it, he got a copy of the programme for himself and became accustomed to it in between past tours.<ref name=Burgess200/> While this was occurring, Burgess and his wife Michelle stayed at the K West Hotel in London for around six months, which was a hotbed for individuals in the [[music industry]].<ref name=Burgess202>Burgess 2013, p. 202</ref> As Tim Burgess would be busy with recording, Michelle Burgess passed the time drinking with [[William Reid (musician)|William Reid]] of [[the Jesus and Mary Chain]] and the manager of [[Evan Dando]]. On one occasion, Tim Burgess went to record in Birmingham, only to return to find his wife still partying, unaware that he had been absent.<ref name=Burgess203>Burgess 2013, p. 203</ref> By October 2007, mixing was underway,<ref name=Exclaimgive/> with Moulder doing the majority of the recordings at Assault & Battery Studios in London, while James Spencer mixed "A Day for Letting Go" and "Bird" at Big Mushroom.<ref name=YCMPbooklet/> Burgess was excited about working with Moulder, name-checking the latter's involvement in ''[[Loveless (album)|Loveless]]'' (1991) by [[My Bloody Valentine (band)|My Bloody Valentine]]. Moulder was initially unsure about the mixing until McGee convinced him to do it.<ref name=Burgess206/>

==Composition and lyrics== [[File:2005-06-11 New Order live.jpg|thumb|left|alt=Several people playing instruments on a stage|Several aspects of ''You Cross My Path'' were compared to the music of New Order (pictured), such as the overall sound, Blunt's basslines, and Burgess' lyrics.]] Musically, the sound of ''You Cross My Path'' has been described as [[Electro (music)|electro]]<ref name=YLreview/> and [[Pop music|pop]],<ref name=GWreview/> taking influence from [[krautrock]],<ref name=Independentreview/> compared to the work of [[Kasabian]],<ref name=GWreview/> [[New Order (band)|New Order]],<ref name=Independentreview/><ref name=OMHreview/><ref name=Observerreview/><ref name=PMreview/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nowtoronto.com/music/discs.cfm?content=163352|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080611104943/http://www.nowtoronto.com/music/discs.cfm?content=163352|title=Disc Review The Charlatans|work=[[Now (newspaper)|Now]]|author=Davies, Lucie|archive-date=11 June 2008|access-date=15 February 2023}}</ref> and [[Simple Minds]].<ref name=Independentreview/> Burgess attributed the [[Electronic music|electronic]] textures to him listening to krautrock acts [[Kraftwerk]] and [[Neu!]]<ref name="MENinterview" /> and admitted that it was heavily inspired by New Order.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://drownedinsound.com/in_depth/4148415-dis-meets-tim-burgess-of-the-charlatans--its-easy-to-blame-someone-else|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141111152223/https://drownedinsound.com/in_depth/4148415-dis-meets-tim-burgess-of-the-charlatans--its-easy-to-blame-someone-else|title=DiS meets Tim Burgess of The Charlatans: "It's easy to blame someone else... " / In Depth|work=[[Drowned in Sound]]|author=Gourlay, Dom|date=10 November 2014|archive-date=11 November 2014|access-date=15 February 2023}}</ref> After the diversion to reggae on ''Simpatico'', Rogers' organ returned to the forefront for ''You Cross My Path''.<ref name="PMreview" /> [[AllMusic]] reviewer [[Stephen Thomas Erlewine]] said it continues the foundation set by their fifth album, ''[[Tellin' Stories]]'' (1997), re-treading that release's mixture of "contemporary and classic, perhaps even gently favoring the modern as this does emphasize sound over song."<ref name="AMreview" /> Burgess wanted the album's title to be ''The Gothic Wild West'', in the vein of actor [[Sergio Leone]],<ref name=Burgess165>Burgess 2019, p. 165</ref> but this was vetoed by the other members.<ref name=Burgess207/> Burgess' lyrics, which tackled break-up and being disaffected,<ref name=Independentreview/> recalled those of New Order frontman [[Bernard Sumner]].<ref name=Independentreview/><ref name=TLOBFreview/> In addition to this, Blunt's bass parts were also compared to those by New Order member [[Peter Hook]].<ref name=TLOBFreview/>

For the album's opening track, "Oh! Vanity", they had written the first verse before going to a party hosted by the [[William Morris Agency]].<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Burgess, Tim|user=Tim_Burgess|number=1316484321436368896|title=We got the first verse and then went out to a party. It was the William Morris Agency annual party. We were invited, Prince was there as were the Wilson's Owen and Luke we met Steve Strange our future Agent but at that time was just a friend|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014210318/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1316484321436368896|archive-date=14 October 2020|date=14 October 2020|access-date=16 February 2023}}</ref> Three members of the band attended; two of the lines refer to Burgess meeting [[Paris Hilton]] at said party.<ref>Burgess 2019, pp. 155, 156</ref> It has a [[Groove (music)|groove]] in the vein of [[Booker T. & the M.G.'s]]<ref name=AMreview/> and a wordless chorus section;<ref name=OMHreview/> its [[Chord (music)|two-chord]] [[Chord progression|progression]] recalled the work of [[Elbow (band)|Elbow]],<ref name=GWreview/> while the keyboards were in the style of [[the Killers]].<ref name=RSIreview>{{cite magazine|url=https://rollingstoneindia.com/the-charlatans/|title=The Charlatans You Cross My Path|magazine=[[Rolling Stone|Rolling Stone India]]|author=Grewal, Samar|date=9 August 2008|access-date=15 February 2023|archive-date=6 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206143942/https://rollingstoneindia.com/the-charlatans/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Independent]]'' critic Andy Gill wrote that it had a "propulsive [[motorik]] groove wreathed in swirling con-trails of [[Psychedelic rock|psych-rock]] synthesiser".<ref name=Independentreview/> "Bad Days" is an up-tempo [[pop rock]]<ref name=TACreview/> and [[synth-pop]] track<ref name=YLreview/> that Gill said was full of "skittish [[disco]] [[hi-hat]]s, striding bass and [an] [[electropop]] synth motif".<ref name=Independentreview/> Blunt and Rogers wrote the first idea that would evolve into the final song in the latter's basement; Rogers would also start the lyrics that Burgess subsequently finished<ref>{{cite tweet|author=The Charlatans|user=thecharlatans|number=1316485585591316487|title=Track 2 Bad Days - All about that bass. Myself and Tony came up with the idea for this in his basement studio. Tony still lived in the UK at the time. Tony came up with the first lyric and @Tim_Burgess completed them. Love it.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014210909/https://twitter.com/thecharlatans/status/1316485585591316487|archive-date=14 October 2020|date=14 October 2020|access-date=16 February 2023}}</ref> and would include a reference to [[the Cure]].<ref name=Burgess201/> "Mis-Takes" exemplifies the New Order comparison, coming across as a mix of that act's songs "[[Blue Monday (New Order song)|Blue Monday]]" (1983) and "[[World (The Price of Love)]]" (1993).<ref name=OMHreview/> Burgess explained that it was a vitriolic track about a person who once threatened him while at a bus stop.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Burgess, Tim|user=Tim_Burgess|number=1316486464398557184|title=It's a hate song about someone who threatened me at a bus stop #natch|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014211128/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1316486464398557184|archive-date=14 October 2020|date=14 October 2020|access-date=16 February 2023}}</ref> Erlewine wrote that it has a cold keyboard atmosphere that "uncannily sounds like a [[New wave music|new wave]] relic" without disregarding the band's signature grooves.<ref name=AMreview/>

"The Misbegotten" recalled the Charlatans' [[The Charlatans (1995 album)|1995 self-titled album]]<ref name="TACreview" /> and was influenced by [[Doris Norton]], whose electronic music Burgess admired. He used [[William S. Burroughs]]' [[cut-up technique]] for the lyrics; it details an instance where a man approached Burgess at a party and proceeded to offer him the chance at sex with his wife, much to Burgess' discomfort.<ref name="Burgess204">Burgess 2019, p. 204</ref> "A Day for Letting Go" is a mid-tempo track focused on Rogers' organ,<ref name="Independentreview" /> which Burgess said was about having one's soul crushed.<ref name="XfmTBT">{{cite web|url=http://www.xfm.co.uk/article.asp?id=610815|title=The Charlatans on 'You Cross My Path'|publisher=Xfm|date=7 March 2008|access-date=15 February 2023|archive-date=17 March 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090317021808/http://www.xfm.co.uk/article.asp?id=610815|url-status=live}}</ref> He wrote the lyrics, which were influenced by [[the Shangri-Las]],<ref name=Burgess204/> during New Year's Eve 2007 while in Texas;<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Burgess, Tim|user=Tim_Burgess|number=1316487826955960321|title=A Day For Letting Go. Wrote the lyrics in Texas on NYE 2007/2008 I think the drum beat was a logic preset|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014211653/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1316487826955960321|archive-date=14 October 2020|date=14 October 2020|access-date=16 February 2023}}</ref> Blunt referred to them as "[[The Doors]] meet [[The Ronettes]] with an [[Acid house|acid]] twist."<ref>{{cite tweet|author=The Charlatans|user=thecharlatans|number=1316488209438777348|title=Track 5 A Day for Letting Go - love the chord progression on this. Tim bought it to the table and the band did their thing. Little bit haunting which I like. The Doors meet The Ronettes with an acid twist. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014211833/https://twitter.com/thecharlatans/status/1316488209438777348|archive-date=14 October 2020|date=14 October 2020|access-date=16 February 2023}}</ref> Discussing "You Cross My Path", Burgess said there were a "few unsavoury characters" in the music industry, and this track was a "handy shot across their bows".<ref>Burgess 2019, p. 160</ref> Influenced by his [[sobriety]],<ref name=DSguide/> it included lines taken from ''[[The Exorcist]]'' (1973) and references to the [[Bible]].<ref name=Burgess206/> ''[[The Austin Chronicle]]'' writer Marc Savlov said it starts with an acid-like "barrage of electro before segueing into more familiar, Pacific Coast Highway rock-out territory".<ref name=TACreview/> Burgess acknowledged that it shared the same chord progression with "[[Being Boiled|Circus of Death]]" (1978) by [[the Human League]] and "[[Low-Life|Sunrise]]" (1985) by New Order,<ref name=DSguide>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a622923/a-beginners-guide-to-the-charlatans-with-tim-burgess/|title=A beginner's guide to The Charlatans with Tim Burgess|work=[[Digital Spy]]|author=Nissim, Mayer|date=20 January 2015|access-date=2 February 2023|archive-date=28 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220628193304/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a622923/a-beginners-guide-to-the-charlatans-with-tim-burgess/|url-status=live}}</ref> and that the drum beat was a pre-set pattern on Logic Pro.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=Burgess, Tim|user=Tim_Burgess|number=1316488592122957824|title=You Cross My Path Def a logic preset for the drum beat on this. Circus of Death by Human League meets New Order – Sunrise meets Chrome Zombie Warfare |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014211925/https://twitter.com/Tim_Burgess/status/1316488592122957824|archive-date=14 October 2020|date=14 October 2020|access-date=16 February 2023}}</ref>

Blunt and Rogers intentionally wrote "Missing Beats (Of a Generation)" as a short song so that people would listen to it more.<ref>{{cite tweet|author=The Charlatans|user=thecharlatans|number=1316489939031293954|title=Track 7 Missing Beats (Of a Generation) - Mostly a composition by Tony and I. We wanted it short so you'd go back and play it again. The BPMs creeping up a bit again here! |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201014212544/https://twitter.com/thecharlatans/status/1316489939031293954|archive-date=14 October 2020|date=14 October 2020|access-date=16 February 2023}}</ref> The lyrics, which talk about a person having sex while in their youth, included a reference to [[DNA (duo)|DNA]], while a section of its melody cribbed "[[Primary (song)|Primary]]" (1981) by the Cure.<ref name=Burgess207>Burgess 2013, p. 207</ref> "My Name Is Despair", which is done in the style of [[Depeche Mode]],<ref name=PMreview/> starts with noise from a street in Manchester over a sample of "[[Crass Records|Reality Asylum]]" (1978) by [[Crass]]. It began as a jam session between Blunt and Brooks, which Burgess subsequently re-wrote in Los Angeles.<ref name=Burgess207/> It had a title that Burgess felt was akin to the "name of a [[Pulp magazine|pulp novel]] or a vengeful [[Spaghetti Western|western]]". Talking about the lyrics, he said he was "leaving an old life behind. I felt my previous experience was like a sea in which I was caught in the swell",<ref name=Burgess165/> being influenced by Southern [[Gothic fiction]].<ref name=XfmTBT/> Samar Grewal of ''[[Rolling Stone|Rolling Stone India]]'' said it was a "[[Mode (music)|modal]] sonic exploration", complete with the "hum and [[Drone music|drone]] of guitars, freely interweaving organ, low piano notes, even ululation, all tied together by nifty hi-hat and cymbal work," comparing it to "[[Vanishing Point (Primal Scream album)|Trainspotting]]" (1997) by [[Primal Scream]].<ref name=RSIreview/> "Bird", which was written over the course of a week,<ref name=XfmTBT/> echoed the sound of the Charlatans [[shoegaze]] contemporaries in the early 1990s, namely [[Swervedriver]].<ref name=PMreview/> With it, Burgess began pondering if his "best days were behind me"; he stylised the word in all-capital letters as a reference to [[David Lynch]] using uppercasing in his film ''[[Inland Empire (film)|Inland Empire]]'' (2006).<ref>Burgess 2019, pp. 165, 166</ref> With the album's closing track, "This Is the End", Burgess said he had "[[Strange Times (The Chameleons album)|Tears]]" (1986) by [[the Chameleons]] in mind and that they were trying to emulate "[[The End (The Doors song)|The End]]" (1967) by the Doors.<ref name=Burgess209>Burgess 2013, p. 209</ref> The lyrics were reminiscent of the work of [[William Wordsworth]], while the music was styled after [[the Verve]].<ref name=DISreview/>

==Release== {{quote box|quote=Why would you volunteer to join the army for 10 years unless you had no choice? Record companies are kind of like the army – very regulated. We were really excited when Xfm got behind us and were as enthusiastic about the download as we are.<ref name=Exclaimgive/>|source= – Manager [[Alan McGee]] in 2008 on his rationale behind releasing the album as a free download|width=25%|align=right|style=padding:8px;}}

===Free download=== In September 2007, Sanctuary Records shuttered operations after being bought by [[Universal Music Group]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-91-1347514|title=The Charlatans and Spiritualized's record label closes down|work=NME|date=6 September 2007|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163540/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-91-1347514|url-status=live}}</ref> Burgess mentioned that they had left Sanctuary because they were not happy with their contract.<ref name=NMEfree/> On 1 October 2007, ''[[Exclaim!]]'' reported that the band would be giving away their upcoming album as a [[Digital distribution|free download]] in partnership with the radio station [[Radio X (United Kingdom)|Xfm]]. McGee theorised that this could be a [[business model]] in the future, reasoning that the band would receive more money from gig attendees, people purchasing their merchandise, and [[Music publisher|publishing]] fees regardless.<ref name=Exclaimgive/> Head of Music at Xfm Mike Walsh thought it would be a worthwhile endeavour, something that he also thought would happen more often in the future, and agreed that it could help with live performances.<ref name=BTfree/> Some months prior, [[Prince (musician)|Prince]] had given away ''[[Planet Earth (Prince album)|Planet Earth]]'' (2007) in the ballpark of three million copies as part of an effort with ''[[The Mail on Sunday]]''. This, in turn, became a driving factor in ticket sales for his [[The Earth Tour: 21 Nights in London|residency of record-setting shows]] at [[The O2 Arena]] in London.<ref name=BTfree/>

While Burgess thought it was an odd choice to go with ''The Mail on Sunday'', McGee proposed to collaborate with ''[[The Sun (United Kingdom)|The Sun]]'', which the rest of the Charlatans were unsure about.<ref name=Burgess192/> As part of the promotion, the radio station would be releasing interviews with Burgess and McGee;<ref name=Exclaimgive>{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/charlatans_to_give_away_new_album_for_free_-_no_strings|title=The Charlatans To Give Away New Album For Free - No Strings Attached|work=Exclaim!|author=Lindsay, Cam|date=1 October 2007|access-date=16 February 2023|archive-date=16 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216111132/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/charlatans_to_give_away_new_album_for_free_-_no_strings|url-status=live}}</ref> the pair would be featured together on ''[[ITV News at Ten]]''.<ref name=Burgess192/> Burgess said the band wished for the listeners to have ownership of their music, and they "wanted the artists – us – to own the copyright". He said that being without a label meant that they could release music as soon as they finished making it and not have to wait for other parties to be involved.<ref name=NMEfree/> Burgess claimed it was "an industry first – we're the first people to do this", highlighting the [[Record sales#Marketing|decline of CD sales]].<ref name=NMEfree>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-95-1337840|title=Tim Burgess explains Charlatans' free album giveaway|work=NME|date=4 October 2007|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163535/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-95-1337840|url-status=live}}</ref> That same day, [[Radiohead]] announced that they would be doing the same thing with their album ''[[In Rainbows]]'' (2007).<ref name=TLOBFreview/> In an interview from early 2008, Burgess said they had the idea of giving it away before they had begun writing material for it,<ref name=NMEaway/> while the concept for Radiohead to do it had been proposed since April 2007.<ref>{{cite news|author=McLean|first=Craig|date=9 December 2007|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/dec/09/popandrock.radiohead3|title=Caught in the flash|work=The Observer|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163540/https://www.theguardian.com/music/2007/dec/09/popandrock.radiohead3|url-status=live}}</ref> The [[director general]] of the Entertainment Retailers Association, Kim Bayley, said this method would stall upcoming acts' ability to make money from putting their music on sale. She warned that music could be viewed as something [[Throw-away society|disposable in the near future]].<ref name=BTfree/>

===Initial promotion=== "You Cross My Path" was released as the album's [[lead single]] digitally on 22 October 2007;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecharlatans.net/disco/ycmp.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110118081941/http://www.thecharlatans.net/disco/ycmp.html|title=You Cross My Path|publisher=The Charlatans|archive-date=18 January 2011|access-date=15 February 2023}}</ref> its music video was directed by Charles Mehling, who was one of Burgess' first friends in Los Angeles and only charged them one tenth of his usual fee.<ref name=Burgess207/> In November 2007, the band embarked on a three-date tour of the UK,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-100-1343562|title=The Charlatans return with three UK dates|work=NME|date=18 September 2007|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163535/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-100-1343562|url-status=live}}</ref> which saw the debut of four songs from the forthcoming album.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-97-1343088|title=The Charlatans preview new material in London|work=NME|date=6 November 2007|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163542/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-97-1343088|url-status=live}}</ref> On 3 January 2008, ''You Cross My Path'' was formerly announced for release as a free download in two months' time. Alongside this, the album's track listing was posted online.<ref name=NMEannounce>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-97-1343088|title=The Charlatans give away new album for free|work=NME|date=25 January 2008|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163542/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-97-1343088|url-status=live}}</ref> "Oh! Vanity" was released as the second single digitally on 25 February 2008;<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecharlatans.net/disco/ohvanity.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304195213/http://www.thecharlatans.net/disco/ohvanity.html|title=Oh Vanity|publisher=The Charlatans|archive-date=4 March 2011|access-date=15 February 2023}}</ref> its music video was directed by Douglas Hart and starred [[Peaches Geldof]]. Hart wanted it to be akin to the ending of ''[[Carrie (1976 film)|Carrie]]'' (1976), though without the blood featured in that film's conclusion.<ref name=Burgess201/> The free download of ''You Cross My Path'' was made available through Xfm's website on 3 March 2008;<ref name=NMEaway>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-83-1320818|title=The Charlatans give new album away for free|work=NME|date=3 March 2008|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163537/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-83-1320818|url-status=live}}</ref> four days later, it was reported that it had been downloaded over 60,000 times, which would have reached the number two position on the UK album chart had it been eligible.<ref name=NMEhit/> Burgess said it was estimated that the rate of sales to peer-to-peer file sharing was 1:60, meaning that for each CD or digital download of an album sold, it would be shared illegally between 60 individuals.<ref name=Burgess191/> He was appreciative of this reaction, while McGee remarked, "No longer does music have to work in the traditional major-label dominated way."<ref name=NMEhit>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-78-1334257|title=The Charlatans hit big with free album|work=NME|date=7 March 2008|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163541/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-78-1334257|url-status=live}}</ref>

''You Cross My Path'' was made available through the band's own website on 17 March 2008,<ref name=NMEForest>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-76-1331865|title=The Charlatans to play gig in a forest|work=NME|date=4 February 2008|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163539/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-76-1331865|url-status=live}}</ref> and was promoted with a one-off show at the London branch of the [[Hard Rock Cafe]] on 24 April 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-79-1335150|title=The Charlatans, KT Tunstall, Starsailor for Hard Rock Café gigs|work=NME|date=18 April 2008|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163539/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-79-1335150|url-status=live}}</ref> By May 2008, the downloads had reached over 90,000.<ref name=NMEUS/> In his autobiography ''[[Telling Stories (book)|Telling Stories]]'' (2012), Burgess said the figure rose above 150,000.<ref name=Burgess192/> ''[[Gigwise]]''{{'s}} Jon Bye felt that the "limited offering of this very album as a free download [...] failed to have the same impact as the likes of Radiohead or [[Nine Inch Nails]]."<ref name=GWreview/> [[BBC Music]] writer Chris Jones,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/zj4h/|title=The Charlatans You Cross My Path Review|work=[[BBC Music]]|author=Jones, Chris|date=2008|access-date=15 February 2023|archive-date=6 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206154428/https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/zj4h/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[musicOMH]]'' contributor Ben Hogwood,<ref name=OMHreview/> and Gill thought the band were copying Radiohead's strategy, as the latter remarked: "Radiohead's internet initiative is starting to be followed by other acts, with varying degrees of success."<ref name=Independentreview/> Erlewine said the band felt compelled to release it this way as they needed a method to announce their return and to seize the "attention of onetime fans who had long ago stopped paying attention to the group."<ref name=AMreview/> Burgess said Radiohead's method involved asking for the downloader's email address, which he said differed from the band's approach as they took zero information from people.<ref name=Burgess192/> ''[[The Sunday Telegraph]]'' writer Juliette Garside noted that ''In Rainbows'' had a compulsory charge, albeit a handling fee of 45p for credit card purchases.<ref>Burgess 2013, p. 193</ref>

===Subsequent promotion=== "The Misbegotten" was released as the third single from ''You Cross My Path'' on 5 May 2008. "Blank Heart, Blank Mind" and "Set Me Free" were included on the CD version, while a remix of "The Misbegotten" was featured on the seven-inch vinyl edition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thecharlatans.net/disco/misbegotten.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304195152/http://www.thecharlatans.net/disco/misbegotten.html|title=The Misbegotten|publisher=The Charlatans|archive-date=4 March 2011|access-date=15 February 2023}}</ref> Initially scheduled for 12 May 2008,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.clashmusic.com/news/charlatans-cross-your-path/|title=Charlatans Cross Your Path|publisher=[[Clash (magazine)|Clash]]|date=27 March 2008|access-date=15 February 2023|archive-date=6 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206142437/https://www.clashmusic.com/news/charlatans-cross-your-path/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''You Cross My Path'' was released physically on CD and vinyl through [[Cooking Vinyl]] on 19 May 2008,<ref name=NMEannounce/> while the US release occurred on 10 June 2008.<ref name=NMEUS>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-88-1326613|title=Bonus material on US release of new Charlatans LP|work=NME|date=12 May 2008|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163537/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-88-1326613|url-status=live}}</ref> For the artwork, Burgess wanted a cat on the cover and approached [[Faris Badwan]] of [[the Horrors]] about designing it.<ref name=Burgess200/> The artwork was not in their minds when they decided to make the album for free, prompting them to tell Badwan that he had to make it within a few days.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-82-1336149|title=The Horrors' frontman designs The Charlatans' album cover|work=NME|date=15 April 2008|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163543/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-82-1336149|url-status=live}}</ref> Burgess came across Badwan at an exhibition he had hosted. Badwan drew five cats that were intended to represent each member of the band.<ref name=Burgess200>Burgess 2013, p. 200</ref> Throughout May 2008, the band embarked on a tour of the UK.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-86-1325932|title=The Charlatans announce new UK tour for May|work=NME|date=19 February 2008|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163544/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-86-1325932|url-status=live}}</ref> Coinciding with this, Burgess ran a two-week podcast about how the tour was progressing, talks with other members, and general banter.<ref name=TLOBFreview/>

Prior to a European tour, McGee quit his manager role in the midst of wanting to leave the music business.<ref>Burgess 2013, pp. 210–11</ref> He had sent an email to Burgess, who was unable to check his inbox due to limited access to the internet. It was not until when the band was in [[Berlin]], Germany, that Burgess got in contact; he found out that Michelle and McGee had gotten into a disagreement. As she felt that Burgess was not sticking up for her, the two did not talk for a week. He was unsure about the full events that unfolded but alleged that Michelle made remarks about McGee's family.<ref name=Burgess211>Burgess 2013, p. 211</ref> In June 2008, the band played a one-off show at [[Cannock Chase]] Forest in [[Staffordshire]].<ref name=NMEForest/> On 1 July 2008, the live EP ''...Live at IndigO2'' was released, which included versions of "Oh! Vanity", "Bad Days", "The Misbegotten", and "This Is the End".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.7digital.com/artists/the-charlatans/live-at-indigo2/|title=...Live At IndigO2 by The Charlatans|publisher=[[7digital]]|access-date=18 February 2023|archive-date=22 November 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081122151603/http://www.7digital.com/artists/the-charlatans/live-at-indigo2/|url-status=live}}</ref> "Mis-Takes" was released as the fourth single from ''You Cross My Path'' on 14 July 2008; "Complete Control" and "It's What It Is, It's What It Was" were included on the [[iTunes Store]] version.<ref name="Mis-Takes">{{cite web|url=http://www.thecharlatans.net/disco/mistakes.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110304195157/http://www.thecharlatans.net/disco/mistakes.html|title=Mis-Takes|publisher=The Charlatans|archive-date=4 March 2011|access-date=15 February 2023}}</ref>

Over the next two months, they performed at the [[T in the Park]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-77-1333967|title=Charlatans play 'best gig in years' at T In The Park|work=NME|date=13 July 2008|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163540/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-77-1333967|url-status=live}}</ref> and [[V Festival]]s<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-84-1336578|title=The Charlatans get 'cool' V Festival crowd pumping|work=NME|date=16 August 2008|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163541/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-84-1336578|url-status=live}}</ref> and headlined [[Ben & Jerry's]] festival.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-87-1326037|title=The Charlatans to headline London festival|work=NME|date=24 June 2008|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213155207/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-87-1326037|url-status=live}}</ref> In October 2008, the band went on another tour of the UK. Originally planned for release on 20 October 2008,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-90-1331427|title=The Charlatans announce UK tour|work=NME|date=29 August 2008|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163544/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-90-1331427|url-status=live}}</ref> "Oh! Vanity" was reissued physically on 3 November 2008. "Complete Control" and live versions of "[[The Only One I Know]]" (1990) and "Oh! Vanity" were included on the CD edition; people that bought the single on CD, seven-inch vinyl, and digital download were given a cover of "[[Murder (song)|Murder]]" (1984) by New Order.<ref name="Mis-Takes"/> Later in November 2008, the band performed their first ever show in New Zealand.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/gig-review-the-charlatans/2FKVNMGBCIOSG5TFW6PRO6F74U/|title=Gig review: The Charlatans|work=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|author=Kara, Scott|date=12 November 2008|access-date=17 February 2023|archive-date=27 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627092342/https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/gig-review-the-charlatans/2FKVNMGBCIOSG5TFW6PRO6F74U/|url-status=live}}</ref> In May 2009, they performed at [[The Great Escape Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-70-1314972|title=The Charlatans, Gang Of Four join The Great Escape line up|work=NME|date=8 April 2009|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213161045/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-70-1314972|url-status=live}}</ref> The following month, the band headlined a stage, which they helped curate, at the [[Isle of Wight Festival]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-75-1308813|title=Charlatans picking bands to play 2009 Isle Of Wight Festival|work=NME|date=16 February 2009|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163545/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-75-1308813|url-status=live}}</ref> Throughout July and August 2009, the band performed at a variety of festivals, including [[GuilFest]] and [[Summer Sundae]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/charlatans_announce_ontario_dates|title=Charlatans Announce Ontario Dates|work=Exclaim!|author=Thiessen, Brock|date=26 May 2009|access-date=16 February 2023|archive-date=16 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216111132/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/charlatans_announce_ontario_dates|url-status=live}}</ref> The band had planned to go on a tour of the US<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-72-1316463|title=The Charlatans announce North American tour|work=NME|author=Byrne, Fiona|date=27 May 2009|access-date=13 February 2023|archive-date=13 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213163542/https://www.nme.com/news/music/the-charlatans-72-1316463|url-status=live}}</ref> and Canada, but this was cancelled as Brookes required shoulder surgery.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/charlatans_cancel_entire_north_american_tour_including_canadian_dates_in_montreal_toronto_london|title=Charlatans Cancel Entire North American Tour, Including Canadian Dates in Montreal, Toronto and London|work=Exclaim!|author=Thiessen, Brock|date=21 August 2009|access-date=16 February 2023|archive-date=16 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216111130/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/charlatans_cancel_entire_north_american_tour_including_canadian_dates_in_montreal_toronto_london|url-status=live}}</ref>

"Oh! Vanity" was later featured on the band's fifth compilation album, ''A Head Full of Ideas'' (2021).<ref>{{cite AV media notes|title=A Head Full of Ideas|author=The Charlatans|year=2021|type=booklet|publisher=Then Records|id=thenCD1/then1CD _1}}</ref>

==Reception== {{Music ratings | MC = 69/100<ref name=Metacritic>{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/you-cross-my-path/the-charlatans-uk/critic-reviews|title=Critic Reviews for You Cross My Path|publisher=[[Metacritic]]|access-date=6 February 2023|archive-date=6 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206143205/https://www.metacritic.com/music/you-cross-my-path/the-charlatans-uk/critic-reviews|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev1 = [[AllMusic]] | rev1Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=AMreview>{{cite web|last1=Erlewine|first1=Stephen Thomas|author-link1=Stephen Thomas Erlewine|title=You Cross My Path – The Charlatans UK|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/you-cross-my-path-mw0000788559|publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=6 February 2023|archive-date=12 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212223110/https://www.allmusic.com/album/you-cross-my-path-mw0000788559|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev2 = ''[[The Austin Chronicle]]'' | rev2Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=TACreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2008-09-05/668696/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110605125049/http://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2008-09-05/668696/|title=Phases and Stages|work=[[The Austin Chronicle]]|author=Savlov, Marc|date=5 September 2008|archive-date=5 June 2011|access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref> | rev3 = ''[[Drowned in Sound]]'' | rev3Score = 5/10<ref name=DISreview>{{cite web|url=http://drownedinsound.com/releases/12695/reviews/3337678-the-charlatans-you-cross-my-path|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090918134547/http://drownedinsound.com/releases/12695/reviews/3337678-the-charlatans-you-cross-my-path|title=The Charlatans: You Cross My Path|work=Drowned in Sound|author=Annot, Michaela|date=21 May 2008|archive-date=18 September 2009|access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref> | rev4 = ''[[Gigwise]]'' | rev4Score = {{Rating|3.5|5}}<ref name=GWreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.gigwise.com/news/42774/The-Charlatans---You-Cross-My-Path-Cooking-Vinyl-Released-120508|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120404122144/http://www.gigwise.com/news/42774/The-Charlatans---You-Cross-My-Path-Cooking-Vinyl-Released-120508|title=The Charlatans - 'You Cross My Path' (Cooking Vinyl) Released 12/05/08|work=[[Gigwise]]|author=Bye, Jon|date=29 April 2008|archive-date=4 April 2012|access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref> | rev5 = ''[[The Independent]]'' | rev5Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=Independentreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-the-charlatans-you-cross-my-path-xfm-792574.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401194638/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/album-the-charlatans-you-cross-my-path-xfm-792574.html|title=Album: The Charlatans, You Cross My Path (XFM)|work=[[The Independent]]|author=Gill, Andy|date=7 March 2008|archive-date=1 April 2008|access-date=6 February 2023|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev6 = ''[[musicOMH]]'' | rev6Score = {{Rating|3|5}}<ref name=OMHreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.musicomh.com/albums/charlatans-4_0508.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080510213247/http://www.musicomh.com/albums/charlatans-4_0508.htm|title=The Charlatans - You Cross My Path|work=[[musicOMH]]|author=Hogwood, Ben|archive-date=10 May 2008|access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref> | rev7 = ''[[The Observer]]'' | rev7Score = {{Rating|4|5}}<ref name=Observerreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2008/mar/16/popandrock.shopping7|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080322011334/http://music.guardian.co.uk/omm/story/0,,2264367,00.html|title=Reviews: 11-25|work=[[The Observer]]|author=Butler, Jim|date=16 March 2008|archive-date=22 March 2008|url-status=live|access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref> | rev8 = ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' | rev8Score = 6/10<ref name=pitchfork>{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11373-you-cross-my-path/|title=The Charlatans UK You Cross My Path|website=[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]|author=Cohen, Ian|date=15 May 2008|access-date=6 February 2023|archive-date=6 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230206141833/https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/11373-you-cross-my-path/|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev9 = ''[[PopMatters]]'' | rev9Score = 8/10<ref name=PMreview>{{cite web|url=http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/61214/the-charlatans-you-cross-my-path/|title=The Charlatans You Cross My Path|work=[[PopMatters]]|author=Bergstrom, John|date=7 August 2001|access-date=6 February 2023|archive-date=9 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080809000447/http://www.popmatters.com/pm/review/61214/the-charlatans-you-cross-my-path/|url-status=live}}</ref> | rev10 = [[Yahoo! Music Radio|Yahoo! Launch]] | rev10Score = {{Rating|5|10}}<ref name=YLreview>{{cite web|url=http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/080512/33/21yxo.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080708201652/http://uk.launch.yahoo.com/080512/33/21yxo.html|title=The Charlatans - You Cross My Path|publisher=[[Yahoo! Music Radio|Yahoo! Launch]]|author=Draper, Jason|date=12 May 2008|archive-date=8 July 2008|access-date=6 February 2023}}</ref> }} ''You Cross My Path'' was met with generally favourable reviews from [[Music journalism|music critics]]. At [[Metacritic]], which assigns a [[standard score|normalised]] rating out of 100 to reviews from mainstream publications, the album received an [[Weighted arithmetic mean|average]] score of 69, based on 14 reviews.<ref name=Metacritic/>

Many reviewers praised the songwriting, going as far as to call it the band's best release in several years. Erlewine said they boost the "rhythms and tak[e] risks in their production, all without abandoning the classicist structures they've relied upon" since their self-titled album. He felt that the tracks "aren't growers, they're immediate -- but what is compelling is the variety of sounds," as they took "risks again without losing their identity."<ref name=AMreview/> Michaela Annot of ''[[Drowned in Sound]]'' wrote that the album "chooses to resolutely endorse the same style of music that they've offering up for the past twenty years." Her sole issue was Burgess' "vocal delivery and maudlin lyrics", and while it was not an "invigorating brew," the mix of "swirling Hammond and ponderous bass and drums stays on the right side of tepid most of the time."<ref name=DISreview/> Gill called it a "triumphant reaffirmation of the band's essential qualities", adding that "whatever betrayal or disappointment Burgess has suffered, it clearly hasn't dimmed either his spirit or the band's knack for engaging melodies."<ref name=Independentreview/> John Bergstrom of ''[[PopMatters]]'' wrote that it was the band's "best album in a decade, not to mention one of the best albums of the year, is a bit of a surprise." He mentioned that "whether it's sheer desperation, reinvigoration, or both, they sound more confident than they have since their heyday."<ref name=PMreview/> ''[[The Line of Best Fit]]'' writer Rich Thane, whose interest in the band waned over the years, was surprised by it, saying that they "reinvented themselves once more."<ref name=TLOBFreview>{{cite web|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/the-charlatans-you-cross-my-path-3347|title=The Charlatans 'You Cross My Path'|work=[[The Line of Best Fit]]|date=7 March 2008|access-date=15 February 2023|archive-date=5 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205175011/https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/the-charlatans-you-cross-my-path-3347|url-status=live}}</ref> ''[[The Observer]]'' writer Jim Butler said that the band "ha[s] never been afraid of proclaiming their influences", showcasing here the influence from New Order, and "the result [...] is a melodic and hard-fought triumph."<ref name=Observerreview/>

Other critics were less enthusiastic about the songwriting. Savlov thought that the album served as its "own tribute LP, layering the best bits" of Burgess' "emotionally disconnected couplets atop the band's trademark soaring keyboards and insistently hummable guitars."<ref name=TACreview/> ''[[Pitchfork (website)|Pitchfork]]'' contributor Ian Cohen thought it was "possibly their strongest work since ''Tellin' Stories''" but was unsure if it was a causality of the "times or its own merits; it's the sort of thing that's so competent that it's more likely to be defined by its failures than its success."<ref name=pitchfork/> Hogwood thought that "Oh! Vanity" and "Mis-Takes" were "easily the two most memorable tracks on the album, which isn't to say the rest are all filler - they're just not quite as memorable."<ref name=OMHreview/> Bye wrote that it was "crushingly middle of the road" with a "degree of flabby excess around the edges." Despite this, he said that the band delivered a "really quite capturing release", which "more than proves that The Charlatans are still worth taking a note of."<ref name=GWreview/> [[Yahoo! Music Radio|Yahoo! Launch]]'s Jason Draper said that there was "nothing wrong with paying respect to past loves, but it's not enough to be Manchester's indie survivors simply replicating '[[Madchester]]' club sounds. [...] [I]t's hard to see this crossing the path of anyone outside of the devoted."<ref name=YLreview/> Pras Rajagopalan of ''[[Exclaim!]]'' wrote that it was not worth purchasing physically as the band "miss[ed] the mark here in so many ways, be it the tepid songwriting, the production that makes the band's rhythm section sound like a limp-wristed afterthought", or their affirmation on revisiting the "same ground they did ten years ago."<ref name=Exclaimreview>{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/charlatans-you_cross_my_path|title=The Charlatans You Cross My Path|work=Exclaim!|author=Rajagopalan, Pras|date=20 June 2008|access-date=16 February 2023|archive-date=16 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216111131/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/charlatans-you_cross_my_path|url-status=live}}</ref>

Following the album's physical release, ''You Cross My Path'' peaked at number 39 in the UK.<ref name=UKchart/> It also charted at number 25 in Scotland<ref name=Scochart/> and number 96 in Ireland.<ref name=Irechart/> "The Misbegotten" reached number five on the [[UK Independent Singles and Albums Charts|UK Indie Singles Chart]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/independent-singles-chart/20080511/130/|title=Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=18 February 2023}}</ref> while "Oh! Vanity" peaked at number two on the same chart.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.officialcharts.com/charts/independent-singles-chart/20081116/130/|title=Official Independent Singles Chart Top 50|publisher=Official Charts Company|access-date=18 February 2023}}</ref>

===Legacy=== In the following years, several authors commented on the Charlatans' decision to release ''You Cross My Path'' for free. In his book ''[[Last Shop Standing (book)|Last Shop Standing: Whatever Happened to Record Shops?]]'' (2009) about [[record store]]s, author Graham Jones lamented the declining sales of CDs in independent shops, writing that the situation "would be even worse" if acts followed Charlatans' directive. He noted that while the band was happy with receiving 30,000 fans to download it, the only individual that would not be was their "accountant who saw them get zero pounds in sales for an album that cost thousands to record. [...] Many artist can achieve 30,000 downloads if the music is free".<ref>Jones 2010</ref> In ''The Entertainment Industry: An Introduction'' (2010), co-authors Stuart Moss and Stephen Henderson contrasted Radiohead's choice on ''In Rainbows'' with the Charlatans' ''You Cross My Path'', writing, "these approaches support a viewpoint that some artists have decided that it is important to get the music in the hands of music fans as this should lead to packed concerts where profit can be made".<ref>Moss; Henderson 2010, p. 51</ref> Matthew David expanded on this in ''Peer to Peer and the Music Industry: The Criminalization of Sharing'' (2010), as he said fans "demanded to pay for both" the album and their live shows. He referred to this as an "extreme example of [[reterritorialization]]," the emphasis on live gigs mixing with "relegitimation of the payment for recordings which come direct from the artists, and for which payment" is given to bands.<ref>David 2010, p. 159</ref>

In 2020, Burgess remarked that it "felt like quite a radical, punk thing to do. [...] We got a million downloads and got to play in Australia for the first time on the back of it, so something good came out of it."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://recordcollectormag.com/articles/tim-burgess-2|title=Tim Burgess|work=Record Collector|author=Wilson, Lois|date=12 June 2020|access-date=17 February 2023|archive-date=16 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220516122657/https://recordcollectormag.com/articles/tim-burgess-2|url-status=live}}</ref> Actor [[Joaquin Phoenix]] expressed admiration for the album<ref>{{cite web|url=https://exclaim.ca/music/article/be_like_joaquin_phoenix_-_download_new_charlatans_album_now|title=Be Like Joaquin Phoenix - Download the New Charlatans Album Now, For Free!|work=Exclaim!|author=Lindsay, Cam|date=4 March 2008|access-date=16 February 2023|archive-date=16 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230216114832/https://exclaim.ca/music/article/be_like_joaquin_phoenix_-_download_new_charlatans_album_now|url-status=live}}</ref> and would eventually work with Burgess for two months on some songs a few years later.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a378813/tim-burgess-interview-i-must-have-enjoyed-my-time-on-drugs/|title=Tim Burgess interview: 'I must have enjoyed my time on drugs'|work=[[Digital Spy]]|author=Nissim, Mayer|date=27 April 2012|access-date=15 May 2022|archive-date=15 May 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220515122639/https://www.digitalspy.com/music/a378813/tim-burgess-interview-i-must-have-enjoyed-my-time-on-drugs/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Track listing== All songs written by Martin Blunt, Jon Brookes, [[Tim Burgess (musician)|Tim Burgess]], [[Mark Collins (musician)|Mark Collins]], and Tony Rogers.<ref name=YCMPbooklet/>

#"Oh! Vanity" – 3:57 #"Bad Days" – 3:28 #"Mis-Takes" – 3:25 #"The Misbegotten" – 4:13 #"A Day for Letting Go" – 2:52 #"You Cross My Path" – 4:05 #"Missing Beats (Of a Generation)" – 3:38 #"My Name Is Despair" – 4:19 #"Bird" – 2:38 #"This Is the End" – 4:28

==Personnel== Personnel per booklet.<ref name=YCMPbooklet>{{cite AV media notes|title=You Cross My Path|author=[[The Charlatans (English band)|The Charlatans]]|year=2008|type=booklet|publisher=[[Cooking Vinyl]]|id=COOKCD462X}}</ref> {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} '''The Charlatans''' * Martin Blunt – bass guitar * Jon Brookes – drums * [[Tim Burgess (musician)|Tim Burgess]] – lead vocals * [[Mark Collins (musician)|Mark Collins]] – guitars * Tony Rogers – keyboards {{col-2}} '''Production and design''' * Tony Rogers – producer * The Charlatans – producer * [[Alan Moulder]] – mixing <small>(all except tracks 5 and 9)</small> * James Spencer – mixing <small>(tracks 5 and 9)</small> * [[Faris Badwan]] – artwork * Jenny Hardcore – artwork, photography * Tim Burgess – artwork * Colin Sheehy – artwork * Jeff Teader – artwork {{col-end}}

==Charts== {| class="wikitable sortable plainrowheaders" |+Chart performance for ''You Cross My Path'' ! scope="col"| Chart (2008) ! scope="col"| Peak<br />position |- {{album chart|Ireland2|96|artist=The Charlatans|rowheader=true|access-date=18 February 2023|refname=Irechart}} |- {{album chart|Scotland|25|date=20080518|rowheader=true|access-date=18 February 2023|refname=Scochart}} |- {{album chart|UK2|39|date=20080518|rowheader=true|access-date=18 February 2023|refname=UKchart}} |}

==See also== * ''[[Ghosts I–IV]]'' – the 2008 album by Nine Inch Nails, similarly released for free * ''[[Post Electric Blues]]'' – the 2009 album by Idlewild, which was initially self-released and later released through Cooking Vinyl * [[Bandcamp]] – a service that allows artists to sell music for free

==References== '''Citations''' {{reflist}}

'''Sources''' {{refbegin}} * {{cite book|last=Burgess|first=Tim|title=[[Telling Stories (book)|Telling Stories]]|date=2013|publisher=[[Penguin Books]]|location=London|isbn=978-0-241-97196-3}} * {{cite book|last=Burgess|first=Tim|title=One Two Another: Line by Line – Lyrics from the Charlatans, Solo and Beyond|date=2019|publisher=[[Constable & Robinson|Constable]]|location=London|isbn=978-1-4721-3031-0}} * {{cite book|last=David|first=Matthew|title=Peer to Peer and the Music Industry: The Criminalization of Sharing|date=2010|publisher=[[SAGE Publishing|SAGE Publications]]|isbn=9781849204309|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DHmXvDaWb8EC&pg=PA159}} * {{cite book|last=Jones|first=Graham|title=[[Last Shop Standing (book)|Last Shop Standing: Whatever Happened to Record Shops?]]|chapter=Mr Dunlop and the Blowup Doll|date=2010|publisher=[[Omnibus Press]]|isbn=9780857124173|chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_j7HDgAAQBAJ&dq=%22The+Charlatans%22+%22You+Cross+My+Path%22&pg=PT203}} * {{cite book|last1=Moss|first1=Stuart|last2=Henderson|first2=Stephen|editor-last=Moss|editor-first=Stuart|title=The Entertainment Industry: An Introduction|date=2010|publisher=[[Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International|CABI]]|isbn=9781845935511|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=n3Vi0RyXc5wC&pg=PA51}} {{refend}}

==External links== <!-- This is a licensed stream for the album, which is allowed under Wikipedia polices --> *[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lj0boHjjrCjmncgVRnemZOdpTmupcID4U ''You Cross My Path''] at [[YouTube]] (streamed copy where licensed) * [https://web.archive.org/web/20080305045452/http://www.xfm.co.uk/news/2008/download-charlatans-new-album-for-free Archived version of the original download page] at Xfm's website * [https://www.reuters.com/article/us-free-idUSN1543936020080315 "More bands embrace the option of giving away music"] at [[Reuters]]

{{The Charlatans}}

{{Authority control}}

[[Category:2008 albums]] [[Category:The Charlatans (English band) albums]] [[Category:Albums free for download by copyright owner]] [[Category:Self-released albums]] [[Category:Cooking Vinyl albums]]