YouTube: Music without the video

Just because it is on YouTube, doesn't necessarily mean that it is a video. Many people use YouTube as a simple hosting site for songs. As AP points out:
"Though YouTube is known as the Internet’s greatest video warehouse, it’s becoming known as the place to find new music, no video needed. Put in the name of your favorite artist and there’s chance that besides an assortment of their videos, you’ll find a song with perhaps just a picture or a montage of photos to accompany it — and it still gets thousands of views.

If anyone wants to hear Akon’s remake of Michael Jackson’s ‘‘Wanna Be Starting Something,’’ it’s there. Someone yearning for the new Guns N’ Roses track ‘‘Shackler’s Revenge’’ or T.I.’s new release ‘‘Live Your Life’’ featuring Rihanna, all it takes is a quick search of their name and song title. No problem. While some of the songs are posted directly by an artist’s camp, others are uploaded by fans eager to share and discuss new music by their favorite act."

I've noticed this is especially common for leaked tracks and singles, since videos usually aren't available right away.

Metallica change tune on music piracy

“Listen, we’re ten days from release. I mean, from here, we’re golden. If this thing leaks all over the world today or tomorrow, happy days. Happy days. Trust me. Ten days out and it hasn’t quote-unquote fallen off the truck yet? Everybody’s happy. It’s 2008 and it’s part of how it is these days, so it’s fine. We’re happy.”
- Lars Ulrich

This is interesting because Lars Ulrich led the crusade against Napster. He testified in court to Metallica losing millions of dollars from online downloading. Now it seems that he doesn't care.

Why the change of heart?


Essentially, a CD leaking makes for free publicity. If it leaks and people enjoy the album, they are going to let other people know. Most people were disappointed with Metallica's last release, so maybe Lars is hoping positive word-of-mouth will spread with this one...

Last night I noticed that the CD did leak, which isn't surprising since the release is only a little more than a week away.

How will CD sales do? This answer will probably be reflected in what fans think of the leak.