Coolfer got an email from Warner Bros Records the other day with an offer to replace the dead link to an old World Leader Pretend song with an MP3 from the band's debut album, ">Punches. If you're OK with it, I replied, I'll be happy to host. Given major labels' attitude about file-sharing and the fact that allow downloads of their music (opting for streams instead) I had to double-check. Bloggers don't want the RIAA to come knocking (though to be honest nobody is losing too much sleep just yet).

This has happened once before in the Warner Bros...as far as I can remember. To promote The Secret Machines' Now Here Is Nowhere, the label contacted a group of popular MP3 blogs and offered a song -- and an olive branch. Many bloggers balked. Music For Robots "sold out" and posted the song "Nowhere Again." The site took some grief in the comments section as well as some positive words from a few commentors. It turned out four of the comments were left by people in the Warner Bros office, and the label was ridiculed not only in the blogosphere but at some mainstream media outlets as well. (Note to readers: If you leave a comment, a blogger will know your IP address.)

So here it is, World Leader Pretend's "Bang Theory" from their debut Warner Bros album "Punches. This is a solid album -- with a few astounding highlights -- and the young band puts on a powerful live show. This song in particular stands out.

World Leader Pretend: "Bang Theory" MP3

For more, read Gothamist's interview with the band.