Wilco Surprise Fans With Free New Album Release

Fans of US alt-rock act Wilco can already consider this week a success as the band has surprised everyone with the release of a brand new album online for free. 

The record, Star Wars, is the Chicago-founded outfit's first album release since 2011's The Whole Love and there was little notice given to anyone about the release before they announced it was available on their website. 

While the band have coined it as "a gift" for fans, frontman Jeff Tweedy said the unexpected album was a "jolt of joy: a fun surprise."

Fans can access the digital album on the site for free until 13 August, with a CD version expected to be available from 21 August. 

The eleven-track album will also be available to purchase in vinyl form from 27 November — check out the Wilco website for more details.