Brute's Column!: LP new album

On May 4, 2007, 11 days before its official U.S. release, 10 days worldwide, the album "Minutes To Midnight" by Linkin Park was leaked onto several peer-to-peer networks on the internet. Later that day Mike Shinoda commented on the Linkin Park Message Board in response to the leak, however he seems to be very understanding if people have downloaded the album, thanking fans for being fans and so forth.

"To all our linkin park fans,

"we heard today that the album leaked...so i guess some of you have had a chance to hear what we've been so excited about. we're both excited and disappionted that you're hearing it right now. here's why:

"It couldn't be more exciting to give you all new music, especially after all the hard work we put into it. This album was almost a year and a half of experiments, mistakes, inspiration, and careful craftsmanship. We put everything we had into these songs, and want you to hear every second of it. I can't wait for you to absorb all the levels of meaning in the songs, and the layers of music, eventually forming your own ideas about what the songs mean to you.

"At the same time, a leak leaves out some very important parts of this piece of work. We put months of creative energy into the ART of the record, in the booklet, special edition, and big book...almost as long as it took to record hybrid theory (sic). The album has amazing photos, lyrics, and notes about how the songs came together--it's the visual half of the record. On the other hand, the super-special-edition book is packed with exclusive images, stories of the making of the songs, gorgeous art, the CD and a DVD that tells the story, showing the actual moments of inspiration caught on camera. For me, it's almost hard to imagine anyone really experiencing this album without that part of it.

"Even the song sequence alone is very important. It's WAY different to hear the songs in a random order than to listen to this record from beginning to end. At the very least, if you've already downloaded the songs, do us a huge favor and listen to them in the right order...it'll be way more rewarding.

"...that's all we wanted to say. if any of you want to be patient and hold off on downloading the album, and get the proper experience by checking out the actual piece in your hands, we applaud you for your restraint! and to everyone else who can't wait: we can't help but understand, because we're just as excited about this album coming out as you are. either way, thanks for listening, and being a fan of our music. thanks for supporting the band, see you on tour! -mike and LP"

— Mike Shinoda

Track listing: