Awesome that Art of Life is on there, that pretty much garauntee's them success, but I think it would've been smarter to leave it for the second U.S album, (which they must obviously be thinking of for some point in the future) because the reception from new US fans (imo) would be "this band is awesome, favourite band for two years, how can they possible get better" then another album with art of life comes out, *holy shit*. It would be like they're getting better as years go on.
I might be wrong, that's just how I see it, don't reveal your best right at the start.
I think that would be a good option if Art of Life was not already available/released but if people are that interested in X they will not want to wait 1-2 years for Art of Life on a second album as it really is too epic to wait!
Imagine listening to the new album (without Art of Life), thinking hmm I like this band, go to Google and YouTube for more info and find Art of Life, have a listen - wow awesome song - will I wait until they release it officially here, or will I download now? I know I would struggle to wait………in fact I did, when I first listened to Art of Life I knew I HAD to have it straight away, I loved it so much!
I know what you are saying Ulquiorra and it is true - it would be an epic way to follow up their initial album but with the internet I don’t think it is possible to have the same impact if they were to leave it to a big second album reveal as most fans will have already heard it. It might actually work better this way, people hear the band at Lollapalooza, they think hmm I like them and might pick up their album, album comes out they buy it – listen to Born to be Free, Rusty Nail….all the songs (likely) played at Lollapalooza then Art of Life……………wow this band are awesome! Boom - hooked!
That is just my opinion though, I know when I hear a band I like I want to find out about their past albums/songs, clips of live shows - basically any info I can. It was certainly the case when I first heard X - I couldn't get enough!!
I wonder if it is a re-recorded version of Art of Life with Sugizo – that would be epic!!! Hopefully it is not the radio edit and is actually the full song! Wonder if they will shoot a PV for Art of Life? Haha!