While MySpace are trying to set new tools for musicians to earn some bucks out of their music, the guys over at Last.fm launched a new FREE download chart, that shows the most popular free downloads on Last.fm each week, and basically offers a new way for artists to promote themselves.

The new feature has managed to prove its impact quite fast, as the top artist on the list right now are is an unknown UK band called: "Gay Against You", and by hitting the chart they're causing a bit of a fuss over there.

The ability of 2 guys playing an atari-noisy-pop kind of thing to hit the charts is amazing and although the guys have a lot against MySpace, it seems like they aren't afraid to use Last.fm's tools to help them promote their needs.

The free download chart can become a new method for Indie musicians to get their 15 minutes of fame. If anyone out there still has doubts about the benefits of free music downloads, this move has proven that, at least for Indie bands, it can only do good. Last.fm are not trying to dictate whether people should give away their music for free or not, they're just offering a new tool for those who simply want to spread their music around in order to promote themselves, and don't mind giving their music for free.

The Last.fm download chart is a great tool for new artists and another step for Last.fm in their differentiation from MySpace, as well as presenting its users with fresh content on a regular basis. Not only is the download chart trendy - as MP3s are still pretty much the hottest buns on the Net - but it can also develop unique community trends of its own, with no sales, purchases or money involved in the mix.

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