Barenaked Ladies do it themselves

TORONTO, Sept. 12 (UPI) -- Barenaked Ladies are taking an independent course on their new album, "Barenaked Ladies are Me."

After 15 years with Warner Bros. Records, the Canadian pop group has stripped down its business operation and has released the new album on its own Desperation Records label.

"It's totally empowering and liberating and all those great things. It really feels like we're in charge of our own destiny," says singer-guitarist Steven Page.

"It's also totally terrifying. Is anybody watching? Do people know? The (major label) machine we're used to isn't there anymore, so do people outside our core fan base know the things we used to be able to communicate?"

In addition to the 13 tracks on "Barenaked Ladies are Me," the group has made two special packages available at its Web site -- one with two bonus tracks and a 27-song deluxe edition. The 14 extra songs will be released in January as "Barenaked Ladies are Men."