The communal spirit of Linkin Park's new album 'Living Things' is rubbing off on Mike Shinoda, who wants to take things a step further with a challenge for the band's fans.

The emcee states in a new posting at the band's website, "Imagine opening your birthday presents by yourself, alone. Imagine having no one to look in the eye, sharing the excitement of each new thing. Now imagine opening those presents surrounded by the people you love. There's something better about sharing an exciting moment with other people."

It's that idea that got Shinoda thinking about the record listening existence of his youth, which has changed significantly in today's download culture. He recalls, "Growing up, when one of my favorite bands released a new album, it was an event. I used to leave school at lunchtime with my friends, drive to the store and buy it. We would rip open the packages and put one in and listen to it together eating lunch in the car. We would shout over the music, rewind our favorite parts, play songs over."

Thinking back, Shinoda says it's sad that fans don't often experience music that way now, and that's where his challenge comes in. He pleads, "It's no secret that the album will likely leak a week or two prior. We want to issue a challenge to our fans: make the 'Living Things' release date a special event for yourself. When the album leaks, ignore it. You'll only have to wait a few days. Then, at midnight of the release date in your country, listen to the album from front to back. If you can, listen to it with friends, have a party, drive somewhere, enjoy yourself. If you decide to download the album leak rather than purchase the album, fine. This challenge still applies to you. This is not about downloading. It's about deciding to have more fun."

To reward those who do take part in the challenge, Shinoda requests that fans document their experiences by taking photos purchasing the album, putting the CD in their cars, downloading it and listening to it on their iPods, or playing it on their stereos. Then tweet those photos to @linkinpark with the hashtag #LIVINGTHINGSRELEASEDAY. The group will pick their favorites and retweet for all their fans to see.

Another way to reward yourself is by entering Loudwire's current 'Living Things' Prize Pack giveaway. The contest runs through July 9, so take advantage right now. Linkin Park's 'Living Things' album arrives June 26.

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