ROCKIN’ OUT: Sire Records has just released...

ROCKIN’ OUT: Sire Records has just released the latest in its series of innovative sampler albums, but this one comes with a cause--and a string--attached.

Titled “Get Out,” the CD features tracks from the likes of Lou Reed, Morrissey, David Byrne and k.d. lang, all at least remotely tied to the support of gay rights. Some of the tracks--including Morrissey’s “The Loop” and Erasure’s “Waiting for Sex”--have not been available previously on an album.

The catch?

The album is only available as a free gift with a trial subscriptions to Out, a new gay/lesbian-oriented magazine. And that, at a cost of $11.95, can only be ordered by calling (800) 876-1199.

Out Editor-in-Chief Michael Goff says that the album, along with the recent Freddie Mercury tribute concert in London, demonstrates progress for the acceptance of gays in the record industry, but he says that there’s still a climate of fear.

“There are many musicians who will not or cannot come out, some because their labels won’t let them,” he says. “It still remains difficult for musicians who want to make it in the music industry to come out because they’re worried about their careers.”