Singles
-------
Despite very weak sales, a 3rd week at #1 for Taio Cruz.

New Entries/New Peaks
---------------------
Top 10 : Jay-Z/Alicia #2, Temper Trap #7, Pitbull #9, Dizzee Rascal #10
Top 20 : Deadmau5 #12, Paloma Faith #15, Veronicas #17, Jordin Sparks 
#18, Example #19
Top 30 : La Roux #27
Top 40 : Tinchy Stryder (YNA) #32, Naturi Naughton #33, Daughtry #39

Re-entries T40 : none

New Entries outside the top 40 (plus new peaks) : Tiesto #44, Mumford & 
Sons #47, Beyonce (BHG) #48, Newton Faulkner #56, Backstreet Boys #72

Re-entries T75 : Paolo Nutini (LR) #41, Jennifer Hudson #60, U2 (WOWY) 
63, Ian Brown #66, Veronicas #71


Albums
------
As I, but almost no-one else, predicted, Paramore claim the #1 spot. :)

New Entries/New Peaks
---------------------
Top 10 : Newton Faulkner #3, Barbara Streisand #4, Ian Brown #8

Top 20 : Paloma Faith #14, Basshunter #16, Alice In Chains #19, Michael 
Bolton #20


New entries/new peaks outside the top 20 : Nolans #22, Hockey #33, 
Lynyrd Skynyrd #36, Zero 7 #39, Tina Turner #43, AFI #73

Re-entries : Newton Faulkner #66, Paramore #70


Next Week
---------
Singles
-------
The Saturdays fanbase should see them get their first #1, given the lack 
of any other significant releases, and overall low sales levels.

Top  5 : none
Top 10 : Chipmunk
Top 20 : Whitney Houston
Top 30 : Empire Of The Sun
Top 40 : Elliot Minor

As always, there are bound to be download releases I don't know about.


Albums
------
I can't see Paramore holding on at #1, so I guess Madonna returning to 
#1 is the best bet.

Top 10 NE : Backstreet Boys,
Top 20 NE : Chris Rea, Deadmau5, Nerina Pallot,

Others : Andy Williams, BWO, Cerys Matthews, Demi Lovato, Holloways, 
Idlewild, Kiss, Lesley Garrett, Mairiah Carey, Mumford & Sons, Nine 
Black Alps, Tiesto
-- 
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham (change 'invalid83261' to 'blueyonder' to email me)

"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message 
news:j$CR1RS5yOyKFwl9@blueyonder.co.uk...
> Singles
> -------
> Despite very weak sales, a 3rd week at #1 for Taio Cruz.

You could argue that it's because of very weak sales: everyone else's.
It seems like whoever topped the chart this week would have done so by 
default.

> New Entries/New Peaks
> ---------------------
> Top 10 : Jay-Z/Alicia #2,

Surely New York deserves better songs than this.

> Temper Trap #7,

I've remembered what this is. It's 'Where The Streets Have No Name' with all 
the interesting bits painstakingly removed.

>Pitbull #9,

Unbelievably, a record that's actually improved by Nicole Shirtcollar's 
vocals.

> Dizzee Rascal #10

There's also a slight nod to Guns N Roses on this track, which is a slightly 
older reference than even the original 'Dirty Cash'.

> Top 20 : Deadmau5 #12,

Now commercially available with the lead vocal of Rob Swire, lead singer of 
Pendulum. Which is hardly the best part of that band you could be borrowing.

>Paloma Faith #15,

At least the chart-run is interesting. And so is the fact that she sings 
"Moo York" on the second chorus of that Live Lounge performance.

>Veronicas #17,

Originally released in Australia in 2005. Since which time, people have 
heard 'U + Ur Hand' by Pink, which threatens to get in the way of this. 
Fortunately, it's rubbish enough on its own merits.

>Jordin Sparks  #18,

I presume the "SOS" bits are there to make you remember the song, because 
they don't really seem to have much to do with any of the rest of it.

> Example #19

It occurs to me that he might be a rare example [ahem] of an artist who's 
benefitted from obscurity; surely if more people had heard his failed 
crossover track 'So Many Roads' he'd have no chance of ever selling a record 
again. This is rather better though.

> Top 30 : La Roux #27

Doing better than once seemed likely, but unlikely to be one of the songs 
they're remembered for.

> Top 40 : Tinchy Stryder (YNA) #32,

One of two tracks on this chart that are new entries to the Top 40, but 
re-enter the Top 75. This has been boosted by his live performance of the 
track from the MOBO awards.

> Naturi Naughton #33,

Not Number 3!
AKA "I wanted to live forever, and I liked it". At least they edited out the 
awful no-mark rap in the middle.

> Daughtry #39

The other Top 75 return. I don't think I'd even have noticed this was 
supposed to be rock music if I hadn't been told. Ideal for people who didn't 
think OneRepublic were bland enough.

> Re-entries T40 : none
>
> New Entries outside the top 40 (plus new peaks) : Tiesto #44,

Featuring Sneaky Sound System, which means they can both add to their tallly 
of flop singles.

>Mumford &  Sons #47,

Issued this week on 7" and bundle, although it's unlikely that those formats 
alone will have accounted for the growth.

> Beyonce (BHG) #48,

I haven't made the effort to hear this yet, because I know I will anyway.

>Newton Faulkner #56,

Now his second highest-charting single.

> Backstreet Boys #72

I haven't actually heard this either. But since it's produced by RedOne I 
can be fairly confident it sounds exactly the same as everything else 
they've produced in this chart, but with the Backstreet Boys.

> Re-entries T75 : Paolo Nutini (LR) #41,

A record that has definitely grown on me since it was first released. But 
not that much obviously.

>Jennifer Hudson #60,

'And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going' is clearly a song that will live up to 
its title.

> U2 (WOWY)  63,

As in "Wowee! U2 used to be really good".

> Ian Brown #66,

Like the Newt, the current singe [typo, no pun intended] is dragged up by 
its appearance on the album.

>Veronicas #71

Clearly, they have been promoting both songs, then.

> Albums
> ------
> As I, but almost no-one else, predicted, Paramore claim the #1 spot. :)

Surprise Number One albums of 2009, part 94... It's no great shocker to see 
this third album off to a good start after the success of 2007's Riot, but 
given the relatively low profile of the act among people over the age of 
about 20, it's still remarkable to see them overtaking a hits collection 
from one of the biggest stars of my lifetime; not entirely unpleasant, mind 
you.
Includes the Top 20 single 'Ignorance' and - in the UK at least - 'Decode' 
from the Twilight soundtrack.

> New Entries/New Peaks
> ---------------------
> Top 10 : Newton Faulkner #3,

Second album from the surfer dude, which lists a generous 18 tracks, 
although five of them are mere "interludes". The title Rebuilt By Humans 
apparently refers both to his first album and to a wrist injury he suffered 
on Boxing Day.

>Barbara Streisand #4,

Another comeback album from the stage star, which features the expected set 
of standards produced by Diana Krall. No, I had no idea she knew anything 
about production either.
For some reason, the BBC seem to have decided this is a hugely important 
release, so I've heard quite a lot and as you might imagine, it's very 
competent. The UK version includes a bonus track, and there's also a double 
CD edition with "quartet versions" of every song.

>Ian Brown #8

Already his sixth solo album, the twattily-titled My Way was apparently 
recorded at the very same studio where the Stone Roses made their debut LP 
twenty years ago, though Brown's main cited influence was Michael Jackson's 
Thriller album.
Includes the typically Brownian single 'Stellify' and its four B-sides, as 
well as the anagrammatically-titled 'Own Brain' and a cover version of 'In 
The Year 2525'.

> Top 20 : Paloma Faith #14,

Speaking of really bad album titles, Do You Want The Truth Or Something 
Beautiful is the debut set from the well-backstoried Hackney singer. Rumour 
has it that she used to be quite interesting, but has been blanded out a bit 
by corporate money.

>Basshunter #16,

Difficult second album in this country (it's apparently his fifth worldwide) 
which includes the current single 'Every Morning' (twice!) and a 
collaboration with STUNT. More surprisingly, he covers 'I Promised Myself' 
by Nick Kamen. A second CD appends remixes of his earlier hits and some rare 
tracks.
Still, charting this album makes him officially bigger than DJ Sammy.

> Alice In Chains #19,

The first new album from the first-generation grunge band since 1995's 
untitled one with the three-legged dog on the front, which topped the US 
chart but barely scraped the Top 40 over here.
Original lead singer Layne Staley died of a drug overdose in 2002, so this 
features replacement frontman William DuVall. Elton John apparently 
contributes piano on the closing title track, although I dodn't totally 
believe that when I saw it on Wikipedia.

>Michael Bolton #20

Another week, another new entry for Michael Bolton. This one is a 
compilation from his previous label, at least the third such effort to 
chart, and has all the usual rubbish on it.

> New entries/new peaks outside the top 20 : Nolans #22,

As one reviewer at a well-known retailer's website puts it: "THE NOLANS 
''OUT SOLD'' THE BEATLES in JAPAN!!. . . . That shows they are the worlds 
greatest vocal harmony group of all time. They are also from The U.K!! . . 
Welcome Back Nolan Sisters!!... This new C.D will be GREAT!!" You can count 
how many ways that's wrong if you like.
When I first saw this, knowing that it coincided with a tour featuring a 
possibly non-definitive lineup of the band, I assumed it was one of those 
dubious cheapo re-recordings you sometimes get from nostalgia acts. It 
almost is that, in that it features versions of 'I'm In The Mood For 
Dancing' and 'Attention To Me', but they also offer their own 
interpretations of such recent "classics" as 'The Promise', 'Eternal Flame', 
'Valerie' [I presume that's the Zutons sound, not the Steve Winwood one] 
and, ironically, 'I Don't Feel Like Dancing'.
Amazingly, there's enough of a market for this to get them their first hit 
album since 1984.

> Hockey #33,

They're not even Canadian, you know. Apparently they said they wrote music 
that they liked, and not music they thought other people would like. As far 
as I'm concerned they've succeeded.

> Lynyrd Skynyrd #36,

Apparently this their first new album since 2003, during which time another 
two members have died, although keyboard player Billy Powell still appears 
on several tracks.
A deluxe double CD includes three outtakes and three live tracks, including 
a version of 'Sweet Home Alabama'. Thanks presumably to Kid Rock, it's the 
first new Skynyrd album to chart here since the 1970s.

>Zero 7 #39,

Fourth album from the duo who are evidently tired of being described by 
words like "downtempo" and "chillout" as this album is a apparently a major 
reinvention, featuring all manner of different styles, distorted vocals and 
harsh electronics.
It seems to have put off their previous audience somewhat though.

>Tina Turner #43,

Last weekend I went to the Turner exhibition at Tate Britain and saw a guy 
wearing a T-Shirt of this album cover. I hope he wasn't too disappointed 
when he found out the exhibition was full of old paintings.
Anyway, this is a document of her recent comeback tour recorded at Arnhem. 
There are 15 tracks on the CD and a fuller 26 on the accompanying DVD.

>AFI #73

More metal has-beens (if indeed they ever were) although these guys are all 
still alive. Apparently this is their eighth album, although it's only their 
third to chart here.
There's a double CD available with four extra tracks. What, no making-of 
DVD?

> Re-entries : Newton Faulkner #66, Paramore #70

Back catalogue revived by new material. Yawn

> Next Week
> ---------
> Singles
> -------
> The Saturdays fanbase should see them get their first #1, given the lack 
> of any other significant releases, and overall low sales levels.

But if they couldn't get to Number One with a charity record that people had 
actually heard, it's hardly certain.
Still, somebody has to get there.

> Top 10 : Chipmunk

Top 5 at least, surely.

Actually, since I wrote that I noticed he's alreadt Number One on the iTunes 
chart.

> Top 20 : Whitney Houston

I was under the impression that this had already been released on download 
weeks ago and flopped. When's she on X-Factor?

> Top 30 : Empire Of The Sun

Presumably if people wanted to download this track - or if they could even 
tell it apart from the other one - they'd already be doing so.

> Top 40 : Elliot Minor

You're never going to meet them.

> As always, there are bound to be download releases I don't know about.

None immediately spring to mind, although I presume that Michael Buble song 
might come out eventually.

Also, Tinchy and Jordin Sparks will probably climb. And Little Boots looks 
likely to return to the Top 40.

> Albums
> ------
> I can't see Paramore holding on at #1, so I guess Madonna returning to #1 
> is the best bet.

Zzzz.

> Top 10 NE : Backstreet Boys,

It's over ten years since they managed that with new material. I'm not 
entirely sure if this is a dead enough week.

> Top 20 NE : Chris Rea,

Likely enough.

>Deadmau5,

I wouldn't bank on it getting this high as it's not an official album, just 
some random outtakes stuck together. It presumably will chart somewhere 
though.

>Nerina Pallot,

I don't know whether she might have lost a bit too much momentum in what 
seems like the 200 years or so since her last album.

> Others : Andy Williams,

Much as I'd like to think that people could content themselves with the 
previous compilations, I think you're right.

> BWO,

Why?

> Cerys Matthews,

Probably.

>Demi Lovato,

Very few of these Disney people seem able to sell albums.

>Holloways,

They still around.

> Idlewild,

All their fans have got this already.

>Kiss,

On the evidence of this week's chart, a definite yes.

> Lesley Garrett,

No reason why not.

>Mairiah Carey,

Seems to have been postponed (again!) to November.

> Mumford & Sons,

Yup. I wonder if this could even pull the single into the 40?

> Nine Black Alps,

What with?

>Tiesto

Might do a bit better, since his last one went Top 20.

Also, there seems to be some sort of Marillion album, and Air still seem to 
be around.

    Chris
-- 
"Back next week with another ridiculous tie knot"

http://nowthats.blogspot.com

On Sun, 4 Oct 2009 at 21:43:09, Chris Brown  
wrote in uk.music.charts :

>
>"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message 
>news:j$CR1RS5yOyKFwl9@blueyonder.co.uk...
>> Singles
>> -------
>> Despite very weak sales, a 3rd week at #1 for Taio Cruz.
>
>You could argue that it's because of very weak sales: everyone else's.
>It seems like whoever topped the chart this week would have done so by 
>default.

Or alternatively, fans of other genres have gotten so sick of the urban 
flood, that they've gone on holiday until it abates? :p
>
>> New Entries/New Peaks
>> ---------------------
>> Top 10 : Jay-Z/Alicia #2,
>
>Surely New York deserves better songs than this.

The UK certainly does...
>
>> Temper Trap #7,
>
>I've remembered what this is. It's 'Where The Streets Have No Name' 
>with all the interesting bits painstakingly removed.

That's why it's steadily climbing, then? :p
>
>>Pitbull #9,
>
>Unbelievably, a record that's actually improved by Nicole Shirtcollar's 
>vocals.

Who?
>
>> Top 20 : Deadmau5 #12,
>
>Now commercially available with the lead vocal of Rob Swire, lead 
>singer of Pendulum. Which is hardly the best part of that band you 
>could be borrowing.

Can't stand Pendulum - and that's probably *why* 'I Remember' was far 
better, IMO.
>
>>Paloma Faith #15,
>
>At least the chart-run is interesting. And so is the fact that she 
>sings "Moo York" on the second chorus of that Live Lounge performance.

I wouldn't know.

Also, maybe the album version is far better than the original download - 
that might account for its astonishing reversal of fortune?
>
>>Veronicas #17,
>
>Originally released in Australia in 2005. Since which time, people have 
>heard 'U + Ur Hand' by Pink, which threatens to get in the way of this. 
>Fortunately, it's rubbish enough on its own merits.

As usual, chart-show Reggie proved his innumeracy. :p

In trying to be clever, he showed he can't do simple subtraction - 
claiming that their rise from 197 to 17 was a 181 place climb. :p
>
>>Jordin Sparks  #18,
>
>I presume the "SOS" bits are there to make you remember the song, 
>because they don't really seem to have much to do with any of the rest 
>of it.

I didn't pay much attention, myself.
>
>> Top 30 : La Roux #27
>
>Doing better than once seemed likely

Being 29p on Amazon won't have hurt...

>, but unlikely to be one of the songs they're remembered for.

Apparently they said something controversial too, but I missed it, what 
with my usual waffle-skipping FF-ing...
>
>> Top 40 : Tinchy Stryder (YNA) #32,
>
>One of two tracks on this chart that are new entries to the Top 40, but 
>re-enter the Top 75. This has been boosted by his live performance of 
>the track from the MOBO awards.

I thought it was more because of general promo due to forthcoming 
official singles release?
>>
>> New Entries outside the top 40 (plus new peaks) : Tiesto #44,
>
>Featuring Sneaky Sound System, which means they can both add to their 
>tallly of flop singles.

Though Tiesto's 'Adagio For Strings' has been a steady seller on 
download, despite its relatively modest #37 peak.
>
>> Beyonce (BHG) #48,
>
>I haven't made the effort to hear this yet, because I know I will anyway.

Slow start, though...
>
>> Re-entries T75 : Paolo Nutini (LR) #41,
>
>A record that has definitely grown on me since it was first released. 
>But not that much obviously.

Presumably it won't now return to the T40, though.
>
>>Jennifer Hudson #60,
>
>'And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going' is clearly a song that will live up 
>to its title.

Well, when XF drones keep dragging it up...
>
>> U2 (WOWY)  63,
>
>As in "Wowee! U2 used to be really good".

Grin.

I wonder what woke it up this time?

By my estimate, it has sold something like 47k this year, and between 
210-220th on YTD sales.
>
>>Veronicas #71
>
>Clearly, they have been promoting both songs, then.

Not that previous singles don't benefit anyway, when new releases 
arrive...
>
>> Albums
>> ------
>> As I, but almost no-one else, predicted, Paramore claim the #1 spot. :)
>
>Surprise Number One albums of 2009, part 94... It's no great shocker to 
>see this third album off to a good start after the success of 2007's 
>Riot, but given the relatively low profile of the act among people over 
>the age of about 20

I thought I was the only one. :p

>Includes the Top 20 single 'Ignorance'

Which also bounced back slightly...

>and - in the UK at least - 'Decode' from the Twilight soundtrack.

Well, given that it wasn't on 'Riot!'...
>
>> New Entries/New Peaks
>> ---------------------
>> Top 10 : Newton Faulkner #3,
>
>Second album from the surfer dude, which lists a generous 18 tracks, 
>although five of them are mere "interludes". The title Rebuilt By 
>Humans apparently refers both to his first album

So I gathered.

> and to a wrist injury he suffered on Boxing Day.

Well, it was their that, or going blind... :p
>
>>Barbara Streisand #4,
>
>Another comeback album from the stage star, which features the expected 
>set of standards produced by Diana Krall. No, I had no idea she knew 
>anything about production either.
>For some reason, the BBC seem to have decided this is a hugely 
>important release, so I've heard quite a lot and as you might imagine, 
>it's very competent. The UK version includes a bonus track, and there's 
>also a double CD edition with "quartet versions" of every song.

No doubt she got a significant boost from the Jonathan Ross show, too.
>
>>Ian Brown #8

>Includes the typically Brownian single 'Stellify' and its four B-sides, 
>as well as the anagrammatically-titled 'Own Brain' and a cover version 
>of 'In The Year 2525'.

As usual, it won't hang around though - having already fall 4 places 
from its debut position early last week.
>
>> Top 20 : Paloma Faith #14,
>
>Speaking of really bad album titles

Or really long ones, anyway...

>, Do You Want The Truth Or Something Beautiful is the debut set from 
>the well-backstoried Hackney singer.
>
>> Alice In Chains #19,
>
>The first new album from the first-generation grunge band since 1995's 
>untitled one with the three-legged dog on the front, which topped the 
>US chart but barely scraped the Top 40 over here.

As usual, I had no idea they weren't a new band.
>
>>Michael Bolton #20
>
>Another week, another new entry for Michael Bolton. This one is a 
>compilation from his previous label, at least the third such effort to 
>chart, and has all the usual rubbish on it.

You mean - Michael Bolton songs...? :p
>
>> New entries/new peaks outside the top 20 : Nolans #22,
>
>Amazingly, there's enough of a market for this to get them their first 
>hit album since 1984.

How many have they released over that period, though?
>
>>Zero 7 #39,
>
>Fourth album from the duo who are evidently tired of being described by 
>words like "downtempo" and "chillout" as this album is a apparently a 
>major reinvention, featuring all manner of different styles, distorted 
>vocals and harsh electronics.
>It seems to have put off their previous audience somewhat though.

How could anyone tell, though?
>
>> Re-entries : Newton Faulkner #66, Paramore #70
>
>Back catalogue revived by new material. Yawn

In the latter case, I'm partly to blame. :)
>
>> Next Week
>> ---------
>> Singles
>> -------
>> The Saturdays fanbase should see them get their first #1, given the 
>>lack  of any other significant releases, and overall low sales levels.
>
>But if they couldn't get to Number One with a charity record that 
>people had actually heard, it's hardly certain.

You keep claiming people haven't heard it, but its been T40 on airplay 
for a couple of weeks...
>
>> Top 10 : Chipmunk
>
>Top 5 at least, surely.

Initially I was only going to predict T20...
>
>Actually, since I wrote that I noticed he's alreadt Number One on the 
>iTunes chart.

Correcting the terrible rap drought we've been having recently. :p
>
>> Top 20 : Whitney Houston
>
>I was under the impression that this had already been released on 
>download weeks ago and flopped.

A false impression.

>When's she on X-Factor?

Almost every week - well, her songs seem to be, at least...
>
>Also, Tinchy and Jordin Sparks will probably climb. And Little Boots 
>looks likely to return to the Top 40.

Return??

She was #24 yesterday - unless you refer to 'New In Town'?
>
>> Albums
>> ------
>> I can't see Paramore holding on at #1, so I guess Madonna returning 
>>to #1  is the best bet.
>
>Zzzz.

Which artist is that a comment on? :p
>
>> Top 20 NE :
>
>>Nerina Pallot,
>
>I don't know whether she might have lost a bit too much momentum in 
>what seems like the 200 years or so since her last album.

The lack of a single won't help - though those from her last albums 
didn't exactly storm the charts...

Personally, I thought 'Sophia' should have been a massive #1.
>
>> Others :
>
>> BWO,
>
>Why?

Because I recognised the name? :p
>
>> Idlewild,
>
>All their fans have got this already.

Pirated before release?
>
>>Mariah Carey,
>
>Seems to have been postponed (again!) to November.

Any longer, and she'll miss the Xmas market altogether...
>
>> Nine Black Alps,
>
>What with?

 From the release schedule - 'Locked Out From The Inside'.
-- 
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham (change 'invalid83261' to 'blueyonder' to email me)

"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message
news:c82u1EDoYZyKFwT6@blueyonder.co.uk...
> On Sun, 4 Oct 2009 at 21:43:09, Chris Brown 
> wrote in uk.music.charts :
>
>>
>>"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message
>>news:j$CR1RS5yOyKFwl9@blueyonder.co.uk...
>>> Singles
>>> -------
>>> Despite very weak sales, a 3rd week at #1 for Taio Cruz.
>>
>>You could argue that it's because of very weak sales: everyone else's.
>>It seems like whoever topped the chart this week would have done so by
>>default.
>
> Or alternatively, fans of other genres have gotten so sick of the urban
> flood, that they've gone on holiday until it abates? :p

Or maybe they just can't find anything worth buying. I mean, record 
companies are putting out stuff like Hockey.

>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>> ---------------------
>>> Temper Trap #7,
>>
>>I've remembered what this is. It's 'Where The Streets Have No Name' with
>>all the interesting bits painstakingly removed.
>
> That's why it's steadily climbing, then? :p

Because it's sort of bland? Yeah, probably.

>>>Pitbull #9,
>>
>>Unbelievably, a record that's actually improved by Nicole Shirtcollar's
>>vocals.
>
> Who?

That woman from the Pussycat Dolls.

>>> Top 20 : Deadmau5 #12,
>>
>>Now commercially available with the lead vocal of Rob Swire, lead singer
>>of Pendulum. Which is hardly the best part of that band you could be
>>borrowing.
>
> Can't stand Pendulum - and that's probably *why* 'I Remember' was far
> better, IMO.

I like some Pendulum stuff but I don't really like the vocals. So adding his 
voice to somebody else's track feels like the worst of both worlds.

>>>Paloma Faith #15,
>>
>>At least the chart-run is interesting. And so is the fact that she sings
>>"Moo York" on the second chorus of that Live Lounge performance.
>
> I wouldn't know.

I heard it.

> Also, maybe the album version is far better than the original download -
> that might account for its astonishing reversal of fortune?

If the iTunes chart feed is to be believed the album has the radio edit on 
it anyway.

>>>Jordin Sparks  #18,
>>
>>I presume the "SOS" bits are there to make you remember the song, because
>>they don't really seem to have much to do with any of the rest of it.
>
> I didn't pay much attention, myself.

It's a lot like 'Let The Music Play' but with somebody randomly saying 
"S-O-S" over some parts of it.

>>> Top 30 : La Roux #27
>>
>>Doing better than once seemed likely
>
> Being 29p on Amazon won't have hurt...

Can't have helped much either though.

>>, but unlikely to be one of the songs they're remembered for.
>
> Apparently they said something controversial too, but I missed it, what
> with my usual waffle-skipping FF-ing...

Well, Elly Jackson seems to have said everybody else was rubbish, or 
something. The bloke seems to have had the sense to keep out of it.

>>> Top 40 : Tinchy Stryder (YNA) #32,
>>
>>One of two tracks on this chart that are new entries to the Top 40, but
>>re-enter the Top 75. This has been boosted by his live performance of the
>>track from the MOBO awards.
>
> I thought it was more because of general promo due to forthcoming official
> singles release?

Well, yes, but that performance was an especially high-profile bit of that 
promo.

>>> New Entries outside the top 40 (plus new peaks) : Tiesto #44,
>>
>>Featuring Sneaky Sound System, which means they can both add to their
>>tallly of flop singles.
>
> Though Tiesto's 'Adagio For Strings' has been a steady seller on download,
> despite its relatively modest #37 peak.

Oh yes, but he obviously has had quite a few flops as well.

>>> Beyonce (BHG) #48,
>>
>>I haven't made the effort to hear this yet, because I know I will anyway.
>
> Slow start, though...

Huh? Aren't most places still playing the last one?

>>> Re-entries T75 : Paolo Nutini (LR) #41,
>>
>>A record that has definitely grown on me since it was first released. But
>>not that much obviously.
>
> Presumably it won't now return to the T40, though.

Not on this occasion, anyway.

>>>Jennifer Hudson #60,
>>
>>'And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going' is clearly a song that will live up to
>>its title.
>
> Well, when XF drones keep dragging it up...

Well, that's it entirely.

>>> U2 (WOWY)  63,
>>
>>As in "Wowee! U2 used to be really good".
>
> Grin.
>
> I wonder what woke it up this time?

Somebody sang it badly on X-Factor.

> By my estimate, it has sold something like 47k this year, and between
> 210-220th on YTD sales.

I suppose the rubbishness of their current material might somehow be helping 
the back catalogue too.

>>> Albums
>>> ------
>>> As I, but almost no-one else, predicted, Paramore claim the #1 spot. :)
>>
>>Surprise Number One albums of 2009, part 94... It's no great shocker to
>>see this third album off to a good start after the success of 2007's Riot,
>>but given the relatively low profile of the act among people over the age
>>of about 20
>
> I thought I was the only one. :p

Who was over 20? No, there's loads of us.

>>Includes the Top 20 single 'Ignorance'
>
> Which also bounced back slightly...

No new peak though.

>>and - in the UK at least - 'Decode' from the Twilight soundtrack.
>
> Well, given that it wasn't on 'Riot!'...

...it might not have been on this either.

>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>> ---------------------
>
>>>Barbara Streisand #4,
>>
>>Another comeback album from the stage star, which features the expected
>>set of standards produced by Diana Krall. No, I had no idea she knew
>>anything about production either.
>>For some reason, the BBC seem to have decided this is a hugely important
>>release, so I've heard quite a lot and as you might imagine, it's very
>>competent. The UK version includes a bonus track, and there's also a
>>double CD edition with "quartet versions" of every song.
>
> No doubt she got a significant boost from the Jonathan Ross show, too.

Agreed.

>>Ian Brown #8
>
>>Includes the typically Brownian single 'Stellify' and its four B-sides, as
>>well as the anagrammatically-titled 'Own Brain' and a cover version of 'In
>>The Year 2525'.
>
> As usual, it won't hang around though - having already fall 4 places from
> its debut position early last week.

And for that matter, it's been outcharted by the re-release of the old Stone 
Roses album.

>>> Top 20 : Paloma Faith #14,
>>
>>Speaking of really bad album titles
>
> Or really long ones, anyway...

Well, most very long album titles are fairly bad.

>>> Alice In Chains #19,
>>
>>The first new album from the first-generation grunge band since 1995's
>>untitled one with the three-legged dog on the front, which topped the US
>>chart but barely scraped the Top 40 over here.
>
> As usual, I had no idea they weren't a new band.

For obvious reasons, they haven't been very high-profile in this decade.

>>>Michael Bolton #20
>>
>>Another week, another new entry for Michael Bolton. This one is a
>>compilation from his previous label, at least the third such effort to
>>chart, and has all the usual rubbish on it.
>
> You mean - Michael Bolton songs...? :p

Exactly. well, and some cover versions.

>>> New entries/new peaks outside the top 20 : Nolans #22,
>>
>>Amazingly, there's enough of a market for this to get them their first hit
>>album since 1984.
>
> How many have they released over that period, though?

Not many, apparently. Except in Japan.

>>>Zero 7 #39,
>>
>>Fourth album from the duo who are evidently tired of being described by
>>words like "downtempo" and "chillout" as this album is a apparently a
>>major reinvention, featuring all manner of different styles, distorted
>>vocals and harsh electronics.
>>It seems to have put off their previous audience somewhat though.
>
> How could anyone tell, though?

The fact that their last two went Top 5 and this has only just scraped the 
Top 40 is a bit of a clue.

>>> Next Week
>>> ---------
>>> Singles
>>> -------
>>> The Saturdays fanbase should see them get their first #1, given the lack
>>> of any other significant releases, and overall low sales levels.
>>
>>But if they couldn't get to Number One with a charity record that people
>>had actually heard, it's hardly certain.
>
> You keep claiming people haven't heard it, but its been T40 on airplay for
> a couple of weeks...

Well, I haven't heard it, and I'm a person...

Of course some people have heard it, but only Top 40 seems remarkably low 
for the return of a theoretically big act.

>>> Top 10 : Chipmunk
>>
>>Top 5 at least, surely.
>
> Initially I was only going to predict T20...

..Even though the last one was Top 10?

>>> Top 20 : Whitney Houston
>>
>>I was under the impression that this had already been released on download
>>weeks ago and flopped.
>
> A false impression.

I'm sure I saw it, although I suppose it might have been removed again.

>>When's she on X-Factor?
>
> Almost every week - well, her songs seem to be, at least...

Heh.

Seriously, though, I thought the reason why the album's being released here 
so much later than the rest of the world was to tie in with an appearance on 
there. Presumably it hasn't been here though.

>>Also, Tinchy and Jordin Sparks will probably climb. And Little Boots looks
>>likely to return to the Top 40.
>
> Return??
>
> She was #24 yesterday - unless you refer to 'New In Town'?

You spotted my deliberate mistake then?

>>> Albums
>>> ------
>>> I can't see Paramore holding on at #1, so I guess Madonna returning to
>>> #1  is the best bet.
>>
>>Zzzz.
>
> Which artist is that a comment on? :p

Both, I reckon.

>>> Top 20 NE :
>>
>>>Nerina Pallot,
>>
>>I don't know whether she might have lost a bit too much momentum in what
>>seems like the 200 years or so since her last album.
>
> The lack of a single won't help - though those from her last albums didn't
> exactly storm the charts...

Well, exactly. There is an airplay single, but there'd be no point releasing 
it physically.

> Personally, I thought 'Sophia' should have been a massive #1.

Obviously not many other people did though.

>>> Others :
>>
>>> BWO,
>>
>>Why?
>
> Because I recognised the name? :p

As being the name of a band who aren't popular?

>>> Idlewild,
>>
>>All their fans have got this already.
>
> Pirated before release?

Isn't everything?

No, but they did a deal where, AIUI, the fans could pre-order it before it 
was recorded and received a special version of the record a few weeks ago. 
And then it was released as a download a few weeks before the CD.

All that said, guess what I bought today.

>>>Mariah Carey,
>>
>>Seems to have been postponed (again!) to November.
>
> Any longer, and she'll miss the Xmas market altogether...

Maybe the idea was to push it as late as possibke to avoid bad word of 
mouth.

>>> Nine Black Alps,
>>
>>What with?
>
> From the release schedule - 'Locked Out From The Inside'.

Apparently not available in any stores.

    Chris

On Mon, 5 Oct 2009 at 19:28:09, Chris Brown  
wrote in uk.music.charts :

>>>> Singles
>>>> -------
>>>> Despite very weak sales, a 3rd week at #1 for Taio Cruz.
>>>
>>>You could argue that it's because of very weak sales: everyone else's.
>>>It seems like whoever topped the chart this week would have done so by
>>>default.
>>
>> Or alternatively, fans of other genres have gotten so sick of the urban
>> flood, that they've gone on holiday until it abates? :p
>
>Or maybe they just can't find anything worth buying. I mean, record 
>companies are putting out stuff like Hockey.

Or, record companies don't want to compete against the XF effect, so are 
holding back their best releases?

For example, Lady G's 'Just Dance' & Lily Allen's 'The Fear' both sold 
well in a traditionally quiet time of year, rather than compete against 
strong autumn competition...
>
>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>> ---------------------
>
>>>>Pitbull #9,
>>>
>>>Unbelievably, a record that's actually improved by Nicole Shirtcollar's
>>>vocals.
>>
>> Who?
>
>That woman from the Pussycat Dolls.

You mean Nicole Scherzinger, then.
>
>>>> Top 30 : La Roux #27
>>>
>>>Doing better than once seemed likely
>>
>> Being 29p on Amazon won't have hurt...
>
>Can't have helped much either though.

Well, she was struggling for T40 on iTunes, so it seems like it helped 
significantly...
>
>>>, but unlikely to be one of the songs they're remembered for.
>>
>> Apparently they said something controversial too, but I missed it, what
>> with my usual waffle-skipping FF-ing...
>
>Well, Elly Jackson seems to have said everybody else was rubbish, or 
>something.

I recall Amy Winehouse said something similar a few years back.
>
>>>> Beyonce (BHG) #48,
>>>
>>>I haven't made the effort to hear this yet, because I know I will anyway.
>>
>> Slow start, though...
>
>Huh? Aren't most places still playing the last one?

Irrelevant nowadays, thanks to downloads - didn't hinder Jay-Z/Alicia!
>
>>>> Albums
>>>> ------
>>>> As I, but almost no-one else, predicted, Paramore claim the #1 spot. :)
>>>
>>>Surprise Number One albums of 2009, part 94... It's no great shocker to
>>>see this third album off to a good start after the success of 2007's Riot,
>>>but given the relatively low profile of the act among people over the age
>>>of about 20
>>
>> I thought I was the only one. :p
>
>Who was over 20? No, there's loads of us.

Surely the relevant part is about the 'relatively low profile amongst 
over-20's'. You've previously given little, if any, indication of being 
a Paramore fan...
>
>
>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>> ---------------------
>>>>Barbara Streisand #4,
>>
>> No doubt she got a significant boost from the Jonathan Ross show, too.
>
>Agreed.

Apparently she moved from 8-4 on the back of that show!
>
>>>> Next Week
>>>> ---------
>>>> Singles
>>>> -------
>>>> Top 10 : Chipmunk
>>>
>>>Top 5 at least, surely.
>>
>> Initially I was only going to predict T20...
>
>..Even though the last one was Top 10?

But presumably the previous two singles were considered better prospects 
than this, otherwise why not release this first?
>
>>>> Albums
>>>> ------
>>>> Top 20 NE :
>>>
>>>>Nerina Pallot,
>>>
>>>I don't know whether she might have lost a bit too much momentum in what
>>>seems like the 200 years or so since her last album.
>>
>> The lack of a single won't help - though those from her last albums didn't
>> exactly storm the charts...
>
>Well, exactly. There is an airplay single, but there'd be no point 
>releasing it physically.
>
>> Personally, I thought 'Sophia' should have been a massive #1.
>
>Obviously not many other people did though.

Denied airplay, as seems to happen to so many songs I think would be 
massive hits...
>
>>>>Mariah Carey,
>>>
>>>Seems to have been postponed (again!) to November.
>>
>> Any longer, and she'll miss the Xmas market altogether...
>
>Maybe the idea was to push it as late as possibke to avoid bad word of 
>mouth.

We are still talking about the box-set, rather than her new studio 
album, right?
-- 
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham (change 'invalid83261' to 'blueyonder' to email me)

"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message 
news:+rbWgbBeduyKFwHz@blueyonder.co.uk...
> On Mon, 5 Oct 2009 at 19:28:09, Chris Brown  
> wrote in uk.music.charts :
>
>>>>> Singles
>>>>> -------
>>>>> Despite very weak sales, a 3rd week at #1 for Taio Cruz.
>>>>
>>>>You could argue that it's because of very weak sales: everyone else's.
>>>>It seems like whoever topped the chart this week would have done so by
>>>>default.
>>>
>>> Or alternatively, fans of other genres have gotten so sick of the urban
>>> flood, that they've gone on holiday until it abates? :p
>>
>>Or maybe they just can't find anything worth buying. I mean, record 
>>companies are putting out stuff like Hockey.
>
> Or, record companies don't want to compete against the XF effect, so are 
> holding back their best releases?

Well, that might explain some of the dreck that's coming out now... But 
avoiding XF would mean losing the entire fourth quarter of the year, which 
doesn't seem entirely logical.

> For example, Lady G's 'Just Dance' & Lily Allen's 'The Fear' both sold 
> well in a traditionally quiet time of year, rather than compete against 
> strong autumn competition...

Which is true, although of course Gaga was a new act to the UK so it 
probably made particular sense to launch her early on (particularly if the 
record company had some grand plan of pushing her as The Star Of 2009 or 
similar).

Conversely, there was much complaint that far too many big releases were 
crammed together at the end of 2008.

>>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>>> ---------------------
>>
>>>>>Pitbull #9,
>>>>
>>>>Unbelievably, a record that's actually improved by Nicole Shirtcollar's
>>>>vocals.
>>>
>>> Who?
>>
>>That woman from the Pussycat Dolls.
>
> You mean Nicole Scherzinger, then.

Yes, believe it or not I didn't think "Shirtcollar" was her real name.

>>>>, but unlikely to be one of the songs they're remembered for.
>>>
>>> Apparently they said something controversial too, but I missed it, what
>>> with my usual waffle-skipping FF-ing...
>>
>>Well, Elly Jackson seems to have said everybody else was rubbish, or 
>>something.
>
> I recall Amy Winehouse said something similar a few years back.

Well, it's not that unusual, but I think some people are finding it a bit 
arriviste.
I read that she (Jackson) has even been laying into The Bill.

>>>>> Beyonce (BHG) #48,
>>>>
>>>>I haven't made the effort to hear this yet, because I know I will 
>>>>anyway.
>>>
>>> Slow start, though...
>>
>>Huh? Aren't most places still playing the last one?
>
> Irrelevant nowadays, thanks to downloads - didn't hinder Jay-Z/Alicia!

It didn't, but I don't think you can necessarily apply the converse and 
write off a song early.

>>>>> Albums
>>>>> ------
>>>>> As I, but almost no-one else, predicted, Paramore claim the #1 spot. 
>>>>> :)
>>>>
>>>>Surprise Number One albums of 2009, part 94... It's no great shocker to
>>>>see this third album off to a good start after the success of 2007's 
>>>>Riot,
>>>>but given the relatively low profile of the act among people over the 
>>>>age
>>>>of about 20
>>>
>>> I thought I was the only one. :p
>>
>>Who was over 20? No, there's loads of us.
>
> Surely the relevant part is about the 'relatively low profile amongst 
> over-20's'. You've previously given little, if any, indication of being a 
> Paramore fan...

Because I'm not, although I do know who they are.

>>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>>> ---------------------
>>>>>Barbara Streisand #4,
>>>
>>> No doubt she got a significant boost from the Jonathan Ross show, too.
>>
>>Agreed.
>
> Apparently she moved from 8-4 on the back of that show!

So far...

>>>>> Next Week
>>>>> ---------
>>>>> Singles
>>>>> -------
>>>>> Top 10 : Chipmunk
>>>>
>>>>Top 5 at least, surely.
>>>
>>> Initially I was only going to predict T20...
>>
>>..Even though the last one was Top 10?
>
> But presumably the previous two singles were considered better prospects 
> than this, otherwise why not release this first?

Because this is the single that will launch the album, for one thing.
By your logic, shouldn't the second one have done less well than the first?

>>>>> Albums
>>>>> ------
>>>>> Top 20 NE :
>>>>
>>>>>Nerina Pallot,
>>>>
>>>>I don't know whether she might have lost a bit too much momentum in what
>>>>seems like the 200 years or so since her last album.
>>>
>>> The lack of a single won't help - though those from her last albums 
>>> didn't
>>> exactly storm the charts...
>>
>>Well, exactly. There is an airplay single, but there'd be no point 
>>releasing it physically.
>>
>>> Personally, I thought 'Sophia' should have been a massive #1.
>>
>>Obviously not many other people did though.
>
> Denied airplay, as seems to happen to so many songs I think would be 
> massive hits...

R2 played it loads. But then they played 'All Good People' even more.

>>>>>Mariah Carey,
>>>>
>>>>Seems to have been postponed (again!) to November.
>>>
>>> Any longer, and she'll miss the Xmas market altogether...
>>
>>Maybe the idea was to push it as late as possibke to avoid bad word of 
>>mouth.
>
> We are still talking about the box-set, rather than her new studio album, 
> right?

Well, I wasn't. But HMV is listing them both for the same date anyway.

    Chris

On Tue, 6 Oct 2009 at 12:31:20, Chris Brown  
wrote in uk.music.charts :
>>
>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>> -------
>>
>> Or, record companies don't want to compete against the XF effect, so 
>>are  holding back their best releases?
>
>Well, that might explain some of the dreck that's coming out now... But 
>avoiding XF would mean losing the entire fourth quarter of the year, 
>which doesn't seem entirely logical.

Well, they could release the album to take advantage of the Xmas market, 
but perhaps hold back the better singles?

Either they want a high-selling #2 against XF/charity songs, or a far 
higher chance of #1 at a different time of year.
>
>Conversely, there was much complaint that far too many big releases 
>were crammed together at the end of 2008.

Must have missed that - all I remember was XF crap... :p
>
>>>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>>>> ---------------------
>
>>>>>> Albums
>>>>>> ------
>> Surely the relevant part is about the 'relatively low profile amongst 
>>over-20's'. You've previously given little, if any, indication of 
>>being a  Paramore fan...
>
>Because I'm not, although I do know who they are.

ISTM if we ever both like the same song or artist, that's when we should 
really get scared... :p
>
>>>>>> Next Week
>>>>>> ---------
>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>> -------
>>>>>> Top 10 : Chipmunk
>>
>> But presumably the previous two singles were considered better 
>>prospects  than this, otherwise why not release this first?
>
>Because this is the single that will launch the album, for one thing.

Well, yes - but rap albums don't sell well in the UK, so I wouldn't have 
placed that much importance on it. Besides, the more singles you release 
before the parent album, the harder it'll be to generate post-release 
sales.
-- 
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham (change 'invalid83261' to 'blueyonder' to email me)

"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message
news:GHYYbPWRQ3yKFwya@blueyonder.co.uk...
> On Tue, 6 Oct 2009 at 12:31:20, Chris Brown 
> wrote in uk.music.charts :
>>>
>>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>>> -------
>>>
>>> Or, record companies don't want to compete against the XF effect, so are
>>> holding back their best releases?
>>
>>Well, that might explain some of the dreck that's coming out now... But
>>avoiding XF would mean losing the entire fourth quarter of the year, which
>>doesn't seem entirely logical.
>
> Well, they could release the album to take advantage of the Xmas market,
> but perhaps hold back the better singles?

Well, they can't really in these days of downloads.

> Either they want a high-selling #2 against XF/charity songs, or a far
> higher chance of #1 at a different time of year.

Right, but that's not really worth the risk of launching an album off a weak 
single. Not nowadays.

>>Conversely, there was much complaint that far too many big releases were
>>crammed together at the end of 2008.
>
> Must have missed that - all I remember was XF crap... :p

Well, that was part of the problem - they cancelled each other out too much.
On the other hand, holding back the U2 album until early 2009 wasn't an 
unqualified success.

>>>>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>>>>> ---------------------
>>
>>>>>>> Albums
>>>>>>> ------
>>> Surely the relevant part is about the 'relatively low profile amongst
>>> over-20's'. You've previously given little, if any, indication of being
>>> a  Paramore fan...
>>
>>Because I'm not, although I do know who they are.
>
> ISTM if we ever both like the same song or artist, that's when we should
> really get scared... :p

Eeek.

>>>>>>> Next Week
>>>>>>> ---------
>>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>>> -------
>>>>>>> Top 10 : Chipmunk
>>>
>>> But presumably the previous two singles were considered better prospects
>>> than this, otherwise why not release this first?
>>
>>Because this is the single that will launch the album, for one thing.
>
> Well, yes - but rap albums don't sell well in the UK, so I wouldn't have
> placed that much importance on it.

Wouldn't that be all the more reason to make sure you had the strongest 
possible single, then?

> Besides, the more singles you release
> before the parent album, the harder it'll be to generate post-release
> sales.

That's as maybe, but there evidently have been three singles whether it was 
a good idea or not.

    Chris

On Tue, 6 Oct 2009 at 21:14:11, Chris Brown  
wrote in uk.music.charts :
>>>>
>>>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>>>> -------
>>
>> Well, they could release the album to take advantage of the Xmas market,
>> but perhaps hold back the better singles?
>
>Well, they can't really in these days of downloads.

But without the massed publicity of official singles release, there'd 
still be plenty of potential post-Xmas sales.
>
>>>Conversely, there was much complaint that far too many big releases were
>>>crammed together at the end of 2008.
>>
>> Must have missed that - all I remember was XF crap... :p
>
>Well, that was part of the problem - they cancelled each other out too much.
>On the other hand, holding back the U2 album until early 2009 wasn't an 
>unqualified success.

Right... so everyone would have loved 'Get On Your Boots' if it had been 
released 3 months earlier? :p

Seriously though, I don't think the Xmas market makes all that much 
difference to albums in terms of lifetime sales - it merely trades chart 
longevity for short-term high weekly sales.
>
>>>>>>>> Next Week
>>>>>>>> ---------
>>>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>>>> -------
>>>>>>>> Top 10 : Chipmunk
>>>
>>>Because this is the single that will launch the album, for one thing.
>>
>> Well, yes - but rap albums don't sell well in the UK, so I wouldn't have
>> placed that much importance on it.
>
>Wouldn't that be all the more reason to make sure you had the strongest 
>possible single, then?

But there's no sure way to tell which will be most popular in advance, 
of course.
>
>> Besides, the more singles you release
>> before the parent album, the harder it'll be to generate post-release
>> sales.
>
>That's as maybe, but there evidently have been three singles whether it 
>was a good idea or not.

But in terms of making money, most singles *don't*, therefore it's 
surely best to maximize album sales...
-- 
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham (change 'invalid83261' to 'blueyonder' to email me)

"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message
news:cWxOP5DzXDzKFwZk@blueyonder.co.uk...
> On Tue, 6 Oct 2009 at 21:14:11, Chris Brown 
> wrote in uk.music.charts :
>>>>>
>>>>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>>>>> -------
>>>
>>> Well, they could release the album to take advantage of the Xmas market,
>>> but perhaps hold back the better singles?
>>
>>Well, they can't really in these days of downloads.
>
> But without the massed publicity of official singles release, there'd
> still be plenty of potential post-Xmas sales.

But if the single's that strong, shouldn't they get on with it?

>>>>Conversely, there was much complaint that far too many big releases were
>>>>crammed together at the end of 2008.
>>>
>>> Must have missed that - all I remember was XF crap... :p
>>
>>Well, that was part of the problem - they cancelled each other out too
>>much.
>>On the other hand, holding back the U2 album until early 2009 wasn't an
>>unqualified success.
>
> Right... so everyone would have loved 'Get On Your Boots' if it had been
> released 3 months earlier? :p

No, but if they moved it to avoid it underperforming in the winter, they 
failed!

> Seriously though, I don't think the Xmas market makes all that much
> difference to albums in terms of lifetime sales - it merely trades chart
> longevity for short-term high weekly sales.

Record companies clearly think otherwise, although of course it's not 
testable in the case of any one record.

My take on it is that because so much of the sales increase up to Christmas 
comes from people buying records for each other, it's not even-handed. The 
effect is likely to favour big-name acts or already successful albums. So a 
release from early in the year risks having been forgotten, or even having a 
bad reputation; whereas it's possible that if the U2 album had been rushed 
out in November, people might have bought it less thoughtfully.

>>>>>>>>> Next Week
>>>>>>>>> ---------
>>>>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>>>>> -------
>>>>>>>>> Top 10 : Chipmunk
>>>>
>>>>Because this is the single that will launch the album, for one thing.
>>>
>>> Well, yes - but rap albums don't sell well in the UK, so I wouldn't have
>>> placed that much importance on it.
>>
>>Wouldn't that be all the more reason to make sure you had the strongest
>>possible single, then?
>
> But there's no sure way to tell which will be most popular in advance, of
> course.

No sure way, but obviously record companies will have their ideas. There are 
precedents for that sort of thing.

>>> Besides, the more singles you release
>>> before the parent album, the harder it'll be to generate post-release
>>> sales.
>>
>>That's as maybe, but there evidently have been three singles whether it
>>was a good idea or not.
>
> But in terms of making money, most singles *don't*, therefore it's surely
> best to maximize album sales...

It doesn't matter though, they still have done it whether they shoud have or 
not.

    Chris

On Wed, 7 Oct 2009 at 19:32:17, Chris Brown  
wrote in uk.music.charts :
>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>>>>>> -------
>>>>
>>>> Well, they could release the album to take advantage of the Xmas market,
>>>> but perhaps hold back the better singles?
>>>
>>>Well, they can't really in these days of downloads.
>>
>> But without the massed publicity of official singles release, there'd
>> still be plenty of potential post-Xmas sales.
>
>But if the single's that strong, shouldn't they get on with it?

You'd think... but don't forget this is record companies we are talking 
about, and since when was logic part of their gameplan? :p
>
>
>> Seriously though, I don't think the Xmas market makes all that much
>> difference to albums in terms of lifetime sales - it merely trades chart
>> longevity for short-term high weekly sales.
>
>Record companies clearly think otherwise, although of course it's not 
>testable in the case of any one record.
>
>My take on it is that because so much of the sales increase up to 
>Christmas comes from people buying records for each other, it's not 
>even-handed.

Well, of course - and some of those sales will be of albums the 
recipient doesn't want/already owns, the incidence of which will be 
minimal at other times of year.

>The effect is likely to favour big-name acts or already successful 
>albums. So a release from early in the year risks having been 
>forgotten, or even having a bad reputation; whereas it's possible that 
>if the U2 album had been rushed out in November, people might have 
>bought it less thoughtfully.

Plus, if you're buying it for someone else, the purchaser won't need to 
care what it sounds like...
-- 
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham (change 'invalid83261' to 'blueyonder' to email me)

"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message
news:19o0V7AUOYzKFwOX@blueyonder.co.uk...
> On Wed, 7 Oct 2009 at 19:32:17, Chris Brown 
> wrote in uk.music.charts :
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>>>>>>> -------
>>>>>
>>>>> Well, they could release the album to take advantage of the Xmas
>>>>> market,
>>>>> but perhaps hold back the better singles?
>>>>
>>>>Well, they can't really in these days of downloads.
>>>
>>> But without the massed publicity of official singles release, there'd
>>> still be plenty of potential post-Xmas sales.
>>
>>But if the single's that strong, shouldn't they get on with it?
>
> You'd think... but don't forget this is record companies we are talking
> about, and since when was logic part of their gameplan? :p

Oh, logic they certainly have.
Maybe not the right logic, of course.

>>> Seriously though, I don't think the Xmas market makes all that much
>>> difference to albums in terms of lifetime sales - it merely trades chart
>>> longevity for short-term high weekly sales.
>>
>>Record companies clearly think otherwise, although of course it's not
>>testable in the case of any one record.
>>
>>My take on it is that because so much of the sales increase up to
>>Christmas comes from people buying records for each other, it's not
>>even-handed.
>
> Well, of course - and some of those sales will be of albums the recipient
> doesn't want/already owns, the incidence of which will be minimal at other
> times of year.

True.

>>The effect is likely to favour big-name acts or already successful albums.
>>So a release from early in the year risks having been forgotten, or even
>>having a bad reputation; whereas it's possible that if the U2 album had
>>been rushed out in November, people might have bought it less
>>thoughtfully.
>
> Plus, if you're buying it for someone else, the purchaser won't need to
> care what it sounds like...

 I suppose that sort of depends of your relationship to the recipient, but 
yeah, that was kind of why I suggested it as a good time to bury a 
(hypothetical) bad U2 album.

    Chris