Singles
-------
As expected, Alexandra Burke storms to the #1 spot with a huge lead. Not 
even Robbie could closely challenge her.

New Entries/New Peaks
---------------------
Top 10 : Robbie #2, Michael Buble #9
Top 20 : Jordin Sparks #13, Lostprophets #16, Mr Hudson #20
Top 30 : Editors #23, BEP (MMH) #26, Big Pink #29
Top 40 : Jennifer Hudson #32, Medina #39

Re-entries T40 : none

New Entries outside the top 40 (plus new peaks) : Paolo Nutini (PFOL) 
#41, Dionne Bromfield #43, Gracious K #53, Calvin Harris (Fl) #56, 
Cascada #67

Re-entries T75 : Coldplay (Sci) #59, Veronicas #71

Albums
------
The Editors claim top spot, though on a very modest sales total.

New Entries/New Peaks
---------------------
Top 10 : Chipmunk #2, Shakira #4, Saturdays #9

Top 20 : Taio Cruz #14

New entries/new peaks outside the top 20 : Only Men Aloud #21, , Dionne 
Broomfield #33, Veronicas #35, Blake #38, Bob Dylan #40, Flaming Lips 
#43, Sub Focus #51,  Echo & The Bunnymen #63, Bad Lieutenant #70, Dead 
By Sunrise #74

Big unexplained climb : Paolo Nutini 31-5??

Re-entries : Spandau Ballet (GH) #49, Paolo Nutini (TS) #50, Boyzone 
#58, Whitney Houston (UC) #62,


Next Week
---------
Singles
-------
By far the strongest new release is Cheryl Cole's debut solo single - 
but can she exceed Alex B's 2nd week sales?

Top  5 : Cheryl Cole
Top 10 : Young Soul Rebels
Top 20 : Cobra Starship, Foo Fighters, BEP
Top 30 : Green Day
Top 40 : none

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


Albums
------
Alexandra Burke should have a walkover on the album chart, but there are 
no shortage of other albums being released this week.

Top 10 NE : Elliot Minor, Michael Buble, Whitney Houston
Top 20 NE : Athlete, Mr Hudson, Seasick Steve

Others : Alison Moyet, Blondie, Duran Duran, Fleetwood Mac, Heaven 17, 
Rammstein, Saint Etienne, Smokey Robinson, Snap!, Stranglers, Uriah 
Heap, Diana Krall
-- 
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham (change 'invalid83261' to 'blueyonder' to email me)

"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message 
news:Snedz2SbK22KFwCh@blueyonder.co.uk...
> Singles
> -------
> As expected, Alexandra Burke storms to the #1 spot with a huge lead. Not 
> even Robbie could closely challenge her.

And in fairness, this record isn't utterly terrible, at least not once you 
get past that amazingly naff intro. It's just generic.

> New Entries/New Peaks
> ---------------------
> Top 10 : Robbie #2,

Ah yes, his big flop!
Actually, this is his highest charting single since 'Trippin', which was 
actually only four years ago but feels even longer somehow. Of course, it's 
not that good, apart from that rather good crunchy sound which seems to have 
copied from 'Stay Where You Are' by Delays.

> Michael Buble #9

Sluck!
He must have sold a lot of singles over the years, as befits his status as 
an MOR crooner with unusually wide demographic appeal, but this represents 
his first really high-peaking single. I still can't tell how it took three 
people to write this though.

> Top 20 : Jordin Sparks #13,

Unless I'm greatly mistaken, this is the only single climbing within the Top 
40, although a few are rebounding (and others have climbed into it).

> Lostprophets #16,

'It's Not The End Of The World (But I Can See It From Here)' is a pretty 
typical Lostprophets title, and it's been attached to a pretty typical 
Lostprophets song too. People who like them will doubtless love this.

> Mr Hudson #20

Well, in slight contrast to my previous prediction, this actually has done 
substantially worse than 'Supernova'. Maybe people just don't like his voice 
without the sound effects.

> Top 30 : Editors #23,

Not quite the flop it briefly resembled, but still not the biggest hit 
they've ever had, possibly because it was released simultaneously with the 
album (see below). Of course, there's more profit margin on albums.

>BEP (MMH) #26,

Hey - they let one of the ones who isn't Will.I.Am or Fergie do a 
significant vocal part!

>Big Pink #29

"All over the telly" apparently. Whew.

> Top 40 : Jennifer Hudson #32,

After what feels like about twenty attempts, this version of the song 
finally hits the Top 40. Of course it makes no sense at all out of context.

>Medina #39

Well, there's three minutes I'll never get back.

> New Entries outside the top 40 (plus new peaks) : Paolo Nutini (PFOL) #41,

Out on CD on the 2nd of November.

>Dionne Bromfield #43,

Cover version of the 1961 Shirelles hit 'Mama Said', which doesn't seem the 
most appropriate song to hand to a thirteen year old singer.

>Gracious K #53,

This single has quite an ugly cover. And that's about all I know about it.

>Calvin Harris (Fl) #56,

Next single. Doesn't seem to have very much of him singing on it.

> Cascada #67

Has a less ugly cover than 'Migraine Skank', but has apparently sold less. 
It's not the Michael Jackson song.

> Re-entries T75 : Coldplay (Sci) #59,

No prizes.

>Veronicas #71

Spinning off the "new" album.

> Albums
> ------
> The Editors claim top spot, though on a very modest sales total.

Third album from the no-longer Birmingham-based group which finds them 
branching out into more electronic sounds in what might have been an attempt 
to evade comparisons with Joy Division.
For me, though, the usual problem still applies - they sound too desperate 
to be taken seriously, even with a song called 'Eat Raw Meat = Blood Drool'.
A special edition adds five extra songs.

> New Entries/New Peaks
> ---------------------
> Top 10 : Chipmunk #2,

Debut album from the big breakthrough star. The perhaps immodestly-titled I 
Am Chipmunk includes all three hits to date as well as collaborations with 
Tinchy Stryder and N-Dubz.

> Shakira #4,

Only ten tracks, and two of those are the same song. And one of the others 
is a collaboration with Wyclef Jean, and therefore inevitably rubbish.
Still, what there is of it seems to have had enough appeal to make this her 
first Top 10 album since 2002.

>Saturdays #9

It only feels like five minutes since their first album came out, but 
apparently they've found time already to make a second one, oddly entitled 
Wordshaker. One of the tracks they apparently co-wrote themselves, but they 
don't have to take the blame for the single.

> Top 20 : Taio Cruz #14

Speaking of second albums, and odd titles, Rokstarr is the second offering 
from the man who seemed to have got a lot more popular when the single 
'Break Your Heart' unexpectedly spent three weeks at the top of the chart. 
Neither that nor indeed his Top 3 duet with Tinchy Stryder (admittedly 
already on the latter's album) has enabled this to get much higher than his 
first one. I presume therefore that the first album was rubbish.

> New entries/new peaks outside the top 20 : Only Men Aloud #21,

Second album from "Britain's favourite choir", which includes some old Welsh 
standards and a version of 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart' with Bonnie Tyler. I 
think I saw a Lego-based video for that.

>, Dionne Broomfield #33,

As the sticker on the front proclaims, she's the first signing to Amy 
Winehouse's Lioness imprint. Of course, this means in reality that Universal 
are paying the bills for this album of mostly predictable soul covers.

> Veronicas #35,

This is their second album, although their first to make any impression in 
the UK, and indeed the current single '4Ever' is recycled from the first 
one.
Available on import for a while, it finally hits official channels in the 
UK. Credit where it's due 'Revenge Is Sweeter (Than You Ever Were)' is 
actually quite a good song title.

> Blake #38,

Third album from the boy-band types, who have now moved to EMI. Maybetheir 
previous label knew something they didn't.
Apparently they've decided to take artistic control, and then made the very 
radical move of covering 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Nessun Dorma' and 
what they call "Elvis Costello's 'She'".

>Bob Dylan #40,

Not for the first time in his career, Dylan does something utterly 
unexpected; so much so that even the initial announcement was hard to take 
seriously.
But it's true, this really is an album of old Christmas standards like 
'Little Drummer Boy' and 'Winter Wonderland'. Profits are being donated to 
charities, in this case Shelter.
A limited edition comes with five Christmas cards and envelopes to post them 
in.

>Flaming Lips > #43,

Their twelfth album and apparently their first double (presumably this 
doesn't count the four-disc Zaireeka). There's yet to be a single from this, 
but there are guest spots from Karen O, MGMT and the mathematician Thorsten 
Wörmann.
Reviews have been somewhat mixed, which is notable considering they've been 
one of the most critically lauded acts of the last fifteen years or so.

> Sub Focus #51,

And not for the first time, a Drum N Bass album enters the chart with 
relatively little mainstream attention, although Nick Douwama (for 'tis he) 
has topped the dance chart three times and the single 'Rock It' even made 
the real Top 40.

> Echo & The Bunnymen #63,

Another comeback release from the two remaining Bunnymen, issued on their 
own Ocean Rain label after it was rejected by at least one respected UK 
indie. It's conventional, when discussing this band, to claim that they 
could have become U2 but didn't. On this occasion, it seems rather like they 
have, releasing watered-down pastiches of their most acclaimed material to 
squeeze the last few quid out of the nostalgia market.

>Bad Lieutenant #70,

Well, I'm certainly not going to rent my toilet to him!

I joke, of course. This is in fact the new project fronted by former Joy 
Division/New Order/Electronic man Bernard Sumner, also including Stephen 
Morris (from those first two bands of course) and Phil Cunningham (also in 
the last version of New Order, but previously a member of Marion). Despite 
this pedigree, they seem to be one of the few alternative acts of the moment 
who don't sound like they're trying to be Joy Division or New Order.

>Dead By Sunrise #74

Side-project from Chester Bennington, better know (at least to people who 
bought this) as the lead singer of Linkin Park. Apparently these songs were 
too moody for the day-job.

> Big unexplained climb : Paolo Nutini 31-5??

New single maybe?

> Re-entries : Spandau Ballet (GH) #49,

One act who have an excuse to call their hits album Gold. Here it's grown a 
bonus DVD to coincide with their comeback tour and new release.

>Paolo Nutini (TS) #50,

Actually, isn't this odder than the new album climbing?

>Boyzone #58,

Back Again - No Matter What was always a dodgy title. Under present 
circumstances, it seems a bit tasteless.

>Whitney Houston (UC) #62,

I haven't noticed her personally doing a lot of promotion over here (apart 
from the X-Factor performance which will obviously not have affected this 
chart) but she's been getting a lot of press.

> Next Week
> ---------
> Singles
> -------
> By far the strongest new release is Cheryl Cole's debut solo single - but 
> can she exceed Alex B's 2nd week sales?

Yes. Next question?

> Top  5 : Cheryl Cole
> Top 10 : Young Soul Rebels

On present form, possible.

> Top 20 : Cobra Starship,

Apparently so, but I have no idea why.

> Foo Fighters,

Possibly not, as they aren't doing much for it and it's a pretty weak song.

> BEP

Agreed.

> Top 30 : Green Day

If people were going to buy it, they already would be.

> Top 40 : none

Sure? Not that it brings me great joy to say this but Alphabeat might be in 
with a chance. And obviously Paolo Nutini wouldn't need to climb much.

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

Well, there seems to be a new Chicane single. I know, but I wasn't expecting 
the last one to do much either. And there are another three hundred versions 
of a Honey Ryder song, but that ship's probably sailed by now.
On a side-note, I haven't checked but I did read that Whitney was going to 
sing the title track of her album tonight, rather than the actual single, so 
brace yourself for that. And one of the contestants sang yet another track 
from the album on Saturday.

Oh, and aren't we about due for the re-entries of 'Thriller' and 
'Ghostbusters'? ;-)

> Albums
> ------
> Alexandra Burke should have a walkover on the album chart, but there are 
> no shortage of other albums being released this week.

I should think she'll get a bit more of a run for her money here though.

> Top 10 NE : Elliot Minor,

Seriously?

> Michael Buble,

Easy.

> Whitney Houston

It's tempting to imagine people boycotting it, but they won't.

> Top 20 NE : Athlete,

Er, didn't this album come out two months ago?

>Mr Hudson,

I suppose so.

> Seasick Steve

Again, I'd guess so but there hasn't been so much hype as last time.

> Others : Alison Moyet,

Yep. Even this might go Top 20.

>Blondie, Duran Duran,

These are just re-releases of box sets that didn't chart the first time 
either.

>Fleetwood Mac,

Somebody somewhere must think they haven't got enough of these already, so 
yeah.

> Heaven 17,

In 2009?

> Rammstein,

I'd guess so.

> Saint Etienne,

Possibly a bit too specialist a release but you never know.

>Smokey Robinson,

Not a lot of publicity, but he is coming over here.

> Snap!,

Scarily possible.

> Stranglers,

See Blondie/Duran

>Uriah  Heap,

I had no idea they were still going. But scarily I can't write this off.

>Diana Krall

Another old album but at least it has been re-released.

And much as I hate to be the bringer of bad tidings, there's another 
sort-of-new Spandau Ballet record.

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

http://nowthats.blogspot.com

On Mon, 19 Oct 2009 at 01:06:40, Chris Brown 
 wrote in uk.music.charts :

>> Singles
>> -------
>> As expected, Alexandra Burke storms to the #1 spot with a huge lead. 
>>Not  even Robbie could closely challenge her.
>
>And in fairness, this record isn't utterly terrible, at least not once 
>you get past that amazingly naff intro. It's just generic.

But it wouldn't have sold remotely near 187k without the XF connection, 
of course.
>
>> New Entries/New Peaks
>> ---------------------
>> Top 10 : Robbie #2,
>
>Ah yes, his big flop!

According to the Mirror last week, anyway - despite it apparently being 
the highest-selling #2 for two years...

>Actually, this is his highest charting single since 'Trippin', which 
>was actually only four years ago but feels even longer somehow.

While he will certainly have gained from XF exposure, the benefit will 
have been far less than for Alex B, since he already had a fanbase 
generated by his previous work.
>
>> Michael Buble #9
>
>Sluck!
>He must have sold a lot of singles over the years, as befits his status 
>as an MOR crooner with unusually wide demographic appeal, but this 
>represents his first really high-peaking single.

It slipped during the week though, initially being #6.
>
>> Top 20 : Jordin Sparks #13,
>
>Unless I'm greatly mistaken, this is the only single climbing within 
>the Top 40, although a few are rebounding (and others have climbed into 
>it).

By that rather exclusionist criteria, you are right - though I'm not 
sure what the point of your comment was, unless you couldn't think of 
anything else to say? :p
>
>> Mr Hudson #20
>
>Well, in slight contrast to my previous prediction, this actually has 
>done substantially worse than 'Supernova'. Maybe people just don't like 
>his voice without the sound effects.

Or, he only charted as high previously because of his featured 
artists...
>
>>BEP (MMH) #26,
>
>Hey - they let one of the ones who isn't Will.I.Am or Fergie do a 
>significant vocal part!

Well, they leave Fergie to star in the videos... :p
>
>> New Entries outside the top 40 (plus new peaks) : Paolo Nutini (PFOL) #41,
>
>Out on CD on the 2nd of November.

If they actually bother.
>
>>Dionne Bromfield #43,
>
>Cover version of the 1961 Shirelles hit 'Mama Said', which doesn't seem 
>the most appropriate song to hand to a thirteen year old singer.

Well, her mentor isn't exactly known for 'appropriate behaviour'... :p
>
>>Calvin Harris (Fl) #56,
>
>Next single. Doesn't seem to have very much of him singing on it.

You say that as if you think that's a good thing?
>
>> Cascada #67
>
>Has a less ugly cover than 'Migraine Skank'

Well obviously, since it features the lovely Natalie Horler!
>
>>Veronicas #71
>
>Spinning off the "new" album.

Why the quotes - it *is* new, here.
>
>> Albums
>> ------
>> The Editors claim top spot, though on a very modest sales total.
>
>Third album from the no-longer Birmingham-based group which finds them 
>branching out into more electronic sounds in what might have been an 
>attempt to evade comparisons with Joy Division.

The change perhaps accounting for the far lower initial sales than their 
last album.
>
>> New Entries/New Peaks
>> ---------------------
>> Top 10 : Chipmunk #2,
>
>Debut album from the big breakthrough star. The perhaps 
>immodestly-titled I Am Chipmunk includes all three hits to date as well 
>as collaborations with Tinchy Stryder and N-Dubz.

Even with all that, it can barely scrape 23k.
>
>> Shakira #4,
>
>Only ten tracks, and two of those are the same song. And one of the 
>others is a collaboration with Wyclef Jean, and therefore inevitably 
>rubbish.

I wonder which'll be the next single?
>
>>Saturdays #9
>
>It only feels like five minutes since their first album came out, but 
>apparently they've found time already to make a second one, oddly 
>entitled Wordshaker. One of the tracks they apparently co-wrote 
>themselves, but they don't have to take the blame for the single.

Despite the 6 place drop, 'Forever Is Over' sold a very respectable 
28.5k in 8th.
>
>> Top 20 : Taio Cruz #14
>
>Speaking of second albums, and odd titles, Rokstarr is the second 
>offering from the man who seemed to have got a lot more popular when 
>the single 'Break Your Heart' unexpectedly spent three weeks at the top 
>of the chart.

Somehow I don't think it'll have the same lasting appeal as 
Nickelback... :p
>
>> Veronicas #35,
>
>This is their second album, although their first to make any impression 
>in the UK, and indeed the current single '4Ever' is recycled from the 
>first one.

Of course.
>
>> Blake #38,
>
>Third album from the boy-band types, who have now moved to EMI. 
>Maybetheir previous label knew something they didn't.
>Apparently they've decided to take artistic control, and then made the 
>very radical move of covering 'Bridge Over Troubled Water', 'Nessun 
>Dorma' and what they call "Elvis Costello's 'She'".

Grin.
>
>>Bob Dylan #40,
>
>Not for the first time in his career, Dylan does something utterly 
>unexpected; so much so that even the initial announcement was hard to 
>take seriously.
>But it's true, this really is an album of old Christmas standards like 
>'Little Drummer Boy' and 'Winter Wonderland'. Profits are being donated 
>to charities, in this case Shelter.
>A limited edition comes with five Christmas cards and envelopes to post 
>them in.

I have a funny feeling we'll be seeing more of this album in the next 
couple of months... :p
>
>>Flaming Lips > #43,

>Reviews have been somewhat mixed, which is notable considering they've 
>been one of the most critically lauded acts of the last fifteen years 
>or so.

Isn't that a euphemism for 'few people actually buy their records 
though'?
>
>>Bad Lieutenant #70,
>
>Well, I'm certainly not going to rent my toilet to him!
>
>I joke, of course. This is in fact the new project fronted by former 
>Joy Division/New Order/Electronic man Bernard Sumner, also including 
>Stephen Morris (from those first two bands of course) and Phil 
>Cunningham (also in the last version of New Order, but previously a 
>member of Marion).

I wondered who on earth they were, especially given that 'unknown' bands 
don't sell albums without a single to promo it.
>
>>Dead By Sunrise #74
>
>Side-project from Chester Bennington, better know (at least to people 
>who bought this) as the lead singer of Linkin Park. Apparently these 
>songs were too moody for the day-job.

And for many people to actually like, either.
>
>> Big unexplained climb : Paolo Nutini 31-5??
>
>New single maybe?

That wouldn't have *this* big an effect.
>
>>Paolo Nutini (TS) #50,
>
>Actually, isn't this odder than the new album climbing?

Depends how you define 'new'.

>
>> Next Week
>> ---------
>> Singles
>> -------
>> By far the strongest new release is Cheryl Cole's debut solo single - 
>>but  can she exceed Alex B's 2nd week sales?
>
>Yes. Next question?

OK - can she manage more than one week at #1?

>> Top 10 : Young Soul Rebels
>
>On present form, possible.

Or even probable.
>
>> Top 20 :
>
>> Foo Fighters,
>
>Possibly not, as they aren't doing much for it and it's a pretty weak song.

Never stopped them before...
>
>Oh, and aren't we about due for the re-entries of 'Thriller' and 
>'Ghostbusters'? ;-)

Certainly the latter, but the resurgence of the former earlier in the 
year might blunt its Halloween sales somewhat. Mind you, with the 31st 
Oct falling on a Saturday this year, that will maximise the position of 
related songs.
>
>> Albums
>> ------
>> Alexandra Burke should have a walkover on the album chart, but there 
>>are  no shortage of other albums being released this week.
>
>I should think she'll get a bit more of a run for her money here though.

She'll surely sell well into 6 figures, and I can't see anyone else 
remotely challenging that.
>
>> Top 10 NE : Elliot Minor,
>
>Seriously?

Well, they made #6 last time.
>
>> Michael Buble,
>
>Easy.
>
>> Whitney Houston
>
>It's tempting to imagine people boycotting it, but they won't.

Why would they?
>
>> Top 20 NE :
>
>> Seasick Steve
>
>Again, I'd guess so but there hasn't been so much hype as last time.

More than none, you mean? :)
>
>> Others :
>
>> Saint Etienne,
>
>Possibly a bit too specialist a release but you never know.

You said that last time...
-- 
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham (change 'invalid83261' to 'blueyonder' to email me)

"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message 
news:DEDprBEq2A3KFwqT@blueyonder.co.uk...
> On Mon, 19 Oct 2009 at 01:06:40, Chris Brown  
> wrote in uk.music.charts :
>
>>> Singles
>>> -------
>>> As expected, Alexandra Burke storms to the #1 spot with a huge lead. Not 
>>> even Robbie could closely challenge her.
>>
>>And in fairness, this record isn't utterly terrible, at least not once you 
>>get past that amazingly naff intro. It's just generic.
>
> But it wouldn't have sold remotely near 187k without the XF connection, of 
> course.

At what point would you consider previous X-Factor winners
to be selling 'on merit' rather than just saying 'Oh it's because of
X-Factor'?
What about Leona Lewis?

Col

"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message 
news:DEDprBEq2A3KFwqT@blueyonder.co.uk...
> On Mon, 19 Oct 2009 at 01:06:40, Chris Brown  
> wrote in uk.music.charts :
>
>>> Singles
>>> -------
>>> As expected, Alexandra Burke storms to the #1 spot with a huge lead. Not 
>>> even Robbie could closely challenge her.
>>
>>And in fairness, this record isn't utterly terrible, at least not once you 
>>get past that amazingly naff intro. It's just generic.
>
> But it wouldn't have sold remotely near 187k without the XF connection, of 
> course.

Well, I don't suppose she'd have got it.

>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>> ---------------------
>>> Top 10 : Robbie #2,
>>
>>Ah yes, his big flop!
>
> According to the Mirror last week, anyway - despite it apparently being 
> the highest-selling #2 for two years...

Yeah, I probably should have been a little bit clearer on the irony there.

>>Actually, this is his highest charting single since 'Trippin', which was 
>>actually only four years ago but feels even longer somehow.
>
> While he will certainly have gained from XF exposure, the benefit will 
> have been far less than for Alex B, since he already had a fanbase 
> generated by his previous work.

I think that's probably fair.

>>> Michael Buble #9
>>
>>Sluck!
>>He must have sold a lot of singles over the years, as befits his status as 
>>an MOR crooner with unusually wide demographic appeal, but this represents 
>>his first really high-peaking single.
>
> It slipped during the week though, initially being #6.

Still, a lot higher than we'd have thought a fortnight ago.

>>> Top 20 : Jordin Sparks #13,
>>
>>Unless I'm greatly mistaken, this is the only single climbing within the 
>>Top 40, although a few are rebounding (and others have climbed into it).
>
> By that rather exclusionist criteria, you are right - though I'm not sure 
> what the point of your comment was, unless you couldn't think of anything 
> else to say? :p

Guilty as charged!

>>> Mr Hudson #20
>>
>>Well, in slight contrast to my previous prediction, this actually has done 
>>substantially worse than 'Supernova'. Maybe people just don't like his 
>>voice without the sound effects.
>
> Or, he only charted as high previously because of his featured artists...

Plural?

>>> New Entries outside the top 40 (plus new peaks) : Paolo Nutini (PFOL) 
>>> #41,
>>
>>Out on CD on the 2nd of November.
>
> If they actually bother.

Well, they bothered last time when the song was even less popular.

>>>Calvin Harris (Fl) #56,
>>
>>Next single. Doesn't seem to have very much of him singing on it.
>
> You say that as if you think that's a good thing?

Well, yes, in my opinion. This is why I preferred 'Ready For The Weekend' to 
'I'm Not Alone'.

>>> Cascada #67
>>
>>Has a less ugly cover than 'Migraine Skank'
>
> Well obviously, since it features the lovely Natalie Horler!

I suppose that's probably true.

>>>Veronicas #71
>>
>>Spinning off the "new" album.
>
> Why the quotes - it *is* new, here.

It just looked a bit wrong without them.

>>> Albums
>>> ------
>>> The Editors claim top spot, though on a very modest sales total.
>>
>>Third album from the no-longer Birmingham-based group which finds them 
>>branching out into more electronic sounds in what might have been an 
>>attempt to evade comparisons with Joy Division.
>
> The change perhaps accounting for the far lower initial sales than their 
> last album.

Possibly, although the last one was also given the head start of a big hit.

>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>> ---------------------
>>> Top 10 : Chipmunk #2,
>>
>>Debut album from the big breakthrough star. The perhaps immodestly-titled 
>>I Am Chipmunk includes all three hits to date as well as collaborations 
>>with Tinchy Stryder and N-Dubz.
>
> Even with all that, it can barely scrape 23k.

Still, Top 3.

>>> Shakira #4,
>>
>>Only ten tracks, and two of those are the same song. And one of the others 
>>is a collaboration with Wyclef Jean, and therefore inevitably rubbish.
>
> I wonder which'll be the next single?

Reggie did say, but I've forgotten.

>>>Saturdays #9
>>
>>It only feels like five minutes since their first album came out, but 
>>apparently they've found time already to make a second one, oddly entitled 
>>Wordshaker. One of the tracks they apparently co-wrote themselves, but 
>>they don't have to take the blame for the single.
>
> Despite the 6 place drop, 'Forever Is Over' sold a very respectable 28.5k 
> in 8th.

Respectable for a Number 8, anyway.

>>> Veronicas #35,
>>
>>This is their second album, although their first to make any impression in 
>>the UK, and indeed the current single '4Ever' is recycled from the first 
>>one.
>
> Of course.

Indeed.


>>>Bob Dylan #40,
>>
>>Not for the first time in his career, Dylan does something utterly 
>>unexpected; so much so that even the initial announcement was hard to take 
>>seriously.
>>But it's true, this really is an album of old Christmas standards like 
>>'Little Drummer Boy' and 'Winter Wonderland'. Profits are being donated to 
>>charities, in this case Shelter.
>>A limited edition comes with five Christmas cards and envelopes to post 
>>them in.
>
> I have a funny feeling we'll be seeing more of this album in the next 
> couple of months... :p

Possibly. Mind you, it's handy of him to give out the cards now so there's a 
chance they'll arrive before Christmas.

>>>Flaming Lips > #43,
>
>>Reviews have been somewhat mixed, which is notable considering they've 
>>been one of the most critically lauded acts of the last fifteen years or 
>>so.
>
> Isn't that a euphemism for 'few people actually buy their records though'?

It certainly can be, but the Flips have actually shifted quite some units, 
for the kind of band they are. The last one went Top 10.

And of course there are plenty of acts out there who sell hardly any records 
and get bad reviews.

>>>Bad Lieutenant #70,
>>
>>Well, I'm certainly not going to rent my toilet to him!
>>
>>I joke, of course. This is in fact the new project fronted by former Joy 
>>Division/New Order/Electronic man Bernard Sumner, also including Stephen 
>>Morris (from those first two bands of course) and Phil Cunningham (also in 
>>the last version of New Order, but previously a member of Marion).
>
> I wondered who on earth they were,

If you'd asked I could have done my brilliant joke even sooner.


>especially given that 'unknown' bands don't sell albums without a single to 
>promo it.

I don't think that's as true as it used to be. And this is only Number 70.

FWIW, there wasa single but they gave it away as a free download. Which is 
how I know this doesn't sound like Joy Division.

>>>Dead By Sunrise #74
>>
>>Side-project from Chester Bennington, better know (at least to people who 
>>bought this) as the lead singer of Linkin Park. Apparently these songs 
>>were too moody for the day-job.
>
> And for many people to actually like, either.

But if Linkin Park rejected songs just for being rubbish...

>>> Big unexplained climb : Paolo Nutini 31-5??
>>
>>New single maybe?
>
> That wouldn't have *this* big an effect.

Even though it's leapt from nowhere to the fringes of the Top 40?

>>>Paolo Nutini (TS) #50,
>>
>>Actually, isn't this odder than the new album climbing?
>
> Depends how you define 'new'.

OK, the current album.

>>> Next Week
>>> ---------
>>> Singles
>>> -------
>>> By far the strongest new release is Cheryl Cole's debut solo single - 
>>> but  can she exceed Alex B's 2nd week sales?
>>
>>Yes. Next question?
>
> OK - can she manage more than one week at #1?

Probably not. There's bound to be another XF release then.

>>> Top 10 : Young Soul Rebels
>>
>>On present form, possible.
>
> Or even probable.

Not there yet though.

>>> Top 20 :
>>
>>> Foo Fighters,
>>
>>Possibly not, as they aren't doing much for it and it's a pretty weak 
>>song.
>
> Never stopped them before...

Er, 'Cheer Up Boys Your Make-up Is Running' anyone?
In fact, even some of their most popular tracks (like 'Breakout') have been 
surprisingly small chart hits.

>>> Albums
>>> ------
>>> Alexandra Burke should have a walkover on the album chart, but there are 
>>> no shortage of other albums being released this week.
>>
>>I should think she'll get a bit more of a run for her money here though.
>
> She'll surely sell well into 6 figures, and I can't see anyone else 
> remotely challenging that.

Not even Buble?

>>> Top 10 NE : Elliot Minor,
>>
>>Seriously?
>
> Well, they made #6 last time.

Flippin' Heck they did as well!
Mind you, that was on a big label and had some hits on it.

>>> Whitney Houston
>>
>>It's tempting to imagine people boycotting it, but they won't.
>
> Why would they?

Well, they (her UK fans) might be less than happy that they've had to wait 
weeks longer than everyone else just because she was going to be on the 
telly.

>>> Top 20 NE :
>>
>>> Seasick Steve
>>
>>Again, I'd guess so but there hasn't been so much hype as last time.
>
> More than none, you mean? :)

Well, I would say the novelty was wearing off, but that sounds too much like 
an insult.

>>> Others :
>>
>>> Saint Etienne,
>>
>>Possibly a bit too specialist a release but you never know.
>
> You said that last time...

About what?

    Chris

On Mon, 19 Oct 2009 at 21:27:14, Chris Brown 
 wrote in uk.music.charts :
>>
>>>> Singles
>>>> -------
>>>> As expected, Alexandra Burke storms to the #1 spot with a huge 
>>>>lead. Not  even Robbie could closely challenge her.
>>>
>>>And in fairness, this record isn't utterly terrible, at least not 
>>>once you get past that amazingly naff intro. It's just generic.
>>
>> But it wouldn't have sold remotely near 187k without the XF 
>>connection, of  course.
>
>Well, I don't suppose she'd have got it.

Got what?
>
>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>> ---------------------
>>>> Top 10 : Robbie #2,
>>>
>>>Ah yes, his big flop!
>>
>> According to the Mirror last week, anyway - despite it apparently 
>>being  the highest-selling #2 for two years...
>
>Yeah, I probably should have been a little bit clearer on the irony there.

Your irony couldn't have been clearer.
>
>>>Actually, this is his highest charting single since 'Trippin', which 
>>>was actually only four years ago but feels even longer somehow.
>>
>> While he will certainly have gained from XF exposure, the benefit 
>>will  have been far less than for Alex B, since he already had a 
>>fanbase  generated by his previous work.
>
>I think that's probably fair.

It pushed 'Angels' back up to #96 (~2.4k), not to mention helping most 
of his other songs too.
>
>>>> New Entries outside the top 40 (plus new peaks) : Paolo Nutini 
>>>>(PFOL)  #41,
>>>
>>>Out on CD on the 2nd of November.
>>
>> If they actually bother.
>
>Well, they bothered last time when the song was even less popular.

Yes, but last time there were still shops that actually *sold* CD 
singles...

>
>>>> Albums
>>>> ------
>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>> ---------------------
>>>>Saturdays #9
>>>
>>>It only feels like five minutes since their first album came out, but 
>>>apparently they've found time already to make a second one, oddly 
>>>entitled Wordshaker. One of the tracks they apparently co-wrote 
>>>themselves, but they don't have to take the blame for the single.
>>
>> Despite the 6 place drop, 'Forever Is Over' sold a very respectable 
>>28.5k  in 8th.
>
>Respectable for a Number 8, anyway.

Normally 2-8 would mean a 50% sales drop, but this only declined by half 
that - I guess they are a little unlucky, in chart position terms.
>
>>>>Bad Lieutenant #70,
>>>
>>>Well, I'm certainly not going to rent my toilet to him!
>>>
>>>I joke, of course. This is in fact the new project fronted by former 
>>>Joy Division/New Order/Electronic man Bernard Sumner, also including 
>>>Stephen Morris (from those first two bands of course) and Phil 
>>>Cunningham (also in the last version of New Order, but previously a 
>>>member of Marion).
>>
>> I wondered who on earth they were,
>
>If you'd asked I could have done my brilliant joke even sooner.

Would have made no difference - I wouldn't have got it then, either.
>
>>>> Big unexplained climb : Paolo Nutini 31-5??
>>>
>>>New single maybe?
>>
>> That wouldn't have *this* big an effect.
>
>Even though it's leapt from nowhere to the fringes of the Top 40?

Songs leap from nowhere to much higher places, every week...
>
>>>>Paolo Nutini (TS) #50,
>>>
>>>Actually, isn't this odder than the new album climbing?
>>
>> Depends how you define 'new'.
>
>OK, the current album.

I thought you might be using the TV advert definition, where even 6 
month old albums are 'new'. :p
>
>>>> Next Week
>>>> ---------
>>>> Singles
>>>> -------
>>>> By far the strongest new release is Cheryl Cole's debut solo single 
>>>>-  but  can she exceed Alex B's 2nd week sales?
>>>
>>>Yes. Next question?
>>
>> OK - can she manage more than one week at #1?
>
>Probably not. There's bound to be another XF release then.

The biggest releases due next week look to be Jay Sean & Worstlife - but 
I can't see either of those challenging even Cheryl's 2nd week sales.

Maybe Katherine Jenkin's cover of 'Bring Me To Life'? :p

Seriously though, I'd love to see her at least go T40 with it.


>>>> Albums
>>>> ------
>>>> Alexandra Burke should have a walkover on the album chart, but 
>>>>there are  no shortage of other albums being released this week.
>>>
>>>I should think she'll get a bit more of a run for her money here though.
>>
>> She'll surely sell well into 6 figures, and I can't see anyone else 
>>remotely challenging that.
>
>Not even Buble?

No chance.
>
>>>> Others :
>>>
>>>> Saint Etienne,
>>>
>>>Possibly a bit too specialist a release but you never know.
>>
>> You said that last time...
>
>About what?

Them not making the T75 - but they did.
-- 
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham (change 'invalid83261' to 'blueyonder' to email me)

On Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:37:57 GMT, Paul Hyett
 wrote:

>Had the Robbie v Alex contest happened, say next spring, I suspect the 
>result may well have been rather different...
>
>>What about Leona Lewis?
>
>Not quite three years yet...

She needs to work on her defence. If you can't slip punches like that
you aren't ready to challenge for the title yet. :-)

"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message 
news:+gUmSIB1ZV3KFwfo@blueyonder.co.uk...
> On Mon, 19 Oct 2009 at 18:11:48, Col  wrote in 
> uk.music.charts :
>>>
>>>>> Singles
>>>>> -------
>>>>> As expected, Alexandra Burke storms to the #1 spot with a huge lead. 
>>>>> Not
>>>>> even Robbie could closely challenge her.
>>>>
>>>>And in fairness, this record isn't utterly terrible, at least not once 
>>>>you
>>>>get past that amazingly naff intro. It's just generic.
>>>
>>> But it wouldn't have sold remotely near 187k without the XF connection, 
>>> of
>>> course.
>>
>>At what point would you consider previous X-Factor winners
>>to be selling 'on merit' rather than just saying 'Oh it's because of
>>X-Factor'?
>
> I use a three year rule - if reality show artists last that long (and few 
> do, of course) then perhaps they can be said to have established 
> themselves.
>
> For me though, the *real* test is what happens to songs *not* promoted on 
> whatever show they originally contested.

Right, I didn't realise it had actually been promoted on the show itself.
Forgive my ignorance, I don't follow X-Factor or have any interest
in the formulaic rubblish it churns out.
But I agree, something like that promoted as a free ad to the *millions*
of sheeple who buy whatever Cowell tells them to buy definately
*doesn't* count as selling 'on merit'.

> Had the Robbie v Alex contest happened, say next spring, I suspect the 
> result may well have been rather different...
>
>>What about Leona Lewis?
>
> Not quite three years yet...

Having just rubbished X-Factor I have to admit I really quite like
Leona's voice and some of the songs she's done.
Perhaps she'll establish herself as a singer who happened to have
X-Factor as giving her her big break but crucially no longer
*defines* that sucess.

Col

"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message
news:6AVnKYCzpV3KFwdA@blueyonder.co.uk...
> On Mon, 19 Oct 2009 at 21:27:14, Chris Brown 
> wrote in uk.music.charts :
>>>
>>>>> Singles
>>>>> -------
>>>>> As expected, Alexandra Burke storms to the #1 spot with a huge lead.
>>>>> Not  even Robbie could closely challenge her.
>>>>
>>>>And in fairness, this record isn't utterly terrible, at least not once
>>>>you get past that amazingly naff intro. It's just generic.
>>>
>>> But it wouldn't have sold remotely near 187k without the XF connection,
>>> of  course.
>>
>>Well, I don't suppose she'd have got it.
>
> Got what?

The song. Obviously a lot of money has been invested in launching her 
career.

>>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>>> ---------------------
>>>>> Top 10 : Robbie #2,
>>>>

>>
>>>>Actually, this is his highest charting single since 'Trippin', which was
>>>>actually only four years ago but feels even longer somehow.
>>>
>>> While he will certainly have gained from XF exposure, the benefit will
>>> have been far less than for Alex B, since he already had a fanbase
>>> generated by his previous work.
>>
>>I think that's probably fair.
>
> It pushed 'Angels' back up to #96 (~2.4k), not to mention helping most of
> his other songs too.

It's weird that him singing something else promotes 'Angels'.

>>>>> New Entries outside the top 40 (plus new peaks) : Paolo Nutini (PFOL)
>>>>> #41,
>>>>
>>>>Out on CD on the 2nd of November.
>>>
>>> If they actually bother.
>>
>>Well, they bothered last time when the song was even less popular.
>
> Yes, but last time there were still shops that actually *sold* CD
> singles...

What, in those distant far-off days of two months ago?

>>>>> Albums
>>>>> ------
>>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>>> ---------------------
>>>>>Saturdays #9
>>>>
>>>>It only feels like five minutes since their first album came out, but
>>>>apparently they've found time already to make a second one, oddly
>>>>entitled Wordshaker. One of the tracks they apparently co-wrote
>>>>themselves, but they don't have to take the blame for the single.
>>>
>>> Despite the 6 place drop, 'Forever Is Over' sold a very respectable
>>> 28.5k  in 8th.
>>
>>Respectable for a Number 8, anyway.
>
> Normally 2-8 would mean a 50% sales drop, but this only declined by half
> that - I guess they are a little unlucky, in chart position terms.

But then they were lucky last week, so I suppose it evens out.

>>>>>Bad Lieutenant #70,
>>>>
>>>>Well, I'm certainly not going to rent my toilet to him!
>>>>
>>>>I joke, of course. This is in fact the new project fronted by former Joy
>>>>Division/New Order/Electronic man Bernard Sumner, also including Stephen
>>>>Morris (from those first two bands of course) and Phil Cunningham (also
>>>>in the last version of New Order, but previously a member of Marion).
>>>
>>> I wondered who on earth they were,
>>
>>If you'd asked I could have done my brilliant joke even sooner.
>
> Would have made no difference - I wouldn't have got it then, either.

"Bad loo-tenant" see?

>>>>> Big unexplained climb : Paolo Nutini 31-5??
>>>>
>>>>New single maybe?
>>>
>>> That wouldn't have *this* big an effect.
>>
>>Even though it's leapt from nowhere to the fringes of the Top 40?
>
> Songs leap from nowhere to much higher places, every week...

Really? Who did it last week?

>>>>>Paolo Nutini (TS) #50,
>>>>
>>>>Actually, isn't this odder than the new album climbing?
>>>
>>> Depends how you define 'new'.
>>
>>OK, the current album.
>
> I thought you might be using the TV advert definition, where even 6 month
> old albums are 'new'. :p

Well, I reserve that right. I just meant that single would probably do more 
for the album it's actually on than the other one.

>>>>> Next Week
>>>>> ---------
>>>>> Singles
>>>>> -------
>>>>> By far the strongest new release is Cheryl Cole's debut solo single -
>>>>> but  can she exceed Alex B's 2nd week sales?
>>>>
>>>>Yes. Next question?
>>>
>>> OK - can she manage more than one week at #1?
>>
>>Probably not. There's bound to be another XF release then.
>
> The biggest releases due next week look to be Jay Sean & Worstlife

One of those acts is on XF this weekend. You can probably guess which.

>- but I
> can't see either of those challenging even Cheryl's 2nd week sales.

Seeing what those sales are now likely to be, I agree.

> Maybe Katherine Jenkin's cover of 'Bring Me To Life'? :p
>
> Seriously though, I'd love to see her at least go T40 with it.

And I'd like world peace, thanks.

>>>>> Albums
>>>>> ------
>>>>> Alexandra Burke should have a walkover on the album chart, but there
>>>>> are  no shortage of other albums being released this week.
>>>>
>>>>I should think she'll get a bit more of a run for her money here though.
>>>
>>> She'll surely sell well into 6 figures, and I can't see anyone else
>>> remotely challenging that.
>>
>>Not even Buble?
>
> No chance.

Of hitting six figures?

>>>>> Others :
>>>>
>>>>> Saint Etienne,
>>>>
>>>>Possibly a bit too specialist a release but you never know.
>>>
>>> You said that last time...
>>
>>About what?
>
> Them not making the T75 - but they did.

With that best of? It only got to 79.
Actually, I think I might have made the opposite mistake on that one.

    Chris

On Tue, 20 Oct 2009 at 18:44:36, Col  wrote 
in uk.music.charts :
>>>
>>>At what point would you consider previous X-Factor winners
>>>to be selling 'on merit' rather than just saying 'Oh it's because of
>>>X-Factor'?
>>
>> I use a three year rule - if reality show artists last that long (and few
>> do, of course) then perhaps they can be said to have established
>> themselves.
>>
>> For me though, the *real* test is what happens to songs *not* promoted on
>> whatever show they originally contested.
>
>Right, I didn't realise it had actually been promoted on the show itself.

You actually thought it sold that many on *merit*? :p

>Forgive my ignorance, I don't follow X-Factor or have any interest
>in the formulaic rubblish it churns out.

Same here.

>But I agree, something like that promoted as a free ad to the *millions*
>of sheeple who buy whatever Cowell tells them to buy definately
>*doesn't* count as selling 'on merit'.

Of more interest to me is the effect it has on songs that are merely 
covered on the show - very often doubling (or more) their previous weeks 
sales!
-- 
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham (change 'invalid83261' to 'blueyonder' to email me)

On Tue, 20 Oct 2009 at 22:07:35, Chris Brown 
 wrote in uk.music.charts :
>>>>
>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>> -------
>>>>>>Alexandra Burke
>>>>
>>>> But it wouldn't have sold remotely near 187k without the XF connection,
>>>> of  course.
>>>
>>>Well, I don't suppose she'd have got it.
>>
>> Got what?
>
>The song. Obviously a lot of money has been invested in launching her 
>career.

This year of course, Leona & Alex will be fighting over the same 
material since their styles are virtually identical.

It may have an even greater effect on their albums though. Finding one 
good song for each artist is one thing - but trying to come up with two 
dozen between them is bound to dilute the quality of both.
>
>>>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>>>> ---------------------
>>>>>> Top 10 : Robbie #2,
>>
>> It pushed 'Angels' back up to #96 (~2.4k), not to mention helping most of
>> his other songs too.
>
>It's weird that him singing something else promotes 'Angels'.

Is that really any weirder than 'Bodies' pushing his GH album back into 
the T25, despite not being on it?
>
>>>>>> New Entries outside the top 40 (plus new peaks) : Paolo Nutini (PFOL)
>>>>>> #41,
>>>>>
>>>>>Out on CD on the 2nd of November.
>>>>
>>>> If they actually bother.
>>>
>>>Well, they bothered last time when the song was even less popular.
>>
>> Yes, but last time there were still shops that actually *sold* CD
>> singles...
>
>What, in those distant far-off days of two months ago?

I assumed you were referring to the original chart run of 'Last 
Request'.
>
>>>>>> Albums
>>>>>> ------
>>>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>>>> ---------------------
>
>>>>>>Bad Lieutenant #70,
>>>>>
>>>>>Well, I'm certainly not going to rent my toilet to him!
>>>
>>>If you'd asked I could have done my brilliant joke even sooner.
>>
>> Would have made no difference - I wouldn't have got it then, either.
>
>"Bad loo-tenant" see?

But isn't 'loo-tenant' the US pronunciation, with the UK version being 
'lef-tenant'...
>
>>>>>> Big unexplained climb : Paolo Nutini 31-5??
>>>>>
>>>>>New single maybe?
>>>>
>>>> That wouldn't have *this* big an effect.
>>>
>>>Even though it's leapt from nowhere to the fringes of the Top 40?
>>
>> Songs leap from nowhere to much higher places, every week...
>
>Really? Who did it last week?

Chipmunk, and The Saturdays.

>
>>>>>> Next Week
>>>>>> ---------
>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>> -------
>>
>> The biggest releases due next week look to be Jay Sean & Worstlife
>
>One of those acts is on XF this weekend. You can probably guess which.

Interesting that not even *radio 2* have playlisted this Westlife 
single, though... :)
>
>>- but I
>> can't see either of those challenging even Cheryl's 2nd week sales.
>
>Seeing what those sales are now likely to be, I agree.

Hard to disagree, after all!
>
>> Maybe Katherine Jenkin's cover of 'Bring Me To Life'? :p
>>
>> Seriously though, I'd love to see her at least go T40 with it.
>
>And I'd like world peace, thanks.

Very droll.

Actually, I don't think it's that optimistic a prediction. She's 
C-listed on R2, and is prominent on the chat-show circuit this week, 
culminating with a big documentary on Saturday night.

Not to mention that she's HOTTER than every other woman in the T40 
combined, of course... :)
>
>>>>>> Albums
>>>>>> ------
>>>>>> Alexandra Burke should have a walkover on the album chart, but there
>>>>>> are  no shortage of other albums being released this week.
>>>>>
>>>>>I should think she'll get a bit more of a run for her money here though.
>>>>
>>>> She'll surely sell well into 6 figures, and I can't see anyone else
>>>> remotely challenging that.
>>>
>>>Not even Buble?
>>
>> No chance.
>
>Of hitting six figures?

No, of seriously challenging Alex.
-- 
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham (change 'invalid83261' to 'blueyonder' to email me)

"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message 
news:dPie5xBs0q3KFwIU@blueyonder.co.uk...
> On Tue, 20 Oct 2009 at 18:44:36, Col  wrote in 
> uk.music.charts :

>>
>>Right, I didn't realise it had actually been promoted on the show itself.
>
> You actually thought it sold that many on *merit*? :p

No,  I didn't realise it had been promoted on the show.
I thought that it had just been selling on the X-Factor association
of Alexander Burke, so still not 'on merit'.

Col

"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message
news:F+uI12DfNr3KFw4j@blueyonder.co.uk...
> On Tue, 20 Oct 2009 at 22:07:35, Chris Brown 
> wrote in uk.music.charts :
>>>>>
>>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>>> -------
>>>>>>>Alexandra Burke
>>>>>
>>>>> But it wouldn't have sold remotely near 187k without the XF
>>>>> connection,
>>>>> of  course.
>>>>
>>>>Well, I don't suppose she'd have got it.
>>>
>>> Got what?
>>
>>The song. Obviously a lot of money has been invested in launching her
>>career.
>
> This year of course, Leona & Alex will be fighting over the same material
> since their styles are virtually identical.

Kind of, although I can see some signs they're trying to position Alex as 
slightly different.

> It may have an even greater effect on their albums though. Finding one
> good song for each artist is one thing - but trying to come up with two
> dozen between them is bound to dilute the quality of both.

Up to a point, yes, although I suppose it's questionable how much the 
quality of the album matters.

>>>>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>>>>> ---------------------
>>>>>>> Top 10 : Robbie #2,
>>>
>>> It pushed 'Angels' back up to #96 (~2.4k), not to mention helping most
>>> of
>>> his other songs too.
>>
>>It's weird that him singing something else promotes 'Angels'.
>
> Is that really any weirder than 'Bodies' pushing his GH album back into
> the T25, despite not being on it?

Well, sort of, because some of his other songs (which are on there) also got 
featured.

>>>>>>> New Entries outside the top 40 (plus new peaks) : Paolo Nutini
>>>>>>> (PFOL)
>>>>>>> #41,
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Out on CD on the 2nd of November.
>>>>>
>>>>> If they actually bother.
>>>>
>>>>Well, they bothered last time when the song was even less popular.
>>>
>>> Yes, but last time there were still shops that actually *sold* CD
>>> singles...
>>
>>What, in those distant far-off days of two months ago?
>
> I assumed you were referring to the original chart run of 'Last Request'.

Er, no. Why would I be referring to that?
I mean last time he released a single.

>>>>>>> Albums
>>>>>>> ------
>>>>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>>>>> ---------------------
>>
>>>>>>>Bad Lieutenant #70,
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Well, I'm certainly not going to rent my toilet to him!
>>>>
>>>>If you'd asked I could have done my brilliant joke even sooner.
>>>
>>> Would have made no difference - I wouldn't have got it then, either.
>>
>>"Bad loo-tenant" see?
>
> But isn't 'loo-tenant' the US pronunciation, with the UK version being
> 'lef-tenant'...

Generally speaking, that is true. But this particular group have chosen the 
"Loo-tenant" pronunciation.

>>>>>>> Big unexplained climb : Paolo Nutini 31-5??
>>>>>>
>>>>>>New single maybe?
>>>>>
>>>>> That wouldn't have *this* big an effect.
>>>>
>>>>Even though it's leapt from nowhere to the fringes of the Top 40?
>>>
>>> Songs leap from nowhere to much higher places, every week...
>>
>>Really? Who did it last week?
>
> Chipmunk, and The Saturdays.

With tracks that weren't available before. And they've reaped the rewards in 
the album chart.

>>>>>>> Next Week
>>>>>>> ---------
>>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>>> -------
>>>
>>> The biggest releases due next week look to be Jay Sean & Worstlife
>>
>>One of those acts is on XF this weekend. You can probably guess which.
>
> Interesting that not even *radio 2* have playlisted this Westlife single,
> though... :)

Not the first time that's happened, of course, but still notable.
Mind you, I was getting the impression it hadn't been played anywhere at 
all.

>>> Maybe Katherine Jenkin's cover of 'Bring Me To Life'? :p
>>>
>>> Seriously though, I'd love to see her at least go T40 with it.
>>
>>And I'd like world peace, thanks.
>
> Very droll.
>
> Actually, I don't think it's that optimistic a prediction. She's C-listed
> on R2,

So she can count on the same level of success as Alex Cornish and Jace 
Everett?

> and is prominent on the chat-show circuit this week, culminating
> with a big documentary on Saturday night.

Which is doubtless true but not exactly new territory for her, and she's 
never yet managed a Top 60 hit.

I mean, never say never and all that, but there will need to be something.

>>>>>>> Albums
>>>>>>> ------
>>>>>>> Alexandra Burke should have a walkover on the album chart, but there
>>>>>>> are  no shortage of other albums being released this week.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>I should think she'll get a bit more of a run for her money here
>>>>>>though.
>>>>>
>>>>> She'll surely sell well into 6 figures, and I can't see anyone else
>>>>> remotely challenging that.
>>>>
>>>>Not even Buble?
>>>
>>> No chance.
>>
>>Of hitting six figures?
>
> No, of seriously challenging Alex.

Why not?

    Chris

On Wed, 21 Oct 2009 at 21:43:30, Chris Brown 
 wrote in uk.music.charts :
>
>>>>>>>> Albums
>>>>>>>> ------
>>>>>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>>>>>> ---------------------
>>>>>>>> Big unexplained climb : Paolo Nutini 31-5??
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>New single maybe?
>>>>>>
>>>>>> That wouldn't have *this* big an effect.
>>>>>
>>>>>Even though it's leapt from nowhere to the fringes of the Top 40?
>>>>
>>>> Songs leap from nowhere to much higher places, every week...
>>>
>>>Really? Who did it last week?
>>
>> Chipmunk, and The Saturdays.
>
>With tracks that weren't available before.

You didn't specify that.

>And they've reaped the rewards in the album chart.

I still think there has to be more to it than that.
>
>>>>>>>> Next Week
>>>>>>>> ---------
>>>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>>>> -------
>>
>> Interesting that not even *radio 2* have playlisted this Westlife single,
>> though... :)
>
>Not the first time that's happened, of course, but still notable.
>Mind you, I was getting the impression it hadn't been played anywhere 
>at all.

I guess they think XF will be all they need - and they're probably 
right...
>
>>>> Maybe Katherine Jenkin's cover of 'Bring Me To Life'? :p
>>>>
>>>> Seriously though, I'd love to see her at least go T40 with it.
>>>
>>>And I'd like world peace, thanks.
>>
>> Very droll.
>>
>> Actually, I don't think it's that optimistic a prediction. She's C-listed
>> on R2,
>
>So she can count on the same level of success as Alex Cornish and Jace 
>Everett?

She's a lot better known than them...
>
>>>>>>>> Albums
>>>>>>>> ------
>>>>>>>> Alexandra Burke should have a walkover on the album chart, but there
>>>>>>>> are  no shortage of other albums being released this week.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>I should think she'll get a bit more of a run for her money here
>>>>>>>though.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> She'll surely sell well into 6 figures, and I can't see anyone else
>>>>>> remotely challenging that.
>>>>>
>>>>>Not even Buble?
>>>>
>>>> No chance.
>>>
>>>Of hitting six figures?
>>
>> No, of seriously challenging Alex.
>
>Why not?

Errr... X-Factor!
-- 
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham (change 'invalid83261' to 'blueyonder' to email me)

"Paul Hyett"  wrote in message
news:Zlr$j7C0CA4KFwSS@blueyonder.co.uk...
> On Wed, 21 Oct 2009 at 21:43:30, Chris Brown 
> wrote in uk.music.charts :
>>
>>>>>>>>> Albums
>>>>>>>>> ------
>>>>>>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>>>>>>> ---------------------
>>>>>>>>> Big unexplained climb : Paolo Nutini 31-5??
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>New single maybe?
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> That wouldn't have *this* big an effect.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Even though it's leapt from nowhere to the fringes of the Top 40?
>>>>>
>>>>> Songs leap from nowhere to much higher places, every week...
>>>>
>>>>Really? Who did it last week?
>>>
>>> Chipmunk, and The Saturdays.
>>
>>With tracks that weren't available before.
>
> You didn't specify that.

Well, the albums can't climb the chart before they're out.

>>And they've reaped the rewards in the album chart.
>
> I still think there has to be more to it than that.

Well, obviously he's promoted the single and that will have affected the
album too.
It is also in an odd special offer at Amazon where you can order the CD and
get the download for "only" £1:49 extra. But the other albums involved don't
seem to have had the same boost.

>>>>>>>>> Next Week
>>>>>>>>> ---------
>>>>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>>>>> -------
>>>
>>> Interesting that not even *radio 2* have playlisted this Westlife
>>> single,
>>> though... :)
>>
>>Not the first time that's happened, of course, but still notable.
>>Mind you, I was getting the impression it hadn't been played anywhere at
>>all.
>
> I guess they think XF will be all they need - and they're probably
> right...

Or alternatively, they know only Westlife fans will want to buy it so they 
don't think it's worth giving it much promo.
That said, it's supposed to be Big Band Week so if this is going to be the 
Daughtry song...

>>>>> Maybe Katherine Jenkin's cover of 'Bring Me To Life'? :p
>>>>>
>>>>> Seriously though, I'd love to see her at least go T40 with it.
>>>>
>>>>And I'd like world peace, thanks.
>>>
>>> Very droll.
>>>
>>> Actually, I don't think it's that optimistic a prediction. She's
>>> C-listed
>>> on R2,
>>
>>So she can count on the same level of success as Alex Cornish and Jace
>>Everett?
>
> She's a lot better known than them...

So why bring up R2 at all? It's not as if the C-list records get played much 
anyway.

>>>>>>>>> Albums
>>>>>>>>> ------
>>>>>>>>> Alexandra Burke should have a walkover on the album chart, but
>>>>>>>>> there
>>>>>>>>> are  no shortage of other albums being released this week.
>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>I should think she'll get a bit more of a run for her money here
>>>>>>>>though.
>>>>>>>
>>>>>>> She'll surely sell well into 6 figures, and I can't see anyone else
>>>>>>> remotely challenging that.
>>>>>>
>>>>>>Not even Buble?
>>>>>
>>>>> No chance.
>>>>
>>>>Of hitting six figures?
>>>
>>> No, of seriously challenging Alex.
>>
>>Why not?
>
> Errr... X-Factor!

Guess what Buble's doing this weekend?

Yes, I know that's technically too late, but he's hardly releasing this in a 
media blackout.

    Chris

On Mon, 19 Oct 2009 at 18:11:48, Col  wrote 
in uk.music.charts :
>>
>>>> Singles
>>>> -------
>>>> As expected, Alexandra Burke storms to the #1 spot with a huge lead. Not
>>>> even Robbie could closely challenge her.
>>>
>>>And in fairness, this record isn't utterly terrible, at least not once you
>>>get past that amazingly naff intro. It's just generic.
>>
>> But it wouldn't have sold remotely near 187k without the XF connection, of
>> course.
>
>At what point would you consider previous X-Factor winners
>to be selling 'on merit' rather than just saying 'Oh it's because of
>X-Factor'?

I use a three year rule - if reality show artists last that long (and 
few do, of course) then perhaps they can be said to have established 
themselves.

For me though, the *real* test is what happens to songs *not* promoted 
on whatever show they originally contested.

Had the Robbie v Alex contest happened, say next spring, I suspect the 
result may well have been rather different...

>What about Leona Lewis?

Not quite three years yet...
-- 
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham (change 'invalid83261' to 'blueyonder' to email me)

On Thu, 22 Oct 2009 at 22:04:50, Chris Brown 
 wrote in uk.music.charts :
>>>
>>>>>>>>>> Albums
>>>>>>>>>> ------
>>>>>>>>>> New Entries/New Peaks
>>>>>>>>>> ---------------------
>>>>>>>>>> Big unexplained climb : Paolo Nutini 31-5??
>>
>> I still think there has to be more to it than that.
>
>Well, obviously he's promoted the single and that will have affected the
>album too.
>It is also in an odd special offer at Amazon where you can order the CD and
>get the download for "only" £1:49 extra. But the other albums involved don't
>seem to have had the same boost.

I can only assume he made TV appearances I don't know about.
>
>>>>>>>>>> Next Week
>>>>>>>>>> ---------
>>>>>>>>>> Singles
>>>>>>>>>> -------
>>>>
>>>> Interesting that not even *radio 2* have playlisted this Westlife
>>>> single,
>>>> though... :)
>>>
>>>Not the first time that's happened, of course, but still notable.
>>>Mind you, I was getting the impression it hadn't been played anywhere at
>>>all.
>>
>> I guess they think XF will be all they need - and they're probably
>> right...
>
>Or alternatively, they know only Westlife fans will want to buy it so 
>they don't think it's worth giving it much promo.

>That said, it's supposed to be Big Band Week so if this is going to be 
>the Daughtry song...

Well Westlife & Daughtry would definitely be on my 'ban(ne)d' list. :p
>
>>>>>>>>>> Albums
>>>>>>>>>> ------
>>>>
>>>> No, of seriously challenging Alex.
>>>
>>>Why not?
>>
>> Errr... X-Factor!
>
>Guess what Buble's doing this weekend?
>
>Yes, I know that's technically too late, but he's hardly releasing this 
>in a media blackout.

I wonder how much artists have to bribe Cowell to get on XF? :p
-- 
Paul Hyett, Cheltenham (change 'invalid83261' to 'blueyonder' to email me)