Paul JH

I'm one of the persons that doesn't have a CD-RW. Plus I don't know how to download anything (except for the free Violet Hill single). I looked into getting an iPod, but in the US we can't download most UK songs. For example, I wanted Rule The World. It has never been in the US iTunes. It's next to impossible to order from the British iTunes. So getting the CD single is the only option; it's easy to order from hmv.co.uk. I happily bought my Rule The World (along with many other CD singles) during a London trip earlier this year. And none of them are collecting dust on a shelf. I bought the Uninvited single for 5 pounds, which I consider a good value as it contained the extended version and two previous singles. I think CD singles and vinyl singles should continue as a niche market, similar to jazz, classical, and easy listening. To be profitable, the CD single price can be increased to 2.99 with a minimum of three tracks. Album sales are down because there are too many other entertainment options (such as games, video, film, and internet). I don't know anyone who still buys CD albums like me. The US album sales (per capita) are much lower than the UK. I used to walk into a London HMV, and it would be 90% music, 5% video, and 5% games. Now it seems to be an equal split, or with music at around 60%.

I meant every word. Coldplay is the best rock group ever and I've been following music for a very long time.

I hope you're right about the Coldplay songs being eligible. I've been worried all afternoon. Having two Coldplay songs in the top 10 chart would be like the Beatles all over again. Coldplay is the most interesting rock group ever and it is thrilling to be alive during their period of producing such quality songs and music ... just like our ancestors had the pleasure of experiencing Handel, Beethoven, Elgar, and Gershwin. I put Chris Martin in that group and he's clearly the greatest songwriter of the 2000s.

This is very exciting regarding The Kooks song ... fun to watch it jump up this chart. It's a perfect pop song. I love how it's less than 3 minutes long and easy to sing-along. And it's a slow burn. I'm not sure it will sell more than Estelle, but top 4 on Sunday would be great!

Every time I'm in the Oxford Street HMVs or Zavvi in London, the singles department seems to be one of the busiest areas. People are still buying them. Perhaps it's a strategic move to put them in the back, so people will notice and buy full length CDs. This is perhaps the same strategy for moving them throughout the store.

Enjoyed reading as always. Could you explain why a song doesn't make the chart, e.g., Great DJ by The Ting Tings? I know this has been discussed throughout the forum, but many of us expected it to finally chart this week, but then it's a limited physical single release. I guess the label wants them to flop or are waiting for the next single (following an Adele and Duffy approach). Also it may be worth mentioning when a group is virtually unknown in their home country. It seems almost silly to refer to We Are Scientists as an American group when their new album has no scheduled release date in the US.