spicefunk

Hope you're right SM, it's certainly possible :)

Guiness book of hits says they average over 1mil for each album (up to end of 2005) and The love album did 891k in 2006, Back Home did 855k in 2007 (could've done bit more by now). So thats 9mil+. 10mil UK albums sounds plausible with other/catalogue sales added. Singles above total 5,797,898 on a quick check ie. 5.8mil, so they should have done close to 16mil records

Will definitely be using this to complement my last Guinness book as it sounds like this is inferior. Ordered my copy and is only £12 on Amazon btw (think someone said is £15 on Play). Denial had a physical- just 1 4-track CD (fans moaned about the lack of a CD2). For sure, i own it! Though it reached its peak on d/l alone- 15, then held at 15 the next week when physical was released could it mean this?

Yeah, i thought Girls promo started pretty early too. Seems to be the way often now. I think it's becoming sales>chart position more and more

Why wouldn't they? Because they weren't created by a kareoke contest?

I sort of agree with you. I think they want to make money (imagine that!), and physical singles while i refuse to accept they lose money on them, probably don't make them much at all due to dwindling sales and higher overheads than downloads (but they do cost more for the consumer too). Therefore, convincing the consumer to download by the kind of tactics mentioned is advantageous. However, if they actually bothered to produce/sell more physicals in more places they could reduce costs due to economies of scale, which are being lost. The only problem with this is the fact single sales were dwindling seriously before downloads were included in the chart and download services were popular, so this could not be reversed to a great degree although prob to a significant one. It's necessary to move forward with these things but they could easily maintain support for the format, and most shops which stopped selling singles didn't really benefit from the extra floorspace for other products as the section was so small anyway, but i think they felt the limited profit wasn't worth the bother, and the record companies are supplying less singles from a similar POV. Thing is, it's a self fulfilling prophecy. The more they do this, the more it becomes true that they are unprofitable. If they do continue CD format support (a la vinyl and how the resurgence of the format has resulted in a multifold increase in sales- still a fraction of downloads but worth it) i believe it would have plateau'd as there will always be a loyal subset who will choose to buy CDs. For any kind of range on the shop floor, we are now down to just HMV, so sadly this time next year we could ironically have vinyl singles and no CD singles... :wacko:

Interesting list. Far as i think, GH should be excluded from catalogue charts, but i suppose that's why MW separated them and the data on their sales is certainly interesting as certain band's GH sell really well every year, even when they don't include singles from the last 5+ years. Also, i don't think it can be 2 years. BTB- Deluxe (Amy Winehouse) was only out a year ago last week. Also, the definition of catalogue album i thought meant not their current/last album, no matter how long ago, and she hasn't had an album since this so it's inclusion seems stupid. GA's SKO was only out 2 years this week too, so would only scrape it. Really surprised it's there actually but that's just based on last week's sales right? Also, seems weird My Prerogative by Britney is there, but GH by Sugas and GA aren't considering they are both top100 this week, though they may have been out just shy of 2 years (the BTB- deluxe should disprove this but maybe they count the original BTB's release date even though they chart separately as the new additional content rules for deluxe albums does not seem to be retrospective). Not sure if this is the ideal thread for it, but thought this list may be of interest regarding this discussion (feel free to start and new thread or move this any mods if you feel this would be handy/appropriate): UK Top 40 Best Selling Catalogue Albums of 2007 : 1. Amy Winehouse – Frank *341,436 2. Phil Collins – Hits - *332,184 3. Snow Patrol – Final Straw - 145,000 4. James Blunt – Back To Bedlam - 140,000 5. The Proclaimers – The Best Of - 130,000 6. The Rolling Stones – Rolled Gold - The Very Best Of – *114,938 7. Diana Ross & The Supremes – The No.1’s – 105,000 8. Fleetwood Mac - Greatest Hits – 102,500 9. Genesis – Turn It On Again – The Hits – 101,000 10. KT Turnstall – Eye To The Telescope – 100,000 11. Rod Stewart – The Best Of – 99,500 12. Queen – Greatest Hits I II & III – 99,000 13. Ray Lamontagne – Trouble – 98,500 14. Bon Jovi – Cross Road – The Best Of – 96,000 15. Bruce Springsteen – Greatest Hits – 95,000 16. ABBA – Gold – Greatest Hits – 92,000 17. Rod Stewart – The Story So Far – 91,000 18. Michael Jackson – Number Ones – 90,000 19. Bob Marley & The Wailers – Legend – 89,000 20. Elvis Presley – Elvis – 30 Number 1 Hits – 88,000 21. Keane – Hopes & Fears – 89,000 22. Phil Collins – Love Songs – 88,000 23. Queen – Greatest Hits – 87,000 24. The Who – There & Then – 86,500 25. Barbara Streisand – The Essential – 83,000 26. Dusty Springfield – Hits Collection – 79,000 27. Razorlight – Up All Night – 77,000 28. Kasabian – Kasabian – 76,000 29. REM – In Time – The Best Of 1988-2003 – 75,000 30. Guns N’ Roses – Greatest Hits – 72,000 31. Katherine Jenkins – Second Nature – 71,000 32. Green Day – American Idiot – 70,000 33. Kylie Minogue – Ultimate Kylie – 69,000 34. Linkin Park – Hybrid Theory – 68,000 35. The Carpenters – Gold – Greatest Hits – 67,000 36. Pink Floyd – The Dark Side Of The Moon – *65,627 37. Lionel Richie – Back To Front – 64,000 38. Jack Johnson – In Between Dreams – 62,000 39. Madonna - The Immaculate Collection – 61,000 40. Led Zeppelin – Four Symbols – *60,859 *exact figures from MW - Total artist album sales in 2007 = 106,033,425 (-14.3%) - Total compilation album sales in 2007 = 30,453,028 (+0.2%) - Total albums sold in 2007 = 138,067,371 (-10.8%) Enjoy :)

Totally agree re the CD singles, and i think artists like GA who did a combined release last week show that's a great way to maximise sales and ensure a strong chart position. It's now at the point they seem to be making it longer and longer between so we will give up and D/L, thereby not ending up buying the CD. Therefore, they can justify cancelling the format. I believe they are trying to actively dissuade us from buying CD singles now, the shops, and the record companies. They don't want to totally rush it and risk losing our business entirely, but they know the overheads on D/Ls are so much less (and therefore higher profits) and can be sold to us 24/7, anywhere, at cheaper quality. Making CDS less and less available, lengthening the wait, and the lack of CD2 and maxi CDs these days is reducing the atractiveness to even keen CDS collectors/fans of bands who prefer the format. Ok conspiracy theory over! Disagree re Beyonce though, it's the $h!ttest song of the lot. I don't know why it's so popular and hadn't heard it or Alesha until this week whereas had heard Xtina and Britney a number of times and i know Leona's been getting the airplay. Britney deserves it just for the video!

do you mean like the non-current singles and albums of bands? Pretty sure not if so as e.g. AC/DC's Back in Black was in the chart the last couple of weeks and is over 20 years old. Also, any individual track can appear on the singles chart if it is downloaded enough times (just look at all the old tat which arrives after an X-factor performance). Hope that helps? :)

sounds exciting! though i'll confess i have no idea who they are. I do like POM though! :)

cheers! :P When i saw the position i was dreading sales so pleasantly surprised with 10k. Wasn't that what you predicted Jark? that's two weeks in a row! Its not you buying all the copies is it? :lol: Jake, i think half the problem is Island don't spend too much promoting them anyway as they see them as a safe bet nowadays. Mistake!

yeah. this album and single choices is difficult. None grab as strongly as some tracks did on the last few albums, but it's also overall very strong LP. They have become more of an album band this time- if only they sell some! i think top 10 for NCD, will do better than change, better choice imho

agreed. I really like NCD for next single but i'm wondering what would get the best response for the album, and i honestly don't know. I hope the fortune turns for it though as it's a really good album

not bad at all, it's holding up pretty well for all the stick it gets. Radio like it though :)

#26 erk. big drop this week. know we expected it following midweeks but it still makes me sad :(

hmmm. i sort of know what you mean. Though i don't think the album is too Duffyish. I think it's more varied that Rockferry is, but Side Chick is at a more polar end of variety on this album for sure

i think its sort of more than a sample, less than a cover. E.g. Girls actually borrowed the chorus from Here Come the Girls but the verses were different as was some of the instrumentation, so it couldn't really be considered a cover, but did more than just sample a hook from the song. Sound reasonable? I think interpolate is usually to insert, or mix something in (sometimes to separate/break it up). Does it really have that interpol anyway or is wiki just talking its usual brand of $h!t? Don't remember the sleeve mentioning which it should if this is correct...

omg Martin i think you're quite harsh! I think it more than their others grows on repeated listen so i hope those scores can creep up! Review: Girls 7/10 - Good, fun song. They wrote the verses which shows as they are far and away the best bit You on a Good Day 5/10 - A bit syrupy and contrived in terms of the language used and the singing style. They are obviously going for a 60s vibe and while it is competent enough it's not treading new ground really No Can Do 7/10 - One of the most instantly catchy songs on the album. I like the weird dramatic kinda A-team (or something!) intro, and i challenge anyone to not sing along to the bit at the end about telephones! For the catchy radio friendliness, a good single choice next i think, which also showcases their new sound Hanging on a Star 6/10 - I've seen a few people say this is godawful and bizarrely 1 or 2 who really like it. It's probably the most uptempo number on the album and is a good fun song, which as part of the body and structure of the album fits well where it is, but not their most inspired moment Side Chick 8/10 - I didn't like this too much at 1st. I thought, derivative R'n'B, but it's quite addictive, and the verses are fast and smart, without it sounding like they're rapping (a mistake a lot of artists make is trying to rap, e.g. the whole mel B Spice Girls bits, though at least they were never long). It finally was elevated in my mind when i realised how it sounded like a lot of the coolest bits of Robyn's album, but with Suga vocals! Unbreakable Heart 8/10 - this song seemed weirdly underated/overlooked in the first reviews i read, but glad people seem to recognise its greatness now. A gentle, emotional ballad which isn't too overstated, and has some nice original sounding instrumentation Sunday Rain 8/10 - 6/8 time gives it a lovely classic feel, and their vocals are excellent on this track. Has single potential Every Heart Broken 8.5/10 - Ah, the jewel in the crown. Already a fan favourite. Smart, yet tongue in cheek lyrics. Loses points for the chorus being a little plain. Definitely good single potential too Beware 4/10 - A bit different again, but Amelle's writing skills are clearly not up to scratch yet. Perhaps this will come with the level of experience of the other girls. Not a complete disaster but i'm tempted to skip it on listen throughs Nothing's as Good as You 7/10 - I love Heidi's bits at the start, it really suits her voice. Chorus is ok but not quite as good. Ticks along nicely though into the next one Sound of Goodbye 8.5/10- Best ballad on the album. Vocals are gentle, sound heartfelt, and Heidi does a great job particularly near the beginning of the song, it suits her voice Can we Call a Truce 7/10 - I find this (particularly the chorus) rather overwrought and a bit too shuffling, but many reviews seem to place this as one of their finest ballads, which frankly baffles me. Verses are better, i like that Keisha thought "the whole thing sounded too preachy" ;) Apparently about Mutya but i think that's gash and close attention the the words suggests otherwise Bonus: About You Now Acoustic - Worthy inclusion. Quite shortened version but this helps maintain the emotional impact of the song, as the original is quite repetitive (fine for a catchy chorus but acoustic is different). Should hopefully boost album sales a little Bonus: She's like a star - R'n'B number with funky modern beats, which showcase their vocals rather well. Another short one, and this version is probably better than the original as it seems to reduce the use of the stupid pretend child voice which is becoming endemic of hack R'n'B. Original recording also had Busta Rhymes so this is probably a shortened reworking as he doesn't appear. A nice inclusion for the fans, as with AYN acoustic (or fans of Hollyoaks in that case :D) They've moved on the sound again, their voices sound better than ever, and as usual they succeed in sounding not too like anyone else, yet still Sugababesy despite the continued evolution of their style with each album. The only drawback of this is that this sound may be less commercially marketable. Electropop consistently sells, and they have abandoned this for now (e.g. look at the success of all their Xenomania produced singles, and others they produce such as GA). Any fan old or new who does not delve into buying the album past lead single Girls is missing out, as this is a more accomplished record overall than older sister Change Overall 8/10 (7.5 when i'm feeling more critical!)

physical is available everywhere though, so it could be more significant than it's becoming for the average single this year. It's available in record shops that don't sell singles anymore, in non-record shops and those that never did sell them either! Is ridiculous for such tripe! :wacko:

hmmm wiki says it has [another] an interpolation of a different song! anyone know don't remember sleeve notes saying?

i think sales will scrape past last week's, which is amazing considering they had X factor and pre orders last week. I just don't understand the phenomenal success of this song. It's good, but they've had better singles that have sold far less. Is it all because Cheryl on X factor is raising their profile? Glad they scored a proper no1 finally though, was deserved after 19 top 10s!

that's so weird! i was just about to post that a friend of mine said this song really reminds him of the Jackson 5 then read your posts! Not a bad sound to tap into though, people love that song so could work out well you're not a nutter!, I don't think people were meaning to be defensive. Think as earlier post says though, either it sampled it or didn't, its a question of fact rather than interpretation and legally this would have to be (arranged and) mentioned in the album sleeve, and it isn't. My friend thought the same as yours though, so you totally have a point. I say Post away and don't let others bug you too much, it all keeps the forum popular (as long as you're not rude)

i was too. that seemed like the precendent! and when you look vs. other studio albums at first week sales, chart peak, top 75 weeks, and the fact the lead single was their most successful yet any way you look at it, i'm still slightly baffled at how it didn't sell more (know the next singles weren't as successful but the figures don't add up) What are we realistically hoping for C&S do you think??

glad about the HMV thing. I mean case in point. The album was £8.97 on release week in Woolworths and at #4 in their chart, and £6.71 in Asda and at #3 in their chart, so it's obvious to me that it costing more than other albums has had an impact (vs. #8 in the official total sales chart). Hopefully Zavvi will follow suit, perhaps this will help it recover a little for Sunday. I really thought when the sales came down last week "oh well, it's more of a grower of an album anyway", and that Girls maybe didn't make people rush out and have to have the album immediately. But Girls is still selling quite well and getting airplay (also heard it used a few times on TV, companies seem to like it) so i thought sales for C&S may be lower, but sustained. This kind of drop is very disappointing. On the issue of Island, i don't think they do a particularly great job of promoting the babes, and they never seem to work hard to push things that extra bit. I think there's a certain amount of complacency surrounding the Sugababes brand now that they are several LPs in and their albums always sell well. Hopefully this can serve as a wake up call for them to realise they have to spend the money on the 'babes to realise good sales, rather than seeing them as a sure bet with low costs for ++profits. They've apparently already signed the next album deal and based on past performance don't see Island dropping them or the band quitting, but it's time the finger was pulled out. The saddest bit of this whole thing is they have produced a good, consistent album, and i haven't seen a single review yet which didn't think this album was better than Change (despite it having AYN which generally garnered positive reviews). On that topic, heard second hand that The Metro review gave C&S 2 stars today, saying it was better than Change but still pretty "meh"/typical sugababes. Bit annoying! Ok, rant over. i feel better! :rolleyes:

i hate this name right here! :lol: but the song is good. Particularly like the little bridge b4 the last chorus (the "i see sunset in your eyes" bit). Going for top 5 they have great chart pedigree and good song though not too sure what else is out that week and the one b4