V2’s ex-husband-and-wife duo The White Stripes, the subject of unprecedented critical kudos, including a rare five-star Rolling Stone review, stampeded onto the chart this week atop their fourth album, Elephant, scoring a #6 bow while selling just south of 120k. This building, multifaceted story represents a true triumph for compelling indie rock and a perfectly executed label game plan—and they’re just getting started.
Hastings’ Mike Fuller says a "Seven Nation Army" couldn’t hold back Stripes fans from storming retail: "I’m really thrilled with the opening week for The White Stripes. They really surpassed even my expectations. Hey, ya think they need a bass player? I’m available."
WB’s Linkin Park, Shady/Aftermath/Interscope’s 50 Cent, Capitol’s Now 12, Epic’s Celine Dion and Blue Note’s Norah Jones are at #1-5, respectively, with only the superstar rapper and the Canadian diva switching places from last week’s Top Five.
A greatest-hits collection from WB icon Cher was the other newcomer to the Top 10, entering at #7, with 111k sold, making it the last of seven albums selling more than 100k this week. Wind-up’s Evanescence, Epic’s Chicago soundtrack and Jive’s R. Kelly complete the Top 10.
Other chart newcomers were Capitol’s Chris Cagle (#17), Virgin’s Robbie Williams (#30), Geffen artist Rob Zombie’s House of 1,000 Corpses soundtrack (#41) and the re-entry of Virgin’s Ben Harper (#50).
Albums showing sales gains include VP/Atlantic’s Sean Paul (+8%, #12), Epic’s Good Charlotte (+1%, #22), Jive’s Justin Timberlake (+3%, #23), DreamWorks’ A.F.I. (+4%, #26), DreamWorks’ The All-American Rejects (+3%, #28), Fo’Reel/Universal’s Nelly (+9%, #39) and Atlantic’s Matchbox Twenty (+2%, #42).
Next week, retailers prepare for a religious epiphany, as Republic/Universal’s Godsmack sends sales heavenward.
Added Fuller: "Hey, I’m a believer. We were real strong on their last record, and looking forward to doing the same with this one. Is it OK if I take the Lord’s name in vain just this once?"
THE COUNT: COLDPLAY IS HOT, COUNTRY'S COOKIN' IN THE U.K.
The latest tidbits from the bustling live sector (3/28a)
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THE NEW UMG
Gosh, we hope there are more press releases.
TIKTOK BANNED!
Unless the Senate manages to make this whole thing go away, that is.
THE NEW HUGE COUNTRY ACT
No, not that one.
TRUMP'S CAMPAIGN PLAYLIST
Now 100% unlicensed!
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