T.I. LEAVES PAPER TRAIL AT TOP OF CHART, HUDSON, THICKE NEXT

That’s the word from retailers around the country who took time out in their busy day selling microwaves and big-screen TVs to provide one-day sales figures.

Arista/RMG Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson’s self-titled debut is on target for between 215-225k right now, but an appearance on Oprah tomorrow (10/2), even though she won’t be performing, could jack those numbers even higher. At any rate, it’s a lock for #2 on the heels of her Top 5 R&B single, “Spotlight.”

Star Trak/Interscope blue-eyed soul man Robin Thicke will perform some chart “Magic,” with his new Something Else album looking like 150k, give or take, which would be good for #3 next week.

Hear Music/Concord Music legend James Taylor’s Covers is headed toward the 75-80k range, with plenty of help from Starbucks and QVC.

Sire Records Orange County keyboard rock band Jack's Mannequin could generate up to 50-55k for its sophomore album, The Glass Passenger. The group was formed by ex-Something Corporate member Andrew McMahon, who recovered from a life-threatening bout of leukemia to make this inspired comeback.

BNA recording artist and American Idol Kellie Pickler’s self-titled sophomore album is trending toward 40k.

Epic piano man Ben Folds’ Way to Normal, his follow-up to 2006’s Songs for Silverman, which debuted in the Top 15, appears headed for the same 40k ballpark.

Winter Haven, FL, Christian rockers Anberlin return with their second album for Universal Republic, New Surrender, which could do up to 35-40k or more, with strong Christian bookstore sales.

Roadrunner Orlando, FL, heavy metallers Trivium return with their fourth album, Shogun, which appears ready to sell between 25-30k.

The market was down 7% vs last week, down 29% vs same week last year and now down 12% year-to-date.

Or, as Sarah Palin would put it, we’ll get back to you on that one.