Maynard James Keenan, come on down.
Volcano/ZLG rockers Tool's 10,000 Days, their first full album since 2001's Lateralus, looks poised to sell in the 600k range after a tremendous first-day start, according to retailers around the country who could use some good news, rather than an old cheese grater, for a change.
J Records grunge legends Pearl Jam, their first album for Clive Davis, marks a real comeback for Eddie Vedder and company, with a projected total of 300k, give or take a few, helped by #1 sales at iTunes and fan sites as well as a spate of media coverage. It's the band's first new studio album since 2002's Riot Act for Epic.
G-Unit/Interscope heritage rap act Mobb Deep's Blood Money should rack up in the neighborhood of 110k as the one-time Loud Records and Jive act makes their bow on 50 Cent's label.
Atlantic Records folk-rock queen Jewel's Goodbye Alice in Wonderland, her first since 2002's Serve the Ego is looking like 65-70k, as the #2 seller at iTunes.
Island emo icons and Victory Records alums Thursday's City by the Light Divided appears headed for first-week sales in the 55-60k range.
Other probably chart debuts include RCA Label Group's Phil Vassar greatest hits album (50k), Interscope's Aussie Black Sabbath-like neo-heavy metal outfit Wolfmother, fresh off their acclaimed Coachella performance (35k), and Fontana's indie Rebel Meets Rebel on Big Vin Records, recorded by the late Pantera guitarist Dimebag Darrell with brother Vinnie Paul and country outlaw David Allen Coe (30k).
Overall record sales were up 4% over last week, down 10% vs. the same week last year and off 2% year-to-date.