NOW 30 AND HANNAH MONTANA DUEL FOR THE TOP
In the early going, give the venerable compilation series the edge, with a total of 130-140k, while Miley is right behind it with 120-130k.
A slew of titles will hit the charts next week, with more than half of the Top 20 looking like debuts, with Interscope R&B chanteuse Keri Hilson leading the way in the 80-90k range.
In addition, Legacy Editions’ massive multi-format Pearl Jam Ten reissue seems headed for 40-50k in first-week sales, with fan club and Amazon leading the way.
Geffen’s Papa Roach is up next at 45-50k, followed by RCA/Sony Music Nashville’s Martina McBride at 40-45k. Universal Motown’s Blue October and Columbia’s Jim Jones are looking at between 35-40k, while Reprise metal gods Mastodon appear to have a total in the 30-35k range.
Capitol Nashville’s Eric Church, E1’s Slim Thug, WB Nashville’s John Rich and Disney Pearl’s Yanni are all clustered in the 25-30k neighborhood.
Capitol’s Decemberists, who sold almost 20k at iTunes alone last week, make their physical debut with 20k, give or take a download or two. Vanguard’s Indigo Girls and Integrity's Israel Houghton are each looking at 15-20k, while UMe’s Now That’s What I Call Power Ballads should hit 12-15k.
Overall, the market was down 7% vs. last week, down 31% vs. same week last year and now off 14% to date. Brother, can you spare a $1.29 download?
