Early Reads

YOUR EARLY READS: It appears we'll see another battle for #1 on next week's HITS Album Sales Chart, with RCA's Chris Brown vying for the crown with Columbia's Barbra Streisand. Early reads suggest both titles are exceeding expectations and destined for bows in the neighborhood of 120k. Babs' new set, Partners, features duets with Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Lionel Richie, Michael Bublé, John Mayer and Elvis Presley, among others, and the legendary singer is running a gauntlet of TV appearances (including a medley with Jimmy Fallon; see below). Brown's X boasts guests Nicki Minaj, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Kendrick Lamar and Jhené Aiko, among others. As always, we remind you that these are very early numbers; stay tuned for updates. (9/16p)