YE JOLLY OLDE iTUNES U.K. CHARTS

It’s a new year, and guess who’s back. That’s right—Various Artists. Hits collections account for four of the Top 10 albums, including the Guardians soundtrack, which happens to be a hits collection of the highest order and a transatlantic smash. Bona fide stars—Ed, Taylor, George and Sam—occupy another four slots. That leaves Black Mammoth/WMG rock duo Royal Blood, whose excellent album is surging behind a discount to £4.99, and a two-month old EP from Republic writer/singer James Bay, which is priced at £1.99. On the singles leaderboard you’ll find the usual assortment of EDM/pop records, former talent-show finalists, ex-boy-band members and actual big hits, notably including Hozier’s “Take Me to Church” (on Island in the U.K.), which is finally breaking in Britain as it did late last year in the States. (1/9a)