UK Singles Chart, 10/4/2008

1. Sex on Fire - Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon stay on top a third week, earning a double crown as they also debut at #1 on the UK albums chart with Only By the Night. They join Duffy, Madonna, and Coldplay, all of whom also scored chart doubles.

3. Disturbia - Rihanna

Rihanna climbs back up to #3, the peak she reached 4 weeks ago. The lack of a physical release may be helping her album Good Girl Gone Bad, which is #2 this week on the albums chart, a distant second behind Kings of Leon. Her album is now the fourth best-selling album of the year in the UK, behind Duffy, Coldplay, and Nickelback.

5. In This City - Iglu & Hartly

Iglu & Hartley make an impressive nine place leap to #5, a bit of a surprise considering the physical CD was released 2 weeks ago.

7. You Make It Real - James Morrison

The new Daniel Powter may have bombed, but James Morrison proves he's got staying power with "You Make It Real," which becomes his third top 10 hit after 2006's "You Give Me Something" and "Wonderful World."

8. Girls - Sugababes

The Sugababes score their 15th top 10 hit this week. "Girls" gets its physical release next week. It's certainly a contender to become the group's 7th #1 hit.

10. There You'll Be (From "Pearl Harbor") - Faith Hill

Faith Hill's love ballad from the 2001 film Pearl Harbor makes a re-entry in the UK top 10 this week. Huh??!!! No, you're not dreaming, but rather witnesses the power X Factor has on the chart. The song was featured by a performer last weekend. Thus a 7 year-old single outsells the newly released...

13. Changes - Will Young

Ouch. Poor Will. The physical release of "Changes," which debuted at #10 on downloads last week, does nothing to improve the single's position, falling three spots this week to #13. He's outsold by a 7 year-old single from Faith Hill no less.

16. Love Lockdown - Kanye West

Kanye West's rather surprising release "Love Lockdown" makes a big debut at #16. It's a download-only release, but I expect it will climb over the next few weeks.

17. Lies - McFly

McFly are known for their big chart drops, and they make no exception with "Lies," down 13 spots from its #4 peak last week.

26. Another Way to Die - Alicia Keys and Jack White

At first I didn't care for the new James Bond them, but "Another Way to Die" is actually growing on me. It's not out in stores for another 2 weeks. The last Bond theme, Chris Cornell's "You Know My Name" from Casino Royale hit #7 in late 2006.

Album Review: Ne-Yo - Year of the Gentleman (4/5)

On Year of the Gentleman, singer/songwriter/producer Ne-Yo declares that he's in a class apart from most of his other male pop/R&B contemporaries. While Usher and Lil Wayne are busy trying to get laid in clubs, acknowledging women as little more than sex objects, Ne-Yo explores a less carnal brand of female admiration.

Take, for example, "Miss Independent," the upbeat Stargate collaboration that finds Ne-Yo interested in a woman not because she needs to depend on him, but because she doesn't. "She got her own thing, that's why I love her" intones Ne-Yo in the synth-based chorus. Certainly we've heard this melodic beats, synths, and harp sound before from Ne-Yo--"Because of You" and "Sexy Love" in particular--but it's never sounded as good as it does here.

"Miss Independent" is just one of several great moments early on. First track "Closer" takes a confident step into dance pop, a genre R&B-leaning pop hasn't seemed comfortable with for years. The song took awhile to catch on in the U.S.--dance pop being a genre that the U.S. public hasn't seemed comfortable with lately either--but now it's a big hit, currently #7 on the Hot 100 and #2 at Top 40 radio. The retro-sounding "Nobody," another winner, finds Ne-Yo doing a very good impression of Michael Jackson.

Polow Da Don creates a good piano and beats production for "Single," currently a hit for New Kids on the Block (featuirng Ne-Yo). This version thankfully does not include the New Kids, and once again Ne-Yo declares the song is "for girls who got their own car, this for girls who got their own crib." "Mad" is the album's first ballad, and, while not a knockout, is a pleasant piano-based number.

Then there's "Why Does She Stay," a slow burner with piano and trippy synths that finds a self-deprecating Ne-Yo questioning why his woman stays with him when he's such a loser. "Most of the time, I'm so damn selfish, I don't even realize she treats me so well." The song's earnestness is the most it has going for it, for I find it rather lacking musically. "Fade into the Background" fulfills its name too much. Other reviewers really like these two songs, but they aren't musically assertive enough for me.

Things pick up again on "So You Can Cry," a lovely little song about consoling a woman who's just broken up with her man. Ne-Yo is the sensitive guy who will "ask the clouds to bring the rain for you today" so she can have a good cry. Even better is "Part of the List," which has a gorgeous, mature production of piano, strings, and acoustic guitar.

"Back to What You Know" is another good Stargate number, this time with a strong dose of acoustic guitar, punched up with piano and synth during the chorus. Ever the gentleman, Ne-Yo implores his girl to go back to her ex, since he can tell she's still in love with him ("I'd rather you happy, than miserable with me"). Perhaps it's the same girl from "Lie to Me," who "crept back in at 6:45," which Ne-Yo tries to believe was just a dream. While I'm not into the ballads in the middle of the album, I do like the album's lush closer, "Stop this World." When the vocals and strings soar during the chorus, it clicks nicely.

Year of the Gentleman is the first Ne-Yo album I've bought, and I was pleasantly surprised that it held up to my expectations. Ne-Yo's not the most amazing singer, but he's a great songwriter, creating melodic and rich backgrounds that showcase his strengths. Not as important on the album, but he can also dress and dance. In short, he's the whole package.

Best: Miss Independent, Closer, Nobody, Part of the List, Stop This World, Back to What You Know.

Rolling Stone/Q best-reviewed albums of the decade

Rolling Stone and Q are my favorite magazines for keeping up with album reviews. Both reserve their top 5-star rating for only those albums they deem "classic." Q is a little more generous than Rolling Stone in this regard, generally giving several albums per year the highest rating, while Rolling Stone gives it to one, maybe two albums per year. Wikipedia has the list of albums Q awarded a 5-star rating, but I haven't seen a list for Rolling Stone. So I did my own going back to 2000. So far, nothing this year has gotten a 5-star rating.

5-star albums, 2000-September 2008

Bruce Springsteen – Magic (2007)
Bob Dylan – Modern Times (2006)
Kanye West – Late Registration (2005)
Damon & Naomi – The Earth Is Blue (2005)**
Brian Wilson – Smile (2004)
Beastie Boys – To the Five Boroughs (2004)
White Stripes – Elephant (2003)
Beck – Sea Change (2002)
Bruce Springsteen – The Rising (2002)
Mick Jagger – Goddess in the Doorway (2001)
Bob Dylan – Love and Theft (2001)

**This one seems a bit strange to me, but I confirmed it on Rolling Stone's Web site.

Also, since 2005, Rolling Stone has awarded a 4.5 rating as well. So far two albums have gotten it this year:

Lil Wayne – Tha Carter III (2008)
Stephen Malkmus – Real Emotional Trash (2008)
Kanye West – Graduation (2007)
M.I.A. – Kala (2007)
TV on the Radio – Return to Cookie Mountain (2006)
Willie Nelson – You Don’t Know Me (2006)
The Rolling Stones – A Bigger Bang (2005)
Bruce Springsteen – Devils & Dust (2005)
White Stripes – Get Behind Me Satan (2005)

New music I love right now

The Promise - Girls Aloud. Girls Aloud's new single is a slam dunk. I've been listening to it at least daily since it hit the Web last week and I still love it. It departs a bit from the intense electro-pop Xenomania has been creating for them lately--a style that reached its apex with "Biology," a song that lacked a traditional verse-chorus-verse structure. "The Promise" is retro, frothy, and delightful. Who doesn't love that last minute key change? A final act key change always makes for a good pop song. It outshines the Sugababes' latest "Girls," which I like also, but isn't their best. Check out the stylish video:



Love Lockdown - Kanye West. This has completely grown on me the last few days. At first I was a bit taken aback by how unusual it is for him, but now I love it. I like that he's singing and does it well, although it has gone through Cher and T-Pain's computer. That little piano bit at the end may be my favorite part.



Granite - Pendulum. At first, until the vocal comes in, this sounds like a space age James Bond theme. Great energy, fun sound effects, and cool horn refrain.



Changes - Will Young. It's unclear whether Will's going to land in the top 10 this weekend, which is a shame--it should be a #1 contender. Still, it's a great song, and I am looking forward to his new album next week.



Never Miss a Beat - Kaiser Chiefs. I love the call-and-response format of the verses and the "My Sharona"-esque guitar. Great new single--much more fun than "Ruby." Their new album comes courtesy of producer Mark Ronson, so my expectations are high.



Miss Independent - Ne-Yo. Ne-Yo + Stargate is a winning combination, and they've put out another winner with "Miss Independent," a song that extols the virtues of a woman's talent rather than her body. How sad that such a thing passes for novel in music these days.



Forgive Me - Leona Lewis. Nice to hear something upbeat from Leona. And nice to hear anything--finally--since "Better in Time," which was released 7 months ago in the UK. I Cant' find the video anymore, but here's the song:



Green Light - John Legend Featuring Andre 3000. I'm intrigued by John Legend lately, and aside from "Save Room," I haven't been a fan as yet. This is really good though.



Don't Believe in Love - Dido. So nice to have Dido back and with a great, understated first single. Dark and lovely just like we like her.



Daddy's Gone - Glasvegas. I recently reviewed their album and really liked it. This, their latest single, is one of my favorite tracks on it.

Personal Chart, 9/27/2008

TW LW Title - Artist
1 .... 2 .... Changes - Will Young (1 week @ #1)
2 .... 1 .... Disturbia - Rihanna (1 wk @ #1)
3 .... 4 .... The Man Who Can't Be Moved - The Script
4 .... 6 .... Girls - Sugababes
5 .... 3 .... Forever - Chris Brown (3 wks @ #1)
6 ... 12 ... Sex on Fire - Kings of Leon
7 .... 7 .... Closer - Ne-Yo
8 ... 10 ... One Step at a Time - Jordin Sparks
9 ... 11 ... So What - Pink
10 .. 14 .. Never Miss a Beat - Kaiser Chiefs

Billboard Hot 100, 10/4/2008

1. Whatever You Like - T.I.

T.I. climbs back up to #1, scoring his fourth nonconsecutive week at #1. Interrupted runs at the top, which were fairly rare in the '90s, have been much more common lately. In addition to T.I., Lil Wayne had two runs at #1 this "Lollipop" and Leona Lewis had three with "Bleeding Love." Last year, Maroon 5's "Makes Me Wonder" and Soulja Boy Tell Em's "Crank That (Soulja Boy)" both had interrupted runs. The best has to be in 2001 though, when Alicia Key's "Fallin" was #1 for 3 weeks, then Jennifer Lopez's "I'm Real" for 3 weeks, then 3 more weeks for "Fallin," and finally 2 more for "I'm Real."

3. Love Lockdown - Kanye West
10. American Boy - Estelle Featuring Kanye West

Kanye West makes an impressive debut at #3 this week with "Lock Lockdown," the first single from his upcoming fourth album 808s and Heartbreak--his first without a college-themed title. This is Kanye's fifth top 10 hit, eighth counting guest appearances, one of which--Estelle's "American Boy"--is #10 this week.

5. Love Story - Taylor Swift

Country sensation Taylor Swift jumps 11 spots to #5 with "Love Story," the first official release from her forthcoming second album Fearless. Swift hit #10 in August with "Change," a special release that will also appear on the album. She is best known for last year's #13 hit "Teardrops on My Guitar," which spent 48 weeks on the Hot 100. Swift earns this week's sales gainer award--not sure why that didn't go to Kanye West.

9. Hot N Cold - Katy Perry

Katy Perry is no one-hit wonder, scoring her second top 10 hit this week with "Hot N Cold," up three spots to #9.

15. Crush - David Archuleta

American Idol runner-up David Archuleta makes an impressive 17-spot leap to #15 this week. "Crush" initially peaked at #2 on its first-week sales and spent the last few weeks in the '30s. Now it's moving back up with combined sales and airplay.

38. All Summer Long - The Rock Heroes

Another remake band cashes in on the lack of iTunes availability for Kid Rock's hit single "All Summer Long." Kid Rock's version hit #23, while the highest-charting version of the song is by The Hit Masters, who peaked at #19.

41-45. Just outside the top 40 are a handful of singles from pretty big names, all, I imagine, hoping to be in the top 40 next week, including Jennifer Hudson, Nelly with Akon and Ashanti, Carrie Underwood, John Legend with Andre 3000, and Savage with Soulja Boy Tell Em.

Album Review: Glasvegas - Glasvegas (4.5 / 5)

Music critics are always on the lookout for the "next BIG thing," and Glasvegas (Glasgow + Las Vegas) have certainly filled more than a few inches of copy on that subject this year. Nine months ago they made the BBC Sounds of 2008 list along with the likes of a number of other newcomers who have since become household names around the world like Duffy, The Tings Tings, and Adele. They may be the last act on that list to put out their debut, and it's worth the wait.

The album opens with "Flowers and Football Tops," building slowly from sustained synth chords and shimmering guitars. At 7 minutes, it's the album's longest track--most are much shorter. The song has a sweeping rock sound reminiscent of U2 and tells a rather tragic domestic story of a family who's 6 year-old boy is murdered. A refrain from the schoolhouse song "You are My Sunshine" is tacked on the end to punch up the melancholy, lest someone not paying attention to the lyrics were to think that is supposed to just be uplifting stadium rock. And if they didn't understand the lyrics, they could be forgiven for there's no question this is a Scottish band--singer James Allan's accent comes through loud and thick.

"Geraldine" must certainly be the most poetic song ever written about a social worker, holding up the profession as providing a troubled youth an "angel on your shoulder." Then there's a seamless transition to "It's My Own Cheating Heart that Makes Me Cry" an epic of self-loathing despair that manages to be just serious enough to make a point but not so over the top that it can't include a playground taunt ("liar liar pants on fire") and a nod to Oasis ("What's the story morning glory"). Besides all that, it's a lovely song to boot, one of the album's best.

"Lonesome Swan" is more upbeat and provides a good showcase for Rab Allan's guitar playing. It also transitions smoothly into "Go Square Go," the story of a young man who must face a bully in a fight, but the real bully may be his father, who told him not to come home until he'd "killed the bastard." "Polmont on My Mind" seems unremarkable at first, until it unleashes its wall of sound at the end, bathing is in the high-reverb guitars, bass guitar, and drums.

"Daddy's Gone" is a clear highlight. It's vaguely sixties sounding and tells the story of a boy whose father has left the family and the kid's not happy about it, lamenting that "all i wanted was a kick-a-bout in the park, for you to race me home when it was nearly getting dark," but now has to settle for seeing his dad only on Saturdays. Closing number "Ice Cream Van" sounds a note of revolution to "bring back the glory days, active citizenship, and pure community...freedom of faith." It's mostly synth organ chords, which build in intensity near the end.

If there's a misstep here, it's "Stabbed," a spoken word piece about wanting to stand up to a knife-wielding gang but running away instead. While certainly a timely topic as any here, it's done over Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata. While it may be one of the most beautiful and melancholic pieces of classical piano, appropriating it in this manner feels lazy. Why not write your own piano backing?

The band's earnestness sets it apart from the popular pack of current indie rockers (as does having a female drummer, Caroline McKay). Earlier this year I complained about Vampire Weekend and other such bands singing about nonsense. This album is about as far away from that as is possible, taking much of its inspiration from a host of urban social problems. And even if you can't decipher the song's lyrical meaning (no offense to you lovely Scots, but to us Americans your accent can be a challenge), Glasvegas offers more than enough melody, hooks and rocking guitars to be enjoyed purely as a musical experience. One of the year's most exciting debuts.

Best: Daddy's Gone, It's My Own Cheating Heart that Makes Me Cry, Geraldine, Flowers and Football Tops, Go Square Go, Lonesome Swan

Killers new single "Human" on the air tomorrow

Arjan Writes has posted that The Killers new single "Human" will get its airplay debut on Radio 1 tomorrow. I can't wait to hear it. The band's forthcoming album, Day & Age, will be released at the end of November.

George up to his old tricks

George Michael has once again been arrested for committing a crime in public. This time it was possession of drugs in a public restroom. Oh dear. He once sang about his fondness for doing such things away from his home, perhaps he can't avoid it:

UK Singles Chart, 9/27/2008

1. Sex on Fire - Kings of Leon

Kings of Leon spend a second week at the top with "Sex on Fire." Kings of Leon are the third American act in a row to top the UK chart, following Katy Perry and Kid Rock. It was just about 2 years ago the last time this happened, when Beyonce ("Deja Vu"), Justin Timberlake ("Sexyback"), and Scissor Sisters ("I Don't Feel Like Dancin'") all hit the top in a row.

4. Lies - McFly

Now fully released, McFly's latest "Lies" zooms up 19 spots to #4. This was a bit unusual, given that McFly singles generally zoom down the chart, not up. Still, at #4 it keeps up their impressive streak of top 10 singles--all 15 of which have gone top 10 and 14 have landed in the top 5 (all but "Ultraviolet"/"Ballad of Paul K" which peaked at #9).

6. Cookie Jar - Gym Class Heroes

Gym Class Heroes climb six spots into the top 10 at #6. Still just shy of giving them their third top 5 hit.

9. Miss Independent - Ne-Yo

With his physical release still 2 weeks away, he's already in the top 10--a good sign this could be a #1 contender. This is Ne-Yo's fifth top 10 hit.

10. Changes - Will Young
(#1 airplay)

The top 10 welcomes back Will Young, who's taken a 2-year chart hiatus following the promotion of his third album, Keep On. "Changes" is a great single from him, and this week lands at #10 on downloads, with the CD single out Monday. "Changes" tops the UK airplay chart this week, Young's third single to do so following "Leave Right Now" and "All Time Love." His new album, Let It Go, is out September 29.

15. Spotlight - Jennifer Hudson

After Kelly Clarkson and Jordin Sparks, Jennifer Hudson becomes the third American Idol alum to score a UK top 40 hit. Although not a series winner like Clarkson and Sparks, Hudson has the advantage of her exposure in the hit films Dreamgirls and Sex and the City.

87. Join With Us - The Feeling

Missing the top 40 for the third time in a row is The Feeling, who's been hit by the sophomore slump particularly hard. They had a good start in "I Thought It Was Over" which hit #9 and topped the airplay chart, but sadly, follow-ups "Without You," "Turn It Up," and now "Join With Us" failed to connect with the record-buying public.

Personal Chart, 9/20/2008

TW LW Title - Artist
1 .... 2 .... Disturbia - Rihanna (1 week @ #1)
2 .... 4 .... Changes - Will Young
3 .... 1 .... Forever - Chris Brown (3 wks @ #1)
4 .... 5 .... The Man Who Can't Be Moved - The Script
5 .... 3 .... Viva la Vida - Coldplay (4 wks @ #1)
6 .... 9 .... Girls - Sugababes
7 .... 6 .... Closer - Ne-Yo
8 .... 8 .... Boyfriend - Alphabeat
9 .... 7 .... Stepping Stone - Duffy
10 .. 14 ... One Step at a Time - Jordin Sparks

Kanye's Surprise: Love Lockdown

I just went into the iTunes store and was greeted by Kanye West's new single "Love Lockdown." Released today, it is the first single from his forthcoming fourth album, 808 & Heartbreak.

Billboard Hot 100, 10/27/2008

1. So What - P!nk

Pink climbs a notch to #1 scoring her first solo #1 hit and second #1 after her 2001 collaboration "Lady Marmalade" with Christina Aguilera, Mya and Lil Kim. "So What" hits #1 mostly on its sales strength--the single is the Hot 100's sales gainer for the second week, moving about 250,000 copies this week. That's halfway to gold in one week. This is one of two entries in the top 10 this week showcasing the current power of sales in the Hot 100 (more on that at #9). It's amazing to think that just a few years ago the Hot 100 was basically an airplay chart, with singles sales having declined to nearly nothing and the digital market not having taken off yet.

"So What" is produced by Swedish pop music extraordinaire Max Martin. Best-known for making Britney Spears and Backstreet Boys household names in the late '90s, Martin has since turned his attention from euro-influenced teen pop to a more rock-influenced pop sound, having worked recently with Kelly Clarkson, Avril Lavigne, and Bo Bice. I believe this is only the second single to hit #1 produced by Martin after Britney Spear's "...Baby One More Time" in 1999. Other notable hits he produced that didn't hit #1 include "I Want It that Way (Backstreet Boys)," "Since U Been Gone (Kelly Clarkson)," and "That's the Way It Is (Celine Dion)."

4. Paper Plane - M.I.A.

British hip-hop artist M.I.A. continues to climb up one to #4 this week. This song is growing on me.

9. American Boy - Estelle Featuring Kanye West

Speaking of British female artists, another one makes her top 10 debut this week. Estelle climbs an incredible 44 spots to #9, landing her first Billboard Hot 100 top 10 hit. The gigantic leap isn't so unexpected if you've been paying attention. A few weeks ago, her record company announced that "American Boy's" parent album Shine would no longer be offered on iTunes, deciding it in Estelle's best interest to sell her album only as a physical CD (Um, where again am I supposed to buy one of those these days?). In a few short weeks, a bulleted single on the verge of entering the top 10 fell from #11 down to #57. Ouch. Clearly the error of this decision was realized by the wise record company, and last week, as if by magic, Shine appeared on iTunes again, with a rather generous banner advertisement. It is no surprise then that "American Boy's" return to the chart is owed by its iTunes sales, another indicator of the current strength of sales in the Hot 100, and in particular, the heavy influence Apple's store plays in todays popular music market.

Before I move on, it's worth nothing that Estelle is the fourth British female artist to score a top 10 hit in the U.S. this year, after Leona Lewis ("Bleeding Love," #1), Natasha Bedingfield ("Pocketful of Sunshine," #5), and M.I.A. at #4 this week. Madonna doesn't count.

8. Can't Believe It - T-Pain featuring Lil Wayne
10. Got Money - Lil Wayne featuring T-Pain

Lil Wayne scores his forth and fifth top 10 hits this week, while T-Pain scores his 10th and 11th. If these singles keep climbing wouldn't it make a great duel for #1? Can't really call it a battle like Kanye West and 50 Cent last year, since no matter what you both win.

21. I Don't Care - Fall Out Boy

Fall Out Boy has their 6th top 40 hit this week with "I Don't Care," the first single from their forthcoming album. They had a one-off earlier this year--"Beat It" with John Mayer, which hit #19. Their biggest hit was last year's "It's Not a Scene, It's an Arms Race," which spent 2 weeks at #2.

Leona Lewis "Forgive Me"

The video for Leona Lewis's new single, "Forgive Me" is out. Click here to check it out. Just like Mariah Carey did back in 1991 with "Someday," Leona has followed up her two ballad singles with something more upbeat for her debut's third single. This is another great release from her.

Since this is from the American release of Spirit, Leona will of course release a special edition of the album in the UK featuring this and the other new track on the US release "Misses Glass," coming November 17.

Ne-Yo's "Miss Independent"

I've had this song stuck in my head the last 3 days. I love it. Ne-Yo is completely hot right now. He's a good singer, writes great songs, can dance, can dress, and to top it off, seems like a genuinely nice guy, not a jerk. His new album, Year of the Gentleman, is getting great reviews.

Preview Will Young's "Let It Go"

7Digital added Will Young's upcoming album Let It Go for pre-sale today. Check it out here, where you can hear 30 second clips. Some first impressions...

1. Changes. The single we know and love.
2. Grace. Threatens to be Broadway-ish at first but then sounds like a decent string-laden balled.
3. Won't Look Down. Retro, strings, horns, upbeat. sounds good.
4. Tell Me the Worst. Guitar ballad, tender, sounds nice.
5. I Won't Give Up. Retro, horns, upbeat. I think I see a trend. Not a bad one though.
6. Disconnected. '70s-style ballad, quite melodic. Also sounds good.
7. If Love Equals Nothing. Soulful ballad with a horn solo.
8. Love. Ooh...sounds disco-ish, but subdued. Cool.
9. Simple Philosophy. Sounds okay, probably the first sample that hasn't really grabbed me.
10. Let It Go. Strings, piano, acoustic guitar ballad. Nice.
11. Are You Happy. Funky 70s beat, horns, upbeat. Another winner.
12. You Don't Know. Piano, strings, and guitar ballad. Sounds like its really pretty.
13. Free Your Mind. Guitar, very slow. Hard to tell from a sample if this is a good one.

This is very very promising. Maybe his best yet? I'll have to hear the whole thing to be sure, but I'm even more excited now.

Girls Aloud "The Promise"

Girls Aloud's new single, "The Promise," got its first play on Radio 1 this afternoon. Someone made a rip for YouTube so we, who tuned out after the Chart Show, can listen:



What do you think? Not quite as Hi-NRG as we're used to from them. I think I like it though. A lot. They haven't had a #1 hit for awhile--maybe this could correct that?

UK Singles Chart, 9/20/2008 (5-1)

5 (4). Disturbia - Rihanna

It's the second week she's dropped, and I'm not sure if this is getting a physical release anymore, as it's missing from the schedule this week. Still #3 isn't bad, if it never ends up going higher.

4 (3). When I Grow Up - The Pussycat Dolls

Early in the week they were doing a lot better, but end up at #4, despite the CD single coming out this week.

3 (new). Thank You for a Lifetime - Cliff Richard.

No one in the U.S. would know who he is (he had a few hits in the '70s), but in the UK Cliff Richard is a pop music institution. This year he celebrates his 50th year in the limelight with a special compilation and this single. He's had 14 #1 hits, tied with Westlife at third after Elvis and the Beatles. This is his 69th top 10 hit. Wow.

2 (1). I Kissed a Girl - Katy Perry

After 5 weeks at #1, Katy Perry relinquishes, tying her with Basshunter and Duffy for the longest-running #1 hit of the year.

1 (new). Sex on Fire - Kings of Leon

American indie band Kings of Leon have been a hit in the UK for 5 years now. Last year they had their highest charting single at #13 with "Fans," but this week score their first #1 hit. It's the first single from their upcoming fourth album, Only by the Night.

UK Singles Chart, 9/20/2008 (10-6)

10 (8). Mountains - Biffy Clyro

9 (7). All Summer Long - Kid Rock

8 (6). Beggin' - Madcon

7 (5). The Man Who Can't Be Moved - The Script

6 (2). Pjanoo - Eric Prydz

Not much news in the bottom half of the top 10.

UK Singles Chart, 9/20/2008 (20-11)

Halfway point already. Live blogging makes the show go faster it seems.

20 (17). Paddy's Revenge - Steve Mac

Down three after debuting last week on downloads. The physical release is out tomorrow. This is an instrumental dance track with an Irish flavor. Not such a common thing. Still, it's not really impressing me.

19 (11). 5 Years Time - Noah & The Whale

Big drop for Noah & The Whale this week. I liked this song briefly, but now I'm tired of it.

18 (35). Handlebars - Flobots

Big jump for Flobots and "Handlebars." I hadn't heard this yet; it's interesting. Not sure what I think yet. This is out September 22.

17 (13). Viva la Vida - Coldplay

Their former #1 edges down a bit.

16 (12). No Air - Jordin Sparks & Chris Brown

I still love this song. Great single.

15 (10). Love Is Noise - The Verve

The Verve falls out of the top 10. I reviewed their album earlier today, which I found to be pretty ho-hum. This is definitely one of the better tracks on it. The 5 weeks this spent in the top 10 is actually the band's longest run there--"The Drugs Don't Work" spent 4 weeks and "Bitter Sweet Symphony" spent 3.

14 (18). Miss Independent - Ne-Yo

It's not out until the end of the month, but already selling strong on downloads, up 4 this week. Great song.

13 (9). Dance Wiv Me - Dizzee Rascal Featuring Calvin Harris & Chrome

12 (16). Cookie Jar - Gym Class Heroes Featuring The Dream

Gym Class heroes new single fails to reach the top 10. Last year they were in the top 10 twice with "Cupid's Chokehold" at #3 and "Clothes Off" at #5. So it turns out Travis in the band is Katy Perry's boyfriend. Fearne and Reg asked him if he minds it (referring to Katy's "I Kissed a Girl" line "hope my boyfriend don't mind it"). He said he doesn't as long as he remains her priority.

11 (14). See You Again (Remix) - Miley Cyrus

Miley climbs a bit, but still not a top 10 hit.

? I think it's pretty clear that Daniel Powter's new single "Next Plane Out" has missed the top 40. Sorry Daniel. "Bad Day" was great, but that seems to be all the public wants from you. I bet the record company will be dropping him soon. Also missing the top 40 is The Zutons' "What's Your Problem."

So who's #1? It looked like Kings of Leon going into the weekend, but it also looked like Glasvegas would top the albums chart and that didn't happen. It's pretty competitive week with Katy Perry hoping for a 6th week at #1, while Kings of Leon, Cliff Richard, The Pussycat Dolls, and Rihanna are all strong challengers for the top spot.