Old Records to Chart Again
Are old songs about to hit the charts again ?
Changes in how the charts are compiled means that soon any downloaded song will be included in the figures.
Whilst downloaded tracks were added to the charts a while ago they had be be singles that were commercially available in the shops to be included.
This could well lead to something of a shake up especially as an older generation embrace the computer age and start about a back catalogue.
I have always objected to the weight put in the music charts, how those riding high are deemed the most popular and therefore deserving of the most airtime and attention.
Much of the music we see and hear on TV and radio etc is based on how many sales that band, person or genre managed that week - this leads to a huge bias.
It should be based on what people are actually listening to!
30,000 people may have bought the Take That album but many more people are listening to the likes of Elvis, Pink Floyd etc etc.
Classic FM offered a download of a live concert they broadcast, the number of people who downloaded out numbered the #1 best selling single of the week by 10 to 1.
Whilst the new chart format will still be skewed, for obvious reasons, it may make a refreshing change and give a better insight into what people are actually listening to.
I’m currently listening to Blaze of Glory by Jon Bon Jovi for the record (pun intended)
Craig said,
December 30, 2006 @ 10:12 pm
The charts have always been nothing more than a marketing exercise - getting to number one gave exposure, which sold more albums, which meant more money.
BTW Apple are being sued for creating a monopoly by binding their iPods to iTunes, a monopoly created by the people!
Rod said,
December 31, 2006 @ 9:19 am
Hi Craig
granted the charts have always been as you say, my objection is not so much that but the weight people put in them.
The presumption that the number album means the most popular band etc
It looks like Apple are going to get a taste of Microsoft treatment. These ‘virtual monopoly’ cases are going to increase I think.
Despite the fact they are not strictly monopolies in the traditional sense they are treated as such, which is wrong
How long before, ebay, Paypal and Google are in the frame
Regards
Rod