KEYS VS. JACKO, THE RETAIL RUMBLE: The race for next week's #1 continues to tighten as projections increase for both titles going into the weekend. In one of the closest races we've ever seen, Epic's Michael Jackson and Nonesuch/Warner Bros.' The Black Keys both appear headed to the 155-160k range. Stay tuned.
(5/16p)
YOUR TOP 15: Michael Jackson and The Black Keys continue to be locked in a head to head battle for #1. Disney’s Frozen soundtrack falls out of the Top 3 for the first time in 20 weeks. Here's how it looks headed into the weekend.
1.
Michael Jackson (Epic) 145-155k
2.[b] The Black Keys (Nonesuch/Warner Bros.
) 145-155k
3.
Now 50 (NOW) 75-80k
4.
Frozen (Walt Disney) 65-70k
5.
Rascal Flatts (Big Machine) 55-60k
6.
Dolly Parton (Sony Masterworks) 35-40k
7.
Hunter Hayes (Atlantic) 18-21k
8.
Tori Amos (Mercury) 17-19k
9.
Pharrell Williams (Columbia) 15-17K
10.
Michael W. Smith (Sparrow) 15-17k
11.
Luke Bryan (Capitol Nashville) 14-16k
12.
Keith Urban (Capitol Nashville) 13-15k
13.
Sarah McLachlan (Verve) 13-15k
14.
Chromeo (Atlantic) 13-15k
15.
Florida Georgia Line (Republic Nashville) 12-14k
(5/15p)
YOUR ONE-DAYS: After one full day of sales, it's a nail-biter for #1 on next week's chart.
The Black Keys (Nonesuch/Warner Bros.) 145-155k
Michael Jackson (Epic) 140-150k
Rascal Flatts (Big Machine) 60-65k
Dolly Parton (Sony Masterworks) 35-40k
Tori Amos (Mercury Classics) 16-18k
Michael W. Smith (Sparrow) 14-16k
Chromeo (Atlantic) 13-15k
In other news, the Clippers' final-minute meltdown last night is all Anderson Cooper's fault.
(5/14a)
YOUR EARLY READS: This week's chart hasn't even closed yet and we've got early numbers on next week.
It looks like we may see a battle for #1 between Epic's Michael Jackson project and Nonesuch/Warner Bros.' The Black Keys, both of which should debut in the 120-140k range. Caveat, caveat, early, early, etc. Stay tuned for updates on this and, of course, this week's chart.
(5/13p) 
