THREE-WAY CHART BATTLE, UPDATE: They're been out for less than 12 hours, but the three leading contenders for the top of next week's album chart are already kicking ass at iTunes—in win, place and show configuration mirroring their likely sales debuts. Interscope's Lana Del Rey, expected to hold the #1 retail spot next Tuesday, is at the top of the album downloads chart, followed by Capitol's Sam Smith at #2 and Warner Bros.' Linkin Park at #3. As of now we still expect Lana to move 175-200k, Sam to do 125-150k and Linkin somewhere around 125k (the latter having gotten a boost from iTunes streaming); stand by for an updated forecast. (6/17a)
I expect the numbers to change several time before Sunday. It will be close. No run away win this week.
CAVEAT LECTOR: Early, early reads in advance of next week's three-way chart battle have Interscope's Lana Del Rey at 175-200k, Capitol's Sam Smith at 140-160k and Warner Bros.' Linkin Park at 110-120k. Take these with the usual grains of salt and stand by for further updates. (6/17p)
YEAH by a group that has been well established for over a decade and have had strings of WW hits. Lana has only had 1 radio hit which is Summertime sadness
