The BPI has reported a standout trading period in the lead-up to Christmas.
CD album sales could achieve the rare feat of topping the 8 million mark this week, the trade body said today, on the back of 6.3 million CD sales last week. The figures are based on Official U.K. Charts Company sales data.
“This Christmas is proving that music continues to have real value in the minds of consumers, and that – combined with high quality reissues and special editions – CD albums remain hugely attractive gifts,” comments BPI chief executive Geoff Taylor in a statement.
Meanwhile, a tally of the 10 best selling albums of the year in Britain shows a strong flavor for home-grown artists. The first eight albums on the list originate from the British Isles, led by Amy Winehouse’s set “Back To Black” (Island).
Winehouse’s multiple Grammy Award-nominated album is on target to finish the year as the best-selling album, with more than 1.47 million sales. Leona Lewis’ “Spirit” (Syco) is the next best, with more than 1.27 million sales.
The figure for “Back In Black” rises to 1.8 million when combined with sales of a recently-issued deluxe edition. Worldwide are fast approaching the 5 million mark, a Universal Music spokesman says.
