The Hyde Park leg of the July 2 Live 8 concert spectacular has ignited British album sales for the many of the performers.
Pink Floyd was one of the chief beneficiaries. After reuniting for Bob Geldof’s Africa-awareness concert, the veteran progressive rock act saw four albums return to the Official U.K. Albums Chart, published today (July 11). Their 2001 compilation “Echoes – The Best Of” (EMI) returns to the chart at No. 19, followed by “The Dark Side of the Moon” at 41, “Wish You Were Here” at 65 and “The Wall” at 74.
Pink Floyd guitarist David Gilmour recently stated that the band would not profit from the Live 8 sales effect. Extra royalties generated as a result of the concert will be donated to charity.
Keane’s “Hopes and Fears” (Universal Island) rose 11-5 after 61 weeks. Their fellow contributors to the London Live 8 bill, Razorlight, soared 28-9 with “Up All Night” (Vertigo), in its 49th chart week. The Killers’ “Hot Fuss” (Lizard King) jumped 22-11 in its 57th week.
Joss Stone’s “Mind, Body & Soul” (Relentless) elevated 39-16, while her debut “The Soul Sessions” rebounded 49-37.
R.E.M.’s “In Time – The Best Of – 1988-2003” (Warner Bros.) climbs 33-18. Scissor Sisters’ eponymous debut Polydor album races 45-25 in its 75th week on the chart. Snow Patrol’s “Final Straw” (Fiction) rose 30-27 in its 66th week.
Coldplay is a notable exception. The British band’s latest set “X&Y” (Parlophone) is relegated to second place by James Blunt’s “Back to Bedlam” (Atlantic). The rock act’s previous two albums also slip, with “A Rush of Blood to the Head” down 38-42 and “Parachutes” down 44-46.
There were chart re-entries for U2, Velvet Revolver, Eurythmics, the Who, Travis, Dido and Elton John.
