Good (not so old fashioned) rock and roll shows that it can still prevail with a #3 debut from prog-rock cult favorites the Mars Volta on today’s Billboard top 200.

The Volta’s past four albums have totaled over 1 million albums sold and counting with last weeks release of “The Bedlam in Goliath”.

They prove that with a solid touring ethic, die hard fan base and some good marketing skills-selling albums isn’t impossible.

Noteworthy of the Volta is that they are the first rock group to provide the option of purchasing a USB stick which includes their new album, full artwork, exclusive content, and will update on the 29th of every month with new features. 

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I hate Josh Groban the way I hate James Blunt.  Ask anyone who has ever been in a car, store, restaurant with me, what happens when I hear those whiny, deafening words.. “you’re beautifullllll” AHHHHHH I go BONKERS. Ok have to stop thinking about that…there is a point to my story.

So, the point is about 3 years ago no one knew who the hell James Blunt was.  His album was struggling to keep alive at the bottom of the charts…he was on the verge of being over before he began. 

Then, one fateful day…he got the call that I’m sure MANY young artists dream of.  Oprah needed a last minute replacement for a show where an artist would play a song that they wrote about a very personal breakup or something.  Oprah called Blunt, and the next week, Blunt SOARED from number too low to even remember, to #2 on the charts, where he remained (somewhere in the top 10) for months.

Anywho….Fast forward to last week.  Josh Groban sells alot of records, we know that, adults love him, he’s clean cut, safe, plays music they understand, yada yada…but he put out this Chrismas record 9 weeks ago and it was like, ehh, somewhere lingering around, charting ok…

And then here comes Oprah-putting it on her Holiday must have list or whatever she calls it, followed by a surpise appearance by Groban himself…and what happens?

He SKYROCKETS to #1 on the Billboard charts this week, selling 409k albums, TOPPING Ms. A-Keys…and all with a CHRISTMAS ALBUM…can I repeat? A CHRISTMAS ALBUM.

UH, Oprah, message you to you hun, call the Foo Fighters, they need your help! Call Velvet Revolver, they REALLY need your help, I don’t even think they’re still on the charts!

Point is…CALL SOMEONE I CARE ABOUT AND PUT THEM ON YOUR SHOW! HELP ME SAVE ROCK MUSIC!

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Billboard will unveil a new music awards show in 2008, produced in collaboration with AEG Live, the live entertainment division of Los Angeles-based promotion giant AEG. The partnership is a result of the recently formed exclusive strategic alliance between Billboard parent the Nielsen Company and AEG Live. full story

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Any Wednesday when I open my soundscan charts and someone has sold over 100k albums in the #1 position is a good day.  Lets take a little looksie at todays chart:

 Jay Z took the # 1 position with his soundtrack for the blockbuster film “American Gangstar” moving over 500k units.  Breaking gold these days period, is a fete, doing it on the first week is a big deal.

The Eagles have officially exceeded platinum status in just 2 weeks with just ONE SINGLE RETAILER.  They currently hold the #2 position.

Country music dominates the top 10 with Garth Brooks debuting at #3, Carrie Underwood at #5, and newcomer Taylor Swift going up a whopping 156% from last week, securing herself the #8 position and quickly moving towards double platinum.

Chris Brown had a respectable debut moving 300k + albums, however thanks to some heavy hitters this week, it only gives him the #4 spot.

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Billie Joe Armstrong claims Britney Spears is “a manufactured child” who has been “thrown to the lions” by the world’s media. continue reading…

 seems like everyone’s weighing in and trying to excuse this broad’s behaviours…But not for nothing Billie Joe, you’ve been the center of Rock/Pop limelight more than once and have managed to raise a child (quite well I may add) and hold together a family (his wife is essentially his high school sweetheart)…

Looking like Brit’s poised for the number 1 position on the top 200 charts this week…she’s currently on point to debut with 350k albums.

Laugh it up Brit, turns out this is all on a technicality.  This week’s true #1 title rightfully belongs to The Eagles who are estimated to be selling 700k by tomorrow.  Their exclusive sales deal with Wal-Mart prevents them from charting.

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