Death outplays the Maffia
Published August 18, 2003
When she had that number one a couple of years ago, Leann Rimes was being spoken of as the chosen one, the person who would bring country to a whole new generation. Since then, her profile has been high only amongst those of us who go diving in the bargain bins, and she's been reduced to grubbing a living doing the theme for Legally Blonde II (aka Why We Can No Longer Picture Reese Witherspoon Naked). A grudging nation has granted this the 27 slot, but we guess if you'd make that, you'll take anything you can. Kelly Rowland's Train on a Track has barely stuck round long enough to make an impression (down 14 to 34) while Eminem's Business at least makes up in longevity what it lacked in original whoompf, trickling enough sales for a sixth week in the Top 40. QFX and The Bluetones complete the debutantes in the 40 - the former with Freedom (36) and the latter with Never Going Nowhere (40).
Being dead really is a great career move, isn't it? There have now been so many posthumous releases from Eva Cassidy we're starting to wonder if there isn't a little Virgina Andrews style behind the scenes eking of material going on. Whatever, we would kiss her firmly on the lips for kicking Robbie off the album chart slot (American Tunes, New entry at one). Meanwhile, the Barry White best of that returned when Bazza departed is still selling well (down one at 15), while Luther Vandross chose just the wrong moment to come out the coma, accounting for his relatively low 18 starting point for the 'Essential...'
Sean Paul's involvement in the long-reigning number one single helps his Dutty Rock climb again to a career-best number four, battering his head against the arse-ceiling of Williams and Beddingfield at two and three. Kosheen's Kokopelli enters at number seven and Partytime, from the Cheeky Girls, debuts at 14. Since it seems that the 'girls' 'cheery' persona and use of the word 'party' makes it likely this album will be one of those staples in every mobile DJ's arsenal (along with Russ Abbot and the Vengaboys), we would like to take this opportunity to announce our cancellation of attendance at any social function in the coming months.
Lisa Maffia's First Lady can only claim the 44 slot, which will be something of a disappointment following the heavy press and publicity slog she's undertaken in support (now would probably be a really good time for FHM to call suggesting a photoshoot). Shack, on the other hand, will see 55 as a good result for Here's Tom With The Weather, and will decide to leave it another fifteen years before making a record.
- Death outplays the Maffia
- Published: August 18, 2003
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- Section: Music
- Filed Under: Music: News
- Writer: Simon B
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