No one gets mad at Slash for making records without Axl, but Axl gets a lot of flack for making albums without Slash. I don't feel bad for Axl but I find that little equation an amusing one. Slash must need Axl less because his solo album is #2 on the iTunes Albums Chart. I don't think Chinese Democracy broke into the Top 200 on anyone's list.
So we've hit #2 on the Albums Chart but we should take a moment to talk about the album at #1, Jack Johnson's To The Sea. I know I say some harsh things week in and week out when I do this column and I hope you will all understand what I'm about to say should not be considered yet another of them: I don't get Jack Johnson. I don't mind the guy. He doesn't make my ears bleed. I don't get the appeal, though. He's tapped in to something but I'm at a loss to tell you what.
Let me highlight the Top 10 debut of Jakob Dylan. His Women and Country album has generated some excitement among the faithful and our own Donald Gibson has a fantastic interview with him. I hope the music is as compelling as the interview.
To the singles, quickly, Train continues to hold the throne. The new entries this week come from Jason Derulo and the aforementioned Mr. Johnson.
iTunes' top 10 selling singles of the week ending April 12, 2010:
- "Hey, Soul Sister," Train
- "Nothin' On You (feat. Bruno Mars)," B.o.B
- "Rude Boy," Rihanna"
- "Break Your Heart (feat. Ludacris)," Taio Cruz
- "In My Head," Jason Derulo
- "OMG (feat. will.i.am)," Usher
- "Baby," Ludacris, Justin Bieber
- "You and Your Heart," Jack Johnson
- "Telephone," Lady GaGa, Beyonce
- "Imma Be," Black Eyed Peas
iTunes' top 10 selling albums of the week ending April 12, 2010:
- To The Sea – Jack Johnson
- Slash – Slash
- Raymond v Raymond – Usher
- My World 2.0 – Justin Bieber
- Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
- The Fame Monster – Lady GaGa
- Women and Country – Jakob Dylan
- April Uprising – John Butler Trio
- Go – Jonsi
- New Amerykah Pt. 2: Return of the Ankh – Erykah Badu