Taio Cruz, Gorillaz Hold Top Spots, White Stripes’ Live Album Debuts On iTunes Chart

I take joy in seeing two titles in the albums' chart that not only don't kill my soul, they can be found on my own iPod.  The latest archival collection of previously unreleased Jimi Hendrix music, Valleys of Neptune, holds on for one more week in the Top 10.  There is nothing here not worth hearing and a couple of cuts almost feel essential.  If you love Hendrix, you ought to find something to wrap your ears around.  If you've never gotten what the fuss is about, this set won't win you over.  If you find yourself in that camp it's going to cost you a lap.  Better make that two.

As for the singles chart… my soul weeps for the rotted piece that has died and been broken for you all.  If I'm ever on a bed of death and I hear one of these songs, I'll hasten the day and pull my own plug, plunging myself into the great unknown of the hereafter.  

1. "Break Your Heart (feat. Ludacris)" – Taio Cruz
2. "Nothin' On You (feat. Bruno Mars)" – B.o.B
3. "Rude Boy" – Rihanna
4. "Hey, Soul Sister" – Train
5. "Telephone" – Lady GaGa, Beyonce
6. "Baby (feat. Ludacris)" – Justin Bieber
7. "Imma Be" – Black Eyed Peas
8. "Need You Now" – Lady Antebellum
9. "Carry Out (feat. Justin Timberlake)" – Timbaland
10. "Blah Blah Blah (feat. 3OH!3)" – Ke$ha

1. Plastic Beach – Gorillaz
2. Broken Bells – Broken Bells / Battle of the Sexes – Ludacris
3. Need You Now – Lady Antebellum
4. The Fame Monster – Lady GaGa
5. Battle of the Sexes – Ludacris
6. Under Great White Northern Lights (Live) – The White Stripes
7. Here I Am – Marvin Sapp
8. Animal – Ke$ha
9. The E.N.D. (The Energy Never Dies) – Black Eyed Peas
10. Valleys of Neptune – Jimi Hendrix