No Rock And Roll Fun

BPI SUDDENLY COOLS ON ADDING DOWNLOADS TO SINGLES CHARTS: So, there we were, waiting for the last Elvis single to get out the way before they'd let downloads be added into the singles chart, when all of a sudden they mysteriously put back the date. This is in no way, of course, associated with the BPI's main members attempting to pressure more cash out of the companies which sell the downloads. This is in no way, of course, associated with the BPI's main members attempting to pressure more cash out of the companies which sell the downloads. No, it turns out saying it twice doesn't make it any more convincing, does it?

Not that the BPI don't have a good reason for the delay, of course, as Peter Jamieson explains:

"The inclusion of download formats in the Official UK Singles Chart is the most significant development in the charts for 20 years.

"But for a multitude of reasons the current chart representation of independent repertoire at the major download outlets is poor.

"I am very pleased we have secured this delay on behalf of independents. We have to try and establish a realistic 'level playing field' of opportunity'."

We do? All of a sudden? Why are we suddenly interested in a level playing field? For years the charts have always been skewed and screwed in the direction of the majors - Spigg Ogg and The Ois aren't going to have their self-released 7" single on the shelves in Woolworths, and yet the BPI hasn't seemed over-bothered about that slant in the charts; nor, come to that, have they been particularly concerned about the rather-sloping-pitch that comes with Major Labels having much larger marketing budgets. It's funny that the BPI is worried, all of a sudden, that the charts might discriminate against indies. We're also not entirely clear how pushing the start of the new Charty+ back a couple of weeks until 10th April is going to suddenly re-balance that ole' metaphorical playing field any better.

This is in no way, of course, associated with the BPI's main members attempting to pressure more cash out of the companies which sell the downloads.

music charts downloads bpi