The Magic Whip Commercial Expectations

[tom_cas1]

I was wondering what people thought about the new album's commercial expectations? I really think this could be the biggest Blur album in the US if promoted well. They're still yet to properly CRACK the US market but (from the live songs at least) I think the album could really appeal to American's. Obviously Damon's Gorillaz fan base in the US could help towards that, especially as this will be the first Blur album since Demon Days went big in the US.

In terms of the UK I could see it going to #1 very easily. The three album tracks we have so far mix their MLIR/Parklife sound with the Blur/13 era and a dose of current day Blur in there too.

[aldamasta]

I think it'll easily be #1 in the UK. It has to continue the streak! And I think you're right about the US, they need to promote it heavily here. I know a lot of Gorillaz fans who are finally getting into Blur thanks to the new material, so that will help. Excited to see how it does commercially!

[101reykjavik]

Yes, I'd expect a No.1 album here in the UK to be assured. I have no real understanding of Blur's currency in the US these days - are they still the Song 2 band to most people? I would presume so. Sounds like Gorillaz might have switched some people on to them but without some decent touring in the US it's unlikely to make a big splash I would have thought.

In terms of singles, can Lonesome Street go to No.1 in the chart I wonder?

[aldamasta]

Yes, I'd expect a No.1 album here in the UK to be assured. I have no real understanding of Blur's currency in the US these days - are they still the Song 2 band to most people? I would presume so. Sounds like Gorillaz might have switched some people on to them but without some decent touring in the US it's unlikely to make a big splash I would have thought.

In terms of singles, can Lonesome Street go to No.1 in the chart I wonder?

I think it depends on a physical release, music video, and decent promotion. I think Lonesome Street definitely could be a #1! And yes, in America to most people Blur are still just the Song 2 people. A tour and some good promotion could DEFINITELY change that, I believe.

[Rubi]

I'm not so sure about the #1 placing. Yes, stuff like GBQ and Everyday Robots reached #2, but so did Plastic Beach by the hugely popular Gorillaz. The charts are weird, especially in this day and age.

[rich]

the whoo hoos in Lonesome Street will help!

[Miki]

I don't really care for commercial success, myself (most of my favourite artists are not big best-sellers), but I hope they can do well, because they deserve it

[JordanPowers]

I was just pondering a while ago on how big Lonesome Street would probably get in the states. It sounds like something that could get tons of airplay on the radio over here. I sure do hope this album is very successful in the U.S and maybe like you said it'll be one of their biggest albums they've done so far in the states.

[rich]

interesting stats from my MODE secret gig encore video (TITMC): https://vimeo.com/122806489" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

United Kingdom - 2467 plays / 6077 page views
Russia - 1575/2757
United States - 1415/3987
Japan - 898/1573
Mexico - 508/2478
France - 399/919
Italy - 398/837
Ukraine - 389/605
Argentina - 319/548

Total since 2:30 AM Saturday - 11,500 plays / 33,200 views [a big proportion from the NME steal...]

I know this was a old song, but in context, indicates quite a global buzz for blur

rich

[Neal Zeal]

If you're a chart geek like me, you realise positions depend largely on what else is selling well that week. If there are no proper singles, and Go Out is the only song formally released to radio before its release, they'll be lucky to sell 50,000 in the first week which is often not enough for a number 1. Sometimes the number 1 album sells 150,000. Remember, Madonna has just missed number 1 with her new album for the first time ever, coz radio didn't play her single, so if she can't sell enough, there's no guarantee Blur can.
If they release the new song Lonely Street formally before album comes out, it'll probably pick up some serious air play (Absolute, Radio 2 etc) which will push first week sales up towards 100,000.
Whether the album goes on to sell a total of 150,000 or 600,000 will depend on whether there are another one or two radio-friendly songs on it.

[aldamasta]

interesting stats from my MODE secret gig encore video (TITMC): https://vimeo.com/122806489" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

United Kingdom - 2467 plays / 6077 page views
Russia - 1575/2757
United States - 1415/3987
Japan - 898/1573
Mexico - 508/2478
France - 399/919
Italy - 398/837
Ukraine - 389/605
Argentina - 319/548

Total since 2:30 AM Saturday - 11,500 plays / 33,200 views [a big proportion from the NME steal...]

I know this was a old song, but in context, indicates quite a global buzz for blur

rich

Interesting stuff! I like seeing all of those plays/views from the US! Might be the closest Blur ever gets to cracking the states

[My Name Is Mud]

interesting stats from my MODE secret gig encore video (TITMC): https://vimeo.com/122806489" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

United Kingdom - 2467 plays / 6077 page views
Russia - 1575/2757
United States - 1415/3987
Japan - 898/1573
Mexico - 508/2478
France - 399/919
Italy - 398/837
Ukraine - 389/605
Argentina - 319/548

Total since 2:30 AM Saturday - 11,500 plays / 33,200 views [a big proportion from the NME steal...]

I know this was a old song, but in context, indicates quite a global buzz for blur

rich

Stereogum nicked it as well mate!

[rich]

interesting stats from my MODE secret gig encore video (TITMC): https://vimeo.com/122806489" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

United Kingdom - 2467 plays / 6077 page views
Russia - 1575/2757
United States - 1415/3987
Japan - 898/1573
Mexico - 508/2478
France - 399/919
Italy - 398/837
Ukraine - 389/605
Argentina - 319/548

Total since 2:30 AM Saturday - 11,500 plays / 33,200 views [a big proportion from the NME steal...]

I know this was a old song, but in context, indicates quite a global buzz for blur

rich

Stereogum nicked it as well mate!

yeah I know but NME got the most plays:

NME - 2616 plays/5884 views
Stereogum - 1776/3685

anyway - doing better in Russia than the US so far - BLUR COMRADES!

[munch]

Well if it does well they might come and see me!

[Daysleeper]

No chance Lonesome Street will be number 1, think people are just getting a bit carried away. Blur aren't in that market anymore and videos certainly as important as they used to be, hence why bands tend to put less effort in to them nowadays.

I also don't see Lonesome Street as having the potential to be a big hit anyway, it is very stop /start.