WMG Had A Great September, But That’s About It

Coolfer reports today on Warner Music Group’s successful September, during which it pulled ahead of Sony BMG to have the second-highest marketshare of giant music conglomerates. But how long is WMG’s luck likely to last?

While the post is certainly chock full of data, there’s one name that’s suspiciously missing: Metallica. The excessively loud Death Magnetic hit stores on Sept. 10, and it enjoyed sales that would likely tip any label’s numbers. (T.I.’s Paper Trail came out on the last day of the month, although it’s unclear whether or not those first-day sales are included in these numbers.) In contrast, Sony BMG didn’t have much going on besides a disappointing release from Jessica Simpson and the Kings of Leon disc. Still, while September might have been a great month for WMG, whose lineup from now until the end of November would you prefer to present to stockholders?

WMG:
The Secret Machines
Skillet
Enya (Christmas)
Mike Jones
Nickelback
Linkin Park (live)

Sony:
AC/DC
David Cook
David Archuleta
John Legend
Celine Dion (greatest hits)
Pink
Brad Paisley
T-Pain
Dido
Beyonce
Mudvayne

Sony also has the Britney disc on Dec. 2, which based on recent events, might be a decent seller. While one month might have been a bright spot for Edgar and Lyor, it’s a little early to say they’ve turned some sort of corner, success-wise. Unless that Enya disc is a monster.

WMG, Sony BMG Switch Places In September Album Share [Coolfer]