Comments on: Another Week, More Distressing Sales News

By: DJorn

DJorn — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 07:44:12 +0000

@T'Challa: ...would've moved more substantial units and really made an impression on the charts...
They're still a cult band who managed to place an album of psychedelic synth noodlings at #13. I admit to being a little underwhelmed myself; considering the pre-release hype, combined with the chart debut of, say, Neon Bible, I thought they might break the Top Ten, but that's still pretty impressive. Also, keep in mind that album came out digitally a couple weeks early, as did the vinyl; surely a few of those moved before the CD hit shelves.

By: T'Challa

T'Challa — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:53:54 +0000

What I love about Bird’s success is that it harks bad to the olden days of building over time, and comfortably out of the glare of the general public. Bird was hitting mass appeal when I saw him open for the Decemberists a couple of summers ago. Akin to someone like Ray Lamontagne, he’s been able to build a rabid fan base pretty much one show at a time. And it’s a contingent that puts its money where it’s mouth is by actually supporting the artist. If as many AC freaks had purchased the CD instead of just talking about it, maybe they would’ve moved more substantial units and really made an impression on the charts. Oh well–just more proof that hype will only get you so far.

The REAL test will be when AC makes their inevitable SNL appearance. Let’s see if they get a sales bump a la Adele and Fleet Foxes. That ‘s when it gets interesting…

By: T'Challa

T'Challa — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 11:53:54 +0000

The REAL test will be when AC makes their inevitable SNL appearance. Let’s see if they get a sales bump a la Adele and Fleet Foxes. That ‘s when it gets interesting…

By: Ned Raggett

Ned Raggett — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:58:05 +0000

I’m actually amused at Andrew Bird’s success just because after all that AC chatter he just strolls in and sells more anyway. It’s payback for something.

By: tigerpop

tigerpop — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:43:40 +0000

@Maura Johnston: I knew that! But it's still a very big number in a small amount of time for an indie artist.

Times? NPR? I'm a Fox/Rush guy. (NOT REALLY.)

By: Maura Johnston

Maura Johnston — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:29:22 +0000

@Chris Molanphy: @tigerpop: I would imagine the regular Times exposure (on that blog and in that huge magazine profile a few weeks back) helped, as did NPR.

Also he's from Chicago, which probably explains the sellout.

By: tigerpop

tigerpop — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 05:21:37 +0000

@Chris Molanphy: He sold out a 3500-seater in Chicago in one day. And he just played the Beacon in NYC. When exactly did he become so damn big?

By: Chris Molanphy

Chris Molanphy — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 04:59:03 +0000

Forget Animal Collective — I’m still shocked at how well that Andrew Bird album charted.