Number Two with a Bullet

• filed under Music

It appears as if Metallica has edged out Glasevgas to the top spot on the U.K.’s album chart.  That Glasvegas’s just released self titled debut was even in contention to become the number one seller in the U.K. says something dramatic about the difference between the U.K and U.S. markets.

When was the last time a rock band in the U.S. had its first album debut as the number one best selling record in the nation?  Has it ever happened?

Say what you will about the hype machine that is the British music press — it is certainly capable of foisting mediocre bands on an unsuspecting public — but it is also partially responsible for bringing great debut albums — like the Arctic Monkeys’ and Glasvegas’s — to a wider audience.

Glasvegas’ album isn’t stateside yet, but you can buy it from Amazon.UK or at stores like Virgin or Rebel Rebel in New York City.  The band does have a short East Coast tour scheduled at the end of September, and while the NYC date looks sold out, the D.C. show on Oct. 3 at the Rock & Roll Hotel still seems to have tickets available.

Here is Geraldine:

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