Radiohead Set For Number One With In Rainbows

Radiohead are on course to have this week’s number one selling album in the UK with ‘In Rainbows.’

Despite the album being released as a pay-what-you-like download and boxset in October, the physical release through XL Recordings on CD and vinyl looks certain to secure sales of 50,000 this week and shoot to the top spot.

Although the projected sales figures are fairly modest, it’s still considered high sales for the first week in January – a week that is notoriously slow in CD sales.

The Oxford band are currently ahead of Leona Lewis’ ‘Spirit’ and Take That’s ‘Beautiful World’, the latter of which is enjoying a fresh sales surge in the wake of the pop outfit’s televised New Year show at the 02 Arena.

Speaking to BBC6music, HMV Product Director Gary Warren said: "No doubt many fans appreciated the opportunity to download the album, but this current demand also underlines the enduring appeal of the CD, and I think demonstrates that, as fans, we love to buy and collect albums by our favourite artists in their physical form while also having the opportunity to create our favourite play lists via downloads.

"The simple truth is we want to have the best of both worlds - to be able to mix and match between physical and digital music, and as retailers we're doing more and more to cater to this growing trend."