The huge interest in the first slice of new material from Bowie in nearly a decade, released earlier this week on his 66th birthday, had seemingly put the track on course for a high placing on the charts, possibly even handing the legendary songwriter another number one single.
However, it was claimed yesterday that because the song has also been made available for free to those who pre-order the parent album ‘The Next Day‘, it would not be recognised by the Official Charts Company.
“Owing to chart rules which are agreed in partnership with UK record companies and retailers, data relating to the David Bowie single ‘Where Are We Now’ cannot currently be counted towards the official singles charts, as the release is linked to an album pre-order promotion and it is not possible to distinguish album sales from track sales from the retail data received,” a statement explained.
“Should it become possible in the future for regular track sales to be distinguished from album pre-order incentive purchases, then these sales can be counted towards the chart.”
Today though, it seems there has been a change of tact, with some outlets reporting the company now claims sales not linked to the album promotion can still be counted, leaving the door open for Bowie to be back in with a chance of beating Britney Spears and will.i.am to the top spot in a few days time.
I see, a crap song by a no-hit wonder charts it up with this “Official” Chart company. Cut us some slack and Bowie. Popular is as popular does to badly paraphrase Forest Gump. Put it in the charts.