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Music Week has revealed the new chart rules, due to come into effect next month.
Although single-track downloads have been counted for some time, until now they've only counted towards the singles chart once the physical release hit store shelves - i.e. if you downloaded something a week before its CD release, it wouldn't count. That'll change next month, as pre-release downloads will be counted, basically meaning that if a song sells enough over the internet, it could soar to the top of the charts without even being available in the regular shops.
Bored yet? Good, 'cause here's a wee bit more info: downloads will now be counted in the album chart, as well as the singles chart. I don't know how many people actually download entire albums, but if you're one of them, your purchase will now further the chart cause of your chosen act. Nice.
I still buy my singles on 7" so nerrr to this bollocks.
