michael jackson

Michael Jackson (Temporarily) Saves the Record Industry

Back on Monday, we asked the question, “Did Michael Jackson Die to Save the Pop Charts?” Well, spoiler alert, the answer to that question is a resounding “Hell, Yes!” According to the latest sales figures released by Billboard, Michael Jackson’s solo albums collectively sold an astounding 415,000 copies Stateside last week, 58 percent of which were purchased via digital download. Leading the way was the greatest-hits package Number Ones which, if not for some truly incomprehensible eligibility rules, would’ve been the number one album on the Billboard 200. (That honor, by the way, went to The E.N.D. by the Black Eyed Peas.) In fact, if the Top Albums charts were actually determined by sales and not some weird classifications — MJ’s records are considered “Top Pop Catalog Albums,” whatever that means — Jackson would’ve occupied the top three slots on the chart.

Just curious, VultureWatchers, did you buy any of Michael Jackson’s music over the last week and some change?

Michael Jackson Breaks Billboard Charts Records [Billboard]

Michael Jackson (Temporarily) Saves the Record Industry