The Chart Show: The New Abnormal; The Strokes at the top!
by Mark Wheat
April 16, 2020

Jon Pareles of the NY Times has weighed in on the sixth album by NYC legends The Strokes, adding to the feeling that they have managed to regain some of their turn of the century fury with an added wash of modernity, with the help of Rick Rubin. They're at the top of our chart for the first time ever, after eight weeks bouncing around the top ten.
Speaking of NYC vinyl fans...in lieu of the cancelled Record Store Day that was to be this weekend the 'Other Music' documentary will be virtually available on the websites of indie stores all over on Friday and some of the proceeds will help those stores. Other Music was my fave place to go in 1988 when I moved to Hoboken and worked in NYC. Used to take the PATH train to World Trade Center... WOW now all of that is gone. Let's try to help our record stores stay open in whatever way we can this week!
Up seven places is Margo Price, who just did an at home session for Rolling Stone with her husband Jeremy Ivey. They announced on Instagram Monday that he's having his third COVID 19 test as he's had symptoms for two weeks!
Another big upward mover is Car Seat Headrest who just announced that their summer tour is postponed, BUT they're going ahead with releasing the new album on May 1st.
During the virus lockdown, Jill has been phoning some of our musical friends just to check in with them including, Har Mar, Bob Geldof and now... Mavis Staple!! She's the only brand new entry on the chart this week with "All In It Together" written in response to the tragedy that continues to unfold, with a little help from Jeff Tweedy.
Falling down the chart just one place this week are Pearl Jam who's Gigaton is our Album of the Week. Mac Wilson can't wait to see how they present this strong new addition to their massive catalog live, if and when...
Dropping nine places this week, Phoebe Bridgers won over more hearts and minds with a performance on Kimmel in her bathtub! She sang "Kyoto" another song from the new album then released a video for it.
An unfamiliar band will go on the ballot this week; EOB is the name that Ed O'Brien of Radiohead works under. He's releasing his debut solo album under this Friday, is recovering from having the virus and excited to talk about Earth including the colabs he did to make it, with Laura Marling and Portishead's Arian Utley. This week he explained to NME, "If I didn't do it, a part of me would die."
Submit your Chart Show ballot this week for a chance to win a deluxe Oasis Be Here Now box set.
