Official New Zealand Music Chart 21 February 2011

Chartbitz:
Wednesday, February 23 2011
by Jessica Rice

House Of Shem Go Straight To #1
Wanganui band House Of Shem have been featured on reggae compilations since 2004 and released an album in May 2008. But with sophomore release Island Vibration the eight-piece, including New Zealand reggae veteran Carl Perkins and his two sons, have hit the big time.

The album shoots straight to #1 having only been released on February 14. It was recorded at Auckland’s Roundhead studio with legendary producer Errol Brown, who has also worked with Bob Marley And The Wailers and Burning Spear. Kiwis looking for their next backyard barbeque soundtrack need look no further!

Lady Gaga Remains On Top
The world’s biggest pop star, Gaga has had her fair share of hits - more than her fair share perhaps considering she’s actually only released two albums (and one was just remixes!). Born This Way is her 11th New Zealand hit in just over two years.
Of course, controversy follows Lady Gaga and her latest single is no different. Since the debut of its performance at the Grammys, many have compared Born This Way unfavourably with Madonna’s hit Express Yourself from 1989. Whether it’s similar or not, her fans are loving it.

The New Singles
#28 Diddy And Dirty Money - Coming Home
Puff Daddy moves with the times. He’s been known by many names in the past but now he’s the founder of a three-piece (Dawn Richard and Kalenna Harper round off the trio). Coming Home is the second hit from album Last Train To Paris.

#30 Neon Trees - Animal
Neon Trees were popular enough in their home city of Provo, Utah, but broke internationally when they were selected to open for The Killers in late 2008. Their first full-length album, Habits, was released in 2010.

#38 The Script - Nothing
The Script have popped their heads in at #38 this week, but their album Science & Faith has been charting since its release in September last year. Way back in 2008 their self-titled debut and its single also hit the charts for a spell.

The New Albums
#1 House Of Shem - Island Vibration
See story above.

#12 Hillsong United - Aftermath
Australian praise and worship band Hillsong United combine religion and rock. The band pops up regularly on the New Zealand chart, representing the burgeoning Christian music scene well and truly making its way into the mainstream.

#29 Chase & Status - No More Idols
Poms Saul Milton and Will Kennard are electronic/drum and bass duo Chase And Status. While their debut album More Than Alot made waves in the dance music scene, it looks like this time they’re set to make it big. Chase & Status performed at Rhythm and Vines in Gisborne recently.

#31 ABBA - Icon Series
ABBA needs no introduction, but the six albums that have hit the NZ Top40 since its inception in 1975 have been greatest hits and compilations during the noughties. One of the quartet, Agnetha Faltskog, sparked hysteria earlier this year when she said she would like to get together with the rest ‘to chat about the old days and perhaps perform together’. One can only dream.
ENDS

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