MusicMediae

DECEMBER 20, 1997

Volume 14, Issue 51

£3.95DM11FFR35

US$7DFL11.50

Back to the top. BryanAdams takes over the No.1spot on the European RadioTop 50 this week. Page 20.

we tall "CAD! ioM&M chart toppers this week

European Radio ToBRYAN ADAMS

Back To Y(A&M)

Inside M&M this week

POP, POLITICS AND AC RADIOAs the German music industrydigests the implications of the recent

meeting between itsrepresentatives andthe country's presi-dent, M&M talks toseveral of those whowere there. Theyinclude singer Nen a,pictured signing the

official visitors' book of the presi-dent's office. In addition, we look atthe debate over Germany's prolifera-tion of AC stations. Pages 6-10

EH -OH, LET'S GOThe U.K.'s latest sales sensationshave shot up that country's chartswith almost inhuman speed. That'sbecause they're not human at all...Will Europe fall before the awesomepower of the Teletubbies? Page 11

FRENCH MUSIC COMMISSIONFrance's minister of culture hasannounced the creation of a newcommission to review the problemsof the music community. Page 3

`Spirit of independencearrives at Virgin Radioby Mike McGeever

LONDON - "Spirit, passionand independence" are thebuzzwords at national rockstation Virgin Radio underits new owners.

On Monday, December 8,the station's high -profilebreakfast show presenterChris Evans and his Ginger MediaGroup (GMG) acquired Virgin for a totalof £85 million ($140.3 million). "Whenyou have an owner like Chris," says Vir-gin Radio programme director IanGrace, "with passion and spirit, the sta-tion can transcend all formats, corporatestructures and restraints. The listenerscan feel it, which creates a buzz."

Chris Evans

Richard Bra(left) andnson

Grace insists, however, thatit is too early to spell outdetailed plans for Virgin'snational AM service, and Lon-don FM licence. "Everythinghas happened very quickly.Over the Christmas period weare going to take stock."

The programmer does saythat the stations will "push the

edge" of new music. "We are going tolook at that early in the new year. Proba-bly early evenings is the place to do that.But how far and how much, nobodywould pretend to know. But there isscope for Virgin to push it along. If weare not easily defined or pigeon -holedand become a hybrid [of different for -

continued on page 21

The trustees of The Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund had 20 mil-lion reasons to be grateful this week, when PolyGram president and CEOAlain Levy and Elton John handed over a cheque for £20,000,000 to thecharity. The amount is the first payment from worldwide sales of John'sRocket single Candle In The Wind '97/Something About The Way You LookTonight. The late Princess' sister Lady Sarah McCorquodale (on far left ofpicture)-a fund trustee-was presented with the cheque in London'sKensington Palace. Pictured with her (from left): Anthony Julius (trustee),Gordon Brown (Chancellor of the Exchequer/chairman of the Diana,Princess of Wales Memorial Committee), Elton John and Main Levy.

Re -Loading therock machineby Christian Lorenz

LONDON - After 16 years in the busi-ness, Metallica have proved that therock machine can still turn you on-andradio isn't scared of it anymore.

Since its November 17 release, theband's 10th album Re -Load (Mercury)has been lodged in the upper regions ofMusic & Media's European Top 100Albuins chart-this week it sits at num-ber 4. With Re -Load's ongoing success,Metallica have proved their ability tocontinue pushing the hard rock enve-lope whilst turning themselves into ahot commercial commodity. And that'sthe point: the band has become a suc-cessful brand.

While other million sellers from the'80s heyday of heavy metal, such asWhitesnake, Def Leppard and Queen-sryche, scored their last Top 10 albumsin Europe before' the turn of the '90s,Metallica kept pace with changingtastes and overhauled the genre for thenew decade.

One of the band's strengths is ancontinued on page 21

VPRT declareswar on publicbroadcastersby Ed Meza

BERLIN - The German Association ofCommercial Radio and Telecommunica-tion (VPRT) is calling for the country'spublic broadcasters to be restricted tocultural and educational programming

At a November 26 conference inMunich entitled Media Plan 2000 Plus,the VPRT proposed to its members an

continued on page 21

the new single taken from the rnt, unplugged album

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NEWS

French govt. tackles `today's music'by Emmanuel Legrand

RENNES - French minister of cultureCatherine Trautmann has announcedthe creation of a new commission toreview the problems being faced bythe music community.

According to Trautmann, the cre-ation of the commission marks "recog-nition by the state of today's music."Topics covered by the 40 -member"national commission on today'smusics" will range from retail pricing tothe status of DJs and exposure for newacts. Announcing it at theTransmusicales music festival inRennes (December 3-7) Trautmanndeclared: "This commission will havean important task."

She continued: "Pm expecting thesequalified experts to come up with solu-tions to some of the problems faced bythe music community in fields asdiverse as the record business, televi-

sion or live music." Trautmann saidgovernment policy concerning themusic industry "will be inspired by theCommission." She expects a report andproposals during the first quarter of1998, allowing her to draft policy forthe second half of the year. If neces-sary, Trautmann said, she wouldrequest funding for specific initiatives.

Alex Duthil, director of musician'straining school Studio des Varietes, hasbeen appointed to "make contacts inorder to set up the commission."Members will be chosen on the groundsof professionalism and experience.

Seen by many as the socialist gov-ernment's first recognition of themusic business, the commission hasbeen greeted with a degree of scepti-cism within that industry. One recordcompany describes the launch of thecommission as: "Not bad for a start,considering that they only startedthinking about it three weeks ago."

However, he adds, it remains unclear"where the music industry fits into thepicture of that new government."

That view is echoed by Herve Rony,general manager of record companiesbody SNEP, who says that, since lastJune's election victory, there has beenno "recognition of the industry by theminister of culture." Rony says SNEPis still waiting to meet Trautmann anddiscuss industry priorities.

"We have the feeling that the com-mercial aspect of music is not a prior-ity for them," says Rony, who never-theless credits Trautmann for havingset up this commission. "In principle,it is a good way of doing things," headds, "but we've had three differentministers during the past five years,and each one has begun a 'review ofthe situation.' The analysis of the sit-uation has been done countless times.There is no need to do it again if it isnot followed by real policy."

Winter of discontent for Energy stations?by Ed Meza

BERLIN - Management changes anda possible loss of FM frequenciesmean precious little Christmas cheerfor staff at NRJ's Energy stations inBerlin and Rhineland-Palatinate.

ParisNRJ announced the immediateremoval of Energy 103.4/Berlingeneral manager Hartmut Horston November 21. The companyhas installed ChristopheMontague and Reinhard ConnyKonzack as temporary generalmanagers until next March, when apermanent replacement is expectedto be named.

Energy 103.4 staff have expressedunhappiness over the decision, prais-ing Horst as a well -qualified generalmanager. "We are all sorry to see himleave," says one employee. Horst will

stay on at Energy until the end of theyear as a "managing consultant."

Sources at the station haveexpressed fears that the move is afirst step towards major restructur-ing, but Energy spokesperson GundaThalemann says the station's new

ENERGYBERLIN UKW 103,4

general managers had reassured staffthere will be no immediate job cuts.

Meanwhile, the future of Energy'spresence on the FM dial remainsunclear in Rhineland-Palatinate.State radio regulator LPR still has todecide the fate of four FM frequenciescurrently occupied by Energy on a per-

mannt basis-Energy's frequencies inRhineland-Palatinate were granted ona temporary basis until December1997, although Energy has applied forthem on a permanent basis.

On December 1, the LPR's assemblyvoted to reject Radio Rockland-Pfalz's

bid for the four FM frequencies.on the basis, according to anLPR spokesperson, that it couldmake commercial broadcasterRheinland-Pfalzische Rwidfunk(RPR) too influential in theregion. RPR owns 25 percent ofRadio Rockland and controls

two of the three commercial broadcast-ers in Rhineland-Palatinate.

A further objection cited by theLPR was Radio Rockland's proposedformat, which targeted an adult audi-ence. Assembly members voiced con-cern over the lack of youth -orientedprogramming in the state.

Talking head Young signs for Talk Radioby Mike McGeever

LONDON - U.K. national commercialspeech station Talk Radio hasunveiled a new programme directorand a new breakfast show for 1998.

John Simons, currently pro-gramme director at regional full ser-vice broadcaster CenturyRadio/Gateshead, will take up thesame post at Talk Radio on February1. Simons is a 20 -year veteran of U.K.radio, having worked in the publicand commercial sectors. His experi-ence ranges from presenting and pro-gramming to management. As pro-gramme controller, he was involved inthe launch of Century in September1994. He was subsequently promotedto programme director. Simons willreport to Talk Radio managing direc-tor Paul Robinson.

Talk Radio has also signed KirstyYoung, prime -time news anchor on

U.K. broadcast-er Channel 5TV, to host itsbreakfast showfrom January 5.Young will con-tinue her workfor Channel 5,which-likeTalk-is con-trolled by CLT-UFA. She will bejoined on thenew show bycurrent TalkRadio presenterBill Overton.

The duo willreplace the cur-rent breakfastteam of PaulRoss and Carol McGiffen, who move tothe same slot at the weekends follow-ing the departure of presenter Sean

Bolger. The Young/Overton show willbe independently produced by produc-tion company USP Radio Projects.

Opcn milsKonrad von LohneysenJive Records Germany,launched in April, hasjust signed its first act,pop vocalist TheresaReeves. Konrad vonLohneysen is the compa-ny's managing director.

Q: Who is Theresa Reeves, andwhat are your plans for her?A: Theresa used to sing with The FourReeves, a local pop/rock act which hada considerable following in and aroundCologne. For Jive, she will recordGerman -language pop with formerMagic Affair producer BernhardWaldstedt. We're planning to releaseher debut single Lass Uns FreundeSein (Let's Be Friends) at the beginningof February.

Q: What have been this year's high-lights for Jive Records Germany?A: The Backstreet Boys second album,Backstreet's Back, has gone platinum inGermany with 500,000 units sold. Also,we produced a R&B compilation calledBlack Pearls in association with MTVand lifestyle magazine Max, which hassold some 40,000 units to date. Anotherartist who did well for us this year is[U.S.-signed] R&B singer Joe-hisdebut album, All That I Am, sold20,000 units without a hit single,although we serviced radio with thetrack Love Scene last summer and itworked extremely well.

Q: How many records have youreleased this year?A: About 12 albums and approximate-ly 20-25 singles, all international prod-uct. We try to be very selective in ourchoice of releases for the German mar-ket. It helps us to work very intensive-ly with the titles we've got-on aver-age, I'd say we spend three months onpromoting a single.

Q: IFPI recently warned of a "costexplosion" in the music industry.What do you put that down to?A: The time you have to spend on pro-motion before a release actually hitsthe shops has grown significantly overthe past three years. For club promo-tion alone, for example, you have toschedule six to eight weeks. [For a hitsingle] you have to get a video on TVrotation-and if it's young product youneed to be on [German music TV sta-tion] VIVA-at least four weeks beforerelease. TV spots are also important tomobilise consumers. We spend DM40,000 ($22,500) on TV advertising fora dance/pop crossover single.

Q: What other key elements do yousee as influencing the Germanmusic market at present?A: The concentration in the retail sec-tor-it's growing steadily. At Jive, wenow have 80-85 percent of our turnoverwith only 12-13 retailers. That shiftsthe balance more towards chart mater-ial. So having a chart hit is more impor-tant today than it ever was.

Interview by Christian Lorenz

MUSIC & MEDIA 0 DECEMBER 20. 1 9 9 7AmericanRadioHistory.Com

NEWS

TRIBUNAL DELIVERS PRS/BSKYB VERDICTLondon - U.K authors' body the Performing RightSociety (PRS) has secured a five -fold increase in its roy-alty payments from satellite TV company British SkyBroadcasting (BSkyB), despite failing to convince a copy-right tribunal of its arguments. The tribunal ruling,delivered on December 10, says BSkyB's paymentsshould rise to £3 million ($4.8 m) for 1997. However,chairman Christopher Floyd rejected PRS's case that allpayments should be based on a percentage of BSkyB'srevenues (M&M, December 6). PRS had claimed that,based on European comparisons, a 3 percent rate wouldhave been just; this would have resulted in a 10 -foldincrease in BSkyB's current royalty payments to around£6 million a year.

ROSKILDE FACES FINAL FADE-OUTCOPENHAGEN - Local commercial CHR station RadioRoskilde is to close down on January 1 next year. The deci-sion has been taken by the station's financial backers, news-

paper company Dagbladet. "We didn't decide toshut because there was a crisis or because the

station hadn't turned in a profit," saysDagbladet managing director Torben

Dalby Larsen. "There was simply not apromising outlook for the future, and

the station has always struggled to findthe right balance [of programming]." The

future of the Roskilde licence will be deter-mined by the local radio authority.

BMG SNAPS UP AVREPPARLS - BMG France has acquired French indie labelAVREP, a company which BMG already had a stake in, foran undisclosed sum. AVREP-whose catalogue includesacts such as Pierre Bachelet and Marc Lavoine-was found-ed in 1978 by Pierre -Alain Simon, who will relinquish allactivities within AVREP. AVREP productions were licensedto BMG's label RCA, and will continue to be produced andmarketed by RCA under the aegis of the label's GM FrancisJullien. Simon will, however, remain executive producerand promotion co-ordinator of Lavoine's forthcoming album.

COMMUNITY RADIO BOOST IN HAMBURGBERLIN - Hamburg will have a full-time community radiochannel on air from the start of next year followingHamburg radio regulator HAM's decision to grant the non-profit -making broadcasting organisation Freies SenderKombinat (FSK) the new 93.0 FM frequency. FSK willshare the new frequency with another community broad-caster, Lokalradio, which will broadcast on Sundays. FSKpreviously shared the 89.1 FM frequency with publicbroadcaster Deutschland Radio, which will now transmitfull-time on that frequency. FSKs mixed format program-ming includes rock and pop, world music, news and cul-tural items.

MTV RETURNS TO CABLE NETWORKOSLO - MTV Europe's northern service is available inthe Norwegian capital once more, following a three-yeardispute over subscription fees with cable company JancoMulticom. Agreement has now been reached between thetwo companies, and MTV will be free to all cable sub-scribers until January 15, after which MTV will becomepart of a paid -for package with channels such as BBCWorld and MTV's AC channel VH-1.

MAGIC MARKETING SCORES FOR EMAPLONDON - The U.K.'s marketing and advertising indus-tries have honoured the Emap Radio group. At the presti-

gious Promax Awards, EmapRadio's £1 million ($1.65m) campaign for thelaunch of its AM oldies

network, Magic, scoopedawards for "Best Mixed

Campaign" and "Best Station/Channel Launch." The cam- 'paign, targeting the 30-45 year old age group, used TVand posters.

28the big easy

Rocky twin for Radio 3FMby Robbert 7111i

HILVERSUM - Dutch publicCHR station Radio 3FM isplanning to give birth to acontroversial "twin" in theyear 2000.

The new national station,currently without a workingtitle, is being designed toappeal to a 20-35 year -olddemographic with an alterna-tive/AOR repertoire. The origi-nal 3FM would then pitch itselfat the younger 13-19 age groupwith a poppier, dancier sound.

The plan-part of thebiggest post-war restructuringoperation in Dutch publicradio-has been devised by themedia directors of all theNetherlands' public broadcast-ing organisations in conjunctionwith co-ordinators of thenational public stations.However, "the plans-includingthe proposed launch of 3FM'ssister station-only deal withthe content of public radio,regardless of the financial feasi-bility," cautions Ad de Boer,media director of theEvangelical public broadcastingorganisation EO.

The ultimate fate of the planwill lie in the hands of theboard of governors of thenewly -created Dutch publicbroadcasting authority, whichwill meet for the first time nextyear. As a result of recentrestructuring in Dutch publicbroadcasting, the board of pub-lic broadcasting umbrellaorganisation NOS will thencease to be the highest broad-cast authority in public radio.

Radio 3FM station co-ordi-nator Paul van der Lugtexplains: "For the moment wehave committed ourselves tofine-tuning 3FM's eveningslots, which now shouldn't dif-

fer toomuch fromour day-time pro-gramming.However,they willremainindepen-dent fromthe sta-tion's [gen-

eral daytime] music program-ming department."

The programmer adds: "Ifwe don't get a new station, thenharmonising our current sta-tion will become plan B." A sec-ond 3FM station, however, isunlikely to please theNetherlands' expanding com-mercial radio sector.

Erik de Zwart, managingdirector of commercialCHR/dance station Radio 538,declares theplans show"the moralbankruptcyof publicbroadcast-ing." Headds: "[3FM]is merelyimitatingstationswhich alr-eady existfree of char-ge on thecommercial side, namely 538 inthe 13-19 demo and [alterna-tive rock station] Kink FM inthe 20-24 demo."

Football fans got a first taste of two of next year's biggestpotential hits during the live TV broadcast of the draw forthe 1998 World Cup finals on December 4 in Marseilles.Ricky Martin's The Cup Of Life, the official internationalsong of the '98 World Cup, and La Cour Des Grands byYoussou N'Dour featuring Axelle Red-the official Frenchanthem for the event-have both been provided by SonyMusic in association with world soccer body FIFA andFrench World Cup organising committee CFO. Martin andN'Dour (centre) are pictured at the draw with Sony MusicEntertainment Europe senior VP marketing RichardOgden (far left) and Sony Music executive producer,France '98 Rick Blaskey (far right).

REM boss extends empireby Renzi Bouton

PARIS - Europe 1 Comm-unication has restructured itstwo music stations, AC net-work Europe 2 and gold stationRFM, appointing a joint gener-al manager to look after both.

Current RFM GM FredericSchlesinger is adding Europe 2to his responsibilities; Europe 2GM Yves Taieb will step down."In a flat market, we are obligedto think about the best possibleorganisation, so that we can besharper in terms of position-ing," says Martin Brisac, direc-tor delegate of Europe 1Communication's radio activi-ties. He adds: "We needed tostrengthen our operational co-

ordination, whilestill maintainingseparate brandidentities, whichis crucial."

Brisac, whoremains presi-dent of both net-works, says the new organisa-tion also reflects the continuingevolution of the Europe 1 groupand the increasing importanceof his international duties. "AsI am devoting most of my timeto the group's internationaldevelopment, the appointmentof a joint general manager wasnecessary in order to simplifyand optimise communicationbetween the two stations.[Schlesinger's] priority is to

MartinBrisac

streamline our opera-tions in order tobecome more profitableand efficient."

Brisac concludes:"We are not questioningthe programming strat-egy [of Europe 2], but we

all know the radio is an industrywhere things evolve rapidly."

Taieb, who has worked withBrisac at Europe 2 for the pastten years, declined to commenton the situation. "We will offerhim other positions within thegroup," says Brisac, "and it willbe up to him to decide what hewants to do." Despite thechanges, Guy Banville remainsas programme director ofEurope 2.

MUSIC MEDIA 0 DECEMBER 20, 1997AmericanRadioHistory.Com

NEWS

medowatchThe number of artistsreleasing multimedia

products-from the Spice Girls to theRolling Stones-is on the increase,reports the French daily. "The newtrend in showbiz is to have a CD-ROMor a video game which bears the[artist's] name," points out Liberation."It [multimedia] is quite fashionablethese days with artists," commentsSony Music multimedia directorMichel Koch in the story "Globally," headds, "artists are starting to considermultimedia as a valid artistic format."Liberation (France), December 5

Der Musikmarkt The December 1issue of the re -designed German tradeweekly carries an extensive interviewwith Gerd Gebhardt, Warner MusicEurope president, Central Europe andchairman of the GermanPhonographic Academy. The industryveteran declares: "The German musicindustry needs new artists-now! Thewhole industry still lives off artistswho established themselves in themarket 20-in some cases even 30-years ago." Shrinking back cataloguesales and generally disappointingbusiness in the first nine months ofthe year lead Gebhardt to warn hispeers: "If our current 'hot sellers' alsodominate our back catalogues, we willhave to think seriously about what weare going to do in 10 years time."Der Musikmarkt (Germany),December 1

Billboard. "How does a majorlabel avoid getting burned in the boil-ing foment of dance music?" asksDominic Pride in a profile of DancePool, the Sony Music division whichhandles the label's dance -popcrossover acts in the world outside theU.S. and which promotes the exchangeof dance music between continents."This is becoming the only musicwhich travels across borders," notesSony Dance Pool VP Guy Brulez."Repertoire can come from anywhereand go anywhere. Rock is gettingincreasingly national in outlook."Billboard (U.S.), December 13

Observateur Algerian -bornsinger Khaled has been voted the "per-sonality most exemplifying past andpresent Arab culture" by the Frenchpublic in a poll published in the Frenchnews weekly. Commenting on the poll,Khaled, who lives in France, says:"The contemporary musical genrefrom northern Africa still struggles tobe heard. There will always be a men-tal block, because of the racism of sta-tions." He continues: "Why doesn'tNRJ play Ibnton David or Africanmusic that the kids want to listen to?When I put the question to the man-agers of the station they said... it wasbecause of ratings. Listeners call themand complain about this Arab guythey've played."Le Nouvel Observateur (France),December 4-12

Internet in -site Radio Cablehttpl/www.xpress.es/radiocableIs this the shape of radio to come?The RadioCable site, launched sixmonths ago by Spanish journalistFernando Berlin, who wanted to cre-ate a radio station specifically for theInternet, has been named by U.S.software giant Microsoft as one of its30 "Best Of The Web" services. The"station" operates from a tinyMadrid studio and broadcasts adaily news service in Spanish at10:00 each day dealing with music,the economy, culture, sport and ecology. Once a week it also provides a magazineprogramme with English subtitles. "It took me a year to get the thing off theground," says Berlin. "It is tuned into by about 4,000 people a month, but thisrecognition has made it all worthwhile."

Chris Marlowe

Unstable Czech marketsees ad revenue growby Michele Legge

PRAGUE - Despite a declining eco-momy, radio stations in the CzechRepublic managed to increase ad rev-enues by some Kc63.1 million ($1.9m)during the past year.

According to statistics on advertis-ing expenditure during 1997 pub-lished by the Association ofCommercial Broadcasters in theCzech Republic (APSV CR), estimat-ed radio ad revenue for both publicand private sector stations totalledKc908.9m ($26.7m), up fromKc845.8m in 1996.

However, radio's share of theCzech Republic's overall advertisingmarket dropped from 8.5 percent in1996 to 8.3 percent in 1997, whilespending on all advertising increasedby around one percent. Growth in theradio market was affected by thecountry's faltering economy andunstable political scene, which led tothe collapse of the government at theend of last month.

"If there's any economic [turmoil] thefirst thing a client cancels is radioadvertising," says Michal Zelenka,APSV CR president. However, Zelenkais optimistic that his organisation'smembers-the country's commercialradio operators-will take a bigger sliceof the radio ad cake in the coming year.

In theory, around Kc 50m ($1.47m)worth of advertising budgets will befreed up for commercial broadcastersafter January 1, when public broadcast-er Cesky Rozhlas cuts back the time itallocates for advertising on its stations.

Under the terms of a new agree-ment made between APSV CR andCesky Rozhlas in May this year, thelatter will reduce its ad minutagefrom the current 0.2 percent of allbroadcast time to three minutes perday for national services, and fiveminutes for regional stations. To com-pensate for the loss of revenue thiswill entail, the government is to raisethe (voluntary) fees paid by radio lis-teners from Kc25 to Kc37 ($0.74-$1.09) per month.

U.K.'s Unique going globalby Emmanuel Legrand

LONDON - Unique Broadcasting istaking its Entertainment NewsService, which already services over 60radio stations throughout the U.K., tothe international market.

The U.K. radio syndication companynow has on board a series of stationssubscribing to the weekly service,which provides sound bites on enter-tainment news and inter-views with newsmakers,mainly from cinema andmusic. The list of broad-casters includes Irishnational station RadioIreland, the Bridge RadioNetwork (over 35 stationsin the CIS region), Italianstation Radio DimensioneSuono, Dubai FM (cover-ing the United Arab Emirates), and aSouth African network (includingRadio 702, CapeTalk, Radio Algoa andEast Coast Radio) through the AfricanBusiness Channel.

"Unique's domestic Entertainmentservice is the market leader [in the

U.K.]," comments Pascal Grierson,international business manager atUnique Broadcasting. "We have beenlooking into exploiting it international-ly for the last six months, becausedemand for a reasonably priced, easyto use global Entnews service on behalfof many of our current clients wasoverwhelming." Some of the deals wereclinched last month during the NAB'sEurope conference in Monte -Carlo.

The service is producedby an 8 -strong team inLondon. Stations currentlysubscribing to the servicereceive a script in printedform and sound cuts on CD,providing a weekly input ofover 45 minutes of audiomaterial, but Grierson saysthat as of January 1st 1998,the service will be delivered

on CD-ROM."Our market research with pro-

grammers and editors has allowed usto design a state-of-the-art product,born out of the need for quick and easyaccess to today's most valuable curren-cy-information," explains Grierson.

midem

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MUSIC & MEDIA ©DECEMBER 20. 1997AmericanRadioHistory.Com

GERMANY SPOIIIGHI

Mixing politics with the powerLast month, a historic meeting took place betweenGermany's federal president and leaders of the country'srecord industry. The meeting was hailed as further evi-dence that music is now being taken seriously as an eco-nomic force. Here, Christian Lorenz examines the sig-nificance of the `*43 meets politics" initiative, andspeaks to some of those involved.

0 n November 26, the headsof the three Germanmusic industry organisa-tions met -for the firsttime ever -with the coun-try's top politician, federal presidentRoman Herzog. Themeeting was describedas proof that theGerman government istaking serious notice ofan industry which issteadily growing in self-confidence, thanks tothe continuing success ofGerman -produced musicat home and abroad.

Herzog received themusic industry delega-tion amid the sort ofmedia attention usuallyreserved for a majorstate visit. After theirmeeting, the presidentjoined Thomas M. Stein,(BMG EntertainmentG/S/A president andchairman of Germanindustry associationBundesverband Phono),Wolf -D. Gramatke(PolyGram Germanypresident and chairmanof the German branch ofIFPI), and GerdGebhardt (WarnerMusic Europe president CentralEurope and chairman of the GermanPhonographic Academy), at a post -talks press conference.

The latter was attended by overtwo hundred journalists, photogra-phers and cameramen. To add furthershowbiz interest, the industry repre-sentatives were accompanied by

artists Peter Maffay (BMG), Nena(Polydor) and Tic Tac Toe singerJazzy (BMG).

Common groundAt the press conference, Thomas M.

and politics in Germany. In the U.S.and the U.K. we see a much moreintensive exchange between these twoimportant fields of our society.

"There are," he continues, "a num-ber of issues we have brought to theattention of government authorities inthe past. For five years now, we havebeen campaigning for the introductionof a formal education course for thebusiness side of our profession, and forthe recognition of the titleMusikkaufmann/F'rau as a music -spe-cific degree in business studies.

"Speaking for the industry, I wouldwelcome it if the meeting with presi-dent Herzog sent the right signals to

the people who create it."Gebhardt says he hopes that

"politicians -and our society in gener-al -will eventually realise that theycould profit from the power of popmusic as a means to communicatewith [people in all walks of life]."

For his part, Wolf -D. Gramatkepoints out that "only 20 percent of allrecords in Germany prove to be finan-cially successful investments." Theindustry, he goes on, foots the bill forthe remaining 80 percent, and "con-tributes to the diversity and vitality ofour culture." Gramatke adds: "I amdelighted to hear that the president isinterested in continuing the dialogue,

and I look forward toour next meeting [in thesecond half of 1998]."

Participants in the first "music meets politics" get-together (left to right): Peter Maffay; Wolf -D.Gramatke; president Roman Herzog; Gerd Gebhardt; Nena; Jazzy and Thomas M. Stein.

Stein described the talks with Herzog as"frank," (Music & Media December 6),adding that it had become evident thatthe president -a fan of classical music -understood the conditions prevalent inthe pop music market in Germany.

Elaborating on his earlier state-ments, Stein says: "There is not enoughcommon ground between pop music

the relevant political bodies, who couldtake us a step further in this quest."

Communications powerhouseWarner's Gerd Gebhardt suggeststhat "pop music is a basic part oftoday's 'shopping basket,' and as com-monplace as bread and milk. It is ashame, then, that we generally ignore

Vox pop?Peter Maffay is one ofBMG Entertainment'smost successfulGerman -languagerecording artists. Hecreated one of the best-selling concept albumsof the '90s withTabaluga, a rock musi-cal for children whichsold 4.2 million units.

Some 580,000 fanssaw Maffay during his1996 German tour andsales of his last album,Maffay 96 passed theone million unit mark,according to BMG.Maffay, whose careerbegan in the '70s, hasstrong views on theimportance of a thriv-ing, active pop and rockscene in society.

"My feeling is thatmany citizens have the notion thattheir voice is not heard any longer atthe political headquarters in ourcountry," he says. "That perceptiondrives a large number of people intopolitical and social apathy. Music is alanguage that works better than any-thing else [under these circum-stances]. It is important that this is

Christmas presence toturn business around?by Christian Lorenz

The German branch of music indus-try body IFPI is hoping that the tra-dititional Christmas sales boom willturn this year's rather sluggish busi-ness around.

According to IFPI statistics, in thefirst nine months of 1997, Germanrecord sales by volume grew by 3 per-cent, compared to the first ninemonths of 1996, reaching 184.9 mil-lion units. The year -on -year compari-son shows a 4.1 percent growth rate

for the first three months of 1997;half -year figures showed a 3.6 per-cent increase compared to 1996.

Behind the disappointing sales fig-ures lies a 10.8 percent decline in thefast -shrinking market for pre-record-ed cassettes to 18.9 million units.This more than neutralises a modest4.5 percent growth in the CDalbum market.

According to IFPI, marketing andadvertising costs increased fasterthan the modest 3 percent growth inrevenues over the first nine months of

German music sales Jan. -Sept. 1997 (in million units)

Format Jan -Sep 97 Jan -Sep 96 % changeCD -singles 36.4 34.4 +5.8Vinyl singles 0.6 0.6 0.0Total singles 37.0 35.0 +5.7CD 128.7 123.1 +4.5MC 18.9 21.2 -10.8LP 0.3 0.3 0.0CD/MC/LP 147.9 144.6 +2.3Total market 184.9 179.6 +3.0

Source. IFPI Germany

1997. Data on the value of sales overthe first nine months of 1997 was,however, not available at presstime.

The most positive developmenttook place in the singles market,which recovered from a 4.2 percentdrop in the first half of the year to

show a 5.7 percent gain on the ninemonths figures, with sales reaching37 million units. The speedy recoveryis largely attributed to the success ofElton John's Something About TheWay You Look/Candle In The Wind`97 (Rocket).

M S i (s. 4 MEDIA DECEMBER 20, 1997AmericanRadioHistory.Com

GERMANY SPOTLIGHT

of poacknowledged by our politicians.

"Unfortunately," he adds, "pop andpolitics have gone their separateways for more than 20 years now. Themeeting with president Herzog is awelcome sign that it does not neces-sarily have to stay this way."

Language problemSinger Nena (a.k.a. Gabriele Kerner),is still best known internationally forher 1984 hit 99 Red Balloons (Epic)which took a lighthearted stab at mil-itary power games during the NATOvs. Communist Bloc cold war era.

Now signed to PolyGramGermany's Polydor label, Nenaobserves: "Politicians do not speak alanguage that could appeal to youngpeople. Politics in general fails to com-municate a certain way of life that Ican relate to." On the meeting, shecomments: "I was delighted to havethe opportunity to meet presidentHerzog face to face, and to find that heis interested in [these issues]."

The origin of the meeting can betraced back to a passionate appealdelivered by Stein in August 1997,during his opening address atGerman music industry trade fairPopKomm.97 in Cologne. "Today" hesaid then, "pop music is still seen asinferior to so-called serious musicwhich only appeals to a certain minor-ity of our population. The commercialmusic sector beats the 'serious' sectorhands down when it comes to poten-tial for innovation and diversity.

"Next year," he continued, "I wantto stand here and be able to tell youthat we-industry representativesand politicians-have achieved areduced VAT rate of seven percent onrecorded music, and total control overdigital distribution in the interests ofour artists. Next year, I want to standhere and tell you that we have saved180,000 jobs and have laid the foun-dation for a healthy future."

New Labour, new voice?In demanding fairer treatment for pop-ular music in Germany, Stein has citedthe initiative taken by the new Labourgovernment in the U.K: to set up a"creative task force," giving industryinsiders such as Richard Branson andAlan McGee (Creation) a voice in thepolitical process, consequently creatingopportunities for them to influence theconditions under which music is pro-duced and marketed.

Bundesverband Phono MD PeterZombik reinforces the industry's viewof music as an effective means of com-munication. "We do not claim thatpop music can explain or even solvesocial problems," he says, "but popmusic offers an unique view of theZeitgeist, as well as the self -definitionand current mood of the younger partof our population. It deserves recogni-tion by our political decision makers.

"The invitation to meet presidentHerzog at his residence for an infor-mal exchange of thoughts," continuesZombik, "gave us the chance to reach

a new level of dialogue between musicand politics. On this level, we hope itwill be possible in the future to dis-cuss the social and cultural role of themusic industry on neutral ground,outside the established 'lobbying cir-cuit' with its polarised sides andpressing business issues."

No quotas, pleaseHowever, the mood of optimism is notreflected in other German music -basedindustries. Adam Hahne, general man-ager and programme director ofSchleswig -Holstein's commercialrock/pop station Delta Radio, cautionsthat governmental endorsement of popmusic must stop short of interferingwith the freedom of radio programming.

"We are fortunate," he says, "inGermany not to have to deal withrestrictions like the music quotas theFrench government has imposed on

broadcasters there. Radio needs toremain free of government control."

Frank Menzel, music director atPotsdam -based public broadcasterFritz, suggests that youth -oriented pub-lic radio stations are better positioned to

get social or political issues across thanpop artists. "Public broadcasters have aresponsibility to help educate andinform young people," says Menzel. "Wecan keep them in touch with politics."

Additional reporting by Ed Meza

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a matter of taste," she asserts. "Firstof all, you have to realise that AC is avery general label. Within this cate-gory there is quite a bit of diversity-such as Hot AC and Soft AC.

"Having said that," Grams contin-ues, "the fact is; radio programmingreflects the public's tastes. The gener-al taste of the masses is for AC -styleprogramming. Broadcasters are giv-ing listeners what they want. Ofcourse there is room out there formore specialised formats, but AC is

what the majority oflisteners prefer."

At Saxony-Anhalt's state-wide

Radio Brocken,which switchedto AC in October,programme

director ThomasMelzer says the

majority of listeners grew up withtoday's major AC artists such as EltonJohn and the Rolling Stones-stationsare simply serving the ageing "babyboom" generation which makes up themajority of their listeners.

Programming for advertisersThe importance of those baby boomgeneration listeners, suggests StefanForster, a writer for German industrymagazine Radio Journal, lies in thefact that they are the ones advertisers

GERMANY SPOTLIGHT

AC radio: takingthe easy option?Critics of the German commercial radio industry haveoften accused it of broadcasting bland, unadventurousmusic, and of embracing the AC format in an attempt tokeep conservative investors and ratings -conscious adver-tisers happy. It has also been claimed that the official lis-tener ratings system favours middle-of-the-road, massappeal stations. Ed Meza investigates.

ommercial stations in thiscountry just have no taste;that's why there's so muchcrap out there. They're theones that made schlager

so popular, for Christ's sake!"That's how one commercial radio

presenter and music journalist inBerlin sees the state of commercialradio in Germany. Indeed, it has longbeen argued that, while public broad-casters in Germany often offer innov-ative and eclectic programming, thecountry's commercial radiois dominated by conserva-tive AC stations.

Views within the radioindustry differ as towhy 60 percent ofGermany's commercialstations choose to pro-gramme unadventurousbut listener -friendly ACfare. Some chalk it up to listenertastes. Others blame a ratings systemwhich, they claim, unfairly supportswell -established corporate radio sta-tions targeting a mass audience.

Meeting public demandIn the first camp is Susanne Grams, aspokeswoman for the Berlin -Brandenburg radio regulator (MABB).

She says there is so much AC oncommercial radio simply because it'swhat listeners want to hear. "It's just

IMM

`The general tasteof the masses is forAC -style program-

ming; broadcastersare giving listenerswhat they want"-Susarme Grams, MABB

MUSIC & MEDIA 0 DECEMBER 20. 1997AmericanRadioHistory.Com

4.

a german pun - "that which should be listened to"

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eigenstandiqed.

the pearlfishers e .,u,

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are targeting."Commercial stations," says

Forster, "are only interested in 30-50year -old listeners. Younger and olderlisteners don't attract them becausethey aren't economically viableenough. Young people listen to publicbroadcasters; that's where the youth -oriented programmes are to be found."

Within the industry, however, manycontend that commercial broadcastersare forced to go for big numbers inorder to look marketably attractive inthe all-important Medien-Analysen(MA) ratings, which usually determinethe commercial fate of stations (theratings organisation has-until now-carried out its annual survey of 47,000random listeners once a year; from1998, ratings will be released twiceyearly, in April and November). Bigstations with AC formats go for themasses and get the necessary num-bers, unlike smaller stations with spe-cialised target audiences.

Says Julian Allitt, general managerof Jazz Radio in Berlin: "The MAis theonly ratingsystem recog-nised by thebig market-ing agencies.Their methodof surveyallows onlylong-estab-lished sta-tions a placeon their rat-ings list. If astation does-n't have thetotally arbi-trary numberof 20,000 lis-teners per hour, it's just not listed.The [system] operates unfairly,"Allitt contends.

JulianAllit

agencies, rely heavily on the MAresults, which further encouragesstations to play it safe with AC,alleges Allitt. "The people at the mar-keting agencies do their planningaccording to the data provided by MA.It's the only data they recognise. Indoing so, they not only let down theirclients, but stations and listeners aswell. It's a very unfair system."

Quality the keyAllitt's is not an isolated view. AdamHahne, general manager and pro-gramming director of Schleswig -Holstein's Delta Radio, which actual-ly moved from AC to a more specificrock/pop format in June, agrees withAllitt's assessment that the MA rat-ings are misleading and only servethe big established broadcasters.

"The MA doesn't work for spe-cialised programming," he declares.He adds, however, that the MA rat-ings are less significant if a stationhas a certain image and a loyal audi-ence: "If you create a quality productwith character and originality thatattracts people, then the MA ratingsaren't really that important and youwill still attract advertisers."

German investors, in general,seem to prefer tried and tested ven-tures rather than risking their capi-tal on a questionable commodity.Hahne says the philosophy appliesto the country's relatively youngcommercial radio sector. "AC is the

easiest formatto sell. It getsthe biggestaudience. Thefirst thought ofinvestors is toget the most outof the market,and that's easi-est to accom-

plish with an AC format."Adding to the problem is fear and

inexperience, coupled with the desirefor a quick return on investment,Hahne continues. However, he believesthis trend is bound to change, and hisown station's switch away from ACprogramming reflects that belief.

"At some point, the problem arisesthat there is just too much AC on themarket, and that will force stations tochange formats," Hahne states."There is room for other formats. Iwouldn't have done it if I didn'tbelieve there was a market outthere-there is a definite market formore variety. Unfortunately, not toomany broadcasters are bothering toexploit that market."

VAL--117-AThRa4lec'el

101,9The ratings game"Jazz Radio has a 4.4 percent marketshare," Allitt continues. "In any othermarket, that's a decent showing, butin Germany you won't even be consid-ered. The practice stifles diversityand stems growth. That's why themarket here is stagnating."

An MA spokesperson, however,insists that the MA conducts a fairanalysis of the country's commercialbroadcasters. "If some stations havevery small specialised listening audi-ences, it will show up in the ratings.The MA cannot provide tailor-madesurveys for individual markets."

Germany's big national marketingcompanies, as well as the regional

"There is justtoo much AC onthe market, andthat will forcestations tochange formats"

-Adam Hahne,Delta Radio

MUSIC & MEDIA 0 DECEMBER 20, 1997AmericanRadioHistory.Com

ARTISTS & MUSIC

Is Europe ready to sayEh -Oh to the Felt Four?

by Sally Stratton

Felt and towelling has overtaken flesh and bloodin the race for the U.K's Christmas Nol slot.

Four brightly coloured creatures havereplaced the Spice Girls as favourites to be atopthe U.K charts this Christmas-but they'reunlikely to beat the girls on airplay. Say Eh -Oh,which was released on December 1, is the debutrelease from the massively popular Teletubbiescharacters from the BBC's flagship pre-schoolchildren's TV show of the same name.

Say Eh -Oh was first aired on BBC RadioOne's breakfast show a week ahead of releaseand ISDN-ed to over 200 local radio stationsaround the country. The video was premiered onBBC TV's long -running Top Of The Pops chartshow and screened at over 100 cinemas duringtheir "kids' club" sessions. Subsequently, the sin-gle entered the "official" CIN-compiled U.Kcharts at No.1.

But according to Joseph D'Morais of BlueDolphin PR-who are coordinating the press,radio and TV campaign for the single in co-operation with BBC Worldwide, distributorsBMG and the show's producers Ragdoll-thepublicity campaign for the Teletubbies ismainly editorial driven.

The programme andits associated merchan-dising have attractedhuge amounts of presscoverage in the U.Ksince the Teletubbieswere launched. lbys ofthe four characters-Tinky Winky, Dipsy, Poand Laalaa-are insuch demand thatBritish retailershave introducedrationing, and anx-ious parents have

Teletubbies

been reported as paying massively inflated pricesfor them. There has even been heated discussionamong educationalists and politicians about theeffect the characters' repetitive, simple vocabu-lary might have on children's development.

D'Morais says the "massive media frenzy"about the children's programme-which hasbeen aired six days a week in the UK since lastMarch-has fuelled interest in the Teletubbiesfrom a much wider demographic and "it seemsthat the show has traversed age barriers."

At present, the broadcaster's own BBCWorldwide Music label has a pressing and distri-bution deal with BMG Entertainment for theU.K and Ireland, but by the time the leletubbies'album is ready for release next March the BBC islikely to have an international deal in place.

A&R consultant Simon Cowell-who bro-kered the distribution deal with BMG-says,"With the single going into the charts at No.1,there are going to be a lot of territories all overthe world phoning up and saying 'what the hell'sgoing on with this record?' But, as with the UK,the success of the record abroad will be linked tothe [publicity around the] television programme."

BBC Worldwide has alreadylicensed the Teletubbies show to

SIC Portugal, TELEAC/NOT inHolland, TV1 in Estonia, TV2in Denmark and IBA in Israel.

They will all start broadcast-ing the programme during1998. Further afield, NewZealand, South Africa and

Singapore are also on boardand Ragdoll has done a directdeal with US Public ServiceBroadcasting for north America.

If its enormous U.K. successis any guide, it looks as though

the rest of Europe will be sayingEh -Oh to the Teletubbies well into

the millennium.

Passi: the sound of the suburbsby Wayne Bodkin

French hip-hop/rap artist Passihas broken out of the concretejungle of Paris' suburban sprawlwith Les Tentations (TheTemptations), his debut album forV2 Records.

The album, which entered theFrench charts at number four inweek 48, has received strong sup-port from the country's three lead-ing radio networks-NW,Fun and Skyrock, and hassince been certified gold forsales over 100,000 units.

The 25 year old hip -hop-per hails from Sarcelles-a Paris suburbwhich is reputed to have the highest propor-tion of black residents in France. He came incontact with rap and hip -hop when he was 12,listening to records his brother and his friendsbrought home. Passi draws on his neighbour-hood, friends and family for inspiration-thetrack Tu Me Manques (I Miss You), forinstance, was written following the death of aclose friend in a car accident.

Most of the tracks on the album were mixed

by U.S. hip -hop producer RichTravali who has worked with U.S.names like Nas and LL Cool J.With 15 platinum albums to hiscredit, Travali brings "down-home" hip -hop credibility to avery European rap record, butPassi refuses all comparison tohis peers on the other side of theAtlantic. "I listen to many, and Ilike most, but I don't comparemyself to others."

Dominique Ringaud, headof sales at retail chain FNACin Paris, says Les Tentationshas gone beyond the core hip -hop audience and crossed into

the mainstream. "It's partly because it is get-ting airplay across all the major CHR stationsin France, and there are two hit singles on thealbum-which is unusual," comments Ringaud.

Passi has new material finished and is toy-ing with the idea of recording a duet with a U.S.rapper. "I speak English and spent some time inNew York," says Passi. "I didn't want to do aduet on the first album. It might have comeacross as a bit pretentious. But if I find theright partner it might go ahead."

1:DcAncgroovesby Gary Smith

SEDUCTIVE SUNSHINECombining a smooth vocal hook,a radio -friendly rap and a haunt-ingly effective keyboard riff, Jay -Z's Sunshine (NWS/BMG UK) isa devilishly seductive effort. Fewrappers can sound so commercialand still have the "street-flava"-comparisons with LL Cool Jspring to mind. The fact that Jay -Z can count on friends like FoxyBrown and Babyface to guest onhis record also bodes well forfuture releases.

EVEN DAFTER PUNKSGreen Velvet's Destination Unknown e.p. (MusicMan/Belgium) combines minimalist techno/house with loadsof "bad attitude." As with Daft Punk, this crew make themost of fairly basic, nagging riffs; the five tracks here take anuncompromising "shock" approach which occasionally endsup being quite commercial. With growing U.S. interest inelectronica, Green Velvet should be able to capitalise on theirtake on the Prodigy's parent -scaring antics. AnsweringMachine, with its "I don't need this shit" refrain, is trulystrange and compulsive.

ANOTHER BOTTLE OPENEDSeveral versions of Gil Scott -Heron's The Bottle haveappeared over the last 10 years-the one thing they have incommon being that they inevitably ignore the original'srighteous indignation in favour of its more obvious commer-cial charms. 7th District Inc.'s version, on the U.K's Exit 8Records, follows the commercial path but redeems itselfwith a gutsy vocal arrangement, a well -managed house feeland a strong selection of mixes.

FRENCH, FRIED AND FUNKYOne of the best amongst the current rush of compilationsaiming to capitalise on the high profile of French artists istwo -CD set frenchfriedfunk from London -based indie Slip 'n'Slide. The Gallic funk vibe is well represented with tracksfrom DJ Cam, Alex Gopher, I Cube, Dimitri From Paris andcurrent rising stars Air, but the quality of the tracks dropsnoticeably on the second CD, which is just not very funky.Less plodding house and more fresh talent like Curtis orElegia could have made this even better.

NEUROTIC SOUNDSCAPESHouse and techno have been largely ignored by main-stream radio, but occasional category -defying recordingsdeserve wider attention. Such is the case with Elysium'sdebut album Celestial Sounds & Neurotic Beats, fromAntwerp -based K.K./Nova Zembla. Although rooted indance culture, the album is a much fuller musical experi-ence than might be expected. Taking in live violin, fluteand guitar, these seven soundscapes are a journeythrough the tunes and textures of rain forests, junglesand bazaars as much as "dance" tracks. One month afterthe album's release Nova Zembla's marketing and pro-motion manager Olke Swerts is cautiously optimistic:"It's early days, but there have been excellent press andDJ reactions from Germany and the U.K. in particular."With the ground already prepared by Elysium's firstalbum, Project One, this sophomore set could be the com-mercial breakthrough for a label reknowned for its under-ground approach.

All new releases, biographies and photographs for con-sideration for inclusion in the Dance Grooves columnshould be sent direct to: Gary Smith, c/o. Roger deLluria 45 -3° -2, 08009 Barcelona, Spain.

MUSIC & MEDIA Q DECEMBER 20, 1997AmericanRadioHistory.Com

SALES

week 51/ 9 7 Eurochart Hot 1000 Singles ©Billboard Music Group1 1 1 TITLE countries

charted! 5 ARTIST.!eii

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i - . 1 4 TITLE countries; ; '..".. charted,3 ARTIST1 A 6 original label (publisher)

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Barbie Girl A.B.DKFINF.D.IREINL.E.S.CH.UK1 15 Aqua - Universal (MCA)

Johnny B. AD.CH34 4 Down Low - K-Town-Shif t I Zyx (Intro I PolyGram) 68 68 6

Nobody's Wife NLAnouk - Dino (DBM)

Something About/Candle In The Wmcl 1997 "BuiliullummuRN2 2 13 Elton John - Rocket (PolyGram 'Warner Chappell) 0 Angels D.IRE.CTK92 2 Robbie Williams - Chrysalis (EMI I BMG) Pour Etre Libre F69 60 12 2 Be 3 - EMI (Les Disques A La Maison)Tell Him A.B.F.D.MELNL.N.E.S.CH.UKHUN

3 3 6 Celine Dion & Barbra Streisand - Columbia (Various)Torn B.IRE.S.UK

36 28 7 Natalie Imbruglia - RCA (Island I EMI I BMG)Wenn Du Da Bist D100 3 Pur - Intercord (Not Listed)

Sunchyme AliDK.F.D.IRKIIVL.S.C11.UKFLUN5 r'-' Dario G - WEA (Warner Chappell)

Got Ti! It's Gone A.B.D.KFRIVL.S.CH.UKHUN37 29 12 Janet Jackson - Virgin (EMI I Windswept I Various) 4

Save Tonight s8 Eagle -Eye Cherry - Superstudio (Not Listed)

0 As Long As You Love MeA.B.DKDIRE.LNL.NE.S.CH.UK6 " Backstreet Boys - Jive (Grantsville I Zomba) Freedom FIN.D.IRE.LS.CH.UK36 32 4 Robert Miles - DBX/Deconstruction (Jeity 'Warner Chappell) He's Comin' A.D.CH78 14 Nana - Motor (Warner Chappell)0 Cherish A.D.CH8 8 Pappa Bear - Universal (Delightful) N'Oubliez Jamais A.B.F39 33 8 Joe Cocker - Capitol (MCA) Choose Life B.IRE.S.UK73 66 6 PF Project feat. Ewan McGregor - Positiva (Sony ATV)7

Spice Up Your Life A.B.DKFIN.F.D.IREINL.NS.CHLIK4 9 Spice Girls - Virgin (Windswept Pacific I PolyGram)

Everything's Gonna Be Alright A.D.CH46 4 Sweetbox - RCA (EMI)Angel Of Mine B.D.IRE.NL.NS

79 11 Eternal - lst Avenue I EMI (Rhettrhyme 'Warner Chappell I PolyGram)

®9Savoir Aimer B.F

1 Florent Pagny - Mercury (Ed. Laurelenn I EMI)Aisne B.D.NL

41 39 29 Wes - Saint George/Columbia (Sony I Michel Sanchez)5,6,7,8 UK75 52 4Steps - Jive (Copyright Control I Cordella)

0 ..,; I Will Come To You AB.FINF.D.IRE.NL.IV.S.CH.UK-'4 ' Hanson - Mercury (Warner Chappell /Dyad) #.,.., Slam Dunk Da Funk S.UKILIMP Five - RCA (Cheiron I Mega I BMG) Open Your Mind '97 UK76 56 2 U.S.U.R.A. - Malarky (Jacomo)Perfect Day B.LRE.IVLUK

1.0 7 4 Various Artists - Chrysalis (EMI)Te Extrano, Te Olvido, Te Amo B.F43 41 11 Ricky Martin - Tristar I Columbia (Various)

Been Around The World A.F.NL.E.S.CH77 62 7 Puff Daddy & The Family - Puff Daddy (Various)

***** SALES BREAKER *****0 30 Teletubbies Say "Eh -Oh"

IRE. UK

2 Teletubbies - BBC Worldwide (BMG)

Wind Beneath My Wings IRE.UK44. 15 4 Steven Houghton- RCA (Warner Chappell)

Don't Change BF78 81 9 Worlds Apart -EMI (Not Listed)

Va Pensiero A.F.D.I.S.CH45 42 3 Zucchero Fornaciari - Polydor (Not Listed)

Ma Melissa F79 70 15 Les Minikeums - FTD (Not Listed)

Rescue Me A.D.( a32 11 11 Bell, Book & Candle - Ariola (EMI)Vivo Per Lei FAndrea Bocelli & Helene Segara - Polydor (Not Listed)

Das Modell D90 54 2 Rammstein - Motor (BMG)

0 Prince Igor AF.D.NL.N.S.CH1° ° The Rapsody feat Warren G.& Swsel - DefJam (paiyGram1Madhousel EMI lamer Chappell)

Qu'il En Soit Ainsi F47 47 3 Poetic Lovers - M6 Int. (Not Listed)

You Sexy Thing IRE.08/ 51 4 Hot Chocolate - EMI (RAK)

0 TogetherB.D.NL.UKAgainonJanetJacksonk -Virgin (EMI I Various)

I'll Be Missing You B.DKED.LIVL.S.CH48 26 26 Puff Daddy r,& raith Evans feat. 112 - Bad Boy I Arista (Various)0 .....,, Private Psychedelic Reel IRE.UK

MP The Chemical Brothers - Virgin (Not Listed)

Te Garder Pres De Moi B.F' ' 7 ?tillage & Boyzone - Mercury (Not Listed)

Meet Her At The Love Parade FNL49 43 18 Da Hool - Kosmo (Warner Chappell)

The Spirit B74 3 Fiocco - Antler -Subway (Not Listed)

C D18 18 TubthumPingA.B.DK.F.D.IRE.INL.N.SCH.UK

Chumbawamba - EMI (Chumbawamba)Crazy Little Party Girl A.DKDNL.N.S

77 2 Aaron Carter - Edel (Trans Continental)The Theme UK

M'' Dreem Teem - Gliberty Deconstruction (Gliberty 'Notting Hill)

Stay B.DKF.D.IRE.LNL.N.S.CH.UK17 10 11 Sash! - Byte Blue (Step By Step I Strongsongs)

Avenues B.DKF.D.NLNS51 38 9 Refugee Camp All Star feat. Pras - Arista (Intersong I Warner Chappell)

Sing Up For The Champions IRE.IV.UK85 2 Reds United - Music Collection (MCI I Peer 'Various)

Ain't That Just The Way AF.D.IRE.CILLIK18 14 12 Lutricia McNeal - Siljemark I CiVR (MCA)

I Will Survive B.F52 50 11 Hermes House Band - Xplo Music (PolyGram)

0 Too Much Heaven Dul-V Nana - Motor (Not Listed)

Do Ya Think I'm Sexy? AB.DEFIN.F.DIRKINL.N.S.UKHUN19 16 11N -Trance feat Rod Stewart- Al Around The World (Nitestalk1Warna Chappell IEM1)

James Bond Theme FINFRIRE.NL.S.CILUK53 44 5 MOby - Mute (EMI)

(Money Can't) Buy Me Love UKLAW Blackstreet - Interscope (Northern)

Come Into My Life B.F.LNL0 31 5 Gala - Nite Life (Do It Yourself) Lucky Man IR EUK54 40 3 The Verve - Hut/Virgin (EMI) Les Temps Changent F88 82 8 MC Solaar - Polydor (Sentinel Sud I Arretez Ecoutez)'''

Baby Can I Hold You/Shooting Star IRE-3 Boyzone - Polydor (EMI /Wonderland /Disney)

0 High Times UKJamiroqum - Sony S2 (EMI)

Casanova FKW Ultimate Kaos - Wild Card I Polydor (EMI)

OHasta Siempre B.F23 10 Nathalie Cardone - Columbia (Legende Enterprises)

Bittersweet Symphony B.F.LCH56 55 26 The Verve - Hut/Virgin (EMI)

0 Laura Non C'E' BFHOP Nek - WEA (Not Listed)

Men In Black A.B.F.D.IRE.LS.CH.HUN23 20 23 Will Smith - Columbia (Various)

Uh La La La A.D.CH57 53 28 Alexia - DWA 'Dance Pool (Extravaganza)

RU Ready D.CH.UKLEP Salt-N-Pepa - Red Ant I ffrr (Various)

It's Like That B.D.LNL.CH3 35 3 Run DMC Vs. Jason Nevins - Profile (Warner Chappell) Meine Kleine Schwester D.CII58 57 8 Spektakolar - Hansa (Primer° I Gluck /Intro) 0 Breathe IOW Midge Ure - Arista (Not Listed)Doctor Jones B.DK.FIN.LNLS

'''' 5 Aqua - Universal (MCA)Tout "

61 25 Lara Fabian - Polydor (Fabsongs I Editions Chariot)10 Round 'N' Round D.CH

lenr Gil - RCA (Not Listed)

Just A.B.F.D.NL.S.UKCruisin'*48Will Smithth - Columbia (Tryball !Ill Will I Jobete)

Burnin' S60 59 9 Cue - Pool Sounds (Not Listed)

Superhero FINN'' 2 Daze - Columbia (Not Listed)Never Ever IRE.NL.UK

27 22 5 All Saints - London (Perfect I MCA)Phenomenon BD IRE NI, S CH. UK 0 Ready UK

ILIMP Bruce Wayne - Logic (Step By Step /Strong Songs I BMG)

.../.:7" \

e - ii ej67 7 LL Cool J - Def Jam (EMI I LL Cool J I Def Jam)

Tomorrow Never Dies B.FIND.IRE.NL.S.CH.UKHUN28 75 2 Sheryl Crow - A&M (Warner Tamerlane I Old Crow)

Let A Boy Cry IREUK65 2 Gala - Do It Yourself (Scorpio)

You Make Me Wanna... D.NL.S96 95 2 Usher - Laface (Various)

The Memory Remains A.B.FIN.F.D.IRENL.N.E.S.CILUK29 25 5 Metallica - Vertigo (Creepin' Death I PolyGram)

Crush On You D.IRE.NL.S.CH.UK63 49 16 Aaron Carter - Edel (Trans Continental)

Did It Again 07K97 58 2Kylie Minogue - Deconstruction (Mushroom I BMG I MCA)

I Wanna Be The Only One F.S.CH30 24 29 Eternal feat. BeBe Winans - lst Avenue I EMI (EMI IBMG)

0 Butterfly F.IRE.NLUK" 2 Mariah Carey - Columbia (Sony ATV I Rye lWallyworld) 98 63 2

Fantasy Island D.IRE.UKM -People - M People I BMG (BMG I EMI)

Smack My Bitch Up FIN.F.D.IRE.I.NL.N.S.UK31 21 4 Prodigy -XL (EMI 'Next Plateau/Beats G)Forgiven UK

taw Space Brothers- Manifesto (Earth I Chrysalis)Picture Of You F99 71 21 Boyzone - Polydor (PolyGram119IBMG I Sony ATV/Island)

' Du Fehlst MirAD.CH

'' Cappuccino - Mercury (EMI)..F.CHQuanto Amore Sei AB

66 64 10 Eros Ramazzotti - DDD (EMI)Free B. F.CH

100 87 28 Ultra Nate - A&M (Strictly Rhythm)

Je T'Aime B.F37 6 Lara Fabian - Polydor (Fabsongs I Editions Chariot)

It's Over Love UK87 45. 3 Todd Terry - Manifesto (Tee's Publishing)

A. Awitna, It= &Worn GZE =Cud, liebatic, DR = Denmark FIN = Fligand, F = Franca 13.. Germany, IRL = Ireland,1 = ItalyHUN . Hungary NL i--Netherlanda N= Norway Eii Spain, 8 .Swede, H. Switserland.UK = United Kingdom.a -Gat FS MOVER CE11, -NEW ENTRY map . RE-ENTRY

WWWww* SALES BREAKER *a.*** indicates the single registering the biggest increase in chart. points. The Eurochart Hot 100 Singles is compiled by Music & Methe and based on the following national singles sales charts:ChartTrack (UKI; Ireland; Full chartservice by Media Control GmbH 0049-7221,366201 (Germany); SNEP/IFOP Tite-Live (France): singles: Music, E Dischi/Mario De Luigi, albums: Fimi-Nielsen (Italy);

Stiohting Mega Top 100 (Holland); Stichting Promuvi (Belgium); GLF/FFPI (Sweden); IFPUNielsen Marketing Research (Denmark), VG (Norway); ALEF MB/AFYVE (Spain): YLE 2 Radioma6a/IFPI (Finland); Austria Top 30 (Austria);Full chart service by Media Control AG 0041-61-2718989 (Switserland IPSOS/Mahasr-IFP1 (Hungary) [FPI (Czech Republic).

MUSIC & MEDIA 0 DECEMBER 20, 1997AmericanRadioHistory.Com

SHIES

0 7 18 Backstreet's Back - Jive

week 51/ 97 European Top 100 Albums ©Billboard Music GroupARTISTTITLE

S original label

Celine Dion A.B.DKFIXF.D.GRE.IRE.I.NL.N.P.E.S.CH.UKHUNCZEI 1 4 Let's Talk About Love - Epic/Columbia

countriescharted

IJSpice Girls

3 6 Spiceworld -

I, ARTIST1 TITLEC original label

countriescharted

The Corrs DK.IRE.N.E.S.CH34 28 7 Talk On Corners - 143 'Lava I Atlantic

6Hot Chocolate

30 Their Greatest Hits - EMI

j ARTISTTITLE

re p original label

Tic Tac Toe72

33Tic

Die 2te - RCA

IRE.UK 0 Pascal ObispoSuperflu - Epic

countriescharted

BF

Eros Ramazzotti A.B.DEFIIV.F.D.GRE.I.NLNPE.S.CH.RUN.CZE3 4 7 Eros - DDDMetallica ARDXFINF.D.GRE.IRE.I.NL.NPE.S.CH.UKHUNCZE

4 2 4 Re -Load - VertigoEnya A.B.DKFIIV.D.IRE.LNLNPE.S.CH.UKHUNCZE

05 5 6 Paint The Sky With Stars - WEA

Alejandro Sanz33 13 Mas - WEA

Natalie Imbruglia37 22 3 Left OfThe Middle - RCA

IRE.UK

Andre RieuValses Et Compagnie - Mercury

F

M People70 32 9 Fresco - M People 1 BMG

Mike Oldfield'LAW XXV The Essential Mike Oldfield - WEA

AD.IREUK

AD.GRE.E.CZE

Michael BoltonO * All That Matters - Columbia

A.D.GRE.P.E.UK

Backstreet Boys AB.DEFINF.D.GREIREIRLAP.E.S.CRUILHUNCZE

1J

Hanson38 3 Snowed In - Mercury

B.FIN.DNL.S.CH.CZE Aaron CarterItt-ir Aaron Carter - Edel

The Verve A.B.DKI7N.F.D.GREIRE.I.NL.NP.E.S.CH.UK7 6 11 Urban Hymns - Hut /Virgin Mariah Carey35 13 Butterfly - ColumbiaA.B.F.D.GRE.NL.E.CH Kent (S)

El 74 31 3 Isola - RCAFINS

***** SALES BREAKER *****Aqua N P E.S.CH.HUN

36 Aquarium - UniversalC:1

Era7 Era - Mercury

01

Loreena McKennitt B.F.D.GRE.NL.E.CH Elton John7542 10 The Book Of Secrets - Quinlan Road I Warner 61 13 Lovesongs - RocketA.B.D.NL.CZE

0 Spice Girls52 58 Spice - VirginLightning Seeds

53 4 Like You Do...Best Of - Epic

B.DK.FIRE.NL.S.UK4

AlliageL'Album - Box Dance

UK D.A.D.n 73 4 Simpatico - EMI -Medley

DKFINS

0 Andrea Bocelli12 46 Romanza Sugar/Polydor0 3 Schltimpfe15 Irre Galaktisch 6 - EMI

Wham !0 16 2 The Best Of Wham! - Epic

B.F.D.LNL.N.P.E.S.CH.CZE

A.D.CH

B.FIND.GRE.IRELIVL.P.E.UK

44 41 24 1:11;e Fa.t Of The Land - XLB.F.D.IRE.NL.S.UK Hanson

79 3 Middle Of Nowhere - Mercury

Midge Ure79 76 6 Breathe - Arista

iJSash!

45 37 7 It's My Life - Byte BlueDKIRE.IV.S.UK

Rammstein.10 34 15 Sehnsucht - Motor

B.FINFNL.S.CZE

01

AD.CFI N85 29 Naas Motor

D.CH.HUN

0 Bryan AdamsILI-V Unplugged - A&MSting & The Police AB.DK.FIN.D.GRE.IREINL.P.S.CH.UK

10 4 The Best Of Sting & The Police - A&M

The Rolling Stones A.B.F.D.GRE.NL.P.E.S.CH.HUN.CZE15 11 n Bridges To Babylon - Virgin

A.B.D.IRE.NL.CH.UK Wolfgang Petry47 44 16 Nie Genug - Hansa

Les Enfoires48 3" Le Zenith Des Enfoires 97 - Columbia

RF

Thomas Helmig66 5

ThomasGar - RCA

* Magnus Uggla88 6 Karaoke - Columbia# Monica Naranjo94 8 Palabra De Mujer Epic E

DK Wolfgang Petry83 68 24 Mies - Hansa

Eternal B.DK.D.IRE.NLNSCH.UK®19 7 Greatest Hits - 1st Avenue /EMI * Daze65 3 Super Heroes - Columbia DIGFIN Bjorn.Eidsviig77 s Pa Svat - NorskBarbra Streisand B.F.D.GRE.NENE.SCH.17 14 4 Higher Ground - Columbia

Elton Johnis 13 The Big Picture - Rocket

.CZE

AB.DKFIIV.F.D.N.E.CH.UKCZE

Florent Pagnyis 20 6 Savoir Aimer - Mercury

17 14Joe CockerAcross From Midnight - Capitol

13.F

A.B.F.D.NL.N.CH

Paul Simon D.NL.S.CH Andrea Bocelli51 4" Songs From The Capemen - Warner Brothers 85 63 2 Viaggio Italian - Sugar 1 Polydor

0 2Pac ERNES57 2 R U Still Down? (Remember Me) - InterscopeLighthouse Family DIRE.UK

53 45 8 Postcards From Heaven - Polydor I Wildcard

Jean -Jacques Goldman54 47 15 En Passant - Columbia

FNCZE

Radiohead86 84 26 OK Computer - Parlophone

B.F.GRE.IRE.NL.S.UK

Badesalz87 51 6 Wie Mutter Und Tochter - Columbia

RF Simon & Garfunkel96 87 4 The Definitive Simon And Garfunkel - Columbia

0 John Lennon25 6 Lennon Legend - Parlophone A.DRD.G PUK ®Andre Rieu75 2 Strauss & Co. - Mercury 01 Anouk89 8° 7 Together Alone - Dino NLThe Family" Growing Up - Kel-Life

AB.D.NL.PCILIIUN,CZE NordmanInalr Har Och Nu - Sonet

FINS Lisa Ekdahl90 70 4 Bottom Det Bla - EMI

DKN.S

27 1'Janet JacksonThe Velvet Rope - Virgin

Oasis24 21 16 Be Here Now - Creation

ADK.F.D.INL.N.S.CH.UK

AB.F.D.GRE.IRE.LE.S.CH.UKCZE

Michel Sardou25 24 8 Salut TremaB.F

# 2 Be 392 2 Partir Un Jour - EMI

B.F Soundtrack - The Full Monty91 55 11 The Full Monty - RCA Victor

54 12Bjork52 Homogenic - Mother/One Little Indian

BBL Jarabe De PaloIII* La Placa - Virgin

Passe58 43 4 Les Tentations - V2

F

Helmut Lottia -V 60 7 Goes Classic III - RCA

FIRE .UK

B.F.D.CH

*_h. Poohlair The Best Of Pooh - CGD

# Andre Rieu" 4 Mein Weihnachtstraum - Mercury* Sarah Brightman/LSO29 17 Timeless - East West DKFIND.N.S

Vanessa Mae0 98 6 Storm - EMI A.FIND.GRE.CH CZE Andrea BocelliBocelli - Sugar I Polydor0 ClouseltuLLB Verzameld 87-97 - EMI0 Daniel O'DonnellCl) I Believe - Ritz

61 62 11 Deftrtohstedd- AriolaGoarCH

0 Antonello VendittiIl Paese Delle Meraviglie - Ricordi

0B.NL

UK

n Queen29 23 5 Queen Rocks - Parlophone

ADK.D.GRENLE.S.CH.UK 0 Will Smith74 2 Big Willie Style - Columbia F.D.S 97 Marla Glen83 3 Our World - Ariola D.CH0 All Saints40 2 All Saints - London

Lara Fabian59 8 Pure - Polydor

Texas32 26 22 White On Blonde - Mercury

IRE.UK

B.F

B.FIRE.S.UK

01

Claudia Jung64 50 10 Augenblicke - EMIA.D.CH Al Bano & Carissi

CI. DConcerto Classico - WEA

Lesley GarrettILEP A Soprano Inspired - Conifer

Fl 883100 78 24 La Dura Legge Del Gol - FRI

Paul De Leeuw65 64 4 Lief - Brommerpech /Epic

NL

Shola Ama1°314 Much Love - WEA

UK

Garth Brooks38 ILI-V Sevens - LibertyDIRENECILUK The Rapsody AF.D.GRE

" 5 The Rapsody Overture:HipflopMeetsClassics - Def Jam /Mercury

A =Arrant B Belgium, CM Czech Republic, DK Denmark. FIN Med. = France, GRE = Greece. D . Germany. MI,. Ireland,I Italy. HUN = Human, Netherlands, N Norway, P S. Sweden, CR=Swneravd.UR=Inured Kingdom

0 SALES MOVERlyi' NEW ENTRY RE-ENTRY

*Mr*** SALES BREAKER 34 ***** indicates the album registering the biggest increase in chart points.111 IFPI Platinum Europe certification for sales of 1 million units, with multi -platinum titles indicated by a number in the symbol.

The European Top 100 Albums is compiled by Music & Media. All rights reserved. Compiled.from the national album sales charts of 18 European territories.

MUSIC & MEDIA DECEMBER 20, 1 9 9 7AmericanRadioHistory.Com

SALES

Top National Sellers ,Billboard Music GroupUNITED KINGDOM GERMANY FRANCE ITALY

TW LW SINGLES

1 6 Teletubbies - Teletubbies Say "Eh-Oh"(BBC)2 1 Various Artists - Perfect Day (Chrysalis)3 41 Janet Jackson - Together Again (Virgin)4 2 Aqua - Barbie Girl (Universal)5 4 Boyzone - Baby Can I Hold You (Polydor)6 5 All Saints - Never Ever (London)7 27 Robbie Williams - Angels (Chrysalis)8 50 Five - Slam Dunk Da Funk (RCA)9 7 Natalie Imbruglia - Torn (RCA)10 3 Steven Houghton - Wind Beneath My Wings (RCA)TW LW ALBUMS

1 4 Various - Diana, Princes Of Wales - A Tribute (Princess Diana Trust)2 1 Various -Now That's What !Call Music! 38 (EMPVirgigolyGram)

3 3 The Verve - Urban Hymns (Virgin)4 2 Celine Dion - Let's Talk About Love (Epic)5 7 Spice Girls - Spiceworld (Virgin)6 8 Enya - Paint The Sky With Stare (WEA)7 6 Wham ! - The Best Of Wham! (Epic)8 14 All Saints - All Saints (London)9 12 John Lennon - Lennon Legend (Parlophone)

10 17 Eternal - Greatest Hits (EMI)

TW LW SINGLES

1 1 Aqua - Barbie Girl (Universal)2 2 Pappa Bear - Cherish (Universal)3 4 Dario G - Sunchyme (WEA)4 3 Bell, Book & Candle - Rescue Me (Ariola)5 14 Run DMC Vs. Jason Nevins - It's Like That (Epic)6 6 Elton John- Something About/Candle In The Wind 1997 (Mercury)

7 7 Down Low - Johnny B. (Zyx)8 9 Backstreet Boys - As Long As You Love Me (Rough Trade)9 15 Pur - Wenn Du Da Bist (Intercord)10 8 Cappuccino - Du Fehlst Mir (Mercury)TW LW ALBums

1 3 Eros Ramazzotti - Eros (Ariola)2 2 Celine Dion - Let's Talk About Love (Columbia)

3 1 Metallica - Re -Load (Mercury)4 5 Schllimpfe - Irre Galaktisch 6 (EMI)5 4 The Rolling Stones - Bridges To Babylon (Virgin)6 13 Andre Rieu - Mein Weihnachtstraum (Polydor)7 6 Era - Era (Mercury)8 NE Bryan Adams - Unplugged (Polydor)9 8 The Kelly Family - Growing Up (EMI)

10 9 Backstreet Boys - Backstreet's Back (Rough Trade)

TW LW SINGLES

1 1 Florent Pagny - Savoir Aimer (Mercury)2 2 Aqua - Barbie Girl (Universal)3 3 Alliage & Boyzone - Te Garder Pres De Moi (Mercury)4 4 Celine Dion & Barbra Streisand - Tell Him (Columbia)5 5 Nathalie Cardone - Hasta Siempre (Columbia)6 6 Eternal feat. BeBe Winans I Wanna Be The Only One !Bill

7 8 Lara Fabian - Je T'Aime (Polydor)8 7 Spice Girls - Spice Up Your Life (Virgin)9 NE Andrea Bocelli - Vivo Per Lei (PolyGram)

10 10 Poetic Lovers - Ou'll En Soit Ainsi (M6 Int.)TW LW ALBUMS

1 1 Celine Dion - Let's Talk About Love (Columbia)2 2 Florent Pagny - Savoir Aimer (Mercury)3 3 Spice Girls - Spiceworld (Virgin)4 4 Michel Sardou - Salut (Trema)5 13 Lara Fabian - Pure (Polydor)6 16 Andre Rieu - Valses Et Compagnie (Philips)7 5 Andrea Bocelli - Romanza (Polydor)8 12 Era - Era (Mercury)9 6 Lea Enfoires - Le Zenith Des Enfoires 97 (BMG)

10 7 Passi - Les Tentations (V2)

TW LW SINGLES

1 2 Gala - Come Into My Life (Do It Yourself)2 3 Robert Miles - Freedom (DBX)3 8 Chumbawamba - Tubthumping (EMI)4 1 Aqua - Barbie Girl (Universal)5 6 Midge Ure - Breathe (BMG Ricordi)6 7 Sash! - Stay (FMA)7 4 Spice Girls - Spice Up Your Life (Virgin)8 5 N -Trance feat. Rod Stewart- Do Ya Think I'm Sexy? (Media)9 9 Paradisio - Vamos A La Discoteca! (Do It Yourself)

10 11 Elton John - Something About/Candle In The Wind 1997 (Mercury)

TW LW ALBUMS1 1 Enya - Paint The Sky With Stars (WEA)2 2 Eros Ramazzotti - Eros (BMG Ricordi)3 NE Pooh - The Best Of Pooh (CGD)4 3 Celine Dion - Let's Talk About Love (Columbia)5 5 Aqua - Aquarium (Universal)6 7 Backstreet Boys - Backstreet's Back (Virgin)7 4 Spice Girls - Spiceworld (Virgin)8 NE Antonello Venditti - B Paese Delle Meraviglie (BMG)

9 8 The Verve - Urban Hymns (Virgin)10 6 Metallica - Re -Load (Mercury)

SPAIN HOLLAND BELGIUM SWEDEN

TW LW SINGLES1 1 Elton John - Something About/Candle In The Wind 1997 (Mercury)

2 2 Aqua - Barbie Girl (Universal)3 3 Metallica - The Memory Remains (Mercury)4 8 Puff Daddy & The Family - Been Around The World (Ariola)5 4 Celine Dion & Barbra Streisand - Tell Him (Columbia)

6 7 U2 - Please (Mercury)7 NE Nek - Tu Nombre (Warner)8 5 Backstreet Boys - As Long As You Love Me (Virgin)9 RE Olive - You're Not Alone (RCA)10 9 Marilyn Manson - Tourniquet (Universal)TW LW ALBUMS

1 1 Alejandro Sanz - Mas (WEA)2 2 Backstreet Boys - Backstreet's Back (Virgin)3 3 Celine Dion - Let's Talk About Love (Columbia)4 4 Enya - Paint The Sky With Stars (WEA)5 6 Monica Naranjo - Palabra De Mujer (Epic)6 7 Jarabe De Palo - La Placa (Virgin)7 5 Metallica - Re -Load (Mercury)8 9 The Corrs - Talk On Corners (DRO)9 8 Spice Girls - Spiceworld (Virgin)

10 14 Aqua - Aquarium (Universal)

TW LW SINGLES

1 1 Wes - Alane (Epic)2 3 Celine Dion & Barbra Streisand - Tell Him (Columbia)

3 2 Anouk - Nobody's Wife (Dino)4 4 Aqua - Doctor Jones (Universal)5 5 Paul De Leeuw - Hob je Lief En Wacht Op Je (Epic)

6 6 Usher - You Make Me Wanna... (BMG)7 8 The Rapsody feat. Warren G. & Siegel -Prince Igor (Mercury)

8 7 Aqua - Barbie Girl (Universal)9 9 Backstreet Boys - As Long As You Love Me (Zomba)10 14 Allure feat. 112 - All Cried Out (Epic)TW LW ALBUMS

1 1 Celine Dion - Let's Talk About Love (Columbia)

2 2 Paul De Leeuw - Lief (Epic)3 3 Spice Girls - Spiceworld (Virgin)4 4 Anouk - Together Alone (Dino)5 8 Backstreet Boys - Backstreet's Back (Zomba)6 22 Aqua - Aquarium (Universal)7 6 Barbra Streisand - Higher Ground (Columbia)8 5 Metallica - Re -Load (Mercury)9 7 Wes - Welenga (Epic)10 27 BZN - Pearls (Mercury)

TW LW SINGLES1 1 Aqua - Barbie Girl (Universal)2 2 Celine Dion & Barbra Streisand - Tell Him (Sony)3 5 Florent Pagny - Savoir Aimer (PolyGram)4 3 Fiocco - The Spirit (Import Partners)5 4 Run DMC Vs. Jason Nevins - It's Like That (PIAS)

6 9 Hanson - I Will Come To You (PolyGram)7 7 Backstreet Boys - As Long As You Love Me (Rough Trade)

8 6 Sash! - Stay (Byte)9 16 Gala - Come Into My Life (Private Life)

10 8 Dario G - SunchymeTW LW1 1 Celine Dion - Let's Talk About Love (Sony)

(Warner)

(BMG)(Virgin)2

2 Helmut Lotti - Goes Classic III3 3 Spice Girls - Spiceworld4 6 Clouseau - Verzameld 87-97

(BMG)5 10 Wham ! - The Best Of Wham!

1S6 4 Eros Ramazzotti - Eros 37 7 Florent Pagny - Savoir Aimer (PolyGram)8 8 Backstreet Boys - Backstreet's Back(Zomba)9 5 Metallica - Re -Load (PolyGram)10 62 Various - Diana, Princess Of Wales -A Tribute (Sony)

1W LW SINGLES1 1 Cue - Burnin' (DHE)2 3 Aqua - Doctor Jones (Universal)3 4 Eagle -Eye Cherry - Save Tonight (BMG)4 5 Hanson - I Will Come To You (PolyGram)5 2 Elton John - Something About/Candle In The Wind 1997 (PolyGraml

6 6 Backstreet Boys - As Long As You Love Me (Virgin)

7 14 Will Smith - Just Cruisin' (Columbia)8 8 Bloodhound Gang - Fire, Water, Burn (Universal)9 15 Era - Ameno (Mercury)

10 7 Spice Girls - Spice Up Your Life (Virgin)TW LW Aumnds

1 6 Aqua - Aquarium2 3 Era - Era3 1 Metallica - Re -Load4 4 Enya - Paint The Sky With Stars5 NE Nordman - Aar Och Nu6 7 Magnus Uggla - Karaoke7 2 Kent (S) - Isola8 5 Peter Lemarc - Nio Broars Vag9 NE Peter Joback - Personliga Val10 8 Spice Girls - Spiceworld

(Universal)(PolyGram)(PolyGram)

(Warner)(Sonet)(Sony)(BMG)(MNW)(Sony)

(Virgin)

DENMARK NORWAY FINLAND IRELAND

TW LW SINGLES

1 1 Elton John - Something AboutICande In The Wmd 1997 (PolyGram)

2 8 Backstreet Boys - As Long As You Love Me (Virgin)

3 6 Aqua - Barbie Girl (Universal)4 2 Dario G - Sunchyme (Warner)5 4 Sash! - Stay (Scandinavian)6 3 Spice Girls - Spice Up Your Life (Virgin)7 5 Refugee Camp All Star feat. Pras - Avenues (BMG)

8 7 NiTrance feat. Rod Stewart- Do Ya Think Pm Say? (Scandinavian)9 10 Janet Jackson - Got Til It's Gone (Virgin)

10 NE Aaron Carter - Crazy Little Party Girl (Edel)TW LW ALBUMS1 1 Thomas Helmig - Arena GAr (BMG)2 3 Celine Dion - Let's Talk About Love (Sony)3 2 Spice Girls - Spiceworld (Virgin)4 4 Eros Ramazzotti - Eros (BMG)5 6 D.A.D. - Simpatico (EMI)6 7 Daze - Super Heroes (Sony)7 5 Metallica - Re -Load (PolyGram)8 9 Enya - Paint The Sky With Stars (Warner)9 10 Backstreet Boys - Backstreet's Back (Virgin)10 38 Jim Reeves - The Ultimate Collection (BMG)

TW LW SINGLES

1 1 The Rapsody feat. Warren G. & Stage] - Prince Igor (Polygram)

2 5 Daze - Superhero (Sony)3 2 Refugee Camp All Star feat. Pras - Avenues (BMG)4 4 Elton John- Something About/Candle In The Wind 1997 (PolyGram)5 7 Hanson - I Will Come To You (PolyGram)6 15 Eternal - Angel Of Mine (EMI)7 3 Sash! - Stay (Scandinavian)8 6 Chumbawamba - Tubthumping (EMI)9 9 Celine Dion & Barbra Streisand - Tell Him (Sony)

10 14 Aaron Carter - Crazy Little Party Girl (Edelpitch)TW LW ALBUMS

1 1 Celine Dion - Let's Talk About Love (Sony)2 3 Spice Girls - Spiceworld (Virgin)3 5 Sarah Brightman/LSO - Timeless (Warner)4 4 Bjorn Eidsvag - Pa Svai (BMG)5 9 Elton John - The Big Picture (PolyGrarn)6 2 Metallica - Re -Load (PolyGram)7 11 Ole Edvard Antonsen - Read My Lips (BMG)8 18 Enya - Paint The Sky With Stars (Warner)9 7 Morten Abel - Snowboy (Virgin)10 10 Eternal - Greatest Hits (EMI)

TW LW SINGLES

1 1 Prodigy - Smack My Bitch Up (SMD-Musiiki)2 5 Hanson - I Will Come To You (PolyGram)3 3 Metallica - The Memory Remains (PolyGram)4 4 Neljti Baritonia - Pop-Musiikkia (Poko)5 9 Sheryl Crow - Tomorrow Never Dies (PolyGram)

6 15 Aqua - Doctor Jones (Universal)7 2 Daze - Superhero (Sony)8 6 Apulanta - Liikaa (Levy)9 12 Moby - James Bond Theme (SMD-Musiiki)

10 10 Klamydia - Kosketus (KraiblIld)TW LW ALBUMS1 1 Metallica - Re -Load (PolyGram)2 2 Spice Girls - Spiceworld (Virgin)3 4 Daze - Super Heroes (Sony)4 3 Leen( And The Leavings- Hamann() -40Ansimmaista Mtua (Megamania)5 6 Celine Dion - Let's Talk About Love (Sony)6 5 Smurffit - Tansaihitit Vol. 3 & Smurffien Joulu (EMI)7 11 Hanson - Snowed In (Mercury)8 20 Era - Era (PolyGram)9 7 Don Huonot - Hyvaa Mina Ja Huomenta (BMG)10 9 Aqua - Aquarium (Universal)

TW LW SINGLES

1 1 Various Artists - Perfect Day (Chrysalis)2 4 Boyzone - Baby Can I Hold You (Polydor)3 2 Aqua - Barbie Girl (Universal)4 NE Teletubbies - Teletubbies Say "Eh -Oh" (BBC)5 5 Natalie Imbruglia - Torn (RCA)6 6 Celine Dion & Barbra Streisand - Tell Him (Columbia)

7 3 Dustin - Good Lookin' Woman (Lime)8 7 All Saints - Never Ever (London)9 9 Backstreet Boys - As Long As You Love Me (Jive)

10 8 Elton John- Something AboutiCandk In The Wind 1997 (Mercury)TW LW ALBUMS

1 2 Dustin - Faith Of Our Feathers (Lime)2 1 Celine Dion - Let's Talk About Love (Epic)3 NE Garth Brooks - Sevens (EMI)4 3 Various - Now 38 (EMINirgin/PolyGram)5 4 The Corrs - Talk On Corners (East West)6 5 The Verve - Urban Hymns (Virgin)7 8 Spice Girls - Spiceworld (Virgin)8 NE Various - Diana Princess Of Wales (V2)9 7 Various - Greatest Hits Of 1997 (Telstar)10 6 Enya - Paint The Sky With Stars (WEA)

SWITZERLANDTW LW SINGLES

1 1 Aqua - Barbie Girl (Universal)2 2 Pappa Bear - Cherish (Universal)3 3 Rion John- Something About/Candle In The Wind 1997 (PolyGram)

4 7 Dario G - Sunchyme (MV)5 4 Celine Dion & Barbra Streisand - Tell Him (Sony)

6 6 Bell, Book & Candle - Rescue Me (BMG)7 5 Lutricia McNeal - Ain't That Just The Way (Exclusa)

8 8 Cappuccino - Du Fehlst Mir (PolyGram)9 14 Down Low - Johnny B. (Zyx)

10 9 Will Smith - Men In Black (Sony)TW LW ALBUMS

1 1 Celine Dion - Let's Talk About Love (Sony)2 2 Eros Ramazzotti - Eros (BMG)3 NE Bryan Adams - Unplugged (Polydor)4 4 Gotthard - Defrosted (BMG)5 3 Metallica - Re -Load (PolyGram)6 5 Spice Girls - Spiceworld (Virgin)7 8 Sehliimpfe - Irre Galaktisch 6 (EMI)8 7 Enya - Paint The Sky With Stars (MV)9 NE Peter Reber - D'Hits Vom Peter Reber (PolyGram)

10 6 Bo Katzmann Chor - Miracles (BMG)

AUSTRIATW LW SINGLES

1 1 Elton John- Something About/Candle In The Wind 1997 (PolyGram)2 2 Bell, Book & Candle - Rescue Me (BMG)3 4 Pappa Bear - Cherish (Universal)4 3 Aqua - Barbie Girl (Universal)5 5 Dario G - Sunchyme (Warner)6 6 Alexia - Uh La La La (Sony)7 8 Backstreet Boys - As Long As You Love Me (Rough Trade)

8 13 Sweetbox - Everything's Gonna Be Alright (BMG)

9 12 N -Trance feat. Rod Stewart - Do Ya Think Pm Sexy? (EMI)

10 7 DJ Visage - Formula (EMI)TW LW ALBUMS

1 1 Celine Dion - Let's Talk About Love (Sony)2 4 Schliimpfe - Irre Galaktisch 6 (EMI)3 2 Metallica - Re -Load (PolyGram)4 3 Eros Ramazzotti - Eros (BMG)5 7 Al Bano & Carissi - B Concerto Classico (Warner)6 NE Kiddy Contest Finalisten - Kiddy Contest 97 (BMG)7 5 Enya - Paint The Sky With Stars (Warner)8 6 Spice Girls - Spiceworld (Virgin)9 8 Claudia Jung - Augenblicke (EMI)

10 19 Vanessa Mae - Storm (EMI)

PORTUGAL CZECH REPUBLIC

TW LW ALBUMS

1 1 Andrea Bocelli - Romanza (PolyGram)2 2 Daniels Mercury - Feijao Com Arroz (Sony)3 3 Amalia Rodrigues - Segredo (EMI)4 4 Celine Dion - Let's Talk About Love (Sony)5 5 Exceso - Eu Sou Aquele (PolyGram)6 6 Metallica - Re -Load (PolyGram)7 7 Paulo Gonzo - Quase Tudo (Sony)8 8 Spice Girls - Spiceworld (Virgin)9 9 Madredeus - 0 Paraiso (EMI)

10 10 Wham ! - The Best Of Wham! (Sony)TW LW ALBUMS11 11 Maria Joao Pires - Schubert Improvisor (PolyGram)12 12 Demis Roussos - 34 Titulos (PolyGram)13 13 Aqua - Aquarium (Universal)14 14 The Verve - Urban Hymns (Virgin)15 15 The Kelly Family - Growing Up (EMI)16 16 Eros Ramazzotti - Eros (BMG)17 17 Enya - Paint The Sky With Stars (Warner)18 18 Santana - Summerdreams (Sony)19 19 John Lennon - Lennon Legend (EMI)20 20 Cock Robin - Best Ballads (Sony)

TW LW SINGLES

1 1 Smoulove - Prvni Zimni Smoulympiada (EMI)2 2 Karel Gott & L Bila - Duety (EMI)3 3 Andrea Bocelli - Romanza (PolyGram)4 18 Andrea Bocelli - Viaggio Italians (PolyGram)5 5 Daniel Lands - Pozdrav Z Koze Jel (EMI)6 14 Daniel Hulka - Daniel Hulka (EMI)7 4 Metallica - Re -Load (PolyGram)8 8 Spice Girls - Spiceworld (EMI)9 9 Enya - Paint The Sky With Stars (Warner)

10 7 Ozzy Osbourne - The Ozzman Cometh (Sony)TW LW ALBUMS

1 1 Smoulove - Prvni Zimni Smoulympiada (EMI)2 2 Karel Gott & L. Bila - Duety (EMI)3 3 Andrea Bocelli - Romanza (PolyGram)4 18 Andrea Bocelli - Viaggio Italians (PolyGram)5 5 Daniel Landa - Pozdrav Z Koze Jel (EMI)6 14 Daniel Hulks - Daniel Hulka (EMI)7 4 Metallica - Re -Load (PolyGram)8 8 Spice Girls - Spiceworld (EMI)9 9 Enya - Paint The Sky With Stars (Wainer)10 7 Ozzy Osbourne - The Ozzman Cometh (Sony)

Based on the national sales charts from 16 European markets. Information supplied by ChartTrack (UR); Full chartservice by Media Control GmbH 0049-7221-366201 (Germany); SNEP (France); singles: Musica E Dischi/

Mario De Luigi, albums: Fimi-Nielsen (Italy); Stichting Mega Top 100 (Holland); Stichting Promuvi (Belgium); IPSOS/Mahass-IFPI (Hungary); GLF/LFPI (Sweden); IFPI/Nielsen MarketingResearch (Denmark); VG (Norwa