The UK Christmas Number 1

[MetalHead]

So, I've got my copy of "Killing in the Name of".

For those of you who don't know the deal, there's a HUGE push at the moment in the UK to get the 1992 Rage Against the Machine song "Killing in the Name of" into the top spot on the UK charts, in what started as a protest against the TV-Talent(less) show called "The XFactor" (think American Idol or similar and you'll get it)

Started small, now a proper grass roots movement (how poetic...) pushing 700K + people last I checked. I'm really hoping that the UK this year will show the world we're not a nation of cheesy-pop culture loving never think outside the box goons, and instead do something different!

If you want to check it out, the group is on facebook, you can't miss it.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvBS79Qz3m0

Those in the UK, DO IT!!!!

[Mikey]

Nice to see you again.

Why is this, now? I mean, I like Rage Against the Machine plenty, but you're talking about a 18-year-old song (almost - the record came out in the spring IIRC.) "Killing in the Name of" isn't even their best record. If you want to start a movement, try to circulate a petition to make Tom Morello stop doing ball-less projects like Audioslave and start making some real music again.

[Tyyr]

Probably its fairly well known and enjoyed. I'd also wager the chorus of "Fuck you I won't do what you tell me!" might have something to do with it. The goal isn't to start a movement, it's to make sure an Idol winner who won't last a year doesn't snag the top spot again with another soul-less rendition of someone else's song.

[Sionnach Glic]

Hell, I'd join in to stop that.

If, you know, I was British.

[Tyyr]

Same.

American Idol and everything like it, including it's British parents, is everything wrong with music today.

[IanKennedy]

You've got two chances - Fat and Slim. You would have a far better chance if you tried to push one of the charity singles that are out here at the moment. That way the money goes to a good cause. For example: Bandaged which is for children in need.

[Tyyr]

Apparently they tried last year and got their target song to the #2 spot.

[Sionnach Glic]

I've just found out that there's a movement over here to fuck with the Irish charts in the same way.

[kostmayer]

There's another movement to get Merry Xmas Everybody to number one, due to Noddy Holder's vow to get stand on top of broadcasting house and get litte Noddy out.

[Captain Seafort]

Hell, I'd join in to stop that.

If, you know, I was British.

So are you regretting leaving now?

[Sionnach Glic]

Nah, it means I don't have to put up with Cowell and his talentless losers.

[sunnyside]

Cool idea, but I think you picked a bad time for it.

My understanding is that Susan Boyle's CD is an absolute juggernaut sales wise, and more than just topping the charts is setting sales records.

[Sionnach Glic]

I'd still preffer her to some annoying X-Factor kid who'll be forgotten about this time next year.

[sunnyside]

Wait. Does it have to be a single to count towards what they're trying to achieve here? If so maybe they're OK because it's her Album that's doing well.

Frankly I don't get singles anymore. I mean they charge ~$10 for a CD with one song on it in an age when you could download that one song for a buck.

I guess that might explain why some punk singing a cover can top the charts if it's a relatively small market compared to album or internet sales.

[IanKennedy]

Wait. Does it have to be a single to count towards what they're trying to achieve here? If so maybe they're OK because it's her Album that's doing well.

Frankly I don't get singles anymore. I mean they charge ~$10 for a CD with one song on it in an age when you could download that one song for a buck.

I guess that might explain why some punk singing a cover can top the charts if it's a relatively small market compared to album or internet sales.

In the UK downloads from the likes of iTunes count towards the singles charts. They have done for a very long time. It's not just the shiny metal disks that count.