CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 10/3/24

in

Hey Everyone,
 
Water is a powerful thing people….
 
I woke up this morning thinking about Milton and all of the people that are affected by this storm. I have been nervously checking in with our Florida friends and family to get word and to make sure everyone is okay. Most everyone I have heard from so far has been safe which I am grateful for, but I know there will be a long road ahead after this one. 
 
Here in Alabama, our biggest worry is tornadoes. We all know those can be devastating as well, but they usually come on very suddenly and are usually over just as quickly as they came on. Hurricanes are different. There is that anticipation. There is a level of “preparation” that comes with the territory, and I think that waiting for the storm and the anxiety and worry that comes with it may in a lot of ways be worse.
 
I know we are all keeping our Florida people top of mind as they will surely need our help and support in the weeks to come.
 
In other water news, I also want to send out a call for support for our man Matt Vaughan, his family, and his Easy Street team. Many of you know, but if not, his store was flooded in the middle of the night when a pipe burst from the apartment above. I know Matt is still considering himself “lucky” because the fire department was on the scene quickly and was able to get in to stop the water before too much more damage was done. They still suffered damage to thousands of records and merch, but in typical Easy Street fashion, they are still pushing forward and are up and running.

https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/community-rallies-around-west-seattle-record-shop-after-flood/G7HMN3EDKJHNFBUGQGEKMSCFGU/?utm_campaign=feed&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio

This is one of our iconic CIMS stores so here are some ways to send them love and support:
Buy a gift certificate to use later
Place an online order
Buy some Easy Street merch
Dine at their café or grab a coffee
Grab a drink (or a few) at their bar
Attend an event

Big love to Matt, Keisha and everyone who is a part of the Easy Street community, and everyone who is being affected by Milton.
 
Here are the charts,
Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 10/19/23

in

Hi Everyone,
 
Last week we had an error on the CIMS Debut and Vinyl Debut charts due to a missing UPC in the feed. Our number one title on both debut charts was actually A.F.I.- Sing The Sorrow which was a title that came through ThinkIndie Distribution/UMe and since it is always nice to sit at number 1, I wanted to give proper credit where credit was due. We have corrected those charts and are resubmitting with this week's info.

Thanks,
Andrea 

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 10/14/23

in

Hi everyone,

In communications with various industry groups, the data analytics company Luminate has announced a dramatic change in the method used to calculate physical sales from independent retailers, set to go into effect 12/29/23. The details disclosed lead us to expect charts and data that show an abrupt, inaccurate and misleading physical market collapse immediately in Q1 2024.

The rise in physical sales in general -- and vinyl sales in particular -- has been a positive story in the music industry for over a decade. Independently-owned record stores have provided the music business with sustained positive media attention, as well as an entry point to music for consumers. The new leadership at Luminate, along with Billboard, has created and implemented new rules, changed guidelines and defined chart ineligibility in ways that have been damaging to record stores, labels and artists. Regardless of this, as coalitions and as Record Store Day organizers, we have worked for eighteen months to increase the number of stores reporting to Luminate, despite the confusion and lack of clarity in that process. As of today, the number of reporting accounts is 72, representing less than 5% of the indie record store base of over 1400 storefronts. We have seen little to indicate that the number of reporting stores necessary to prevent a perceived market share collapse when these changes are implemented is attainable by the end of the year. 

Our desire to be true partners in the effort to raise the number of reporting stores, thereby increasing the accuracy of the crucial data provided to labels, artists and management for decisions that will affect the entire industry has not been matched by Luminate. The changes laid out for the end of the year, which will affect not only the charts and data, but will directly impact over 1400 independently-owned businesses did not include input or approval from the record stores, from artist managers, or record labels. 
 
To be clear: the negative impact to the charts in January 2024 will be due to Luminate's decision to abruptly change how physical reporting is collected and calculated. We call for record labels, vinyl manufacturing plants, distribution companies, and record stores to be aware of this, and to work together against this inexplicable but blatant attempt to diminish the importance of the physical market to the music business ecosystem.

Alliance of Independent Media Stores
Amoeba Music
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
Dept of Record Stores
F.A.M.S. (Forever A Music Store) Coalition 


Here are the charts for the week.
Andrea 

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 10/27/22

in

Hi Everyone,

Lots going on here. For one, we are all gearing up for the holiday season which is suddenly upon us. It seems like it was just weeks ago that we were all together in New Orleans at RSD Summer Camp.

In CIMS news, we held our annual CIMS Board meeting in Atlanta, GA last week. I always feel like Summer Camp gets the conversation started about what’s new at indie retail and where we need to put our attention, and then our Board meetings are always an excellent follow up to that and serve as a more intense focus group for those indie retail initiatives. We had a great couple of days of meetings. I came home with lots of ideas and a slightly lengthier to do list.

That meeting was just another reminder of how important that in-person time together is, and how much can come out of just a couple of days of discussions. Thanks to Mike Fratt (Board Chair), Paige Brodsky (Board Secretary), Alayna Alderman, Jim Bland, Terry Currier, Justin Johnson, Sandy Bitman, Rand Foster and Stephen Judge- our CIMS Board, for your time and efforts. Thanks to Carrie Colliton (RSD) for stopping in to spend some time with us as well.

Going back to our Summer Camp, I remember having the discussion in our CIMS meetings about how many years of experience we had just in that room alone, and this week The Record Exchange in Boise Idaho is beginning their celebration of 45 years of bringing music to the people. The Record Exchange was started in 1977 by Jil Sevy and Michael Bunnell (our previous CIMS Executive Director) and last year they turned over the keys to Chad Dryden, Erica Sparlin Dryden, Catherine Merrick and Glenn Newkirk. They are kicking things ff with a huge sales event this weekend and a big celebration event in the works for this spring, so stay tuned for more info there. Congrats to everyone involved with The Record Exchange and here is to many more years!

That’s all from me this week and here are the charts.

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 10/20/22

in

Hi Everyone,

For some Midnights come early, for others it comes late.

Despite quite a few setbacks, I don’t think there is any real surprise on our #1 on the CIMS debut charts this week. Our stores continue to prove “You can’t keep a good man down”. With that in mind, there were still parties and celebrations because they continue to be creative and certainly know how to make the best of a situation. The stores were also able to make lots of fans happy with the signed records, so thanks to the team at Universal and Republic for making that happen with us.

Check out this party scene video from Park Ave CDs in Orlando, FL!

It is hard to have a release the same day as Taylor, so I would also like to give a shout-out to Domino Records on our #2 debut this week. I am personally loving the new tunes from Artic Monkeys. The Car is headed in the right direction :)

Here are the charts,
Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 10/13/22

in

Hi Everyone,

This week we are getting some proper fall chill in the air in Birmingham, and this morning I found myself digging into the abyss of the closet for my trusted flannel shirt.

That, and a cup of hot joe, set the perfect tone for this articlefeaturing Matt Vaughan and Easy Street Records. West Seattle represent!

If you find yourself in the PNW anytime soon be sure to pop into Easy Street, it is a stop not to be missed.

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 10/6/22

in

Hi everyone,

Here are the charts for the week.

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

Afghan Whigs
How Do You Burn?
(Royal Cream / BMG)

Russell Cothran - ThinkIndie Sales & Marketing
You knew this was coming. All you have to do is look at my email signature & know how big of a fan I am of The Whigs. I’ve been fortunate enough to see them three times on the tour behind How Do You Burn. Greg & Co. haven’t lost anything & come across with as much aggression as they ever have. With a trifecta of albums since reforming, this one seems to fit best with their classic output from the 90s. Lead track, “I’ll Make You See God” rocks as hard as anything they’ve ever done! Slow burns “Please, Baby, Please” & “Domino & Jimmy” ache with a pain you feel in every breath Greg pleads about lost love & regret. The latter features Marcy Mays back in the fold, & listening to her interplay w/ Greg once again, kills! “I know it’s been a while, but Baby, if you were waiting for me, We’re going out in style!”

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 10/21/21

in

Hi everyone,

Here are the charts for the week.

Andrea

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

Dino Lenny, Doorly, Seth Troxler
"The Magic Room - Dino Lenny & Seth Troxler Re-Edit"
(Play It Say It)

Blake Wimberly - CIMS/ThinkIndie Magician
A simple bassline groove, a couple of piano chords and some storytime vocals on top. Everyone's busy as hell, no time for digging -- just throw this one on repeat.

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 10/14/21

in

Hi Everyone,

Thinking about the issues with vinyl this week.

We have been struggling for a few years now at indie retail to get enough vinyl to keep our shelves stocked. Before the pandemic, it was a case of fulfillment, with new releases often showing up late and catalog sometimes taking weeks or even months to get product back in.

Then with the pandemic, there has been a whole new slew of problems that have entered the mix. Supply chain issues are rampant, and not just within our industry. There are shortages all along the line, from labor to cardboard to well… you name it, that have made it even more of a challenge for our stores to keep those customers happy and coming back for more. Yet, we are still here. Cue the Gloria Gaynor because, despite the tireless job it is, our stores are not only surviving but thriving! There has been impressive growth in the indie sector with vinyl sales over the past two years… and that is with what we can get our hands on. Imagine what we could do if we were not limited by all the supply issues that abound. It is a complicated multi-faceted problem and despite lots of robust discussions on the subject, there doesn’t seem to be a clear end in sight.

When we finally receive product, sometimes in very limited quantities to start with, there is an amazing amount of damaged product we are dealing with due to poor packing and shipping practices. That is the part that really makes me sick. After all the painstaking work and long hours that went into making those records, there ends up being a huge amount of unsellable product. The worst part of it all is this is an issue that was preventable.

This is something we have been actively discussing with our Partners on the Music Biz-led Physical Business Action committee and later today, this issue will be the focus of the fall installment of Let’s Talk Physical. Several members from all areas of physical distribution will come together to take a hard look at the packaging challenges faced by retailers, labels and pressing plants, and we will begin to discuss best approaches for optimizing shipping practices going forward.

What is that saying? One small step for Vinyl…

I look forward to the giant steps, but we must start somewhere.

I remain thankful to all the supporters out there that remain committed to independent physical retail and help to keep us on this journey.

Onwards and upwards.
Andrea

Here are the charts.

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 10/22/20 + RSD DROPS WRAP UP

in

Hi Everyone,
 
This past week we wrapped the last of our RSD Drop events. I hope you have been checking out the awesome recaps that the stores have been sending out for each, but I wanted to provide you with a CIMS-wide wrap-up for the event as a whole. As you are reading the info below, remember this is meant to serve as a summary of all three days and to give us a comparison of RSD 20 vs RSD 19.
 

  • Most stores were open about 10-12 hours on the drops day with hours varying by store. Some concentrated their RSD efforts to the morning hours, curbside, etc., and left the afternoon for regular shopping, while others kept the full days open for shopping the titles.

  • Sales by Unit were up on average about 3% from RSD 2019

  • Sales by Dollar were up about 18-20% from RSD 2019 with at least one store (shout out to Homer’s) beating their RSD 2019 -- their biggest sales record ever!

  • The thing that I was very happy to see, which I am sure everyone else reading this will also be happy to hear, is that our sell-through overall on 2020 RSD titles were excellent. The average for our stores was about 80%. Online selling capabilities and the ability to market these titles across 3 special event days really contributed to the success here.

  • The stores wished they would have had more of….wait for it…. Fleetwood Mac! But also: Miles, Mingus, Billie Eilish, Grateful Dead, Neal Casal, Allman Brothers, Skid Row, Freddie Gibbs, and Judas Priest


Top Albums at the stores across all three drops (not ranked)

  • Fleetwood Mac- The Alternate Rumours

  • Billie Eilish- Live at Third Man Records

  • Gorillaz- D-Sides

  • Tyler the Creator- Cherry Bomb

  • Miles Davis- Double Image: Rare Miles from the Complete Bitches Brew Sessions

  • Paul McCartney- McCartney

  • David Bowie- I'm Only Dancing (The Soul Tour '74)

  • Gorillaz- G-Sides

  • Bone Thugs-N-Harmony- Creepin' On Ah Come Up

  • The Who- Odds & Sodds


Top Singles across all three drops (also not ranked in order)

  • Lennon/Ono w/ The Plastic Ono Band- "Instant Karma! (2020 Ultimate Mixes)"

  • Jimi Hendrix- "Message To Love (Live)" / "Changes (Live)"

  • Pink Floyd- "Arnold Layne (Live 2007)"

  • Beck- "No Distraction (Khraungbin Remix)" / "Uneventful Days (St. Vincent Remix)"

  • John Prine/Kelsey Waldon- "The Kentucky Sessions"

 
Even though stores were more limited in what they could do “event-wise” this year, they still went above and beyond to make the day feel special for their customers offering takeaways, giveaways and promotions, special used product in the mix, prizes and of course, hand sanitizer!
 
There were different opinions among our stores (emphasis on the Independent in CIMS) about how many and when the drops occurred, but the overall feedback was that our approach (though notably more work across the board) was a success. It accomplished our goal of making these days more manageable at the store level (crowds management, buying, credit limits, etc…) and making our customers feel safe while keeping the excitement for the releases.
 
Universally it would have been preferred to be able to space these dates out a little bit so that we were not so close to our Black Friday event, but we are all doing the best we can to roll with the punches of 2020.
 
I am so proud of our stores for all of the creativity and hard work they put into pulling off these events.  I remain grateful to everyone that plays a role in bringing these products and this event to life, especially Michael Kurtz and Carrie Colliton, two people that really embody that motto of ours that “Record Store Day is Every Day”. Here is looking forward to a fantastic Black Friday.
 
 
Thank you all for your continued support,
Andrea
 
Here are the charts:


Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

cf15fffd-c3ad-457b-b76c-72aac471e72a.jpg
d0afbef0-14e2-4645-bbd3-1e66cc74dd59.jpg
eb019573-1869-41f8-88bd-57013df302c7.jpg
78c67e9b-9d70-44b2-8cc6-13b9ee033174.jpg
ef5f95fb-3bb4-48cf-88e4-912e75d5a890.jpg
77d0b504-7cb0-46e3-a179-35949a9a6a60.jpg
9e291e0b-448d-4425-8b35-53777b202ec7.jpg
8d4cb287-2b8e-4fd4-8850-f3167e2b0092.jpg
ec3dc16f-90a1-4833-86e8-62b7193fc7d6.jpg
af21700a-5fc9-4a3c-8189-b2ccdc3976e9.jpg
57204d2f-1b77-4680-9f19-c627a9ab4717.jpg

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 9/15/20

in

Hi Everyone,
 
This week we have all been busy putting the final touches on things to be ready for the final RSD Drop this Saturday. I once again want to say thanks to everyone that has been a part of making these events successful for our stores, and to all of you that continue to support us. We could not do what we do without you.
 
Have a good weekend, celebrate music, go buy some records and don’t forget to wear your mask!
 
Thanks,
Andrea
 
Here are a few of my favorites from the list:
Calexico- Hot Rail: 20th Anniversary Edition 2LP
Miles Davis- Double Image: Rare Miles From the Complete Bitches Brew Sessions 2LP 
The London Suede- Suede (The London Suede) LP 
Prince- Sign O' the Times 2LP picture disc
Lou Reed and John Cale- Songs for Drella 2LP
Ryuichi Sakamoto- Black Mirror: Smithereens Original Soundtrack LP 
Yann Tiersen- Lagniappe Sessions 12-inch
Various Artists- Rough Guide to Brazilian PsychedeliaLP
Various Artists- The Virgin Suicides: Music From the Motion Picture LP 
 
Here are the charts.


Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

a87bfcb9-3cdb-4c79-9c43-9f12a39f49a8.jpg
7fcd60c5-1685-4391-9b65-d36ffd8630b5.jpg
3a737d1c-00b8-4c24-a858-6e8c924f2ec7.jpg
f18f7389-86ab-45f4-92b5-9eec00a2a107.jpg
dd00b254-455f-4a0b-86d0-a6b084285f4a.jpg

CIMS WEEKLY CHARTS: WEEK ENDING 10/1/20

in

Hey Everyone,
 
Here are the charts for the week.

Andrea 

Andrea Paschal
Executive Director
Coalition of Independent Music Stores
ThinkIndie Distribution
3738 4th Terrace North
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 205.595.1932 x.208
Fax: 205.595.1938
Email : andrea@cimsmusic.com
cimsmusic.com
#cimsmusic

2b9bf94c-ea8a-4cbb-8079-f617c9b24abb.jpg
Ami Dang Meditations Mixtape Vol. 1 (Leaving Records)  Blake Wimberly - CIMS/ThinkIndie Zen Master From the artist: "Prayer (and moments of internal reflection) feel more important during this time--for too many reasons. We’re living in an…

Ami Dang
Meditations Mixtape Vol. 1
(Leaving Records)
 Blake Wimberly - CIMS/ThinkIndie Zen Master
From the artist: "Prayer (and moments of internal reflection) feel more important during this time--for too many reasons. We’re living in an unprecedented time of change: it’s difficult to plan anything this year, and a dark shadow has fallen over the world. Whether you or a loved one are ill, you’ve lost work, or are feeling general anxiety about the state of the world, these meditations are for you."

f6bfc784-6ea1-4087-8882-28e0ae36d62d.jpg
a25e2880-3eb6-46fd-8508-25a3374ef513.jpg
33ea0b80-e691-4318-b954-9f2ca4407d6b.jpg
8368c4a0-13bc-4c89-99e8-981c193e9409.jpg
d2f520d7-ce92-4cc6-b301-16fb98590bc4.jpg