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Limahl on iTunes: Now that's what I call progress
Mark Prigg, Technology Correspondent18 Aug 2008
It was first launched in 1983, when Phil Collins, Limahl and UB40 topped the charts, quickly becoming a teenage institution.
And today, the 70th issue of Now That's What I Call Music has become the fastest-selling compilation album ever on iTunes.
Now 70 is the first in the series to be sold via the Applemusic download service. Oliver Schusser, director of iTunes Europe, said: "It's also the first time the Number 1 album on iTunes has contributed 25 of the top 100 selling tracks, which shows the strong demand for quality compilations."
Tom Dunmore, of Stuff magazine, said: "I think it's a great thing to see these compilations online. This is a very good thing for the music industry. With the decline in single sales pop music has really suffered, and the fact this compilation is doing so well gives real hope.
"It's a real sign that there are consumers out there willing to pay for pop music online, rather than downloading it [for free]." Other sites have built on the popularity of online mixtapes and compilations.
Last.fm allows listeners to build up personalised radio stations and playlists, which can be shared. Muxtape.com lets people create song compilations, which can be listened to online or downloaded.
Meanwhile, Apple has also signed up dozens of celebrities, from BeyoncÈ to Mischa Barton, to create playlists for its site. Now That's What I Call Music 70 includes tracks by Estelle, Kanye West, Dizzee Rascal, and Rhianna, Mariah Carey and Kylie.
The first album in the compilation series, which came out 25 years ago, was filled with classic Eighties tracks including: You Can't Hurry Love by Phil Collins; Red Red Wine by UB40; Temptation by Heaven 17; Give It Up by KC & The Sunshine Band; Karma Chameleon by Culture Club; and Too Shy by Kajagoogoo.
