With a Bullet: Today's Charts

There's that term again: the "summer doldrums." What is a summer doldrum, anyhoo? Is it some kind of odd bird that feeds off beach trash? One of those weeds that grows in hot pavement cracks, maybe? This writer is at a loss. But whatever it is, thank the god/demon/wood nymph of your choice for Common! Chi-town's native son has laid claim on the top spot with his seventh long-player of socially conscious rap. 'Finding Forever,' which has sold 156,000 in its debut week, is Common's first album to reach No. 1. With this superfine release, he has done to doldrums what Michael Vick does to Dobermans.

But back to that word "doldrums" -- Webster's defines it like so: "a spell of listlessness or despondency." Did someone mention Korn? After all, what's more listless than not bothering to name your new album? And what better illustrates the state of despondency in the musical world than this untitled eighth studio album by California's new-metal standard bearers debuting at No. 2, with 124,000 in sales?

• Weekly Winehouse Watch: So close, and yet so far (so far)! With 38,000 in sales last week, Amy's 'Back to Black' is a mere 11,000 short of the million that would bestow platinum status on the bibulous Brit. But she probably won't even pay heed to our little upcoming celebration, if talk of her appearing on an episode of 'The Simpsons' pans out. Not that this writer have an inkling as to what the producers need with her -- couldn't they just give Barney Gumble's drinking problem to Marge Simpson and be done with it?


• Hooray for dead people! Elvis Presley and Ella Fitzgerald have debuted in the Top 100 this week! Folks have been celebrating the 30th anniversary of the King's entombment by picking up 'Elvis: Viva Las Vegas,' the soundtrack to an upcoming TV special featuring the Hillbilly Cat's Sin City performances. And those fans of the First Lady of Song have been scooping up 'Love Letters From Ella,' one of those dealies where they take Miss Ella's vocals and back them with redone instrumental tracks for no good reason.

The top five albums for the week ending August 5:

1. 'Finding Forever,' Common (156,000 in 1st week)
   
2. 'Untitled,' Korn (124,000 in 1st week)
   
3. 'Now 25,' Various Artists (123,000 in 3rd week; 495,000 total)
4. 'Hairspray,' Soundtrack (82,000 in 4rd week; 292,000 total)
5. 'Hannah Montana 2: Meet Miley Cyrus,' Soundtrack (82,000 in 6th week; 929,000 total)