EMI chief Tony Wadsworth has responded to criticism that his
Parlophone label cheated the new singles chart system with the release of the Gorillaz single 'Feel Good Inc'.
As previously reported, EMI released a very limited edition run of the single and made it available to download. The albeit limited physical release meant that the song was eligible for a chart rating. Thanks to subsequent download sales it managed to go Top 30 - even though the full physical CD release of the single isn't until next week. This caused concerns in parts of the music industry (well, mainly the retail sector) who say that the label were pushing the rules regarding the physical release that is required in order to get your download sales counted in the main chart.
Responding to those concerns, EMI boss Tony Wadsworth told reporters: "We passionately believe that it is essential for the whole industry to grow the digital business if we are to meet consumer wishes and properly service our artists. Having said that, we have no wish to make life any more difficult than it already is for retailers, particularly small indies whom we have gone out of our way to support in recent years. The Gorillaz limited physical release was a one-off and we don't intend to repeat it. It has highlighted an issue that we feel needs debating and we are now happy to continue that debate within the chart supervisory committee with retail representatives and other music companies."