Explain the US music charts.

[The Curmudgeon]

Man, your American music charts baffle me.

Over here, we have one major chart that the media focus on; the UK top 40 (it's actually the UK top 75, but the Top 40 is broadcast on radio). And it's based on sales only. Now, there are other, specialist charts (indie charts, rock charts etc) but the media and general public don't concentrate on them. Nice and simple.

So what the hell is the deal with the US charts? What's the Hot 100? And then there's the Airplay Charts (I think) and.. I don't get it. Some charts are based on airplay and not sales?

Explain, please.

[trashcanman]

I don't know and I don't care. It's all fucking advertising and payola as far as I'm concerned. There is a chart for alternative rock and another for modern rock. It's mostly the exact same songs but they are in a different order. I DARE somebody to explain that stupidity.

[Benjamin Haines]

The Billboard Top 200 is ranked by album sales and updated weekly.

I couldn't tell you about the gazillion others.

[The Curmudgeon]

See, it came to my attention when I read that Britney Spears was number one in the.. I dunno, Hot 100 or whatever, for the first time EVER. That's what confused me, 'cos surely .. Baby, One More Time was number one.. somewhere in America.

[Ben]

The charts are bullshit. Benjamin is right about the Billboard Top 200, but as far as I know the rest of the charts (like Modern Rock top 50, or whatever) are almost always based on airplay.