March 10, 2010 16:00

Gorillaz Number One album in first ever official midweek chart

Plus Tinie Tempah on course for second week at singles peak

Gorillaz are on course to score a Number One album on Sunday (March 14), with 'Plastic Beach', currently Number One in the official midweek charts.

Today is the first time the midweeks have been made public by the Official Chart Company. Previously the data was restricted to the music industry, although it was routinely leaked.

Damon Albarn's cartoon band face competition from a host of fellow new entries this week: Boyzone are Number Two with 'Brother', Amy MacDonald is Number Three with 'A Curious Thing', Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Love Never Dies' album is at Four, while Alicia Keys' 'The Element Of Freedom' (the only non-new entry in the Top Five) is at Five.

In the midweek singles chart Tinie Tempah is still holding onto the top spot, with 'Pass Out' currently fending off competition from Rihanna, who is at Number Two with 'Rude Boy'.

Check NME.COM from 7pm (GMT) on Sunday to see if Gorillaz' third album does indeed end up topping the charts on its first week of release.

Plus get the new issue of NME, out now, for an interview with Albarn and Murdoch of the cartoon band.