March 19, 2007 14:46

The Fratellis release new single on new format

USB sticks 'could shake up chart'

The Fratellis have released their new single ’Baby Fratelli’ on a USB drive today (March 19), leading to speculation that the new format could shake up the charts.

Chart rules have changed which could make downloads eligible for the Top 40 since the beginning of 2007 and it has been suggested that flash drives should now be included in the count.

About 7,000 Fratellis sticks have been made available at HMV stores.

USB drives were piloted last October with Keane single ’Nothing’s In My Way’ which sold out in a day.

In a statement Lee Jenson head of marketing at Island Records said: “The success of the Keane single last year convinced us that music fans would welcome more audio release on this format.

“If demand really does start to take off, it may well become viable to thinkg about releasing selective album on USB as well, especially if they are to become eligible for inclusion in the chart.”