2007: The End? - January

The big rule change in the charts at the start of 2007 was that downloads counted regardless of whether there was a physical single or not. This made every track that could be downloaded eligible for the charts.

There were just 24 new entries in January which meant just 2 points were needed to not be the bottom month so far.

The first record I listened to was also the best one which was "Different World" by Iron Maiden. It was a new record but could have just as easily been made in 1987 and crucially has a fast drum beat which is an essential part of a decent Iron Maiden tune.

Next was David Gilmour with a live version of "Arnold Layne" by his old band Pink Floyd, no doubt in there because of the new rules. This one gets half marks. There's also half marks for the next one which is also an older one. "What You Do (Playing With Stones)" Big Bass vs Michelle Narine originally came out in 2000, it heavily samples "Playing With Knives" and ruins it somewhat with vocals, but I don't mind it.

Already we're no worse than previous months and the next record ensured we were better than some. "Proper Education" by Eric Prydz samples "Another Brick In The Wall" and has a lot more credibility that his previous chart topping effort "Call On Me".

A third of the records are indie ones which includes a solo effort from Jarvis Cocker. Once again though it's zeroes all around for the genre.

In the dance world aside from those already mentioned we have "Exceeder" by Mason & Princess Superstar. This is yet another decent instrumental with shit vocals added to it but it's a decent enough tune to not let the vocals put me off. Then there's "Rain Down Love" by Freemasons & Siedah Garrett which is the usual commercial fodder you get from Freemasons. That's your lot dance wise.

Rap & R&B is even thinner on the ground. We have a good record from Akon & Snoop Dogg with "I Wanna Fuck You". Then we have crap from 50 Cent plus others with "You Don't Know" and from Jojo (female singer, not the one from Jodeci)  with "Too Little Too Late".

One final record to get half marks is "Starz In Their Eyes" by Just Jack, a pleasant enough record with a good sentiment but not quite good enough for full marks.

This just leaves the worst record which goes to Amy Winehouse with the appropriately titled "You Know I'm No Good". Yes I do know that.

Here's a list of the records with the best on top, worst at the bottom and the good ones in green, OK ones in amber and rubbish ones in red (and in no particular order):

Score: 23%

Here's a look at the chart:

That's a huge improvement, better than any month in 2006 and the majority of months in 2005. Was this a one off or did the Top 40 improve in the new download era?