A couple of years ago, I was in a Border's book store in Los Angeles and saw a really cool book that compared the British music charts (at least the top 10 and probably more) with the American charts, week by week.  I know it covered the 80s, but probably the 90s too.  I'm not sure how far back it went, actually, but I remember studying all the British New Wave bands, so I know that period was covered.  I really wish I'd bought it, cause I haven't been able to find it since.

Does anyone have any ideas about what that book was?  Additionally, does anyone have any good suggestions for books or websites that cover the U.K. music charts?  I've found some good ones that cover the last few years, but not any good archival sites.

Hi there culturejunkie.

Since I was directed onto the following website by a friend from this, I thought it only right to return the favour.

A great website for studying week-by-week entries on the British charts, which covers every single chart entry from 1952 until the present day, is at http://homepage.ntlworld.com/martin.newton7/top40/

There is another site, if you click on Music Index, which can take you to all the number one hits as well.

I hope this helps.

(There are also books on this same subject. I can't remember what their names are, so maybe I'll direct those that know to this thread.)

Bobo:

Thank you so much for the tip to that website!  It's killer.  (And I've been searching for something just like it.)

I couldn't be more grateful.

;D

This is one that I swear by...

http://www.addall.com/detail/0879306661.html

...and although it doesn't work to a weekly basis (you'd need several volumes for that! It does it monthly...), it compares and contrasts between the US & UK charts quite wonderfully...

...certainly a must if you're an anorak like me!

The volume I've got was published in 2001, so there must be an update coming soon...

Thanks to you too, Paul UK:

I actually think this is the very book I've been searching for.  Thanks for ending my years of torment.

I didn't realize the book was organized by monthly top 20 charts instead of weekly, but the publication year and description leads me to believe it's the very one I want.

Thanks!

:)