While singles actually benefit from bank holidays, as they are driven by downloads, album sales have been hit hard.

At their lowest level for 45 weeks a fortnight ago, they took another dive last week with sales falling to a paltry 1,547,983.

That's 15.05% below same week 2010 sales of 1,822,280, and the lowest tally in 591 weeks in the 21st century, replacing week-ending 13 May 2000, when 1,564,412 albums were sold.

Though outdoor activities and watching the royal wedding ...