October 2003 - Platinum Europe Awards

November 4, 2003

David Bowie's The Best of Bowie delivers in a two-CD set a definitive compilation of tracks from the extensive back catalogue of one of the UK's most successful and lasting artists. It's all there; from the first track Space Oddity through Oh You Pretty Things, Starman, John I'm Only Dancing, Fame, Wild Is The Wind, Sound And Vision, Ashes To Ashes, Modern Love, China Girl to final track Slow Burn, and much, much more.

In October, the world's favourite cult band R.E.M. released In Time The Best Of R.E.M. 1988 - 2003 which has already achieved a first Platinum Europe Award. It features the seminal rock band's best-loved tracks including Losing My Religion, Man On The Moon and Everybody Hurts, plus two songs recorded especially for the release; Bad Day and Animal. If Bad Day's melody sounds familiar then that's because the basic nub of the track eventually became It's The End Of The World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine).

Robbie Williams Live At Knebworth is a fitting tribute to the entertainer's record-breaking series of concerts at Knebworth Park in the UK this summer. Recorded over the three nights, it is a memorable and lasting reminder of the night for those who were there, and delivers a heady shot of the live atmosphere for those who weren't. Highlights of the 14 tracks include Let Me Entertain You, Kids and Angels. The album has already achieved national gold or platinum awards in 14 countries on the way to picking up its first IFPI Platinum Europe Award.

Sean Paul's Dutty Rock heralds a new voice in reggae. The album is a mix of dancehall, new R&B and hip hop featuring producer credits including Sly & Robbie and the Neptunes as well as collaborations with Beyonce, Rahzel, Sasha, and Busta Rhymes among others. The album gives Sean Paul his first Platinum Europe Award.

Texas' beginnings go back to 1986, but the band has always managed to sound cool and contemporary. White On Blonde, released in 1997, is no exception. It includes Sharleen Spiteri's gorgeous vocals on tracks such as Say What You Want and Black Eyed Boy among others. White On Blonde has achieved a triple Platinum Europe Award.

Norah Jones' Come Away With Me continues to win new admirers across Europe, with an impressive four million copies of the jazz singer's debut sold since its release in February last year. The album has already gone gold or platinum in a total of 16 countries notching up multiple platinum awards in Denmark (x2), France (x3), Ireland (x7), Netherlands (x3) Switzerland (x2) and the UK (x5).

For further information contact
Nisha Gohil, IFPI Communications Department
Tel: +44 (0)20 7878 7900