ONE-DAY SALES: HOME IS WHERE THE CHICKS ARE

Okay, here’s a story for you: Following months of tense negotiations following an exchange of lawsuits claiming breach of this and that, the Dixie Chicks have released a new album on their own Sony label (Open Wide/ Columbia).

And whatever deal they made with the Japanese-owned major, they’re keeping their end of the bargain, because Home is selling by the buttload.

Indeed, the new one by the Texas trio looks headed for more than 700k sold in its first week of release, making it next week’s #1 by a country mile, according to early reports from national accounts. The album is handily beating all expectations and putting a smile on weary execs faces. And isn’t that what this roots music is really all about? A little smile when you’re feeling down? Just asking.

Also hitting the chart next week will be Coldplay, whose A Rush of Blood to the Head (Capitol) appears likely to sell over 100k. Likewise for Eve’s Eve-Olution (Ruff Ryders/Interscope). Both albums have a solid shot at the Top 5.

Also having a solid shot at the Top 5—actually a really, really good shot at #2—is Eminem, whose Eminem Show (Aftermath/Interscope) continues to post the big numbers, again showing the depth and strength of his fanbase. Especially the corn-fed farmboys who are just getting around to buying his latest joint.

Now, it’s important to remember that we have a long weekend coming up, and that long weekends throw all kinds of wrenches into our retail prognosticators’ works. That means our predictions regarding all of the above may be horribly skewed one way or the other, depending how the record-buying consumer behaves over the holiday. Will he or she choose to purchase music over the three-day span? Will he or she stay home and brood about the true meaning of Labor Day? Will he or she buy video games, DVDs and lifestyle magazines instead of music?

These are things we cannot predict. We do, however, stand by our assertion that the Dixie Chicks will be #1. Thank you for your time.