NME extends brand to album compilation

by Daniel Farey-Jones, Brand Republic 30-Nov-05, 11:00

LONDON - The NME is to sell a CD on the high street for the first time, having put together a 39-track double compilation album featuring the likes of The Killers, Gorillaz and Coldplay in a joint venture with Universal/EMI.

The IPC title is cashing in on what Universal product manager Simon King called a "vintage year for guitar bands".

The compilation, 'NME Presents: The Essential Bands', includes tracks by bands championed in the magazine among them Kaiser Chiefs, Franz Ferdinand, Goldfrapp and Hard-Fi.

King, Universal's music TV product manager, said: "The NME have allowed us to augment our TV-led marketing with very targeted editorial and ad support."

In addition, the NME confirmed the line-up for the NME Awards Tour, sponsored by Wella Shockwaves for the second year.

In order of appearance the line-up is Mystery Jets, We Are Scientists, Arctic Monkeys and Maximo Park. The tour begins on January 23 and will visit 19 locations.

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