[Updated] Weekly Register: Alan Jackson, Jason Isbell Vie For Top Spot

Country stalwart Alan Jackson and indie darling Jason Isbell released albums this week and both staked claim as the week’s best-selling country project. How is that possible?

After Nielsen Soundscan discovered an error in independent record store sales reporting yesterday (July 27), it re-ran the chart numbers. This resulted in Isbell debuting with 46K on the country albums chart (which measures sales only), slightly ahead of Jackson with 45K. Meanwhile, on the Top 200, which measures total activity (sales, streaming, etc.) Jackson had 48K, nudging out Isbell’s 47K.

Jackson’s Angels and Alcohol is his first studio album of all new music in three years. The project was produced by his longtime collaborator and friend Keith Stegall. It is the singer’s fourteenth album to debut at No. 1.

Thirty Tigers helmed the release of Isbell’s Something More Than Free, his fifth album. The project was recorded at the Sound Emporium in Nashville and produced by Dave Cobb. Isbell will vie for Artist of the Year at the 2015 Americana Music Awards. Tickets for his four-night stand at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium Oct. 23-26 sold out in 72 hours.

Average Joes act Moonshine Bandits debuted with 4K, landing at No. 13 country. The duo comprised of Tex and Bird collaborated with Nashville songwriters on the new album including Ira Dean (formerly of Trick Pony). Released on BackRoad Records, the project was produced by Durwood Black and Ty Weathers.

Top 5 Country Albums This Week
Jason Isbell 46K
Alan Jackson 45K
Sam Hunt 13K
Zac Brown Band 9.5K
Eric Church 8K

Luke Bryan owns the No. 1 spot on the country tracks chart (No. 15 overall) with “Kick The Dust Up” selling 56K. Meanwhile, his song “Strip It Down” debuts at No. 5 country (No. 25 overall) selling 44K. His next album will be released Aug. 7.

Top 5 Country Tracks This Week
Luke Bryan “Kick The Dust Up” 57K
Little Big Town “Girl Crush” 51K
Sam Hunt “House Party” 45K
Sam Hunt “Take Your Time” 45K
Luke Bryan “Strip It Down” 44K