TEA

TEA TOTALING: The results of the reshuffling of UMG’s East Coast labels are readily apparent in this week’s TEA standings, as Republic powers to #1, bolstered by Island’s share, which is manifested most visibly by hit singles from American Authors and Avicii. Those two tracks gave Republic six of the Top 25 singles by sales (and seven in the Top 20 by airplay, according to Mediabase stats—see 4/17 item). At the end of the day (to use a phrase we would like to see eradicated from the English language), Monte’s merry men had just enough volume to slip past Columbia, which has ruled the weekly competition all year. It should be noted that Team Stringer remains on top year-to-date, though it’s very close. This matchup is starting to look like a third-round NBA Playoff series. (4/18a)