KISS’ SONIC GOES BOOM!!

Gene Simmons has done it again. His Wal-Mart exclusive for the band’s new Sonic Boom album, its first new studio effort in 11 years, is headed for between 150-175k in sales, giving the masked rockers a beeline on their first chart-topping release ever.

That's based on reports from those retailers out there who haven't packed up and moved to Boca Raton or begun to write a tell-all biography.

Showdog Nashville’s Toby Keith album American Ride is the next highest at 80-90k, though Reprise crooner Michael Buble’s Crazy Love, which comes out this Friday (10/9) to coincide with the singer’s Oprah appearance, could also be in the mix.

Capitol Nashville’s Luke Bryan is next with 40-45k, along with Jive/JLG’s Relient K and Backstreet Boys.

Malaco’s veteran gospel act BeBe & CeCe Winans appear headed for the 30-35k range, followed by Columbia’s Brandi Carlile (25-30k), Cherrytree/Interscope’s Tokio Hotel (18-22k) and Atlantic’s Mayday Parade (18-22k).

The market was up 16% vs. last week, down 8% vs. same week last year and still down 14% year to date.

You may now return to wondering if Paul Shaffer’s sex life is anywhere nearly as interesting as Dave’s.