This season music lovers might not have to wait till the actual day to celebrate Christmas as UK’s favourite performers are all coming out with their ‘greatest hits’ compilations. Irish boy-band Westlife ‘The Love Album’ is facing stiff competition from compatriots U2, whose album featuring songs from their 20 year long successful career is simply titled ‘18 Singles’.

But wait for a moment, the blast from the past might just blow them away as the timeless music created by The Beatles is compiled by their producer George Martin in ‘Love’ and Brit Pop/Rock band Oasis are not far behind either.

The lads from Manchester are not ‘looking back in anger’ and they don’t need to as their ‘Stop The Clocks’ featuring songs hand picked by the band is giving the afore-mentioned records a reason to think and then re-think their marketing strategy.

When you have the problem of plenty and that too when Christmas is just around the corner it’s time for double celebration and right now you just could not ask for more. As far as music industry insiders are to be believed after the initial spurt, sales of ‘Love’ has cooled down but Westlife and U2 are beginning to generate some heat.

The reason for the Beatles album not faring well may be the new continuous mix format which has put off quite a few loyal listeners and since this was the supposed ‘novelty’ value of the album, the sales are not able to sustain themselves in front of the serious competition offered by other noteworthy competitors.

In the onset of this month Westlife got their 14th UK #1 single with ‘The Rose’ and it has given them bragging rights for being the most successful ‘boy-band’ of 21st century. But the ‘experts’ feel that Oasis might sneak through to the #1 position but in the long run U2 and Westlife will be selling more records (never quite figured out how they manage it).

While the market is strife with speculation nobody seems to be complaining, the retailers are making a killing and fans are swarming the music stores. Well I suggest, avoid battling the Christmas shoppers on the high street and purchase online. You might end up with a good bargain and enough Cashback to buy something you were planning to avoid! So have a musical and merry Christmas!