Death Cab parks at No. 1

WMG releases take top three slots in chart

By PHIL GALLO

Death Cab for Cutie secured its first No. 1 in a week that saw debuts in the top four slots on the nation's album sales chart. The top three are Warner Music Group releases -- a feat the company hadn't pulled off in more than a decade and a half.

"Narrow Stairs" (Atlantic) sold 144,000 in the week ended Sunday, according to Nielsen SoundScan. Death Cab's prior album, "Plans," their major label debut after four indie releases, has sold 90,000 copies since its first week in 2005.

Death Cab will perform Thursday on the outdoor stage at "Jimmy Kimmel Live." Disc features Triple-A radio hit "I Will Possess Your Heart," which has sold more than 100,000 digital downloads.

Reprise Records' Frank Sinatra collection "Nothing but the Best," released in conjunction with the crooner's appearance on a postage stamp and the 10th anniversary of his death, sold 99,000. It's the first Sinatra release since Rhino inked a pact with the Sinatra children to represent his music and likeness.

Jason Mraz's "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things" (Atlantic) sold 73,000 copies to pop in at No. 3, his highest debut. Album is the singer-songwriter's new high-water mark on the chart; "Mr. A-Z" topped out at No. 5 in 2005.

Duffy, the Welsh soul singer, came in at No. 4, selling 71,000 copies of her A&M/Polydor debut "Rockferry." The album, prominently featured at Starbucks outlets, has been No. 1 in England and other European countries; her single "Mercy" has also been No. 1 across Europe.

"Division" (Universal Republic), by 10 Years, sold 28,000 (No. 12), and Disney's soundtrack to "The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian" moved 16,000 (No. 26). Selling 13,000 each were Cherish's "The Truth" (Capitol), at No. 40; Filter's "Anthems for the Damned," at No. 42; and the Hear Music compilation "The Second Wave," at No. 43.

Last week's chart-topper, Neil Diamond's "Home Before Dark," sold 53,000 copies, down 63%, and landed at No. 7.