USB drives 'could shake up chart'

It comes as Scottish band The Fratellis release their new single and accompanying video on a flash drive, which fits into computers and laptops.

Chart rules have changed to make downloads eligible for the top 40 and it has now been suggested that flash drives should be included in the count.

Glasgow band The Fratellis were named Best Breakthrough Act at the Brits.

The USB drive was piloted last October with Keane single Nothing's In My Way, which sold out within a day.

About 7,000 Fratellis sticks will be made available at HMV stores. The store said there was a growing case for making the sticks chart eligible.

Lee Jenson, head of marketing at the Fratellis' record company, Island Records, said: "The success of the Keane single last year convinced us that music fans would welcome more audio releases on this format.

"If demand really does start to take off, it may well become viable to think about releasing selective albums on USB as well, especially if they were to become eligible for inclusion in the chart."