The Pixies top first UK download chart

UK trade association the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) plans to launch the UK's first official chart based on music downloaded from the internet on 1 September.

The chart will be compiled by the Official UK Chart Company (OCC) and is set to be broadcast by Radio 1.

It will be compiled using sales data from UK download retailers, including HMV, iTunes, MSN, Mycokemusic, Playlouder, Virgin and 7 Digital Media.

Test data from last week saw The Pixies top the chart with Bam Thwok, released independently by the band on their own label. Maroon 5's This Love was at number two and Outkast's Hey Ya! at number three.

"People have talked about the online music revolution for years. The launch of the UK's Official Download Chart shows that the revolution is here," said BPI chairman Peter Jamieson in a statement.

"What this test data shows is that [downloads] are generating a new way of listening to music.

"Sales of tracks via download are likely to be a fraction of those on album or even single for some time to come. Music remains overwhelmingly a CD market.

"But the excitement and energy surrounding the new legal music sites is giving a lift to the entire market."

The chart will again be sponsored by Coca-Cola, which sponsors the official UK Singles and Albums Charts. The OCC said that it is currently talking to licensees which will publish and broadcast the chart.

"The Official UK Download Chart marks the most significant development in the charts since the advent of compact disc 20 years ago," said Omar Maskatiya, charts director at the OCC, in a statement.

Official UK Chart Company

HMV

iTunes

MSN

Mycokemusic

Playlouder

Virgin

7 Digital Media