Twilight - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Dawns at #1: Soundtrack Album  11/12/08

"TWILIGHT" Dawns at #1: Soundtrack Album Tops SoundScan/Billboard 200, Heralded by Lead Single, Paramore's "Decode"; "TWILIGHT: THE SCORE" Coming Soon; "TWILIGHT," the Film, Hits Theatres Nov. 21st

NEW YORK, NY--(Marketwire - November 12, 2008) - "TWILIGHT -- ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK," the musical companion to the upcoming Summit Entertainment film, has made an explosive #1 debut atop this week's SoundScan/Billboard 200 album chart. The Chop Shop/Atlantic Records soundtrack -- highlighted by Paramore's brand new single, "Decode" -- also claims the #1 spot on SoundScan's Digital Albums chart.

With first-week sales of 165,000 units, this marks the largest debut for an Atlantic Records soundtrack since Nielsen SoundScan began tracking sales in 1991. In addition, "TWILIGHT" marks the biggest digital album debut of a theatrical soundtrack in SoundScan history. "TWILIGHT," the film, is slated to open in theatres nationwide on November 21st.

"I am so pleased that the album is connecting so well with Twi-hards," said producer Alexandra Patsavas, who compiled the soundtrack. "The tracks were carefully chosen for the movie and reflect the characters and storyline."

Last week, MTV premiered the video companion for Paramore's "Decode" across all channels, including a special release day premiere on MTV's "TRL." Directed by Shane Drake, the video has already been added into rotation at MTV, MTV2, mtvU, and FUSE. At Alternative radio, "Decode" is continuing its upward climb, hitting #11 on the national airplay charts this week.

In addition to a second new song from Paramore called "I Caught Myself," the soundtrack features tracks from Muse, Linkin Park, Collective Soul, and new songs from Perry Farrell and MUTEMATH. In addition, "TWILIGHT" star Rob Pattinson has contributed an original song, "Never Think" -- his first-ever released recording.

On November 18th, Paramore will perform and sign autographs at the Hot Topic Lost Show, held at the Hollywood & Highland Hot Topic store in Los Angeles. Fans who purchase the exclusive Paramore t-shirt from Hot Topic will receive a wristband that secures preferred access to the performance as well as a guaranteed opportunity to meet the band following the concert. Visit www.hottopic.com for more information.

The second "TWILIGHT" album -- "TWILIGHT: THE SCORE" -- will be released digitally on November 25th and will arrive in stores everywhere December 9th. Composed, orchestrated, and conducted by the award-winning Carter Burwell, "TWILIGHT: THE SCORE" is a must-have companion to the film. Burwell, a renowned composer, is well-known for his work on most Coen Brothers films, including "The Big Lebowski," "Fargo," and "Burn After Reading," as well as "Being John Malkovich," "Gods and Monsters," and others.

More About "TWILIGHT"

The "TWILIGHT" series has sold over 17 million copies worldwide. There are over 100 fan sites devoted to "TWILIGHT," and it has been chosen as a New York Times Editor's Choice, a Publishers Weekly Best Book of the Year, Amazon's "Best Book of the Decade...So Far," Teen People's "Hot List" Pick, The American Library Association's "Top Ten Best Books for Young Adults" and "Top Ten Books for Reluctant Readers," and has been translated into 37 languages. In translating the series to the screen, critically acclaimed director Catherine Hardwicke brings to life this modern, visual, and visceral Romeo & Juliet story of the ultimate forbidden love affair -- between vampire and mortal.

SOURCE: Atlantic Records