Jackson holds Florence off albums top spot

Michael Jackson has held Florence and the Machine off the top of the UK albums chart.

Florence and the Machine - the recording name of 22-year-old singer-songwriter Florence Welch - racks up the biggest first week sales for any debut album this year.

However, her Lungs LP has to settle for second position behind Jackson's 2-CD hits compilation The Essential.

The late singer posts six albums in this week's top ten, including two versions of his 1982 classic Thriller, and a total of nine in the top 20.

Meanwhile, dance trio Cascada debut inside in the top ten, landing at eight with third album Evacuate The Dancefloor. Their hit of the same name retains its position at the top of the singles chart this week.

The top ten albums in full (click where possible for our reviews):

1. (1) Michael Jackson: 'The Essential'
2. (-) Florence and the Machine: 'Lungs'
3. (10) Michael Jackson: 'Off The Wall'
4. (6) Michael Jackson: 'Thriller'
5. (82) Michael Jackson & The Jackson 5: 'The Motown Years'
6. (2) La Roux: 'La Roux'
7. (3) Michael Jackson: 'Number Ones'
8. (-) Cascada: 'Evacuate The Dancefloor'
9. (18) Michael Jackson: 'Thriller 25'
10. (8) Lady GaGa: 'The Fame'

Source: Official Chart Company

> Click here for this week's top ten singles