Al,

Many songs in the US are never released as a proper single like we used to remember when we were young. Sales of singles are based on radio air-play, more than anything else. The Aussie, and UK market still release a good number of singles proper: CD , vinyl, etc.

As far as the US market goes, the rise of iTunes and other digital outlets have enabled record labels to push a greater number of songs for sale as a single. Many of them, pre-released prior to the album. Before the digital boom, many singles we're pretty much promo tracks issued to radio, not for the consumer to buy.

For example; one of my favorite artists, Patty Griffin, released an album this past year. Well, “Heavenly Day” was the song the label (ATO) chose to push as the “single” even though a proper single was never release. It was the track radio played first and foremost. It was the song Patty performed on late night TV shows the first time around and video filmed.

Hope that all makes sense?

Now as far as Pink's single? I find it kind of odd that a year old song done by a international Pop Star is finally climbing the charts in Australia? I think that says more to the acceptance of Aussies to the idea of criticizing the U.S. Pres in a pop song and releasing it as a single, as much as the US label never releasing it to US consumers who are increasingly turning onto criticizing this administration openly. Though, I think the US labels are still scared of their artists being Dixie-chicked!