Frog ringtone to oust Coldplay in UK music charts

LONDON - The "Crazy Frog" mobile phone ringtone - loved and loathed in equal measure in Britain - looks set to be number one in the music charts after it went on sale as a CD single, pipping a new release from top band Coldplay.

The Crazy Frog's Axel F is currently outselling Coldplay's Speed Of Sound by a four to one margin and is almost certain to be top when the charts are released on Sunday, music seller HMV said.

If it does make it to number one, it will be the first time a ringtone has achieved such a feat.

Television adverts plugging the tune feature an animated frog wearing a broad smile singing the distractingly catchy "ding ding dididing..."

Earlier this year, the Advertising Standards Authority received complaints from viewers who not only objected to the frog's visible genitalia but also the frequency of the TV spots.

In recent adverts, the frog's tiny penis has been censored even though the watchdog deemed in February it was acceptable.

"Music purists might not be too happy at the prospect of the Crazy Frog outselling Coldplay," said HMV's Gennaro Castaldo.

"Kids obviously find it cute and cool, but even students and office workers seem to be drawn to its rather kitsch, ironic appeal."

- REUTERS