The Inbetweeners: average guys, awesome tunes

I am locked in the middle of exams at the moment and, in my many hours of procrastination, I have managed to re-watch every episode of the greatest sit-com ever: The Inbetweeners.

During these wasted but enjoyable hours, I realised that the music on that show is awesome. It features the Arctic Monkeys, Jack Peñate, Vampire Weekend, Jamie T, Kanye West (the list of amazing artists goes on for ever so I should probably stop there, but if you want a full list click here).

But what other shows have great music? Made in Chelsea has a good selection. Of course there's the synonymous 'Midnight City' by M83 as well as lesser known artists such as the fabulous Josh Record (I did a review on his debut EP here). The show also featured a live performance from Young Kato, who hopefully I will be going to see live this summer.


After that little segment, I thought I should also point you towards some good songs I've discovered recently.

• Monster Rally, RUMTUM - Walter's Jam
• Oberhofer - Away Frm U
• Alt-J - Intro

You can find a playlist of more of my my fave songs at the moment here, feel free to subscribe, I'll update it regularly.

What do you think? Comment below which TV shows you think have the best music and leave me suggestions of new songs and artists to listen to!

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Crazy Chart Records

Daft Punk have been number 1 in the UK for 4 weeks; that's impressive. Justin Timberlake only managed 3 with his hit single 'Mirrors', and no one else has equalled Daft Punk's achievement in the past year. (The last person to get 4 weeks at number 1 was Carly Rae Jepsen in April 2012)

However, in the chart update today, 'Get Lucky' dropped to number two, making it unlikely that it will defend it's title for another week. This got me thinking, what's the longest time a song's spent at number 1?

In the US Billboard charts, the record holders are Mariah Carey and the inspirationally named Boyz II Men with 'One Sweet Day'. That song, according to wiki, managed to stay number 1 for an impressive 16 weeks. 

Now, 16 weeks is good, but 18 weeks is better, and that's been the record time spent at number 1in the UK singles charts for 55 years (since 1958). However what makes this even more impressive is that the UK singles chart only started in 1953! The holder of this incredible record is none other than Frankie Laine with 'I Believe',  which I'm sure you're all very familiar with.

At the moment these artist may seem like idols. Gods even. They both spent more than three months at number one, 'One Sweet Day' selling more than 25 million copies. But what if were to tell there was a song out there that was number 1 for more than a year?

Well South Korean boy band, Super Junior did just that. Their single 'Bonamana' spent a ground shattering 62 weeks at the top Taiwan's KKBOX chart, a feat unmatched worldwide (at least thats what I gather from the internet).

Do you know of any other impressive chart records, or maybe you know of a single that outmatched Bonamana? Let me know in the comments below, I'm interested to here what you have to say!
 

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Josh Record - Bones - EP

Josh Record, the 25 year old singer song writer from Brixton has blessed us with his four track EP entitled 'Bones'.

It consists of four masterpieces: the powerful and emotive 'For Your Love' which subsumes Josh's voice, rising majestically above a simple, understated piano and guitar medley.

Secondly, 'Bones', my favourite of the songs, encompasses you in an air of ethereal beauty. Josh's one man choir harmonises his metaphors to the tee and a progressive, underlying guitar riff holds it all together.

The third and penultimate track 'Wonder' is the weakest on the record, it's a bit lacklustre but is a still a fantastic song in it's own right; it's atmospheric and utterly gorgeous. We hear Josh's voice dropping to bassy tones for the first, and only time on this EP; a heavenly experience. One of my only criticisms is that  he does not use his range substantially throughout his EP, it would help add some variation to his otherwise, similar sounding songs. (Hello alliteration!)

Moving on to the final, very short offering 'Alaska', we hear a more natural side to Josh's style, he sings of a life in the wilderness, over a searching acoustic guitar and displaced piano chords accompanied with incredibly subtle percussion that could go unnoticed. It's a strong finish to an equally strong EP.

In conclusion: majestically crafted, definitely check this one out!


What do you think? I'm interested to know what your take on this album is so comment below!

Josh Record - Bones - EP
Reviewed by
Daniel Brashaw on May 19 2013 
Rating: 4.5

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Noah and the Whale - Heart of Nowhere

This is the fourth album from 'Noah and the Whale', the folk/rock fusion five piece from Twickenham. Christened 'Heart of Nowhere' it heralds back to their previous albums, and is easily recognisable as a 'NATW' record.

It's full of reminiscent songs, about love lost, past friendships and youth; much like the bands previous hits such as '5 years time' and 'L.I.F.E.G.O.E.S.O.N' (the latter of which has got to be the most tedious song title to type out, ever.)

Despite these similarities 'Heart of Nowhere' does bring some fresh sounds to the table, that, until now we have not heard from this quintet, and they are evident right from the start. The first track after the deceptively positive 'Introduction' called (like the album itself) 'Heart of Nowhere', features the first female singer on a 'Noah and the Whale' track, in the form of 'Anna Calvi', as well as a funky guitar strum in the back ground. Speaking of cross genres, there is an underlying punk rock feel on several of the tracks such as 'Lifetime' and 'Silver and Gold' brought about by a rhythmic, progressive bass and palm muted guitar chord pattern.

My main issue with this album is, and there's no better way to put it: it's too 'samey'. When you listen to the CD from top to tail it's hard to distinguish any stand out tracks, the only one being 'Not Too Late'; with it's pleasant guitar riff and shuffley feel it suits Charlie Fink's voice beautifully.

In conclusion; enjoyable but uninspired.


What do you think? I'm interested to know what your take on this album is so comment below!

Noah and the Whale - Heart of Nowhere
Reviewed by Daniel Brashaw on May 18 2013
Rating: 3.7

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