Episodes
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Gather round, there's something we need to tell you.
And it's not just that Louis Tomlinson has released a really good single with Bebe Rexha.
Seriously, Back to You is all sneaking charm. It has such a beautiful slow churn. No chorus, just the same four chords round and round and an atmosphere of anguished excitement, as if sung by someone who has decided the person who most annoys them in the world might also just be their best bet for a happy life.
Bebe Rexha is the true star of proceedings, but Louis is a more than able foil for her. It's a wonderfully measured song that is beautifully understated, particularly in the bridges (even the swearing seems oddly measured, rather than brattish showing off), and the minimal atmosphere is further proof that pop needs more songs like Bad Liar. And it’s got those weird 1D yelps that also appear in Niall Horan’s Slow Hands.
I wonder if it was conceived after Harry’s album came out, as there’s a kind of mature pop properness to the chords it that seems to be pitched midway between Harry and Niall.
Anyway the thing we need to talk about is not that. It's something else. -
Laura's work has conspired to keep her away this week, but fear not Fraser is on hand to deliver the all-important Top 10 and put everyone out of their misery with regards to what the beginning of J-Hus's Did You See sounds like.
Oh, but he's talking about Bad Liar again.
Haim's cover of the song is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzI2FM2-7GM
Switched On Pop's discussion of Bad Liar is here: http://www.switchedonpop.com/65-selena-gomez-bad-liar-great-performer/
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
Missing episodes?
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Kesha's solo comeback Praying is a song that strikes at the heart of how pop is made and where the power lies. It also raises the question of whether authenticity is a prerequisite when listening to highly emotive songs.
Source material for this discussion includes Amanda Petrusich's excellent piece for the New Yorker:
http://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-pain-of-denying-kesha-her-audience
And John Seabrook's highly recommended book The Song Machine: Inside the Hit Factory.
Elsewhere in this week's podcast, there's a J-Hus challenge, some bickering over Rita Ora lyrics and an argument over Katy Perry, Calvin Harris and whether songs written as a patchwork quilt of little ideas still work.
Popjustice's review of Liam Payne's new single is here: https://www.popjustice.com/songs/zedd-and-liam-payne-get-low/
And we've made a Songs of the Summer playlist, to be updated with new suggestions as they come along: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/3Dwx8dc86Zksmf8aUNKJxG
Laura's most-listened-to song this week is "Equestrian" by Omni and Fraser's is “ALIENS” by Coldplay.
As ever, all of this week's notable tracks are in our rolling Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/2J6T6Ks6rQNNe9vUeu24ON
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
The Official Charts Company have issued new rules to tackle the Sheeran Singularity, and they appear to be partly based on suggestions that have appeared in previous Unbreak My Chart episodes.
We take a look at the new rules, and give them a prod to see how robust they may be. And along the way, accidentally embark on an imaginary cull of some of our biggest pop talents.
Pitchfork's Rihanna feature is here: http://pitchfork.com/features/overtones/10052-is-rihanna-the-most-influential-pop-singer-of-the-past-decade/
St Vincent's Guitar Moves interview is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vRPmJx8bYs
And we've made a Songs of the Summer playlist, to be updated with new suggestions as they come along: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/3Dwx8dc86Zksmf8aUNKJxG
Laura's most-listened-to song this week is "New York" by St Vincent and Fraser's is “Last Chance Saloon” by Hightown Pirates.
As ever, all of this week's notable tracks are in our rolling Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/2J6T6Ks6rQNNe9vUeu24ON
Warning - this episode contains a slightly inept (and not remotely adult) discussion of the pneumatic reality of sex, as it pertains to the lyrics of Little Mix.
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
At last! The results of our Song of the Summer poll are in, and they are mighty, although a little predictable in some cases (take a bow, Fraser McAlpine).
The Zayn Malik piece mentioned by Elizabeth is here:
https://melmagazine.com/two-directions-5a4321b0156
Also under discussion this week: the Artists for Grenfell single and Lorde's new album.
As ever, all of this week's notable tracks are in our rolling Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/2J6T6Ks6rQNNe9vUeu24ON
Here's a collection of excellent stuff to read about Lorde's Melodrama:
http://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2017/06/26/on-melodrama-lorde-learns-how-messy-adulthood-can-be
http://www.newstatesman.com/culture/music-theatre/2017/06/lorde-melodrama-lyrics
http://themuse.jezebel.com/lorde-admirably-confident-comes-of-age-on-melodrama-1796219150
http://www.slate.com/articles/arts/music_box/2017/06/lorde_s_new_album_melodrama_reviewed.html
https://www.theguardian.com/music/2017/jun/16/lorde-melodrama-review-cocky-challenge-pop-rivals
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
It's the first week in Unbreak My Chart history that Ed Sheeran does not have a song in the Top 10, but Laura is not here to enjoy the moment.
Fraser is joined by the comic artist, writer and chart-keeper John Allison, designer of the UMC logo, who has plans to revolutionise the chart with democracy.
Note: there's some irksome telephone interference in this week's podcast. Do not adjust your listening device.
As ever, all of this week's notable tracks are in our rolling Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/2J6T6Ks6rQNNe9vUeu24ON
John's most-listened-to song this week is "Yuk Foo" by Wolf Alice and Fraser's is “Space” by Dizzee Rascal.
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic
https://twitter.com/badmachinery -
Anyone in the mood for old beef? Taylor Swift and Katy Perry are on hand to dispense their leathery grumps, and Fraser appears to be trolling Laura.
Elsewhere, there's a realisation that nice people aren't always nice, we finally nail our political colours to a mast, and swoon appreciatively in the direction of One Love Manchester.
Fraser's BBC Music piece about Over the Rainbow is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/articles/efc32112-f7a0-49b3-bfae-6e6a72a80572
As ever, all of this week's notable tracks are in our rolling Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/2J6T6Ks6rQNNe9vUeu24ON
Laura's most-listened-to song this week is "Did You See" by J Hus and Fraser's is “3WW” by Alt-J.
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
Political discourse has invaded the charts, in the shape of Captain Ska and his Theresa May-baiting social media hit Liar Liar. But will this usher in a new era for pop and politics, or is it just the Boaty McBoatface of popular song?
Also, indie veterans are making pop music, to varying degrees of success.
As ever, all of this week's notable tracks are in our rolling Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/2J6T6Ks6rQNNe9vUeu24ON
Laura's most-listened-to song this week is "Perfect Place" by Lorde and Fraser's is “The Line” by RAYE.
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
This week, in an act of fannish solidarity with everyone who has been affected by the Manchester bombing, we're adopting a positive, gushing tone, putting all moans to one side and celebrating Great Things in pop music.
The Smash Hits Black Type tea towel is here: https://smashhitsttowel.tumblr.com/post/161066715057/swingorilliant-tea-towel-news
As ever, all of this week's notable tracks are in our rolling Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/2J6T6Ks6rQNNe9vUeu24ON
Laura's most-listened-to song this week is “Yellow Flicker Beat” by Lorde and Fraser's is “Power” by Little Mix ft. Stormzy.
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
This week, why Harry Styles didn't saturate the charts, a consideration of all the One Direction boys' solo careers, and Katy Perry's pitiful Swish Swish.
Ann Powers' opus on Harry Styles and rock masculinity is here: http://www.npr.org/sections/therecord/2017/05/16/528617874/styles-of-the-times
Mitski's brilliant piece on how we project fantasies onto Styles is here: http://www.talkhouse.com/one-projection-harry-styles-art-idealism/
As ever, all of this week's notable tracks are in our rolling Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/2J6T6Ks6rQNNe9vUeu24ON
Laura's most-listened-to song this week is “Being Special” by Sophia Kennedy and Fraser's is “Bad Liar” by Selena Gomez.
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
This week we have thrown open the doors and welcomed guest contributors from around the world, to celebrate the spirit of Eurovision. We also have our first Unbreak My Chart guest mash-up, which is a remarkable thing. And there's a new No.1!
Tom Ewing's presentation, Making Your Mind Up: How Eurovision Caused Brexit, is here: http://freakytrigger.co.uk/nylpm/2017/05/making-your-mind-up-how-eurovision-caused-brexit/
Michael Hann's thoughts on poptimism are here: http://thequietus.com/articles/22389-rockism-poptimism
As ever, all of this week's notable tracks are in our rolling Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/2J6T6Ks6rQNNe9vUeu24ON
Laura's most-listened-to song this week is “Bedroom” by Mabel and Fraser's is “Bless this Acid House” by Kasabian.
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
The podcast that tapes the Top 10 and then talks about it in school the next day, with Laura Snapes and Fraser McAlpine.
This week! A brilliant email from a listener in Sweden, touching on the Norwegian Russ phenomenon and Britain's Eurovision apathy. Two brand new songs with an ~internationale~ flavour crashing into the Top 5, and a low-key battle between Harry Styles and Niall Horan's very good new singles.
Next week! We're doing a Eurovision special, and we want YOUR one-minute reviews of your favourite 2017 contender. If you want to join in, email us your suggestion at [email protected] (so we can avoid duplicates) and we'll send you instructions.
As ever, all of this week's notable tracks are in a Spotify playlist (it's now a rolling playlist rather than a new one each week, thanks to a very sensible listener suggestion): https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/2J6T6Ks6rQNNe9vUeu24ON
Fraser's most-listened-to song this week is “Told You So” by Paramore, and Laura's is “Don't Kill My Vibe” by Sigrid.
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
The podcast that tapes the Top 10 and then talks about it in school the next day, with Laura Snapes and Fraser McAlpine.
After last week's riffle through the vinyl top 10, we take a quick gander at Record Store Day's effect on that chart, before moving into the real thing, and chatting about Modern Drug Music.
Here is the drug music article we discussed: washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/soft-smooth-and-steady-how-xanax-turned-american-music-into-pill-pop/2017/04/19/535a44de-1955-11e7-bcc2-7d1a0973e7b2_story.html
And Hazel Cills' better piece on boredom in Lana Del Rey's music: http://www.mtv.com/news/3006550/lana-del-rey-queen-of-boredom/
As ever, all of this week's notable tracks are in a Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/2J6T6Ks6rQNNe9vUeu24ON
Fraser's most-listened-to song this week is “You Gotta Not” by Little Mix, and Laura's is "Finders Keepers" by Mabel.
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
The podcast that tapes the Top 10 and then talks about it in school the next day, with Laura Snapes and Fraser McAlpine.
In honour of Record Store Day, Laura and Fraser examine the vinyl singles chart, and find a whole new world. Also, Laura's been to a pop conference, and we ponder the troubling thought that No.1s no longer matter if you want to be a pop star.
Fraser's BBC Music thing about the king of pop is here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/music/articles/c3b6094f-f84a-4ee9-a86f-41f2a7a4a615
And here's the video of We Are The World, which Fraser erroneously described as Korean when it's from Japan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV4wTiP9fgI
As ever, all of this week's notable tracks are in a Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/chartblog/playlist/0UVOUkhrb8sWeSp5I0LMp8
Fraser's most-listened-to song this week is “Lust for Life” by Lana Del Rey ft. The Weeknd, and Laura's is a karaoke classic.
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
The podcast that tapes the Top 10 and then talks about it in school the next day, with Laura Snapes and Fraser McAlpine.
It’s Easter, Laura’s in the City of Angels, and the No.1 slot has undergone its own moment of death and rebirth. Everything is the same, and yet different.
After an examination of the charts from Australia and Brazil, we ask: does Harry Styles toppling Ed Sheeran signal a new era of dystopian pop?
As ever, all of this week's notable tracks are in a Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/210ihYv6iP9jlebGxPdtqj
Fraser's most-listened-to song this week is “I Win” by Lethal Bizzle ft. Skepta, and Laura's is a surprise. Listen and find out.
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
The podcast that tapes the Top 10 and then talks about it in school the next day, with Laura Snapes and Fraser McAlpine.
This week, the charts are pretty stagnant, so we're swizzing quickly through the Top 10 before getting on to this week's big story: the anointing of Harry Styles, Solo Artiste. We chat "Sign of the Times", and dive deep into the history of the post-boyband debut solo single to figure out where it fits on a scale of Bryan McFadden's "Real to Me" to George Michael's "Careless Whisper".
As ever, all of this week's tracks (bar Ed Sheeran, in a vain attempt to limit his streaming figures) are in a Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/210ihYv6iP9jlebGxPdtqj
Fraser's most-streamed song this week is Kate Nash's "Call Me", and Laura's is "Shadows" by Future Islands featuring Debbie Harry.
You can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic
We also thoroughly recommend that you pick up a copy of Sylvia Patterson's book I'm Not With the Band, and Tom Hibbert's collected Who the Hell...? columns. -
The podcast that tapes the Top 10 and then talks about it in school the next day, with Laura Snapes and Fraser McAlpine.
In the week that Ed Sheeran has dominated the Top 20 with all 16 tracks from his new album ÷, we take a look at the Top 10, marvel at his achievement, prod the songs a bit and raise our palms to heaven asking, 'but what does it all mean?'
Laura's personal No.1 of the week is Liability by Lorde, and Fraser's is Wedding in Finistère by Jens Lekman.
As ever, you can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic
Note: this was the first Unbreak My Chart. We've reuploaded it because it fell off the internet. -
The podcast that tapes the Top 10 and then talks about it in school the next day, with Laura Snapes and Fraser McAlpine.
This week, as the UK triggers Article 50, we look back at the last chart before Britain joined the EU, and find some (possibly tenuous) parallels with the current Top 10. Is Anne-Marie's Ciao Adios just Roy C's Shotgun Wedding for 2017? Were the Osmonds the proto-Sheeran? Plus, an analysis of Young Thug's threat to poop on the competition without wiping his bottom afterwards. What's really at stake here? FIND OUT THIS WEEK!
For listeners on the move, our personal No.1s this week were: Tearjerker by Jarvis Cocker and Chilly Gonzales (Fraser) and Fontaine de Lait by Camille (Laura), but all the selections discussed this week (except for anything by Ed Sheeran) are on our Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/27gB2GO2D2Rt2KnbfYTSNN
We also discussed Tom Ewing's excellent theory of pop culture packages (http://freakytrigger.co.uk/nylpm/2017/03/datapanik-in-the-year-sheero/) and Michael Cragg on pop's crowded credits (https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2017/jan/11/pop-producers-rappers-credit-headliners).
As ever, you can contact us at [email protected], or individually on Twitter twitter.com/laurasnapes
twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
The podcast that tapes the Top 10 and then talks about it in school the next day, with Laura Snapes and Fraser McAlpine.
This week, we find that Drake has arrived with a Sheeran-sized parcel of songs to invade the Top 40. What does it all mean? And is it a sign that the charts are broken?
For listeners on the move, our personal No.1s this week were: Cave by Future Islands (Fraser) and Slip Away by Perfume Genius (Laura), but all the selections discussed this week are on our Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/user/snapes/playlist/3Ooi6HHbbYY57xrJXHajFO
You can contact us at [email protected], or individually on Twitter twitter.com/laurasnapes
twitter.com/csi_popmusic -
The podcast that tapes the Top 10 and then talks about it in school the next day, with Laura Snapes and Fraser McAlpine.
Week 2: The Sheeran Singularity still holds, so two weeks in, we're breaking the terms of our own podcast (a wise idea we're sure) and finding out what the charts would look like if Sheeran had to abide by regular singles rules. Our discoveries entail an early push for 2017's Song of the Summer, and further evidence that any A&R person worth their salt should be hanging out in Cornish beach bars if they want to unearth the next big thing.
As ever, you can email us on [email protected], or tweet us:
https://twitter.com/laurasnapes
https://twitter.com/csi_popmusic
Our personal No.1s this week have been Makeba by Jain (Laura) and No Matter by Basic Tape (Fraser).
This week's further reading is the very good Michael Cragg on Charli XCX's frustrating path to pop stardom. Bye! https://www.theguardian.com/music/musicblog/2017/mar/14/charli-xcx-number-1-angel-mixtape-charlotte-aitchison
