Every Wednesday I share five things I've liked and think you might like too. Here are this week’s Five Things…

1. Brian Eno, Tom Waits and Dave Chappelle on creativity.

2. A good look at how Muse construct their songs and write chord progressions.

3. As someone who regularly moans about the quality of music played in bars and restaurants, I loved this piece! — Annoyed by Restaurant Playlists, a Master Musician Made His Own

4. An interesting conversation with William MacAskill on doing good, charity and Effective Altruism (among other things) on the Knowledge Project podcast.

5. Spotify's Discover Weekly playlist served up some great music this week. I particularly liked this track by Porches.

That's all for this week. If you enjoyed it, subscribe and you'll get the next one delivered to your inbox.

Every Wednesday I share five things I've liked and think you might like too. Here are this week’s Five Things…

1. A good Longform Podcast interview with Bryan Fogel, the Oscar-winning director of one of my favourite documentaries, Icarus. If you haven't seen the documentary yet, watch it!

2. These three-dimensional portraits of cats made of felted wool are amazing... and a little bit creepy.

3. An interesting read on Google Translate and the World Cup — “Over this last month or so, it has been possible to glimpse the future of how we travel: a world in which language is no longer a prerequisite for understanding.”

4. The difference between amateurs and professionals.

5. A fascinating episode of the After-On podcast on the evolution of beauty with Richard Prum. His book on the subject sounds really interesting.

That's all for this week. If you enjoyed it, subscribe and you'll get the next one delivered to your inbox.

Every Wednesday I share five things I've liked and think you might like too. Here are this week’s Five Things…

1. How the psychology of the England team can be used to improve your day to day life. Lots of useful advice on how to deal with pressure.

2. An interesting piece on Ólafur Arnalds, Max Richter and the rise of contemporary instrumental music. (If you hit a paywall, use this link. The top search result should grant you access)

3. Ever wondered how many people have ever lived on Earth? I have. Here's your answer!

4. Food for thought from Oliver Burkeman: Hate where you live? So does everyone else

5. I can't sit still whilst listening to this song. 🎶 Future Islands - Seasons (Waiting On You)

That's all for this week. If you enjoyed it, subscribe and you'll get the next one delivered to your inbox.

ps. There won't be a Five Things next week. Usual service will resume the following week.

Number of tracks played by album

Number of tracks played by artist

In June I listened to music from 327 albums by 263 different artists.

Radiohead topped the artist chart again with Olafur Arnalds in a not too distant second place. I was quite surprised that he didn't crack the top ten in either of the last two months as he's one of my go-to artists whatever my mood!

Other notable entries were Max Richter, his album Sleep is a masterpiece (and also 8 hours 24 mins long) and Under The Influence Of Giants who I hadn't listened to in a long while.

If you are so inclined, follow me on last.fm or Spotify, and if you have any album recommendations please send them my way. Happy listening! 👋

Every Wednesday I share five things I've liked and think you might like too. Here are this week’s Five Things…

1. An Instagram account where album art meets classical art.

2. The worrying effects of social media on our mental health. My takeaway: Using social media for real conversations, building communities and sharing your work is a positive thing, whilst using social media too much and to compare yourself to others is not good.

3. A wonderful project detailing the hidden treasures found along the banks of the river Amstel in Amsterdam during recent excavations for a new metro line. Here's an introduction to the project and here's what they found.

4. Better ways to learn. Space out your learning sessions, take notes, test yourself and get plenty of sleep!

5. What a tune. 🎶 Tame Impala - Let It Happen

That's all for this week. If you enjoyed it, subscribe and you'll get the next one delivered to your inbox.