Weekly Filet #242: The most popular song in the world, deconstructed. And more.
1. The most popular song in the world (Switched On Pop)
A brilliant, detailed musical analysis of arguably the most popular song in the world, with one billion plays a day (!) at its peak: the Nokia ringtone. Yes, that one. This is an older and somewhat atypical episode of my new favourite podcast, «Switched On Pop». A musicologist and a songwriter go deep into the anatomy of popular songs (usually not ringtones). They explain what makes them hits and «help listeners find a-ha moments in the music». They are at their best when they uncover connections between songs – like in «Hotline Hello: Drake and Adele».
2. Is the world really better than ever? (The Guardian)
And if so, are we missing the point?
3. Death of a F***ing Salesman (National Review)
A fresh take: Donald Trump, explained through the lens of David Mamet’s «Glengarry Glen Ross».
4. These People Are Trying To Fix A Huge Problem In Science (Buzzfeed)
Let's get a little nerdy, because this really matters.
5. The Hijacking of the Brillante Virtuoso (Bloomberg Businessweek)
A tanker, filled with cargo worth 100 million dollars. A pirate takeover. A mysterious murder. And the complex search for the real truth.
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