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. I finished reading Tara Westover's memoir Educated last week and somehow forgot to include it. Her story is incredible. It's one of the best things I've read in ages.

2. BBC Radio 4's In Our Time podcast recently explored the life of Beethoven. I didn't know much about him beyond knowing he went deaf and you know, made some pretty famous music! This was a good introduction to the man behind the music.

3. Rhythmic displacement is a great tool in the toolkit of any musician. This video shows how Harry Connick Jr. masterfully put it to use to get his audience clapping in the right place. Really impressive!

4. A great post by Austin Kleon on the importance and role of copying in the learning process.

5. All eight hours of Max Richter's album Sleep are now on Spotify! Sweet dreams 😴🎶

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