Weekend Supplement ~ October 5th 2012: Aston - Gangnam Style!!

It's probably getting a bit redundant if I recount all the many reasons why I love classical group Aston so very much. Luckily a review of their new video - a orchestral take on Gangnam Style - will re-clarify these reasons and no doubt convert any readers who aren't converted yet. In a sumptuous beach setting (with glamour filled backdrops of yachts, delicious scenery and endless blue skies), we get to see a more fun, let-your-hair-down side to the band than in previous clips. If they are not doing that horse-ridey dance you do when drunk on the sand, they are frolicking around having a gay ol' time of it all which is exactly what the song inspires you to do. Musically, they show once again that they can take any genre, keep the integrity of the original version but put their own unique spin on it. Effortlessly synchronised strings play against some dramatic percussion - both a joy to listen to & also to watch. The movement of the bows so perfectly in time, the control over the various drum section - it's all mesmerising yet there's a euphoria to seeing it pulled off so very well. Alongside this is some beautifully intricate piano work that gives the song it's character, particularly at the 1m08s part when the lower register chords give the song some theatrical thrust. And let's not forget the energetic guitar, keeping time with the rhythm & adding to that lovely textured feel of the tune. (Note - the middle eight from about 2m to 2m30s is one of the most giddy, magnificent instrumentals you will hear this year). Another absolute triumph - I can't wait to hear their take on Skyfall :)

Top 21 songs of the week:

21 ~ fun, One Foot
20 ~ Stooshe, Black Heart
19 ~ Little Jackie, 21st Birthday Party
18 ~ Marina & The Diamonds, How To Be A Heartbreaker
17 ~ Spice Girls, Spice Up Your Wannabe Life 2012
16 ~ Eric Saade, Fingertips
15 ~ Alphabeat, Love Sea
14 ~ Danny Saucedo, All In My Head (NE)
13 ~ No Doubt, Push and Shove
12 ~ JLS, Hottest Girl In The World
11 ~ Matt Cardle, It's Only Love
10 ~ Leona Lewis, Trouble
09 ~ Bananarama, Now or Never (NE)
08 ~ Taylor Swift, We Are Never Getting Back Together
07 ~ One Direction, Live While We're Young
06 ~ Gravitonas, Incredible (NE)
05 ~ Kylie, Flower
04 ~ The Killers, The Way It Was
03 ~ Maroon 5, Daylight
02 ~ The Overtones, Loving The Sound
01 ~ Robbie Williams, Candy (4 Weeks)