The best-selling albums of 2014 and what to look forward to this coming year

Franki Dean reviews the best-selling albums and singles of 2014 and music releases to look forward to this year.

Ed Sheeran’s X was the biggest selling album of 2014, selling over 1,689,000 copies in the UK. X’s sales were higher than any other artist since Adele’s 21 4 years ago. Ed managed to stay at the top of the charts for 12 weeks. Along with this, X was made the most downloaded album of the year and sold over 214,000 copies in the week before Christmas too.

Sam Smith’s album In The Lonely Hour stayed at Number 2 and sold nearly 1,248,000 copies in the UK. Sam joins Ed Sheeran as one of only two artists to sell over a million albums in the UK in 2014. Sam also became the only artist in 2014 to sell over one million albums in both the UK and the US.  

George Ezra’s Wanted On Voyage is the third biggest selling album of 2014, selling over 678,000 copies in the UK. Wanted On Voyage spent 26 weeks in the Top 10, topping the Official Albums Chart for two weeks in October, 14 weeks after its release.  Coldplay’s Ghost Stories managed to settle at Number 5. This was set to be the fastest-selling album of the year, but was overtaken by Ed Sheeran’s album X. Ghost Stories sold 168,000 copies in its first week of release. This scored Coldplay their sixth UK Number 1 album and as of the 1st January 2015, has sold nearly 544,000 copies. 

Finally, one of the best selling albums as of late 2014 was The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 1 Soundtrack. Featuring the voices of Lorde, Lana Del Rey, Charlie XCX and Jennifer Lawrence herself, the soundtrack was already set for the top 20 before it had even been released. In it’s first week on the charts, the soundtrack had already sold over 200,000 copies. In the US, the spooking Soundtrack stayed at Number 3, just below Taylor Swift’s 1989 on Billboard for 3 weeks. 

NOW, IF YOU’RE TIRED OF READING ABOUT MUSIC FROM LAST YEAR, HERE ARE SOME ALBUM’S YOU CAN LOOK OUT FOR IN 2015:

Charlie XCX’ s Sucker is the third studio album by Charlie XCX which was supposed to be released in December 2014 but was pushed back to January 2015.

Mark Ronson’s Uptown Special is his fourth album set to be released on January 26th meaning we don't have too long to wait until we are able to hear more music from him. 

Coldplay’s  A Head Full of Dreams is the band’s seventh album. This album could be quite a bittersweet moment for their fans as Chris Martin has insinuated that it could be their final album.

10 Films to Look Out For in 2015

2014 was a great year for cinema, some might even say the best in some while. But can 2015 produce something even better? Let’s see!

01. Birdman

Release Date: 2nd Jan

Much like his character in the film, Michael Keaton’s career, only really remembered for that one iconic superhero role, returns from the depths of inconspicuousness with one triumphant performance. Add the disembodied voice of Keaton’s conscience, fantastic supporting performances from the likes of Edward Norton and Emma Stone, and some jaw-dropping visuals; and you’ve got yourself a film for the ages.

02. Whiplash

Release Date: 16th Jan

A thriller about drumming sounds boring, however the solid stream of five star reviews and multiple Oscar nominations say otherwise. The general consensus is that JK Simmons gives the performance of his career and that this is the greatest musical film (with no actual musical numbers) ever made.

03. Foxcatcher

Release Date: 17th Jan

Yet another dark and edgy biographical drama, this time focusing on the apparently dark and edgy world of Olympic wrestling. Fangirls in the audience will swoon at the appearance of hunk-of-the-month, Channing Tatum, while film buffs will enjoy an unrecognisable Steve Carrel, as he joins the Keaton/Simmons pantheon of actors who’re suddenly godlike.

04. Inherent Vice

Release Date: 30th Jan

Based on one of the better liked works of popular avant-garde novelist, Thomas Pynchon is one thing. But with the addition of director Paul Thomas Anderson (a seal of quality), and you’ve got yourself a film that needs to be seen. So far, this looks to be yet another work of his that the director can safely stow under his belt, and the roster of screwball PTA token characters are ever present, including Joaquin Phoenix returning as the frontman. This truly is a day to mark in your calendar!

05. Avengers: Age of Ultron

Release Date: 1st May

Joss Whedon has tackled the first computer-animated film ever, kept series like Buffy and Angel fresh after countless seasons, found a way to resurrect his beloved space-western and broken box office records with Avengers Assemble. However, with Ultron, Whedon faces possibly his biggest challenge yet: meeting the inflated expectations of fans with a film so hyped that it already developed an internet meme before release. You can’t blame the fans, though: a trailer shows Quicksilver, ballet and Hulkbuster. How can we help being anything other than ecstatic?

06. Mad Max: Fury Road

Release Date: 15th May

After the lead actor went cuckoo and disappeared off everyone’s radar, it’s no wonder George Miller’s beloved post-apunkalyptic franchise went so silent for so long. Or maybe it’s because Max’s latest batty outing was in the works being perfected. Based on early footage and the frankly genius tagline of “What a lovely day!”, we suspect the latter.

07. Jurassic World

Release Date: 12th June

Doing for dinosaurs what Jaws did for sharks AGAIN, but with the addition of Chris Pratt and a genetically-modified super dinosaur this time round. All the key components are there, and the filmmakers definitely have captured the scale that the first one had. However is it possible that they’ve managed to pull off that same sense of wonder that the original had? Probably not, but the director’s previous works include Safety Not Guaranteed, so we should expect something decent.

08. Minions

Release Date: 10th Jul

The yellow pill-men solely responsible for making the Despicable Me franchise so popular now have their own movie. It’ll make millions, people will love it. MOVING ON!

09. Ant Man

Release Date: 17th July

It’s unlikely that director, Peyton Reed, will be able to breathe the same life that Scott Pilgrim and Hot Fuzz director, Edgar Wright could have done with his script. With that being said, Disney/Marvel appear to be on a roll with their ideas and execution (evidenced by the fact that they made me and countless others feel for a raccoon and a tree), and the two leads, in the form of Paul Rudd and Michael Douglas make for an acting combination not to be sneered at.

10. Star Wars: The Force Awakens

Release Date: 18th Dec

This is the film that everyone is looking forward to . JJ Abrams makes another turn rebooting a beloved sci-fi franchise, this time, under the supervision of the House of Mouse. As is the way with most of Abrams’ projects, little is known, however a teaser showcases practical effects fused with crisp CGI, football robots, impractical lightsabers and the Millennium Falcon. If this isn’t the most profitable film of the year, then we’ll eat a fridge.

Converse All Star?

As a college student you will see them everywhere; this is what I think of Converse All-Star trainers - By Hannah Brown

As a college student you will see converse trainers practically every day, but what is it about them that makes practically everyone wants or already owns a pair. 

  

I personally have a pair of red converse all star hi top trainers which I’ve had for about a year. Although I love them I can be sometimes found surfing the internet, gazing longingly at the varying styles and colours, hoping to find a sale. I love converse trainers for a number of reasons.

One is that converse can be worn with practically anything, even the Doctor showed that they went with a suit (although I wouldn’t recommend wearing converse with a suit in a formal situation, such as a job interview).

CONVERSE LAST! This I think is a universal reason why convers trainers are good, as in the time it would take me to wear out two pairs of other trainer, I still have my convers, which if you can get a pair in a sale is a great deal (although though this is if you are not my brother who had his for a few months before he managed to make holes in them, but I’m pretty sure if you gave him a Nokia phone he could break it).

One of the main things I really do love about converse all star trainers is that due to their style it has led to a rise of people using their artistic talents to personalise their trainers. I do not have the guts to do that myself, but it is amazing to actually see what some people have achieved. Whether it’s a random design, or a tribute to a television show or film the designs are always inspired. I don’t know of any other item clothing that has led to such a rise in people expressing their individuality.

They Ara onto something good

In a year where companies are pumping out new smartphones, Google’s Project Ara attempts to introduce a new way to upgrade your phone– By James Sullivan

If you were to ask someone what device they relied on most, it’s more than likely they’d say their smartphone. Why wouldn’t you? Each year the major companies create devices with more and more features, yet the variety is running dry.

Google has stepped up to the mark to try and revolutionise the smartphone. Project Ara, which began work in 2013, is aiming to develop the modular smartphone.

It’s not as complicated as it sounds. Simply put it’s effectively “build your own smartphone”. The device has interchangeable “modules” which can swapped for the features you desire. So to upgrade your camera, processor or memory simply requires to buy a new module.

It gives a whole new element to smartphone customization. It effectively means you never need to buy a new phone, just upgrade the parts.

Other companies will also be able to create modules, so it does seem consumers will have the maximum amount of choice possible.

The device, set for testing this year, will have variable costs (obviously). The basic cost is estimated at between $50-$100, though upgrading will cost far more.

While not having the appeal of a popular brand, Project Ara could have the potential to change the way we buy and upgrade our phones. Certainly if you’ve always been keen on having the latest phone hardware, this could be the cheaper alternative.

Series Spotlight: Once Upon A Time

From the writers of Lost and One Tree Hill comes an award winning fairy-tale drama series set to change the way we see our favourite characters and childhood classics. Here are our top 11 reasons why you should give it a try...

1. The Cast: The key to Once Upon a Time’s success in America—and hopefully soon it’s success in the UK—is the amazing acting talent that makes up the ‘Once’ ensemble. With multiple nominations and four award wins, it’s becoming a beloved series. TV Guide’s award for ‘Favourite Villain’’, for instance, was given to the well-deserved Lana Parrilla who plays The Evil Queen alongside People’s Choice Award nominee Ginnifer Goodwin (Snow White). With the highly praised Jennifer Morrison playing the all important main character, Emma, and Thor actor Josh Dallas playing Prince Charming as well—and if that’s not enough to tempt you, then Bucky’s (or Sebastian Stan as he goes by) guest role appearance could just make you want to give it a go.

2. The Perfect Balance of Mythology: The show keeps a great model  of storytelling, balancing dual story-lines in a single episode: one from the pre-cursed ‘Enchanted Forest’ and present day ‘Storybrooke’. 

3. Storylines: The show has a way of keeping you hooked on a story: with twists and turns on classic fairytales, but also with favourite heroes not always playing the good guy, and vice-versa. You might just be surprised as to who your favourite character’s might turn out to be.

4. The First Season: As the show’s slowest season in terms of pace in storyline, which some may find a little infuriating (but hopefully that’s only a few), the first season gives viewers a chance to fully and truly understand the story and introduce the main characters properly. 

5. Strong Female Roles: Once’s extensive cast, many of which are women, play interestingly flawed, independent and strong characters that you wouldn’t expect to see in a fairy-tale world. They’re relatable and interesting personas that almost seem like they could be real people.

6. The Dialogue: Be careful or you’ll miss this one. The witty, sassy and ironic dialogue is extremely engaging and will have you smiling like a Cheshire cat. 

7. Aesthetic Appeal: Not only do the actors all have visual appeal, the Primetime Emmy Award nominated costumes and make-up will have you wishing you were from one of the classic tales.

8. Continuity!: You might not always spot it, but the show is extremely clever at making little references, whether it be with home design for characters or the mention of specific things or places (ahem, Tallahassee)... 

9. Your Favourite Characters Coming to Life: You’ll be meeting: Snow White, Prince Charming, Pinocchio, Jiminy Cricket, Rumpelstiltskin, Cinderella, Mulan, Peter Pan, The Mad Hatter… Need I say more?

10. It United Prince Charming With His Snow White: The chemistry that the main couple present is far from fake as the show united Goodwin and Dallas, and they are now happily married with a child. How’s that for a real life fairy-tale?

11. Future Appearances: With Frozen favourites, Cruella DeVil, Maleficent and Ursula on their way in season 4, you know you’re in for a good ride.

By Lucy Baker

Long Distance Life

Being separated from people you care about is never easy. Phone calls, texts, e-mails, Skype, Facebook and apps like Snapchat may be able to ease up the communication barrier, but the physical distance between you will always be a devastating obstacle. So how can you keep your friends, family and loved ones closer; and what are the perks of long distance anyway? By Lucy Baker

You may be wondering: ‘what could possibly be redeemable in a relationship like that?’ and the answer is—of course—the person. 

Although you might go through the ‘six emotional stages’ of a long-distance relationship: Anticipation, Frustration, Denial, Hopelessness, Anger and (the best part) Joy, at the end of the day you’re always thinking of that person and why it is that you want to keep them in your life so badly that you would sacrifice a safer, ‘easier’ homeland relationship or just lose contact with them altogether. 

The key to keeping them close is communication and trust. Despite possible time-zone differences, work and college, you should always make time for loved-ones. Make time here and there to send an email or make a call, and every so often maybe even send a handwritten letter or even a ‘care package’ filled with their favourite sweets or a new shirt, or just something to remind them that you’re thinking of them. Not only does this help with your communication skills, it’s fun for the both of you and will hopefully be reciprocated by your missed one.

Of course, we’re not ignorant of the fact that you’re going to miss that friendly shoulder to cry on or those special hugs that only they can give, so as much as you can afford time and money wise, make an effort to schedule some visits when you can. 

But what about when you can’t visit one another: what are the perks and distractions you can do then? Sure, you’ll be missing them a lot, but the less frequent your time is together, the more you will cherish it. Additionally, you don’t always have to look your best if you don’t want to, and your communication skills are forced to improve in order to have a successful relationship. LDR’s also mean you can be independent in your relationship, and have plenty of ’me’ time when you need it. 

But probably one of the best things that it can give you is the knowledge that if you can survive the distance, you can probably survive anything. Your relationship is a bond set for life, so don’t ever forget why you want those special people in your life.

Top 10 Broken New Year Resolutions

We all love to start the year with some new, ambitious new year resolutions—but how many of us actually keep them?

The most popular New Year resolutions at the start of the New Year are (in no particular order):

• Lose weight and get fit 
• Quit smoking
• Learn something new
• Eat healthier and diet 
• Get out of debt and save money
• Spending more time with family
• Travel to new places
• Be less stressed
• Volunteer more
• Drink less

Losing Weight and Getting Fit
This resolution is due to all the over eating on chocolate and cookies over the Christmas time. Each January, fitness clubs offer deals and promotions for those who want to get fit. However, by mid-February it’s recorded that around 60% of gym memberships go unused and attendance is back to normal.

Quit Smoking
Only an estimated 15% of people who try to quit manage to stay cigarette-free six months later.

Learn Something New
Initially, the thought of learning a new skill is exciting and rewarding as well as enjoyable. However, after a while, you’re likely to realise it takes up too much of your time and that, for example, ordering out is a lot easier than learning how to cook properly.

Eat Healthier and Diet
The problem with this resolution is that people take it too far by forcing themselves onto restricting diets they can’t possibly keep. It’s more likely to last if you try dieting in moderation.

Getting out of Debt
December is always the most budget-unfriendly month of the year. New Year is always the turning point for everyone and is where we all decided that this next year will be the turning point when regarding our finances. However, the majority of us find ourselves spending our money again before we know it.

Spending More Time with the Family
The beginning of a new year is always an ideal time to reconnect with the family you haven’t seen for months. But by the time February comes along you realise that you haven’t spent any extra time with your family—probably because you don’t keep in contact with those specific family members for a reason!

Travelling
A new year is always a good time to plan your year in terms of travelling, what new exotic destinations attract your attention. However, at the time you’re skint from Christmas and all the parties in December so any travelling will have to hold off till later in the year but by then your plans and ideas may have completely changed.

Being Less Stressed
Work and family obligations can always be overwhelming, especially in the new year when all the family want to get together. Less stress can make you healthier and happier but unfortunately is going to be one of the first resolutions you break. You feel obligated to plan out your entire year within the first 24 hours of the new year and that is definitely not helping your stress levels.

Volunteering
To start the new year correctly, you might want to resolve in a helping hand… Perhaps helping to build a house or care for an animal or help at a homeless shelter. Volunteering is a very rewarding resolution if you stay committed. But even the most compassionate of us can fall back on our commitments.

Drinking Less
Drinking less is always good for you regarding your health and your wallet! However we just can’t seem to help ourselves and most of us just stick to dry-January—which seems much more reasonable!