James Masterton's Chart Update

Midway through what is turning out to be the tightest Xmas No.1 battle for some years, James talks through the runners and riders. And just why this turned out to be the last thing anyone expected.

As Calvin Harris writes himself into the table of all-time chart greats with his tenth Number One single, this podcast examines his chart history, deals with the "missing four" singles that he also claims as Number One hits, and recounts the 1990 tale of the closest chart race in modern day history.

If it is summer time it must mean a set of rule changes in the Official UK Singles chart. James explains all and recaps the last few months of Number One singles.

In a shocking twist this month's big stories are the same as last month's. Both Drake and The Greatest Showman hold firm at the top of the singles and albums charts respectively. James explains just why this has happened.

We didn't have to wait too long for the new year to become fascinating. Drake mumbles his way to another Number One single, replacing Eminem a week after he'd also done something interesting. But just what is the fascination suddenly with movie musicals?

As the race to become this year's Christmas Number One gets fully underway, the prospects are this could be just as an exciting ride as last year. James explains the tracks involved, what their prospects are, and where there is reason to be nervous about songs from an unexpected quarter.

James marks 25 years of pop charts pontificating with a look back at the archive and what past trends teach us about the present day.

The old idea of a million 'selling' single is dead. Because nothing sells in that number anymore. So the Official Charts Company have a new way of defining success, and we'll explore it in detail in this podcast.

So calm down everyone, they are about to unbreak the singles chart. In this podcast, James explains the rule tweaks and how they aim to make things better.

As yet another member of One Direction tops the UK charts, James looks at the history of the group, the epic nature of his single Sign Of The Times and talks to Bev, an online pop fan about just how this uniquely modern version of fandom actually works.

The release of Ed Sheeran's new album Divide meant he did unprecedented things on the singles chart. James discusses just what records have been broken - and breaks down the many arguments that have raged ever since.

In this first special for a brand new year James is joined by Record Of The Day's @leethommo to discuss man of the moment Ed Sheeran. Just what makes him so special, why is he so significant and just what chart and sales records has he managed to break with his unexpected double single release. The facts behind the hits and a look at what we can expect from the man himself.

Just who is #frankocean anyway and what makes him so special? James attempts to explain all.

#Bieber #SuicideSquad and #Chainsmokers make the headlines on the UK charts this week.

Viola Beach have the biggest album of the week. But despite being dead, are they really all that?

You go away for a week and chart history fails to be made. Drake is top no more, but what relates his replacements to each other?

Drake's 14th glorious week at Number One. But could it be that his decline is now going to scupper his chances of breaking the record?

It is the year 2050. Mankind has evolved into a higher level of being, human society has achieved perfection. Space travel is routine. And One Dance by Drake is still top of the charts.

When I were a lad Glastonbury were all mud, vegan cakes and beaded necklaces. Now it is massive sales for the headliners.

It has been a long 11 weeks. Surely time for more than One Dance.