via标准英语2914--Top 5 Countdown for Week Ending Aug. 30

 

Top 5 Countdown for Week Ending Aug. 30

Iggy Azalea performs on stage during the Pandora Presents The 2014 Summer Party at The Santa Monica Pier¹ on Aug. 09, 2014, in Santa Monica, California.

This is the Top Five Countdown! We’re celebrating the five most popular songs in the Billboard² Hot 100 pop singles chart, for the week ending August 30, 2014.

Last week, we welcomed a new song that’s leaping up the chart. This week…we welcome a new song that’s leaping up the chart. It’s déjà vu all over again!

Let’s begin in fifth place, where Iggy Azalea and Charli XCX dip two slots with “Fancy.” Iggy just took the Ice Bucket Challenge. If you frequent social media, you’re probably aware of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge: it involves people pouring buckets of ice water over their heads to raise awareness³ about the deadly disease ALS. Iggy braved the icy water while nominating her singing pals⁴ Charli XCX and Rita Ora.

Last week, it seemed the jig⁵ was up for Ariana Grande and Zedd, as “Break Free” stagnated⁶ in 18th place. This week, it rockets to number four. So…what gives?  It’s this week’s top Streaming Gainer, following the August 12 premiere of the video.

Retreating a slot to third place is Sam Smith, with “Stay With Me.” Sam’s mother became famous long before he had his first hit single. Sam first made headlines at age 16. His mother, London financier Kate Cassidy, sued her bosses for unfair dismissal. She alleged⁷ they sacked her for spending too much time managing young Sam’s career. Obviously, she got the last laugh.

Jumping into the runner-up slot is Meghan Trainor, who says her breakout hit “All About That Bass” is all about acceptance. The Massachusetts native, 20, says her song is about loving yourself, no matter what your shape. She adds that she wrote it for herself, since she’s struggled with body image issues in the past.

Up at number one, MAGIC! takes the prize for a sixth week with “Rude” …despite not leading in any of the airplay, sales, or streaming components⁸ of the chart. Bandleader Nasri Atweh has been an aspiring⁹ star in his native Canada for the past decade, and says he ultimately wants to perform in stadiums. He says it all hinges on having great material, great relationships with his band mates, and a true connection with the fans.

Hopefully we can re-connect next week, when we bring you a whole new lineup.

1 pier   

n.码头；桥墩，桥柱；[建]窗间壁，支柱

参考例句：

• The pier of the bridge has been so badly damaged that experts worry it is unable to bear weight.这座桥的桥桩破损厉害，专家担心它已不能负重。
• The ship was making towards the pier.船正驶向码头。

2 billboard   

n.布告板，揭示栏，广告牌

参考例句：

• He ploughed his energies into his father's billboard business.他把精力投入到父亲的广告牌业务中。
• Billboard spreads will be simpler and more eye-catching.广告牌广告会比较简单且更引人注目。

3 awareness   

n.意识，觉悟，懂事，明智

参考例句：

• There is a general awareness that smoking is harmful.人们普遍认识到吸烟有害健康。
• Environmental awareness has increased over the years.这些年来人们的环境意识增强了。

4 pals   

n.朋友( pal的名词复数 )；老兄；小子；（对男子的不友好的称呼）家伙

参考例句：

• We've been pals for years. 我们是多年的哥们儿了。
• CD 8 positive cells remarkably increased in PALS and RP(P CD8+细胞在再生脾PALS和RP内均明显增加(P 来自互联网

5 jig   

n.快步舞（曲）；v.上下晃动；用夹具辅助加工；蹦蹦跳跳

参考例句：

• I went mad with joy and danced a little jig.我欣喜若狂，跳了几步吉格舞。
• He piped a jig so that we could dance.他用笛子吹奏格舞曲好让我们跳舞。

6 stagnated   

v.停滞，不流动，不发展( stagnate的过去式和过去分词 )

参考例句：

• The balloting had stagnated, he couldn't win. 投票工作陷于停顿，他不能得胜。 来自辞典例句
• His mind has stagnated since his retirement. 他退休后头脑迟钝了。 来自辞典例句

7 alleged   

a.被指控的，嫌疑的

参考例句：

• It was alleged that he had taken bribes while in office. 他被指称在任时收受贿赂。
• alleged irregularities in the election campaign 被指称竞选运动中的不正当行为

8 components   

（机器、设备等的）构成要素，零件，成分； 成分( component的名词复数 )； [物理化学]组分； [数学]分量； （混合物的）组成部分

参考例句：

• the components of a machine 机器部件
• Our chemistry teacher often reduces a compound to its components in lab. 在实验室中化学老师常把化合物分解为各种成分。

9 aspiring   

adj.有志气的；有抱负的；高耸的v.渴望；追求

参考例句：

• Aspiring musicians need hours of practice every day. 想当音乐家就要每天练许多小时。
• He came from an aspiring working-class background. 他出身于有抱负的工人阶级家庭。 来自辞典例句