Popular record by tenor is not up to scratch? (5)

I believe the answer is:

inept

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'not up to scratch?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'popular record by tenor' is the wordplay.
'popular' becomes 'in' ('in' can mean trendy).
'record' becomes 'EP' (abbreviation for extended play record).
'by' says to put letters next to each other.
'tenor' becomes 't'.
'in'+'ep'+'t'='INEPT'

'is' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for inept that I've seen before include "Incompetent and ineffectual" , "Silly - unskilled - unsuitable" , "Unsuitable, clumsy" , "Lacking skill" , "Hopeless; bungling" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.