It's been about a month since I began hosting my new podcast Music Media Review! Interesting topics and guest co-hosts are scheduled soon, search and subscribe to stay updated.

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Email: musicmediareviewpodcast@gmail.com

Thanks for listening to Music Notes with Jess' reruns! 

Theme Songs: "Dance Track" / "Gym Track" - Jessica Ann Catena

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The pages to my second podcast Music Media Review, are officially live! Subscribe wherever you stream Music Notes with Jess, and listen when the first episode will be posted. Thank you for your patience, 6 years, and going back to past episodes all this time!

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Email: musicmediareviewpodcast@gmail.com or musicnoteswithjess@gmail.com for questions.

Theme Song: "Gym Track (2026 Remix)", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

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I've been teasing a change would be occurring for this podcast in the new year.

Please listen/ watch this announcement, and thank you for supporting Music Notes with Jess' 6 years!

Podcast preview page - Music Media Review

Follow these social media pages for updates on Facebook, X, Instagram!

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Playlist:  20. “Texas” - Blake Shelton; 19. “WHERE IS MY HUSBAND!” - RAYE
18. “Everybody Scream” - Florence + The Machine; 17. “WILDFLOWER” - Billie Eilish; 16. “I Got Better” - Morgan Wallen; 15. “The Big Goodbye” - AJR, 14. “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out” - ROLE MODEL; 13. “Man I Need” - Olivia Dean; 12. “Lover Girl” - Laufey; 11. “Backup Plan” - Bailey Zimmerman feat. Luke Combs
10. “Time Waited” - My Morning Jacket; 9. “Good News” - Shaboozey
8. “The Giver” - Chappell Roan; 7. “My Only Angel” - Aerosmith & YUNGBLUD
6. “Abracadabra” - Lady Gaga; 5. “A Song To Sing” - Miranda Lambert & Chris Stapleton; 4. “It Ain’t Easy” - Teddy Swims; 3. “Headphones On” - Addison Rae
2. “MUTT” - Leon Thomas; 1. “Messy” - Lola Young

PIck A Disc

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Playlist: 40. All My Love” - Coldplay; 39. “If You Hadn’t Been There” - Dolly Parton;  38. “Walk This Road” - The Doobie Brothers; 37. “Everybody Laughs” - David Byrne; 36. “Am I Okay?” - Megan Moroney; 35. “Cry for Me” - The Weeknd; 34. I Want You (Fever)” - Momma; 33. “Couldn’t Care Less” - Priscilla Block; 32. “Live For You” - Thee Sacred Souls; 31. “Ecstasy” - Ciara; 30. “Work On Me” - Dasha; 29. “Bottle Rockets” - Scotty McCreery; 28. “GO BABY” - Justin Bieber; 27. “Opalite” - Taylor Swift; 26. “Sailor Song” - Gigi Perez; 25. “Ordinary” - Alex Warren; 24. “Country House” - Sam Hunt; 23. “Azizam” - Ed Sheeran; 22. “Nice To Meet You” - Myles Smith; 21. “Anxiety” - Doechii

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Jingle Ball is an annual concert by iHeartRadio! I just attended 12/12's show at MSG! My review of the venue, artists, seats, and special are discussed in this episode.

Theme Song: "Dance Track", -  Jessica Ann Catena

Monsta X- live; Ravyn Lenae -live; Myles Smith - live; K-Pop Demon Hunters Singalong (Saja Boys) - Soundtrack ; Jessie Murph - live; Zara Larsson - live; Alex Warren - live; Nelly - live; Laufey - live; Conan Gray - live; Renee Rapp; - live; Ed Sheeran - live

"Play It Cool" - Monsta X feat. Steve Aoki (2019)

Related: Z100; Ed Sheeran; Global Citizen;

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I share 8 new holiday songs, and Album Nerds‘ recommendations! Merry Christmas! 

Theme: "Dance Track": Jessica Ann Catena

"Christmas in the City" - Pentatonix
"Where Are You Christmas?" - The Pretty Reckless (Taylor Momsen)
"Counting Down the Days" - Brad Paisley; Tonight Show
"California Days" - Bryan Adams
"Christmas Time Is Here" - Trisha Yearwood; Studio
"Santa Baby" - Laufey; 30 Rock
"The Innkeeper" - Little Big Town
"Christmas Is Here" - Cher

 "Where Are You Christmas?" - Faith Hill/The Grinch; Freeform; Hallmark Channel; A Great Big Holiday Jam; Rock & Roll HOF; The Manhattan Transfer

End of Summer; Xmas '23; Mariah Carey; Little Big Town; Xmas '24; The Beach Boys; Summer '95; Laufey; Charlie Brown

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A Charlie Brown Christmas' TV special and soundtrack turns 60 this season; the Peanuts franchise turned 75 in October! Pop culturally a classic, no official celebration has been set to celebrate the 60th anniversary. Sharing my personal memories, I flashback how A Charlie Brown Christmas came about in 1965, critique the album, and different spinoffs that have evolved from it since.

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

40 Years - A Charlie Brown Christmas

60th Anniversary vinyls: Barnes & Noble, Target, Walmart

"Christmas Time Is Here" - Trisha Yearwood (2025); studio

Charles M. Schultz's timeline; Lee Mendelson & Vince Guaraldi

Udiscover's writeup

CBS Sunday Morning interview (2021)

Trombone wah-wah example from A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (1973)

Gifts: Hallmark; Krispy Kreme; Vera Bradley

Related: Alicia Keys Top 10; Christmas 2024 Playlist

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New rock supergroup Howl Owl Howl is a combination of Hootie and the Blowfish, R.E.M., The Black Crowes, andtheir single "My Cologne" is inspired by a popular singer. Find out who, why, and how in this new episode.

Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena

Interviews: Rolling Stone Article, All Access podcast episode; TODAY

"My Cologne" (Live); Howl Owl Howl's YouTube Channel; 1st tour list; setlists

Darius Rucker discography

CMT Music Awards 2023: "She Talks to Angels" - The Black Crowes & Darius Rucker; CMT Crossroads

"Bottle Rockets" - Scotty McCreery feat. Hootie and the Blowfish (2025)

"R.E.M." - Ariana Grande (2018); fragrance; cassette container

Related Episodes: Ariana Grande Top 10; Darius Rucker Top 10; Thanksgiving Countdown 2; Ariana Grande's "yes and?"; Wicked (Reviews); ROLE MODEL; Summer 1995; VMAs

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Olivia Dean's a Best New Artist nominee for the Grammys and just performed  SNL! Learn how her music's fitting among 2025's music trends.

Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena

BBC (2024); Vogue; Harper's Bazaar; Tonight Show: "Nice to Each Other"
TODAY Show: Album; "Let Alone the One You Love"; "So Easy (To Fall In Love)";
"Nice to Each Other"; "Man That I Need"
SNL: "Man That I Need"; "Let Alone the One You Love"

Favs: "UFO"; "Getting There"; "I Could Be A Florist" (2023); "The Art of Loving"; "Nice to Each Other"; "Lady Lady"; "So Easy (To Fall In Love)"; "Baby Steps"

Sister Act 2;A Seat at the Table; H.E.R.

"Lay It On Me" - Rudimental feat. Ed Sheeran (2015)

Related Episodes

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Country music fans, it's time for the 59th CMA Awards! The industry's gone through so much in 2025. Grand Ole Opry turned 100! The Grammys broke up 2026's country category in 2! MTV added country to the VMAs! Growing through these changes, I share my predictions who'd win CMA Awards' 11 categories ahead of 11/19's show! Check our social media links viewing before-and-after results.

Spotify's CMA playlist
Sirius/XM - The Highway
CMT Hot Twenty ending; show

Related Episodes: Top 40 of 2023 (Pt 2); Miranda Lambert’s “Wranglers"; Little Big Town; 'F-1 Trillion; Global Citizen; CMA Awards 2024; Top 40 2024 (Pt 1); (Pt 2);  Lady A; ACMs; Blake Shelton & Morgan Wallen; MTV Add Country and CBS to VMAs; VMAs



 

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2025's word of the year: "6 7" from Tiktok, means maybe or so-so. Test by this episode's 1967 playlist!

Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena

The Monkees, The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, Johnny Cash, The Jungle Book, Dr. Doolittle, You Only Live Twice, To Sir With Love, The Four Seasons, Linda Ronstadt, Bob Dylan,  CSNY, Jefferson Airplane/Starship, The Moody Blues, The Rolling Stones, The Foundations, The Supremes, Vanilla Fudge, Aretha Franklin, California folk.

PACJ - vinyl; unveiling; Head critique; Anthology; "Foxey Lady"; Hall of Fame;  “White Rabbitt”; Fuller House; Austin Powers

The Monkees; Covers; Ecl

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Leon Thomas is a contemporary R&B singer, who first got introduced as a teen actor. Music passion passed down from his family, and he's finally getting his name out this year as a solo artist. Learn the timeline, creative writing behind "Mutt", and how a recent Billboard ruling earned a "top-dog" achievement for Leon's career officially mainstream. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Performances: Genius - lyrics breakdown (2024)

2025: NPR's Tiny Desk; The Late Show clip; Coachella clip

BET Awards - acceptance speech; MTV Push Artist

Variety - studio production session

"Snooze" cover

Related Episodes: Ariana Grande; Steve Lacy; Alicia Keys; Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 1); Teddy Swims and Benson Boone; 2024 Summer Song?

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All season, fans have celebrated The Rocky Horror Picture Show50th! Despite its risque quirkiness, it's the longest theatrical movie. Learn the franchise's history and reboots.

Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena

Vinyl; Digital Soundtrack; props

Hollywood Theatre interview' Tim Curry interview: CBS Sunday Morning; edit
Vagabond memoir; Meat Loaf

Glee (2010); Let's Do the Time Warp Again (2016)
"Tears" - Sabrina Carpenter (2025)

Related: Halloweenish; Thriller; Monarch; Sounds; "Feather"; Eclipse; Ghostbusters; 2024; Gigi Perez & Lorde; Ozzy; Gaga & Florence 

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Leading up to Halloween, two contemporary songs are likely to set the mood: Lady Gaga's "The Dead Dance", Florence + The Machine's "Everybody Scream"! Learn the development stories about each.

Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena
Sound effects - Soundscape's Pottery Barn Halloween CD (2001).

"The Dead Dance": Wednesday Netflix mini-series
Wednesday Season 2 scene; VMAs 2025: Live from Madison Square Garden
Gala event press release

Florence + The Machine - Favs
"Dog Days Are Over" (2009-2010) - Video 1, 2, VMAs
"Shake It Out" (2011)
"Sweet Nothing" (2012) - Calvin Harris
"Ship to Wreck" (2015)
"Call Me Cruella" (2021)
"Everybody Scream" @ Graham Norton Show, album

Cruella De Vil; Lady Gaga; "Goo Goo Muck"; Stevie Nicks; The Tortured Poets Department; 'Mayhem'; VMAs; Laufey; 'The Life of a Showgirl'; Bruno Mars

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Happy 40th Bruno Mars!

Playlist: 10. “Treasure”; Sample; 9. “That’s What I Like”; 8. “It Will Rain”; 7. “Finesse (Remix)” ft. Cardi B; 6. “Die With A Smile” - Lady Gaga; 5. “Leave the Door Open” - Silk Sonic; 4. “Grenade”; 3. “When I Was Your Man”;  2. “Just the Way You Are”; 1. “Uptown Funk” - Mark Ronson; SNL; Ellen

The Apollo; BET; "Leave the TV On"; "Am I Wrong"; 2011

"Nothin' On You"; "Billionaire"; "Blow"; "Wake Up in the Sky"

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Fans will be remember 10/3/25 being Taylor Swift's 12th album launch day for The Life of a Showgirl! Recorded secretly a year ago, she was inspired to note personal growth inspired by her then boyfriend / now fiancèe Travis Kelce, and coping a constant spotlight on her career. Metaphorically composing about love, family, scrutiny, and fame, the tracks were co-produced by 2 different pros than her prior albums over a decade! Learn the significance how certain events were expressed, my review, and publicity plan Taylor will promote soon.

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Watch The Eras Tour - Disney+

Media Coverage: Amazon Music / Apple Music

BBC One / Capital FM / Hits Radio

The Graham Norton Show

Sirius/XM Channel 13

iHeartRadio

NBC: Jimmy Fallon / Seth Meyers

Related : Ariana Grande Top 10; Back To School Playlist; Sabrina Carpenter's "Feather"; Christmas 2023 Playlist; The Tortured Poets Department - Review; Christmas 2024 Playlist; Top 40 Songs of 2024 (Part 2); Dolly Parton's 2 New Songs; Laufey's 'A Matter of Time' (Review)

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Bootleg record Buckingham Nicks, got re-issued this month since 1973's original release! Historically a climax for Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks' relationship, and invited to join classic rock band, Fleetwood Mac. They haven't been amicable since then, what gave the go-ahead to finally remaster their duo's debut recordings?

Second, Miley Cyrus has involved Fleetwood Mac alumni on her new single "Secrets". It's not her first affiliation with them. Find out who was the first, collaborated now, and whom the song is about.

Theme Song: "Dance Track" by Jessica Ann Catena

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame - Buckingham Nicks & Fleetwood Mac merch

"Midnight Sky" / "Edge of Midnight"- Miley Cyrus (2020)

David Byrne /Talking Heads

Related Episodes: Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams"; Top 40 Songs of 2020 (Pt. 2); Christine McVie Top 10; Miley Cyrus' "Flowers"; Stevie Nicks Top 10; Mariah Carey Top 10; French Lyrics Playlist; Billy Joel Top 10

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A decade after a Lifetime Achievement, CBS will air The 21st night of September for Earth, Wind & Fire! I countdown 10 hits. 

"Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena

Playlist: 10. “Sing A Song” (1975); 9. “Fantasy” (1977); 8. “Can’t Hide Love” (1975); 7. “That’s the Way of the World” (1975); 6. “Got to Get You Into My Life” (1978); 5. “Let’s Groove” (1981);4. “Reasons” (1975); 3. “After the Love Has Gone” (1979); 2. “Shining Star” (1975); 1. “September” (1978)

"Rescue Me"; "Free"; The Emotions; Creative Source; Lucky Daye; Edwin McCain;  The Beatles; HItch; Goldmember; Covers

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Laufey's a young jazz aficionado, and her 3rd album A Matter of Time just debuted #4 Billboard's 200.

Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena

Fan Fav: "Like the Movies" - Jimmy Kimmel (2022)
"From the Start" (2022); New Years' Rockin' Eve; GMA
Remix: "Confess Your Love" - Jiandro; Tiktok dance (2025)

"Goddess"; Tonight Show; "Christmas Magic"; The Graham Norton Show (2024) "Silver Lining"; GMA3; "Tough Luck"; "Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self" & Barbra Streisand; "Lover Girl"; GMA; Studio; "Snow White" (2025)

CBS Sunday Morning (edit); MTV; Buzzfeed puppies
Related: folklore; Eclipse Playlist; Xmas '24; Prom '25

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42nd VMAs will be on CBS, and added country to the ballot! How will fans vote? Check our social media an hr before, and day after fr results.

Recap: Country & CBS

Predictions: Best Country: "Liar" - Jelly Roll
Best Alternative: "Back to Friends" - Sombr
Best Rock: "All My Love" - Coldplay
Best Pop / Best Collaboration: "Die With A Smile" - Lady Gaga & Bruno Mars
Best Pop Artist: Sabrina Carpenter; Best New Artist: Lola Young
Artist of the Year: Lady Gaga; Song of the Year: "Ordinary" - Alex Warren
Video of the Year: "Not Like Us" - Kendrick Lamar

"Apt";Mariah Carey; Linkin Park; Coldplay; Lola Young; Ed Sheeran; Blake Shelton & Morgan Wallen; Gigi Perez & Lorde

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Summer 1995: “Hold My Hand” - Hootie & The Blowfish; "Bottle Rockets"
“I’ll Be There For You” - The Rembrandts; FRIENDS; Intros; Reunion; Playlist
“This Is How We Do It” - Montell Jordan; “Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” - Bryan Adams; Don Juan Demarco; “I Could Fall In Love” - Selena; acting; biopic; Netflix; J.Lo; Secrets Between Them; “Colors of the Wind” - Vanessa Williams; “Scream” - Michael Jackson & Janet Jackson; doc; "If"; “Waterfalls” - TLC; "No Scrubs"; TLC Story; “Any Man of Mine” - Shania Twain; “Kiss from a Rose” - Seal; “You Oughta Know” - Alanis Morrisette; “Gangsta’s Paradise” - Coolio

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We're used to seeing social media impact modern music, but lately artists have been testing audience reactions at their concerts. Tucker Pilsbury (aka ROLE MODEL) improvised a surprise cameo in February, trending one of his songs to become a viral sensation and growing 2025 indie hit. I discuss the fun 6-month success of "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out", and how his pseudonym's an admirable outlook staying so positive.

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Interviews: MTV (2024)
Billboard: article, video
Netflix's The Good Sex preview; press release
Performances: Tonight Show (May)
"Where's My Sally" celeb montage; TikTok pageTikTok account

Mentioned Music:
ROLE MODEL's Discography
Rex Orange County - "Loving Is Easy" (Live) (2019)
Justin Bieber's Swag
The Killers' "Runaways" (2012)

Related Episodes: Shaboozey's "A Bar Song" (Tipsy), Mayer Hawthorne Top 10
Wicked & A Complete Unknown (Reviews), Prom 2025 Playlist, MTV Adds Country & CBS to VMAs

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Maroon 5 began 30 years ago as Kara's Flowers, officially 2001. 8th album Love Is Like may cross over a new genre in their discography. I give my review.

Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena

Interviews: TODAY Show: Album, History
Howard Stern: Billy Joel knows Maroon 5's name origin. (2014)
Artist Friendly with Joel Madden: Part 1, Part 2

Singles: "Priceless" ft. LISA, "All Night", (Live)
"California" (Live), "Love Is Like" ft. Lil Wayne

Jane Herman; Ryan Dusick

Robert Palmer: "Addicted to Love", "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" (1985-1986)
 "Simply Irresistible" (1988)

Shania Twain - "Man! I Feel Like a Woman" (1997, 1999)

iHeartRadio Festival
Related: Maroon 5, John Mayer, Adam Levine, Billy Joel

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MTV's VMA's ballot was delayed, and has 2 changes! Country, and CBS will syndicate it! Is this music-related, or SkyDance's experiment? I critique for the 42nd VMAs.

Theme Song: "Dance Track"- Jessica Ann Catena
Facebook, X, Instagram, Linkedin.

Country VMAs Nods:  Best New Artist: Ella Langley                                                               Best Country: "I Think I'm In Love With You" - Chris Stapleton
"I'm Gonna Love You" - Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood; "Liar" - Jelly Roll;   "Am I Okay?" - Megan Moroney; "Smile" - Morgan Wallen (2025)

Best Push Artist: "A Bar Song Tipsy" - Shaboozey                                                Artist/Album of the Year: Morgan Wallen

Best Collabs: "Backup Plan" - Bailey Zimmerman & Luke Combs,
"Pour Me a Drink" - Post Malone feat. Blake Shelton

CBS Cancellations / Paramount+; CMT Music Awards: Ultimate Party Edition

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I recently saw Moulin Rouge!'s Broadway musical at The Al Hirschfeld Theatre for a special occasion! It debuted there 2019, and I saw 2 guests actors at the end of July's showtime: Wayne Brady, and Taye Diggs! The theatrics left me in awe with set changes, multi-generational cover songs, costumes, and a surprise encore curtain call. Hear my review in comparison to Paris France's historical cabaret, and 2001's film. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Moulin Rouge - cabaret history

2001 Soundtrack: Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music
"Lady Marmalade" - Christina Aguilera, Lil' Kim, Mya & P!nk
Making the Video

2019 Broadway Soundtrack: Amazon Music, Spotify, Apple Music

Interviews:
Wayne Brady: Live with Kelly and Mark, The View
Taye Diggs: Live with Kelly and Mark

Related Episodes: Christina Aguilera Top 10, P!nk Top 10 Hits,
Annie/MJ The Musical/West Side Story, Brian May Top 10,
Queen's "Face It Alone", French Lyrics Playlist,
Wicked & A Complete Unknown (Reviews)

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Weeks after Back to the Beginning Festival, Ozzy Osbourne died. 60 years as a solo artist and his band Black Sabbath, he innovated heavy metal, concerts, and media. Based on the songs I heard working classic rock radio, and fans, I countdown this top 10.

Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena

Ozzy Osbourne Top 10; 10. “Shot in the Dark” (1986); 9. “No More Tears” (1991)
8. “I Don’t Wanna Stop” (2007); WWE; 7. “Paranoid” (1970)
6. “Flying High Again” (1981); 5. “Children of the Grave” (1973); 4. “War Pigs” (1970); 3. “Mama I’m Coming Home” (1991-1992); 2. “Iron Man” (1971); 1. “Crazy Train” (1980)

Classic Albums: Paranoid (2002); The Osbournes (2002-2005)
The Big Interview with Dan Rather - Sharon Osbourne (2017)

2024 Induction, Speech, Covers
Back to the Beginning Festival - Black Sabbath, solo

Ozzy's first family

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On 7/13/85, the most watched bi-coastal music festival was viewed by 2 billion, 150 countries, and 16 hours long! Without modern technology and for charity, Live Aid took place at London's Wembley Stadium and Philadelphia's former JFK Stadium (now Wells Fargo Center). 40 years late, learn how this telethon was covered back then, and acknowledged 7/13/25.

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Band Aid At 40  / U.S.A. for Africa's "We Are the World" (1985)

The Greatest Night In Pop

Live Aid Fan Site; Live Album

WYKW 1490AM Newsradio (Philadelphia)
Larry Magid article; podcast episode

80sCentral.com; Live Aid 40 press release

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) biopic; Live Aid scenes

"In My Time" - Teddy Pendergrass (1984)

Global Citizen organization

Pick A Disc - UK albums review podcast

Related: Global Citizen Festival 2019, A Year After Bohemian Rhapsody
Teddy Pendergrass Bio, Global Citizen Festival 2024, Band Aid & "We Are the World"

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Happy 300th Music Notes with Jess! 6 years later, we've reached 300 episodes! I owe to our growing listeners base, family, friends, co-workers, and podcasting networking. Celebrate recap the topics discussed in the 200s, learning the updates what's occurred with them since then.

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

Follow the podcast at: Facebook, X, Instagram.
Connect with Jess on Linkedin.

Podcast friends: Seeing Them Live, Rock Talk Studio, Getting Down & Wordy, Album Nerds, Booked On Rock, My Weekly Mixtape, Six Picks Music Club, Pick a Disk, Polyphonic Press.

Sister-in-law's blog sites: Instagram, TikTok

Radio friend Ethan Carey's band: SonsUp; Beatles cover "Wait"

"In My Room" - Grant Lee Buffalo (1995)
Friends clip

Recaps: 100th, 200th

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The Beach Boys' Brian Wilson died 6/11 from illnesses. There's countless music to remember him, learn about these 10. 

Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena

Playlist: 10. “Barbara Ann” (1965); The Regents (1961); Home Improvement
9. “Surfin’ USA” (1963); 8. “Do It Again” (1968)
7. “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” (1966); 50 First Dates; 6. “Don’t Worry Baby” (1964)
5. “California Girls” (1965); David Lee Roth (1985); 4. “Fun, Fun, Fun” (1964)
3. “In My Room” (1963); 2. “Good Vibrations” (1966); 1. “God Only Knows” (1966); BBC (2014)

Disney+ Doc; The Beach Boys Rare 10

Media: Jan & Dean;  "Little Deuce Coupe"; Full House; "Kokomo" (1988); "California Gurls"

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I review new albums At the Beach, In Real Life  by Gigi Perez, and Lorde's Virgin.

Gigi Perez's website; discography; "Celine"
"Sailor Song" - video, Tonight Show; Zach Show
"Closer to Fine" - Indigo Girls (1989); Lollapallooz

Lorde's website;  discography                                                                                                    "Royals", "Tennis Court", "Team" (2013-2014); "Green Light" (2017);                          "Solar Power"vs. "Freedom '90" (1990)
"What Was That", "Man of the Year", "Hammer" (2025)

Seeing Them Live; interview

Janet Jackson, George Michael, Sounds Like Halloween

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Sly & The Family Stone's frontman Sly Stone (Sylvester Stewart), died 6/9 from COPD. Hulu premiered Sly Lives doc in February for Black History Month. I discuss his bio and created a playlist for you to hear his influential sounds by other artists.

Theme Song: "Dance Track"- Jessica Ann Catena

Catalog

YouTube

Playlist

Media: Uncle Buck, Summer of Soul, SNL Music,Rock Talk Studio

Related Episodes: Ep. 37 - 20 Summer Songs Countdown
Ep. 120 - That's My Jam - Game Show
Ep. 154 - Janet Jackson's Rhythm Nation
Ep. 220 - Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 1)
Ep. 241 - The Beach Boys Rare 10
Ep. 272 - Top 40 Songs of 2024 (Part 1)

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As And So It Goes previews, Billy Joel has to rest. I rank 10 fan fav hits.

Playlist: 10. “Piano Man” (1973); MSG 100th; 9. “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” (1980); 8. “River of Dreams” (1993) - "Gloria" - The Cadillacs (1954); CT; 7. “Vienna” (1978) - 13 Going On 30; 6. “Uptown Girl” (1983) - Vacation; 5. “Just the Way You Are” (1978) - The 4 Seasons' "Rag Doll" (1964); 4. “My Life” (1980) Bosom Buddies; 3. “Movin’ Out” (1978) musical; 2. “The Longest Time” (1983); 1. “NY State of Mind” (1976); Concert 

Alexa Ray's "Just the Way You Are" (2013) live - interview, Gap; Liberty Devito; Father’s Day; 4th of  July;  2024

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Alex Warren and Myles Smith are trending with their powerful folk music.

Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena

Alex's website; Wedding
Singles: "Ordinary", "Ordinary (Wedding Version)", "Bloodline" feat. Jelly Roll
Live: The Tonight Show, American Music Awards
Charting: UK's Official Charts, Billboard

Myles's website; Singles: "Stargazing", "NIce to Meet You",  "Blink Twice" - Shaboozey

Live: The Voice's winter finale, Brit Awards, American Idol
Brit Awards Rising Star, Time 100

Related: 'Wednesday', Ed Sheeran, Jelly Roll, Shaboozey, Global Citizens Fest, Coldplay, Top 40 2024, Ed Sheeran's "Azizam" & "Old Phone", Prom 2025

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Listeners have steamed back Ep. 35's Prom 2020 playlist, here's 2025's.
                                                                                                                                   
2025 Playlist:
“Fancy” - Drake, T.I., Swizz Beatz (2010); VMAs
“Suit & Tie” - Justin Timberlake & Jay-Z (2013); Grammys
“Love In Real Life” - Lizzo (2025); SNL
“I Want You (Fever)” - Momma (2025); Jimmy Kimmel
“Obsessed” - Olivia Rodrigo (2024)
“These Walls” - Dua Lipa (2024); Royal Albert Hall
“Hey Ya!" - OutKast (2003-2004)
“Back Then Right Now” - Tyler Hubbard (2023-2024)
“Silver Lining” - Laufey (2025)
“End of Beginning” - Djo (2022, 2024)

 FGL, Barbie, Alicia Keys, 

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I critique Blake Shelton's For Recreational Use Only, and Morgan Wallen's I'm the Problem new albums.

Theme Song: "Dance Track" - Jessica Ann Catena

"Texas" (2024-2025) - video
Live: Jimmy Kimmel, New Year's , ACMs, Tonight Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show, The Voice

Interviews: CMT Hot Twenty, Tonight Show, The Kelly Clarkson Show
 CBS' The Road

"All My Exes Live In Texas" - George Strait
The Swon Brothers: "Later On" (2014); "I Can't Tell You Why" (Eagles cover)

Morgan @ SNL: "I'm the Problem", "Just In Case"; Sand In My Boots

Related: Blake Shelton, Morgan Wallen, 'F-1 Trillion, Top 40 2024 (Pt 2), Lady A

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British singer/songwriter Ed Sheeran has announced his next album and title theme for his next music era. Play is scheduled to come out 9/12, same week as MTV's VMAs! Until then, he's released two promo singles that we can expect through pop and acoustic compositions. Learn the music styles and stories behind "Azizam" & "Old Phone". 

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena

"Azizam" - Behind the scenes; NYC Subway emo disguise

"Old Phone" - pop-up pub, song preview; Play international pop-up phone booth

Jimmy Fallon interivew

Time 100:  article; interview

Gettin’ Down & Wordy

Related Episodes: 

Ep. 116 - Top 40 Songs of 2021 (Part 1)

Ep. 187 - Ed Sheeran Top 11

Ep. 221 - Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 2)

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Lauren Alaina auditioned for American Idol and ranked runner-up to Scotty McCreery in 2011. Both are the youngest top 2 in the show's history, and represented country after Carrie Underwood won in 2005! 15 years later, Lauren is married and expecting a baby girl just in time for Mother's Day. I discuss 4 of her songs in this maternity playlist.

Playlist: "Like My Mother Does" (2011) - (Live); "Road Less Traveled" (2016)
"Doin' Fine" (2017); Those Kind of Women" (2025)

"Georgia Peaches"(2011), "Ladies in the '90s" (2019), "What Ifs" - Kane Brown (2016), "One Beer" - HARDY feat. Devin Dawson (2020), "Thinking 'Bout You" - Dustin Lynch (2021)

"I Like The Sound of That" - Rascal Flatts (2015); "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" - Kelly Clarkson (2012)

Related: Mothers Day, Luke Bryan, Kelly Clarkson, Meghan Trainor, Top 40 of 2023, Chayce Beckham & Gabby Barrett,  Luke Combs, Lady A 

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The first Academy of Country Music Awards was 4/2/66. 60 years later, the genre's having its finest decade honoring popular trending artists today. Before the ceremony's livestream airs 5/8 on Amazon Prime Video, I share my predictions who'd win 9 of its popular music categories: Music Event, Single, Song, Duo, Group, Male, Female, Album, and Entertainer. Listen, and check my ballot results on our social media pages.

Music Notes with Jess sites: Facebook, X, Instagram, Buzzsprout

Related Episodes: ACM Awards 2022 Predictions, Morgan Wallen's Music History
Kacey Musgraves' "Deeper Well", Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)", Little Big Town Top 10, Post Malone's 'F-1 Trillion' (Review), CMA Awards 2024 Predictions,
Top 40 Songs of 2024 (Part 1), Top 40 Songs of 2024 (Part 2), Carly Pearce & Wine, Grammys 2025 Predictions

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20 yrs in R&B/pop ,Ciara's "Ecstasy" video challenge is motivating senior citizens to try! I flashback 4 of her sexy hits.

"Love Sex Magic" ft. Justin Timberlake (2009); studio; "Ride" ft. Ludacris (2010) "Body Party" (2013); "Ecstasy" (2025), on-set

Celebs: Sherri Shepherd, Megan Thee Stallion, Victoria Monet, Cara Delevigne

"1,2 Step" ft. Missy Elliott, "Goodies" ft. Petey Pablo (2004), "Dance Like We're Making Love" (2015), "Level Up", "Thinking About You" - Ciara (2019)
"My Boo" - Ghost Town DJ's (1996); "Rock Your Body" - Justin Timberlake (2002); "One in a Million" - Aaliyah (1996); "The Pleasure Principle" - Janet Jackson (1986); "Stronger" - Britney Spears (2000)

Janet, Justin, Doechii

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Finishing Passover and Easter this month, I reminisced the first movie I heard of Val Kilmer as he passed away 4/1. Dreamworks released animated religious film The Prince of Egypt in 1998, based on the Bible's Book of Exodus - 40 Chapters, and 1956 movie The Ten Commandments. Along with an all-star cast, Val Kilmer starred as Moses and the voice of God. I summarize the epic movie and soundtrack in this episode.

The Prince of Egypt: Peacock, Amazon

The Ten Commandments - Amazon Prime Video

"When You Believe" - Whitney Houston & Mariah Carey

Musical movie clips

Lyrics

Hey Alma's soundtrack critique

Related Episodes: Ep. 113 - Annie/MJ The Musical/West Side Story
Ep. 119 - Encanto Songs                                        Ep. 138 - Top Gun Songs
Ep. 203 - Barbie: The Albums
Ep. 233 - Mariah Carey Top 10
Ep. 251 - Celine Dion Top 10
Ep. 277 - Grammys 2025 Predictions
Ep. 281 - Wicked & A Compete Unknown (Reviews)

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Record Store Day is 4/12, and Post Malone is ambassador! I made my own playlist: 

“Old Time Rock & Roll” - Bob Seger (1978); Risky Business ; The Nanny; "Like a Rock" Chevy ads; (single)

“Music” - Madonna (2000); “Put Your Records On” - Corrine Bailey Rae (2006) / Ritt Momney (2020); "Breathless", "Green Aphrodisiac" (2016)

“I Love Rock & Roll” - The Arrows (1975), Joan Jett & The Blackhearts (1981), Britney Spears (2001), Crossroads

“Add Some Music to Your Day” - The Beach Boys (1970)
“Sir Duke”, "I Am Singing" - Stevie Wonder (1976)

Britney, Madonna, Mariah, The Beach Boys

Pick a Disc, Album Nerds, Polyphonic Press, Astrovert

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