News & Notes 11/5/2022

Some news, notes, and items of general interest.  

First, let's take a look at the "Radio Free Connecticut Top Songs of October".  Here's what's hot this month, listed from least listened to most listened to.    

  • #10: Pixies - "Gigantic"
  • #9: Donna Summer - "This Time I Know It's For Real"
  • #8: Like A Storm - "Lie To Me"
  • #7: Metallica & San Francisco Symphony Orchestra - "Hero of the Day"
  • #6: Mario - "Let Me Love You"
  • #5: Phil Collins & Philip Bailey - "Easy Lover"
  • #4: Peter Cetera - "Restless Heart"
  • #3: Niki French - "Total Eclipse of the Heart"
  • #2: Sly & The Family Stone - "Everyday People"

Any guesses at what the top song of the month is...no? It's...

  • #1: Yes - "Rhythm of Love"

Sorry...lame joke!


Now let's glance at the songs that I've been listening to lately.   


  - If you somehow haven't yet heard the collaboration between Elton John and Britney Spears, then you've been missing out on some good music.  The two artists come together quite splendidly on "Hold Me Closer", which has hit number six on the US charts (according to Billboard Magazine).  

Being a mash-up of sorts, the song blends the classic sound of John (from "Tiny Dancer", "The One", and "Don't Go Breaking My Heart") with fresh vocals from Spears.  The result is a masterpiece of modern music, and a tune that sticks with you (1).  

For Britney, this song marks a triumphant return to the top; after years of going through legal and personal hell, I would say that she deserves this success.  

Turning my attention to Elton, it seems to me that his past hits are getting new leases on life.  As the performance of "Cold Heart" (with Dua Lipa) has shown, they are becoming quite popular with younger audiences.  

John's figured out what many artists never do; how to stay relevant in a changing world.  I love the new music that he's been making, and would very much enjoy hearing more of it.    



  - In the world of music, there always seems to be something cool that I haven't heard before.  Take, for instance, the Gavin Rossdale track "Adrenaline".  Although this song came out in 2002, I had never listened to it until recently.  I must say that the quality of the music left me surprised, and pleasantly so.  

The tune, which was featured on the soundtrack to the movie "XXX", is a slow-burning rocker that would fit well on modern rock stations.  Rossdale's vocals come through as gritty and passion-infused; it truly seems as if he's feeling the music (2).  

And that makes me wonder; how in the world did I miss this when it first came out? It's exactly the kind of song that appeals to me.  I guess I must've been asleep at the time, or off on my own planet somewhere.  

Anywho, this is a great tune, and very much worthy of being one of your next listening experiences.    



Now, a quick reminder that Election Day is coming up in the US on November eighth; just three days from now.  This is your chance to shape your future.  Regardless of your ballot choices, be sure to do your civic duty; get out and vote.  Don't know where your polling place is? Check with your local Registrar of Voters.  


Until next time, "if there is a next time", stay tuned.  


Sources:

1. “Hold Me Closer (Elton John and Britney Spears Song).” Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hold_Me_Closer_(Elton_John_and_Britney_Spears_song). Accessed 5 Nov. 2022.

2. “XXX (Soundtrack).” Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/XXX_(soundtrack). Accessed 5 Nov. 2022.

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