Music Notes with Jess

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Jessica Ann Catena

318 episodes

10 hours ago

Learn what's trending each week in music by listening and taking music notes with Jess.

Music Commentary

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Learn what's trending each week in music by listening and taking music notes with Jess.

Music Commentary

Music

Episodes (20/318)

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 317 - 1967 Favorites Playlist

2025's added dictionary word of the year is... "6 7"? This social media term spreading its lingo online, in classrooms, and cultural language. Derived from a Tiktok song and NBA player's height, the definition 6 7 is a slang for maybe or so-so. Test your usage by listening to this episode's inspired playlist: popular music from 1967. Share on our social media below what you like, dislike, or feel six-seven!

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

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

Show more...

10 hours ago

30 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 316 - Leon Thomas' "Mutt"

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: Ep. 102 - Ariana Grande Top 10
Ep. 156 - Steve Lacy's "Bad Habit"
Ep. 216 - Alicia Keys Top 10
Ep. 220 - Top 40 Songs of 2023 (Part 1)
Ep. 236 - Show more...

1 week ago

13 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 315 - Rocky Horror 50th
[Listener discretion is strongly advised for mature explicit content.]

All season, fans have celebrated the 50th anniversary of The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Despite its risque quirkiness, it's the longest theatrical movie played annually since. Learn the franchise's history then, and relived through 3 21st century reboots.

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

Vinyl Soundtrack
Digital Soundtrack
Theater participation props

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

The Rocky Horror Glee Show (2010)
Let's Do the Time Warp Again (2016)
"Tears" - Sabrina Carpenter (2025)

Related Episodes: Ep. 107 - 13 Halloweenish Songs
Ep. 113 - Annie/MJ The Musical/West Side Story
Show more...
2 weeks ago
17 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 314- Lady Gaga's "The Dead Dance" & Florence + The Machine's "Everybody Scream"
Leading up to Halloween, two contemporary songs are likely to set the mood: Lady Gaga's "The Dead Dance", and Florence + The Machine's "Everybody Scream"! Both divas are theatrical entertainers, thrilling fans to have fun along with them. Learn the development stories about each in this episode.

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by Jessica Ann Catena
Sound effects taken from 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 - Favorite Songs
"Dog Days Are Over" (2009-2010) - Video 1, 2, MTV 2010
"Shake It Out" (2011)
"Sweet Nothing" (2012) - Calvin Harris
"Ship to Wreck" (2015)
"Call Me Cruella" (2021)
"Everybody Scream" @ Graham Norton Show, album link

Related Episodes: Ep. 85 - Cruella De Vil Theme Songs
Ep. 105 - Lady Gaga Top 10
Ep. 166 - 'Wednesday' & "Goo Goo Muck"
Ep. 213 - Stevie Nicks Top 10
Show more...
3 weeks ago
16 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 313 - Bruno Mars Top 10
Happy 40th Bruno Mars! He posted an AI birthday post, and is re-releasing a 15th anniversary vinyl edition of his 2010 debut album: Doo-Wop & Hooligans. Entertaining audiences his whole life, I honor 10 hits with my own personal memories in this top 10 countdown.

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

Playlist: 10. “Treasure” (2012, 2013); Sample
9. “That’s What I Like” (2016, 2017)
8. “It Will Rain” (2011)
7. “Finesse (Remix)” feat. Cardi B (2017); In Living Color
6. “Die With A Smile” - Lady Gaga (2024-2025)
5. “Leave the Door Open” - Silk Sonic (2021)
4. “Grenade” (2010-2011)
3. “When I Was Your Man” (2012-2013)
2. “Just the Way You Are” (2010)
1. “Uptown Funk” - Show more...
4 weeks ago
35 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 312 - 'The Life of a Showgirl' (Review)
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 Episodes: Ep. 102 - Ariana Grande Top 10
Ep. 117 - Top 40 Songs of 2021 (Part 2)
Ep. 206 - Back To School Playlist
Ep. 217 - Sabrina Carpenter's "Feather"
Ep. 219 - Christmas 2023 Playlist
Ep. 237 - The...
Show more...
1 month ago
17 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 311 - 'Buckingham Nicks' & Miley Cyrus' "Secrets"
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: Ep. 53 - Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams" - History
Ep. 65 - Top 40 Songs of 2020 (Pt. 2)
Ep. 165- Christine McVie Top 10
Ep. 172 - Miley Cyrus' "Flowers"
Ep. 213 - Stevie Nicks Top 10
Ep. 233 - Mariah Carey Top 10
Ep. 250 - French Lyrics Playlist
Show more...
1 month ago
17 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 310 - Earth, Wind & Fire Top 10
A decade after receiving a Grammys Lifetime Achievement award, R&B/disco band Earth, Wind & Fire are ready to share their celebration. CBS will air this past 4th of July's holiday weekend concert tapings at The Hollywood Bowl; guess when to watch it: The 21st night of September! Praising 55 musical years, I countdown 10 hits I recommend to get you started.

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

Playlist:
10. “Sing A Song” (1975)
9. “Fantasy” (1977-1978)
8. “Can’t Hide Love” (1975-1976)
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)

Maurice White on drums: "Rescue Me" - Fontella Bass (1965); Billy Stewart - "Summertime" (1966); Betty Everett - "You're No Good" (1963)

Mentioned Media: Show more...
1 month ago
31 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 309 - Laufey's 'A Matter of Time' (Review)
Laufey's a young Icelandic/Asian jazz aficionado. Studying the music from her parents, she's kept the genre alive through self-compositions this decade. Fans are dazzled of her writing, singing, playing piano/guitar/cello! "Third time's the charm" for 3rd album A Matter of Time, topping jazz charts, and just crossed over #4 on Billboard's 200 albums chart. Brilliantly romanticizing a "timely" concept record. I share this young lady's music journey, review the tracks, and evaluate its popularity in this episode.

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

Fan Favorite Singles: "Like the Movies" debut on Jimmy Kimmel Live (2022)

"From the Start" (2022, 2024-2025); New Years' Rockin' Eve (2024); GMA (2025)
Remix: "Confess Your Love" - Jiandro ft. ola.wav (2025); Tiktok dance

"Goddess" (2024); Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon
"Christmas Magic" from Red One; UK's The Graham Norton Show (2024)
"Silver Lining" (2025); GMA3
"Tough Luck" (2025)
"Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self" with Barbra Streisand (2025)
"Lover Girl" (2025); Show more...
1 month ago
14 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 308 - VMAs 2025 Predictions
MTV's going big for their 42nd Video Music Awards! Posting the nominations last month, Paramount enforced 2 big changes: syndicating the show on CBS, and added country to the ballot! How will fans and viewers vote? I "announce" predictions before the show airs in 10 of its categories. Check our podcast's social an hour before showtime (9/7, 7pm), and day after to see my results.

Recap: Ep. 304 - MTV Adds Country & CBS to VMAs
Getting Down & Wordy: Rose & Bruno Mars' "Apt"

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: Show more...
2 months ago
36 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 307 - Summer 1995 Playlist
The '90s are calling like a dial-up modem. Summer 1995 had greats hits holding up 30 years later! While I reflect personal changes I experienced back then, I talk up these classic songs' pivotal messages and artists.

Summer 1995 Playlist:
“Hold My Hand” - Hootie & The Blowfish (1994-1995); Live
- "Bottle Rockets" - Scott McCreery (2025)

“I’ll Be There For You” - The Rembrandts (1994-1995)
FRIENDS; 10 Seasons Intros; 2021 Reunion
Playlist

“This Is How We Do It” - Montell Jordan
The Masked Singer (2023); Uber One

“Have You Ever Really Loved a Woman?” - Bryan Adams
Don Juan Demarco

“I Could Fall In Love” - Selena
Selena in Don Juan Demarco
1997 biopic; Netflix mini-series (2021)
Jennifer Lopez's live cover (2001)
Selena & Yolanda: The Secrets Between Them (2024)

“Colors of the Wind” - Judy Kuhn / Vanessa Williams
Pocahontas; Show more...
2 months ago
51 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 306 - ROLE MODEL's "Sally, When the Wine Runs Out"
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: Ep. 249 - Shaboozey's "A Bar Song" (Tipsy)
Ep. 278 - Mayer Hawthorne Top 10
Ep. 281 - Wicked & A Complete Unknown (Reviews)
Show more...
2 months ago
13 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 305 - Maroon 5's 'Love Is Like' (Review)
The beginnings of Maroon 5 began 30 years ago as Kara's Flowers, officially formed 2001. Going through a lot of professional and music changes, their 8th album Love Is Like may be entering a new music market sonically. I give my review comparing to Maroon 5's band history, discography, and promotion up to its release date.

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

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

Love Is Like promo singles:
"Priceless" feat. LISA
"All Night", Today Show (Live)
"California", Today Show (Live)
"Love Is Like" feat. Lil Wayne

Jane Herman
Ryan Dusick

Robert Palmer: "Addicted to Love", "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" (1985-1986)
Show more...
2 months ago
15 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 304 - MTV Adds Country & CBS to VMAs

Every year, MTV announces their Video Music Awards nominations around their August anniversary. 2025's ballot was delayed, and revealed 2 bombshell changes! Country music got incorporated in the nominees, and CBS will syndicate the show for the first time outside of cable on Sunday, September 7th! Are these business decisions music-related, or a merger experiment with SkyDance Media's on Paramount's assets? I look into both and reveal which country songs' videos will compete on the 42nd VMAs.

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

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

MTV's Country VMAs Nominations:

Best Country: "I Think I'm In Love With You" - Chris Stapleton (2023-2024)
"I'm Gonna Love You" - Cody Johnson & Carrie Underwood (2024)
"Liar" - Jelly Roll (2024-2025)
"Am I Okay?" - Megan Moroney (2024-2025)
"Smile" - Morgan Wallen (2025)

Best Push Artist Performance: "A Bar Song Tipsy" - Shaboozey (2024)

Best New Artist: Ella Langley

Artist of the Year / Album of the Year: Show more...
3 months ago
13 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 303 - Moulin Rouge! Film & Play

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: Ep. 62 - Christina Aguilera Top 10
Ep. 84 - P!nk Top 10 Hits
Ep. 113 - Annie/MJ The Musical/West Side Story
Ep. 145 - Brian May Top 10
Show more...
3 months ago
18 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 302 - Ozzy Osbourne Top 10
Weeks after his farewell performances at Birmingham England's Back to the Beginning Festival, rocker Ozzy Osbourne died 7/22 at 76. Rocking 60 years as a solo artist and his band Black Sabbath, he innovated heavy metal's imagery, concert entertainment, and media. Based on the songs I heard working classic rock radio, and favorites from fans, I countdown in this top 10.

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by 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)
Show more...
3 months ago
29 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 301 - Live Aid's 40th Coverage
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). Brought up 40 years later of its extravagent gathering, learn how this telethon was covered back then, and acknowledged recently for its 40th anniversary: 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

Woodstock 50 Issues (2019)

Live Aid Fan Site; Live Album

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

80sCentral.com; Live Aid 40 press release

Live Aid: When Rock and Roll Ruled the World (CNN)
BBC Webpage; Amazon Prime Video; AppleTV

Bohemian Rhapsody (2018) biopic; Show more...
3 months ago
25 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 300 - Then & Now (Ep. 201-299)
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
Support the show

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
Show more...
3 months ago
1 hour 18 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 299 - The Beach Boys Top 10
The Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson died 6/11 from ailing illnesses. This is the first summer without him, and there's countless music to remember him by. Countdown and learn about these 10 fan favorite songs.

Theme Song: "Dance Track", composed by 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+ Documentary; Show more...
4 months ago
30 minutes

Music Notes with Jess

Ep. 298 - Gigi Perez & Lorde
Most of 2025's pop scene has been dominated by LGTBQ+ females. Joining that list are Cuban folk singer Gigi Perez, and New Zealand's alternative artist Lorde. Expressing self-identity in different genres, I review each of their new albums: At the Beach, In Real Life, and Virgin.

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

Gigi Perez's website; discography
"Celine" - Soundcloud
"Sailor Song" - video, Tonight Show performance
Zach Show podcast interview
MTV Push interview
"Closer to Fine" - Indigo Girls (1989)
Lollapallooza 2025

Lorde's website; YouTube channel
discography
"Royals", "Tennis Court", "Team" (2013-2014)
"Green Light" (2017)
"Solar Power"vs. George Michael's "Freedom '90" (1990)
"What Was That", "Man of the Year", "Hammer"...
Show more...
4 months ago
20 minutes