ARTEMIS II Themed Playlist

ARTEMIS II was NASA's latest moon voyage. I made this themed playlist for its astronauts.

Wake Up Playlist

Episode Playlist: “Space Oddity” - David Bowie (1969), “Fly Me to the Moon” - Frank Sinatra (1967), “Man on the Moon” - R.E.M. (1992), “Rocket Man” - Elton John (1972), “Moonlight Sonata” - Beethoven (1803, 1830), “Walking On the Moon” - The Police (1979), “Don’t Stop Me Now” - Queen (1977), “Levitating” - Dua Lipa (2020), “Stars Wars (Main Title) - John Williams, “Star Wars/Cantina Band - Meco (1977)

2001: A Space Odyssey, "Tebowie", Man on the Moon, Rocketman, “Cold Heart”, Bohemian Rhapsody, Brian May, Music by John Williams

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

Transcript

SPEAKER_01 0:06

Welcome to Music Media Review, where I base topics around music headlines and at times incorporate current events. We witnessed history watching four NASA astronauts complete a successful moon voyage in 10 days. Aboard Artemis II's rocket ship, they traveled the furthest ever, 61,326 miles, observing the moon's natural state, scientifically showing progress for future trips. This breakthrough has relieved the world optimistically, and I wanted to join the fun musically. I picked 10 songs characterizing space and lunar surroundings for you can find in the links I've attached in the episode description. I'm Jess. Let's lift off an Artemis Two-Theme playlist on Music Media Review. David Bowie's Space Sodity was a subconscious cry for help, giving all he had. After seeing the 1968 movie, 2001 A Space Odyssey, he too felt alienated. Personifying his thoughts, David refers ground control to whomever's willing to listen and dubs himself as Major Tom. The anonymity fits so well, it completely changed his outlook and musicality. Sharing the same legal name as the monkey's heartthrob Davy Jones, David Bowie's pseudonym took flight and so did his career. Acclamating hair dos, makeup, extravagant outfits, there'd be no clam rock or modern fashion without leading the trail. Especially in the queer community, which David was part of. He was such a mastermind, I just adored him. Space Sodity also opened up a sci-fi persona David identified as Ziggy Stardust. Starman unleashed 1972's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars, Life on Mars single the following year, starred in 1976 British movie The Man Who Fell to Earth and commanded conviction on Queen's 1981 collaboration, Under Pressure. Funny enough, that's one of the wake-up choices Artemis II's astronauts pick themselves to hear every morning. My reason handpicking Space Sodity is the first first reciting a 10-second countdown mirroring the exploration when Apollo 11's mission occurred July 1969. Looking up to the sky spiritually and figuratively, David metaphorically laments the world spinning, trying to figure things out. For here, am I sitting in a tin can far above the world? Planet Earth is blue and there's nothing I can do. Here I am floating round my tin can far above the moon. Planet Earth is blue and there's nothing I can do. My favorite part is bridging Can you hear me, Major Tom? Can you hear am I floating round my tin can? Clever roll of the tongue. David Bowie surely was a star right to the end. 2016's Black Star came out January 8th on his 69th birthday and he died two days later. Privately ailing lung cancer, the concept album eulogized more than it should have. I woke up viewing a friend posting The Connection Online and how David's higher power took over. It's a great album. My college radio spun it religiously. The Grammy is awarded three rock trophies, one for engineering, and its recording package. Highly recommend. In 1969, Space Sodity ranked number five in the UK on David Bowie's self-titled album. Re-released globally in the 70s, rebounded to number 15 on the Hop 100 and number one in the UK. Jimmy Fallon spoofed a 2012 rendition parodying NFL player Tim Tebow's Praying Rituals and Space Sodity, calling it T-Bowie. I've shared that video, so funny, and featured on Grammy winning comedy album Blow Your Pants Off. Unofficially NASA's anthem, a jazz standard was played two historic space moments. Apollo 10's 1964 astronauts dispatched an audio cassette playing Frank Sinatra's Fly Me to the Moon. Apollo 11's crew kept tradition 1969. Certainly flipped the reality figuring out technology back then. Apollo 10 tested rocket science mechanics, Apollo 12 amazingly touched the moon's surface, and two of the astronauts walking on it. Just exhilarating as we're feeling now about Artemis 2. Frank Sinatra moved social barriers recording Fly Me to the Moon. Covered on 1964 record, It Might As Well Be Swing, he hired Quincy Jones to orchestrate the arrangement and appear at 1966's Vegas concert, Sinatra at the Sands. Standing up to the segregation accusations mistreating Quincy, he would have walked out if they didn't change their ways. Told in 2018 Netflix documentary Quincy, the gentleman's business deals were executed via handshake and Vegas wouldn't be as big if it wasn't for people like Frank. I miss them both. Kate Allot first sang Fly Me to the Moon in 1954, originally titled, in other words, Fly Me to the Moon, let me play among the stars. Let me see what spring is like on Jupiter and Mars. In other words, hold my hand. In other words, darling, kiss me. Fill my life with song and let me sing forevermore. You are all I long for, all I worship and adore. In other words, please be true. In other words, I love you. Around the same time frame as Frank Sinatra, Tony Bennett put out his Fly Me to the Moon single. Frank amicably respected the crooning space and Tony's vocal charisma. Maybe NASA Side Project should dedicate a star in his name. On YouTube, Fly Me to the Moon has 4.2 million streams and 839 million on Spotify. Next to Writer's Block, the spontaneity of REM branched technicalities and wisdom all in one. Deriving sleeping phase rapid eye movement, formulaic rhythms, stunner lyrics, their band demonstrated alternative rock's origin to play however they wanted. No gimmick, ego, pressure, obtaining creative control, and shedding light on Seattle, Washington's growing grunge environment. Nearing end of the 80s, college rock intertwined a mellower personal shift. My early 90s memories recall shiny happy people, losing my religion, everybody hurts, and learned other songs as I got older from them. For our space theme, I did 1992's Man on the Moon. Jamming in the studio, guitarist Peter Buck writ the opening notes, Bill Burry followed on drums, Frogman Michael Stei puzzled what to bring vocally or lyrically. He almost forfeit it be an instrumental track, his bandmates encouraged something would flow eventually. Seeking inspiration, Michael took a walk listening to his Walkman cassette player, and thought of an idol he missed. Comedian Andy Kaufman did stand up, invited occasionally on Saturday Night Live, and acted on ABC's sitcom, Taxi. Succumbing to lung cancer so young at 35, conspiracy theorists believed Andy was still alive. REM had a videotape of Andy's comedy material making Michael wish to reincarnate him in the bond they laughed at. Referencing past bits, board games, religion, science, and myths, Man on the Moon became a moral definition of endless possibilities, even for finding the right lyrics to match the chords Peter and Bill started. Rhetorically speaking, now Andy, did you hear about this one? Tell me, are you locked in the punch? Andy, are you goofing on Elvis? Hey baby, are we losing touch? If you believe they put a man on the moon, man on the moon, if you believe there's nothing up his sleeve, then nothing is cool. An ultimate compliment happened 1999 when Andy Kaufman's biopic adapted its title. Jim Carrey starred I gotta look back at these movies when I get a chance. It's amazing how our heroes bring out the strength when we need it most. Off REM's album Automatic for the People, Man on the Moon charted number 46 Adult Contemporary, No. 30 on the Hop 100, No. 4 Mainstream Rock, and No. 2 Alternative Airplay under Jesus Jones's The Devil You Know. REM disbanded 2011. Michael Stipe's new single I Played the Fool has a cool sound. Bass' Mike Mills has joined super group Howl Owl How with Hootie and the Blowfish frontman Darius Rucker. They released Mike Cologne's single late 2025, comparing REM's band name sharing the same for Ariana Grande's cosmetic line. Shared sentiments were exchanged between a famous music partnership equating touring like preparing space travel, the logistics, packing, transportation, long distance, and facing uncertainties on the horizon. Close as they became so quickly, Elton John and songwriting partner Bernie Taupin caught homesick spug. Rocket Man illustrates leaving behind loved ones, working longer than average work schedules, and maintaining a different role than usual. And I think it's gonna be a long, long time till Touchdown brings me round again to find. I'm not the man they think I am at home. Oh no no no, I'm a Rocket Man. Rocket Man burning out his fuse up here alone. And I think it's gonna be a long, long time. Hitting emotional nerves for fans, Rocket Man was chosen as an Elton John biopic in 2019. Actor Taryn Egerton won a Best Actor Golden Globe for his performance, duetting I'm Gonna Love Me Again at the credits. I saw it in the theaters when it came out and liked the musical theater angle among its characters. I'm Gonna Love Me Again's fantastic. My only issue was ending the movie up to Elton's sobering up in the 80s. Ryder should have at least mentioned the Lion King soundtrack, meeting his spouse David, and other music past that point. I do recommend it if you're unfamiliar or something to re-watch. Became underrated under seven years ago. Younger generations may recognize Rocket Man's lyrics remixed on 2021 Electro collaboration Cold Heart featuring Dua Lipa. Elton gave her a shout-out on his Apple music radio show Rocket Hour and coordinated sessions to record together. Interpolating four Elton John songs, producer Penel mixed in 1989's Sacrifice, Dua Lipa singing 1972's Rocket Man, and 1983's Kiss the Bride's Choruses in the Middle, and 1976's Where's the Shura, Fading It Out. One of the best mashups ever made, and the music video animated both artists dancing in outer space. Dua invited Elton to perform it live at her 2024 Royal Albert Hall concert. He sat proudly on his stool, being her guests. Classics sticking around a long, long time. Off Elton John's fifth album, Honky Chateau, Rocket Man charted number 39 Easy Listening, number eight in Canada, number six on the Hop 100, and number two in the UK under T-Rex's Metal Guru. I'm gonna do my best selling the next pick on our playlist. It's over two centuries old and instrumental. Moonlight Sonata is a classical masterpiece originally played and composed by Ludwig von Beethoven. Famous for his eloquent piano works, multiple layers of history live every note. A factual discovery I never knew is that Moonlight Sonata wasn't the original title. On the link I provided, it's index piano sonata number 14 and E flat major Opus 27 number 2. Clicking that album I chose in the playlist is by pianist Paul Lewis, who Spotify ranked its most streamed interpretation on Beethoven's page and three parts associated with the track. Written in secret, the chords emotionally reflect his love Giulietta Gucciardi. Italian caption sonata quasi uno fantasia, translating to Sonata resembling a fantasy. In other words, their love affair while teaching her piano. The attraction between 16-year-old Countess Giulietta and 30-year-old composer Ludwig lasted about two years, but ended when she married Count Wenzel Robert von Gallenberg in 1803. Beethoven dated Julieta's cousins Josephine and Therese Brunswick in between, but he never married or had kids. German writer Ludwig Relstab praised Moonlight Sonata in his 1824 story Theodore, reflecting the moon on Switzerland's Lake Lucerne. The lake reposes in Twilight Moonshimmer, Moonshimer, muffled waves strike the dark shore, gloomy wooded mountains rise and close off the holy place from the world. Ghostly swans glide with whispering rustles on the tide, and an Aeolian harp sends down mysterious tones of lovelorn yearning from the runes. Both Ludwigs met a year later and the term Monshine Sonate stuck in German language into the eighteen thirties. Sadly, Beethoven miss Dell dying of liver failure, 1827. I've read composers tweaking adjustments decades on, to have a writer impact music with no hands-on involvement, that's a once in a lifetime legacy. I learned classical music biographies in elementary school and a college course, Moonlight Sonata always stuck with me. The repeated chord progression solemnly catchy in part one, part two crescendoes much louder in major key ranges and flutters fast in part three. Sophisticated set hearing each one through. Just think of Artemis II slowly panning around the moon and racing back homeward on the faster parts. Another unfortunate obstacle Beethoven faced during his time with Julieta was hearing loss. However it occurred, professional pianists say the pedal use in Moonlight Sonata was a way Beethoven could feel the music physically performing. I believe it. It's timed so well. The digital version I provided has 240 million Spotify streams. One more fact to share. John Lennon wrote 1969 Beatles track because after hearing his wife Yoko Ono playing Moonlight Sonata on piano, he asked her to play the chords backwards, leading to Harmonize with Paul McCartney and George Harrison. According to Beatles Bible.com, George said it was his favorite track off Abby Rhodes' album. Mind blowing.

SPEAKER_00 18:08

Who would have thought blending classical music with classic rock?

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I didn't plan segueing a track that coincidentally took place in Switzerland, and album work was sketched by Victor Vasarelli, who did Space Oddity. These unexpecting connections amused me so much. Enjoying Liberty's rock stars partook in the 1970s, Queen did socially and musically. Bohemian Rhapsody's 2018 biopic visually gave us a taste. Freddie Mercury's readiness fulfilled enough for the whole band. Unspoken behind his partying clothes and showmanship, he kept bisexuality a secret. Never openly admitted anything, and he never had to. My family and I are huge Queen fans. The biopic was like watching home movies depicted to us knowing so much. I saw Adam Lambert perform with guitarist Brian May and drummer Roger Taylor at 2019's Global Citizen Festival in Central Park. As if the moment wasn't exciting solely, Rami Malik, who won playing Freddy in Bohemian Rhapsody, introduced them on stage. I'll share my media to check it out later. Queen made Jazz's 1978 album, continuing eclectic pieces from all four members. Freddie Mercury fully lets loose in Don't Stop Me Now, expressing his life's excitement quartzing fast as rocket power. Floating around in ecstasy, so don't stop me now. I'm a shooting star leaping through the sky like a tiger defying the laws of gravity. I'm burning through the sky. Yeah, 200 degrees. That's why they call me Mr. Fahrenheit. I'm traveling at the speed of light. I want to make a supersonic man out of you. Don't stop me now. I'm having such a good time. I'm having a ball. Don't stop me now. If you want to have a good time, just give me a call. Don't stop me now, because I'm having a good time. Don't stop me now. Yes, I'm having a good time. I don't want to stop it all. I'm a rocket ship on my way to Mars on a collision course. I am a satellite. I'm out of control. I hear this song all over. Best mood booster. You may not know Brian May's got a doctorate in astrophysics. He was dare I say Starstruck, Artemis II's astronauts put under pressure to wake up to, and he requested they take 3D stereoscopic pictures of their experience. Wish granted, he blocked some on BrianMay.com. Don't stop me now charted number 86 on the Hop100, number nine in the UK, skyrocketed number seven Hot Rock and Alternative Songs, and number one UK rock and metal in 2018. Freddy would have turned 80 in September.

SPEAKER_00 21:14

I intend creating a tribute episode for him.

SPEAKER_01 21:40

I'm very curious if either will involve moonwalking. Twelve astronauts did between 1969 and 1972. We're due in the 21st century, and at least one of them should be a female. If you haven't decoded my clues yet, I added 1979's Walking on the Moon by the The police. Meshing all kinds of music styles in their catalog, there wasn't any space connections constructing the instrumentation. By chance, Andy Summer struck his guitar chord at a Munich hotel room after the police appeared on TV. Lead singer Gordon Sumner, also known as Sting, got drunk and began pacing back and forth. Somehow coherent remembering both those things, walking around the room slowly formulated into walking on the moon. Andy's triggering guitar riff casts a spell, chilling a laid-out vibe with Stuart Copeland's rim drumming, Sting strumming bass guitar, and singing. His intonation cleverly cuts through reggae roots. I'm in shock the US had no interest promoting it and hasn't charted even in the digital age. Must have realized the mistake by 1980 when the music video was filmed at Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Florida. Replacing room with moon, lyrics trailed one step at a time, committing. Treading light as gravity, the narrator's head over heels with no regrets. Giant steps are what you take walking on the moon. I hope my leg don't break walking on the moon. We could walk forever walking on the moon. We could live together walking on, walking on the moon. Some may say I'm wishing my days away. No way, and if it's the price I pay, some say tomorrow's another day. You say I may as well play. In real life, Sting's first marriage and the police split up 1984. Since then his big solo career crossed over in rock, easy listening, reggae, and dabbling nowadays in Latin. So active and talented. Guilt tripping, Sting fell in love with his ex-wife's best friend. He waited eight years to remarry, sharing four children with her, two from his first wife, Walking on the Moon, practically self-guided moving forward years later. I'm also glad a royalty settlement was reached in January, splitting for Andy and Stuart's cuts in the police's catalog. Second single on Regatta de Blanc, Walking on the Moon, charted number 65 in Canada, number nine in Australia, France, and number one in the UK. I cannot believe it's almost a decade Dua Lipa debuted No Rules. She has a unique sound placing her deep voice over dance beats. I missed my chance seeing her in concert last year. Want to try again next time. Crazy declaring 2020 Rose Dua Lipa's hype, timing Future Nostalgia's hits happened to fit entertainment everyone needed. Don't start now trended viral on TikTok. Amoon is in the background of Future Nostalgia's artwork and Levitating's music video throws a disco space party remixing DeBaby's version. I slid the original to hear. What a tongue twister sick of painting the verses and distorted electric synthesizer. Tempting to sway an escape in her romantic life, Dewey cites Galaxy, the Skies, Mars, Rocket, and Happily Floating. You want me, I want you baby. My sugar boo, I'm levitating the Milky Way. We're renegating. Yeah yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. I got you, Moonlight, you're my starlight. I need you all night. Come on dance with me. I'm levitating. Disco made a comeback with Dua Lipa and Doja Cat throwing back feel-good dance music and pop. We needed that in lockdown and knocking weight off our shoulders. Future Nostalgia won Best Pop Vocal Album at 2021's Grammys, scored Barbie's disco anthem Dance the Night in 2023. Great movie and soundtrack. I disagree critics' opinion regarding Du Walipa's radical optimism album. Houdini, Illusion, and These Walls are awesome. My favorite 2024 album. I encourage to listen to it following her stuff. Dew is engaged to British actor Callum Turner, wishing them well whenever the big day is. Being 2020's most heard radio track, Levitating charted number five in the UK, number two on the Hop 100, and number one pop radio. An epic franchise passed down five generations, sequels, and miniseries cultivated imagination and a massive theme song. Popular enough earning success in a disco remix, Lightsaber's Glow, for Star Wars main title. The dedicated fanbase is unmatched. I saw the Phantom Menace's 1999 film on a field trip. Queen Amadella's costume empowered me. The rest of Star Wars saga hadn't caught my interest, pop cultures filled in the blanks for me. For Disney to acquire rights, build an amusement attraction in Disney World, film Disney Plus shows, they're infinitely prominent. John Williams conducted London Symphony Orchestra to score a horn fanfare shaping a fictional empire far far away. He extraordinarily mastered many action flicks, effortlessly matching scenes channeling emotive tempos. Examples include Jaws, Superman, Raiders of the Lost Ark, E.T., Home Alone, Jurassic Park, and Harry Potter. The Grammy's awarded 2026's Best Music Film to Music by John Williams. Well deserved. I want to see it myself. 1977 Star Wars singles charted number 67 in Australia, number 13 in Canada, and number 10 on the Hop 100. Domenico Minardo produced Gloria Gaynor's Never Can Say Goodbye, Jackson 5 song, and Carol Douglas's Doctor's Orders in 1974. He begged to remix Star Wars, going five times to see it at the theater. Getting his wish three weeks later, Star Wars theme and Cantina band trailplays three marketing areas disco, revamping soundtracks, and Star Wars's Growing Magic. Meko defied expectations when his creation charted number 18 Easy Listening, No. 8 Hot Soul Singles, No. 7 in the UK, No. 1 in Canada, and the Hot 100. Isn't that out of this world? I see similar things from Stranger Things and TV streaming highlighting music during pivotal moments. Been great to see America uniting gradually and preparing an important event this summer. 250th Independence Day.

SPEAKER_00 30:07

USA freedom and an ideal playlist. I'll be treating us. Mission accomplished, thanks for tuning in.

SPEAKER_01 30:19

I want to know your thoughts of the playlist, podcast, and your suggestions. Email Music Media Review Podcast at gmail.com. Support our social media pages via Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Search episodes on Spotify to vote the Maddie polls I posted and write a review through the platform you're streaming now. I'm Jess, signing off. Talk to you next week.