Effervescence - February 29th, 2024

Ahoy, Alex! Happy Friday to you!

Ha, no 'Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100' viewing from me, though I may have to check it out. I have been listening to 'Make You Mine' for three weeks now. I've always had it bubbling under my own Top 40 but this week was the first to make the breakthrough. Madison Beer always releases very pleasant pop music that you should check out if you have not done so already.

When looking for new music, I tend to begin with 'The Official Chart' New Music Friday article each week [Here is this week's post: https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/new-releases-olly-alexander-eurovision-liam-gallagher-john-squire-charli-xcx/], build a playlist from it and listen to as much as possible of it prior to listening to the new 'Official Chart', which is the name for the UK Top 40. It keeps me entertained each Friday morning for sure. Note this is what I am listening to as I type this! I make sure to listen to tracks I am either anticipating or recognize the artist. The playlists are often too long to fit in before the chart but I've made peace with whatever I don't hear wasn't meant to be. I then listen to 'The Official Chart First Look' on replay on a Monday, plus 'The Sky VIP Big Top 40 also on a Monday. I also check the European Top 100, US Billboard Top 100, Australia Top 20, India Top 20, World Singles Official Top 100, The US Billboard Rock and Alternative Airplay, US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, and the Global Dance Chart on a roughly weekly basis to try to keep on top of things.

I understand your disdain for the heavy influence of 'Whenever, Wherever' in 'Whatever', you're definitely not alone, however, I personally enjoy seeing the influence of great past music coming around again as I peruse new releases. It gives me an instant connection and a nostalgia for the years gone by. It was not the only track in or freshly dropped out of my chart that has a heavy influence from the past.

You've mentioned the singing in English from non-native English speakers before. I completely understand that it may seem a bit sacrilegious to who they are and what they are and appears to be somewhat a 'sell-out'. It's obvious to be able to be picked up by the worldwide audience and have English speakers connect to their music better. It's something that will never go away so it's better to make peace with it rather than draw frustration I feel. I do understand that I am an English first-language speaker though and can only come at this from that angle so take it for what it's worth. You asked about foreign accents, like any English speaker, yes, I love foreign accents so I take not distraction from that at all.

I first heard 'Murder on the Dancefloor' in it's original run back in 2002. I have always been a major music buff so it's always been there in my mind the last 20 years. Ironically, I set the music for a Bonfire Event I run each year here each November. I played 'Murder on the Dancefloor' last November as a part of the playlist for the night. I had absolutely no idea that a little movie called 'Saltburn' was about to drop and would send the track back into the stratosphere. Of course, it has been a joy since Christmas to see the song reemerge into the public zeitgeist.

Thank you for stopping by and your comment and questions!

-MW

Ahoy there, Sergej!

So much going on and the year is really in full swing now with the amount of quality music. Sometimes I wish I had a Top 100, like yourself, to play with and give everything I intend to a little love. Note that I definitely do not have the time to do this and need to keep the little sound demon on my shoulder at bay. A Top 40 is plenty.

I'll be over to check out your new chart drop today at some point for sure.

Thank you so much for stopping by and the comment. Have a wonderful weekend!

Ahoy, Piran!

I am doing well, thank you. Hope the same for you?!?

Apparently, I just enjoy a bit of a Zara-bop. Naturally following on the heels of last year's banger, 'Can't Tame Her'.

Thank you for stopping by and have an amazing weekend!!