I don't always cover this one, but a new term added to my pop-culture vocab caused me to take a closer look: Glory-core.  I won't lie to you -- I immediately thought this was one of the many sex acts I didn't know existed and am now too old to attempt.  (Hint: do NOT go to Urban Dictionary for this one -- you've been warned!)  "Glory Core" is named for the Oscar-winning song by Common and John Legend, referencing music that plays over the closing credits of social-justice movies.

 

• DIXSON, Beyonce Knowles-Carter, "Be Alive", King Richard

  • A great tune (and how can you bet against Beyonce?) but see above -- not a central part of the movie.

• Lin-Manuel Miranda, "Dos Oruguitas", Encanto

  • This will get LMM his EGOT, even though a lot of people will vote for it thinking it's "We Don't Talk About Bruno". We don't talk about why he'll win -- just that he will.

• Van Morrison, "Down to Joy", Belfast

  • Like most people my age, I love Van Morrison's music. All artists of his caliber are at least a little eccentric, but Mr. Morrison has lost it -- smashing his guitar player's ax on stage (not in a Who-ian young rebel way) and writing songs about the Jews controlling the media. Hard to root for the guy, even though I thought the songs were wonderful in Belfast.

• Billie Eilish, Finneas O'Connell, "No Time to Die", No Time to Die

  • Bond films are known for great songs and this is one. It'll suffer because it was released in early 2020 in anticipation of the movie coming out. But then pandemic. Congrats, Lin-Manuel!

• Diane Warren, "Somehow You Do", Four Good Days

  • Heard a commentary that said this song could've been written by an app.  I am now switching entirely to having my original music done in this fashion. #massiveupgrade #best99centeverspent