4. Thelonious Monk: Paris 1969
The top songs, albums and artists influencing an incredible year in music
For his final bow after months commanding the International Space Station, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield recorded a music video from space. In covering David Bowie’s 1969 song, “Space Oddity,” Hadfield was able to croon a viral phenomenon that inspired over 12 million views in the week following its release. Hearing the 53-year-old sing about the fictional astronaut Major Tom—whose failed mission was revised by Hadfield for a happy ending and successful landing—one would be hard-pressed not to tear up. It doesn’t hurt that the video was expertly directed, recorded and edited—making it one for the history books.
