Wake Up Monday Edition 1

Wake Up Monday - Start the work week off with a blast...Loud, exciting, live, fun, enjoy!

In this post, I would like to honor not only Stevie Wonder but of more importance, the song "I Wish."  There are so many Stevie Wonder classics that go without saying.  Yet, I never knew about "I Wish" and so I thought I would take some time to learn more here.

Stevie Wonder tribute - (Wikipedia source)

Born May 13, 1950

Blind since shortly after birth

Birth name - Stevland Hardaway Morris

Stage name - Stevie Wonder

Singer, songwriter, record producer, multi-instrumentalist ... "child prodigy"

Signed with Motown's Tamla Label at age 11 ... Performed and recorded with Motown into the 2010s

Sample classics - "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours," "Superstition," "You Are the Sunshine of My Life," "I Just Called to Say I Love You"

Recognition - 30+ top ten U.S. hits ... 25 Grammy Awards ... Sold over 100 million records worldwide

Political causes - Fought for Martin Luther King's birthday to be a holiday (1980) ... Named a United Nations Messenger of Peace (2009) ... Ranked #6 on Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists (2013)

"I Wish" - (Wikipedia source)

Released in 1975

Reflection on childhood in 1950s and 1960s

No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 and on soul singles chart

Funk-Soul Genre

LADY GAGA – I Wish (Kennedy Center Honors to Stevie Wonder 1999, HD)

Sunday Favorite - Birthday Edition

Today's Sunday Favorite is "Fort Knox" - a favorite must in my music collection. 

I discovered "Fort Knox" and Goldfish on a television commercial break for Kia Soul sometime ago.  The well-known hamsters are forever popular.  I can only imagine what the successful advertisement did to the Kia Soul car sales.  And then there is the commercial jingle...my adored love.

"Fort Knox" was not my first post for the ongoing commercial jingle theme, but was a landslide favorite when I did post the video.  For this reason, "Fort Knox" by Goldfish is my Sunday favorite in this birthday edition.  Have a great Sunday.

Brief history of Goldfish - (Wikipedia source)

- Duo from Cape Town, South Africa...Dominic Peters & David Poole

- Dance music style known for integrating house, pop, jazz, and African music

- "Best Pop" at the MTV Africa Music Awards (2014)

Perceptions of Pacha - (Wikipedia source)

- Released August 29, 2008

- 15th South African Music Awards (2009)

Nominated - Best Producer
Nominated - Best Duo or Group
Nominated - Album of the Year
Win - Best Dance Album
Win - Best Engineer

Duo roles -

Dominic Peters
Writer, Engineer, Keyboards, Synthesizers, Piano, Upright bass, Bass guitar, Programming

David Poole
Writer, Engineer, Vocals, Saxophone, Flute, Programming

Fort Knox by Goldfish (HD Stereo)

Music in April 1983

A hint of popular music in April 1983.

April 14th -

David Bowie released Let's Dance, his first after leaving RCA Records and fifteenth overall.  "...deliberate shift to mainstream dance-rock"  David Bowie's biggest commercial success, with 10.7 million copies sold worldwide.

April 18th -

Ellen Taaffe Zwilich - first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music (Follow the link for more information.)

Full coverage of music in 1983 can be found on Wikipedia.

Birthday Specail - A Thriller

 

 

 



As always, my yearly "Thriller" birthday edition.  A profound and forever iconic song and music video airing in April 1983.

Just enjoy.

Saturday Special : Flash Fiction Series 2

Play It : Her Day

29 years on the 29th day

Mimosa with brunch to celebrate her special birthday.

Her mom singing "Happy Birthday" at exactly 10:19.  Her mom, naturally, sharing the day of her daughter's birth.

Her most special gift on this particular yea r - a collectable signed poster, vinyl record in its original sleeve, and CDs from her favorite band.

To cap off 29 years on the 29th day, her favorite band was touring for their new album and happened to be performing in the city she lived in on yes, the 29th day.

Remember When Friday - Part 2

As with the post, Birthday Season - Royal Boy, this Remember When Friday post will highlight a second Set List entry that received more attention than anticipated...Saturday Special : Flash Fiction Series 1.

The written word, whether on screen or on paper, is my primary passion.  The written word in creative fiction is my greatest passion.  I love Set List so much and thoroughly enjoy sharing thoughts and favorites in the world of music.  Yet, creating characters and dialog and narrative is a lifelong love.  Creative passion is not limited to the more common genres literary agencies receive. 

My Saturday Special is a twist on creative fiction with a touch of music.

The premise behind Set List will always find itself in every post in every unique way possible.

Remember When Friday - Part 1

I have so many memorable posts I would love to share on this Remember When Friday.  On this day, though, I would like to highlight two.  In this Part 1 edition of Remember When Friday, I am sharing a post that sparked more interest than anticipated...Birthday Season - Royal Boy.

The post was simple and understated.  Of course, in British royalty, I imagine pomp and circumstance with every royal birth is not simple and understated.

Alas, I wish both mom and dad well with their newborn and all three children.

Happy Birthday, Roger Taylor

"On the drums, Roger Taylor!"

Wild Boys always shine.

Roger Taylor's Birthday Eve

Roger Andrew Taylor

April 26, 1960

Birmingham, England

Facts -

Began playing the drums at age 12 ... Self-taught by playing along to favorite records

In younger years, Roger wanted to be the goalkeeper for the English football club, Aston Villa.

Musical inspirations early on - Paul Thompson (Roxy Music), Charlie Watts (The Rolling Stones), Tony Thompson (Chic)

Joined Duran Duran in 1979 - "Fab Five"

Known as "the quiet one" and prefers to speak through his drums

Duran Duran - 1980 to 1985 -

Drums on first three studio albums
Duran Duran, Rio, Seven and the Ragged Tiger

Drums on live album
Arena

Final performance with the original line-up was in July 1985 - Live Aid Benefit concert (Philadelphia)

Interim - Roger, Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, Andy Taylor, and John Taylor all received two Grammy awards

Side note - So Red The Rose album for Arcadia project in 1985 with Simon Le Bon and Nick Rhodes

Reason for leaving - Intense schedule of recording and touring, pressures of fame, no longer happy

Official departure announced by the remaining members of Duran Duran in 1986

Duran Duran - 1994 & 2001-Present -

2001 reunion

Sold-out concerts at Wembley Arena and Madison Square Garden

Sign on with Epic Records in New York

"Reach Up For the Sunrise" & Astronaut ... Worldwide tour over two years

Side note - As of 2003, Roger is an established DJ in the House and Hip-hop genres.

All You Need Is Now - 2010

Paper Gods - 2015

Source - Wikipedia

Two for Two Tuesday - Edition 2 (Part 2)

 

 

 

2010 Reminisce

 



I love the song "All You Need Is Now" and doing my part, as a fan, to promote the indeed 13th album on Set List.  Yet for unknown reasons even to me, I was not 100% sold on the album in full.  2010 was a busy year for me and I suppose I never gave the album a chance to just listen.

In this post, I will listen through the written word.  (Wikipedia is my source.)

Interesting facts -

AYNIN was not issued by a major label, but instead by the band's own label, Tape Modem (UK based)

Initial December 2010 release - No. 119 on Billboard 200 ... 15,000 copies sold
Full March 2011 release - No. 29 ... 76,000 copies sold in U.S. as of August 2015

Critics -

"It's the best album Duran Duran has released since Rio." - PopMatters (9 out of 10)

"Duran's Mark Ronson-produced 13th disc is a return to roots for a band that's all implants - which is part of the album's charm." - Rolling Stone (3.5 out of 5)

(Praise from The Boston Globe ... High praise from Mojo with 4 out of 5 rank meaning "brilliant")

Singles facts -

"All You Need Is Now" - Initially released on iTunes as a free download ... Not eligible to rank on sales charts BUT reached No. 38 on Billboard Adult Pop Songs chart

"Girl Panic!" - The music video featured models Naomi Campbell, Eva Herzigova, Cindy Crawford, Helena Christensen, and Yasmin Le Bon portraying Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, Roger Taylor, and Dominic Brown.  (Me - I found the music video to be rather intriguing and creative, but I personally did not like the song.)

A fun trip down memory lane.

Two for Two Tuesday - Edition 2 (Part 1)

2010 Reminisce

I will always remember Duran Duran publicity giving a shout out to fans to help advertise the release of All You Need Is Now via special code to place prominently on blogs or other websites.  I will always remember following in suit by placing a leaderboard-sized banner just below the Set List title.  I was so excited to help announce the new album on my new blog.  A happy time to reminisce.

I recently came across a YouTube video of Roger Taylor giving an update on the album recording.  A special way to reminisce.

Birthday Season - Royal Boy

This post may be a hit or miss, but I thought I would write out "Happy Birthday" to the new precious royal born in the morning hours of April 23rd.

As the song goes -

Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday dear (not named yet).
Happy Birthday to you.

Congratulations to Prince William and Princess Catherine...Will and Kate.

Birthday Season - Comic Relief

Jerome Allen "Jerry" Seinfeld

April 29, 1954

Full history - Wikipedia

Television -

Seinfeld
Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee

Books -

Seinlanguage (1993)
Halloween (2002 - Children's Book)

Honor -

2005 - Comedy Central named Jerry Seinfeld the "12th Greatest Stand-up Comedian of All Time" (Wikipedia)

As you can tell, Jerry Seinfeld is by far one of my most favorite comedians.  With this said, Comic Relief does have a tie into music.  I researched popular music in the 1950s, honoring the decade Jerry Seinfeld was born in.  The results are astounding.

(The list below highlights music in the U.S. in the 1950s.  A further detail and global history can be found on Wikipedia.)

Rock and Roll
(Electric guitar as developed and popularized by Les Paul)
(American Bandstand)
Classic Pop
R&B
Blues
Country Music
Jazz
Folk Music

Birthday Season - Musical Note

Edward Kennedy "Duke" Ellington

April 29, 1899 - May 24, 1974

Composer, pianist, and bandleader - led from 1923 until death

Piano lessons by age seven..."missed more lessons than he attended"...felt that the piano was not his talent

Full history - Wikipedia

Honors -

1969 - Received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Nixon

1999 - posthumously awarded a special Pulitzer Prize..."commemorating the centennial year of his birth, in recognition of his musical genius..." (Wikipedia source)

Duke Ellington's Steinway piano is displayed in the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History collection.

My take -
Duke Ellington defined big band music.  The 21st Century would be remiss if not to acknowledge his prof0und impact on the musical arts in the 20th Century and beyond.  Jazz gave a beat to the music we know now.  Duke Ellington was very much a part of that cause.

In this birthday season, an early Happy Birthday to Duke Ellington.

Sunday Favorite Special Series 3

Lollapalooza is a profound musical event every year.  Chicago is the place to be every summer.  I am not one for crowds, so I have yet to attend the festival - even if a favorite band is slated to perform.  In due seriousness, summertime in Chicago is a big deal because our winters are brutal and so the warmth and outdoor activities are taken incredible advantage of.

Today's Sunday Favorite is the set list to one Lollapalooza performance in Argentina some time ago.  The featured band, naturally, was Duran Duran.  I do not remember the exact 12-song set list they followed at the concert, so today's Sunday Favorite will be a refresher - Live @ Lollapalooza - Set List.

Sunday Favorite Special Series 2

Music and fashion go hand in hand...although why I don't know.  However, what I do know is bow musicians and supermodels come together in marriage.  This makes sense because two high profile industries are bound to cross paths.  One unique thought is how when a marriage is no longer, some musicians remarry to either another model or a woman of model caliber. 

Today's Sunday Favorite features the joining of musicians and supermodels in the post Model Musician.

Sunday Favorite Special Series 1

There is something about hard rock musicians that always struck an engaging chord on Set List dating to the beginning of the blog itself in 2010.  I remember mentioning AC/DC as a hit or miss favorite (I do like "Back in Black").  This mention was found in a post I wrote regarding Van Halen.

Today's Sunday Favorite is not the original Van Halen post, but rather the Remember When Friday post linking to the original Van Halen post.  Confusing, yes, but Remember When Friday will best explain.

Have a great Sunday.

Saturday Special : Flash Fiction Series 1

Play It : Oh My Moment

Her heart pounded with every drum beat.  Her ears sharply perked up with every electric guitar note.  She nearly lost her voice singing along and shouting out lyrics when encouraged by the lead singer.  Sitting next to the right hand speakers was an amazing part of the concert experience...

...An experience capped by meeting the band.  "Hi!" to the lead singer, Charles Bond.  "Hi!" to bass guitarist, Nigel Tripp.  "Hi!" to electric guitarist, Andrew Reed.

And her on my moment.  He extended his hand to shake hers.  Drummer James Taylor wanted to meet her before she wanted to meet him.  She had such a crush on James Taylor and he allowed the chance at a meaningful conversation throughout the whole of the meet-and-greet.  At the end of the night, with autographs, camera shots with the band both as a group and individually, and lingering words to take home, she left with a giddy smile to last forever.

Remember When Friday

In May 2014, I dedicated a post to Van Halen as a must addition to Hard Rock classics.  I went on to say that Van Halen is a personal hard rock favorite.  Four years later, the sentiment rings true...and always will.  My best reason is "Eruption" before the lyrics.  The guitar is intense and profound in instrumental power.  The guitar owns the song.  On the other hand, I love the drums in "I'll Wait" because they are as personal to the song as they are to the instrument itself.  Does that make sense?

As you can tell, today's edition of Remember When Friday is all about Van Halen.  I hope you will enjoy the post - Van Halen - and Happy Friday!

Model Musician

Some time ago, I noticed a link between music and fashion.  In this post, I find a profound trend in marriage between established musicians and supermodels.  Below are sample examples.

Mick Jagger & Jerry Hall - 1990 to 1999
Jerry Hall - As of 2016, she is now married to Rupert Murdoch.  Interesting fact - her height (six feet) had a profound positive affect on her modeling career.  Her full history can be found on Wikipedia.

 

 

 

David Bowie & Iman - 1992 ... Widowed as of 2016

Iman - Interesting fact - in 1994, she launched a cosmetics company reaching $25 million per year by 2010.  Her full history can be found on Wikipedia.

 

 

 

 

Keith Richards & Patti Hansen - 1983



Patti Hansen - Interesting fact - Keith Richards and Patti Hansen were married on December 18th, Keith's 40th birthday.  Her full history can be found on Wikipedia.

 

 

 

Billy Joel & Christie Brinkley - 1985 to 1994

Christie Brinkley - Interesting fact - she has been married four times (from a female perspective, that seems excessive - my opinion only).  Her full history can be found on Wikipedia.

 

 

 

Rod Stewart & Rachel Hunter - 1990 to 2006

Rachel Hunter - Interesting fact - she wanted to be a ballet dancer as a child, but when diagnosed with a rare blood disorder, she could no longer pursue her dream.  Her full history can be found on Wikipedia.

 

 

 

Eddie Vedder & Jill McCormick - 2010

Eddie Vedder - Interesting note - his birthplace is Evanston, Illinois...home to Northwestern University where princess-to-be Meghan Markle studied.

 



 

 

Seal & Heidi Klum - 2005 to 2012

Heidi Klum - In a nut shell - German model, television personality, businesswoman, fashion designer, singer, television producer, author, actress.  Her full history can be found on Wikipedia.

 

 

 

Simon Le Bon & Yasmin Parvahneh - 1985

Interesting note - "Come Undone" was written for Yasmin.  Online news notes that Simon and Yasmin are soon to become grandparents.

 

 

 

 

Other notable couples -

Ringo Starr & Barbara Bach (1981)

Mark Ronson & Josephine de La Baume (2011)

John Legend & Chrissy Teigen (2013)



 



Live @ Lollapalooza - Set List

Duran Duran

I tend to reminisce up to 2005 - emphasis on Live from London and earlier.  Out of coincidence, all of my Duran Duran posts include Andy Taylor still with the band.  I suppose I have to move on.

I planned to feature Live from London today, but opted instead for a more recent performance being in Argentina at Lollapalooza in 2017.  I am not entirely comfortable with the new format Duran Duran has set up in concerts, especially with the introduction of background performers not always, in my opinion, entirely necessary for most of the classics the band plays. 

Live from London - The band seemed relaxed.
Lollapalooza - The band seemed rather eager.

Live from London - Astronaut and classics
Lollapalooza - Paper Gods and classics

I am not one for change, so the set list for Lollapalooza has thrown me off a bit.  And the concert says the rest of it.  Here is the 2017 set list -

1.  The Wild Boys
2.  Hungry Like the Wolf
3.  A View to a Kill
4.  Last Night in the City
5.  Come Undone
6.  Notorious
7.  Pressure Off
8.  Ordinary World
9.  Reach Up For the Sunrise
10.  White Lines (Don't Don't Do It)
11.  Girls on Film
12.  Rio

Duran Duran live @ Lollapalooza - Entire performance

Two for Two Tuesday - Edition 1

A well-known radio station in Chicago played two for two Tuesdays every week.  The dj would play two favorites by musicians every Tuesday.  The station was sadly bought by a Christian radio airing and on the last day, all employees were gone and the remainder of the day was automated.  I thought I would be creative by launching a new weekly edition - Two for Two Tuesday.

Today highlights Kenny Wayne Shepherd.

Part 1 - "Was"

Album - Live On (October 1999)
Album Genre - Blues
Album Status - #52 on The Billboard 200 ... U.S. Gold
"Was" Genre - Mainstream rock

I am torn in agreement with "Was" being classified as mainstream rock.  The profound drum beat and electric guitar I can see being mainstream rock.  Yet, the overall tone from opening the song to closing the song in a sense of experiencing the U.S. Southern Gulf makes me think of the blues.  I love the song as rock and would say, as a compromise, being blues rock.  Alas, this is just my opinion.

Part 2 - "Nothing But the Night"

Album - Lay It on Down (August 2017)
Album Genre - Blues
Album Status - #34
"Nothing But the Night" Genre - Blues

I stumbled upon "Nothing But the Night" on YouTube the other day and have a new love in my Kenny Wayne Shepherd favorites list.  I have not listened to the entire album yet, so my opinions are not fully developed.

Two for two Tuesday - Edition 1

As always,
Play it!

Nothing But The Night - Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band

Kenny Wayne Shepherd - Was

The Ten Minute Rule

Question - Why am I posting Chris Botti's rendition of "Let It Snow" on a jazz album meant for the holiday season?

Answer - I do adore the holidays.  I do love jazz.  I am a forever fan of Chris Botti as well.

I digress.

Answer - The ten minute rule.

What is the ten minute rule?  Chicago can best explain this question.  We experience every season.  Winter and Spring tend to overlap every few years.  Summer and Autumn tend to overlap every few years.  For example, one week ago, Southern Illinois experienced temperatures in the 70s and along Lake Michigan, temperatures were in the 40s.  Wait ten minutes and the temperature would even out.  As another example, this past weekend was frigid and miserable with high wind gusts and rain.  Wait ten minutes and I woke up this morning to a good amount of snow covering grassy surface and some pavement surface.

Let It Snow has become increasingly common in April in Chicago.

In Chicago, always wait ten minutes for the weather forecast to change in a heartbeat.

Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!

Sunday Favorite

On this Sunday, I am left impressed with the day's favorite. 

The post to be featured here has consistently grown in views to a point of beyond landslide.

The post to be featured here is not an opinion-based commentary of a song or musician.

Today's Sunday favorite is Reach Up for the Sunrise.  This post, published in mid-March, was a reflection of how Duran Duran provides positive inspiration in times of uncertainty, such as through "Reach Up for the Sunrise."  This post further made clear that if I digress, the moment is temporary and Set List will always find its way into each post.

I hope you will enjoy today's Sunday favorite.

Have a great Sunday.

Muse

My mother introduced me to "Uprising" by Muse a few years ago and I was not entirely sold.  The beat felt very grunge in sound.  The lyrics felt profound.  The vocal felt intense in wanting the listener to hear the song.  With this said, though, one word out of the whole of the song stuck in my mind - victorious.  This changed my opinion on a dime.  I felt a sense of great hope masked behind the tone, the words, the voice.  Uprising and victory - personal, social, political causes.  Alas, this is my take on "Uprising."

Fast forward to the present and I feel that "Uprising" remains a relevant song.  Alas, this my opinion.

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below.

Muse - Uprising [Official Video]

Shout out

I recently came across a blog dedicated solely to Duran Duran -
The Daily Duranie.  Daily Duranie is not just a fan blog, but a Duran Duran community blog.  The design is amazing and keeping in touch with a music niche and true to Duran Duran.  Posts are daily and cover a wide range of Duran Duran topics.  The topics are intriguing and encourage conversation with followers and passersby.  The Daily Duranie is fascinating and one I would recommend stopping by.

Remember When Friday

A blast from the past Set List memory to share on this Remember When Friday.

The intensely excited vibe from Duran Duran's last album, Paper Gods, seems so long ago.  The excited vibe from Red Carpet Massacre seems ancient.  When I launched Set List in 2010, All You Need Is Now was making its debut and fans with websites were encouraged to place display ads as a unique means of promotion.

Alas I digress. 

In this Remember When Friday, I want to share a Duran Duran related post from 2015 - A New Duran Duran Era.  I feel the post speaks well on its own, so I won't share highlights here.

I hope you will enjoy.

Happy Friday!

And as always,
Play it!

Note : A New Duran Duran Era mentioned "Pressure Off."  Therefore, the video below has a reason for being posted.

Duran Duran - Pressure Off (feat. Janelle Monáe and Nile Rodgers) [Offic...

Due Disclosure

A quick break from Set List music to provide Set List due disclosure.

As you can tell, I have made several sudden changes to the AdSense layout and swift decision to add the Donate icon.  I have a reason.

My financial status is in severe uncertainty.  My employment status is shut down due to silent rejection from numerous applications.  My only option is working from home - a necessary decision for personal reasons.

All of my focus is on my blogs, especially Set List being the most received by viewers.

And so AdSense is all I have to rely on...hence the experimental changes.

I am sharing this post because I feel readers and passersby deserve to know why so many quick changes have been made.

I am sorry for any confusion.

I thank you for your patience.

Fleetwood Mac

Off topic note - My cat, Darby, is going to be 17 years old at the end of this month.

My mother and I recently talked about a band we both like - Fleetwood Mac.  This then led to a song we both love - "Edge of Seventeen" (hence my off topic note).

We were not entirely sure how to classify Fleetwood Mac as mainstream or in a unique genre.  We both felt that the band did not feel mainstream.  So I researched Fleetwood Mac with Wikipedia showing up first in search results.

Fleetwood Mac is a British-American band and is classified first as pop rock/folk rock with the addition of Lindsey Buckingham and Stevie Nicks in 1974 (the original members being guitarist Peter Green, drummer Mick Fleetwood, and guitarist Jeremy Spencer).  Wikipedia further classifies Fleetwood Mac as soft rock, blues rock, art pop, and British blues.

Fleetwood Mac as a band went through ups and downs in terms of members.

The history is rather extensive, so I will let Wikipedia tell the story.

I will admit that from time to time I will like select songs from bands, but not the band in full.  This would be the case of Fleetwood Mac.

"Edge of Seventeen" by Stevie Nicks is a long-time personal favorite for its tone, lyrics, and rhythm.  Outside of this song, there are only a few others that I would consider.

Music is ever evolving, so catchy songs may be all for interest or catchy songs may turn into albums of interest or historic bands need no introduction.  Does this make sense?  Leave a comment below to let me know!

Stevie Nicks - Edge of Seventeen

Support Set List

Dear readers and passersby,

I have a request in this one post only. 

Please consider a donation to Set List as a show of support and keeping Set List the success it has truly become.

As forever always,
Play it!

Happy

On a long ago Wednesday, I posted "Happy" to keep up the momentum until Friday.  On this Wednesday, I am posting "Happy" again and not just to keep up the momentum until Friday but because I am yet again experience a record loop in my head.

Today is somewhat different.  I discovered a blog based in the UK with a unique and intriguing take on music.  One album featured was Classix Nouveaux.  My personal favorite song is "Forever and a Day."  The blog is All the Air in My Lungs.  It is awesome not just in design but more so in music highlights.  I highly recommend visiting All the Air in My Lungs for the experience.

Happy Wednesday to readers and passersby.

Pharrell Williams - Happy (Video)

Reflex

Monday has the blues.  Wednesday has almost there happy feet.  Friday needs no description.  So what about Tuesdays and Thursdays?

On this Tuesday, a post topic has left me without words.  I honestly did not know what to write today, so Duran Duran is a go-to reflex...hence the YouTube video post of "The Reflex" as performed live from London.

As always,
Play it!

Duran Duran The Reflex

In Chicago...

...The White Sox launch fireworks with every home run, but the Chicago Cubs fly the oh so famous W banner for every win that took the team to the World Series in 2016.

Chicago is a divided city in typical metropolitan topics of conversation.  However, Chicago is fiercely divided when baseball is a topic of conversation.

The White Sox were once the Black Sox.  The Cubs ("Cubbies") have always been the Cubs.  In 1908, the Cubs were the champions.  In 2016, the whole of Chicago and the baseball organization in general went viral when they fought to win the World Series in what the city thought would never happen.

And so in Chicago, we have a song relevant to the Set List niche. 

Fly the W Cubs!

Go! Cubs! Go!

Baseball Season 2018

Baseball

America's past time.

America's truly own...with an occasional barrier overcome by the profoundly great Jackie Robinson...with the game gone global, English no longer the predominant language, and non-natives relying on baseball terminology to understand their needed cues.

America's trademark theme song -

"Take Me Out to the Ball Game"

Take me out to the ball game,
Take me out with the crowd.
Buy me some peanuts and cracker jack,
I don't care if I never get back.
Let me root, root, root for the home team,
If they don't win it's a shame.
For it's one, two, three strikes, you're out,
At the old ball game.

- Jack Norworth
Written in 1908
Revised in 1927

Sunday Favorite

Today's edition of Sunday Favorite is Slow Down.

Slow Down reflected my love for jazz and the slight debate of which rendition of "Flamenco Sketches" sounded better - the original by Miles Davis or the take on by Chris Botti.  Side note - I think the trumpet is my favorite brass instrument.

At any rate, Slow Down is this week's viewer favorite by a landslide. 

Enjoy and as always,

Play it!

Please, Please Tell Me Now

As you may have noticed, I have been publishing a third post after my primary posts.  I planned to do that today with "The Reflex" and what would be titled "Reflex Confession."  However, "Is There Something I Should Know" is a song I can settle with to replace "The Reflex."

Please, please tell me now - Confession

In 2010, I published my first confession on Set List with topics that unfortunately remain true today.

I completed my education at Loyola University Chicago in 2009 with a certificate in Paralegal Studies.  Job interview after job interview after job interview on my 27th birthday after any interview I could reasonably attend.  The general gist out of all was "You have a promising future, but unfortunately are not the right fit for us."  This remark is especially hurtful as the law firm who interviewed me on my birthday actually approached me for the request.  I am no longer viable as a paralegal or anything in law as my history is too far removed and I would more or less be a liability for a law firm.

I remain unemployed.

Fast forward to 2010.  Blogger.  Creative fiction - novel and short story series.  My creative works received brutal form rejections with no personalization as to why the agencies decided to pass.  When I launched Set List, my heart knew this blog was the one to be my career and one to live on.  I am currently at 12% earnings as of 2010 and I need to reach $100 to cross the payout threshold.  I am devastated as blogging has long become a passion that I truly want to live on as a career.

I remain stuck.

Fast forward to the present.  (Personal events in between are not appropriate to write here.)  I launched one blog in March -  Couture Tales.   Couture Tales is an intriguing concept for me - short story fiction based on a couture fashion theme.

I remain stuck.

Of the two, Set List is the most profound in statistical success.  Couture Tales is generating zero in decent stats and monetization. 

I remain stuck.

I am devastated to consider blogging as a hobby.  In all truth, I am not able to work outside of my home due to a medical disability.  Therefore, my blogs are all I have.

I am learning to connect online as I truly do not know how to connect in person.  I am all ears for suggestions to boost Set List, Plus Size Style, and Couture Tales.

And so, once again my reflex for telling readers and passersby my personal confession now remains at a standstill.  I will always, though, hope for the best.  If pro bloggers can learn the keys to success, I hope I can too.

Thank you all for reading this rather lengthy post.

Duran Duran - Is there something I should know (Live in London)

Sad News

As you may have noticed, the Polyvore icon once to the right of the screen is now removed.  I ask that you now disregard any post mentioning Polyvore for one devastating reason -

As of April 5, 2018, Polyvore is no longer and has been taken over by SSense - an online couture shopping experience.

I discovered Polyvore in 2014 out of curiosity.  I promoted my late Chloe + Isabel business this way.  I began to study fashion this way.  I launched my fashion blog, Haute Couture, with inspiration from Polyvore.  I published well over 1,000 sets (1,600+ to be exact) over the course of four years.  I dedicated years to remain a Style Icon.

I cannot talk about this anymore without being sick.

I am speechless.  I am devastated.  I am heartbroken.

Remember When Friday

In 2015, I re-introduced "Uptown Funk" as by far one of my most favorite songs that easily gets stuck in my mind.  A "Reflex" (yes, I am quoting a Duran Duran song) for newly discovered songs.

And the 2015 post says the rest of it.  This is - 

Have You Ever...

Mark Ronson - Uptown Funk ft. Bruno Mars

To note

A few years ago, I installed Google Custom Search.  At the time, I knew the option was helpful in the world of blogging.  However, I now know how to better explain what Google Custom Search offers to Set List viewers.

Google Custom Search is a unique search engine that produces specific and relevant results to viewer queries.

Of greater importance, search results also include Google Ads.

I feel that this post acts best as a note to better inform readers and passersby who may be curious about the Google Custom Search box above my posts.

Henry Mancini ~ Charade

Henry Mancini

Movie scores by Henry Mancini

I was watching the 2009 version of The Pink Panther with the most notable Steve Martin.  Over time, I have seen every Pink Panther film in the series (especially those with Peter Sellers).  The Pink Panther intro and ending music is iconic.  This, then, led me to the original Pink Panther from the early 1960s.

I am a huge fan of Henry Mancini.  His scores are intriguing and timeless.  His scores are original and his own.  I am most familiar with two of his works, but would be remiss if I did not touch on the most profound score.

Breakfast at Tiffany's
Charade
The Pink Panther

The complete list of Henry Mancini's works can be found on his official website - Henry Mancini.

Of the three, I will choose to feature Charade.  This film introduced me to Henry Mancini and I have long since been able to catch on to his work before his name is in the credits.

As of 1994, may Henry Mancini rest in peace.  His music will last forever.

Enjoy the above video post.

Milestone Note

Creativity in any form is a forever love.  Blogging is a forever passion.  Niche blogging is a forever intrigue I strive to maintain.  Set List is my forever.  However, I have one another blog that reflects my other interest - couture fashion.

In 2014, I signed on as a Merchandiser with the fashion jewelry brand, Chloe + Isabel.  I loved the jewelry and accessories.  I enjoyed exploring the new types of products created by C + I designers that went beyond jewelry.  I was always excited to land a sale and promote my Merchandiser business in my own unique way.  In 2017, I stepped down from my role for sensitive reasons.  However, the C + I concept remained with me.

Polyvore.  In recent weeks, I have shared sample Polyvore creations in tune with a given post topic.  My work can also be found through the Polyvore icon link just to the right hand side of the screen.  With well over 1,000 Polyvore "sets," the majority are Chloe + Isabel themed.  This is how I discovered Polyvore and how my interest in fashion has grown.  Cue my new blog.

Haute Couture.  Polyvore sets are primary posts that highlight couture and haute couture designers.  I collaborate with the affiliate source, ShopStyle Collective, to create complimentary looks as posts.

Haute Couture as a blog has grown to be as special and beloved as Set List.  Therefore, blogging truly is a passion.

So what is my milestone note?

As of today, Haute Couture and Set List are tied for the same number of lifetime posts. 

Blogging truly is a passion and, as silly as this may sound, I just thought I would share.

"Always remember to play it." - Set List motto

"Luxury for the everyday woman." - Haute Couture motto

Slow down

My YouTube posts to date this year have been loud in overall tone.  I thought, then, that I would slow down with the forever jazz classic, "Flamenco Sketches."

My question to you is -

Miles Davis or Chris Botti?

Miles Davis will always claim ownership of "Flamenco Sketches" and Kind of Blue.  His work.  His take on what jazz should truly be.  Timeless.

Chris Botti is timeless in his work.  Profound emotional charge behind every note in every song.  Close your eyes as you listen to Chris Botti's rendition of "Flamenco Sketches" and wonder if Miles Davis is with him, performing the same song alongside.

My answer is Miles Davis...but Chris Botti is just as striking.

Leave a comment with your opinion!

Flamenco Sketches

Miles Davis - Flamenco Sketches

Follow up

"Monday Blues" reflected my interest in the Blues genre with specific concentration on Kenny Wayne Shepherd.  "Monday Blues" was also a Set List archival post from 2010.

I would be remiss if I did not follow up with the post "House...".

"Monday Blues" linked to "...of Blues".  This post will link to "House...".

I always thought "House..." "...of Blues" was creative.  Alas, I digress.

"House..." was dedicated to Roger Taylor of Duran Duran.  This post will be dedicated to Roger Taylor.

Always remember to play it!

House...

Monday Blues

Monday has arrived and another work week is upon us (ugh). 

I am a bit slow in coming up with a post topic today (Monday blues I imagine), so I thought I would dig into the archives and share a post from November 2010.

2010 was my launch year for Set List and I was exploring genre interests to share with readers and passersby.  Perhaps one of my most favorite posts was "...of Blues" because I am a fan of the genre and the featured artist, Kenny Wayne Shepherd.  Furthermore, I loved "...of Blues" for it following "House...".  Rather creative I thought at the time.

And so on this Monday, I thought I would share my Monday blues in the form of ...of Blues.

Always remember to play it.