May Set List

As of May 2019, I create a set list of favorite songs to cap off the end of every month.  A unique and creative twist to Set List as a blog.

Intrigued?

May Set List

1.  I Gotta Feeling

2.  Back in the Saddle

3.  Tonight, Tonight, Tonight

4.  Stayin' Alive

5.  Burma Road*

*Jazz break from electric energy

*Greg Adams

6.  Planet Earth

7.  Music

8.  Fort Knox

9.  Girls on Film

10.  1999

Do you have any favorites from this list?  Would you add any songs?  What would be your set list?

Let me know by leaving a comment at the end of this post!

Chicago Americana

In this edition of Friday Fave, I thought I would share a newly discovered favorite song - "Long Way Home" by Chicago musician, Luke Underhill.  The find is in many thanks to the website, Chillfiltr, whose international base is "grow roots."

Luke Underhill is a young talent (only in his early 20s) best known as the "piano man."  His songs are emotionally driven.  Luke's official debut album, The Left Side, was released in 2017.  His "sophomore" studio album, Illuminations, is in collaboration with producer, Warren Huart (whose clientele includes such names as The Fray, Aerosmith, Better Than Ezra, and many more).  As of 2017, Luke Underhill has skyrocketed in fan base - from Spotify to YouTube to social media...all well into the thousands.  In a few brief words to describe Luke Underhill - "story telling ability and unique sound."

(Explore Luke Underhill's official website)

Lauren's Weekly Favorite

In this edition of Lauren's Weekly Favorite, I am opting for the post Guinness World Records - Best Selling Singles.

On Set List, I have explored the various music associations ranking certification for both albums and singles.  I have explored the Billboard charts to the top position.  I have explored extensive lists of best selling albums and best selling singles (both physical copies and digital downloads).  Yet, I have never come across Guinness World Records in the realm of the music industry.

I primarily associate historic success with the highest level of certification and best sellers.

So when I came across Guinness World Records for Bing Crosby and Elton John, I was fascinated...

And the post will say the rest of it.  Follow the link above.

Set List Reader Poll - International Album Certification

Dear Readers and Passersby,

I have a question for your consideration.

Is album certification in multiple countries more impressive, less impressive, or the same as winning multiple awards?

   

    

Let me know what you think by leaving a comment at the end of this post!

Alesis Special

Due disclosure - This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated on any purchase made.

In this edition of Wednesday Special, I am featuring an Alesis special - the Alesis DM10 MKII Pro Kit Electronic Drum Kit designed for studio and live performances.

For the pro or semi-pro, consider Alesis as your go-to brand for studio use.  I say this only because Roland is a popular brand used on stage by well-known drummers (an example list can be found on the Roland website).

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--ALEDM10MK2PROKIT
$1,199 OR 12 Payments of $99.92

Follow the link above for a full description of this kit.

Look to the video below to see the Alesis DM10 MKII Pro Kit Electronic Drum Kit in action with a variety of genre sounds.  I personally prefer the acoustic, jazz, and Latin beats.

Alesis

Alesis.  Why does that brand sound familiar?  

Consider Play It Sunday.  The Alesis CompactKit 4 Portable Tabletop Drum Kit best for beginners.

The Alesis Background -

Founded in 1984

HQ in Cumberland, Rhode Island

Designs and markets electronic musical instruments, digital audio products, recording equipment, professional audio products, electronic percussion products, and much more

(Further details can be found on Wikipedia.)

Primary Market -

Studio and live performances

Professional and semi-professional musicians

Known for budget-friendly products with a few high-end selections

My take away -

Alesis offers a more complex range of products than the simple and basic CompactKit 4 Portable Tabletop Drum Kit meant for beginners.  While this kit is generously priced for beginners, the more elite and technical selections average over $1,000.  Of course, if you are a professional or semi-professional, this cost is worth the investment.

Would I say consider Alesis?

Yes.

Top 3 Best Selling Digital Singles

Bing Crosby and Elton John marked profound history in music when noted by Guinness World Records for the best selling singles of all time (refer to Guinness World Records - Best Selling Singles).

In this post, on the other hand, I am listing the top 3 best selling digital singles with over 15 million downloads.

Ed Sheeran*

"Shape of You" - 41.5 million 

Released in 2017

Mark Ronson featuring Bruno Mars

"Uptown Funk" - 20 million

Released in 2014

The Black Eyed Peas

"I Gotta Feeling" - 15 million

Released in 2009

*On Wikipedia, Ed Sheeran has yet to be surpassed.

This list of the top 3 best selling digital singles is a sample.  The full range is 5 million digital downloads (Shakira featuring Dizzee Rascal - "Loca") to Ed Sheeran.  

The RIAA offers certification for digital downloadable music as well -

Gold - 500,000

Platinum - 1,000,000

Diamond - 10,000,000

My take away -

Platinum and Diamond certification for digital singles seem to be more achievable than Platinum and Diamond certification for full albums.

In conclusion, whether noted in Guinness World Records or landing first in the most digital single sales, these honors are truly impressive.

History in Music

On this Memorial Day 2019, take a history lesson through music.  Catch the lyrics you recognize and can place in United States history.  Of most importance, just enjoy the experience!

Guinness World Records - Best Selling Singles

In the United States, RIAA certification is profoundly valued for albums especially - Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, and the coveted Diamond.

In this post, however, I am focusing not only on best selling singles, but two that have landed notation in the Guinness World Records.

"White Christmas"

1942

Bing Crosby

Best selling single worldwide - over 50 million copies sold 

Best selling single of all time

"...the world's best selling single in the first ever Guinness Book of Records (published in 1955) and...still retains the title..." (Wikipedia)

"Candle in the Wind 1997"

"Something About the Way You Look Tonight"

1997

Elton John

Tribute to the late Diana, Princess of Wales

Worldwide sales of 33 million copies

Second best-selling single of all time

Biggest selling single since UK and US singles charts began in the 1950s

(Source - Wikipedia)

Bryan Aspey Demonstrates Epiphone Les Paul and SG Packages

Play It Sunday

Due disclosure - This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated on any purchase made.

In this edition of Play It Sunday, I am featuring the Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack, Ebony.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--EPILPSPIIPPEB
$249 OR 6 Payments of $41.50

Features -

- 10-Watt Amp w/ 3-Band EQ & Headphone Jack

- Guitar Cable

- Guitar Strap

- Gig Bag

- Picks

- Clip-On Headstock Chromatic Tuner

- Downloadable Instructional Method

"Rock Star in a Box" 

zZounds recommends the Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack, Ebony for beginners.  

Imagine your very first electric guitar being a Les Paul.  This complete set is perfect for those who truly want to learn the very basics, master their skill set, and grow into a serious professional.  Practice everyday.  Play everyday.  Set your sight on the recording studio and concert stage...all because of where you started - the Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack, Ebony.

As always,

Play it!

The History of SNEP

When I research album certifications, RIAA (American) and BPI (British) are always listed.  In fact, multiple countries are listed with any given album.  One of those many is France.  

As you can tell, I am curious to learn and share more about international album certification backgrounds.

So why France?  This country is consistently listed...

Welcome to SNEP.

Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique (English translation - National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing) - SNEP

SNEP was established in 1922 and has 48 member companies.  

Purposes include -

- Collecting and distributing royalty payments for broadcast and performance

- Protecting copyright infringement 

- Sales certification of records and videos 

- Weekly official charts of French top-selling music

(Source - Wikipedia)

Album Certification -

Gold - 50,000

Platinum - 100,000

Diamond - 500,000

Single Certification -

Gold - 75,000

Platinum - 150,000

Diamond - 250,000

Music Video Certification -

Gold - 7,500

Platinum - 15,000

Diamond - 60,000

(Source - Wikipedia)

Although RIAA sets an exceptional standard toward Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, and Diamond, France's certification requisites are equally impressive.

Soundcheck

Due disclosure - This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated on any purchase made.

In this post on Soundcheck, I am featuring not an instrument but a general necessity for a drummer in a recording studio - the KAT KTUI26 Ultra Isolation Headphones.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--KATKTUI26
$69.95

Features -

- Designed for drummers

- Best for practice and critical listening

- Reduces external noise by 26dB (decibels)

- Lightweight and durable construction

- Large foam ear cushions for maximum comfort

I thought I would share this product in Soundcheck to show an example of Duran Duran's Roger Taylor wearing isolation headphones while testing the Roland TD-30KV Electronic Drums in a studio.  

There really is no best guess for level of proficiency with isolation headphones.  I would, however, place the use of the KAT KTUI26 Ultra Isolation Headphones with a full kit set up.

If you are a drummer in need of such a product as the KAT KTUI26 Ultra Isolation Headphones, follow the link above to explore.

The History of AFP

The discovery of Portuguese singer, Mariza, was a find worth writing about.  Mariza's voice is simply beautiful, inspires music in all languages, and her honors are truly impressive.

Mariza's debut album - Fado em Mim (Fado in Me) - sold 100,000 copies in Portugal alone (4,000 copies is considered successful).  On an international level, the album sold 140,000 copies.  

(Sounds of Portugal - Mariza)

Mariza's profound success led me to wonder what album certification is like in Portugal...

The history of AFP.

In Portuguese, AFP stands for Associacao Fonografica Portuguesa.  The English translation is Phonographic Association of Portugal (AFP).

AFP was founded in 1989 and is a member of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI).

Album Certification since 2011
Gold - 7,500
Platinum - 15,000

Singles Certification since 2011
Gold - 10,000
Platinum - 20,000

Music DVDs since 2008
Gold - 4,000
Platinum - 8,000

(Wikipedia)

As you can tell, there is a striking difference in what the RIAA (American) and the AFP consider the highest level of certification.  I can only imagine the record set by Mariza's first album.

Although the history of AFP is minimal in research, certification standards are quite intriguing.

At the end of the day

When you think of classic artists throughout every generation in the music industry, many are men - from swing to synth and beyond.  The 20th Century did usher in the spotlight on women - from the timeless Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald to the iconic Madonna and Janet Jackson to the trending Beyonce and Lady Gaga.  

Music and pop culture will always honor profound legends such as Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston.

An intriguing list of the Top 100 Greatest Female Singers by IMDb can be found here.

When you think of well-known artists in the music industry now - the 21st Century - so many are women.

At the end of the day, music would not be the same without a woman's vocal perspective.

As a special conclusion to the work week, 
"Man! I Feel Like a Woman!" - Shania Twain

Friday Fave

In this edition of Friday Fave, Diamond Certification Series - 40 Million Copies or More is the leading trend based on my stats.

As a brief refresher, the RIAA establishes Diamond Certification for an album achieving 10+ million copies sold.  In the case of 40 million copies or more, Diamond Certification is clearly evident...

...such as Michael Jackson's Thriller (66 million) and, to round out the list, Shania Twain's Come On Over (40 million). 

Michael Jackson is a recurring topic of conversation on Set List, so I opted to focus on Shania Twain's album success.  She truly deserves every success and honor awarded to her.

And so the post will say the rest of it.  Follow the link above.

Lauren's Weekly Favorite - Korg EK-50 Entertainer Keyboard

In this edition of Lauren's Weekly Favorite, I am highlighting a favorite product from zZounds - the Korg EK-50 Entertainer Keyboard as found on Play It Sunday.

As a refresher, the Entertainer Keyboard is perfect for those who know how to play the keyboard and are looking to advance their knowledge of other aspects to the instrument.

The post for this product was rather extensive to repeat here, so follow the link above to read more.

Shortly after the Duran Duran concert in May 2008, I was inspired to follow in Nick Rhodes' footsteps.  I purchased a very basic keyboard, without technical functions, and tested what my level of proficiency might be...and I was not so much.  I did love the idea, though.  If I could have a do-over with the keyboard with more practice under my belt, the Korg EK-50 Entertainer Keyboard would be one to consider.

And so for this reason, I choose Play It Sunday as my favorite.

Set List Reader Poll - Billboard Chart

Dear readers and passersby,

I have a question for your consideration.

I have discussed in detail album certification - Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, and Diamond in the United States.

In the past, I have highlighted artists earning the esteemed Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

In my last reader poll, I asked if album certification is more impressive, less impressive, or the same as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

In this reader poll, my question to you is -

Does ranking No. 1 on Billboard charts impact a musician's status?

Leave a comment at the end of this post to share your thoughts!

Diamond Certification Series - 20-29 Million Copies

The RIAA establishes Diamond Certification for an album achieving 10+ million copies sold.

In this third and final post in the three-part series, I am featuring artists achieving not only Diamond Certification but also true Diamond worthy 20 to 29 million albums in sales.

Note - This post is likewise a long one.

Bon Jovi leads the 20 to 29 million albums in sales list with 28 million copies of Slippery When Wet sold.

Slippery When Wet Background -

- Third studio album

- Released in 1986

- Most notable songs:

"You Give Love a Bad Name" 

"Livin' on a Prayer"

"Wanted Dead or Alive" 

Genres considered - Hard rock, Glam metal

Slippery When Wet Success -

- No. 1 on Billboard 200

- Best selling album

- "one of the top 100 best-selling albums in the United States"

- Certified in 10 countries (including the U.S.)

1 Gold, 4 Platinum, 3 Multi-Platinum, and 1 Diamond

Diamond in the U.S. but listed as 12x Platinum (12 million in sales)

(Source - Wikipedia)

In the 20 to 29 million copies in sales list, Michael Jackson is listed twice - HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I (1995) and Off the Wall (1979).  Both achieved 20 million copies in sales.

Point of intrigue - Throughout the Diamond Certification series, Michael Jackson is listed a total of five times - Thriller in the lead with 66 million copies, two albums in the 30 to 39 million range, and two albums in the 20 to 29 million range.  In the world of music, I am certain that many will know where they were the day Michael Jackson died.

Whitney Houston ends the 20 to 29 million copies list with exactly 20 million copies of her album, Whitney, sold.

Whitney Background -

- Second studio album

- Released in 1987

Whitney Success -

- Debuted at No. 1 on Billboard 200 

First album by a female artist ... Fifth album by a solo artist

- 4 singles from Whitney reached No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100

- 3 singles from her debut album, Whitney Houston, reached No. 1 

- In total, "they established an unprecedented seven consecutive number one hits by a performer, surpassing the Beatles and the Bee Gees" (Wikipedia)

- Certified in 16 countries (including the U.S.)

Million (Japan), 7 Platinum, 7 Multi-Platinum

Diamond in the U.S. but listed as 9x Platinum (9,857,000 in sales)

20 million sales worldwide

Honors -

American Black Achievement Awards - 1 Win, 1 Nomination

American Music Awards - 4 Wins, 1 Nomination

Billboard Music Awards - 2 Wins, 18 Nominations

BRAVO Magazine's Bravo Otto Awards - 1 Win

BRIT Awards - 2 Nominations

The Garden State Music Awards - 7 Wins

Grammy Awards - 1 Win, 3 Nominations

NAACP Image Awards - 1 Nomination

People's Choice Awards - 2 Wins

RIAA Awards - 13 Wins

Soul Train Music Awards - 1 Win, 2 Nominations

(Source - Wikipedia)

Personal note - Whitney Houston's passing is a forever devastating loss in the music industry and pop culture, both historic and modern.  Please consider her background on Wikipedia.

(The full 20 to 29 million copies list can be found on Wikipedia.)

My take away -

The list of 20 to 29 million copies is seemingly endless with 15 artists alone achieving 20 million.  There truly is no one way to narrow the focus.  And so to conclude this post and the series, "honor" is the best word to describe every artist on all three lists.

Diamond Certification Series - 30-39 Million Copies

The RIAA establishes Diamond Certification for an album achieving 10+ million copies sold.

In this second post of a three-part series, I am featuring artists achieving not only Diamond Certification but also an impressive 30 to 39 million albums in sales.

Note - This post is long, so bear with me!

Led Zeppelin leads the 30 to 39 million albums in sales list with 37 million copies of Led Zeppelin IV sold.

Led Zeppelin IV Background -

- Fourth studio album

- Released in 1971

- "Stairway to Heaven" is the most notable song from the album

- "...overwhelming praise from critics..."

Led Zeppelin IV Success -

- Grammy Hall of Fame Award (1999)

- No. 1 "100 Greatest Rock Albums Ever" 

(Classic Rock, UK 2001)

- No. 69 "500 Greatest Albums Ever" 

(Rolling Stone, 2012)

- No. 1 "100 Greatest British Rock Albums Ever" 

(Classic Rock, UK, 2006)

- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 

"The Definitive 200: Top 200 Albums of All-Time" (2007)

(Source - Wikipedia)

Michael Jackson is next in line with 35 million copies of Bad sold.  Michael Jackson's Dangerous is also on the 30 to 39 million albums in sales list with 32 million copies sold.  Point of intrigue - Dangerous is ranked 8x Platinum in the United States but was certified in 21 countries (1 Gold, 1 2x Platinum-Gold, 13 Multi-Platinum, and 1 Diamond).

Bad Success -

- 7th studio album...Released in 1987

- Grammy Award 1988

Best Engineered Recording - Non-Classical (Bad)

- Grammy Award 1990

Best Music Video - Short Form ("Leave Me Alone")

- No. 202 on 500 Greatest Albums of All Time

(Rolling Stone 2003)

- Bad received certification from 17 countries 

1 Gold ... 1 Platinum-Gold ... 8 Multi-Platinum ... 2 Diamond 

(Source - Wikipedia)

The Beatles are featured three times on the 30 to 39 million albums in sales list.

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band

Released in 1967

32 million copies sold

Compilation album
Released in 2000
31 million copies sold


Abbey Road
Released in 1969
30 million copies sold

Nine artists are listed with exactly 30 million copies sold.  James Horner's film score for Titanic is also listed with exactly 30 million in sales.

ABBA (Gold: Greatest Hits)

Madonna (The Immaculate Collection)

Bruce Springsteen (Born in the U.S.A.)

Dire Straits (Brothers in Arms)

Nirvana (Nevermind)

Pink Floyd (The Wall)

Santana (Supernatural)

Guns N' Roses (Appetite for Destruction)

(The full 30 to 39 million copies list can be found on Wikipedia.)

My take away -

The list of 30 to 39 million copies is long, detailed, and impressive.  Where I was able to narrow down my focus on the 40 million copies or more list to just one artist (Shania Twain), the same is not possible in this 30 to 39 million range as this post would go on far too long.  In the end, "detailed" and "impressive" best conclude this post.

Diamond Certification Series - 40 Million Copies or More

The RIAA establishes Diamond Certification for an album achieving 10+ million copies sold.  

When a musician reaches Diamond status, I cannot imagine looking back - Multi-Platinum, Platinum, or Gold.

In this first post of a three-part series, I am featuring artists achieving not only Diamond Certification but also an impressive 40 million or more albums in sales.

Michael Jackson leads the list in 40 million or more with 66 million copies of Thriller sold.  Point of intrigue - No other artist has yet to surpass him.  

At the low end of the list in 40 million or more is Shania Twain with exactly 40 million copies of Come On Over sold.

Thriller is a recurring discussion on Set List, so let's talk about Come On Over.

Come On Over background -

- 3rd studio album

- Released in 1997

Genres considered - Country, Pop, Rock

Come On Over Success -

- Best selling country music album

- Best selling studio album by a female artist in any genre

- Best selling album by a Canadian (Shania Twain is Canadian...who knew!)

Come On Over Honors-

- 8th best selling album in the United States

- 16th best selling album in the UK

- Debuted at No. 1 on Billboard Top Country Albums 

- Debuted at No. 2 on Billboard 200

- Surpassed previous Diamond certified album, The Woman in Me

Come On Over Sales -

Worldwide

1997 - 3.4 million

1998 - 8.9 million

1999 - 15.2 million

2000 - 6.4 million

Come On Over Certifications -

- 15x Platinum in Australia

- Gold, Platinum, and 2x Platinum by the RIAA in 1997

- Diamond by the RIAA in 1999

Come On Over has multiple versions - the original (1997), international (1998), and revised international (1999).  

The first track on the original version is perhaps one of the most well known not only on the album, but also by Shania Twain overall - "Man! I Feel Like a Woman!".  This song is a personal favorite.

(Source - Wikipedia)

My take away -

I have never been one for country music, but Shania Twain's success thus far is profoundly impressive and leaves me to reconsider personal interest.

(Note - I would be remiss not to mention the Bee Gees album, Saturday Night Fever, and Fleetwood Mac album, Rumours, also landing 40 million copies in sales.)

Play It Sunday

Due disclosure - This post contains affiliate links and I may be compensated on any purchase made.

In this edition of Play It Sunday, I am featuring the Korg EK-50 Entertainer Keyboard.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--KOREK50
$399.99 OR 8 Payments of $50

Features -

- Accompaniment styles to support performance

- Variety of sounds

- Intuitive layout

- Built-in speakers

- Convenient Music Styles

- Play back favorite songs

- Large library of styles

I would best place the level of proficiency for the Korg EK-50 Entertainer Keyboard at beginner for practicing what you know about the keyboard and advancing with the given features.  I would not recommend this instrument to a complete novice who is first learning how to play and reading musical notes.  If you are dedicated to the keyboard as an instrument, your skill set will grow and you will be able to explore more options with the keyboard as base.  If you are intrigued by the technical end of playing the keyboard, start with the Korg EK-50 Entertainer Keyboard features and grow over time into - perhaps - the Novation MiniNova Compact Keyboard Synthesizer,  37-Key (Soundcheck)

With this said, should you be interested in the Korg EK-50 Entertainer Keyboard and all that it has to offer, follow the link above to explore.

As always,

Play it!

The History of IFPI

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) "represents the interests of the recording industry worldwide." (Wikipedia)

IFPI was founded in Italy in 1933, is registered in Switzerland, and has offices in London, Brussels, Hong Kong, and Miami.  London currently serves as IFPI Headquarters.

IFPI Mission -

- Promote the value of recorded music

- Protect the rights of record producers 

- Expand the commercial use of recorded music

IFPI Services -

- Lobbying

- Copyright enforcement

- Litigation and regulatory affairs

- Market research

- Communications support

Representation -

- 1,400 members in 66 countries

- Affiliated industry associations in 45 countries

- SNEP (France)

Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique SNEP)

(National Syndicate of Phonographic Publishing)

- RIAJ (Japan)

(Recording Industry Association of Japan)

- BPI (UK)

- RIAA (U.S.)*

*Point of intrigue - The RIAA is recognized as an affiliated group and is excluded from IFPI programs.

(Refer to Wikipedia for a detailed history of IFPI.)

Record Sales Certification -

- IFPI Platinum Europe Awards

- IFPI Middle East Awards

IFPI Platinum Europe Awards -

- Founded in 1996

- Retail sales of one million albums

- Countries include:

Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, UK

IFPI Middle East Awards -

- Founded in 2009

- Sales in Lebanon or Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries

- Countries include:

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates

- GCC Awards:

Gold for sales of 3,000 units ... Platinum for sales of 6,000 units

- Lebanon Awards:

Gold for sales of 1,000 units ... Platinum for sales of 2,ooo units

(Source - Wikipedia)