June Set List

June Set List

1.  Where the Streets Have No Name

2.  Crazy

3.  How You Like Me Now

4.  One Thing Leads to Another

5.  Lovely Day*

*Calm break from electric energy

6.  Planet Earth

7.  Jump

8.  Was

9.  Girls on Film

10.  Rio

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

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

Soundcheck

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

In this edition of Soundcheck, I am opting for a change of pace - rather than focusing on one individual instrument, I am going to highlight an entire category...by link, not single products!

And so I am highlighting Guitar Accessories, from tuners to stands to picks to straps to single electric guitar strings to guitar care...I think the link below will best feature the full Guitar Accessories category.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Guitar-Accessories--2545

Prices range from $0 to $1,999.  The lower end - $0 to $24 - offers the most available products.

Payment plans are of course available - 4, 6, 8, and 12.  The better majority of payment plans are 4 and 6.

The variety of brands are unique...

...And this is where I will leave off.

Explore the link above and shop if you find intrigue!

Music in Japan

In the post, Certification Travels, Japan proved to be the United States equivalent in regards to album certification with impressive requisite for achieving million and multi-million (diamond status in the U.S.).

I found great intrigue in Nick Rhodes' stay in Tokyo as seen on YouTube.
(Duran Duran - Nick Rhodes at the Park Hyatt Tokyo)

In the post, Kyoto, I will admit to promoting my Chloe + Isabel jewelry business as related to Japanese culture.

In this post, I am focusing on music in Japan - specifically best selling albums both domestic and foreign.

Domestic best-selling albums -
The leading position is First Love by Japanese-American musician, Hikaru Utada - released in March 1999 and achieved 7,672,000 in sales.  The end position is All Singles Best by the band, Kobukuro - released in September 2006 and achieved 3,018,000 in sales.

The second highest position is by B'z The Best "Pleasure" by the rock duo B'z - released in May 1998 and achieved 5,136,000 in sales.

The first album to break 4 million is Review by the rock band, Glay - released in October 1997 and achieved 4,876,000 in sales.

Point of interest -
Hikaru Utada is listed three times in the Top 20 list of domestic best-selling albums.  The other two albums include Distance (released in March 2001 and achieved 4,472,000 in sales) and  Deep River (released in June 2002 and achieved 3,605,000 in sales).

The pop group, Globe, has been listed twice on the Top 20 list as well - Globe (released in March 1996 and achieved 4,136,000 in sales) and Faces Places (released in March 1997 and achieved 3,239,000 in sales).

The pop rock band, Mr. Children, has been listed twice on the Top 20 as well - Atomic Heart (released in September 1994 and achieved 3,430,000 in sales) and Bolero (released in March 1997 and achieved 3,283,000 in sales).

The remaining Top 20 domestic best-selling albums can be found on Wikipedia.

Foreign best-selling albums -
The leading position is #1's by Mariah Carey - released in November 1998, achieved 3,700,000 in sales, and ranked No. 1.  The end position is Whitney Houston by Whitney Houston - released in April 1985, achieved 1,000,000 in sales, and ranked No. 2.

Point of interest -
Mariah Carey is listed six times in the foreign best-selling albums list.  The other five albums include -

Merry Christmas (released in October 1994, achieved 2,750,000 in sales, and ranked No. 1)

Daydream (released in September 1995, achieved 2,600,000 in sales, and ranked No. 1)

Music Box (released in September 1993, achieved 2,400,000 in sales, and ranked No. 1)

Butterfly (released in September 1997, achieved 1,300,000 in sales, and ranked No. 1)

Emotions (released in October 1991, achieved 1,025,000 in sales, and ranked No. 3)

Point of great intrigue -
Michael Jackson's Thriller is listed at No. 4 with 2,800,000 in sales and ranked No. 1.  Bad is listed at No. 24 with 1,250,000 in sales and ranked No. 1.

1 by The Beatles is listed at No. 6 with 2,700,000 in sales and ranked No. 1).  Abbey Road and 1962-1966 by The Beatles are listed at No. 10 with both achieving 1,920,000 in sales and ranked No. 3 and No. 1.  1967-1970 by The Beatles is listed at No. 13 with 1,760,000 in sales and ranked No. 2.  Let It Be by The Beatles is listed at No. 16 with 1,600,000 in sales and ranked No. 2.  Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band is listed at No. 42 with 1,022,000 in sales and ranked No. 3.

Simon & Garfunkel's Greatest Hits is listed at No. 9 with 2,000,000 in sales and ranked No. 3.  Bridge over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel is listed at No. 24 with 1,250,000 in sales and ranked No. 6.

Like a Virgin by Madonna is listed at No. 24 with 1,250,000 in sales and ranked No. 5.  The Immaculate Collection by Madonna is listed at No. 33 with 1,135,000 in sales and ranked No. 5.  True Blue by Madonna is listed at No. 39 with 1,050,000 in sales and ranked No. 1.

The purpose of sharing my point of great intrigue is to show that icons in the United States and England have skyrocketed in sales, certifications, and chart positions in the Western hemisphere...hence being icons.  In Japan, icon status falls much lower than expected.

Remaining foreign best-selling albums can be found on Wikipedia.

Music Awards - UK v. U.S.

Questions for consideration -

Which award is more popular - UK Music Video Awards or MTV Video Music Award?

Which honor is more prestigious - UK Hall of Fame or Rock and Roll Hall of Fame? ... I will note that the UK Hall of Fame was cancelled in 2006, but is nonetheless worth considering in this post.

What is your thought on the UK's Unsigned Music Awards?

Which holds the most impact on pop culture through music - UK Festival Awards or Woodstock in the U.S.?

Brit Awards - UK dedicated ... American Music Awards - U.S. dedicated
Which dedication do you prefer the most?

Share your answers and opinions in the comments section below!

Friday Fave

According to Set List statistics, the trending post is Duran Duran Pop Quiz.  In essence, the one question asked is how well do John Taylor and Simon Le Bon really know each other.  Follow the link for the answer!

Lauren's Weekly Favorite

When I was in middle school and high school, I played the viola.  I was not musically inclined to play an instrument, but I needed the school credit.  In my junior year of high school, I earned the credit and quit.  With this said, I will always admire professional musicians who are profoundly inclined.

I adore the drums and Roger Taylor is an inspiration.  

In due truth, synthesizers and keyboards go over my head.

And then there are the guitars, especially the electric guitar that fuels intense energy when used for live performances.  The only electric guitar I have ever seen in use is Gibson Les Paul style.  I am quite curious to see a Flying V...

...and this takes me to Lauren's Weekly Favorite - the Gibson Flying V post.  Due disclosure - the post contains affiliate links.

The Gibson Flying V - how is it steadily held for concerts, does it have the same impact as other Gibson models, what genre is it  best made for...the questions could go on!

In the end, I am intrigued by and curious about the Gibson Flying V.

Reader Poll - John Taylor Shout Out

Dear readers and passersby, 

I have a question for your consideration.

In honor of John Taylor's birthday bash, one week later, what is your take on the audience shout out "Play the*f* bass, John"?

When did the sentiment come about and why, I wonder.

Leave your thoughts in the comments section at the end of this post!

Gibson Flying V

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

Gibson Les Paul is a forever icon in electric guitars and truly is a strong preference.  The Gibson Flying V, on the other hand, is a unique and one of a kind icon in electric guitars.

And so in this edition of Wednesday Special, I am featuring the Gibson 2019 Flying V Tribute Electric Guitar.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GIBDSV219
$1,399 OR 18 Payments $77.73

Follow the link above for a full description of what this instrument has to offer.

"...stealth shred-ability..."

Intriguing statement

Gibson

Over the past few weeks, I have dedicated Wednesday posts on Set List to brands I feature on Soundcheck or Play It Sunday.  My most recent highlight was Les Paul and Tobias.

Speaking of Les Paul...

You may automatically connect to Gibson...

And this is where Gibson will be today's highlight.

Gibson Brands, Inc. manufactures guitars, other instruments, and professional audio.  The company is based in Nashville, Tennessee.

Gibson is named after Orville Gibson, who designed "mandolin-family instruments."  Gibson founded his company in 1902 in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

In the 1930s, the company expanded to include acoustic guitars and hollow-body electric guitars.

As of 1944, Gibson Brands, Inc. was acquired by four separate corporations.  In 2018, Gibson filed for bankruptcy in order to restructure.  

Gibson Brands will always be known for its iconic Les Paul.  Gibson Brands is uniquely known for the innovative Flying V and Explorer guitars.

Gibson owns brand names such as Epiphone and Tobias, to name a few.

(A full history can be found on Wikipedia.)

My take away -

Every professional musician is particular to their desired brand.  Gibson always seems to be the go-to for guitarists.  Wise choice.

UK Awards in Music

On Set List, I have explored major award honors local to the United States and global to such countries as Germany and England - to name a few.

German honors include the Bravo Otto Awards.  England honors include, most notably, the Brit Awards.

In this post, I thought I would expand on more UK Awards offered in the music industry.

Mojo Awards -
Presented by the the music publication, Mojo, in the UK
Appealing to classic rock

Classic BRIT Awards -
Organized by BPI (British Phonographic Industry)
Equivalent to the BRIT Awards
Appealing to classical and crossover music

Gramophone Classical Music Awards -
Presented by the London publication, Gramophone
Equivalent or surpassing the American Grammy Awards
"...the Oscars for classical music"
"...the most influential and prestigious classical music awards in the world..."

Gramophone Hall of Fame -
Presented by Gramaphone
Honors conductors, singers, keyboard players, string/brass players, ensembles, and producers/record labels executives

Mercury Prize -
Presented by BPI and British Association of Record Dealers
Alternative to BRITAwards

MOBO Awards -
"Music of Black Origin"
"...one of Europe's biggest and most influential music award ceremonies..."
"...celebrating excellence in black music in the UK and internationally..."
Genres best considered - 
Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Reggae, Jazz, Gospel, African music
Equivalent to the BET Awards and Soul Train Awards

MTV Europe Music Award for Best UK & Ireland Act

Parliamentary Jazz Awards
The Queen's Medal for Music
Royal Academy of Music Bach Prize

Scottish Alternative Music Awards -
Based in Glasgow, Scotland
Honors best emerging artists in Scotland

UK Video Music Awards

Unsigned Music Awards -
"...recognize the achievements of artists that are not signed to a record label...""

Welsh Music Prize -
Honors best album from Wales

(Source - Wikipedia)

My take away -
This list could easily go on for some time, so I chose the above honors as samples.  

The UK is not exclusive to England, where one might recall the BRIT Awards or Q Awards.  Honors recognize Ireland and Scotland as well, making UK awards very impressive.

Who is Vasco Rossi?

Paul McCartney held a 27-year record for the highest attended concert with over 184,000 fans on his April 21, 1990 performance...until an Italian musician by the name of Vasco Rossi broke the record in an impressive manner - a solo concert on July 1, 2017 with 220,000 in attendance.

So who is Vasco Rossi?

Vasco Rossi is an Italian singer-songwriter with 30 albums and 250 songs to his name.  Rossi has also written lyrics for other artists.

Vasco Rossi has sold over 35 million copies and is considered to be one of the best-selling Italian singers.

Genres considered - Rock, Pop rock, Hard rock

Vasco Rossi's career has come with some controversy based on lyrics that suggest drug abuse.  In one instance of a live performance, he appeared to be intoxicated.

Moving on, Rossi's album titles are in Italian, so I am not able to translate to English.

Therefore, I will end on this note and refer you to my source - Wikipedia.

Highest Attended Concerts - Single Artist

On Set List, we came across the most successful albums and artists based on awards, nominations, and certifications.  I'm curious, though, as to how receptive those most successful artists fair before a live audience.

In this post, I will share my curiosity based on concert attendance.

Top Five

Vasco Rossi - Italian singer-songwriter
July 1, 2017 ... Audience - 220,000

Glay - Japanese rock band
July 31, 1999 ... Audience - 200,000

Paul McCartney
April 21, 1990 ... Audience - 184,000

Tina Turner
January 16, 1988 ... Audience - 180,000

Frank Sinatra 
January 26, 1980 ... Audience - 175,000

Complete Five

Madonna
November 6, 1993 ... Attendance - 120,000
*Due fairness - Madonna's concert on August 29, 1987 brought in an audience total of 130,000.  As fans note, Madonna truly is the "Queen of Pop."

Michael Jackson 
September 20, 1996 ... Attendance - 120,000
*Due fairness ... Michael Jackson's concert on September 11, 1988 brought in an audience total of 125,000.  His other noted concert on September 7, 1996 brought in an audience total of 123,000.  Michael Jackson will always be a legendary icon.

U2
July 15, 1987 ... Attendance - 115,000
*Due fairness ... U2's concert on September 20, 1997 brought in an audience total of 150,000.  From The Police to U2, simply legendary and timeless.

Grateful Dead
September 3, 1977 ... Attendance - 107,019

Ricky Martin 
November 25, 1017 ... Attendance - 100,000

(Source - Wikipedia)

...To be continued

Les Paul Sunday Favorite + Bonus

In today's edition of Sunday Favorite, the Les Paul post is well at the top.  Follow the link to read more.

In this post, I am featuring Play It Sunday (rather than a separate post) highlighting Gibson Les Paul electric guitars.

Think - Gibson Les Paul playground

Gibson Les Paul Electric Guitar Case
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GIBASLPCASE
$199.99

Gibson 2018 Les Paul Faded Electric Guitar (with Gig Bag), Worn Cherry

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GIBLPF18?siid=229867
$799.99 OR 12 Payments $66.67

(Faded Electric Guitar, Worn Cherry)

Gibson 2018 Les Paul Faded Electric Guitar, Left-Handed (with Case)

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GIBLPF18L
$839 OR 12 Payments $69.92

(Faded Electric Guitar, Left-Handed)

Gibson Les Paul Special Tribute DC Electric Guitar (with Gig Bag)
Blue Satin

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GIBLPSDT00
$999 OR 18 Payments $55.50

(Special Tribute DC)

Gibson 2019 Les Paul Studio Tribute Electric Guitar (with Soft Case)
Satin Cherry Sunburst

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GIBLPTR19
$1,099 OR 18 Payments $61.06

(Studio Tribute Electric Guitar)

Heads Up

Dear readers and passersby,

Due to personal reasons, I am not posting a Soundcheck Saturday.  I will resume next week.

Kyoto

As I wrote about the history of RIAJ (Recording Industry Association of Japan) and Nick Rhodes's travels through Tokyo, I could not help but think of Kyoto.

What is Kyoto?

Kyoto is a jewelry collection inspired by Japanese culture with a unique fashion twist.

Kyoto is also known as a travel guide for the jewelry collection.

In other words...

I am a Merchandiser with the fashion jewelry brand, Chloe + Isabel.  I have a personally customized online boutique with "corner office" where I invoice customer orders.  All of my "pop-ups" are online via Facebook and I do network when out and about.

Prices are at retail - as though you were shopping in a department store.  The quality is superior and worth the investment.

Chloe + Isabel designs are unique and one of a kind.  Chloe + Isabel has landed pages in major trade publications.

As with all small businesses, the net goal is sales.  With this said, I have goals beyond sales.  I want to climb - Merchandiser to Merchandise Manager to Senior Merchandise Manager to Divisional Merchandise Manager.

If you are intrigued, my C + I boutique link is -

Chloe + Isabel

At the end of the day

At the end of the day...

If there is a Part 2, there is a Part 1.

Digital Music News - Best Selling Music Artists Part 1

From the Dave Matthews Band at No. 50 to Journey at No. 25, there is once again an impressive list in between.

And so at the end of this day, the post will say the rest of it.  Follow the link above.

Digital Music News

In this edition of Friday Fave, I am highlighting your favorite - Digital Music News - Best Selling Music Artists Part 2.

From No. 24 being Neil Diamond to No. 1 being - of course - The Beatles, there is an impressive list in between.

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

Happy Birthday Nigel John Taylor

On Roger Taylor's birthday on April 26, I wrote about his background with Duran Duran, break from Duran Duran, and reunion.

On Nick Rhodes's birthday on June 8, I wrote about his background as of forming Duran Duran as well as side projects.

On this day, John Taylor's 59th birthday, I am opting to write about his bass guitar preference to simply mix things up.

John Taylor's preferred bass guitar is by the Japanese brand, Aria Pro II SB1000.  

Point of interest - He promoted the brand in magazine advertisements.

John experimented with the Steinberger brand and Wal brand in the 1980s.  

John now uses a Factor Bass, Aria, Stingray, and Peavey Cirrus 5 and 4 string.

John Taylor's unique use of a variety of bass guitar brands is intriguing...like him.

As of 2013, John Taylor has dual citizenship in the United States and England.

(Source - Wikipedia)

On this note, Happy Birthday Nigel John Taylor.

Duran Duran Girls On Film

Tobias Bass

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

Tobias is a U.S. based bass guitar brand named after its maker, Michael Tobias.  The brand was established in 1977, but was later bought out by Gibson in 1990.

(Further details can be found on Wikipedia.)

As my research of the Tobias bass brand is very limited, I thought I would feature a Tobias bass guitar via zZounds.

Explore and enjoy the Tobias Toby Deluxe IV Electric Bass (Available in Amber Satin and Walnut Satin).

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TOBEBD4
$299 OR 8 Payments $37.38

Follow the link above for details about this Tobias Toby Deluxe IV Electric Bass.  Consider the video below for a live introduction.

Gibson Special

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

In this edition of Wednesday Special, I am featuring a Gibson special - the Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s Electric Guitar (with Case), Heritage Cherry Sunburst.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GIBLPS500
$2,499 OR 18 Payments $138.84

Follow the link above for a full description of  what this instrument has to offer.

"...representing the golden age of the 1950s..."

"...classic design that made it relevant, played, and loved..."

Well said

Les Paul

In early May, I launched Play It Sunday.  Inspiration has since led me to discover more about every maker I feature - Alesis, Korg, Epiphone, and now Les Paul.

Les Paul (born Lester William Polsfuss in 1915) was an American jazz, country,  and blues guitarist.  Les Paul was also an inventor and luthier - a French term meaning one who builds or repairs stringed instruments.  The Gibson Les Paul was profoundly influenced by Les Paul (as was the Epiphone Les Paul at a more reasonable price).

Gibson Les Paul Standard

Point of intrigue -

Les Paul was self-taught.

Paul's early life and career are quite extensive and could easily go on for some time, so in this post I will let Wikipedia speak on my behalf.

With that said, this post will honor Les Paul and his contributions to the music industry.

Upon learning of Les Paul's passing in 2009, sentimental reflections were given by Slash, Richie Sambora, and The Edge (lead guitarist, keyboardist, and backing vocals for U2).

Les Paul's Honors -

In 1960, Les Paul and wife, Mary Ford, received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In 1976, he won a Grammy for Best Country Instrumental...In 2005, he won a Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental and Best Rock Instrumental.

In 1983, Les Paul received a Grammy Trustees Award for lifetime achievement.

In 1988, Les Paul was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

In 1990, he was inducted into the Big Band & Jazz Hall of Fame.

In 1996, he was inducted into the New Jersey Inventors Hall of Fame.

In 2004, Les Paul received an Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award in Engineering.

In 2005, he was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame for his creation of the solid-body electric guitar.  

In 2005, he was inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame.

In 2007, Les Paul was awarded the National Medal of Arts by President George W. Bush.

In 2008, Les Paul received the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's American Music Masters Award.

In 2009, Time magazine named Les Paul one of the top ten electric guitarists of all time.

In 2010, he was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.  

In 2011, Rolling Stone magazine named Les Paul the 18th greatest guitarist of all time.

"How High the Moon" and "Vaya Con Dios" - entered into the Grammy Hall of Fame

(Source - Wikipedia)

My take away -

Les Paul truly is an inspiration to professional musicians and those aspiring to someday be the next Les Paul.

What is the Q Award?

When I research awards and nominations for various music artists, I tend to find the Q Award for British musicians specifically.  My one question is - what is the Q Award? In this post, I will offer an explanation.

The Q Awards are offered by the UK music magazine, Q.  The annual awards ceremony began in 1990.

"...the Q awards have become one of Britain's biggest and best publicised music awards..." (Wikipedia)

Awards recognize excellence in music and lifetime achievement - more so than "current awards."

The most recent ceremony was in 2018.  Categories include -

Best Act in the World Today - Paul Weller
Best Breakthrough Act - Goat Girl & Idles
Best Live Act - Taylor Swift
Best Solo Artist - Noel Gallagher
Best Track - Underworld and Iggy Pop ("Bells & Circles")
Best Album - Let's Eat Grandma (I'm All Ears)

The launch ceremony in 1990...Categories include -

Best Act in the World Today - U2
Best Live Act - The Rolling Stones
Best New Act - They Might Be Giants
Best Producer - Paul Oakenfold Steve Osborne/Pill 'n Thrills and Bellyaches
Best Album - World Party - Goodbye Jumbo
Best Reissue/Compilation - The Beach Boys - Pet Sounds
Merit Award - Paul McCartney
Songwriter Award - Prince

As of 1992, the Q Awards offer an addition category - the Q Inspiration Award.  Winners include -

B.B. King (1992)
Donald Fagen (1993)
The Kinks (1994)
David Bowie/Brian Eno (1995)
U2 (1996)
Paul Smith (1997)
Blondie (1998)
New Order (1999)
Joe Strummer (2000)
John Lydon (2001)
Echo & The Bunnymen (2002)

As of 1996, the Q Awards offer an addition category - the Q Lifetime Achievement Award.  Winners include -

Rod Stewart (1996)
The Who (1997)
R.E.M. (1998)

(The full list can be found on Wikipedia.)

When I think of British-based awards, the first band I think of is Duran Duran (surprised...guessing not).  In this post, Duran Duran won the Q Lifetime Achievement Award in 2003 and the Q Icon Award in 2015. (Wikipedia)

My take away -
The Q Awards have an impressive history in its honors to musicians who truly deserve the British spotlight.

The Beatles Success Story

The Beatles.

History is set, so I need not say more.

However, in this post I thought I would share the band's success story - awards and nominations.

Academy Awards -

1 Win

American Music Awards -

1 Nomination 

Billboard Music Awards -

2 Nominations, 1 Win

Brit Awards -

1 Nomination, 4 Wins

Echo Music Prize* -

2 Nominations

*A German-based accolade

Fryderyk* -

1 Nomination

*A Polish-based accolade

Grammy Awards -

18 Nominations, 11 Wins

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award 

Grammy Trustees Award*

*Awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of recording.

Grammy Hall of Fame -

6 Inductee Albums, 9 Inductee Songs

Ivor Novello Awards -

6 Nominations, 14 Wins

Japan Gold Disc Awards -

11 Wins 

(5 Wins as International Artist of the Year) 

(2 Wins as International Album of the Year)

MOJO Awards* -

1 Win

*Mojo is a British music magazine.

Meteor Music Awardfs* -

1 Win

*Awards achievements in the Irish and international record industry.

MTV Video Music Awards -

1 Nomination, 1 Win

NME Awards* -

17 Wins

*NME (New Musical Express) is a British music magazine.

Q Awards -

1 Win

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 

1988

UK Music Hall of Fame 

2004

Vocal Group Hall of Fame

2004

World Music Awards -

3 Wins

(Source - Wikipedia)

Point of interest -

Paul McCartney Awards and Nominations (Wikipedia) 

George Harrison Awards and Nominations (Wikipedia)

Digital Music News - Best Selling Music Artists Part 2

In Digital Music News - Best Selling Music Artists Part 1, I left off with the Dave Matthews Band at No. 50.  Follow the link as a further refresher.

In Part 2 of Digital Music News - Best Selling Music Artists, I am on the countdown to the No. 1 position.

With that said...

24.  Neil Diamond
23.  Fleetwood Mac
22.  Celine Dion
21.  U2
20.  Van Halen
19.  Whitney Houston
18.  Metallica
17.  Mariah Carey
16.  Madonna
15.  Bruce Springsteen
14.  Aerosmith
13.  The Rolling Stones
12.  Barbra Streisand
11.  George Strait
------------------------------
10.  AC/DC
9.  Pink Floyd
8.  Elton John
7.  Michael Jackson
6.  Billy Joel
------------------------------
5.  Eagles
4.  Led Zeppelin
3.  Elvis Presley
2.  Garth Brooks

1.  The Beatles

Play It Sunday

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

As of Play It Sunday launch in May, I have featured beginner's luck - if you will - with an Alesis portable drum kit, Korg entertainer keyboard, Epiphone Les Paul electric guitar, and Tobias bass guitar.

In this post, I am playing a record loop with a full drum kit.  Consider the Tama IP52NC Imperialstar Accel Driver Complete Drum Set, 5-Piece (in Champagne Mist).

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAMIP52NC
$699.99 OR 12 Payments $58.34

The Tama Drum Kit may not be the rock star Roland preference, but is ideal for entry-level drummers who are familiarizing themselves with an actual kit (as opposed to the Alesis CompactKit 4 Portable Tabletop Drum Kit).  This Tama Drum Kit design does offer the feel and performance of a professional kit.

Full details about the Tama Drum Kit can be found through the link above.

On this note...

As always,

Play it!