September Set List

September Set List

The ultimate rock n' roll image to cap off another month.

1.  The Sun

2.  Reach Up For the Sunrise

3.  Tom Sawyer

4.  Vogue

5.  Sunset del Mar*

*Calm break from electric energy

6.  Planet Earth

7.  All I Need

8.  Run Away

9.  Girls on Film

10.  Happy

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

There is something I should know - what band or musician would you feature to cap off a month?

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

Most Honored Albums

Set List has found itself deep within historic Grammy nominations and wins from a variety of angles - 

Most nominations in one night without winning 

Paul McCartney - 9

Most nominations without winning

Morten Lindberg - 26

Most nominations in one night 

Michael Jackson & Babyface - 12

Most nominations 

Quincy Jones - 80

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Coveted Grammy Awards - 

Record of the Year, Album of the Year, and Song of the Year

Paul Simon ... Carole King ... Christopher Cross ... Eric Clapton

Dixie Chicks ... Adele ... Bruno Mars

*Adele currently holds the record at achieving all three awards twice.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Most Grammys won by a group in one night 

Santana - 8

Most Grammys won by a female artist in one night

Beyonce & Adele - 6

Most Grammys won by a male artist in one night

Michael Jackson - 8

Most Grammys won in one night

Michael Jackson & Santana - 8

--------------------------------------------------------------------

Most Grammys won by a group

U2 - 22

Most Grammys won by a female artist

Alison Krauss - 27

Most Grammys won by a male artist

Georg Solti - 31

Most Grammy  won

Georg Solti - 31

---------------------------------------------------------------------

And then there is the category of Most Honored Albums...my conclusion to the Grammy series.

The record goes to U2 with 9 wins for How to Dismantle an Atomic Bomb and Santana with 9 wins for Supernatural.

Norah Jones - Come Away With Me ... 8 wins

Ray Charles - Genius Loves Company ... 8 wins

Michael Jackson - Thriller ... 8 wins

U2 - All That You Can't Leave Behind ... 7 wins

Quincy Jones - Back on the Block ... 7 wins

Adele - 21 ... 7 wins

Bruno Mars - 24K Magic ... 7 wins

Amy Winehouse - Back to Black ... 6 wins

Jay Z - The Blueprint 3 ... 6 wins

Simon & Garfunkel - Bridge Over Troubled Water ... 6 wins

Robert Plant & Alison Krauss - Raising Sand ... 6 wins

Roger Miller - The Return of Roger Miller ... 6 wins

Dixie Chicks - Taking the Long Way ... 6 wins

Kendrick Lamar - To Pimp a Butterfly ... 6 wins

Toto - Toto IV ... 6 wins

Natalie Cole - Unforgettable...with Love - 6 wins

Eric Clapton - Unplugged ... 6 wins

Adele - 25 ... 6 wins

Refer to Wikipedia to explore further.

In the end, I hope you have enjoyed the Grammy series on Set List.

Whether nominated or won, the musicians in the series truly know how to play it.

The Novice Americana

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

Steve Martin is quintessential Americana in the bluegrass genre.  He is the definition of banjo pro...which is interesting because he is partially self-taught.  He did take lessons from time to time with fellow banjo musician, John McEuen (refer to Wikipedia).  As a refresher about Steve Martin's background, refer to Wikipedia.

As for the banjo...

If you are a bluegrass enthusiast and have piqued interest in folk instruments, the banjo is your ideal choice.  In his solo performances, Steve Martin is quick with every strum and note.  When performing with his band, Steep Canyon Rangers, he blends well into the other instruments to create a perfect harmony.  The sound becomes, well, quintessential Americana.

As for the banjo...

Consider the Epiphone MB100 Banjo 

$229 OR 6 Payments $38.17

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--EPIMB100

On a personal note, I have long been intrigued by the banjo for its unique quality in design and sound.  My aunt self-taught herself from novice status to pro status, but never played before an audience...I think just her family early on.  

The banjo is a particular instrument that is best appreciated by those who best enjoy the genre it is played in.  Americana favors orchestral instruments such as the violin and bass.  Domestic and international rock favor intense electric guitars, deep bass guitars, and pounding drums.  

Americana focuses on the instruments in performance.  Rock, in my opinion, adds aesthetics to enhance the performance...of course, the instruments are definitely heard.

As with any instrument, practicing and playing every day is essential to grow from novice to professional.  

As a novice, find an inspirational musician to aim toward.  Steve Martin is an excellent example should you choose the banjo.

On that note,

Play it!

The Novice Guitarist

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

The ultimate professional owning the stage began his or her career early in life.  There is natural talent and there is the notion that the musician had to start somewhere in learning more about their instrument of piqued interest.

...had to start somewhere...

My intrigue at the premium level on zZounds is profound and truly meant for the pro.  Yet for the novice, a budget must be set.  

In this post, my choice of instruments is the guitar and the musician who had to start somewhere...as a novice.

Consider the Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic Electric Guitar Player Package.
$269 OR 6 Payments $44.84

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--EPIPR4EPAK

What's included -

PR4E Acoustic Electric Guitar

Guitar amplifier

Gig bag

Strap

Cable

Picks

Tuner

Bonus -

Free downloadable eMedia guitar lessons

As a brand, Epiphone offers electric, acoustic, and bass guitars for every level of playing experience.  Epiphone also offers bluegrass and folk instruments.  Signature models are available as well (such as the Epiphone Limited Edition Slash Firebird Electric Guitar...of course, Slash had to start somewhere too).

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--EPIEDSL

Alas I digress.  So why should you choose this player package?  If you are a novice guitarist, this pack comes with every essential you need to simply begin and gradually go from there.  The player package will step you through the basics - notes and songs.  

I feature Epiphone often on Set List zZounds posts.  So why should you opt for an Epiphone as your beginner guitar?  According to E-Home Recording Studio, Epiphone - generally stemming from Gibson Les Paul - is "ideally suited for beginners."  This is most likely due to budget.

With that said, my advice for starting somewhere is to practice and play every day.  I imagine elite pro guitarists would say the same.

From novice practice to professional performance, your life will revolve around your guitar.  

As always,

Play it!

Accessorize on zZounds

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

Where jewels are a girl's best friend, accessories are a musician's must have friend.

From cables to headphones to instrumentals and so much more, zZounds is the best source for your accessory needs.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Accessories--2348

The link above is all inclusive for what is essential, so below are example features -

Cables - Microphone, Instruments, Speaker, and more
Headphones - DJ, Wireless Bluetooth, Earbuds, and more
Guitar - Electric/Acoustic strings, Picks, Tuners, and more
Drums - Sticks, Practice Pads, and more
...And other accessory essentials

Are you a pro ready to perform live?  zZounds has you covered.

Are you testing out the accessories in a recording studio?  zZounds has you covered.

Are you a rock star on the DJ turntable?  zZounds has you covered.

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

Friday Fave

In this edition of Friday Fave, the greatest interest in the most recent posts is Indian Summer.

As a brief recap of Indian Summer, I was on a countdown to the first day of the Autumn season.  I shared "Indian Summer" as performed by The Rippingtons on their Weekend in Monaco album.  I shared a fashion set as personally designed on the social styling platform, Fashmates - keeping the look light, airy, and formal with a hint of business casual in the burst of Indian Summer warmth.

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

The first full week of Autumn is nearing its end and I would say the coziness of October is on its way, but welcome to Chicago where the forecast is predicted to be in the mid-80s through most of next week.

Apparently the heat is still on.

zZounds on Record

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

On record, zZounds truly is a one-stop shop for absolutely everything a musician needs to create the ultimate recording studio - from microphones to mixers and so much more.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Recording--2781

The link above is all inclusive for what is essential to the ideal recording studio setup -

Microphones
Studio Signal Processors
Recording Accessories
Mixers
Studio Monitors
Software
Audio Interfaces
Multitrack Recorders
Stereo Master Players and Recorders
Home Audio 

The Recording category will say the rest of it.  Follow the link above.

Set List Special Edition

On Billboard's Year-End Hot 100 list in 2001, U2's "Beautiful Day" was placed at No. 75.

In this Set List special edition, I am honoring the passing of my dear Darby Hovis - a rare Tabby filled with profound love, humor, and dedicated loyalty to all she knew in her family.

Darby Hovis 
April 28, 2001 - September 25, 2018

May your days in Heaven be beautiful.

zZounds Guitar Comparison - Premium v. Budget

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

On zZounds, I am always drawn to the clearance section and the premium section for what would be best for budding musicians on a starting budget and what is perfect for professionals who have a wealthy budget.

As an example, consider zZounds Drum Comparison - Premium v. Budget.

In this post, consider zZounds guitars at a premium cost v. budget savings.

zZounds Guitar Comparison 

Premium - Fender American Pro Stratocaster Electric Guitar
Maple Fingerboard, with Case, 3-Color Sunburst
$1,449.99 

This costly investment is best meant for professionals performing on stage or during recording sessions.  An addition to the musician's collection is fine.  Always note that a premium instrument is at its best when played.  This is what fans want to hear.

The premium Fender American Pro will say the rest of it.  Follow the link below.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--FEN0113012

Budget - Yamaha Gigmaker Deluxe Acoustic Guitar Package

$199.99

As with a premium guitar, a beginner's guitar is at its best when played.  This is what you, as a student, want to hear in daily practice sessions.  A pro always starts somewhere.

If you are an aspiring guitarist, the reasonably budget friendly investment of the Yamaha Gigmaker Deluxe Acoustic Guitar Package is worth a purchase.  

Follow the link below for detailed information about the full beginner's package.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--YAMGMDLX

Play it in style

Most Grammy's Won By A Group In One Night - Part 2

As the adjustment to the new season is settled, work on Set List resumes.

Most Grammys Won by a Group - Part 1

Part 1 will say the rest of it.  Follow the link above.

If one group can a Grammy in general, can one group win a Grammy in one night?  My guess is yes and in a rather impressive manner.

Source below - Wikipedia

Santana - 8 (2000)

Simon & Garfunkel - 5 (1971)
U2 - 5 (2006)
Dixie Chicks - 5 (2007)
Lady Antebellum - 5 (2011)
Foo Fighters - 5 (2012)

Welcome Autumn 2019!

Autumn Leaves

Nat King Cole v. Frank Sinatra

Welcome Autumn 2019 in luxury style - Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Tory Burch, Levi's, Roberto Cavalli, and Gianvito Rossi.

Indian Summer

In Chicago, Indian Summer warmth is common in the month of September.  A last weather farewell leading into the cozy relief of Fall.

On Set List, The Rippingtons capture the essence of "Indian Summer" well.  

On Set List, music and fashion blend seamlessly in nearly any genre - especially rock.  The best example would be marriages between musicians and models.

In this post, I am choosing to blend Indian Summer jazz with a formal yet light and airy fashion look.

Set List - September 22, 2019

Brought to you by Fashmates

The History of IFPI Greece

Greece is a member of the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry...hence IFPI Greece.

Refer to Wikipedia for the full history of IFPI Greece.

Briefly put -

Domestic repertoire -
Gold - 6,000
Platinum - 12,000

Foreign repertoire -
Gold - 3,000
Platinum - 6,000

My take away -
Along the Mediterranean, I imagine Greece as more of a tourist attraction - the sights, the rich history, the architecture, the celebratory traditions, the delicacies, the Greek electric energy, the Mediterranean Sea.

I do not necessarily associate Greece with music certification and being a division of IFPI.  However, I am also not doubting Gold and Platinum as offered in Greece...just on a far lesser scale than other major certification levels - namely RIAA and RIAJ.

On Set List, I say play it!

In Greece...Opa!

Autumn Leaves

The unofficial end of summer is on Labor Day - school resumes, the doldrums of work are revived, daily routines are once more.  The  unofficial end is the unofficial start of the Autumn season.  Alas, this is not true.  The official start of the Autumn equinox is in late September - September 23rd this year to be exact.

And so on Set List, I am counting down the days to finally say goodbye to summer...music and fashion style.

Set List - September 21, 2019

Brought to you by Fashmates

Friday Fave - zZounds Drums

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

In this edition of Friday Fave, the trending post is - 
zZounds Drums Comparison - Premium v. Budget

The pro status in you will most likely invest in the premium comparison - the Roland TD 50-KV V-Pro Electronic Drums, New (to the tune of $7,299.99).

The aspiring beginner in you will opt for the budget comparison - the Alesis CompactKit 4 Portable Tabletop Drum Kit (ideally priced at $79).

There must be an option somewhere in between - cost, skill level, design.  How can a drummer go from novice at home to professional on stage?

Example -

Pearl RSJ465CC Roadshow Junior Complete Drum Set, 5-Piece, Black
$299.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--PEARSJ465CC?siid=245954

This Pearl drum kit is fully stocked - 

Snare stand

Cymbal stand

Hi-Hat stand

Pedal

Throne

Cymbal set

Drum sticks

Pearl decal sheet

White poplar shells

Learn to play with the full package as a beginner.  Hone your skills.  Keep the budget on the low end.  Play every day.  A recording studio will become a possibility.  The live concert and pro investment will not be without your very first kit - the Pearl kit.

Girl Panic High Fashion - Saint Laurent Panic

I  do not have a college degree in anything fashion - merchandising, design, and so on.

I am not a bespoke stylist for men or wardrobe stylist for women.

I am not a luxury personal shopper.

I am, however, bent on creativity in fashion.  This is best reflected in my work on the social styling website - Fashmates.

In keeping with the Duran Duran premium theme, I created a luxury style set featuring the couture Saint Laurent brand.

In this set, I let my imagination take over to wonder if a model - such as those in "Girl Panic" - would consider this style.  

When designing this set, I aimed for sexy, glam, over the top, and iconic.

Would this, then, be premium fashion worthy?

Duran Duran - Girl Panic!

Duran Duran Premium - Girl Panic

As of August, Thursday is the premium theme on zZounds Set List.

In this post, I thought I would take a unique approach to "premium" by  highlighting the ultimate premium in music - Duran Duran's "Girl Panic."

The short film was on location at London's iconic and truly luxurious Savoy Hotel.

And then there were the "girls on film" alongside the "wild boys."

Naomi Campbell 

Simon Le Bon

(Wikipedia)

Eva Herzigova

Nick Rhodes

(Wikipedia)

Cindy Crawfored

John Taylor

(Wikipedia)

Helena Christensen

Roger Taylor

(Wikipedia)

Yasmin Le Bon

"random guitarist"

(Wikipedia)

My take away -

When Duran Duran established their name in the music industry, I can only imagine the band enjoying the finest in life.  Where were they when pitching their work to record producers then?  This is where they are now.

Duran Duran truly is a premium brand.

Set List - Music Performance Comparison

In this edition of Set List - Music Performance Comparison, I am considering "Wild Boys" as covered by drummer, Astronaut2005, and Duran Duran's original rendition live from London.

A brief background behind "Wild Boys" -

- Released in the UK in October 1984 and in the U.S. in November 1984
- No. 2 on U.S. Billboard Hot 100 
- No. 1 on U.S. Cash Box*
*Music industry trade magazine through 1996
*Currently known as Cashbox Magazine as an online source
- No. 2 on UK Singles Chart
- No. 1 in Germany, Italy, and Canada
- No. 3 in Australia
- Certified Gold in Canada, Germany, and the U.S.
- Certified Silver in the UK

"Wild Boys" was inspired by a film based on the 1971 novel, The Wild Boys: A Book of the Dead (William S. Burroughs author).  Simon Le Bon wrote the lyrics based on a brief summary of the book.  The instrumental was meant to be a harsh sounding backdrop.

(Source - Wikipedia)

With that said -

Astronaut2005 v. Roger Taylor

The live rendition of "Wild Boys" is intense in both vocals and instrumental.  Andy Taylor, especially, made the point clear with every profound note on his electric guitar.

I was not able to pull up the Astronaut2005 drum cover while on YouTube due to technical  difficulties.  Therefore, I cannot tell how well the cover performance was compared to Roger Taylor's performance.

With that said, I am always intrigued by Astronaut2005 drum covers and generally are on par with Duran Duran but in a solo unique way.

zZounds Drums Comparison - Premium v. Budget

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

In the zZounds past on Set List, I have explored what zZounds has to offer in general.  I have explored the clearance section.  I have explored the premium - most expensive - section.

In this post, I am considering a cost comparison - premium expense versus budget expense.

As the drums are my personally most favorite instrument, let's start there.

Premium - Roland TD-50KV V-Pro Electronic Drums, New

$7,299.99 ... Imagine - Roger Taylor in a studio with these drums.

A huge investment best meant for a professional to play - not keep for a collection.  A huge investment best meant to be an inspiration from a favorite drummer.  A huge investment when you are ready to rock on stage.  

The premium drums will say the rest of it.  Follow the link below.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--ROLTD50KV?siid=191253

If you are going to opt for premium with studio practice and consistent live performances, the finishing touch is the comfortable drum throne - 

Gibraltar 6608 Motorcycle Top Double-Braced Drum Throne

$69.95 ... Imagine, as a drummer, being on stage for so long.  The electric atmosphere fueled by the band and audience gets you through, but you still need comfort when playing back to back concerts.  A minor investment worth considering if you are a pro on stage or in a recording studio.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GIR6608

Budget - Alesis CompactKit 4 Portable Tabletop Drum Kit

$79.00 

Roger Taylor once said that when he was a child he would, in a very literal sense, tap on kitchen pots and pans to get a feel for being a drummer.  Of course over time, he has moved on to professional equipment.  Yet, what would Roger do if he were learning to play the drums now?  What would you do if you are learning to play the drums now?  My best bet is Alesis - for the beginner on a very generous budget.

Feel and response of real drums ... Built in songs and rhythms ... Music coach ... Notes on the LCD screen ... Game function ... Drumsticks included

Plug in or portable (6 C batteries not included) ... Power adapter included

Learn in style

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--ALECOMPACTKIT4

Play it in style

Most Grammys Won by a Group - Part 1

In the Grammy Award series, I have listed the...

Most wins by a single person (Georg Solti as a conductor, Alison Krauss as a female artist, Quincy Jones as a producer)

Most wins in one night (Michael Jackson, Santana)

Most wins by a male and female artist in one night (Michael Jackson, Beyonce, and Adele)

Record, Album, and Song of  the Year win - As of 2012 and 2017, Adele has set Grammy history by winning all three twice.

Most Grammy nominations (Quincy Jones)

Most Grammy nominations without winning (Morten Lindberg as a Norwegian sound engineer and music producer)

Most Grammy nominations in one night (Michael Jackson, Babyface)

Most Grammy nominations in one night without winning (Paul McCartney)

In this first part of a new Grammy win feature on Set List, I am focusing on a win by group.

U2 - 22
Alison Krauss and Union Station - 14
Dixie Chicks - 12
Foo Fighters - 11
Pat Metheny Group - 10
--------------------------------
Emerson String Quartet - 9*
(NYC-based)
------------------------------------
Blackwood Brothers - 8*
American Southern Gospel Quartet
------------------------------------------------
Manhattan Transer - 8*
Jazz vocal group founded in 1969
---------------------------------------------
Santana - 8
---------------
Asleep At The Wheel - 8*
American country music
---------------------------------
Take 6 - 8*
American a cappella gospel sextet founded in 1980
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Metallica - 8
----------------
Simon & Garfunkel - 7
The Beatles - 7
Coldplay - 7
-----------------------------
Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder - 7*
Bluegrass genre
------------------------------------------------------
Lady Antebellum - 7
---------------------------
Los Tigres del Norte - 7*
The Tigers of the North 
Based in San Jose, CA
Genre of regional Mexico
Polka or Waltz tempo
Socially relevant lyrics

(Source - Wikipedia)

The History of BVMI

Bundesverband Musikindustrie - 
Federal Music Industry Association - 
BVMI

BVMI, with headquarters in Berlin, certifies Gold and Platinum awards.  As of 2014, BVMI has issued Diamond certification as well.

Album Certification
Gold - 100,000
3x Gold - 300,000
5x Gold - 500,000

Platinum - 200,000
2x Platinum - 400,000
3x Platinum, - 600,000

Diamond - 750,000

--------------------------
Single Certification 
Gold - 200,000
3x Gold - 600,000
(No record for 5x Gold)

Platinum - 400,000
2x Platinum - 800,000
3x Platinum - 1,200,000

Diamond - 1,000,000

-----------------------------
Video Certification 
Gold - 25,000
Platinum - 50,000 

------------------------
Jazz Single/Album Certification
Gold - 10,000
Platinum - 20,000

(Source - Wikipedia)

My take away -
The RIAA in United States music sets the gold standard for certification.  The RIAJ in Japan is nearly the eastern hemisphere equivalent for its strict certification standards.  Germany now sets an impressive standard for European certification and one to truly beat.

zZounds Clearance Archives

Dear readers and passersby,

I am taking a brief break from posting on Set List.  In the meantime, explore the zZounds clearance archives through the links below.  I will be back on track tomorrow.

zZounds Special Edition - Keyboards Clearance

zZounds Special Edition - Drums Clearance

zZounds Special Edition - Bass Guitar Clearance

zZounds Special Edition - Electric Guitar Clearance

As always,
Play it!

zZounds Premium - Acoustic Guitar

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

In this edition of zZounds Premium, I am highlighting the Gibson Hummingbird Vintage Acoustic Guitar (with case).

On Set List, I generally do not find the acoustic guitar in all genres of rock music - especially classic rock as a personal favorite.  I further do not associate the acoustic guitar with strong notes on the electric guitar.  Duran Duran, though, seamlessly makes both work - such as "Save A Prayer" live from London.

In this post, one Gibson to another.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GIBSSHBV19

"...rich, deep tones..."

"...rock and roll sideman..."

"...alternative singer-songwriter..."

On second thought, perhaps the acoustic guitar is ideal for country or Americana music where rustic sounds accent the lyrics.

With all said, there is the price.  The Gibson Hummingbird Vintage Acoustic Guitar (with case) is an investment to treasure for a lifetime and pass down from generation to generation.  This guitar is not one to play once and turn to another instead.  This guitar is best meant for professionals as serious collectors for live performance, recording in the studio, and playing just because.

The cost - $5,049.

Fine quality in make, use, and sound are reserved for only the best and Gibson is well at the top.  The Gibson Hummingbird Vintage is well at the top if only because the guitar is a Gibson.