March Set List

March Set List

1.  What a Wonderful World

2.  Singin' In the Rain

3.  Beautiful Day

4.  Lovely Day

5.  Beautiful Morning

6.  Tiger Tiger

7.  Here Comes the Sun

8.  Unwritten

9.  Clocks

10.  Put Your Records On

And there you have it - March 2020 Set List.  Would you add anything to this list?  What would be on your March set list?

Pet Shop Boys - West End Girls

"West End Girls"

Background - 

Reflects class and inner-city life

Released twice as a single -

April 1984 (Columbia Records' Bobcat Records imprint)

- Club hit in the U.S. and some European countries

October 1985 (EMI)

- No. 1 in the UK and the U.S. in 1986

- re-recorded for debut studio album, Please 

Success -

Brit Award for Best Single (1987)

Ivor Novello Award for Best International Hit

Point of interest -

"West End Girls" was performed at the 2012 Summer Olympics closing ceremony.

Certifications -

Gold in Canada and the UK

(Wikipedia)

Pet Shop Boys 

English synth-pop duo formed in 1981 - 

Neil Tennant and Chris Lowe

(Follow the link above for a full history, honors, and awards.)

Versus Tuesday

Astronaut2005 Drummer v. Original Performance

In this edition of Versus Tuesday, I am featuring "West End Girls" by Pet Shop Boys and the drum cover take by Astronaut2005 Drummer.

Pet Shop Boys - "West End Girls"

Astronaut2005 Drummer Cover

Pet Shop Boys - "West End Girls"

Official Music Video

zZounds Music for Beginners

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

Welcome to the launch edition of zZounds Music for Beginners!  

In this series, I will highlight zZounds instruments meant for budding musicians.  From guitars to drums to accessories and many more in between, zZounds is the place to go when considering your preference.

With that said, consider the electric guitar -

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack, Ebony
$249 OR 6 Payments $41.50

(Also available in Vintage Sunburst)

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--EPILPSPIIPPEB?siid=117473

Right out of the box -

Les Paul Electric Guitar

Amplifier

Picks

Clip-on Headstock Chromatic Tuner

Cable

Strap

Carrying Bag

...and much more

Follow the link above for more details.

Iconic guitarists had to start somewhere.  Let this Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack launch your dream career.

zZounds Music Sunday

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

In this edition of zZounds Music Sunday, I am opting out of a standard instrumental and offering instead essential accessories...in this case, guitar accessories.

Consider the following examples -

Guitar Tuners
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Guitar-Tuners--2560

Guitar Picks
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Guitar-Picks--2554

Guitar Straps
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Guitar-Straps--2558

Guitar Care
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Guitar-Care--2547

Follow the link below for the full list of guitar accessories -
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Guitar-Accessories--2545

As always,

Play it!

Set List Recommended

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

In this edition of Set List Recommended, I am noting the zZounds post -

zZounds Music Sunday 

In the zZounds post, I featured a range of drum accessories - from drum sticks to drum bags to cymbal bags and cases and so much more.  Follow the link above to explore all the drum accessories zZounds has to offer.

Where there are drum accessories, there are drums.  As a bonus in this edition of Set List Recommended, consider the sample options below...my reason for today's Set List Recommended.

Tama CK72S Superstar Classic Drum Shell Kit, 7-Piece
Dark Red Sparkle
$949.99 OR 12 Payments $79.17

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAMCK72S

Tama IE62C Imperialstar Drum Kit, 6-Piece (with Meinl Cymbals)

Black Oak

$799.99 OR 12 Payments $66.67

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAMIE62C

Pearl RSJ465CC Roadshow Junior Complete Drum Set, 5-Piece

Black

$299.99 OR 6 Payments $50

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--PEARSJ465CC

Ludwig LCF42R Element Icon Complete Drum Set, 4-Piece

Black Sparkle

$499.95 OR 8 Payments $62.49

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--LUDLCF42R

Tama CL30VS Superstar Classic Maple Neo-Mod 

3-Piece Drum Shell Kit

Mod Blue Deco

$729.99 OR 12 Payments $60.83

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAMCL30VS

Set List Reader's Choice

In this edition of Set List Reader's Choice, I am honored to say that your favorite post is a tie -

Set List Special Edition - In These Uncertain Times

Set List Special Edition - Global Humanity Strong

In these uncertain times, "stay well" is an officially common phrase at the end of every local news broadcast.  Law enforcement is present more so than ever before.  "Social distancing" and "stay at home" are mandates set for an unprecedented reason.  

In these uncertain times, President Trump expects the economy to revive by Easter.  I imagine, then, that he expects the coronavirus to be nominal or entirely cured by Easter.  His expectations are a play on politics, not medical reports.  The number of deaths and reported cases are rising and have yet to reach their peak.  

In these uncertain times, I personally feel that "social distancing" and "stay at home" will continue after the anticipated two week mark.  

A sad state of affairs, so...An addition to the Set List Special Edition - In These Uncertain Times mini set list -

On the other hand, there is global humanity strong with messages shared around the world - messages of hope, standing together in spirit, making the most of stay at home mandates and firm lockdowns.  (As with the terms "coronavirus" and "COVID-19," the term "lockdowns" is foreign to my laptop and comes up as an error.  Another random thought.)

From local to national to global, we are all strong - willed and minded.  I thought I would share an addition to the Set List Special Edition - Global Humanity Strong mini set list -

Electric Guitar! I love you, man

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

In reference to Andy Taylor of Duran Duran live at Wembley in 2004, in this edition of zZounds Electric Guitar consider the following -

Gibson Custom Shop Limited Edition 60th Anniversary 
'57 Les Paul Electric Guitar
(with Case)
$4,499 (Call for 12 Payment plan)

!Only 2 left!

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

The description behind this Gibson Custom Shop Limited Edition electric guitar is very brief, so I personally would recommend an investment for serious collectors and professional guitarists who have the finances to afford the cost of this uniquely special guitar.

If you are interested, remember - only 2 left!

As always,

Play it!

Astronaut

(Wikipedia)

- For the last time -

Astronaut

Last full album to be recorded by the "Fab Five" lineup

(as of Seven and the Ragged Tiger in 1983)

Personnel - 

Simon Le Bon

Nick Rhodes

Andy Taylor

John Taylor

Roger Taylor

"The band...set out on a world tour in 2003 to show that the band still had drawing power..." (Wikipedia)

(Reach Up for The) Sunrise

Lead single released in September 2004

No. 5 on UK Singles Chart 

No. 1 on Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart

Worldwide media tour to promote the single's release and further more for the album's release in October

Down notes -

In November 2004, Andy Taylor backed out of touring due to exhaustion and the flu but would return to the band's promotion in January 2005.  January concert dates also had to be rescheduled after Roger Taylor broke a bone in his right foot.  (Wikipedia)

Astronaut success -

No. 3 on UK Albums Chart

No. 17 on Billboard 200

No. 29 in Japan

CD/DVD set - No. 1 on Billboard Top Music Video chart

Astronaut certification -

Gold in the UK and Italy

(Wikipedia)

For the last time as the "Fab Five," what an impressive way to end their career as the original Duran Duran.

Duran Duran - Careless Memories

"Careless Memories"

Background -

Second single from the debut album, Duran Duran

Released in April 1981

Point if interest -

Following the Top 20 success of Duran Duran's debut single, "Planet Earth," "Careless Memories" was essentially considered a letdown when only reaching No. 37 in UK charts.

Point of intrigue -

The decision to release "Careless Memories" was the band's record label, EMI.  

"...After its failure, executives decided to let Duran Duran choose their own single releases.  The band's first selection was "Girls on Film"..." (Wikipedia)

"Girls on Film" was Duran Duran's first Top 5 in the UK.

"Careless Memories" was a concert staple in the 1980s and featured especially in the live album, Arena (1984).

(Wikipedia)

Versus Tuesday

Astronaut2005 Drummer v. Original Performance

In this edition of Versus Tuesday, I am featuring "Careless Memories" by Duran Duran and the drum cover take by Astronaut2005 Drummer.

Duran Duran - "Careless Memories"

Astronaut2005 Drummer Cover

Duran Duran - "Careless Memories"

Live from London

Set List Special Edition - Global Humanity Strong

In Chicago, Illinois, journalists name exceptionally good deeds as "Chicago Proud."  

In the United States, exceptionally good deeds are highlighted in the news as "America Strong."

On a global scale, the pressing need to conquer the coronavirus and finally live normally again shows "Global Humanity Strong."

We may social distance, but our spirit comes together to aid all in need in every safe and secure way possible.  "Global Humanity Strong"

Health care workers have taken to creative efforts to protect themselves when there is a severe shortage in what they properly need most.  "Global Humanity Strong"

In this post, I am sharing a mini set list of how I see Global Humanity Strong -

"Tell Me Something Good"

Chaka Khan

"Alive and Kicking"

Simple Minds

"Lovely Day"

Bill Withers

Set List Special Edition - In These Uncertain Times

The coronavirus has a profoundly firm global grip on all - from increasing mortality rates to consistent testing positive even when unsuspected to a rise in thousands of confirmed cases country by country.  No one is immune.  Worst case scenario is all that society sees and is being considered in health care.

Stay at home mandates with legal consequences if unnecessarily disobeyed.  Social distancing is a new concept.  The terms "coronavirus" and "COVID-19" are foreign to my laptop and come up as an error...random thought to share.

Economic devastation.  Unemployment at an all time high.

In these uncertain times, COVID-19 seems to win.  

In this post, I am sharing a mini set list of how I see COVID-19 -

"Eruption"

Eddie Van Halen

"Land of Confusion"

Genesis

"Dark Road"

Sarah Jarosz

zZounds Music Sunday

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

In this edition of zZounds Music Sunday, I am opting out of a standard instrumental and offering instead essential accessories...in this case, drum accessories.

Consider the following examples -

Drumsticks
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Drum-Sticks--2476

Drum Bags
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Drum-Bags--2465

Drum Cymbal Bags and Cases
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Drum-Cymbal-Bags-and-Cases--2470

Brushes
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Brushes--2467

Drum Gloves
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Drummer-Gloves--2471

Follow the link below for the full list of drum accessories -
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Drum-Accessories--2464

As always,

Play it!

Set List Recommended

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

In this edition of Set List Recommended, I am noting the zZounds post, Southpaw Squier Telecaster.

When I research guitars on zZounds, "southpaw" lefty offers are not entirely common.  So what is a left-handed musician to do?

Follow the link above to explore what the brand, Squier, has to offer.  

As a bonus in this edition of Set List Recommended, consider the sample options below...they are my reason for today's Set List Recommended.

Ibanez GRGM21L Mikro Left-Handed Electric Guitar
$199.99 OR 6 Payments $33.33

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--IBAGRGM21L

Yamaha FG820L Folk Acoustic Guitar, Left-Handed, New

$359.99 OR 8 Payments $45

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--YAMFG820L

Epiphone G400 PRO Left-Handed Electric Guitar

$399 OR 8 Payments $49.88

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

Fender Player Telecaster Electric Guitar, Left-Handed

(Maple Fingerboard), 3-Color Sunburst

$699.99 OR 6 Payments $116.67

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--FEN0145222

Set List Reader's Choice

In this edition of Set List Reader's Choice, your favorite post is a tie -

Versus Tuesday

Robert Palmer - Addicted to Love 

In the Versus Tuesday post, "Addicted to Love" was covered by Astronaut2005 Drummer.  In the Robert Palmer - Addicted to Love post, I detailed the successes of the song as well as the album "Addicted to Love" was a track on.

Robert Palmer was a talented musician and so in this post I thought I would delve deeper into his background.

(last.fm/music/Robert+Palmer)

January 19, 1949 - September 26, 2003

Robert Palmer was truly unique in his approach to music by considering a combination of genres including soul, jazz, rock, pop, reggae, and blues.

Robert Palmer's early years in the music industry began with the band, The Mandrakes.  He was only 15 years old.  In 1969, he was invited by the band, The Alan Bown Set, to sing on the single, "Gypsy Girl."  He re-recorded all vocals for the album, The Alan Bown Set!.  (The original lead singer, Jess Roden, departed in 1969 but had originally provided vocals for the band's album.)

Palmer's career truly launched with the British R&B band, Vinegar Joe.  Vinegar Joe formed in 1971 and released three albums but was best known for concerts and launching the solo career of Robert Palmer and fellow singer, Elkie Brooks.

Robert Palmer's solo career began in 1974 with his debut album, Sneakin' Sally Through the Alley.  This album was recorded in New Orleans, Louisiana.  The album reached the Top 100 in the U.S.

Palmer's second album, Pressure Drop, was recorded in New York City and released in 1975.

Some People Can Do What They Like is Palmer's third album, released in 1976.

Double Fun is Palmer's fourth album, released in 1978 and recorded in the Bahamas.  This album reached the Top 50 on the Billboard chart.  "Every Kinda People" reached No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Secrets is Palmer's fifth album, released in 1979.  "Bad Case of Loving You (Doctor, Doctor)" reached No. 14 on Billboard Hot 100.

Clues is Palmer's sixth album, released in 1980.

Pride is Palmer's seventh album, released in 1983.

Riptide is Palmer's eighth album, released in 1985.

Heavy Nova is Palmer's ninth album, released in 1988.  This album was produced in Switzerland.

Don't Explain is Palmer's tenth album, released in 1990.

Ridin' High is Palmer's eleventh album, released in 1992.

Honey is Palmer's twelfth album, released in 1994.

In July 1983, Robert Palmer performed at a benefit concert hosted by Duran Duran - at Villa Park in Birmingham, England.

And then there was the supergroup, the Power Station - Robert Palmer, Andy Taylor, John Taylor, and Tony Thompson.  The Power Station was released in 1985.

Iconic songs in Palmer's solo career include "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" and "Simply Irresistible."

Iconic songs with the Power Station include "Some Like it Hot" and "Get It On (Bang a Gong)".

Honors include -

2 Grammy Awards (Best Male Rock Vocal Performance)

MTV Music Video Award

2 Brit Award nominations

"...elegant and sophisticated..." ... "master of several styles"

- Music journalist, Paul Lester

On the other hand -

"...unprofessional..." - according to critics when Palmer backed out unexpectedly during The Power Station tour to continue his solo career

On September 26, 2003, Robert Palmer passed away from a heart attack.  Duran Duran's tribute is a fitting conclusion to this post - "...This is a tragic loss to the British music industry..."

(Wikipedia)

Southpaw Squier Telecaster

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

In this bonus edition of zZounds Electric Guitar, I am featuring a Squier Telecaster designed just for southpaws - lefties - left handed guitarists.

Consider the following -

Squier Affinity Telecaster Special Left-Handed Electric Guitar
$229.99 OR 6 Payments $38.33

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--SQU0310223

As with the Squier Affinity Telecaster designed for beginners, this Squier Affinity Telecaster designed for lefties is brief in detail.

If you are curious about this Squier Affinity Telecaster, explore the link above.  If you are a left-handed guitarist and want to explore brand options such as the Squier, follow the link above.

As always,

Play it!

Electric Guitar! I love you, man

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

In reference to Andy Taylor of Duran Duran live at Wembley in 2004, in this edition of zZounds Electric Guitar consider the following -

Squier Affinity Telecaster Special (Maple), Butterscotch Blonde
$229.99 OR 6 Payments $38.33

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--SQU0310203

According to zZounds, this Squier model was designed for beginners.  Outside of this recommendation, the description behind the Squier Affinity Telecaster is very brief.  

If you are curious about the Squier brand and this Telecaster especially, explore the link above.  If you are seriously interested in learning how to play the guitar and this Squier Telecaster is intriguing, follow the link above!

As always,

Play it!

Synchronicity

(Wikipedia)

- For the last time -

Synchronicity

5th and final studio album by The Police

Personnel - Sting, Andy Summers, Stewart Copeland

Hit singles -

"Every Breath You Take"

"King of Pain"

"Wrapped Around Your Finger"

"Synchronicity II"

1984 Grammy Awards - 5 nominations, 3 wins

Wins - 

Song of the Year ("Every Breath You Take")

Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals 

("Every Breath You Take")

Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals 

("Synchronicity II")

"Biggest Band in the World" - upon album release and tour

Synchronicity success -

No. 1 on UK Albums Chart

No. 1 on Billboard 200

Over 8 million copies sold in the U.S.

Synchronicity honors -

Included in Rolling Stone's "100 Best Albums of the Eighties" and "500 Greatest Albums of All Time"

50th Greatest Album of All Time (VH1, 2001)

"Album of the Year" (Rolling Stone, 1983)

Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (2009)

No. 119 in The Definitive 200 Albums of All Time (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, 2007)

Synchronicity certifications -

Gold in Germany, Hong Kong, and Netherlands

Platinum in Canada, France, and the UK

8x Platinum in the U.S.

(Wikipedia)

For the last time as the original lineup, quite an impressive way to end their career as The Police.

Robert Palmer - Addicted to Love

"Addicted to Love"

Background -

Third song on Robert Palmer's 1985 album, Riptide

Released as a single in 1986

Success -

No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100

No. 1 on Billboard Top Rock Tracks

No. 5 on UK Singles Chart

No. 1 in Australia

Honors -

Gold certification 

Signature song

Point of interest -

"Addicted to Love" was originally meant to be a duet between Palmer and Chaka Khan.  

Point of interest -

Andy Taylor provided lead guitar.

(Wikipedia)

Side track - Riptide

Background -

8th solo album

Released in November 1985

Success -

No. 8 in the U.S.

No. 5 in the UK

No. 2 in Canada

No. 13 in New Zealand

Grammy Award for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance*

*Award based on "Addicted to Love"

Brit nomination

Certifications -

Gold in the UK

Double Platinum in the U.S. 

(Wikipedia)

Where Riptide was a commercial success, so too was "Addicted to Love."  Quite impressive indeed.

Versus Tuesday

Astronaut2005 Drummer v. Original Performance

In this edition of Versus Tuesday, I am featuring "Addicted to Love" by Robert Palmer and the drum cover take by Astronaut2005 Drummer.

Robert Palmer - "Addicted to Love"

Astronaut2005 Drummer Cover

Robert Palmer - "Addicted to Love"

Official Music Video