April Set List

April Set List

1.  She's a Beauty

2.  Wrapped Around Your Finger

3.  Never Gonna Let You Go

4.  Photograph

5.  Don't Cry

6.  Is There Something I Should Know

7.  Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'

8.  Tell Her About It

9.  The Girl Is Mine

10.  Thriller

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

zZounds Trending

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

In this edition of zZounds Trending, I am featuring all-star gear - microphones.  This trend is unique in that it offers personalized customer recommendations beyond Set List recommendation.

With that said, follow the link below for a full list of reviews -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/lp/all-star-gear-microphones/263

Trending examples -

Neumann KMS 105 Pro Stage Condenser Mic, Black
$699 OR 8 Payments $87.38

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--NEUKMS105MT

Audix D6 Large Format Bass Drum Microphone

$199 OR 4 Payments $49.75

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--AUDD6

Shure 55SH Series II Cardioid Dynamic Microphone, New

$179 OR 4 Payments $44.75

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--SHU55SH

zZounds Music for Professionals

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

On this day, April 29th, I am opting to choose a beginner's drum kit model for one rather unusual reason - the cost is $429...4/29.  Why the unusual reason?  Today is my birthday and the cost/date happen to match.

Where the professionals had to start somewhere, consider the Ludwig Complete Drum Kit -

Ludwig LC175 Accent Drive Complete Drum Kit (5-Piece)
Black, with Chrome Hardware
$429 OR 6 Payments $71.50

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--LUDLC175

This Ludwig kit is also available in Red Foil and Blue Foil.

"...ready to rock right out from the box..." (zZounds)

"...mastering your instrument happens much more quickly when you start with a solid foundation..." (zZounds)

All-inclusive beginner's kit -

Complete Kit 

(5 drums, Hi-Hat and Crash Cymbals, Double-Braced Hardware)

- 6.5" by 14" Snare drum

- 8" by 10" Tom

- 9" by 12" Tom

- 16" by 16" Floor tom

- 16" by 22" Kick drum

- Snare stand

- Cymbal stand

- Drum throne

- Hi hat stand

- Kick drum pedal

- 13" Hi hats

- 16" Crash cymtal

If you are curious about the Ludwig brand and this kit, explore the link above.  If you are seriously interested in learning to play the drums and someday going pro, follow the link above for more details and a payment plan.

A drum kit for pros and those just starting out is not without drumsticks.  Consider the Vater brand -

Vater Hickory Drumsticks

5A, Wood Tip, Pair

$7.95

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

If you do opt for the Ludwig LC175 Accent Drive Complete Drum Kit, consider the Vater Hickory Drumsticks to match your budding and growing performance.

As always,

Play it!

Madonna - Music

"Music"

"...uniting power of music..."

Background -

Title track from Madonna's 8th album, Music (2000)

Genres considered - Disco, Electro-Funk, Dance-Pop 

Success -

No. 1 in Australia, Canada, Italy, New Zealand, Switzerland, UK, U.S.

No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100

No. 2 on Billboard U.S. Dance Club Songs (2000-2009*)

*Decade-end Chart

Awards and Nominations -

2 Grammy Nominations (2001)

2 ASCAP Awards

"Music" Video - 

Billboard Music Video Awards (2000)

International Dance Music Video Awards (2000)

MTV Europe Music Awards Nomination (2000)

Honors -

No. 9 on Madonna's 50 Greatest Songs (Rolling Stone)

Certifications -

Physical sales -

Gold in Belgium, France, Germany, Switzerland, UK

Platinum in Sweden and the U.S.

2x Platinum in Australia

Digital sales -

Gold in Brazil

Video -

Gold in the UK and the U.S.

(Wikipedia)

Versus Tuesday

Astronaut2005 Drummer v. Original Performance

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

Madonna - "Music"

Astronaut2005 Drummer Cover

Madonna - "Music"
(Audio Version)

zZounds Music for Beginners

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

In the launch edition of zZounds Music for Beginners, I featured an Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack.  In the following edition, I featured the Silvertone SS10 Citation Package.  The theme was the electric guitar.  The most recent edition featured the Dean AXS Mini Acoustic Guitar.  The Dean brand, as I imagine the Epiphone and Silvertone to be, is an "excellent first..."

In this edition, I am opting out of the guitar to showcase an entry level drum kit.  Consider the offer below -

Pearl EX725SPC Export Drum Kit, 5-Piece
Black
$749 OR 8 Payments $93.63

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--PEAEX725SPC

(This Pearl drum kit is also available in Voltage Blue, Grindstone Sparkle, Limited Edition Mirror Chrome, and Smokey Chrome.)

The Pearl brand is based in Japan and has an extensive history.  Pearl offers dedicated beginner and semi-professional kits as well as professional kits.  As a side note, Pearl also offers electronic drums, limited edition drums, and snare drums.  A full background can be found on Wikipedia.

The profound quality and design of the Pearl Export Drum Kit is in the details.  Explore and enjoy the link above if intrigued or explore the link above for further information if seriously interested.

On the other hand, follow the YouTube video below for all that the Pearl Export kit has to offer -

Happy Birthday, Roger Taylor

On the drums, Roger Taylor!

Cents of Style Fashion

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

Welcome to the launch edition of Cents of Style Fashion!

On the surface, Cents of Style is a women's fashion business.  However deep within, Cents of Style offers purpose and values to women in need of empowerment.

Cents of Style Purpose - Empower women to lead bold and full lives

Cents of Style Values - 
Hustle, Clarity, Radiate, Own It, Tribe, Create

Cents of Style Hope - Bring the latest in clothing, shoes, and accessories in an accessible and affordable way

Cents of Style Belief - Look Good.  Feel Good.  Do Good.

Read more here.

Every Saturday, I will highlight a personal favorite to inspire you to look good, feel good, and do good.

With that said,

My Saturday Cents of Style Pick - 

Maria Drawstring Pants / S-3XL - $29.95

from: Cents of Style

The Maria Drawstring Pants are available in sizes Small to 3XL, depending on color.  Colors and sizes available -

Black - S, M, XL

Cement - M, L, XL, 1X, 2X, 3X

Charcoal (Seen here) - S, M, L, XL, 1X

Navy - S, M, L, XL, 1XL, 3XL

Sage - S, M, L, XL, 1XL, 2XL, 3XL

Olive - S, M, XL, 1XL, 2XL, 3XL

Heather Gray - S, M, L, XL, 1XL, 2XL, 3XL

Mocha - S, M, L, XL, 1XL, 2XL, 3XL

Eggplant - S, M, L, XL, 1XL, 2XL, 3XL

What you need to know -

Loose fitting

55% Polyester, 40% Rayon, 5% Spandex

Hand wash cold, Hang dry

Best for last - Always Free Shipping

If you look good in the Maria Drawstring Pants, you feel good.  Will this inspire you to do good?

Set List Recommended

In this edition of Set List Recommended, my top choice this week is -

zZounds Music for Beginners

The link above will direct you to the Dean AXS Mini Acoustic Guitar and why it is best for budding guitarists.

zZounds is not always suited for beginners.  Cost, instrumentals, accessories.  zZounds tends toward professionals and collectors.  And so when an opportunity for beginners becomes available, I immediately share the product on Set List.  

Every iconic musician and every established musician have to start somewhere.  zZounds for Beginners, then, is the perfect place to start.

Friday zZounds Showcase - Special Edition

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

In this edition of Friday zZounds Showcase, I am offering a unique showcase - a full category dedicated to professional audio for you to explore and consider!

Bose
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Bose-4230

Subcategories - 

Bose PA Systems
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Bose-PA-Systems-4777

Bose Multimedia Speakers
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Bose-Multimedia-Speakers--4778

Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Boise-Noise-Cancelling-Headphones--4780

...And so much more!

Explore and enjoy!

Set List Reader's Choice

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

Friday zZounds Showcase

This Friday zZounds Showcase favorite is unique in one profound way - the post highlighted the Epiphone Limited Edition Slash Firebird Electric Guitar.

Explore the link above as a refresher.

With that said,

Play it!  

zZounds Trending

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

Welcome to the launch edition of zZounds Trending!  

In this series, I will highlight an in-demand brand or accessory.  The products featured will vary as the trends vary from week to week.

With that said, today's zZounds trend is Taylor Guitars.

Brief background -
Taylor Guitars, founded in 1974, is an American manufacturer with headquarters in El Cajon, California.  The company specializes in acoustic guitars and semi-hollow electric guitars.  Noteworthy musicians who play a Taylor guitar include Russ Freeman, Dave Matthews, Taylor Swift...to name a few.  Refer to Wikipedia for more.

Taylor Guitars on zZounds are ideal for collectors and professionals with available investment.  In this post, however, feel free as always to explore and enjoy!

Full Taylor Guitars catalog on zZounds -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Taylor-Guitars--3795

Sample Taylor Guitars -

Taylor 814ceV Deluxe Grand Auditorium Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Left-Handed (with Case)
New
$3,999 OR 12 Payments $333.25
*Follow the link below for full details.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAY814CEVDLXLH?siid=246617

Taylor 714ce V-Class Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)

Natural

$2,999 OR 12 Payments $249.92
*Follow the link below for full details.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAY714CEV?siid=241912

Taylor T5z Classic Deluxe Electric Guitar

Shaded Edge Burst

$2,199 OR 12 Payments $183.25

*Follow the link below for full details.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAYT5ZCLD?siid=195599

Taylor 314ce V-Class Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Case)

New

$1,999 OR 12 Payments $166.58

*Follow the link below for full details.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAY314CEV?siid=244874

Taylor 210ce Dreadnought Rosewood Acoustic-Electric Guitar 

(with Gig Bag)

New

$899 OR 12 Payments $74.92

*Follow the link below for full details.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAY210CERW?siid=278612

zZounds Music for Professionals

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

In the launch edition of zZounds Music for Professionals, I noted zZounds products offered to all performance abilities.  With that said, in the launch edition of zZounds Music for Professionals, I emphasized products best meant and reserved for seasoned pros.

In this edition of the Professional series, consider the Gretsch Jet Firebird electric guitar -

Gretsch G6131T-62 Vintage Select 62 Jet Firebird Electric Guitar 
(with Bigsby Tremolo)
*This guitar is used with minor blemishes.
$2,024

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GRE2401912

The fine details and financial investment are truly best for the established professional both recording in the studio and rocking on stage.

Duran Duran - Union of the Snake

"Union of the Snake"

Background -

9th single by Duran Duran

Released in October 1983

Lead single from Duran Duran's third album -

Seven and the Ragged Tiger

Success -

No. 1 on U.S. Cash Box

No. 3 on UK Singles Chart

No. 3 on U.S. Billboard Hot 100

Point of interest -

Roger Taylor once said that the drum track was based on "Let's Dance" by David Bowie.

(Wikipedia)

Versus Tuesday

Astronaut2005 Drummer v. Original Performance

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

Duran Duran - "Union of the Snake"

Astronaut2005 Drummer Cover

Duran Duran - "Union of the Snake"

Live from London

zZounds Music for Beginners

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

In the launch edition of zZounds Music for Beginners, I featured the Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack.  In the following edition, I featured the Silvertone SS10 Citation Electric Guitar Package.  The theme for both - electric guitar in a ready to play package.

In this edition, I am featuring a guitar that is "incredibly easy to play" and an "excellent first..."  Consider the offer below -

Dean AXS Mini Acoustic Guitar
$179 OR 4 Payments $44.75


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

Dean Guitars, or Dean, was founded in Chicago, Illinois in 1976 by Dean Zelinsky.  The company, with headquarters in Tampa, Florida, manufactures solid-body electric guitars, bass guitars, and acoustic guitars.  Dean also makes basses, banjos, mandolins, ukuleles, resonators, amplifiers, guitar cases, accessories, and pickups.  

The Dean name has been a preference by such bands as Heart, Kansas, The Cars, and ZZ Top...to name a few.

A full history can be found on Wikipedia.

The background behind this acoustic guitar is very brief.  If you are intrigued by the Dean brand and this acoustic guitar specifically, explore the link above.  If you are seriously interested in learning how to play the acoustic guitar and the Dean brand has caught your attention, follow the link above for more details and a payment plan.

As always,

Play it!  

Set List Review - We Are Us by Savannah Nider

Savannah Nider is the definition of country music for the modern generation.  Her tone is uplifting.  Her lyrics are unique and resonating...

...In this Set List special, I am spotlighting Savannah's single, "We Are Us."

"We Are Us" offers a message of hope, love, finding the best in society, and a sense of coming together as one in a time where strength together is greatly needed.

"...We won't give up..."

"...Never losing hope..."

The lyrics quoted here shine a beacon of lasting light and knowing within that a promising future will prevail.

Savannah Nider truly has a big voice and greater heart.

After all, "we are us."

Savannah Nider

Website

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 featuring the iconic Gibson brand - not for the classic electric guitar but for the electric bass.  Consider the following -

Gibson 2019 EB4 Traditional Electric Bass (with Gig Bag)
$979 OR 12 Payments $81.58

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GIBBAE19

The intrigue behind the Gibson Electric Bass is in the details.  Follow the link above for a full background.

Gibson enthusiasts include such names as George Benson, Eric Clapton, Sheryl Crow, Bob Dylan, The Edge, Peter Frampton, B.B. King, Lenny Kravitz, Les Paul (of course), Slash, and so many more.  Refer to Wikipedia for a complete list of musicians playing the Gibson guitar.

If you are a Gibson enthusiast with interest in the electric bass, explore the link above.  If Gibson is your brand of choice and the electric bass is one to seriously consider, follow the link above for more information and a payment plan.

As always,

Play it!

Set List Bio - Savannah Nider

(Savannah Nider website)

Savannah (Savvy) Nider grew up in the rural town of Pawnee City, Nebraska.  Where family and sports were prominent passions in Savannah's life, music was just the same.  

Country music singing holds "a special inspiration" to Savannah.  At a very young age, she listened to such artists as Shania Twain.  At the age of 15, Savannah worked with country musicians Geno LeSage, Steve Cox, and Kenny Royster - all who worked with such Grammy award winners as Collin Raye and others.

In 2019, Savannah moved to Nashville, Tennessee.  Shortly thereafter, she met with songwriter, Joie Scott, and co-wrote her first song, "Until Always."  She also met with producers Bryan Cole and Steve Marcantonio to record her latest single, "We Are Us."

"This small-town girl with the big voice...will use music to make them (family) proud..."

(Savannah Nider website)

Set List Recommended

Set List Review - Yours by Brent McCollough

Set List Recommended

Friday zZounds Showcase

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

In this edition of Friday zZounds Showcase, I am offering a one of a kind showcase - an Epiphone Limited Edition guitar.  Explore and enjoy!

Epiphone Limited Edition Slash Firebird Electric Guitar
$649 OR 12 Payments $54.08

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

The Slash Firebird Electric Guitar experience is in the details.  Follow the link above for a further background.

If you are intrigued by this edition of Friday zZounds Showcase, explore the link above.  If you are seriously interested in this edition of Friday zZounds Showcase, follow the link above for more information and a payment plan.

Set List Reader's Choice

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

zZounds Music for Beginners

zZounds Music for Professionals 

As a refresher, zZounds Music for Beginners featured the Roland TD-1DMK All-Mesh V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit.  Follow the link above to explore why the Roland kit is perfect for budding drummers.

As a refresher, zZounds Music for Professionals featured the Roland DJ-202 Professional DJ Controller.  Follow the link above to explore why the Roland DJ-202 is best for the professional.

With that said on this Friday,

Play it!

Say hello to the controller...

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

In reference to Nick Rhodes of Duran Duran.

As with zZounds Drums (On the drums...), zZounds Bass Guitar (Play that *f*), and zZounds Electric Guitar (Electric Guitar!  I love you, man), this edition of zZounds Keyboards and Synthesizers will feature the technical end of music.

With that said, play it Nick -

88-Key Synthesizers and Workstations

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--88-Key-Synthesizers-and-Workstations--2707

Consider the keyboard synthesizer workstations for the serious professional with booked gigs -

Roland JUNO DS-88 Synthesizer Keyboard, 88-Key, New
$1,099.99 OR 12 Payments $91.67

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--ROLJUNODS88

Consider the synthesizer for the ultimate professional with booked sold-out concerts and finances to invest in a synth collection -

Korg KRONOS 2-88 Titanium Limited Edition Synthesizer, 88-Key

$3,899.99 OR 12 Payments $325

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--KORKRONOS288

As you can see, the 88-Key Synthesizers and Workstations are best meant for the seasoned pros with extensive knowledge and skill set to understand in full what is before them and how to play.  In essence, are you the next Nick Rhodes "controller"?

As always,

Play it!

zZounds Music for Professionals

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

zZounds offers an extensive range of instruments, tech products, and accessories.  zZounds caters to all performance abilities, from novice beginner to established pro.

In this zZounds Music for Professionals series, I will highlight offers best meant and reserved for professionals with stage and studio experience.

In this launch edition, consider the DJ Controller -

Roland DJ-202 Professional DJ Controller, New
$299.99 OR 6 Payments $50

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--ROLDJ202 

Professional details to expect -

Superior Portability

Roland Drum Machine Legacy

Mixing and Scratching

Vocals

Remix, Produce, Perform 
Features List

Consider the YouTube videos below for the Roland DJ-202 Professional DJ Controller in action.

Duran Duran - Wild Boys

"Wild Boys"

Background -

12th single by Duran Duran 

Released in October 1984 (UK)

Released in November 1984 (U.S.)

Fifth track, Side 1 from the live album, Arena 

Success -

No. 2 on Billboard Hot 100

No. 2 on UK Singles Chart

No. 1 in Germany, Italy, and Canada

No. 3 in Australia

Point of interest -

"The Wild Boys" music video won British Video of the Year at the 1985 Brit Awards.  Refer to Wikipedia for a description.

Certifications -

Gold in Canada, Germany, and the U.S.

Silver in the UK

(Wikipedia)

Versus Tuesday

Astronaut2005 Drummer v. Original Performance

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

Duran Duran - "Wild Boys"

Astronaut2005 Drummer Cover

Duran Duran - "Wild Boys"

Live from London

zZounds Music for Beginners

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

In the launch edition of zZounds Music for Beginners, I featured the Epiphone Les Paul Player Pack for the budding electric guitarist.  Epiphone is a renowned brand in musical instruments.  Les Paul is iconic.  If your very first guitar is an Epiphone Les Paul, play it!

In this edition of zZounds Music for Beginners, consider the drums -

Roland TD-1DMK All-Mesh V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit
$699.99 OR 12 Payments $58.33

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--ROLTD1DMK

According to zZounds, the Roland V-Drums are the most popular in electronic drums.

This kit is compact, lightweight, and quiet.  

The Roland TD-1DMK offers a realistic and drumming experience.

For the beginner -

Double-mesh drum heads for snare and toms

15 preset drum kits with authentic, expressive drum sounds

Built-in metronome with adjustable tempo and time settings

10 onboard coaching functions to track progress and motivation

Record function to listen back to what was just played

15 onboard songs to play along with - in a variety of genres

Dedicated input for a smartphone to play along with favorite songs

Legendary Roland quality and durability

(Kick pedal not included)

Roland is a brand of choice for Roger Taylor of Duran Duran.  If your very first drum kit is a Roland, play it!