Sunday, May 31, 2020

Happy Anniversary, Set List

In this final edition of Set List Anniversary, I can think of no other way to cap off ten years (and counting!) than with the ultimate competition - Will Ferrell and Chad Smith Drum-Off.

The YouTube video will say the rest of it.  Enjoy the drum-off below!

Saturday, May 30, 2020

Cents of Style Fashion

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

Cents of Style is a unique women's fashion business beyond apparel and accessories.  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.

In this post, I hope my featured favorite will inspire you to look good, feel good, and do good.

With that said,

My Saturday Cents of Style Pick -


from: Cents of Style

The Silas Stonewashed T-Shirt is comfortable to wear and stylish in design.  As a plus-size top preference, I greatly appreciate trendy fashion designated for bigger sizes.

The Silas Stonewashed T-Shirt is available in -
Strawberry - 1XL, 2XL, 3XL
Raspberry  - 1XL
Boysenberry - 1XL, 2XL, 3XL
Forest Green - 1XL, 2XL

What you need to know -
95% Cotton, 5% Spandex
Machine wash cold, Hang dry

Best for last - Always Free Shipping

If you look good in any Silas Stonewashed T-Shirt color, you will look good.  If you look good, you will feel good.  Will this inspire you to do good?

Set List Recommended

- My recommendation -

Set List
Duran Duran
Live from London

DD Live From London DVD Standard Edition.jpg

1.  "(Reach Up for The) Sunrise"
2.  "Hungry Like the Wolf"
3.  "Is There Something I Should Know"
4.  "Union of the Snake"
5.  "Come Undone"
6.  "A View to a Kill"
7.  "What Happens Tomorrow"
8.  "The Chauffeur"
9.  "Planet Earth"
10.  "I Don't Want Your Love"
11.  "New Religion"
12.  "Ordinary World"
13.  "Night Boat"
14.  "Save a Prayer"
15.  "Notorious"
16.  "The Reflex"
17.  "Careless Memories"
18.  "The Wild Boys"
19.  "Girls on Film"
20.  "Rio"

Set List
Duran Duran
Live from London
Bonus CD with Deluxe Edition

1.  "(Reach Up for The) Sunrise"
2.  "Hungry Like the Wolf"
3.  "Planet Earth"
4.  "Ordinary World"
5.  "Save a Prayer"
6.  "Notorious"
7.  "Careless Memories"
8.  "The Wild Boys"
9.  "Girls on Film"
10.  "Rio"

Thursday, May 28, 2020

History Lesson - Pawn Stars Guitar

In this edition of History Lesson - Pawn Stars Guitar, I am sharing Phil Collen's Jackson guitar.

Tune in to the video below -


Who is Phil Collen?
Phil Collen is an English musician and co=lead guitarist for Def Leppard.  He is self-taught.  His first guitar was a Gibson SG.

Career before Def Leppard -
Girl - Landed Collen's first record contract  
Personally invited to join Def Leppard by Joe Elliott and Steve Clark
(Initial pass)

Point of intrigue -
The original guitarist for Def Leppard, Pete Willis, was fired for alcohol-related problems.  Steve Clark died from alcohol poisoning in 1991.  Phil Collen was able to quit his alcohol addiction.

Solos for Pyromania -
"Photograph"
"Rock of Ages"
"Foolin"
"Stagefright"
"Rock Till You Drop"

"...just have fun on it, play some solos on it..." - Mutt Lange, Def Leppard producer

Point of interest -
Collen considered leaving the band after Clark's passing.

In 1989, Collen used the Jackson Guitars brand.  In his words, "they looked cool."


As for Def Leppard fans, Phil Collen fans, and Jackson Guitars enthusiasts, enjoy the video above.





Wednesday, May 27, 2020

zZounds Music for Professionals - Bonus Edition

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

zZounds Music for Professionals

If you opt for the Mapex Armory Studioease Fast Drum Shell Kit, follow the link above.

Any drum kit needs a drum throne.  In this post, consider the Mapex drum throne for the Mapex drum shell kit.

Mapex T750A Double-Braced Drum Throne
$150.95 OR 4 Payments $37.74

Follow the link below for unique features.

zZounds Music for Professionals

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

In zZounds past posts, I tend toward the guitar - both electric and bass.  Both instrumentals are intriguing and by far the most popular to learn and master.  Yet my personal preference will always be the drums, whether in the rock genre or even the jazz genre.

For now, let's stick with rock.

In this final edition of zZounds Music for Professionals, I am capping off the series with the following -

Mapex Drums

Mapex Armory Studioease Fast Drum Shell Kit, 6-Piece
Desert Dune
$999 OR 12 Payments $83.25

Available in Purple Haze, Black Dawn, Desert Dune, Emerald Burst, Redwood Burst, and Ultramarine Gloss.

Perfect for stage use and studio use (according to zZounds)

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--MAPAR628


What's included -
10" x 7" Rack Tom
12" x 8" Rack Tom
14" x 12" Floor Tom
16" x 14" Floor Tom
14" x 5.5" Snare Drum
22" x 18" Bass

!Cymbals and hardware sold separately!

If this Mapex kit is appealing to you, explore the link above.  If you are a serious drummer in need of a new brand, follow the link above for more details and a payment plan.

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Duran Duran - Pressure Off

"Pressure Off"


Background -
"Pressure Off" is the fourth track on Paper Gods
Lead single
Featured vocals from American singer, Janelle Monae

Genres considered - New Wave, Pop Rock, Pop

Paper Gods -
14th album
Released in September 2015

Paper Gods -
No. 5 on UK Albums Chart
No. 10 on Billboard 200
No. 2 in Italy

Personnel -
Dominic Brown - Guitar, Backing vocals
Simon Le Bon
John Taylor
Roger Taylor
Nick Rhodes


Point of interest -
Lindsay Lohan is an additional vocal.  I would not necessarily place Lindsay Lohan, as a pop culture trend for the modern generation, with Duran Duran, an iconic staple in historic pop culture spanning decades of generations.  Alas, my opinion only.

Versus Tuesday

Astronaut2005 Drummer v. Original Performance

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


Duran Duran - "Pressure Off"
Astronaut2005 Drummer Cover


Duran Duran - "Pressure Off"
Official Music Video

Monday, May 25, 2020

zZounds Acoustic Style - Bonus Edition

Epiphone DR-100


Gibson '60s J-45 Original

zZounds Acoustic Style

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

Welcome to the launch edition of zZounds Acoustic Style!  In this series, I will feature acoustic guitars, acoustic-electric guitars, and acoustic accessories.  In this series, think vintage.

With introduction aside, explore and enjoy!

Follow the link below for a full acoustic guitar catalog on zZounds -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Acoustic-Guitars-2561

Follow the link below for a full 6-String Acoustic Guitar catalog on zZounds -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--6-String-Acoustic-Guitars--2563

Example 6-string acoustic guitars -

Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar
Ebony
$149 OR 4 Payments $37.25

Available in Ebony, Natural, and Vintage Sunburst

According to zZounds, the Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar is perfect for new guitarists and pros looking for an affordable acoustic option.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--EPIDR100



Gibson '60s J-45 Original Acoustic Guitar (with Case)
Wine Red
$2,499 OR 12 Payments $208.25

Available in Wine Red and Ebony

Sunday, May 24, 2020

zZounds Music Sunday

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

In the first edition of zZounds Music Sunday with notes on comparison shopping, my focus was on the bass guitar between the brands Gibson and Ibanez.  Refer to zZounds Music Sunday.

In the second edition of zZounds Music Sunday with notes on comparison shopping, my focus was on the drums between the brands Roland and Tama.  Refer to zZounds Music Sunday.

In this third edition of zZounds Music Sunday with notes on comparison shopping, my focus is on the electric guitar between the brands Epiphone and Fender.  Which brand do you prefer?  Share your thoughts in the comments section at the end of this post!

Epiphone Electric Guitar
Follow the link below for a full Epiphone offer.  Consider the example below -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Epiphone--3542

Epiphone Les Paul Classic Electric Guitar
Heritage Cherry Sunburst
$499 OR 6 Payments $83.17

"...Play any genre and look good..."

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



Fender Electric Guitar
Follow the link below for a full Fender offer.  Consider the example below -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Fender--3544

Fender The Edge Stratocaster Electric Guitar 
(Maple, with Case)
$1,849.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--FEN0112702




Saturday, May 23, 2020

Cents of Style Fashion

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

Cents of Style is a unique women's fashion business beyond apparel and accessories.  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.

In this post, I hope my featured favorite will inspire you to look good, feel good, and do good.

With that said,

My Saturday Cents of Style pick -


from: Cents of Style

The Keaton Nubby Sweater is simply pure perfection.  It is perfect for dressing up casual jeans or complimenting business casual.  

In two words, I would describe the Keaton Nubby Sweater as cozy and comforting with such delicate and soft material.  Cents of Style describes this sweater as classic...I definitely agree.

The Keaton Nubby Sweater is available in Mauve and Black.  Sizes are not listed and Cents of Style states "one size."

What you need to know -
Soft touch textured yarn 
100% Polyester
Hand wash cold, Hang dry

Best for last - Always Free Shipping

If you look good in the Keaton Nubby Sweater, you will feel good.  Will this inspire you to do good?

Thursday, May 21, 2020

History Lesson - Pawn Stars Guitar

In this edition of History Lesson - Pawn Stars Guitar, I am sharing a 1970s Ibanez guitar.

Tune in to the video below -


A hint about the pawn shop's go-to guitar expert, Jesse Amoroso - He is a guitarist by trade and performed with such bands as Crazy Chief, The Loud Pipes, and many others.  Jesse's experienced knowledge primarily focuses on vintage stringed instruments and amplifiers.

Brief mention - Ibanez is a Japanese guitar brand.  The full history can be found on Wikipedia.

As for Ibanez enthusiasts, Jesse Amoroso will say the rest of it.  Enjoy the video above.

Wednesday, May 20, 2020

zZounds Music for Professionals

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

In zZounds past posts, I tend toward the guitar - both electric and bass.  I suppose this is because both instrumentals are intriguing to explore and write about.  Yet, my personal preference is the drums.  At best, I can maintain a beat but formal training has never been available.

So I have a few questions for drum enthusiasts.  Do you consider yourself a pro?  Have you gone through novice training and find yourself playing all the time?  Do you work in a recording studio?  Gigs?  Opening acts?  A potential breakthrough?  

If you find yourself saying yes to any or all of these questions, consider the following -

Alesis Strike Pro Kit Electronic Drum Kit
$1,999 OR 12 Payments $166.58

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



zZounds describes the Alesis Strike Pro as a combination of the feel of acoustic drums and versatility of electronic drums.

The Alesis Strike offers personalized customization with the Strike Performance Module.

The list of all that is included is quite lengthy, so follow the link above to explore.

If you are a professional drummer with experience on stage or in the studio and the Alesis Strike Pro Kit sounds intriguing to you, just consider.

Watch the Alesis Strike Pro in action -

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Duran Duran - New Religion

"New Religion"

DuranRio.jpg

Background -
"New Religion" is on the Rio album.
"New Religion" is the first track on side two of the original UK LP.
"New Religion" is the first track on side two of the original U.S. LP.
"New Religion" is the sixth track on the CD album version.

Point of interest -
"New Religion" is the 11th song on Duran Duran's set list from their Live from London performance.

Rio -
Second album
Released in May 1982
Released in the U.S. in November 1982

Rio -
No. 2 in the UK
No. 1 in Australia and Canada
No. 6 on Billboard 200

Rio -
Gold disc in March 1983
Gold in Finland
Platinum in New Zealand and the UK
2x Platinum in Canada and the U.S.

Rio -
No. 98 on Q magazine's 100 Greatest British Albums (2000)
No. 65 on NME (New Musical Express) -
100 Greatest Albums of All Time (2003)
No. 3 on BBC Radio 2's Top 100 Favorite Albums of all time (2013)


Versus Tuesday

Astronaut2005 Drummer v. Original Performance

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


Duran Duran - "New Religion"
Astronaut2005 Drummer Cover


Duran Duran - "New Religion"
Live from London

Monday, May 18, 2020

zZounds Music for Beginners

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

In previous editions of zZounds Music for Beginners, I featured the electric guitar by Epiphone and Silvertone, the acoustic guitar by Dean, and drum kits by Pearl and Ludwig.

In this final edition of zZounds Music for Beginners, I am opting out of an individual instrumental and instead highlighting fundamental instructional methods to self-teach yourself!  

Consider the following -

Play Bass Today Beginner's Pack
$19.95

"...The ultimate self-teaching method..."

What's included -
Book...CD...DVD

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--HAL699552



The final question for bass guitar enthusiasts - Which brand would you consider when starting out?  On zZounds, consider the Dean Edge 09 Electric Bass Pack ($299 OR 4 Payments $74.75) -

What's included -
Dean 09 Bass Guitar
Dean Bassola 10 Bass Amp 
(8" speaker, stereo headphone jack)
Gig Bag
Tuner 
Cord 
Strap
Picks

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--DNEEDGE09PAK



Play Guitar Today Beginner's Pack
$19.95

"...The ultimate self-teaching method..."

What's included -
Book...CD...DVD

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--HAL699544


The final question for guitar enthusiasts - Which brand would you consider when starting out?  On zZounds, consider the Epiphone PR-4E Acoustic-Electric Guitar Player Package ($269 OR 4 Payments $67.25) -

What's included -
PR4E Acoustic-Electric Guitar
Guitar Ampliflier
Gig Bag
Strap
Cable 
Picks
Tuner

Sunday, May 17, 2020

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 once again comparison shopping on Set List - Roland Drums v. Tama Drums.  Which brand do you prefer?  Share your thoughts in the comments section at the end of this post!

Roland Drums
Follow the link below for a full Roland offer.  Consider the example below -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Roland-Drums--3344

Roland TD-17KVXS V-Drums Electronic Mesh Drum Set
$1,799.99 OR 12 Payments $150

"When you're serious about drumming, you need a kit to match your ambition."

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--ROLTD17KVXS





Tama Drums
Follow the link below for a full Tama offer.  Consider the example below -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Tama--3590

Tama Club Jam Drum Shell Kit, 4-Piece
Aqua Blue*
*Available in Charcoal Mist, Galaxy Silver, and Satin Blonde
$399.99 OR 6 Payments $66.67

(Note - Shell kit only...Cymbals and hardware sold separately)

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAMLJ48S




Saturday, May 16, 2020

Cents of Style Fashion

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

Cents of Style is a unique women's fashion business beyond apparel and accessories.  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.

In this post, I hope my featured favorite will inspire you to look good, feel good, and do good.

With that said,

My Saturday Cents of Style pick -


from: Cents of Style

The Naomi Flare Sweatpants offer the ultimate in cozy comfort on a lazy day.  The Naomi Flare Sweatpants have a stretched drawstring waistband, loose fit, and pockets.  The pants are ankle-length flared.

The Naomi Flare Sweatpants are available in sizes S, M, and L.  A variety of colors are offered as well - Black, Grass Green, Hot Pink, Heather Gray, and Orange.

What you need to know -
57% Cotton, 38% Polyester, 5% Spandex
Hand wash cold, Dry flat

Best for last - Always Free Shipping

If you look good in the Naomi Flare Sweatpants, you will feel good.  Will this inspire you to do good?

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, my top choice this week is -

History Lesson - Pawn Stars Guitar

As a refresher, Pawn Stars is an American reality television series on the History Channel.  Customers offer artifacts to sell or pawn.  The artifacts come with a brief historical background by any of the staff.  Experts clarify validity and appraisal of the item in question.

As a refresher, the World Famous Gold & Silver Pawn Shop is a family owned business since 1989 and is based in Las Vegas, Nevada.  The main staff filmed on air include Rick Harrison, Corey "Big Hoss" Harrison, and Austin "Chumlee" Russell.  The patriarch, Richard "Old Man" Harrison, passed away in 2018.

In the launch edition of History Lesson - Pawn Stars Guitar, I shared a 1952 Fender Telecaster brought into the Pawn Shop some time ago.

In this post, I thought I would share a 1952 Telecaster as brought to you by zZounds.  Explore and enjoy!

Fender Custom Shop 1952 Heavy Relic Telecaster 
Electric Guitar, with Maple Fingerboard
(with Case)
$4,100 
!Only 2 left!

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--FEN235000835



Aged Nocaster Blonde
Vintage design and build
Tweaked for modern players

Follow the link above for further details.

If the year 1952 is meaningful to the Fender Telecaster, does the 1952 Fender Telecaster mean something to you?

Explore and enjoy!

Friday, May 15, 2020

Set List Anniversary - Fort Knox by Goldfish

Goldfish


Goldfish Personnel -
Dominic Peters and David Poole
from Cape Town, South Africa

Genres considered -
House, Pop, Jazz, African Music, Electronica...to name a few

Goldfish Honors -
Best Pop at the 2014 MTV Africa Music Awards

A full background can be found on Wikipedia.

"Fort Knox" is the third track from the 2008 album, Perceptions of Pacha.

Perceptions of Pacha Honors -
2009 South African Music Awards  
Nominations - 
Best Producer, Best Duo or Group, Album of the Year
Wins -
Best Dance Album, Best Engineer
I discovered "Fort Knox" by Goldfish on television - marketing for the 2008 Kia Soul...a pop culture favorite including the song and forever famous animated hamsters.

"Fort Knox" is, like "Uptown Funk," a Set List classic.