Understated yet modern in black with a pop of orange style.
What's included -
Turtleneck Half Sleeve Mini Dress
(Sold out on Farfetch)
Black Suede Eva Heels
Retailer - SSENSE
Women's Combination Classic Sunglasses - Black
Retailer - Barney's Warehouse
Quinton Chain Leather Shoulder Bag
(Sold out on mytheresa)
Note - If curious or interested in the available products, follow the Fashmates link above to "Click to Shop."
Whether muted in black or with a splash of orange color, Victoria Beckham is classic in every way. For this reason, I recommend "Posh Style - October Colors."
*From their early years to the present, Queen's history is detailed to great extent and would be exhaustive to write here, so read more on Wikipedia.
British rock band founded in 1970
Early genre influences - Progressive Rock, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Conventional styles - Arena Rock, Pop Rock, Glam Rock, Operatic Pop
Queen's influences include The Beatles, Cream, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, The Who, David Bowie, Genesis, Yes...to name a few.
Artists influenced by Queen include Metallica, Rage Against the Machine, Guns 'N Roses, Def Leppard, Van Halen, Foo Fighters, Nirvana, Muse, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Michael Jackson, George Michael, Adele, Lady Gaga, Katy Perry...to name a few.
- Personnel -
Freddie Mercury (lead vocals, piano)
Brian May (guitar, vocals)
Roger Taylor (drums, vocals)
John Deacon (bass)
- Discography -
Queen (1973)
Queen II (1974)
Sheer Heart Attack (1974)
A Night at the Opera (1975)
A Day at the Races (1976)
News of the World (1977)
Jazz (1978)
The Game (1980)
Flash Gordon (1980)
Hot Space (1982)
The Works (1984)
A Kind of Magic (1986)
The Miracle (1989)
Innuendo (1991)
Made in Heaven (1995)
- Honors -
"Bohemian Rhapsody" inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (2004)
"We Will Rock You" inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (2009)
"We Are the Champions" inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (2009)
Queen's performance at Live Aid (1985) considered the best live act in history
18 No. 1 singles
10 No. 1 DVDs sold worldwide
34.5 million albums sold in the U.S. alone as of 2004
5th best-selling artist in 2019
Brit Award for Outstanding Contribution to British Music (1990)
Ivor Novello Award (2005)
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2001)
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2002)
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (2003)
Inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame (2004)
Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame (2006)
Inducted into VH1 Rock Honors (2006)
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2018)
*Refer to Wikipedia for a full list of awards and nominations.
Queen's influence in music truly is iconic and inspiring to both artists and fans. I, myself, may be one generation behind but will be a forever fan of every classic recorded by Queen.
The Blues Brothers were founded in 1978 by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as a musical sketch on Saturday Night Live. Aykroyd and Belushi portrayed "Joliet" Jake Blues (vocals) and Elwood Blues (harmonica/vocals). In 1978, the true Blues Brothers were a musical guest on an episode of Saturday Night Live - "Hey Bartender" and "Soul Man."
The full background behind the Blues Brothers is extensive and would be of exhaustive length to write about here, so read more on Wikipedia - Origins, Formation, Sound, Albums/Early Gigs/Character Backgrounds.
Discography -
Studio Albums -
Red, White & Blues (1992)
The Last Shade of Blue Before Black (2017)
Live Albums -
Briefcase Full of Blues (1978)*
Made in America (1980)
The Blues Brothers Band Live in Montreux (1990)
Blues Brothers & Friends: Live from Chicago's House of Blues (1997)
*Briefcase Full of Blues was the band's debut album - No. 1 on Billboard 200, 2x Platinum, 3.5 million copies sold. "Rubber Biscuit" reached No. 37 on Billboard Hot 100. "Soul Man" reached No. 14 on Billboard Hot 100. (Wikipedia)
Soundtrack Albums -
The Blues Brothers: Music from the Soundtrack (1980)
Blues Brothers 2000: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (1998)
Admission - During my research of the Blues Brothers, I had difficulty noting who was who - Jake and Elwood Blues or Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi as the Blues Brothers.
With that said, let's consider and conclude this Monday Blues Spotlight with a blues genre iconic song - "Soul Man."
Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made.
Inspiration for the want in life can come from anywhere and is uniquely defined by each person. On Set List, inspiration comes from music.
In Instrumental Inspired, I am returning to my roots on zZounds to showcase beginner-friendly instruments that inspire the want of learning how to play.
In this launch edition, my Instrumental Inspired is the Arcadia CL38 Classical Acoustic Guitar. If you - like me - are a beginner and want to start somewhere, this instrument may be the best option.
Follow the Arcadia link below for the full category offer -
If you are seriously interested in learning how to play the acoustic guitar and the Arcadia is an inspiring brand, consider the link below for more information.
In this edition of Fashmates Recommended, I am offering a unique vision of Posh Spice style. The look is daring, modern, and classy...all best to describe Victoria Beckham's style.
Modern apparel design for the workplace with a bold touch of over-the-knee boots as a fashion statement. The elegance of the handbag blends the two styles into one cohesive look. The neutral blue and black colors offer an understated palette to create a unique and fresh tone ideal for 20-somethings and perhaps 30-somethings.
With that said,
What's included -
Wool-blend Lace Top (Sold out on The Outnet)
Wool-blend Flared Pant
(Sold out on mytheresa)
Opaz Thigh High Boots
(Sold out on Farfetch)
Box with Chain Leather Shoulder Bag
!Available on mytheresa!
Note - If curious or interested in the shoulder bag, follow the Fashmates link above to "Click to Shop."
Whether modern or daring in the moment, Victoria Beckham is always classic. For these reasons, I recommend "Posh Style - Blue on Black."
Founded in 1974 by David Sylvian (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Steve Jansen (drums), and Mick Karn (bass guitar) ... Richard Barbieri (keyboards) and Rob Dean (lead guitar) joined in 1975
Genres considered - Art Pop, New Wave, Glam Rock, Synthpop, Post-Punk
Influenced New Romantic style in the UK in the 1980s (unintended influence ... follow the link for a fascinating read)
9 Top 40 hits in the UK ... "Quiet Life" No. 19 in October 1981
"Ghosts" (1982) - No. 5 hit single in the UK
Point of intrigue -
The band broke up in December 1982 just as they were becoming a commercial success in the UK and on an international level. They briefly reunited in the early 1990s under the name Rain Tree Crow.
Point of intrigue -
Early into their career, Japan failed to impress in their native UK and faced negative reaction from audiences and critics. The band was somewhat more accepted in the U.S.
- Discography -
Adolescent Sex (1978)
Obscure Alternatives (1978)
Quiet Life (1979)
Gentlemen Take Polaroids (1980)
Tin Drum (1981)*
*Japan's first record to be certified in the UK - Silver within one month of release and Gold within four months of release.
There is a sense of sad irony for this band - parting ways just as they were becoming a success. They even disbanded once more after the reunion album. There is always bound to be friction in any band and splitting is always a possibility.
I cannot help but wonder Roger Taylor's piqued interest in Japan (as a band) with such little reception early on and for the most part. New Romantic scene? Unique genres coming into their own? Perhaps we should consider Quiet Life (the album).
Bob Dylan's career has spanned several decades from the 20th Century into the 21st Century, with his debut album in 1962 (Bob Dylan) to his most recent album in 2020 (Rough and Rowdy Ways) and 37 albums in between.
Dylan's musical history alone is to great extent, so follow the Wikipedia links above. His honors are truly impressive, from entertainment to international and three inductions.
Bob Dylan's influence in American culture at a time where national peace was needed is admirable...
...I will conclude this Monday Blues Spotlight on Bob Dylan with one word - "admirable."
Strong emphasis on keyboards, synthesizer bass, and drums
Point of intrigue -
David Lee Roth and producer, Ted Templeman, wanted to scrap the song ... Eddie Van Halen and engineer, Donn Landee, pushed for the song to stay on the album...
Although I could have featured "Eruption" to honor Eddie Van Halen as well as other favorites by the band - such as "You Really Got Me," "Panama," "Dance the Night Away," and so many more - I feel inclined toward "I'll Wait" and its relieving chance to be on the 1984 album thanks to Eddie.
His influential solo may not be listed here but his talent is truly inspiring.
In this edition of Fashmates Recommended, Victoria Beckham went from classy "Posh Spice" to relaxed on her own. On her own, Victoria Beckham is truly classic in casual wear and formal wear. Pop culture icon and fashion icon indeed.
In brief, "Just Another Day" was a highlight on the album, Dead Man's Party. Dead Man's Party is the 5th album by Oingo Boingo. And "Just Another Day" will say the rest of it. Follow the link above.
As we near Halloween, I thought I would share the Oingo Boingo song, "Weird Science" - dance rock genre for the 1985 science fiction film, Weird Science. The song was also the lead single on the album, Dead Man's Party.
In this edition of Monday Blues, I am featuring a legend in the Electric Blues/Blues Rock genre - Stevie Ray Vaughan. In this post, I am sharing a signature song by Stevie Ray Vaughan - "Pride and Joy."
Kick off the week and the Monday Blues with "Pride and Joy."
"Pride and Joy" -
Feature on Stevie Ray Vaughan's debut album, Texas Flood
Stevie Ray Vaughan's personal history and struggles were his "blues" in life. In this edition of Monday Blues, I would like to honor only the best in what he had to offer in blues music. Enjoy the video above.
In 2001, at the age of 18, I started college with full intent on a four-year completion.
I began my formal studies at a local community college to receive my Associates. September 2001 to December 2003 - A bit longer than intended.
I applied to three universities as a transfer - Hofstra University, Loyola University Chicago, and the University of Illinois. All three accepted me and two offered a scholarship. I ultimately chose LUC.
My course load was heavy and I could only handle so much, so I dropped to part time and took some time off on occasion to rest my stressed brain. This slowed down my four-year completion plan.
I struggled with most of my classes, especially with regards to topic. I was relieved to receive B's and C's (where as at the community college I was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa, completed with honors, and was offered to speak at the 2003 commencement).
On May 9, 2008, I crossed the stage when my name was announced. Seven years instead of four.
My time as an undergraduate was partially spent in psychiatric wards, causing me to slow my academic pace. When I was able to catch up, my desired time frame to graduate fell through. I was exhausted.
But I did it. I finished my Bachelor's. Cap and gown. Pomp and circumstance. Graduation fair. All because I did it.
So celebrate I did...
...Except I was not quite done with my formal education - graduate school. I spent two years at Loyola's Institute for Paralegal Studies, from August 2008 to October 2009. Seven years as an undergraduate when I was only going to study for four. An additional two years of studies...toward a career I would never know.
But I did it. I finished my post-bachelor's Certificate in Paralegal Studies whether it would go to use or not.
On a Monday evening in October 2009, I came home to festive decorations honoring the absolute final end of my education.
