Wednesday, March 31, 2021

ShopLook March Look Book

On this last day of the month of March, I - as always - shared my creative take on a set list.  On this Wednesday as those before, I also share fashion styling platforms.  In this post, I thought I would share a jewelry selection to honor Aquamarine March - where aquamarine is the natural birthstone for the month of March.

 I hope only that you enjoy!

Aquamarine Jewels


March 2021 Set List

 


1.  Singin' In the Rain
2.  Lovely Day
3.  Reach Up For the Sunrise
4.  Celebration
5.  Tiger Tiger
6.  Beautiful Day
7.  Somewhere Over the Rainbow
8.  New Moon On Monday
9.  Clocks
10.  Ordinary World

And there you have it.  March 2021 Set List.  What would be your 2021 set list?  Leave a shout out in the Comments section at the end of this post!

Tuesday, March 30, 2021

Day 68 - Billy Squier

In this follow up Day 68 post, I thought I would share a brief background about Billy Squier.

Genres considered - Hard Rock, Arena Rock, Pop Rock, Power Pop

Most noted and recognized songs inclue "The Stroke," "Lonely is the Night," "My Kinda Lover," "In the Dark," "Rock Me Tonite," "Everybody Wants You," " Love Is the Hero," and "The Big Beat."

Most successful time frame was 1981 to 1984 - 

- 5 Top 10 Mainstream Rock hits (2 were No. 1)

- 2 Top 20 singles

- 3 consecutive platinum albums

As of Billy Squier's 1993 album, Tell the Truth, he is no longer active in music, outside of smaller tours and single performances.

Read more about Billy's career on Wikipedia.

My favorite BIlly Squier songs include "The Stroke," "Lonely is the Night," "In the Dark," and "Everybody Wants You."

Share your Billy Squier favorites in the Comments section at the end of this post!

Da;y 68 - Versus Tuesday

Versus Tuesday is a unque theme as anything similar goes - Astronaut2005 Drummer v. Original Performance, same song from two different bands, Hollywood cinema with two separate soundtracks, music covers...Anything goes on Versus Tuesday.

In this edition, I am featuring "The Stroke" by Billy Squier.  The twist - "The Stroke" recorded v. "The Stroke" live.  Leave a shout out in the Comments section to share your thoughts!

"The Stroke"

Record

"The Stroke"

Live

Monday, March 29, 2021

(Day 67) - Studio Worthy Drum Kits

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made.



In this post, I would highly advise against entry level drummers because lower priced drum kits begin the learning process.  This post, on the other hand, is best for professionals looking to record or jam in the studio.  Professionals will most likely be able to afford higher end costs.

With that said -

- Studio Worthy Drum Kits -

Gretsch CM1E826 Catalina Maple Drum Shell Kit, 7-Piece

$999.99

Payment Plan - $83.33 (12 Mo.)



Mapex Armory Studioease Fast Drum Shell Kit, 6-Piece

$999

Payment Plan - $83.25 (12 Mo.)




Day 67 - Stage Ready Drum Kits

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made.

The theme of Mondays in 2021 is now discovering the most expensive acoustic drum set.

Let's first start with the Drum Kit Buying Guide -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/lp/drum-kit-buying-guide/487

In this post, I would highly advise against entry level drummers because lower priced drum kits begin the learning process.  This post, on the other hand, is best for stage performance professionals.  On stage drummers will most likely be able to afford higher end costs.

- Stage Ready Drum Kits -

Tama CL72S Superstar Classic Drum Shell Kit, 7-Piece

$1,049.99 

Payment Plans - $87.50 (12 Mo.) ... $58.33 (18 Mo.)

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAMCL72S?siid=172615


Drum Workshop DDLM2215 Design Series Drum Shell Kit
5-Piece

$1,649.99

Payment Plan - $137.50 (12 Mo.)



Pearl Session Studio Select Drum Shell Kit, 5-Piece

$1,699

Payment Plan - $141.58 (12 Mo.)




Sunday, March 28, 2021

Day 66 - Set List Reader's Choice

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made.

In this edition of Set List Reader's Choice, your top pick is -

Day 61 - Jackson

As a refresher, zZounds considers the Jackson guitar brand as one to "shred" on.  zZounds also offers a Jackson Buying Guide.


https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/lp/jackson-buying-guide/507



Jackson Guitars


Jackson Basses


The Jackson brand has an impressive list of electric guitars and bass guitars.  This post would be exhaustive if sharing all available guitars.  So.  If you are intrigued or seriously interested, follow the links above to explore or consider.

Jackson may shred.

I say,

Play it!

Saturday, March 27, 2021

Day 65 - Set List Saturday Favorite

On this Day 65 in Set List First 100, I am choosing Phil Collins live with the "In the Air Tonight" performance as my Set List Saturday Favorite.

Interesting facts about Phil Collins - He is left handed.  His instrumental brands of choice are the Gretsch drums, Noble & Cooley solid snare drums, Remo heads, Sabian cymbals, and signature Promark sticks.

Phil Collins (Wikipedia)

- Awards and nominations received -

18 Grammy Award Nominations ... 8 Grammy Wins

5 American Music Award Nominations ... 3 AMA Wins

7 Brit Award Nominations ... 6 Brit Wins

1 Billboard Music Award Nomination ... 4 Billboard Wins

3 Ivor Novello Award Nominations ... 6 Ivor Novello Wins

1 MTV Video Music Award Nomination ... 1 MTV Win

2 Academy Award Nominations ... 1 Academy Award Win

1 Golden Globe Nomination ... 2 Golden Globe Win

- Hall of Fame -

Hollywood Walk of Fame - 1999

Songwriters Hall of Fame - 2003

- Honorary Degrees -

Honorary Doctorate of Fine Arts (1987)

Honorary Doctorate of Music (1991)

Honorary Doctorate  of History (2012)

Honorary Doctorate of Jazz and Pop Music (2019)

(Wikipedia)

Phil Collins Albums (Studio, Live, Soundtrack) and Certifications

Phil Collins Singles Certifications

(Wikipedia)

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Duran Duran - Roger Taylor DJs at Red Passion

Day 63 - DJ Lighting Buying Guide

(Note - The post, Get the Look - ShopLook, will count as Day 62.)

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made.


Overall -

PAR Lights
(Parabolic Aluminized Reflector)

Moving Lights

DJ Lighting

DJ Lighting Packages 

Wash Lights and Color Changers

Moving Lights

Gobo Lights and Projectors

Spotlights

Fog Machines and Hazers

Specialty Lights and Lighting Effects

Laser Lights

Strobe Lights

Tuesday, March 23, 2021

Day 62 - Versus Tuesday

As you know, Versus Tuesday highlights an Astronaut2005 Drummer cover of a well-known song and original musician.

In this edition of Versus Tuesday, I am comparing the take on "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees and "Stayin's Inside" by Brent McCollough.  The vocals and beat are remarkably similar.  The themes are of course different but the tone uniquely brings the two together.

With that said, 

Whether a pop culture hit so many decades ago or a pop culture cover from just one year ago, which way are you stayin'?

In the national and global want of normalcy, I will say -

As always,

Play it!

Monday, March 22, 2021

Day 61 - Jackson

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made.

The theme of Mondays in 2021 is now discovering the most expensive bass guitar brand.  

In this edition of the series, I am considering Jackson as one to "shred" on - zZounds

If you are intrigued or seriously interested, consider the links below.

Jackson Overall -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Jackson--3555


Jackson Buying Guide -



- Samples -

Jackson X Series Spectra SBXP IV Electric Bass
$699.99

Payment Plans -
$175 (4 Mo.)
$116.66 (6 Mo.)
$87.50 (8 Mo.)



Jackson X Spectra SBXQ V 5 String Bass Guitar
(with Gig Bag)
$799.99

Payment Plans -
$200 (4 Mo.)
$133.33 (6 Mo.)
$100 (8 Mo.)


Sunday, March 21, 2021

Day 60 - Set List Reader's Choice

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made.

In this ediiton of Set List Reader's Choice, your top pick is -

Day 54 - PRS Guitars: Paul Reed Smith

As a refresher, the Day 54 post introduced Paul Reed Smith guitars - Overall, Buying Guide, and samples from PRS Core and PRS S2.

Overall Refresher -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--PRS-Paul-Reed-Smith--3755


Buying Guide Refresher -




- Samples -

PRS Paul Reed Smith 35th Anniversary Custom 24 10-Top
Electric Guitar (with Case)

$4,580

Payment Plan - $254.44 (18 Mo.)

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--PAU35CU2410


PRS Paul Reed Smith Grainger Electric Bass (with Case)

$4,250

Payment Plan - $236.11 (18 Mo.)



PRS Paul Reed Smith SE P20 Parlor Acoustic Guitar

$499

Payment Plan - $124.75 (4 Mo.) ... $83.17 (6 Mo.)


Saturday, March 20, 2021

Rush - Tom Sawyer (Official Music Video)

Day 59 - Set List Saturday Favorite

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made.

On this Day 59 in Set List First 100, I am choosing an instrumental honor not listed in previous zZounds posts.

(Day 38) - zZounds Rush Legend

In a court of law, there is such an objection as "asked and answered."  On Set List, the same is true with Rush - from the beginning of Set List in 2010 to the very present.  If you cannot get enough of Rush, follow the band's background on Wikipedia.  

In this post, Geddy Lee (bassist and vocals) is considered the legend on zZounds.

Side note - Neil Peart was one of the most profound drummers in his time.  He will forever be missed.

A defining instrumental linked to Geddy's name and hence my Saturday favorite - Fender Electric Bass.

The defining instrumental -

Fender Geddy Lee Jazz Electric Bass, with Maple Fingerboard

$1,099.99

Payment Plans not listed

Finishes - 3-Color Sunburst, Black

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--FEN0147702









Thursday, March 18, 2021

Day 57 - Zildjian Cymbals

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made.

Side note - The Stylist Collection will count as Day 56.

If ever you notice what brands Duran Duran use for concerts, Roger Taylor will be the most noted.  His choice of drum kits is Tama.  And, if you look closely, his choice of cymbals is Zildjian.

In this post, then, I thought I would offer a sample selection of Zildjian cymbals that, if you so choose, would inspire a purchase to go along with your kit!

Brief history lesson -
Zildjian is the largest cymbal and drumstick maker worldwide and is one of the oldest manufacturers of musical instruments worldwide.  The company was founded in 1623 in Constantinople (now Istanbul, Turkey).  After so many centuries passed down through time, the Zildjian company is now based in Massachusetts.  (Read more on Wikipedia.)



The featured types of use on zZounds is extensive and somewhat out of my league to write about.  So...

...If you have knowledge of the Zildjian brand, fill me in with comments at the end of this post.

Tuesday, March 16, 2021

Day 55 - Versus Tuesday

Versus Tuesday is generally reserved for Astronaut2005 Drummer v. Original Musician.  While the theme is intriguing, I thought I would opt for a different version of Versus Tuesday - Day 55.

Consider the ultimate in drums - Will Ferrell and Chad Smith Drum-Off.

My Set List signature - Play it!

Monday, March 15, 2021

(Day 54) Paul Reed Smith Special Edition

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made.



Day 54 - PRS Guitars: Paul Reed Smith

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made.

The theme of Mondays in 2021 is discovering the most expensive electric guitar brand.  In the first edition, Gibson defined upscale cost.  In the second edition, Ibanez proved intriguing.

In this third edition of the series, I am considering PRS Guitars: Paul Reed Smith.  If you are intrigued or seriously interested, consider the links below.

Paul Reed Smith Overall -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--PRS-Paul-Reed-Smith--3755


PRS Buying Guide -


- PRS Core - 

PRS Paul Reed Smith 509 Electric Guitar (with Case)
$4,650

Payment Plan - $258.33 (18 Mo.)







PRS Paul Reed Smith McCarty 594 Hollowbody II 
Electric Guitar
$4,450

Payment Plan - $247.22 (18 Mo.)



- PRS S2 -

PRS Paul Reed Smith S2 McCarty 594 Electric Guitar 
(with Gig Bag)
$1,699

Payment Plans -
$212.38 (8 Mo.)
$141.58 (12 Mo.)
$94.29 (18 Mo.)



PRS Paul Reed Smith S2 Custom 22 Semi-Hollowbody 
Electric Guitar (with Gig Bag)
$1,849

Payment Plans -
$231.13 (8 Mo.)
$154.08 (12 Mo.)
$102.72 (18 Mo.)


Sunday, March 14, 2021

Day 53 - Set List Reader's Favorite

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made.

In this edition of Set List Reader's Favorite, your top favorite is -

Day 47 - Ibanez Electric Guitar Models

In brief - The Ibanez brand proved to be one of the most expensive electric guitar brands on zZounds, from a limited series price of $6,499.99 to a premium price of $1,599.99.  The post will say the rest of it.  Follow the link above.

In this post, I am continuing the Ibanez theme as your preferred brand this week.


Ibanez Category

Ibanez Electric Guitar

Ibanez Bass Guitar

- Sample Electric Guitars -
Under $500

Ibanez GRX20Z Electric Guitar
$149.99

Payment Plan - $37.50 (4 Mo.)


Ibanez GRX70QA Electric Guitar
$199.99

Payment Plan - $50 (4 Mo.)



Ibanez GRG7221QA Gio Electric Guitar
$249.99

Payment Plan - $62.50 (4 Mo.)



- Sample Bass Guitars -
Under $500

Ibanez GSR200 Electric Bass
$199.99

Payment Plan - $50 (4 Mo.)



Ibanez IBARGB300 Electric Bass
$349.99

Payment Plan - $87.50 (4 Mo.)



Ibanez SR305EBL Bass Guitar
$449.99

Payment Plans - $112.50 (4 Mo.) ... $75 (6 Mo.)