Sunday, October 31, 2021

Michael Jackson - Thriller (Official Video)

October 2021 Set List

 

1.  I Put A Spell On You
2.  Wild Boys
3.  Desire
4.  You Can Call Me Al
5.  Vogue
6.  Le Freak
7.  Lonely In Your Nightmare
8.  The Crow
9.  Red Carpet Massacre
10.  Thriller

And there you have it.  October 2021 Set List.  Leave a shout out in the Comments section at the end of this post to share your thoughts about this list and what your October set list would be!

Saturday, October 30, 2021

Share the Love - Breedlove

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

When I think of guitars to share on Set List, electric and bass are first and foremost.  When I think of guitar brands to share on Set List, Gibson, Fender, and Epiphone are first and foremost.  On the other hand, I don't always consider acoustic guitars and, in this post, Breedlove.  

And so I thought I would share Breedlove acoustic guitars on Set List to expand my first and foremost.

Breedlove

Explore the full Breedlove collection on zZounds.  Look forward to the ECO Collection, Buying Guide, Jeff Bridges Signature Models, and what is shown below.

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Breedlove--3689

Samples


Breedlove ECO Discovery S Companion Travel Acoustic Guitar
$449 ... Payment Plans -
$112.25 (4 Mo.) ... $74.83 (6 Mo.) 
$56.13 (8 Mo.) ... $37.42 (12 Mo.)



Breed ECO Discovery S Companion CE Travel Acoustic Guitar
$549 ... Payment Plans -
$137.25 (4 Mo.) ... $91.50 (6 Mo.)
$68.63 (8 Mo.) ... $45.75 (12 Mo.)


Breedlove ECO Discovery S Concert CE 
Acoustic Guitar, Left-Handed
$549 ... Payment Plans -
$137.25 (4 Mo.) ... $91.50 (6 Mo.)
$68.63 (8 Mo.) ... $45.75 (12 Mo.)

Friday, October 29, 2021

Friday Music Library - Red Carpet Massacre

Friday Music Library features musicians with a long collection in my iTunes library.

In this final edition of Friday Music Library with a Duran Duran theme, I am concluding with Red Carpet Massacre and two songs from the album, "The Valley" and "Falling Down."


Red Carpet Massacre was released in November 2007.  "Falling Down" was the only song to be released.

RCM debuted at No. 44 on the UK Albums Chart and No. 36 on Billboard 200.

Point of intrigue - In the UK, Red Carpet Massacre was second in line to the band's lowest debuting album (after Pop Trash in 2000).


The Red Carpet Massacre tour holds special meaning to me because their stop in Chicago was my first concert in May 2008.

Below are two personal favorites from the album.

Brief side note - The official music video for "Falling Down" was filmed in the notoriously haunted Linda Vista hospital in the rather sketchy part of Los Angeles, California.  Linda Vista is now residential.


Thursday, October 28, 2021

zZounds Trending - Silvertone

Due disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made.  Once again, the commission is not at your expense.


Silvertone is a guitar brand new to Set List and hence a trend.

Explore all that Silvertone has to offer on zZounds and as presented on Set List -

Silvertone Classic 1449 Electric Guitar
$399 ... Payment Plan - $33.25 (12 Mo.)


Silvertone Classic 1303/U2 Electric Guitar
$299 ... Payment Plan - $37.38 (8 Mo.)


Silvertone Classic 1478 Electric Guitar
$499 ... Payment Plan - $41.58 (12 Mo.)


Silvertone Classic 1423 Jupiter Electric Guitar
!2 Left!
$449 ... Payment Plan - $37.42 (12 Mo.)



Tuesday, October 26, 2021

Classic Versus Tuesday

In recent Versus Tuesday posts, I compared a drum cover to a well known song and the song as performed by the original musicians - whether recorded or live.  Astronaut2005 Drummer and the original became a signature Versus Tuesday theme.  In the past, Versus Tuesday found its roots - song versus song, whether by theme or by performance (official music video or live concert).

In this post, my forever love of "Planet Earth" by Duran Duran is today's Classic Versus Tuesday.  Consider "Planet Earth" live in 2004 and again live in 2021.


Monday, October 25, 2021

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Class of 1990 No. 4

Four Tops

Inducted by Stevie Wonder

(Wikipedia)


Point of intrigue - Stevie Wonder was on stage when inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and was on stage to induct the Four Tops.

Follow the Wikipedia link above for the full Four Tops background.

Sole members -
Levi Stubbs (lead singer)
Abdul "Duke" Fakir*
Renaldo "Obie" Benson
Lawrence Payton 
*Fakir is the only surviving member of the group.

Point of interest - The Four Tops remained as a whole from 1953 to 1997 with no personnel change.

Honors -

"I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)" No. 1 Billboard Hot 100
"Reach Out I'll Be There" No. 1 Billboard Hot 100*
"Ain't No Woman" - One million in sales

*"Reach Out I'll Be There" also reached No. 1 on U.S. Pop and R&B charts and on UK charts ... Signature song

Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame (1999)
Inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame (2005)
Inducted into the R&B Music Hall of Fame (2013)

No. 79 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time (2004)
No. 77 on Billboard's Top 100 Artists of All Time 

In the late 1960s, the Four Tops were the most successful male band in the UK.  In the U.S., they were second behind the Temptations.

Hollywood Walk of Fame (1997)

Grammy Hall of Fame 
("Reach Out I'll Be There" and "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch")

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2009)

Rhythm and Blues Foundation - Pioneer Award (1997)

The Four Tops now -
Abdul "Duke" Fakir
Ronnie McNeir
Lawrence Payton, Jr.
Alexander Morris

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Class of 1990 No. 3

 The Four Seasons

Inducted by Bob Crewe

(Wikipedia)


The Four Seasons have an extensive history, so follow the Wikipedia link above to read in depth.  In this post, I will highlight noteworthy honors.

Original Members -
Frankie Valli (vocals)
Bob Gaudio (keyboards and tenor vocals)
Tommy DeVito (lead guitar and baritone vocals)
Nick Massi (electric bass and bass vocals)

The Four Seasons have experienced a revolving door of musicians being part of the band but Valli and Gaudio have remained consistent throughout.

The original lineup was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as well as the Vocal Group Hall of Fame (1999).  

The Four Seasons have sold 100 million albums worldwide.  Studio albums date from 1962 debut to 1992.  The band's discography, like their background, is impressively at length.  Follow the Wikipedia link above to scroll through the discography section.

Point of interest - Jersey Boys is a musical based on The Four Seasons members.  Jersey Boys won four Tony Awards in 2006.  

Success earned by The Four Seasons is complicated to explain here because it involved various members both original to the band and brought in.

Success nonetheless.




The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Class of 1990 No. 2

 Bobby Darin

Inducted by Paul Anka

(Wikipedia)


Bobby Darin's background was split between music and acting.  Bobby Darin, though, died early in life - May 14, 1936 - December 20, 1973 (making him only 37 years old upon death).  In summary -

Some of Bobby Darin's well-known songs include "Splish Splash," "Dream Lover," "Mack the Knife," and "Beyond the Sea."

"Splish Splash" sold over one million copies and cemented Darin's career and fame.

"Dream Lover" garnered multi-million in sales.

"Mack the Knife" sold two million copies and earned a Grammy Award for Record of the Year.  "Mack the Knife" was also honored a Grammy Hall of Fame Award.  For the song alone, Darin won a Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

Follow the Wikipedia link above for more about Bobby Darin's music career.

During his acting career, Bobby Darin won a Golden Globe in 1962 for his film, Come September (New Star of the Year - Actor).  He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for the film, Captain Newman, M.D.  Darin also appeared on television.

Of most noteworthy in his acting career, in 1959 Darin signed on to five major Hollywood film studios - the first actor ever to do such.

Other notes reflecting Bobby Darin's success include -

Star on the Las Vegas Walk of Stars
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Follow the Wikipedia link above for more about Bobby Darin.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Class of 1990 No. 1

Hank Ballard

Inducted by Boz Scaggs

(Wikipedia)


Hank Ballard's career and legacy is very brief.  

One of Ballard's best known songs is "The Twist," which was covered and made most famous by Chubby Checker.

Hank Ballard joined the doo-wop group, The Royals in 1953.  Shortly thereafter, The Royals became The Midnighters with their best song, "Work with Me, Annie" - No. 1 on R&B charts.  "Sexy Ways" led to The Midnighters being risque at the time. 

In 1959, The Midnighters became Hank Ballard and the Midnighters.  The newly titled band was recognized with the Grammy-nominated "Finger Poppin' Time" in 1960.  The band, however, broke up in 1965.

Hank Ballard collaborated with James Brown for Ballard's 1969 album, You Can't Keep a Good Man Down.  Ballard was featured on Brown's 1972 album, Get on the Good Foot.  

The Midnighters reunited in the mid-1980s and performed until 2002.  

As noted, Hank Ballard was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.  The remaining Midnighters were inducted in 2012.

In 2010, Hank Ballard and the Midnighters were inducted into the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame.

With his background being short, the notes listed above best summarize Hank Ballard.  

Sunday, October 24, 2021

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 favorite is:

zZounds Trending - Yamaha Keyboards

The Yamaha brand will say the rest of it.  Follow the link above.

The Yamaha brand is perfect for beginning keyboardists.  In this post, though, I am offering an alternative brand just as ideal for beginners.

Explore or consider the samples below.

Casio CT S-200 Casiotone Portable Electronic Keyboard with USB

$119 ... Payment Plan - $29.75 (4 Mo.)

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--CASCTS200


Casio LK-S250 Casiotone Portable Electronic Keyboard with Lighted Keys

$169 ... Payment Plan - $28.17 (6 Mo.)

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--CASLKS250


Casio CT-S400 Casiotone Portable Electronic Keyboard 

$229 ... Payment Plan - $38.17 (6 Mo.)




Saturday, October 23, 2021

Latin Percussion

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

When I feature zZounds instrumentals and gear on Set List, I tend toward familiar products - high end guitars, drums, and keyboards.  I also tend toward familiar brands.  

In this post, on the other hand, I am considering Latin Percussion - far from the better known Roland, Tama, and other drum brands recognized in genres other than Latin.

Explore the example Latin Percussions below and follow any links you should find serious interest in!


Latin Percussion 646 City Series Congas
$349.99 ... Payment Plan - $29.17 (12 Mo.)


Latin Percussion 601 City Series Bongos
$99.99 ... Payment Plan - $25 (4 Mo.)

Friday, October 22, 2021

Friday Music Library - Paper Gods

Friday Music Library features musicians with a long collection in my iTunes library.

In this edition of Friday Music Library, I am continuing the Duran Duran theme.  This theme includes the albums All You Need Is Now, Astronaut, Duran Duran (debut), The Wedding Album, and Medazzaland.  The song list in the theme includes "All You Need Is Now," "Astronaut," "Tel Aviv," "Ordinary World," "Midnight Sun," and "Electric Barbarella."

And then there is Paper Gods - released in September 2015.


Charts - 

No. 5 in the UK ... Point of interest - Paper Gods was the band's 9th Top 5 album and one of a few bands to achieve Top 5 albums in four consecutive decades

No. 10 on Billboard 200 ... Point of interest - Paper Gods was the band's first top 10 album since Duran Duran (1993 self-titled).

No. 2 in Italy

Thursday, October 21, 2021

zZounds Trending - Yamaha Keyboards

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

 

When searching for high end keyboards/synths, I would best recommend Korg because it is a popular brand among professional musicians.  On a basic level for beginners, I would recommend Yamaha...hence being a trend.

Example keyboards include -

Yamaha PSR-E463 Portable Keyboard, 61-Key
$329.99 ... Payment Plan - $41.25 (8 Mo.)


Yamaha PSR-E373 Portable Keyboard
$199.99 ... Payment Plan - $33.33 (6 Mo.)


Yamaha PSR-E273 Portable Keyboard
$139.99 ... Payment Plan - $35 (4 Mo.)


Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Wednesday In Style

In early Wednesday In Style posts, I promoted my Avon business with look books dedicated to all things "Avon Lady."  The look books were designed on the social styling platform, ShopLook.  When I was unable to find more Avon products, I retired the theme and moved on to my roots in couture fashion.

With October well underway and the spook of Halloween near, I thought I would share goth-themed look books.  In this post, I have a style uniquely titled "Goth Couture Bridal" that can go from there.


If in pure white, the wedding dress, footwear, and jewelry would be blushing bridal defined.  In pure black however, the whole of the look is haunting, mysterious, and perfect for an October wedding (should "Ghostober" be of striking interest).

With that said, what are we looking at?

*Consider the wedding dress on its own as very little information is listed.

Manolo Blahnik Hangisi Black Satin Pumps
Ippolita Onyx Drop Earrings 
Emerald Cut Black Onyx Simulated Diamond Engagement Ring

Question -
Are you spooked?

Tuesday, October 19, 2021

Classic Versus Tuesday - Special Edition

In this special edition of Classic Versus Tuesday, I am featuring "Just the Two of Us" by Bill Withers and George Washington Jr.

Bill Withers composed the lyrics (as well as William Salter and Ralph MacDonald) and was recorded by George Washington Jr.

The song was released in February 1981.

"Just the Two of Us" earned a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song.

"Just the Two of Us" is certified Silver in the UK.

(Wikipedia)

Monday, October 18, 2021

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Class of 1989 No. 5

Stevie Wonder

Inducted by Paul Simon

(Wikipedia)


If you have heard one Rolling Stones song, chances are you have heard more - whether a fan or not.  Their songs and albums, their awards and recognitions, their Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction...all are common knowledge and obvious stated in the music industry.

If you have heard one Stevie Wonder song, chances are you have heard more - whether a fan or not.  Follow the Wikipedia link above for a full background about Stevie Wonder.

In this post, I am noting honors and recognition earned by Stevie Wonder.

At the age of 13, Stevie was the youngest artist ever to reach No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100, with the single "Fingertips."

Over 100 million in sales worldwide 

25 Grammy Awards (the most by a solo artist)

1 Academy Award (Best Original Song for the 1984 film, The Woman in Red)

3 Grammy Award for Album of the Year wins

Inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame 

Presidential Medal of Freedom (2014)

Other notes -
Stevie Wonder is a strong political activist and fought for Martin Luther King's birthday to be a federal holiday.

Lifetime Achievement Award by the National Civil Rights Museum

Honorary Doctor of Music from the University of Alabama at Birmingham

Honorary Doctor of Music from Yale University

Final thought -
Stevie was considered a child prodigy.  His music confirms the notion.  He has also had an impact on popular culture, namely with Eddie Murphy's imitation on Saturday Night Live in the 1980s.  He has also been celebrated on television, namely with musical honors by Lady Gaga.  

Stevie Wonder truly is a gift to music and to fans.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Class of 1989 No. 4

 The Temptations

Inducted by Daryl Hall and John Oates

(Wikipedia)


Brief note - Hall and Oates also inducted Smokey Robinson in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1987.

The Temptations are best known for leading the psychedelic soul genre.  (Psychedelic soul is a hybrid of soul and psychedelic rock.)  They also put their stamp on R&B and soul music.

"My Girl" is the band's signature song.

To date, the current members continue to perform.

Follow the Wikipedia link above for a full background.

Honors -

4 No. 1 singles on Billboard Hot 100
14 No. 1 R&B singles 

3 Grammy Awards

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)

"My Girl," "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)," "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" - among the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll

No. 68 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time

Final thought -
Although I am not entirely a fan of The Temptations, I am a fan of their signature "My Girl."

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Class of 1989 No. 3

 The Rolling Stones

Inducted by Pete Townshend

(Wikipedia)


Brief notes - Keith Richards inducted Chuck Berry as the first artist in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1986.  Richards also inducted Aretha Franklin in the 1987 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class.  Mick Jagger inducted The Beatles in the 1988 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class.

Here's the thing.  There is little to be said about The Rolling Stones when so much is already known.  I will do my best.  As always though, refer to the Wikipedia link above as a history to date refresher.

The image above is the logo for The Rolling Stones, presented in 1971.

9 Billboard Music Award nominations
1 Billboard Music Award win

4 Billboard Touring Award nominations
4 Billboard Touring Award wins

10 Grammy Award nominations
3 Grammy Award wins

Grammy Hall of Fame -
"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"
"Beggars Banquet"
"Sticky Fingers"
"Let It Bleed'
"Exile on Main St."
"Honky Tonk Women"
"Paint It, Black"

8 NME Award nominations
9 NME Award wins

3 Q Award nominations
1 Q Award win

The list of awards and nominations, like the full background of The Rolling Stones, is extensive and would be exhaustive to write here, so follow this Wikipedia link for more coverage.

As of Let It Bleed (1969), five consecutive No. 1 albums in the UK

Blue & Lonesome (2016) - 12th No. 1 album in the UK

As of Sticky Fingers (1971), 8 consecutive No. 1 albums in the U.S.

Voodoo Lounge (1994) - worldwide No. 1 album

Estimated 200 million sales - one of the best-selling music artists of all time

(Other honors)

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
Inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame (2004)
No. 2 on Billboard's Greatest Artists of All Time (2019)
No. 4 on Rolling Stone's Greatest Artists of All Time

Final thought -
If you have heard one Rolling Stones song, chances are you have heard more.  They are musicians for life and simply keep going.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - Class of 1989 No. 2

 Otis Redding

"King of Soul"

(Also given to James Brown)

Inducted by Little Richard

(Wikipedia)


Brief note - Little Richard was an inductee in the Class of 1986.

Otis Redding lived a short life (September 9, 1941 - December 10, 1967).  He died in a plane crash at the age of 26.  Explore his full background on Wikipedia.  In this post, I will list due honors.

Such artists as The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, Grateful Dead, Lynyrd Skynrd, Aretha Franklin, Marvin Gaye, and so many more have found influence by Otis Redding.

No. 21 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time
No. 8 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Singers of All Time 
No. 4 on UK Q magazine's 100 Greatest Singers

5 albums -
Otis Blue:  Otis Redding Sings Soul
Dreams to Remember:  The Otis Redding Anthology
The Dock of the Bay
Complete & Unbelievable:  The Otis Redding Dictionary of Soul
Live in Europe
- All listed on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time 

Otis Blue:  Otis Redding Sings Soul listed at No. 35 on UK NME magazine's 100 Greatest Albums

2 Grammy Awards (1969)

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (1999)

"Shake," ("Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay," and "Try a Little Tenderness" - included in The 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame)

Inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame (1988)
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame (1994)
Inducted into Hollywood's Rockwalk

2006 recipient of the Rhythm and Blues Foundation's Pioneer Award
2006 Otis Redding Excellence Award by Billboard

Final thought -
For someone who lived to be only 26 years old, the life, career, and legacy of Otis Redding is profound and powerful.  His impact on the music industry is sincerely impressive.  I can only imagine how impressed he would be if he were still alive.