Friday, December 30, 2022

Set List Special Announcement

Dear readers and passersby,

I will be off the air on Saturday, December 31st, but will return on Sunday, January 1st.

The weeks of January 2nd and 9th will be complicated due to medical reasons (I am having surgery on 1/6).

I will post to Set List through January 5th but will be away as of January 6th.  I hope to find time during recovery at home but will not be able to guarantee.

With that said, I would like to take a moment to thank you - Set List readers and Set List passersby finding interest in my passion.  Without you, Set List would not be.  When I launched this blog in 2010, alive and kicking in the long haul was uncertain.  Yet with you and my forever love of blogging and especially about music, Set List will always reach up for the sunrise.

(Note - Simple Minds and Duran Duran)

As this year comes to a close, Set List will not because music keeps on going and so do I.

As always,

Play it!

2022 Look Back

As 2022 comes to an end, I thought I would take a look back at Set List highlights.

In January and February, I launched a unique theme where if you knew a song and artist, guess the album.  This theme continued into March and April.  

October is always a favorite month on Set List and aside from the spooky songs chosen for October Set List posted on Halloween (a.k.a. the last day of the month), I continued with haunting music where the instrumentals were not necessarily frightful as they were lost in musically captivating tone...beautifully haunting and deeply emotional.  This list included "Tel Aviv," "Tiger Tiger," "Ave Maria," and "Beautiful Morning."

In October, I also highlighted sample beginner packs from zZounds - such as Epiphone, Yamaha, and Casio.  zZounds truly is the place to shop when getting your foot in the door in any genre of interest.  Their offers, prices, and payment plans top the ideal charts for not only novice players but also pros and collectors.  From many categories to endless brands to buying guides to blowout clearances to so much more, you gotta go with zZounds.

In November, I launched a mini series honoring iconic film scores from legendary films mainly from the 20th Century - from The Wizard of Oz to Skyfall.

In November, I also featured zZounds instrumentals reminiscent of well-known musicians and their preferences - such as the acoustic guitar and Jeff Bridges, the banjo and Steve Martin, a range of electric guitar brands linked to Andy Taylor, and a drum kit brand linked to Roger Taylor of Duran Duran.

In the months of October and November, I featured the theme "Go Live."  In October, all Duran Duran from being on GMA in 2004 to being on The Ellen Show in 2004, 2011, and 2015.  In November, "Go Live" took a twist from live concerts to music videos with a sense that the songs were concert style - such as "Where the Streets Have No Name," "A View To a Kill," and "Eminence Front."

November.  A month to never forget in the music industry for the one and only Duran Duran.  They have been nominated in the past but when their name came up this time around and over one million fans voted them in, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame granted a long awaited wish for Duran Duran (and really what any other band or solo aims for).  

DD is a member of the RRHOF Class of 2022.  Outside of Lifetime Achievement Awards, the second British Invasion has reached the ultimate peak that will forever keep them going.

And so for the many reasons listed above and capping off the post with the ultimate induction of five wild boys, my 2022 look back is complete.

What a year it has been...

...So play it! 

Thursday, December 29, 2022

Legends Series - Synth Sounds of the '80s

Disclaimer - This post contains an affiliate link and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.



The Day After - On Keyboards

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.

In this final Day After, I am offering keyboards as a desired instrumental perhaps not received in the holiday season.  So...

Overall -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Keyboards-and-MIDI--2666

Buying Guide -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/lp/midi-keyboard-controllers-buying-guide/200

Themes -

Compact Controllers for Beginners

Compact Controllers for Pros

49-Key Controllers for Beginners

49-Key Controllers for Pros

61-Key Controllers for Beginners

61-Key and 88-Key Controllers for Pros 

(Bonus Q & A)

Consider finally the blowout clearance section for keyboards and MIDI -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/blowouts--Keyboards-and-MIDI--2666

Although this post caps The Day After series for 2022, the entry following this offers a bonus to truly cap The Day After series for 2022.

Wednesday, December 28, 2022

The Day After - On Drums

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.

December 31st is always festive, filled with excitement, and of course shouting out the 3-2-1 countdown to the new year.  So let's have a blast.

Power through the end of 2022 into the start of 2023 on the drums.

Consider zZounds.

Overall -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Drums--2463

Themes -

Electronic Drums -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Electronic-Drums--2490

(Bonus) Roland V-Drums Buying Guide -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/lp/roland-drums-buying-guide/490

Acoustic Drum Sets -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Acoustic-Drum-Sets--2478

(Bonus) Drum Kit Buying Guide -

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

Etc. -

Hardware

Cymbals

Accessories

Other Drums & Percussion (Congas, Bongos, and more)

Snare Drums

Consider finally blowout clearance deals on drums -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/blowouts--Drums--2463

I hope these offers find you in intrigue.

The Day After - Happy Holidays

Tuesday, December 27, 2022

The Day After - On Bass

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.

Christmas may be in the past but the year 2022 still has life.  So how should it be lived?

Well, if you are a musician or know somebody who is a musician, go to town on zZounds - in this case the bass guitar.

Consider first the overall bass category -


Consider next the bass buying guide -



4-String Electric Basses
5-String & 6-String Electric Basses
Fretless Basses
Hollowbody Basses
Acoustic-Electric Basses

Consider finally blowout basses on clearance -



Electric Bass Guitars
Bass Guitar Amps
Bass Guitar Effects
Acoustic & Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitars
Bass Guitar Cases
Bass Guitar Direct Boxes

I hope these offers find you in intrigue and want.

The Day After - Happy Holidays

Monday, December 26, 2022

The Day After - On Guitar

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.

Christmas has come and gone.  The anticipation of what is hoped for has since passed.  Did you get what you wanted so dearly?  If the answer is no, consider the following -

If you are a budding or pro musician with specialty in the electric or acoustic guitar but you did not get the perfect instrumental, shop the guitar clearance section.

For an overall view, first follow the link below for any price range -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Guitars-Amps-and-Effects--2543

On a more specific note, follow the link below for a clearance price range -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/blowouts--Guitars-Amps-and-Effects--2543

...Such as the electric guitar -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/blowouts--Electric-Guitars--2540

Categories -

6-String/Signature Model/7-String/Left-Handed/8-String

Cases ... Pickups ... Parts ... Bags ... Packs

...Or the acoustic guitar -

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

Categories -

6-String/Pickups/Signature Model/12-String

Cases ... Packages ... Preamps ... Parts ... Bags ... Effects

Left-Handed Acoustic & Acoustic-Electric

Small

...Of course accessories -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/blowouts--Guitar-Accessories--2545 

...And then there are folk and other stringed instruments -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/blowouts--Folk-and-Other-Stringed-Instruments--2656

Examples - Ukuleles, Banjo, Lap Steel Guitars, Accessories

I hope these offers will find you in intrigue and want.

The Day After - Happy Holidays

Sunday, December 25, 2022

Saturday, December 24, 2022

Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Last Minute

Disclaimer - This post contains an affiliate link and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.

Today is December 20, 2022.  Christmas Eve is this coming Saturday.  Christmas Day is on Sunday.  Are you struggling to find the perfect gift for the musician in your life?  

Thought - Consider a zZounds gift certificate to let them explore and choose on their own.

The ultimate last minute gift.


Offered amounts -
$25 ... $50 ... $75 ... $100 ... $150 ... $200 ... $250
$300 ... $400 ... $500 ... $1,000

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Holidays 2022 - Gift Certificate Go-To

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.

If you are not sure what the perfect gift could be, rely then on the classic go-to - Gift Certificate.

zZounds Gift Certificate - 

$25, $50, $75, $100, $150, $200. $250, $300, $400, $500, $1000

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--ZZOGIFT?siid=51380

Monday, December 5, 2022

Holidays 2022 - Keyboards for Beginners & Established Keyboardists

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.





Beginner's Ultimate -

Other categories include Workstations & Arrangers, Performance Synthesizers, MIDI Controllers, and Accessories.

Wrap up - Synth Buying Guide


Synth Buying Guide categories include Compact Keyboard Synthesizers (based on budget), Analog-Modeling Synths, Tabletop Synthesizers, Workstation & Arranger Synths, Performance Synths, and 88-Key Synths & Workstations.

Sunday, December 4, 2022

Holidays 2022 - Beginner to Pro Drummers

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.



Acoustic sets available in 3-Piece, 4-Piece, 5-Piece, 6-Piece, and 7-Piece

Sub categories include - Cymbals, Hardware, and Accessories

Holidays 2022 - Gifts for Drummers

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.

Where job seekers pound the pavement for anything, drummers pound the stage for everything - to keep the audience on their feet.

Consider the overall Gift Guide for Drummers first -


https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/lp/gift-guide-drums/44

- For beginners -

Drum Practice Pads -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Drum-Practice-Pads--3872

Drum Accessories -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Drum-Accessories--2464


Friday, December 2, 2022

Holidays 2022 - Gifts for Guitarists (Beginner Acoustic)

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.

In this follow up to Gifts for Guitarists, I am focusing on the acoustic style.

Consider the overall Acoustic Guitar category -

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

- Sample Sub Categories -

6-String Acoustic Guitars

12-String Acoustic Guitars

Acoustic Guitar Packs

Signature Model Acoustic Guitars

Holidays 2022 - Gifts for Guitarists (Beginner Electric)

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.

The holiday season is not without exploring gift options on zZounds for the musician in your life.

As always, let's start with the electric guitar.

Consider the overall Electric Guitar category -



Consider the overall Gift Guide for Guitars -

For beginners -


From beginner to advanced, the perfect guitar amplifier is a must.  Consider the link below to explore -

Conclude this holiday launch with Guitar Guide for Beginners -

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

November 2022 Set List


1.  Clocks
2.  Desire
3.  Skyfall
4.  Tonight, Tonight, Tonight
5.  Shout
6.  Tell Me True
7.  Vogue
8.  Planet Earth
9.  Touch of Grey
10.  Arrival

And there you have it.  November 2022 Set List

Monday, November 28, 2022

For the Last Time

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.

...In the recording studio for the year.

On stage, he drums to the Tama beat.  So let's say he opts for Tama in the recording studio.

- Example -Tama IE52C Imperialstar Drum Kit, 5-Piece

(with Meinl Cymbals) ... Dark Blue finish ... $799.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAMIE52C?siid=273941

- Example - Tama CK72S Superstar Classic Drum Shell Kit

7-Piece ... Vintage White Sparkle finish ... $1,099.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAMCK72S?siid=252793

- Example - Tama CL72SP Superstar Classic Drum Shell Kit

7-Piece ... Garnet Lacebark Pine finish ... $1,249.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAMCL72SP?siid=273938

Note - All other examples of Tama drum shell kits are either low in stock or last in stock.  Either way, the links listed above will give you the best idea as to why an icon prefers an icon.

Sunday, November 27, 2022

Set List Reader's Favorite

In this last Sunday in November and last Set List Reader's Favorite for the year, I thought I would honor the Sunday classic - declaring what you, readers and passersby, love the most in this holiday week.

From One Iconic Brand To Another

Consider -
Fender Telecaster
Gibson Les Paul Gold Top
Fender Mustang
- Select brands preferred by Andy Taylor

These sample iconic brands are not just iconic on their own but they are more iconic in the hands of a major guitarist from the start.

Saturday, November 26, 2022

Black Friday Weekend

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.

Where Halloween unofficially kicks off the holiday season, I feel that festive parades such as the Lights Parade in Chicago and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City officially kick of the holiday spirit.  A delicious meal with family and invited friends...and secretly prepping for what to buy on Black Friday...now extended through this weekend on zZounds.  Consider Set List setting the tone for the musician in your life.

I can only hope Black Friday Weekend will help inspire and perhaps buy?



- Electric Guitars -
Sample Sales

Epiphone SG Special Electric Guitar - $179

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Electric Guitar - $179

- Bass Guitars -
Sample Sales

Squier Classic Vibe '60s Mustang Electric Bass 
Laurel Fingerboard - $399.95

Squier Classic Vibe Jaguar Electric Bass
with Laurel Fingerboard - $429.95

- Drums -
Sample Sales

Roland TD-1DMK All-Mesh V-Drums 
Electronic Drum Kit - $549.99

Roland  TD-07DMK V-Drums Electronic Drum Kit - $699.99

- Keyboards -
Sample Sale

Yamaha PSR-E373 Portable Keyboard - $169.99

- Controller/Sequencer -
Sample Sale

Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 DJ Controller - $109.99

Korg Volca Sample 2 Digital Sample Sequencer - $109.99

zZounds has so much to offer on this Black Friday weekend.  The sample links above offer a glimpse of what zZounds has for the discerning shopper.

Happy Holidays :)

Wednesday, November 23, 2022

Holiday Notice

Dear readers and passersby,

In honor of the Thanksgiving holiday, I will be off Set List on Thursday (Thanksgiving day) and Friday (Thanksgiving post).  

I will return to Set List on Saturday.

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Holidays

Thanks...

...for the one and only American invasion, Aerosmith - the U.S. version of the UK.

The wild boys are to the UK as The bad boys from Boston are to the U.S. (as well as "America's Greatest Rock and Roll Band").

Aerosmith's defining genres are hard rock, blues rock, rock and roll, glam rock, and heavy metal.

The original lineup includes Steven Tyler, Joe Perry (guitar), Tom Hamilton (bass), Joey Kramer (drums), and Brad Whitford (guitar).

As with any major group, there was success together, friction off stage, exit, and reunion.

Read the full history of Aerosmith on Wikipedia.

As of formation in 1970 in Boston, Massachusetts, follow Aerosmith's success and honors throughout their career...the American version of The Rolling Stones.

On an intriguing note - Aerosmith has been the most successful after their original lineup reunited.

- Success & Honors -

4 Grammy Awards

9th most successful artist/3rd most successful group to win at the MTV Video Music Awards (10)

All-time leader in Best Rock Video (4) ... Viewer's Choice (3)

6 American Music Awards

4 Billboard Music Awards

2 People's Choice Awards

16 Boston Music Awards

Induction into Hollywood's Rock Walk (1990)

Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2001)

mtvICON Award (2002)

2nd highest No. 1 singles on Mainstream Rock Tracks (9)

"I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" No. 1 debut on Billboard Hot 100

2nd most Gold albums by an American group

Most total albums certifications - Gold, Platinum, and Multi-Platinum

- 25 Gold ... 18 Platinum ... 12 Multi-Platinum

Tied with Van Halen for most Multi-Platinum certification

4 Gold singles ... 1 Platinum digital single

70.2 million sales in the U.S. ... Over 150 million sales worldwide

Best-selling American rock band

- Notes -

"Dream On," "Toys in the Attic," and "Walk This Way" (with Run-D.M.C.) in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Greatest Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll

Rolling Stone's Top 100 Music Videos include "Walk This Way" (No. 11) and "Janie's Got a Gun" (No. 95) - 1993 rank

MTV's 100 Greatest Videos Ever Made include "Walk This Way" (No. 5) and "Janie's Got a Gun (No. 48) - 1999 rank

VH1's 100 Greatest Rock Songs included "Walk This Way" (No. 35) and "Dream On" (No. 47) - 2000 rank

VH1's 100 Greatest Videos included "Walk This Way" (No. 11), "Crazy" (No. 23), and "Janie's Got a Gun" (No. 48) - 2001 rank

Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time included Rocks (No. 176) and Toys in the Attic (N0. 228) - 2003 rank

Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time included "Dream On" (No. 172), "Walk This Way" (No. 287), "Walk This Way" (Original, without Run-D.M.C.) (No. 336), and "Sweet Emotion" (No. 408) - 2004 rank

No. 57 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time - 2004 rank

No. 30 on VH1's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time - 2010 rank

*Rocks - Wikipedia

*Toys in the Attic - Wikipedia

Question - Can hard rock play on the same stage as classic jazz?

Some time ago, the question was answered when Steven Tyler performed with Chris Botti in a live concert in Boston.

Where normally I share an image of a band in full, I thought instead to share a historic duo.

"Smile" Chris Botti in Boston, 2008

Monday, November 21, 2022

From One Iconic Brand To Another

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.

The name behind the brand is iconic.  The preference for the brand is clear.  Performance on stage before a sold out concert audience proves popularity of the brand and want by aspiring musicians.

On Set List, you know the brand names.  On Set List, you know the musician.  On Set List, I tend to play a record loop from time to time with the same topic or video showing up again every so often.  My first loop was the official music video for "Uptown Funk."  The song was and still is addicting.  My loop today is instrumental by brands most preferred by Andy T. in the recording studio and on stage.

- Fender Telecaster -

1.  Fender Player Telecaster Electric Guitar

Maple Fingerboard ... 3-Color Sunburst finish ... $849.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--FEN0145212?siid=243680

2.  Fender 75th Anniversary Telecaster Electric Guitar

(with Gig Bag) ... Diamond Anniversary finish ... $899.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--FEN0147532?siid=292093

3.  Fender American Pro II Telecaster 

Deluxe Electric Guitar, Rosewood Fingerboard

(with Case) ... 3-Color Sunburst finish ... $1,749.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--FEN0113960?siid=286426

- Gibson Les Paul Gold Top -

Gibson Les Paul Standard '50s Gold Top Electric Guitar

(with Case) ... New ... $2,799

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GIBLPS5P00?siid=257863

- Fender Mustang -

Fender Mustang Electric Guitar. with Pau Ferro Fingerboard

Firemist Gold finish ... $799.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--FEN0144043?siid=275118

The links listed above are examples of the brands Andy finds interest in and uses.  The specific list noted by him is from a Duran Duran fan question submitted to the band's website in 2003 - Andy's Gear.  Outdated yes but I imagine his preferences haven't changed.  Andy's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will remain always.

Sunday, November 20, 2022

RRHOF Dedication - Andy Taylor

Every Rock and Roll Hall of Fame class traditionally performs a select number of songs alongside accepting their award.

Although Duran Duran were not the only members of the RRHOF Class of 2022, their 3-song set list reflected what they were finally owed and proved.

Duran Duran Set List - "Girls on Film," "Hungry Like the Wolf," and "Ordinary World."

Admission - The performance video on YouTube was shared on Set List initially to celebrate the induction but while this post shares the same video, the reason is entirely different.  Here is why -

Andy Taylor has such a zest for the guitar and for music in the genres he knows best - through Duran Duran.  He was part of the "Taylor trio" (my quote) and original lineup.  And so on the one day the band accepts the highest honor in music, he was unable to attend.  I will never be able to feel his heartbreak.  The Fab Five was never truly meant to be the fab four.

In this post then, the electricity of the fans, the giddy joy of the boys on the ultimate stage, and the choice of songs performed are dedicated to "electric guitar, Andy Taylor!"

The wild boys and countless fans love ya, Andy :)

Saturday, November 19, 2022

Baritone Electric Guitar Special

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.

When I explored zZounds to select a topic for this post, I came across an unusual offer - baritone electric guitars.  Where I can imagine baritone bass guitars  for their deep sound and electric guitars for their piercing notes, the concept of baritone electric guitars is admittedly new to me.

Question - Is the baritone electric guitar of piqued interest to you?  Consider the samples below.

Gretsch G5260 Electromatic Jet Baritone Bass Guitar

Bristol Fog finish ... $649.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GRE2516002?siid=312502


PRS Paul Reed Smith SE 277 Baritone Electric Guitar
Charcoal Burst finish ... $799


Ibanez RGIB21 Baritone Electric Guitar
Black finish ... $849.99


...and so many more to choose from!

Selection - 
1.  "Guitars" Category (overall)
2.  "Electric Guitars" Category (overall specific)
3.  "Baritone Electric Guitar" (and there you have it)

Enjoy!