Sunday, July 31, 2022

Set List Reader's Choice

In this edition of Set List Reader's Choice, your top favorite is two-fold: 

Guess the Artist 

Stelar Performance...

The featured song was "The Sun" and the artist was Parov Stelar.

I became an official fan of Parov Stelar with the song, "Chambermaid Swing."

Warning - I have a slight addiction to Parov's music with several iTunes downloads.

Friday, July 29, 2022

Set List Friday Special

Duran Duran is known for bold and highly energetic concert performances.  Sparkling lights, screen images best meant for adults, intense anticipation leading up to audience favorites, and how much more can they do to go live.  (As   the original lineup reunited way back when, Andy noted how much could they spend on *f* lights.)

In very subtle honor to Diana (given her passion for DD and her son being present), I think Duran Duran was an excellent band to perform at the Platinum Jubilee.  Of course, the celebration was truly meant for Queen Elizabeth II and her more than impressive 70 years on the royal throne.

Her anniversary held due outstanding bash - party at the palace extravaganza.  Fans went all out in excitement when Duran Duran took the stage.  The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge looked less than enthused with their young children watching a spectacular show not meant for the two still in grade school.  Their mother's expression toward her husband, Prince William, spoke volumes to what their children should not be seeing.  Yet, they could not leave because after all they are royals.  I cannot imagine any parent with a child watching sensitive performances, let alone the parents being senior royals needing to stay. 

Take to YouTube -

Tuesday, July 26, 2022

Stelar Performance...

...rather, Parov Stelar - the artist by "The Sun."

Parov Stelar's background is barely discussed on Wikipedia, where I get all of my research for Set List.  All that is known is that he is Austrian and considers the genres jazz, house, electro, hip hop, and pop.

Stelar's first album debuted in 2001 - Shadow Kingdom.  His current 2022 album is Moonlight Love Affair.  In between, 18 albums were recorded.

Honors -
10 Amadeus Austrian Music Awards 
(2012, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, 2021)
Electronic/Dance, Album of the Year (The Princess)
Best Live Act

"Booty Swing" charted on U.S. and Canada iTunes
"The Sun" and "Voodoo Sonic Part 2" #1 on U.S. Electronic Charts (former in 2018 and latter in 2020)

Just because note - Parov Stelar's latest album was released on my birthday, April 29th of this year.

Although there still is more to share, what is said above fills out more than expected.  And with that, enjoy "The Sun" official video.

Monday, July 25, 2022

Guess the Artist

In this edition of Guess the Artist, the song I am sharing is not just on its own but was once a jingle for transition sunglasses (and when I first discovered the artist).  Enjoy "The Sun" -

Sunday, July 24, 2022

Set List Reader's Choice - Double Take

In this edition of Set List Reader's Choice, I am taking a double take in what you - the reader and passerby -  found the most intriguing  in two linked posts...double take.

Post 1 - Guess the Artist

The song - "Sweet Home Alabama"

Post 2 - The One & Only

Brought to you by Lynyrd Skynyrd.

The first post features the song on YouTube.  The second post details the background of the band and their success throughout the years. 

Follow the links above to take a look back.

Saturday, July 23, 2022

At Roland's Expense

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

As with Gibson, Fender, Epiphone, and Tama, all have been featured with no budget listed - in other words, instrumentals best for professionals and collectors.  I am continuing the theme today with the Roland brand.  Will you go on a spending spree or mind a budget?

Roland

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Roland--3580

Samples -

Roland Fantom 8 Music Synthesizer Workstation Keyboard

88-Key ... $4,199.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--ROLFANTOM8?siid=268226


Roland DJ-808 Professional DJ Controller 
$1, 499.99


There are more examples but would be exhaustive to share here.  At any rate, the point is made - Roland is not always best for beginners or those on a tight budget.  However, if truly possible to make a purchase, my response is - go for it!  If Roger Taylor is intrigued by Roland...

Tuesday, July 19, 2022

The One & Only

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Original lineup -

Ronnie Van Zant (vocals), Gary Rossington (guitar), Allen Collins (guitar), Larry Junstrom (bass), Bob Burns (drums)

Revolving members -

Leon Wilkeson (bass), Billy Powell (keyboards), Ed King (guitarist), Artimus Pyle (drums - after Burns), Steve Gaines (guitarist - after King)

Main genre - Southern Rock with such noted songs as "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird"

October 20, 1977 - Plane crash that killed Ronnie Van Zant, Steve Gaines, and serious injuries to those still alive 

1987 - Reunion led by Ronnie's brother, Johnny Van Zant, and Gary Rossington (only consistent member)

Honors -

No. 95 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time (2004)

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2006

Over 28 million records sold in the U.S. 

RIAA Certifications -

(Pronounced Leh- nerd Skin-nerd) - Debut 1973 ... Gold 1974 & 2x Platinum 1987 ... No. 27 on Billboard 200

Second Helping - 1974 ... 2x Platinum  ... No. 12 on Billboard 

Nuthin' Fancy - 1975 ... Platinum ... No. 9 on Billboard 

Gimme Back My Bullets - 1976 ... Gold ... No 20 on Billboard 

Street Survivors - 1977 ... 2x Platinum ... No. 5 on Billboard

Refer to Wikipedia for the full history of Lynyrd Skynyrd.

Monday, July 18, 2022

Guess the Artist

In this edition of Guess the Artist, the song I am sharing is "Sweet Home Alabama."  This one may seem pretty easy, especially if you like the blues rock genre.  There is speculation that ":Sweet Home Alabama" suggests political views.  Consider the YouTube video below -

Sunday, July 17, 2022

Set List Reader's Choice - Sweet Home Fashion

In this edition of Set List Reader's Choice, I am highlighting two posts - one being the true reader's choice and one being rather sneaky...you'll see.

Guess the Artist - The song was "Sweet Home Chicago" and, as performed live, included a wealthy list of blues musicians.  Even Barack Obama put in his two cents.

Recap - I wrote a brief review of a matching outfit being a Longyuan black with white stripe tunic & Amiery black with white stripe palazzo pants.  Both are soft to the touch and comfortable to wear.  The outfit is perfect as lounge wear around the house.  The only flaw I found was the slight fade in the pants.  They had a hint of what looked like tie-dye.  On screen, the white stripes are crisp and vivid.  Upon wear, they looked worn although not of course.  Overall, I love the outfit and plan to wear it all the time!

My sneaky post share is brought to you by Amazon and my business as an Amazon Associate.  If you follow the post link and find a favorite, whether individual or both, please consider a purchase.  I am in a start up phase and could use all the support I can.

Saturday, July 16, 2022

At Tama's Expense

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

In recent posts, I have dared the thought of expensive electric guitars and bass guitars and by expensive, I mean no budget best referred to professionals and collectors.  I have long been intrigued by the guitar but have never been one with stringed instruments (the viola and I will never be friends).  So let's switch gears.

I was once told I maintain a good beat.  The drums are awesome, especially for rock music.  I can see Roger Taylor of Duran Duran as a power player because I think a jazz kit would be too slow to the beat he is used to.  So Roger Taylor, take the drums to a new level with the Tama brand.

Tama



Tama MBS42S Starclassic Maple/Birch Drum Shell Kit
4-Piece ... Caramel finish ... $1,499.99


Tama CL72SP Superstar Classic Drum Shell Kit
7-Piece ... Garnet Lacebark Pine finish ... $1,249.99

Cover Up Friday

In this edition of Cover Up Friday, I am featuring Astronaut2005 Drummer's cover of Duran Duran's "The Reflex" as originally recorded.  With that said, the live from London performance is upbeat and fun with Simon Le Bon's classic "why" to Nick Rhodes and Nick's answer that I swear will never be known in any concert.

Wednesday, July 13, 2022

zZounds Music & Fashion

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

Iconic Fashion

Slash

(Source - Orlando Weekly)

Iconic Guitarist
Slash

Pro/Collector -
Gibson Slash Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar 
(with Case) ... $2,999



From the beginning -
Epiphone Slash Appetite for Destruction Les Paul
Performance Pack ... $399



Somewhere in between -
Epiphone Slash Les Paul Electric Guitar 
(with Case) ... $999






Tuesday, July 12, 2022

The One & Only

 The Blues Brothers

The original blues rendition of "Sweet Home Chicago" was written and performed by Robert Johnson in 1936.  All interpretations after that have the original to contend with...

...Until The Blues Brothers came along, defining R&B for a new and established generation.  Other musicians included R&B, Soul, and Blues artists James Brown, Aretha Franklin, Ray Charles, Chaka Khan, and others.    

Point of interest -  When Barack Obama hosted musical festivities in the White House, Buddy Guy and B.B. King - perhaps the king of blues - encouraged the president to sing along...hesitant agreement on Barack's part.                     

The Blues Brothers, as a film, aired in theatres in 1980.  The full background can be found on Wikipedia.

 "Sweet Home Chicago" was No. 10 on the film's soundtrack.  The soundtrack itself landed well into esteemed certifications - 

Gold in Italy & the Netherlands

Platinum in New Zealand & the U.S.

2X Platinum in France, Germany, Switzerland, and the UK

6X Platinum in Australia

The background behind the movie itself is incredibly long and detailed, so follow the Wikipedia link above should you want to read more.  This post, though, is all about blues music and artists that made the genre what it is now and for future generations,.

Monday, July 11, 2022

Guess the Artist

In this launch edition of Guess the Artist, I am featuring "Sweet Home Chicago" as found on YouTube.  There is a YouTube bonus.

Now, your challenge is finding the original artist performing "Sweet Home Chicago."

Bonus - Barack Obama briefly sang along .

 
 

Sunday, July 10, 2022

Set List Reader's Choice

In this brief week on Set List (because of the 4th of July holiday), your    landslide favorite post is -

Ecommerce Entrepreneur

When I launched Set List, in my heart I knew that blogging was it - my meant to be career.

When I signed on with Amazon Associates last month (June), I was determined to be an ecommerce entrepreneur - buy select products on Amazon for review on Blogger and aim for customer purchase.

In the next 4 months, I need to achieve 3 sales to complete the Associate process. So far, I have one.  That one is from a friend I am connected to on Facebook.  What she happened to purchase is as popular as the Blue Tie-Dye short sleeve tunic.


Set of 4 - $19.99

Rectangular shape

Rimless

Unisex

Colors - Black, Blue, Pink*, Brown

*The Pink sunglasses are subject to color debate.  When I received my pack, the pink was more red if anything and the tint upon wear was red.  Personally not a fan.

I passed on the black sunglasses to my mom when she was in need of new sunglasses.

The brown sunglasses are okay.

And then there is blue - my OMG product moment.  Crystal clear blue, entirely see through, sun-kissed summer perfect.

In Amazon words - Cool cute.

Saturday, July 9, 2022

Epiphone zZounds Exclusive & Prophecy

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



The most expensive Epiphone Exclusive listed is the 1959 Les Paul Standard (with Case) - $849 in Aged Southern Fade finish.



The most expensive Epiphone guitar in the Prophecy Collection is the Jerry Cantrell Les Paul Custom Prophecy Electric Guitar (with Case) - $1,149 in Bone White finish.


Epiphone, overall, is best for those on a budget that is somewhat flexible.  For example, if a beginner has mastered the fundamentals and wants to invest in a prestigious brand name without the brand hike, Epiphone is the better bet.  As a division of Gibson, the beginner is one step closer to owning and playing a Gibson guitar but for now opting for budget friendly Epiphone.


At Epiphone's Expense

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

Gibson, Fender...and then there is Epiphone, on the heels of profound interest to many guitarists, especially pros.

Where Gibson owns Epiphone, as of 1957, Epiphone has really come into its own. 

The question now is - how expensive does Epiphone want to go?

Epiphone

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

Epiphone Original Collection


The Slash Collection
- Such as -


Epiphone Slash Les Paul Electric Guitar 
(with Case) ... $999 ... Metallic Gold finish


Epiphone USA Casino


Epiphone USA Casino Hollowbody Electric Guitar
(with Case) ... $3,299 ... Vintage Burst finish


In conclusion

Epiphone B.B. King Lucille Electric Guitar 
(with Case) ... $949 ... Ebony finish


- More to come -


Monday, July 4, 2022

The 4th Special

On this the 246th United States birthday, I am honoring the holiday with a brief break from Set List.  I will be off July 5 to July 6 and will return to Set List on the 7th.

Aside from polarizing differences politically, socially, religiously, and morally, at the end of the day we as Americans still have a country to fight for.  The United States has values that unite all and should bring us all together.

On this 4th of July special, stay safe but just have fun.  We are owed this.

Happy Birthday, USA

Sunday, July 3, 2022

Set List Reader's Choice

In this week's edition of Set List Reader's Choice, your top favorite is:

Pinterest Music & Fashion

So here's the thing - The music was clearly defined in the post but Pinterest fashion was not shared...half the point for the theme.

As for music, the post link above focused on Duran Duran's Red Carpet Massacre.  

As for fashion as shared on Pinterest, I styled  an outfit to wear to an RCM concert.

The album and outfit were brought together on the online social fashion styling platform, Fashmates.  From there, the look book was posted on Pinterest.

With that said, let's try Pinterest Music & Fashion again.



Saturday, July 2, 2022

At Fender's Expense

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

Where Gibson is a go-to for electric guitars, Fender is a go-to for bass guitars.  There is just one catch to both names - they are not always budget friendly and can be awesome for collectors and professionals in the studio or on stage.

So speaking of Fender, what is the brand's most expensive bass?

Fender

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

Fender Bass



Samples

Fender American Original '60s Precision Electric Bass
(with Case) ... $2,099.99



Fender American Ultra Jazz Electric Bass
Maple Fingerboard (with Case) ... $2,199.99



Fender American Original '70s Jazz Electric Bass
(with Case) ... $2,299.99




Friday, July 1, 2022

Cover Up Friday

In this edition of Cover Up Friday, I am featuring Astronaut2005 Drummer's cover of "Planet Earth" as originally recorded early into Duran Duran's career.

Question - "Planet Earth" live or recorded?