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!

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Friday Eve On zZounds - Black Friday

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

Explore Friday Eve to prepare for Black Friday on the one and only gear and instrument shop, zZounds.

Gear Examples -

Fender Rumble 25 V3 Bass Combo Amplifier

(25 Watts, 1x8")

$119.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--FEN2370200?siid=131435


Reloop RP-7000 MK2 Direct-Drive Turntable
$499


IK Multimedia UNO Drug Analog Drum Machine
$199.99


Roland V-Drums are recommended as a top choice in the Black Friday sale.  Explore the overall Roland link with full electronic drums to select from (consider budget).  

Epiphone and Kramer electric guitars are recommended examples for the Black Friday sale.  Consider the overall Epiphone link and Kramer link (consider budget).

Epiphone - 

Kramer -

Other categories included in the Black Friday sale include Keyboards and MIDI, Live Sound/PA, and Recording.




Memorial Day kicks off the unofficial summer season.  Halloween kicks off the unofficial Fall season and especially the holiday season.  Black Friday and Cyber Monday surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday seal the holidays with the joy of shopping in person and online to find the perfect gifts.  

I hope the early Black Friday (or Friday Eve as normally titled) will inspire exploration, note taking, and perhaps a purchase!

Wednesday, November 16, 2022

Thanks...

...for the ultimate British invasion after the first major invasion - from the Fab Four to the Fab Five.

Duran Duran


Unique genres - New Wave, Synth-Pop, Pop Rock 

On Set List, you know their story (Wikipedia).

In the present day, the Future Past album was released in October 2021.  On an interesting note, Future Past was originally slated to release in March 2020 but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Solo and group Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions achieve the ultimate honor and is noted first when I write about musician success.

Duran Duran's induction is now first.  On a sad note, Andy Taylor was unable to attend the ceremony due to a long battle with stage IV prostate cancer.  In his words, "massively disappointed."

As for other noteworthy success -

Hollywood Walk of Fame

American Music Awards - 1 nomination

Brit Awards - 2 wins, 2 nominations*

*2004 win - Outstanding Contribution To Music

Grammy Awards - 2 wins, 2 nominations

Q Awards - 2 wins, 2 nominations*

*2003 win - Lifetime Achievement Award

**2014 win - Icon Award

Golden Globe Awards - 1 nomination

MTV Video Music Awards - 2 wins, 6 nominations*

*2003 win - Lifetime Achievement Award

Ivor Novello Awards - 2 wins, 2 nominations*

*2005 win - Outstanding Contribution To Music 

Billboard Music Awards - 6 nominations

For the full list of nominations and award wins, follow the Wikipedia article.

Tuesday, November 15, 2022

The Pink Panther Theme Music

The Pink Panther film franchise spans several generati0ns of interest, from the debut in 1963 to the reboot in 2009.  The iconic character, Inspector Jacques Clouseau, was established in Hollywood scripts from the most notable Peter Sellers (although Steve Martin kept the character alive in the 2006 & 2009 portrayals).  

The film score was composed by the one and only Henry Mancini.  I say one and only because his reception was popular then and was especially popular with Charade.  Movies then are lost to movies now in any genre you desire.  Movies then defined historic pop culture in the entertainment industry...and composers such as Henry Mancini kept the intrigue going.

Consider the series and music.

Monday, November 14, 2022

Play It

...Acoustic style.

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

Play It is usually pop rock and classic rock in focus.  The artists vary as does genre by genre, but overall the core is rock.

In this post, I am focusing on acoustic country with an acoustic guitar brand inspired by Jeff Bridges and a banjo instrumental inspired by Steve Martin's passion.

With that said,

Play it with Breedlove -

Breedlove Jeff Bridges Organic Concert Acoustic-Electric Guitar (with Gig Bag) ... New ... $479.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--BRESNCN03EJB?siid=285578


Play it with Washburn -

Washburn B8 Banjo Pak Beginner Package
New ... $399


Sunday, November 13, 2022

Duran Duran Rock Hall Induction 2022

In this edition of Set List Reader's Choice, your top favorite is Duran Duran's RRHOF induction acceptance speech with special honor to Andy Taylor.

In this special, the wild boys chose three songs to perform at the induction ceremony - "Girls on Film," "Hungry Like the Wolf," and "Ordinary World."  

You may want to have a sense of humor with "Girls on Film" because there was a technical glitch that paused Simon's start to the song.  When the laughter died down, off they went!

Stand on top of Planet Earth boys.  You did it!

Saturday, November 12, 2022

Bass Blowout Inspiration - Special Edition

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

In the recent edition of Friday Eve On zZounds, I shared text links highlighting blowout basses.  

In this post, I thought I would share images along with text that best showcase phenomenal bass guitars at a fraction of their original worth.

John Taylor of Duran Duran is known as "play that *f* bass."  You may say the same for your favorite bassist!

Blowout Electric Bass Guitar overall -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/blowouts--Electric-Bass-Guitars--2407

4-String Electric Bass Examples -

Epiphone Thunderbird Vintage Pro Electric Bass

Ebony finish ... Used with visible wear ... $539.95

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--EPIEBTV?siid=229065


Jackson JS3 Spectra Electric Bass
Silver Burst finish ... Used with visible wear ... $279.95


5-String or More Electric Bass Examples -

Ibanez GSR206 6-String Electric Bass 
Walnut Flat finish ... Blemished ... $296.95


Spector Legend 5 Standard Electric Bass
Black Cherry finish ... Blemished ... $569.95


Signature Model Bass Example -

Gibson Gene Simmons G2 Thunderbird 
Bass Guitar (with Case) 
Ebony finish ... Blemished ... $2,379


Fretless Electric Bass Example -

ESP LTD B-204SM Fretless Electric Bass
Natural Satin finish ... Blemished ... $499.95


Left-Handed Bass - The One and Only

Epiphone Jack Casady Electric Bass, Left-Handed
Metallic Gold finish ... Blemished ... $679.95


The above guitars in their given categories are just examples of what in full is offered.  Follow the overall link above to explore in more detail.

When in the studio, there will be plenty of bass guitar styles to choose from to jam.

Thursday, November 10, 2022

Friday Eve On zZounds - Blowout Bass Collection

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

In this edition of Friday Eve On zZounds, I am opting for clearance rather than an elite pro instrumental collection - in this case, bass guitars.  Where the launch edition highlighted the Kramer guitar brand, this post will offer a variety.

Explore the overall blowout bass collection in full:


There are many categories to consider so instead of individual instruments, I will focus on category by category.

4-String Electric Bass -

5-String or More Electric Bass -

Signature Model Basses -

Fretless Electric Basses -

Left-Handed Bass Guitars -

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Thanks...

...for the lasting impression The Rolling Stones have had on the music industry and pop culture.


"one of the most popular and enduring bands of the rock era"

"(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" regarded as "the classic example of rock and roll"

- Record -

One of the best-selling music artists of all time - over 240 million in sales worldwide

4th best-selling group of all time

Only artists to top the UK Album Charts in six different decades

Over 2,000 concerts worldwide (first on July 12, 1962)

Over 48 tours ... Small clubs to sold-out stadiums ... Simple to elaborate

Highest-grossing tours - Bridges to Babylon, Voodoo Lounge, A Bigger Bang

- Awards -

3 Grammys ... 12 nominations

Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

Juno Award (International Entertainer)

- Induction -

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1989)

UK Music Hall of Fame (2004)

- Publication -

4th in Rolling Stone's Greatest Artists of All Time (2010)

Mick Jagger..."the Rolling Stone who changed music" - The Telegraph

2nd on Billboard's Greatest Artists of All Time

The notes listed above are mere highlights to the contribution The Rolling Stones have made to music worldwide, especially the UK and the U.S. (noting influence on the blues genre and increased blues popularity in the U.S.).  For the full history from the sixties to the present, follow Wikipedia.

Tuesday, November 8, 2022

Singing In The Rain - Singing In The Rain (Gene Kelly) [HD Widescreen]

In this second edition of the Tuesday Iconic Film Score theme, tap dancing is likewise an iconic art form.  When I was very young, I took up tap dancing for a few years and was deeply inspired by Gene Kelly.  Of course, I now know only the basics but my love for the dance style remains always...just like my love for Singin' In The Rain.

Sunday, November 6, 2022

Set List Reader's Favorite - Special Edition

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

Kramer Custom Graphic guitars proved to be the most popular post this week.  The Kramer guitar brand further proved to be the most popular.  As a refresher, follow Friday Eve On zZounds - Pro Guitar Collector.

In this post, I am offering a special edition over standard Sunday reader's favorite.  The special edition?  Kramer variety.

First and foremost, consider Kramer overall -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Kramer-Guitars--4297

Kramer variety style #1 -

Kramer Focus Electric Guitar Player Pack

Black finish ... $229


Kramer variety style #2 -

Kramer Buying Guide


Follow the Buying Guide link above for the full Original and Modern Collections.

Saturday, November 5, 2022

Jam In the Studio - Beginner Player Pack

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

When you think of jam sessions in a recording studio, pro bands come to mind.  When you think of jam sessions in a quintessential garage, teen bands come to mind for serious enjoyment.  Teen bands may have ultimate inspiration but also try to find their own sound.

A drummer may tap into the pace but the guitarist will tap into the note that will find its way into a song.  Think John Taylor's YouTube tutorials and his contribution to Duran Duran jam sessions. 

Since bands have to start somewhere and on a budget, jam with zZounds beginner player packs. 

Beginner packs have been a consistent feature on Set List but with different angles.  In this post, the beginner player packs are best meant for beginner bands and their attempt to go from garage practice to studio rehearsals.  

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack

Ebony finish ... $219

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

Epiphone Slash Appetite for Destruction Les Paul Performance Pack

New finish ... $329


Epiphone Billie Joe Armstrong Les Paul Junior Player Pack

Classic White finish ... $399


The above player packs are just examples of what zZounds has to offer.  Although the guitars are aimed for learning and practicing, they can always be used by pros.