March 31, 2923
Set List
1. Clocks
2. The Reflex
3. Singin' in the Rain
4. Lovely Day
5. Pocket Full Of Sunshine
6. La Vie en Rose
7. Flamenco Sketches (Miles Davis original)
8. Skylark
9. New Moon on Monday
10. Planet Earth
Friday, March 31, 2023
Thursday, March 30, 2023
Desert Island Discs Reminisce
Desert Island Discs
by Roger Taylor
Vol. 3
"Killer Queen" - Queen
- Track on Queen's third album, Sheer Heart Attack (1974)
- No. 2 on UK Singles Chart
- No. 12 on Billboard Hot 100 (first hit in the U.S.)
- Featured on Greatest Hits
- Featured on the live albums Live Killers & Queen Rock Montreal
- Gold certification in Denmark, Italy, and Portugal
- Platinum certification in the UK
- 2x Platinum certification in the U.S.
Desert Island Discs Reminisce
Desert Island Discs
by Roger Taylor
Vol. 3
"Quiet Life" - Japan
(Japan is a British new wave band.)
- First track on Japan's 1979 album, Quiet Life
- Released in December 1979 (and again in 1981)
- Reflects troubles the band was experiencing
- Top 20 on UK Singles Chart (No. 19)
Wednesday, March 29, 2023
Zodiac Signs - Make Sense of Cents
Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.
On Set List, zZounds is an instrumental affiliate staple. In this post, Zodiac signs are an in the moment staple.
I recently signed on as an affiliate with the boho style fashion brand, Cents of Style. In general, my promo work is on the blog -
As always, I tend to promote new ventures on Set List to play it. This post is written with great intrigue, especially from one Z to another.
And so in fashion, play it I will.
Apparel and jewelry featuring every Zodiac sign are trending on Cents of Style. At the present time, my focus is on jewelry - necklaces in gold, rose gold, and silver, naming every sign as pendants.
Teaser moment - I would share each sign correlating with each time span, but I will direct you to Cents of Style directly.
First to know - I have a dedicated discount code guaranteeing 20% off every entire order. Use HOVIS20.
Second to know - Cents of Style offers Free Shipping on orders $40 or more.
Third to know - The Zodiac Jewelry link is as follows -
Questions? Comments? Leave a shout out at the end of this post!
Musical Geography Lesson by City
In the launch edition of Musical Geography Lesson by City, I followed every city mentioned in James Brown's iconic song, "Living In America." Coast to coast and cities in between.
In this post, the song is similar in listing off cities but is more compact to focus on other lyrics.
The song - "Uptown Funk."
Tuesday, March 28, 2023
And then there is...
The Wedding Album
February 1993
Tracks
1. Too Much Information
2. Ordinary World
3. Love Voodoo
4. Drowning Man
5. Shotgun
6. Come Undone
7. Breath After Breath
8. UMF
9. Femme Fatale
10. None of the Above
11. Shelter
12. To Whom It May Concern
13. Sin of the City
Honors
Top 5 in the UK
Top 10 in the U.S.
"Ordinary World" & "Come Undone" Top 10 on Billboard Hot 100
Gold certification in the UK
Platinum certification in the U.S.
Monday, March 27, 2023
Who Is Harold Faltermeyer?
If you are familiar with such classic films as Charade or the Pink Panther series, you will come across the well known composer, conductor, and musician - Henry Mancini. I truly believe that he was ahead of his time which helped create Hollywood masterpieces.
Johnny Mercer is also a name to remember for his collaborations with Henry Mancini. Mercer was a lyricist, songwriter, and singer.
The films both Mancini and Mercer worked on are American classics and cemented in historic pop culture.
...and then the 1980s came, ushering in a layer of sound that would change music for film and in general on a dime.
The once unheard of synth-pop added interest and intrigue to standard instruments and songs. The driving force behind the introduction is by far Harold Faltermeyer.
If you know Beverly Hills Cop, you will have heard Faltermeyer's work. His style can also be heard in the Chevy Chase films, Fletch and Fletch Lives as well as the Top Gun "Anthem." "Beverly Hills Cop" and the Fletch series are strikingly similar to perhaps a frustrating extent.
So who is the innovative Harold Faltermeyer?
Harold is a German musician, composer, and record producer. He is best known for "Axel F" as well as "The Heat Is On" with Glenn Frey and "Stir It Up" with Patti LaBelle. There are so many more that would be exhausting in length to list here. Follow the link to his name above.
For his work with Beverly Hills Cop and Top Gun, Harold Faltermeyer earned two Grammy awards (1986 and 1987).
The 1980s was the decade to be when experimenting with sound. Electronic and synth-pop added something to consider.
Like Henry Mancini and Johnny Mercer in their time, Harold Faltermeyer's style launched American classics cemented in Hollywood pop culture.
Sunday, March 26, 2023
Sunday Promo - Versus
Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.
In this Sunday Promo series, I am sharing guide & clearance versus style rather than new to zZounds.
Get ready to power through on the drums.
First consider the overall link to the drums category -
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Drums--2463
Second, consider the Drum Kit Buying Guide -
v.
Third and last, consider the Drum Gear Clearance:
Saturday, March 25, 2023
Earthbeat
Released on October 12, 1987
Rich with musical culture and combined styles - Russian (Soviet Union at the time) folk melodies, Brazilian & African drums and harmonies, Western jazz
- "landmark" ... "monumental"
- "First album of original music created by Americans and Russians together" (Wikipedia)
Paul Winter Consort & Dmitri Pokrovski Ensemble
Grammy Nomination (1988)
For those who are curious, the Earthbeat track list -
1. Kurski Funk
2. The Horse Walked In The Grass
3. Kyrie
4. Steambath
5. Song For The World
6. Down In Belgorod
7. The Lake
8. Epic Song
9. Green Dreams
10. Garden Of The Earth
Kurski Funk by Paul Winter
In this edition of sharing personal favorites, I have a song that has rarely if not never aired on Set List and is making its debut appearance today.
"Kurski Funk" has an earthy tone that I would best describe in the new age or jazz genres.
There is an emotional draw behind the vocals.
A want to listen over and over again.
Friday, March 24, 2023
Thursday, March 23, 2023
Desert Island Discs Reminisce
Desert Island Discs
by Roger Taylor
Vol. 2
"Around the World" - Daft Punk
- Second single from debut album, Homework (1997)
- "...major club hit around the world..." (Wikipedia)
- No. 1 on Dance charts in Canada, Spain, the UK, & the U.S.
- No. 1 in Iceland and Italy
- "around the world" is the only lyric
- Gold in Australia, Denmark, and Italy
- Silver in France
- Platinum in the UK
Desert Island Discs Reminisce
Desert Island Discs
by Roger Taylor
Vol. 2
"I Want Your Love" - Chic
- Song from Chic's second album, C'est Chic (1978)
- No. 1 on Billboard Dance Club Songs
- No. 5 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs
- No. 7 on Billboard Hot 100
- No. 4 on UK Singles Chart
- "...strong follow-up to "Le Freak"..." (Billboard)
- Gold certification in the U.S.
Wednesday, March 22, 2023
Musical Geography Lesson by City - Living in America
The game of musical chairs tests a person's concentration and reflexes. This post will test American knowledge of local geography by lyric. Listen closely to catch each metropolis. Bonus - Will you know the states as well?
"Living in America" - James Brown
Tuesday, March 21, 2023
And so it begins...
Astronaut
September 2004
Tracks
1. (Reach Up For the) Sunrise
2. Want You More!
3. What Happens Tomorrow
4. Astronaut
5. Bedroom Toys
6. Nice
7. Taste the Summer
8. Finest Hour
9. Chains
10. One of Those Days
11. Point of No Return
12. Still Breathing
Honors
Gold Certification in the UK
No. 3 on UK Singles Chart
No. 17 on Billboard 200
Top 10 in six countries
Monday, March 20, 2023
Musical Diamonds
Diamonds may be a girl's best friend but so too is a luxury in music.
Consider "Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes" (Paul Simon)
Consider "Lucy In The Sky With Diamonds" (The Beatles)
Consider the single lyric "A Diamond in the Mind" by Duran Duran
(All You Need Is Now)
I would be remiss not to conclude this post without the iconic...
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Sunday Promo - New In zZounds
Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.
In this launch edition of Sunday Promo - New In zZounds, I am featuring two guitar brands offering buying guides.
Overall, consider the base Electric Guitar & Bass Guitar links -
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Electric-Guitars--2640
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Electric-Bass-Guitars--2407Now consider the buying guide links highlighting Fender & Ibanez.
Categories -
Ultra & Ultra Luxe Stratocasters
Professional II & Performer Stratocasters (Made in Corona, CA)
Vintera & Original Stratocasters
Player Series Stratocasters
Signature Models
Squier Strats
Categories -
Electric Guitars
Bass Guitars
Acoustic Guitars
Effects Pedals
Explore the Sunday promo links above for topics new to zZounds.
Saturday, March 18, 2023
Lady Gaga - I Wish Live at Stevie Wonder's GRAMMY Salute (February 10, 2...
Iconic pop culture - Then & Now
The best tribute to hit the Grammy stage (2015).
I Wish by Stevie Wonder
In this edition of sharing personal favorites not generally posted on Set List, I am highlighting a Stevie Wonder classic and iconic song - "I Wish."
"I Wish" was released in 1976 as the lead single to Stevie Wonder's 18th album, Songs in the Key of Life.
"I Wish" - No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100 & Soul Singles...Grammy award
Friday, March 17, 2023
Thursday, March 16, 2023
Desert Island Discs Reminisce
Desert Island Discs
by Roger Taylor
Vol. 2
"Superstition" by Stevie Wonder
- Lead single from Talking Book (15th studio album, October 1972)
- No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
- No. 1 on Soul Singles chart
- No. 11 on UK Singles Chart
- No. 74 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (2004)
- No. 73 on 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (2010)
- No. 12 on 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (2021)
- 2 Grammy Awards
- Gold certification in Denmark
- Platinum certification in Italy
- 3x Platinum in the UK
Desert Island Discs Reminisce
Desert Island Discs
by Roger Taylor
Vol. 2
"Slow Motion" by Ultravox
- First song on Systems of Romance (3rd album, September 1978)
Desert Island Discs Reminisce
Desert Island Discs
by Roger Taylor
Vol. 2
"Autobahn" - Kraftwerk
- Lead single from Kraftwerk's fourth album, Autobahn
- Released in 1975
- No. 25 on Billboard Hot 100 (biggest hit in the U.S.)
- No. 43 on Adult Contemporary
- "...one of Kraftwerk's best songs..."
- "...capture the feel of driving on a motorway..."
Wednesday, March 15, 2023
Duran Duran Planet Earth Live From London
Somewhere in between 1981 and 2023 is 2004, in London, live from Wembley, Astronaut tour...Need not say more
Tuesday, March 14, 2023
Reach Up For the Sunrise
Lead single from Astronaut (2004)
No. 5 on UK Singles Chart
No. 2 in Italy
No 6 in Denmark and Spain
No. 1 on Billboard Dance Club Songs chart
First Top 10 in the UK since "Ordinary World"
Highest charting since "A View to a Kill"
Ordinary World
No. 1 on Billboard Mainstream Top 40
No. 1 on Canadian RPM Top Singles Chart
No. 1 on Italian Singles Chart
No. 3 on Billboard Hot 100
No. 2 in Iceland & Sweden
No. 6 on the UK Singles Chart
Ivor Novello Award nomination
Certified Gold in Italy, the UK, and the U.S.
2nd most-streamed song in the UK (October 2021)
Warren Cuccurullo stepped in to show Andy Taylor how to play the song shortly before the reunion tour.
Monday, March 13, 2023
The Rippingtons
In the launch edition of Music Reminisce, I shared my jazz album collection by trumpet player, Chris Botti. I would not necessarily classify Chris Botti in the smooth jazz genre, where he is generally listed. I imagine smooth jazz having a distinct tone and beat. Classic jazz has a musically romantic tone. Lastly there is always big band swing jazz that invokes the want to get up and dance.
As I reminisce a range of music genres, I th0ught I would share a smooth jazz album far from Chris Botti's style.
Weekend in Monaco
6th Album - Released in 1992
No. 2 on Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart
Over 300,000 copies sold
Sunday, March 12, 2023
The First Impression
by Lauren Hovis
...The first impression...
Limited Ed. - Matte Silver & Caribbean Blue Crystals
$35 STYLE DROP - Originally $238
Theme Colors Recommend - Tropical
Limited Ed. - Yellow Gold & Canary Yellow Crystals
$35 STYLE DROP - Originally $238
Theme Colors Recommend - Summer/Fall
Limited Ed. - Silver & Bubblegum Crystals
$35 STYLE DROP - Originally $238
Theme Colors Recommend - Childhood Memories
(Black, Purple, Pink, Silver, etc.)
Impression Bracelet Selection
- Left to Right -
Black, Turquoise, Violet, Blue, Glow, Iridescent Coral, Opal, Silver Taupe, Pink Opal, Burgundy, Gold, Mint, Northern Lights
$188/Bracelet ... Mix & Match OR Pair w/ Style Drops
Impression Style Suggestion -
Turquoise + Blue + Silver + Mint + Caribbean
Taupe + Pineapple
Violet + Bubblegum
Price Note -
$90 net = Free Shipping & 1 item for $30
My suggestion - Use the $30 toward a standard Impression Bracelet
(So a bracelet would be $30 instead of $188)
Friday, March 10, 2023
Thursday, March 9, 2023
Desert Island Discs Reminisce
Desert Island Discs
by Roger Taylor
Vol. 1
"Heroes" - David Bowie
- No. 24 on UK Singles Chart
- Did not chart on Billboard Hot 100
- Generally positive remarks by music reviewers
- Currently considered one of the greatest songs of all time
- No. 12 on UK Singles Chart after David Bowie's passing in 2016
- Staple in Bowie's concerts
- Certified Gold in Denmark and Italy
- Certified Platinum in the UK
Point of interest - Prince performed "Heroes" often until his death in 2016.
Desert Island Discs Reminisce
Desert Island Discs
by Roger Taylor
Vol. 1
"Your Generation" - Generation X
- "Your Generation" - single from the British band's debut album, Generation X
Desert Island Discs Reminisce
Desert Island Discs
by Roger Taylor
Vol. 1
"ABC" - Jackson 5
- Single released in 1970-
- No. 1 on Billboard Hot
- No. 1 on Soul Singles Chart
- No. 8 on UK Singles Chart
- No. 24 on Belgian Singles Chart
- Grammy nomination (1971)
- Grammy Hall of Fame (2016)
- Certified Gold in Japan
- Certified Platinum in the UK
/
Desert Island Discs Reminisce
Desert Island Discs
by Roger Taylor
Vol. 1
"She Loves You" - The Beatles
- Single released in 1963
- Best selling single in the UK
- No. 64 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (2004)
- Certified silver in the UK
Wednesday, March 8, 2023
Planet Earth Through The Years
My love and passion for Duran Duran's "Planet Earth" is clearly evident on Set List - a record loop at some point.
The live performance and backdrop entertainment have evolved as well.
So let's start from the beginning - official music video - and the most recent live performance, a sense of then and now.
1981
2023
Tuesday, March 7, 2023
Zenyatta Mondatta
Third album - October 1980
Honors -
No. 1 on UK Albums Chart
No. 5 on Billboard 200
2 Grammy Awards
Noted singles -
"Don't Stand So Close to Me"
- 3rd No. 1 on UK Singles Chart
- No. 10 on Billboard Hot 100
"De Do Do Do, De Da Da Da"
- No. 5 on UK Singles Chart
- No. 10 on Billboard Hot 100
Certifications -
Gold in Germany
Platinum in Australia, Canada, France, New Zealand, & the UK
2x Platinum in the U.S.
When The World Is Running Down, You Make The Best Of What's Still Around
No. 3 on Billboard Dance Music/Club Play Singles (1981)
Driven To Tears
Generally followed by "When the World Is Running Down, You Make the Best of What's Still Around"
No. 35 on Billboard Mainstream Rock Tracks chart
Reggatta de Blanc
Second album - October 1979
First album by The Police to reach No. 1 on UK Albums Chart
"Message in a Bottle" & "Walking on the Moon" - No. 1 singles
Honors -
Grammy Award
No. 369 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2003)
No. 372 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2012)
Certifications -
Gold in Belgium, Germany, & Italy
Silver in the UK (2003 release)
Platinum in Australia, Canada, France, Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK (1979 release) & the U.S.
Monday, March 6, 2023
Chris Botti Collection
My first jazz album collection was by trumpeter, Chris Botti. Chris draws in the emotional side of music with his raw talent tapping into a realm of musical notes that pulls listeners into a unique escape.
I am guessing Miles Davis is an inspiration, who always finds a blend of emotion and classic upbeat.
With all said, I thought I would share my Chris Botti collection to show a side of interested music not found on Set List.
Night Sessions
4th album - October 2001
No. 4 Top Jazz Albums 2001
A Thousand Kisses Deep
6th album - September 2003
No. 4 Top Jazz Albums 2003
Italia
Released September 2007
No. 1 Top Jaz Albums 2007
No. 27 on The Billboard 200
No. 27 on Top Internet Album
Grammy nomination
Platinum (Poland)
To Love Again
8th album - October 2005
No. 18 Billboard 200 2005
No. 1 Top Jazz Albums 2005
Gold (RIAA)
Chris Botti in Boston
Live Album March 2009
Platinum in the U.S./Diamond in Poland
3 Grammy nominations
Refer to Wikipedia for the full CD list
Refer to Wikipedia for the full DVD list