Sunday, April 30, 2023

April 30, 2023 - Set List

April 30, 2023
Set List

1.  Rumour Has It
2.  Feel It Still
3.  Suddenly I See
4.  Girls on Film
5.  Everybody Wants You
6.  My Girl
7.  Happy
8.  As Time Goes By
9.  Smile
10.  West End Girls

Just the Two of Us (feat. Bill Withers)

When my parents divorced, my mom and I moved in with my grandmother (her mother).  We instantly became the three musketeers.  When I graduated from high school, my grandma moved from the suburbs of Chicago to the city of Chicago.  We remained the three musketeers until my grandma's passing in September 2021.

I have very limited extended family on my father's side and his mother (Grammy) passed away in November 2021.  I am no longer close to my mother's side.

So my mom and I are a life long pair - indeed just the two of us.  

I can think of no other person to celebrate my big day with than my mom.

Love and Happiness: An Obama Celebration

As I celebrate my 40th birthday today, I thought I would share BET music defined in the "People's House."  To the musicians, I say play it!

Friday, April 28, 2023

Weekly's Best Special Edition

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

Special Announcement - zZounds serves the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Territories.  If you live outside the U.S., you have shipping options.  Incentive to explore & shop?

Special Edition -

General

zZounds

Bass

Bass at zZounds

Drums

Drums at zZounds

Guitar

Guitars at zZounds 

Keyboard

Keyboards at zZounds

zZounds Spotlight Reminisce - Slash

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

Slash

zZounds Spotlight

Epiphone Slash Appetite for Destruction Les Paul Electric Guitar (with Gig Bag) ... $329

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--EPIENA2?siid=135349


Gibson Slash Les Paul Standard Electric Guitar 
(with Case) ... $3,199



Slash

Spotlight

British-American musician

Prefers the Gibson Les Paul - "...best all-around..." 

Greatest success between the late 1980s to the early 1990s

"...considered one of the greatest guitarists in history..."

Star on the Rock Walk of Fame (2007) - Next to Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, & Jimi Hendrix

Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2012) - In front of the Hard Rock Cafe

No. 65 on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time (2011)

Guitar solo in "November Rain" ranked No. 6 on 100 Greatest Guitar Solos (Guitar World, 2008)

No. 34 on Top 50 Guitarists of All Time (Gibson Guitar Corporation, 2004)

Original Guns 'N' Roses lineup inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012 ... Songs performed - "Paradise City," "Sweet Child o' Mine," and "Mr. Brownstone"

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Happy Birthday, Roger Taylor!

On drums, Roger Taylor!

"It's Now or Never"

by Elvis Presley

Released in 1960


No. 1 in the U.S. & the UK
(U.S. - Billboard Hot 100 & Singles)
(UK - Singles)

No. 1 in Australia, Canada, Belgium, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, & South Africa

No. 2 in Germany

20 million copies sold (a best selling for Presley)
One of the best-selling physical singles of all time

Certified Gold in Germany & the UK (physical)
Certified Silver in the UK (digital since 2004)
Platinum in the U.S.

(Wikipedia)

Planet Earth - Live 2007

In the launch edition of "Planet Earth," I shared the original music video and the most recent performance in 2023.

In this post, and those to come, I am meeting with the song somewhere in between.  The first stop was in concert in 2004.  This stop is in concert in 2007.

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Personal Jesus

Some years ago, Duran Duran and Depeche Mode were vying for induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.  Duran Duran fought hard with the help of every fan.  In the end, Depeche Mode won the RRHOF battle.  Of course both bands are worthy and Duran Duran finally followed in suit.

With that said, let's focus on Depeche Mode and their well-known song, "Personal Jesus."  

As for Astroaut2005 Drummer filling in as a drum cover, he is always seamless.


Lead single from Depeche Mode's 7th album, Violator (1990) 
Released in 1989
No. 13 on UK Singles Chart ... No. 28 on Billboard Hot 100
One of Depeche Mode's longest-charting in Germany (23 weeks)

Certified Gold in Denmark, Portugal, the UK, & the U.S.
Certified Platinum in Italy

No. 368 on Rolling Stone's The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (2004)

(Wikipedia)

Monday, April 24, 2023

RRHOF Reminisce - Class of 1987 Final Five Catalog

Carl Perkins

April 9, 1932 - January 19, 1998


February 19, 1940 - Present


May 18, 1911 - November 24, 1985

Muddy Waters

April 4, 1913 - April 30, 1983

Jackie Wilson

June 9, 1934 - January 21, 1984

RRHOF Reminisce - Class of 1987 Second Five Catalog

Bill Haley

July 6, 1925 - February 9, 1981


September 16, 1925 - May 14, 2015

Clyde McPhatter

November 15, 1932 - June 13, 1972


May 8, 1940 - December 31, 1985


April 23, 1936 - December 6, 1988

RRHOF Reminisce - Class of 1987 First Five Catalog

The Coasters

Eddie Cochran

October 3, 1938 - April 17, 1960


December 30, 1928 - June 2, 2008

Aretha Franklin

March 25, 1942 - August 16, 2018


April 2, 1939 - April 1, 1984

Sunday, April 23, 2023

Sunday Promo - Roland on zZounds

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

Sunday Promo Part 2 - Roland

Roland Overall -

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

Roland Drums Buying Guide -

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


Explore playability - Roland

Sunday Promo - Tama on zZounds

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

A three day countdown to Roger Taylor's birthday.  Ahead of his special day, I thought I would dedicate two Sunday Promos to drum brands he loves to work with and play.

Sunday Promo Part 1 - Tama

Drums Overall -

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

Tama Overall -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Tama--3590

Saturday, April 22, 2023

Set List Special

On April 23, 1991, Paula Urgero was delivered into this world.  April was in full swing for expecting mothers.

Paula is now a flourishing wife, mother of three young sons, and a close knit cousin.

She is further now into her early 30s, so I thought I would offer a Set List Special - the no. 1 song in 1991.  Before I move on, Paula was once an avid drummer.  (This will make sense tomorrow.)

(I imagine you are wondering why this post is one day early.  You will see why in the Sunday Promo.)

"(Everything I Do) I Do It for You"

Friday, April 21, 2023

Weekly's Best - "What Happens Tomorrow" Showdown

In this edition of Weekly's Best, your top favorite is:

Astronaut2005 Drummer v. What Happens Tomorrow

If something has to change for a better tomorrow, find light at the end of the tunnel to "Reach Up For the Sunrise."

zZounds Spotlight Reminisce - Peter Frampton

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

Peter Frampton

zZounds Spotlight

Gibson Custom Peter Frampton Phenix Les Paul Custom Electric Guitar (with Case) - $6,999

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--GIBCSPFXVO?siid-293248


Peter Frampton

Spotlight

English-American guitarist, singer, & songwriter

Best success as a solo artist

Debut live album - Frampton Comes Alive! (1976) ... Certified 8x Platinum in the U.S.

Debut studio album - Wind of Change (1972)

4th album - Frampton (1975) - No. 32 in the U.S. ... Certified Gold in the U.S.

Most well-known example singles - "Show Me the Way," "Baby, I Love Your Way," "Do You Fee Like We Do," "I'm in You" ... Staples on classic rock radio

Discography ranges from 1972 to 2021

Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

(Wikipedia)

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Musical Geography Lesson by State - Hotel California

In this final edition of Musical Geography Lesson by State, I am saying farewell to California - from the Red Hot Chili Peppers staple song "Dani California" to The Eagles staple "Hotel California."  With commercials advertising "visit California" for children and adults to enjoy and explore, stop by the west coast and take in all the amazing attractions California has to offer.

The Eagles

Formed in 1971 in Los Angeles

Current lineup -

Don Henley, Joe Walsh, Timothy B. Schmit, Vince Gill

Genres considered - Rock, Country Rock, Soft Rock, Folk Rock

5 No. 1 singles ... 6 No. 1 albums

6 Grammy Awards

5 American Music Awards

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1998

Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 2001

Kennedy Center Honors

If I were to list here individual successes of albums and singles, this post would be exhausting.  

Follow Wikipedia for more.

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Duran Duran Encapsuled

 Duran Duran Greatest


Released in 1998

- Track List -
1.  Is There Something I Should Know?
2.  The Reflex
3.  A View to a Kill
4.  Ordinary World
5.  Save a Prayer
6.  Rio
7.  Hungry Like the WOlf
8.  Girls on Film
9.  Planet Earth
10.  Union of the Snake
11.  New Moon on Monday
12.  The Wild Boys
13.  Notorious
14.  I Don't Want Your Love
15.  All She Wants Is
16.  Electric Barbarella 
17.  Serious
18.  Skin Trade
19.  Come Undone

- Personnel -
Original Lineup
Warren Cuccurullo (guitar on No. 4, 13 - 19/bass on No. 16)
Sterling Campbell (drums on No. 15  & No. 17)

- Certifications -
Gold in Australia & Canada
Platinum in Argentina, New Zealand, and the U.S.
2x Platinum in Belgium
3x Platinum in the UK

Monday, April 17, 2023

Astronaut2005 Drummer v. What Happens Tomorrow

"What Happens Tomorrow" gave musical hope to life after tragedy and believing that the world has to be a better place and especially when what happens tomorrow.

New Yorkers stood still in the moment.  Firefighters rushed, to some, their ultimate demise trying to save through fire, climbing goodness knows how many flights, and knowing this is it - the towers are collapsing on them.  They tried to save.

Swift military action went into place when the Middle East seemed to be the obvious culprit.

From 2001 to decades later, global society has to believe that something better will come along so that we can all know what happens tomorrow.

Sadly, Russia's attacks on Ukraine isn't exactly helping the peace cause.

In this edition of Astronaut2005 Drummer, I am curious to know who is best with "What Happens Tomorrow" - the drum cover or Roger Taylor.

What happens tomorrow will always have to be better than today.


OR

Sunday, April 16, 2023

Sunday Promo - Ernie Ball Music Man Buyer's Guide

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

In this edition of Sunday Promo, I am highlighting the Ernie Ball Music Man guitar collection as part of the brand's buying guide.

Consider the full Ernie Ball Music Man Buyer's Guide below -



- Categories -

Ernie Ball Music Man Basses
Ernie Ball Music Man Guitars
Ernie Ball Music Man Artist Signature Models
Ernie Ball Music Man Limited Edition Ball Family Reserve Models
Ernie Ball Strings, Cables, Pedals, and More

Saturday, April 15, 2023

Top 5 Favorite Commercial Jingles - "Everywhere" by Fleetwood Mac

Top 5 Favorite Commercial Jingles Conclusion -

"Everywhere" by Fleetwood Mac

The commercial jingle airs in this year, 2023.  The commercial is an advertisement for the department store, Kohl's.

With that said, explore everywhere on Set List but enjoy "Everywhere" by Fleetwood Mac.


Top 5 Favorite Commercial Jingles - "The Sun" by Parov Stelar ft. Graham Candy

In this post, the transition from peanut butter to glasses is rather awkward.  Just focus now on transition glasses.  (I know, lame joke.)

"The Sun" may feature Graham Candy but falls under Parov Stelar's name.  Parov Stelar, in my opinion, is a genius musician in that he is able to blend a variety of genres together in a way I believe no other could.  For example, only he may know how to bring together twenties jazz and modern synth.

I do not know which Parov Stelar song caught her attention, but my now late grandmother found interest in his work (an impressive honor considering she was in her 90s).

I have since downloaded several Parov Stelar songs on iTunes and listen to all often.

The song - "The Sun" by Parov Stelar ft. Graham Candy 

Top 5 Favorite Commercial Jingles - "Uptown Funk" by Mark Ronson & Bruno Mars

In 1998, Derek Jeter (retired New York Yankees shortstop) signed a one-year contract to be the spokesman for Skippy Peanut Butter.

Fast forward 20 years to find "Uptown Funk" as the new jingle for Skippy Peanut Butter.

Skippy is a very lucky brand.

Since "Uptown Funk" is a Set List obsession, I will let the commercial and the music video speak on my behalf.

Top 5 Favorite Commercial Jingles - "Feel It Still" by Portugal

When the Kia Soul commercial came out, I turned the jingle into a Set List loop.  I was addicted to "Fort Knox" by Goldfish and just couldn't help the constant share.

And then there was the discovery of Portugal and "Feel It Still" in 2017.  I truly do not know which was more popular at the time - the commercial product (Vitamin Water) or the jingle.  Well, I've taken to both so.

The jingle has since become a staple in my iTunes collection.

The song - "Feel It Still" by Portugal

 

Top 5 Favorite Commercial Jingles - "Fort Knox" by Goldfish

My love for catching onto commercial jingles dates back to the Kia automobile days when the now iconic hamsters made their debut in pop culture.

The jingle launched great interest and intrigue in 2010 and a must download in my iTunes collection.

The song - "Fort Knox" by Goldfish


Friday, April 14, 2023

Weekly's Best - "Wild Boys" Showdown

In this edition of Weekly's Best, your top favorite is:

Astronaut2005 Drummer v. Wild Boys

If wild boys always shine, then there are girls on film...

Musical Geography Lesson by State - Dani California

In this edition of Musical Geography by State, California is in the spotlight due directly in the song, "Dani California" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Red Hot Chili Peppers

Formed in 1982 in Los Angeles

Discography has 13 albums

Genres considered - alternative rock, funk, punk rock, hard rock, hip hop, & psychedelic rock

Original lineup - Anthony Kiedis (vocal), Flea (bass), Chad Smith (drums), John Frusciante (guitar)

Over 120 million records sold worldwide - one of the best-selling bands of all time

Records - Most No. 1 singles (15), Most cumulative weeks at No. 1 (91), Most Top 10 singles (28) on Billboard Alternative Songs chart

Honors -

6 Grammy Awards

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2012)

Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2022)

Global Icon Award at the 2022 MTV Video Music Awards

(Wikipedia)

Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Zodiac Signs - Cents of Style Apparel Collection

Zodiac Signs

Zodiac Apparel

 HOVIS20 - 20% Off Any Purchase

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Capricorn

Aquarius

Pisces

Aries

Taurus

Gemini

Cancer

Leo

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

Sagittarius 

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Iconic Collector's Album

Rio

May 1982


Tracks

Side One -
1.  Rio
2.  My Own Way
3.  Lonely in Your Nightmare
4.  Hungry Like the Wolf
5.  Hold Back the Rain

Side Two -
6.  New Religion
7.  Last Chance on the Stairway
8.  Save a Prayer
9.  The Chauffer

Certifications

Gold in Finland
Platinum in Australia, New Zealand, & the UK
2x Platinum in Canada & the U.S.


"...Rio de Janeiro...a party that would never stop..." = John Taylor

Monday, April 10, 2023

Astronaut2005 Drummer v. Wild Boys

The Beatles paved the way for England to the U.S.  They did not, however, reflect wild in the band.

Fast forward a little over one decade and you will find the ultimate wild boys - boys that always shine.

Yet can Duran Duran be caught by a drum cover and his seamless drum sound?

Let's find out -


OR

Sunday, April 9, 2023

Sunday Promo - Pioneer DJ

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

In this edition of Sunday Promo, I am featuring the Pioneer DJ - perfect timing with Roger Taylor's upcoming birthday.

The Pioneer DJ DDJ-FLX4 DJ Controller is new to Set List and is a spotlight on zZounds.  The cost - $299.

With that said, 
Explore, consider, &/or shop away!


Saturday, April 8, 2023

Set List Special

On April 8, 1925, Janet Thompson was delivered to what would be a very long life.  She was the last of three, with an older sister and older brother.  She was privileged but loved more than money.  She loved art and culture.  She was immersed in high society.  One of her closest friends was the one and only Hubert de Givenchy.  She spent many vacations with him at his estate in France.  He found her always as his love despite being gay.

I was her first grandchild, first of only two.  I was her love duck.  We did not always see eye to eye but I truly loved her and the only way she knew how to be a grandmother.

On November 9, 2021, Janet Hovis passed away.  She was delivered to Heaven.

Grammy would be 98 years old today.  

In this Set List special, I am dedicating music that best defined her year.

Happy Birthday, Grammy.  May your day be filled with love, laughs, and content happiness.

"Dinah" 

Friday, April 7, 2023

Let's Talk Pop Trash

In today's edition of Weekly's Best, I am featuring the post:

So here's the thing

This reader's choice focused on Duran Duran's album Red Carpet Massacre, from track list to chart standing to side notes.

Although Red Carpet Massacre did not go over well with critics, it still held merit with fans.

Yet then there is Pop Trash, an album not meant to be.  So out of curiosity, let's talk Pop Trash.


10th album

Released in June 2000

With poor sales, the band did not record an album until Astronaut.

As of 2008, Pop Trash is available for sale on iTunes in the U.S. and Europe.

- Chart rating in 2000 -
German Albums - 80
Scottish Albums - 88
UK Albums - 53
UK Independent Albums - 9
Billboard 200 - 135

"...Critics were generally unexcited..."

Thursday, April 6, 2023

Rapture

"Rapture"

Autoamerican

Blondie

- Album Notes -

5th album

Released in November 1980

No. 3 in the UK

No. 7 in the U.S.

No. 8 in Australia

Certified Gold in New Zealand

Certified Platinum in the UK & U.S.

Certified 3x Platinum in Canada

(Wikipedia)

- "Rapture" Notes -

Released as the second single in January 1981

No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100

(4th & last single to reach the Top 10)

No. 5 in the UK

No. 4 in Australia

No. 3 in Canada 

Certified Gold in the U.S.

Certified Silver in the UK

(Wikipedia)