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
Sunday, April 30, 2023
Saturday, April 29, 2023
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
Bass
Drums
Guitar
Keyboard
Thursday, April 27, 2023
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.
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
Monday, April 24, 2023
RRHOF Reminisce - Class of 1987 Final Five Catalog
April 9, 1932 - January 19, 1998
February 19, 1940 - Present
June 9, 1934 - January 21, 1984
RRHOF Reminisce - Class of 1987 Second Five Catalog
July 6, 1925 - February 9, 1981
November 15, 1932 - June 13, 1972
RRHOF Reminisce - Class of 1987 First Five Catalog
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
Tama Drum Sets -
Legendary Tama Tone
Loud, Powerful, Intense - Tama Tone
Own the stage - Legendary Tama
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."
Thursday, April 20, 2023
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
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...
Thursday, April 13, 2023
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.
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
Wednesday, April 12, 2023
Zodiac Signs - Cents of Style Apparel Collection
Zodiac Signs
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:
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
- "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