Music, Fashion, Culture - Set List

Wednesday, May 31, 2023

Duran Duran Live From London 2005

Happy Anniversary, Set List

May 31, 2023 - Set List


May 31, 2023
Set List

1.  Taps
2.  Skyfall
3.  Jimmy's Gang
4.  Fort Knox
5.  A View To A Kill
6.  Desire
7.  What Happens Tomorrow
8.  I Won't Back Down
9.  Ordinary World 
10.  Planet Earth

Tuesday, May 30, 2023

Duran Duran - Honors Before Induction

Duran Duran, as with those before and after them, have achieved the highest possible honor - induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Duran Duran, as with those before them, have also achieved high honors in other forms.

Duran Duran - Honors Before Induction

14 singles in the Top 10 (UK Singles Chart)

21 singles in Billboard Hot 100

Over 100 million records sold

American Music Awards - 1 Nomination

The Brit Awards - 2 Wins, 2 Nominations

Grammy Awards - 2 Wins, 2 Nominations

Q Awards - 2 Wins, 2 Nominations

Golden Globe Awards - 1 Nomination

MTV Video Music Awards - 2 Wins, 6 Nominations

Hollywood Walk of Fame

Ivor Novello Awards - 2 Wins, 2 Nominations

Billboard Music Awards - 6 Nominations

MTV Europe Music Awards - 1 Win

UK Music Video Awards - 2 Nominations

(Wikipedia)

Duran Duran is an established band loop on Set List for one most prominent reason - inspiration...inspiration to learn about all facets of music, from artists in a variety of genres to sharing music videos to exploring instrumental affiliate sales.  Commercial jingles and discovered singles through research landed purchases on my iTunes account.  Rush and "Rush" paved the way to Set List launch and Duran Duran has been a great source of guidance throughout the past 13 years.

When I cap off May 2023 tomorrow, it will be with a fitting set list of my own.

As always,

Play it!

Monday, May 29, 2023

Retake - Walking On the Moon

In my first retake post, I asked who performed "Come Together" better - The Beatles or Aerosmith.

In this retake post, I am asking which band does "Walking On the Moon" come more naturally.

If you are over the moon with "Walking On the Moon," who captures the lunar moment better - The Police or Duran Duran?

Consider both videos below and watch as often as you need to help make a decision.  Consider both bands overall and weigh favorite songs from both or either.  Consider vocals - Sting v. Simon Le Bon.  Consider drums - Stewart Copeland v. Roger Taylor.  Consider distinct genres - similar and different.

Just listen.

DURAN DURAN - WALKING ON THE MOON (live)

The Police - Walking On The Moon

Sunday, May 28, 2023

Electric Jam Session

Jam Session

Jam Session - Go Electric

The electric link above is a reflection of powerful electric guitars perfect for pros on stage or nearly any level of experience jamming in the studio while recording an album.

Follow the Go Electric link above to explore examples.

Follow the Jam Session link above to explore all that the blog has to offer thus far.

Saturday, May 27, 2023

Favorite Instrumental - Drums Starter Kit

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

Welcome to the launch edition of Favorite Instrumental, best meant for entry level musicians.

Over the next few Saturday posts, I will focus on beginner instruments because an aspiring musician has to start somewhere.

Today - Drums Starter Kit

Drum Kit Buying Guide



Entry Level Samples

Pearl RS525SC Roadshow Complete Drum Kit
5-Piece ... $659.99

Mapex MA528SF Mars Crossover Drum Shell Kit
5-Piece ... $699

Follow the Buying Guide link above for more kits in the Entry Level section.

Friday, May 26, 2023

Weekly's Best - Come Together

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


In the highlighted post, I shared an audio YouTube video original to The Beatles and an audio YouTube video covered by Aerosmith.  At the time, I asked which version is best.

Steven Tyler is well known for high pitches almost near a scream.  In fact, I am guessing his style of vocal tone is trademarked to him and what helps define Aerosmith.

John Lennon provided lead vocals for "Come Together" in a tone natural to the band.

The original question was who recorded "Come Together" better?

The question in this post - which lead vocalist was better?

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Where Were We?

"What's Love Got to Do with It"

Released from Private Dancer in May 1984

Genres considered - Pop, R&B, Rock

Over 2,000,000 copies sold worldwide

No. 3 on UK Singles Chart

3 Grammy Awards

Grammy Hall of Fame (2012)

No. 309 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (No. 134 in updated 2021 list)

Certified Gold in Denmark and the U.S.

Certified Platinum in Canada and the UK

(Wikipedia)  

Set List Special - Remembering Tina Turner

Tina Turner

November 26, 1939 - May 24, 2023
"Queen of Rock 'n Roll"

Private Dancer (1984)
- Multi Platinum 
"What's Love Got to Do with It"
- Grammy Award 
- No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
- Oldest female solo artist to hit No. 1 on Hot 100 (44 years old)

Guinness World Record for largest paying audience (180,000) for a solo performer (1988)

Over 100 million records sold worldwide
One of the best-selling recording artists of all time

12 Grammy Awards
3 Grammy Hall of Fame Awards
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award

First black artist and woman to be on the cover of Rolling Stone
Listed on Rolling Stone's 100 Greatest Artists of All Time & 100 Greatest Singers of All Time

Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Ike Turner (1991)
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame solo (2021)

Kennedy Center Honors (2005)

9 studio albums
12 tours (First in 1977/Last in 2008 - 2009)

Point of interest - Tina relinquished her U.S. citizenship to become a Swiss citizen (as of April 22, 2013).

Read more about Tina Turner's background on Wikipedia.

I did not recognize iconic music artists from well before my time until I happened to hear songs that defined the 1980s.  I am most familiar with "What's Love Got to Do with It."

To be continued

Wednesday, May 24, 2023

Planet Earth Record Loop

The concept of a record loop has long since been established on Set List with such songs as "Uptown Funk" and "Fort Knox."  How many more posts can I devote without repeat upon repeat?

So in my latest post on my blog, Jam Session, I introduced the loop concept with the live versions of "Planet Earth."  Follow the Jam Session link to come across today's entry.

Hey Duran Duran fans,

You know this song.  Sing along!

Whether on a record loop or first share, always remember to...

Play it!

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Don't Say a Prayer For Me Now...

...The anniversary of Set List is honored through the whole of May, so save it 'til the morning after.

With 8 days left to go, "Save a Prayer."


Monday, May 22, 2023

Come Together

"Come Together" is original to The Beatles.

"Come Together" has been covered by one notable band considered to be the American version of the British craze - Aerosmith.

So the question is - Who recorded "Come Together" better?


Sunday, May 21, 2023

Jam Session In the Recording Studio

Jam Session

Tama v. Ludwig

The versus link above is a reflection of Roger Taylor's (Duran Duran) preference for the Tama drum brand on stage and Roger Taylor's (Queen) preference for the Ludwig drum brand on stage.

There is a sample link to both brands.

The post is capped with Y9uTube videos of both Taylors performing a drum solo.

Explore Jam Session.  Rock to Tama v. Ludwig.

Saturday, May 20, 2023

My Curious Lineup

Set List Anniversary - Post No. 31

On the last day of every month, I post a set list with songs inspired by the time of year the given month is in.

In this one off post, I am curious to see how I would compose a lineup - a challenge as thoughtfully considered as monthly set lists.

Lead vocals - Bono 

Drums - Roger Taylor (Queen)

Electric Guitar - Slash

Bass Guitar/Backing vocals - John Taylor

Keyboards/Synth - Nick Rhodes


Bono leads.  Roger sets the beat.  Slash sets the electric edge.  John sets the deep edge.  Nick is the controller.

Fans drive interest and popularity.

Rolling Stone & Billboard determine ranking.

Certification reflects the power of sales.

And at the end of the day, any Hall of Fame induction seals success.

Roger Taylor - Drum Solo 2005

Set List Anniversary
Post No. 30

Two words - Oh my

Friday, May 19, 2023

Weekly's Best - Tama Preferred

Set List Anniversary
Post No. 29

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


Whether having fun at a live concert or singing along to a concert DVD, chances are you are not paying attentio
n to the brands of instruments in use.  If you follow the band from city to city, again chances are you may not notice brand names. Yet, the more you watch the DVD, the more you will pick up on little things...such as the brand names.

And the drums will be the most obvious.

Roger Taylor, of Duran Duran, best prefers Tama and Tama is boldly printed on the front of the kit.

Point of interest - Roger Taylor of Queen only works with the Ludwig brand.

May you wrap up your week at your very best and always remember to play it!

Thursday, May 18, 2023

zZounds Tama Drums - $ to $$$

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

Set List Anniversary continues

In this edition of zZounds - $ to $$$ - I am featuring the Tama drum brand...the brand most preferred by Duran Duran's Roger Taylor while on stage.

With that said, there is bound to be a price swing.  Consider the following.

$

Tama Club-JAM Pancake Shell Kit, 4-Piece - $429.99

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--TAMLJK48P


$$$

Tama CL72SP Superstar Classic Drum Shell Kit, 7-Piece - $1,349.99



Whether mindful of budget or going on a spending spree, rest assured that zZounds offers something perfect for every price point.

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

Set List Anniversary...

...continues...

In this concluding edition of last albums recorded with an original lineup, I am featuring Astronaut by Duran Duran.

Released in September 2004

Last full album together since Seven and the Ragged Tiger (1983) 

No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart
Highest ranking album in the UK since Seven and the Ragged Tiger

No. 17 on Billboard 200

CD/DVD set - No. 1 on Billboard Top Music Video chart

"Reach Up For the Sunrise" 
Released in the U.S. in August 2004
Released in the UK in October 2004
No. 5 on the UK Singles Chart
No. 1 on Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart (November 2004)

Sold out North American tour in arenas and stadiums was considered the band's largest tour ever

Certified Gold in Italy and the UK

As of 2005, roughly 250,000 copies sold in the U.S.


Astronaut was my first physical copy of any Duran Duran album and my collection has since grown quite large.

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

Set List Anniversary...

...continues...

In this edition of last album to be recorded by an original lineup, I am featuring Synchronicity by The Police.

Released in June 1983

Fifth & final studio album by the original lineup

3 Grammy Awards
5 Grammy Award Nominations

"...the biggest band in the world..." upon album release and tour

No. 1 on UK Albums Chart

No. 1 on Billboard 200

Over 8 million in sales in the U.S. alone

No. 455 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2003)

(No. 448 in 2012 ... No. 159 in 2020)

No. 50 on VH1's 100 Greatest Albums of Rock & Roll (2001)

No. 119 on Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's The Definitive 200" albums list (2007)

Grammy Hall of Fame (2009)

Preservation in U.S. National Recording Registry (2023)

Certified Gold in Germany, Hong Kong, and the Netherlands

Certified Platinum in Canada, France, Italy, New Zealand, and the UK

Certified 8x Platinum in the U.S.

Read the full background of Synchronicity on Wikipedia.

Concluding thought - what a way to break up on such a high note.

Monday, May 15, 2023

Set List Anniversary...

...continues...

Let It Be - the twelfth and last album by the full Beatles lineup

Released in May 1970

No. 1 in the UK & the U.S.
Critical failure
"...one of the most controversial rock albums in history..."

Grammy Award Win/Nomination in 1971
Academy Award 1971

No. 86 in Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2003)
No. 392 (2012) ... No. 342 (2020)

Certified Gold in France and Italy
Certified Platinum in Australia, Denmark, and UK
Certified 2x Platinum in Argentina & New Zealand
Certified 3x Platinum in Canada
Certified 4x Platinum in the U.S.

As with Abbey Road, the full history behind Let It Be is overwhelming with detailed background.  Of course, being the band's last together, the extent is reasonable.  Read more on Wikipedia.

Set List Anniversary...

...continues...

In this brief series, I am featuring albums signaling the last for original lineup bands.  If you will recall, the series before this focused on debut albums with original lineups.

In this launch post, I am highlighting Abbey Road by The Beatles.  The post following this will highlight Let It Be by The Beatles.

Abbey Road was the last The Beatles began recording as a group.  Let It Be is the last to be completed and released before official dissolution in April 1970.

Released in September 1969 (UK)
Released in October 1969 (U.S.)

No. 1 in the UK & the U.S.

Read about the history of the cover photo on Wikipedia (fascinating story).

4 million copies sold within first two months of release.

Certified Gold in France
Certified Platinum in Belgium and Germany
Certified 2x Platinum in Italy
Certified 3x Platinum in Australia and Denmark
Certified 5x Platinum in New Zealand
Certified 8x Platinum in the UK
Certified 12x Platinum in the U.S.
Certified Diamond in Argentina and Canada

The full history of the album is exhausting to summarize here, so read more on Wikipedia.

"Come Together" is the first song on Side One.  I would say ironic since they were really no longer together after Let It Be.

Sunday, May 14, 2023

zZounds Bass Guitar - $ to $$$

Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.
  
When thousands of fans  shout out "Play that *f* bass, John," his pro bass guitar career launched with Duran Duran's debut album to the present.  The shout out is just affirmation.

Set List Anniversary continues.

In thus edition of $ to $$$, I will feature the bass guitar in a price swing - from novice base ($) to pro & collector ($$$).  Although there are bass guitars in between either end, I am focusing on the extremes.


Consider -

$

ESP LTD B206SM Electric Bass, 6-String - $699


 $$$

Fender Player Stratocaster Electric Guitar 
(Maple Fingerboard) ... $849.99


Whether mindful of budget or going on a spending spree, know always that there is a happy medium on zZounds. 

Thursday, May 11, 2023

zZounds Electric Guitar - $ to $$$

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

Set List Anniversary continues

In this launch edition of zZounds - $ to $$$ - I will feature the electric guitar in a price swing - from lowest possible ($) to best meant for pros and collectors ($$$).  Although there are guitars in between, my swing will be on the extreme ends.

$

Epiphone Les Paul Special II Player Pack - $269

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--EPILPSPIIPPEB?siid=117473


$$$

Gibson Custom '64 ES-335 Reissue VOS Electric Guitar 
(with Case) - $5,999



Whether mindful of budget or going on a spending spree, know always that there is a happy medium on zZounds.  

Want to see more on the lower end or on the higher end or somewhere in between?  Leave a comment at the end of this post!

Wednesday, May 10, 2023

Set List Anniversary...

...continues...

Debut release by now iconic bands

Final edition in this series

Consider -

Please Please Me

The Beatles


Released in March 1963

Debut single - "Love Me Do" - released in October 1962
"Love Me Do" - No. 17 on (unofficial) UK Singles Chart

"I Saw Her Standing There" - No. 140
"Please Please Me" - No. 186
Both on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Singles of All Time (2004)

No. 39 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2012)

No. 6 of all Beatles albums

Certified Gold in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand

Certified Platinum in Argentina, Denmark, the UK, & the U.S.

(Wikipedia

Set List Anniversary...

 ...continues...

 Of the six, the final two follow the same theme - debut albums that launch the career of now iconic bands.

Today consider -

My Generation

The Who


Released December 1965
(Released in April 1966 in the U.S.)

No. 5 in the UK

Initial failure in the U.S.
Later noted for setting the stage for punk and heavy metal

No. 236 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2003)
No. 237 in 2012

No. 18 in Q magazine's 50 Best British Albums Ever (2004)

No. 49 in NME's 100 Greatest British Albums (2006)

Certified Gold in the UK (1980 release)

Certified Silver in the UK (2012 release)

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Set List Anniversary...

...continues...

On this day two, I am once again featuring debut albums released by now iconic bands.

In this edition, consider -

Van Halen


Released in February 1978

No. 19 on Billboard 200

No. 410 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2003)
(No. 415 in 2012 ... No. 292 in 2020) 

No. 27 on Rolling Stone's 100 Best Debut Albums of All Time

"...one of the greatest debut album in rock..."
"...one of the best-selling albums in the United States..."

Over 10 million copies sold in the U.S. alone

Certified Gold in Finland, France, Germany, & the UK

Certified Platinum in the Netherlands

Certified 4x Platinum in Canada

Certified Diamond in the U.S.

Point of intrigue - In a 2013 podcast, David Lee Roth noted the debut album as his favorite recording.

Set List Anniversary...

...continues...

On this day two, I am honoring debut albums released by now staples in music history.

In this edition, consider -

Aerosmith


Released in January 1973

No. 21 on Billboard 200

Certified Platinum in Canada

Certified 2x Platinum in the U.S.

Moment of intrigue - The album was unsuccessful upon release and was not noted by Rolling Stone magazine.  On the other hand, "Dream On" caught critics by surprise.

Monday, May 8, 2023

Set List Anniversary...

...continues...

In this second post of a new Set List Anniversary series, I am highlighting a variety of debut albums by bands who would go on to achieve iconic status.

Consider -

Boy

U2

Released October 1980

No. 52 on UK Albums Chart (1981)

No. 63 in the U.S. 

No. 417 on Rolling Stone's The 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2003)

Certified Gold in Australia, France, and UK

Certified Platinum in Canada and the U.S.

Set List Anniversary...

...continues...

In this first post of a new Set List Anniversary series, I am highlighting a variety of debut albums by bands who would go on t0 achieve iconic status.

Consider -

Outlandos d'Amour

The Police


Released November 1978

Lead single - "Roxanne"

No. 6 on UK Albums Chart

No. 23 on Billboard 200

No. 38 best debut album of all time (Rolling Stone)

No. 434 on 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (Rolling Stone, 2003)

No. 428 greatest album of all time (Rolling Stone, 2012)

Mixed reception upon release

Certified Gold in Germany

Certified Platinum in Australia, Canada, France, Netherlands, UK, & U.S.

Sunday, May 7, 2023

63 Years Old...

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

...and still lighting up the night with a DJ turntable tapping into a dance floor, beaming strobes of overhead lights, and electricity in the air.  

...and still working the DJ turntable for a destination party filled to capacity.

...and is very much alive and kicking.

His name is Roger Taylor.  He is powerful and loud on the concert stage with every drum stroke.  He can definitely be heard when live.  Age is just a number when he steps up to bring the house down.

...and you wouldn't know it.

Overall -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--DJ--2447

DJ Lighting & Stage Lighting -

https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--DJ-Lighting--2457

Lighting examples - ColorKey, Blizzard, etc. (Look for Lighting Buying Guide)

Hercules DJ (Budget friendly) -

https://www.zzound..com/a--3960264/cat--Hercules--3661

Consider the following categories -

Beat Production ... Computer DJ ... Computer DJ Systems ... DJ Digital Media Players ,,, DJ CD Players ... DJ Mixers ... Turntables ... etc

Whether on stage behind a drum kit or in a club behind DJ equipment, age is just a number.