June 30, 2023
Set List
1. Boys of Summer
2. Wild Boys
3. Reach Up For the Sunrise
4. Music
5. Rio
6. Back In the Saddle
7. The Sun
8. Shakedown
9. Take Me Out To the Ballgame
10. Go Cubs Go
Friday, June 30, 2023
Thursday, June 29, 2023
Sam Ash Intro
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 Sam Ash Intro. Sam Ash is akin to zZounds with regards to merchandise and pricing. The difference is link share - manual links with zZounds and embedded links with Sam Ash. The question as of today is which venue do you prefer - zZounds or Sam Ash?
Sam Ash founded the namesake company in 1924 and is now the largest family-owned chain of instrumental stores in the U.S. - 44 locations in 16 states.
Sam Ash merchandise includes musical instruments, recording equipment, DJ and lighting equipment, and professional sound.
Wednesday, June 28, 2023
Reality - Sunday Bloody Sunday
In this concluding reality, "Sunday Bloody Sunday" is not only a powerful political protest song but is also a staple by its musical ownership - U2.
Bloody Sunday came about when in 1972, unarmed Irish civil rights protestors were fatally shot by British troops.
This incident led to U2's reaction via their 1983 album, War.
"Sunday Bloody Sunday" was listed at No. 268 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time in 2004. (Wikipedia)
In the United States, from small town to metropolis, police tend to shoot at will regardless of potential threat or not. When an officer discharges their gun, they have to report the use to show justification. In today's reality, if the victim is of color, their justice will not be owed to their grieving family because from case to case the police do not always receive guilt. When a defendant is found guilty though, the heartache of a family's new reality never fully heals.
In this country, Sunday Bloody Sunday is not limited to Sunday. We went through a civil war long ago. Do we really need another one?
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Mrs. Robinson
"Mrs. Robinson"
Art Garfunkel (Left) & Paul Simon (Right)
Song from 4th studio album, Bookends (1968)
Written for the 1967 film, The Graduate
No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
Top 10 in the UK, Ireland, and Spain
First rock song to win a Grammy Award for Record of the Year (1969)
Grammy Award for Best Contemporary-Pop Performance - Vocal Duo or Group (1969)
Certified Gold in Denmark, Germany, Italy, and the U.S.
Certified Platinum in the UK
Duet Tuesday
In this edition of Duet Tuesday, I am honoring yet another classic - "Mrs. Robinson" by Simon & Garfunkel. As with any duo or full band, the two had their struggles off stage but on stage they were Simon & Garfunkel - a pair to love.
With that said, just listen.
Monday, June 26, 2023
Monday Edge - zZounds Goes Electric
Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Baritone-Electric-Guitars--5542
In this launch series of Monday Edge, find your electric edge on zZounds. The brands, styles, and budgets are generous, so you will have an array to choose from...
...but that's just me. What do you think?
Electric Guitars
Electric Guitars: 6 String
Electric Guitars: 7 String
Electric Guitars: 8 String
Electric Guitars: 9 String
Baritone Electric Guitars
Electric Guitars: 12 String
Left-Handed Electric Guitars
Signature Model Electric Guitars
Electric Guitar Packs
Etc. Categories
Electric Guitar Strings
Electric Guitar Cases
Electric Guitar Pickups
Electric Guitar Bags
Electric Guitar Parts
Electric Travel Guitars
With all said, is there anything of electric interest? The categories will say the rest of it. Follow the links above.
Monday Edge - The Edge
In this launch edition of Monday Edge, I am featuring the electric guitar and its power to shred on stage and spark instrumental ideas in the recording studio.
Take for example The Edge with U2 -
Sunday, June 25, 2023
More, Less, or Same
In this concluding edition of More, Less, or Same, consider gold, silver, platinum, multi-platinum, and diamond certifications (for albums in this instance) issued worldwide. My question to you is - would global certificate recognition mean more, less, or the same in success for a solo artist or band as earning global based awards such as Germany's Otto Award, Sweden's Polar Music Prize, or England's Brit Award as examples?
Just a thought.
Saturday, June 24, 2023
Favorite Instrumental - Yamaha Part 2
Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.
Yamaha
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Yamaha--3597
When you think of Yamaha, keyboards are a given assumption...and you would be correct. Yet, did you know that Yamaha offers so much more? Take for example -
Yamaha - Guitars
Samples
Yamaha FG830 Folk Acoustic Guitar - $339.99
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/item--YAMFG830
Yamaha PAC112V Pacifica Electric Guitar
$309.99 ... United Blue finish
Yamaha Revstar Element RSE20 Electric Guitar
$499.99 ... Black finish
Favorite Instrumental - Yamaha Part 1
Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.
Yamaha
When you think of Yamaha, keyboards are a given assumption...and you would be correct. Yet, did you know that Yamaha offers so much more? Take for example -
Yamaha - Drums
Samples
Yamaha Stage Custom Hip Drum Shell Kit
4-Piece ... $699.99 ... Natural Wood finish
Yamaha SBP8F3 Stage Custom Bop Drum Shell
Kit ... 3-Piece ... $549.99 ... Classic White finish
Yamaha DTX8K-M Mesh Electronic Drum Kit
$2,799.99 ... Black Forest finish
Friday, June 23, 2023
Weekly's Best - Let's Dance Theme
In this edition of Weekly's Best, the "Let's Dance" audio by David Bowie and video cover by Duran Duran are your favorites.
In this post, I thought I would delve into the background of "Let's Dance" as a song and Let's Dance as an album.
Released in April 1983
15th studio album
Best selling album by Bowie - 10.7 million copies sold worldwide
Genres considered - Post disco, Dance rock, Dance pop, New wave
"Let's Dance" released in March 1983 as the lead single
Biggest selling single by Bowie as well as an international hit
Launched David Bowie's major stardom
Let's Dance Success -
No. 1 on UK Albums Chart ... On the chart for over a year
Certified Gold in Austria, Denmark, Finland, and Spain
Certified Silver in the UK (1999 release)
Certified Platinum in Australia, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the UK, and the U.S.
Certified 5x Platinum in Canada
Point of interest - Unknown at the time, Stevie Ray Vaughan was brought onboard as lead guitarist.
Thursday, June 22, 2023
PRS Paul Reed Smith
Disclaimer - This post contains an affiliate link and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.
...as I was saying.
SE Standard
SE
SE Signature
SE Acoustic
SE Bass
Who Are You?
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 Who Are You?, I am featuring a brand briefly mentioned in the past on Set List that will be expanded here. Explore the brand below.
PRS Paul Reed Smith
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--PRS-Paul-Reed-Smith--3755
PRS Core
PRS S2 Series
PRS SE Series
PRS Amplifiers
PRS Artist Signature Models
PRS Accessories
This post is to be continued.
Wednesday, June 21, 2023
Reality - Driven to Tears
On a domestic scale, the United States has had its share of disgrace, guilt, and lack of justice. These sins continue to the present time. Yet, we have the Constitution to protect us.
On a global scale, lack of human regard, dismal fate, and devastating inequality in every way imaginable scars country to country.
No one is above the law and innocent until proven guilty are mantras to the U.S. and if only to the world.
Until then, humanity is driven to tears.
Tuesday, June 20, 2023
I Got You Babe
"I Got You Babe"
First single from debut album, Look at Us (1965)
No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
No. 1 in the UK and Canada
Certified Gold in the U.S.
Certified Silver in the UK
( Wikipedia)
Duet Tuesday
Tuesday is the second day of the week. Tuesday recalls two. Duets are comprised of two performers...
...and this is where I will introduce the new Tuesday theme on Set List - Duet Tuesday.
In this launch edition, I am honoring a classic - "I Got You Babe" by Sonny and Cher. The two had their ups and downs off stage but on stage, the audience witnessed pure harmony that lasts to this day.
With that said, just listen.
Monday, June 19, 2023
Retake - Let's Dance
In Retake past posts, I considered "Come Together" by The Beatles or Aerosmith and "Walking On the Moon" by The Police or Duran Duran.
In this concluding Retake, I am considering "Let's Dance" by David Bowie or Duran Duran.
With all three songs performed originally and covered in later years, do you think they were given due honor to original ownership? On the other hand, do you think covers took creative accents to match their own sound?
For now, just listen to "Let's Dance" via the videos above.
And enjoy.
Sunday, June 18, 2023
More, Less, or Same
Dear readers and passersby,
I have a few thoughts for your consideration.
Billboard Hot 100 & Billboard 200
Does debuting and peaking at No. 1 impact future success for an artist or band?
Rolling Stone 500 Greatest
Does charting in any 500 Greatest list impact future success for an artist or band?
On an entirely separate note,
Happy Father's Day
Honor this day as your own.
Saturday, June 17, 2023
Favorite Instrumental -Gibson '80s Style Guitars
Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.
I was born in 1983, so my early years ae a vague blur. On zZounds, though, the '8os were a time to be in the know music wise. And who could show off the best guitar was an intriguing want to find out. So...
Gibson '80s Flying V and Explorer
Gibson
Gibson 80s Explorer Electric Guitar
(with Case) - $2,499
Gibson 80s Flying V Electric Guitar
(with Case) - $2,499 ... !2 Left!
Friday, June 16, 2023
Weekly's Best - Violator
In this edition of Weekly's Best, Enjoy the Silence is your top favorite. In this post, I am following in the footsteps of one memorable Depeche Mode classic to another - Violator.
Released in March 1990
7th studio album
Launched international fame and success
No. 2 on UK Albums Chart
No. 7 on Billboard 200
No. 342 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
(2003 & 2012)
No. 167 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2020)
"...a quintessential benchmark of pop, rock and electronic music..." - Sal Cinquemani, Slant Magazine
Certified Gold in Austria, Italy (sales since 2009), Sweden, and the UK
Certified Platinum in France, Germany, Italy (1990 sales), Poland, Spain, and Switzerland
Certified 2x Platinum in Canada
Certified 3x Platinum in the U.S.
( Wikipedia)
Thursday, June 15, 2023
Who Are You?
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 Who Are You?, I am introducing Sire guitars - a zZounds Spotlight.
Sire V Series Basses
Sire P Series Basses
Sire M Series Basses
Sire U Series Basses
Sire d Series Basses
Sire H Series Guitars
Sire L Series Guitars
Sire S Series Guitars
Sire T Series Guitars
Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Reality - The Way It Is
Life is not a golden guarantee, with silver spoons and more than comfortable finances. The top 1% is untouchable elite. The reality of the majority is not luxurious. Hard work, dedication, overtime, flexible schedule, and repeat Mondays thr9ugh Fridays.
The upper middle class is an aspiration to the middle. The employed is a hope for the unemployed. Food stamps, Medicaid, and anywhere that has a roof defines lesser than in society.
In Chicago, there are dedicated locations to homeless tents. Care is offered in the brutal seasons of summer and winter. Otherwise...
... This is reality in America...the way it is.
"The Way It Is," in musical form, better explains the point I am getting across, especially at a historical level.
Tuesday, June 13, 2023
Pop Music Recognition - Robbie Williams
As far as the United States is concerned, Beyonce is the most decorated icon in popular culture and pop music.
As far as the UK is concerned, Robbie Williams says the same. So let's learn more.
Fame with Take That from 1990 to 1995
Solo as of 1996
7 UK No. 1 singles
13 No. 1 UK Albums
6 albums among Top 100 Best-Selling Albums in the UK
2/6 albums in the Top 60
Guinness World Record for selling 1.6 million tickets in one day during the Close Encounters Tour (2006)
Record Honors -
18 Brit Awards -
(Best British Male Artist 4x ... Outstanding Contribution to Music 2x ... Icon Award) ... Most successful artist in Brit Awards history
8 German ECHO Awards -
3 MTV European Music Awards -
Inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame (2004)
Certified for 20.26 million albums
Certified for 8.6 million singles as a UK solo artist
75 million records sold worldwide - one of the best-selling music artists of all time
5 albums reached No. 1 on Australian Album Chart
No. 1 on UK Airplay Chart from 2000 - 2010
Take That reunion in 2010
Progress - second fastest selling album in UK chart history
Tour - biggest selling concert in UK history with 1.34 million in ticket sales in less than 24 hours
Discography -
13 solo albums
6 Take That albums
Monday, June 12, 2023
Enjoy the Silence
In the video post below, I considered Astronaut2005 Drummer's cover of Depeche Mode's "Enjoy the Silence." In this post, I am considering the background of "Enjoy the Silence."
Sunday, June 11, 2023
More, Less, or Same
Dear readers and passersby,
I have a few question for considered response.
RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America)
Gold, Platinum, Multi-Platinum, Diamond Certifications
- More impressive, Less impressive, or Same as winning a major award
- More impressive, Less impressive, or Same as receiving a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award
- More impressive, Less impressive, or Same as charting on Rolling Stone lists
- More impressive, Less impressive, or Same as charting a best-selling artist/act of all time
- More impressive, Less impressive, or Same as peak certifications in other countries
- More impressive, Less impressive, or Same as induction into the Grammy Hall of Fame
- More impressive, Less impressive, or Same as listing in the National Recording Registry
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Favorite Instrumental - All-Star Gear (Drums)
Disclaimer - This post contains affiliate links and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.
The drums are a forever favorite instrumental that is as carefully learned, practiced, and mastered as any other instrument. If you can find and keep a beat, though, that is an excellent start.
Start, then, with zZounds.
Drums overall -
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Drums--2463
Noted best by customers -
Pacific Drums Concept Maple Drum Shell Kit, 7-Piece
Gretsch CM1E826 Catalina Maple Drum Shell Kit, 7-Piece
Pearl EX725SPC Export Drum Set, 5-Piece
Alesis Strike Pro Special Edition Electronic Drums
Mapex AR628SFB Armory Studioease Fast Drum Shell Kit, 6-Piece
Yamaha SBP2F50 Stage Custom Drum Shell Kit
Tama CK72S Superstar Classic Shell Kit Drum Set, 7-Piece
Alesis Nitro Mesh Kit Electronic Drum Kit, 8-Piece
Yamaha TMP2F4 Tour Custom Maple Drum Shell Kit, 4-Piece
Tama IE62C Imperialstar Drum Kit, 6-Piece (with Meinl Cymbals)
Friday, June 9, 2023
Weekly's Best - Playing the Angel
In this edition of Weekly's Best, Precious is your top favorite. With such impressive honors for a lead single, I thought what could be noteworthy for the song's album, Playing the Angel, by Depeche Mode.
Released in October 2005
11th studio album
No. 1 in over 10 countries
No. 6 on UK Albums Chart (32, 505 sales in first week)
No. 7 on Billboard 200 (98,000 sales in first week)
No. 34 on Q's Top 50 Albums of 2005
Certified Gold in Argentina, Austria, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Mexico, Portugal, Sweden, & the UK
Certified Platinum in France, Hungary, Poland, & Spain
Certified 2x Platinum in Germany
Certified 3x Platinum in Russia
(Wikipedia)
Thursday, June 8, 2023
Who Are You?
In this edition of Who Are You?, I am introducing Spector - a gorgeous bass guitar collection.
Spector
https://www.zzounds.com/a--3960264/cat--Spector--3403Spector
Spector Euro Series
Samples shown for this series are limited in stock - Last one indicated.
All are in the $2,000+ to $3,000+ range.
Spector Legend Series
Legend 4 Standard & Legend 5 Standard are in the $500 range.
Spector Performer Series
The bass guitars shown for this series range from $300+ to $400+. While these prices may sound steep, they are perfect for a novice mastering all that needs to be known about the bass guitar.
Spector NS Ethos, Dimension & Pulse
Samples shown for this series range from $1,000+ to $2,000+.
The Euro, NS Ethos, Dimension, & Pulse are best meant for pros and collectors.
Follow the links above to explore all that Spector has to offer.