Tuesday, April 30, 2024

April 2024 Set List

April 2024 


1.  Desire
2.  I'll Wait
3.   Girls On Film
4.  Once In a Lifetime
5.  West End Girls
6.  Precious
7.  Celebration
8.  Shining Star
9.  Where Are You Going
10.  Tell Me True

Monday, April 29, 2024

The Royal Wedding - Prince William & Catherine Middleton

(The ultimate way to steal thunder from those with birthdays on April 29th.)

The Duke of Jazz

 

April 29, 1899 - May 24, 1974

Jazz pianist, composer, and leader of his Duke Ellington jazz orchestra - big band

Honors -
Hollywood Walk of Fame, 1960
Honorary Doctorate of Humanities from Milton College, 1964
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, 1966
Presidential Medal of Freedom, 1969
Honorary PhD. from Berklee College of Music, 1971
Legion of Honor by France (highest civilian honor), 1973
Posthumous Pulitzer Prize for lifetime contributions to music and culture, 1999

11 Grammy Award Nominations
14 Grammy Award Wins
Grammy Award for Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album (1988)

9 recordings inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame

Impressive list of honors and inductions - refer to the source link below to read more.


Big band jazz would not be to a fun swing and oh did Duke Ellington know how to get everyone on their feet.

Along with Ella Fitzgerald...

"It Don't Mean a Thing (If It Ain't Got That Swing)"
(Inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008)

Happy Birthday, Duke Ellington.  My privilege to be a "birthday twin."

1983

(Disclaimer - Amazon Associate)

Released in November 1983

Point of intrigue - Recording sessions took place between April and October 1983...April being my birth month and, if you believe in this, October is my half birthday month.

3rd album 
Genres - Snyth Pop, Dance
Album name meaning - The 5 Duran Duran members & their two managers - "ragged tigers" or success

Reception -
Poor reviews but successful commercially
First and only UK number one 
No. 1 in the Netherlands
No. 2 in Australia
No. 3 in Finland
No. 7 in Canada
No. 8 in the U.S.
No. 11 in Austria & New Zealand
No. 12 in Italy
No. 14 in Norway
No. 16 in Switzerland
No. 17 in Germany
No. 19 in Sweden
3 successful singles - 
"Union of the Snake" 
"New Moon on Monday"
"The Reflex" remix
Worldwide tour with live album and concert films

Last album with the original lineup until Astronaut

Track List
- Side One -
1.  The Reflex
2.  New Moon on Monday 
3.  (I'm Looking For) Cracks in the Pavement
4.  I Take the Dice
5.  Of Crime and Passion
- Side Two -
1.  Union of the Snake
2.  Shadows on Your Side
3.  Tiger Tiger
4.  The Seventh Stranger

Certified Gold in Finland, the Netherlands, & Switzerland
Certified Platinum in New Zealand & the UK
Certified 2x Platinum in the U.S.
Certified 3x Platinum in Canada

Sunday, April 28, 2024

Two For One

Here we go,

On April 28, 1983, my mom ate two breakfasts, two lunches, and two dinners. She may have not known why or her soul knew her date was coming or who knows.  Nonetheless, her two meals at a time were fed into a belly holding only one fetus...two for one.

Two for one on Set List -

"Rio" Live from London  - Two levels of energy in one song

Saturday, April 27, 2024

Alternatively - Portugal. The Man

Portugal.  The Man

American rock band

Formed - Wasilla, Alaska

Based - Portland, Oregon

- Discography -

Waiter:  "You Vultures!" (2006)

Church Mouth (2007)

Censored Colors (2008)

The Satanic Satanist (2009)

American Ghetto (2010)

In the Mountain in the Cloud (2011)

Evil Friends (2013)

Woodstock (2017)

Chris Black Changed My Life (2023)

- Honors -

UK Music Video Awards - 1 Nomination (2013/2017)

World Music Awards - 1 Nomination (2014)

- 2018 -

Grammy Awards - 1 Win ... Billboard Music Awards - 3 Nominations ... ASCAP Pop Awards - 1 Win ... New Music Awards - 1 Win 

iHeartRadio Music Awards - 1 Nomination (2019)

(Wikipedia)

Friday, April 26, 2024

Birthday Boy, Roger Andrew Taylor!

b. April 26, 1960

Discography w/ Duran Duran
Duran Duran (1981)
Rio (1982)
Seven and the Ragged Tiger (1983)
Thank You 
(1995 - drums for "Perfect Day" & "Watching the Detectives")
Astronaut (2004)
Reportage (2006 - unreleased)
Red Carpet Massacre (2007)
All You Need Is Now (2010)
Paper Gods (2015)
Future Past (2021)
Danse Macabre (2023)

Discography w/ Arcadia
So Red the Rose (1985)

Freebass
"Love Is Like Oxygen"
(1997)

Funk Face
"Shine" & "Lost This Feeling"
(2001)

Guest Appearance
Drums on "Some Like It Hot"
The Power Station (1985)


Thursday, April 25, 2024

2001WS Gm7: Trumpeter McGuire performs anthem

The ultimate baseball classic tune.
The ultimate post season.
The ultimate game.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Monday, April 22, 2024

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Set List Special Edition - Fashion Sense Questionnaire

Where Sundays are reserved for favorite posts throughout the week, I thought I would take a brief detour to share an ultimate favorite - a fashion questionnaire for an entrepreneurial business I am hoping to launch.  My goal is to be a virtual personal shopper in the realm of women's fashion.

On Set List, the choice of music that best reflects the questionnaire is Duran Duran's "Girl Panic!".

As an avid follower of the British royal family, Kate Middleton shines as she beats the odds against cancer.  With or without her defining cascading hair, she is a fashion icon for our generation.  Couture formal to high end casual, Catherine Princess of Wales can make any style effortless and exquisite.  

Duran Duran will forever inspire Set List.  Kate will forever inspire my passion for fashion.

Saturday, April 20, 2024

Alternatively - Blind Melon

Blind Melon

American rock band

Formed in 1990 in Los Angeles

Lineup -

Rogers Stevens & Christopher Thorn - Guitarists

Glen Graham - Drummer

Travis Warren - Vocalist

Nathan Towne - Bassist

The lineup disbanded in 1999 when a lead vocalist could not be found to replace the late original lead, Shannon Hoon (October 21, 1995).  Travis Warren was brought onboard in 2006, left, and returned in 2010 to play gigs.

Signature song - "No Rain"

Discography -

Blind Moon (1992)

Soup (1995)

For My Friends (2008)

Over 3.2 million albums sold as of 2008

4 Grammy Award Nominations

(Wikipedia)

Thursday, April 18, 2024

Classic Baseball Tunes


Trivia -
Where the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago White Sox have a sharp division amongst fans, the same can be said of the Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees with a rivalry stemming over 100 years.

"...greatest rivalry in all of sports..."

Red Sox v. Yankees - American League Championship Series x 3
Yankees won in 1999 & 2000 ... Red Sox won in 2004

Red Sox v. Yankees - American League Division Series in 2018
Red Sox won in 4 games

Red Sox v. Yankees - American League Wild Card Game 
Red Sox won

The Red Sox won the American League title in 1904.  The Yankees won the American League title in 1949.

Both teams tied for first place in 1978.

As for Set List - "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond is a staple for the team and fans...

...and this is where I will leave off.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band


8th album ... Released in May 1967

Certified Gold in Brazil and France
Certified Platinum in Germany and Italy
Certified 2x Platinum in Argentina
Certified 3x Platinum in Argentina (CD Issue) & Denmark
Certified 4x Platinum in Australia 
Certified 6x Platinum in New Zealand
Certified 8x Platinum in Canada
Certified 11x Platinum in the U.S.
Certified 18x Platinum in the UK

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Fine Quality - Fashion Price

In this edition of Sunday Favorite, my top choice is:

Sparkling COVET Jewels

The jewelry in the link above is in Stella & Dot's COVET collection.  COVET jewels are made with exquisite material and come at a premium, hence COVET.

In this entry, I am sharing a new fine jewelry line that is high end in design on an everyday budget.  Where related to Set List, think the models in "Girl Panic!" as a model in you!

Pura Vida Bracelets

Brand Ambassador

Code - LAURENHOVIS20

Pura Vida Bracelets, or Pura Vida, is boho beach in theme with a variety of styles appealing to a variety of customers.  Ages, budgets, and interests are covered.  Iconic bracelets, necklaces, rings, anklets, toe rings, unique engraving, demi-fine, and so much more...

Demi-Fine jewelry is set apart with its materials of exquisite quality and therefore higher price tags.  Consider 18kt gold plating, sterling silver, and natural stones to create beautifully treasured pieces. For example -

$40

Available in 18kt Gold & Sterling Silver
Cubic Zirconia Stone
Sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
$40

Available in 18kt Gold & Sterling Silver
White Topaz Stone
$40

Available in 18kt Gold & Sterling Silver
Clear Quartz Stone
Sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
$40

Circlet Hoop Earrings
Available in 18kt gold & sterling silver
White Topaz Stone
$45

Demi-Fine Engravable Bar Ring
Available in 18kt Gold & Sterling Silver
Sizes 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
$40

Herkimer Stud Earrings
$40

...and many more...

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Alternatively - Puddle of Mudd


American rock band formed in 1992 in Kansas, Missouri

Genres considered - Post Grunge, Hard Rock, Heavy Metal

Original lineup -
Wes Scantlin - Lead vocals, Rhythm guitar*
*Only consistent member
Jimmy Allen - Lead Guitar
Sean Sammon - Bass
Kenny Burkitt - Drums

Honors -
Over 7 million albums sold
Come Clean debut - Over 5 million albums sold


Every artist and every band comes with musical baggage, if you will.  Musicians can perform solo, collaborate, work in a band, find tension within a band that leads to separation, and so on.  Yet, fans still love their favorites.

Here is where I cross the line though - Puddle of Mudd is not typical of my iTunes playlist.  The lyrics and vocals are intense but I personally have found meaning behind the words and so I like the band.  However, while doing research about the band, I came across violent and threatening actions by Wes Scantlin against fans while on stage as well as being booed off for lip syncing.  I do not condone such behavior and is a huge let down for those who actually like the band's songs.


Blurry

Set List Alternative

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Classic Baseball Tunes



The Chicago Cubs are by far one of the most historic teams in baseball.  Wrigley Field and ivy coverage.  The World Series 108-year "drought" that finally broke in 2016.  (Although truth be told, the Cubs won in 1907 and 1908.)  Point of interest - The drought was the longest in all major league sport in the U.S. and Canada.  The iconic feud between the south side White Sox and the north sider Cubs. 

And then there is the Cubs tradition of a celebrity/audience sing along to "Take Me Out To the Ballgame" during the 7th inning stretch.

Baseball teams around the country have unique ball parks, songs, and traditions.  The Cubbies have not only the 7th inning stretch but also a classic tune that leaves the want of more excitement.

So play ball!

 

Diamonds on the Soles of Her Shoes

April Gal
Diamonds are a girl's best friend.

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

Set List Special Edition

Robert "Bob" Flosi

April 9, 1921 - January 19, 1977

In Memory

E. Estelle Zander Flosi was my treasured grandma.  She was my life and her passing on September 14, 2021 will never sit well with my mental state.  I will grieve forever. 

Grandma was Bob Flosi's wife of many years.  Unbeknownst to each other, both were born and raised in Illinois.  Unbeknownst to each other, both moved to California.  What they did know is the day they met, their courtship, their wedding, and their marriage with want of starting a family.  

Grandma miscarried six times but they still wanted a family.  Along came Laura Flosi at birth and Lisa Flosi at birth.

Bob was to Grandma as Grandpa was to me.  He was my spiritual life and I loved him very much through shared stories.  

Grandpa passed away from bone cancer and was surrounded by family.  They knew his time was coming and that his suffering would soon end.

From Heaven, he knows about me - visiting my mom when I was two months old to meet his first grandchild, visiting me through the scent of cigars, and recently visiting me through the scent of cigarettes.  I remember telling Grandma and Mom that he was in my bedroom to say hi.

As with previous memorials on Set List, a top musician in the year of Grandpa's birth is highlighted.

In 1921 -

Paul Whiteman
March 28, 1890 - December 29, 1967

Number 1 Musician in 1921

Bandleader, composer, orchestral director, violinist

"King of Jazz" - Confirmed by the one and only Duke Ellington

Of his many hits, two songs Paul Whiteman is well known for are "Wang Wang Blues" and "Rhapsody in Blue" (further associated with George Gershwin).

Honors -
(1927) "Rhapsody in Blue" inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (1974)

Inducted into the Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame in 1993

(1920) "Whispering" inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (1998)


Rhapsody In Blue listed in the National Recording Registry (2003)
"Whispering" listed in the National Recording Registry (2020)

(1928) Ol' Man River inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame (2006)

Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Recording (Hollywood Blvd)
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Radio (Vine Street)

Inducted into the Colorado Music Hall of Fame (2016)


Rhapsody In Blue
Transends pop culture over the decades
Transends music genres over the decades
Transends audience interest over the decades
A classic in every way - 20th to 21st Centuries

Monday, April 8, 2024

Totality 2024

 Solar Eclipse 2024

Full & Partial Totality

Profound Unity

Set List

Profound Unity

1.  New Moon On Monday

2.  Celebration

3.  Happy

4.  Once In a Lifetime

5.  Driven to Tears

There will be a long journey to the next solar eclipse of this caliber so remember to unite through music and the common impact the universe has on all.

Set List Special Edition

Janet Thompson Hovis

April 8, 1925 - November 9, 2021

Janet was one of three children to Isabel and Bif Stouder Thompson.  He served in World War 1 and she was a house wife.  Janet had an older brother, Henry, and an older sister, Natalie.  Janet and Natalie defined friendship and sisterhood.  

Janet was very eager to be a grandmother when she grew older.  I came along in 1983 and her "golden child" Michaela came along in 1993.  Grammy and I were never close and in fact argued more than I want to admit.  Michaela and Grammy, on the other hand, were the best of friends and bonded by love.

Enough about the family tree.  

In this Set List Special Edition, I am honoring music in 1925...Janet's 99th birthday year.  May she and her family honor and celebrate in Heaven.

January - "Tea for Two"

February - "I'll See You in My Dreams"

March - "Oh Lady Be Good"

June - "Sweet Georgia Brown" ... "The Saint Louis Blues"

July - "Yes Sir, That's My Baby"

August - "Manhattan" ... "I Want to Be Happy"

September - "If You Knew Susie (Like I Know Susie)"

November - "Remember"

As for individual musicians. one name consistently comes up in research - Hank Thompson.  As mentioned above, Grammy's brother was named Henry but, with Hank as a common alternative, was not this musician.

With clarity set, let's learn more about Hank.

September 3, 1925 - November 6, 2007

Genre considered - Country, Western Swing

Leader of The Brazos Valley Boys
No. 1 on Billboard for 14 years - in the considered genres

Hank's list of albums and singles are exhausting to list here, so know only that his works date from 1952.

Honor -
Inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (1989)