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
Tuesday, April 30, 2024
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)
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
Friday, April 19, 2024
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
Monday, April 15, 2024
Sunday, April 14, 2024
Fine Quality - Fashion Price
In this edition of Sunday Favorite, my top choice is:
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.
Friday, April 12, 2024
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!
Wednesday, April 10, 2024
Sparkling COVET Jewels
Stella & Dot ... Lauren Hovis Ambassador
COVET Fine Jewelry - Display Birthstones
Discount code - LAURENALAIN20
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)
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)