The crisp relief of summer has arrived.
A touch of late summer lingers though.
Colors. Falling leaves. Early sunset.
Fall equinox arrival.
Monday, September 23, 2024
Sunday, September 22, 2024
Saturday, September 21, 2024
French National Anthem - "La Marseillaise" (FR/EN)
Paris Olympics 2024
Ranked #5 in Medal Count
Gold - 16 ... Silver - 26 ... Bronze - 22
Friday, September 20, 2024
Lauren Hovis Publications - Weekly Top Seller
In this edition of Lauren Hovis Publications on Set List, the week's best seller is Birthday Girl Notebook.
I imagine you are wondering one thought - Why would a notebook with birthday sheet cake cover image be a feature on Set List?
My justification - The song "Happy Birthday" to her or to him.
A unique twist on a blog all about music.
Thursday, September 19, 2024
King of Pop
Of Michael Jackson's many songs, one will always stand out - "Thriller." Yet, his signatures began with "Billie Jean" in 1983. So let's explore that hit.
"Billie Jean"
Second single from Jackson's 6th album, Thriller (Released in 1982)
Released in January 1983
Genres considered - Post-Disco, R&B, Funk, Dance-Pop
No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
No. 1 on Billboard Hot Black Singles
No. 1 in the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Switzerland, and Belgium - to name a few
No. 58 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (2004)
No. 44 on Rolling Stone's list in 2021
Included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll
"Billie Jean" helped Thriller become the best-selling album of all time
"Billie Jean" became Jackson's best selling solo single
A best-selling single of all time
2 Grammy Awards
American Music Award
Certified Gold in New Zealand and the UK*
Certified Platinum in France and Germany
Certified 2x Platinum in Canada and Italy
Certified 3x Platinum in Denmark and Spain
Certified 4x Platinum in the UK**
Certified 9x Platinum in Australia
Certified Diamond + 2x Platinum in Mexico
Certified Diamond in the U.S.
*Initial sales - 500,000
**Later sales - 2,400,000
Wednesday, September 18, 2024
Gershwin Brothers
Ira Gershwin
December 6, 1896 - August 17, 1983
"Rhapsody in Blue" is iconic and solidified in the history of 20th Century music. United Airlines is the most well-known sponsor for the song. George Gershwin is a profound asset to music inspiring those that follow him then and now.
And then there is Ira Gershwin - George's older brother and equally known for his collaborations with his brother.
Ira was a lyricist and George was a composer. Ira wrote over 12 Broadway shows. Noteworthy songs include "I Got Rhythm," "Embraceable You," "The Man I Love," and "Someone to Watch Over Me."
Ira was nominated for 3 Academy Awards for Best Original Song.
Ira was the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Of Thee I Sing (1932).
The George and Ira Gershwin Lifetime Musical Achievement Award established in 1988 at UCLA...The UCLA fight song is in honor of the Gershwin brothers - "Strike Up the Band in UCLA."
Tuesday, September 17, 2024
Monday, September 16, 2024
Harry Connick Jr. - It Had to Be You
Fall, Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
...Whether crisp or humid, frigid or thawed...
...Find yourself lost in comedy and romance...
...Much the way you would to favorite music...
Sunday, September 15, 2024
Glenn Frey - The Heat Is On (From "Beverly Hills Cop" Soundtrack)
September 15, 2024
Chicago, Illinois
89 Degrees
----------------------------------------
Heat even for Indian Summer
Saturday, September 14, 2024
Friday, September 13, 2024
Lauren Hovis Publications - September Top Sellers
In this edition of Play It Friday, I am continuing my promotion of Lauren Hovis Publications.
In this month of September alone, my top sellers include -
(Most in demand)
Thursday, September 12, 2024
Lucille Ball - The Queen of Comedy - Cultural Retrospective
Lucille Desiree Ball
August 6, 1911 - April 26, 1989
American actress, comedian, producer, & studio executive
One of the most influential women in the 20th Century for work in these areas (Time, 2020)
Primetime Emmy Awards -
13 Nominations, 5 Wins
Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
2 stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
Women in Film Crystal Award
Inducted into the Television Hall of Fame
Kennedy Center Honor
Governors Award from the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences
She was born in 1911 and passed away in 1989. Lucille Ball's story is detailed in between.
Read more on Wikipedia
The musical opening credits make sense to Set List as a music blog.
Lucille Ball makes sense as the queen of comedy and cultural retrospective on Set List.
"Vitameatavegamin"
Classic performance
Iconic episode in the history of television
"Lucy Does the Tango"
Audience reaction set a record
Longest recorded laughter
Sitcom - 67 seconds
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
Taps
September 11, 2001
World Trade Center - 2,753 lives lost
Pentagon - 184 lives lost
Shanksville, Pennsylvania - 40 lives lost
------------------------------------------------------
Politics aside...Societal divisions aside
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America Strong
Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Remember When...
2004
Astronaut Tour
Simon, Nick, Andy, John, Roger
...Original lineup reminisce...
...through music & live performance...
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
-----------------------------------------------------
2003 - 2022
The Ellen DeGeneres Show
33 Daytime Emmy Awards
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Memory lane indeed
Monday, September 9, 2024
Indian Summer
The unofficial start to Fall is Labor Day.
Indian Summer warmth lingers.
The want of crisp chill.
Sunday, September 8, 2024
Sunday Favorite
In today's edition of Sunday Favorite, I am torn between "Black Water" and Duran Duran live on a cold Fall morning in New York City. I suppose I could lean toward Duran Duran because I will always remember watching the performance on television. On the other hand, my mom got me into The Doobie Brothers and "Black Water" is a mental loop in my mind.
I truly cannot decide so...
The decision is yours. Leave a comment at the end of this post with your thoughts and what would be your favorite.
Saturday, September 7, 2024
John Williams: "Olympic Fanfare and Theme"
In Honor
2024 Olympic Games - Paris, France
Global Sports Signature Anthem
Friday, September 6, 2024
Thursday, September 5, 2024
Jack Benny - The King of Comedy - Cultural Retrospective
born Benjamin Kubelsky
February 14, 1894 - December 26, 1974
Known for -
Violinist, Vaudeville - "modest success"
"...one of the leading entertainers of the 20th Century..."
Comedic career in radio, television, and film
Comedic timing leading to contagious reaction -
i.e.: Long pause, Signature expression "Well!"
i.e.: Perpetually 39 years old
Influence on the sitcom genre
Jack Benny's career in radio and television maintained popularity from 1932 to his passing in 1974.
Point of intrigue - Jack was known for being a poor violinist in order to get a humorous response. In reality, he was considered a child prodigy.
Radio - 1932 to 1955 ... Television - 1950 to 1965
Television Honor - Emmy Award for Best Comedy Show
Cast Members -
Mary Livingstone (Benny's real life wife)
Phil Harris/Band Leader
Dennis Day*
*In character, Dennis Day had a nearly young boy voice. His deeper voice when singing was his actual vocal tone. He was of Irish decent - hence the themes to many of his songs such as "When Irish Eyes Are Smiling."
Don Wilson/Announcer
Eddie Anderson - on the show, "Rochester Van Jones" or "Rochester" as Benny's valet...First black man to have a recurring role on a national radio program
"Yankee Doodle Dandy" & "Love in Bloom" were theme songs to The Jack Benny Program.
When fans tuned in to the radio, imagination to actor scripts and settings was vivid, creative, and genuinely funny. Live audiences fed on delivery and interaction among the actors to test the actors staying in character while roaring with laughter.
I am two generations behind Jack Benny, his family, and his fellow cast members but I am considered an old soul in that I interact better with those older than me rather than my peers. I tend to appreciate historic comedy and select contemporary comedy.
Historic comedy did not have to try to generate a response. Quick phrases became timeless humor such as the iconic lines, "Your money or your life" and Benny's delivery, "I'm thinking it over!"
When a guest on television talk shows, Jack would rest his head in his hand and this found the audience cracking up.
From humor on the radio to humor on screen, Jack Benny proved to be the king of comedy.
Honors -
Hollywood Walk of Fame...3 Stars (1960)*
*2 Stars for motion pictures & television on Hollywood Boulevard
*1 Star for radio on Vine Street
Television Hall of Fame (1988)
National Radio Hall of Fame (1989)
Broadcasting and Cable Hall of Fame
Laureate of The Lincoln Academy of Illinois
Awarded the Order of Lincoln (Illinois's highest honor, 1972)
Jack Benny Middle School in Waukegan, IL (hometown)
"Home of the 39rs"
British comedian, Benny Hill, changed his birth name to Benny in Jack's honor (Hill's birthname was Alfred Hawthorne Hill)
Parov Stelar, a staple to the Set List theme, is a musical genius to blend entirely separate genres into one that makes sense and fun to listen to.
Jack Benny dabbled in music, mainly as a violinist and selecting themes to his program. On a historic level, being a feature on Set List makes sense.
What makes the most sense is one take away - he was a musical prodigy and comedic prodigy.
Wednesday, September 4, 2024
What Were Once Vices Are Now Habits
4th studio album
Released in February 1974
"Black Water" - sold over one million copies
No. 1 single from the album
Tracks - Side One
1. Song to See You Through
2. Spirit
3. Pursuit on 53rd St.
4. Black Water
5. Eyes of Silver
6. Road Angel
--------------------------------------
Tracks - Side Two
7. You Just Can't Stop It
8. Tell Me What You Want (And I'll Give You What You Need)
9. Down in the Track
10. Another Park, Another Sunday
11. Daughters of the Sea
12. Flying Cloud
Certified Gold in Australia
The Doobie Brothers
Doobie Brothers
L - R
John Cowan, Patrick Simmons,
Tom Johnston, John McFee
American rock band formed in 1970 in San Jose, California
Founding members -
Patrick Simmons (Guitar, Banjo, Recorder, Vocals)
Tom Johnston (Guitar, Keyboard, Harmonica, Vocals)
John McFee (Guitar, Pedal Steel Guitar, Mandolin, Banjo, Violin, Cello, Harmonica, Vocals)
Other members -
Michael McDonald (Keyboards, Synthesizers, Vocals)
Jeff "Skunk" Baxter (Guitar)
Tiran Porter (Bass)
John Hartman/Michael Hossack/Keith Knudsen (Drummers)
Touring members -
John Cowan (Bass, Vocals)
Marc Russo (Saxophone)
Ed Toth (Drums)
Marc Quinones (Percussion, Backing Vocals)
14 studio albums
6 albums reached the Top 10 on Billboard 200
6 live albums
Several greatest hits compilations*
*Best of the Doobies (1976...Certified Diamond in the U.S.)
**The band's best selling album (10 million records)
Grammy Awards -
Best Pop Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group*
(Minute by Minute, 1978)
"What a Fool Believes" single from the above album won 3 Grammys
Singles success
"Black Water" (No. 1 in 1974)
"What a Fool Believes" (No. 1 in 1979)
...amongst others...
"Listen to the Music"
"Jesus is Just Alright"
"Long Train Runnin'"
"China Grove"
"Takin' It to the Streets"
"The Doctor"
...air play...
Rotation on classic rock radio stations
Honors -
Inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame (2004)
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2020)
Over 40 million records sold worldwide
Tuesday, September 3, 2024
Remember when...
2004
Astronaut Tour
Simon, Nick, Andy, John, Roger
...Original lineup reminisce...
...through music & live performance...
Frost in the air ... Warm sunrise
Memory lane indeed
Monday, September 2, 2024
Labor Day Announcement
Dear readers and passersby,
In recognition of the Labor Day holiday, I am taking a break from Set List. I will return tomorrow, September 3rd.
Sunday, September 1, 2024
Sunday Favorite
On this first Sunday in September, I am taking the opportunity to once again promote my publications.
On this seventh day in the week, I will highlight my seventh book - Happy New Year.
This year, 2024, is making a beeline to the end and somehow there hasn't been a way to stop and take in all that is offered in the summer season. September reflects the holiday season just around the corner, whether a refreshing realization or not ready and make late summer slow down.
Happy New Year is my latest publication on Amazon, after Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays. For peace of mind, this is just a series and not a push to go holiday shopping.
Enjoy the crisp Fall season. Bundle up in the cold winter season.
Look forward to all that the holiday season has to offer in any faith.
Waive goodbye to an interesting year.
Happy New Year
Saturday, August 31, 2024
August 2024 Set List
August 2024
1. The Sun
2. Eruption
3. Fuel the Fire
4. Ring of Fire
5. Steam
6. Water
7. Eminence Front
8. Alive & Kicking
9. Where It's At
10. Rio
August 2024 Set List
Friday, August 30, 2024
Signature
Every band and every solo artist has a signature classic to their name that is guaranteed to be on a concert set list.
With so much talk of Seal recently, his signature is "Kiss from a Rose."
So I thought I would take this opportunity to highlight all the best from a Seal classic.
Released as a single in July 1994
Included in the 1994 film soundtrack for The NeverEnding Story III
Re-released in the 1995 film soundtrack for Batman Forever
Point of intrigue - The re-release boosted "Kiss from a Rose" to No. 1 in the U.S. and Australia. The song also reached the Top 10 in such countries as Canada, France, Iceland, and Norway.
1996 Grammy Award Wins -
Record of the Year
Song of the Year
Best Male Pop Vocal Performance
Certified Gold in France, Norway, Spain, the U.S. (physical), the U.S. (digital)
Certified Platinum in Australia and Denmark
Certified 2x Platinum in the UK
Thursday, August 29, 2024
The Irish Tenors - Danny Boy
"Danny Boy" was an emotionally sensitive song...
...When Irish eyes smile...
...Her Swedish eyes were tearful...
A memory she would rather have forgotten.
Jag ar ledsen att jag delar med mig, Mor Mor
(I am sorry to share, Grandma.)
Wednesday, August 28, 2024
Tuesday, August 27, 2024
Kiss from a Rose...Seal
Referred to as Seal II to avoid confusion with eponymous debut album
Released in 1994
"Kiss from a Rose" - "worldwide smash hit"
Point of interest - The cover image has frequently been used on singles covers and on Seal's greatest hits album.
Track List
1. Bring It On
2. Prayer for the Dying
3. Dreaming in Metaphors
4. Don't Cry
5. Fast Changes
6. Kiss from a Rose*
7. People Asking Why
8. Newborn Friend
9. If I Could
10. I'm Alive
11. Bring It On (Reprise)
Certified Gold in Brazil, Germany, & the Netherlands
Certified Platinum in Australia & New Zealand
Certified 2x Platinum in the UK
Certified 5x Platinum in the U.S.
*"Kiss from a Rose" received numerous awards and certifications. Follow the link highlighted.
Monday, August 26, 2024
Striking Sandblasted Guitar Collection - Purple
Disclaimer - This post contains an affiliate link and I will earn a small commission on any purchase made at no cost to you.
PRS SE Swamp Ash CE24 Sandblasted
Limited Edition Electric Guitar
(with Gig Bag) ... Purple finish ... $699
Sunday, August 25, 2024
Crazy Sunday
On this last Sunday in August, I feel like going crazy...Seal's "Crazy." In this post, I am not sharing the song via YouTube but rather the impressive success garnered for "Crazy." So...
The most iconic cover of "Crazy" was by Alanis Morissette for her 2005 compilation album, The Collection.
As for the original -
No. 2 in the UK Singles Chart & first Top 10 in the U.S. ...
Sold over 200,000 copies ...
No. 83 on Billboard Hot 100 (peaked at No. 7) ...
Top 5 on Modern Rock Tracks
Top 20 on Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales
Seal's biggest hit in the U.S. until "Kiss from a Rose"
1992 Ivor Novello Award for songwriting
Certified Silver in the UK
Saturday, August 24, 2024
Crazy for Seal
In this final edition of going crazy for a musician &/or song &/or album, I am going crazy for Seal - not just the artist but the debut album in his name.
Debut solo album released in 1991
No. 1 in the UK
Best British Album at the 1992 BRIT Awards
Tracks
1. The Beginning
2. Deep Water
3. Crazy
4. Killer
5. Whirlpool
6. Future Love Paradise
7. Wild
8. Show Me
9. Violet
Certified Gold in Australia, Austria, Brazil, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and New Zealand
Certified Platinum in Switzerland and the U.S.
Certified 2x Platinum in the UK
Certified 3x Platinum in Canada
Friday, August 23, 2024
Maoz Tzur (Rock Of Ages) - Hanukkah Songs
In the Jewish faith, Hanukkah encapsules the religious celebration. Yet, Christmas and all that entails dominates the media and retail to satisfy the Christian belief. Many want to see the decorated and colorfully lit tree, mantle decor, and indoor/outdoor home decor. The financial industry skyrockets on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and "regular" days taken to shopping. Of course, though, those hundreds & thousands & millions if not more please retail in the moment when in actuality, the gifts won't be around the following year (perhaps because of children's toys being outgrown).
Hanukkah is honored silently. Although fictional, consider the syndicated television series, "Friends." "Ross Geller" & "Monica Geller" are of Jewish faith respected by "Ross" but not by "Monica" who decorates her apartment with a tree and all over. Perhaps this is because the audience and viewers relate more.
I am not Jewish but I have enormous respect for the religious faith and beliefs. And so to cap off the work week with, like the holidays, Jewish celebration in August, enjoy a series of Hanukkah songs as compiled on YouTube.
(Explore Lauren Hovis Publications for a copy of Happy Hanukkah. The title is under Lauren's Top Links.)
Thursday, August 22, 2024
Musical Memories - "The Sunday After" Bill Evans
William "Bill" Evans
b. February 8, 1958
American saxophonist (tenor & soprano)
(There is a prior Bill Evans who played jazz piano. He was born on August 16, 1929 and passed away on September 15, 1980.)
Bill Evans once performed with the Miles Davis group in the 1980s and has since worked with his own bands.
17+ solo albums
Genres included - bluegrass, jazz, funk
2 Grammy Award nominations
Musical Memories
When I listen to "The Sunday After," I feel a sense of loss into musical romance and reminiscence of days I will always miss.
When I listen to "The Sunday After," I consider "Save A Prayer" by Duran Duran and the lyric "...'til the morning after..."
Although neither is the same in terms of genre and musical style, the message if on a literal level is similar. Wait until after. Only the best after. Love after. Yet after. What is after?
I will let you decide.