June 2025
Set List
1. Boys of Summer
2. Take Me Out To the Ballgame
3. Reach Up For the Sunrise
4. Rio
5. Carnival
6. Beautiful Day
7. Wild
8. Alive and Kicking
9. Eruption
10. Where the Road Will Lead Us
Monday, June 30, 2025
Sunday, June 29, 2025
June Birthday Season - Happy Birthday, Frank Loesser
Frank Henry Loesser
June 29, 1910 - July 28, 1969
American songwriter - Musical Theater
Best known for writing the music and lyrics for Broadway's Guys and Dolls & How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, to name a few.
Tony Award for Guys and Dolls
1955 film version starring Marlon Brando, Jean Simmons, Frank Sinatra, and Vivian Blaine
Pulitzer Prize for Drama & Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album for How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying
Wrote songs for over 60 Hollywood films
5 Academy Award Nominations
1 Academy Award for Best Original Song Win -
"Baby, It's Cold Outside"
"Jingle Jangle Jingle"
Top 100 Western Songs of All Time
by Western Writers of America
Wrote the book, music, and lyrics for The Most Happy Fella (1956) & Greenwillow (1960) ... Tony Award nomination for both
Saturday, June 28, 2025
Friday, June 27, 2025
Island Paradise Albums Part 3
On this June 27th, I am concluding the Island Paradise Albums theme with a welcome. As a cap, what album(s) &/or song(s) would be a must to keep you company on a deserted island paradise? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section below!
Island Paradise Albums
Part 3
"Welcome to the Jungle"
At face value, "Welcome to the Jungle" is a defining song to rock to if deserted on a tropical island. After all, "jungle" is rather enticing. Although I am fairly certain "Welcome to the Jungle" is not about jungle tropics, the beat and intense lyrics will keep you well aware of your surroundings. If heavy metal is your genre of choice, an island paradise really will be a paradise. If jungle tropics are intriguing, an island paradise really will be the perfect destination.
- The Very Best of Deee-Lite -
Psychedelic Groove
Set List
Vivid colors and bold designs encapsule Deee-Lite album covers and music videos. "Groove Is in the Heart" is an excellent example of psychedelic groove, fashion sense throwback, and getting lost in time. If deserted on an island paradise, getting lost in time is a reasonable possibility. Although...if you are deserted on an island paradise, is lost in time worth the feeling knowing the beauty that surrounds you?
- Duran Duran Live from London -
Just because
Set List
The sights, sounds, and experience of an island paradise were launched by the Hawaiian album, HAPA. If deserted, HAPA is the definition of what to keep you company music and overall entertainment wise. The pace of the album compliments the pace of island living - relaxed and upbeat at the same time. On the other hand, Duran Duran's Live from London DVD is powerful, strongly engaging, and loud. If you need an energy boost while lounging on the beach or resort poolside, Duran Duran Live from London is a must.
And there you have it - the cap to Island Paradise Albums. What would you bring?
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Mirror Image - Alanis Morissette
Alanis Nadine Morissette
Canadian American singer, songwriter, musician, & actress
Genres considered - Alternative Rock, Post Grunge, Electronica, Indie Pop, Pop Rock
Over 60 million records sold worldwide - One of the world's best-selling music artists
Accolades -
1 Brit Award
7 Grammy Awards
14 Juno Awards
2 Golden Globe Nominations
1 Tony Award Nomination
"Crazy"
Cover for a Gap ad in 2005
Briefly heard in The Devil Wears Prada
Popular in nightclubs
Released in the U.S. in October 2005
Popular but yet to enter Billboard Hot 100
Top Ten on Adult Top 40
Second Top Ten on Hot Dance Club Play
No. 29 in Canada
No. 65 in the UK
Mirror Image - Seal
Seal Henry Olusegun Olumide Adeola Samuel
English singer, songwriter, and record producer
Genres considered - Soul, Folk, Pop, Dance, Rock
Accolades -
3 Brit Awards
4 Grammy Awards
MTV Video Music Award
Seal - Debut album (1991)
"Crazy"
Released in November 1990
Released in the U.S. in 1991
No. 2 on UK Singles chart
Top Ten in the U.S.
No. 83 on Billboard Hot 100 (June)
No. 7 on Billboard Hot 100 (August)
Top Five on Billboard Modern Rock Tracks
Seal's biggest hit in the U.S. until "Kiss from a Rose"
Over 200,000 copies sold in the UK alone
Certified Silver in the UK
Ivor Novello Award for songwriting
An acoustic version reached No. 4 on Billboard Hot Digital Tracks.
Tuesday, June 24, 2025
Monday, June 23, 2025
The Big Bang Theory Intro & Exit WITH Lyrics
"The Big Bang Theory"
Opening credits
Defining iconic contemporary pop culture
September 24, 2007 - May 16, 2019
279 Episodes
Johnny Galecki (Leonard Hofstadter)
Jim Parsons (Sheldon Cooper)
Kaley Cuoco (Penny)
Simon Helberg (Howard Wolowitz)
Kunal Nayyar (Raj Koothrappali)
Melissa Rauch (Bernadette Rostenkowski)
Mayim Bialik (Amy Farrah Fowler)
Kevin Sussman (Stuart Bloom)
David Saltzberg - Professor in physics & astronomy at UCLA
Consultant - Dialogue, Equations, & Diagrams used as props
Consultant - Fact checked scripts
Attended tapings when "a lot of science" & whiteboards were involved
"Sheldon" was given an actual equation during the first season
Actual progress on whiteboards in Sheldon & Leonard's apartment
Mayim Bialik in real life has a PhD in neuroscience. David Saltzberg and Mayim would consult on matters of biology.
Theme song - Written and recorded by Canadian alternative rock band, Barenaked Ladies ... A feature on the band's greatest hits album,
Science
Nerd media
Leonard & Penny's relationship
Sheldon & Amy's relationship
"Soft Kitty"
Howard's mother
Apartment building elevator
Vanity cards
Emmy Award for Outstanding Comedy Series
Nominations from 2011 to 2014
Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series
Jim Parsons - 4 Wins
Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Television Comedy Series
Jim Parsons - 1 Win
A lot of science ... A lot of intrigue ... A lot of humor
A lot of love for characters and the actors who played them.
Sunday, June 22, 2025
June Birthday Season - Happy Birthday, Cyndi Lauper
Cynthia Ann Stephanie Lauper
b. June 22, 1953
American singer, songwriter, actress
Genres considered - Pop, Dance, New Wave, Rock
Sold over 50 million records worldwide
Debut album - She's So Unusual (1983)
First debut by a female artist to have 4 Top 5 hits on Billboard Hot 100
Best New Artist Grammy Award (1985)
Rolling Stone's 100 Best Albums of the 80s (1999)
No. 75
Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time (2003)
No. 487
National Recording Registry (2019)
Rolling Stone's 50 Essential "Women in Rock" Albums (2002)
No. 41
Popular singles -
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun," "Time After Time," "She Bop," "All Through the Night"
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" video -
Best Female Video Award at inaugural 1984 MTV Music Video Awards
No. 22 on Rolling Stone's 100 Top Music Videos (1993)
No. 39 on MTV's 100 Greatest Videos Ever Made (1999)
"Girls Just Want to Have Fun" -
No. 23 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 80s
Tony Award for Best Original Score (2013)
Broadway musical, Kinky Boots
Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album (2014)
Kinky Boots cast recording
Accolades -
2 Grammy Awards
1 Primetime Emmy Award
1 Tony Award
3 MTV Video Music Awards
4 Billboard Music Awards
2 American Music Awards
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame
No. 58 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll
Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2025
"Time After Time" -
No. 19 on VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of the 80s
Rolling Stone & MTV 100 Greatest Pop Songs (2000)
No. 66
Cyndi Lauper influenced such artists as Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, and more
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Set List Recommended - Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind
Released in October 1989
Sold over 3 million copies in the U.S. alone
Sold over 100,000 copies in Australia and the UK
Point of intrigue - This album is out of print but is available online for download and streaming.
Record Score -
AllMusic - 2.5/5 Stars
Chicago Tribune - 2/4 Stars
Los Angeles Times - 3/5 Stars
Music Week - (favorable)
Orlando Sentinel - 2/5 Stars
People Magazine - (favorable)
Rolling Stone - 4/5 Stars
Spin - (favorable)
The Vancouver Sun - 3/5 Stars
Track List -
1. Still Within the Sound of My Voice
2. Cry Like a Rainstorm
3. All My Life
4. I Need You
5. Don't Know Much
6. Adios
7. Trouble Again
8. I Keep It Hid
9. So Right, So Wrong
10. Shattered
11. When Something Is Wrong with My Baby
12. Goodbye My Friend
Certified Gold in the UK
Certified Platinum in Australia & Canada
Certified 3x Platinum in the U.S.
Set List Recommended - What's New
Released in September 1983
Review Score -
AllMusic - 2.5/5 Stars
Rolling Stone - 3/5 Stars
Time - 4.5/5 Stars
Global sales in excess of 5 million
Grammy nomination
(Best Pop Vocal Performance, Female)
Track List -
1. What's New?
2. I've Got a Crush on You
3. Guess I'll Hang My Tears Out to Dry
4. Crazy He Calls Me
5. Someone to Watch Over Me
6. I Don't Stand a Ghost of a Chance with You
7. What'll I Do
8. Lover Man (Oh Where Can You Be?)
9. Goodbye
"What's New?"
No. 53 on Billboard Hot 100
Certified Platinum in Canada
Certified 3x Platinum in the U.S.
Set List Recommended - Simple Dreams
8th album
Released in 1977
Second best-selling album by a female artist (behind Carole King's Tapestry)
5th consecutive Platinum-certified album
Over 3.5 million copies sold in the U.S. alone (record for a female artist)
No. 1 on Billboard Country Albums
No. 1 on Billboard Pop Albums
No. 15 UK Albums Chart
Record Score -
AllMusic - 4.5/5 Stars
The Rolling Stone Album Guide - 4/5 Stars
Track List -
Side One -
1. It's So Easy
2. Carlmelita
3. Simple Man, Simple Dream
4. Sorrow Lives Here
5. I Never Will Marry
Side Two -
1. Blue Bayou
2. Poor Poor Pitiful Me
3. Maybe I'm Right
4. Tumbling Dice
5. Old Paint
Certified Platinum in Hong Kong & New Zealand
Certified 2x Platinum in Canada
Certified 3x Platinum in the U.S.
Certified 5x Platinum in Australia
Set List Recommended - Linda Ronstadt Greatest Hits
First compilation album
Released in 1976
Over 7 million copies sold in the U.S. alone
No. 2 on Billboard Top Country Albums chart
No. 6 on Billboard 200
No. 24 on UK Albums
Review Scores -
AllMusic - 4.5/5 Stars
The Rolling Stone Album Guide - 4/5 Stars
Track List -
Side One -
1. You're No Good
2. Silver Threads and Golden Needles
3. Desperado
4. Love Is a Rose
5. That'll Be the Day
6. Long, Long Time
Side Two -
1. Different Drum
2. When Will I Be Loved
3. Love Has No Pride
4. Heat Wave
5. It Doesn't Matter Anymore
6. Tracks of My Tears
Certified Gold in Hong Kong
Certified Platinum in Canada
Certified 4x Platinum in Australia
Certified 7x Platinum in the U.S.
Friday, June 20, 2025
Set List Special - Happy Birthday, John Taylor
Nigel John Taylor
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b. June 20, 1960
English bass guitarist
Genres considered - New Wave, New Romantic, Pop Rock, Hard Rock
Set List is ultimately inspired by Duran Duran. A great deal of coverage about the band and individual members has been posted and therefore would be redundant here. Instead I thought I would share snapshots of the one and only, John Taylor.
Beyond Duran Duran, John Taylor is well known for his contribution to The Power Station.
John Taylor is likewise known for his role in the briefly formed Neurotic Outsiders.
While Duran Duran was on hiatus, John Taylor embarked on a solo career. In 1997, John formed an unfortunately titled band that did not last long ("John Taylor Terrorism").
In 1999, John released two albums consisting of previous works.
In 1999, John signed a contract with the Japanese record label, Avex Trax. He recorded two albums.
John Taylor Discography
From time to time, John delved into acting.
In 2012, John authored the autobiography, In the Pleasure Groove: Love, Death and Duran Duran.
Back track - As of 2001, John Taylor's career rests with Duran Duran.
Noteworthy -
- In 2013, John Taylor became a United States citizen and now maintains dual British/American citizenship.
- In 2021, John was given a Lifetime Achievement Award by Bass Player.
In conclusion,
Best wishes on your most Happy Birthday, John Taylor. Play that *f* bass!
Thursday, June 19, 2025
Wednesday, June 18, 2025
Living Uptown in America
The president of the United States has a constitutional obligation to declare the state of the union on a yearly basis.
Well, the state of this union isn't so much. However, if music can bring people together, then unite coast to coast and bridge land in between.
In "Living in America," where did James Brown take us?
New Orleans
Detroit City
Dallas
Pittsburgh
New York City
Kansas City
Atlanta
Chicago
LA
In "Uptown Funk," go for a ride with Bruno Mars and Mark Ronson -
Harlem ... Hollywood ... Jackson, Mississippi
Generations pass down musical interests. Friends share musical interests. Concert goers are strangers outside but best pals when appreciating live music.
A shame that music cannot heal the pain facing the once superpower - the United States of America...an honorable home to Ellis Island immigrants caught up in a proud national melting pot. If my great-grandparents could see now, if my grandparents could see now...Music cannot heal.
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
Boston Red Sox Anthem - Sweet Caroline (lyrics)
Summer Season
Baseball Season
- American Pastime -
...On Set List...
Monday, June 16, 2025
I'll Be There For You...
...because that is what friends do.
On September 22, 1994, viewers nationwide welcomed six people into their homes. The pilot served as a test of interest - how would these three men and three women, with character backgrounds impressively different, come together as friends and find friendship among studio and home audiences? Over the course of ten seasons, interest was solidified as weekly situations caught eager attention and applause. "Ross" and "Rachel" had their ups and downs but remained one of the most popular couples. "Monica" and "Chandler" were the most followed as their relationship developed. In sitcom history, I imagine they defined the "it" couple. On May 6, 2004, sad tears as the series wrapped and the actors as well as the audiences had to move on. The show is now in syndication, which I imagine is leaving the cast with impressive royalties.
Let's backtrack. Ten seasons. Every season had an updated opening credit to track the evolution of character development and interaction. Ten seasons. Ten opening credits to draw in home audiences. All audiences had to know and trust was "I'll be there for you" to give the show a chance...a chance that lasted ten years.
Sunday, June 15, 2025
June Birthday Season - Happy Birthday, Johnny Hallyday
Jean-Philippe Leo Smet
Stage name - Johnny Hallyday
June 15, 1943 - December 5, 2017
French rock & roll and pop singer, actor
Noted for bringing rock and roll to France
Popularity -
Known as "Johnny," considered a "national monument," and was recognized in four generations.
Media -
Over 2,500 magazine covers ... 190 books dedicated to Johnny Hallyday
When Johnny passed away due to lung cancer in 2017, one million people attended his funeral procession in Paris and 15 million watched on television.
In English-speaking countries -
"...the biggest rock star you've never heard of..."
French version of Elvis Presley
Released 79 albums - Discography
1,154 songs ... 540 duets with 187 artists
187 tours ... 3,257 shows
In the 2000 performance at the Eiffel Tower, one million people were in attendance and roughly 10 million viewers watched on television.
Over 110 million albums sold worldwide (mostly in countries where French was the dominant language)
5 Diamond albums
40 Gold albums
22 Platinum albums
Honors -
Made Knight of the Legion of Honor (1997)
Officer of the Order of the Crown (Belgium, 2001)
On Set List, I generally stick with American and British musicians. In France, culture lights up the entire globe. There is the Tour de France. There were the Paris Olympics in 2024 and Celine Dion performed in the opening ceremony. There is the Cannes Film Festival. There is Monte Carlo. There was the Parisian backdrop to "A View to a Kill." There is the Louvre. There is the Arc de Triomphe. There is the Eiffel Tower. There is the River Seine in Paris and the countryside wine vineyards. The source of Meaningful Beauty products endorsed by Cindy Crawford are melons grown in the French countryside. In the final season of "Friends," "Joey" spoke French according to his "resume" and was unsuccessfully taught by "Phoebe" whose fluency was remarkable in the episode. The French language is dominant in 26 countries.
There is Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Estee Lauder, Givenchy, and so many more.
I will conclude this post with one thought - an impressive break from topics I am generally known for on Set List.
Au revoir, Johnny Hallyday. Rest in peace.
Saturday, June 14, 2025
Set List Recommended - Linda Ronstadt Highlights
Linda Maria Ronstadt
b. July 15, 1946
American singer, musician, record producer, actress
Genres considered - Rock, Pop, Folk, Progressive Country, Latin
Accolades -
11 Grammy Awards/27 Grammy nominations
3 American Music Awards
2 Academy of Country Music Awards
1 Emmy Award
1 ALMA Award*
*American Latino Media Arts Award
Tony Award nomination
Golden Globe nomination
Latin Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2011)
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2016)
No. 21 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock & Roll (1999)
No. 40 on CMT's 40 Greatest Women in Country Music (2002)
No. 47 on Rolling Stone's 200 Greatest Singers of All Time (2023)
Inducted into the Arizona Music and Entertainment Hall of Fame (2007)
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2014)
National Medal of Arts and Humanities (2014)
Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (2019)
(alongside Dolly Parton & Emmylou Harris for the group, Trio)
Kennedy Center Honors (2019)
Martin Guitar Company -
"Linda Ronstadt Limited Edition" (2009)
Over 30 studio albums & 15 compilation/greatest hits albums
Biggest-selling albums -
Simple Dreams (1977)
What's New (1983)
Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind (1989)
Highest-selling album -
Greatest Hits (1976)
38 charting pop albums on Billboard Pop Album Charts
15 albums on Billboard Top Country Albums
4/15 No. 1
Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Albums of All Time
Heart Like a Wheel (1974) - No. 164
The Very Best Of Linda Ronstadt (2002) - No. 324*
*No. 164 in 2012 update
RIAA tally as of 2001 -
19 Gold ... 14 Platinum ... 7 Multi-Platinum
First female in music history to land 3 consecutive platinum certified albums & a total of 8 consecutive platinum certified albums
Canciones De Mi Padre (1987)
Best-selling non-English language album in American music history
As of 2013, over 2.5 million copies sold in the U.S.
38 Billboard Hot 100 singles
21 Top 40
10 Top 10
"You're No Good" - No. 1
2 No. 1 hits on Billboard Hot Country Songs chart
2 No. 1 hits on Billboard Adult Contemporary chart
UK charts -
- "Somewhere Out There" - No. 8
(Duet - Linda Ronstadt & James Ingram)
- "Don't Know Much" - No. 2
(Duet - Linda Ronstadt & Aaron Neville)
- "Blue Bayou" - No. 35 on UK Singles Chart
Collaboration on over 120 albums
Collaboration with such names as Bette Midler, Frank Zappa, Rosemary Clooney, Neil Young, Paul Simon, Johnny Cash, The Eagles, James Taylor, Randy Newman, and many more
First major touring female artist to sell out venues
Top-grossing solo female concert artist in the 1970s
Retired in 2011 for health reasons
Linda Ronstadt's autobiography, Simple Dreams: A Musical Memoir, was published in September 2013.
Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice
Documentary based on Linda's memoirs
Released in 2019
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