Set List - Always There

There are a select few who withstand all categories of time - classic, decade, contemporary.  These few are always there, always a must in my music collection.  The following are some of my always there favorites.

U2.

There truly is nothing to say here.  More songs and favorites than I know where to begin.  U2's following is as incredible as that of The Police and Duran Duran.  These three are awe-inspiring.  U2 is timeless.  U2 is always there.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers.

All-American. . .that is all I need to say.  "Refugee" and "Runnin' Down a Dream" (the latter just Tom Petty) are just a few with positively influential lyrics and upbeat tone.  I am not sure if any other American band can come close to Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers. . .

Paul Simon.

. . .On his own, Paul Simon could.  Case in point: Graceland the album and namely the song "You Can Call Me Al."  An addictive song for its time with a goofy music video that left positive memories then and now.  This span of time makes Paul Simon timeless.  He is always there.

Robert Palmer.

"Addicted to Love" and "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" just to name a few.  And then there is The Power Station.  Robert Palmer is incredible.  He offered so much to the music world in his time.  I honor him in this Set List entry.

I honor all of these musicians and so many more as timeless and always there.  They definitely know how to play it. 

Surprises on Amazon

If you think my taste in musicians and songs are surprising in shocking variety, be prepared for this Amazon post. . .promotions will bounce in all different directions.

(Link Notes: Let It Rock is a single by Kevin Rudolf.  Minutes to Midnight is a Linkin Park album.)

Let It Rock

Minutes to Midnight

Chris Botti in Boston (CD/DVD)

Set List - I'm always surprised

I am often speechless by some of my iTunes selections and ultimate purchases.  These buys spark an interest far removed from my preferences - style and artist alike.

David Bowie is not a surprise in its literal sense.  However, to some Duran Duran fans, following David Bowie is a requisite to being a loyal Duranie.  So with the purchases of "Let's Dance" and "Golden Years," I have officially entered into Duranie-hood, and I cannot turn back.  Yet I love both songs, especially "Golden Years."  This song is a crack up as every time I listen, all I can imagine is a line dance moving to the funky groove.  In fact, I purchased "Let's Dance" after hearing clips on Season 10 of Dancing With the Stars!  Perhaps liking David Bowie is a surprise.

John Mayer leans on the pop culture side.  However, I must admit that his voice isn't that bad.  He guest performed with Chris Botti (trumpeter) in Boston some time back and I am lucky to have dvd footage.  John Mayer's rendition of "Glad To Be Unhappy" is sweet.  So too is "Say."  This song inspires me to write out my thoughts constantly, hoping often to intrigue others.  John Mayer is no longer a surprise.

Linkin Park is a personal surprise.  Their lyrics in such songs as "Shadow of the Day" and "What I've Done" are powerful and loud.  This style is normally one I am not interested in.  However, the lyrics tell stories, which go a long way in music.  I thoroughly appreciate these songs and the band, thereby making Linkin Park a surprise.

I discovered The Fray on a MySpace friend's list of favorite songs.  "You Found Me" is soothing and sorrowful at the same time.  It is unique and intriguing in this way.  I am attracted to the unusual mix of gentle & sorrow and simply like the song.  The Fray is a pleasant surprise.

Justin Timberlake is an incredibly crack-up surprise.  I am greatly removed in interest from my generation's boy bands.  Their songs feed purely into modern pop culture.  However, I saw Justin Timberlake perform at an awards show some years ago and discovered that he can play the piano!  Anyone can play such popular instruments as the guitar, but the piano takes distinct interest and devotion.  I was impressed.  I, then, fell for his song "What Goes Around...Comes Around."  This song is sweet and so true in its message.  Justin Timberlake is a complete surprise and one to be recognized.

As can be seen, my musical interests come with surprises.  My tastes prove to be a guessing game.  No surprise, then, that I say always play it.

Special Post : Question for viewers

My life's passion is to write - write online articles, write blogs, write stories on my Word database.  I do indeed live to write.  My hope is to gain recognition and perhaps income from my passion.

So I recently came upon the concept of electronic books - eBooks.  I have never read such an advanced concept and I do not know what goes into writing and publishing 21st century versions of "the great American novel."  I am capable of writing well.  I publish online daily with blogs and weekly with professional sources.  ...  Why not?  I will look into it.

My question to viewers, then, is in your opinion, would Set List. . . publish well as an eBook?  My passion for writing and for music is clear.  And if you do truly think an eBook based on this blog would fare well in publishing, would it sell?  Please do not hold back.  I am eager for all comments.

Contemporary Intrigue

Classics are timeless.  Decades have stand-outs.  Yet contemporaries are new - respectively - and fight often for a home in cd and iTunes collections.  Contemporaries are musical cheerleaders trying to gain attention away from well-established bands and musicians.  Such contemporaries as Depeche Mode, Seal, 3 Doors Down, and Nickelback - to name but a few - are musicians worth noting for their incredible talent and well-deserved popularity amongst many listeners.

All the Right Reasons

Set List - Contemporaries

Contemporary musicians have found a place in my collection, alongside rock & jazz giants and 1980s must-haves.

Depeche Mode is first on my contemporaries list.  Known early on for hits such as "Enjoy the Silence" and "Policy of Truth," Depeche Mode has yet to stray from their trademark sound and tone.  Their recently released song, "Precious," reflects this trademark - deep vocals, defined use of the synthesizer, dark yet hopeful lyrics.  Depeche Mode is one to be noticed.

Seal is an incredible singer and recording artist.  His lyrics are powerful and at the right moment in all songs, such as "Bring It On" and "Crazy," a hit of musical intensity punches the listener, who will want more.

3 Doors Down is a surprise contemporary favorite.  Sorrowful lyrics under the guise of rock sound and beat provide interest and attraction.  This mix is unique and can only be pulled off in the contemporary era of music.  The band's name is likewise clever and one to be caught by a listener's eyes and ears.

Nickelback is the ultimate in sensitive and tough lyrics and sound.  Nickelback can be thoughtful and lyrically inspiring in such a song as "If Everyone Cared."  Nickelback can be elitist in such a song as "Rockstar."  Nickelback can be tough and intimidating in such a song as "Burn It to the Ground."  These back-and-forth emotions pulled off with ease make Nickelback a contemporary favorite.

Rock in any style - classic, '80s, contemporary - has appeal to all listeners in this genre giant.  Therefore, these styles truly know how to last and play it.

1980s Hits

The 1980s rock on Amazon.com.  The Police.  Phil Collins.  Madonna.  Where does the list end?