The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “We Are the Beaver” by The Arrogant Worms with The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra!!!

Posted on December 1, 2020 by PhilMaq

I have started a new feature: The Most Awesomest Song of the Day! 

Here’s a link to the complete list: https://philmaq.com/most-awesomest-songs/

I want to emphasize mostly, relatively newer music, just like on my Monday night show, “Prime Time Theme Attic.” (Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET when it returns.)

Here’s the link for when that day comes: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu )

But I can promise this: I will not force my selections. If something doesn’t hit me, I won’t post one.

Everything I do has always been about shining a spotlight on the artist and their music.

Now I will have the potential to shine 365 more spotlights if I want to!

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You won’t be able to look up at the sky in Southeast Michigan tonight and see this month’s Full Moon.

But many others in the world will be able to see the Beaver Moon in all its glorious splendor!

Yes, this month’s historic moon name is derived from the time when traps were set to catch those busy creatures so their furs could be used to stay warm in the winter.

Although it may be hard to believe (Ha, Ha!), there aren’t too many songs written about beavers or beaver Full Moons.

So, I have decided to select a song that celebrates the hardest working rodents in the world, and indirectly Canada, the country that has selected them as a symbol for its country!

The Arrogant Worms, a Canadian group that specializes in humourous songs, took things to a higher level by recording a version of their “We Are the Beaver” song with The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra from the “Semi-Conducted” album!

Man! The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra get all the best high profile gigs!

And The Arrogant Worms salute the beaver in the best way they know how: by mocking other countries symbols!

“The U.S. is the Eagle/
Russia is the Bear/
Australia is the Kangaroo/
‘Cause they’re kinda weird down there.
India is the Tiger/
That stands so proud and tall/
But Canada is the greatest of them all!
We are the Beaver!”

Let me go on record that I am a fan of The Arrogant Worms, Canada, and beavers!

Especially beavers!

They’re very cute, and I’ve never run across one that I haven’t found enchanting!

And as The Arrogant Worms firmly declare:

“The Beaver always gives a dam!”

I personally know this to be true!

What The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra did for whales and dogs, they also do for beavers!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “We Are the Beaver” by The Arrogant Worms!!!

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If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!

#WeAretheBeaver #TheArrogantWorms #SemiConducted #TheEdmontonSymphonyOrchestra #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

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One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded: “I’ll Make You a Drum” by Michael on Fire!!!

Posted on November 29, 2020 by PhilMaq

For as long as I’ve been on the radio, and definitely for as long as I’ve been writing a blog, I will occasionally make a reference to a song being “One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded!” (GSER)

I would usually follow that by saying that I would eventually start a category for it, but then never get around to it.

Well, now I’m getting around to it!

It will pretty much follow the pattern of The Most Awesomest Song of the Day.

I’ll select a song to celebrate and then give my thoughts about it. Nothing really brand new here that hasn’t been done before. But since I have a website, I can collect them and lay out what my own greatest songs are.

My radio show, “Prime Time Theme Attic,”  is on Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET but is on hiatus because of the pandemic.

Here’s the link for when the show returns: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu )

Even though I always emphasize new music and artists, it’s always fun to take a short drive through the legendary artists, since they influenced those other artists!

But a song doesn’t have to be old or done by a legendary Theme Attic Hall of Fame member to be thus honored.

I can think of several songs that are only a few years old or less that I could identify as One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded.

This will be fun, and hopefully you will join me on my journey…at least sometimes!

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I just wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t have a Native American themed song for Thanksgiving weekend.

Therefore, I have chosen a song by multi Philby Award winner Singer/Songwriter Michael on Fire from his Documentary Soundtrack, “Where Dreamers Only Go.”

Based on a true experience, “I’ll Make You a Drum” describes Michael‘s visit to a Native American reservation.

He expressed interest in obtaining a drum to add to the band’s equipment.

However, when different cultures interact, things aren’t always as easy as one might think.

Being from a First World society, Michael thought it would be a simple transaction.

The shaman had to explain why it wasn’t so easy:

Drums would need an animal skin. It wasn’t the right season. Skins need to be stretched.
There might even be a religious ritual involved.

Listening closely to understand, Michael converted the conversation into a touching song!

“I’ll Make You a Drum” has a nice earthy arrangement to emphasize Michael on Fire‘s evocative lyrics and heartfelt vocal!

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “I’ll Make You a Drum” by Michael on Fire!!!

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If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!

IllMakeYouaDrum #MichaelonFire #WhereDreamersOnlyGoSoundtrack #PhilMaq #OneoftheGreatestSongsEverRecorded #GSER

 

 

 

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One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded: “Little Things” by Dick Siegel and The Brandos!!!

Posted on November 26, 2020 by PhilMaq

For as long as I’ve been on the radio, and definitely for as long as I’ve been writing a blog, I will occasionally make a reference to a song being “One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded!” (GSER)

I would usually follow that by saying that I would eventually start a category for it, but then never get around to it.

Well, now I’m getting around to it!

It will pretty much follow the pattern of The Most Awesomest Song of the Day.

I’ll select a song to celebrate and then give my thoughts about it. Nothing really brand new here that hasn’t been done before. But since I have a website, I can collect them and lay out what my own greatest songs are.

My radio show, “Prime Time Theme Attic,”  is on Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET but is on hiatus because of the pandemic.

Here’s the link for when the show returns: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu )

Even though I always emphasize new music and artists, it’s always fun to take a short drive through the legendary artists, since they influenced those other artists!

But a song doesn’t have to be old or done by a legendary Theme Attic Hall of Fame member to be thus honored.

I can think of several songs that are only a few years old or less that I could identify as One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded.

This will be fun, and hopefully you will join me on my journey…at least sometimes!

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When I first started doing a show at WHFR, my show was on Thursday mornings, from 10AM-12 Noon.

As Thanksgiving drew near, I never gave it much thought that my show date landed on that Holiday.

There wasn’t an expectation to do a live show on a holiday, but I found the idea of doing one intriguing for several reasons:

  • I felt a commitment to my listeners.
  • I felt a commitment to do a show.
  • It got me out of the house on a day when all Hell usually breaks out.

They were all important reasons, but that last one was the biggest! (Ha, ha!)

Going into the studio on one of the quietest mornings of the year is a different experience.

Everything is very calm, and my music selections usually reflected that.

Songs with real meanings behind them have even more impact on special days.

Several listeners phoned in who were surprised, and happy that I was in the studio supplying a soundtrack for their Thanksgiving!

I even received a call from a listener who was tuning in while traveling by car in North Carolina!

Others told me they were spending the day alone and were thankful that I wanted to share part of my Holiday with them.

Dang! I thought I was just playing music!

There were such special feelings from doing that show, that even when my schedule changed to Wednesday mornings, I would still request to do my annual Thanksgiving show.

I’d been doing them since 2011, but that streak ended today.

I thought that I might be able to squeak in another one, but the recent virus surge took care of that.

Out of every tradition of mine that has been canceled this year, I will miss this one the most.

However, I am truly thankful that I was able to do it for so many years.

And if I were doing my show today, I would be sending “Little Things” by Dick Siegel and The Brandos, from their “Live” album recorded at The Ark, out to you!

Dick is an Ann Arbor, Michigan music institution who has written many amazing songs!

He is also a member of my Theme Attic Hall of Fame!

Backing him up are The Brandos, the super talents of guitarist Brian Delaney and Dave Roof on bass!

“Little Things” is a simple song with big heart!

It describes a guy starting a normal, average day who’s feeling disappointed with his life situation.

However, the more he thinks about things, he realizes he’s got it pretty good!

It’s a sentiment that can seem trite or cliché, but Dick Siegel delivers it with honesty and sincerity!

I usually play it several times in a row when I listen to it, and I almost always cry.

In the middle of a pandemic, it’s the little things that take on even more meaning and importance!

“Thank God for the little things!”

Thank God for Dick Siegel and the Brandos!

And God bless all of us trying to find normalcy and love in an abnormal world situation!

I hope next year I get to start a new streak!

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “Little Things” by Dick Siegel and The Brandos!!!

I always have a Finale to end my show.

It’s set up like an encore, as if the listener were attending a live show.

I see it as a song I want to draw attention to because I think it could either end up being one of my Fave songs, or because it has some particularly important message.

My Thanksgiving show always had the same encore:

Procol Harum’s [Hall of Fame] instrumental “Grand Finale” from their opus suite “In Held ‘Twas in I.”

It always sounds “churchy” to me, and a fitting ending to a Thanksgiving show!

It, too, is One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded!

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If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!

#LittleThings #DickSiegelandTheBrandos #Brian Delaney #DaveRoof #PhilMaq #OneoftheGreatestSongsEverRecorded #GSER

 

 

 

Posted in Favorite Songs of All Time, Greatest Songs Ever Recorded, Hall of Fame, Songs That Can Make Me Cry | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded: “I Don’t Need No Doctor” by Humble Pie!!!

Posted on November 25, 2020 by PhilMaq

For as long as I’ve been on the radio, and definitely for as long as I’ve been writing a blog, I will occasionally make a reference to a song being “One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded!” (GSER)

I would usually follow that by saying that I would eventually start a category for it, but then never get around to it.

Well, now I’m getting around to it!

It will pretty much follow the pattern of The Most Awesomest Song of the Day.

I’ll select a song to celebrate and then give my thoughts about it. Nothing really brand new here that hasn’t been done before. But since I have a website, I can collect them and lay out what my own greatest songs are.

My radio show, “Prime Time Theme Attic,”  is on Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET but is on hiatus because of the pandemic.

Here’s the link for when the show returns: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu )

Even though I always emphasize new music and artists, it’s always fun to take a short drive through the legendary artists, since they influenced those other artists!

But a song doesn’t have to be old or done by a legendary Theme Attic Hall of Fame member to be thus honored.

I can think of several songs that are only a few years old or less that I could identify as One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded.

This will be fun, and hopefully you will join me on my journey…at least sometimes!

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Every Wednesday pre-Thanksgiving Semi-Annual Theme Attic Hall of Fame Show that I did, I knew I could count on Singer/Songwriter/Guitarist Jan King and her co-conspirator Drummer/Friend Tami as listeners!

It was a tradition where they baked pies for the Holiday and I supplied the music!

We always messaged each other during the show, and since they were both musicians, they couldn’t resist making a request or two.

I always try to stick to my themes, and for my Hall of Fame show the artist list to choose from was a little tighter than usual for that reason, but I also always try to play a request if I have it.

I sometimes had to be creative to make the request fit, but it always worked out! I mean, the day before Thanksgiving is always a major party day!

Jan decided to make things easier for me when she slyly chose a request by Humble Pie.

Being in the middle of a show, it took me a few minutes before I realized she chose them because she was baking pies!

Duh!

It was easy to make sure that Humble Pie was in my Hall of Fame the next year to choose from!

Today’s song is one of the best from an era when live music frequently ruled the radio waves!

Featuring guitarist Peter Frampton, the dynamic Steve Marriott on vocals, along with Greg Ridley on bass and Jerry Shirley on drums–all playing their hearts out, “I Don’t Need No Doctor” from the  Performance Rockin’ the Fillmore” album seemed like a musical pinnacle for the band!

However, they were only plateauing since everyone involved would go on to reach even loftier heights!

Sorry about the double negatives, but “I Don’t Need No Doctor,” a song previously covered by Ray Charles, has a chorus that the listener almost feels compelled to sing!

Frampton’s guitar is sharp and stinging!

Love the cowbell!

By the end of my show, Jan and Tami would send me pictures of their baked with love pies!

Jan always told me that I could be her kitchen assistant!

It’s really been a gas to pick today’s song!

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “I Don’t Need No Doctor” by Humble Pie!!!

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If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!

#PhilMaq #OneoftheGreatestSongsEverRecorded #GSER

 

 

 

Posted in Favorite Songs of All Time, Greatest Songs Ever Recorded, Hall of Fame | Leave a comment

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded: “Feels Like Home” by Judy Collins and Jackson Browne!!! (Also Linda Ronstadt, Randy Newman, Bonnie Raitt!!!)

Posted on November 25, 2020 by PhilMaq

For as long as I’ve been on the radio, and definitely for as long as I’ve been writing a blog, I will occasionally make a reference to a song being “One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded!” (GSER)

I would usually follow that by saying that I would eventually start a category for it, but then never get around to it.

Well, now I’m getting around to it!

It will pretty much follow the pattern of The Most Awesomest Song of the Day.

I’ll select a song to celebrate and then give my thoughts about it. Nothing really brand new here that hasn’t been done before. But since I have a website, I can collect them and lay out what my own greatest songs are.

My radio show, “Prime Time Theme Attic,”  is on Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET but is on hiatus because of the pandemic.

Here’s the link for when the show returns: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu )

Even though I always emphasize new music and artists, it’s always fun to take a short drive through the legendary artists, since they influenced those other artists!

But a song doesn’t have to be old or done by a legendary Theme Attic Hall of Fame member to be thus honored.

I can think of several songs that are only a few years old or less that I could identify as One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded.

This will be fun, and hopefully you will join me on my journey…at least sometimes!

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A good song is a good song is a good song is a good song, etc!

Today’s Semi-Annual Theme Attic Hall of Fame choice is from Judy Collins‘ [Hall of Fame] “Strangers Again” album, which is her collection of duets, with a disc full of male artists that can match her magical voice!

“Feels Like Home” which features Jackson Browne [Hall of Fame] is a song that has stayed on my player for a number of years.

Originally written by Randy Newman [Hall of Fame] for his “Faust” musical, the song has taken on its own life, having been covered by a number of artists.

It is often chosen as a “wedding song” because of its soul baring emotional lines, as well as one of the most hauntingly beautiful melodies!

“Something in your eyes/
Makes me want to lose myself/
Makes me want to lose myself/
In your heart.

Something in your voice/
Makes my heart beat fast/
Hope this feeling will last/
The rest of my life.
If you knew/
How lonely my life has been/
And how low I’ve felt for so long.
If you knew/
I wanted someone to come along/
And change my world/
The way you’ve done.
It feels like home/
Feels like home to me/
Feels like I’m on my way back/
Where I come from.”

I want to cry just reading the lyrics!

Sometimes duets can be a risky proposition: Voices don’t match. Energy doesn’t match. Styles don’t match.

However, “Strangers Again” doesn’t have those problems. It is full of superb, memorable duets!

It’s Judy Collins! The quality is always there!

Her duet with Jackson Browne is my favorite version!

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “Feels Like Home” by Judy Collins and Jackson Browne!!!

Here’s a beautiful version by Linda Ronstadt [Hall of Fame] with Emmylou Harris [Hall of Fame] and Dolly Parton!!!

Another powerful performance from Bonnie Raitt!!!

Here’s the maestro himself, Randy Newman [Hall of Fame], delivering the goods!!!

 

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If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!

#FeelsLikeHome #JudyCollins #JacksonBrowne #RandyNewman #LindaRonstadt #EmmylouHarris #DollyParton #StrangersAgain #BonnieRaitt #WeddingSongs #PhilMaq #OneoftheGreatestSongsEverRecorded #GSER

 

Posted in Favorite Songs of All Time, Greatest Songs Ever Recorded, Hall of Fame, Songs That Can Make Me Cry | Tagged , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Phil’s Faves: Albums, November 22, 2020

Posted on November 25, 2020 by PhilMaq

Over time, my listening habits have changed and at the moment I usually listen to albums completely through. I haven’t done that in years, but it’s actually very rewarding—particularly when the album is good. Every album that will be on this list will fit that category.

Songs from the albums on this list forms the basis of my countdown list for the “Top 9 at 9:09” segment of my “Prime Time Theme Attic Show,” (Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET when it returns.)

(Here’s the link for when that day comes: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu)) on mostly alternating weeks, along with my “Phil’s Faves, Songs” lists!

It’s another peak into my listening habits—which is a goal of mine. If you want to know where I’m heading or what I think about some new music, you will find it here.

I honestly don’t expect there to be much volatility on this list because these albums are what I have been basing many of the sets on my show.

Once again, there will be no boundaries. I will go wherever my musical muse takes me.

Here’s the link to the complete list of Fave Albums: https://philmaq.com/phils-lists/phils-faves-albums/

If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!

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Well, what do you know? Sittin’ on top is Gary Browe!
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Top 10 Albums for the Week of November 22, 2020

1. Red Sky Remembers—Gary Browe
2. No Control—Alex Little and The Suspicious Minds
3. Silver City—Sarah Borges and The Broken Singles
4. Kill or Be Kind—Samantha Fish
5. Garden of Earthly Delights: An XTC Celebration—Various Artists
6. Desert Center—Guantanamo Baywatch
7. Light Magic—Strawberry Heritage
8. My Own Magic—Liz E. Brooks
9. The Darkness of Birds—Amy Petty
10.Ultra Cloud—Xposed 4Heads
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Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!

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Phil’s Faves: Songs, November 22, 2020

Posted on November 23, 2020 by PhilMaq

This is a weekly Top Ten list of what I consider to be the best songs that I listened to the previous week. Most songs will be current, but there are no boundaries. I’ve already stated on this web site that I am obsessed with music. I am constantly hunting it down whether it’s online, on CD, from my personal collection, from a library (Yes, I think the library is a great source of music–especially for music that you aren’t sure about.), TV, or radio. Since most of these sources mostly emphasize new music, the odds are pretty good that most of the songs on this list will be new. But in my search, I don’t use any boundaries for the other sources. I am just looking for good music that I haven’t heard, or happened to forget about. Everyone, including myself, has forgotten way more great music than they can ever remember-even if they are also music fanatics.

Also, there will be no rules concerning songs on this list. A song can show up or drop off a number of times. This will be the most volatile of my lists. It all depends on how much music I am exposed to during the week and what I find interesting. On really obscure stuff, I will try to include the source, if I know it.

Most of the songs heard on this list have been played on my radio show, “Prime Time Theme Attic,” currently on hiatus. (Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET)

(Here’s the link for when that day comes: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu)

This list forms the basis of my countdown list on the “Top 9 at 9:09” segment of my “Prime Time Theme Attic Show” on mostly alternating weeks, along with my “Phil’s Faves, Albums” lists!

Here’s a link for the complete history of all the Fave Songs:

https://philmaq.com/phils-lists/phils-faves-songs/

If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq !

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Michael on Fire actually arrived right on time for his second #1 Faves Song!!
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Top Ten Songs for the Week of November 22, 2020

1. I Think I Came Too Late to the Party—Michael on Fire (Where Dreamers Only Go Soundtrack)
2. Say a Prayer—Dave Boutette and Kristi Lynn Davis (Easy As Pie)
3. Get Right—May Erlewine and The Motivations (In the Night) (Song starts at 1:18)
4. Are You Listening?—Billy Brandt [Hall of Fame] and Sarana VerLin (Are You Listening?)
5. The Next Big Thing—Jeff Scott (NOLA to New York)
6. What We Breathe In—The Chordaes (What We Breathe In)
7. Sugar—Lindsay Lou (Southland)
8. In the Night—Wendy Webb (Step Out of Line)
9. Anthem—Ed Dupas (Tennessee Night)
10.Lead Me On—J.C. and The Disciples (Hammered)
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Don’t forget to like my Facebook page! Thank you!

Posted in Hall of Fame, Phil's Faves: Songs | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded: “Sunday Girl” by Blondie!!!

Posted on November 23, 2020 by PhilMaq

For as long as I’ve been on the radio, and definitely for as long as I’ve been writing a blog, I will occasionally make a reference to a song being “One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded!” (GSER)

I would usually follow that by saying that I would eventually start a category for it, but then never get around to it.

Well, now I’m getting around to it!

It will pretty much follow the pattern of The Most Awesomest Song of the Day.

I’ll select a song to celebrate and then give my thoughts about it. Nothing really brand new here that hasn’t been done before. But since I have a website, I can collect them and lay out what my own greatest songs are.

My radio show, “Prime Time Theme Attic,”  is on Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET but is on hiatus because of the pandemic.

Here’s the link for when the show returns: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu )

Even though I always emphasize new music and artists, it’s always fun to take a short drive through the legendary artists, since they influenced those other artists!

But a song doesn’t have to be old or done by a legendary Theme Attic Hall of Fame member to be thus honored.

I can think of several songs that are only a few years old or less that I could identify as One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded.

This will be fun, and hopefully you will join me on my journey…at least sometimes!

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Continuing the Semi-Annual Theme Attic Hall of Fame Week, “Sunday Girl” is a brilliant Pop/Rock  tune from Blondie’s “Parallel Lines” album!

Sometimes a song can be deceptively great!

What I mean by that is, “Sunday Girl” sounds so innocently simple.

However, underneath that simplicity is a catchy, lighter than air melody, with a clear, strong vocal by Debbie Harry!

The song, written by Blondie‘s guitarist Chris Stein, is about Debbie’s cat, Sunday Man, that one day turned up missing.

Throw in some handclaps on the double backbeat, a key change, and some French lyrics for the Continental crowd, and it’s difficult to resist “Sunday Girl!”

“Cold as ice cream, but still as sweet!”

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “Sunday Girl” by Blondie!!!

It’s always fun to see a band when they’re just beginning to find out how good they really are!

Here’s a mostly live clip from a 70’s Friday Night Music Show, “Midnight Special” that used to air from 1 AM to 2:30 AM. And yes, I would stay up to watch it, if I was home!

Blondie looks like they couldn’t be happier, and “Sunday Girl” Rocks even harder with the extra energy!

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If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!

#SundayGirl #SundayMan #Blondie #ParallelLines #DebbieHarry #ChrisStein #PhilMaq #OneoftheGreatestSongsEverRecorded #GSER

Posted in Greatest Songs Ever Recorded, Hall of Fame, Sunday Song | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded: “A Salty Dog” by Procol Harum!!!

Posted on November 22, 2020 by PhilMaq

For as long as I’ve been on the radio, and definitely for as long as I’ve been writing a blog, I will occasionally make a reference to a song being “One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded!” (GSER)

I would usually follow that by saying that I would eventually start a category for it, but then never get around to it.

Well, now I’m getting around to it!

It will pretty much follow the pattern of The Most Awesomest Song of the Day.

I’ll select a song to celebrate and then give my thoughts about it. Nothing really brand new here that hasn’t been done before. But since I have a website, I can collect them and lay out what my own greatest songs are.

My radio show, “Prime Time Theme Attic,”  is on Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET but is on hiatus because of the pandemic.

Here’s the link for when the show returns: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu )

Even though I always emphasize new music and artists, it’s always fun to take a short drive through the legendary artists, since they influenced those other artists!

But a song doesn’t have to be old or done by a legendary Theme Attic Hall of Fame member to be thus honored.

I can think of several songs that are only a few years old or less that I could identify as One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded.

This will be fun, and hopefully you will join me on my journey…at least sometimes!

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Today’s Semi-Annual Theme Attic Hall of Fame selection is the title track of Procol Harum‘s “A Salty Dog” album!

Although I was familiar with Procol Harum because of their monumental hit, “A Whiter Shade of Pale,” the next time I was aware of the band was the barn burner, “Whiskey Train” on their “Home” album!

It wasn’t until the “Procol Harum Live in Concert with The Edmonton Symphony Orchestra” album was released that “A Salty Dog” registered on my consciousness.

I had that one on cassette, so I could take it anywhere, and I did.

But I had to work backwards to track down the studio version.

Looking back, I’m sure I didn’t think anything could’ve topped the live version of “Conquistador,” another wicked guitar jam!

Happily, I was wrong!

As a kid though, it took me a little while to get used to it, let alone try to figure it out.

It’s so moody and ploddingly direct!

However, everyone plays brilliantly as an ensemble!

“A Salty Dog” started as a set of lyrics by Keith Reid to which lead singer and pianist, Gary Brooker, added the hauntingly beautiful melody!

It’s also Gary’s arrangement-One of the Greatest Arrangements of All Time!, along with his world weary, yearning vocal that wrings every bit of emotion out of the song!

B.J. Wilson’s drum fills add just the right amount of undercurrent drama!

When I listen to “A Salty Dog,” I’m never quite sure how to interpret the lyrics.

They seem like a detailed narrative of a swashbuckling battle of heroic proportions written as a journal entry!:

“We sailed for parts unknown to man…

Upon the seventh seasick day we made our port of call…

We fired the gun, and burnt the mast/

and rowed from ship to shore…

A salty dog, this seaman’s log, your witness my own hand”

However, there are also plenty of clues in the lyrics that the adventure ended tragically:

“…let no one leave alive!…

A twisted path, our tortured course, and no one left alive…
…where ships come home to die…
…no mortal place at all…”
And if the lyrics don’t offer enough hints, the song arrangement has the final say!
The strings undulate like the movement of the surface of the sea! 

And they swell like ocean waves during the sections that are the chorus even though there aren’t any repeating words.

The strings drive “A Salty Dog” ever towards the heavens to animate the lyrics:

  “…how far can sailors fly?”

Sailors don’t fly, but saintly ones could.

The white sands might be interpreted as heaven.

Ebbing and flowing like waves, the orchestration provides tension and release.

It’s true genius that the highest notes in the song are during the phrase, “A Salty Dog,” right before a reworking of a final cliché’, “As God as my witness.”

It always seems to me like it isn’t humanly possible to hit those notes, but every time I listen to the tune, Gary Brooker has never failed to do it!

I can see interpreting “A Salty Dog” as a ship overcoming battles and obstacles to finish a triumphant mission! 

But the final somber, mournful, discordant notes, leave no doubt as to how the story ended.

“A Salty Dog” almost always makes me cry.

I’m starting a new category with it: It’s a perfect song! It couldn’t possibly be made any better!

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “A Salty Dog” by Procol Harum!!!

Here’s the exceptional live version!

I also ran across this version by Theme Attic Hall of Fame member Sarah Brightman!

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Posted in Favorite Songs of All Time, Greatest Songs Ever Recorded, Greatest String Arrangements of All Time, Hall of Fame, Perfect Songs, Songs That Can Make Me Cry | Leave a comment

Phil’s Faves: Albums, November 15, 2020

Posted on November 21, 2020 by PhilMaq


Over time, my listening habits have changed and at the moment I usually listen to albums completely through. I haven’t done that in years, but it’s actually very rewarding—particularly when the album is good. Every album that will be on this list will fit that category.

Songs from the albums on this list forms the basis of my countdown list for the “Top 9 at 9:09” segment of my “Prime Time Theme Attic Show,” (Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET when it returns.)

(Here’s the link for when that day comes: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu)) on mostly alternating weeks, along with my “Phil’s Faves, Songs” lists!

It’s another peak into my listening habits—which is a goal of mine. If you want to know where I’m heading or what I think about some new music, you will find it here.

I honestly don’t expect there to be much volatility on this list because these albums are what I have been basing many of the sets on my show.

Once again, there will be no boundaries. I will go wherever my musical muse takes me.

Here’s the link to the complete list of Fave Albums: https://philmaq.com/phils-lists/phils-faves-albums/

If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!

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Samantha Fish snares her second #1 Faves Album!!
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Top 10 Albums for the Week of November 15, 2020

1. Kill or Be Kind—Samantha Fish
2. Red Sky Remembers—Gary Browe
3. Light Magic—Strawberry Heritage
4. Garden of Earthly Delights: An XTC Celebration—Various Artists
5. No Control—Alex Little and The Suspicious Minds
6. Fun and Fancy Free—Sundae and Mr. Goessl
7. Silver City—Sarah Borges and The Broken Singles
8. Desert Center—Guantanamo Baywatch
9. My Own Magic—Liz E. Brooks
10.The Darkness of Birds—Amy Petty
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