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.)
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!
Please share the post to help spread the word!
Regardless of everything going on in the world that is way more important than my daily post, I will continue, nonetheless, in case someone is looking for a few minutes of respite.
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Today’s tune is “String Theory” by Greezy Wheels from their “String Theory 2.0” album, released in 2017.
The key to this song is the hypnotic vocals from Lissa Hattersley, Penny Jo Pullus, and Sweet Mary Hattersley who also plays the fiddle!
The rest of the eclectic Austin, Texas band that includes Brad Houser and John Bush (from Edie Brickell and the New Bohemians) on bass and drums, and Mark Walker (from 7 Walkers) on keyboards, plays a herky-jerky rhythm that I often can’t get out of my head…or feet!
And it’s easy to sing along to while you’re dancing!
A song about the nature of the universe has never been so much fun!
The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “String Theory” by Greezy Wheels!!!
“String is the thing is the thing is the thing…”
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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 and by sharing this post!
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.
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.
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 is my Mom’s birthday!
Her name was Mary.
My mom didn’t play any instruments.
She liked music, but she didn’t really know it.
And truth be told, she really liked Polish music more than any other kind.
However, even surrounded by Polkas, my brothers and sisters brought a wide spectrum of music into the house and my ears!
Ray Charles [Hall of Fame] and his “Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music,” founds its way onto the Curtis-Mathes console many times!
One song in particular, and the main reason the album was purchased, “I Can’t Stop Loving You”–a remake of a Don Gibson song, was one of my mom’s favorite songs!
If it was ever on the radio, we weren’t allowed to change the station!
(My favorite track was “You Don’t Know Me,” But that’s a story for another day! )
And what’s not to like?!
The string arrangement, the backup singers, and Ray Charles‘ heartfelt, heartbroken vocal are incredible!
So, Happy Birthday, Mom!
This one’s for you!
One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “I Can’t Stop Loving You” by Ray Charles!!!
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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!
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)
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:
If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq !
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ Angela Perley and The Howlin’ Moons’ “Bad Reputation” stays #1 for a second week!! QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Top Ten Songs for the Week of October 4, 2020
1.Bad Reputation—Angela Perley and The Howlin’ Moons (Hey Kid!) 2.Stir Me Up—Sarah Morris (All Mine) 3.Ascent—Eddie Arjun with Cory Henry (Gravity) 4.She’s a Devil—The Wag (We Carry On) 5. Bluestring—Mick Clarke (Diggin’ Down) 6.Bottomless Heart—The Ragbirds (The Threshold and the Hearth) 7.Flying High—Desert Dragon (Before the Storm) 8. Aimless Knowledge—Cindy Ruenes (Please Don’t Tell Me How to Dance) 9. Can’t Go On Like This—Native Harrow (Happier Now) 10.Just One Clue—Mark Jewett (Love Has No Heart of Its Own) QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page! Thank you!
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.)
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!
Please share the post to help spread the word!
Regardless of everything going on in the world that is way more important than my daily post, I will continue, nonetheless, in case someone is looking for a few minutes of respite.
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I can’t believe it, but I have another Sunday song!
Today’s choice is another track from Philby Award Winner Si Kahn and The Looping Brothers off of their “It’s a Dog’s Life” album.
Si doesn’t sing on every song, but he wrote them all!
A beautiful bluegrass arrangement gives “Gulf of Mexico” a warm earthy feeling and sound!
Referencing a Gospel quote about casting bread and nets upon the water, the immigrant singer relates it to his life as a shrimper in the Gulf of Mexico.
The Most Awesomest song of the Day is “Gulf of Mexico” by Si Kahn and The Looping Brothers!!!
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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 and by sharing this post!
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.)
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!
Please share the post to help spread the word!
Regardless of everything going on in the world that is way more important than my daily post, I will continue, nonetheless, in case someone is looking for a few minutes of respite.
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Let’s keep the party going today by going local!
Michael on Fire (Michael Cologne) is a multiple Philby Award winner, and has been making music for several decades.
All kinds of music!
It’s almost as if he’s lived many lives as he sheds one style of music to grow into another.
However, just like we as humans retain traces of interactions we have with other people, Michael still assimilates those styles into his musical arsenal of expression!
The title is of today’s song is “I Think I Came Too Late to the Party” from the “Where Dreamers Only Go Soundtrack”—a career spanning documentary!
Good Bo Diddley/”Wake Up Little Susie” dance groove!
Nice slide guitar and sax!
But a really funky drum and congas break is my favorite part!
It’s called “I Think I Came Too Late to the Party,” but it sounds like the party doesn’t get started until Michael on Fire shows up!
The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “I Think I Came Too Late to the Party” 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 and by sharing this post!
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.)
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!
Please share the post to help spread the word!
Regardless of everything going on in the world that is way more important than my daily post, I will continue, nonetheless, in case someone is looking for a few minutes of respite.
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Friday Music Fun!
It’s time I wrote something about today’s song, “Stir Me Up” by Philby Award winning artist, Sarah Morris, from her most recent “All Mine” album released in February.
The drums kick things off with a driving beat, and the music builds from there.
Sarah then starts her vocal followed by a splash of acoustic bass.
By the time the second verse begins, guitars and electric bass are added to the mix.
And the “chemical attraction/begins a chain reaction” that builds and leads to the full on bright chorus where Sarah sings about being “stirred and shaken”–an inversion of the James Bond line!
There’s a lot of syncopation and punched phrases which are always a lot of fun!
Morris has a unique, breezy, vocal style that can be identified, and that’s always a plus as far as I’m concerned!
Easy to sing and dance to, “Stir Me Up” sounds like it was recorded at a party in the studio, and the grooves capture that vibe!
The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Stir Me Up” by Sarah Morris!!!
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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 and by sharing this post!
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.)
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!
Please share the post to help spread the word!
Regardless of everything going on in the world that is way more important than my daily post, I will continue, nonetheless, in case someone is looking for a few minutes of respite.
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This year, October has two full moons.
The first one, which happens today, is the Harvest Moon.
But picking Neil Young’s perennial favorite is way too easy.
Besides, I’m sure it’s been posted several times today all over the internet.
Since October has two moons, I decided to pick a song that already has that as part of its makeup.
“Waltz for Two Moons” by The Silver Snails–a group from Romagna, Italy featuring husband/wife duo Lucas Ward and Elisa Fantini, from their The 7 Melodies” album is today’s selection!
Opening with an extended electro spatial fantasia, “Waltz” then changes gears and shifts into a Euro pop song!
The vocals are in two languages, and that enhances the appeal for me!
I like the thought that something so familiar to all of us in the world like a full moon, can be foreign and comforting, too!
The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Waltz for Two Moons” by The Silver Snails!!!
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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 and by sharing this post!
If you’d like to know what I think are even better than the awesome songs, have a look at “The Greatest Songs Ever Recorded”:https://philmaq.com/the-greatest-songs-ever-recorded/! Occasionally, an “awesome song” crosses over to become a “Greatest Song!”
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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Multi Philby Award winning artist, Eddie Arjun, has been playing some pretty wicked guitar for quite a few years.
His most recent work involved a trilogy of instrumentals that challenged both the listener and the artist.
They’re a mixture of blues, jazz, funk, prog rock/psych rock, and fusion, often in the same track!
On “Ascent” from the album, “Gravity” (It’s also found on “Transition”), Eddie‘s stylish groove is taken over by Cory Henry with some funky organ!
The song will help you “ascend” to a higher musical level!
The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Ascent” by Eddie Arjun with Cory Henry!!!
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.
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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It’s a good week to leave the Front Porch Lights on at #1! QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Top 10 Albums for the Week of September 27, 2020
1. Go on Ahead—Front Porch Lights 2. The Landing—Katie Pedersen 3. Prophetstown—The Joedai Warriors 4. High Times in the Dark—The Claudettes 5. Garden of Earthly Delights: An XTC Celebration—Various Artists 6. Light Magic—Strawberry Heritage 7. We Get By—Mavis Staples [Hall of Fame] 8. Red Sky Remembers—Gary Browe 9. The Emmylous—The Emmylous 10.Out of the Blues—Boz Scaggs QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!
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!
My radio show, “Theme Attic,” is on Wednesdays 12PM-4PM ET.
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.
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!
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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I try to play today’s selection as many times as I can during my show during this month!
“September Gurls” by The Bangles [Hall of Fame] from their “Different Light” album, is a cover of a song originally recorded by Big Star and written by Alex Chilton.
Adding lush harmonies from Susanna Hoffs, Vicki Peterson, and Debbi Peterson on top of the Big Star melody, “Gurls” recounts a failed relationship that I guess must have taken place in September.
I say, I guess, because I usually sing the words but never think about the meaning.
More specifically, the only lyric I really think about is the middle eight.
It sounds even better the way The Bangles set it up!
Bassist Michael Steele, separates herself from the rest of the band in this section by taking over the lead vocal.
The words become magical with her in charge!:
“When I get to bed/
Late at night/
That’s the time he/
Makes things right/
Ooh when he makes/
Love to me…”
And then she goes on to my favorite line that is never written down but completes the verse with an ascending
“Ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo-ooo!”
I personally, would have made the last “ooo” a “wee,” so it would have rhymed with “me,” (“ooo-wee!”) but that’s just me!
After that section, a frenetic solo follows that reminds me of an instrument that sounds like an ondioline, a precursor of the synthesizer.
I only know of the instrument because I own a copy of “Super Session” by Mike Bloomfield, Al Kooper, and Stephen Stills that featured it on a couple of songs. I have absolutely no idea if that’s what it is, but that’s what it sounds like to me.
The pacing of the song is unhurried, and I can float along in it!
I was able to catch The Bangles in concert one time in their glory days, and it was a rockin’ night filled with a succession of their hits, that far exceeded my expectations–and the bar was set very high!
They should be in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in addition to my Hall of Fame!
I love this song!
One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “September Gurls” by The Bangles!!!
