The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Follow the Moon” by Vicky Emerson!!!

Posted on September 3, 2020 by PhilMaq

I have a feature to recognize a slice of good music: 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 weekly “Theme Attic” show, Wednesdays, from 12PM-4PM ET!

The show can be heard on WHFR 89.3 FM in the Dearborn-Detroit area of Michigan, or it can be streamed with this link: https://www.whfr.fm/streamer/!

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!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

I had to pick “Follow the Moon” as one of my “Moon Tunes!”

It’s so happy!

Vicky Wallace has plenty of good songs to choose from on her Philby Award winning album, “Wake Me When the Wind Dies Down.” 

In fact, this is the second pick from the album for The Most Awesomest Song of the Day!

The two songs demonstrate the depth of her talent since one is a weeper and today’s a flat out toe tapper!

Sounding like a song that a young person might sing to themselves walking home from their friend’s house, “Follow the Moon’s” lyrics contain a relationship between the singer and the heavenly sphere!

The moon gets rid of the shadows and gives her a light to follow!

It’s a great bluegrass arrangement with hot fiddle and dobro, catchy melody, and nice harmonies!

It’s a very sweet song!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Follow the Moon” by Vicky Wallace!!!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

I have plenty of other musical areas to explore:

Here’s a link for my weekly list of Fave Songs:

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

Here’s a link for my weekly Fave Album lists:
philmaq.com/phils-lists/phils-faves-albums

My somewhat unusual Hall of Fame can be explored here: https://philmaq.com/hall-of-fame/!

Lastly, but most importantly, is my Philby Awards link! A Philby is my annual award for outstanding musical achievement! https://philmaq.com/philbys/!

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!

#VickyEmerson #FollowtheMoon #WakeMeWhentheWindDiesDown #MoonTunes #FullMoonTunes  #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

Posted in Moon Tunes, The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Phil’s Faves: Songs, August 30, 2020

Posted on September 2, 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 !

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
The Bayonets “smartly” stay on top for another week!!
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Top Ten Songs for the Week of August 30, 2020

1. Smartphone—The Bayonets (Crash Boom Bang!)
2. Bottomless Heart—The Ragbirds (The Threshold and the Hearth)
3. Just One Clue—Mark Jewett (Love Has No Heart of Its Own)
4. Bluestring—Mick Clarke (Diggin’ Down)
5. The Ride—Dave Solo (December 32nd)
6. Whispers and Moans—Sugar Snow (Woodface Reimagined)
7. Bad Reputation—Angela Perley and The Howlin’ Moons (Hey Kid)
8. The Fall—Goodbye Motel (If)
9. Stir Me Up—Sarah Morris (All Mine)
10.Same Old 45—Sarah Borges and The Broken Singles (Silver City)
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page! Thank you!

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

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Last Days” by Amy Soucy!!!

Posted on September 2, 2020 by PhilMaq

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!

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.

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

I love Amy Soucy‘s voice!

It’s clear, vibrant, and powerful!

Today’s pick, “Last Days,” is from her Philby Award winning album, “This River!”

It’s a song that wasn’t written about the pandemic, but the lyrics certainly apply.

Are these our “last days?”

I don’t yet think so, but she lays it out that “we could be children in the garden!” 

The world has so much to offer and we could all enjoy it, if we all got along and didn’t waste resources on things like war.

And then Amy questions our legacy to following generations: What will we leave them?

I actually know people who have told me that they don’t care about what kind of world will be left because they don’t have kids and they’re not going to be here.

What a selfish attitude and a waste of heavenly gifts, as they attend church weekly!

We are all connected to each other in various ways whether we want to admit it or not.

But back to the song.

The song has big folky chords that can be strummed strongly and sung loudly!

Good melody. Nice arrangement. It has a message…and there’s that voice!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Last Days” by Amy Soucy!!!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

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!

#AmySoucy  #LastDays #ThisRiver #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

Posted in The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “You Better Stop” by Will Ludford!!!

Posted on September 1, 2020 by PhilMaq

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!

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.

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Rocker Will Ludford has swapped guitar licks with the likes of Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison!

Having said that, it’s nice to know that he’s still out there making new music!

Will‘s latest album is called “Addicted,” and today’s selection is “You Better Stop.”

The uneven rhythm keeps things in motion, like trying to get your footing on a boat that’s hitting some rogue waves! It’s a perfect simile for the relationship in the song!

Keyboards sound great, and there’s a tight guitar solo, too!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “You Better Stop” by Will Ludford!!!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

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!

#WillLudford #YouBetterStop #Addicted  #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

Posted in The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged , | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Ordinary August Day” by No Fuss and Feathers!!!

Posted on August 30, 2020 by PhilMaq

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!

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.

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Here’s another Sunday song!

Here’s another August song!

Through most of my formative years, there were a lot of Sunday family gatherings.

The family was large and there was plenty of time to play catch, baseball, horseshoes, or talk!

The music was often supplied by some annoying staticky out of range Polish radio station that was forced upon us by one of my now deceased brothers.

Yeah, I’d go back there in a second!

“Ordinary August Day” by Philby Award winners No Fuss and Feathers from their “Traveling Circus” album nails that slower paced afternoon feeling with the relatives!

Beautiful leads and harmonies by Karyn Oliver, Carolann Solebello, Catherine Mills, and Jay Mafale make the Sunday sound even better!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Ordinary August Day” by No Fuss and Feathers!!!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

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!

#OrdinaryAugustDay #NoFussandFeathers #TravelingCircus #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

Posted in The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Guns of August” by Tom Alter!!!

Posted on August 30, 2020 by PhilMaq

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!

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.

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

When I had an insatiable appetite for reading books, I recall “Guns of August” as a book written by Barbara Tuchman about the start of World War I.

The War of the Roses is an historical era of civil unrest in British history that lasted thirty years.

Local singer/songwriter Tom Alter references both terms to describe a volatile relationship.

“Guns of August,” is a song from “Wading in the Lesser Middle,”an album released earlier in the year.

It’s catchy and mid tempo, so it doesn’t seem to convey what’s lying underneath the surface–just like what relationships sometimes are.

“Guns” also talks about a truce and a possible peace in September, so there’s still hope.

I like to think the couple works things out!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Guns of August” by Tom Alter!!!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

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!

#TomAlter #GunsofAugust  #WadingintheLesserMiddle #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

Posted in The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Thunder, Lightning, and Rain” by Savoy Brown!!!

Posted on August 28, 2020 by PhilMaq

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!

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.

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Sometimes you just have to go with the flow.

I always have plenty of rainy day songs to draw on.

I decided that today would be a great day to listen to Theme Attic Hall of Fame member and multi Philby Award winner Savoy Brown!

For over fifty hears, the band has been making great blues/rock music!

Lead guitarist Kim Simmonds has guided Savoy Brown through a multitude of changes, and the band has always sounded great!

From their “Witchy Feelin'” album, “Thunder, Lightning, and Rain” takes the listener on a slow blues ride!

Love the wah-wah peddle!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Thunder, Lightning, and Rain” by Savoy Brown!!!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

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!

#ThunderLightningRain #SavoyBrown #WitchyFeelin  #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

Posted in Hall of Fame, The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “The Best Days of Our Lives” by Merlot Embargo!!!

Posted on August 27, 2020 by PhilMaq

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!

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.

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

I think of today’s song as a nice summer night song!

Merlot Embargo, Scarlet and Geoff–a duo from Los Angeles, put together a nice love song.

“The Best Days of Our Lives” from their “Don’t Look Back” album has a lot to offer.

Scarlet’s strong warm vocal brings a freshness to phrases that may seem cliche with someone else handling them.

Singing nice tight harmonies, Geoff’s vocals help to keep the song bright!

The arrangement and dynamics are amazing, ranging from quiet sections with a toy piano, to full on orchestration!

“The Best Days of Our Lives” pulls us along with singalong phrases! The song ebbs and flows with a false ending set up towards the end that I really like!

It may seem kinda silly to pick such a positive song considering the condition of today’s world.

I think the strong message of love is comforting, and being a romantic at heart, I prefer to think that love conquers all!

Even though this may be the worst year for many people, I know that some people out there are still falling in love and beginning their lives together. Believe it or not, these may be the best days of their lives!

This song goes out to them and for lovers of love everywhere!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “The Best Days of Our Lives” by Merlot Embargo!!!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

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!

#MerlotEmbargo #TheBestDaysofOurLives #DontLookBack   #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

Posted in The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Phil’s Faves: Albums, August 23, 2020

Posted on August 27, 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!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Altameda takes the “time” to hit #1!
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Top 10 Albums for the Week of August 23, 2020

1. Time Hasn’t Changed You—Altameda
2. In Time—Rochelle Clark
3. Earn Every Scar—The Steve Taylor 3
4. Echoes: Remembering the Music of Tom Petty—Various Artists
5. Boomerang—Your Gracious Host
6. Free Dog—Coral Creek
7. The Ballad of Billy Bob and Other Generic American Folklore—Barker and Broski
8. Steady Heart—Vicky Emerson
9. We Get By—Mavis Staples [Hall of Fame]
10.Prophetstown—The Joedai Warriors
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!

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

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded: “Midnight Lake Michigan” by Devon Allman!!!

Posted on August 27, 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!

My radio show, “Theme Attic,”  is on Wednesdays 12PM-4PM ET.

The show can be heard on WHFR 89.3 FM in the Dearborn-Detroit area of Michigan, or it can be streamed with this link: https://www.whfr.fm/streamer/!

The Greatest Songs 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.

Here’s a link to 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!”

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!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Today’s selection is an incredible instrumental!

It’s a slow blues burner called “Midnight Lake Michigan,” from Devon Allman‘s  Philby Award winning “Ragged and Dirty“ album!

Without saying a word, this song places me in the middle of Lake Michigan right at midnight!

I’ve seen the lake plenty of times, and I’ve been on it in a boat before.

I’ve never been out there at midnight, but through this song, I know how it feels!

I imagine that I’m on a boat. The night is sweltering and humid. There isn’t a breeze. It takes an effort to even breath. The sky is pitch black. And the ship has lost power.

So, the boat is adrift. Occasionally, a small wave splashes against the sides.

The boat bobs up and down on those waves.

That sets the scene, and then the music takes over!

Marty Sammon’s organ sets the moody atmosphere!

Drumming by Tom Hambridge is amazing!

He keeps changing his patterns, and his cymbal work is phenomenal as it imitates water splashing on the vessel!

There are several noises that simulate the boat creaking back and forth by Felton Crews!

And above it all is Devon Allman‘s guitar work, that explodes to a soul shattering peak, and then the band brings everything back down as reality has to be faced:

You’ll probably get rescued tomorrow, but tonight, at midnight, you are at the mercy of Lake Michigan!

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded: “Midnight Lake Michigan” by Devon Allman!!!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

I have other musical areas to explore:

My somewhat unusual Hall of Fame can be explored here: https://philmaq.com/hall-of-fame/!

Lastly, but most importantly, is my Philby Awards link! A Philby is my annual award for brilliant musical achievement! https://philmaq.com/philbys/!

the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!

#MidnightLakeMichigan #DevonAllman #RaggedandDirty  #PhilMaq #OneoftheGreatestSongsEverRecorded #GSER

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