The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Unnamed King” by ShwizZ!!!

Posted on April 27, 2020 by PhilMaq

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

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!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

If you’ve been paying any attention to me or my Most Awesomest Songs, you would know by now that I pretty much like the complete musical spectrum!

Today’s choice will fill in a lot of categories.

The multi genre band ShwizZ mixes prog/rock, fusion, metal, funk, and many more styles together–usually within the same song!

They hold the Philby record for the longest “Hot Song” that clocks in at over 13 minutes, as well as several other Philby Awards!

Andy Boxer is one of the best drummers I have ever seen!

Ryan Liatsis is one of the best guitarists I’ve ever seen!

Throw in John Ferrara of the band Consider the Source, another multi genre Philby Award winning band, and you have the lineup for ShwizZ‘s brand new song “Unnamed King!”

Expect some “Big Things” from the band, their upcoming album in June!

The best was to describe ShwizZ is just to listen to them!

I am totally honored that I was chosen to debut their new song!!!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Unnamed King” by ShwizZ!!!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq! #themostawesomestsongoftheday #philmaq #shwizz #unnamedking #considerthesource #bigthings

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

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Starcrossed Losers” by The Fratellis!!!

Posted on April 26, 2020 by PhilMaq

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

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!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Today we celebrate “Willy the Shake,” as Joni Mitchell referenced him!

He’s Shakespeare to the rest of us.

I thought today was his birthday. Turns out his baptism anniversary date is today. His actual birthday is April 23, 1564.

Close enough!

I have chosen a song by The Fratellis, a rock band from Glasgow, Scotland, from their  “In Your Own Sweet Time” album.

The song features Shakespeare’s tragic characters Romeo and Juliet.

When this song comes up on my player, I will often play it several times in a row.

It has a catchy melody, but the string arrangement is crazy!

For the longest time, when I glanced at my player, I thought the song title was “Starcrossed Lovers” because of the subject matter.

I was shocked! Shocked I tells ya, to find out the actual title of this selection!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day Is “Starcrossed Losers” by The Fratellis!!!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

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

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

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Cruel World” by Seattle Jazz Artist Billy Brandt with The Thing and Stuff Band!!! the

Posted on April 25, 2020 by PhilMaq

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

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!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Today I would like to shine a spotlight on one of my current Faves songs because I think it deserves it!

I feel that this song may not be getting the listens it deserves because its title sounds like it’s a negative song.

Not true.

One of the reasons I mentioned why I started “The Most Awesomest Song of the Day” category, was because some of the lyrics in the songs that I listen to seem to be taking on different meanings in the world situation today.

“Cruel World” by multiple Seattle Jazz artist, Billy Brandt, from his “Get It Going” album, is one of those songs.

It starts talking about how tough the world is, but then switches to a positive message:

“In this cruel world/You can’t avoid the hurt/

In this cruel world/You are the flower or the dirt/  

But there’s Love/Above and below/

And it’s Love/That makes that flower grow” 

Billy always keeps “Love” and the “children” in mind because it will be their world soon enough so they need to be taught which is more important!

And he does all of this against a funky/jazz beat with insanely incredible sax solos!

Nice keyboards, too!

I am happy to announce The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Cruel World” by Seattle Jazz Artist Billy Brandt with The Thing and Stuff Band!!!

 

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

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

 

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

The Most Awesomest Songs of the Day!!!

Posted on April 25, 2020 by PhilMaq

 

The Most Awesomest Songs of the Day

I am assessing my latest endeavor, “The Most Awesomest Song of the Day!”

Up to this point, I have posted 10 entries.

The songs range from garage rock, to ska, to americana, to emotional meditative pieces, to  jazz flavored funk, to classical flavored R&B, and to rock variations and more.

The songs also range from just released, to a couple of years old, to a re-release, and to an old classic.

Some make me cry, some make me wanna dance and/or turn the volume up.

Sounds like things are going as I hoped they would!

These selections are different and separate from both my Faves lists and The Philbys, although some of them may end up on those lists.

What I did feel the songs should be singled out for, was its own Awesomest page so that they can be collected for easy reference so they can be explored and listened to!

I am pleased to announce The Most Awesomest Songs of the Day page!!!

Please feel free to share!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

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

 

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

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Having a Rave Up” by The Prefab Messiahs!!!

Posted on April 24, 2020 by PhilMaq

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

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!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

How ’bout a little Friday Music Fun? 

Here’s a recipe for you:

Take 1 part Yardbirds  album title

Add 1 part Yardbirds influenced guitar riff

Stir in a stompin’ drum beat

Cook with some vintage yet “borrowed” Prefab Mania film clips

Heat until it melts and boils over

This recipe is best served smokin’ hot and can feed millions! 

Today’s selection has all of that recipe and more!

Multiple Philby Award winners, The Prefab Messiahs, put out a most excellent album a couple of years ago entitled, “Psychspoitation Today.”

They even made a trippy companion video album for all of the songs!

Here’s one of those songs to start your weekend- where everyday seems the same:

The Most Awesomest  Song of the Day is “Having a Rave Up” by The Prefab Messiahs!!!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

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

#themostawesomestsongoftheday #philmaq #theprefabmessiahs #havingaraveup #fridaymusicfun #psychspoitationtoday

Posted in The Most Awesomest Song of the Day, Video "Q"sings | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Phil’s Faves: Albums, April 19, 2020

Posted on April 24, 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,” (Mondays, 8P-10P ET. Temporarily on hiatus.) on mostly alternating weeks, along with my “Phil’s Faves, Songs” lists!

Here’s a link:

http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu

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
Sarah Morris and “All Mine” stay #1 for two!!
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Top 10 Albums for the Week of April 19, 2020

1. All Mine—Sarah Morris
2. Buffalo Motel—Judy Banker
3. Radiant—Wild Ponies
4. Scarecrow—Linden Thoburn
5. We Wonder—Mike Ward
6. Lost on the Range—The Whiskey Charmers
7. Dudee Free—Big Dudee Roo
8. For the Ride Home—Mike Rocket
9. Whistleblower—Luti 
10.Donny Brown—Donny Brown
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!

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

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Step Right Up” by Building Birds

Posted on April 23, 2020 by PhilMaq

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

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!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

It’s been one year since the music world was shocked by the death of Ashley Peacock, lead singer of Flint’s rock/pop band, Building Birds.

I featured the band’s music many times on my show over the years.

I almost always got a response from listeners.

And the memories.

There was the time I was playing one of their songs on air and a group of students huddled around the station’s external speaker listening in.

There was the time I saw them at P.J.’s Lager House on a chilly spring night, and went outside to take a triumphant picture with the band. The Detroit skyline, as a background with its blinking lights, seemed to resemble the bright future the band had ahead of it! (I tried really hard to locate that picture, but couldn’t find it.)

I remember reading Ashley’s own comments about how great it was to play Arts, Beats and Eats, and the response from the fans.

But, sadly, tragically, Ashley took his own life.

The legacy is that Ashley Peacock lives on in the great music that Building Birds recorded.

A personal favorite of mine is “Step Right Up” from their second album “If a Tree Falls…”

It features a slow powerful build starting with a simple solo guitar intro.

The first verse starts with Ashley singing a powerful line:

“Love, don’t say it’s love/Unless it’s been there long before time.”

When he comes around for the second verse, the lyrics are even more raw and pointed:

“Don’t, come say it’s love/Unless you’re willing to lay down your life.”

Ashley Peacock’s music was uncompromising.

There weren’t any gray areas.

The song fades out with Ashley singing: “La da da da da da da…”

I can just see him up on stage with his head back, singing his heart out on those nonsense syllables!

That is how I want to remember him–giving his all!

I cannot listen to this song without crying.

I probably never can.

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is : “Step Right Up” by Building Birds!!!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

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

#themostawesomestsongoftheday #philmaq #ashleypeacock #buildingbirds #ifatreefalls #steprightup

 

 

 

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

Memories of Helen

Posted on April 23, 2020 by PhilMaq

Since I started my radio show, I’ve always been lucky enough to have some very loyal listeners.

One of them was my Mother-in-Law, Helen.

She liked to laugh, and was always kind to me!

Even though she was getting up there in age-she was never into rock music, she always tuned in to my show.

Since I played a wide variety of music, it was always kinda easy to slip in a Frank Sinatra song or something else along those lines.

Her favorite one was “El Paso” by Marty Robins.

Hey! That was a favorite of mine, too, so I might have played that one a couple of times a year.

Towards the end, Helen was almost a captive audience because she wasn’t able to get around much.

However, she listened closely. She wasn’t a musician, but I was amazed how she would make comments about some of the music I played, since it was mostly newer stuff.

She even started liking some of them, remembering their names. I was even more stunned when she would repeat some of the things I would talk about on my show.

My childhood home had quite a bit of music being played.

Most of it was Polish music.

It took quite a few years before the mixture for me was even 50/50 between Pop and Polish.

Helen grew up on Polish music, too!

At her funeral, my wife said that she liked me, but she loved Phil Maq!

Every year on or around her birthday, I would play a terrific version of “Helena Polka” that I ran across by a hot band called Brian Marshall and His Tex-Slavik Playboys!

Well, today is her birthday.

This one’s for her.

Happy Birthday, Helen!!!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

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/!

A list that you might find interesting is my list for “The Most Awesomest Songs of the Day”: https://philmaq.com/most-awesomest-songs/!

Occasionally, an “awesome song” crosses over to become a “Greatest Song!”

Here’s a link to have a look at “The Greatest Songs Ever Recorded”: https://philmaq.com/the-greatest-songs-ever-recorded/!

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 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!

Posted in Music Musings | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Matriarch of Nature” by Strawberry Heritage!!!

Posted on April 22, 2020 by PhilMaq

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 )

I don’t intend to say too much about the selections. Just a few short, sweet sentences.

I’m not even sure if I’ll do it everyday.

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

Today being Earth Day, I selected a song by an artist that has local roots.

Strawberry Heritage is basically a one-man band.

John Hanson has been putting out tranquil music with beautiful layered harmonies for many years. Strawberry Heritage is a multi-Philby Award winner and I have been playing them almost as long as I’ve had a show! I always look forward to a new album.

Well, I don’t have to wait any more because the latest one, “Light Magic,” was just released!

It features a fresh batch of melodic songs that are often about nature!

The album is an Earthwork Music release, a label that has many incredible artists that sing about nature!

Since today is the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day–I always do an annual show on Mt. Dearborn ;), I am happy to announce a brand new track as The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Matriarch of Nature” by Strawberry Heritage!!!

Since this is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, here’s a bonus song.

The first time I ever ran across a John Prine song was on John Denver’s “Rocky Mountain High-a favorite album of mine!

At the time, there was a major battle going on in Colorado with some people trying to bring the 1976 Olympics to Denver. The environmental fight was on, and John Denver (Man there’s a lot of Johns in this post! And a lot of Denvers!) even had a verse about it in the title track of the album.

He already had a tie to the Appalachian mountains and West Virginia with his first hit, “Take Me Home Country Roads.”

Since there were plans to change the mountains by adding a village and all of the other Olympic requirements, John Denver identified with John Prine’s “Paradise” song about damaging the eastern mountains and relating it to the Rocky Mountains.

The city of Denver rejected hosting the Olympics showing that environmentalists did have strength in numbers!

A young impressionable listener noticed that the song was written by John Prine. And he eventually learned that John Denver had covered him before-but that’s another story. Sometimes you don’t know how you end up in a situation, and Denver remained a strong environmentalist-even though he had his own personal issues maintaining his stance.

Here’s John Prine’s version of “Paradise”:

And finally, I’ll end this post with a song I play every Earth Day: “I Wanna Be Green” by Joanie Leeds and The Nightlights from her “I’m a Rock Star” album.

It’s the happiest song about recycling that I’ve ever heard!

So do what you can to help the planet this Earth Day and every day! The smallest gesture is often multiplied by billions!

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!! 

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

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

#themostawesomestsongoftheday #philmaq #earthday #strawberryheritage #lightmagic #johnhanson #earthworkmusic #johndenver, #johnprine #joanieleedsandthenightlights #iwannabegreen #imarockstar #paradise #matriarch of nature #rockymountainhigh #takemehomecountryroads

 

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

Phil’s Faves: Songs, April 19, 2020

Posted on April 22, 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,” heard Mondays, 8PM-10PM ET! (Temporarily on hiatus.)

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:

Listen live: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu

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 Rallies only know “One Way” to #1! This is their second #1 Faves song!!
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Top Ten Songs for the Week of April 19, 2020

1. One Way—The Rallies (Serve)
2. We’ve Got Hate on the Run—Tosha Owens (Detroit Strong)(Single)
3. Love Isn’t Fair—Suzi Quatro (No Control)
4. I Like Your Hair—Kid Gulliver (Spree)
5. Blessed Be the Nation—Judy Banker (Single)
6. Soldier of Love—Ben Reel (Land of Escape)
7. Boxes—Circus of the West (We’ll See Ourselves Out)
8. Cruel World—Billy W. Brandt with The Thing and Stuff Band (Get it Going)
9. The Piper in the Cave/An Ghaoth Aniar Aneas (The South-West Wind)—Altan            (The Gap of Dreams) [Hall of Fame]
10.Hey Buddy—Phil Lee (…And the Horse He Rode In On)
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page! Thank you!

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