Philby 100 Best Albums of 2019

Posted on May 10, 2020 by PhilMaq

Will there ever be a “normal” year again?

With everything that is going on in the world, there have been times where I have actually forgotten about posting this list!

But he official Philby 100 Best Albums of 2019 post is finally ready! .

It was another incredible year for music! I will probably always say that. At least, I hope I can.

Once again, I listened to thousands of albums-(possibly the most ever!), somewhere in the vicinity of 3500-4000 albums. And I had to trim several hundred of them to keep the list at 100!

And that’s only first listens.

I’ve probably listened to everything on my list at least ten times each on average!

One of these years, probably 2020, that figure will go down, or at the least, level off. But I keep trying to find new ways to listen to music!

I’ve also given some thought as to how many albums are in my “album pool” for selection. Since I actually listen to albums over a sliding year calendar (this year’s choices are 2016-2019), the total albums in my ‘pool” that I consider for Philbys, should actually be compounded!

In other words, these are my 100 choices out of, conservatively, 10,000-12,000 albums! (4 years x 2500-3000 albums per year!)

I always think of diamonds when I try to compare these works of art.

Each album, like a diamond, has its own unique brilliance. I think of a song on an album, as being similar to a facet of a diamond. It has to be held at the correct angle to reflect the most light. Just like a song!

So without even further delay, these are the PHILBY 100 BEST ALBUM WINNERS for 2019!

Just remember that even at album 100, there are truly tens of thousands of albums on the other side of that number.

Each one is an artistic work of art, no matter what the genre is. The musicians were artists at the top of their game! Hope you find something you enjoy!

Philby 100 Best Albums of 2019

1. Hammered—J.C. And The Disciples [Best Album][Best Rock Album][Best Themed Album] [Best Album Pink Floyd Wished They’d Made][Best Album Cover][Best Horns][Best Bagpipes]

2. When They Fall—Annie and Rod Capps [Best Americana Album][Best Album By a Duo or Group][Best All Genre Album]

3. 4:30—Angela Perley [Best Country/Rock Album]
4. Riverside—Billy Brandt and The Sugaree’s [Best Folk/Rock Album]
5. …And the Horse He Rode in On—Phil Lee [Best Outlaw Album by a Real Outlaw]
6. A List of Names—Karyn Oliver [Best Singer/Songwriter Album][Best Female Vocals]
7. Egypt Station—Paul McCartney [Best Pop/Rock Album][Best Wings/Beatles Album]
8. Southland—Lindsay Lou [Best Solo Album]
9. Hellfire—Kenny Parker [Best Blues Album][Best Slide Guitar: Jim McCarty]
10. Gotcha Covered: The Songs of Johnny Williams—Various Artists [Best Various Artists Folk Album][Best Tribute Album]
11. Please Don’t Tell Me How to Dance—Cindy Ruenes [Best Lyrics]
12. When My Baby Comes Around—Rod Johnson [Best Rock/Pop Album]
13. We Carry On—The Wag [Best Pop Album]
14. It’s About Time—Jen Sygit [Best Song Arrangements]
15. So It Goes—The Joedai Warriors [Best Record Setting 3rd Album on a Philby List]
16. The Lonesome Side of Town—Ed Dupas [Best Male Singer/Songwriter Album]
17. Where Dreamers Only Go Soundtrack—Michael on Fire [Best Soundtrack Album][Best Retrospective Album]
18. Upside Down—The Rallies [Best Power Pop Album]
19. In the Night—May Erlewine and The Motivations [Best Blue-Eyed Soul Album][Best EP]
20. Woodface Reimagined—Sugar Snow [Best Covers Album][Best Original Artwork Cover]
21. 1000 Hands—Jon Anderson [Best Prog/Rock Album][Best All Star Cast][Best Violin: Jean-Luc Ponty][Best Keyboards: Chick Corea][Best Flute: Ian Anderson]
22. ShwizZ II—ShwizZ [Best Fusion Album][Best Drums: Andy Boxer]
23. No Control—Suzi Quatro [Best Classic Rock Album][Best Bass]
24. Hold On With All Your Might—T.J. Zindle [Best Indie Rock Album][Best Guitar]
25. I Can’t Be the One You Want Me To Be—Jillian Rae [Best Alternative Album] [Best Fiddle]
26. Sterling—Joanie and Matt [Best Album About the Old Testament]
27. Ordinary Things—Sarah Morris [Best Country/Folk Album]
28. Better Than Gold—Erica Blinn
29. Nothing Stays the Same—Annie Bacon + Her Oshen
30. December 32nd—Dave Solo [Best Album Title][Best Solo Album by Someone Named “Solo”]
31. This Broken Play—The Dirk Kroll Band
32. Wake Me When the Wind Dies Down—Vicky Emerson [Best Real Country Album]
33. Standard Deviation—Danny Schmidt
34. Radiant—Wild Ponies
35. Sounds Like Love—Bill Edwards [Best DIY Album]
36. Clouds Thick, Whereabouts Unknown—The Joedai Warriors
37. The Story Is…—Skinny Lister [Best Irish Punk Album]
38. Donny Brown—Donny Brown [Best “Last Second” Album]
39. Sweet Love—Matthew French
40. Eggtones for Peace—Seth Bernard [Best Album About Peace]
41. Iterations—Mental Health Day [Best Album About Health]
42. Sugar Town—Randy Tessier
43. Third Eye—Bill Grogan’s Goat [Best Celtic Album]
44. Tales From Earth Incorporated—Dan Sheehan [Best Political Subject Album]
45. Ordinary Band—Katie Dahl
46. Let the Fire Burn Strong—Sam Corbin [Best Male Vocals]
47. Heaven to Me—Jay Stielstra
48. You and Me and The Sun—Annie Fitzgerald
49. Guided Meditation—Hurry
50. The Pennock/Stephens Project—The Pennock/Stephens Project
51. Rebooted—The Forty Nineteens [Best Garage Rock]
52. Blue Yodel—Hoodang
53. Soundtracks in the Sand—Deane Nesbitt, Jr. [Best Instrumental Album][Best World Album][Best String Arrangements]
54. City Noir—Billy Brandt (Seattle JAZZ Artist) [Best Jazz Vocal Album]
55. Driving Friend—Johnny Irion
56. Circus on Fire—The Blueflowers [Best Goth Album]
57. Three Miles From Avalon—Davy Knowles [Best Blues/Rock Album]
58. The Devil, The Heart, and The Fight—Skinny Lister
59. Kingfish—Christone Kingfish Ingram
60. Magic Music—Magic Music [Best Hippie Album]
61. Trust Your Instincts—Nick Piunti
62. Only Human—The Cordial Sins
63. Rose of My Heart—Dirt Road Sweetheart [Best Bluegrass Album]
64. Give It Away Again—M.J. Bishop
65. Rifles and Rosary Beads—Mary Gauthier
66. A Night at The Delphi Opera House—Lee Anna Atwell, Allison Edberg Nyquist, Linda Hicks, Joe Peters [Best Live Album]
67. Here Everywhere—Mike Galbraith
68. Jackpot!—Vegas Strip Kings [Best Roots Album]
69. Tough As Love—Lindsay Beaver
70. Easy As Pie—Dave Boutette and Kristi Lynn Davis
71. Phantasmagoria—The Breakfast [Best Jam Band Album]
72. Whistleblower—Luti
73. Paradox—Diana Chittester
74. Eclectic—John Ford Coley
75. Until Tomorrow Gets in the Way—Latvian Radio
76. Afterthought—Carilyn Striho [Best Accordion: Erin Zindle]
77. Last Import—Last Import
78. The View From Here—Sharon Tse
79. Detroit Pleasure Society—Detroit Pleasure Society [Best Vintage Jazz Album]
80. For the Ride Home—Mike Rocket
81. Community Aspire—Scott Baker
82. Dudee Free—Big Dudee Roo
83. Momma Liked to Fish—Kathy Wieland
84. Traveling Circus—No Fuss and Feathers
85. Little Bit of Love—The Loving Mary Band [Best Country Album]
86. Spree—Kid Gulliver
87. We Wonder—Mike Ward [Best Folk Album]
88. When You Go—Tiffany Williams
89. Hush Now: Lullabies For Sleepy People—Liz Beebee [Best Kindie Album]
90. Daydream Hawker—Go Fever
91. A World That’s Bigger—Mike Vial
92. Cut Loose, Vol.1—Mick Clarke
93. Songs and Images—Gary Browe
94. Once More With Feeling—The Hackwells
95. Troubled With the Earth—Nick Juno [Best Folk Punk Album]
96. Broken Soul—Dirty Mind Detroit
97. Good Bad Love—Telamor
98. Belle of the West—Samantha Fish
99. Traverse the Universe—Miss Sophie Lee and The Parish Suites [Best Vocal Swing Album]
100.Cubicle Zombie—Weather McNabb
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

I do a weekly radio show, “Prime Time Theme Attic.” (Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET when it’s not on hiatus.)

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

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 Philby, Philbys | Tagged 1000 Hands, 4:30, A List of Names, A Night at the Delphi Opera House, A World That;'s Bigger, Afterthought, Allison Edberg Nyquist, And the Horse He Rode In On, Angela Perley, Annie and Rod Capps, Annie Bacon plus Her Oshen, Annie Fitzgerald, Belle of the West, Better Than Gold, Big Dudee Roo, Bill Edwards, Bill Grogan's Goat, Billy Brandt, Billy Brandt and the Sugaree's, Blue Yodel, Broken Soul, Carilyn Striho, Christone "Kingfish" Ingram, Cindy Ruenes, Circus on Fire, City Noir, Clouds Thick Whereabouts Unknown, Community Aspire, Cubicle Zombie, Cut Loose Vol.1, Dan Sheehan, Danny Schmidt, Dave Boutette, Dave Solo, Davy Knowles, Daydream Hawker, Deane Nesbitt Jr, December 32nd, Detroit Pleasure Society, Diana Chittester, Dirt Road Sweetheart, Dirty Mind Detroit, Donny Brown, Driving Friend, Dudee Free, Easy As Pie, Eclectic, Ed Dupas, Eggtones for Peace, Egypt Station, Erica Blinn, For the Ride Home, Gary Browe, Give It Away Again, Go Fever, Good Bad Love, Gotcha Covered: The Songs of Johnny Williams, Guided Meditation, Hammered, Heaven to Me, Hellfire, Here Everywhere, Hold on With All Your Might, Hoodang, Hurry, Hush Now: Lullabies For Sleepy People, I Can't Be the One You Want Me to Be, In the Night, It's About Time, Iterations, J.C. and The Disciples, Jackpot!, Jay Stielstra, Jen Sygit, Jillian Rae, Jim McCarty, Joanie and Matt, Joe Peters, John Ford Coley, Johnny Irion, Jon Anderson, Karyn Oliver, Kathy Wieland, Katie Dahl, Kenny Parker, Kid Gulliver, Kingfish, Kristi Lynn Davis, Last Import, Latvian Radio, Lee Anna Atwell, Let the Fire Burn Strong, Linda Hicks, Lindsay Beaver, Lindsay Lou, Little Bit of Love, Liz Beebee, Luti, M.J. Bishop, Magic Music, Mary Gauthier, Matthew French, May Erlewine and The Motivations, Mental Health Day, Michael on Fire, Mick Clarke, Mike Galbraith, Mike Rocket, Mike Vial, Mike Ward, Miss Sophie Lee and The Parish Suites, Momma Liked to Fish, Nick Juno, Nick Piunti, No Control, No Fuss and Feathers, Nothing Stays the Same, Once More With Feeling, Only Human, Ordinary Band, Ordinary Things, Paradox, Paul McCartney, Phantasmagoria, Phil Lee, Phil Maq, Philby Awards, Philbys, Please Don't Tell Me How to Dance, Radiant, Randy Tessier, Rebooted, Rifles and Rosary Beads, Riverside, Rod Johnson, Rose of My Heart, Sam Corbin, Samantha Fish, Sarah Morris, Scott Baker, Seth Bernard, Sharon Tse, Shwizz, ShwizZ II, Skinny Lister, So It Goes, Songs and Images, Sounds Like Love, Soundtracks in the Sand, Southland, Spree, Standard Deviation, Sterling, Sugar Snow, Sugar Town, Suzi Quatro, Sweet Love, T.J. Zindle, Tales From Earth Incorporated, Telamor, The Blueflowers, The Breakfast, The Cordial Sins, The Devil The Heart and The Fight, The Dirk Kroll Band, The Forty Nineteens, The Hackwells, The Joedai Warriors, The Lonesome Side of Town, The Loving Mary Band, The Pennock/Stephens Project, The Rallies, The Story Is..., The View From Here, The Wag, Third Eye, This Broken Play, Three Miles From Avalon, Tiffany Williams, Tough As Love, Traveling Circus, Traverse the Universe, Troubled With the Earth, Trust Your Instincts, Until Tomorrow Gets in the Way, Upside Down, Vegas Strip Kings, Vicky Emerson, Wake Me When the Wind Dies Down, We Carry On, We Wonder, Weather McNabb, When My Baby Comes Around, When They Fall, When You Go, Where Dreamers Only Go Soundtrack, Whistleblower, Wild Ponies, Woodface Reimagined, You and Me and the Sun | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Let Go” by Angela Perley!!!

Posted on May 9, 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!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

If I started a list of Best Artists of the 21st Century, Angela Perley would be near the top!

She might even be on top!

I have traveled many times to Ohio to catch her live!

She is a multiple Philby Award winner, including my “Philby Song of the Year of 2016” for “White Doves!!!

Along with guitar slinger Chris Connor, the two have put out a catalog of rockin’ tunes with catchy melodies!

Angela‘s latest album, “4:30” (#3 on the soon to be published “Philby 100 Best Albums of 2019” list), blends an evolving mixture of rockers and ballads!

She has the soul of an old hippie (that’s a compliment of highest regards), and showcases the talents of Dawn Aquarius to animate her video of “Let Go” from “4:30!”

Dawn‘s artwork would have fit in quite nicely in Detroit and San Francisco of the 60’s around The Grande Ballroom and The Fillmore! It’s very colorful, trippy and psychedelicized!

I am happy to announce The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Let Go” by Angela Perley!!!

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!

#themostawesomestsongoftheday #philmaq #AngelaPerley #ChrisConnor #LetGo #4:30 #WhiteDoves #DawnAquarius

Posted in The Most Awesomest Song of the Day, Video "Q"sings | Tagged 4:30, Angela Perley, Chris Connor, Dawn Aquarius, Let Go, White Doves | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “No Words” by Wings!!! (Denny Laine)

Posted on May 9, 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!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

It was one year ago today, that I met a musical hero of mine. He played on, and wrote some of the greatest music of all time–guitarist Denny Laine [Hall of Fame]!

The adventure started a couple of weeks earlier, April 24, when I was lucky enough to interview him on my morning “Theme Attic” show.

Denny was coming into town for a show at The Magic Bag to play the complete “Band on the Run” album, as well as some early songs by The Moody Blues.

It was a fun 45 minute interview! He had just been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and was open to talking about anything including former band mates Ginger Baker and Paul McCartney [Hall of Fame].

Fast forward a couple of weeks later, Denny remembered me from the interview and asked me to introduce the band for his show!

Now, I’m smart enough to know that no one remembers the person who introduces the artist at a show.

But I do!

It was a great show and the band played everything including the strangely weird to hear live, “Picasso’s Last Words,” maracas and all!

Here’s one of my favorites from “Band on the Run,”–a very underrated song that Denny said he pretty much wrote 90% of!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “No Words” by Wings with Denny Laine!!! [Hall of Fame]

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 #DennyLaine #BandontheRun

Posted in Hall of Fame, Paul McCartney, The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged Band on the Run, Denny Laine, Ginger Baker, No Words, Paul McCartney, Picasso's Last Words, The Magic Bag, The Moody Blues | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Love Won’t Stay Close” by Carolyn Striho!!!

Posted on May 7, 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 2PM-4PM!

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

Let’s go local for a fun song!

Today’s choice is a fun rockin’ tune by Carolyn Striho from her “Afterthought” album!

It features a sax hook that doesn’t quit!

There’s also a cool wah-wah guitar solo!

And it makes you wanna dance!

‘Nuff said!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Love Wont Stay Close” by Carolyn Striho!!!

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 #CarolynStriho #LoveWon’tStayClose #Afterthought

Posted in The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged Afterthought, Carolyn Striho, Love Won't Stay Close | Leave a comment

Phil’s Faves: Albums, May 3, 2020

Posted on May 7, 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) on mostly alternating weeks, along with my “Phil’s Faves, Songs” lists!

Here’s a link:

https://whfr.fm/streamer/

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
Wild Ponies are “radiant” as this week’s #1!
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Top 10 Albums for the Week of May 3, 2020

1. Radiant—Wild Ponies
2. Scarecrow—Linden Thoburn
3. All Mine—Sarah Morris
4. Lost on the Range—The Whiskey Charmers
5. Buffalo Motel—Judy Banker
6. Heaven to Me—Jay Stielstra
7. ShwizZ II—ShwizZ
8. Eggtones for Peace—Seth Bernard
9. December 32nd—Dave Solo
10.Whistleblower—Luti
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!

Posted in Phil's Faves: Albums | Tagged All Mine, Buffalo Motel, Dave Solo, December 32nd, Eggtones for Peace, Heaven to Me, Jay Stielstra, Judy Banker, Linden Thoburn, Lost on the Range, Luti, Radiant, Sarah Morris, Scarecrow, Seth Bernard, Shwizz, ShwizZ II, The Whiskey Charmers, Whistleblower, Wild Ponies | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day : “Blue Mountains of Mexico” by Jennifer Warnes (Ian Tyson)!!!

Posted on May 6, 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!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

I was going to include this song in yesterday’s Mexican themed post, but it is so wonderful, I wanted to give it the recognition it deserves!

This is one of a handful of songs that I have played several times that hasn’t shown up on my weekly Faves Songs list!

I think it’s one of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded (GSER) and Greatest Song Ever Written!!!

Jennifer Warnes has had several hits and groundbreaking albums for many years!

I ran across this song a couple of years ago, when a various artists collection came out called, “40 Years of Stony Plain Records“–an excellent label and 3 CD compilation!

The song actually came from a different tribute compilation, “It’s a Gift” featuring the songs of the great singer/songwriter Ian Tyson, possibly best known for “Four Strong Winds!”

Today’s selection is “Blue Mountains of Mexico” by Jennifer Warnes!!!

It’s a Western themed bittersweet love song about memories triggered by a postcard.

The song contains some of the most poetic lyrics about time and money.

I’ve always told my children that when you have time, you don’t usually have money, and vice versa. It is truly the lucky person who has both at the same time.

Ian Tyson puts it this way:

“Time like money just disappears./

No one knows where it goes./

We spend it so recklessly/

When we’ve got nothing but time.”

That is Hall of Fame writing!

The song features nice Spanish guitar, a beautiful melody, and nice interaction between the accordion and the magnificent string arrangement!

On top of all of that is Jennifer Warnes‘ yearning vocal!

There appears to be some confusion about the geography of the song and where the “blue mountains” are.

It references the “Sangre de Cristo Mountains” which are located in Southwestern Colorado. That’s a long way from Mexico, and no one can see any Mexican mountains from there.

However, there was a time in North American history when the northern border of Mexico happened to be southern Colorado. (I tried to include a map to show this, but couldn’t figure out how to do it. You’ll have to check it out yourself.)

So the “Blue Mountains of Mexico” were, at one time, a lot closer than you think.

I really don’t know if that’s what Ian Tyson was thinking about when he wrote the song, but it’s one explanation and at least you can quit thinking about that when you listen to it.

So, we’ve waited long enough! Let’s get to it!

The Awesomest Song of the Day is “Blue Mountains of Mexico” by Jennifer Warnes!!! (An Ian Tyson song!!!)

Here’s a bonus song: The original version of “Blue Mountains of Mexico” by Ian Tyson!!!

It’s from his “Lost Herd” album.

The versions are slightly different, so you might enjoy checking them out!

Either way, you get to hear a wonderful song again and this one has Ian Tyson‘s strong, clear vocal!!!

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 #bluemountainsofMexico #JenniferWarnes #IanTyson #StonyPlainRecords

Posted in The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged 40 Years of Stony Plain Records, Blue Mountains of Mexico, Ian Tyson, It's a Gift, Jennifer Warnes, Sangre de Cristo Mountains | Leave a comment

Phil’s Faves: Songs, May 3, 2020

Posted on May 6, 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!

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
Hate gets a #1 double whoopin’ by Tosha Owens and Detroit Strong Music!!
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Top Ten Songs for the Week of May 3, 2020

1. We’ve Got Hate on the Run—Tosha Owens (Detroit Strong Music)(Single)
2. Blessed Be the Nation—Judy Banker (Single)
3. I Like Your Hair—Kid Gulliver (Spree)
4. Cruel World—Billy Brandt with The Thing and Stuff Band (Get it Going)(Seattle Jazz artist)
5. The Piper in the Cave/An Ghaoth Aniar Aneas (The South-West Wind)—Altan (The Gap of Dreams) [Hall of Fame]
6. Declined—The Claudettes (High Times in the Dark)
7. Patient Man—Where’s Keith (Living on Mars)
8. (Don’t) Give Up on Love—Car City (Car City)
9. Heaven on Earth—Nick Urb with Olivia Millerschin (Until the End of Days)
10.Love Isn’t Fair—Suzi Quatro (No Control)
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page! Thank you!

Posted in Phil's Faves: Songs | Tagged (Don't) Give Up on Love, Altan, Billy Brandt with The Thing and Stuff Band-Seattle Jazz Artist, Blessed Be the Nation, Car City, Cruel World, Declined, Detroit Strong Music, Heaven on Earth, High Times in the Dark, I Like Your Hair, Judy Banker, Kid Gulliver, Living on Mars, Love Isn't Fair, Nick Urb with Olivia Millerschin, No Control, Patient Man, Spree, Suzi Quatro, The Claudettes, The Gap of Dreams, The Piper in the Cave/An Ghaoth Aniar Aneas (The South-West Wind), Tosha Owens, Until the End of Days, We've Got Hate on the Run, Where's Keith | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Jesus on the Dash” by Vegas Strip Kings!!!

Posted on May 5, 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!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Every year, I always played some songs on my show for Cinco de Mayo!

The music doesn’t have to have anything to do with the Anniversary. It’s just that I have always liked music with a Mexican or Hispanic flavor!

Today’s choice is a song by Vegas Strip Kings from their “Jackpot” album released last year.

It tells the story about a hard working migrant farm worker, who had a crucifix on his dashboard to help keep him safe!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Jesus on the Dash” by Vegas Strip Kings!!!

How about a bonus song by a band that I refer to as Mexicos’ Beatles!

I’m talking about Los Texas Tornados otherwise known as Freddie Fender, Flaco Jimenez, Augie Meyers, and Doug Sahm!

They put out a zippy little tune on their “Hangin’ By a Thread” album!

We should all go make some “Guacamole” today!

It’s good for you!

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

Posted in The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged Augie Meyers, Cinco de Mayo, Doug Sahm, Flaco Jimenez, Freddie Fender, Guacamole, Hangin' By a Thread, Jackpot!, Jesus on the Dash, Texas Tornados, Vegas Strip Kings | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Truth” by Dave Solo!!!

Posted on May 5, 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!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ

Today is the anniversary of one of the darkest moments in American history.

I was pretty young when it happened, and it didn’t make any sense to me.

Fifty years later, it still doesn’t make any sense to me.

I’m referring to the shootings at Kent State University, where four American citizens lost their lives, and another nine were were wounded, when the Ohio National Guard fired upon the crowd at an anti-war demonstration.

I remember listening to WABX in Detroit, when one of the DJ’s (I can’t remember who. Maybe Dave Dixon or Jerry Lubin) rushed into the studio with a brand new song that was hand delivered. The impression was that this was some incredible underground explanation of the Kent State shootings. This was a song about “The Man!”

That was the first time anyone in our area ever heard “Ohio” by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young. It was a song rushed out by the band and the label, Atlantic Records, to tap into the “youth market.”

And it was an accounting of the incident that took place just weeks before. But this was the first time that I realized that music, and my heroes, couldn’t solve everything, because that song had no answers. Zero.

It had haunting lyrics and hot guitar licks. It had vitriol. It name checked Nixon-the first song that I can remember doing that! Nice harmonies. But zip for any solutions.

And the relevance of “Ohio” barely lasted through the summer of 1970, soon resembling an old yellowing newspaper.

Sometimes, things are too close to home to even attempt to understand.

It became crystal clear in 1989 at Tiananmen Square when the Chinese army fired upon unarmed citizens killing and wounding hundreds.

How could that happen?

How could Kent State happen?

I think a lot of it has to do with “truth.”

Back in 1970, there was a distrust that the government in charge wasn’t being “honest” in many areas.

That distrust continues today.

All I know, if I break it down to a personal level-and I have to think that most people were raised this way, is that I don’t associate with people who don’t tell the truth.

In my world, my life, truth matters.

So does honesty. Integrity. Character. Respect.

If you don’t have these core principles, why would anyone want to interact with you, unless they had to?

Singer/songwriter/guitarist tackles some of these subjects in his “December 32nd” release from last year.

In a song called “Diminution (As the Boom Rolls Away),” Dave examines how hippies and peaceniks who didn’t trust “The Man” then, now blindly support a deceitful government.

That one’s good, too, but my choice today looks at “Truth”–the building block of credibility!

I don’t understand how we go from a President who couldn’t tell a lie, to one who never tells the truth.

Dave’s song talks about solving the mysteries of life-something we all do, consciously or subconsciously. He questions how can future generations solve their own mysteries if truth no longer exists–if a conspiracy theory has to be created to misdirect someone from the truth in order to cover up a lie.

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Truth” by Dave Solo!!!

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 #davesolo #december32nd

Posted in The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged Atlantic Records, Crosby Stills Nash and Young, Dave Dixon, Dave Solo, December 32nd, Diminution (As the Boom Rolls Away), Jerry Lubin, Kent State University, Ohio, Truth, WABX | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Blessed Be the Nation” by Judy Banker/Lyrics by Pete Seeger and Jim Musleman!!!

Posted on May 4, 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 1PM-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

Pete Seeger [Hall of Fame] is an idol of mine and today is his birthday!

My earliest recollection of his music was a song called “Little Boxes.”

Back in the day, it was difficult to find any music of any kind on Sunday mornings because every radio station played religious shows or public service shows. It was like being in music prison!

One show that I did find, was an ecumenical show on an AM station that came on at 7:30 AM. It had nice generic segments about being kind to each other.

It also had music!

I remember three songs: “What the World Needs Now” by Burt Bacharach [Hall of Fame], “Variations on a Theme by Erik Satie” by Blood, Sweat, and Tears (1st Movement only and I knew that because I owned the album. That might have been the first hook that got me to tune in.), and “Little Boxes” by Pete Seeger.

Now, I didn’t know who the artists were on the other songs until years later, but that’s the first time I heard him. And it was that live track where everyone seemed to laugh hysterically.

My next memory was seeing Pete on the local news singing a song about “Garbage.” He was in Detroit holding a rally or something. It might have been for Earth Day.

I thought, what a strange song! The words were things my dad had talked about for as long as I could remember.

Things finally came full circle when I ordered “The World of Pete Seeger” from Columbia House as a cutout.

I would order anything if the price was right! I had my own chump change and I was willing to spend it! My own “little boxes” came in pretty often!

“The World of Pete Seeger” truly was a whole world!

There was an instrumental banjo tune and a song about a boxer being killed in the fighting ring for sport, next to songs about war criminals, a Civil Rights anthem, love songs, classic Folk gems, the most brutal version of “Masters of War” that you will ever hear, translated into Japanese as he sings it, songs of peace, and a beautiful version of Woody Guthrie‘s [Hall of Fame] “Hobo’s Lullaby,” as well as one of the greatest songs ever recorded, “My Rainbow Race!”

And those are just some of the songs! And in the middle of those songs was the aforementioned, “Little Boxes!”

I am saddened when I hear singer/songwriters of today act like Pete Seeger is some long forgotten useless elderly person in a nursing home that they don’t want to remember.

Pete would be the first one cheering their effort. He found good in almost everybody and their music.

He had major songs of his own, with big easy choruses for the audience to learn and sing along, like “If I Had a Hammer” and “Turn, Turn, Turn.”

But he also sang other songwriter’s songs as if they were his own.

He was a voice for the lowliest peoples on earth–the ones who didn’t have political power but should have because of their numbers.

Every type of music is pretty much represented in his catalog.

As far as I’m concerned, Pete Seeger, Alan Lomax, and The Library of Congress helped to preserve many ethnic songs!

He had the biggest heart in the music business!

Let’s fast forward to today’s song selection.

Judy Banker has been on my show more times than any other guest.

She has assisted me on pledge drives to keep my head attached–at least somewhat.

Judy took a poem that Pete Seeger had written with Jim Mussleman from 1964 and was allowed to add a melody.

A new Pete Seeger song!

And I know one of the people who wrote it and others that played on it!

To me, that’s the equivalent of the remaining Beatles joining together to create a new song from a John Lennon demo!

And the song is terrific! It sounds like something that Pete could have written, yet it still retains the Judy Banker sound! I think the phrasing even sounds like Pete!

And I was hooked right from the first time I heard it!

Those first four notes by Judy–what a hook!

“Ooh-oh-oh-ooh!”

And even though the song is going on fifty years old, it’s, unfortunately, still relevant!

The repetition of “People not profits” for life and death work decisions is how things should be run and is a plea for universal health care–something that would make the coronavirus situation just a tiny bit easier to deal with.

I sure wish I was singing in that choir! They sound so great!

But at least I can sing along with the song.

This song is the only song I have ever played twice on a show because I wanted to hear it again and didn’t want to wait!

I am truly honored to announce The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Blessed Be the Nation” by Judy Banker!!!

Pete would have loved this!

Happy Birthday, Pete!

Here’s a link for a free download of the song: https://judybanker.com/pete-seeger-blessed-be-the-nation-project

Here’s a bonus song from Pete:

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!

#themostawesomestsongoftheday #philmaq #blessedbethenation #peteseeger #judybanker

Posted in The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged Alan Lomax, Blessed Be the Nation, Blood Sweat and Tears, Burt Bacharach, Columbia House, Garbage, Hobo's Lullaby, If I Had a Hammer, Jim Mussleman, Judy Banker, Little Boxes, Masters of War, My Rainbow Race, Pete Seeger, Turn Turn Turn, Variations on a Theme by Erik Satie, What the World Needs Now, Woody Guthrie | Leave a comment

Phil Maq