Phil Maq

Here’s the latest unofficial update of the Pandemic Philby 100 Best Albums of 2020!

The unofficial Countdown so far is:

71.Don’t Look Back—Merlot Embargo

72.Simple Life—Nick Carter

73.Don’t Worry, It’s Not Contagious—Jeremy Porter

74.Light Magic—Strawberry Heritage 

75.Now—A— Daze—Caleb Nettles

76.Cut Loose, Vol. 2—Mick Clarke 

77.Bloodshot Red—Popular Creeps 

78.Dancing Through the Storm—Amy Dixon—Kolar

79.Almost Extinct—Dirty Mind Detroit

80.The Open Sea Before Me—Joanna and The Jaywalkers

81.Revolutions and Romantics—Biltmore

82.Fun and Fancy—Sundae and Mr. Goessl

83.The 7 Melodies—The Silver Snails

84.Waterbound—Kevin Lockhart and Bill Bosler

85.The Quietest Place—Hannah Baiardi

86.Time and Truth—Joel Mabus

87.Fantastic Plastic—Flamin’ Groovies 

88.Kill or Be Kind—Samantha Fish 

89.Sundown Over Ghost Town—Eileen Jewell

90.Route 5—Jehova Waitresses 

91.Blink—Rebecca Loebe

92.The Day After the Night Before—Terri Binion 

93.No Drop of Love Is Ever Wasted—Valerie JanLois 

94.1932—Davy Knowles 

95.In My Element—George Heritier

96.Transitions de Vie—Mary Ann Kirt

97.Ask Yo’ Mama—The Groovalottos 

98.Lonesome City—Dave Karchner

99.Wading in the Lesser Middle—Tom Alter 

100.Struggles and Love—Wattle and Daub 

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Here’s a section on submissions:

I am accepting entries for Philby consideration!

The album selections are made from a sliding four year pool of music.

The pool for 2021 is 2018-2021.

One of the reasons that I use a multiple year submission scale is that just getting music out to the world is sometimes difficult for an artist.

A lot of them are not really wired for self promotion.

Making music is totally different than drumming up interest in it, especially for independent musicians.

Yes, there are promoters that can help with that. And nothing against promoters because they have a role to play. But they cost money, and the artist already had to pay to record the music, and may not be prepared for the process of promoting it.

After looking at how some other independent awards are handled, I figured a four year window allows me enough time to serendipitously run across someone’s music.

I have told this story several times, but I try very hard to listen to everything that is submitted.

Although I work on my list, starting literally on January 1st, using a four year sliding window, I carry over some of what would qualify from the prior years.

So, if you’ve made some music dating back as far as 2018, I will accept that music for consideration.

If you have something older than 2018, send that, too, but identify the release date. I’m always looking for GREAT music.

For the Philbys, I’m looking for full albums.

However, if you only have a single, I’ll accept that, too. Don’t forget that I also have a Philby Hot Songs list, and more artists are releasing singles these days.

But please don’t send me an incomplete album if you have one.

So, please don’t edit for me.

I hate that and I might not even check out the item. I don’t know why anyone would only send selected songs instead of their whole work of art for consideration.

Please don’t send me links to listen to music. That’s not how I listen to music.  And I probably won’t listen to it if you send me a link to stream it. Either send me the album to download or request my mailing address to send a physical copy.

Every year I say that if your item came out later than May, it may not end up on this year’s list. So it’s possible that submissions entered now may only be considered for 2021. (It sounds so good to think of 2020 being finished!)

However, this year will be totally different than other years. I have not received any where near the amount of releases that I normally do.

It might be an excellent year to send a submission.

I will accept any genre of music. I like a variety of styles, even on the same album!

So, please e-mail your mp3s, and please make sure it is an mp3 only, to phil@philmaq.com.

If you want a physical address or have other questions, please e-mail me at the same address. Because selections will be considered for more than a single year, there isn’t an expiration date at the present.

If you want someone who will actually listen to your music, I am that person.

If you want some recognition for working hard and baring your soul, that might be me, too. I can’t make any promises, but I will listen to your music.

If you are reading this and are not a musician but know someone who is, please forward this to them.

Good luck to all who participate!
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My weekly radio show “Theme Attic,” can be heard Wednesdays, 2P-4P ET!

It almost always includes a weekly countdown of my favorite albums or songs  and some shows feature two countdowns!

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

#Philbys #Unofficial2020PhilbyAlbumUpdates #PhilbyAwards