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, “Theme Attic,” heard Wednesdays 2PM-4PM ET!
This list forms the basis of my countdown list on the “Top 9 at 3:09” segment of my show on mostly alternating weeks, along with my “Phil’s Faves, Albums” lists!
Here’s a link for the complete history of all the Fave Songs:
If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq !
QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ Cindy Ruenes does her own dance as this week’s #1 Faves Song! QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Top Ten Songs for the Week of April 4, 2021
1.Please Don’t Tell Me How to Dance—Cindy Ruenes (Please Don’t Tell Me How to Dance) 2.Beautiful—Karyn Oliver (A List of Names) 3.Too Cold to Cry—Lindsay Beaver (Tough As Love) 4. Time Flies By—Gary Browe (Red Sky Remembers) 5. Starcrossed Losers—The Fratellis (In Your Own Sweet Time) 6.Lightspeed—Steve Leaf and The Ex—Pats(Lightspeed) 7.Go to Girl—Travis Bowlin (Secondus) 8. Every Day—Mental Health Day (You Could Be Anywhere) 9. Born Again—Judy Banker (Buffalo Motel) 10.How Will You Go?—Sugar Snow (Woodface Reimagined) QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ Don’t forget to like my Facebook page! Thank you!
Welcome to the final installment of the 2020 Pandemic Philbys, Part II!
All good things must come to an end is the cliché.
I’m not sure if this was a good thing or not, but it was the best way that I could see to continue with my annual Philby Awards for brilliant musical achievement!”
Under the circumstances, it served its purpose well.
Several followers have stated that it was good to see the acknowledgments continue in some fashion.
However, these last three reveals will be the last one like this (or at least I hope it is), because…things change this Wednesday on “Theme Attic” from 2PM-4PM ET!
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! QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
My weekly radio show “Theme Attic,” can be heard Wednesdays, 2P-4P ET!
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! QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
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!
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 3:09” segment of my “Theme Attic Show,” Wednesdays 2PM-4PM ET on mostly alternating weeks, along with my “Phil’s Faves, Songs” lists!
It’s another peak into my listening habits—which is a goal of mine. If you want to know where I’m heading or what I think about some new music, you will find it here.
I honestly don’t expect there to be much volatility on this list because these albums are what I have been basing many of the sets on my show.
Once again, there will be no boundaries. I will go wherever my musical muse takes me.
If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!
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In spite of the “Darkness,” Mike Ward finds the #1 light again!! QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Top 10 Albums for the Week of March 28, 2021
1. The Darkness and the Light—Mike Ward 2. Scenes From the Fragile, Agile, Avian World—Erin Zindle 3. The Power, The Glory, and The Monkey Time: Redux 2020—George Stephen Kelly 4. Collaboration—Warriors, Zombies and Other Joedai Pilgrims 5. Fierce—Tracy Kash 6. A Fragile Peace—Lucky Jr. 7. Live Split Vinyl: The Stereogum Sessions—Angela Perley/Erica Blinn 8. Indian Summer/Greater Heights—Walrus 9. Moon On Havana—Wendy Webb 10.Hollowed Sigh—Scott Baker QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!
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, “Theme Attic,” heard Wednesdays 2PM-4PM ET!
This list forms the basis of my countdown list on the “Top 9 at 3:09” segment of my 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:
Wednesday is the last day of Women’s History Month, so why not go out with a show primarily featuring women? As a matter of fact, until the Top 9 at 3:09, there will ONLY be female artists on the 2021 Spring New Music Showcase, Pt.2, with Phil Maq from 2PM-4PM ET!!!
Just a reminder, “new” is a relative term for me and several choices will be Philby “adjustments” that are older. However, I will play one song from an album that I have never played before! The Countdown is not included. There will still be several fresh selections!
Listen with a friend or a pet, come along for the ride, and tune in to 89.3 FM WHFR in the Dearborn-Detroit area, stream it anywhere in the world with this special showcase link https://www.whfr.fm/streamer/, or ask Alexa to find it for you! (And let me know that everything works!) Thank you!
Starting ten years ago at the radio station, and having the added goal of concentrating on new music by primarily independent musical artists, I thought that I was somewhat prepared for such a task.
After all, with a personal declining interest in major label artists for at least another twenty years before that, the transition should have been easy to take that knowledge from my house to the airwaves.
Ha!
In retrospect, that’s pretty funny!
For all of the hours that I had spent in record stores searching and learning about relatively “unknown” artists, was nothing like the volume of music received at the station.
It was comparable to taking a high school Chemistry class versus a college one: Everything you learned was covered in the first couple of weeks!
And everyone at the station all knew more about music than me–someone who had spent their whole life immersed in music(!)…and they would act like it.
I’m a fast learner and I threw myself into becoming familiar with some artists that were pouring into the station.
Fortunately for me, I found some very onward and upward artists!
The first album of hers that I ran across in the station’s new releases section, was “I’m a Rock Star!”
I kept telling myself that it was a kid’s or “kindie” album–the category that it would fall in if you wanted to put a label on it. I should probably be looking for more mature music.
But it was difficult not to like it!
“Rock Star” was full of bright, catchy, pop songs!
I’ve always had a soft spot for somewhat playfully fun music! Jonathan Richman, Soupy Sales, Jerry Lewis, Spike Jones, and The Three Stooges are all in my “Theme Attic Hall of Fame!”
“I Wanna Be Green”–a song about recycling on “Rock Star,” became an instant perennial favorite for my Earth Day show!
Joanie‘s follow up, “What a Zoo!” was an even better collection of music featuring songs about animals!
It included the annual summer classic, “Mosquitoes!”
Continuing to develop and hone her writing skills–even though she didn’t need to, Joanie ended up with my #1 Song of the Year (Pre Philbys): “Falling!”
I consider the last two songs to be two of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded!
Since then she has released several more wonderful albums!
All of them feature Joanie‘s strong, mellifluous vocals, as well as smart arrangements with beautiful harmonies!
Last year, she released her most “personal” album: “All the Ladies.”
When I say “personal,” I don’t mean that she revealed some deep, hidden secrets.
I mean “personal” in an invaluable way of such importance that it would be considered a legacy work of art.
A legacy for her daughter!
A legacy for my daughter, who is now a mechanical engineer!
A legacy for girls, women, and ladies everywhere who encounter “Glass Ceilings!” (It’s the title of one of the songs on the album, too!)
On the cover of the album for “All the Ladies,” are all of the women on the album!
And only women worked on it!
Joanie made her point that within the music industry, women encounter ceilings in so many studio positions.
That would not happen on “All the Ladies,” which won a Grammy earlier this month!
I will play a track from the album on my “Women’s History Month: 2021 Spring New Music Showcase, Pt. 2 on Wednesday’s “Theme Attic” with Phil Maq from 2PM-4PM ET! The first 70 minutes of the show is the Showcase, and it will only feature women artists!
You can listen at WHFR 89.3 FM in the Dearborn-Detroit, Michigan area, or use this link to stream the show: https://www.whfr.fm/streamer/!
For as long as I’ve been on the radio, and definitely for as long as I’ve been writing a blog, I will occasionally make a reference to a song being “One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded!” (GSER)
I would usually follow that by saying that I would eventually start a category for it, but then never get around to it.
Well, now I’m getting around to it!
My radio show, “Theme Attic,” is on Wednesdays 12PM-4PM ET.
I’ll select a song to celebrate and then give my thoughts about it. Nothing really brand new here that hasn’t been done before. But since I have a website, I can collect them and lay out what my own greatest songs are.
Even though I always emphasize new music and artists, it’s always fun to take a short drive through the legendary artists, since they influenced those other artists!
But a song doesn’t have to be old or done by a legendary Theme Attic Hall of Fame member to be thus honored.
I can think of several songs that are only a few years old or less that I could identify as One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded.
This will be fun, and hopefully you will join me on my journey!
If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!
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The full moon looks wonderful tonight!
I suggest you take a look!
And maybe that’s why today’s song Full Moon Tune is “Catch the Moon” by Davy Knowles from his Philby Award winning, “The Outsider” album!
It’s a short, tight, rockin’ piece with nice interplay between everybody!
On a true team effort song, Davy‘s guitar trades licks with the keys while the rhythm section keeps everything moving quickly and fast!
Sounding like a combination between Free and Deep Purple, it’s a nice soundtrack for an elusive heavenly sphere!
Great vocals, too!
The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Catch the Moon” by Davy Knowles!!!
Although I am back on the airwaves, for the near future, the Countdown of The Pandemic Philby Best Albums of 2020 will continue as a blog format.
It will probably continue in writing until I reach a number that will work for an even number of shows.
When they are announced, they will be as groups of three albums–except for the last one that leads into the transfer from print to radio.
Included with a photo of the album cover will be one song.
That song will usually be the title track of the album, or the song that mentions the title in its lyrics.
However, if the album is an eponymously named album or does not have a song that fits into the last description, a song will be selected that is either what I consider to be the best track on the album, or the last best song if I have already played tracks from the album.
I don’t intend to say anything else about the album unless I feel inspired to do so.
Therefore, the selected songs can not be compared to each other as one song being better than another song in the post nor the Countdown.
This is not a competition!
In fact, I go through the final list after the Countdown is complete, but before it’s published, to select the “winners” that best represent a certain category or style of music.
I like to think, and I’ve said it many times before, that every album on the list is a winner in some way.
It’s unfair to the artists to compare the albums since the completed list will include entries across a time span of several years and will include many genres.
I feel that I myself is the true winner because I was able to listen to such great music throughout the year!
I’m not planning to tag anyone with my daily reveal.
There will be a partial update after every 10 albums for now.
One last reminder:
If I didn’t receive your album until after April 2020, chances are very slim that it will show up on this list. But several did make it!
I suggest that you “like” my Facebook page, Phil Maq, to stay up to date along the way.
And I’m still accepting submissions, but the submissions will now be considered for the 2021 Philbys.
I will have this information after every Philby post.
I hope you will join me on this journey for brilliant musical achievement!
And, oh, yeah: The Philbys will go live in April!
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The next three Pandemic Philby Album Countdown Winners feature women artists and two are first time winners!
Singer/Songwriter Eileen Jewell calls herself “The Queen of the minor key!”
The album selections are made from a sliding four year pool of music.
This year that pool is 2017-2020.
The song selections are usually from the same range, too, but I’m a little more open to almost anything, since over time, there have been plenty of older songs that have found new life years after they’ve been recorded, even ending up on hit movie soundtracks.
Needless to say, this year is going to be unlike any year.
However, I have arrived at the realization that there will be issues every year no matter what I plan.
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 what would qualify from the prior years.
Up to this point of the year, I just reached my largest batch of albums.
So, it’s basically a little over the number I used last year.
But let’s talk about this year, which is absolutely the weirdest year ever!
I haven’t even done a show for months!
I haven’t any idea how this will affect either list.
However, I will come up with something that makes sense.
And as large as my working list is, I know I have room for more.
I can never have enough!
Therefore, I am accepting entries for Philby consideration!
So, if you’ve made some music dating back as far as 2017, I will accept that music for consideration.
If you have something older than 2016, 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! QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
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!
