Phil Maq

Welcome to the 2020 Pandemic Philbys, Part II!

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!”

Congratulations Eileen Jewell!!!

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Jehova Waitresses is a previous Philby Award winner!

Congratulations Jehova Waitresses!!!

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Singer/Songwriter Rebecca Loebe is a creative wordsmith!

Congratulations Rebecca Loebe!!!

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Here’s a section on submissions:

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!
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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 #2020PandemicPhilbys #PhilbyAwards