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,” (Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET when it returns.)
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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Angela Perley gets her fourth #1 Faves album and shares the spot with fellow musician Erica Blinn!!!! QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Top 10 Albums for the Week of February 28, 2021
1. Live Split Vinyl: The Stereogum Sessions—Angela Perley/Erica Blinn 2. Stand Up!—Mollywop! 3.Indian Summer/Greater Heights—Walrus 4. NOLA to New York—Jeff Scott 5. The Darkness and the Light—Mike Ward 6. Bright Lights, Long Drives, First Words—Nora Jane Struthers 7. Scenes From the Fragile, Agile Avian World—Erin Zindle 8. Ask Yo’ Mama—The Groovalottos 9. Wading in the Lesser Middle—Tom Alter 10.Struggles and Love—Wattle and Daub ——————————————————————————— Key Album of the Week: Spirit of 74—Spirit of 74 QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!
“Gotcha Covered: The Songs of Johnny Williams” featured many Southeast Michigan artists who teamed up to raise charity funds, as well as pay tribute to a songwriter, Johnny Williams!
Johnny is so humble that he doesn’t realize how talented he is!
Guitarist, Tony Pace, who is a member of both Cold Tone Harvest and The Judy Banker Band, delivers the right touch to “Country Boy”–a wry, clever, country ballad!
Congratulations Tony Pace!!! (There is no youtube link.)
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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! QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
My weekly radio show “Prime Time Theme Attic,” can be heard Mondays, 8P-10P ET when it returns.
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!
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,” currently on hiatus. (Monday nights 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 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 This week Johnny Irion and “Angels Fly” to the #1 spot! QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Top Ten Songs for the Week of February 28, 2021
1.Angels Fly—Johnny Irion (Driving Friend) 2.Built to Break—Mike Galbraith (Here, Elsewhere) 3.I Will Make My Nest High Up—Erin Zindle (Scenes From the Fragile, Agile Avian World) 4. Beautiful—Karyn Oliver (A List of Names) 5. Give It Away Again—MJ Bishop (Give It Away Again) 6.Stuck in a Rhyme—Cool King Chris (Paradigm Shift) 7.The Hewry Highwayman—Bill Grogan’s Goat (Third Eye) 8. Please Don’t Tell Me How to Dance—Cindy Ruenes (Please Don’t Tell Me How to Dance) 9. Too Cold to Cry—Lindsay Beaver (Tough As Love) 10.The Answer Is Not Blowing in the Wind—Tommy Sands (Fair Play to You All) ——————————————————————————————————— New Key Song of the Week: The Power of Love—Lucrecia Lopez Sanz (Single) QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page! Thank you!
Every week, I plan to highlight two acts that I have never played before!
There will be one artist each for a key song and an album.
I intend to only consider releases from 2021 or received as part of a current promotion for this designation. I anticipate some overlap from last year, especially at the beginning of this year.
Whether I consider them for future lists will depend on whether my “snap judgment” is worthy of that.
On old WKNR music guides, this was a weekly feature, so it’s kind of an homage to the station.
My distinction will be a weekly “key album.”
I hope you like my NEW New Year’s resolution, and together we will continue to explore new music!
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This week’s album selection is from the end of last year.
It’s part of that wrap around effect that I refer to in my introduction leading up to this part.
Releasing a self titled album, Cleveland based Spirit of ’74, led by Songwriter/Guitarist Oz Zeltner, refers back to a time that for me meant “meat and potatoes rock.” There were no frills. No lasers. No glam.
What was important was the music! The lyrics! The songs! The feelings! The energy!
I remember it as a time that I could take a chance and purchase an album without worrying that I was wasting my money.
Spirit of 74 have released an album that has some of those characteristics while still sounding fresh!
On “The Oncoming Storm,” a nifty synth riff intro leads into a rockin’ story song!
For “Ohio,” a syncopated snare drum intro takes you into a song about Spirit of 74‘s home state!
The New Key Album of the Week is “Spirit of 74” by Spirit of 74!!!
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I’m Phil Maq and I normally do a weekly College radio show which is currently on hiatus.
I’m on the lookout for new music and artists!
Actually, I’m looking for any and all “good music” all of the time!
If you read this and want to send me your music, please send mp3s to phil@philmaq.com!
If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!
I have decided to come up with a different music goal for this year.
Every week, I plan to highlight two acts that I have never played before!
There will be one artist each for a key song and an album.
I intend to only consider releases from 2021 or received as part of a current promotion for this designation.
Whether I consider them for future lists will depend on whether my “snap judgment” is worthy of that.
On old WKNR music guides, this was a weekly feature, so it’s kind of an homage to the station.
My distinction will be a weekly “key album.”
I hope you like my NEW New Year’s resolution, and together we will continue to explore new music!
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Towards the end of last year, the talented Lucrecia Lopez Sanz decided to send something positive out to the world, as well as record a musical homage to both “The Back to the Future” movie as well as Huey Lewis and The News!
I’m referring to “The Power of Love,” a song that was featured in the movie.
Lucrecia dusted it off and asked some friends to join her including Gabriel Nesci on Hofner bass, Fernando Viola on keyboards and vocals, and drummer Martin Alvarez Pizzo!
“The Power of Love” sounds as bright and vibrant as it ever has!
The New Key Song of the Week is “The Power of Love” by Lucrecia Lopez Sanz!!!
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I’m Phil Maq and I normally do a weekly College radio show which is currently on hiatus.
I’m on the lookout for new music and artists!
Actually, I’m looking for any and all “good music” all of the time!
If you read this and want to send me your music, please send mp3s to phil@philmaq.com!
If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!
Another Southeast Michigan artist and multiple Philby Award winners, The Whiskey Charmers, are feeling the vastness and uncertainty of the universe on “Galaxy” from their “Lost on the Range” album!
Up next is the fourth instrumental of this year’s Countdown!
New York guitar virtuoso and multiple Philby Award winner Eddie Arjun adds another layer of depth to his song, “Gravity,” from his “Transition” album, by including keyboard genius Cory Henry!
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 “Prime Time Theme Attic,” can be heard Mondays, 8P-10P ET when it returns.
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!
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.)
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!
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.)
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!
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The full moon actually already happened in the middle of last night, but technically it’s today.
I always try to pay my respects to the celestial orb!”
All the way from Scotland, this month’s Moon Tune is “Full Moon on the River” by Daniel Wylie’s Cosmic Rough Riders from their “Scenery for Dreamers” album!
It’s a nice pop/rock song about my favorite reflected sunshine object!
The moon looked beautiful last night when it rose during twilight time!
It should look even more spectacular tonight when the heavens are darker!
Although it’s a song about seeing the moon reflected on a river, it will be breathtaking no matter where you see it!
And you, too, may exclaim as you sing, “It’s beautiful!”
For the near future, the Countdown of Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 will take a blog format.
I am presuming it will eventually change and I will then switch to radio.
But since nothing is the same right now, I have no idea when or if that will happen.
I will reveal three songs every third day.
I’m not planning to tag anyone with my daily reveal.
I have decided to change how often I do a partial update to every 10 songs for now.
One last reminder: If a song by an artist isn’t on my weekly Phil’s Faves Songs List, it will NOT appear on the Philby year end list
I suggest that you “like” my Facebook page, Phil Maq, to stay up to date along the way.
And I’m still accepting submissions.
I will have this information after every Philby post.
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There are four brilliant Pandemic Philby Countdown selections today!
Southeast Michigan Singer/Songwriter and multiple Philby Award winner, May Erlewine–a musical chameleon if there ever was one!, put together an R&B flavored group for her “In the Night” album!
Seattle/Tacoma based rockers and multi Philby Award winners, The Rallies, take a hypnotic riff and transform it into “One Way” from their, “Serve” album!
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 “Prime Time Theme Attic,” can be heard Mondays, 8P-10P ET when it returns.
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!
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.
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.
My radio show, “Prime Time Theme Attic,” is on Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET but is on hiatus because of the pandemic.
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…at least sometimes!
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I always looked forward to Chinese New Year because it meant that I would have some kind of animal theme for my show.
The animal of the year represents a creature of the Chinese zodiac.
And every creature has a specific personality as well as certain characteristics. People born in the year of that animal are also supposed to have those same traits.
This year is the Year of the Metal Ox .
People born during this year are expected to be reliable, strong, fair, patient, kind, methodical, calm, and trustworthy.
However, they are also supposed to be opinionated and stubborn, just like an ox would be!
It would seem only natural that I would have selected today’s Friday Music Fun song for my playlist!
Tearing through an instrumental that is said to be the earliest song The Who ever recorded, “The Ox” appeared in the U.S. on their first album, “My Generation!”
This tour de force that is named for bass player John Entwistle’s nickname, is actually powered by Keith Moon”s jack-hammering drumming!
In contrast, the incomparable Nicky Hopkins plays a fluid maniacal piano riff!
That leaves Pete Townshend free to through some power guitar in while Entwistle anchors everything down and lives up to his nickname!
I love this song!
One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded: “The Ox” by The Who!!!
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If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!
