New Key Song of the Week: “Escape Route” by Jordi!!!

I came 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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I can’t say that I know much about Jordi, the artist for this week’s New Key Song of the Week, “Escape Route.”

As a matter of fact, I couldn’t find anything at all.

No one sheet, no bio, no website, and no “about me” page.

That usually doesn’t matter much to me anyway, but I usually like to know a tidbit of info.

So, all that’s out there, at this point, is her music.

In the video for “Escape Route,” a graffiti scarred shell of a building stands out against a desert setting.

Might be California, Arizona, or many other desert locations in the world.

Jordi, who is cute and energetic, appears to play all of the instruments.

On youtube, the lyrics are posted along with the video.

If you just read the lyrics, the mood would be kind of dark.

However, the song rocks, featuring loud guitars and booming drums along with a catchy melody!

I like it!

The New Key Song of the Week is “Escape Route” by Jordi!!!

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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!

#EscapeRoute #Jordi #DangerbirdRecords #PhilMaq #NewKeySongoftheWeek

 

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Here We Go: The Pandemic Philby Best Albums of 2020 Countdown Begins Today!!!

The Philby Award

Welcome to the 2020 Pandemic Philbys, Part II!

For the near future, the Countdown of The Pandemic Philby Best Albums 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.

Three albums will be announced about every third day.

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!

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Congratulations Dave Karchner!!!

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Congratulations Tom Alter!!!

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Congratulations Wattle and Daub!!!

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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 “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!

#Philbys #2020PandemicPhilbys #PhilbyAwards

 

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One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded: “About Enough” by Karyn Oliver!!!

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 2PM-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/!

The Greatest Songs will pretty much follow the pattern of The Most Awesomest Song of the Day.

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.

Here’s a link to 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!”

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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It’s not often these days that I pop an album from someone I’ve never heard of before into a CD player and immediately bond with what I’m hearing.

It only happens a few times a year, but, thankfully, it still does and it keeps me searching…and addicted!

And that’s exactly what happened when I popped the Philby Award winning, A List of Names” album by Singer/Songwriter, Karyn Oliver!

Setting the tempo with a walking drum beat that morphs into a bluesy guitar and harp intro, “About Enough” begins to heat up when Karyn starts her personal blistering diatribe against anyone who treats her and women unfairly.

The lyrics tell the story, but there’s a millennia of words and details that are left out, but understood by those who recognize women’s struggle for equitable respect and treatment:

“To the one who follows me home/
To the one who speaks in that ancient tone/
To the one who wishes I should shut up and be safe.
To the one who pushes me down/
To the one who strikes when I stand my ground/
To the one who wishes I would go back whence I came.”

The litany of grievances continues in the second verse:

“To the one who lies to my face/
To the one who still believes it’s a race/
To the one who’s working hard to turn back all the clocks.
To the one who still can’t make room/
To the one who sees me as just my womb/
To the one who’d really love to legislate my box.”

These complaints are both personal and universal. And they aren’t just levelled against men. They are aimed at everyone that exhibits this type of behavior and even institutionalizes it!

The blues structure of “About Enough” is the perfect vehicle for this type of controlled rant.

There’s even enough room for Karyn Oliver to do what she does best: sing in her unique style!

The chorus lays out that she will not tolerate these attitudes any more:

“I’ve spent a long time feeling hungry/
Trying to prove myself to you.
Think it’s about time I got angry/
I’ve had about enough of you.”

I feel this is a beautiful song for today’s International Women’s Day!

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “About Enough” by Karyn Oliver!!!

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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!

#AboutEnough #KarynOliver #AListofNames #InternationalWomensDay #PhilMaq #OneoftheGreatestSongsEverRecorded #GSER

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Pandemic Philby Song Countdown Pauses; Pandemic Philby Best Albums of 2020 Begins!!!

The Philby Award

The 2020 Pandemic Philbys!

Just when it appeared that everything was going along so swimmingly, it would seem that something would have to come along to disrupt the schedule for karmic reasons.

And it did.

However, it’s not a cosmic delay. This time the derailment is self induced.

With only twenty songs in The Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 remaining, I have decided to pause the Countdown and switch to The Pandemic Philby Best Albums of 2020!

Almost nothing has gone right in the past year so why should The Pandemic Philbys be any different?

The truth is, I see no reason to waste a smashing good radio show, so I will delay the Top 20 for now.

That’s the “negative” news.

The good news is that if your song was on my Faves Songs list last year, you now know that you have a Top Twenty song!

And when I return to the airwaves, we can all celebrate together!

One more thing:

I have changed the years for submissions to 2018-2021.

But I have also explained in a previous post that the range is purely symbolic at this point.

I’m just flat out looking for “good” music no matter what the year!

I also plan to explain some new thoughts that I have about them in the near future.

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

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Welcome to the 2020 Pandemic Philbys!

For the near future, the Countdown of The Philby Best Albums 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 albums every third day…or so.

I’m not planning to tag anyone with my daily reveal.

There will be a partial update every 10 albums for now.

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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Here’s a section on submissions:

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

This year that pool is 2018-2021.

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 “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!

#Philbys #2020PandemicPhilbys #PhilbyAwards

 

Posted in 2020 Philbys | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Unofficial Philby Pandemic Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown Update #8!!!

The Philby Award

Here’s the latest unofficial update of the Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020!

The links direct you to the post when the song was announced!

As usual, I have included submission information after the update.

The unofficial Countdown so far is:

21.Don’t Lose Your Way—Laura Rain and The Caesers (Walk With Me)

22.Country Boy—Tony Pace (Gotcha Covered: The Songs of Johnny Williams)

23.Are You Listening?—Billy Brandt and Sarana VerLin (Are You Listening?)

24.Galaxy—The Whiskey Charmers (Lost on the Range)

25.Ascent—Eddie Arjun with Cory Henry (Gravity)

26.Get Right—May Erlewine and The Motivations (In the Night)

27.Tragedy in A Minor—Skinny Lister (The Devil, The Heart, and The Fight)

28.One Way—The Rallies (Serve)

29.Marfa Lights—Jennifer Westwood and The Handsome Devils (Single)

30.Our World to Save—Bob Hausler (Single)

31.Never To Part—Birdsong at Morning (A Slight Departure)

32.I Got Love If You Want It—Lindsay Beaver (Tough As Love)

33.When the Bloom Falls From the Rose—Sarah Jane Scouten (When the Bloom Falls From the Rose)

34.What We Breathe In—The Chordaes (What We Breathe In)

35.Alpena Colada—Kathy Wieland (Momma Liked to Fish)

36.Step Right Up—Building Birds (If a Tree Falls…)

37.I Need You Like That—The Bankesters (Nightbird)

38.I Think I Came Too Late to the Party—Michael on Fire (Where Dreamers Only Go Soundtrack)

39.Poor Old Me—Annie and Rod Capps (When They Fall)

40.Every Beat in My Heart—Sharon Tse (The View From Here)

41.Don’t—Larkin Poe (Kin)

42.Phone Call—Kristen Toedtman (Limbo)

43.Come On to Me—Paul McCartney (Egypt Station)

44.Marching Orders—The New Pornographers (Brill Brusiers)

45.The Piper in the Cave/An Ghaoth Aniar Aneas (The South-West Wind)—Altan [Hall of Fame] (The Gap of Dreams)

46.Riding Low (And Flying High)Dan Sheehan (Tales From Earth, Inc.)

47.I Like Your Hair—Kid Gulliver (Spree)

48.Cruel World—Billy W. Brandt and The Thing and Stuff Band (Seattle Jazz Musician) (Get It Going!)

49.Say a Prayer—Dave Boutette and Kristi Lynn Davis (Easy As Pie)

50.What You’re Made Of—Davy Knowles (Three Miles From Avalon)

51.Bones of Saints—Robert Plant (Carry Fire)

52.Kimmie’s Song—The Pennock/Stephens Project ( The Pennock/Stephens Project)

53.Tell Me—The Forty Nineteens (Single)

54.The Ride—Dave Solo (December 32nd)

55.Change—Mavis Staples (We Get By)

56.Nuages—Deni Bonet (Bright Shiny Objects)

57.End of the World—Flamin’ Groovies (Fantastic Plastic)

58.Hoodwink—Steve Leaf and The Ex—Pats (Lightspeed)

59.You and Me and the Sun—Annie Fitzgerald (You and Me and the Sun)

60.SanctifiedEllie Zwart (Toward Home)

61.Not About You—Joanna and The Jaywalkers (The Open Sea Before Me)

62.Dirt Roads and Dandelions—Mike Gentry (Mike Gentry)

63.The Next Big Thing—Jeff Scott (NOLA to New York)

64.Anthem—Ed Dupas (Tennessee Night)

65.Winter’s BoneLee Anna Atwell, Allison Edberg Nyquist, Linda Hicks, Joe Peters (A Night at the Delphi Opera House)

66.Friend of Mine—Courtney Yasmineh (Red Letter Day)

67.Before the Lights Go Out—C.J. Ramone (American Beauty)

68.Hey Buddy—Phil Lee (…And the Horse He Rode In On)

69.Upbeat—Deane Nesbitt, Jr. (Soundtracks in the Sand)

70.Everything She DoDog Society (In the Shade)

71.Been Such a Long Time—Greg Nagy (Stranded)

72.Honey, I Love You—The Dustbowl Revival (The Dustbowl Revival)

73.Shines—The Donkeys (Ride the Black Wave)

74.Who Wants Cilla?—The Hangabouts (Single)

75.Whispers and Moans—Sugar Snow (Woodface Reimagined)

76.Your Version of the Truth—Bill Edwards (Sounds Like Love)

77.Secret Recipe—Joe Kidd and Sheila Burke (Everybody Has a Purpose)

78.You Better Stop—Will Ludford (Addicted)

79.Aimless Knowledge—Cindy Ruenes (Please Don’t Tell Me How to Dance)

80.Soldier of Love—Ben Reel (Land of Escape)

81.(Don’t) Give Up on Love—Car City (Car City)

82.Happy New Year—Annie and Rod Capps (Where They Fall)

83.Rich Man Blues—Michael Snyder—Barker (Tales of Whoa!)

84.Patient Man—Where’s Keith? (Living On Mars)

85.Rescue Me—Amy Helm (Didn’t It Rain?)

86.Flying High—Desert Dragon (Before the Storm)

87.Heaven On Earth—Nick Urb and Olivia Dear (Millerschin)(Until the End of Days)

88.Think About You—M French (Matthew French)(Sweet Love)

89.Colors of Christmas—The Hangabouts (Single)

90.Sand—Chris Meck and The Guilty Birds (It’s 4AM Somewhere)[Language Warning]

91.Boxes—Circus of the West (We’ll See Ourselves Out)

92.It’s That Time Again—Mark Jewett (Single)

93.The Fall—Goodbye Motel (If)

94.Olivia—Go Fever (Daydream Hawker)[Language Warning]

95.Hurt’s All Gone—Samantha Fish (Chills and Fever)

96.Can’t Go On Like This—Native Harrow (Happier Now)

97.The Get Up and Go—Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio (Singin’)

98.Walk You Home—Phil Ayoub (Arrivals and Departures)

99.Let It Roll—The Garden of Soul (Forsaken)[Language Warning]

100.Dollar Store Christmas—Barker and Broski (Single)

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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 “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!

#Philbys #Unofficial2020PandemicPhilbySongUpdates #PhilbyAwards

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Phil’s Faves: Albums, February 28, 2021

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.

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!

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Angela Perley gets her fourth #1 Faves album and shares the spot with fellow musician Erica Blinn!!!!
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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
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Key Album of the Week: Spirit of 74—Spirit of 74 QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!

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It’s a Double Play Wednesday in The Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown!!!

 

The Philby Award

Welcome to the 2020 Pandemic Philbys!

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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Today’s Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown has two Southeast Michigan songs!

Multiple Philby Award winners Laura Rain and The Caesars serve up a funky R&B groove on “Don’t Lose Your Way” from their, Walk With Me,” album!

Congratulations to Laura Rain and The Caesars!!!

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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!

Helping out on harmony vocals is multi Philby Award winner, David Roof!

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!
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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!

#Philbys #2020PandemicPhilbys #PhilbyAwards

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Phil’s Faves: Songs, February 28, 2021

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:

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 !

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This week Johnny Irion and “Angels Fly” to the #1 spot!
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Top Ten Songs for the Week of February 28, 2021

1. Angels Fly—Johnny Irion (Driving Friend)
2. Built to BreakMike 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 CryLindsay Beaver (Tough As Love)
10.The Answer Is Not Blowing in the Wind—Tommy Sands (Fair Play to You All)
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New Key Song of the Week: The Power of Love—Lucrecia Lopez Sanz (Single)
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Don’t forget to like my Facebook page! Thank you!

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New Key Album of the Week: “Spirit of 74” by Spirit of 74!!!

I have 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. 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!

#Spiritof74 #OzZeltner #TheOncomingWar #Ohio #PhilMaq #NewKeyAlbumoftheWeek

 

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New Key Song of the Week: “The Power of Love” by Lucrecia Lopez Sanz!!!

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!

#ThePowerofLove  #LucreciaLopezSanz #Gabriel Nesci #FernandoViola  #MartinAlvarezPizzo #HofnerBass #PhilMaq #NewKeySongoftheWeek

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