Phil’s Faves: Albums, February 21, 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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Southeast Michigan Singer/Songwriter Jeff Scott’s journey from “NOLA to New York” makes a stop at #1!
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Top 10 Albums for the Week of February 21, 2021

1. NOLA to New York—Jeff Scott
2. Stand Up!—Mollywop!
3. Live Split Vinyl: The Stereogum Sessions—Angela Perley/Erica Blinn
4. Bright Lights, Long Drives, First Words—Nora Jane Struthers
5. Peculiar—The Slackers
6. The Darkness and the Light—Mike Ward
7. Indian Summer/Greater Heights—Walrus
8. Collaboration—Warriors, Zombies, and Other Joedai Pilgrims
9. The Darkness of Birds—Amy Petty
10.Tomorrow Will Be Yesterday Soon—Jon Shain and FJ Ventre
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Key Album of the Week: Summer Bliss and Autumn Tears—Steven Bradley
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Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!

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Phil’s Faves: Songs, February 21, 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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Erin Zindle’s nest can’t be any higher up than the top at 1!!!!
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Top Ten Songs for the Week of February 21, 2021

1. I Will Make My Nest High Up—Erin Zindle (Scenes From the Fragile, Agile Avian World)
2. Stuck in a Rhyme—Cool King Chris (Paradigm Shift)
3. Give It Away Again—MJ Bishop (Give It Away Again)
4. Beautiful—Karyn Oliver (A List of Names)
5. Built to BreakMike Galbraith (Here, Elsewhere)
6. Dichotomy of Disbelief—Latvian Radio (Pick Your Poison, Pick Your Blues)
7. Angels FlyJohnny Irion (Driving Friend)
8. The Hewry Highwayman—Bill Grogan’s Goat (Third Eye)
9. Please Don’t Tell Me How to Dance—Cindy Ruenes (Please Don’t Tell Me How to Dance)
10.Too Cold to Cry—Lindsay Beaver (Tough As Love)
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New Key Song of the Week: The Balcony—Fruit Bats (The Pet Parade)
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Don’t forget to like my Facebook page! Thank you!

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New Key Album of the Week: “Summer Bliss and Autumn Tears” by Steven Bradley!!!

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 a 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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What happens when a guy who has produced M.X.P.X., Less Than Jake, and Blink 182 as well as others, decides to make his first record?

You get a pretty damn good album, that’s what you get!

Showing a more sensitive and somewhat introspective side than the aforementioned bands, Steven Bradley’s “Summer Bliss and Autumn Tears” album is chock full of pop/rock songs that feature a slightly skewed observational point of view!

In a very creative video for a solid rockin’ song, “Pre-Emptive Strike” (Love the title!), Steven describes a relationship to prove that all is fair in love and war…and sometimes they’re the same!

The New Key Album of the Week is “Summer Bliss and Autumn Tears” by Steven Bradley!!!

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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!

#PreEmptiveStrike #StevenBradley #SummerBlissandAutumnTears #PhilMaq #NewKeyAlbumoftheWeek

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New Key Song of the Week: “The Balcony” by Fruit Bats!!!

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 a 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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After one of the worst cold spells in almost a hundred years for great sections of the country, the warming trend that is starting up will make the rest of this week feel like a winter to spring transition.

Chicago area based band, Fruit Bats, have a new single, “The Balcony,” from their upcoming album, “The Pet Parade,”  that feels and sounds like the perfect soundtrack to accompany the changeover!

Feeling like a built up groundswell for new hope and positive things to happen, “The Balcony” can hardly contain its upbeat melody as “we’re waiting for the warmth of spring to turn your world green!”

A whole anxious world awaits this transformation!

The video is very, uh, quirky!

The New Key Song of the Week is “The Balcony” by Fruit Bats!!!

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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!

#TheBalcony #FruitBats #ThePetParade #PhilMaq #NewKeySongoftheWeek

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Unofficial Philby Pandemic Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown Update #7!!!

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.

Here’s the unofficial Countdown so far:

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 #2020PandemicPhilbys #PhilbyAwards #PandemicPhilbyUpdates

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Starting Week 11 of the Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown Update!!!

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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The Pandemic Philby Song Countdown is into its eleventh week!

Southeast Singer/Songwriter Bob Hausler released an impassioned song that should inspire anyone to think and react to a constantly changing world environment and situation!

Congratulations Bob Hausler!!!

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Multi Philby Award winners Birdsong at Morning paint a star filled sky and a romantic night on  the song “Never to Part” from their, A Slight Departure” album!

Congratulations Birdsong at Morning!!!

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Canadian rock/blues/rockabilly/drummer Lindsay Beaver takes a classic Slim Harpo tune, “I Got Love If You Want It” from her Philby Award winning, Tough As Lovealbum, and makes it sound brand new, hand claps and all!

Congratulations Lindsay Beaver!!!

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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

Posted in 2020 Philbys, Video "Q"sings | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “This Guitar Prays” by Keith Laurin with Tosha Owens!!!

I have started a new feature: The Most Awesomest Song of the Day! 

Here’s a link to the complete list: https://philmaq.com/most-awesomest-songs/

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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OK everybody. Open your guitar cases…er, I mean hymnals, to song number 457 and let’s sing along to, “This Guitar Prays,” by Keith Laurin with Tosha Owens!

On another of his Detroit Strong projects, Singer/Songwriter and multi Philby Award winner, Keith Laurin, is in the vocal driver’s seat as he sings of his guitar’s anthropomorphic antics.

However, being a member of the music as religion congregation myself, I see his guitar as a full of life charismatic entity, too.

Keith’s stringed instrument brings life to creations from his heart, soul and thoughts!

Another multi Philby Award winner, Tosha Owens, sings mostly back up on “This Guitar Prays” but has her own soulful affirming section!

Both of them joining together on a work that has tinges of country, soul, pop, gospel, and blues are a physical embodiment of the sincere sentiment within the words and melody!

Since I still believe that music can change the world– or at least make it better place to live, Keith‘s guitar and these songs that are made under the banner of Detroit Strongcan make people smile, cry, and transform people’s opinions about misinformation to help change the world’s inequities!

The video is also entertaining and worth watching!

If ever there was a song worthy of the moniker “Sunday Song,” this is it!

The Most Awesomest Songs of the Day is “This Guitar Prays” by Keith Laurin (Detroit Strong) and Tosha Owens!!!

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If you occasionally read my posts, I am honored and I thank you for that!

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

#ThisGuitarPrays #KeithLaurin #ToshaOwens #DetroitStrong #SundaySong #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

 

 

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Phil’s Faves: Albums, February 14, 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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The Slackers show some “peculiar” initiative to take this week’s #1 Faves spot, and that’s skatastic!
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Top 10 Albums for the Week of February 14, 2021

1. Peculiar—The Slackers
2. Stand Up!—Mollywop!
3. Bright Lights, Long Drives, First Words—Nora Jane Struthers
4. NOLA to New York—Jeff Scott
5. The Darkness of Birds—Amy Petty
6. Tomorrow Will Be Yesterday Soon—Jon Shain and FJ Ventre
7. The Darkness and the Light—Mike Ward
8. Collaboration—Warriors, Zombies, and Other Joedai Pilgrims
9. Live Split Vinyl: The Stereogum Sessions—Angela Perley/Erica Blinn
10.Indian Summer/Greater Heights—Walrus
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Key Album of the Week: This Is Dolph Chaney—Dolph Chaney
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Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!

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The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Fireside” by Angela Perley and The Howling Moons!!!

I have started a new feature: The Most Awesomest Song of the Day! 

Here’s a link to the complete list: https://philmaq.com/most-awesomest-songs/

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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Today’s choice is a mellow one from multi Philby Award winners Angela Perley and The Howlin’ Moons!

“Fireside” the title track from the album, has a late night feel that is just right for a cold evening!

Angela name checks Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall, a couple that I’ve been catching up on recently. In their best movies there was always a romantic spark!

And that spark can start a “Fireside” vibe for a wonderful evening inside!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Fireside” by Angela Perley and The Howlin’ Moons!!!

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If you occasionally read my posts, I am honored and I thank you for that!

If you have already “liked” my Facebook page, I am honored and I thank you for that, too!

If, by some chance, you haven’t gotten around to “liking” my page, I humbly ask for you to do so!

I have several people that “follow” my page and I am truly grateful for that also, but I would appreciate it even more if you would convert that to a “like.”

Here is the link to do so: https://www.facebook.com/phil.maq.

If by some chance you don’t feel I deserve your “like,” I hope that I will do enough to earn it some other time in the future!

Either way you choose, I thank you for reading and following what I attempt to do!

#Fireside #AngelaPerleyandTheHowlinMoons #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

 

 

 

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Week 10 of The Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown Triple Play Update!!!

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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The Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown keeps inching towards the top!

Here’s an update:

Southeast Michigan singer/songwriter Kathy Wieland wrote a fun song about a drink + Alpena, Michigan to chase away some winter blues–all year long!

From her Philby Award winning album, Momma Liked to Fish,” “Alpena Colada” has a fun video to accompany the song!

Congratulations Kathy Wieland!!!

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The Chordaes turn the title track of their “What We Breathe In” album into pop/rock perfection!

Congratulations The Chordaes!!!

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Canadian singer/songwriter Sarah Jane Scouten delivers a barn burner of a failed relationship on the title track of her Philby Award winning, When the Bloom Fall From the Rose” album!

Congratulations Sarah Jane Scouten!!!

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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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