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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Starting with a tinkling intro transitioning to a shuffling march snare drum beat, “Storms” by Merlot Embargo from their “Don’t Look Back” album, the tone in the first verse is set for romance:
“I might have felt an earthquake when I met you./
I might have felt the earth shake when I let you/
Kiss me under the moonlight/
Kiss me under the moonlight!”
Wooh! That is hot!
That sweet breathtaking beginning moves to an exclamation of love!
Of course, the couple encounter some rough weather, or “storms,” that test their love, but it also makes their relationship stronger!
Although the territory that is covered could sound quite trite, Merlot Embargo deliver it in a fresh way!
Southeast singer/songwriter Sharon Tse tells a beautiful romantic story on “Every Beat in My Heart” from her Philby Award winning album, “The View From Here!”
Congratulations Sharon Tse!
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Southeast Michigan multi Philby Award winners Annie and Rod Capps tell a woeful tale that sounds way too happy on “Poor Old Me” from their “When They Fall” album.
The song features a driving accordion Cajun beat and a catchy chorus!
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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Mardi Gras is coming up next week and every year I devoted part of my show–if not the whole show, to music and themes around the event!
Unfortunately, this year Mardi Gras will be more Yardi Gras, but you have to find your fun where you can get it.
Some of the songs that I played have turned into some of my favorites!
The show would not be complete without the smoky saxophone and greasy groove of “Mardi Gras Mambo” by The Hawketts!
The video captures some of that spirit!
One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “Mardi Gras Mambo” by The Hawketts!!! (Unnh!)
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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!
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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A second week on top for Nora Jane Struthers was worth the long drive!! QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Top 10 Albums for the Week of February 7, 2021
1. Bright Lights, Long Drives, First Words—Nora Jane Struthers 2. Peculiar—The Slackers 3. Stand Up!—Mollywop! 4. Tomorrow Will Be Yesterday Soon—Jon Shain and FJ Ventre 5. The Darkness of Birds—Amy Petty 6. Wow and Flutter—Amilia K. Spicer 7. The Darkness and the Light—Mike Ward 8. NOLA to New York—Jeff Scott 9. Beat This—The Aesthetics 10.Collaboration—Warriors, Zombies, and Other Joedai Pilgrims
————————————————————————————————– Key Album of the Week: Gratitude—Eric Harrison QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!
This is a weekly Top Ten list of what I consider to be the best songs that I listened to the previous week. Most songs will be current, but there are no boundaries. I’ve already stated on this web site that I am obsessed with music. I am constantly hunting it down whether it’s online, on CD, from my personal collection, from a library (Yes, I think the library is a great source of music–especially for music that you aren’t sure about.), TV, or radio. Since most of these sources mostly emphasize new music, the odds are pretty good that most of the songs on this list will be new. But in my search, I don’t use any boundaries for the other sources. I am just looking for good music that I haven’t heard, or happened to forget about. Everyone, including myself, has forgotten way more great music than they can ever remember-even if they are also music fanatics.
Also, there will be no rules concerning songs on this list. A song can show up or drop off a number of times. This will be the most volatile of my lists. It all depends on how much music I am exposed to during the week and what I find interesting. On really obscure stuff, I will try to include the source, if I know it.
Most of the songs heard on this list have been played on my radio show, “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 !
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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 one song per day.
If by some chance I miss a day, I will reveal two the next time I post, to avoid having a slow process get even slower.
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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This is a midweek Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown update!
Terrific singer and multi Philby Award winner, Kristen Toedtman, gives a soulful performance on a funky pop song about wasting time on a guy who doesn’t call her on “Phone Call” from her “Limbo” album!
Next is a song that I’ve had on my player for a number of years, but could never squeak it in.
I made room last year and received my “Marching Orders” from The New Pornographers off of their awesome “Brill Bruisers” album!
Congratulations The New Pornographers!!!
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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!
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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I’ve chosen a haunting, moody song for this week’s New Key Song.
“Gratification” by Paul Manchin provides a soundscape that matches its lyrics.
It’s a song that questions the purpose of life.
Norms and mores don’t seem to be cutting it.
Gratification and seeking enjoyment are being rejected as life lessons learned: “Hell with that!”
Equating death and life as being difficult to discern, Paul sings “did I just die?” a couple of times.
The second time he asks the question, he answers it with a reason: Cause I’m living in a box.”
Depending on how you view life, that could be true.
However, there’s a “key” in the song (A “key” reference in the New Key Song! I love it!) that he’s discovered, that could lead to “fortune…love and happiness!”
My guess is that whatever the answer is, it won’t involve gratification.
Regardless of that message, I’m sure Paul Manchin wouldn’t mind some “Gratification” for his new song!
And if you aren’t interested in thinking too deeply, the song works well without the analysis!
New Key Song of the Week is “Gratification” by Paul Manchin!!!
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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!
(pictured above from left to right: Diana Ross, Mary Wilson, Florence Ballard)
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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Wedged in between all of those British Invasion artists and Garage bands that I was listening to, were The Supremes!
I know their music inside and out.
And why wouldn’t I?
Even as a little kid I could tell how good the vocals were as well as the sharp quality of the Motown sound and The Funk Brothers!
Looking back at The Supremes [Hall of Fame] today because of the passing of Mary Wilson, I was surprised to find out that the first hit that they had was one of my favorites: “When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes!”
I had always thought that song was a hit a couple of years later in their career.
“Lovelight” was their first hit for the songwriting team Holland-Dozier-Holland, and made it up to #23 on Billboard! It was their seventh try for a hit single.
It was a song that sounded similar to what Phil Spector was doing.
“Lovelight” was dense, catchy, and it rocked!
Mary Wilson, along with Florence Ballard, mostly sang back up to Diana Ross.
But she was the primo Supreme, having been the only member who was there for their entire career, 1959-1977.
And that was a career that had many hits even after Diana left.
One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “When the Lovelight Starts Shining Through His Eyes” by The Supremes!!!
Here’s a bonus song featuring the beautiful and wonderful Mary Wilson sharing lead vocals with Jean Terrell and Lynda Laurence on 1972’s “Floy Joy!”
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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!
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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Nora Jane Struthers has her third #1 Faves Album!!! QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Top 10 Albums for the Week of January 31, 2021
1. Bright Lights, Long Drives, First Words—Nora Jane Struthers 2. Tomorrow Will Be Yesterday Soon—Jon Shain and FJ Ventre 3. Stand Up!—Mollywop! 4. Peculiar—The Slackers 5. Bloodshot Red—Popular Creeps 6. The Darkness of Birds—Amy Petty 7. 1932—Davy Knowles 8. Wow and Flutter—Amilia K. Spicer 9. Good Fortune—The Forty Nineteens 10.The Darkness and the Light—Mike Ward Key Album of the Week: Collaboration—Warriors, Zombies, and Other Joedai Pilgrims QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!
