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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I thought I might be putting away the political songs for awhile, but there’s so much at stake today, I thought I might as well use them before they just become curiosity pieces.
Blues artist J.P. Reali paints a self explanatory song about a White House first family that can be compared to the Clampetts. (No insult intended to the Clampetts!)
From his “A Highway Cruise” album, “Blues for Casey” could easily have been called, “Workin’ at the White House Blues,” but J.P. didn’t go for the obvious title.
I appreciate and respect that!
The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Blues for Casey” by J.P. Reali!!!
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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!
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.
Well, now I’m getting around to it!
My radio show, “Theme Attic,” is on Wednesdays 1PM-4PM ET.
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.
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 been one year since Gerry Marsden, lead singer of Gerry and The Pacemakers sadly passed away.
Many people like to choose one of their bigger hits to remember him by.
But I’ve noticed, from all of the songs that people post about the death of Gerry Marsden of the British Invasion band, Gerry and The Pacemakers, I usually don’t see my favorite song of theirs.
He may have been vertically challenged, but the stature of his music and hits stood tall!
They were even part of the roster of artists that Beatles manager Brian Epstein [Hall of Fame] managed.
I certainly liked them as they rolled out several hits in the 60s.
Gerry always came across as a very likeable guy!
I liked the unique way that he played his guitar, often smiling as he did so.
The song I’m stuck on, though, is a song that even I’d forgotten about years ago.
And it was a Top 15 hit!
It wasn’t until I heard it on Honey Radio that I realized how great it was!
“I’ll Be There” is a bittersweet song, written by Bobby Darin, about a lover holding a torch for his girlfriend who is moving on to a new relationship.
Gerry Marsden nails the vocal!: the intricate triplets on the “I’ll”s, the range of notes, the power in the middle eight, and the yearning for his soulmate!
“I’ll Be There” also has One of the Greatest String Arrangements!
The melody is hauntingly beautiful, and the piano on the instrumental section is heart tugging!
“So if your new love/
Isn’t your true love/
Don’t you worry darlin’/
I’ll be there.”
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!
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!
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.
Well, now I’m getting around to it!
My radio show, “Theme Attic,” is on Wednesdays 1PM-4PM ET.
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.
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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When I was a kid and exploring every record I could find in the house (and other people’s homes, too. No one could escape my music obsession!), there was always a stack of what seemed like records in the back of a cabinet, but no one ever played them.
Most of them didn’t have sleeves or protective jackets which was unusual for my house.
No one even appeared interested in them, and I thought that was also strange.
When I asked about the 78s–records that played sound at 78 revolutions per minute and were made out of shellac which made them very brittle, I was usually told that they weren’t worth listening to.
Of course, that made me want to listen to them even more!
When I was finally given some direction from one of my older brothers, I was finally able to unlock the “secrets of the 78s!”
Not every record player in the house had the 78 speed choice.
I’ve written before that I grew up with a Curtis-Mathes TV/Stereo Console as my first main sound system.
Although there was a 78 speed option on the turntable, the needle on the system wasn’t heavy enough to play the records properly, and it apparently would wreak havoc on the stylus.
The decoder to this adventure was a self-contained RCA record player that the same brother owned.
It had an option for flipping over to a seperate heavy duty 78 needle, too!
Going through the stack of black shellac discs, I encountered a couple that had pieces missing.
They really were very brittle.
I enjoyed the frenetic pace of the turntable, and as much as I liked the way the arm and the records dropped on the spindle, I figured the 78s would survive better without falling down on each other.
For the most part, there wasn’t anything particularly exciting in the older format.
There was a Li’l Wally record with his face on the label that looked kind of demonic as it kept spinning around.
In addition, I learned that my family was a little more mainstream back in the day than I thought they were.
Yes, there were several other Polish 78s, but they were right there with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, and Phil Harris.
Sadly, no Elvis!
Even though some of the records had pieces broken off, I would safely place the needle where I could still hear the music.
One of those records was todays song, “Happy New Year” by Theme Attic Hall of Fame Member, Spike Jones and His City Slickers!
I’m sure the record was bought for the hit side, “All I Want for Christmas (Is My Two Front Teeth),” but I preferred the other much more silly side, “Happy New Year!”
There was just a chip on the side, so I didn’t lose any of the jokes, of which there were sevearal!
This instantly became my favorite 78, and I enjoy it still–except it’s in other formats now!
One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “Happy New Year” by Spike Jones and His City Slickers!!!
From their superb 2019 “When They Fall” album, “Happy New Year” is a character song about two people who are separately contemplating suicide on New Year’s Eve.
They happen to choose the same place to consider the deed, and decide to jump into a relationship instead and save each other’s life.
Sometimes life is mystical like that.
But please, since we’re talking about suicide, DON’T DO IT!
If you need help, here is the Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255.
The album selections are made from a sliding four year pool of music.
This year that pool is 2017-2020.
The song selections are usually from the same range, too, but I’m a little more open to almost anything, since over time, there have been plenty of older songs that have found new life years after they’ve been recorded, even ending up on hit movie soundtracks.
Needless to say, this year is going to be unlike any year.
However, I have arrived at the realization that there will be issues every year no matter what I plan.
One of the reasons that I use a multiple year submission scale is that just getting music out to the world is sometimes difficult for an artist.
A lot of them are not really wired for self promotion.
Making music is totally different than drumming up interest in it, especially for independent musicians.
Yes, there are promoters that can help with that. And nothing against promoters because they have a role to play. But they cost money, and the artist already had to pay to record the music, and may not be prepared for the process of promoting it.
After looking at how some other independent awards are handled, I figured a four year window allows me enough time to serendipitously run across someone’s music.
I have told this story several times, but I try very hard to listen to everything that is submitted.
Although I work on my list, starting literally on January 1st, using a four year sliding window, I carry over what would qualify from the prior years.
Up to this point of the year, I just reached my largest batch of albums.
So, it’s basically a little over the number I used last year.
But let’s talk about this year, which is absolutely the weirdest year ever!
I haven’t even done a show for months!
I haven’t any idea how this will affect either list.
However, I will come up with something that makes sense.
And as large as my working list is, I know I have room for more.
I can never have enough!
Therefore, I am accepting entries for Philby consideration!
So, if you’ve made some music dating back as far as 2017, I will accept that music for consideration.
If you have something older than 2016, send that, too, but identify the release date. I’m always looking for GREAT music.
For the Philbys, I’m looking for full albums.
However, if you only have a single, I’ll accept that, too. Don’t forget that I also have a Philby Hot Songs list, and more artists are releasing singles these days.
But please don’t send me an incomplete album if you have one.
So, please don’t edit for me.
I hate that and I might not even check out the item. I don’t know why anyone would only send selected songs instead of their whole work of art for consideration.
Please don’t send me links to listen to music. That’s not how I listen to music. And I probably won’t listen to it if you send me a link to stream it. Either send me the album to download or request my mailing address to send a physical copy.
Every year I say that if your item came out later than May, it may not end up on this year’s list. So it’s possible that submissions entered now may only be considered for 2021. (It sounds so good to think of 2020 being finished!)
However, this year will be totally different than other years. I have not received any where near the amount of releases that I normally do.
It might be an excellent year to send a submission.
I will accept any genre of music. I like a variety of styles, even on the same album!
So, please e-mail your mp3s, and please make sure it is an mp3 only, to phil@philmaq.com.
If you want a physical address or have other questions, please e-mail me at the same address. Because selections will be considered for more than a single year, there isn’t an expiration date at the present.
If you want someone who will actually listen to your music, I am that person.
If you want some recognition for working hard and baring your soul, that might be me, too. I can’t make any promises, but I will listen to your music.
If you are reading this and are not a musician but know someone who is, please forward this to them.
Good luck to all who participate! QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
My weekly radio show “Prime Time Theme Attic,” can be heard Mondays, 8P-10P ET when it returns.
It almost always includes a weekly countdown of my favorite albums or songs and some shows feature two countdowns!
If you like what you see, don’t forget to spread the word by hitting the “like” button on my Facebook page, Phil Maq!
I want to emphasize mostly, relatively newer music, just like on my Monday night show, “Prime Time Theme Attic.” (Monday nights 8PM-10PM ET when it returns.)
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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For the last post of this year, the Philby Countdown focuses on a song that considers the problems of rich people.
Multiple Philby Award winner, Michael Snyder-Barker tells us in “Rich Man Blues” from his, “Tales of Whoa!” album, about a rich man who isn’t satisfied in how blue the water in his swimming pool is!?
He didn’t actually realize that even rich people can get the blues!
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!
