A Double Dose Shines On The Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown!!!

The Philby Award

Welcome to the 2020 Pandemic Philbys!

For the near future, the Countdown of Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 will take a blog format.

I am presuming it will eventually change and I will then switch to radio.

But since nothing is the same right now, I have no idea when or if that will happen.

I will reveal 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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Southeast Michigan pop/rockers The Hangabouts are the second act to have two songs on this years Pandemic Philby Countdown!

On their single realease the multiple Philby Award winners ask the musical question, “Who Wants Cilla?”

I’m not sure if Cilla is in reference to British singer and friend of The Beatles, Cilla Black, but she might have been the muse for this song!

Congratulations The Hangabouts!!!

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San Diego rockers and Philby Award winners, The Donkeys, place a positive tune, “Shines” from their, Ride the Black Wavealbum, on this year’s Countdown!

Congratulations The Donkeys!!!

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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 | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded: “Puppet on a String” by Elvis Presley!!!

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!

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

I’ll select a song to celebrate and then give my thoughts about it. Nothing really brand new here that hasn’t been done before. But since I have a website, I can collect them and lay out what my own greatest songs are.

Here’s a link to have a look at “The Greatest Songs Ever Recorded”: https://philmaq.com/the-greatest-songs-ever-recorded/! Occasionally, an “awesome song” crosses over to become a “Greatest Song!”

My somewhat unusual Hall of Fame can be explored here: https://philmaq.com/hall-of-fame/!

Lastly, but most importantly, is my Philby Awards link! A Philby is my annual award for outstanding musical achievement! https://philmaq.com/philbys/!

My radio show, “Theme Attic,”  is on Wednesdays 2PM-4PM ET.

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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By the time Elvis Presley [Hall of Fame] was on my music radar, he was already through a good portion of his movie career.

I really wasn’t aware of the sneering, hip swiveling part of his career, and the impact that he had on early rock n roll.

However, it seemed that there was one of his movies as a matinee every week, even though I knew that wasn’t possible.

In general, I liked them!

At least they had fairly decent plots (most of them anyway), and some likable songs.

One of my favorites–and I found out my eventual wife’s, too, was “Girl Happy.”

Of course, it helped that super cute Shelly Fabares co starred as his love interest!

A lot of critics–including Elvis himself, didn’t feel that the songs on the soundtrack weren’t up to his older material.

I always felt there were at least some good tracks on each one!

I liked “Girl Happy” and the music so much that it was one of the few soundtrack albums by Elvis that I purchased on vinyl–when I was in college.

It was loaded with plenty of good tracks!

“Puppet on a String” ended up on one of my vacation tapes. I liked to have a good variety of music both slow and rockin’ at my fingertips while on the road.

It’s a sweet love song with nice tinkly country piano!

The song became even more special when one time I thought I was singing the words, but I was corrected that they were wrong: I was singing, “Puppy on a string!”

It made sense to me and that’s pretty much how it’s referred to in my family!

I also didn’t know the song was released as a single that peaked at 14. It may have gone higher, but it was a holiday release intended to pick up a few extra bucks.

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “Puppet on a String” by Elvis Presley!!!

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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!

#ElvisPresley #PuppetonaString #GirlHappy #PhilMaq #OneoftheGreatestSongsEverRecorded #GSER

 

 

 

Posted in Favorite Songs of All Time, Greatest Songs Ever Recorded, Hall of Fame | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Twenty-Five Percent of the Way Through The Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs Countdown!!!

The Philby Award

Welcome to the 2020 Pandemic Philbys!

For the near future, the Countdown of Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 will take a blog format.

I am presuming it will eventually change and I will then switch to radio.

But since nothing is the same right now, I have no idea when or if that will happen.

I will reveal 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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It’s a rocking Pandemic Philby Countdown reveal for today!

Simone Berk is the primary member of Sugar Snow.

From the Philby Award winning, “Woodface Reimagined” album–which itself is a reimagining of Crowded House’s “Woodface,” “Whispers and Moans” features some nice guitar!

Congratulations Sugar Snow!!!

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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 | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “2+2=5” by Radiohead!!!

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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When you make music that references both “1984” by George Orwell and Dante, you know you’re working in rare territory!

But it’s also sad when you’re a band like Radiohead [Hall of Fame], and you write an album, “Hail to the Thief,” about a corrupt political regime, (George W. Bush), and it could be used years later for another corrupt regime of the same party!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “2+2=5” by Radiohead!!!

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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!

#2+2=5 #Radiohead #HailtotheThief  #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

 

 

Posted in Hall of Fame, The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

The Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown Can’t Be Derailed!!!

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 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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Today’s Pandemic Philby Countdown reveal is by Southeast Michigan, (by way of Buffalo) ace Singer/Songwriter, Bill Edwards.

Bill is a multiple Philby Award winner and “Your Version of the Truth” is from his Sounds Like Love” album!

Congratulations Bill Edwards!!!

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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!

#Philbys #2020PandemicPhilbys #PhilbyAwards

Posted in 2020 Philbys | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Phil’s Faves: Albums, January 3, 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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Mollywop “stands up” as this week’s #1 album!
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Top 10 Albums for the Week of January 3, 2021

1. Stand Up!—Mollywop!
2. The Darkness of Birds—Amy Petty
3. Good Fortune—The Forty Nineteens
4. Tomorrow Will Be Yesterday Soon—Jon Shain and FJ Ventre
5. Twelve—Sloan
6. Bright Lights, Long Drives, First Words—Nora Jane Struthers
7. Silver City—Sarah Borges and The Broken Singles
8. Peculiar—The Slackers
9. No Drop of Love Is Ever Wasted—Valerie JanLois
10.Bloodshot Red—Popular Creeps
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Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!

Posted in Phil's Faves: Albums | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded: “January Hymn” by The Decemberists!!!

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 12PM-4PM ET.

The show can be heard on WHFR 89.3 FM in the Dearborn-Detroit area of Michigan, or it can be streamed with this link: https://www.whfr.fm/streamer/!

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

I’ll select a song to celebrate and then give my thoughts about it. Nothing really brand new here that hasn’t been done before. But since I have a website, I can collect them and lay out what my own greatest songs are.

Here’s a link to have a look at “The Greatest Songs Ever Recorded”: https://philmaq.com/the-greatest-songs-ever-recorded/! Occasionally, an “awesome song” crosses over to become a “Greatest Song!”

Even though I always emphasize new music and artists, it’s always fun to take a short drive through the legendary artists, since they influenced those other artists!

But a song doesn’t have to be old or done by a legendary Theme Attic Hall of Fame member to be thus honored.

I can think of several songs that are only a few years old or less that I could identify as One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded.

This will be fun, and hopefully you will join me on my journey!

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

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As January slips into the deepest part of winter and bleakness becomes an every day occurrence, it’s recommended to take some great music with you.

Well, please open your hymnals to “The King Is Dead” album by The Decemberists, and turn to today’s selection, “January Hymn.”

It’s not easy to sell a song based on the time of year when almost everything is dead, resting, or recharging.

However, The Decemberists are not deterred by unusual musical challenges. In fact, they usually embrace them!

Even in deepest Winter, there is comfort in the peaceful surroundings and slower activities.

The Decemberists (Colin Meloy, Chris Funk, Jenny Conlee, Nate Query, John Moen) provide a hauntingly beautiful soundtrack for those days.

One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “January Hymn” by The Decemberists!!!

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I have other musical areas to explore:

My somewhat unusual Hall of Fame can be explored here: https://philmaq.com/hall-of-fame/!

Lastly, but most importantly, is my Philby Awards link! A Philby is my annual award for outstanding musical achievement! https://philmaq.com/philbys/!

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

#JanuaryHymn #TheDecemberists #TheKingIsDead  #PhilMaq #OneoftheGreatestSongsEverRecorded #GSER

 

 

Posted in Greatest Songs Ever Recorded | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

January Rolls Onward and So Does The Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown!!!

The Philby Award

Welcome to the 2020 Pandemic Philbys!

For the near future, the Countdown of Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 will take a blog format.

I am presuming it will eventually change and I will then switch to radio.

But since nothing is the same right now, I have no idea when or if that will happen.

I will reveal 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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Philby Award winners Joe Kidd and Shila Burke put together a “tasty” little duet about their love for each other as the next Pandemic Philby Countdown reveal!

Congratulations Joe Kidd and Sheila Burke!!!

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Here’s a section on submissions:

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

This year that pool is 2017-2020.

The song selections are usually from the same range, too, but I’m a little more open to almost anything, since over time, there have been plenty of older songs that have found new life years after they’ve been recorded, even ending up on hit movie soundtracks.

Needless to say, this year is going to be unlike any year.

However, I have arrived at the realization that there will be issues every year no matter what I plan.

One of the reasons that I use a multiple year submission scale is that just getting music out to the world is sometimes difficult for an artist.

A lot of them are not really wired for self promotion.

Making music is totally different than drumming up interest in it, especially for independent musicians.

Yes, there are promoters that can help with that. And nothing against promoters because they have a role to play. But they cost money, and the artist already had to pay to record the music, and may not be prepared for the process of promoting it.

After looking at how some other independent awards are handled, I figured a four year window allows me enough time to serendipitously run across someone’s music.

I have told this story several times, but I try very hard to listen to everything that is submitted.

Although I work on my list, starting literally on January 1st, using a four year sliding window, I carry over what would qualify from the prior years.

Up to this point of the year, I just reached my largest batch of albums.

So, it’s basically a little over the number I used last year.

But let’s talk about this year, which is absolutely the weirdest year ever!

I haven’t even done a show for months!

I haven’t any idea how this will affect either list.

However, I will come up with something that makes sense.

And as large as my working list is, I know I have room for more.

I can never have enough!

Therefore, I am accepting entries for Philby consideration!

So, if you’ve made some music dating back as far as 2017, I will accept that music for consideration.

If you have something older than 2016, send that, too, but identify the release date. I’m always looking for GREAT music.

For the Philbys, I’m looking for full albums.

However, if you only have a single, I’ll accept that, too. Don’t forget that I also have a Philby Hot Songs list, and more artists are releasing singles these days.

But please don’t send me an incomplete album if you have one.

So, please don’t edit for me.

I hate that and I might not even check out the item. I don’t know why anyone would only send selected songs instead of their whole work of art for consideration.

Please don’t send me links to listen to music. That’s not how I listen to music.  And I probably won’t listen to it if you send me a link to stream it. Either send me the album to download or request my mailing address to send a physical copy.

Every year I say that if your item came out later than May, it may not end up on this year’s list. So it’s possible that submissions entered now may only be considered for 2021. (It sounds so good to think of 2020 being finished!)

However, this year will be totally different than other years. I have not received any where near the amount of releases that I normally do.

It might be an excellent year to send a submission.

I will accept any genre of music. I like a variety of styles, even on the same album!

So, please e-mail your mp3s, and please make sure it is an mp3 only, to phil@philmaq.com.

If you want a physical address or have other questions, please e-mail me at the same address. Because selections will be considered for more than a single year, there isn’t an expiration date at the present.

If you want someone who will actually listen to your music, I am that person.

If you want some recognition for working hard and baring your soul, that might be me, too. I can’t make any promises, but I will listen to your music.

If you are reading this and are not a musician but know someone who is, please forward this to them.

Good luck to all who participate!
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My weekly radio show “Prime Time Theme Attic,” can be heard Mondays, 8P-10P ET when it returns.

It almost always includes a weekly countdown of my favorite albums or songs  and some shows feature two countdowns!

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

#Philbys #2020PandemicPhilbys #PhilbyAwards

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Phil’s Faves: Songs, January 3, 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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Laura Rain and The Caesars didn’t lose their way to #1 for their second #1 Faves Song!!
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Top Ten Songs for the Week of January 3, 2021

1. Don’t Lose Your Way—Laura Rain and the Caesars (Walk With Me)
2. Heart Stops Beating—Nick Piunti (Beyond the Static)
3. Tell Me—The Forty Nineteens (Single)
4. Marfa Lights—Jennifer Westwood and The Handsome Devils (Single)
5. Galaxy—The Whiskey Charmers (Lost on the Range)
6. Your Dreams—The Dirk Kroll Band (This Broken Play)
7. Lead Me On—J.C. and The Disciples (Hammered)
8. Nuages—Deni Bonet (Bright Shiny Objects)
9. Sugar—Lindsay Lou (Southland)
10.Save All My Cryin’ (For Sunday Afternoon)—Vicky Emerson) (Wake Me When the Wind Dies Down)
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Don’t forget to like my Facebook page! Thank you!

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The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Blues for Casey” by J.P. Reali!!!

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.)

Here’s the link for when that day comes: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu )

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!

#BluesforCasey #JPReali #AHighwayCruise #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

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