The Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown Patiently Moves On!!!

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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Westland, Michigan band Where’s Keith? places a rockin’ song, “Patient Man,” from their Philby Award winning album, Living on Mars,” on this year’s Countdown!

Congratulations Where’s Keith?!!!

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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: “Water Rising” by The Joedai Warriors!!!

I have a feature to recognize a slice of good music: 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 weekly “Theme Attic” show, Wednesdays, from 1PM-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/!

If you’d like to know what I think are even better than the awesome songs, 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!”

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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Foreword:

I posted this one a year ago.

I was inspired by “Water Rising” bu The Joedai Warriors to explain what I thought it was about and what may have been the genesis of the inspiration.

I was totaly wrong!

But music works like that. My interpretation works in “my world.”

It turns out that there was a painting consisting of a flat boat (pirogue?) on some water that triggered the music.

A lot of singer/songwriters sometimes use key words to focus their attention to lassso a muse to formulate a new song.

Joe Peters also does it with paintings.

It just happens to be another weapon in his writing quiver.

The only thing that’s changed between last year and today is that now when I hear the song, a mental image of that exact painting also comes to mind.

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Multiple Philby Award winners, The Joedai Warriors, is a loose association of superbly talented musicians that Indiana (now California) Singer/Songwriter Joe Peters surrounds himself with, depending on the circumstances.

You can also find them as Joe Peters and Friends.

I have six (6?!) albums plus a single by The Joedai Warriors on my mp3 player, which is the key to landing on my show, weekly lists, and eventually my year end Philby lists.

On the verge of releasing a new double album, “Collaboration” (It turns out more artists than Paul McCartney and Taylor Swift were busy during the pandemic!), I decided to focus on a song, “Water Rising,” from Joe‘s Philby winning, “So It Goes” album.

The song was written after witnessing devastating hurricanes, Florence and Michael.

It was one of the first songs I heard by Joe, and it has stuck with me, mainly because of  what I incorrectly thought, was a trumpet solo.

It turns out it’s actually a “flugelhorn” played by Chase Cotten, who also co-wrote “Water Rising.”

What’s a flugelhorn you ask, and what is the difference between it and a trumpet?

Gotcha covered!

I’m not an expert, but the flugelhorn’s sound is fatter and softer than a trumpet. It’s about halway between a trumpet and a French horn.

A flugelhorn?

The first things that came to mind were Chuck Mangione, perhaps its best known player, and the liner notes of Blood, Sweat, and Tears’ first album “Child Is Father to the Man.” 

I vaguely remembered that there was a flugelhorn solo on their version of Harry Nilsson’s “Without Her.” It was played by jazz great Randy Brecker.

I’m sure I’ve heard it more often than that, but I’ll post those examples after “Water Rising.”

While I’m not really a “horn” person, Chase Cotten’s flugelhorn offers a brighter, pseudo classical contrast to the quieter harmonies and melody of “Water Rising.”

And although the inspiration for the song came from nature’s destruction, I also know that Joe Peters is still a practicing hippie, and has an understanding and respect for different cultures both current and ancient.

Two things that can’t be stopped that I’ve learned in my own life–and sometimes at great expense, are time and water.

I see “Water Rising” as a mystical journey where those two come together.

Water fluctuates to different levels and can move things far heavier than it should be able to.

You know, in its simplest form it’s really just little drops of h2o.

Sometimes water can be used as a musical or spiritual metaphor.

There are plenty of cultures that believe that the living has to cross a river to reach the hereafter.

Some of them even have burials that take place on rivers.

On “Water Rising,” I feel that journey is exemplified by the closing, faster paced instrumental section.

That’s my interpretation, but the song is strong enough for anyone else to take the journey and come to their own clonclusions.

Or just enjoy it for the work of art that it is!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Water Rising” by The Joedai Warriors!!!

Here’s Chuck Mangione’s big hit, “Feels So Good.” You can see him holding his flugelhorn.

And “Without Her” by Blood, Sweat, and Tears:

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I have plenty of other musical areas to explore:

Here’s a link for my weekly list of Fave Songs:

https://philmaq.com/phils-lists/phils-faves-songs/

Here’s a link for my weekly Fave Album lists:
philmaq.com/phils-lists/phils-faves-albums

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

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

 

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

#WaterRising #TheJoedaiWarriors #JoePeters #SoItGoes #CollaborationJoePeters #ChaseCotten #flugelhorn #ChuckMangione #BloodSweatandTears #HarryNilssoncover #WithoutHer #RandyBrecker #ChildIsFathertotheMan  #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

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Phil’s Faves: Songs, December 27, 2020

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)

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

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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Nick Piunti reached #1 before his heart stop beating!
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Top Ten Songs for the Week of December 27, 2020

1. Heart Stops Beating—Nick Piunti (Beyond the Static)
2. Don’t Lose Your Way—Laura Rain and the Caesars (Walk With Me)
3. Galaxy—The Whiskey Charmers (Lost on the Range)
4. Nuages—Deni Bonet (Bright Shiny Objects)
5. Lead Me On—J.C. and The Disciples (Hammered)
6. Tell Me—The Forty Nineteens (Single)
7. Marfa Lights—Jennifer Westwood (Single)
8. Your Dreams—The Dirk Kroll Band (This Broken Play)
9. Sugar—Lindsay Lou (Southland)
10.Train to Nowhere—Hannah’s Field (Revolutionary Soldiers)
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Don’t forget to like my Facebook page! Thank you!

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

The Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown Moves Forward!!!

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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Singer/Songwriter and Philby Award winner, Amy Helm, who’s also the daughter of Levon Helm–the singing drummer of The Band, has a great soulful voice!

I only mention her heritage for reference, because she’s been standing on her own for many years!

For this year’s Philby Countdown, Amy turns her talents loose on “Rescue Me” from her Didn’t It Rain?” album!

Congratulations Amy Helm!!!

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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: “Ridin’ in the Moonlight/Mr. Luck” by Colin James!!!

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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Another full moon has made it into our lives!

Tonight, we’ll make it a “Blues Moon” for today’s “Moon Tunes!”

Canadian guitar slinger, Colin James, has been releasing quality albums and music for decades!

On his “Blue Highways” record, Colin does some nifty blues recombination with parts of songs by two blues legends!

He takes some of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Riding in the Moonlight” and adds a little bit of “Mr. Luck” from Jimmy Reed!

Add some fast finger pickin’ and some nice blues harp, and you have a nice concoction that makes “Daddy” very happy!

It’s a perfect recipe for checkin’ out a full moon with your sweetie!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Riding in the Moonlight/Mr. Luck” by Colin James!!!

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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!

#RidingintheMoonlightMrLuck #ColinJames #Blue Highways #HowlinWolf #JimmyReed #MoonTunes #BluesMoon #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

 

Posted in Blues Moon, Moon Tunes, The Most Awesomest Song of the Day | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

The Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown Enters Week #3!!!

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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The Philby Countdown continues with some melodic metal!

Well, that’s what California’s Desert Dragon calls their music.

“Flying High” is a wonderful prog/rock musical fantasy flight from their “Before the Storm” album! 

Congratulations Desert Dragon!!!

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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

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day: “Secret Life” by B. Ryan B.!!!

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!

QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ 

In general, I like to think that I’m looking for music that sounds different.

While it might be easy to fall into a listening pattern and look for music that might be familiar or similar ala Pandora or Spotify, I purposely don’t subscribe to something like that so I won’t take the easy way out.

Well, this morning, I stumbled upon a song style that I can’t recall ever hearing before!

Cleveland area Singer/Songwriter, B. Ryan B. on “Secret Life” from his “Understanding”  album resorts to twin lead clarinets!

There’s also a very nice muted guitar solo!

I have a feeling the lyrics are pretty good, too, but I’ve been too fascinated by the clarinets to get that far!

And apparently, B. Ryan B.‘s “Secret Life” includes clarinets!

The Most Awesomest Song of the Day is “Secret Life” by B. Ryan B.!!!

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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!

#SecretLifeSong #Secretlifewithclarinets #BRyanB #Understanding  #ClarinetsRock #PhilMaq #TheMostAwesomestSongoftheDay

 

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The Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown Stays on Course!!!

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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There are two Olivias on this year’s Philby Countdown!

The first one is a song title, and the second belongs to Southeast Michigan Singer/Songwriter Olivia Dear (formerly Olivia Millerschin), who has a song on the Philbys list for a fourth straight year!

Fellow Michigander and previous Philby Award winner, Nick Urb, duets with Olivia on “Heaven on Earth” from his Until the End of Daysalbum!

Congratulations Nick Urb and Olivia Dear (Millerschin)!!!

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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: Albums, December, 20, 2020

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.)

(Here’s the link for when that day comes: http://rdo.fm/r/4qntu)) 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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Amy Petty shines some #1 Faves light on “The Darkness of Birds!”
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Top 10 Albums for the Week of December 20, 2020

1. The Darkness of Birds—Amy Petty
2. Cut Loose, Vol. 2—Mick Clarke
3. Stand Up!—Mollywop!
4. Silver City—Sarah Borges and The Broken Singles
5. Good Fortune—The Forty Nineteens
6. Ultra Cloud—Xposed 4Heads
7. Route 5—Jehova Waitresses
8. Tomorrow Will Be Yesterday Soon—Jon Shain and FJ Ventre
9. Bright Lights, Long Drives, First Words—Nora Jane Struthers
10.Red Sky Remembers—Gary Browe
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Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!

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

The Pandemic Philby Hot 100 Songs of 2020 Countdown Thinks Hard About Tonight’s Entry!!!

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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Singer/Songwriter M French–otherwise known as Matthew French, had one of his pop/rock tunes, “Think About You” from his Philby Award winning album, “Sweet Love” make this year’s list!

Congratulations M (Matthew) French!!!

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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