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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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!
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 Days” album!
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! 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!
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.
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!” QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
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 QQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQQ
Don’t forget to like my Facebook page!
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!
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!
Working a wicked bass line with drums and keyboard, Chris sings about someone missing out on opportunities slipping through his fingers, “like grains of sand!”
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 12PM-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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My favorite Christmas album is Michael Martin Murphey‘s “Cowboy Christmas,” also known as “Cowboy Songs II!”
I would never have guessed that I would pick an album of cowboy styled songs–let alone country music, as my favorite Christmas album, but it conveys feelings about a time and lifestyle that are so sincere and warm!
In a song like, “Christmas Cowboy Style,” the listener finds out that simple gestures and feelings have lasting effects that keep the spirit of Christmas alive throughout the year!
Besides Michael Martin Murphey, “Christmas Cowboy Style” includes a helping hand from Cowboy legends Riders in the Sky, particularly, “Woody Paul” Chrisman on vocals and yodeling, and Joey Miskulin with some fancy fingered accordion!
The second half of the album features song pairings that I look at as four large medleys.
They follow the pattern of a vocal song and then an instrumental medley in the same style of dance that seamlessly melds traditional songs with familiar non-holiday tunes.
I see the pairings as being inseparable.
Therefore, “Christmas Cowboy Style” is immediately followed by “The Santa Claus Schottissche (a type of slow polka dance) Medley that features “Up on the Housetop/The Sweetheart Schottissche/Oh Susannah/Up on the Housetop (Reprise)!”
I have included the instrumental video!
The album is brilliantly paced!
Michael Martin Murphey and multi talented Steve Gibson did an imaginative job producing and arranging it!
One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “Christmas Cowboy Style” by Michael Martin Murphey!!!
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 hard to believe that it’s been four years since my Mother-in-Law passed away.
Just a handful of days after losing my mother, the other matriarch in our family unit died.
At the time, it seemed tremendously brutal, especially just before Christmas.
I’ve found over the past few years, though, that many people have had similar circumstances.
It still hurts.
My Mother-in-Law, Helen, and I, did not have a stereotypical relationship.
That might be because when my wife and I went on our first date, I gave her flowers, but I also brought Helen a box of candy.
Apparently, that was a good move! She liked chocolates!
Helen, like her daughter, was easy to make laugh, and liked to laugh!
Another trait that we had in common was avoiding having pictures taken as if she were in the witness protection program.
I eventually got over it. She loosened up a little.
A couple of weeks ago, I explained that, for whatever reason, I have a tendency to link a song to a person who has passed.
For Helen, I think of her when I hear Southeast Michigan Singer/Songwriter and Philby Award winner Amy Petty‘s “Through Grass” from her “House of Doors” album.
With just piano accompaniment, Amy‘s hauntingly beautiful song describes a death that is still “stirring in my heart.”
She describes a silver ribbon that extends from an anchor inside herself to the deceased person, “through grass.”
It’s a connection that can never be severed no matter how thin that ribbon is, because it always tugs at her heart.
“Through Grass” always makes me cry.
It did before Helen died, and there’s no way I can stop now.
Honestly, I have no idea how Amy sings it, but she always does so beautifully!
One of the interesting things about music, to me, is that a song that works for her in a somewhat similar situation, could work for me, too, and possibly an infinite amount of people!
When I started doing a radio show, Helen was an avid listener by choice.
Over time, Helen’s health deteriorated, and she became more of a captive listener.
Either way, she was very loyal, and would often discuss some of the widely varied music with me, and often repeated some of my observations back to me!
What more could a DJ want?
There developed a musical bond that I never would have thought could have existed between us!
And even my wife had to acknowledge it!
At Helen’s funeral service, my wife described her mother’s relationship with me.
She said, “My mom liked Phil, but she loved Phil Maq!
Surprisingly, that’s also the way I would describe feelings towards myself!
Today, I feel that silver ribbon pulling at my heart.
One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “Through Grass” by Amy Petty!!!
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 12PM-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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What would Christmas be without some silly irrevent songs?
Not much fun, that’s for sure!
So, today I have selected a very happy, “Christmastime At My House” by Da Yoopers from their “One Can Short of a Six Pack!”
A “yooper” is a nickname that residents of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan proudly wear, as they consider themselves uniquely rugged individuals removed from “normal” society, since the U.P. (short for Upper Peninsula. “Yoop” for short. Get it?) is so remote from most population centers.
Surviving as a band for more than thirty years, Da Yoopers have parlayed their identity into a career that even “fudgies” can understand!
A “fudgie” is another nickname given to tourists who only visit Macinac Island for the world renowned fudge sold there!
Ok. I’ll stop with the Michigan slang!
However, “Christmas Time At My House” is a cheesy–meaning low-tech, song.
As a rule, Da Yoopers usually reside in cheesy songs, but it’s still one of the greatest!
It’s about a Christmas party that is way more fun than the ones you or I throw!
False teeth are put on trees, kids are on a sugar buzz, and they even shove coins down someone’s big butt crack!
It wouldn’t be Christmas in my own house without this song!
And everyone, young and old, laugh at it!
One of the Greatest Songs Ever Recorded is “Christmas Time at My House” by Da Yoopers!!!
