THIS IS THE TIME when the stars converge down here to North Myrtle Beach. The reason? It's the annual Carolina Beach Music Awards, or "CAMMYs" for short, to honor the best of the genre. And while the actual awards are held this coming Sunday, November 9, the festivities actually began yesterday (November 6, as I am writing this). It's probably not much different than say, the CMA's or the VMA's, but probably on a smaller level.
A few weeks ago, I had wanted to list the nominees for all the pertinent categories, but I had trouble accessing the cammy.org, but for some reason, I couldn't get into the website. It didn't work on my phone or my PC. Finally, I took my phone off Wi-Fi, and I was able to get through. For some reason, my ISP, HTC, wouldn't let me in. But now, I am able to list the noms in some of the categories. Here are a few, with some of my comments on them.
FEMALE VOCALIST: Deb Browning, Karen Clayton (The Castaways), Laura Kepley (The Tonez), Lesa Hudson (Rich Strickland Band), Rhonda McDaniel (Carolina Coast Band), Sharon Woodruff (The Main Event), Terri Gore.
This is a competitive category, as it always is. Rhonda won last year, Deb the year before. All of these artists except Karen Clayton scored here on SNS in 2025. Deb and Rhonda had #1 blog songs, while Lesa Hudson got to #3. Strangely, where is Sylvia Johns Ritchie? To me, that's a big snub. But, out of this group, who will win? Your guess is as good as mine, but it's a toss-up between Deb, Rhonda and Lesa!
MALE VOCALIST: Allen Pier (Rivermist), Dustin Ahkuoi (Band of Oz), Gary Lowder (Gary Lowder & Smokin' Hot), Jackie Gore, Jim Quick (Jim Quick and Coastline), Rick Strickland (Rick Strickland Band), Steve Long (Too Much Sylvia).
Another good group, although I think Steve Cheek and Michael Fite should be listed here, as both had #1 blog songs. But out of this bunch, Strickland, in his duet with Lesa Hudson, hit #3, and Rivermist hit the top 10. Most of the others were entrenched in the top 30. Lowder won it last year, just part of his CAMMY sweep. Personal pick: Allen Pier.
RISING STAR(S): Andy & Oneida, Evan Wright (The Pink Slips), I-42 Band, The Mac Daddy's, Pepper Creek, Steve Cheek.
I had never heard of Andy & Oneida. The Slips did have a top ten here earlier this year, and the I-42 band has been on my list several times. But for me, it's the last three on this list that I consider serious contenders. The Daddy's and Cheek hit #1 here, while Pepper Creek has a pair of #2's (including one this week). I've seen the Peppers and the Daddy's already since I've been down here. I can't make a decision on this, but I hope it's one of those three.
SONG OF THE YEAR:
Too Much Sylvia, "Jukebox Playing 45's" (#18 peak on SNS)
Rick Strickland & Lesa Hudson, "All Because of You" (#3)
Jim Quick and Coastline "Can't Drive Me Away"
The Tonez, "Flip Flops" (#5)
The Swingin' Medallions, "Hit Me With Those Horns" (#101)
Craig Woolard, "Pretty Women Everywhere" (#55)
Rhonda McDaniel "Sad Girl" (#1)
Jackie Gore and Terri Gore, "Unforgettable" (#20)
This category is not to be confused with the same name as the Grammys, which is a song writer award. This is actually the equivalent of "Record of the Year". As you can see, all but one charted on the SNS 100. Five hit my top 20, three the top 10, and one of them went all the way to the top. Thus, my pick is "Sad Girl". This is a song that embodies what classic beach music is all about.
SMOOTHIE BALLAD:
Rick Strickland & Lesa Hudson, "All Because of You" (#3)
Jim Quick and Coastline "Can't Drive Me Away"
Holiday Band, "Drowning in a Sea of Love"
Rhonda McDaniel, "Keep Reaching For the Top"
Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot - Patience
Jackie Gore and Terri Gore, "Unforgettable" (#20)
To be honest, I haven't heard most of these, with the exception of Rick & Lesa, and Jackie & Terri. While my personal pick is "All Because of You", I have a gut feeling that "Unforgettable" will win this category.
COLLABORATION OR DUO:
Dustin Ahkoul and Sharon Woodruff, "Back By Popular Demand" (#5)
Deb Browning and Michael Fitz, "I Never Wanted To" (#1)
Sylvia Johns Ritchie and Laura Kepley (with the Tonez), "Ladies Man" (#11)
Craig Woolard and Jackie Gore, "Someday at Christmas"
Jackie Gore and Terri Gore, "Unforgettable" (#20)
With apologies to Sylvia and Laura, if "I Never Wanted To" doesn't win, something is wrong! They did a great job with this when I saw them at Captain Archie's.
SONG WRITER(S):
Rivermist, "Oceans Apart" (written by Charlie Sattenfield) (#8)
Jim Quick and Coastline "Can't Drive Me Away" (Casey Meyer)
The Tams, "My True Love" (Charlie Sattenfield) (#2)
The Tonez, "Flip Flops" (Jonathan Treece) (#5)
The Swingin' Medallions, "Hit Me With Those Horns" ( John Buchon, Jayson Free, Shawn McElrath) (#101)
Rick Strickland & Lesa Hudson, "All Because of You" (Rick Strickland) (#3)
Sylvia Johns Ritchie, "My Heart Knows You By Heart" (Sylvia Johns Ritchie) (#1)
This is a songwriters' award, equivalent to the Grammys "Song of the Year". Looks like Charlie Sattenfield has the inside track with two nominations, both reaching my top 10. But Ms. Ritchie--often a collaborator with Sattenfield, got to number one with her composition. I'd say it's a battle between those two.
MUSIC VIDEO:
Too Much Sylvia, "Jukebox Playing 45's" (#18)
Jim Quick and Coastline ft Albert Rogers, "Hustlin'" (#17)
Deb Browning and Michael Fitz, "I Never Wanted To" (#1)
Sylvia Johns Ritchie, "My Heart Knows You By Heart" (#1)
Rivermist, "Right Place, Right Time" (#16)
Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot, "That's the Life"
First of all, where is "Dance With Me", by Jerry Powell? That should be in there. Two number one's here, and two "Sylvia's". Rivermist always has excellent videos, but I have to go with the duo who I saw live, Deb and Michael.
NATIONAL DANCE/SHAG SONG:
Lenny Kravitz, "Honey" (#41)
Niko Moon, "I Love This Beach"
The Tams, "My True Love" (#2)
California Honeydrops, "One More Time"
Teddy Swims and Thomas Rhett, "Somethin' 'Bout a Woman" (#3)
Dion and Valerie Tyson, "Stop Drop & Roll"
Three of these made my chart; the others I hadn't heard (Niko Moon charted here, but not with this song). So, I'm going to just consider those three, all great songs. While I think the Tams should win (and deservedly so; they were one of the early pioneers of the genre), the Swims/Rhett is also a fave. Hopefully a toss-up between those too, but I wouldn't mind Lenny grabbing this one.
ALBUM OF THE YEAR:
Embers ft. Craig Woolard, Christmastime Memories
Rick Strickland and Lesa Hudson, Power of Two
Rhonda McDaniel, Reaching For the Top
Rivermist, Right Place, Right Time
Gary Lowder and Smokin Hot, That's the Life
Various Artists, Tribute to General Johnson
This is a tough category. While Rick & Lesa's album yielded many hits, much of them were from last year or even the year before. Rhonda is currently getting airplay on several tracks from her album this year, and you can't rule out Rivermist. While I think the General Johnson tribute is in line with what beach music is all about, my pick is for Rhonda McDaniel.
GROUP OF THE YEAR: Band of Oz, Embers ft. Craig Woolard, Gary Lowder and Smokin' Hot, Jim Quick & Coastline, Swingin' Medallions, The Tonez, Too Much Sylvia
Based on my chart, I'd give the award to The Tonez, with three top 20's this year. But of course, it's not about SNS. I believe Lowder and crew got this last year, so I'll go with Too Much Sylvia, although it's a toss-up.
 |
| Marlisa Kay Small (L) and Deb Browning kicked off the CAMMY weekend Thursday night at Deckerz |
While the awards are held on Sunday, there's a lot in store for beach music lovers before that. Deb Browning and Marlisa Kay Small kicked off the weekend on Thursday night at Deckerz. On Friday, Too Much Sylvia will be at the Galleon, Rivermist at Fat Harold's, and The Tonez at Duck's. During the day on Saturday, the CBMA Scholarship Foundation will sponsor a "pig picking", at Hoto's Tiki Bar, with music, in part, by The Mac Daddy's Band., later on, at 3 PM the CBMA Industry Awards will be given out at the Spanish Galleon; More music Saturday night at various venues, including The Castaways at Hoto's; Jim Quick and Coastline at the Galleon, North Tower, the current #1 act on the SNS 100, at Fat Harold's; Jeff James at Deckerz, and The Konnection Band at Ducks.
Then on Sunday, it's the Carolina Beach Music Awards, starting at 3 PM at the Alabama Theatre. Finally, two more performances capping off the weekend, with The Embers at the Spanish Galleon, and The Swingin' Medallions, at Hoto's.
For many of these events, you need a pass to get in, or a cover charge to attend some of these events. Now that I live down here, this hits home a little more. But sadly, I won't be attending any of these events this year. We are still getting settled and making improvements to our home. But next year perhaps, I might become a member, (with voting status) or at least attend many of these events.
To all those nominated, the best of luck, and have an awesome time this weekend!
HOT 100: It's another week at the top for Taylor Swift, as "The Fate of Ophelia" stays on top for a fourth consecutive week. It holds off the resurging "Golden" by HUNTR/X which had been number one for eight non-consecutive weeks. There is a possibility that "Golden" may return to the top spot next week. On the SNS 100, it advances to #11. "Ordinary", a 10-week number one by Alex Warren, holds at #3. Ms. Swift's "Opalite" holds at #4, while up-and-comer Olivia Dean is up to #5 with "Man I Need", which also debuts on SNS this week. With "Father Figure" dropping down to #11, there are three Taylor songs left in the top 10, after her top 12 debuts three weeks ago. All her songs are still in the top 33 of the chart.
I also want to add, that since the chart tabulation is from late October, "Thriller" by Michael Jackson, re-enters at #32, while "This Is Halloween" by The Citizens of Halloween, from the movie The Nightmare Before Christmas. Next week's chart will probably cause other regulars, such as "Monster Mash" and "Somebody's Watching Me" to enter, as Halloween is starting to show holiday-season like repeats on the chart. Soon, of course, will be all the holiday entries, which I will comment on either next week or the week after.
SNS 100: North Tower's "Pretty Lady" continues at the top spot on my blog for the fourth consecutive week. It has a very conformable lead and is still bulleted. Otherwise, it is a competitive top ten, with 8 of the 10 songs having bullets. Pepper Creek's "Carolina Tans" advances to #2, equaling the bands prior song, "Salty Southern Saturday Night". MT Jones' "Why I Cry" (5-3), Role Model's "Sally When the Wine Runs Out" (2-4) and Ruth Morayniss' "All I Need" (6-5) completes the top five. Three beach music songs enter the top 10 this week, led by Deb Browning and Michael Fite's "Getaway Car" (11-7). Jennifer James' "Carolina's Home" moves 12-9, and The Six Piece Suits' "He Doesn't Have a Clue" (14-10), round out the top 10.
In the top 20, the Impact Award goes to "Another Life" by Alabama Shakes (22-17); becoming the Brittany Howard-led band's first in that region since "Future People" ten years ago. Two blog female veterans, Florence + the Machine, and Neko Case, also enter with "Everybody Scream" and "Wreck", respectively. Meanwhile, Anna Lavigne's second song from her latest album Night Dreams, "Dark Angel", last week's Top Debut, scores Mover of the Week honors (65-35).
 |
| Durand Jones and the Indications score Top Debut this week with "Don't You Know" |
WHERE WAS I IN 2019?: I was an active blogger in 2019, of course, but somehow, I keep missing some key gems released that year. They would be forgotten, except that Spotify keeps coming up with music that I might like. This year alone, we've had #1's from Michael Dau, The Jay Vons (twice), and now the Top Debut is another from that year, the very soulful "Don't You Know" by a group called Durand Jones and the Indications. Except that instead of Spotify, I heard the song piped in---of all places--the CVS Pharmacy along US 501 down here, while picking up a prescription! Go figure. This is a smooth beach ballad. I'm not sure if beach music stations played the song back in 2019, they had to (hearing the song here in the Conway/Myrtle Beach you would think so). This one takes you on a time machine back to the Grand Strand of the 1960's. The group formed at Indiana University in 2012, and have toured all over the world. It is from their album American Love Call from 2019. They do have a newer album out, Flowers, which came out in June of this year. Once this one runs its course, I will check that one out. It debuts at #58.
And speaking of 2019, I pull another song from the Jay Vons, following two number one's, from that year's The Word set, "Keep on Moving". This one also transports you back to the mid 60's, this time from a garage rock standpoint. This good time feeling song could have come out in 1966. Horns punctured with trademark organ and appealing vocals. One viewer of the video compared them to 1980's band The Style Council. I can hear a bit of The Buckinghams as well. Unlike "Days Undone" and "My Mama (She Was Right)", this was actually a single release and has a live video, so you can see the members perform this gem(at least the lead singer). A third straight number one is not out of the question here. It enters at #66. Once again, I wonder if this band is still together as they haven't released anything since.
I mentioned above that Olivia Dean, now in Billboard's top 5, enters SNS with "Man I Need". A bouncy number with a cool-sounding vocal (I wouldn't be surprised if John Hook adds this to his beach top 40 chart. Pop in nature, with some cool background harmonies, this has a chance. Meanwhile, the ever-versatile Orbis Max enters with "Blue Confetti". The guitar-driven intro flashes back to the late 60's bands like Traffic. I'm not sure who is singing lead vocals, it could still be Dw Dunphy, but regardless, the production of this makes this unique, and a departure for the Internet band. All the distant parts come together very nicely. Yes, I know that the band releases songs every few weeks, but they are very enjoyable, and it's nice to have multiple songs on the chart.
Finally, we have Jelly Roll's "Heart of Stone". Country mixed with soul with rock-ish overtones. It's hard not to root for this artist.
Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100 Playlist
November 2, 2025
|
This Week |
Last Week |
ARTIST-Title |
Weeks on List |
|
1 |
1 |
NUMBER ONE:  (Single Release) (4 Weeks at #1) |
9 |
|
2 |
4 |
8 |
|
|
3 |
5 |
8 |
|
|
4 |
2 |
13 |
|
|
5 |
6 |
10 |
|
|
6 |
3 |
12 |
|
|
7 |
11 |
4 |
|
|
8 |
8 |
11 |
|
|
9 |
12 |
7 |
|
|
10 |
14 |
6 |
|
|
11 |
13 |
HUNTR/X
- Golden |
10 |
|
12 |
16 |
5 |
|
|
13 |
7 |
13 |
|
|
14 |
18 |
4 |
|
|
15 |
19 |
7 |
|
|
16 |
9 |
14 |
|
|
17 |
22 |
TOP 20 IMPACT OF THE WEEK:  (Single Release) |
8 |
|
18 |
10 |
13 |
|
|
19 |
24 |
8 |
|
|
20 |
28 |
7 |
|
|
21 |
27 |
9 |
|
|
22 |
35 |
3 |
|
|
23 |
30 |
9 |
|
|
24 |
15 |
The
Tams - My True Love |
16 |
|
25 |
29 |
Barry Duke and Sharon Woodruff -
Sometimes Love Is Not Enough |
9 |
|
26 |
17 |
11 |
|
|
27 |
20 |
19 |
|
|
28 |
36 |
Johnny O and the Pocket Rockets -
Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love) |
5 |
|
29 |
33 |
9 |
|
|
30 |
21 |
19 |
|
|
31 |
23 |
11 |
|
|
32 |
25 |
20 |
|
|
33 |
26 |
13 |
|
|
34 |
34 |
12 |
|
|
35 |
65 |
MOVER OF THE WEEK:  Album: Night Dreams |
2 |
|
36 |
38 |
8 |
|
|
37 |
41 |
8 |
|
|
38 |
42 |
7 |
|
|
39 |
31 |
12 |
|
|
40 |
58 |
3 |
|
|
41 |
32 |
12 |
|
|
42 |
48 |
7 |
|
|
43 |
56 |
5 |
|
|
44 |
47 |
7 |
|
|
45 |
43 |
24 |
|
|
46 |
51 |
6 |
|
|
47 |
66 |
3 |
|
|
48 |
52 |
6 |
|
|
49 |
54 |
5 |
|
|
50 |
40 |
11 |
|
|
51 |
57 |
4 |
|
|
52 |
50 |
6 |
|
|
53 |
55 |
6 |
|
|
54 |
61 |
4 |
|
|
55 |
37 |
Sonny Russell and Cannonball Joe -
Carolina Sunshine Is Calling Me |
14 |
|
56 |
39 |
25 |
|
|
57 |
75 |
3 |
|
|
58 |
--- |
TOP DEBUT:  DURAND JONES AND THE INDICATIONS Album: American Love Call |
1 |
|
59 |
64 |
Scotty McCreery ft.. Hootie and the
Blowfish - Bottle Rockets |
6 |
|
60 |
69 |
3 |
|
|
61 |
44 |
20 |
|
|
62 |
68 |
4 |
|
|
63 |
73 |
4 |
|
|
64 |
85 |
2 |
|
|
65 |
77 |
4 |
|
|
66 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
67 |
92 |
2 |
|
|
68 |
45 |
15 |
|
|
69 |
71 |
5 |
|
|
70 |
78 |
4 |
|
|
71 |
79 |
3 |
|
|
72 |
46 |
The
Cynz -Can't Help Thinking About Me |
10 |
|
73 |
53 |
Los
Staitjackets - Spinout |
10 |
|
74 |
82 |
3 |
|
|
75 |
60 |
8 |
|
|
76 |
49 |
19 |
|
|
77 |
70 |
21 |
|
|
78 |
59 |
21 |
|
|
79 |
81 |
32 |
|
|
80 |
84 |
15 |
|
|
81 |
95 |
2 |
|
|
82 |
72 |
21 |
|
|
83 |
96 |
2 |
|
|
84 |
99 |
2 |
|
|
85 |
63 |
17 |
|
|
86 |
74 |
17 |
|
|
87 |
88 |
6 |
|
|
88 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
89 |
86 |
5 |
|
|
90 |
102 |
1 |
|
|
91 |
76 |
16 |
|
|
92 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
93 |
62 |
17 |
|
|
94 |
101 |
1 |
|
|
95 |
67 |
18 |
|
|
96 |
83 |
5 |
|
|
97 |
91 |
27 |
|
|
98 |
--- |
1 |
|
|
99 |
80 |
9 |
|
|
100 |
103 |
1 |
Tremors:
101. Beach Weather, Hardcore Romance
102. Rhonda McDaniel, I Can't Wait For the Weekend
103. The Swingin' Medallions, Hit Me With Those Horns
104. Billie Eilish, Wildflower
105. Cigarettes After Sex, Anna Karenina
Tremors: Songs which have steady
or increasing points but not enough to chart on the SNS 100.
Murmurs:
Say She She - Disco Life
High Frequencies - Tonight and Every Night
Murmurs: Songs which are in the queue for future adds onto the Scenes ‘n’ Soundwaves 100 Playlist.
|
|
Songs
with the greatest increase in favorite points over the prior week
●Songs garnering 25 plays
on Spotify (“Scrobbles”) according to Last.Fm (effective October 2024) ▲ Songs garnering 50 plays.
Songs
on the SNS 100 are included on the following public Spotify playlists
Scenes
‘n’ Soundwaves Top 40: Contains songs in positions 1-40 on the SNS
100
Scenes
41-100 and Newbies Songs in Positions 41-100 on the SNS 100 plus
new additions
Scenes
Recurrents: Songs which had been in
the top 20 and/or songs on the chart 25 weeks or more, that have dropped off
the SNS 100.
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