William's Song a Day Blog - est. September 2007

Op.129; Year: ~1795; Genre: Classical Period/classical I always love music like this, it shows that "the greats" were not stodgy old folks bereft of humour. In actuality with those who are still widely-known to history it was quite the opposite. Anyway, this is a classical music lover's favourite; it is a show piece that gets played when musicians do expositions on Beethoven. Op.129 is a virtuoso piano piece with some hallmarks of the late Classical Period, but also with rumblings of the Romantic Period that had already begun to take hold, like his louder, more bombastic style.   Hear the piece on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Dokken - Into the Fire     My song pick 2 years ago today: Blue Öyster Cult - So Supernatural     My song pick 3 years ago today: The Zombies - Tell Her No   My song pick 4 years ago today: Van McCoy & the Soul City Symphony - The Hustle   My song pick 5 years ago today: The Kinks - A Lo...

From: Badmotorfinger ; Year: 1991; Genre: Alternative Metal For me it is very difficult to say one of Soundgarden's albums is "my favourite," I just love them all and can listen from front to back, everyone of them. I will say though, there is something special about Badmotorfinger ; truthfully I cannot say I dislike a single track on it. Maybe it's because I was becoming a teen when it dropped and thus hit me a the perfect moment; who knows, right? The dynamics are amazing on this one with both hard-hitting de-tuned riffs shaking the Earth, and somewhat quieter and intricate, but just as heavy sections. Of course the musicianship and writing are near perfect, and Chris Cornell showing off his unmatched vocals throughout.   Hear Holy Water on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Big Brother and the Holding Company (Janis Joplin) - Ball and Chain     My song pick 2 years ago today: Earth, Wind & Fire - That's the Way of the World   ...

From: Ars Longa Vita Brevis ; Year: 1968; Genre: Symphonic Rock/Progressive Rock Here's a great one from The Nice, who were known for such big, bombastic musical terrors. As you might be able to discern from the title, both it and the music it contains derives from Johann Sebastian Bach's Brandenburg Concertos ; the Third in particular. Keith Emerson is as amazing as ever on the keys in this "classical rocker."   Hear Brandenburger on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: The Guess Who - Lightfoot     My song pick 2 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Roots to Branches     My song pick 3 years ago today: Queen - The Prophet's Song   My song pick 4 years ago today: Bee Gees - To Love Somebody   My song pick 5 years ago today: Marillion - Warm Wet Circles   My song pick 6 years ago today: Dire Straits - Tunnel of Love   My song pick 7 years ago today: Banchee - 3/4 Song My song pick 8 years ago today: Parliament - ...

From: The Delfonics ; Year: 1970; Genre: Soul Their music was on my mind as I sat down to make this pick, so decided on choosing one of their most noted hits. There's a whole lot to love about this classic Philadelphia Soul track; I absolutely love those swells and ebbs with the vocal harmonies. Add to that the amazing music behind them that gives your ears a lot to chew on; you'll hear more and more parts of the track each time you play it.    Watch the Soul Train performance on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Bloodrock - Don't Eat the Children     My song pick 2 years ago today: The Jimmy Castor Bunch - My Brightest Day     My song pick 3 years ago today: Rush - Garden Road   My song pick 4 years ago today: Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble - May I Have a Talk With You   My song pick 5 years ago today: ZZ Top - Legs   My song pick 6 years ago today: Primus - Eclectic Electric   My song pick 7 ye...

From: The Joker ; Year: 1973; Genre: Blues Rock/Funk Rock After having Steve Miller Band's music on my mind I delved  through wot I've already chosen... dang, that is a lot. The Joker is always one of my "go to" of his records and is really that bridge between his more grassroots blues rock and his more mainstream and commercially successful brand. I would have to put Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma as one with aspects of both past and future versions of his sound. Although, that funky beat and amazing bass line is to die for; dance floor approved!   Hear Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Downtown Trio - Summertime     My song pick 2 years ago today: Bob Welch - Sentimental Lady     My song pick 3 years ago today: Rare Earth - What'd I Say   My song pick 4 years ago today: Jethro Tull - In Brief Visitation   My song pick 5 years ago today: Geddy Lee - Slipping   My song pick 6 years ag...

From: Funky Music Machine ; Year: 1972; Genre: Funk/Soul Here's a great one for this Friday's pick. It features the late-great Melvin Parker on drums in the band his brother Maceo led. Both are probably most noted for playing integral parts in James Brown's band and the creation of the funk genre, but both also have an extensive amount of collaborations with many, many artists. As you would expect, this track is an early evolution of funk combined with psychedelic soul and some jazz and fun as heck to listen to.   Hear A Funky Tale to Tell on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: The Swingin' Medallions - Double Shot (Of My Baby's Love)     My song pick 2 years ago today: Queen - Fight from the Inside     My song pick 3 years ago today: Emerson, Lake & Palmer - The Sage   My song pick 4 years ago today: Ratt - Round and Round   My song pick 5 years ago today: Little River Band - The Night Owls   My song pick 6 ...