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

894 ( Steve Vai - #?@! Yourself ) For some reason this irreverent, profanity-laced track seemed a perfect fit for my mood this evening; oh yeah, Steve Vai and company's musicianship are quite awesome as always! Here is the studio version on YouTube. Load of profanities within, definitely (NSFW). My song pick a year ago today: The Who - I'm Free My song pick two years ago today: The Yardbirds - Heart Full of Soul +

893 ( KoKo Taylor - That's Why I'm Crying ) Yesterday I found out that Koko Taylor had died back in June of last year; I don't know how I missed the passing of "The Queen of the Blues." Anyway, if you don't know about her or her music and you even just slightly like the Blues, do yourself a favor and check her music out. This is one of my favorites among many in her catalog; so much soul, power, and emotion. Here is the studio version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Blue Öyster Cult - Veteran of the Psychic Wars My song pick two years ago today: Molly Hatchet - Bounty Hunter +

892 ( Charles Gounod - Funeral March of a Marionette ) This is another classical piece that most would not be able recognize by the title. However, once the main theme of the piece starts you should immediately get the image of a certain person's profile walking on the television screen. Yes, this piece of music was used for the theme of the television program Alfred Hitchcock Presents ; it has also been used in media for other purposes as well. Most would probably remember Charles Gounod for his opera Faust among other great works; he was quite a prolific composer during the Romance period of classical music. Here is a performance of the song on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird My song pick two years ago today: Gordon Lightfoot - If You Could Read My Mind +

891 ( Peter Gabriel - Down To Earth ) Every since I first saw the Pixar film " Wall-E " I've been meaning to choose this song, but it kept slipping my mind for some reason. This song, which was composed by Peter Gabriel and Thomas Newman, plays during the final credits of the film. It is a great song in so many ways, plus I needed a Peter Gabriel track on my list; I cannot believe I am almost 900 in without one. Here is a fan video with the song on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Edgar Winter Group - Free Ride My song pick two years ago today: Janis Joplin - Me and Bobby McGee +

890 ( John Lennon - How Do You Sleep? ) I have been listening to some of the music off of John Lennon's Imagine over the last couple or so days, I figured that I should add a track for my pick today. This bluesy track has been one of the main ones that has kept running through my mind. From what I have read John Lennon wrote this "poison pen" song in response to Paul McCartney writing a "poison pen" song supposedly about him: Too Many People , which can be found here on YouTube . Anyway, that minutia aside this is very nice track; if a couple of superstars what to air their dirty laundry so be it, at least we, the fans, get some music out of the deal. Here is the studio version on YouTube. Here is a clip from the "Imagine" film concerning this song on YouTube. There are many different versions and recordings of this song available on YouTube as well. My song pick a year ago today: The Who - Getting in Tune My song pick two years ago today: Jethro Tu...

889 ( Azteca - Someday We'll Get By ) It has been a stressful last little bit and I am in need of some nice grooving tunes to listen to. This was one of many bands from the last few decades that did not get the respect or notoriety it was deserved. From what I understand the record company believed that they were too much of a threat to Santana, (who was on the same label), so they kept the band under the radar so to speak. Azteca , led by Coke and Pete Escovedo was actually made up mostly of former Santana alumni. From what I have heard even Carlos himself might made an appearance with them except the record company protested that as well. Just recently Azteca was reformed with a new CD/DVD and also did some live shows. What ever the case, if you like Santana, Latin Rock, or Fusion you probably would like Azteca as well. This is one of those songs that if you added something or took something away it would fall apart. You have the nice and easy groove with just a hint of funk, the...

888 ( The Byrds - Eight Miles High ) I had another song in mind today to pick, however when I started my post I noticed the number of the song on my list: 888. This song with a fitting title popped into my mind quite quickly; this combined with the fact that I have not added a Byrds song to the list yet I figured I should pick this one. Anyway, ever since I first heard this song I liked it, there is something about the structure and chord progression combined by the vocal harmonies that I like. Here is a remastered studio version on YouTube. Here is an alternate version of the song on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Wings - Band on the Run My song pick two years ago today: Faith No More - Woodpecker From Mars +

887 ( Jethro Tull - Nothing to Say ) For various reasons I am picking this song tonight; suffice it to say it fits my mood perfectly. I remember buying this record on vinyl from a local music store and falling in love with the entire album from alpha to zed; I almost wore it out. Anyway, as with most of the album this song has a bit of a heavier and darker feel to it. Ian's songwriting is simply amazing in how he weaves such a wonderful tapestry with the well-arranged and played music. Here is the studio version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Bad Company - Seagull My song pick two years ago today: Diana Ross - Do You Know Where You're Going To? (The theme from Mahogany) +

886 ( Hawkwind - Standing at the Edge ) I am still in a Space Rock mood today and decided on picking another Hawkwind track. In previous picks when I chose one of their songs I've studiously tried to keep away from picking some their more abstract songs in an effort not to scare people away from such a great band. However, today I am picking one of those songs; to some this song might not be categorized completely under the definition of 'a song.' The track itself is basically distorted spoken word with synth and sound effects behind, which lasts for a little over two and a half minutes; it is part of the greater concept album: Warrior on the Edge of Time . Here are the lyrics: "We're standing on the edge The edge of time And it is dark, so dark on the edge of time And we're tired of making love We are the lost, we are the ravaged We are the unkind We are the soldiers at the edge of time And we're tired of making love Where ...

885 ( Hawkwind - D-Rider ) The song I picked yesterday got me into a Space Rock mood and ended up subjecting those around me to a lot of songs about space aliens, traveling through space, androids, assassins, and victorious eternal champions from distant stars. Anyway, if you like Pink Floyd you probably would enjoy this song; it is one of their more casual listener friendly tracks. This is off of their 1974 Hall of the Mountain Grill album, which has to be one of my top five favourite albums of theirs. Here is the studio version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Duran Duran - Rio My song pick two years ago today: Rare Earth - (I Know) I'm Losing You +

884 ( Muse - Knights of Cydonia ) A few months ago we started receiving a new HD channel on our television called Palladia , which features mostly live musical performances and also music videos from time to time. Anyway, last night before heading to bed they started playing some music videos and this was the first one featured. Now, I have heard this band before, but this song and the album it is from in particular have really caught my attention with its "Space Rock" feel. Whilst watching the video they kept reminding me of the band Hawkwind; I was actually surprised that they do not reference Hawkwind, Dave Brock, or even Lemmy as influences. An excellent song all the same and filled my craving for things progressive; it is nice to see that Space Rock is still alive and well. Here is the music video on YouTube. Here is a live performance on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Nightwish - 10th Man Down My song pick two years ago today: Jaco Pastorius...

883 ( Louis Armstrong - La Vie en Rose ) Been listening to quite a lot of Jazz lately, much of it from Louis Armstrong. This is another Jazz standard which has been recorded a myriad of times by countless artists. Louis Armstrong's version in particular is my personal favorite with his signature horn playing and vocals; a beautiful and timeless classic. Here is a studio recording on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: The Thermals - No Culture Icons My song pick two years ago today: Jethro Tull - Crossfire +

882 ( Rush - Freewill ) I heard this track on the radio while out and about this morning; after I discovered that it has not graced my list yet; I figured I should add it. Freewill is a quintessential Rush song in almost every aspect. This is one of their songs that stretches Geddy Lee's vocals to their upper limit, which can be heard in the bridge. Here is the studio version on YouTube. Here is the live performance from Stage Left on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: R.E.M. - Stand My song pick two years ago today: Queen - Killer Queen +

881 ( Sky - Toccata ) I have been meaning to pick this one from the British Prog/Rock band Sky for a bit now. This is a real neat interpretation of Johan Sebastian Bach's famous piece: Toccata and Fugue in D-Minor , BWV 565. In this one they actually just cover the Toccata section and turn it into a Electronic Progressive Rock song with some Disco influence in the beat. Here is the studio version on YouTube. Watch the music video on YouTube. Here is a performance from Top of the Pops on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Journey - Who's Crying Now My song pick two years ago today: Billy Joel - Only the Good Die Young +

880 ( Forest - A Glade Somewhere ) For a nice late pick on Sunday I could not go wrong with some Psychedelia/Folk music. This is one of the awesome bands that I discovered a while ago when looking through some Psychedelic music from bands that I had not heard of before. This was one out of many of their songs that I came to like. Such a beautifully constructed song that is basically acoustic Folk with some electric instruments added into the mix; most notably a Hammond Organ performing a counter line. This is one of those songs that you could easily get lost in. Here is the studio version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Weather Report - Teen Town My song pick two years ago today: Johann Sebastian Bach - Orchestral Suite No.3 in D-Major, "Air" BWV 1068 +

879 ( Cab Calloway & The Harlemaniacs - The Reefer Man ) I needed some big band music from Cab Calloway this morning. He was such an amazing bandleader, singer, musician, dancer, entertainer, etc.... I guess I will file this number about a man high on marijuana under the category of "nothing new under the sun." I often wonder how many of these older entertainers kept a straight face when the younger generations were trying to be "edgy." This is just one example out of a plethora of songs over 70 years old with what some today would call extreme subject matter; nothing put out in the years since has really tackled that much that is new. Here is a recording of the song on YouTube. Here is a performance from the film International House on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Diana Ross and the Supremes - Reflections My song pick two years ago today: Quarterflash - Harden my Heart +

878 ( Edvard Grieg - The March of the Trolls (Troldtog) Op. 54, No.3 ) This is another one of those classical pieces of music that will give you the "I have heard this before" feeling. I cannot count the amount of times that I have heard this song or heard parts of it being used in some media. Here is a performance of the song by Balazs Szokolay on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Rob Zombie - Dragula My song pick two years ago today: Tears for Fears - Mad World +

877 ( Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli (Quintette du Hot Club de France) feat. Freddy Taylor - Nagasaki ) I have been meaning to pick this rendition of this often covered early Jazz standard composed by Harry Warren and Mort Dixon for quite a while now. Probably most have heard a rendition of this song at one point in media over the last 80 years. The song is an extremely fun and danceable tune; it has a bit of "The Charleston" feel to it. Django Reinhardt, Stéphane Grappelli and company are amazing throughout as always. However, what especially caught my attention in this version of the song was guest vocalist Freddy Taylor's syncopated and rapid-fire vocals. Here is the studio version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Miles Davis - Flamenco Sketches My song pick two years ago today: The Kinks - Waterloo Sunset +

876 ( Adam Gilberti - Dragon's First Flight ) I ran into this very interesting song a bit ago and just had to add it to my list; it is one the most interesting and new sounding songs that I have heard in a while. This piece was composed by Adam Gilberti for a quartet of contrabass saxophones. When someone conjures the image of a saxophone you get the image is a hand held instrument with the classic "J" shape of the popular tenor or alto sax. However just like most other orchestral instruments there is an entire family of saxophones. For those who are not aware of the nomenclature, the contrabass is larger and lower pitched than the bass or baritone saxophones. This quartet is actually composed of two contrabass saxophones and two tubax ; one contrabass and the other subcontrabass, which is pitched even lower yet. Apparently the video was deleted by whoever uploaded it, sorry. My song pick a year ago today: Zakk Wylde - Farm Fiddlin' My song pick two years ago today: ...

875 ( Traveling Wilburys - End of the Line ) I was thinking about this song most of the morning, so I am adding to my list. It rolls along quite nicely with the nicely defined "locomotive" rhythm. It is a nice unobtrusive song to wake up and clear your mind to. Here is the music video on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: The Doors - Love Her Madly My song pick two years ago today: Rod Stewart - Young Turks (Young Hearts Be Free) +

874 ( Buddy Holly & the Crickets - Oh Boy! ) For over a week now I have been meaning to pick this song and I finally have gotten around to it today; it was incessantly running trough my mind over most of the week. Just an amazing song in so many ways. Here is the studio version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Oasis - Champagne Supernova My song pick two years ago today: John Denver - Paradise +

873 ( Ally Kerr - The Sore Feet Song ) Over the weekend my wife and I have been watching an Animé called Mushi-Shi ; this song was used as the intro. This is quite a cute tune from Scottish "singwriter" Ally Kerr and has a wee bit of a Simon & Garfunkel feel to it. Here is a fan video with the studio version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Johnny Cash - Solitary Man My song pick two years ago today: Two-Mix - White Reflection +

872 ( Puhdys - Geh Dem Wind Nicht Aus Dem Wege ) After yesterday's pick of Karussell's Schattenkreuze I could not get away from listening to Classic German Rock. Puhdys was my "gateway" band into what I refer to as Classic German Rock music. From going through their discography and such I learned of many other excellent bands. They where one of the older bands that came out of Germany whose music can actually be heard here in The States, albeit mostly for those who are looking for their music. Anyway, this was another one of those songs that I immediately liked when I heard it. It was interesting to hear a song that was acid/psychedelic rock mixed with punk and progressive rock influences, and to think this band was from behind the Iron Curtain! Hear the studio version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Journey - Lights My song pick two years ago today: Rush - Anthem +

871 ( Karussell - Schattenkreuze ) For over the last eight to ten years I have been trying to discover bands from Europe that we do not see in the states. One of the countries that seems to have produce a lot of the music I find appealing is Germany. It is odd that when I find a band from Germany that I like, (I would say that about 80% of the time), they are from the old East Germany or if it's a new band they have members who grew up there; Karussell is one of the former. All of the information I have found about them is from sites in written German, so finding out about them has been difficult and is forcing me to become more fluent in the language. From what I understand they actually came out of the dissolution of a band called Renft that had been banned in the GDR. Another interesting tidbit that I found is that the band had a lot of turnover over the years; some of that turnover was due to members making their way into the West. After reunification the band apparently broke ...

870 ( Apocalyptica feat. Till Lindemann - Helden ) Ever since I first heard Apocalyptica, well over 10 years ago, I have been a big fan of theirs. This is Apocalyptica's cover of the David Bowie song Heroes, which can be found here on YouTube , sung in German featuring Till Lindemann on vocals. Their interpretation of this song is extremely dynamic across the board, there is so much to listen to; you can almost lost in it. Again, Till's vocal work is amazing as ever, he is an excellent vocalist for covering a Bowie tune with both having low registered vocals. Now if I could just hear them perform a duet that would be awesome. I've heard a version with Bowie singing the song in German, which can be found here on YouTube ; perhaps a mashup is in order... Here is a fan video with the studio version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: James Gang - Funk 49 My song pick two years ago today: Midnight Oil - Blue Sky Mine +

869 ( Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show - Cover of the Rolling Stone ) Had a few songs in mind this morning, but when I heard this one again on the radio I knew I had my pick. A fantastic irreverent jab at pop culture and egotistical musicians; truly an awesome piece of music. Here is the studio version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Seals & Crofts - Summer Breeze My song pick two years ago today: Jethro Tull - Crazed Institution +

868 ( Johnny Cash - One Piece At A Time ) I felt like picking something light-hearted today and this song about building a "Psychobilly Cadillac" from "liberated" auto parts seemed like perfect fit. This is one of those story driven songs that you cannot quit listening to once it has started. Here is the studio version on YouTube. Here is a television performance from '76 on YouTube. Here is a live performance on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Traffic - John Barleycorn My song pick two years ago today: The Moody Blues - Forever Afternoon (Tuesday?), Time to Get Away. +

867 ( Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Fanfare for the Common Man ) I have been thinking about choosing this song for quite a while now. This is Emerson, Lake & Palmer's arrangement of Fanfare for the Common Man originally composed in the early 1940's by Aaron Copland, which can be found here on YouTube. If you have been around for the last 70 years you have probably heard a version of this song or parts of it in one way or another. This version utilizes a lot of Keith Emerson's audacious keyboard work; it is simply amazing to think that three musicians can make such a large orchestral sound. Hear the short version of Fanfare for the Common Man on YouTube. Here is the full 9+ minute version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: The Kinks - Do It Again My song pick two years ago today: The Guess Who - Hang On To Your Life +

866 ( Nightwish - While Your Lips Are Still Red ) This song started running through my mind and it seemed perfect for this day. From what I understand this song is actually not an "official" Nightwish song, but it was included on Nightwish's Amaranth single as well as their Made in Hong Kong (And Various Other Places) CD/DVD. It was composed by Marco Hietala and Tuomas Holopainen for the Finnish film: " Lieksa! " and was performed by Nightwish members: Marco Hietala (bass, vocal), Tuomas Holopainen (keyboards, backing vocals), and Jukka Nevalainen (drums, percussion). It is quite a beautiful song that highlights the talents of these three excellent musicians. Here is the music video on YouTube. Here is a live performance on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: The Rolling Stones - Mother's Little Helper My song pick two years ago today: Billy Joel - Two Thousand Years +

865 ( Banchee - John Doe ) I'm finally getting around to picking this great Psychedelic Hard Rock tune from the band Banchee. Since discovering their music a while ago this song in particular has become a favourite of mine. There is so much that I love about this track all across the board. I like how the wailing lead guitar almost plays a duet with the vocals at times in this very dynamic song. Here is the studio version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Bob Dylan - Like A Rolling Stone My song pick two years ago today: Queen - Don't Stop Me Now +

864 ( ABBA - Happy New Year ) Happy New Year and New Decade! ABBA's Happy New Year seemed obviously perfect for the occasion. I almost picked it on New Year's Day for the last two years, but it usually slipped my mind. This song song was also chosen by Woordenaar this time last year on his song a day blog. I cannot count the amount of times I have heard this song, I remember growing up with a lot of ABBA's music around me; my dad is a big fan of their music and played all of their albums quite a bunch. Even though this is really a seasonal tune it is still a nice song to hear year around as well. Anyway, the album Super Trouper was recorded in early 1980 and this song is about the turning of a decade from the 70's to the 80's as well as a new year, is quite sentimental and introspective in the lyrics. The third verse seems especially appropriate, being that it is a new decade as well: "Seems to me now that the dreams we had before are all dead, not...