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

1568 Jethro Tull - Pibroch (Cap in Hand) From: Songs From the Wood , Year: 1977 Genre: Progressive Rock/Folk Rock For the last couple of days it would seem that the radio or some other sort of entertainment delivery system has been influencing my picks; I decided I would buck that trend today. Yeah, it's another 'Tull song, what a bit surprise there. The Songs From the Wood record in my opinion contains some of the band's best and most difficult material musically; it is also one of the favourites among many 'Tull fans. This song takes inspiration and its name from the traditional Scots music known as Piobaireachd or the Anglicized " Pibroch ," which is the music normally associated with the Great Highland Bagpipes. Martin Barre really shines on this one; they used odd delay effects and recording techniques to make Martin Barre's blazing guitar throughout the song have a similar feel to the bagpipe playing a Pibroch. After hearing this track, a...

1567 Black Sabbath - The Mob Rules From: Mob Rules , Year: 1981 Genre: Metal This is one comes from the Dio era of Black Sabbath and also features Vinny Appice on drums in place of Bill Ward. Some would also remember this song as being part of the soundtrack for the film Heavy Metal ; I believe that it was in the part of the last story in the movie called Taarna . Apparently the version of the song from the film's soundtrack does feature Bill Ward on drums. Here is the studio version on YouTube. Here is the alternate version from the Heavy Metal soundtrack on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Roger Waters - It's a Miracle My song pick two years ago today: Eric Idle - F--- Christmas My song pick three years ago today: Otis Redding - ( Sittin' On ) The Dock of the Bay My song pick four years ago today: The Kinks - Celluloid Heroes +

1566 Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Tarkus From: Tarkus , Year: 1971 Genre: Progressive Rock I had another song/artist in mind for my pick this morning, however after hearing ELP on the radio this morning, not this song mind you, I decided on this 'magnum opus' from the band. This selection gives me a bit of freedom for picking since Tarkus is actually a suite consisting of seven tracks and 20 minutes of music: 1. Eruption , 2. Stones of Years , 3. Iconoclast , 4. Mass , 5. Manticore , 6. Battlefield , and 7. Aquatarkus . However, I thought it best to pick the entire suite instead of each track individually to keep continuity. Tarkus, which is the name of the tank/armadillo hybrid on the album cover, is about the birth, life, and trials of the fictional creature. For me, however, the music and arrangements are the main draw; this one contains all of the musical fun that you would expect from the Prog/Rock monster that is ELP. Here is the first half on YouTube. Here is the seco...

1565 John Denver - Farewell Andromeda (Welcome To My Morning) From: Farewell Andromeda , Year: 1973 Genre: Folk Rock This morning I had this song on my mind, and the overall mood and feeling fits this rather laid back Sunday. I've always love the utter lack of cynicism in John Denver's music; this is one of his many uplifting and beautiful songs in that vein. Definitely a good song to listen to whilst you watch the sun rise. Hear Farewell Andromeda on YouTube. Hear an alternate studio version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Del Shannon - Runaway My song pick two years ago today: Steely Dan - Black Friday My song pick three years ago today: Ozzy Osbourne - I Just Want You My song pick four years ago today: Quiet Riot - Cum On Feel The Noize +

1564 Dream Theater - A Nightmare to Remember From: Black Clouds & Silver Linings , Year: 2009 Genre: Progressive Metal I've been thinking about picking another Dream Theater track for a while now; finally I'm thinking about it when I sat down to make my pick. A Nightmare to Remember is a rather monstrous lead track off of Black Clouds & Silver Linings ; it clocks in at just over 16 minutes. This John Petrucci composition is one of my favourites from the album. It contains a lot of what I like about DT's music; from what I understand it was written about a car accident that he was in when he was a child. Hear A Nightmare to Remember on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Bob Marley & the Wailers - Jamming My song pick two years ago today: Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble - Crossfire My song pick three years ago today: 4 Non Blondes - What's Up? My song pick four years ago today: Jethro Tull - ...And The Mouse Police Never Sleeps +

1563 Nightwish - Storytime From: Imaginaerum , Year: 2011 Genre: Symphonic Metal A couple of years ago I was pretty heavy into Nightwish, but it seems as if that over the last little bit I've been listening to them less. I still love their music and all, but think I just burnt myself out a bit listening to them. Anyway, I discovered that their new album, Imaginaerum , is about to be released on the 30th of this month; this song is the first single to be released from it. It seems as if Tuomas Holopainen went all out with this one, it's a concept album; supposedly there is a film being made of the album's namesake that is based on its story. It's nice to have some new material to listen to; can't wait to hear the rest of the songs. Watch the music video on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Kay Kyser and His Orchestra - Praise The Lord and Pass the Ammunition My song pick two years ago today: Nightwish feat. Tapio Wilska - The Devil & the Deep Dark Ocean My ...

1562 David Bowie - Young Americans From: Young Americans , Year: 1975 Genre: Rock I know it's Thanksgiving and all; I should perhaps choose something appropriate, but I just felt like hearing some 'Bowie this morning. I guess that I can just be thankful for David Bowie and his music, yeah that works. I've always loved the music and feel of this song; it's one of my many favourites from his catalogue. Hear Young Americans on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Eric Robertson - "Spooked" on Classics My song pick two years ago today: Antonio Salieri - Requiem in C-Minor ( Piccolo Requiem ) My song pick three years ago today: Marmalade - Reflections of My Life My song pick four years ago today: .38 Special - Same Old Feeling +

1561 Hawkwind - Space Chase From: Levitation , Year: 1980 Genre: Space Rock/Progressive Rock I had some ideas for my pick today, but they just didn't fit. I finally just decided on picking yet another Hawkwind track; I believe that I haven't yet chosen a song off of their Levitation album, so I decided on this rather fast-paced instrumental. As the title states, it gives off the overall feel of a space ship chasing another across the cosmos. Hear Space Chase on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - Four Wheel Drive My song pick two years ago today: Savatage - When the Crowds are Gone My song pick three years ago today: Joe Walsh - Ordinary Average Guy My song pick four years ago today: Warren Zevon - Roland the Headless Thompson Gunner +

1560 Mahavishnu Orchestra - You Know You Know From: The Inner Mounting Flame , Year: 1971 Genre: Jazz Fusion/Progressive Rock Here's a nice soulful grooving track from John McLaughlin's Mahavishnu Orchestra; this one's a treat even for those who don't like technical music such as Jazz Fusion. The song is held together by a waltzing groove line, which carries it quite well while the other instruments solo around it. I really like Jan Hammer's keyboards and, of course John McLaughlin's guitar throughout; as with most Jazz Fusion bands the drums are incredible, Billy Cobham is just mind blowing. When listening to these Fusion bands, to me the drums are almost like the sun with the other instruments likened to planets orbiting it. Many who are into Hip-Hop/Rap should recognize this song as well, it has been sampled many times over the years by various acts. Hear You Know You Know on YouTube. Watch an incredible Live performance on YouTube. My song pick a year ago t...

1559 Dead Meadow - Greensky Greenlake From: Dead Meadow , Year: 2000 Genre: Hard Rock/Psychedelic Rock I had this rather nice instrumental on my mind this morning; it seemed to fit my mood. Hear Greensky Greenlake on YouTube. Here is a live performance on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Yes - Owner of a Lonely Heart My song pick two years ago today: Duran Duran - Serious My song pick three years ago today: Styx - Crystal Ball My song pick four years ago today: Rush - Tom Sawyer +

1558 Jefferson Airplane - Somebody to Love From: Surrealistic Pillow , Year: 1967 Genre: Psychedelic Rock/Hard Rock For some reason I had this song running through my mind most of the day, so, as I usually do, I'm making it my pick. Ever since I first heard this song, which was a long, long time ago, I have always liked it a lot. This was actually a cover that was originally recorded by the band The Great Society, which can be heard here on YouTube . It was written by Darby Slick, who was Grace Slick's brother-in-law; they both played in The Great Society. Hear Somebody to Love on YouTube. Watch the music video on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: John Denver - In My Life My song pick two years ago today: The Charlie Daniels Band - Legend of Wooley Swamp My song pick three years ago today: The Doors - Strange Days My song pick four years ago today: Argent - Hold Your Head Up +

1557 Django Reinhardt & Stéphane Grappelli (Quintette du Hot Club de France) featuring Freddy Taylor - I'se a Muggin' From: The Quintet of the Hot Club of France , Year: 1936 Genre: Swing Jazz/Gypsy Jazz What an excellent track for a laid back Saturday like this one; nothing to do but watch the snow pile up and listen some awesome tunes. I love Freddy Taylor's mellow, upbeat vocals and scatting throughout the song. He added something special to the already great sound of Reinhardt/Grappelli and co. Hear I'se a Muggin' on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Styx - Light Up My song pick two years ago today: Pink Floyd - Waiting for the Worms My song pick three years ago today: Rush - Roll the Bones My song pick four years ago today: Béla Fleck & The Flecktones - A Moment So Close +

1556 Red Hot Chili Peppers - Ethiopia From: I'm With You , Year: 2011 Genre: Alternative Rock/Funk I feel like making a Funky Friday pick today. This is one of my favourite songs off of RHCP's most recent release: I'm With You ; it's one of the more dynamic tracks on the album. Apparently the band got some of their influence for this track from an Ethiopian band called Africa Express; from what I understand they hung out and jammed quite a bit. I love how they employed odd time signatures in this song and yet to the untrained ear you really don't notice it; that, in my opinion, is the mark of an excellent band when they are able to do that. Hear Ethiopia on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Bass Extremes - Glorious Pastorius My song pick two years ago today: Alexander Courage - Where No Man Has Gone Before (Theme From Star Trek) My song pick three years ago today: The Temptations - Get Ready My song pick four years ago today: Bachman-Turn...

1555 Nirvana - About a Girl From: Bleach , Year: 1989 Genre: Alternative Rock/Grunge/Pop I had this track on my mind this morning and it fits my mood pretty good. While I've never been a bona fide fan of their music, there are more than a few of Nirvana's songs that I like. I believe that I'm more into Grunge now than I was back when it was the 'in' thing. I guess I don't feel as bombarded anymore and can actually sit back and enjoy it for what it is rather than it being the newest thing 'you must' be into. Anyway, this track comes off of their '89 debut album Bleach ; it has a very distinct Beatleish sound to it. From what I've read Kurt Cobain wrote it after listening to one of the Beatles' albums a bunch of times. Hear About a Girl on YouTube. Watch their 'unplugged' performance on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Forest - Gypsy Girl & Rambleaway My song pick two years ago today: Steely Dan - Caves of Altamira My song p...

1554 Steely Dan - Bodhisattva From: Countdown to Ecstasy , Year: 1973 Genre: Rock/Jazz I had a couple of songs in mind for my pick, but after I heard this song on the radio this morning I figured I would choose it instead. I've often wondered who the enlightened being was that they were singing this song to, or maybe the word 'Bodhisattva' just fit their lyrical scheme the way they wanted, who knows. Anyway, the band is as excellent as ever in their musicianship and arrangement on this track. Hear Bodhisattva on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: UFO - Rock Bottom My song pick two years ago today: Jethro Tull - Baker St. Muse My song pick three years ago today: Toto - Hold the Line My song pick four years ago today: Jethro Tull - Kissing Willie +

1553 John Dowland - Flow My Tears (Lachrimae Pavane) Year: 1596 Genre: Renaissance Period/classical This beautiful piece of music started running through my mind this morning; it has to be one of the oldest pieces of music I've yet to add to my blog. The piece is known as an Ayre , which was written for a vocal and lute and is most likely John Dowland's most famous work. I originally was introduced to his music through one of my favourite Science Fiction authors: Philip K. Dick. He was a huge fan of John Dowland and went as far as to write under the pseudonym Jack Dowland on some of his works. He actually borrowed the title of this piece for his novel Flow My Tears, the Policeman Said , which is also one of my favourite of his books. Here is a performance of the piece by Paul Agnew and Christopher Wilson on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Slaughter - Days Gone By My song pick two years ago today: Johnny Rivers - Poor Side of Town My song pick three years ago today: Bach...

1552 Steve Vai - Bad Horsie From: Alien Love Secrets , Year: 1995 Genre: Hard Rock I was listening to this song the other day; I thought I'd already picked it before. I checked and apparently I hadn't yet, so today I will. As with the majority of his work, this track showcases his virtuosity and inventiveness with the guitar. I love the thunderous, gritty, and bassy chords Steve Vai used in this one. You can actually hear this song in an embryonic state in the '86 Ralph Macchio film Crossroads at the beginning of the guitar duel between him and Steve Vai, who plays the part of the Devil's guitarist Jack Butler. The entire guitar duel scene from the movie can be found here on YouTube . Also, I happened to notice that Bill, (Heuristics Inc.), has fired up his song-a-day blog once again . Hear Bad Horsie on YouTube. Watch a music video/performance on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Fats Domino - Ain't That a Shame My song pick two years ago today: ABBA - I Le...

1551 Black 47 - Fire of Freedom From: Fire of Freedom , Year: 1993 Genre: Rock/Celtic Rock/Reggae I've been meaning to pick this track for a bit now; I'm finally getting around to it this Sunday. This song epitomizes why I like Black 47 so much: there are so many musical styles and genres utilized within to make an excellent blend. I love their blend of Irish Folk, Reggae, Jazz, and Rock; it makes for an interesting sound. Hear Fire of Freedom on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Aerosmith - Amazing My song pick two years ago today: Banchee - Beautifully Day My song pick three years ago today: The Cure - Burn My song pick four years ago today: Fire Bomber (Hummingbird) - Dynamite Explosion +

1550 Rammstein - Mein Land From: Made in Germany/Mein Land (Single) , Year: 2011 Genre: Neue Deutsche Härte/Industrial Metal Ja! Neue Rammstein! This single from their yet-to-be-released remastered greatest hits album Made in Germany was just released, well in parts of Europe at least. Those of us in the rest of the world will have to wait a few more days or just import it. Anyway, this is a brand new song that they added to their greatest hits album as a bonus, I always love when bands do that. If you like Rammstein's sound then this song will be right up your alley, they're excellent as ever. While I'm intending on getting the album, I've become kind of cautious when I see the word 'remastered' anymore, that word usually means they're making it louder and removing all depth from the audio, but we'll see. If nothing else we're getting an excellent new song. It appears that UMG is busy removing all videos with the song from YouTube. Her...

1549 Savatage - Memory From: Dead Winter Dead , Year: 1995 Genre: Progressive Metal/Symphonic Metal Well, today is Armistice Day or Veteran's Day, depending on which country you live in. Also because of the date being 11-11-11, some people have dubbed it 'Metal Day' as well; I guess they are playing off of that tired, old cliché of a joke from the Spinal Tap movie . Anyway, I thought this track would be excellent for my pick today. The song is the main theme from the fourth movement of Beethoven's 9th Symphony in D-Minor ( Op. 125 ). I love how dynamic they made this abbreviated arrangement of the classic piece of music. It starts out with a clean electric guitar playing the melody and then the tempo picks up and effects and distortion are added. Here is a video with a guy playing guitar to the studio version on YouTube. I really wish that there was an actual studio version available, but c'est la vie . My song pick a year ago today: Billy Joel - Goodnight Saigon M...

1548 Santo & Johnny - Teardrop From: Sleepwalk , Year: 1959 Genre: Pop/Rock I had a few other songs in mind for today's pick, but this pretty track started running through my mind; as usual I took it as a sign that I should pick it. I love all of the emotion they put into this song, it's truly a beautiful song. The only thing I don't like about it was, like most songs of the late 50's/early 60's, it far too short at just 2 minutes in length. Hear Teardrop on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Rammstein - Bück Dich My song pick two years ago today: Lulu - To Sir With Love My song pick three years ago today: Primus - Nature Boy My song pick four years ago today: Deep Purple - Space Truckin' +

1547 Exist†Trace - RESONANCE From: Twin Gate , Year: 2010 Genre: Metal For the last few days I've thinking about this band that I saw this year at Seattle's Sakura Con '11 animé convention. I'd never heard of them prior to seeing them; they were one of the headline attractions at the convention. I've been introduced to quite a few Japanese bands through that convention; I should probably pick some of their songs as well at some point. I'll say that once the sound crew ceased inhibiting them with their incompetence Exist†Trace were able to put on an amazing show. Also, I learned this morning from Max that there is another song a day blogger; I would like to welcome Frankie Big Face to the fold as well. As his blog states, his mission is picking 9999 songs. I've added his site to the Other Song-a-Day Blog list to the right. Here is the music video clip on YouTube. Here is their performance from Sakura Con '11 on YouTube. The song begins at the 4 min...

1544-6 Pink Floyd - Another Brick in the Wall, Parts 1-3 From: The Wall , Year 1979 Genre: Progressive Rock For some reason I felt like listening to The Wall this morning; I happened to notice that I had not chosen the three-part title track yet, so I figured it would make a good pick for today. I really thought had chosen it at some point, but I've chosen a lot of Pink Floyd over the last four years of doing this blog, so it's easy to miss some from time to time. For us Progressive/Art Rock fans you can't help but underscore the importance of both this album and Dark Side of the Moon , which greatly helped at the planting of the genre into the mainstream consciousness. Here are parts 1 + 2 on YouTube. Here is the video with part 3 on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Blue Öyster Cult - X-Ray Eyes My song pick two years ago today: Alton Ellis - Sunday Coming My song pick three years ago today: Pat Benatar - Treat Me Right My song pick four years ago today: Ronnie Mi...

1543 The Rolling Stones - In Another Land From: Their Satanic Majesties Request , Year: 1967 Genre: Psychedelic Rock Over the last couple of days I've either had a 'Stones song running through my mind or I've been hearing them on the radio and television, so I thought it was a sign that I should pick one of their songs. Their Satanic Majesties Request is one of my favourite 'Stones albums; this is one of my favourite tracks off of it as well. It's a nice piece of '60s Psychedelic Rock that was written by bassist Bill Wyman. Here is the studio version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Iron Maiden - Satellite 15... The Final Frontier My song pick two years ago today: Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) - Hold on Tight / Epilogue My song pick three years ago today: C.W. McCall - Wolf Creek Pass My song pick four years ago today: Eddie Rabbitt - I'm Driving My Life Away +

1542 Blue Öyster Cult - Astronomy From: Secret Treaties , Year: 1974 Genre: Progressive Rock/Hard Rock After a difficult day I'm really not much in the mood for music, but that won't stop me from making my pick for today. This track is rather beautiful and well constructed both lyrically and musically. I really wish I felt like writing more this evening. Here is the studio version on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Yoshiki Fukuyama - Angel's Voice My song pick two years ago today: The Kinks - (Wish I Could Fly Like) Superman My song pick three years ago today: The Allman Brother's Band - Ain't Waistin' Time No More My song pick four years ago today: Red Sovine - Phantom 309 +

1541 Zombie Nation - Kernkraft 400 From: Leichenschmaus , Year: 1999 Genre: Techno When I saw the number of today's pick, (1541), something in the back of my mind was telling me that there was something significant about it. It didn't take me very long to remember what it was: the model of the disk drive I used to use with my old Commodore 64 . While I have countless fond memories tied to that computer, I will say that I loathed that slow, error ridden piece of junk that would take over 5 minutes to load a game that was probably smaller in file size than this blog post, that is, if it would load it at all. I later upgraded to the newer models, (The 128 computer and 1571 disk drive), which were far better in my opinion. It's weird when people today complain if something takes more than 20 seconds to load, hell, I used to do my chores while games booted up. Although it was quite frustrating coming back only to see the 1541's red light flashing along with an error message...

1540 Frank Zappa - Treacherous Cretins From: Shut Up 'n Play Yer Guitar , Year: 1981 Genre: Progressive Rock For some unknown reason I felt like listening to Frank Zappa this morning before I got my day started. This is a very beautiful and eclectic sounding piece; it's kind of a Rock meets Reggae meets Jazz Fusion. Hear Treacherous Cretins on YouTube. The song begins about 18 seconds in. My song pick a year ago today: Charlie Barnet & His Orchestra - Skyliner My song pick two years ago today: Santana - Oye Como Va My song pick three years ago today: Joe Walsh - Vote for Me My song pick four years ago today: Jerry Reed - East Bound and Down +

1539 Hawkwind - Fable of a Failed Race From: Quark, Strangeness and Charm , Year: 1977 Genre: Progressive Rock/Space Rock I'm drawing a blank for a song to pick today, so I'm picking one that I've been meaning to for a while now. This is a rather mellow track somewhat in the vein of Pink Floyd with Sci-Fi poetry for lyrics. One of my favourite aspects of this track is Robert Calvert's vocals, which reminds me a lot of Peter Gabriel's from his Genesis years in particular. Hear Fable of a Failed Race on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Billy Joel - It's Still Rock and Roll to Me My song pick two years ago today: Daft Punk - One More Time My song pick three years ago today: Al Stewart - Time Passages My song pick four years ago today: Stealer's Wheel - Star +

1538 Aerosmith - Home Tonight From: Rocks , Year: 1976 Genre: Hard Rock It's a nice thing to have a night off after a very busy month, so I'm picking this apropos-titled song. Since I've begun learning to play the Hawaiian steel guitar my ear has become more tuned to listen for the instrument in music. Of course, among Rock bands Aerosmith is one of the main bands to use it in their music; this is one of the songs where Joe Perry plays his lap steel. Who says that the steel has to be only a Country/Western instrument? Hear Home Tonight on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Jethro Tull - Overseer Overture / Flight from Lucifer My song pick two years ago today: The Beatles - Think for Yourself My song pick three years ago today: Queen feat. David Bowie - Under Pressure My song pick four years ago today: The Grateful Dead - Touch of Grey +

1537 Megadeth - We The People From: TH1RT3EN , Year: 2011 Genre: Metal/Thrash Metal Megadeth's new album, TH1RT3EN , was just released and it's looking to be a very good one; I thought it a good idea to celebrate the release by picking one of the new songs off of it. Dave Mustane sure hasn't lost his edge at all with his sociopolitical subject matter and lyrics. It's awesome to hear bassist Dave Ellefson playing with the band again as well. Hear We The People on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Rush - Red Barchetta My song pick two years ago today: Bob Dylan - Tangled Up In Blue My song pick three years ago today: Supertramp - Take the Long Way Home My song pick four years ago today: Béla Fleck and the Flecktones - Vix 9 +