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

From: Brothers and Sisters ; Year: 1973; Genre: Southern Rock The other day I heard this song come on the radio; I figured since I hadn't picked one of their songs in a while I would today. The Allman Brothers are and will always be one of my favourite bands out there. Interestingly enough, I was unsure as to which of their songs I was picking due to me believing that I had already picked this one in particular. I looked, and sure enough, I had yet to pick it, so here it is. This has to be one of The Allman Brothers Band's bigger hits, if not their biggest hit ever. As with the majority of their music, which this one is no different, the entire band really shows off their musical chops. If only Duane Allman would've lived long enough to be on this album; it definitely would have made it that much better. Hear Ramblin' Man on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Van der Graaf Generator - Pioneers Over c. My song pick two years ago today: Al Di Meol...

From: Kinks (reissue); Year: 1964; Genre: Rock 'n Roll I felt like picking another Kinks track today; this is one of their earlier singles. It's one of those song that was often covered back in the early to mid '60s, and of course this is The Kinks' version. Hear Long Tall Sally on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: The Beatles - And I Love Her My song pick two years ago today: Al Di Meola - Alien Chase on Arabian Desert My song pick three years ago today: Alice Cooper - Go To Hell My song pick four years ago today: Pink Floyd - Shine On You Crazy Diamond My song pick five years ago today: The Doors - Riders On The Storm

From: Back Through Time ; Year: 2011; Genre: Celtic Folk Metal/Pirate Metal To aid my waking up this morning I put on Alestorm's Back Through Time album; I'd say it did the trick. For today's pick this is one of the record's tracks, enjoy! Hear Rum on YouTube. Watch a live performance of Rum on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Bachman & Turner - Slave to the Rhythm My song pick two years ago today: Pink Floyd - San Tropez My song pick three years ago today: Janis Joplin - Mercedes Benz My song pick four years ago today: Pink Floyd - Pigs On The Wing Parts 1 and 2 My song pick five years ago today: Charlie Parker - Blues For Alice  

From: Air Cut ; Year: 1973; Genre: Progressive Rock I had this one come on my iPod the other day and I thought it would make an excellent pick for my blog. Air Cut marks the appearance of violinist and keyboardist extraordinaire Eddie Jobson with Curved Air; whoever said hard rock and violin didn't go together. Hear U.H.F. on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Antonio Vivaldi - The Four Seasons My song pick two years ago today: The Four Tops - Reach Out (I'll Be There) My song pick three years ago today: The Hep Stars - Cadillac My song pick four years ago today: Hallo Venray - Orange My song pick five years ago today: Flatt & Scruggs - Foggy Mountain Breakdown

From: Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge ; Year: 1991; Genre: Grunge/Punk I've been seeing grunge pioneers Mudhoney being talked about recently in the newspaper and other media sources; it got me to listen to their stuff again. In my opinion this is one of their better tracks off of their Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge album. Hear Something So Clear on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Sylvia - The Matador My song pick two years ago today: Rush - By-Tor & the Snow Dog My song pick three years ago today: Uriah Heep - Stealin' My song pick four years ago today: Fleetwood Mac - Go Your Own Way My song pick five years ago today: Ludwig van Beethoven - WoO59 - Fur Elise

From: Nifelvind ; Year: 2011; Genre: Folk Metal/Black Metal Was thinking about Finntroll this morning, and I realized that I hadn't picked a song of theirs in a while, so I am today. This is a rather interesting song; a perfect mix of old world folk and blistering extreme metal. That simple melody being played throughout this track makes for one awesome hook. Here is a video clip with Ett Norrskensdåd on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Johann Sebastian Bach - BWV Anh. 117a, 117b - Polonause in F Major (from Anna Magdalena Notebook II ) My song pick two years ago today: Exist†Trace - Requiem My song pick three years ago today: Meat Loaf - Two out of Three Ain't Bad My song pick four years ago today: Christian Pezold - BWV Anh. 115 - Minuet in G Minor (Anna Magdalena Notebook II) My song pick five years ago today: Raymond Scott - Powerhouse

From: Head On ; Year: 1975; Genre: Hard Rock I felt like posting some BTO this morning. This great hard rocker was one of the first song that got me into the band in the first place. Some excellent riff based Canadian hard rock to get through a Wednesday. Hear Wild Spirit on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Wings - Jet My song pick two years ago today: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - Welcome Home My song pick three years ago today: Puhdys - Alt Wie Ein Baum My song pick four years ago today: Christian Pezold - Minuet in G Major (Anna Magdalena Notebook II), BWV Anh. 114 My song pick five years ago today: Berlin - The Metro

From: Chicago II ; Year: 1970; Genre: Rock I was having some trouble thinking of a song to pick today. I took this opportunity to think of some of the bands I've yet to pick from. Surprisingly I noticed that Chicago was among those I have yet to pick; I thought I might of picked one of their tracks, but I guess not. Anyway, this is one of my personal favourite songs from Chicago. Hear 25 or 6 to 4 on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Rush - A Farewell to Kings My song pick two years ago today: Steeleye Span - Robbery With Violins My song pick three year ago today: Jethro Tull - Dark Ages My song pick four years ago today: The Blind Boys of Alabama - Amazing Grace   My song pick five years ago today: Emerson, Lake & Palmer - From The Beginning

From: Dreamspace ; Year: 1994; Genre: Progressive Metal/Power Metal I heard this rather short instrumental track the other day and thought it would make a good pick today. I believe I have said it before, but Stratovarius' Dreamspace is an amazing album. Hear Atlantis on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Alestorm - Pirate Song My song pick two years ago today: Steve Vai - The Attitude Song My song pick three year ago today: Richard O'Brien & Richard Hartley (from The Rocky Horror Picture Show) - Science Fiction/Double Feature My song pick four years ago today: Puhdys - Bas Buch My song pick five years ago today: The Pretenders - Back on the Chain Gang

From: Fleet Foxes ; Year: 2008; Genre: Folk Rock The Fleet Foxes are yet another band I've been meaning to pick a song from for a bit now; this is one of the singles off of their eponymous debut album. Watch the video clip to White Winter Hymnal on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Paper Lace - The Night Chicago Died My song pick two years ago today: Muse - Starlight My song pick three years ago today: Styx - Lorelei My song pick four years ago today: Three Dog Night - Never Been To Spain My song pick five years ago today: Concrete Blonde - Joey

From: Thinkin' ; Year: 1971; Genre: Hard Rock Last night one of Banchee's songs came on whilst coming home and it got me in the mood for some more of their music. Sadly this track would end up being the band's"swan song," but at least they sent themselves out in grand fashion with a almost 9-minute long rocker. Hear 38 on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Xerath - Unite to Defy My song pick two years ago today: John Fogerty - Centerfield My song pick three years ago today: The Chambers Brothers - Time Has Come Today My song pick four years ago today: John Denver - Take Me Home, Country Road My song pick five years ago today: Nirvana - Lithium

From: Caress of Steel ; Year: 1975; Genre: Progressive Rock I felt like picking another Rush song today; this track is one of their earlier ones off of their ill-fated Caress of Steel . On this epic track you actually get to hear Neil Peart; he does the narration for his Tolkienesque story set to music. I love how they bring Prince By-Tor from another one of their epics By-Tor and the Snow Dog back in this one. Hear The Necromancer on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Les Elgart - Bandstand Boogie My song pick two years ago today: Oomph! featuring Nina Hagen - Feiber My song pick three years ago today: The Guess Who - Minstrel Boy My song pick four years ago today: Metallica - Nothing Else Matters My song pick five years ago today: Steely Day - Rikki Don't Lose That Number

From: Power Windows ; Year: 1985; Genre: Hard Rock I believe that it is tonight that Rush gets inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame; even if I'm wrong I really don't need a reason to pick a song from one of my favourite bands. While I am happy for Rush to finally get the mainstream praise, for me I could almost care less, well, other than being able to see them perform live on television. Personally, I've never thought much of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and I view these recent inductions with skepticism. Mayhap they have turned over a new leaf with their recognition of these great, deserving acts. We'll have to see if they continue with this trend or if they go back to their old ways. Anyway, Big Money is a staple of the mid-80's synth-driven Rush sound and was one of their main hit singles off of their '85 Power Windows album. While I've never been a huge fan of this album, I still like it. All three of the guys are excellent, plus ...

From: A Kind of Magic ; Year: 1986; Genre: Hard Rock/Metal It's strange, but when I'm going somewhere and listening to music the song that plays as I'm arriving at my destination seems to have more impact on my mood than any of the other songs played during the journey. I can tell you this, having this song play as you show up for work certainly gives you a conquering type attitude. Anyway, as many probably know this song and most of the A Kind of Magic album were used as the soundtrack for the Highlander film and television show, which I was pretty big fan of. I actually might be in the minority, but personally I prefer Christopher Lambert's Highlander character from the films over Adrian Paul's television character. Watch the music video on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Supertramp - Rudy My song pick two years ago today: Louis Armstrong & His Orchestra - Alexander's Ragtime Band My song pick three years ago today: Tears For ...

From: Don't Look Back ; Year: 1978; Genre: Rock This is another one that came to mind as a potential pick after hearing it; I checked to see if I had already chosen it, and I guess that I didn't, so here it is. This song is among my favourites from Boston and is also the title track from their '78 release; I've always loved this album's cover in particular, it reminds me of classic video game boxart from the early day of gaming. Anyway, I absolutely love the uplifting feeling this track has always given me. I've been needing as much empowering music lately as I've been tackling three very big projects. Hear Don't Look Back on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Beat Crusaders - Hit in the USA My song pick two years ago today: ABBA - Thank You for the Music My song pick three years ago today: Genesis - Home By The Sea My song pick four years ago today: Alannah Myles - Black Velvet My song pick five years ago today: Alice Coo...

From: ...But Seriously ; Year: 1989; Genre: Pop/Rock Last night I happened to hear this song being played and it just seemed like a good pick for today. Hear Something Happened on the Way to Heaven on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Pallas - Rise and Fall, Part 2 My song pick two years ago today: Blue Öyster Cult - Black Blade My song pick three years ago today: Rammstein - Waidmanns Heil My song pick four years ago today: Jethro Tull - Rock Island My song pick five years ago today: Cheap Trick - Mighty Wings

From: Angel Dust ; Year: 1992; Genre: Soft Rock Before going to bed last night I happened to start thinking about which song I would pick; being that it is a Sunday and all, this song came to mind. The other day I happened to pick an original song instead of Faith No More's interesting cover, so I thought today I would change it up. It's really interesting to hear the many different and contrasting styles of music this band can and do play, even though they are known as a metal band. Watch the music video clip on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Pallas - Rise and Fall, Part 1 My song pick two years ago today: Counting Crows - Mr. Jones My song pick three years ago today: Creedence Clearwater Revival - Lookin Out My Back Door My song pick four years ago today: The Grass Roots - Midnight Confessions My song pick five years ago today: The Tornadoes - Telstar

From: Ride the Lightning ; Year: 1984; Genre: Thrash Metal I had some Metallica on my mind this morning; specifically some of their earlier material. This is one of my favourites off of their Ride the Lightning record; I really like bassist Cliff Burton's work on this one. Hear For Whom the Bell Tolls on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Sly and the Family Stone - Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin) My song pick two years ago today: Iron Maiden - Flight of Icarus My song pick three years ago today: Looking Glass - Brandy (You're a Fine Girl) My song pick four years ago today: Rush - Spirit of the Radio My song pick five years ago today: Duke Ellington (Earle Hagen) - Harlem Nocturne

From: Paul Simon ; Year: 1972; Genre: Jazz/Folk Last night I was up until the wee hours of the morning playing along with Paul Simon's music. This morning I thought it would be nice to also pick one of his songs as well. This rather short tune is apparently the only song on the album to not be solely written by Paul Simon; it was co-written by legendary violinist extraordinaire Stéphane Grappelli, who also plays on it. It's very reminiscent to the Gypsy Jazz music Stéphane Grappelli played with Django Reinhardt, only Paul Simon makes no attempt to play guitar as Mr. Reinhardt did. Being that I am an avid fan of both of these musicians, I absolutely love this track, but my only wish is that was lengthier. Hear Hobo's Blues on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Megadeth - Sweating Bullets My song pick two years ago today: Kristoph Klover - Fire in the Sky My song pick three years ago today: David Bowie - The Supermen My song pick four years ago to...

From: Script for a Jester's Tear ; Year: 1983; Genre: Progressive Rock I felt like picking another track from Marillion, so here's another excellent song off of their Script for a Jester's Tear album, which is, of course, also the title track; almost nine minutes of great music. Hear Script for a Jester's Tear on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Carmen - Purple Flowers My song pick two years ago today: Rammstein - Keine Lust My song pick three years ago today: Big Brother and the Holding Company (Janis Joplin) - Piece Of My Heart My song pick four years ago today: Nightwish - The Kinslayer My song pick five years ago today: Boz Scaggs - Lido Shuffle

From: Script for a Jester's Tear ; Year: 1983; Genre: Progressive Rock The other day I was checking out Marillion's first album, Script for a Jester's Tear , and was taken aback by what I heard; it's simply an amazing album. This is among the songs that I fell in love with on the first listen; their sound on this song in particular kind of reminds me of late '70s Styx meets older Genesis. Throughout the entire album Fish's vocals are totally spectacular, it's strange to think that a few years ago I knew nothing of this incredible band; I am glad that I got to find them. Hear Garden Party on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Alestorm - Heavy Metal Pirates My song pick two years ago today: Guns N' Roses - Sympathy for the Devil My song pick three years ago today: Bon Jovi - Bounce My song pick four years ago today: The Platters - Smoke Gets In Your Eyes My song pick five years ago today: Smokey Robinson and the Miracles - Te...

From: Stormwatch ; Year: 1979; Genre: Progressive Rock As I was doing a little bit of websurfing the other day I happened to notice that Wikipedia had an article about the star constellation Canis Minor being featured; it immediately brought this song to mind and it's been running through my mind ever since. For those unaware of the mythology both Canis Major and Canis Minor are often depicted as Orion 's hunting dogs who follow their master through the night sky. The star Alpha Canis Majoris (Sirius) , which is also known as "The Dog Star" and is also the brightest star as seen from Earth, is mentioned in this song as well: "Your faithful dog shines brighter than its lord and master." Anyway, this is one of my favrouite tracks on the album, and is also one of the few songs that featured John Glascock on bass before his untimely death. In Ian's trilogy of albums I often think of this track as literally the calm before the storm as it's roll...

From: Appetite for Destruction ; Year: 1987; Genre: Hard Rock/Metal After the last couple of extremely busy day I finally have some time to sit down and make a post without feeling rushed. Anyway, for the last few days I've been listening to a bunch of Guns 'N Roses; especially their first one: Appetite for Destruction . Not only is this is one of their biggest hits off of the album, but is one of the biggest hits from the band's history; a totally iconic track. Watch the music video clip on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Jerry Goldsmith - Star Trek: The Motion Picture Main Title/Klingon Battle My song pick two years ago today: Queensrÿche - Welcome to the Machine My song pick three years ago today: Sheena Easton - For Your Eyes Only My song pick four years ago today: John Denver - Season Suite: Spring My song pick five years ago today: Duran Duran - Ordinary World

From: Appetite for Destruction ; Year: 1987; Genre: Hard Rock/Metal The last couple of days have been crazy, and thus I've had to make abbreviated picks; today is no different. I happened to hear this one on the radio a bit ago; I figured since I've only picked a couple of their songs and it has been a while since then I would go ahead and choose this one, which is among the song of theirs that I like. Watch the music video clip to Paradise City on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Ian Anderson - Shunt and Shuffle My song pick two years ago today: Def Leppard - Waterloo Sunset My song pick three years ago today: John Denver - Spirit My song pick four years ago today: Sly and the Family Stone - Everyday People My song pick five years ago today: David Bowie - Ziggy Stardust

From: Escape ; Year: 1981; Genre: Rock Over the past few days I've been hearing this song a lot on the radio; I took it as a sign that I should pick it. Hear Stone in Love on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Ian Anderson - Banker Bets, Banker Wins My song pick two years ago today: Ugly Kid Joe - Cat's in the Cradle My song pick three years ago today: Steeleye Span - Sails of Silver   My song pick four years ago today: Duran Duran - Electric Barbarella My song pick five years ago today: Elton John - Philadelphia Freedom

From: No Mystery ; Year: 1975; Genre: Funk/Jazz Fusion I realized that I hadn't made a Funky Friday pick for a few months now, so I figured I would today. Jungle Waterfall is another song that Stanley Clarke co-wrote with Chick Corea; as expected it is a very funky piece of jazz fusion with amazing musicianship throughout. Hear Jungle Waterfall on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Midnight Oil - Best of Both Worlds My song pick two years ago today: Northern Kings - Don't Stop Believin' My song pick three years ago today: King Crimson - Thela Hun Ginjeet My song pick four years ago today: Jaco Pastorius - Slang My song pick five years ago today: Falco - Der Kommissar

From: Allied Forces ; Year: 1981; Genre: Hard Rock I've been thinking about picking a track from Triumph for a bit now; here is one of my favourites from their '81 Allied Forces album. Hear Fight the Good Fight on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Rammstein - Dalai Lama My song pick two years ago today: Savatage - Day After Day My song pick three years ago today: ? and the Mysterians - 96 Tears My song pick four years ago today: Pink Floyd - Goodbye Blue Sky My song pick five years ago today: The Bee Gees - New York Mining Disaster 1941

From: Slippery When Wet ; Year: 1986; Genre: Hard Rock Over the weekend at the animé convention we attended in Seattle they happened to have a big-screen set up next to the area that people would queue up for the big events for people to play the plastic guitar video game Rock Band. In my opinion it was one of the best ideas they've had; it kept the people entertained by watching and listening to the video game whilst they waited in line. Anyway, this was among songs played where the entire crowd sung along with it; it was quite a sound to hear 500-1000 people sing a song in unison. Watch the music video on YouTube. Hear 5 minute version of Livin' on a Prayer on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Fleetwood Mac - Dragonfly My song pick two years ago today: Queen - Good Company My song pick three years ago today: Wolfsheim - Über's Jahr My song pick four years ago today: Alice in Chains - Man In The Box My song pick five years ago today: INXS - ...

From: Wish You Were Here ; Year: 1975; Genre: Progressive Rock The other day I was looking for this post in my blog because I was absolutely certain that I had picked it, but after a search I realized that I was in error. I mean, holy crap, this is not only one of my absolute favroute songs from Pink Floyd, but is also one of my favourite songs, period. There was a few times recently in fact that I was wishing I could pick this song, but erroneously thought I already had. I wonder how many other songs that I am 'sure' that I've picked are still waiting to be chosen. Anyway, ever since discovering that I hadn't actually chosen it I had it sitting in my mental queue and thought it would make a good pick for today. Hear Wish You Were Here on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Dudley Moore Trio - Yesterdays My song pick two years ago today: Jethro Tull - With You There To Help Me My song pick three years ago today: Dizzy Gillespie and His Orchestra - ...

From: Idea ; Year: 1968; Genre: Rock Another April Fools' Day today. This morning I was wracking my brain trying to think of a good pick, but the only one that seemed to come to mind was this rather sad one from the Bee Gees. I hadn't picked one of their songs in a while, and at that I only picked one other from the band. So, I figured what the heck, I'd just go ahead with this one. I know that I've been saying it a lot lately, but this is one of my favourites from the Bee Gees. I guess by coincidence as of late I must just be revisiting some of stuff I really like from certain bands. Hear I Started a Joke on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Nocturnal Rites - Fools Never Die My song pick two years ago today: Larry Graham & Graham Central Station - Can You Handle It? My song pick three years ago today: Led Zeppelin - Fool in the Rain My song pick four years ago today: Styx - Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man) My song pick five ye...