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

From: Centerfield ; Year: 1985; Genre: Rock Summer is massively in swing here; it's very hot and rough on my equipment, so I have to keep it shorter today. Anyway, this is among my favourites from John Fogerty's solo career and is one of the songs that sounds a lot like the music he made with Creedence Clearwater Revival. Hear The Old Man Down the Road on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Jefferson Airplane - 3/5 of a Mile in 10 Seconds   My song pick two years ago today: Metallica - Orion My song pick three years ago today: Jethro Tull - No Lullaby My song pick four years ago today: Cyndi Lauper - The Goonies 'R' Good Enough My song pick five years ago today: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Into The Great Wide Open My song pick six years ago today: The Beatles - While My Guitar Gently Weeps My song pick seven years ago today: Jethro Tull - Man of Principle

From: Fish Out of Water ; Year: 1975; Genre: Progressive Rock/Symphonic Rock Last night I learned that member of the band Yes and bassist extraordinaire Chris Squire passed away; a writeup can be read here on the BBC . Along with many other bassists and musicians he was one of my inspirations and will be sorely missed; at least we still have his music and performances to hold on to. I cannot even begin to state the man's influence on music; many of the bands I listen to were inspired by his work as well as myself. My thanks go out to him for all of the work he did and prayers and thoughts go out to his friends and family; may he rest in peace. Anyway, I couldn't think of picking a better song for this occasion than this rather beautiful and complex track off of his solo album. Hear Silently Falling on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Jim Croce - Bad, Bad Leroy Brown My song pick two years ago today: Béla Fleck and the Flecktones - Life in Eleven My song...

From: Santo & Johnny ; Year: 1959; Genre: Jazz/Blues/Rock This cover of the Gershwin hit song from the opera Porgy & Bess really epitomizes the feel of this time of year, especially with the massive heatwave we've been having the last couple of days. The way they arranged it with, of course, the steel guitar as the centrepiece really brings the emotions out. Hear Summertime on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Zager and Evans - In the Year 2525 (Exordium & Terminus) My song pick two years ago today: Homer & Jethro - The Battle of Camp Kookamonga My song pick three years ago today: Karussell - Entweder Oder My song pick four years ago today: Nightwish - Last of the Wilds (Erämaan viimeinen) My song pick five years ago today: Rush - Caravan My song pick six years ago today: John Denver - This Old Guitar My song pick seven years ago today: Rammstein - Stirb Nicht Vor Mir (Don't Die Before I Do)

From: Cold Spring Harbor ; Year: 1972; Genre: Soft Rock Last night whilst coming home I had a song from Billy Joel, which I already have picked, come on; it just seemed like a good pick for today. I've actually always have loved this song ever since I first heard it; schmaltziness and all. It's a powerful love song actually and he expresses it excellently with just his piano and voice. Hear She's Got a Way on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Rick James - Cold Blooded My song pick two years ago today: Primus - Amos Moses My song pick three years ago today: Pink Floyd - Speak to Me/Breathe/On the Run My song pick four years ago today: Aerosmith - Rag Doll My song pick five years ago today: John Lennon - Instant Karma! (We All Shine On) My song pick six years ago today: Fuel - Million Miles My song pick seven years ago today: Tom Petty - Runnin' Down A Dream

From: There's a Riot Goin' On ; Year: 1971; Genre: Funk/Soul Getting my weekly dose of Funky Friday in today. I was just in the mood for something from Sly and the Family Stone, and this hit single seemed to fit pretty well; some soulful and smooth funk. Hear Family Affair on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: The Guess Who - Rain Dance My song pick two years ago today: Primus - The Devil Went Down to Georgia My song pick three years ago today: Soundgarden - Rusty Cage My song pick four years ago today: Lou Reed - I'm So Free My song pick five years ago today: Traffic - The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys My song pick six years ago today: Hawkwind - Silver Machine My song pick seven years ago today: Savatage - Complaint In The System

From: Vanguard -Of the Muses- EP , Year: 2009; Genre: Alternative Metal After having some of their music running through my mind last night I thought it would be a great idea to pick another one of their songs. This is definitely right in the mix of their normal metal sound and a great track to boot. Hear Vanguard on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: The Scorpions - Wind of Change My song pick two years ago today: Megadeth - The Right to Go Insane My song pick three years ago today: Earthless - Lost in the Cold Sun My song pick four years ago today: Hawkwind - Star Cannibal My song pick five years ago today: Jigsaw - Sky High My song pick six years ago today: Steeleye Span - Thomas The Rhymer My song pick seven years ago today: Donovan - Mellow Yellow

BWV. 1080 ; Year(s): 1740-1750; Genre: Baroque Period/classical This is some very uplifting and glorious music; I definitely needed it today. One of the pieces from the twilight of the Maestro's illustrious life and is really an exposition in counter-point with 3 to 4 melodies (voices) going at once to make a gorgeous sound. Hear Art of Fugue (BWV 1080) on YouTube. All nearly 80 minutes of musical heaven on the organ. My song pick a year ago today: Rage Against the Machine - Killing in the Name My song pick two years ago today: Jethro Tull - Inside My song pick three years ago today: Nightwish - The Crow, the Owl and the Dove My song pick four years ago today: Wilson Pickett - Mr. Magic Man My song pick five years ago today: PAIN featuring Anette Olzon - Follow Me My song pick six years ago today: Nightwish - Phantom of the Opera My song pick seven years ago today: Rush - Natural Science

From: City to City ; Year: 1978; Genre: Rock/Pop I was listening to City to City again last night; I reckoned I'd go ahead and pick another song from the album. This one has more of a laid-back sound to it, but with neat chord choices/progression. Hear Mattie's Rag on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Triumph - Battle Cry My song pick two years ago today: Porcupine Tree - On the Sunday Of Life My song pick three years ago today: Asia - Sole Survivor My song pick four years ago today: Ray Stevens - I Need Your Help Barry Manilow My song pick five years ago today: The Who - Rael (1 and 2) My song pick six years ago today: The Clifford Brown & Max Roach Quintet - Joy Spring My song pick seven years ago today: Eric Burdon & the Animals - San Franciscan Nights

From: Is This a Cool World or What? ; Year: 1981; Genre: Rock After not hearing this song for well over 15 years it popped into my mind today and I immediately knew I wanted to pick it today. Many might not know who Karla DeVito is, but there is a huge chance that you have heard her; she's been a lead/backup singer for many artists, most notably Meat Loaf amongst many others. This album and song in particular has a very theatrical feeling to it, much like Meat Loaf's albums. This song about an infamous female pirate sounds kind of like a Bond theme at the beginning and then slams into the much harder sound and then comes back down and includes a chorus of pirates singing. It's still one that always brings a smile to my face when I hear it. Hear Bloody Bess on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Dream Theater - Breaking All Illusions My song pick two years ago today: Tom Petty - You Don't Know It Feels My song pick three years ago today: Booker T. ...

From: Violator ; Year: 1990; Genre: Synthpop I had some music from Depeche Mode in my head this morning and, like usual, took it that I needed to pick one. This is one of their lead singles from the Violator album and a good piece of synthpop. Hear Enjoy the Silence on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Yes - Madrigal My song pick two years ago today: Rammstein - Vergiss Uns Nicht My song pick three years ago today: Nocturnal Rites - End of our Rope My song pick four years ago today: Jethro Tull - Velvet Green My song pick five years ago today: Rammstein - Das Alte Leid My song pick six years ago today: Savatage - The Piper Rap My song pick seven years ago today: The Steve Miller Band - Take The Money And Run

From: Crystal Ball ; Year: 1976l Genre: Rock It's been a rather busy day and I really didn't have a song in mind, but eventually I got a song in mind. This one comes from Tommy Shaw's debut album with the band and was somewhat of hit and a bit lighter but has that nice signature Styx sound to it. Hear Mademoiselle on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: David Shire - Night on Disco Mountain My song pick two years ago today: King Crimson - 21st Century Schizoid Man My song pick three years ago today: Rush - BU2B My song pick four years ago today: Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band - Born to Run My song pick five years ago today: Jethro Tull - Moths My song pick six years ago today: Steely Dan - Dirty Work My song pick seven years ago today: John Denver - Opposite Tables

From: The Electric Spanking of War Babies ; Year: 1981; Genre: Funk It's another Funky Friday and I thought I'd get another one in from George Clinton's band of renown: Funkadelic. This one features Bootsy himself on vocals; a bit disjointed at times, but a great song nevertheless. Hear Funk Gets Stronger, Part 1 on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Lenny Kravitz - Fields of Joy My song pick two years ago today: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Here Comes My Girl My song pick three years ago today: Jaco Pastorius - Amerika My song pick four years ago today: Waylander - Born to the Fight My song pick five years ago today: Dizzy Gillespie - Night In Tunisia My song pick six years ago today: Tommy James - Draggin' The Line My song pick seven years ago today: Ozzy Osbourne - The Road To Nowhere

From: Double Vision ; Year: 1978; Genre: Rock For some reason I'm in the mood for something from the early period from the band foreigner. This bass guitar driven track, which closes out their second studio album has always been one of my favourites from the record. Hear Spell Binder on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Al Di Meola - Spanish Eyes My song pick two years ago today: Of Monsters and Men - Dirty Paws My song pick three years ago today: Three Dog Night - It's For You My song pick four years ago today: Warrant - Uncle Tom's Cabin My song pick five years ago today: Bon Jovi - Keep The Faith My song pick six years ago today: Neil Young - Rockin' in the Free World My song pick seven years ago today: Savatage - Skull Session

From: Pork Soda ; Year: 1993; Genre: Alternative Rock When out and about this morning this track came on my playlist; with how hot the weather has been as of late it has been lately it's kind of appropriate I guess. This is very much a typical Primus track with the use devices and such that wouldn't normally be used; like use of the trimeter in the vocals to give an off rhythm and kind of an insane feeling. Hear The Air is Getting Slippery on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Soundgarden - Halfway There My song pick two years ago today: Jim Croce - Operator (That's Not the Way It Feels) My song pick three years ago today: Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) - Last Train to London My song pick four years ago today: Jaco Pastorius - Kuru/Speak Like a Child My song pick five years ago today: The Grass Roots - Let's Live For Today My song pick six years ago today: The Ventures - Walk-Don't Run My song pick seven years ago today: Ten Years Af...

From: The Wedge ; Year: 1986; Genre: Progressive Rock I didn't have a song in mind when I started making this post, but it didn't take long for a band to come to mind; this one being Pallas. This song in particular reminds me a lot of the sound prog bands suck as Rush from the same time period: late '80s for better or worse. Personally I like to listen to listen to music of this ilk from time to time; it definitely has its place and is worth hearing even if other people malign it. Hear Just a Memory on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Steeleye Span - Orfeo/Nathan's Reel My song pick two years ago today: Alestorm - Flower of Scotland My song pick three years ago today: Cybotron - Colossus My song pick four years ago today: AC/DC - Let There Be Rock My song pick five years ago today: Steeleye Span - Black Jack Davy My song pick six years ago today: Heart - These Dreams My song pick seven years ago today: The Police - Message in a Bottle ...

From: A Kind of Magic ; Year: 1986; Genre: Hard Rock/Metal This is another one of those days where I had an album, (and in this case also a soundtrack), on my mind. This one, and most of the album for that matter, was of course part of the original Highlander film's soundtrack; this one in particular was the villain's, (the Kurgan's), theme. For those who adore Brian May's guitar playing this song has be right up there; especially with that awesome solo/intro. Also Freddy Mercury's vocals are as top-notched as every; a great tune. This one also features samples of the Kurgan's lines from the movie. It's kind of funny, but ever since I found out that Clancy Brown, who played the Kurgan, also does Mr. Eugene Krabs from Spongebob Squarepants he's not as intimidating anymore and all I see is a greedy fat crab whenever I hear his voice anymore. :D Hear Gimme the Prize (Kurgan's Theme) on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Pink Floyd - ...

From: Head On ; Year: 1975; Genre: Hard Rock I've had BTO on the brain for most of this weekend, so I'm picking one of my favourites from their Head On album. This one features that hard-hitting rhythm and great guitar playing, plus C.F. Turner's powerful and gravely vocals are awesome in this one. Hear It's Over on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Petula Clark - Kiss Me Goodbye My song pick two years ago today: The Walter Murphy Band - Toccata and Funk in D Minor My song pick three years ago today: Eddie Rabbitt - I Love a Rainy Night My song pick four years ago today: Joe Jackson - Steppin' Out My song pick five years ago today: Jimmy Dean - Big Bad John My song pick six years ago today: Savatage - If I Go Away My song pick seven years ago today: Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

From: Dreams ; Year: 1980; Genre: Psychedelic Rock/Flamenco Rock Busy, busy weekend... needing to get my pick in, and making a really good one to boot. Last night I heard some stuff from Jefferson Airplane/Starship and it got me in the mood for some more; though this one is actually from singer Grace Slick's second album, but it still counts. Anyway, this one's a mix between her signature rock sound and flamenco; her and her band pull it off quite well in this psychedelic flamenco rock crossover. Hear El Diablo on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Marcus Miller - Juice My song pick two years ago today: Midnight Oil - Beds Are Burning My song pick three years ago today: Ludwig van Beethoven - Op. 67 - Symphony No.5 in C My song pick four years ago today: Al Di Meola - Bianca's Midnight Lullaby My song pick five years ago today: Ray Stevens - Mr. Businessman My song pick six years ago today: Elton John - Tiny Dancer My song pick seven years ag...

From: We The People ; Year: 1972; Genre: Funk/Soul Another Funky Friday appears and strikes without warning yet again! This is a fun and soulful funky tune on this rather lovely summertime Friday. Hear Think on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Soundgarden - My Wave My song pick two years ago today: Midnight Oil - The Stars of Warburton My song pick three years ago today: Rush - The Garden My song pick four years ago today: Jethro Tull - Wicked Windows My song pick five years ago today: Blue Öyster Cult - Take Me Away My song pick six years ago today: Alice Cooper - Billion Dollar Babies My song pick seven years ago today: Fastball - The Way

From: Works Volume 1 ; Year: 1977; Genre: Classical/Progressive Rock/Symphonic Rock I was in the mood for something a bit different from what I've been picking as of late. I remembered this rather epic album from EL&P and thought it would be a great idea to pick something from it. Anyway, this is the opening piece, which was written and composed by Keith Emerson is a proper concerto that takes up the first side of the double LP. You can certainly hear the influence from many classical composers that had an influence on him throughout; mostly from the Romantic and early 20th Century periods. Hear Piano Concerto No. 1 on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Jim Reeves & Patsy Cline - Have You Ever Been Lonely (Have You Ever Been Blue?) My song pick two years ago today: Soundgarden - Worse Dreams My song pick three years ago today: Hawkwind - Quark, Strangeness and Charm My song pick four years ago today: Steve Vai - Call it Sleep My song pick five years...

From: Obscured By Clouds ; Year: 1972; Genre: Progressive Rock/Folk Rock For some reason I have Pink Floyd on my mind this morning; specifically their music from their Obscured By Clouds album, which was also the soundtrack for the film La Vallée . Wot's... Uh the Deal is a rather heavy existential piece with very beautiful music that's a mix between acoustic and electric instruments, I especially like David Gilmour's playing on the lap steel guitar; very pretty. Hear Wot's... Uh the Deal? on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Wild Turkey - Dulwich Fox My song pick two years ago today: Asia - Don't Cry My song pick three years ago today: Queen - Somebody to Love My song pick four years ago today: Rush (Neil Peart) - O Baterista (Drum Solo) My song pick five years ago today: Hawkwind - Zarozinia My song pick six years ago today: Ghostland Observatory - Sad Sad City My song pick seven years ago today: The Wallflowers - One Headlight ...

From: 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 ; Year: 1982; Genre: Rock/New Wave I felt like picking some from The 'Oils this morning. This is one of their biggest hits, and while not my favourite of their songs, it is one I like quite a bit. Filled with all of the great music, activism, and fervor that the band is known for, it's not bad at all. Hear Power and the Passion on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: David Bowie - Magic Dance My song pick two years ago today: ZZ Top - Sleeping Bag My song pick three years ago today: Fleetwood Mac - Hypnotized My song pick four years ago today: Les Paul and Mary Ford - Whispering My song pick five years ago today: Rush - The Pass My song pick six years ago today: Days of the New - The Down Town My song pick seven years ago today: Billy Joel - Tell Her About It

From: Homo Erraticus ; Year: 2014; Genre: Progressive Rock After a busy Sunday I really couldn't think of a song to pick today, but eventually I got this one to come to my mind, so I'm picking it. I believe that this is the longest song from Ian's newest album and sounds a lot like a mix of a lot of his music throughout his career. I especially like Florian Opahle's guitar playing; it's quite good. Hear Puer Ferox Adventus on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Jon Oliva's Pain - Afterglow My song pick two years ago today: B.J. Thomas - The Eyes of a New York Woman My song pick three years ago today: Fleetwood Mac (Bob Welch) - Sentimental Lady My song pick four years ago today: Hawkwind - Fall of Earth City My song pick five years ago today: The Moody Blues - I'm Just a Singer (In a Rock and Roll Band) My song pick six years ago today: Queen - One Vision My song pick seven years ago today: Megadeth - Captive Honour

From: Gravity of Light ; Year: 2010; Genre: Power Metal After watching some stuff on Marco Hietala the other day it got me in the mood for some of his music; of course the band Tarot is usually my first stop. This is a rather heavy and brooding piece of metal with amazing vocals and music; I especially love the ponderous feel of the rhythm in this one, it definitely sells the song. Hear Magic and Technology on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Hawkwind - PXR5 My song pick two years ago today: Jethro Tull - Summerday Sands My song pick three years ago today: Typhoon24 feat. Tatsuzo of YKZ - Spice of Life My song pick four years ago today: Tarot - Veteran of Psychic Wars My song pick five years ago today: Led Zeppelin - Hey Hey What Can I Do My song pick six years ago today: Marty Simon - Jerhume Brunnen G My song pick seven years ago today: Focus - Hocus Pocus

From: Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music ; Year: 1962; Genre: Country/R&B/Blues The other day after hearing some of the music from this album it got me in the mood to pick another song from it. This is one from his country/western crossover album, which ended up being a huge hit. I love his interpretation in the mixing and matching of the different and yet very similar kinds of music; a lot of soul and emotion is throughout this one in particular. Hear Careless Love on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Ohio Players - Funky Worm My song pick two years ago today: Alice Cooper - Welcome to My Nightmare My song pick three years ago today: Hawkwind - City of Lagoons My song pick four years ago today: Savatage - Surrender My song pick five years ago today: Jim Croce - Tomorrow's Gonna Be a Brighter Day My song pick six years ago today: The Doors - Crystal Ship My song pick seven years ago today: Lynn Anderson - Rose Garden

From: Spirit of the Boogie ; Year: 1975; Genre: Funk/Disco Picking something from a band I have yet to pick one from yet on this Funky Friday . This is a rather upbeat piece of funk laced with a titch of disco and soul; one that definitely should put ya in a good mood. Hear Spirit of the Boogie on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Jethro Tull - A Song for Jeffrey My song pick two years ago today: Foreigner - Head Games My song pick three years ago today: Pearl Jam - Alive My song pick four years ago today: White Zombie - Thunder Kiss '65 My song pick five years ago today: Peter Gabriel - Sledgehammer My song pick six years ago today: Johann Sebastian Bach - BWV 29 - Cantata No. 29 - Wir Danken Dir, Gott, Wir Danken Dir My song pick seven years ago today: Tears For Fears - Sowing the Seeds of Love

From: The Gypsies ; Year: 1975; Genre: Progressive Rock/Flamenco Rock In the mood to choose another song from Carmen today. This one's a rather pretty instrumental with the band's signature blend of sound and, being that it is the last song on the record, is for all tense and purpose the band's "swan song." Also, if not already noticed, I made a much better scan of the record cover at the request of my friend Max. With this better photo, the rose on the dancer's thigh can be clearly made out and not appear like she has a nasty gash on her leg. :D Hear Margarita on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Ludwig Van Beethoven - Op.130 - String Quartet No.13 "Cavatina" My song pick two years ago today: Wadsworth Mansion - Sweet Mary My song pick three years ago today: Black Sabbath - Black Sabbath My song pick four years ago today: Louis Armstrong - C'est si bon My song pick five years ago today: Jethro Tull - Journeyman M...

From: A New World Record ; Year: 1976; Genre: Symphonic Rock I felt like picking something from ELO today for some reason, and it definitely is an excellent day to do so. A great track from a great band indeed. Hear Livin' Thing on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Pink Floyd - When the Tigers Broke Free My song pick two years ago today: The Black Crowes - She Talks to Angels My song pick three years ago today: Rush - Headlong Flight My song pick four years ago today: Frank Zappa - I'm the Slime My song pick five years ago today: Joachim Witt - Und... Ich Lauf My song pick six years ago today: Paul Simon - You Can Call Me Al My song pick seven years ago today: Every Mother's Son - Come On Down To My Boat

From: Stairway to Hell ; Year: 2012; Genre: Hard Rock/Alternative Metal When pondering what song to pick on this glorious Tuesday I had some songs from Ugly Kid Joe on my mind. Actually not long ago I learned that they are releasing a new album later this year; so I got some more good, new music to look forward to. Anyway, this is one of their newer songs from their 2012 EP; this one's got a great mix of acoustic and harder electric sounds, plus the heavier lyrics really make it a great track. Hear No One Survives on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Carmen - Siren of the Sea My song pick two years ago today: Duran Duran - Hungry Like the Wolf My song pick three years ago today: Argent - Music from the Spheres My song pick four years ago today: Heart - Who Will You Run To My song pick five years ago today: Benny Carter - All That Jazz My song pick six years ago today: David Bowie - Rebel Rebel My song pick seven years ago today: U2 - Sunday, B...

From: City to City ; Year: 1978; Genre: Rock/Folk Rock Ever since the other day when I heard one of his songs whilst on the road I've had Gerry Rafferty's music on my mind; like normal, I figured that I should pick one of his songs. This is one of the lesser-known singles off the album that often times gets overshadowed by the more popular ones. The Ark definitely has a different sound as well with a great deal of traditional folk influence mixed into his signature sound. Hear The Ark on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Blue Öyster Cult - After Dark My song pick two years ago today: Triumph - Allied Forces My song pick three years ago today: Asia - The Heat Goes On My song pick four years ago today: Dream Theater - In the Presence of Enemies Parts I and II My song pick five years ago today: Hiroko Moriguchi - Samurai Heart My song pick six years ago today: England Dan & John Ford Coley - Simone My song pick seven years ago today: Rush - Th...