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

From: 1984 ; Year: 1984; Genre: Hard Rock Like clockwork another Leap Year is today; every four years or so it happens. Other than getting another day of February and having to deal with "Leap Year bugs" in various tech there's nothing special about it. Anyway, for obvious reasons, (the apt title mostly), I had this track on my mind and thought I'd pick it today. Hear Jump on YouTube. Picks for previous February 29ths (Leap Year Picks): My leap year pick on 2.29.12: Cheech & Chong - Cheborneck My leap year pick on 2.29.08: ABBA - The Visitors

From: Sweet Oblivion ; Year: 1992; Genre: Alternative Rock/Grunge I'm in the mood for some 90's music again; I figured some of the west coast "grunge" sound would be excellent. This was one of the bigger hit singles for the band, but all the same not one I've heard in a while. Hear I Nearly Lost You on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Leonard Nimoy - Highly Illogical My song pick two years ago today: The Headhunters - If You Got It, You'll Get It My song pick three years ago today: Billy Joel - Piano Man My song pick four years ago today: Pallas - Heart Attack My song pick five years ago today: Chet Atkins - Windy and Warm My song pick six years ago today: David Bowie - The Man Who Sold the World My song pick seven years ago today: Dire Straits - Industrial Disease My song pick eight years ago today: Blues Image - Ride Captain Ride

From: Under The Boardwalk ; Year: 1964 (1962); Genre: R&B/Doo-Wop/Soul I had another song in mind today, but this great track kept running through my mind, so I had to pick it. With the excellent rhythm and music it's definitely a great track to just sit back and "chill out" to. I've always admired the tight vocals of The Drifters; the late-great Rudy Lewis' lead vocals are simply stunning. Hear Up On The Roof on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Lou Rawls - Long 'Bout Midnight My song pick two years ago today: The Temptations - Ain't Too Proud to Beg My song pick three years ago today: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - Roll On Down the Highway My song pick four years ago today: Pallas - Ark of Infinity My song pick five years ago today: Herb Alpert & the Tijuana Brass - A Taste of Honey My song pick six years ago today: Steve Miller Band - Rock'n Me My song pick seven years ago today: Three Dog Night - Try A Lit...

From: Computer Games ; Year: 1982; Genre: Funk/Electronica Another Funky Friday , and I was in the mood for some P-Funk anyway, so it was fortuitous. This song and entire album has a real prominent electronic sound to it; definitely 1980s funkiness. Hear Man's Best Friend/Loopzilla on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Marillion - Slàinte Mhath My song pick two years ago today: Johann Sebastian Bach - BWV 24 - Ein Ungerärbt Gemüte My song pick three years ago today: Hawkwind - Kiss of the Velvet Whip (The Mistress of Pain) My song pick four year ago today: The Doobie Brothers - It Keeps You Runnin' My song pick five years ago today: Steeleye Span - The Mooncoin Jig My song pick six years ago today: Queen - I'm Going Slightly Mad My song pick seven years ago today: Jerry Reed - Lightning Rod My song pick eight years ago today: Ozzy Osbourne - Changes

From: Slave to the Grind ; Year: 1991; Genre: Metal I had Skid Row on my mind this morning, and since I haven't picked one of their songs in a while I figured it would be a good day to add another one of their songs to my blog. This album and song sure do bring back memories; definitely the sound has become dated, but not in a bad way. Hear Monkey Business on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: ZZ Top - Tush My song pick two years ago today: Blue Öyster Cult - In Thee My song pick three years ago today: Rush - La Villa Strangiato (An Exercise in Self-Indulgence) My song pick four years ago today: Cheap Trick - Don't Be Cruel My song pick five years ago today: Rufus & Chaka Khan - Tell Me Something Good My song pick six years ago today: Freddie Taylor and His Swing Men from Harlem - Viper's Dream My song pick seven years ago today: Larry Graham & Graham Central Station - Pow My song pick eight years ago today - Ricky Nelson - Garden P...

From: Crimson & Clover ; Year: 1969; Genre: Psychedelic Rock/Soul This is another band I've had on my mind for the last couple of days; I thought I had already chosen Crystal Blue Persuasion at some point in the past, I guess not. For a "pop" song, they certainly made a lot of effort to complicate it somewhat and plus you gotta love the lyrics that seem superficial and people have labeled it as a drug song, but it's much, much deeper lyrically. Hear Crystal Blue Persuasion on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: B. Bumble & the Stingers - Bumble Boogie My song pick two years ago today: Marillion - Chelsea Monday My song pick three years ago today: Boston - Feelin' Satisfied My song pick four years ago today: Cybotron - Arrakis My song pick five years ago today: Rush - Entre Nous My song pick six years ago today: Black Sabbath - War Pigs My song pick seven years ago today: Pink Floyd - One Of These Days My song pick eight ye...

From: Electric Light Orchestra/No Answer ; Year: 1971; Genre: Symphonic Rock/Progressive Rock I had some one their music play whilst out and about last night and they're still on my mind, so, as I always do, my choice for today is one of their songs. Mr. Radio is an interesting track especially in the way Jeff Lynne and company melded their still emerging symphonic art rock with Beatlesque rock with "old timey" Hit Parade sounds. Excellent offering from their debut album, which was already very well polished. Hear Mr. Radio on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Genesis - Harlequin My song pick two years ago today: Porcupine Tree - Deadwing My song pick three years ago today: "Weird Al" Yankovic - Fat My song pick four years ago today: Kreeps - Bad Voodoo My song pick five years ago today: David Bowie - Up the Hill Backwards My song pick six years ago today: Fairport Convention - Who Knows Where The Time Goes My song pick seven yea...

From: The Crow Soundtrack ; Year: 1994; Genre: Alternative Metal/Cool Jazz I've had some Rage on my mind for a short while now and really wanted to get another one of their songs picked. You wouldn't think that light cool jazz would mix with a form of heavy music that Rage Against the Machine is known for, but they did it and it turned out very good. Hear Darkness of Greed on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Martin Barre - Spanish Tears My song pick two years ago today: Béla Fleck and the Flecktones - Communication My song pick three years ago today: "Weird Al" Yankovic - Livin' in the Fridge My song pick four years ago today: Duran Duran - (Reach Up for the) Sunrise My song pick five years ago today: The Offspring - Gone Away My song pick six years ago today: Converge - Cruel Bloom My song pick seven years ago today: Flash Cadillac & the Continental Kids - She's So Fine My song pick eight years ago today: Lobo - A Big ...

From: Déjà Vu ; Year: 1970; Genre: Rock/Folk Rock Most of yesterday I had this rather legendary song stuck in my mind; seemed like a good choice and as I usually do I went on to pick it. Great track from a great band. Hear Carry On on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Aerosmith - Sweet Emotion My song pick two years ago today: Larry Graham and Graham Central Station - Turn it Out My song pick three years ago today: "Weird Al" Yankovic - Smells Like Nirvana My song pick four years ago today: Rush - Closer to the Heart My song pick five years ago today: Johannes Brahms - Op. #45 - (A German Requiem, To Words of the Holy Scriptures) My song pick six years ago today: Heart - Love Alive My song pick seven years ago today: Gregg Allman - I'm No Angel My song pick eight years ago today: Yes - Long Distance Runaround/The Fish (schindleria praematurus)

From: Hallelujah (single); Year: 1969; Genre: Progressive Rock/Hard Rock Had some Deep Purple on my mind this morning. This rather interesting single apparently never appeared on an actual album, or at least as far as I can find. John Lord's organ playing and the heavy rhythm section are two of the best aspects to this song for me; the vocals are excellent as well. Hear Hallelujah on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: The Rhythm Machine - Put a Smile on Time My song pick two years ago today: Dream Theater - Pull Me Under My song pick three years ago today: "Weird Al" Yankovic - Another One Rides the Bus My song pick four years ago today: Genesis - The Knife My song pick five years ago today: Spaghetti Western Orchestra - The Good, The Bad And The Ugly My song pick six years ago today: Jerry Reed - Wabash Cannonball My song pick seven years ago today: Ray Stevens - Gitarzan My song pick eight years ago today: REO Speedwagon - Back on the Ro...

From: I Love to Dance ; Year: 1979; Genre: Funk/Soul/Disco Yet another Funky Friday , it couldn't be more than a week ago that I picked the last one; how time flies. :P Anywho, Kleeer is always one of those "feel good" bands that always puts me in a great mood for the day, and this funk spiced up with some disco sure gets your pulse up and makes your feet lighter. Hear It's Magic on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Geddy Lee - Window to the World My song pick two years ago today: Joachim Witt - Immer Noch My song pick three years ago today: "Weird Al' Yankovic - Grapefruit Diet My song pick four years ago today: Soundgarden - I Awake My song pick five years ago today: Dream Theater - The Big Medley My song pick six years ago today: Wilson Pickett - Hey Jude My song pick seven years ago today: Johnny Mandel - Suicide is Painless (Theme from M*A*S*H) My song pick eight years ago today: Rush - Vital Signs

From: Demons and Wizards ; Year: 1972; Genre: Metal/Hard Rock I was still in the mood for some early heavy metal music, and thought of this album from Uriah Heep. Easy Livin' is one most would immediately recognize; it was more of a hit in Europe, and less so in North America. It's got a great driving rhythm and beat; an excellent one to crank up whilst driving. Hear Easy Livin' on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Motörhead - Overkill My song pick two years ago today: The Guess Who - 6 A.M. or Nearer My song pick three years ago today: "Weird Al" Yankovic - Eat It My song pick four years ago today: Queensrÿche - Jet City Woman My song pick five years ago today: Frank Zappa - Mudd Club My song pick six years ago today: U2 - I Will Follow My song pick seven years ago today: The Delgados - Keep On Breathing My song pick eight years ago today: Yoko Kanno (The Seat Belts) - Tank!

From: Master of Reality ; Year: 1971; Genre: Metal In the mood for some early metal this morning, specifically from Sabbath. This track and entire album has aged incredibly well, it still sounds and feels current and fresh even though it's over 45 years since its release; now that's amazing. This is probably my favourite track off of Master of Reality, however, this one really doesn't have any weak songs on it to speak of. Hear Children of the Grave on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Barenaked Ladies - Pinch Me My song pick two years ago today: Gerry Rafferty - Get it Right Next Time My song pick three years ago today: "Weird Al" Yankovic - Headline News My song pick four years ago today: Simon & Garfunkel - Richard Cory My song pick five years ago today: The Doors - Waiting for the Sun My song pick six years ago today: Black 47 - Funky Céilí (Bridie's Song) My song pick seven years ago today: Duran Duran - Planet Earth ...

From: Thick as a Brick 2 ; Year: 2012; Genre: Progressive Rock/Hard Rock I had this album on my mind this morning and it felt like an excellent day for something off of it anyway. This is the final song from the concept album, which of course means that it's more or less the reprise that contains musical aspects like themes and melodies as well as revisiting the stories/subject matter. Because of that this song runs the gambit and has it all; light acoustic all the way to hard rock and everything in between with the complexity turned way up. What is really interesting for me is that there are parts that would not be out of place in the early to late 70s, early 80s and on. It's a very neat piece indeed. Hear What-Ifs, Maybes And Might-Have-Beens on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Deep Purple - Smoke on the Water My song pick two years ago today: Rare Earth - Under God's Light My song pick three years ago today: Foreigner - Double Vision My song ...

From: Green Tambourine ; Year: 1968; Genre: Sunshine Pop/Psychedelic Rock Last night I had this song earworm me as I was trying to sleep; as usual I'm making it today's pick. I've always liked this "feel good" sunshine pop track; it's a bit of fun and quite catchy. (obviously) Hear Green Tambourine on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Fates Warning - Pale Fire My song pick two years ago today: Blue Cheer - Parchment Farm My song pick three years ago today: Yes - Gates of Delirium My song pick four years ago today: Dire Straits - Money for Nothing My song pick five years ago today: ABBA - S.O.S. My song pick six years ago today: Bobby Bare - The Winner My song pick seven years ago today: Pearl Jam - Even Flow My song pick eight years ago today: Bon Jovi - It's My Life

From: Hydra ; Year: 1979; Genre: Progressive Rock This morning I've been in the mood for something from Toto, especially stuff off of their Hydra album. This, the title track, is one that's both quite musically intricate and catchy too, so it's another one of those best of both worlds tracks. Hear Hydra on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Soundgarden - Hunted Down My song pick two years ago today: The (Detroit) Spinners - Working My Way Back to You/Forgive Me, Girl My song pick three years ago today: John Fogerty - Rock and Roll Girls My song pick four years ago today: Dream Theater - On the Backs of Angels My song pick five years ago today: Hawkwind - Right to Decide My song pick six years ago today: Survivor - The Eye of the Tiger My song pick seven years ago today: The Black Crowes - Remedy My song pick eight years ago today: The Crazy World of Arthur Brown - Fire (I am the god of Hellfire)

From: Big Hits (High Tide and Green Grass) ; Year: 1966; Genre: Rock I had thought I already chose 19th Nervous Breakdown in the past at some point since it's among my favourite songs from the band, but when it my mind this morning and I checked I guess I was in error. Anyway, this is one of their more popular pieces that most have probably have heard and know well. Hear 19th Nervous Breakdown on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Luther - Funky Music (Is a Part of Me) My song pick two years ago today: Neil Diamond - Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show My song pick three years ago today: Pink Floyd - Run Like Hell My song pick four years ago today: Sly and the Family Stone - Hot Fun in the Summertime My song pick five years ago today: Glenn Miller - In The Mood My song pick six years ago today: Tarot - Ashes To The Stars My song pick seven years ago today: Goo Goo Dolls - Broadway My song pick eight years ago today: The Offspring - Come Ou...

From: Raise Up ; Year 2012; Genre: Funk Another mondo busy day, but still getting my Funky Friday pick in as well as keeping my streak of consecutive Funky Fridays going; for those keeping score this is my 127th straight. I knew I couldn't go wrong with picking on from slapmaster Larry Graham and his band of renown. I absolutely love how this one remains in his classic, fun style, but also incorporates the more modern funky sounds as well. Hear Throw-N-Down the Funk on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Foreigner - At War With the World My song pick two years ago today: King Crimson - Pictures of a City (including "42nd at Treadmill") My song pick three years ago today: Neil Young - Four Strong Winds My song pick four years ago today: Jethro Tull - Jump Start My song pick five years ago today: Chet Atkins - Trambone My song pick six years ago today: John Denver - Wildflowers in a Mason Jar My song pick seven years ago today: Jethro Tull - ...

From: Relayer ; Year: 1974; Genre: Progressive Rock/Jazz Fusion For the last little bit I've had Yes on my mind, so I thought I would pick one of their tracks. There's a noted addition of musical ideas added to their established sound in this track, most notably a bit of Jazz Fusion. Steve Howe especially shines on this track with his amazing guitar playing that's all over the place. Hear Sound Chaser on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Red Hot Chili Peppers - Snow (Hey Oh) My song pick two years ago today: Journey - Look Into the Future My song pick three years ago today: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - Take it Like a Man My song pick four years ago today: Stratovarius - Wings of Tomorrow My song pick five years ago today: Earth, Wind & Fire - Serpentine Fire My song pick six years ago today: Manuel de Falla - Danza Del Terror ( Dance of Terror ) My song pick seven years ago today: Dire Straits - Lady Writer My song pick eight ye...

From: The Yumyum Tree : Year: 2009; Genre: Progressive Rock/Psychedelic Rock Ever since discovering this band I've been meaning to add one of their songs to my blog. Ever since I heard them they reminded me a wee bit of bands such as Porcupine Tree, but different still. They are a great band if you are into highly technical instrumental music, but have a great rhythm with a great thumping bass, especially on this track. Hear Plant Music on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Luther Vandross - Never Too Much My song pick two years ago today: Jethro Tull - Living in the Past My song pick three years ago today: Hawkwind - It Is the Business of the Future to Be Dangerous My song pick four years ago today: Earth, Wind & Fire - Fantasy My song pick five years ago today: Miles Davis - Freddie Freeloader My song pick six years ago today: Django Reinhardt & Stephane Grappelli (Quintette du Hot Club de France) - Liza ( All the Clouds'll Roll Away )...

From: Garbage ; Year: 1995; Genre: Alternative Rock Boy, it's been another quite busy day and am later than normal for this pick. Anyway, this is another time that I'm picking on from a band that I haven't picked on from in quite a while. It's been way over 2500 picks ago that I chose my last song from the band Garbage; don't know why I haven't picked one since then because I actually like the band. Here's one of my favourites of their songs and off of  their first album as well as one of their first singles. Hear Supervixen on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Jon Oliva's Pain - Look at the World My song pick two years ago today: Foreigner - Blue Morning, Blue Day My song pick three years ago today: Voivod - Mechanical Mind My song pick four years ago today: Quasar - Fanfare/Seeing Stars My song pick five years ago today: Waylander - A Hero's Lament My song pick six years ago today: Queen - Seaside Rendezvous My song...

From: Snakes & Arrows ; Year: 2007; Genre: Progressive Rock Having a very busy day today and I needed to make a quick pick. I heard this song off of their more recent Snakes & Arrows album over the weekend and it felt like a good day to choose it. It's hard to believe that this album and song are almost 9 years old now; how time flies. Hear Workin' Them Angels on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: AC/DC - For Those About to Rock (We Salute You) My song pick two years ago today: Lobo - Running Deer My song pick three years ago today: Rush - Wish Them Well My song pick four years ago today: The Beatles - In My Life My song pick five years ago today: Fairport Convention - She Moves Through the Fair My song pick six years ago today: Uriah Heep - Gypsy My song pick seven years ago today: T-Rex - Bang a Gong ( Get it On ) My song pick eight years ago today: Savatage - Devastation

From: Kiss ; Year: 1974; Genre: Hard Rock I've lately been picking quite a few songs from bands I've have not chosen a song from in a while; I was slightly surprised to see Kiss amongst them. Anyway, this is one of my favourites from the band and was featured on their first album. Those drums and thumping bass definitely drive it along. Hear Strutter on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Purple Haze My song pick two years ago today: Earth, Wind & Fire - Fan the Fire My song pick three years ago today: Queensrÿche - At The Edge My song pick four years ago today: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - Rock Is My Life, and This Is My Song My song pick five years ago today: Genesis - Watcher of the Skies My song pick six years ago today: Jim Croce - These Dreams My song pick seven years ago today: Alice Cooper - No More Mr. Nice Guy My song pick eight years ago today: Savatage - Tonight He Grins Again

From: Dream Police ; Year: 1979; Genre: Rock Needing something more uplifting for today; Cheap Trick is one of the band that always seems to do so. To my ears I hear a lot of Kinks influence in this, the hit title track off of their '79 album; again it might just be me, who knows. Whatever the case this one has all of their hallmarks of a more musical intensive track with the facade of a pop song over the top, so it's pretty much accessible across the board. Hear Dream Police on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Rick James - Give it to Me Baby My song pick two years ago today: Weather Report - Medley: Vertical Invader; T.H.; Dr. Honoris Causa My song pick three years ago today: Band of Horses - Laredo My song pick four years ago today: Fairport Convention - Dawn My song pick five years ago today: Jethro Tull - Alive and Well and Living In My song pick six years ago today: .38 Special - Chain Lightnin' My song pick seven years ago today: Cream ...

From: Gratitude ; Year: 1975; Genre: Funk/R&B/Soul It is a somber Funky Friday today. Yesterday I learned that Earth, Wind & Fire founder Maurice White passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease. It took me a bit to think of a good song for the occasion, and this upbeat and happy track just seemed perfect; their music always puts a smile on my face and spring in my step, Sing a Song is no different. Hear Sing a Song on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Steeleye Span - Ancient Eyes My song pick two years ago today: Banchee - Childern of the Universe My song pick three years ago today: Muse - Unnatural Selection My song pick four years ago today: The Drifters - Under the Boardwalk My song pick five years ago today: Yoko Takahashi - Zankoku na Tenshi no These ( A Cruel Angel's Thesis ) My song pick six years ago today: Aphrodite's Child - Hic et Nunc My song pick seven years ago today: Elton John - All The Girls Love Al...

From: Vs. ; Year: 1993; Genre: Alternative Rock/Hard Rock Was in the mood for something from Pearl Jam this morning, no other reason. This is one of their secondary hits from the album, and one I really like; the deep lyrics/subject matter work really well with the music. Hear Dissident on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Steeleye Span - Drink Down the Moon My song pick two years ago today: Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Still... You Turn Me On My song pick three years ago today: Melvins - Nude with Boots My song pick four years ago today: The Animals - House of the Rising Sun My song pick five years ago today: Wild Turkey - Sentinel My song pick six years ago today: KISS - She My song pick seven years ago today: Hawkwind - Assault and Battery/The Golden Void My song pick eight years ago today: Bonnie Tyler - Total Eclipse of the Heart

From: Obscured By Clouds ; Year: 1972; Genre: Progressive Rock When out and about yesterday I was listening to music from this album and I thought it would be great to pick another track from it. This, the first and title track on the record, can be viewed more or less as an overture for the album, but is also a great clinic in music by the band members. I especially love their use of bass-heavy synth on this one with the steel guitar. Hear Obscured By Clouds on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Hammerfall - Ex Inferis My song pick two years ago today: Berlin - Like Flames My song pick three years ago today: Ozzy Osbourne - I Don't Wanna Stop My song pick four years ago today: Primus - Here Come the Bastards My song pick five years ago today: Ringo Starr - It Don't Come Easy My song pick six years ago today: Molly Hatchet - Fall of the Peacemakers My song pick seven years ago today: Don Mclean - American Pie My song pick eight years ago today: ...

From: Animal Magnetism ; Year: 1980; Genre: Hard Rock/Metal For some reason I felt like picking one from The Scorpions today. Amongst my favourites from the band, this hit song is probably most known for that great metal groove through the verses as well as the great music and vocals. Hear The Zoo on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Hawkwind - Wraith My song pick two years ago today: Jethro Tull - Bends Like a Willow My song pick three years ago today: Rhapsody of Fire - The Mystic Prophecy of the Demonknight My song pick four years ago today: Led Zeppelin - Rock and Roll My song pick five years ago today: Rush - Xanadu My song pick six years ago today: Iron Maiden - Powerslave My song pick seven years ago today: George Frideric Handel - Every Valley Shall Be Exalted My song pick eight years ago today: Kohei Tanaka - Kline's Dream

From: Rhythm of Youth ; Year: 1982; Genre: New Wave/Synthpop The other day I happened to hear this song again and it's been in my head off and on ever since, so, as I normally do I thought I would pick it. Definitely a song that typifies the music of the early/mid 1980s, it does sound a bit dated, but in the good, classic way. Hear Safety Dance on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: "Weird Al" Yankovic - The Saga Begins My song pick two years ago today: The Moody Blues - Ride My See-Saw My song pick three years ago today: Hawkwind - Angela Android My song pick four years ago today: The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Manic Depression My song pick five years ago today: Jon Oliva's Pain - Through the Eyes of the King My song pick six years ago today: Nora Bayes - The Japanese Sandman My song pick seven years ago today: Queen - We Will Rock You/We Are the Champions My song pick eight years ago today: The Little River Band - Reminiscing