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

From: Will of the People ; Year: 2022; Genre: Symphonic Rock/Alternative Rock Happy Halloween to those few who visit my Song-a-Day blog! I discovered this new album from the band Muse the other day, which has at this time been out for about a couple of months, with this apropos song for today's pick. I really like the two keyboard parts that are both doing their own separate lines, but working together quite well. The "organ" piece on one plays around with some of the lines and themes from Toccata and Fugue in D-Minor (BWV 565), which is attributed to Johann Sebastian Bach, whilst the other keyboard lays down some funky riffs, especially in the choruses, that are reminiscent of some of the classic tracks of the type heard back in the 1980s. Add to that the awesome groove from the rhythm section and excellent vocal delivery of some great lyrics, and you get one of the best songs I've heard from the band in a while.   Hear You Make Me Feel Like It's Halloween on Y...

From: Billie Holiday ; Year: 1954; Genre: Vocal Jazz For some unknown reason I was draw once more to some jazz featuring the incomparable Billie Holiday. The 1954 album of her namesake really felt perfect for today; it fit my mood almost perfectly. Even though this is a great song in many ways, in my opinion, she was one of those greats that could sing almost anything and it would captivate you for certain.   Hear If The Moon Turns Green on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Rolling Stones - Laugh, I Nearly Died   My song pick 2 years ago today: Joe Tex - Ain't Gonna Bump No More   My song pick 3 years ago today: Ugly Kid Joe - Under the Bottom   My song pick 4 years ago today: The Moontrekkers - Return of the Vampire (The Bogey Man) My song pick 5 years ago today: Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) - Confusion My song pick 6 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Lap of Luxury My song pick 7 years ago today: Victor Wooten - You Can't Hold No Gr...

From: Original Golden Hits-Volume 1 ; Year: 1969 (1957); Genre: Rock 'n Roll/Rockabilly Yesterday I saw that pioneer rock 'n roller Jerry Lee Lewis passed away; thought it'd be a good time to choose one of his songs. This is one of his more famous early singles that was actually a cover originally recorded by Big Maybelle two years prior. Chances are that most people alive today have heard either version at the very least one time in their lives; he certainly displayed that wild energy he was famous for even through the record as it plays.   Hear Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Dazz Band - Magnetized   My song pick 2 years ago today: Queensrÿche - Another Rainy Night (Without You)   My song pick 3 years ago today: Porcupine Tree - Every Home is Wired   My song pick 4 years ago today: The Cranberries - Dreams My song pick 5 years ago today: Queensrÿche - Queen of the Reich My song pick 6 years ago to...

From: The Gap Band III ; Year: 1980; Genre: Funk/Soul/R&B I just love '80s funk; so cool and so many great memories. This hit from the Gap Band's fifth studio release actually really reminds me a lot of Earth, Wind & Fire of the same era, which is excellent in my personal opinion, as I said: I just love this sound.   Hear Burn Rubber On Me (Why Do You Wanna Hurt Me) on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Steve Vai - Tender Surrender   My song pick 2 years ago today: The Kinks - You Really Got Me My song pick 3 years ago today: Faith No More - Cone of Shame   My song pick 4 years ago today: April Wine - One More Time My song pick 5 years ago today: Riggs - Heartbeat My song pick 6 years ago today: Dazz Band - To the Roof My song pick 7 years ago today: Jan & Dean - The Little Old Lady from Pasadena My song pick 8 years ago today: Buddy Holley and the Crickets - Maybe Baby My song pick 9 years ago today: Lou R...

From: Snakes & Arrows ; Year: 2007; Genre: Progressive Rock I cannot remember exactly how long it has been since I chose a song from Rush, who is one of my top favourite bands, so I guess I should once more. For me, Spindrift is one of the better songs on this album for Neil Peart's drum fills; I'm still amazed at how much those little accents add to the track.   Hear Spindrift on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Rush - Secret Touch   My song pick 2 years ago today: Megadeth - Never Walk Alone... A Call To Arms   My song pick 3 years ago today: Triumph - Follow Your Heart   My song pick 4 years ago today: Harlequin - Survive My song pick 5 years ago today: Mr. Bungle - My Ass Is On Fire My song pick 6 years ago today: Mike + The Mechanics - All I Need is a Miracle My song pick 7 years ago today: Led Zeppelin - Ramble On My song pick 8 years ago today: Cream - I Feel Free My song pick 9 year ago today: Eddie Lang - Pickin'...

From: The Stranger ; Year: 1977; Genre: Rock When I was really young I remember hearing Billy Joel's The Stranger album a lot, it and Glass Houses in particular became two of my absolute favourite records of his. In truth, I would have to put The Stranger in his top three best albums in my opinion; there's really not a weak song to be had. Anyway, this one has a nice blend of jazzy and classical sounds with the bluesy rock/ballad sound he performed so well over the years; such a beautiful and heartfelt song.   Hear Vienna on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Quasar - Logic?   My song pick 2 years ago today: Lenny Kravitz - Circus   My song pick 3 years ago today: Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) - Starlight   My song pick 4 years ago today: Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) - Ooby Dooby My song pick 5 years ago today: Fats Domino - I'm Walkin' My song pick 6 years ago today: Ultravox - Dancing with Tears in My Eyes My song pick 7...

From: Unleaded ; Year: 1982; Genre; Rock/Pop It has been a woefully long time, (about 14 years), since I last chose a song from this rock band from the Netherlands that is known for their hit single Sausalito Summernight here on this side of the Atlantic Ocean. I can clearly remember that song being played quite a lot back in the early 1980s, but kind of faded since. From what I can tell, Diesel released a second record, which did not fair as well and they went through subsequent breakups and reformations over the years, one of which brought about a third album in 2001 as well as another single released in 2017. Apparently they are at this time still together and doing shows, however have not repeated the success from their debut record. Anyway, this track comes off that second studio release and is definitely different from wot I knew of the band prior. To tell the truth, this song caught my attention by its novel title being a reference to the classic video game that was all the ra...

From: Stormwatch ; Year: 1979; Genre: Progressive Rock/Hard Rock This was one of the track left on the cutting room floor prior to Stormwatch's release but eventually revived some 40 years later. When listening to this song you can hear why it wasn't originally included; to me it feels like an idea that never got finished for one reason or another and thus has a plethora of the little imperfections that you wouldn't normally hear. I suppose we are lucky to even be able to hear it all these years later, which I am very grateful of. All of that being said, it still has a lot to offer across the board, especially for the 'Tull fan or even those who enjoy the more complex musical genres such as progressive rock. And of course Steve Wilson did his normal bang-up job of remixing and remastering he is known for.   Hear Man of God on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Bob Seger - Beautiful Loser   My song pick 2 years ago today: Wishbone Ash - No Easy Road...

From Texas Flood ; Year: 1983; Genre: Blues Rock/Blues The other day I happened to watch a documentary on the late, legendary guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan; it is weird to think that he passed away over 30 years ago, but time sure flies.... Anyway, this was one of the five cover songs from his and Double Trouble's debut album, Texas Flood . It's kind of funny that this is more or less a cunning way for him to cover Jimi Hendrix without actually "covering" him. It was actually an Isley Brothers' track that Hendrix provided guitars for prior to him becoming a world famous legend on the guitar. On his cover of it, Stevie Ray Vaughan turns it into a blazing blues-rock instrumental.   Hear Testify on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Nightwish - Harvest   My song pick 2 years ago today: Kool and the Gang - Funky Granny   My song pick 3 years ago today: Soundgarden - Blood on the Valley Floor   My song pick 4 years ago today: Bachman Turner Ove...

From: Shout ; Year: 1984; Genre: New Wave Happened to hear some songs from this record yesterday and it got me "geeking out" about Devo once again. This, the title-track from the Shout album, has a very endearing feeling to me due mostly to the synthesized horns, which reminds me a lot of the music I'd hear on my old Commodore games back in the day; good times. Anyway, this one has all the great hallmarks you'd expect from one of the nerdiest new wave bands, and they just embrace it and make it super cool.   Hear Shout on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Ebony Rhythm Band - Get Yourself Together (Smiling Phases/Sunshine of Your Love Medley)   My song pick 2 years ago today: Genesis - Harold the Barrel   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Kinks - Apeman   My song pick 4 years ago today: David Bowie - China Girl My song pick 5 years ago today: The Beatles - A Day in the Life My song pick 6 years ago today: Paris - Blue Robin My so...

From: Up For The Down Stroke ; Year: 1974 Genre: Funk/Soul I really wish there were more of these extra long funk tracks in existence; it's just that much better to keep that funky groove going. Although, this one was apparently cut into two songs for the single release, but is the full 9+ minutes on the album. Also, The Goose was originally a song from George Clinton's predecessor doo-wop group The Parliaments, but was re-worked and made extremely funky for the second Parliament studio record.   Hear The Goose on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Rage Against the Machine - Tire Me   My song pick 2 years ago today: Django Reinhardt - Echoes of Spain   My song pick 3 years ago today: Van der Graaf Generator - Chemical World   My song pick 4 years ago today: Don Henley - Heart of the Matter My song pick 5 years ago today: Bruce Hornsby and the Range - On The Western Sky My song pick 6 years ago today: Parliament - Children of Producti...

From: Bachman-Turner Overdrive ; Year: 1984; Genre: Hard Rock For some reason this studio album keeps slipping my mind; probably due to the fact that the band's previous three records were, I suppose you could say, not up to par. You could kind of call BTO a supergroup at this point with two members from BTO: (C.F. Turner and Tim Bachman), one from The Guess Who: (Garry Peterson), and, of course, Randy Bachman who was in both bands. Every time it seems when I put this record on it's a real treat to hear a few more studio recordings from one of my favourite bands and to hear Turner's powerful vocals.   Hear Just Look At Me Now on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Kinks - Money Talks   My song pick 2 years ago today: Ozric Tentacles - Humboldt Currant   My song pick 3 years ago today: Bob Dylan - All Along the Watchtower   My song pick 4 years ago today: The O'Jays - Time To Get Down My song pick 5 years ago today: Dazz Band - Let it...

From: Shock Treatment ; Year: 1974; Genre: Hard Rock Again, I don't know why, but I just felt like picking a song from Edgar Winter and company. This is kind of a weird song, which is always great in my opinion, that closes out the second album from The Edgar Winter Group. I really like the almost glam rock feel tacked on to the overall hard-edged rock on this track as well as Edgar Winter's signature experimental sound with the synthesizers.   Hear Animal on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Eagles - The Disco Strangler   My song pick 2 years ago today: Ian Anderson - Meliora Sequamur   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Delgados - Strathcona Slung   My song pick 4 years ago today: Genesis - Misunderstanding My song pick 5 years ago today: Pallas - The Blinding Darkness of Science My song pick 6 years ago today: Aerosmith - Remember (Walking in the Sand) My song pick 7 years ago today: AC/DC - Money Talks My song pick 8 yea...

From: Arthur - The Album ; Year: 1981; Genre: Soft Rock Thought that I would choose another song that was #1 on the charts on my birthday; this time I went with this rather memorable and schmaltzy track that served as the theme for the acclaimed film Arthur , which starred legendary musician, actor, and comedian Dudley Moore . Back during the decade that was the 1980s I remember hearing it a lot, even into the 1990s, but not very much as of late. Whilst being quite dated in its overall sound, some aspects are still quite good and timeless, especially the saxophone solo amongst others.   Hear Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Asia - True Colors   My song pick 2 years ago today: Elton John - Ego My song pick 3 years ago today: George Duke - Funny Funk   My song pick 4 years ago today: Steeleye Span - We Shall Wear Midnight My song pick 5 years ago today: Led Zeppelin - Over the Hills and Far Away My ...

From: Trilogy ; Year: 1972; Genre: Progressive Rock/Symphonic Rock Whilst on the road recently I had a whole bunch of music from various progressive rock bands come on, including EL&P. Anyway, this instrumental piece is a true tour de force of classical-styled music being played exquisitely on synthesizers and other electronic keyboards by the late-great Keith Emerson. Abaddon's Bolero is one of those songs that booms and thunders rather well in the bass register by all three musicians, but especially the keys and drums; be sure to turn that bass up when you crank up the volume when listening to this amazing track!   Hear Abaddon's Bolero on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Chicago - Make Me Smile   My song pick 2 years ago today: April Wine - Comin' Right Down on Top of Me   My song pick 3 years ago today: Midnight Oil - Now or Never Land   My song pick 4 years ago today: The Grass Roots - Where Were You When I Needed You My son...

From: Shout! ; Year: 1959; Genre: Rock 'n Roll/Gospel/R&B This is a song that not only was extremely unique for the time it was released, but still is still quite unusual across the board. Fusing gospel with rock 'n roll and R&B as well as the use of tempo changes, call-and-response as well as abrupt changes in sections and structure really makes it sound like nothing else even 60+ years on. You can just put the record on in any situation and everybody who has access to their legs will move them.     Hear Shout (Parts I + II) on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Bee Gees - Boogie Child   My song pick 2 years ago today: Rufus & Chaka Khan - Jive Talkin'   My song pick 3 years ago today: Iron Maiden - Run Silent Run Deep   My song pick 4 years ago today: The Rolling Stones - Citadel My song pick 5 years ago today: Dire Straits - Down to the Waterline My song pick 6 years ago today: Black Sabbath - Into the Void My so...

From: Odessey and Oracle ; Year: 1968; Genre: Psychedelic Rock/Soul The Zombies' Odessey and Oracle has been on my mind for the last little bit; am finally getting around to choosing another song from it. It was quite surprising to discover that I have yet to pick this track, which is among the band's biggest and most recognizable songs in their repertoire. I've always really liked Rod Argent and The Zombies as well as his other projects. Whilst the keyboards are definitely the featured solo instrument throughout the Time Of The Season the bass and drums really drive it and are one of the most memorable aspects of the song.   Hear Time Of The Season on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Sweat Band - Freak to Freak   My song pick 2 years ago today: Van der Graaf Generator - Orthenthian St (Parts I & II)   My song pick 3 years ago today: Steve Vai - The Crying Machine   My song pick 4 years ago today: Rush - Territories My song pic...

From: Conspiranoid ; Year: 2022; Genre: Progressive Rock/Funk Rock Been intensely enjoying this new EP of three song from the one and only Primus and thought I would choose another one from it today. That funky groove throughout this song is impressive and addictive to say the least; it just shows that they have only gained even more edge over the years.   Hear Follow The Fool on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Gloryhammer - Quest for the Hammer of Glory   My song pick 2 years ago today: Blue Öyster Cult - Nightmare Epiphany   My song pick 3 years ago today: Rod Stewart - (I Know) I'm Losing You   My song pick 4 years ago today: Lawrence Gowan - Moonlight Desires My song pick 5 years ago today: Boston - Used to be Bad News My song pick 6 years ago today: Rhythm Machine - Everybody's Chippin My song pick 7 years ago today: Blue Öyster Cult - Fallen Angel My song pick 8 years ago today: Foo Fighters - These Days My song pick 9 ...

From: Do You Love Me (Now That I Can Dance) ; Year: 1962; Genre: R&B/Motown Heard this great song again yesterday playing in a restaurant we were dining in and realized I had not picked it yet. Do You Love Me happens to be one of those songs that just doesn't seem to age and/or just never goes out of fashion. Even 60 years on all it has to do is encounter someone's ears and they're hooked, or so it would seem. I guess it's just a testament to Barry Gordy, Motown, and the Funk Brothers' greatness.   Hear Do You Love Me on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Who - Substitute   My song pick 2 years ago today: The Guess Who - Of a Dropping Pin   My song pick 3 years ago today: Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show - Carry Me, Carrie   My song pick 4 years ago today: Hawkwind - Mutation Zone My song pick 5 years ago today: Stevie Wonder - Sir Duke My song pick 6 years ago today: Alestorm - Walk the Plank My song pick 7 years ago tod...

From: Resist ; Year: 2022; Genre: Alternative Rock It has been great to hear new and totally fresh material from one of my favourite bands, Midnight Oil. Kind of surprised that this record snuck past me, but I'm glad I get to enjoy it all the same. I've always loved the unabashed way they have continued to used their songs both lyrically and musically as a means for positive change and bringing people's attention to wrongs in this world. The passion, urgency, and emotion in the delivery has not changed one single bit in the 40+ years and I hope it never does.   Hear We Resist on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Thin Lizzy - Borderline   My song pick 2 years ago today: Yes - Mood for a Day My song pick 3 years ago today: The Beatles - Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite   My song pick 4 years ago today: The Who - Athena My song pick 5 years ago today: Waylon Jennings - Do It Again My song pick 6 years ago today: Forest - The Midnight Hangin...

From: Under Influence ; Year: 1979; Genre: New Wave I happened to be listening to this band once again, which I have chosen only one other song from, and this track that is the first track on their only studio album that I'm aware of just seemed rather perfect for today's pick.    Hear Do It All Again on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Aerosmith - Crazy   My song pick 2 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Nothing Is Easy   My song pick 3 years ago today: Wilson Pickett - Danger Zone   My song pick 4 years ago today: John Denver - Heart to Heart My song pick 5 years ago today: Nine Inch Nails - Head Like a Hole My song pick 6 years ago today: Gene Pitney - (The Man Who Shot) Liberty Valance My song pick 7 years ago today: Genesis - A Trick of the Tail My song pick 8 years ago today: Simon and Garfunkel - Bridge over Troubled Water My song pick 9 years ago today: Parliament - Give Up the Funk (Tear the Roof Off the Sucker) M...