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

From: There is Nothing Left to Lose ; Year: 1999; Genre: Alternative Rock It's the very last day of 2023; not a bad year for myself if I have to say so, (although it seemed to zoom on by). So, here's an appropriate track to bring '23 to a close and usher in '24; it kind of has that melancholy feeling I'm used to looking back at wot has been and the trepidation of wot might happen. Plus, the very familiar sound of the Foo Fighters is almost a perfect fit for the occasion.   Hear Next Year on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers - Don't Come Around Here No More   My song pick 2 years ago today: Jimmy Jules and the Nuclear Soul System - The New Year   My song pick 3 years ago today: Genesis - Duke's End   My song pick 4 years ago today: Kool & The Gang - Celebration   My song pick 5 years ago today: Scrawl - 11:59 (It's January) My song pick 6 years ago today: Ella Fitzgerald - What Are You Doin...

From: Software ; Year: 1984; Genre: New Wave/Rock The final Saturday of 2023; this years has blown by it seems at light-speed. Anyway, I just felt like choosing a solo track from Grace Slick; initially I was intending on something from her first solo record, but instead I felt drawn to this song from the Software record for reasons unknown to me.   Hear Fox Face on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Funkadelic - Fish, Chips and Sweat   My song pick 2 years ago today: Boston - Someone   My song pick 3 years ago today: Genesis - Duke's Travels   My song pick 4 years ago today: Yazoo - Don't Go   My song pick 5 years ago today: C.W. McCall - Riverside Slide My song pick 6 years ago today: Led Zeppelin - Four Sticks My song pick 7 years ago today: Frankie Miller - Supersnatch My song pick 8 years ago today: Motörhead - Ace of Spades My song pick 9 years ago today: Yes - Looking Around My song pick 10 years ago today: Al...

From: Funky Beat ; Year: 1983; Genre: Funk/Jazz Fusion/Soul Getting in the last Funky Friday pick of 2023 with this jazz/funk instrumental from the often overlooked musical genius that was Bernard Wright. This is one of those grooving tracks that demands your attention both musically and on the dance floor.   Hear Mr. Clean on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Lita Ford - Kiss Me Deadly   My song pick 2 years ago today: Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Human Race   My song pick 3 years ago today: Boston - My Destination/A New World   My song pick 4 years ago today: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - Blue Moanin'   My song pick 5 years ago today: Steely Dan - Fire In The Hole My song pick 6 years ago today: The Police - Can't Stand Losing You My song pick 7 years ago today: Benny Carter - Pick Yourself Up My song pick 8 years ago today: Rush - Best I Can My song pick 9 years ago today: Waylon Jennings - I'm a Ramblin' Man ...

From: There's A Kind of Hush All Over the World ; Year: 1967; Genre: Pop/Rock/Beat Needed something uplifting today after a rather busy and stress-filled week. I just so happened to have some songs from Herman's Hermits on the brain, so I just crossed the two for this pick. There's a Kind of Hush , while being a cover is without a doubt the de-facto version most think of when they hear the title.   Hear There's a Kind of Hush (All Over the World) on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Jerry Reed - Eight More Miles To Louisville   My song pick 2 years ago today: Blue Öyster Cult - Demon's Kiss   My song pick 3 years ago today: Bee Gees - I Gotta Get a Message to You   My song pick 4 years ago today: Ultravox - Mr. X   My song pick 5 years ago today: Charley Pride - Daydreams About Night Things My song pick 6 years ago today: Supertramp - Cannonball My song pick 7 years ago today: Bruce Hornsby & the Range - The Red Plain...

From: Hat Trick ; Year: 1973; Genre: Rock/Folk Rock Amazingly enough, I discovered a classic album from the band America that I had not heard prior. Haven't the foggiest as to why, better late than never, right? Anyway, this is not only the title track, but also one of the lengthiest songs I have ever heard from the band. The production quality of this one in particular reminds me a lot of The Beach Boys' Pet Sounds era with some Beatle influence thrown in as well. I really like the different sections of the song and how they contrast with one another, plus that electric piano really drives the entire track.   Hear Hat Trick on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Jethro Tull - Big Dipper   My song pick 2 years ago today: Pallas - Northern Star   My song pick 3 years ago today: Queensrÿche - Speed of Light   My song pick 4 years ago today: Lighthouse - Set the Stage   My song pick 5 years ago today: Badfinger - The Dreamer My ...

From: Eisbrecher ; Year: 1986; Genre: Neue Deutsche Welle/Rock/Pop Apparently it has been quite a while since I chose a song from Nena, (both the band and Nena Kerner as a solo artist), and after hearing some of their music the other day I really felt like I should choose one from today's pick. Even though this album, which was the "swansong" record for the band, was considered a commercial failure, for me, looking back, I still like it a lot; something about their sound from that time in particular I find personally endearing. All of the key ingredients were present for the disc to be great, in my opinion it is, but not their best. This song in particular was written by the songwriting duo Fahrenkrog and Karges, who were also responsible for the band's biggest hits. Whatever the case, it's still a 1980s classic and definitely should be in the collection of fans of the band.   Hear Engel der Nacht on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Porcupine Tr...

From: Snoopy and His Friends ; Year: 1967; Genre: Christmas Music/Pop/Rock It's finally here, Merry Christmas! This is a Christmas song from the same band that performed the popular novelty track Snoopy vs. The Red Barron the year prior. Although this one takes place during Christmas and the two fighter pilots have a peaceful resolution and share the Holiday in peace.   Hear Snoopy's Christmas on YouTube. Hear the unabridged album version on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: John Denver & The Muppets - We Wish You A Merry Christmas   My song pick 2 years ago today: Bobby (Boris) Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers - Monsters' Holiday   My song pick 3 years ago today: Darlene Love - Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)   My song pick 4 years ago today: Steve Winwood - Christmas Is Now Drawing Near At Hand   My song pick 5 years ago today: Louis Armstrong and the Commanders - Cool Yule My song pick 6 years ago today: Trans-Siberian Orc...

From: Christmas Eve and Other Stories ; Year: 1996; Genre: Christmas Music/Symphonic Metal/Progressive Metal Christmas Eve is finally here; the Season has really flew on by, seems like a couple of weeks ago was Thanksgiving.... Anyway, with all of this Christmas music I could not let it go without picking at least one from TSO. This very rousing and emotional song happens to be the opening track off of the debut album; it's hard to believe that it was released back in '96... nearly three decades ago. I can still remember back in1995 when the Savatage record Dead Winter Dead came out, which kind of spawned this offshoot project: Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Great song, great musicians, and an excellent album.   Hear An Angel Came Down on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Bing Crosby - I'll Be Home For Christmas (If Only In My Dreams)   My song pick 2 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Pavane   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Smashing Pumpk...

From: The Gift of Rock ; Year: 2005; Genre: Christmas Music/Hard Rock/Punk This raucous tune originally by The Kinks has to be among my top five contemporary Holiday songs. I've always loved how it has upbeat and in-your-face punk aspects with a very deep and poignant message, whist just underneath for most of the song, but gets sprung on you in full exposition at the end. Anyway, since lead singer Steve Harwell's passing back in September I have found myself listening to Smash Mouth more often. I really felt like I needed to choose their cover of this classic this year before the Season is over.   Hear Father Christmas on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Jethro Tull - Greensleeved   My song pick 2 years ago today: Chick Corea - What Child is This?   My song pick 3 years ago today: Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Prince of Peace   My song pick 4 years ago today: Bob Rivers - Flu Ride   My song pick 5 years ago today: The Pretende...

From: Santa's Got a Bag of Soul (single); Year: 1994; Genre: Christmas Music/Funk Here is one that you might have some trouble guessing when it was recorded just by listening to it; it is an interesting blend of funky eras, but primarily has the sound/feel of the funky soul from mid-late 1960s. I just absolutely adore this great Funky Christmas track.   Hear Santa's Got a Bag of Soul on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Nutrocker   My song pick 2 years ago today: Bobby Helms - Jingle Bell Rock   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Brecker Brothers With Steve Khan - The Christmas Waltz   My song pick 4 years ago today: John McLaughlin - O Come O Come Emanuel   My song pick 5 years ago today: Trans-Siberian Orchestra - What Child is This? My song pick 6 years ago today: Dropkick Murphys - The Season's Upon Us My song pick 7 years ago today: Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Nutrocker My song pick 8 y...

From: We Wish You a Metal Xmas and a Headbanging New Year ; Year: 2008; Genre: Christmas Music/Rock 'n Roll/Hard Rock/Rockabilly Here is a hard-hitting cover of the Christmas classic from Chuck Berry. I really love those gravely lead vocals and the overall musical styling of this one-off power trio.   Hear Run Rudolph Run on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Booker T. & The MGs - Medley: Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight, The End, Here Comes the Sun, Come Together   My song pick 2 years ago today: The Beatles - I'll Follow the Sun   My song pick 3 years ago today: Geoff Tate, Carlos Cavazo, James Lomenzo & Ray Luzier - Silver Bells   My song pick 4 years ago today: Jethro Tull - We Five Kings   My song pick 5 years ago today: James Brown - Christmas is Coming My song pick 6 years ago today: Rage Against the Machine - Sleep Now in the Fire My song pick 7 years ago today: Louis Armstrong with Gordon Jenkins & H...

From: Twisted Christmas ; Year: 1988; Genre: Christmas Music/Comedy/Country Trying to get more into wot you would refer to as a "Christmas Mood," but it has been difficult; thinking that some of Bob Rivers' Holiday funnies might help. This one from his first Christmas album is done in an older country and western swing style with lyrics about a man looking forward to freedom around Christmas, when he is supposedly to be released.   Hear I'm Dressin' Up Like Santa (When I Get Out on Parole) on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Drifters - White Christmas   My song pick 2 years ago today: Steeleye Span - Today in Bethlehem   My song pick 3 years ago today: Van der Graaf Generator - La Rossa   My song pick 4 years ago today: Binky Griptite - Stone Soul Christmas   My song pick 5 years ago today: Bachman & Turner - Find Some Love My song pick 6 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Another Harry's Bar My song pick 7 years ago today:...

From: Jazz to the World ; Year: 1995; Genre: Christmas Music/Jazz/Blues There are so many great genres that compliment the Holidays, but jazz in its many, many forms has to be towards the top with some of the best renditions. This is, of course, Dr. John's bluesy jazz interpretation of the traditional 19th Century French hymn, which he pulls off marvelously with his signature gruff and gravely vocals.   Hear  Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Louis Armstrong with Velma Middleton - Baby It's Cold Outside   My song pick 2 years ago today: Primus - Hail Santa   My song pick 3 years ago today: Soundgarden - Head Down   My song pick 4 years ago today: Dave Edmunds - Almost Saturday Night   My song pick 5 years ago today: Paul Revere & The Raiders - Just Like Me My song pick 6 years ago today: Soundgarden - Burden in My Hand My song pick 7 years ago today: Wild Turkey - Good Old Days My s...

From: Rocky Mountain Christmas ; Year: 1975; Genre: Christmas Music/Folk/Country   John Denver's idealistic, heartfelt, and honest style and music have always been a perfect fit for this time of year. I have said it prior, but I do admit that I am more than a bit biased in favour of him and the songs he performed. Even so, I think we can all acknowledge his contributions to all of his endeavours. Anyway, this song and album comes from one of the top crests of his catalogue, and thus is very familiar to even casual fans who only know his greatest hits.   Hear Christmas for Cowboys on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Bob Rivers - White Trash Christmas   My song pick 2 years ago today: Ben Keith, Neil Young, Pegi Young - Les Trois Cloches   My song pick 3 years ago today: Primus - The Thing That Should Not Be   My song pick 4 years ago today: Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Christmas in Blue   My song pick 5 years ago today: Elec...

From: Claymation Christmas Celebration (soundtrack); Year: 1987; Genre: Christmas Music/Gospel/Soul/Jazz Speaking of the popular Christmas hymn Joy to the World , this rendition is my favourite that I have had the privilege to hear thus far. Despite all of my attempts to find out who performed the music on this and all of the other songs for that matter, I still do not know, but they deserve credit; everyone of them. Ever since I first saw the special premier back in 1987 I was mesmerized by both the energizing and extremely uplifting singing/music as well as the brilliant animated art that went along with it. In my opinion this is exactly the way such hymns need to be done; it should be joyous!   Watch the musical performance from the special on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: The (Young) Rascals - How Can I Be Sure   My song pick 2 years ago today: Hot & Sassy - Christmas Strutt   My song pick 3 years ago today: Billy Squier - ...

From: The Original Gene Autry sings Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer ; Year: 1962; Genre: Christmas Music Well, it's Christmas cookie decorating day! Since I can remember we have always played this record whilst frosting Christmas cookies; it's kind of a family tradition I guess. It is amazing to think that I have been at this song-a-day blog for over 16 years and have not chosen something from Gene Autry, Holiday or otherwise.    Hear Joy to the World on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Rufus Thomas - I'll Be Your Santa Baby   My song pick 2 years ago today: David Bowie & Bing Crosby - Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy   My song pick 3 years ago today: Uriah Heep - Take Away My Soul   My song pick 4 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Salamander's Rag Time   My song pick 5 years ago today: Gloryhammer - Universe on Fire My song pick 6 years ago today: Bon Jovi - Lay Your Hands on Me My song pick 7 years ago today: Jame...

From: James Brown And His Famous Flames Sing Christmas Songs ; Year: 1966; Genre: Blues/Soul/Funk/Christmas Music One of my go-tos this time of year that gets me in a great Holiday mood is James Brown from his two Seasonal albums. This is a rather bluesy rendition of the more contemporary Christmas classic that encapsulates all the best parts of "The Godfather of Soul's" great sound and style that we all love.   Hear Merry Christmas Baby on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Styx - Just Get Through This Night   My song pick 2 years ago today: Stevie Wonder - Someday At Christmas   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Moody Blues - Have You Heard (Part 1)/Voyage/Have You Heard (Part 2)   My song pick 4 years ago today: Fleetwood Mac - Dust   My song pick 5 years ago today: Savatage - Not What You See My song pick 6 years ago today: Winger - Without the Night My song pick 7 years ago today: Eurythmics - Winter Wonderland My ...

From: Set ; Year: 1982; Genre: New Wave/Synthpop Was drawing a blank today, but off and on for the last little bit I've had some of Thompson Twins' music on my mind, so I am going with that. Apparently there exists three versions of In the Name of Love , but I was only aware of the album cut until now. An extended 12 inch version was made at the time of the initial release, and in 1988 they remixed and released a lengthier version; I have to say, I am still a fan of the original over that remix.   Hear In the Name of Love on YouTube. Hear the extended version of In the Name of Love on YouTube. Hear the '88 remix on YouTube.           My song pick 1 year ago today: David Bowie - Fill Your Heart   My song pick 2 years ago today: Bob Rivers - Sled Zeppelin   My song pick 3 years ago today: Bob Rivers Comedy Corp. - The Restroom Door Said, "Gentlemen"   My song pick 4 years ago today: King Crimson - Starless and Bible Black   My song pick...