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

From: Seven Separate Fools ; Year: 1972; Genre: Soft Rock It is the final pick of April, and I have to remark that this one really drag by; most of the time months seem to zoom by, but not this one. Anyway, this cover of the song originally written and recorded by Dave Loggins just seemed like an absolutely splendid pick. Pieces of April is rather unique as well as apparently only vocalist Chuck Negron sang on it with the other two lead singers absent, apparently making it one of only two hit singles by Three Dog Night to feature only a single singer.    Hear Pieces of April on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Alice in Chains - Hate to Feel   My song pick 2 years ago today: Midnight Oil - Sell My Soul   My song pick 3 years ago today: Ohio Players - Love Rollercoaster   My song pick 4 years ago today: Fairport Convention - Expletive Delighted   My song pick 5 years ago today: The Hollies - On a Carousel My song pick 6 years ...

From: Mistaken Identity ; Year: 1981; Genre: New Wave/Rock This song came on my playlist today whilst driving; I enjoyed it thoroughly to the point I had to start it over after listening to it once. Kim Carnes' Bette Davis Eyes is one of those song that would be a mere shadow of itself if you added or took something away. Some are most likely not aware that this was a cover originally written by Donna Weiss and Jackie DeShannon and recorded by the latter back in 1974, but it didn't gain much traction. I have to say, the completely radical approach to the song, which really does not share much in the way of arrangement or structure to the original, was a stroke of genius. It's very cool to know that Hollywood legend Bette Davis was elated by the mega hit song making her relevant to a new generation and apparently making her "cool" to her grandson. Definitely this is one of those songs that is as immortal as the person it was written about.   Hear Bette Davis Eyes ...

From: One ; Year: 1974; Genre: Jazz Fusion Here's a noted musician and composer that you have probably heard quite a bit, especially if you've listened to rap/hip-hop or are a jazz aficionado. In fact it is highly improbable that you have not heard something from him unless you're a person living past the edge of civilization for the last 70 years or so. Nautilus in particular has been sampled a multitude of time by artists in hip-hop and related genres. This is definitely a great groove to zone out listening to; his work on the keys is definitely something to behold.   Hear Nautilus on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: War - War Drums   My song pick 2 years ago today: Sam & Dave - You Don't Know Like I Know   My song pick 3 years ago today: Black 47 - Livin' in America   My song pick 4 years ago today: Lenny LeBlanc - Dance Around the Campfire   My song pick 5 years ago today: Georges Bizet - Carmen Overture My song pick 6 ...

From: Among the Stars ; Year: 1994; Genre: Psychedelic Rock/Progressive Rock Last night I learned of the passing of original keyboardist/mellotronist/vocalist... just about any instrumentalist, etc, Mike Pinder. In the last few years a lot of the 'Moody's have been passing; of "the core," I believe, Justin Heyward, John Lodge, and Patrick Moraz are the only surviving members. He played with the Moody Blues from their inception through to their 1978 Octave record and was subsequently replaced by Patrick Moraz. Anyway, Mike Pinder released a few solo albums, including this one back in the mid 1990s, which this is the title-track. Whilst I absolutely love his material and work with the Moody Blues, Among the Stars I thought would be a very apropos track to mark his passing.   Hear Among the Stars on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: War - All Day Music   My song pick 2 years ago today: Earth, Wind & Fire - Side By Side   My song pick 3 yea...

From: GRIS-gris ; Year: 1968; Genre: Jazz Fusion/Funk/Psychedelic Rock I couldn't help but pick something from the late-great Dr. John today, so I thought I would go back to his debut album. The awesome blend of jazzy musical styles throughout this track are the main draw for me without a doubt. Him and his band really knew how to lay it down, but wot do you expect from a group of highly proficient musicians steeped in the musical melting pot that is New Orleans?   Hear Mama Roux on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Accept - Bulletproof   My song pick 2 years ago today: Mel McDaniel - Bordertown Woman   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Main Ingredient - You've Got To Take It (If You Want It)   My song pick 4 years ago today: Soundgarden - Heretic   My song pick 5 years ago today: Black 47 - Hard Times My song pick 6 years ago today: Rainbow - Stone Cold My song pick 7 years ago today: For Squirrels - Disenchanted My song pi...

From: Last Kiss ; Year: 1973; Genre: Pop/Rock Hear is one of the many covers of this famous Teenage Tragedy/Death song that was a popular sub-genre back in the '50s and '60s. Every now and then the most popular J. Frank Wilson and the Cavaliers' cover will seemingly pop back up into the pop culture when either another band records it, and/or it appears in some movie or television show etc. When the Canadian band Wednesday, (later known as Wenzday), did their version of it was one of the first instances thereof. Theirs made them a pretty big hit in and of itself, but, as stated prior, got the famous version back on the charts as well. It has happened since, most notably when Pearl Jam covered it back in '98/'99.   Hear Last Kiss on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Jigsaw - Prizefighter   My song pick 2 years ago today: Molly Hatchet - Boogie No More   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Hollies - The Air That I Breathe   My song pick 4...

From: Blodsvept ; Year: 2013; Genre: Black Metal/Folk Metal I have not really listened to Finntroll in some time, so I decided that I would. Every now and then their music just seems absolutely perfect; today is one of those times I suppose. From wot I can understand, this one seems to be about cursed people who turn into flesh-eating beasts at night and back to human, (or something of the sort), during the day. As always, their music is truly something to behold, and I am glad to see that they have not lost a step.   Hear Ett folk förbannat on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Earth, Wind & Fire - Dance, Dance, Dance   My song pick 2 years ago today: The Offspring - Bad Habit   My song pick 3 years ago today: Midnight Oil - Antarctica   My song pick 4 years ago today: Steely Dan - Black Cow   My song pick 5 years ago today: The Moody Blues - Stop! My song pick 6 years ago today: The New Riders of the Purple Sage - Panama Red ...

From: Voices Carry ; Year: 1985; Genre: New Wave I often wonder where exactly these songs that I have not heard in ages reside in my brain... must be a quite large and well-hidden area. Anyway, this is one that I heard a lot back in the day and still like it a lot, but haven't heard in a long while. Another 1980s classic that has aged incredibly well and, whilst still having that nostalgia factor, does not sound dated.   Hear Voices Carry on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Kinks - Susannah's Still Alive   My song pick 2 years ago today: Marvin Gaye - Mercy Mercy Me (The Ecology)   My song pick 3 years ago today: Charles Wright & The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band - High As Apple Pie (Slice I and II)   My song pick 4 years ago today: Mr. Bungle - Platypus   My song pick 5 years ago today: Steeleye Span - Sir James the Rose My song pick 6 years ago today: Red Hot Chili Peppers - My Friends My song pick 7 years ago today:...

From: Labour of Love ; Year: 1983; Genre: Reggae There is something that is just comforting for me hearing the music of UB40.    Hear Please Don't Make Me Cry on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Debbie Harry - Chrome   My song pick 2 years ago today: Funkadelic - Maggot Brain   My song pick 3 years ago today: Jim Steinman - Left in the Dark   My song pick 4 years ago today: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - Flat Broke Love   My song pick 5 years ago today: 4 Non Blondes - Spaceman My song pick 6 years ago today: Black 47 - I Got Laid On James Joyce's Grave My song pick 7 years ago today: Queen - Keep Yourself Alive My song pick 8 years ago today: Brass Construction - Changin' My song pick 9 years ago today: Stealers Wheel - Right or Wrong My song pick 10 years ago today: Rush - Before and After My song pick 11 years ago today: Stratovarius - Atlantis My song pick 12 years ago today: Alestorm - Pirate Song My so...

From: Happy Families ; Year: 1982; Genre: Synthpop/New Wave Had this record on my mind once again, you know the rest.... Kind of a neat bluesy synth/new wave track, which was one of their initial hits. Apparently was not on this album in the U.K., but was included on this side of "the pond."   Hear God's Kitchen on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Rick & The Entire World - No No No Momerto   My song pick 2 years ago today: Faith No More - Stripsearch   My song pick 3 years ago today: Depeche Mode - World in my Eyes   My song pick 4 years ago today: The Allman Brothers Band - Firing Line   My song pick 5 years ago today: Gerry Rafferty - Island My song pick 6 years ago today: White Zombie - Black Sunshine My song pick 7 years ago today: The Headhunters - Actual Proof My song pick 8 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Old Ghosts My song pick 9 years ago today: Rush - The Wreckers My song pick 10 years ago today: Ian Anderso...

From: Highway Call ; Year: 1974; Genre: Country/Rock Again, wow, I cannot believe that another one of my main musical heroes passed away. Sure, the man was 80 years old and his health fading, but for some reason personally I never thought of him dying.... I guess this only leaves legendary drummer/percussionist extraordinaire "Jaimoe" Jai Johanny Johanson as the only living original member of the Allman Brothers Band; I know the band has been over for about a decade now, but still it is quite something. Whilst the Allman Brothers are amongst my top five favourite musical acts, I thought I would delve into Dickey Betts' solo catalogue for this pick. This is, of course, the title-track of his debut album, which was released just after the Allman Brothers classic Brothers and Sisters , which was at the time just after Duane Allman's tragic death as well as Barry Oakley's, so there was a lot of sadness and upset in the band. Anyway, it's very interesting on this t...

From: Stop and Smell the Roses ; Year: 1974; Genre: Funk/Country/Blues Something quite different for this Funky Friday . Here's a country-funk gem from the extremely prolific songwriter and performer Mac Davis; even though this is the first song that I have chosen by him, I can guarantee I have chose some that he wrote. Boy, he does get right to the point and cuts deep in this commentary about the titular Lucas in a bluesy country funk style that I wouldn't be surprised to hear Primus do a cover of.   Hear Lucas Was a Redneck on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Carmen - People Dressed in Black   My song pick 2 years ago today: Boston - We're Ready   My song pick 3 years ago today: Alestorm - Treasure Island   My song pick 4 years ago today: The Human League - Do or Die   My song pick 5 years ago today: Humble Pie - Get Down To It My song pick 6 years ago today: King Crimson - Exiles My song pick 7 years ago today: Soundgarden -...

From: Cooleyhighharmony ; Year: 1992; Genre: Doo-Wop/R&B I don't know how someone could listen to this cover of the classic doo-wop mainstay originally recorded by The Five Satins and not have a smile on your face or at least a feeling of content. It has been interesting revisiting Cooleyhighharmony and realizing just how many memories from my early to mid teens that are tied to Boyz II Men's earlier work. Anyway, it was originally recorded as part of the soundtrack to the miniseries The Jacksons: An American Dream and became an instant giant hit. Whilst it did not originally make it on their debut record, it was included on subsequent releases and is among the band's top songs.   Hear In the Still of the Night (I'll Remember) on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Jimi Hendrix Experience - One Rainy Wish   My song pick 2 years ago today: April Wine - Cat's Claw   My song pick 3 years ago today: Alphaville - Big In Japan   My son...

From: Master of the Hawaiian Guitar, Volume Two ; Year: 1987 (1938); Genre: Swing Jazz/Hit Parade/Hawaiian Every time I hear this master of music, I am in awe; his music just for some reason doesn't sound dated to me personally, even though much of his music is over 75 years old. Anyway, this is his very unique take on the George Gershwin classic, (even though it wasn't that old of a song at the time he recorded it), and as I said, it has aged incredibly well. Also, back in 2012 Sol Ho'opi'i's recording was made part of the Library of Congress' National Recording Registry list.   Hear Fascinating Rhythm on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Kenny Rogers & the First Edition - Something's Burning   My song pick 2 years ago today: Queen - I Can't Live With You   My song pick 3 years ago today: Deep Purple - Throw My Bones   My song pick 4 years ago today: Foghat - Night Shift My song pick 5 years ago today: Rammstein - Los My song pick...

From: Quartet ; Year: 1982; Genre: New Wave Whilst taking a couple of minutes to really "get going," I actually love that long build and how it comes back down; it adds a lot to the song's dynamics.   Hear Visions in Blue on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Miami Sound Machine - Bad Boy   My song pick 2 years ago today: The Northern Pikes - She Ain't Pretty   My song pick 3 years ago today: Parliament - Wizard of Finance   My song pick 4 years ago today: ABBA - Super Trouper   My song pick 5 years ago today: Pallas - Ghost My song pick 6 years ago today: UB40 - Here I Am (Come and Take Me) My song pick 7 years ago today: The Charlie Daniels Band - Long Haired Country Boy My song pick 8 years ago today: Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) - Lodi My song pick 9 years ago today: Lynyrd Skynyrd - All I Can Do Is Write About It My song pick 10 years ago today: Frank Zappa - Montana My song pick 11 years ago today: Boston - Don...

From: The Body, The Blood, The Machine ; Year: 2006; Genre: Indie Rock I've kept coming back to the somewhat prophetic concept album as of late; this is one of the darker tracks amongst a lot of darkness on it. However, I've always found The Thermals' music quite odd in that if you don't really focus too much on the lyrics they come off as just some really good upbeat songs. Very interesting is that I was first introduced to them and this album through the soundtrack of an NHL 2K video game over 15 years ago and have liked the band since having it play whilst engaged in a hockey fight.   Hear An Ear For Baby on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Hawkwind - Jack of Shadows   My song pick 2 years ago today: George Clinton - Maximumisness   My song pick 3 years ago today: Bruce Hornsby & The Range - Look Out Any Window   My song pick 4 years ago today: Marillion - This Strange Engine   My song pick 5 years ago today: 10cc - Good Mor...

From: Beautiful Sunday ; Year: 1972; Genre: Pop/Rock It's one of the first really warm days of the year thus far and I thought that I'd choose an appropriate song as well. This is one that I have not heard in ages, but is some fun early '70s pop to enjoy spring getting underway to.   Hear Beautiful Sunday on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Jimmy Castor Bunch - Hallucinations   My song pick 2 years ago today: The Kinks - Sleepwalker   My song pick 3 years ago today: Carmen - The Horseman   My song pick 4 years ago today: Daniel Lanois - That's The Way It Is   My song pick 5 years ago today: Raspberries - Go All The Way My song pick 6 years ago today: The Thermals - Test Pattern My song pick 7 years ago today: Kool & The Gang - Jungle Boogie My song pick 8 years ago today: The Beatles - For You Blue My song pick 9 years ago today: Boston - I Had a Good Time My song pick 10 years ago today: Sky - FIFO (suite) My s...

From: Alive 'N Kickin' ; Year: 1970; Genre: Pop/Rock One I have not heard in some time, but it was on my brain a bit recently, so I am picking it today. Apparently, Alive 'N Kickin' is categorized as a "one hit wonder," with this being that hit, which is apt. While they did not have much success afterward, they have been together for the most part since the late '70s and also had a second studio album released in 1980.   Hear Tighter, Tighter on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Sweet - Call Me   My song pick 2 years ago today: Lou Rawls - Groovy People   My song pick 3 years ago today: Marillion - Dry Land   My song pick 4 years ago today: Ray Davies - The Getaway   My song pick 5 years ago today: Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) - Keep On Chooglin' My song pick 6 years ago today: The Jimmy Castor Bunch - Luther the Anthropoid (Ape Man) My song pick 7 years ago today: Pallas - Falling Down My song pick 8 years ago today: G...

From: Join Me and Let's Be Free ; Year: 1975; Genre: Soul/Funk Been ridiculously busy the last couple of days, but one constant is that Wilson Pickett has kept popping up on my playlist. So, nothing better than some of his funky soul and signature scream/wail to close this workweek out.   Hear Smokin' in the United Nations on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Jim Croce - Speedball Tucker   My song pick 2 years ago today: Steely Dan - Pretzel Logic   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Beatles - And Your Bird Can Sing   My song pick 4 years ago today: King Crimson - Industry   My song pick 5 years ago today: Parliament - (Gloryhallastoopid) Pin The Tail On The Funky My song pick 6 years ago today: Marillion - That Time of the Night (The Short Straw) My song pick 7 years ago today: The J. Geils Band - Love Stinks My song pick 8 years ago today: Savatage - Of Rage and War My song pick 9 years ago today: Frank Black - Headache ...