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

From: Rage Against the Machine ; Year: 1992; Genre: Funk Metal/Rap Metal Perfect song to get the blood and endorphins moving to bring not only the workweek to a conclusion, but also the month. Dang, that is one killer groove from beginning to end; a perfect platform for Zach de la Rocha to belt it out over the top; amazing work.   Hear Bullet in the Head on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Santana - Eternal Caravan of Reincarnation   My song pick 2 years ago today: Weather Report - River People   My song pick 3 years ago today: Audioslave - Until We Fall   My song pick 4 years ago today: Gloryhammer - Power of the Laser Dragon Fire   My song pick 5 years ago today: Ian Anderson - Cold Dead Reckoning (2044)   My song pick 6 years ago today: Molly Hatchet - Good Rockin' My song pick 7 years ago today: Carmen - Bullfight My song pick 8 years ago today: The Outfield - Say It Isn't So My song pick 9 years ago today: Qu...

From: Johnny Winter And ; Year: 1970; Genre: Blues Rock Been really enjoying this album for the last few days; once more thought I would pick one from it. It is kind of interesting knowing that the backing band who where the "And" in the title of the record are essentially wot was left of the band The McCoys of Hang on Sloopy fame. Consisting of Rick Derringer on guitars and backing vocals and his brother Randy Z on drums, joined by Randy Jo Hobbs on Bass and vocals. Initially the album was to be known as " Johnny Winter and the McCoys ," however, the band was dogged by the "bubblegum pop" label, which they wanted to get rid of, shifting towards a more mature, serious sound in later albums, but were not successful. Winter's management too was concerned about him as a serious blues rock musician getting stuck with that label as well, so they dropped the McCoys name from the title. As far as I am aware they never went back to it other than reunion show...

From: Diesel and Dust ; Year: 1987; Genre: Alternative Rock Felt like choosing another one from my favourite Aussie band: Midnight Oil. This one gets its title from the ancient religious/musical device used by the indigenous peoples of Australia that makes a long-distance, very distinctive sound, which has also been used in some pop culture sources over the years. Although at the beginning of Bullroarer you hear a similar sound of it, the band used a facsimile as to not cause insult. Anyway, this one has that amazing sound from the band at its peak, I especially adore the super clean guitars with only vibrato and reverb that sounds similar to wot you hear with surf rock; just makes the great guitar playing all the more evident and in the open so to speak.   Hear Bullroarer on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: R.E.M. - Drive   My song pick 2 years ago today: Spacehog - Carry On   My song pick 3 years ago today: Robin Trower - Bluebird ...

From: Jim & Ingrid Croce ; Year: 1969; Genre: Folk I believe that Big Wheel was one of the autobiographical songs Jim Croce penned about when he drove trucks long distances with a time crunch to make ends meet for his small family. Basically, this was how he made money after signing a very bad recording contract that left him essentially penniless. I have always marveled at how he was able to express himself and his experiences so flawlessly; that is something that I could never do, thus I admire that talent even more. Interestingly enough, at least for me personally, this song seems a lot "bigger" sounding than it actually is with scant percussion and bass, Jim and his guitar and a banjo and mandolin with backing vocals, just so well played, recorded, mixed and produced. Although, I suspect it was just raw and unabated talent with all who were part of it.    Hear Big Wheel on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Nick Gilder - 21st Century  ...

From: Learning to Crawl ; Year: 1984; Genre: Alternative Rock I've always loved this track, even with the downtrodden subject matter, it is performed in such a bluesy manner that it doesn't come off as depressing. And of course her vocals and that awesome bass line, that is more or less the centerpiece of the song, just makes it the cool song that it is.   Hear My City Was Gone on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Rick Derringer - Rock and Roll, Hoochie Koo   My song pick 2 years ago today: The Noteables - Funky Frog   My song pick 3 years ago today: Lynyrd Skynyrd - Gimme Three Steps   My song pick 4 years ago today: Soundgarden - Superunknown   My song pick 5 years ago today: Tesla - Afterlife   My song pick 6 years ago today: Tom Rapp - Stardancer My song pick 7 years ago today: The Police - Mother My song pick 8 years ago today: Luther - Don't Wanna Be a Fool My song pick 9 years ago today: Bob Dylan - Subterranean H...

From: Ghost Stories ; Year: 2024; Genre: Rock/Rock 'n Roll As for these most recent releases from some of my top favourite artists, it's not that I just automatically "love" their material regardless. It is more along the lines of music that when it starts playing I don't seek to end the cacophony and non-concurrence as I do with much of wot has been released in recent years. Not that this music is bad or even mediocre, it's just not their best work, and not their worst either if you follow my logic here. Personally through, I absolutely love hearing new material from them and appreciate that they are still writing artistically.   Hear Cherry on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Earth, Wind & Fire - Rock That!   My song pick 2 years ago today: UB40 - Red Red Wine   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band - Do Your Thing   My song pick 4 years ago today: Steve Miller Band - Fandango   My song pick 5 yea...

From: Curious Ruminant ; Year: 2025; Genre: Progressive Rock A new 'Tull single just released a few days ago, of course I had to give it a listen and obviously cannot wait until the full record is released on the 7th of March. Upon first impression I was reminded a lot of their early-mid 1970s heavy prog sound, which then transitioned to/melded stylistically with wot reminded me of the mid 1990s "world music" era. Somewhere in the middle I could hear blending those sounds into their late 1980s hard rock as well. From what Ian Anderson said of the track, it is autobiographical of the thirst for knowledge from books he consumes, especially in more recent times. Whatever the case, I always welcome new music from one of my favourite bands/writers, even if I do not like it as well as their classic material. I might not play it as much those songs, but at least he and the band are still making the music that speaks to me and can tell they are still creating something for the cr...

From: Do It/Dark Side of Town (single); Year: 1973; Genre: Funk/Soul This is a rather deep cut from another band that I know very little/nothing about, just love that high energy funky soul sound.   Hear Do It on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Camel - Flight of the Snow Goose   My song pick 2 years ago today: The Ramblers - Just for Chicks   My song pick 3 years ago today: Amon Amarth - Raven's Flight   My song pick 4 years ago today: Duran Duran - Come Undone   My song pick 5 years ago today: George Clinton - Computer Games   My song pick 6 years ago today: Blue Öyster Cult - Shadow Warrior My song pick 7 years ago today: Hugh Masekela - Grazing in the Grass My song pick 8 years ago today: Scorpions - Send Me an Angel My song pick 9 years ago today: R.E.O. Speedwagon - Ridin' The Storm Out My song pick 10 years ago today: The Rolling Stones - Brown Sugar My song pick 11 years ago today: The O'Jays - Give the Peop...

From: Fame: The Original Soundtrack from the Motion Picture ; Year: 1980; Genre: Pop Surprised once more that I had not yet chosen a song. Fame , both the film and theme song, have seemingly always been in the pop culture in some manner ever since it was released. For me it was one of those songs I grew up with and has elements from the waning years of disco as well as heavy to the gospel sound with the overall full chorus backing up Irene Cara as well as the call-and-response technique that works so well.   Hear Fame on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Harlequin - I Did it for Love   My song pick 2 years ago today: Primus - Erin on the Side of Caution   My song pick 3 years ago today: Blue Öyster Cult - Florida Man   My song pick 4 years ago today: The Moody Blues - Voices in the Sky   My song pick 5 years ago today: The Kinks - Lola   My song pick 6 years ago today: Fleet Foxes - Grown Ocean My song pick 7 years ago today: ...

From: Eve ; Year: 1979; Genre: Progressive Rock/Symphonic Rock/New Wave This is the opening track that is an instrumental and, I guess, you could call an "overture" to begin the record. I just love that big almost orchestral sound, albeit with modern synth and rock band ensemble.   Hear Lucifer on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Midnight Oil - At the Time of Writing   My song pick 2 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Ginnungagap   My song pick 3 years ago today: Meat Loaf - I'd Lie For You (And That's The Truth)   My song pick 4 years ago today: Bernard Wright - Firebolt Hustle   My song pick 5 years ago today: Asia - Eye to Eye   My song pick 6 years ago today: Grand Funk Railroad - We're An American Band My song pick 7 years ago today: Argent - It's Only Money (Parts 1 + 2) My song pick 8 years ago today: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - Woncha Take Me for a While My song pick 9 years ago today: Bass Extremes - Bassically...

From: Knights of the Sound Table ; Year: 1981; Genre: Soul/R&B/Funk Have had Cameo on the brain a lot lately; just some excellent music from some truly talented musicians. Whilst this track has less of their funky sound from their popular tracks of the time, it is just a great song to sit back and listen to, especially with a good set of headphones on. I really need to get more of their albums on record; that warmth would add even more, especially with this tune.   Hear Use It Or Lose It on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Wishbone Ash - Living Proof   My song pick 2 years ago today: Crosby, Stills & Nash - Guinnevere   My song pick 3 years ago today: Yellow No 5 - Everything Cherries   My song pick 4 years ago today: Pallas - Blood and Roses   My song pick 5 years ago today: Faith No More - Zombie Eaters   My song pick 6 years ago today: The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby My song pick 7 years ago today: The Who - The Song ...

From: King Animal ; Year: 2012; Genre: Alternative Metal Been insanely busy lately and haven't been getting as much or maybe too much sleep as it were... so anyway, here's a short-but-sweet blazing track from Soundgarden's final album. I just wish they'd come out with some unreleased material that sat in a dusty shelf, I doubt it'll happen at this point, but I can dream....    Hear Attrition on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Maria Muldaur - Midnight at the Oasis   My song pick 2 years ago today: Parliament - Prelude/Gamin' On Ya   My song pick 3 years ago today: Ram Jam - Black Betty   My song pick 4 years ago today: Jigsaw - Wildfire   My song pick 5 years ago today: Simon & Garfunkel - El Cóndor Pasa (If I Could)   My song pick 6 years ago today: IQ - Awake and Nervous My song pick 7 years ago today: Nirvana - Polly My song pick 8 years ago today: Maktub - Lies My song pick 9 years ago today: Al Stewart - Ye...

From: U.K. ; Year: 1977; Genre: Progressive Rock/Jazz Fusion/Symphonic Rock U.K. is one of those bands that I really should listen to more often, but do not understand why I don't that often. Essentially they are a supergroup consisting of members from some of the big names in prog rock of the time. This one has all the hallmarks of King Crimson blended in a heavy jazz fusion sound along with an amazing guitar solo to boot.   Hear Thirty Years on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: James Brown - Lowdown Popcorn   My song pick 2 years ago today: Joan Baez - Rejoice in the Sun   My song pick 3 years ago today: Uriah Heep - Hold Your Head Up   My song pick 4 years ago today: Alice in Chains - Rain When I Die   My song pick 5 years ago today: Return to Forever - Spain   My song pick 6 years ago today: Asia - The Last to Know My song pick 7 years ago today: Pink Floyd - Childhood's End My song pick 8 years ago today: Queensrÿche ...

From: Stained Class ; Year: 1978; Genre: Metal Was enjoying some Judas Priest last night whilst driving home, you can probably guess the rest. This track is a Spooky Tooth cover that became more infamous from people worrying about hidden messages in metal music than any aspect in and of itself. Ah yes, the whole "Satanic Panic," PMRC, and the ilk; people pushing their ideologies seemingly pop up at least once every generation. Kind of funny if you think about it, but if they were supposedly worrying about subliminal messages, they'd be focusing on advertising, but I digress. Anyway, I really love what they did with it all around; really made the song all theirs more or less.    Hear Better Than You, Better Than Me on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Led Zeppelin - Carouselambra   My song pick 2 years ago today: Dave Loggins - Please Come to Boston   My song pick 3 years ago today: Bon Jovi - All I Want Is Everything   My song pick ...

From: Word Up! ; Year: 1986; Genre: Funk Was in the mood for some '80s funk on this Friday; Cameo, as they always do, fit the bill and then some. I really love how the vocals were arranged, especially how they both compliment and contrast to Larry Blackmon's distinguished voice. It's quite an interesting and technical piece if you listen past that excellent beat; the sax and guitar solos are just the perfect topping so to speak.   Hear Candy on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Iron Maiden - The Clairvoyant   My song pick 2 years ago today: Ozric Tentacles - Butterfly Garden   My song pick 3 years ago today: Billy Joel - Leningrad   My song pick 4 years ago today: Hot Butter - Popcorn   My song pick 5 years ago today: Parliament - Agony of Defeet   My song pick 6 years ago today: Dream Theater - Untethered Angel My song pick 7 years ago today: Oasis - Supersonic My song pick 8 years ago today: U2 - A Sort of Homecoming My...

From: The Visitors ; Year: 1981; Genre: Rock/Pop It's just interesting how a song can affect you differently at certian times throughout your life... this is one of such. Ever since becoming a father, especially the older my child gets, this one in particular will have me bawling in tears by the first chorus, which is, I suppose not a good thing when behind the wheel of your car or in mixed company. Whilst not a true sad song, it's just one that hits you hard knowing that your time with your child is very finite.   Hear Slipping Through My Fingers on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Temptations - I Truly, Truly Believe   My song pick 2 years ago today: Neil Diamond - Dry Your Eyes   My song pick 3 years ago today: Jethro Tull - The Zealot Gene   My song pick 4 years ago today: Dick Dale and his Del-Tones - Mr. Eliminator   My song pick 5 years ago today: Jane's Addiction - Just Because   My song pick 6 years ago today: Jou...

From: Good News From the Next World ; Year: 1995; Genre: Alternative Rock Had them on my mind for a good portion of the day; thought I would choose one off of this record, which is not one I've been acquainted with prior.    Hear And the Band Played On on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Smokey Robinson and the Miracles - Abraham, Martin & John   My song pick 2 years ago today: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - Hold Back the Water   My song pick 3 years ago today: Golden Earring - Long Blond Animal   My song pick 4 years ago today: Lakeside - Strung Out   My song pick 5 years ago today: Steeleye Span - Long-a-Growing   My song pick 6 years ago today: Neil Young - Old Man My song pick 7 years ago today: Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) - Ma-Ma-Ma Belle My song pick 8 years ago today: Bon Jovi - Hey God My song pick 9 years ago today: Parliament - Let's Play House My song pick 10 years ago today: Rare Earth - Warm...

From: Bedlam Born ; Year: 2000; Genre: Hard Rock/Folk Rock I say, if someone just started to play this song and entire album for that matter, it would take me a bit to guess it was Steeleye Span's. Not entirely far from how they have sounded on some previous and subsequent recordings, at times on this one they sound more garage rock that British folk rock. The backing vocals and fiddle solo are the only main giveaways for me personally. Whilst apparently having a spate of records that core fans did not approve of, I actually like hearing the band expanding and experimenting.   Hear Well Done Liar! on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Marvelettes - The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game   My song pick 2 years ago today: The Cult - Spiritwalker   My song pick 3 years ago today: Boyz II Men - Motownphilly   My song pick 4 years ago today: Yes - Then   My song pick 5 years ago today: Brave Belt - Goodbye, Soul Shy   My song pick 6...

From: 6:66 Satans Child ; Year: 1999; Genre: Hard Rock/Blues Rock/Metal Saw that it is the 13th day of the month and a Monday too, so I had to make another " Monday the 13th " pick! It could be argued that this is not a cover or that it is a cover. Being that it was written by Glenn Danzig, but for Johnny Cash, which he recorded about 6 years prior for his epic American Recordings album back in 1994. Anyway, I'll go ahead and say that this is a cover, which I really like; it almost makes me feel like I'm listening to a song performed by The Doors in their classic lineup, but if they went heavy hard rock or metal.   Hear Thirteen on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: R.E.M. - Losing My Religion   My song pick 2 years ago today: Midnight Express - Danger Zone   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Ronettes - I Can Hear Music   My song pick 4 years ago today: The Allman Brothers Band - Wasted Words   My song pick 5 years ago today: Ru...