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

From: Bad to the Bone ; Year: 1982; Genre: Blues Rock Had a few other songs in mind as a possible pick today, but just kept having George Thorogood and the Destroyers' music on my mind; again, took it as a sign I should choose something from them. It used to be hard for me to seek out and listen to this band, mostly due to the sheer overplay they used to, and probably still, receive on radio airplay. Bad to the Bone had to be one of that frankly got played into the ground. Lately though, since I kind of quit listening to the radio, enough time has passed that I can enjoy it when I do hear them it's actually quite enjoyable.   Watch the music video on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: John Denver - The Game Is Over     My song pick 2 years ago today: Uriah Heep - Rainbow Demon     My song pick 3 years ago today: Counting Crows - August And Everything After   My song pick 4 years ago today: 3rd Secret - Last Day of August ...

From: George Thorogood and the Destroyers ; Year: 1977; Genre: Blues Rock Wot the heck, I'm picking the George Thorogood cover after picking the John Lee Hooker version yesterday; seems like a great idea! Yeah. Anyway, as I wrote in my last post, this is a cover of two songs from the legend of a Bluesman: House Rent Boogie and One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer . He used the first song to tell the tale as to why the guy is in the bar drowning his blues in the iconic second piece. I have to say that he and his Destroyers did the songs great and probably turned a lot of new listeners on the original John Lee Hooker tracks; I know it did with me.   Hear One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Shocking Blue - Roll Engine Roll     My song pick 2 years ago today: Pat Benatar - My Clone Sleeps Alone   My song pick 3 years ago today: The B-52's - Love Shack   My song pick 4 years ago today: Bootsy's Ru...

From: The Real Folk Blues ; Year: 1966; Genre: Blues I do not know why, but it just felt like a perfect time for a John Lee Hooker blues; why not this great track. Probably many my age and younger were introduced to this track by George Thorogood and the Destroyers who fused it with another John Lee Hooker tune House Rent Boogie , which preceded it in the medley. Apparently George Thorogood asked him for his bless in doing it and John Lee Hooker was all for it. Anyway, this blues is actually a cover, (depending on whom you ask apparently). The authorship and who recorded it first is not in question, (Rusy Toombs and Amos Milburn), just how much Hooker added to it to make it one of his signature songs. It appears that there are some music historians out there that state that Hooker's version is different enough that it is an original. Frankly I do not really care, I just enjoy listening to it; whoever it is performing it.   Hear One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer on YouTube.   ...

From: Tony Joe ; Year: 1970; Genre: Country Funk/Blues Something a little different for this Funky Friday; some funky country blues crossover. It is just the great kind of weird just how well country/western and funk go together. A lot of people probably see the two musical genres as not related, but since both genres are children of of blues so to speak they have much more in common than not and thus go together like peanut butter and jam. As I've said before blues is one powerful and all-encompassing musical school and can bond together a great deal; and not just music either. Tony Joe White really does well using the whole "jilted lover done wrong" idea by comparing their relationship to that of a black widow spider and her usually soon-to-be-dinner mate. Heck, this track could be played in many mixed settings and eras; even today this one would go over well. Probably the best aspect of this song for me is the overall lower fidelity production; makes his vocals even al...

From: Running Down the Road ; Year: 1969; Genre: Folk Rock/Jazz/Blues Played this record once more yesterday and was again just mesmerized by almost every facet of it; it's just one of those "historic" albums. Stealin' is a blues standard that is kind of nebulous as to its authorship, but has been one that many a wandering troubadour has played it live and in the studio over the last century. This recording of the track also has the distinction as being part of the soundtrack to the 1971 cult classic film Two-Lane Blacktop , which has most likely increased its popularity to some degree. There is a noted Dixieland Jazz feel to Arlo's rendition, which gives it a "singalong" feel; even when you have the record playing you get the compulsion to sing with everyone, even when you're by yourself with headphones on. Arlo Guthrie's music and attitude though is as such; his style is so inclusive to anyone listening. Just join in the chorus and become part ...

From: The Spirit of Hank Williams ; Year: 1961 (1947); Genre: Blues/Folk/Rockabilly I have always liked wot I have heard of Hank Williams, but over the last few years of delving into his music and such, I have developed a much greater respect and admiration for him and his work. In my opinion, looking at the lyrics and mournful melodies that he wrote plus the life he lead and came from, I would say he would not be out of place amongst many of the tortured artists that seemingly come once in a generation; and he even made it past the cursed age of 27, just barely. Writing songs that pierced through the bravado to go right to the heart of the regular "everyman" and expose his soul by saying and emoting hurt, sadness, loneliness, heartbreak and the overall pain of living in the lower-echelon of society. Heck, even the Grand Ole Opry didn't want him, his band, and his "lesser" music on their stage. However, when people heard this new sound they were hooked and his m...

From: Are You Experienced ; Year: 1967; Genre: Blues This amazing, classic blues just happened to dislodge itself from my brain today in time for today's pick; and boy, is this a great one! Whilst not being the normal full-throttle heavy acid rock sound filled with mindblowing virtuosity that some might be used to, this passionate blues is every bit the equal or more than his most noted hit tracks. The guitar playing is as outstanding as it can be, but wot really blows me away every time I hear it is his vocals; for me words cannot express how great his voice is on this one.   Hear Red House on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: The Thermals - St. Rosa and the Swallows     My song pick 2 years ago today: The Hollies - Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress   My song pick 3 years ago today: Dio - Rainbow in the Dark   My song pick 4 years ago today: War - You Got the Power   My song pick 5 years ago today: Nocturnal Rites - New W...

From: Folk Songs of the Hills ; Year:1947; Genre: Folk/Blues I'm not sure how many times this song has been covered, but it's been more than I am willing to count. Sixteen Tons was first recorded by and has always been credited to Merle Travis even though others have claimed authorship apparently. Tennessee Ernie Ford's version is, without a doubt, the de-facto version most would recall, the Merle Travis original that was a blend of Appalachian Folk, Blues, and Jazz is still one of the best.   Hear Sixteen Tons on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Lou Rawls - Season of the Witch     My song pick 2 years ago today: Ultravox - Someone Else's Clothes   My song pick 3 years ago today: Christopher Cross - Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do)   My song pick 4 years ago today: Asia - True Colors   My song pick 5 years ago today: Elton John - Ego My song pick 6 years ago today: George Duke - Funny Funk   My song pick 7 ye...

From: Jerry Reed Rides Again ; Year: 1977; Genre: Blues/Jazz This track with the cute reference to the 1910 book by Gaston Leroux and its subsequent films and musicals, is a shout-out to many of the legends of music that made their way to Nashville's Grand Ole Opry . The Grand Ole Opry has been a live broadcast music/entertainment programme that has been going on for a century now come the 28th of November this year. Kind of interesting how Jerry Reed narrates the song as "the spirit country music" aka, The Nashville Phantom, but the song itself is a mostly a very bluesy jazz with a tinge of classical guitar in the solos, but you get the picture. That was something Jerry Reed excelled at; he could mix and switch between genres and styles and make it work for any song.   Hear The Phantom Of The Opry on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Luther Ingram - (If Loving You Is Wrong) I Don't Want To Be Right     My song pick 2 years ago today: ...

From: You Send Me/Summertime (Single); Year: 1957 ; Genre: Jazz/R&B/Blues Whilst getting ready to log in to pick today's song I just happened to have Sam Cooke on the brain. One of these days I will have to see just how many recordings of this beloved Gershwin classic I have already chosen. This is another of my top favourite recordings of the piece. Though Sam Cooke could probably sing anything and it'd be incredible, he really makes this one his own with that one-of-a-kind voice. A couple of years later in '59 he recorded it again, but this time in his more recognizable Rock 'n Roll/Soul style under the title Summertime (Part 2) . I have to say, I love both of them a lot, but in different ways.   Hear Summertime on YouTube.   Hear Summertime (Part 2) on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Cab Calloway & His Orchestra - Geechy Joe     My song pick 2 years ago today: Stevie Wonder - Maybe Your Baby   My song pick 3 y...

From: Man in Black ; Year: 1971; Genre: Blues/Folk/Country Over the last little bit this iconic track has fit me and the way I have been feeling as of late.      Hear Man in Black on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Larry Graham & Graham Central Station - Do Yah     My song pick 2 years ago today: Paul Williams - We've Only Just Begun   My song pick 3 years ago today: Paul Kantner and Jefferson Starship - Mau Mau (Amerikon)   My song pick 4 years ago today: Pallas - Beat the Drum   My song pick 5 years ago today: Alestorm - Call of the Waves   My song pick 6 years ago today: Foghat - Stone Blue My song pick 7 years ago today: The Platters - The Great Pretender My song pick 8 years ago today: Rhapsody of Fire - Lux Triumphans/Dawn of Victory My song pick 9 years ago today: Blue Cheer - Second Time Around My song pick 10 years ago today: King Crimson - Larks' Tongues in Aspic, Part 2 My song pi...

From: Edgar Winter's White Trash ; Year: 1971; Genre: Blues/Blues Rock/Jazz Rock/R&B And with that we start another month.... Anyway, been meaning to choose another one from the Winter's group of musicians. This jazzy blues rock track just seemed perfect. That horn section combined with Edgar Winter's powerful and soulful vocals are purely amazing.   Hear I Got News for You on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Billie Holiday and Her Orchestra - Them There Eyes     My song pick 2 years ago today: Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Chevrolet   My song pick 3 years ago today: Eddie Rabbitt - 747   My song pick 4 years ago today: B.J. Thomas - Hooked on a Feeling   My song pick 5 years ago today: Tears for Fears - Laid So Low (Tears Roll Down)   My song pick 6 years ago today: Al Di Meola - Passion, Grace & Fire My song pick 7 years ago today: Weezer - Africa My song pick 8 years ago today: Red Rider - Human Race...

From: Powerful Stuff ; Year: 1989; Genre: Blues Rock/Hard Rock Having The Fabulous Thunderbirds' music blaring whilst driving around on a hot afternoon, like the other day, is just a perfect combination. I heard this band a lot back in the late '80s, and this one was among the main ones. This was also the final studio album to feature guitarist Jimmy Vaughan before joining with his brother Stevie Ray Vaughan for an album and then switching to being a solo artist.   Hear Powerful Stuff on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Sniff 'n' The Tears - New Lines on Love   My song pick 2 years ago today: Sky - Tuba Smarties   My song pick 3 years ago today: Focus - Focus 11   My song pick 4 years ago today: Fleet Foxes - Can I Believe You   My song pick 5 years ago today: Pearl Jam - Retrograde   My song pick 6 years ago today: King Crimson - Epitaph My song pick 7 years ago today: Heart - Bad Animals My song pick 8 years ago today: D...

From: Triple Threat ; Year: 1957; Genre: Hard Bop Jazz I think I have said it before, but Hard Bop is by far my favourite Jazz form out there, and Roland Kirk was a true master on the cutting edge. I've had people ask me what exactly is Hard Bop and the easy definition is that it's an evolution of Bebop that emphasizes the melody over all else rather than improvisation you see with many other forms in the "Bop" family. By no means is this at the expense of virtuosity and exhibition of amazing players; it is just very polished and more like, as Rahsaan Roland Kirk stated: "Black Classical Music," which is very apt description. It is technical jazz music that most would sit through and enjoy, hanging on every note played.   Hear Slow Groove on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Sly Stone - His Eye Is on the Sparrow   My song pick 2 years ago today: Roy Eldridge and Benny Carter - Close Your Eyes   My song pick 3 years ago today: Jigsaw - One Wa...

From: Noar 't Café ; Year: 1987; Genre: Blues Rock Had them come on my playlist this morning, which immediately brightened up my mood. They are just one of those bands that has that ability; always find myself cranking the volume and poorly attempt to "sing" along in a language I can only slightly understand. Is not that the definition of having fun? No?   Hear Acht Cilinder Blues on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Thompson Twins - In the Name of Love   My song pick 2 years ago today: David Bowie - Fill Your Heart   My song pick 3 years ago today: Bob Rivers - Sled Zeppelin   My song pick 4 years ago today: Bob Rivers Comedy Corp. - The Restroom Door Said, "Gentlemen"   My song pick 5 years ago today: King Crimson - Starless and Bible Black   My song pick 6 years ago today: Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show - Sylvia's Mother My song pick 7 years ago today: John Denver - Goodbye Again My song pick 8 years ago today: John McCu...

From: Jerry Reed Explores Guitar Country; Year: 1969; Genre: Folk/Blues/Jazz I just love Mr. Jerry Reed's version of this longtime traditional favourite folk gospel hymn that so many have recorded. There is so much truth in this one as well as an exploration of what is good of the human condition and down-trodden spirit of some soul trudging on with a glorious destination. I really like what he did with this one; the emotion he imbues with every note both through his fingers and voice are just astounding. Also, the way he progresses the song from a heavy bluesy folk to a Bossa Nova piece is a work of art exemplified.   Hear Wayfaring Stranger on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Marillion - Torch Song   My song pick 2 years ago today: Rick James - Mr. Policeman   My song pick 3 years ago today: Pendragon - Ghosts   My song pick 4 years ago today: Buffalo Springfield - Rock and Roll Woman   My song pick 5 years ago today: Hall &...

From: What'd I Say ; Year: 1959; Genre: Soul/R&B Here is one of Ray Charles' most legendary hits that not only took him to the stratosphere, but also is one of first tracks to establish the genre that would become soul.  From wot I understand it came out of an improvisational jam to fill out the time left over on a gig and it went over amazingly with both the audience and the band, so they hurried into the studio to cut the track.   Hear What'd I Say on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Romantics - Rock You Up   My song pick 2 years ago today: Yes - Believe Again   My song pick 3 years ago today: Stanley Clarke - If This Bass Could Only Talk   My song pick 4 years ago today: Winery Dogs - Solid Ground   My song pick 5 years ago today: Alestorm - Alestorm   My song pick 6 years ago today: Osiris - War On The Bullshit My song pick 7 years ago today: Triumph - Hard Road My song pick 8 years ago today: AC/DC - Big ...

From: Cab Calloway ; Year: 1956 (1942); Genre: Swing Jazz/Big Band Jazz/Blues Have had this marvelous legend and his band on my mind over the last little bit. Kind of surprised that I have not chosen this one yet being on of his signature pieces. I'm always just wowed every time I put one of his recordings on; I really wish I could've seen him live, but at least I have the recordings and the videos and films he was in.   Hear Geechy Joe on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Stevie Wonder - Maybe Your Baby   My song pick 2 years ago today: David Bowie and the Pat Metheny Group - This Is Not America   My song pick 3 years ago today: Corey Hart - Sunglasses At Night   My song pick 4 years ago today: Chicago - Feelin' Stronger Every Day   My song pick 5 years ago today: Lobo - Pee-Ro Juan Valdez Sam Quixote My song pick 6 years ago today: AC/DC - Are You Ready My song pick 7 years ago today: Bootsy's Rubber Band - Jam Fan (Hot) My ...