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

From: Roots to Branches ; Year: 1995; Genre: Jazz Rock/Progressive Rock Do not know exactly why I am picking this one today; it is literally one of my least favourite songs from 'Tull or any of its members' solo works. I've often wondered how they would put tracks such as this one on a record and leave amazing ones on the cutting room floor that'd only see the light of day many years later on some compilation disc or remastered re-release of it. Who knows wot they were thinking at the time; or perhaps it is me that just does not appreciate some greats arts. This one is definitely listenable, but for me the vocals and the lyrics along with the overproduced quality of the song and the sterile sound of the keyboards all let this one down in the worst way. The highlights for me are Steve Bailey's bass, Martin's guitar work along with Ian's flute solos and how the flute and the guitar play off of one another.   Hear Wounded, Old and Treacherous on YouTube.      ...

From: Bloodrock ; Year: 1970; Genre: Hard Rock/Metal "The clock on the wall says half past nine I pray to God, 'Give me more time!' I hear those steps movin' down the hall As I sit in these hallowed walls!" \m/      \m/     Hear Timepiece on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Gloryhammer - Maleficus Geminus (Colossus Matrix 38B - Ultimate Invocation Of The Binary Thaumaturge)     My song pick 2 years ago today: Gentle Giant - Memories of Old Days     My song pick 3 years ago today: The Winery Dogs - Lorelei   My song pick 4 years ago today: Primus - Conspiranoia   My song pick 5 years ago today: Depeche Mode - New Life My song pick 6 years ago today: Yes - Time and a Word My song pick 7 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Commercial Traveler My song pick 8 years ago today: Jefferson Starship - No Way Out My song pick 9 years ago today: Cybotron - Parameters of Consciousness My song...

From: Truth ; Year: 1968; Genre: Hard Rock/Blues Rock This is the second song that I am aware of that was inspired by the late 1950s novel and film On The Beach ; the other being Dancing With Tears In My Eyes by Ultravox. While being the very dark and heavy subject matter of the omnipresent threat of nuclear holocaust experienced by those who lived Post War into the 1990s, it is quite thought-provoking. It was originally written in the early '60s by singer/songwriter Bonnie Dobson and subsequently covered many times since. I really like the overall arrangement and direction on this cover. All of the music is absolutely great as is Rod Stewart's vocals.   Hear Morning Dew on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Carmen - Sailor Song     My song pick 2 years ago today: The Isley Brothers - Hope You Feel Better Love (Part 1+2)     My song pick 3 years ago today: Gary Wright - Dream Weaver   My song pick 4 years ago today: Glass...

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: Recycler ; Year: 1990; Genre: Blues Rock Yesterday I saw that ZZ Top drummer Frank Beard passed away. Recently I saw that they had to cancel some shows and I wondered if someone was not doing well; sadly, my suspicions ended up being correct. I knew that I should choose another one from the group today. Whilst they are not one of my top favourites, I have always liked their music and enjoy it every time I hear it. Their adherence to the southern blues that you can really dance to and is quite technical to boot really made ZZ Top a relevant act for so many decades to this day.   Hear My Head's in Mississippi on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Blue Öyster Cult - Late Night Street Fight     My song pick 2 years ago today: Hawklords (Hawkwind) - The Age of the Micro Man     My song pick 3 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Sossity; You're a Woman   My song pick 4 years ago today: Roger - Do It Roger   My song pick 5 ...

From: Loggins and Messina ; Year: 1972; Genre: Rock 'n Roll Last few days this one has been jumping around in my mind, so as usual I decided on picking it. There is a certain timeless quality to this track, mostly due it them leaning heavy into the blues aspects of rock 'n roll as well as having simple-but-effective lyrics and a singalong chorus.   Watch a live performance on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Hawkwind - You Know You're Only Dreaming     My song pick 2 years ago today: Marcus Miller - Teen Town     My song pick 3 years ago today: Primus - Jilly's On Smack   My song pick 4 years ago today: Michael Masser - You Don't Ever Have to Be Alone   My song pick 5 years ago today: John Coltrane - Moment's Notice   My song pick 6 years ago today: James & Bobby Purify - I'm Your Puppet   My song pick 7 years ago today: The (Detroit) Spinners - Four Hands In The Fire My song pick 8 years ago today: P...

From: So Long, Bannatyne ; Year: 1971; Genre: Blues Rock Over the years I have really been warming up to the post-Randy Bachman era of The Guess Who, especially the two just after he left. I really think that adding a second guitarist/songwriter in Greg Leskiw and Kurt Winter really added a new dimension to the group, which progressed their sound forward for a time.   Hear Grey Day on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Steppenwolf - Born to be Wild     My song pick 2 years ago today: Ohio Players - Runnin' from the Devil   My song pick 3 years ago today: ZZ Top - Tube Snake Boogie   My song pick 4 years ago today: Olivia Newton-John - Physical   My song pick 5 years ago today: The Undisputed Truth - Smiling Faces Sometimes   My song pick 6 years ago today: Bad Company - Burnin' Sky   My song pick 7 years ago today: Rush - Scars My song pick 8 years ago today: Megadeth - The Threat is Real My song pick 9 years...

From: Idlewild South ; Year: 1970; Genre: Southern Rock/Blues Rock Recently, I read an insightful interview with the only surviving member of this historic band: Jai Johanny Johanson, or Jaimoe . He was one of the two amazing drummers/percussionists, (the other being Butch Trucks ), for the band throughout their most prosperous times and has appeared on the majority of their albums. I have to say that I still to this day love watching those two masters in the live recordings; almost like drumming professors putting on a clinic. Amongst a few neat things and anecdotes I learned was that each member had a tattoo of a psychedelic mushroom as kind of brotherhood bond and that he was proud to have the last one on his leg. It is still difficult for me to acknowledge that so many have passed on; they themselves were and are like monuments to American music. Anyway, I thought that I would revisit one of my favourite records; like most of their artistry, Idlewild South is best played all at on...

From: Undead ; Year: 1968; Genre: Blues Rock/Jazz Rock Found another cover of this favourite of mine; this one comes from the first live album from Ten Years After. It's a very interesting take on the Gershwin classic, which is used as an introduction/overture for drummer Ric Lee's  Shantung Cabbage  drum solo.    Hear Summertime/Shantung Cabbage on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: War - Slowly We Walk Together     My song pick 2 years ago today: Normaal - Val Kapot     My song pick 3 years ago today: Brass Construction - Screwed (Conditions)   My song pick 4 years ago today: Procol Harum - Song for a Dreamer   My song pick 5 years ago today: Emerson, Lake & Palmer - Watching Over You   My song pick 6 years ago today: The Charlie Daniels Band - The Devil Went Down To Georgia   My song pick 7 years ago today: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - Givin' It All Away My song pick 8 years ago t...

From: The Joker ; Year: 1973; Genre: Blues Rock/Funk Rock After having Steve Miller Band's music on my mind I delved  through wot I've already chosen... dang, that is a lot. The Joker is always one of my "go to" of his records and is really that bridge between his more grassroots blues rock and his more mainstream and commercially successful brand. I would have to put Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma as one with aspects of both past and future versions of his sound. Although, that funky beat and amazing bass line is to die for; dance floor approved!   Hear Shu Ba Da Du Ma Ma Ma Ma on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Downtown Trio - Summertime     My song pick 2 years ago today: Bob Welch - Sentimental Lady     My song pick 3 years ago today: Rare Earth - What'd I Say   My song pick 4 years ago today: Jethro Tull - In Brief Visitation   My song pick 5 years ago today: Geddy Lee - Slipping   My song pick 6 years ag...

From: Cease to Begin ; Year: 2007; Genre: Blues Rock/Indie Rock Other than having music from this album on my mind I have no reason for this pick; I like this song and album too, I suppose.     Hear Marry Song on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Edgar Winter's White Trash - I Got News for You     My song pick 2 years ago today: Billie Holiday and Her Orchestra - Them There Eyes     My song pick 3 years ago today: Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Chevrolet   My song pick 4 years ago today: Eddie Rabbitt - 747   My song pick 5 years ago today: B.J. Thomas - Hooked on a Feeling   My song pick 6 years ago today: Tears for Fears - Laid So Low (Tears Roll Down)   My song pick 7 years ago today: Al Di Meola - Passion, Grace & Fire My song pick 8 years ago today: Weezer - Africa My song pick 9 years ago today: Red Rider - Human Race My song pick 10 years ago today: Lighthouse - One Fine Morning ...

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 Winery Dogs ; Year: 2012; Genre: Blues Rock I really hope these great musicians make some new material; I am aware that each of them have many projects and/or primary bands they are in, but I absolutely love them in this trio. Anyway, this is the final track on their debut album, which is a gorgeous bluesy ballad that shows that they can play mellower and still be the virtuosos that they are.   Hear Regret on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: George Clinton - Pleasures Of Exhaustion (Do It Till I Drop)     My song pick 2 years ago today: Richie Kotzen - Dream of a New Day   My song pick 3 years ago today: Gordon Lightfoot - Rainy Day People   My song pick 4 years ago today: The Thermals - I Might Need You To Kill   My song pick 5 years ago today: IQ - Passing Strangers   My song pick 6 years ago today: Melissa Manchester - Don't Cry Out Loud   My song pick 7 years ago today: Lighthouse - Magic's in th...

From: Get Ready ; Year: 1969; Genre: Blues Rock Kind of felt like going for one of Rare Earth's extended tracks, of which I have already picked a lot. This is, of course, the modern classic standard originally written by John D. Loudermilk and has been covered and recorded many times. I'll always love this heavy blues version that I heard a lot over the years; all the instruments are incredible, but especially that organwork; and those guitars are spectacular.   Hear Tobacco Road on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Devo - Jocko Homo     My song pick 2 years ago today: Three Dog Night - Pieces of April   My song pick 3 years ago today: Alice in Chains - Hate to Feel   My song pick 4 years ago today: Midnight Oil - Sell My Soul   My song pick 5 years ago today: Ohio Players - Love Rollercoaster   My song pick 6 years ago today: Fairport Convention - Expletive Delighted   My song pick 7 years ago today: The Holli...

From: Struttin' My Stuff ; Year: 1975; Genre: Southern Rock Kind of surprised that I had not yet chosen something from Elvin Bishop yet; especially this song, which is probably one of his most famous. Basically, if you have a movie or TV show depicting the 1970s this is one of the "go-to" tracks to play in the background, as such has been used for just that on many occasions.     Hear Fooled Around and Fell In Love on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Funkadelic - I Got a Thing, You Got a Thing, Everybody's Got a Thing     My song pick 2 years ago today: Boyz II Men - In the Still of the Night (I'll Remember)   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Jimi Hendrix Experience - One Rainy Wish   My song pick 4 years ago today: April Wine - Cat's Claw   My song pick 5 years ago today: Alphaville - Big In Japan   My song pick 6 years ago today: Primus - Mary the Ice Cube   My song pick 7 years ago today: Masto...

From: Centerfield ; Year: 1985; Genre: Blues Rock/Country Rock/Rockabilly Had some of the great music from this album come on in a story I happened to be in; I thought I would revisit it. This song is one of the typical Fogerty tracks that crosses all the major Americana genres and seemingly can be played almost anywhere to a crowd.    Hear Big Train (From Memphis) on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Humble Pie - 30 Days in the Hole     My song pick 2 years ago today: The Thermals - An Ear For Baby   My song pick 3 years ago today: Hawkwind - Jack of Shadows   My song pick 4 years ago today: George Clinton - Maximumisness   My song pick 5 years ago today: Bruce Hornsby & The Range - Look Out Any Window   My song pick 6 years ago today: Marillion - This Strange Engine   My song pick 7 years ago today: 10cc - Good Morning Judge My song pick 8 years ago today: The Moody Blues - I Know You're Out There ...

From: Social Distortion ; Year: 1990; Genre: Blues Rock/Alternative Rock Heard this one a few times over the last couple of weeks and really started to take a liking to it, so, yeah, I am picking it. There's just something authentic about the bluesy lyrical content and low-fi garage/bar band sound that just works absolutely perfect. I'll most likely be listening to a lot more of this band in the future.   Hear Ball and Chain on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Suicidal Tendencies - Depression and Anguish     My song pick 2 years ago today: Los Bravos - I Don't Care   My song pick 3 years ago today: Talking Heads - Burning Down the House   My song pick 4 years ago today: Grace Jones - Slave to the Rhythm   My song pick 5 years ago today: The Guess Who? - Believe Me   My song pick 6 years ago today: Journey - Open Arms   My song pick 7 years ago today: Peter Frampton - Nassau/Baby, I Love Your Way My song pick...

From: Stormwatch (2019 40th Anniversary Force 10 Edition) ; Year: 1979; Genre: Progressive Rock/Blues Rock It is another one of those days where I had an album playing in my mind whilst getting ready to make the day's song pick; guess which one? I'm really getting close to running out of tracks to choose from Stormwatch; if it wasn't for all the "dusted down forgotten recordings" remastered and released a number of years ago, I surely would've by now. This is an instrumental piece that was left on the cutting room floor that did not make it on to the record or any of the "rare and unreleased" discs in the time between. Whilst it's okay, it definitely is not amongst my favourites from that recording session, but still has that hard, bluesy folk rock sound from the late 1970s. Although, to my ears it sounds as if some instruments were more recently added or dubbed over some of the original tracks; I could be wrong. However, hearing some instruments...

From: Strange Days ; Year: 1967; Genre: Psychedelic Rock/Blues Rock Once more went back to this record and have since had this track on my mind. From wot I've read this was either the first or one of the first songs written by Jim Morrison for The Doors. It is very much an odd composition with the weird groove and, of course, Jim Morrison's out-of-this-world lyrics/vocals. However, I would have to say that Robbie Krieger's spooky sounding slide guitar and solo really is the icing on the cake so to speak.   Hear Moonlight Drive on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Sammy Davis Jr. - Whisper to One     My song pick 2 years ago today: Queen - Flash to the Rescue   My song pick 3 years ago today: Ace - Rock & Roll Runaway   My song pick 4 years ago today: Imagination - Just an Illusion   My song pick 5 years ago today: Alestorm - Fannybaws   My song pick 6 years ago today: Marillion - Seasons End   My song pick ...