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

From: Jim & Ingrid Croce ; Year: 1969; Genre: Folk Without a doubt I will have this album playing in my mind even after I leave this Earth. Having both Mom and Dad as huge fans of his work, Jim Croce's music has been all around my entire life. The Jim & Ingrid Croce record was more of one I remember my Mom listening to; it has to be among her favourites from any artist. For me though, it is quite difficult to pick a favourite just because of how much of his music I love. I guess that as a writer he shot with everything he had right from the pit of his being and could express himself flawlessly, or so it would seem. Personally, I have noted that when you get down to it "folk music," be it a troubadour singing and playing wot is in that person's heart, a blues musician, bluegrass, soul, wotever drives that individual makes it the heaviest music in existence.   Hear What the Hell on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: The O'Jays - The Year 2000...

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: Croce ; Year: 1969; Genre: Folk Rock/Folk All of Jim Croce's music is like hearing the voice of a dear friend every time a song of his starts. For me personally, he's always been someone that wrote the blues that no matter the situation was just genuine and reassuring; even though he tragically was killed before I was born it still brings a great deal of emotion to know that such a great artist's life was cut so young. This record, which my Mother still adores to this day, is another that every song is indelibly burnt into my mind. What especially made it that much better is that his wife, Ingrid co-wrote all but three songs and performed with him vocally as a team; a thing of beauty. He would later re-record this song, Age , for his final studio album, I Got a Name , sans Ingrid, but it's still very good, but I do prefer the earlier version.   Hear Age on YouTube. Hear the version from I Got a Name on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Ea...

From: Jim & Ingrid Croce ; Year: 1969; Genre: Folk I cannot begin to count the times I've heard the song over my lifetime, mostly as a child; my parents, especially my mom loved this album and song. Anyway, this is, I believe, the only studio album to feature the husband and wife duo of Jim and Ingrid Croce performing together; it was also his second studio album. While all of his major hits came later there is a certain uplifting feeling from this record that is not as noticeable on his later albums. Whilst I absolutely love his heavier songs, I love this material too, but in a different way. This song is very much a folk song in the late 60s tradition with just enough great accompaniment, (the bass line is quite fun), and more of a normal"every day" subject matter and feeling that to some degree all can relate to. Hear What Do People Do on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Rage Against the Machine - Take the Power Back My song pick two years ...