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

From: Joystick ; Year: 1983; Genre: Funk/R&B/Electronica Another day of picking a band whose music was playing in my mind a lot. I really like this piece of funky electronica; such great music and a groove to die for.   Hear Straight Out Of School on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Jethro Tull - The Chequered Flag (Dead or Alive)     My song pick 2 years ago today: The Motels - Only the Lonely     My song pick 3 years ago today: Brick - Dusic   My song pick 4 years ago today: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - Just For You   My song pick 5 years ago today: The Rolling Stones - Emotional Rescue   My song pick 6 years ago today: Rage Against the Machine - Beautiful World   My song pick 7 years ago today: ZZ Top - Sharp Dressed Man My song pick 8 years ago today: Midnight Oil - Put Down That Weapon My song pick 9 years ago today: Dayton Sidewinders - Funky Chicken Stew My song pick 10 years ago today...

From: Movin' On ; Year: 1975; Genre: Funk No idea why, but had Lionel Ritchie on my brain for this final pick of July; why not something downright funky from the band he made his name with?     Hear Gimme My Mule on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Iain Matthews - Slip Away     My song pick 2 years ago today: Stormwarrior - Freeborn     My song pick 3 years ago today: Fleetwood Mac - I'm So Afraid   My song pick 4 years ago today: Frank Zappa - He Used to Cut the Grass   My song pick 5 years ago today: England Dan & John Ford Coley - The Prisoner   My song pick 6 years ago today: Firehouse - All She Wrote   My song pick 7 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Motoreyes My song pick 8 years ago today: Ween - The Mollusk My song pick 9 years ago today: Simon & Garfunkle - At the Zoo My song pick 10 years ago today: Rush - Prime Mover My song pick 11 years ago today: Dazz Band - Swoop "I'm ...

From: Road Runner ; Year: 1966; Genre: Soul/R&B/Motown Was thinking about the landmark film Cooley High last night, which is one I want to watch again, (I'm a) Road Runner was of course included in its amazing soundtrack. There's so much to love about this one; no detractors in the slightest in my biased opinion.   Hear (I'm a) Road Runner on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Supertramp - Brother Where You Bound     My song pick 2 years ago today: Fairport Convention - Book Song     My song pick 3 years ago today: Heart - Without You   My song pick 4 years ago today: Stanley Clarke - We Supply   My song pick 5 years ago today: ZZ Top - Stages   My song pick 6 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Strip Cartoon   My song pick 7 years ago today: Steve Vai - The Animal My song pick 8 years ago today: Savatage - Strange Wings My song pick 9 years ago today: Bay City Rollers - Saturday Night My song pick 10...

From: The Temptations Christmas Card ; Year: 1970; Genre: Soul/Motown/Christmas Music This has to still be one of the best contemporary Christmas albums in existence, it just wouldn't be the Holidays without it; well, for me at least. Someday at Christmas is a cover originally recorded by Stevie Wonder about four years prior and has been covered repeatedly by many others since. There is nothing to not like about this track. The music and vocals are top-notch by any standards, and I absolutely love that they had the deep, velvety and resounding vocals of Melvin Franklin performing the lead on this one. His voice just works perfect for the wishful and uplifting message from within; so beautiful.   Hear Someday at Christmas on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Taco - It's Snowing In My Heart (Bad Santa)     My song pick 2 years ago today: The Soul Saints Orchestra - Santa's Got a Bag of Soul   My song pick 3 years ago today: Trans-Si...

From: The Miracles doin' Mickey's Monkey ; Year: 1963; Genre: Motown/Soul/R&B Here's one that will sure get you dancin' with that catchy Bo Diddley rhythm. Most probably have heard Mickey's Monkey at some point; it actually was written about the popular dance, The Monkey , and helped to propel it to a national level for a time. They reference legendary songwriter William "Mickey" Stevenson in the lyrics even though I do not believe he was involved with the song or dance; this song was written by another legendary team: Holland-Dozier-Holland. Wot's very interesting about this song is just how many Motown superstars performed for the backing vocals: The Temptations, Mary Wilson (of the Supremes), Martha Reeves and The Vandellas, The Marvelettes, and the renowned disc jockey and radio personality "Jockey Jack" Gibson , and of course the incomparable Funk Brothers.    Hear Mickey's Monkey on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago tod...

From: Ben ; Year: 1972; Genre: Motown/Pop The other day my wife and I watched the classic horror film Ben on a streaming service. It is a-typical of the horror genre from the early 1970s with not really having a clear-cut protagonist or antagonist and without a doubt leaves the viewer with hollow feeling no matter how the film ends. Although, with that said, it is still a great film that keeps you watching. Anyway, during the movie's ending and credits this track sung by the late-great Michael Jackson plays. Its tone and overall light and wistful delivery and lyrics are a bit at odds with the film's feel and subject matter. Although, I really think it was a great move to focus on the the relationship of Danny and Ben to give the audience, who has had their collective emotions whiplashed to have something good and positive to walk away with. Anyway, as with just about anything Michael Jackson and Motown/Funk Brothers touches, this song became a monster hit and classic even on i...

From: Motown Remembers Marvin Gaye ; Year: 1986; Genre: Funk/Soul/Motown For the last few days I have had some of the 1980s material from the late-great Marvin Gaye on my mind; thought it was time to pick one. This track was actually originally recorded in 1972, but was not released until after his death. There are two versions of it with the one from this album being reworked in an '80s electronic synth/funk sound in line with current sounds of the time. The second "alternate" one was later released on the 2001 deluxe edition of Let's Get it On .   Hear The World is Rated X on YouTube. Hear the second version on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Jim Croce - The Ballad of Gunga Din   My song pick 2 years ago today: Cab Calloway and His Orchestra - Pickin' the Cabbage   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Jimmy Castor Bunch - L.T.D. (Life, Truth, Death)   My song pick 4 years ago today: John Denver - Sweet Surrender   My song pick ...

From: Third Album ; Year: 1970; Genre: Soul/Motown Most are probably aware, but Tito Jackson passed away a few days ago; he was mostly known as a member of The Jackson 5 who sang, played guitar and keys from its inception until his death. When thinking about which song to pick, this big hit came to mind; simply beautiful music with some great vocals.   Hear I'll Be There on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Jethro Tull - Undressed to Kill   My song pick 2 years ago today: Accept - Princess of the Dawn   My song pick 3 years ago today: Funkadelic - Shockwaves   My song pick 4 years ago today: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - Average Man My song pick 5 years ago today: Reverend Horton Heat - Psychobilly Freakout My song pick 6 years ago today: Fates Warning - Anarchy Divine My song pick 7 years ago today: Michael Jackson - Smooth Criminal My song pick 8 years ago today: Triumph - A Minor Prelude/All The Way My song pick 9 ...

From: Captured ; Year: 1985; Genre: R&B/Synthpop/Soul/Funk Here's one that brings back a lot of memories. Just love the way he sings and the music is perfect; may be dated somewhat, but it's a comforting and familiar sound for me. Sad that this record did not have the same impact as its predecessor; I firmly believe that Rockwell is deeply underappreciated.     Hear T.V. Psychology on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Jim Stafford - Wildwood Weed   My song pick 2 years ago today: The Jackson 5 - I Want You Back   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Cure - The 13th   My song pick 4 years ago today: Rush - Carnies My song pick 5 years ago today: Bootsy's Rubber Band - Another Point of View My song pick 6 years ago today: America - Watership Down My song pick 7 years ago today: Hawkwind - Angels of Death My song pick 8 year ago today: Yes - America My song pick 9 years ago today: Styx - Miss America My song pick ...

From: Reach Out ; Year: 1967; Genre: Soul/Motown I guess it is one of those days where the song, or at least the artist(s), is chosen for me. As many probably know, "Duke" Fakir , who was the last surviving original member of the legendary Motown group The Four Tops passed away yesterday at the very young age of 88; he will be deeply missed along with the three members who already died. At least there's some more amazing music being played in Heaven! Rest in Peace.   Hear 7 Rooms of Gloom on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Spacehog - Zeroes   My song pick 2 years ago today: Carmen - Retirando   My song pick 3 years ago today: George Clinton - Last Dance My song pick 4 years ago today: Marillion - Cover My Eyes (Pain in Heaven)   My song pick 5 years ago today: Don Henley - All She Wants to Do Is Dance My song pick 6 years ago today: Brave Belt - Can You Feel It My song pick 7 years ago today: Soundgarden - Rowing My song pick 8...

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: Ma ; Year: 1973; Genre: Funk/Soul/Motown Listening to some Rare Earth this morning with this selection coming from their album Ma . At just over four minutes, Big John Is My Name is the shortest track from the record. It has some amazing bass and drums throughout and is dripping with some great psychedelic funk.   Hear Big John Is My Name on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Moody Blues - In My World   My song pick 2 years ago today: Oomph! - Kennst Du Mich?   My song pick 3 years ago today: Rare Earth - 6-3-4-5   My song pick 4 years ago today: Commodores - Nightshift   My song pick 5 years ago today: Pallas - Throwing Stones at the Wind My song pick 6 years ago today: Wolfmother - Mind's Eye My song pick 7 years ago today: Pendragon - If I Were The Wind (and you were the rain) My song pick 8 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Flying Dutchman My song pick 9 years ago today: Stone Temple Pilots - Vasoline My song pi...

From: The Temptations Wish it Would Rain ; Year: 1968; Genre: Soul/R&B/Motown This is a rather cool song in which bass singer Melvin Franklin got to come to the front and provide the lead vocals. It is pure awesomeness hearing that big, deep, booming voice being backed by his band mates and by the legendary Funk Brothers.   Hear I Truly, Truly Believe on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Neil Diamond - Dry Your Eyes   My song pick 2 years ago today: Jethro Tull - The Zealot Gene   My song pick 3 years ago today: Dick Dale and his Del-Tones - Mr. Eliminator   My song pick 4 years ago today: Jane's Addiction - Just Because   My song pick 5 years ago today: Journey - Remember Me My song pick 6 years ago today: The Cranberries - Linger My song pick 7 years ago today: Sammy Hagar - There's Only One Way to Rock My song pick 8 years ago today: Midnight Oil - Forgotten Years My song pick 9 years ago today: The Nashville Allstars...

From: Time Out for Smokey Robinson and the Miracles ; Year: 1969; Genre: Soul/Motown Martin Luther King Junior Day again; I thought this cover by the one and only Smokey Robinson and the Miracles of the memorable hit by Dion . It seem to me personally at least to always come to mind this time each year for obvious reasons.   Hear Abraham, Martin & John on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - Hold Back the Water   My song pick 2 years ago today: Golden Earring - Long Blond Animal   My song pick 3 years ago today: Lakeside - Strung Out   My song pick 4 years ago today: Steeleye Span - Long-a-Growing   My song pick 5 years ago today: Neil Young - Old Man My song pick 6 years ago today: Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) - Ma-Ma-Ma Belle My song pick 7 years ago today: Bon Jovi - Hey God My song pick 8 years ago today: Parliament - Let's Play House My song pick 9 years ago today: Rare Earth - Warm ...

From: The Marvelettes (The Pink Album) ; Year: 1967; Genre: Soul/Pop/Motown Had a couple of other songs in mind to potentially choose for today, but had some from The Marvelettes on my mind, so I am going with one. As if I need a reason to pick a song from one of the many fantastic groups out of the Motown hit machine.    Hear The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Cult - Spiritwalker   My song pick 2 years ago today: Boyz II Men - Motownphilly   My song pick 3 years ago today: Yes - Then   My song pick 4 years ago today: Brave Belt - Goodbye, Soul Shy   My song pick 5 years ago today: Klaatu - Little Neutrino My song pick 6 years ago today: Pallas - Win or Lose My song pick 7 years ago today: AC/DC - Rock 'N' Roll Damnation My song pick 8 years ago today: The Allman Brothers Band - One Way Out My song pick 9 years ago today: Dream Theater - The Ministry of Lost Souls My song pi...

From: diana ; Year: 1980; Genre: R&B/Disco/Pop I don't believe there is a song I have heard from Diana Ross that I dislike; such a legend and then some.   Hear Upside Down on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Fleet Foxes - Fool's Errand   My song pick 2 years ago today: Megadeth - Post American World   My song pick 3 years ago today: John Mellencamp - Just Another Day   My song pick 4 years ago today: James Gang - Walk Away   My song pick 5 years ago today: Carmen - Looking Outside (My Window) My song pick 6 years ago today: The Guess Who - Cardboard Empire My song pick 7 years ago today: Jigsaw - I've Seen The Film, I've Read The Book My song pick 8 years ago today: Dio - Holy Diver My song pick 9 years ago today: Dazz Band - Joystick My song pick 10 years ago today: Black Sabbath - Iron Man My song pick 11 years ago today: Ella Fitzgerald - Stormy Weather My song pick 12 years ago today: Dead Meadow - Gree...

From: Somebody's Watching Me ; Year: 1984; Genre: R&B/Synthpop/Motown Not sure why, but have had this record on my brain for the last couple of days, so I'm choosing another from it. I believe Obscene Phone Caller was the second single after the monster hit classic of the record's namesake. It's a definite blast from the past in all its mid 1980s glory dripping with some great nostalgia; while the music is excellent, I just love the amazing lyrics filled with fun sayings and genius wordplay.   Watch the music video on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Zebrahead - Playmate of the Year   My song pick 2 years ago today: Neil Young & Crazy Horse - Mideast Vacation   My song pick 3 years ago today: Gin Blossoms - Hey Jealousy   My song pick 4 years ago today: Dream Theater - Falls Into the Light   My song pick 5 years ago today: Quarterflash - Night Shift My song pick 6 years ago today: Mastodon - Hearts Alive My song pick 7 ...

From: Sky's the Limit ; Year: 1971; Genre: Psychedelic Soul This one has been recorded a number of times by some big names and, although not the group that made a huge hit out of it, none are bigger than The Temptations. Most would without a doubt remember the perfectly performed and executed version by The Undisputed Truth , but this was the first. I have to say though, Eddie Kendricks and Dennis Edwards' lead vocals are, as always, something glorious to behold along with the rest of the group providing backing vocals, and the instrumentation by The Funk Brothers makes you wonder why it didn't become a hit. The 12+ minute LP version is almost like hearing a film's soundtrack; at times it would seem as if you could just drop the needle and get lost in the expanse of music.   Hear Smiling Faces Sometime on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Jethro Tull - Occasional Demons   My song pick 2 years ago today: The Dramatics - Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get ...

From: Where Did Our Love Go ; Year: 1964; Genre: R&B/Soul/Motown It seems every time I have a song by The Supremes or Diana Ross come on without realizing it I turn the volume way up and just bask in the beautiful sounds of their vocals and the incomparable music of the one and only Funk Brothers. What a combination of two of the best musical forces in the last century; you'd have to be bereft of a soul in my personal opinion to not enjoy this.   Hear Come See About Me on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Outfield - Since You've Been Gone   My song pick 2 years ago today: Bachman-Turner Overdrive (BTO) - Freeways   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Four Tops - I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)   My song pick 4 years ago today: Yes - Lightning Strikes My song pick 5 years ago today: Queensrÿche - For What It's Worth My song pick 6 years ago today: Marillion - The New Kings My song pick 7 years ago today: Wolfgang...