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

From: My Love ; Year: 1966; Genre: Pop/Rock I had one of Petula Clark's songs come on my iPhone whilst on the way home; it earwormed me and since I've always loved her singing and music I thought I would pick one of her songs today. I literally grew up hearing her music a lot from my mom, who adores her work; I guess I came to like her material too by proxy. Anyway, this is one of her main hits from the mid 1960s and has a definite Motown/R&B feel in the rhythm section, which only adds to the quality of the song. From what I understand this song was banned by the radio station owner Clear Channel because of some "end of the world" undertones, wot ever that means. Hear A Sign of the Times on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: Iron Maiden - Wrathchild My song pick two years ago today: Guns N' Roses - Paradise City My song pick three years ago today: Ian Anderson - Shunt and Shuffle My song pick four years ago today: Def Leppard - Waterloo ...

From: Petula ; Year: 1968; Genre: Pop I happened to hear this song last night and it certainly brought back some memories; my mom in particular listens to this album and much of Petula Clark's music, so I was surrounded by it when I was growing up. This is one song in particular that sticks in my memory a lot; I love the way it was constructed with the use of pentatonic melodies and interesting beats and rhythms as well as her beautiful singing. Hear Kiss Me Goodbye on YouTube. My song pick a year ago today: The Walter Murphy Band - Toccata and Funk in D Minor My song pick two years ago today: Eddie Rabbitt - I Love a Rainy Night My song pick three years ago today: Joe Jackson - Steppin' Out My song pick four years ago today: Jimmy Dean - Big Bad John My song pick five years ago today: Savatage - If I Go Away My song pick six years ago today: Elton John - Goodbye Yellow Brick Road

Yesterday, for some reason, some of her songs were running through my mind; this was one of the more prominent ones. For a 60s pop song it is quite good musically and, of course, Petula Clark's vocal work is incredible. This song has a Motown R&B feel to it; this is mostly due to the upbeat drumming and the prominent bass. I love the way the chorus contrasts with the verses, but is still quite smooth in transition. Hear Don't Sleep in the Subway on YouTube. +