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

From: Liege & Lief ; Year: 1969; Genre: Folk/Folk Rock This is another really interesting piece that is a folk rock arrangement of a traditional folk song: Roud 493; known as The Deserter and/or Ratcliffe Highway . From wot I can find, it was written sometime in either the 18th or 17th Century and has no definite author. One aspect about a lot of these old folk ballads is that most are based on a kernel of truth about some actual happening, although I do not know anything about if it is true of this one. The Deserter is one that Sandy Denny lent her beautiful voice to as lead vocalist, which, in my opinion is already a big win. However, though one should not be remissed in the great folk rock arrangement of the band. That floating time signature that is mostly in a waltz keeps the listener off balance somewhat, but helps to keep the attention of those beholding the story being told as to not let their regard for it to diminish.   Hear The Deserter on YouTube.     ...

From: What We Did on Our Holidays ; Year: 1969; Genre: Folk Rock/Psychedelic Rock I have always had a soft spot for this early Fairport record in particular, mostly due to its transitory nature. It has a more of an American psychedelia influence than the latter, more recognized of their releases, but also a good helping of the sound that was to come. This also marked the debut of the mesmerizing legendary singer/songwriter Sandy Denny on vocals along with a myriad of other instruments. In her far too abbreviated time on Earth she had a successful career both before and after her stint with the band. To say the least she added a great deal to the band on this and the other albums she was featured on as both a full member and the ones she was a guest musician/singer. Also, this was the final Fairport Convention album to feature Iain Matthews as a full member, of course he would go on to great success appearing on over 100 records and having a couple of big hits to his name. In fact, th...

From: Like An Old Fashioned Waltz ; Year: 1974; Genre: Progressive Rock/Folk Rock Was checking out a bunch of Sandy Denny's work the other day; I've always been a fan of her singing/playing. Her first album was one that really caught my attention; this is the aptly named first track, being that this was her first solo work. Hear Solo on YouTube. My song pick one year ago today: Blondie - Call Me My song pick two years ago today: Carl Douglas - Kung Fu Fighting My song pick three years ago today: Alice in Chains - No Excuses My song pick four years ago today: Louis Armstrong - What a Wonderful World My song pick five years ago today: Chet Atkins - Battle Hymn of the Republic My song pick six years ago today: Bob Dylan - Maggie's Farm My song pick seven years ago today: Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble - Life by the Drop My song pick eight years ago today: Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR) - Down on the Corner My song pick nine years ago t...