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Showing posts with the label Traditional

6947. Yothu Yindi - Treaty

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From: Tribal Voice ; Year: 1991; Genre: Indigenous Australian Rock/New Wave It is always a bit perplexing when a song is playing in your head and you cannot identify the song or the artist. It took a little bit of sleuthing, but I was able to track it down after I realized that I had heard a version of it in the 1990s comedy movie Encino Man . It is quite a unique and truly awesome song; actually the same can be said for the band too. Being a blended group of both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians makes the term "unique" kind of an understatement; have never heard a group that sounds even close. Of course, as always, I love being exposed to something different, so they are one I immediately liked. Anyway, whilst the radio edit of Treaty put the band in the spotlight, I actually like the original album version a bit more, but either one is great.    Hear Treaty on YouTube.   Hear the radio edit on YouTube.         My song p...

6891. Fairport Convention - The Deserter

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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.     ...

6800. Redbone - Chant: 13th Hour

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From: Potlatch ; Year: 1970; Genre: Funk Rock/Traditional For about a week now I have had Redbone on my mind after watching some classic live performances; no better time than the present to pick one more. Been interested in some of their earlier work; I haven't yet listened to their self-titles debut album, but I really like this, their sophomore release. Chant: 13th Hour starts with about two minutes of traditional Native music that involves heavy drums, singing and a droning chorus in behind; very interesting. After that it goes into some awesome funky rock that, if you like their sound, you should very much appreciate.   Hear Chant: 13th Hour on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Desmond Dekker & The Aces - It Mek     My song pick 2 years ago today: Bob James - Nautilus   My song pick 3 years ago today: War - War Drums   My song pick 4 years ago today: Sam & Dave - You Don't Know Like I Know   My song pick 5 ...

6670. Bob Rivers - Not So Silent Night

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From: White Trash Christmas ; Year: 2002; Genre: Metal/Comedy/Christmas Music Back to some upbeat Seasonal song picks. A heavy metal rendition of this classic Christmas carol, which really gets your blood moving and is definitely spirit raising.   Hear Not So Silent Night on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: The Temptations - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer     My song pick 2 years ago today: Bob Rivers Comedy Corp - I'm Dressin' Up Like Santa (When I Get Out on Parole)   My song pick 3 years ago today: The Drifters - White Christmas   My song pick 4 years ago today: Steeleye Span - Today in Bethlehem   My song pick 5 years ago today: Van der Graaf Generator - La Rossa   My song pick 6 years ago today: Binky Griptite - Stone Soul Christmas   My song pick 7 years ago today: Bachman & Turner - Find Some Love My song pick 8 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Another Harry's Bar My song pick 9 years ago today: R...

6627. Bernard Wright - What a Friend

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From: Fresh Hymns ; Year: 1990; Genre: New Jack Swing/Funk/Soul/Gospel I always love how artists, like the late-great Bernard Wright, do traditional hymns in a powerful, upbeat and energizing manner; too many make them seem dull and dirge-like. It's still been difficult to wrap my mind around the fact that he died a few years ago; his music is so full of life.   Hear What a Friend on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Chet Atkins - Cast Your Fate to the Wind     My song pick 2 years ago today: Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band - Roll Me Away   My song pick 3 years ago today: Little Richard - I Don't Know What You've Got But It's Got Me (Parts 1+2)   My song pick 4 years ago today: The Stranglers - Peaches   My song pick 5 years ago today: Marillion - Power   My song pick 6 years ago today: John Oliva's Pain - Looking for Nothing   My song pick 7 years ago today: Pallas - Arrive Alive My song pick 8 years a...

6523. Steeleye Span - Cruel Brother

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From: Dodgy Bastards ; Year: 2016; Genre: Folk Rock/Progressive Rock Been enjoying this record a lot lately; reminds me a lot of the classic material. This track is their rendition of the traditional Child Ballad Cruel Brother . As with many of these ballads catalogued by Child, this one is quite dark and tragic. I really like the way they arranged the music not only to be more driving and intense, but to really bring the emotions to the surface.   Hear Cruel Brother on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Herb Alpert - Aranjuez (Mon Amour)     My song pick 2 years ago today: The Pointer Sisters - Going Down Slowly   My song pick 3 years ago today: Rockwell - Somebody's Watching Me   My song pick 4 years ago today: Steeleye Span - The Lark in the Morning   My song pick 5 years ago today: Black 47 - Red Hugh   My song pick 6 years ago today: Stray Cats - Stray Cat Strut My song pick 7 years ago today: The Steve Miller...

6439. Ritchie Valens - La Bamba

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From: Ritchie Valens ; Year: 1959; Genre: Rock 'n Roll/Chicano Rock I had some other songs in mind for today, but thought I should pick something apropos for Cinco de Mayo . Although, I am feeling more than a bit sheepish with this obvious pick. Don't get me wrong, I love Ritchie Valens and his music a lot, just wish I could think of something deeper so to speak; oh well. Anyway, this is one of the most famous non-English songs to grace the U.S. charts and is still played and sung around the world since. Originally it was a traditional Mexican folk tune with many 1000s of verses written and ad-libed over the centuries since its conception, which makes it an amazing party tune. And since Ritchie Valens made it so popular, no matter wot language you speak it is fun for all.   Hear La Bamba on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Coasters - The Deodorant Song   My song pick 2 years ago today: Barrabás - Wild Safari   My song pick 3 years ago t...

6327. Steeleye Span - Well Done Liar!

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From: Bedlam Born ; Year: 2000; Genre: Hard Rock/Folk Rock I say, if someone just started to play this song and entire album for that matter, it would take me a bit to guess it was Steeleye Span's. Not entirely far from how they have sounded on some previous and subsequent recordings, at times on this one they sound more garage rock that British folk rock. The backing vocals and fiddle solo are the only main giveaways for me personally. Whilst apparently having a spate of records that core fans did not approve of, I actually like hearing the band expanding and experimenting.   Hear Well Done Liar! on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: The Marvelettes - The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game   My song pick 2 years ago today: The Cult - Spiritwalker   My song pick 3 years ago today: Boyz II Men - Motownphilly   My song pick 4 years ago today: Yes - Then   My song pick 5 years ago today: Brave Belt - Goodbye, Soul Shy   My song pick 6...

6302. The Temptations - Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer

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From: The Temptations' Christmas Card ; Year: 1970; Genre: Funk/Soul/Christmas Music 'Twas the Friday before Christmas....    Hear Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Bob Rivers Comedy Corp - I'm Dressin' Up Like Santa (When I Get Out on Parole)   My song pick 2 years ago today: The Drifters - White Christmas   My song pick 3 years ago today: Steeleye Span - Today in Bethlehem   My song pick 4 years ago today: Van der Graaf Generator - La Rossa   My song pick 5 years ago today: Binky Griptite - Stone Soul Christmas   My song pick 6 years ago today: Bachman & Turner - Find Some Love My song pick 7 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Another Harry's Bar My song pick 8 years ago today: Ronnie James Dio/Tony Iommi/Rudy Sarzo/Simon Wright - God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen My song pick 9 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Holly Herald My song pick 10 years ago today: Sting - Gabriel's Message My...

6270. Jerry Reed - Wayfaring Stranger

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From: Jerry Reed Explores Guitar Country; Year: 1969; Genre: Folk/Blues/Jazz I just love Mr. Jerry Reed's version of this longtime traditional favourite folk gospel hymn that so many have recorded. There is so much truth in this one as well as an exploration of what is good of the human condition and down-trodden spirit of some soul trudging on with a glorious destination. I really like what he did with this one; the emotion he imbues with every note both through his fingers and voice are just astounding. Also, the way he progresses the song from a heavy bluesy folk to a Bossa Nova piece is a work of art exemplified.   Hear Wayfaring Stranger on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Marillion - Torch Song   My song pick 2 years ago today: Rick James - Mr. Policeman   My song pick 3 years ago today: Pendragon - Ghosts   My song pick 4 years ago today: Buffalo Springfield - Rock and Roll Woman   My song pick 5 years ago today: Hall &...

6170. Sly Stone - His Eye Is on the Sparrow

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From: I'm Back! Family & Friends ; Year: 2011; Genre: Funk/Soul Here's a quite nice, very uplifting and unique version of the classic hymn done with a blend of soul, funk, and R&B that really brings the emotion to a climax. Just seemed absolutely perfect for this Funky Friday; inspirational and thought provoking without a doubt.   Hear His Eye Is on the Sparrow on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Roy Eldridge and Benny Carter - Close Your Eyes   My song pick 2 years ago today: Jigsaw - One Way Street   My song pick 3 years ago today: Red Hot Chili Peppers - Goodbye Angels   My song pick 4 years ago today: Triumph - Somebody's Out There   My song pick 5 years ago today: Primus - DMV My song pick 6 years ago today: Al Di Meola - Soaring Through a Dream My song pick 7 years ago today: Wishbone Ash - Baby the Angels Are Here My song pick 8 years ago today: Soundgarden - Rhinosaur My song pick 9 years ago today: Jigsaw ...

6144. Lead Belly - Midnight Special

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From: The Midnight Special and other Southern Prison Songs ; Year: 1940; Genre: Blues/Folk Most probably are aware of this song from a plethora of recording artists over the last 70 or so years, but the version by Huddie "Lead Belly" Ledbetter was among the first to popularize the song to a wide audience. The origins of the song are nebulous at best being that it was passed down from musician to musician with lyrics differing from one to the next for many years prior to Lead Belly recording his famous version; to say the least Midnight Special most likely originated in the 19th century in the southern U.S.. You just get the feeling of yearning and hope from this one from the perspective of a man incarcerated awaiting parole with the steam engine's headlamp lighting the cell giving comfort.   Hear Midnight Special on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Blue Öyster Cult - Teen Archer   My song pick 2 years ago today: Triumph - Rock & Roll Machi...

6032. Dr. John - Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant

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From: Jazz to the World ; Year: 1995; Genre: Christmas Music/Jazz/Blues There are so many great genres that compliment the Holidays, but jazz in its many, many forms has to be towards the top with some of the best renditions. This is, of course, Dr. John's bluesy jazz interpretation of the traditional 19th Century French hymn, which he pulls off marvelously with his signature gruff and gravely vocals.   Hear  Il Est Ne, Le Divin Enfant on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Louis Armstrong with Velma Middleton - Baby It's Cold Outside   My song pick 2 years ago today: Primus - Hail Santa   My song pick 3 years ago today: Soundgarden - Head Down   My song pick 4 years ago today: Dave Edmunds - Almost Saturday Night   My song pick 5 years ago today: Paul Revere & The Raiders - Just Like Me My song pick 6 years ago today: Soundgarden - Burden in My Hand My song pick 7 years ago today: Wild Turkey - Good Old Days My s...

6030. Claymation Christmas Celebration - Joy to the World

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From: Claymation Christmas Celebration (soundtrack); Year: 1987; Genre: Christmas Music/Gospel/Soul/Jazz Speaking of the popular Christmas hymn Joy to the World , this rendition is my favourite that I have had the privilege to hear thus far. Despite all of my attempts to find out who performed the music on this and all of the other songs for that matter, I still do not know, but they deserve credit; everyone of them. Ever since I first saw the special premier back in 1987 I was mesmerized by both the energizing and extremely uplifting singing/music as well as the brilliant animated art that went along with it. In my opinion this is exactly the way such hymns need to be done; it should be joyous!   Watch the musical performance from the special on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: The (Young) Rascals - How Can I Be Sure   My song pick 2 years ago today: Hot & Sassy - Christmas Strutt   My song pick 3 years ago today: Billy Squier - ...

6029. Gene Autry - Joy to the World

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From: The Original Gene Autry sings Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer ; Year: 1962; Genre: Christmas Music Well, it's Christmas cookie decorating day! Since I can remember we have always played this record whilst frosting Christmas cookies; it's kind of a family tradition I guess. It is amazing to think that I have been at this song-a-day blog for over 16 years and have not chosen something from Gene Autry, Holiday or otherwise.    Hear Joy to the World on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: Rufus Thomas - I'll Be Your Santa Baby   My song pick 2 years ago today: David Bowie & Bing Crosby - Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy   My song pick 3 years ago today: Uriah Heep - Take Away My Soul   My song pick 4 years ago today: Jethro Tull - Salamander's Rag Time   My song pick 5 years ago today: Gloryhammer - Universe on Fire My song pick 6 years ago today: Bon Jovi - Lay Your Hands on Me My song pick 7 years ago today: Jame...

6020. Crash Test Dummies - The First Noel

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From A Lump of Coal ; Year: 1991; Genre: Traditional/Christmas Music We're well into December now and with all of The Holidays approaching I thought I should make it a little more "Christmassy." At the same time I have had the music of the Crash Test Dummies on my mind, so why not combine the two? Anyway, this one hails originally from the 1991 Christmas compilation A Lump of Coal , and later featured on the full CTD's Christmas album Jingle All the Way . I have to say, Brad Roberts' deep, bass vocals are perfect for this song with those resonating pedal notes; Ellen Reed balances perfect with him in the co-lead and harmony.   Hear The First Noel on YouTube.         My song pick 1 year ago today: The Gods - He's Growing   My song pick 2 years ago today: The Rhythm Machine - Brenda and Me   My song pick 3 years ago today: Band of Horses - Throw My Mess   My song pick 4 years ago today: Miles Davis - Miles Ahead   My song pick 5 years ago tod...

5867. Steeleye Span - Awake, Awake

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From: Storm Force Ten ; Year: 1977; Genre: Folk Rock/Progressive Rock Thought I'd already chosen this one, apparently not, time to remedy that oversight. Even though some dislike it, I cannot help but love the songs from Storm Force Ten and Awake, Awake is the magnificent and beautiful opening track. The record is somewhat different fare in that they did not have a fiddle player in the band at this point and instead employed prolific aerophonist John Kirkpatrick to play the accordion and to lend vocals. One of the best or many aspects of this song that some are probably unaware of is that the lyrics are derived from King Solomon's poetry from The Song of Songs , which makes for an amazing and vivid love story told in the lyrics. It is definitely one of my favourites from one of my favourite bands.   Hear Awake, Awake on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Zakk Wylde - Throwin' It All Away   My song pick 2 years ago today: The (Detroit) Spinners - ...

5659. John Denver & The Muppets - We Wish You A Merry Christmas

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From: John Denver and the Muppets: A Christmas Together (soundtrack); Year: 1979; Genre: Christmas Music Been a long and exhausting Holiday weekend, and I thought it'd be apropos to bring it all to a close with this short, but sweet traditional Christmas song off of the film John Denver did with The Muppets back in the day. It's one of those renditions that'll surely bring back great memories if you are acquainted with the movie and/or soundtrack, but even if not it should give a nice feeling to the uninitiated listener.   Hear We Wish You A Merry Christmas on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Bobby (Boris) Pickett and the Crypt-Kickers - Monsters' Holiday   My song pick 2 years ago today: Darlene Love - Christmas (Baby, Please Come Home)   My song pick 3 years ago today: Steve Winwood - Christmas Is Now Drawing Near At Hand   My song pick 4 years ago today: Louis Armstrong and the Commanders - Cool Yule My song pick 5 years ago today:...

5657. Jethro Tull - Greensleeved

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From: The Jethro Tull Christmas Album ; Year: 2003; Genre: Progressive Rock/Christmas Music Woke up with this record on my mind once more this Holiday Season and thought that I would choose one more from it for my penultimate pick prior to Christmas Eve. This is, as you probably guessed, Ian Anderson and the band's own instrumental arrangement of the timeless song Greensleeves written centuries ago. It has been long associated with Christmas due to the tune being set to lyrics concerning the Holiday with the title: What Child is This? .   Hear Greensleeved on YouTube.       My song pick 1 year ago today: Chick Corea - What Child is This?   My song pick 2 years ago today: Trans-Siberian Orchestra - Prince of Peace   My song pick 3 years ago today: Bob Rivers - Flu Ride   My song pick 4 years ago today: The Pretenders - Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas My song pick 5 years ago today: Bob Rivers & Twisted Radio - Didn't I Get This Last Year...