Song of the Day

Song of the Day (82): Hot Rod Lincoln – Commander Cody and His Lost Planet Airmen

Written by Charlie Ryan and first released in 1955, Commander Cody grabbed hold of this song in 1971 and rode it to the top of the charts. It captures the manic energy of the Commander and his mates mixing country swing, rockabilly and a punk-like energy. Commander (Aka George Frayne) and his bandmates started out […]

Song of the Day (81): For You – Bruce Springsteen

Early Springsteen from his first album, “Greetings for Asbury Park.” Heard this album and immediately knew I’d follow that Pied Piper anywhere, so alive, so urgent. They say that when Bob Dylan first heard these songs, he warned the younger singer that he used so many words he’d better watch it, you’re gonna “use up […]

Song of the Day (80): I Try – Macy Grey

With a nod towards Etta James, Macy Grey released this swinging, sultry song in 1999. It would play and I’d grab my bride and start dancing, much to the consternation of our three sons. Bet you can’t keep still. #Songoftheday #spreadinghappiness #Macygrey YouTube: https://youtu.be/WEQ0l_m3Xm0?si=ooy4NeNt5ra8AktY Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/5TAf4lnZCZTLlZHNZMLFLi?si=1801958080154522

Song of the Day (79): Do You Want to Dance – Bette Midler

I was among the more naïve freshman among the naïve freshmen at the all-male St. Anthony’s High School when Bette Midler released her first album and I could not resist. No, it wasn’t cool in 1972 to be listening to her, but how could you not? And what story…she arrived in New York City from […]

Song of the Day (78): I Need Love – Luka Bloom

The Commander is loose again racing his way through Hot Rod Lincoln. Originally written and released by Charlie Ryan in 1955, the Commander and the gang made it their own in 1971. For a few years, their combination of western swing, rockabilly, punk energy and bravado could not be beat. Their record company wanted something […]

Song of the Day (77): Avalon Blues – Mississippi John Hurt

Born in 1893 in Avalon, Mississippi, John Smith Hurt, known professionally as Mississippi John Hurt, grew up as a sharecropper. He taught himself to play the guitar at the age of nine, developing a unique fingerpicking style that became his signature sound. In 1928, Hurt recorded several songs for the Okeh label. However, these recordings […]

Song of the Day (76): Sun Comes Up, It’s Tuesday Morning – Cowboy Junkies

Coming out of Toronto, most of the members of the Cowboy Junkies come from the Timmons family with Michael writing the songs and playing guitar and Margo providing the ethereal vocals that float round you then next thing you know, they’re wrapped around your heart and squeezing. This song captures the sharp edges of the […]

Song of the Day (75): I Need Love – Luka Bloom

The legendary New York DJ Vin Scelsa used to organize shows at the Bottom Line called A Couple of Songwriters Sitting around and Talking. (You can find one or two CDS that came from those shows if you search hard). He’d get four folks tell stories, open up about technique and fears, and swap songs, […]

Song of the Day (74): Me and Paul – Willie Nelson

Paul English first played drums for Willie Nelson in 1955 and by 1966 had become his regular drummer. This song, released in 1971 captures some foe hir escapades on the road, it is a warm, gentle and humorous Willie Nelson story song with good advice: Almost busted in Laredo But for reasons that I’d rather not […]