"Rock House" - Roy Orbison

While it was a good move for Roy Orbison to move down the softer side of rock and roll, I still have a soft spot for his earlier rockabilly days, when he was another on the legendary roster that Sun Records had to offer. Roy Orbison is known as one of the best singers of his decade and in my opinion, he could be up there with the best of them of all time. This rockabilly sound we hear on "Rock House" isn't really the best example of that but choose anything from Crying or Lonely and Blue and you will get what I mean. In modern day Orbison is known for the massively successful "Oh, Pretty Woman" though the pop laced rock days spurred some of my all-time favorite softer songs from the 1960's and you don't want to miss out on those ditties. His rockin' approach to rock n roll fills some of my favorites from the 1950's, he just doesn't have the same amount of songs to offer as his contemporaries. This album sort of flew under the radar at the time, not only because rock was moving on from this style but also it was a little rough for the rock sound of the time, tracks like "Problem Child" goes right for the throat and during a time when people wanted to dance this wasn't really dancing music. It's the black sheep of the Orbsion album discography even though he was rocking this sound since his first singles from 1956 which a couple of those songs eventually found its way onto this here album we are talking about right now. I chose the song after a night of drinking, feeling the summer air with a good buzz rolling is one of the things I live for. It was actually a night to celebrate finally posting this website here after years of reworking and grinding away the groundwork for the multiple sections. So technically this is the first song officially posted on the live website, and I am proud for it to be the Caruso of rock music, Roy Orbison. I am excited to keep dishing out quality tracks from the super famous to the lesser known. I would consider this one to be lesser known even if Orbison is one of the most impressive musicians to come out of the classic rock and roll years and also the 1960's. If you dig this track, I strongly suggest giving the rest of his work a play, he has rockers and most importantly his emotional ballads which always leave me breathless. He would be one of my top choices if I could sing like anyone, aside from this style he does some very impressive singing.

​​​​​Year Released: 1956
Single: Rock House / You're My Baby (1956)
Album: Roy Orbison at the Rock House (1961)
Genre: Rockabilly, Rock 'n' Roll
Mood: Rockin' and Reelin'
Perfect For: Casual listening, Good time errands around the house
Where To Next: "Jump Back, Honey, Jump Back" - Gene Vincent & His Blue Caps
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Rating: 7/10

"Gloria: In Excelsis Deo" - Patti Smith

I have been reading through Patti Smith's 2010 memoire Just Kids which covers her growing to stardom alongside famous photographer and artist Robert Mapplethorpe. It has been a damn interesting book and helps me appreciate the unique air that hangs around all of Patti Smith's work. I knew what I was getting into since I have delved into her lyrics and history but I didn't expect such a bitter sweet story of stardom and loss. One of the things they covered is Patti Smith's poetry and the ones that got incorporated into songs such as this one here. I have always loved the starting lines of this song, and the true individualism of the statement. This whole song has many memorable lines in it, shit this whole song is really memorable from the unique vocals of Patti Smith to the fun the band has on a rendition of "Gloria" from Them/Van Morrison. Few have melded poetry with rock better than Patti Smith, her legendary vision fueled by the bands that came before like Velvet Underground and the Doors helped change the scene of music at the time. No longer did folk artists have to keep to the cafes and no longer did rockers have to match the meat head trope. Like most things punk rock, this is the sound of liberation from the common confines of music and man does it sound great! The performance is electric and you can practically feel the static on your arm hairs each time they jump back into the "Gloria" part. I can never get enough of this song, while admittedly it took me a little bit to get into when I was doing a deep dive into Patti Smith's 1970's work years ago, soon enough I understood and was consumed by the simple brilliance that makes up her debut, Horses. While reading the book she was talking about this song which inspired me to give it another listen with a new found knowledge about the song, added it to queue and then finally it came after a Jefferson Airplane song. I took it apart piece by piece with all the new things I knew about the punk poet laureate, then I listened again just to enjoy. Then for good measure gave it one more good listen before I faded off into sleep that night, thought I was going to dream of the streets of New York City or maybe of a little girl blue but there were no dreams for me that night. None the less, it is easy to see why Patti Smith made such an impact, she just had to wait until punk rock was fully coming into itself and was more than angst and anger.

​​​​Year Released: 1975
Album: Horses (1975)
Genre: Punk Rock, Art Rock
Mood: Electric
Perfect For: Casual listening, Taking a walk, Thought
Where To Next: "Marquee Moon" - Television
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Rating: 9/10

"Paul Revere" - Beastie Boys

I will stand by the fact that none have done story telling better than the guitar pickers and country singers of the 1960's, especially those along the folk country sound. Though hip-hop and rap are certainly the second on the list, I mean both are based around words and imagery so it isn't shocking and "Paul Revere" is a great one for storytelling. Like I have probably already mentioned in previous Beastie Boys posts, this album has been here with me for a long ass time probably longer than any other album. I used to play it all day and all night long and I always appreciated this track even before I really understood the wild west theme. Also, when I got older and we learned about Paul Revere I was slightly disappointed when he wasn't a beer drinking outlaw, also from the wrong historical period. I guess the horse is named Paul Revere but still, a tad bit misleading though I don't think many are going to the Beasties for a history lesson. Anyways, this is a fun track with an intoxicating background, song sounds really fucked up in my truck since I have subs and those warping sounds hit you right in the stomach. That beat really helps the song stand out from the others on the album, an album of absolute legend and one of the best debut albums from the 1980's in my opinion. Grabbed the attention of hip-hop fans and rockers alike, something that really wasn't done up to that point. I dig the story even if it is just filled with drunken debauchery, I have been a huge fan of westerns forever so it is always imagination candy for me. I was just working and I hardly remember what I was doing during that time since I was so sucked into the story playing in my ears, that is why I don't think I could do audio books at work. None the less the track helped along the dull work that I was doing at the time, and I was pleased to add it to the playlist and ultimately to the website. There are plenty of lines from this song that I still quote sometimes, even if people wonder why I did it with a wiffle ball bat. Song is great and while it may not be the best introduction to the Beastie Boys for everyone, I think it is a good spot to get the feeling for the album. Also, who doesn't like a good story? Especially when there are entrancing beats in the background that make you feel sort of funny, it was like they knew it would suck you into their world of drinking beer and kicking up sand.

​​​​Year Released: 1986
Album: Licensed to Ill (1986)
Genre: Hip Hop
Mood: Fun, Mellow, Entrancing
Perfect For: Casual listening
Where To Next: "White Lines" - Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five
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Rating: 8/10

"Wild Child" - W.A.S.P.

While WASP was fully rolling along with the glam metal of the time, they came across a lot more bold and even heavier than a lot of their contemporaries in that scene. Not to mention their imagery, Motley Crue did the same thing when it came down to satanic and slightly "gore" based personas but none did it finer in the main stream metals of the 1980's than WASP. I remember the first time I heard "I Wanna Be Somebody" on VH1 classic I was instantly hooked, the imagery of them, the outlandish weird head shaking that front man Blackie Lawless would do was all unsettling and so damn alluring. That and their clothes, while silly and rooted a little too hard in the 80's outlandishness they had little accessories that made all the difference. Like I covered in my album review of their debut I was instantly in love with the damned circular saw gauntlets! I remember asking for them from my mom but she pretty well shut it down instantly, which was probably for the best since I would have probably been picked on mercilessly, then since I was picked on I would fight back with, yup, you guessed it, that kick ass blade! None the less during this period I had a hard on for all the spikes and leather early metal had to offer but I lacked the income to gather it. W.A.S.P. still stands as one of my all time favorites from the glam/pop metal scene, their early work has an impressive amount of kick ass songs, their 1990's work even has some goodies which isn't as common for that scene moving into the next decade. "Wild Child" used to be one of my teenage anthems, sex driven and sinful with a bad boy touch that made the quiet nights of space cruising forever engrained in my memory. I have abused the living hell out of their debut and the follow up The Last Command, throughout most of my life since their discovery. They were bold and raunchy but still kept a main stream appeal that could scare every kids mother. That and songs like the "Animal (Fuck Like a Beast)", which never made it on their debut album, are a statement to that, it is part of the Parents Music Resource Center's "filthy 15" which makes it that much better especially to the aspiring rebellious youth. That list served its purpose as I used it to find so many quality tracks back in the day, aside from this track not many of the songs on that list are really all too bad especially in modern terms. So if you are reading this dear young rocker go check out the list and keep up the ritual of listening to that rock n roll that makes your nana reach for her pearls.

​​​​​Year Released: 1985
Album: The Last Command  (1985)
Genre: Glam Metal, Hard Rock
Mood: Sinful
Perfect For: Driving, Motorcycle rides, Having a beer
Where To Next: "Bastard" - Motley Crue
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Rating: 9/10

"Dirty Love" - Motorhead

Fuck me do I love Motorhead, if there was such a thing as a "spirit band" then Motorhead would be mine. Well maybe the Mr. Hyde of Caleb, I guess the Jekyll would have to be like Simon & Garfunkel or Waylon Jennings. None the less Motorhead has been with me through thick and thin, I have never been one to idolize another human being though Lemmy was probably the closest I have been to it. I was having a stressful day at work; Tuesdays tend to be a shit show so I was burned out and trying to finish up 13 things in my final 30 minutes of the day. While carrying these awkward floor mats for trucks and wanting to sleep on one of them this song kicked off, needless to say it gave me that little kick I needed to power through all the heavy shit. Power through it and even add a pep to my step, Motorhead can always turn a poopy day into a glorious day! "Dirty Love" comes off of the rerelease track listing of the legendary and perfect album Ace of Spades and is one of the finest on it which is really saying something since that album is damn good, even the extras on the deluxe versions are great which is also saying something. I love how Lemmy melded the dressing style of metal with the spaghetti western style, a melding I have always adored since I am a big fan of both of those things. In a lot of ways western attire and metal attire share plenty of things. Leather, arm braces, bullet belts, shaggy hair, boots, attraction to danger, belt buckles, etc. I mean the more unkempt cowboy I suppose, not the Glen Campbell type and maybe more the fictitious type. I love both the styles so to see if together is great, I am sure a big piece of that is more "biker attire" than "western attire" but once again it is all connected. "Dirty Love" has the lyrical content you can expect from Motorhead and also from a song called "Dirty Love". Not the most inventive lyrics but with that raunchy atmosphere mixed in it makes for a damn enjoyable 3 minutes. You will see more Motorhead on here that I can promise you, I will be a broken record of expressing my love for the band but I will do it proudly. Few bands inspired me and my musical journey as much as these guys.

​​​​Year Released: 1980
Single: Ace of Spades / Dirty Love  (1980)
Genre: New Wave of British Heavy Metal
Mood: Raunchy
Perfect For: Dirty love, Driving, Riding a motorcycle, Having a pint
Where To Next: "Fast as a Shark" - Accept
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Rating: 9/10

"Target" - Fugazi

Fugazi has always been a damn hard band to place, are they punk? Noise rock? Art rock? Alternative? Post hardcore? Whatever they might be they are classic to many genres. Innovative as hell and their influence goes far and wide. I was still going through 1995 when I had to go to my follow up dentist appointment so I listened to Red Medicine most of the way to his office. I stopped on "Version" and knew that my next track was going to match the brain fuzz that follows getting your teeth stabbed and sawed. When I first came across Fugazi it felt like accidentally falling into a lake and seeing a glimmer of treasure beneath. Since then, I have kept coming back and even on albums I have listened to plenty of times I still find more to love each time. As I was pulling away from the dentist and this intro came on, I knew I had to turn that puppy up, there was a moment when my throbbing teeth was going along with the rhythm of the song. "Target" has always been my favorite off this album and it is one I am not shy about playing loud and proud or well up until I get to a light, then I turn it down because I am not a douche. Unless it is Ministry... or Manowar... or Lamb of God... then maybe I am a douche but those moments are few and far between. Anyways, you can always trust a Fugazi album, if you don't like one song you might like the next since they are constantly mixing it up. Red Medicine is a favorite of mine for nursing a hangover, enough chaos to get you moving and pumped but equally enough calming moments to keep your head from spinning or stomach from flipping. They are one band I wish I could wipe my memory of and take their work in again, if you go through my lists you won't see too many of their songs because I have a hard time fully placing them. It seems they are under the "Post Hardcore" banner on Wikipedia which I believe but that does make them hard to place in my plethora of songs since they sort of meld with all but also stand out from them. Anyways, good music and a damn good track. Enjoy!

​​​​Year Released: 1995
Album: Red Medicine (1995)
Genre: Post Hardcore
Mood: Mixed
Perfect For: Driving, Casual listening
Where To Next: "Mannequin" - Wire
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Rating: 8/10

"Already There" - The Verve

I have always dug The Verve's first album A Storm in Heaven, their only one that is fully a psychedelic and shoegazed plushy album. Their next two albums is what made them and rightly so but that doesn't stop me from really digging this floaty atmosphere. Practically that whole Sunday I kept coming back to songs of this album, I chose this one since it really had me lost in brushing my teeth and then one more time before bed and I just laid there in complete darkness and just took it in. While I tend to focus on their work on Urban Hymns and A Northern Soul, I always make time for their debut. It has always shocked me that such an outstanding band only has 3 albums for their prime years, I have yet to make it to their 2008 album Fourth but I am usually hesitant on a band releasing an album after such a long time. The Verve has been with me passively for a good chunk of my life, my mom's ex-boyfriend Stu really dug The Verve and bands like them. The Sea and Cake and Beck were usually playing as he did his cringe drunken little dances with a wine glass in hand. He was a fun dude but also had his demons, also as I got older, I understood more and more he wasn't the best to my dear madre so that is no fun but so is the way of dating. Still, he had a little hand in crafting the Caleb to be musically, I guess he gave me an access point to the chiller side of the 1990's and 2000's. I didn't fully appreciate the style aside from Beck and The Verve's Bittersweet Symphony up until I was quite a bit older. Once my 20's came along I got really sucked into the style and there were moments that I recognized a song right off the bat and I know it was from those strange days of childhood when Ratchet and Clank were my role models and I burned my first CD of Drowning Pool. None the less, I don't think I heard too much of their first album from him, I discovered this later and was blown away. Peaceful through and through, lets you float away and can match most mellow moods. An album I really think deserves much more recognition because it is practically flawless, a great atmosphere throughout and many memorable moments and lyrics that match the grade. "Already There" still to this day grabs me each time it plays, just a straight up blissful song.

​​​​Year Released: 1993
Album: A Storm in Heaven (1993)
Genre: Shoegaze, Neo-Psychedelia  
Mood: Blissful
Perfect For: Thinking, Casual listening, Stress relief
Where To Next: "Sight of You" - Pale Saints
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Rating: 8/10

"Green River" - Creedence Clearwater Revival

Let me tell you, I am sick and tired of being sick and tired. I swear once or twice these last couple of months I have either gotten sick or like this time have a crazy ass tooth ache! It started full force on Friday after work and would not let me go, probably the worst tooth ache I have had though I might say that every time. Being a smoker and just having bad genes for teeth means I have plenty of metal in my mouth and a dentist that doesn't even really need to check all too much to know my ass needs another root canal. I think this was the 7th or so in my life and most of those have been within the last 3 years. I have a life goal to be wealthy enough to get all my teeth replaced, I am decently proud of a lot of my attributes though my teeth are the thing I am most insecure about. Needless to say, I didn't listen to much music this Saturday, I was too busy rolling back in forth in pain like a damned beached fish. I appreciate my dentist for coming in and seeing me for an emergency appointment, and I appreciate my girlfriend for taking care of me and driving my pitiful ass to the dentist. On that note what do you bring a dentist in appreciation? You can't really bring brownies because that just seems a little wrong, like buying beer as thanks to missionaries. Anyways, on the way there this song came in proud, or maybe after it was done before even more severe took control once the numbing went away. I was not only impressed my lady was playing some CCR but also was impressed that even in pain I can have a good time when they come on. This one is classic as classic can be for rock, and while it didn't really match the mood it was really the only song I can remember that day once night came and I had to choose my song of the day. It always blows my mind that CCR put out 3 outstanding albums all in the same year! I don't think there is any band that has also done that, and if they have, I have my doubts that those albums are as good as Green River, Bayou Country and Willy and the Poor Boys. All 3 of those albums are perfect! And once again 3 perfect albums all in the same year! it is not shocking that the band gets plenty of love even today from young and old alike. They will always be one of my favorite bands, a band that can pull me out of a bad mood or once again even make a painful ass ride in a bumpy Mustang decent enough.

​​​Year Released: 1969
Album: Green River (1969)
Genre: Swamp Rock
Mood: Good timing
Perfect For: Driving, Adventuring
Where To Next: "Stuck in the Middle With You" - Stealers Wheel
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Rating: 9/10

"I Just Don't Know" - Banchee

I love it when I come across a band that I missed when going through a decade deep dive, but I equally hate it because it reminds me of how many nooks and crannies get overlooked even when I try damn hard to grab everyone. Just means after this is all done I gotta go back and catch up on them, Banchee is one of those bands but luckily it seems they have quite a small discography (according to Spotify at least). I strangely enough had this track come up on Spotify's Discover Weekly playlist, I tend to go through it every Friday but I usually don't find all too many tracks to take home. It seems that Spotify has a hard time suggesting songs to me that I don't already know, its typically a shit load of covers but every now and then it sends me an awesome track. I listened to this one 3 times in a row and knew I came across a hidden gem, heavy and psychedelic, just how I like em. It helps the case when it has lyrics that I can get fully behind, I sort of felt like Spotify was talking shit and just knew I think the same way as this song. Their algorithm was like "hmmm this guy likes the old stuff and hates himself; I got one juuuust for him". Well, they were right, it's a great track and a welcome addition to my catalogue of songs. When it comes to psychedelic rock there are so many fucking bands that go under my radar and it pisses me off! Time and time again I come across some band called "Chocolate Crystal Sleeping Bag" and find some good tracks and kick myself in the ass for missing them. I need to go through all psychedelic, garage rock, and neopsychedlia from the 1960s - 1990s once again and search damn hard for those bands that released one album and then went back to their day jobs. Another song I chose while at work, I was actually on my smoke break when it kicked on and I instantly got off Reddit and just listened and took a drag here and there. I have yet to listen to any of their other songs though I hope to find time sooner than later to do it because I am sold just from "I Just Don't Know".

​​​Year Released: 1969
Album: Banchee (1969)
Genre: Acid Rock, Garage Rock, Psychedelic Rock
Mood: Heavy and Steady
Perfect For: Introspective thoughts, Cigarette breaks
Where To Next: "Drowned My Life in Fear" - Leaf Hound
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Rating: 7/10

"All I've Got to Do" - The Beatles

Not sure if there are many bands that can write a simplistic love song and have it be so damn good! Beatles have a ton of selection in that field, straight forward love songs that you'd expect from 50's crooners. Those boys did it great but it doesn't always need to be so grand. Sometimes you just need a straight up pop song to really sell it, it is hard for me to hear any Beatles love song and not instantly think of my beautiful Alesha though I suppose that is the purpose of love songs. I wonder how many people have this song as "their song", me and Alesha's is the Beatles "I've Just Seen a Face". That song has serious history with us and even if things end horribly or things go greatly for our future that song is forever going to remind me of her. Though today we are talking of "All I've Got to Do" and honestly when I first went through the Beatles a long ass time ago I wasn't truly sold on this track. I started out with loving their later work so the lovey dovey pop tracks usually didn't get all to much play. Now that I am a little more chill (or boring) I have a sweet spot for the boy bandesque style of earlier Beatles. I still think I like the psychedelic and rocking Beatles more though that doesn't mean I can't love both sides of a band, especially true legendary bands like the Beatles that have enough stellar tracks to keep you forever satisfied. I just chose the track while working, one of those songs that sound better being pumped into your ears with headphones instead of speakers, which is a statement I don't make all too often. The album cover (much like most Beatles) is iconic but I think I dig the Australian variation more. A classic from the strictly John Lennon lead vocals collection. I have always been a John Lennon man, I suppose you can say he is "my beatle" though not him as a person for better or worse. 

​​​Year Released: 1963
Album: With the Beatles (1963)
Genre: Pop Rock
Mood: Romantic
Perfect For: Casual listening
Where To Next: "Baby It's You" - The Shirelles
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Rating: 6/10

"I Will Possess Your Heart" - Death Cab for Cutie

Up until about 3 months back I completely forgot about this gem, I remember hearing it on the radio when growing up and feeling sort of indifferent about it though it would still get stuck in my 5th or 6th grader head each time it played. I don't remember this amazing intro though; I am sure they cut the song down for the radio. Don't get me wrong, I like it when the vocals finally play their part 4 minutes and 30 seconds in but what really sells me on this track is that intro! Dreamy and melancholy with a smooth ass bass line. I haven't really dived into Death Cab for Cutie yet since I haven't started my deep dive of the 2000's fully though they are one I am quite excited to jump into. I was just going through some of Spotify's "hits of the 2000s" playlists and this song came on a couple of months back and I fucking loved it from the get go, though it wasn't up until the vocals I remembered this song, I remember it would play sometimes to and fro from school and when I would sit in front of the radio all day and listen to the local channels, this song was getting a ton of air play then. Man, I miss those days and that little radio, imagination kissed my cheeks in those days. I was always lost in a cloud of thought and could hardly get enough raw information, not for math or "boring" school shit but just random stuff be it ninjas or stars. Hours sitting there listening to music and just... thinking and playing with imaginary this and that's. Simpler times, but I guess childhood cannot last forever. Sooner than later you have to get in the factory line, still my imagination might be dulled but it certainly isn't gone and I still haven't learned to live without my head being in the clouds. I don't think I ever will and honestly when I stop dreaming and playing with my thoughts I better be dead, who says imagination is just for kids? SpongeBob wasn't a kid! Though... not really sure I wanna be SpongeBob... Anyways, this track is awesome and each time I give it another listen I get lost in thought, a sign of a great track. Long intros can be tough for some people to get into but this one lulls you into its embrace, and by the time singer Ben Gibbard jumps in with his simple and clean words you're already melting. Glad I rediscovered this track, seems I have a lot of missed time to catch up on with it.

​​​Year Released: 2008
Album: Narrow Stairs (2008)
Genre: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock
Mood: Dreamy, Melancholy
Perfect For: Zoning out
Where To Next: "One Big Holiday" - My Morning Jacket
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Rating: 9/10

"Prevail" - Kreator

Kreator has always been a band that catches me off guard each time I start another one of their albums in my year by year project. I have been a longtime fan of the thrash metal masterpiece Pleasure to Kill and their much later release of their 2001 fucking kick ass album Violent Revolution though the spots in between I never delved into until 3 years back. I am going through 1995 right now so it was time I took on their album Cause for Conflict which I was a touch worried over since in all honesty I wasn't blown away by Renewal the album that came before this one. I did like the touch of industrial metal, though I found myself a tad bored in that one. Maybe I need to give it another listen just to make sure I didn't miss anything though in comparison to the intro track to Cause for Conflict "Prevail" it falls short. Granted I didn't get through all the tracks on this album before I had to stop for the day, so time will tell on Saturday when I resume my conquest of the metal of 1995 if this one lacks too. The intro to this track gets you ready for anything, impressive and captivating with perfect thrashery! I was just typing on this here website when it kicked on and I had to instantly see who was playing cause I was HOOKED! I listened to it twice and then one more time before bed because I was mighty impressed. Good for Kreator to have such a long and worthwhile career, I am never disappointed when I see them coming up next. I know my neck is gonna hurt after but that is probably my only complaint about practically anything I have heard, even with my "putting down" of Renewal there were still plenty of moments that filled me with heavy metal pride. The same pride I had when adding this song to my song of the day playlist, when I give the playlist a spin I will be glad to see the track show up.

​​​Year Released: 1995
Album: Cause for Conflict (1995)
Genre: Thrash Metal
Mood: Intense
Perfect For: Headbanging, Casual listening, Driving fast
Where To Next: "Tomorrow Belongs to Nobody" - Carcass
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Rating: 8/10

"Halah" - Mazzy Star

Inner peace, that is exactly what Mazzy Star is. The true embodiment of peace and maybe longing, a bittersweet sound that always has me floating as I listen. That is the power of dream pop and honestly I am not sure if there are any better bands than Mazzy Star under that banner, well in my opinion obviously. I just started dabbling in dream pop 2 years back so don't trust shit I say, though from what I have heard there aren't any other groups that have grabbed me like Mazzy Star. Hope Sandoval is one of my favorite female singers, not even because she has a crazy range or anything but just because she is mesmerizing to listen to. Fun playing with the words and a lonesome and beautiful style that always glues my feet to the floor yet the instruments make me fade far far away. It made a dull day at work seem alright, but unlike some songs that save the work day this one made me much too insightful, the 3 and a half minute playtime teleported me far away from my home town. Made a dreamer of me which makes the day go by quicker but makes me oh so depressed. Mazzy Star never claimed to be happy music and in my opinion there aren't too many tracks that are, but at the same time they aren't depressing. Just oh so hollow and pretty, it feels like a natural death right as you're picking your funeral flowers. It feels like falling asleep in cold kissed silk sheets. It is a great sound, one that I cannot get enough of and now it is your turn to give it a listen, if it is your first time I envy you with every hair on my arms. 

​​Year Released: 1990
Album: She Hangs Brightly (1990)
Genre: Dream Pop, Alternative Rock
Mood: Hollow
Perfect For: Dreaming, Sleeping, Thinking, Breathing
Where To Next: "Ana" - Pixies
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Rating: 9/10

"Bring the Noise" - Anthrax & Public Enemy

This track is set in legend not only for being one of their most popular tracks to come out of the 1990's but also due to its impact on the Rap Metal scene that found a healthy home in the 1990's. I knew this song well before I knew the rest of Anthrax, mainly due to it being on one of the WWE games for PS2 and even now when I hear the chorus it brings me back to a time when a mountain dew and my PS2 was all I desired for a successful Friday night. Man, those old WWE games were kick ass, even those that didn't watch wrastlin' still could get behind kicking the fuck out of some dude with a chair. I was a WWE kid so I played the hell out of each WWE game on PS2 though by the time I got to PS3 I fell out of it. Anyways, this song is kick ass and like I mentioned previously Anthrax had a heavy hand in popularizing metal melding with rap even before this track, much like Aerosmith helped popularize hip hop mixing with rock music in their version of "Walk This Way" alongside Run-DMC. Public Enemy already had the song released from their addition to the 1987 soundtrack for the movie Less Than Zero which looks like a pretty good movie I should watch at some point in my life if I can find the time. Still that version feels a little lacking when it is next to their version with Anthrax though that is probably a bias since I do love this song. Crazily enough the song is pretty well just sampled alongside what Anthrax did with it, which Public Enemy wasn't fully convinced they could pull off but they were impressed too on how well it pulled together and on the following tour they were blown away by the electricity of touring alongside one of the big 4 of thrash metal. I chose the song when putting my poor girlfriend through a questionnaire of who the big 4 is and played this song as a clue since we have talked about it before and also since it isn't the typical Anthrax style. She wasn't all too impressed by the track but that doesn't bother me none, if I recall right she isn't drawn to Anthrax the same way she is to Metallica and Megadeth so it is only fitting. None the less I am sure I can sell her on it at some point especially since I love shoving songs down people's throats, I mean shit I went and made a website to do just that. Not really, but I can't help but hope I can show some damn good tracks to people that want to listen all around the world. 

​Year Released: 1991
Single: Bring the Noise/Keep It in the Family (live) & I'm the Man '91"(1991)
Compilation: Attack of the Killer B's (1991)
Genre: Rap Metal
Mood: Pumping
Perfect For: Turning that radio up!
Where To Next: “Sleep Now in the Fire" - Rage Against the Machine 
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Rating: 9/10

"Mechanix" - Megadeth

"Mechanix" is a strange song but one that is set in stone in Megadeth's long and ever impressive discography. I was fortunate enough to see them live alongside Mudvayne and All That Remains that night. I mean the venue seemed a little strange for a metal show but I was still left impressed by all the bands performances. It was interesting to see 3 pretty different metal styles and fan bases crammed into one place. It was probably the busiest concert I have been to but with a line up like that it is expected, especially with the metal legends Megadeth being at the top of the bill. It was my first time seeing them live and I was a little worried since a lot of the originals aren't in the band anymore and with Mustaine having and beating cancer alongside the natural act of aging I was a little worried with how the show would play out but he did excellent same goes for the members of Megadeth on this tour. It was a damn good show, Megadeth certainly was the best part of the show though Mudvayne did really well too, I was almost as excited to see them as I was to see Megadeth. All That Remains is a band that I have enjoyed though never got too far into but it was really nice to see a more metalcore style live since it is another I have never really been to. It was hard choosing which song from the concert would be my song of the day especially since Megadeth chose an outstanding array of songs for their set list. It was between "Mechanix", "Holy Wars...The Punishment Due" and "Sweating Bullets" each song had the crowd raving and like I mentioned before the band played flawlessly. Ultimately, I went with "Mechanix" not only because I was a little shocked to see they chose the track but also how the crowd reacted, it was the rowdiest mosh pit worthy track from the set list and the people in general admission seemed to agree as they proceeded to slam into each other. Also, the part of the song when he shouts out "fuck yeah" had people shouting along at that part which just helped fuel the bristling energy in the place. Either way it was a good show, and I appreciate my mother for bringing me along. None the less the song itself is an interesting one, written by Dave Mustaine and preformed when he was in Metallica and his first band Panic. It was the early version of Metallica's "The Four Horsemen" which was on their debut Kill Em All but that was without Dave Mustaine since he was rudely kicked out. With that in mind when it was time for Megadeth to take on the powerhouse of Metallica he put out "Mechanix" on Megadeth's debut Killing Is My Business... And Business Is Good. "Mechanix" was intended to be faster and harder than "The Four Horsemen" which it is, iit'sa headbangers paradise and fast as all hell. I guess Metallica didn't like the lyrical content of having sex at a gas station, and admittedly lyrics about the four horsemen of the apocalypse is a ton cooler. Still wasn't quite right to steal the song they didn't put together, especially after kicking out Dave Mustaine. Shit is history now and I honestly don't have a favorite out of the two, both are great in their own way.

​Year Released: 1985
Album: Killing Is My Business... and Business Is Good! (1985)
Genre: Thrash Metal
Mood: Thrashing and Bashing
Perfect For: Moshing, Headbanging, Loud joy rides
Where To Next: “The Four Horsemen" - Metallica
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Rating: 8/10

"Psalm 69" - Ministry

Ministry is one of my all-time favorite metal bands, totally original for their time and even now their releases are fucking great. "Psalm 69" is one of the first Ministry songs that made me see God, or maybe the devil. It's grand sacrilegious ramping up intro explodes into a messy head banging satanic serenade! That sendoff "and now it's time for us to give a little bit of love back to god" is also fucking stellar each time I listen to it I get chills. Right into the first set of lyrics "drinking the blood of Jesus, drinking it right from his vein" lets you know what kind of track this is going to be. Song gives you a hard on with its power then goes back to that eerie chanting ramping it up again to a grand release. I cannot get enough of this song and that is saying something since I have abused it for the last 14 years. It used to be a favorite pass time of mine to blare this song and drive through the LDS church parking lots right when they were getting out of church when I was a teenager. At the time it felt fucking grand but in retrospective it was a douche thing to do, even if I don't agree it doesn't mean I gotta ruin someone's day. I have grown since though what never changed was the love I have for this song and the band behind it. Though in my defense growing up in a state run by a church is a damn peculiar time, makes one either follow the church blindly or despise them blindly, luckily it has cooled down a little since then since Utah is going through mass expansion. So, thanks Californians for cooling down the Mormons and making the roadways even more dangerous. I am sure you will see a lot of Ministry in the song of the day blog, and having "Psalm 69" as the first is a damn good choice for those getting into the band and for people like me that inject this shit right into their vein.

Year Released: 1992
Album: ΚΕΦΑΛΗΞΘ (Psalm 69) (1992)
Genre: Industrial Metal
Mood: Intense, Sinful
Perfect For: Driving, Terrorizing, Jamming, Headbanging
Where To Next: “Cockroaches" - Nailbomb
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Rating: 9/10

"Spirit of the Wild" - Ted Nugent

I love the straight forward guitar heaven that is Ted Nugent. While his person annoys me and he is kind of a dick I do love his music. I wish I could go back to a time when I didn't know what kind of person Ted Nugent was but honestly most rock stars are kind of assholes so it isn't shocking, though like the Red Hot Chili Peppers said "hicks don't mix with politics" and that applies to the motor city madman. Still, I separate the person from the music and on this day I was grabbed by "Spirit of the Wild" a later Ted Nugent track but one that still can hold up next to his goldmine of 1970's tracks. I love that smooth ass intro, the song is a lot more tame in comparison to his earlier work and even some of the other songs on this album. I have always loved that guitar tone; wish I knew more about that side of music study to know why it sounds that way. I am sure I will get there in 12 years or so when I get all my listening portion of my studies done, that is if I live another 12 years. The song is a straight up rock song and does a decent job of melding his older style with a nice 1990's cleanliness that bands that have been around for a long time often have a hard time pulling off. Say what you will of Ted Nugent but he had a damn long career and even now can still put out some good tracks though his most recent political based single alongside rocco, moon is probably one of the worst songs I have heard this year even with the political backing aside, but I try not to ick someone else's yum. Chose the song when getting off the stress of rush hour on the freeway right when I put my blinker on to jump off that guitar intro cooled my brain right off and even the positive lyricism felt like cold water going over my head.

Year Released: 1995
Album: Spirit of the Wild (1995)
Genre: Rock
Mood: Smooth
Perfect For: Casual listening, Scenic canyon drives
Where To Next: “Ebony" - Ted Nugent
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Rating: 8/10

"Caress Me Down" - Sublime

A classic from Sublime that I have always loved as long as I have dug the band, which seems to be the better portion of my life. Like I mentioned just a couple of days ago in a different post, Sublime is a damn important band to me. I remember when I was first fully getting into pot culture this song was getting a ton of play over my speakers (thanks Grooveshark I still miss you). It was a go-to when introducing people to mary jane, especially with those that enjoyed the more modern sound since people seemed a touch hesitant towards 1960's rock when I would show it to them. None the less the song is awesome though what made me choose it was I never really took the time to see what the Spanish portion of this song even said and I wasn't disappointed. I mean the song doesn't hide its a horny ass theme though I didn't expect even more dirty shit in Spanish. None the less I am not too shocked but still, I think it makes me dig the song that much more. I am usually not one for shock appeal lyricism though it certainly has an appeal especially with some damn good bass in the background and an overall good time vibe. My obsession with the song for that day is slightly blamed towards my girlfriend since she wanted to play around with my dusty ass "in the corner" acoustic bass guitar. When I was more into playing, "Caress Me Down" was one of the first songs I tried learning so naturally it is where I went back to when showing how to play the bass. It was cute seeing such a big ass guitar on her lap, I guess there's a reason that a lot of people fond over the "chick bassist" trope. I wish I had more time to pick up an instrument, though the pen is my instrument, well I guess the keyboard is but that doesn't sound nearly as cool.

​Year Released: 1996
Album: Sublime (1996)
Genre: Reggae Fusion
Mood: Fun, Lusty
Perfect For: Getting stoned, Getting drunk, Feeling alllllright
Where To Next: “No Control" - Pepper
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Rating: 8/10

"The Great Gig in the Sky" - Pink Floyd

Hailing from my all-time favorite album "The Great Gig in the Sky" is a perfect layover track letting you cool down from the eargasm that is Dark Side of the Moon. I have countless memories alongside this album, some even when I was dead sober but admittedly there are fewer. Sober or inebriated, this album is literally as perfect as an album can get! Bombastic yet calming, impressive yet attainable, sad yet happy, but most importantly it is filled to the brim with primo tracks. This is admittedly one of the weaker tracks on the album but it is still damn good, makes you feel like you're on a cloud, a cloud that has accepted its impending death and going through all the emotions of acceptance, the spoken word in the background furthers my claim. Clare Torry shows off her impressive vocals, it makes me feel out of breath even when listening to it, this song makes plenty of lists of the most impressive vocal performances in rock music. She is intense and the music that backs her leaves your hair standing. There are plenty of impressive attributes in this song though something I really love is the title of the song. Something about "The Great Gig in the Sky" is simply kick ass imagination candy and just backs up my "riding a cloud" claim. I think this is what ascendance sounds like, if there is a heaven, I am going to be highly disappointed if it doesn't sound something like this as you're on your way. Something that is intense but strangely comforting? Maybe I just dropped too many tabs to this track in my days and am simply overthinking it. Though like mentioned before, even if you're sober as a new born baby this song is simply intense. Also, a bold song to release too, there really aren't too many songs like this one here but admittedly there aren't many songs like this album in general, close but still not close enough to the visionary Pink Floyd.

​Year Released: 1973
Album: The Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock, Progressive Rock
Mood: Intense, Foreboding
Perfect For: Tripping, Listening to in the dark
Where To Next: “As the Moon Speaks (To the Waves of the Sea)" - Captain Beyond
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Rating: 8/10

"Grunge Betty" - The Dandy Warhols

As I have probably already said I am currently going through 1995 to see what that year can offer and so far I have been nothing less than impressed. There are plenty of great bands and albums I am starting my voyage into and one of those bands is The Dandy Warhols. Their debut Dandys Rule OK had plenty of great tracks but the one that grabbed me the most was "Grunge Betty" with its fun use of the jaw harp an instrument that I swear doesn't get the love it deserves; I love that twang! I mainly hear it in some comedic country tracks and here and there in Nordic based heavy metal. Either way it helps the rhythm along wonderfully. This song hit the grade when heading back from getting groceries, it was a rainy as hell drive home and I had this album turned loud. Rainy days already spike my mood dramatically so I needed something fun and fast and this song was the answer. The other tracks on this album that have a neo psychedelic base or more of a shoegaze feeling to them also matched the mood but I wasn't in a dreamy rainy day mood I was in a slightly chaotic rainy day mood. I am excited to further my dive into The Dandy Warhols since this was my first taste, I haven't heard about them up until now. I have tasted a lot of different shoegaze bands yet there are plenty I have yet to sink my teeth into. I mean this song is hardly shoegaze but the rest of the album was more so, it might not be the best place for someone to start but it was the one that grabbed me that day.

​Year Released: 1995
Album: Dandys Rule OK (1995)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Mood: Fun
Perfect For: Driving, Casual listening
Where To Next: “Telephone" - The Black Angels
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Rating: 7/10

"One Cup of Coffee / Judge Not - Rarities Version" - Sublime

I have never really listened to the rarities and alternate versions from Sublimes Everything Under the Sun. Figured I would try a couple out to see if there are any gems and lo and behold I found this one, it might not be as powerful as the stuff that made their albums but it is still a good time reggae track. I have been a fan of the album cover for a long time so I found it odd that I never took the time to listen to some of the tracks. I listened to this song once and thought it was alright but nothing too special but right before it ended I had the desire to listen to it one more time, then once it was on its last couple seconds I figured I might as well listen to it again for safe measure to make sure I didn't miss anything. It was once that 3rd play through ended that I realized I didn't miss anything, I was just looking too hard for something. It is just a straight up extra song and that is the simple beauty of it, and then I added it to my reggae playlists and moved on. Then came night time, getting ready for bed to take on the work week and there I was looking it up again before I even knew it. I guess I got addicted to the song and didn't even realize it, so fittingly enough I added it to one more playlist and it became the song of the day for that over much too soon Sunday. I have always believed you don't fully understand an album or a song unless you listen to it at least 3 times and this song is a testament to that vision. Also I try my hardest not to compare every song against the songs I already love from a band. It is a good way to not find the songs that might not be as good but still worth your time. It might seem like I am talking down on the track though I am just being real, I mean it is on a exerts compilation for a reason. Still a goodie though and I am glad I found it, have listened to it a couple of times since it found its way into my playlists. Sublime is one of my all time favorite bands, one of those that explain me as a person so even a weaker track is a goodie in my eyes. 

Year Released: 2006
Album: Everything Under the Sun (2006)
Genre: Reggae
Mood: Fun
Perfect For: Casual listening, Grinding up some goodies
Where To Next: “Lovin'" - Half Pint
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Rating: 6/10

"Long Cool Woman (In a Black Dress) - The Hollies

So many of my memories are built around this damn good song! Today was another to add to the list, I am honestly shocked it took this long to show up on the blog. A day of adventure for me and my little lady, open roads and damn good songs left and right as we drove along. This song was coming in hot and loud while we were driving through northern Utah's many farming towns, one turn off the main stretch to find a "historic landmark" in Franklin, Idaho along the Utah border turned into an hour or more of trying to find my own personal trail to the interstate. I wasn't lost, it was controlled wandering and there was plenty to see even if most of it was hay bales but there was plenty of songs dying to get played. On this stretch that just barely got rained on and was smelling great without a single other vehicle in sight. As soon as I heard that guitar intro I turned that mother up, and couldn't help but smile while I stomped my foot along with its intoxicating rhythm. The first song for this month was also the Hollies and like I said there, they have a good amount of varying styles and sounds and while this was their last style that really planted them on the charts it is one of their best sounds. I am all for their British beat sound and I love their soft rock stage but something about this harder swampy sound always gets me feeling right. I live for moments that music, emotion, and motion all become one. It makes you feel like the sky is the limit, true peace reigns in my heart during these moments. Songs like this help you along, some rock n roll right from the vain of Creedence Clearwater Revival. While not every song on Distant Light is a zinger there are enough to make it a memorable album in my book, also I love how this album cover and the following album Romany feed off each other. It would be cool if they did one in each season with the boy growing older though I suppose I am 53 years late with that idea, damn 53 years ago this album released and here I am writing about it. As much as I hate what this modern internet does to us humans I do love when you can use it as a weapon, who knows maybe someone will read this and then listen to the song which will lead them to being inspired to learn it on guitar WHICH THEN they get really good and then start a band then that is the band that puts rock at the top of the charts again.... man that would be great... more than likely it is just my loved ones reading it after I pestered them to. If that is you then I want to personally say thanks and hello. None the less a great song and a classic to come out of 1971 and the Hollies impressive collection of hits. 

Year Released: 1971
Album: Distant Light (1971)
Genre: Rock, Swamp Rock
Mood: Rocking
Perfect For: Traveling, Drinking, Getting Stoned, Camping
Where To Next: "Commotion" - Creedence Clearwater Revival
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Rating: 10/10

"Walking Contradiction" - Green Day

I think Green Day wins the award for having the most songs in my song of the day section, well so far at least but it seems I am talking about Green Day every fifth song. Well I suppose there is a reason for that, since the band is kick ass and I am always in the mood for Green Day. I have yet to listen to their newest album, I wonder if it is worth a damn, though I have taken the time to listen to all the stuff they're putting out from the American Idiot 20th Anniversary releases. I was just driving home from work when this song came on, it already was matching the mood but what really sold the track is this damn Subaru that cut me off. You know the one, they have the "coexist" sticker but then they drive like they are the only one to exist. I already hate this stretch of my drive home, some people can not stand just turning and flipping around or you know... plan out your route, the fools have to put a blinker on and then instantly fly in front of you. I mean it isn't a big deal, I am used to that shit since 8 out of 10 drivers seem to be out to get you but it is just the damn sticker that got me. Something tells me they only agree with coexistence when it benefits them. They are a walking contradiction, I would have let them in too but they needed to take my front bumper off, guess it is my fault for driving on their road. Rant over, it really wasn't a big deal just found it comical. I don't need an excuse to add this song to my playlist and website though, it is a great track and one of the best from their legendary 1995 Insomniac and that is saying something since most of the album is killer.

Year Released: 1995
Album: Insomniac (1995)
Genre: Punk Rock
Mood: Spitty
Perfect For: Driving, Skating, Walking around
Where To Next: “Drain the Blood" - The Distillers
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Rating: 8/10

"Better Off Dead" - 7 Shot Screamers

If I was to have a band it would be something rockabilly based or something like Social Distortion where there is a little tinge of that sweet rock n rollin' rock a reelin rhythm! Shit is crazy catchy and it can match almost any mood, though most are based around either the real good times or the real bad times. As for this track it seems to be a mix of them, a fast front facing diddy though I do suppose the lyrics are a touch grim. I love how rockabilly died out damn hard then popped back up in the 1980's and never really left again. They never really reached the charts again though aside from the Stray Cats and maybe the psychobilly sound from the Reverend Horton Heat. This is the only track I know from the 7 Shot Screamers though I intend to give more of their songs a spin sooner than later. I have to go through my 1950's and 1960's rockabilly section anyways. Anything that seems to be based in country music has piss poor archiving, so there is a shit load of musicians and bands that I missed. I am not even too sad about that though, gives me an excuse to go through all of the 1950's and early 1960's again since my heart resides in that rock n roll. I probably won't stop there and take a deep deep dive into all the different forms of rockabilly since while the bands tend to all hitch their horses on the same post it is a damn good sound that I can hardly get enough of. This album comes out of 2004 and if the rest of the tracks have the same bravado as this song then I am excited to take them on as well. From what I can find they don't have all too many albums so it won't take me too much time to sift through their good, bad, and ugly. This song isn't even in their top 5 on Spotify so that hopefully means I am gonna find some more prime rockin' tracks for the collection. I chose the track when just doing simple labor at my job, it helped give me a little energy though that's for damn sure since this song is electric and makes you wanna jive even if you're bored at work.

Year Released: 2004
Album: Keep the Flame Alive (2004)
Genre: Psychobilly, Rockabilly
Mood: Energizing
Perfect For: Drinking, Physical labor, Driving, Walking in from bar to bar
Where To Next: “Hellride" - Gamblers Mark
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Rating: 8/10

"Mama Weer All Crazee Now" - Slade

A perfect example of a glam rock song from the 1970's, honestly it was one of the subgenres I was most excited to get into when I was doing my deep dive into the 1970's rock. It is bands like Slade that made me really want to get further into the style, they were the first glam rock band that really grabbed me along side Mott the Hoople and Sweet. I mean naturally the first time I heard this song was Quiet Riot's version which most modern rockers will probably hear that one first especially here in America. I have never been able to decide which version I like more, I mean in the end it would probably be the cover though Slade comes across raw and rocking and I appreciate that. I chose the song while helping my girlfriend get her mustang home, Ford shit and all that jazz, but I hate the joke that revolves around Ford especially since I drive a Ford Ranger but at the same time I know first hand where that joke comes from, but that is why we have speakers in cars, just turn that shit up and your car troubles just seem to disappear. Still there was something about following someone home in a sketchy car with the summer heat beating down, smoking a cigarette and enjoying some tunes with the windows down and having this song start playing, it really set the mood. I honestly despise the spelling though, my auto correct was having a conniption fit while I was just trying to type it out one time. Though I will admit I think it does leave a more lasting impression, it isn't even slightly unheard of for Slade to do it either. I wonder why they do it, I have never really put much thought into it. I mean Quiet Riot even followed suit with not only the cover of this song but also "Cum on Feel the Noize" which those bastards must have known what they were doing spelling "come" wrong especially on a song about girls rocking their boys. I can appreciate the odd song titles, but it still rubs me wrong a little. Kind of like modern indie bands, especially the lo-fi variation, having all their song titles in lowercase. I dig it but I also like uniform to an extent. Anyways I am glad to include this in the blog because this is a straight forward kick ass rock song, a great spot to start for anyone trying to get into the glam rock that seemed to ooze out of England during this stage of rock. 

​Year Released: 1972
Album: Slayed? (1972)
Genre: Glam Rock
Mood: Energizing
Perfect For: Driving, Rockin at home
Where To Next: “The Six Teens" - Sweet
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Rating: 7/10

"Tomorrow is a Long Time - Live at Town Hall, New York, NY 1963" - Bob Dylan

A beautiful and hollow feeling radiates from this song, a beautiful tale in that early Bob Dylan style. This one always hits me right in the heart and lets me get lost in my mind. Calming through and through and well written to boot. I would have loved to see an earlier Bob Dylan show when before he busted out the electric guitars and such, though I would love to see that too! I have a soft spot for the fully folk version of Bob Dylan, a shit load of my inspiration to wanna pen my thoughts came from the beautiful words of this man. He has a natural way of drawing you in and not letting you go until the song is over and I think this song is a perfect example of that. I actually strangely heard the Elvis Presley version of this song before I came across Bob Dylan's, mainly since I never really dived into Bob Dylan's greatest hits nor have I took on his massive collection of Bootleg Collection releases. So as long as I have loved Bob Dylan I didn't come across this beautiful soul stopping gem until I listened through his 1971 Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits Vol. II. I was struck when I first heard it and honestly even after all these years I still get my breath taken out each time I hear the song, it is so calm and beautiful. I was just doing menial tasks at work and as soon as I heard the song take off I knew the day was gonna move on alright, all the little stupid stresses that your brain throws at you faded away for a minute (3 minutes technically I guess). When the song was over I was back to stressing but you know you have a powerful song when it makes your breath shallow and your brain shut up.

Year Released: 1971
Album: Bob Dylan's Greatest Hits Vol. II (1971)
Genre: Folk
Mood: Hollow
Perfect For: Casual listening, Relaxing, Reminiscing, Dreaming, Traveling
Where To Next: “I Can't Help but Where I'm Bound" - Tom Paxton
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Rating: 9/10

"A Good Man is Hard to Find" - Brenda Lee

Brenda Lee never ceases to amaze me with her vocal range and the overall main stream appeal mixed with the rock n roll of the time. She had a fairly successful career, though is one of those artists that didn't change her main style all too much even when that style was dying out. I mean this isn't the exact idea of what her "sound" is though I love the brass backing, of the swing of the music. That and some lyricism that tells it straight, lastly what makes this album and song even more impressive is she was a whole 14 years old when the album released. She sounds like a grown ass woman in this album, her follow ups are just as impressive. This song comes off of her only 1950's album, 1959's fittingly named Grandma, What Great Songs You Sang! a damn good arrangement of mostly older songs some even coming out of the 1910's & 1920's. Though her renditions of them certainly have that rockin, reelin', and rollin' feeling to them. Still I want to point out how much of a great and entertaining singer she is, especially with that age. There are pictures of her with Elvis when she is even younger, it is crazy that she was set on a path at an earlier age for grandeur even if her time in the limelight wasn't as long as some. I mean that was an early rock n roll thing, 5 years of prime rock and then if they didn't switch to country or move along with the changing tides they got washed over by them. I think she was like 13 fucking years old when she recorded the massively successful "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree". I was still perfecting my "punk ass" ways at the time and reaping the consequences, I couldn't even imagine being a star so young. She started out young on the path of being something great, even at age 5 she was winning contests so it isn't all that shocking she was a teenage star. There is a ton of great material to work with and when she did go the country way her vocals beautifully meld with it along with her later adult contemporary work. In 1982 you can hear her along country legends Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton & Kris Kristofferson on a collaborative album called The Winning Hand. An unsung hero of sock hops and teenage lovers world wide, anyone who digs 1950's rock and roll into 1960's pop based rock will love her following work. Check it out!

​Year Released: 1959
Album: Grandma, What Great Songs You Sang! (1959)
Genre: Rock and Roll, Pop
Mood: Romantic, Grand
Perfect For: Casual listening, Easy going tasks such as chores
Where To Next: "You Always Hurt the One You Love" - Clarence "Frogman" Henry
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Rating: 7/10

"The Things We Do for Love" - 10cc

Honestly 10cc was a hard sell for me and I am honestly not sure why. The tracks I dig from them I really cherish though when I did my deep dive of the 1970's I didn't walk away with as many tracks as I would have liked. I can see why they are held at the regard they are though that doesn't change how many got chosen as... special. One track that did get selected is "The Things We Do for Love", I have enjoyed its good time atmosphere ever since I came across in when going through their classic Deceptive Bends. A perfect song for a lazy day in bed, which seems to be the modern theme for my Sundays with my lady. I mean it is hot as fuck outside and the price of gas keeps my ass is bed longer than my inner Caleb would like. Though I am kind of enjoying these lazy days even though my wanderlust kicks the hell out of me the whole time. This song was perfect for this day for sure, in between kisses and drags of sweet nicotine I could hear this song playing in the background and it seemed to sum up the day wonderfully, I mean not lyrically but atmospherically. Sometimes it takes a moment to really sell a song for you, I know in my heart that I will forever affiliate this song with lazy loving Sundays. 10cc is a great example of what progressive pop sounds like, and honestly there are times that the band blows me away with its knack of writing some stellar songs. Well put together and captivating songs that leave you wanting more, honestly I am thinking about running through their prime albums again just to make sure I didn't have a stick up my butt that day I sifted through the album. Because songs like this make me think that I may have missed out on some other pop rock goodies.

Year Released: 1976
Album: Deceptive Bends (1977)
Genre: Soft Rock, Progressive Pop
Mood: Romantic
Perfect For: Casual listening, Lazy days, Date night
Where To Next: “Right Down the Line" - Gerry Rafferty
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Rating: 8/10

"The Streets of Baltimore" - Bobby Bare

I love that old country sound! The folk influences along side simple yet effective lyricism. One of those lyrical themes that come up many times is the woes of women and those city lights, there are also plenty of the man being lured in under their sinful glow. A theme I adore since not only do I love the "rambling" theme but I also love songs about cities I have never been, in some ways its as close as I can get to living there since my heart is always reaching way further than my feet can take me. "The Streets of Baltimore" is one of my favorites from Bobby Bare and believe you me there are a fucking ton of songs I love from Bobby Bare, he is easily one of the most underrated and forgotten country artists of the 1960's and 1970's. One of the most talented story tellers and overall one of the greatest in country music history as far as I am concerned. One of those artists that seem to have been cut from the same cloth as dear Caleb here. Lyrics and atmosphere I could see me penning if I had musical knack instead of the desire to write about my shitty thoughts regarding great songs. This song made me want to visit Baltimore, for a good minute I thought maybe I would want to live there. While I would still be willing it isn't something I can sell my lady on, trust me I have tried once and was denied twice. I actually played this song for her since I was trying to convince her to up and run away with me to whatever city I was obsessed with at the moment, said I wouldn't be like those women that you hear about in Bobby Bare and Waylon Jennings tracks. Since she had no idea what the hell I was rambling about I laid it on her, my beautiful plan to not only sell a song but also get her dreaming of distant cities failed as she just pulled up her phone and swiped away. I guess I will just have to settle with "Salt Lake City" another great track from Bobby Bare. Also there are hardly any Utah songs out there so thank you Bobby Bare for doing a country song for the beehive state. Bobby Bare isn't the one who wrote "Streets of Baltimore" but I think his is the best version and he was the first recorded version of the song. As is country style they don't always write their songs but that doesn't matter to me as much as it does other genres, it is he who can really sell the story the best. I can say confidently that Bobby Bare made me feel like a heartbroken man in the streets of Baltimore.

Year Released: 1966
Album: The Streets of Baltimore (1966)
Genre: Country
Mood: Mellow
Perfect For: Casual listening, Driving, Dreaming, Drinking
Where To Next: “Ridin' My Thumb to Mexico" - Johnny Rodriguez
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Rating: 8/10

"Eyes Without a Face" - Billy Idol

This has got to be one of my all-time favorite songs from the 1980's. Billy Idol already has many essential tracks to any 1980's rockers collection though this more pop smacked track comes in with the best of them. He sings it wonderfully and man does it always bring me into myself. A lonesome song meant for midnight drives through the dying streets of neon lit cities. More so it is the song that is playing in the drunk's head as he watches all those lovely couples leave as last call crawls closer every minute. Coming off of Billy Idol's 1983 classic Rebel Yell it is cozy next to fellow new wave type tracks and plenty of straight-laced rockers. I mean it isn't too shocking, it seems Billy Idol can never settle on just one sound be it punk or hard rock or even this one with new wave coming across strong. A touching song and one I have abused for years since it always makes me feel so hollow yet uplifted. The songs that have conflicting emotions are often some of my favorites, I like feeling all the feels instead of just the one being fed to you by crooners and 6 string shooters. Anyways a bona fide classic, one that is a true joy to listen to and never feels too long especially with jumping around such as his "rap" part which helps level you again since this song often has me floating out of my skin. Anyone that jumps into this album from the track it was named after is gonna be a little confused, it isn't nearly as in your face as "Rebel Yell" but it is equally as powerful and addictive! Chose this song while still sick as a motherfucker, it was a pleasant track to wake up to when crawling out of my bed for the morning pee seemed all but impossible. There weren't too many songs I listened to that day aside from the songs I listened to from playing the broken DLC's Mafia II had to offer in its definitive edition. Even if there were a thousand songs I listened to that day I don't think any of them would have beat my precious "Eyes Without a Face".

Year Released: 1983
Album: Rebel Yell (1983)
Genre: New Wave
Mood: Hollow, Dreamy
Perfect For: Lonely nights, Night drives, Wine drinking
Where To Next: “Rapture" - Blondie
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Rating: 10/10

“He Ain’t Heavy He’s My Brother” - The Hollies

A moving and calming classic from the Hollies, a band with a damn impressive career that varies in sounds but always leaves you at peace. This version of the track is arguably the best, though I have loved pretty well all the versions I’ve heard from the original by Kelly Gordon to the pop balladeer style from Gotthard. I really think the Hollies sell it wonderfully, balancing that rock line with the softer side with strings wonderfully. Turns out that little sore throat I had the day before turned into some dumb head cold that hit me like a truck when I was at work. I was barely pulling through the day when I heard this song penetrating the wall due to someone in the building playing it. I am not even sure who the dude is but when he plays music he has pretty good taste, though his taste lasts 1 minute since the boy can’t finish a damn song to save his life. He has a hard on for Neil Diamond too, another musician I dig but I ensure you there are other bands guy on the opposite side of my wall. I’m honestly shocked he chose the Hollies version of this song not the almost equally as great Neil Diamond one, maybe his finger just slipped. None the less, the haunting beauty of this song really matched the clouded head feeling of the day. That and I hardly had any other music play that day since I was so out of it and craved sleeping above all else. I’ve had some shit luck with getting sick as of late, Colorado is on fire and California is REALLY on fire so we are getting all that smoke in Utah. Guess it helped catch me with my pants down for this damn sickness to creep in. It’s crazy how frail us dumb humans are, and this frail human truly despises working when sick. I usually call out even if I got a speck of dust in my eye, working when sick sends me on this spiral of “what the hell is life even about? Why work when sick? Isn’t that survival?” thoughts. Which I stand by that shit, those suckers that will work no matter what and say “oh yes sir, please beat me more sir” are the problem. If a mother fucker is sick, he’s sick simple as that so long as that same individual is a decent enough worker and doesn’t miss work whenever it suits them. Anyways, the song is damn good and I appreciate it being there when I was spinning trying to drag a heavy ass truck tailgate to it’s respective area.

Year Released: 1969
Album: He Ain’t Heavy, He’s My Brother (1969)
Genre: Soft Rock, Rock
Mood: Emotional
Perfect For: Casual listening
Where To Next: “Easy to Be Hard” - Three Dog Night
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Rating: 7/10