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Song of the Day 06/30/2024
“Hello Again” - The Cars
Catchy as all hell, if there was one word to explain the Cars it would be catchy. They have an armory full of tunes that get stuck in your head. This one is no different, as soon as the band takes off after the intro you’re hooked. That beautiful 80s synthesizer mixed with the keyboard was born to be catchy as sin. This track is super 80's too for all the glory and the fall throughs. The Cars is a band that grabbed me when I was pretty young, a band that I will love until I die. One of the first I jumped through their albums too, which in those albums for the most part I wasn’t disappointed. So tracks like this one and so many more always feel like coming home. This track was selected while just lounging in bed. Goes to show that no matter what you’re doing the Cars always give you a damn good time. Luckily my lady also likes the Cars so listening to it when lounging in bed after a night of drinking and making “Lego” Pokémon figures (don’t knock it til you try it) really set the morning off right. The Cars have always been a “get up and go” type of band for me, rarely have I done nothing while listening to them aside from when doing album reviews so it was nice to just relax and listen. They typically have an energy that makes me wanna get up and move!
Year Released: 1984
Album: Heartbeat City (1984)
Genre: Pop Rock, New Wave
Mood: Fun!
Perfect For: Driving around day or night, lounging in bed
Where To Next: “Roam” - The B-52’
Rating: 7/10
Catchy as all hell, if there was one word to explain the Cars it would be catchy. They have an armory full of tunes that get stuck in your head. This one is no different, as soon as the band takes off after the intro you’re hooked. That beautiful 80s synthesizer mixed with the keyboard was born to be catchy as sin. This track is super 80's too for all the glory and the fall throughs. The Cars is a band that grabbed me when I was pretty young, a band that I will love until I die. One of the first I jumped through their albums too, which in those albums for the most part I wasn’t disappointed. So tracks like this one and so many more always feel like coming home. This track was selected while just lounging in bed. Goes to show that no matter what you’re doing the Cars always give you a damn good time. Luckily my lady also likes the Cars so listening to it when lounging in bed after a night of drinking and making “Lego” Pokémon figures (don’t knock it til you try it) really set the morning off right. The Cars have always been a “get up and go” type of band for me, rarely have I done nothing while listening to them aside from when doing album reviews so it was nice to just relax and listen. They typically have an energy that makes me wanna get up and move!
Year Released: 1984
Album: Heartbeat City (1984)
Genre: Pop Rock, New Wave
Mood: Fun!
Perfect For: Driving around day or night, lounging in bed
Where To Next: “Roam” - The B-52’
Rating: 7/10
Song of the Day 06/29/2024
“Shylock” - Buffalo
When you talk of bands that never achieved the limelight they deserved and had a sound close to heavy metal before the scene actually picked up then Buffalo should be one of the first to come to mind. Coming in hot and heavy Buffalo kept the hard rock blues based garage rock sound that came out of the 60s but added in that molten rock that was rising to power in the 1970s. There are hardly any rock tracks that are based in William Shakespeare’s work either which is a kick ass plus of the track. Shylock was a wicked man from The Merchant of Venice, you wouldn’t expect a hard rock band at this caliber to put out a track based on that. Though in some ways it only backs their spot on the early metal throne since many metal bands have unique lyrical content, from literature to torture metal truly does cover it all. Either way I dig the hell out of the track and while driving around the rich peoples streets in Cottonwood Heights in Utah, that summer sun beating down on my black truck with weak AC, it fit the mood. A song based around greed driving on the streets of the greedy. That and this style is one of my favorites to come out of the early 1970s so it’s always welcomed on any of my playlists. Only poor thing about the track is it’s a touch repetitive (which never really bothered me) and that damned album cover. A tacky album cover but it strangely suits the style and the band much like the tacky and shitty album covers that early 1980s speed metal bands seemed to love.
Year Released: 1973
Album: Volcanic Rock (1973)
Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Mood: Bombastic
Perfect For: Driving, Jamming, Having a beer
Where To Next: “Suicide” - Dust
Rating: 7/10
When you talk of bands that never achieved the limelight they deserved and had a sound close to heavy metal before the scene actually picked up then Buffalo should be one of the first to come to mind. Coming in hot and heavy Buffalo kept the hard rock blues based garage rock sound that came out of the 60s but added in that molten rock that was rising to power in the 1970s. There are hardly any rock tracks that are based in William Shakespeare’s work either which is a kick ass plus of the track. Shylock was a wicked man from The Merchant of Venice, you wouldn’t expect a hard rock band at this caliber to put out a track based on that. Though in some ways it only backs their spot on the early metal throne since many metal bands have unique lyrical content, from literature to torture metal truly does cover it all. Either way I dig the hell out of the track and while driving around the rich peoples streets in Cottonwood Heights in Utah, that summer sun beating down on my black truck with weak AC, it fit the mood. A song based around greed driving on the streets of the greedy. That and this style is one of my favorites to come out of the early 1970s so it’s always welcomed on any of my playlists. Only poor thing about the track is it’s a touch repetitive (which never really bothered me) and that damned album cover. A tacky album cover but it strangely suits the style and the band much like the tacky and shitty album covers that early 1980s speed metal bands seemed to love.
Year Released: 1973
Album: Volcanic Rock (1973)
Genre: Hard Rock, Heavy Metal
Mood: Bombastic
Perfect For: Driving, Jamming, Having a beer
Where To Next: “Suicide” - Dust
Rating: 7/10
Song of the Day 06/28/2024
“Rocket Reducer No. 62” - MC5
MC5’s Kick Out the Jams is as legendary as some albums can get! Especially for a live album it’s impressive how much impact this album had. One of the best tracks from the album is “Rocket Reducer No. 62”. A good time lyricism and an explosive energy that can be felt throughout most of the album. Kick Out the Jams was the first live album I ever listened to and it set the bar way too high for other live albums to reach though honestly there’s a few that made it that high as well but never over it. MC5 is a kick ass band that in modern terms doesn’t seem so in your face but there wasn’t many bands this raw and in your face at the time. It’s easy to see why they are often penned as one of the first punk rock bands and even one of the first heavy metal bands. I agree fully with the punk rock statement but a touch less about the metal statement. The band wasn’t scared of shit, being a big supporter for the black panthers and also saying what they please in the lyrics. One thing I did find shocking about the band is their studio work is more tame than their live presence. I love both sides of the coin but it’s easy to see why Kick out the Jams is the one for the history books. Still even in their studio work they are very blunt about their anarchistic mind set and paint it with a peaceful brush. Music for natural born hell raisers that don’t give a damn.
Year Released: 1969
Album: Kick Out the Jams (1969)
Genre: Proto-Punk, Hard Rock
Mood: Energetic
Perfect For: Some good tokes and a six pack
Where To Next: “The Human Being Lawnmower” - MC5
Rating: 7/10
MC5’s Kick Out the Jams is as legendary as some albums can get! Especially for a live album it’s impressive how much impact this album had. One of the best tracks from the album is “Rocket Reducer No. 62”. A good time lyricism and an explosive energy that can be felt throughout most of the album. Kick Out the Jams was the first live album I ever listened to and it set the bar way too high for other live albums to reach though honestly there’s a few that made it that high as well but never over it. MC5 is a kick ass band that in modern terms doesn’t seem so in your face but there wasn’t many bands this raw and in your face at the time. It’s easy to see why they are often penned as one of the first punk rock bands and even one of the first heavy metal bands. I agree fully with the punk rock statement but a touch less about the metal statement. The band wasn’t scared of shit, being a big supporter for the black panthers and also saying what they please in the lyrics. One thing I did find shocking about the band is their studio work is more tame than their live presence. I love both sides of the coin but it’s easy to see why Kick out the Jams is the one for the history books. Still even in their studio work they are very blunt about their anarchistic mind set and paint it with a peaceful brush. Music for natural born hell raisers that don’t give a damn.
Year Released: 1969
Album: Kick Out the Jams (1969)
Genre: Proto-Punk, Hard Rock
Mood: Energetic
Perfect For: Some good tokes and a six pack
Where To Next: “The Human Being Lawnmower” - MC5
Rating: 7/10
Song of the Day 06/27/2024
“Youth of the Nation” - P.O.D.
Man here I am again typing out a track that always leaves me feeling hollow. I know I’m going through the motion of emotions this month but damn. Well we will talk of the infamously sad and real song “Youth of the Nation”. I remember growing up and hearing this on the radio and not being all to phased, probably because I was too young to fully take in the lyrics. Wasn’t even aware I was one of the youth of the nation that they talk about in this song. Growing up and becoming too familiar with planning what I’d do if a shooter chose my school next this song hits home. Or the terrible stories I was told from both friends and acquaintances that were also the youth of the nation. Friends I’ve had that ended their lives. Most of those kids that survived youth turned into the bitter adults we see around us now. There’s still far too many fools that both lead this country and populate our streets that live life not even bothered by all that’s going on. Like the song said, it’s the blind leading the blind and so many of Americas youth get caught in that blindness. The song is super well written, tales that we all have heard. If you haven’t heard those tales from someone’s lips then count yourself as a lucky person. While I was in high school we had the most school shootings and mass shootings in our countries history and you could feel everyone’s unease day and day in the hallways. The system is fucked, the education system could honestly care less about the kids. It’s like everything else, all built for money and conformity. Making pretty little people to put into pretty little boxes not caring if those boxes are too soggy or too small. Now the songs not just about school shootings, it’s about the women that are victimized or blinded by the same system that allows school shootings to happen. To allow tortured youth to suffer from bullies, when it’s that very system that is filled to the brim with bullies. Shit makes me sick, and that sickness is let out in this song. It’s straight to the point nature makes it a damn good choice on explaining the faults of our world. It makes a point not to blame someone, it makes a point to feel as sorrowful for the victim as much as the killer. Backed by a hollow atmosphere and a good flow of lyricism to keep you locked. I love the song, almost a little too much but man does it make me sad. I’ve met few that know that song and don’t say “that shits rough” right after saying that dig it. P.O.D. can get hate from people though there’s no doubting that “Youth of the Nation” is a moving and great song.
Year Released: 2001
Album: Satellite (2001)
Genre: Rap Rock
Mood: Sad, Hollow
Perfect For: Casual listening
Where To Next: “Handlebars” - Flobots
Rating: 10/10
Man here I am again typing out a track that always leaves me feeling hollow. I know I’m going through the motion of emotions this month but damn. Well we will talk of the infamously sad and real song “Youth of the Nation”. I remember growing up and hearing this on the radio and not being all to phased, probably because I was too young to fully take in the lyrics. Wasn’t even aware I was one of the youth of the nation that they talk about in this song. Growing up and becoming too familiar with planning what I’d do if a shooter chose my school next this song hits home. Or the terrible stories I was told from both friends and acquaintances that were also the youth of the nation. Friends I’ve had that ended their lives. Most of those kids that survived youth turned into the bitter adults we see around us now. There’s still far too many fools that both lead this country and populate our streets that live life not even bothered by all that’s going on. Like the song said, it’s the blind leading the blind and so many of Americas youth get caught in that blindness. The song is super well written, tales that we all have heard. If you haven’t heard those tales from someone’s lips then count yourself as a lucky person. While I was in high school we had the most school shootings and mass shootings in our countries history and you could feel everyone’s unease day and day in the hallways. The system is fucked, the education system could honestly care less about the kids. It’s like everything else, all built for money and conformity. Making pretty little people to put into pretty little boxes not caring if those boxes are too soggy or too small. Now the songs not just about school shootings, it’s about the women that are victimized or blinded by the same system that allows school shootings to happen. To allow tortured youth to suffer from bullies, when it’s that very system that is filled to the brim with bullies. Shit makes me sick, and that sickness is let out in this song. It’s straight to the point nature makes it a damn good choice on explaining the faults of our world. It makes a point not to blame someone, it makes a point to feel as sorrowful for the victim as much as the killer. Backed by a hollow atmosphere and a good flow of lyricism to keep you locked. I love the song, almost a little too much but man does it make me sad. I’ve met few that know that song and don’t say “that shits rough” right after saying that dig it. P.O.D. can get hate from people though there’s no doubting that “Youth of the Nation” is a moving and great song.
Year Released: 2001
Album: Satellite (2001)
Genre: Rap Rock
Mood: Sad, Hollow
Perfect For: Casual listening
Where To Next: “Handlebars” - Flobots
Rating: 10/10
Song of the Day 06/26/2024
“Nothingman” - Pearl Jam
Have I just chose a shit load of songs that make you FEEL for this month? Don’t wanna sound like a broken record and all that jazz. Though here’s another that grabs me time and time again. Something about its simple nature and the way that Vedder sings right at you always moves me. I remember the first time I fully broke a heart this was one of the tracks I had on repeat. Not even 100 percent sure why, just hit right and still to this day it does. Always brings me back to a time when I was younger and dumber, couldn’t think 3 steps ahead of myself at any point without tripping. Now as a man (but still pretty dumb) instead of a boy I can’t help but think 8 steps ahead and then sit there and stress on those steps and then trip. Is this… growing up? Anyways this song is a time capsule for me, though I love it as a separate thing as well, I don’t have a fondness for this song solely based on past actions but it certainly helps it along. It’s one of the most stand out tracks on Vitalogy and for one of Pearl Jam’s emotion on sleeve tracks. I will always have a love for tracks that control your emotions, and this one for me always grabs my ass, sits me down, and then just leaves me feeling hollow throughout the track. Luckily enough though once the song is over I get back to normal which I can’t say for most of the “moving” tracks.
Year Released: 1994
Album: Vitalogy (1994)
Genre: Alternative Rock, Grunge
Mood: Sad, Introspective
Perfect For: Late night drives, Moon gazing
Where To Next: “Guaranteed” - Eddie Vedder
Rating: 8/10
Have I just chose a shit load of songs that make you FEEL for this month? Don’t wanna sound like a broken record and all that jazz. Though here’s another that grabs me time and time again. Something about its simple nature and the way that Vedder sings right at you always moves me. I remember the first time I fully broke a heart this was one of the tracks I had on repeat. Not even 100 percent sure why, just hit right and still to this day it does. Always brings me back to a time when I was younger and dumber, couldn’t think 3 steps ahead of myself at any point without tripping. Now as a man (but still pretty dumb) instead of a boy I can’t help but think 8 steps ahead and then sit there and stress on those steps and then trip. Is this… growing up? Anyways this song is a time capsule for me, though I love it as a separate thing as well, I don’t have a fondness for this song solely based on past actions but it certainly helps it along. It’s one of the most stand out tracks on Vitalogy and for one of Pearl Jam’s emotion on sleeve tracks. I will always have a love for tracks that control your emotions, and this one for me always grabs my ass, sits me down, and then just leaves me feeling hollow throughout the track. Luckily enough though once the song is over I get back to normal which I can’t say for most of the “moving” tracks.
Year Released: 1994
Album: Vitalogy (1994)
Genre: Alternative Rock, Grunge
Mood: Sad, Introspective
Perfect For: Late night drives, Moon gazing
Where To Next: “Guaranteed” - Eddie Vedder
Rating: 8/10
Song of the Day 06/25/2024
“Wildflowers” - Tom Petty
What a beautiful track, music right from their soul to your ears. Tom Petty has one of the most impressive careers in rock music, how long he stayed on the charts and putting out great albums throughout multiple decades is impressive. The 1990s is some of the best especially for his solo work. I’m honestly shocked this song hasn’t made it into the “song of the day” section yet, it’s one I’m super fond of. It’s one that tends to come up when I’m feeling both restless and depressed, I’m one of those wildflowers even though the track seems to be leaning a little to it being a woman he’s talking about. Though it might just be me feeling that way, point remains the song hits me right in the gut each time. One of those that send my thoughts into the beautiful mountains I’ve seen, and the neon streets that I long to see with all of my soul. When those country artists (mainly from the 50s until the late 70s) talked about this ol rambling fever I never thought I would get bit. In a lot of ways I think I was born this way, either I was born with a cowardice that makes me want to run or maybe born with an unsatisfied soul that always wants something over the next hill. I just cant find myself satisfied with my surroundings, almost anywhere I have my wheels touch feels like home though home itself feels like a prison of my own making. So tracks like “Wildflowers” are some of my favorite musically and atmospherically though it also damns my soul for a little bit. Reminds me on how this wildflower got caught in the capitalist gale. Anyways, see what I mean man? I listened to that track and got caught in a rant. Power of music, and the power of the human nature of never being satisfied. Sigh.
Year Released: 1994
Album: Wildflowers (1994)
Genre: Folk Rock
Mood: Mellow, Bittersweet, Motivational
Perfect For: Dreaming
Where To Next: “Any Old Wind That Blows” - Johnny Cash
Rating: 9/10
What a beautiful track, music right from their soul to your ears. Tom Petty has one of the most impressive careers in rock music, how long he stayed on the charts and putting out great albums throughout multiple decades is impressive. The 1990s is some of the best especially for his solo work. I’m honestly shocked this song hasn’t made it into the “song of the day” section yet, it’s one I’m super fond of. It’s one that tends to come up when I’m feeling both restless and depressed, I’m one of those wildflowers even though the track seems to be leaning a little to it being a woman he’s talking about. Though it might just be me feeling that way, point remains the song hits me right in the gut each time. One of those that send my thoughts into the beautiful mountains I’ve seen, and the neon streets that I long to see with all of my soul. When those country artists (mainly from the 50s until the late 70s) talked about this ol rambling fever I never thought I would get bit. In a lot of ways I think I was born this way, either I was born with a cowardice that makes me want to run or maybe born with an unsatisfied soul that always wants something over the next hill. I just cant find myself satisfied with my surroundings, almost anywhere I have my wheels touch feels like home though home itself feels like a prison of my own making. So tracks like “Wildflowers” are some of my favorite musically and atmospherically though it also damns my soul for a little bit. Reminds me on how this wildflower got caught in the capitalist gale. Anyways, see what I mean man? I listened to that track and got caught in a rant. Power of music, and the power of the human nature of never being satisfied. Sigh.
Year Released: 1994
Album: Wildflowers (1994)
Genre: Folk Rock
Mood: Mellow, Bittersweet, Motivational
Perfect For: Dreaming
Where To Next: “Any Old Wind That Blows” - Johnny Cash
Rating: 9/10
Song of the Day 06/24/2024
”Motorcycle Ride” - Rancid
From punk legends Rancid comes across strong and fast with this track, an underrated gem from their 1994 album Let’s Go. I strangely didn’t choose this track while on a motorcycle ride but just walking back in from my lunch break and was shocked to have a rockabilly good time track coming from Rancid. A band that I have carried with me for a long time but being super selective on which tracks. I’m honestly not even sure why, maybe I just knew one day in the future I would take the deep dive like I am now. The track is short and sweet though a 5th of bourbon and a motorcycle ride is certainly enough to grab my attention, both physically and lyrically. Though the lyrics also warn about the fate that may befall you if those two are mixed. Anyways certainly an oddity track from the band, or so far as I’ve listened thus far. Rancid in my opinion is one of the strongest forces that kept straight forward punk rock from fading out, especially when pop punk was becoming more powerful and skate punk was ruling the wastes. Though I suppose Rancid could be thrown in with skate punk too for some of their tracks. None the less, a good track and one I was super glad to discover.
Year Released: 1994
Album: Let’s Go (1994)
Genre: Punk Rock
Mood: Fast and Fun
Perfect For: A fifth of bourbon and a motorcycle ride
Where To Next: “Five-o Ford” - Reverend Horton Heat
Rating: 7/10
From punk legends Rancid comes across strong and fast with this track, an underrated gem from their 1994 album Let’s Go. I strangely didn’t choose this track while on a motorcycle ride but just walking back in from my lunch break and was shocked to have a rockabilly good time track coming from Rancid. A band that I have carried with me for a long time but being super selective on which tracks. I’m honestly not even sure why, maybe I just knew one day in the future I would take the deep dive like I am now. The track is short and sweet though a 5th of bourbon and a motorcycle ride is certainly enough to grab my attention, both physically and lyrically. Though the lyrics also warn about the fate that may befall you if those two are mixed. Anyways certainly an oddity track from the band, or so far as I’ve listened thus far. Rancid in my opinion is one of the strongest forces that kept straight forward punk rock from fading out, especially when pop punk was becoming more powerful and skate punk was ruling the wastes. Though I suppose Rancid could be thrown in with skate punk too for some of their tracks. None the less, a good track and one I was super glad to discover.
Year Released: 1994
Album: Let’s Go (1994)
Genre: Punk Rock
Mood: Fast and Fun
Perfect For: A fifth of bourbon and a motorcycle ride
Where To Next: “Five-o Ford” - Reverend Horton Heat
Rating: 7/10
Song of the Day 06/23/2024
“Killing Fields” - Slayer
Fuckin…. Slayyeerrrrr! There ain’t many bands that make me as damn reckless as Slayer. Something about their brand of sin always has me feeling fucking invincible. Shit, I was just driving to my girlfriend’s house, completely normal person and then I heard the start of “Killing Fields” and even the sweltering heat didn’t bother me. I was driving my Ford Ranger tank into battle in that moment, I could almost even see the tank barrel forming as I turned that mother up. This album shows off the sound they will be switching to soon in their career, I mean all Slayer does is certainly theirs but the sound and the style we loved from the 80s and first year or two of the 1990s was switching to this more heavy more intense sound. A sound that a lot of thrash bands were switching to as well, can’t keep the same ol forever. Though you still hear both sides in Divine Intervention it’s one that I went a good year or two when first getting into Slayer without picking up. Mostly because I was obsessed with their earlier legendary thrash albums and that fucking wicked starting black/death/thrash sound they had before they settled on a heavier than hell thrash sound. Though once I allowed Slayer to continue their onslaught to my ears I was pretty damn impressed with Divine Intervention and found a love for the sound they kept until their 2008 kick ass album World Painted Blood. Then they decided to get even heavier with their final studio album Repentless. Fucking love Slayer, easily one of my all time favorite bands. I love “Killing Fields” and most of Divine Intervention there’s very very few Slayer tracks that don’t please my metal soul. Makes me wanna raise my horns and fucking lose it. I mean I don’t since I gotta drive or like not look like a tweaker on the streets buuut doesn’t change the fact that my insides are raging as much as my ears are having a damn blast.
Year Released: 1994
Album: Divine Intervention (1994)
Genre: Thrash Metal
Mood: Heavy, Diabolical
Perfect For: Headbanging, Driving fast, Shooter video games
Where To Next: “Ironbound” - Overkill
Rating: 7/10
Fuckin…. Slayyeerrrrr! There ain’t many bands that make me as damn reckless as Slayer. Something about their brand of sin always has me feeling fucking invincible. Shit, I was just driving to my girlfriend’s house, completely normal person and then I heard the start of “Killing Fields” and even the sweltering heat didn’t bother me. I was driving my Ford Ranger tank into battle in that moment, I could almost even see the tank barrel forming as I turned that mother up. This album shows off the sound they will be switching to soon in their career, I mean all Slayer does is certainly theirs but the sound and the style we loved from the 80s and first year or two of the 1990s was switching to this more heavy more intense sound. A sound that a lot of thrash bands were switching to as well, can’t keep the same ol forever. Though you still hear both sides in Divine Intervention it’s one that I went a good year or two when first getting into Slayer without picking up. Mostly because I was obsessed with their earlier legendary thrash albums and that fucking wicked starting black/death/thrash sound they had before they settled on a heavier than hell thrash sound. Though once I allowed Slayer to continue their onslaught to my ears I was pretty damn impressed with Divine Intervention and found a love for the sound they kept until their 2008 kick ass album World Painted Blood. Then they decided to get even heavier with their final studio album Repentless. Fucking love Slayer, easily one of my all time favorite bands. I love “Killing Fields” and most of Divine Intervention there’s very very few Slayer tracks that don’t please my metal soul. Makes me wanna raise my horns and fucking lose it. I mean I don’t since I gotta drive or like not look like a tweaker on the streets buuut doesn’t change the fact that my insides are raging as much as my ears are having a damn blast.
Year Released: 1994
Album: Divine Intervention (1994)
Genre: Thrash Metal
Mood: Heavy, Diabolical
Perfect For: Headbanging, Driving fast, Shooter video games
Where To Next: “Ironbound” - Overkill
Rating: 7/10
Song of the Day 06/22/2024
“C’mon” - Poco
Poco always shocks me on how long they had a flourishing career, not one that put them on the same bill as some of the more big names that came out of country rock or later soft rock but a career with damn good music. There are times when it’s time for me to sift through live albums that I audibly sigh. Now don’t get me wrong, I love some live albums but in my opinion there is like maybe 20 percent that are worth a damn. So years back when I was sifting through the golden rock music that came out of 1970 (one of my all time favorite years) I saw Poco had their live album Deliverin’ and I was honestly a touch worried. Especially so early in their career. Though I was shot down, proved wrong but glad for it. “C’mon” is a damn good country/folk rock track that has you feeling like you’re there watching the concert. Good lyrics that pull you in with a peace loving theme that I personally have always enjoyed. A lively band playing a lively song to a lively crowd. While I love “Crazy Love” and their well known soft rock stage, my real home in Poco is the country rock. So it’s easy to say that I take time when I can find it to appreciate their earlier work and other bands pushing out the same sound during those years. I’m sure we will see plenty more in the “song of the day” section. If it ain’t for you, then that’s fine but I love the sound. Takes all the greatness from old country and mixes it with the rockin nature of rock music, something that even southern rock sometimes has a hard time doing especially in this way. Anyways for a live track “C’mon” does a great job of keeping your attention, it comes in as smooth as it fades out. So c’mon give the track a go and enjoy some damn fine music.
Year Released: 1970
Album: Deliverin’ (1970)
Genre: Country Rock, Folk Rock
Mood: Fun, Peaceful, Mellow
Perfect For: Driving, Relaxing, Smoking a bowl
Where To Next: “Seven Bridges Road” (Live) - Eagles
Rating: 7/10
Poco always shocks me on how long they had a flourishing career, not one that put them on the same bill as some of the more big names that came out of country rock or later soft rock but a career with damn good music. There are times when it’s time for me to sift through live albums that I audibly sigh. Now don’t get me wrong, I love some live albums but in my opinion there is like maybe 20 percent that are worth a damn. So years back when I was sifting through the golden rock music that came out of 1970 (one of my all time favorite years) I saw Poco had their live album Deliverin’ and I was honestly a touch worried. Especially so early in their career. Though I was shot down, proved wrong but glad for it. “C’mon” is a damn good country/folk rock track that has you feeling like you’re there watching the concert. Good lyrics that pull you in with a peace loving theme that I personally have always enjoyed. A lively band playing a lively song to a lively crowd. While I love “Crazy Love” and their well known soft rock stage, my real home in Poco is the country rock. So it’s easy to say that I take time when I can find it to appreciate their earlier work and other bands pushing out the same sound during those years. I’m sure we will see plenty more in the “song of the day” section. If it ain’t for you, then that’s fine but I love the sound. Takes all the greatness from old country and mixes it with the rockin nature of rock music, something that even southern rock sometimes has a hard time doing especially in this way. Anyways for a live track “C’mon” does a great job of keeping your attention, it comes in as smooth as it fades out. So c’mon give the track a go and enjoy some damn fine music.
Year Released: 1970
Album: Deliverin’ (1970)
Genre: Country Rock, Folk Rock
Mood: Fun, Peaceful, Mellow
Perfect For: Driving, Relaxing, Smoking a bowl
Where To Next: “Seven Bridges Road” (Live) - Eagles
Rating: 7/10
Song of the Day 06/21/2024
“Heaven Nor Hell” - Volbeat
Volbeat was one of the first modern bands to fully grab me. Well modern at the time but still, I could help falling in love with the fun vocals that hold that Metallica influence in its pocket. That and the band is just fun, there’s tracks that make you feel damn pumped and then those that are good songs to have whiskey on the rocks and just relax. This isn’t one of the heart racing tracks, just a straight shot rock track about chicks, one thing all genres seem to write about. I mean it makes sense, women are the most natural form of beauty on the planet. Well Volbeat does a good song about the finer sex. Found this track many a year ago after hearing “A Warriors Call” on the radio and needing to hear more from the band. Out of the many albums I listened to back to back after that I walked away with a good collection of damn good tracks, the crown jewel being “Heaven Nor Hell”. For the calmer side of Volbeat there are few better tracks to express their sound. Still a band I long to see live, I’m sure my day will come around since I swear they can smell when I’m broke as hell when they come to town. That or I’m just always broke… probably that one more than the other. None the less, kick ass track from one of the finest hard rock groups that came out of the late 2000’s into the 2010’s.
Year Released: 2010
Album: Beyond Hell / Above Heaven (2010)
Genre: Hard Rock
Mood: Fun, Romanticish
Perfect For: Beers, Good times
Where To Next: “1000hp” - Godsmack
Rating: 8/10
Volbeat was one of the first modern bands to fully grab me. Well modern at the time but still, I could help falling in love with the fun vocals that hold that Metallica influence in its pocket. That and the band is just fun, there’s tracks that make you feel damn pumped and then those that are good songs to have whiskey on the rocks and just relax. This isn’t one of the heart racing tracks, just a straight shot rock track about chicks, one thing all genres seem to write about. I mean it makes sense, women are the most natural form of beauty on the planet. Well Volbeat does a good song about the finer sex. Found this track many a year ago after hearing “A Warriors Call” on the radio and needing to hear more from the band. Out of the many albums I listened to back to back after that I walked away with a good collection of damn good tracks, the crown jewel being “Heaven Nor Hell”. For the calmer side of Volbeat there are few better tracks to express their sound. Still a band I long to see live, I’m sure my day will come around since I swear they can smell when I’m broke as hell when they come to town. That or I’m just always broke… probably that one more than the other. None the less, kick ass track from one of the finest hard rock groups that came out of the late 2000’s into the 2010’s.
Year Released: 2010
Album: Beyond Hell / Above Heaven (2010)
Genre: Hard Rock
Mood: Fun, Romanticish
Perfect For: Beers, Good times
Where To Next: “1000hp” - Godsmack
Rating: 8/10
Song of the Day 06/20/2024
“Us and Them” - Pink Floyd
I cannot put into words how much I ADORE this track. I mean Dark Side of the Moon holds a dear place in my heart and I’m confident in my stance that it’s one of the best albums to ever release. As I brought up in when I chose “Across the Universe” by the Beatles there really are few tracks that have me fade away into staring at nothing and everything at the same time. So I guess 2 in the same month is damn impressive, maybe I just have more on my mind right now. None the less “Us and Them” is probably my third favorite track from Dark Side of the Moon. I’ve always found it to chill out the album too, especially if you’re doing it along side psychedelics. Up until this track the songs are pretty damn intense, so it’s nice to make it to this point when you just turn into butter. Even when I’m dead sober this track has me feeling high as hell. I loved this song before I fully jumped into feeding my head so it’s not just based in drug usage. The song is touching, and well ahead of its time. The recording is immaculate and timeless and man does the band pull together to make you really feel something! I can’t count the memories I have based around this song, and I plan to have many many more. I chose this song while I was at work putting away shite in a stuffy as hell warehouse. I can only have one headphone in but as soon as I heard the start of the song I said “damn the rules, especially for Pink Floyd” and took a second to just faaaade away with that intro. Soon enough I got back to work and such but I couldn’t help but take a minute or two to just appreciate it all. This song makes me strangely sad though, I mean it’s another Pink Floyd war based track later on so I have no real connection with the words but the music is kind of… sad? Either way, I love this song through and through. I love this album through and through, certainly one of the best things I’ve ever discovered in my life. I honestly don’t think I’d be the same person if I never came across this album. There’s a reason these guys are legen-fuckin-dary! You can hear it in this track and in this album.
Year Released: 1973
Album: Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock
Mood: Dreamy, Dreary, Trippy
Perfect For: Tripping, Getting stoned, Relaxing, Up, Down, Round and Round
Where To Next: The whole album if you haven’t yet, like right now
Rating: 10/10
I cannot put into words how much I ADORE this track. I mean Dark Side of the Moon holds a dear place in my heart and I’m confident in my stance that it’s one of the best albums to ever release. As I brought up in when I chose “Across the Universe” by the Beatles there really are few tracks that have me fade away into staring at nothing and everything at the same time. So I guess 2 in the same month is damn impressive, maybe I just have more on my mind right now. None the less “Us and Them” is probably my third favorite track from Dark Side of the Moon. I’ve always found it to chill out the album too, especially if you’re doing it along side psychedelics. Up until this track the songs are pretty damn intense, so it’s nice to make it to this point when you just turn into butter. Even when I’m dead sober this track has me feeling high as hell. I loved this song before I fully jumped into feeding my head so it’s not just based in drug usage. The song is touching, and well ahead of its time. The recording is immaculate and timeless and man does the band pull together to make you really feel something! I can’t count the memories I have based around this song, and I plan to have many many more. I chose this song while I was at work putting away shite in a stuffy as hell warehouse. I can only have one headphone in but as soon as I heard the start of the song I said “damn the rules, especially for Pink Floyd” and took a second to just faaaade away with that intro. Soon enough I got back to work and such but I couldn’t help but take a minute or two to just appreciate it all. This song makes me strangely sad though, I mean it’s another Pink Floyd war based track later on so I have no real connection with the words but the music is kind of… sad? Either way, I love this song through and through. I love this album through and through, certainly one of the best things I’ve ever discovered in my life. I honestly don’t think I’d be the same person if I never came across this album. There’s a reason these guys are legen-fuckin-dary! You can hear it in this track and in this album.
Year Released: 1973
Album: Dark Side of the Moon (1973)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock
Mood: Dreamy, Dreary, Trippy
Perfect For: Tripping, Getting stoned, Relaxing, Up, Down, Round and Round
Where To Next: The whole album if you haven’t yet, like right now
Rating: 10/10
Song of the Day 06/19/2024
“Full Metal Jackoff” - D.O.A. & Jello Biafra
See, I’ve listened to a ton of D.O.A. but there’s always been one track that stands out from it all. From an album I really should give a listen to one of these days, sooner the better and it’s this one they do with Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra, Last Scream of the Missing Neighbors, why I haven’t yet is beyond me but “Full Metal Jackoff” has been one track that I have listened to often since I found it 7 years ago. Shit is crazy catchy and the lyrics are bold and in your face, just as punk should be and it’s always a nice touch when it’s too real “the world is fucked” lyrics. I mean that’s one thing that Jello is well known for, if punk had a Bob Dylan or Smokey Robinson it would be him. Most anything he touches turns to gold and this track is no different. His voice coming in strong next to the heavier and slower punk sound that is D.O.A. sells this track. I also love that album cover for no reason, just matches the chaotic vibe of the song. Controlled chaos I suppose, one you can get lost in and have a damn good time. It always finds its way on my playlists, always finds its way to me while I’m driving in the heat too I swear to hell. I chose the track since it played on my motorcycle on the way home then before I took off in my truck I switched playlists and there it was again so I happily allowed myself another listen. For sure the kind of track I don’t suggest doing back to back since it looses a touch of its power but if you have like a couple of hours in between then I fully suggest it. Damn good track, not quite punk, not quite metal or rock, just a good melding of slow driving power.
Year Released: 1990
Album: Last Scream of the Missing Neighbors
Genre: Punk Rock, Hard Rock, Hardcore Punk
Mood: Heavy, Intoxicating
Perfect For: All forms of travel, playing video games, walking the city streets
Where To Next: “War Pimp Renaissance” - Lard
Rating: 9/10
See, I’ve listened to a ton of D.O.A. but there’s always been one track that stands out from it all. From an album I really should give a listen to one of these days, sooner the better and it’s this one they do with Dead Kennedys frontman Jello Biafra, Last Scream of the Missing Neighbors, why I haven’t yet is beyond me but “Full Metal Jackoff” has been one track that I have listened to often since I found it 7 years ago. Shit is crazy catchy and the lyrics are bold and in your face, just as punk should be and it’s always a nice touch when it’s too real “the world is fucked” lyrics. I mean that’s one thing that Jello is well known for, if punk had a Bob Dylan or Smokey Robinson it would be him. Most anything he touches turns to gold and this track is no different. His voice coming in strong next to the heavier and slower punk sound that is D.O.A. sells this track. I also love that album cover for no reason, just matches the chaotic vibe of the song. Controlled chaos I suppose, one you can get lost in and have a damn good time. It always finds its way on my playlists, always finds its way to me while I’m driving in the heat too I swear to hell. I chose the track since it played on my motorcycle on the way home then before I took off in my truck I switched playlists and there it was again so I happily allowed myself another listen. For sure the kind of track I don’t suggest doing back to back since it looses a touch of its power but if you have like a couple of hours in between then I fully suggest it. Damn good track, not quite punk, not quite metal or rock, just a good melding of slow driving power.
Year Released: 1990
Album: Last Scream of the Missing Neighbors
Genre: Punk Rock, Hard Rock, Hardcore Punk
Mood: Heavy, Intoxicating
Perfect For: All forms of travel, playing video games, walking the city streets
Where To Next: “War Pimp Renaissance” - Lard
Rating: 9/10
Song of the Day 06/18/2024
“Working on the Highway” - Bruce Springsteen
Born in the USA is easily one of the best rock albums that came out of the 1980s and honestly out of all of Bruce Springsteens work this is the album that has me coming back time and time again and enjoying the hell out of every track. This song is crazy catchy and always a joy to listen and bop along to. An almost perfect rock track it’s just the lyrics that kind of kick it down. Still a favorite of mine from the album and a good one to listen to when working or even driving down the highway that the character Springsteen is portraying may have made. Granted the flaw in the lyrics I might be misinterpreting, if that’s the case then it’s a perfect song. Either way, the track is fun and fast paced in all good ways. The album has plenty of songs for the common man and this is one of them. The American dream and all that bullshit, though the title track is comically misused as a patriotic track. It’s crazy people don’t actually listen to lyrics to songs, especially fools that use it at political rallies. I mean like if you’re gonna make it an anthem you might wanna make sure it’s an anthem that actually matches the cause instead of a catchy “patriotic” chorus. Anyways, it’s not about “Born in the USA” it’s about “Working on the Highway”. The first time I played through the album it was one of my favorite tracks from it, now as time has moved on it still holds a high place but the competition sure is tough.
Year Released: 1984
Album: Born in the U.S.A. (1984)
Genre: Heartland Rock, Rockabilly
Mood: Fun
Perfect For: Working, Yard work, Driving, Good times
Where To Next: “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” - John Mellencamp
Rating: 8/10
Born in the USA is easily one of the best rock albums that came out of the 1980s and honestly out of all of Bruce Springsteens work this is the album that has me coming back time and time again and enjoying the hell out of every track. This song is crazy catchy and always a joy to listen and bop along to. An almost perfect rock track it’s just the lyrics that kind of kick it down. Still a favorite of mine from the album and a good one to listen to when working or even driving down the highway that the character Springsteen is portraying may have made. Granted the flaw in the lyrics I might be misinterpreting, if that’s the case then it’s a perfect song. Either way, the track is fun and fast paced in all good ways. The album has plenty of songs for the common man and this is one of them. The American dream and all that bullshit, though the title track is comically misused as a patriotic track. It’s crazy people don’t actually listen to lyrics to songs, especially fools that use it at political rallies. I mean like if you’re gonna make it an anthem you might wanna make sure it’s an anthem that actually matches the cause instead of a catchy “patriotic” chorus. Anyways, it’s not about “Born in the USA” it’s about “Working on the Highway”. The first time I played through the album it was one of my favorite tracks from it, now as time has moved on it still holds a high place but the competition sure is tough.
Year Released: 1984
Album: Born in the U.S.A. (1984)
Genre: Heartland Rock, Rockabilly
Mood: Fun
Perfect For: Working, Yard work, Driving, Good times
Where To Next: “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.” - John Mellencamp
Rating: 8/10
Song of the Day 06/17/2024
“Revolve” - Melvins
Melvins are always original, with a sound that’s as loud as it is awesome. I don’t mean loud in the way or some metal bands or noise rock but loud in just being straight up bombastic with a groove to match it. Stoner Witch was for the longest time the only place I went for Melvins, as I have been moving along year by year in rock and punk I’ve been adding more and more Melvins tracks to my collection though I’ll forever have a sweet spot for tracks from Stoner Witch. I adore this song and “Sweet Willy Rollbar” another that I found from the kick ass catalogue of songs that came out of Tony Hawk games. Melvins always promise a good time throughout their career, with a sound like I mentioned before that is original. Not so original it makes it hard to put them with others but they were ahead of their time in the 80s and nestled in sweetly with the grunge, punk, rock, and metal of the 1990s. Another song I chose while driving, on my way back from Salt Lake City after visiting my dad. Was a windy as fuck day so the commute back was a bit stressful, my vehicle handles like shit in the wind. I mean all the cars were shooting by going 80 but I had to tag along with the diesels and SUVs as we got pushed left and right. Though the sun was at the right time, a pretty amber hew kissed by purple shined as a Tesla rode my ass. Then came along Stoner Witch since I’m going through 1994 and I just enjoyed the ride all the way home, poor drivers and weather conditions faded into nothing as I just enjoyed the romance between man and the motorway.
Year Released: 1994
Album: Stoner Witch (1994)
Genre: Stoner Rock
Mood: Loud, Heavy
Perfect For: All forms of traveling
Where To Next: “Iron Head” - Helmet
Rating: 9/10
Melvins are always original, with a sound that’s as loud as it is awesome. I don’t mean loud in the way or some metal bands or noise rock but loud in just being straight up bombastic with a groove to match it. Stoner Witch was for the longest time the only place I went for Melvins, as I have been moving along year by year in rock and punk I’ve been adding more and more Melvins tracks to my collection though I’ll forever have a sweet spot for tracks from Stoner Witch. I adore this song and “Sweet Willy Rollbar” another that I found from the kick ass catalogue of songs that came out of Tony Hawk games. Melvins always promise a good time throughout their career, with a sound like I mentioned before that is original. Not so original it makes it hard to put them with others but they were ahead of their time in the 80s and nestled in sweetly with the grunge, punk, rock, and metal of the 1990s. Another song I chose while driving, on my way back from Salt Lake City after visiting my dad. Was a windy as fuck day so the commute back was a bit stressful, my vehicle handles like shit in the wind. I mean all the cars were shooting by going 80 but I had to tag along with the diesels and SUVs as we got pushed left and right. Though the sun was at the right time, a pretty amber hew kissed by purple shined as a Tesla rode my ass. Then came along Stoner Witch since I’m going through 1994 and I just enjoyed the ride all the way home, poor drivers and weather conditions faded into nothing as I just enjoyed the romance between man and the motorway.
Year Released: 1994
Album: Stoner Witch (1994)
Genre: Stoner Rock
Mood: Loud, Heavy
Perfect For: All forms of traveling
Where To Next: “Iron Head” - Helmet
Rating: 9/10
Song of the Day 06/16/2024
“Across the Universe” - The Beatles
I have always shared a love/hate relationship with their final album Let It Be but I was instantly in love with this track from the first time it graced my ears and had me instantly day dreaming. There are few tracks that easily have me staring off at nothing, not even per se hearing the song just straight up floating upon a cloud of thoughts. Few tracks make me fall in love with my surroundings either. I chose this track while once again on my motorcycle, just waiting for a light to change (one that I know takes a good while) and this track came one. Once the chorus showed up there was group of birds flying to the next beam of the underpass and I swear time stopped for a second. I couldn’t help but smile and get that strange giddy feeling, maybe that is what happiness feels like? Do people just feel that shit all the time? Anyways, the power of music it never ceases to amaze me! Even as I type this out I’m having a hard time not staring off at nothing, especially since I gotta get it done before my work lunch runs out. Anyways, “Across the Universe” is a joy to listen to! It’s a favorite of mine from the Beatles fucking legendary collection of songs. It doesn’t get as much play since my lady gets all tripped out, I wonder if she was either one of those screaming chicks or maybe even someone who knew the Beatles personally in a past life. I mean my trippyness with some of the Beatles work comes from experimenting with too many goodies along side plenty of their albums, so maybe she overdosed to this song or something crazy in a past life. Well just goes to strengthen my pure awe at the power of music, and strengthens my stance on how good and simply moving this song is.
Year Released: 1970
Album: Let It Be (1970)
Genre: Rock
Mood: Dreamy, Floaty
Perfect For: Thinking, Smiling, Crying?, Just feeing emotions, man
Where To Next: “For What It’s Worth” - Buffalo Springfield
Rating: 9/10
I have always shared a love/hate relationship with their final album Let It Be but I was instantly in love with this track from the first time it graced my ears and had me instantly day dreaming. There are few tracks that easily have me staring off at nothing, not even per se hearing the song just straight up floating upon a cloud of thoughts. Few tracks make me fall in love with my surroundings either. I chose this track while once again on my motorcycle, just waiting for a light to change (one that I know takes a good while) and this track came one. Once the chorus showed up there was group of birds flying to the next beam of the underpass and I swear time stopped for a second. I couldn’t help but smile and get that strange giddy feeling, maybe that is what happiness feels like? Do people just feel that shit all the time? Anyways, the power of music it never ceases to amaze me! Even as I type this out I’m having a hard time not staring off at nothing, especially since I gotta get it done before my work lunch runs out. Anyways, “Across the Universe” is a joy to listen to! It’s a favorite of mine from the Beatles fucking legendary collection of songs. It doesn’t get as much play since my lady gets all tripped out, I wonder if she was either one of those screaming chicks or maybe even someone who knew the Beatles personally in a past life. I mean my trippyness with some of the Beatles work comes from experimenting with too many goodies along side plenty of their albums, so maybe she overdosed to this song or something crazy in a past life. Well just goes to strengthen my pure awe at the power of music, and strengthens my stance on how good and simply moving this song is.
Year Released: 1970
Album: Let It Be (1970)
Genre: Rock
Mood: Dreamy, Floaty
Perfect For: Thinking, Smiling, Crying?, Just feeing emotions, man
Where To Next: “For What It’s Worth” - Buffalo Springfield
Rating: 9/10
Song of the Day 06/15/2024
“One More Time” - Lynyrd Skynyrd
Something about “One More Time” never lets me down, crawling up to be one of my favorite Skynyrd songs and one I have always felt to be underrated from their impressive (prime years) career. A love a song that has a lot of emotion, it makes it all that much better when it’s honestly a joy to listen to both the vocals of Ronnie Van Zandt and just the whole band painting a picture of a wicked woman. If I didn’t know any better I would think it’s a true story, those defeated sounding vocals always sell me on just that. Street Survivors is already one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s best albums and it’s based in the tracks such as this one. Nothing as jaw dropping as “Free Bird” or as classic as “Sweet Home Alabama” but it’s filled to the brim with sweet rock that is just an all around good time. You can tell the band got a swing for their sound and being in the business, Street Survivors has always felt a lot more planned out than their other albums. I love hearing bands getting better as they go, not saying the album is better than their debut by a long shot but still I love it in a different way. Still classic Lynyrd Skynyrd all the way through, still a perfect blending of rock, country, blues, and everything that makes southern rock so addictive. I have loved this song for a long ass time, I remember the first time it played I just got the album and was playing it while grinding out 100% completion on Red Dead Redemption (man those were simpler and better times) and heard this track and I rarely ever pressed the “repeat track” button on that little radio but for this track I did. Listened to it a good couple of times until I turned it off repeat and moved on with the rest of the album. The song holds a dear place in my heart and I swear to all that I love that I never skip the song if it comes on.
Year Released: 1977
Album: Street Survivors (1977)
Genre: Southern Rock
Mood: Mellow, Bitter
Perfect For: Whiskey drinking, quiet smoking cigarettes in the car, calm outdoors activities
Where To Next: “This Ol’ Cowboy” - Marshall Tucker Band
Rating: 10/10
Something about “One More Time” never lets me down, crawling up to be one of my favorite Skynyrd songs and one I have always felt to be underrated from their impressive (prime years) career. A love a song that has a lot of emotion, it makes it all that much better when it’s honestly a joy to listen to both the vocals of Ronnie Van Zandt and just the whole band painting a picture of a wicked woman. If I didn’t know any better I would think it’s a true story, those defeated sounding vocals always sell me on just that. Street Survivors is already one of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s best albums and it’s based in the tracks such as this one. Nothing as jaw dropping as “Free Bird” or as classic as “Sweet Home Alabama” but it’s filled to the brim with sweet rock that is just an all around good time. You can tell the band got a swing for their sound and being in the business, Street Survivors has always felt a lot more planned out than their other albums. I love hearing bands getting better as they go, not saying the album is better than their debut by a long shot but still I love it in a different way. Still classic Lynyrd Skynyrd all the way through, still a perfect blending of rock, country, blues, and everything that makes southern rock so addictive. I have loved this song for a long ass time, I remember the first time it played I just got the album and was playing it while grinding out 100% completion on Red Dead Redemption (man those were simpler and better times) and heard this track and I rarely ever pressed the “repeat track” button on that little radio but for this track I did. Listened to it a good couple of times until I turned it off repeat and moved on with the rest of the album. The song holds a dear place in my heart and I swear to all that I love that I never skip the song if it comes on.
Year Released: 1977
Album: Street Survivors (1977)
Genre: Southern Rock
Mood: Mellow, Bitter
Perfect For: Whiskey drinking, quiet smoking cigarettes in the car, calm outdoors activities
Where To Next: “This Ol’ Cowboy” - Marshall Tucker Band
Rating: 10/10
Song of the Day 06/14/2024
“Better By You, Better Than Me” - Judas Priest
Judas Priest has a natural talent of making a song even better with their version. Now I mean no disrespect to Spooky Tooth, their original is mighty fine but man does Judas Priest do a fucking great version of the track. It’s relentless early metal sound and of course Rob Halford’s impressive as hell vocals make it an instant classic for Judas Priest. I love Stained Class, a damn fine album that also excelled at showing the heavier sound metal was moving to at the time. Judas Priest was already ahead of their time and was pushing the glory of heavy metal well before many. It’s also the album that shows their transition to doubling down on a heavier sound, becoming the legends that ushered forward the metal movement and all the spikes and leather that became its staple point. There’s few better feelings then riding a motorcycle and having a perfect song roll along and that’s what this song was for me. After a boring day at work I needed something to kick me in the ass and make me feel alive. The light went green and the song changed to this song and I couldn’t help but give it just a little more gas as soon as I heard that guitar and knew it was time for some Judas Priest. They have a massive amount of songs I adore that is welcomed almost anytime, I have been fond of this track for a long ass time. I love the way Halford sings the lyrics and that guitar tone and the clashing of drums and guitar that leave you shedding a heavy metal tear. Good shit man goooood shit!
Year Released: 1978
Album: Stained Class (1978)
Genre: Heavy Metal
Mood: Energetic
Perfect For: Riding a motorcycle, having a beer, desert highways
Where To Next: “Warrior” - Riot
Rating: 9/10
Judas Priest has a natural talent of making a song even better with their version. Now I mean no disrespect to Spooky Tooth, their original is mighty fine but man does Judas Priest do a fucking great version of the track. It’s relentless early metal sound and of course Rob Halford’s impressive as hell vocals make it an instant classic for Judas Priest. I love Stained Class, a damn fine album that also excelled at showing the heavier sound metal was moving to at the time. Judas Priest was already ahead of their time and was pushing the glory of heavy metal well before many. It’s also the album that shows their transition to doubling down on a heavier sound, becoming the legends that ushered forward the metal movement and all the spikes and leather that became its staple point. There’s few better feelings then riding a motorcycle and having a perfect song roll along and that’s what this song was for me. After a boring day at work I needed something to kick me in the ass and make me feel alive. The light went green and the song changed to this song and I couldn’t help but give it just a little more gas as soon as I heard that guitar and knew it was time for some Judas Priest. They have a massive amount of songs I adore that is welcomed almost anytime, I have been fond of this track for a long ass time. I love the way Halford sings the lyrics and that guitar tone and the clashing of drums and guitar that leave you shedding a heavy metal tear. Good shit man goooood shit!
Year Released: 1978
Album: Stained Class (1978)
Genre: Heavy Metal
Mood: Energetic
Perfect For: Riding a motorcycle, having a beer, desert highways
Where To Next: “Warrior” - Riot
Rating: 9/10
Song of the Day 06/13/2024
“Carousel” - blink-182
Honestly Blink-182 took me awhile to fully get into. Nothing against them, I remember getting their greatest hits on CD one Christmas and I really cherished that CD for a long time. I grew up in a time where you’d have to be deaf to not hear pop punk taking over the punk and rock scene for a good chunk of time there. I fell into it for a good year or two, so it was only natural I fell in love with blink-182. Then one day I left that behind and it took over a decade or more to get back into it. Now that I’m taking deep dives I knew they were gonna come back and they came back with a serious force. Each album I go through I get filled with memories and honestly being blown away by the band. I can take or leave those damned comedy tracks but I’m just a stick in the mud, especially when it is a punk band doing it. Well I like it if they do it with class, which class and punk rarely go hand in hand unless you’re the Dead Kennedys. Anyways “Carousel” is one I came across a year or two ago when I jumped into their debut Cheshire Cat and I have loved it since. It’s savagely fast and comes in with a feeling of peace before it takes off full speed. I found a good handful of tracks that I really liked from the album, even if the latter half seems to be comedy based tracks which I know many love Blink-182 for though it’s just not my thing. Now if it was a song about like… a cat knocking over his food bowl I would be rolling on the floor laughing. Maybe I’m a simplton or I just think dumb shit is funny. Anyways enough about that, obviously one of those tracks more than likely won’t make it into my song of the day section. Though I love that “Carousel” is here and I’m glad each time I see that the band is coming up next for me to pick through in my year by year deep dive.
Year Released: 1995
Album: Cheshire Cat (1995)
Genre: Skate Punk
Mood: Energetic, Melancholy
Perfect For: Driving fast, zoning out
Where To Next: “Motivation” - Sum 41
Rating: 8/10
Honestly Blink-182 took me awhile to fully get into. Nothing against them, I remember getting their greatest hits on CD one Christmas and I really cherished that CD for a long time. I grew up in a time where you’d have to be deaf to not hear pop punk taking over the punk and rock scene for a good chunk of time there. I fell into it for a good year or two, so it was only natural I fell in love with blink-182. Then one day I left that behind and it took over a decade or more to get back into it. Now that I’m taking deep dives I knew they were gonna come back and they came back with a serious force. Each album I go through I get filled with memories and honestly being blown away by the band. I can take or leave those damned comedy tracks but I’m just a stick in the mud, especially when it is a punk band doing it. Well I like it if they do it with class, which class and punk rarely go hand in hand unless you’re the Dead Kennedys. Anyways “Carousel” is one I came across a year or two ago when I jumped into their debut Cheshire Cat and I have loved it since. It’s savagely fast and comes in with a feeling of peace before it takes off full speed. I found a good handful of tracks that I really liked from the album, even if the latter half seems to be comedy based tracks which I know many love Blink-182 for though it’s just not my thing. Now if it was a song about like… a cat knocking over his food bowl I would be rolling on the floor laughing. Maybe I’m a simplton or I just think dumb shit is funny. Anyways enough about that, obviously one of those tracks more than likely won’t make it into my song of the day section. Though I love that “Carousel” is here and I’m glad each time I see that the band is coming up next for me to pick through in my year by year deep dive.
Year Released: 1995
Album: Cheshire Cat (1995)
Genre: Skate Punk
Mood: Energetic, Melancholy
Perfect For: Driving fast, zoning out
Where To Next: “Motivation” - Sum 41
Rating: 8/10
Song of the Day 06/12/2024
“What You Need” - INXS
If there is one band you can always expect to have a good time while listening to it is INXS. Through their strangely wide arrange of pop based styles there is plenty to love. One of the finest tracks that they put out is their ever popular “What You Need”. Made for all the dancing your bones desire or it even works well while driving in the heat such as when I chose this song. After braving the crowds and foolishness of a local festival in my town I needed a track to help level me back out and luckily this track was there. I’m not too shocked it worked so well, on a day that we was just below the 100 degree mark. I usually listen to cowboy country or thrash metal in that kind of heat. I was with my lady though and she has a sweet spot for 80s pop and it’s cousins so the playlist I put it on naturally has got to have some INXS. This is the track that gave the band their full hold on the US market and it makes sense why this was the one. Their earlier stuff is good too but this has that commercial appeal that we Americans need, if it can sell it can excel, well maybe for the dumb masses at least. Anyways the track is good and what I like most about INXS is they get close enough to the rock line that most anyone can appreciate them so long as they are pop or rock driven. They will give you… what you need.
Year Released: 1985
Album: Listen Like Thieves (1985)
Genre: New Wave
Mood: Dancey, Fun
Perfect For: Dancing, Good times
Where To Next: “Rapture” - Blondie
Rating: 7/10
If there is one band you can always expect to have a good time while listening to it is INXS. Through their strangely wide arrange of pop based styles there is plenty to love. One of the finest tracks that they put out is their ever popular “What You Need”. Made for all the dancing your bones desire or it even works well while driving in the heat such as when I chose this song. After braving the crowds and foolishness of a local festival in my town I needed a track to help level me back out and luckily this track was there. I’m not too shocked it worked so well, on a day that we was just below the 100 degree mark. I usually listen to cowboy country or thrash metal in that kind of heat. I was with my lady though and she has a sweet spot for 80s pop and it’s cousins so the playlist I put it on naturally has got to have some INXS. This is the track that gave the band their full hold on the US market and it makes sense why this was the one. Their earlier stuff is good too but this has that commercial appeal that we Americans need, if it can sell it can excel, well maybe for the dumb masses at least. Anyways the track is good and what I like most about INXS is they get close enough to the rock line that most anyone can appreciate them so long as they are pop or rock driven. They will give you… what you need.
Year Released: 1985
Album: Listen Like Thieves (1985)
Genre: New Wave
Mood: Dancey, Fun
Perfect For: Dancing, Good times
Where To Next: “Rapture” - Blondie
Rating: 7/10
Song of the Day 06/11/2024
“You Keep Me Hanging On” - Vanilla Fudge
Spotify: “a) STRA (Illusions of my Childhood Part One) b) You Keep Me Hanging On c)WBER (Illusions of my Childhood Part Two)” - Vanilla Fudge
Years and years back when I first started picking apart what made heavy metal tick. Vanilla Fudge was one of the starting points as one of the earliest examples of “heavy metal”. While those statements I usually don’t take too seriously I can see for sure how they played their hand in its crafting. Don’t think they had any idea what they were doing at the time, but their sound is loud and proud and isn’t trying all too hard to do the most impressive things. In a strange way this track and the album feel sort of like a live band you’d see at your local bar. Honestly though they do a damn good version of “You Keep Me Hanging On”! I mean it is really hard to beat the Supremes but they’re almost equal with them in this track in my books. Shit most of the covers that fill this album do a great job of being strong competition against the originals. Anyways I dig the hell out of this track, one I never skip if I see it come along. Me and my lady were getting pizza, beer, and cookies since I don’t value my health in the slightest and I was fairly surprised to hear this song coming out of their speakers. Even more surprised to see my lovely Alesha subconsciously drumming along and enjoying the track. Now, she has good taste but typically avoids this style. I certainly don’t, especially this track, so maybe she recognized it from me or the track was damn good enough to grab her attention and hold it. Either way, it matched the mood and I knew it was to be my song of the day. When I first jumped into Vanilla Fudge I think I was too young to fully appreciate it. I mean it was Cream, Vanilla Fudge, Blue Cheer, and Atomic Rooster that were my first bands to pick apart. Cream and Blue Cheer grabbed my attention way too hard so it wasn’t until 3 years later I came back and fell in love with the other bands. It was around that time too I started my love affair with Mary Jane and her crazy cousin Lucy so it was fitting enough that Vanilla Fudge started getting a ton of play. Though even now after Lucy went her own way and Mary only visits now and then I still enjoy the piss out of the band, especially this album.
Year Released: 1967
Album: Vanilla Fudge (1967)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock
Mood: Longing, Melancholy, Melty
Perfect For: Outdoors, Casual listening at home
Where To Next: “Get Out of My Life, Woman” - Iron Butterfly
Rating: 9/10
Spotify: “a) STRA (Illusions of my Childhood Part One) b) You Keep Me Hanging On c)WBER (Illusions of my Childhood Part Two)” - Vanilla Fudge
Years and years back when I first started picking apart what made heavy metal tick. Vanilla Fudge was one of the starting points as one of the earliest examples of “heavy metal”. While those statements I usually don’t take too seriously I can see for sure how they played their hand in its crafting. Don’t think they had any idea what they were doing at the time, but their sound is loud and proud and isn’t trying all too hard to do the most impressive things. In a strange way this track and the album feel sort of like a live band you’d see at your local bar. Honestly though they do a damn good version of “You Keep Me Hanging On”! I mean it is really hard to beat the Supremes but they’re almost equal with them in this track in my books. Shit most of the covers that fill this album do a great job of being strong competition against the originals. Anyways I dig the hell out of this track, one I never skip if I see it come along. Me and my lady were getting pizza, beer, and cookies since I don’t value my health in the slightest and I was fairly surprised to hear this song coming out of their speakers. Even more surprised to see my lovely Alesha subconsciously drumming along and enjoying the track. Now, she has good taste but typically avoids this style. I certainly don’t, especially this track, so maybe she recognized it from me or the track was damn good enough to grab her attention and hold it. Either way, it matched the mood and I knew it was to be my song of the day. When I first jumped into Vanilla Fudge I think I was too young to fully appreciate it. I mean it was Cream, Vanilla Fudge, Blue Cheer, and Atomic Rooster that were my first bands to pick apart. Cream and Blue Cheer grabbed my attention way too hard so it wasn’t until 3 years later I came back and fell in love with the other bands. It was around that time too I started my love affair with Mary Jane and her crazy cousin Lucy so it was fitting enough that Vanilla Fudge started getting a ton of play. Though even now after Lucy went her own way and Mary only visits now and then I still enjoy the piss out of the band, especially this album.
Year Released: 1967
Album: Vanilla Fudge (1967)
Genre: Psychedelic Rock
Mood: Longing, Melancholy, Melty
Perfect For: Outdoors, Casual listening at home
Where To Next: “Get Out of My Life, Woman” - Iron Butterfly
Rating: 9/10
Song of the Day 06/10/2024
“Stellar” - Incubus
Incubus is a band that seems able to match any mood you may be in. Not only match the moods but match the other music releasing then but still keeping a very original sound. Make Yourself is one of the first albums I bought with my own money, I mean it was like 2 bucks at a yard sale but I was damn glad to have found it. At the time I knew like maybe 2 songs off of the album, “Drive” and “Pardon Me” their biggest hits. With that album and a sword that the feller selling stuff on his lawn reluctantly sold me I was ready to have a good hot summers day in my house. I still have both this CD and that sword to this day, but I remember the joy I had listening through this album on a shitty radio that one speaker was blown on and messing around with this overly dull replica sword. One of those memories that don’t fade so it’s always nice listening through the tracks on this album again. “Stellar” was chosen as I barely was waking up after my first alarm and it honestly set the mood for the day. I had it repeating over and over again, which I was more than fine with since I do love that intro. It’s spacey psychedelic chilled out vibe is perfect for getting out of bed when the last place you want to go is to your shitty warehouse gig. None the less “Stellar” is one of the stellar (I had to) tracks on Make Yourself and is a welcome addition to any of my playlists, it can live rent free in my brain anytime it wants.
Year Released: 1999
Album: Make Yourself (1999)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Mood: Spacey, Chill, Romantic
Perfect For: Starting your day, Romantic craft night
Where To Next: “Amber” - 311
Rating: 7/10
Incubus is a band that seems able to match any mood you may be in. Not only match the moods but match the other music releasing then but still keeping a very original sound. Make Yourself is one of the first albums I bought with my own money, I mean it was like 2 bucks at a yard sale but I was damn glad to have found it. At the time I knew like maybe 2 songs off of the album, “Drive” and “Pardon Me” their biggest hits. With that album and a sword that the feller selling stuff on his lawn reluctantly sold me I was ready to have a good hot summers day in my house. I still have both this CD and that sword to this day, but I remember the joy I had listening through this album on a shitty radio that one speaker was blown on and messing around with this overly dull replica sword. One of those memories that don’t fade so it’s always nice listening through the tracks on this album again. “Stellar” was chosen as I barely was waking up after my first alarm and it honestly set the mood for the day. I had it repeating over and over again, which I was more than fine with since I do love that intro. It’s spacey psychedelic chilled out vibe is perfect for getting out of bed when the last place you want to go is to your shitty warehouse gig. None the less “Stellar” is one of the stellar (I had to) tracks on Make Yourself and is a welcome addition to any of my playlists, it can live rent free in my brain anytime it wants.
Year Released: 1999
Album: Make Yourself (1999)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Mood: Spacey, Chill, Romantic
Perfect For: Starting your day, Romantic craft night
Where To Next: “Amber” - 311
Rating: 7/10
Song of the Day 06/09/2024
“Wake Up” - Mad Season
Man oh man do I love Mad Season, anything that Alice In Chains singer Layne Staley has to do with is always good. Man I wonder what would have been next if he didn’t pass away. He’s one of the ones I ponder when someone asks “if you could stop one musician from dying” type questions. In the end I’m choosing Buddy Holly though Layne Staley is up there next to Janis Joplin. Anyways, Mad Season doesn’t get the limelight they deserve, I mean the bands made out of grunge legends! Not only do they have Layne Staley but also Mike McCready from Pearl Jam and drummer Barrett Martin from the Screaming Trees. I mean if you have so many kick as Seattle legends together you’re bound to have something well worth your time. “Wake Up” is a haunting track, one that I have listened to plenty of times throughout some of my darkest hours. The song is literally perfect, it’s a slow track but soon takes off into a moving 7 1/2 minutes. The whole album is fucking great but this track is certainly in the top 3 from it. This was the first I listened to and I stopped all I was doing to just enjoy some god damned music, since then I never tire of anything off of Above much like Layne Staleys albums with Alice In Chains. One thing I do love about the band is they separated themselves from the bands of before, it’s a whole different sound and I love hearing the band in a different light, especially Layne Staley which is an all time favorite musician of mine. This is an even more emotional sound than Staley takes into Alice In Chains, shit can bring me right down even on my wedding day. This one track has strangely moved me and helped me “wake up” when I’m lying to myself. The power of music man, and this track is mighty powerful.
Year Released: 1995
Album: Above (1995)
Genre: Grunge
Mood: Hollow, Melancholy, Real
Perfect For: Driving, Sitting in silence, Cigarettes and sorrow
Where To Next: “Fell On Black Days” - Soundgarden
Rating: 9/10
Man oh man do I love Mad Season, anything that Alice In Chains singer Layne Staley has to do with is always good. Man I wonder what would have been next if he didn’t pass away. He’s one of the ones I ponder when someone asks “if you could stop one musician from dying” type questions. In the end I’m choosing Buddy Holly though Layne Staley is up there next to Janis Joplin. Anyways, Mad Season doesn’t get the limelight they deserve, I mean the bands made out of grunge legends! Not only do they have Layne Staley but also Mike McCready from Pearl Jam and drummer Barrett Martin from the Screaming Trees. I mean if you have so many kick as Seattle legends together you’re bound to have something well worth your time. “Wake Up” is a haunting track, one that I have listened to plenty of times throughout some of my darkest hours. The song is literally perfect, it’s a slow track but soon takes off into a moving 7 1/2 minutes. The whole album is fucking great but this track is certainly in the top 3 from it. This was the first I listened to and I stopped all I was doing to just enjoy some god damned music, since then I never tire of anything off of Above much like Layne Staleys albums with Alice In Chains. One thing I do love about the band is they separated themselves from the bands of before, it’s a whole different sound and I love hearing the band in a different light, especially Layne Staley which is an all time favorite musician of mine. This is an even more emotional sound than Staley takes into Alice In Chains, shit can bring me right down even on my wedding day. This one track has strangely moved me and helped me “wake up” when I’m lying to myself. The power of music man, and this track is mighty powerful.
Year Released: 1995
Album: Above (1995)
Genre: Grunge
Mood: Hollow, Melancholy, Real
Perfect For: Driving, Sitting in silence, Cigarettes and sorrow
Where To Next: “Fell On Black Days” - Soundgarden
Rating: 9/10
Song of the Day 06/08/2024
“Young Hearts Run Free” - Candi Staton
Kind of a stand out track for me, I mean it’s awfully close to what I typically listen to but it’s a touch too dance forward. Now don’t take that as a negative thing, if anything it’s a strengthening point. It was her biggest hit and it makes sense, shit is addictive as hell. If you can listen to a song 3 times in a row and not even slightly tire of it that’s always a good sign. That and it’s the kind of track that almost anyone with ears can get behind. Her way of singing and that funky disco backing is hard to not get sucked into. I’m not a dancer but this one makes even me wanna groove. The lyrics are sad but maybe that adds to the appeal of the track. There’s a lesson to be told in those words too, words that are being sung with natural grace and skill. I have a gut feeling this song along some others are gonna convince me to take a full dive into disco and late 70s and 80s R&B and funk. I have always liked the sound, just haven’t put aside the time. I mean this rock deep dive has taken me 7 years so far and I don’t even wanna count how long I’ve been doing the metal one. So I will stick with going through rock, metal, punk, and country history for now but soon enough my disco days shall come! And it’ll be thanks to this sensational track right here.
Year Released: 1976
Album: Young Hearts Run Free (1976)
Genre: Disco, R&B
Mood: Bittersweet
Perfect For: Night driving, dancing, drinking wine
Where To Next: “I Will Survive” - Gloria Gaynor
Rating: 9/10
Kind of a stand out track for me, I mean it’s awfully close to what I typically listen to but it’s a touch too dance forward. Now don’t take that as a negative thing, if anything it’s a strengthening point. It was her biggest hit and it makes sense, shit is addictive as hell. If you can listen to a song 3 times in a row and not even slightly tire of it that’s always a good sign. That and it’s the kind of track that almost anyone with ears can get behind. Her way of singing and that funky disco backing is hard to not get sucked into. I’m not a dancer but this one makes even me wanna groove. The lyrics are sad but maybe that adds to the appeal of the track. There’s a lesson to be told in those words too, words that are being sung with natural grace and skill. I have a gut feeling this song along some others are gonna convince me to take a full dive into disco and late 70s and 80s R&B and funk. I have always liked the sound, just haven’t put aside the time. I mean this rock deep dive has taken me 7 years so far and I don’t even wanna count how long I’ve been doing the metal one. So I will stick with going through rock, metal, punk, and country history for now but soon enough my disco days shall come! And it’ll be thanks to this sensational track right here.
Year Released: 1976
Album: Young Hearts Run Free (1976)
Genre: Disco, R&B
Mood: Bittersweet
Perfect For: Night driving, dancing, drinking wine
Where To Next: “I Will Survive” - Gloria Gaynor
Rating: 9/10
Song of the Day 06/07/2024
“Fire on the Mountain” - Grateful Dead
Years and years back when I was taking a full plunge into the legends of rock from the 60s and 70s this was one of the first tracks to fully grab me. Easily one of my favorite Grateful Dead tracks, especially for their later less critically acclaimed albums. It’s peaceful and fun just like the Grateful Dead should be. It’s not the most impressive track but I’m drawn to it like a moth to the light and I’m not sure why. It doesn’t always have to be perfect or stellar to have you walk away with a track that will always follow you. The Grateful Dead have a massive selection of great tracks and they have an immense back catalogue of live recordings that I don’t think will ever run dry, most of all of their work is highly enjoyable so I’m a little shocked that this is my first song of the day post with them. I’m a big fan easy enough to say, don’t know if you can call yourself a “dead head” without being around and being fully into the culture but I’m certainly close if not considered one. Besides I don’t care much for the titles, if I like something I like something simple as that. And as for this track I can say I like it a lot. The most stand out track to me on Shakedown Street though I do love the title track and their take on “Stagger Lee” as well.
Year Released: 1977
Album: Shakedown Street (1977)
Genre: Rock
Mood: Peaceful
Perfect For: Getting ready in the morning, camping, relaxing
Where To Next: “Chest Fever” - The Band
Rating: 9/10
Years and years back when I was taking a full plunge into the legends of rock from the 60s and 70s this was one of the first tracks to fully grab me. Easily one of my favorite Grateful Dead tracks, especially for their later less critically acclaimed albums. It’s peaceful and fun just like the Grateful Dead should be. It’s not the most impressive track but I’m drawn to it like a moth to the light and I’m not sure why. It doesn’t always have to be perfect or stellar to have you walk away with a track that will always follow you. The Grateful Dead have a massive selection of great tracks and they have an immense back catalogue of live recordings that I don’t think will ever run dry, most of all of their work is highly enjoyable so I’m a little shocked that this is my first song of the day post with them. I’m a big fan easy enough to say, don’t know if you can call yourself a “dead head” without being around and being fully into the culture but I’m certainly close if not considered one. Besides I don’t care much for the titles, if I like something I like something simple as that. And as for this track I can say I like it a lot. The most stand out track to me on Shakedown Street though I do love the title track and their take on “Stagger Lee” as well.
Year Released: 1977
Album: Shakedown Street (1977)
Genre: Rock
Mood: Peaceful
Perfect For: Getting ready in the morning, camping, relaxing
Where To Next: “Chest Fever” - The Band
Rating: 9/10
Song of the Day 06/06/2024
“O Green World” - Gorillaz
One that I love about the Gorillaz is you never know what to expect, but it’s safe to expect something great. They never have let me down since I first got my hands on this album. I used to beat Demon Days into submission and I still make sure in my adult years to give it the love I used to. While I was enjoying my shower I heard this all too familiar intro and knew it was gonna be a nice calming shower. I made sure not to rush it or even care about how much hot water I’m using and just enjoy the music. While it is one of the weaker tracks on the album I still love this song, always fun to listen to. Another one that gets stuck in my head a lot. A good track for being at the focus and also for being background noise, it’s as soothing as it is chaotic. If even your weaker tracks inspire, just shows the power of the band and makes it easy to see why Gorillaz in my area of the US still holds on well with both those such as myself that were around for it and even the kids that people for some reason keep pooping out. I see people repping Gorillaz more than most bands, I mean I see the normal rock band shirts but I’m not always convinced they’re fans. Though when I see the Gorillaz shirt and see the wearer it always makes sense. What does that say about me?
Year Released: 2005
Album: Demon Days (2005)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Mood: Hollow, Melancholy
Perfect For: A glass of wine, waking up and starting the day
Where To Next: “Shake Me Down” - Cage the Elephant
Rating: 7/10
One that I love about the Gorillaz is you never know what to expect, but it’s safe to expect something great. They never have let me down since I first got my hands on this album. I used to beat Demon Days into submission and I still make sure in my adult years to give it the love I used to. While I was enjoying my shower I heard this all too familiar intro and knew it was gonna be a nice calming shower. I made sure not to rush it or even care about how much hot water I’m using and just enjoy the music. While it is one of the weaker tracks on the album I still love this song, always fun to listen to. Another one that gets stuck in my head a lot. A good track for being at the focus and also for being background noise, it’s as soothing as it is chaotic. If even your weaker tracks inspire, just shows the power of the band and makes it easy to see why Gorillaz in my area of the US still holds on well with both those such as myself that were around for it and even the kids that people for some reason keep pooping out. I see people repping Gorillaz more than most bands, I mean I see the normal rock band shirts but I’m not always convinced they’re fans. Though when I see the Gorillaz shirt and see the wearer it always makes sense. What does that say about me?
Year Released: 2005
Album: Demon Days (2005)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Mood: Hollow, Melancholy
Perfect For: A glass of wine, waking up and starting the day
Where To Next: “Shake Me Down” - Cage the Elephant
Rating: 7/10
Song of the Day 06/05/2024
“Iron Horse / Born to Lose” - Motörhead
Motorhead is one of my all time favorite bands, I can’t get enough of these bastards and they are certainly a band I will love until my death. One that I will pass down to my kids, and one that I will pass onto anyone who lends me an ear. Their brand of heavy metal and hard rock is something of legend, their persona and music will forever be in music history books. So let’s go back to 1977 when this album came out, heavy metal as we know it hadn't yet formed. There were bands like Motorhead putting out stellar work and showing that soon enough it will be a powerful force that the world has yet to see. Their self titled debut doesn’t fully encompass the heavy metal mania that they will help usher in, it’s mostly made out of hard rock with a kiss of punk rock. This song will always be a love of mine due to its focus on something else I love, the thrill of the iron horse. When I chose this song I just clicked the play button on my headphones and took off on my motorcycle. I’ve always found it sort of cheesy to listen to motorcycle songs while riding a motorcycle, much like playing a sex song while having sex. It has to have the mood and maybe a mention but not all about it. Though this one pushed past that, with the sun beating down I took off right when the intro hit and I didn’t stop enjoying the track and my love for the road all the way until its completion. Motörhead has plenty of motorcycle tracks, that and potentially being the first “biker metal” band out there. That sin and danger that most bikers are drawn to is skillfully put into audio form by Motörhead. That “fuck you” mentality but not in the way of being in everyone’s face, just not really being all to concerned about what others may think. Anyways, the track hit right at that moment as it has in many other times. Sometimes it’s weird how the world plays certain songs at certain times. I can’t count the times that songs will play during moments such as break ups, driving, being sad, taking a shot, etc. and it’s like that moment was already planned. Like how it happens in some movies, well this was one of those moments.
Year Released: 1977
Album: Motörhead (1977)
Genre: Heavy Metal, New Wave of British Heavy Metal
Mood: Mean
Perfect For: Riding motorcycles, driving, having a beer
Where To Next: “Freeway Mad” - Saxon
Rating: 8/10
Motorhead is one of my all time favorite bands, I can’t get enough of these bastards and they are certainly a band I will love until my death. One that I will pass down to my kids, and one that I will pass onto anyone who lends me an ear. Their brand of heavy metal and hard rock is something of legend, their persona and music will forever be in music history books. So let’s go back to 1977 when this album came out, heavy metal as we know it hadn't yet formed. There were bands like Motorhead putting out stellar work and showing that soon enough it will be a powerful force that the world has yet to see. Their self titled debut doesn’t fully encompass the heavy metal mania that they will help usher in, it’s mostly made out of hard rock with a kiss of punk rock. This song will always be a love of mine due to its focus on something else I love, the thrill of the iron horse. When I chose this song I just clicked the play button on my headphones and took off on my motorcycle. I’ve always found it sort of cheesy to listen to motorcycle songs while riding a motorcycle, much like playing a sex song while having sex. It has to have the mood and maybe a mention but not all about it. Though this one pushed past that, with the sun beating down I took off right when the intro hit and I didn’t stop enjoying the track and my love for the road all the way until its completion. Motörhead has plenty of motorcycle tracks, that and potentially being the first “biker metal” band out there. That sin and danger that most bikers are drawn to is skillfully put into audio form by Motörhead. That “fuck you” mentality but not in the way of being in everyone’s face, just not really being all to concerned about what others may think. Anyways, the track hit right at that moment as it has in many other times. Sometimes it’s weird how the world plays certain songs at certain times. I can’t count the times that songs will play during moments such as break ups, driving, being sad, taking a shot, etc. and it’s like that moment was already planned. Like how it happens in some movies, well this was one of those moments.
Year Released: 1977
Album: Motörhead (1977)
Genre: Heavy Metal, New Wave of British Heavy Metal
Mood: Mean
Perfect For: Riding motorcycles, driving, having a beer
Where To Next: “Freeway Mad” - Saxon
Rating: 8/10
Song of the Day 06/04/2024
“Punchdrunk Lovesick Singalong” - Radiohead
A peaceful dreamy track though that’s halfway expected from Radiohead. I always get lost in daydreams when listening to them and this track is the exact idea of a song that’s perfect for daydreaming. While Radiohead has plenty of tracks that embody loneliness and desire there aren’t too many that borderline neo psychedlia so this has always been a stand out track to me. In comparison to other Radiohead work, I don’t jump to the songs that fill the EP My Iron Lung all too often aside from the ones that made it into the follow up album The Bends. Honestly there isn’t too much to gawk at in it, though there is this track which sells the whole EP in my opinion. I also like the term “punchdrunk” and I need to add it to my vocabulary. I chose this song while walking back in from my lunch break, it was fitting in the exhaustion that comes from warehouse work and also the damn heat that is starting to snarl its way across this desert state. It’s another one up for 1994 but that is the year I’m deep diving right now so it’s expected. Really wish I started this section of the website when I started doing the song of the day playlists over 5 years ago. It’s nice to see my progression in music expansion and also to see me growing. I can tell what months were hard times and which were good times. This track could have fit into either of those categories.
Year Released: 1994
EP: My Iron Lung (1994)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Mood: Dreamy
Perfect For: Daydreaming
Where To Next: “Already There” - The Verve
Rating: 7/10
A peaceful dreamy track though that’s halfway expected from Radiohead. I always get lost in daydreams when listening to them and this track is the exact idea of a song that’s perfect for daydreaming. While Radiohead has plenty of tracks that embody loneliness and desire there aren’t too many that borderline neo psychedlia so this has always been a stand out track to me. In comparison to other Radiohead work, I don’t jump to the songs that fill the EP My Iron Lung all too often aside from the ones that made it into the follow up album The Bends. Honestly there isn’t too much to gawk at in it, though there is this track which sells the whole EP in my opinion. I also like the term “punchdrunk” and I need to add it to my vocabulary. I chose this song while walking back in from my lunch break, it was fitting in the exhaustion that comes from warehouse work and also the damn heat that is starting to snarl its way across this desert state. It’s another one up for 1994 but that is the year I’m deep diving right now so it’s expected. Really wish I started this section of the website when I started doing the song of the day playlists over 5 years ago. It’s nice to see my progression in music expansion and also to see me growing. I can tell what months were hard times and which were good times. This track could have fit into either of those categories.
Year Released: 1994
EP: My Iron Lung (1994)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Mood: Dreamy
Perfect For: Daydreaming
Where To Next: “Already There” - The Verve
Rating: 7/10
Song of the Day 06/03/2024
“Hallelujah” - Jeff Buckley
If there is one song that fucks me up for a whole day it is this haunting track. It’s one of my go to tracks when depression seems to ravage my soul and each step I take that day leaves a murky foot print. I honestly am not even sure if this is supposed to be a depressing song, I mean the original from lyrical master Leonard Cohen doesn’t feel as damn sad or the more known versions from John Cale or Rufus Wainwright doesn’t pack the same punch as Jeff Buckley's version. This song is incredibly beautiful and always gives me chills and stops me in my tracks no matter what I’m doing. I’ve had many quiet drives with this song coming across the speakers, shit just leaves you so hollow. Even now as I’m listening to it again as I type this out in filled with a sadness, it forces its way into your soul as soon as the song starts with that little breath. He is a master when it comes down to composing the song, he knows when to ramp it up and cool it down. A joy to listen to and even though there are calmer parts the song it keeps you locked into its embrace. A song I can never get enough of but tend to avoid if I don’t wanna be fucking sad all day long. I haven’t had a love that went sour, I mean I’ve had loves that weren’t meant to be or lost its strength but while I’m listening to this song I’m somehow convinced that I have. The fucking power of music man, aside from love and hate I can’t think of many other things that can control you so. Maybe dope too but I think that relationship is built off of love and hate so not sure if it counts. Jeff Buckley was taken away from us way too soon, and mysteriously at that which almost helps the haunting feeling this song puts out. It’s crazy how death just comes natural to some, you can be famous and immensely talented but still can drown. Guess we are human, with all the faults and fragility maybe that’s what makes music have the soul it needs to move you. This song moves you to the fucking bone let me tell you what, and is very very human and real.
Year Released: 1994
Album: Grace (1994)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Mood: Hollow
Perfect For: Driving, Drinking, Thinking, Crying
Where To Next: “Fade Into You” - Mazzy Star
Rating: 10/10
If there is one song that fucks me up for a whole day it is this haunting track. It’s one of my go to tracks when depression seems to ravage my soul and each step I take that day leaves a murky foot print. I honestly am not even sure if this is supposed to be a depressing song, I mean the original from lyrical master Leonard Cohen doesn’t feel as damn sad or the more known versions from John Cale or Rufus Wainwright doesn’t pack the same punch as Jeff Buckley's version. This song is incredibly beautiful and always gives me chills and stops me in my tracks no matter what I’m doing. I’ve had many quiet drives with this song coming across the speakers, shit just leaves you so hollow. Even now as I’m listening to it again as I type this out in filled with a sadness, it forces its way into your soul as soon as the song starts with that little breath. He is a master when it comes down to composing the song, he knows when to ramp it up and cool it down. A joy to listen to and even though there are calmer parts the song it keeps you locked into its embrace. A song I can never get enough of but tend to avoid if I don’t wanna be fucking sad all day long. I haven’t had a love that went sour, I mean I’ve had loves that weren’t meant to be or lost its strength but while I’m listening to this song I’m somehow convinced that I have. The fucking power of music man, aside from love and hate I can’t think of many other things that can control you so. Maybe dope too but I think that relationship is built off of love and hate so not sure if it counts. Jeff Buckley was taken away from us way too soon, and mysteriously at that which almost helps the haunting feeling this song puts out. It’s crazy how death just comes natural to some, you can be famous and immensely talented but still can drown. Guess we are human, with all the faults and fragility maybe that’s what makes music have the soul it needs to move you. This song moves you to the fucking bone let me tell you what, and is very very human and real.
Year Released: 1994
Album: Grace (1994)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Mood: Hollow
Perfect For: Driving, Drinking, Thinking, Crying
Where To Next: “Fade Into You” - Mazzy Star
Rating: 10/10
Song of the Day 06/02/2024
“The Call of Ktulu” - Metallica
Metallica never ceases to impress and I’m very fond of their first 4 albums and especially fond of their first 2. Ride the Lightning has so many memorable true metal tracks. Often as relentless as it is easy to get behind, easy to see why Metallica is often regarded as the top dog of the metal world. Metal for the masses, I know that’s why many hate them (though honestly I’ve never had anyone give me a good reason as to why) but there’s some true grit in bringing such a less appreciated music style to practically ruling a whole decade. Anyways today we look at “The Call of Ktulu” a kick ass 9 minute instrumental that always keeps you interested and thrilled. Goes between bombastic guitar attack to a peacefully eerie atmosphere like it’s nothing. A good way to end an album, especially an album that was bound for glory from the first track. Funny enough it’s probably the weakest track on the album though it seems their weak tracks are everyone else’s great tracks. There’s lots to love with Metallica and even their instrumentals are great and leave you wanting more and more. My biggest complaint is the songs spelling and the fucking autocorrect that harasses me each time I type the song name. This is the last Metallica track to have anything to do with original guitarist (and Megadeth frontman) Dave Mustaine so that’s also a nice touch. Anyways, a kick ass instrumental track that will please any metal heads soul (assuming that soul has yet to be sold).
Year Released: 1984
Album: Ride the Lightning (1984)
Genre: Thrash Metal
Mood: Kick ass (is that a mood?)
Perfect For: Driving, Relaxing at home
Where To Next: “Orion” - Metallica
Rating: 7/10
Metallica never ceases to impress and I’m very fond of their first 4 albums and especially fond of their first 2. Ride the Lightning has so many memorable true metal tracks. Often as relentless as it is easy to get behind, easy to see why Metallica is often regarded as the top dog of the metal world. Metal for the masses, I know that’s why many hate them (though honestly I’ve never had anyone give me a good reason as to why) but there’s some true grit in bringing such a less appreciated music style to practically ruling a whole decade. Anyways today we look at “The Call of Ktulu” a kick ass 9 minute instrumental that always keeps you interested and thrilled. Goes between bombastic guitar attack to a peacefully eerie atmosphere like it’s nothing. A good way to end an album, especially an album that was bound for glory from the first track. Funny enough it’s probably the weakest track on the album though it seems their weak tracks are everyone else’s great tracks. There’s lots to love with Metallica and even their instrumentals are great and leave you wanting more and more. My biggest complaint is the songs spelling and the fucking autocorrect that harasses me each time I type the song name. This is the last Metallica track to have anything to do with original guitarist (and Megadeth frontman) Dave Mustaine so that’s also a nice touch. Anyways, a kick ass instrumental track that will please any metal heads soul (assuming that soul has yet to be sold).
Year Released: 1984
Album: Ride the Lightning (1984)
Genre: Thrash Metal
Mood: Kick ass (is that a mood?)
Perfect For: Driving, Relaxing at home
Where To Next: “Orion” - Metallica
Rating: 7/10
Song of the Day 06/01/2024
“Live Forever” - Oasis
Hands down on of the best Oasis tracks out there and that’s saying something since they have a massive selection of premium tracks. “Live Forever” is one that always touches my soul, the track is moving and I honestly can’t tell fully why. Lyrically it’s decent, though I think it’s something about the atmosphere or the way the band outputs the emotion of the song. That semi dull drawl that singer Liam Gallagher utilizes always has me mesmerized. Not because he’s a stellar singer or because he has extra fun with his vocals but it’s smooth, it’s easy to get behind. I mean Oasis rose to power with their pop appeal, tracks that get stuck in your head and don't pay rent. This track is a testament to that, the chorus always gets stuck in my head. I remember the first time I heard the track I was doing the album review for Definitely Maybe and I instantly stopped what I was doing on the side and just got lost in thought and bliss for the rest of the album though this song is certainly one of the most stand out tracks on that album, an album that is sometimes regarded as one of the best debut albums to date. I don’t know if I agree with it being on of the best debut albums but it’s still a kick ass album especially “Live Forever”. Why it got song of the day is cause I was scrolling along on Reddit and there was a video of a scene from presumably Rick and Morty that had this song being covered by a female singer. I wish I knew what version that is cause she sold it almost better than Oasis, shit was pretty and the scene it was backing was a sad yet bittersweet one that hit me to the core. I need to look more into that version, I will do that right after I finish typing this. Either way, a damn good song one that is forever welcome in my heart as is a lot of Oasis tracks.
Year Released: 1994
Album: Definitely Maybe (1994)
Genre: Alternative Rock, Britpop
Mood: Introspective, Melancholy
Perfect For: Sittin and thinkin, Calm drives
Where To Next: “The Drugs Don’t Work” - The Verve
Rating: 9/10
Hands down on of the best Oasis tracks out there and that’s saying something since they have a massive selection of premium tracks. “Live Forever” is one that always touches my soul, the track is moving and I honestly can’t tell fully why. Lyrically it’s decent, though I think it’s something about the atmosphere or the way the band outputs the emotion of the song. That semi dull drawl that singer Liam Gallagher utilizes always has me mesmerized. Not because he’s a stellar singer or because he has extra fun with his vocals but it’s smooth, it’s easy to get behind. I mean Oasis rose to power with their pop appeal, tracks that get stuck in your head and don't pay rent. This track is a testament to that, the chorus always gets stuck in my head. I remember the first time I heard the track I was doing the album review for Definitely Maybe and I instantly stopped what I was doing on the side and just got lost in thought and bliss for the rest of the album though this song is certainly one of the most stand out tracks on that album, an album that is sometimes regarded as one of the best debut albums to date. I don’t know if I agree with it being on of the best debut albums but it’s still a kick ass album especially “Live Forever”. Why it got song of the day is cause I was scrolling along on Reddit and there was a video of a scene from presumably Rick and Morty that had this song being covered by a female singer. I wish I knew what version that is cause she sold it almost better than Oasis, shit was pretty and the scene it was backing was a sad yet bittersweet one that hit me to the core. I need to look more into that version, I will do that right after I finish typing this. Either way, a damn good song one that is forever welcome in my heart as is a lot of Oasis tracks.
Year Released: 1994
Album: Definitely Maybe (1994)
Genre: Alternative Rock, Britpop
Mood: Introspective, Melancholy
Perfect For: Sittin and thinkin, Calm drives
Where To Next: “The Drugs Don’t Work” - The Verve
Rating: 9/10
