"Your Cheatin' Heart" - Elvis Presley

Hank Williams himself put out amazing songs, The Hillbilly Shakespeare had a way with putting out simple songs that hit you right in the soul. His impact was left on countless artists and one of those is obviously Elvis Presley. Leave behind the Hollywood and the stardom, Elvis was always true to his sad country boy roots. I love any "Your Cheatin' Heart" cover which there are a ton of, the song is one of the most important country songs to date and it is easy to see why. I love the boogie that Elvis brings with his version, just easy and mellow rock and roll that works equally well being forefront and center or just playing in the background. It came from the prime beginning years for the king of rock, I didn't come across it until I was going through all of his compilations since I have been a massive Elvis fan for what feels like most of my life and ran out studio albums a long while back. Elvis for Everyone! is a great compilation made up of covers and songs from his movies from 1954 - 1964. None the less, just a short and sweet song that I guess lyrically ain't all too sweet. It is a common trope for wicked women and failing love to be the common lyrical theme for country during the late 1940's in to the 1950's but few are better than this song here. None the less we aren't here to talk Hank Williams (which I am shocked hasn't shown up yet) we are here to talk of Elvis and his cover of Hank. I chose the song while waiting for a friend to come out of the house, typically I turn the music down fairly low when I pull up to places but I let this song roll at its medium volume because I was really digging the weather and the feeling of waiting to go out for beers while Elvis played calmly across my speakers. I am not sure who has my favorite cover of this song, I think Elvis does a great job but Patsy Cline's version is damn near a perfect version but nobody can beat the original. None the less, was a good choice for the last day of the month. A months ending that hopefully will usher in the weather cooling down and letting those leaves fall on down. This being Elvis's first time showing up on the blog is criminally wrong, for one of my all time favorite artists to finally show up after doing 146 songs blows my mind. Still better late than never and we even came in with a forgotten gem from his fucking massive catalogue.

​Year Released: 1965
Year Recorded: 1958
Compilation: Elvis for Everyone! (1965)
Genre: Rock and Roll
Mood: Mellow
Perfect For: Having a beer, Mellow drives, Casual listening
Where To Next: "Your Cheatin' Heart" - Jerry Lee Lewis
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Rating: 7/10

"Make Everyone Happy / Mechanical Birds" - Modest Mouse

I have always loved Modest Mouse, no matter where you jump in you always walk away feeling good. You are always in store for something unique in its own right and something that always speaks to a melancholy soul. I really love the first part of this song, I can honestly leave the Mechanical Birds out and I wish there was a version without it because it kicks you out of the peaceful feeling to the obscure "what the hell is this" feeling. Granted I have never been a fan of the noise rock sound, it honestly bothers me. I let Modest Mouse usually get the pass though after going through the strung out sadness of the first part of the song I don't really like getting thrown into a chaotic noise fuck. Still, I chose the song and I stand by my choice because the first half is kick ass, so we will mainly be focusing on that instead of the Mechanical Birds part. I first listened to this album maybe 2 years back, I have always stuck in the 2000's side of Modest Mouse until I took the jump and was pleased with what I found. Also I have always loved their album names, for me and my edgy depressive playlist names and common sayings it is only fitting I love things like Good News for People Who Love Bad News and Strangers to Ourselves and while I am someone with a shit load of things on my mind I also love this albums name, This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About. Gotta love the album cover, the albums name, and the overall vibe of the album. It will leave its imprint on you, it did for me at least. This album is a mess of different styles from all over the damn place, while they are rooted in indie rock they don't only fly that flag. They fly many different flags then set them all on fire and dance around them. I chose the song while just driving, really digging the first part of the song then was surprised when my lady didn't notice the second part because I really don't think she would sit through it knowingly. It ain't the worst onslaught of sound out there, just changes the feeling of the song for me or maybe that uncomfortable ending is exactly what a mellow song needs. 

​Year Released: 1996
Album: This Is a Long Drive for Someone with Nothing to Think About (1996)
Genre: Indie Rock
Mood: Lost and Drowning
Perfect For: Sunday driving, Midnight cigarettes, Stargazing, Feeling sorry for yourself
Where To Next: "Grounded" - Pavement
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Rating: 7/10

"As Far as I Can Spit" - Rainbow Butt Monkeys

This was my first time listening to this band... or so I thought. I forgot that Finger Eleven were originally under a different name. Thank fuck they changed that name since it is a damn awful choice of a band name, maybe I am just a prude but I like cool or common names for bands not some dumb name. None the less, their debut came along when I was going through the rock of 1995 that day, I saw the band name and audibly sighed and said "here we go" getting ready to skip some songs but lo and behold they were actually damn good. I picked up a couple of songs that I really enjoyed from this album, it is damn far from what the band is known for later but also, they aren't called Rainbow Butt Monkeys anymore (once again, probably for the best). I was shocked by the simple power of many of the songs on the album but the first track "As Far as I Can Spit" had me stopping what I was doing so I could enjoy some straight up hard rock. Especially as the track goes along to the 2:15 mark when it gets all wavy, I was actually decently impressed by the band with the shitty name. Maybe that was the game? To catch you off guard and impress you? The ol' set the bar low so anything is impressive? That is easy for me to say since I played it for relatively free on Spotify, not sure I would have taken the chance if I had to buy it on cassette or CD. Still, I would have missed out because like I said there were actually a good number of memorable songs. I will never view Finger Eleven the same but aside from "Paralyzer" and "One Thing" I actually hardly knew the band, so maybe I will respect them more even. Their debut is a good amount different than the sound they settled on though so probably best to separate the two. I guess this song and album go to show to not judge an album by its band's shitty name.

​Year Released: 1995
Album: Letters from Chutney (1995)
Genre: Rock, Hard Rock
Mood: High Speed
Perfect For: Casual listening, Doing chores, Menial labor
Where To Next: "Tribe" - Gruntruck
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Rating: 8/10

"All These Blues" - The Paul Butterfield Blues Band

Man, I have been feeling the blues as of late, both musically and emotionally it seems, but isn't it fitting that those two fit together so well. None the less today we will chat about "All These Blues" from one of the strongest blues rock outfits to come out of the 1960's. If you ever see the name Paul Butterfield you know that it is going to be well worth your time. Especially in The Paul Butterfield Blues Band, they were one of the best bands that I discovered while going through album on top of album on top of artist of the 1960's. East-West is one of the best blues albums I got from that decade and since have gave it plenty of plays and each song is a damn ringer! There are few better genres of music to drive to, seems to almost have been written while on the road. Mike Bloomfield is a damn good guitarist, an often forgotten hero of the guitar god age and another one that you know is going to make a good song if he is involved. The album comprises of all blues covers ranging from traditional to songs from legends like Muddy Waters. This one here is a traditional blues song, one that has been covered by many but I have yet to find one as good as this version here. I was just on the way to work, took an accidental longer route but was pleased to do so while that harmonica blew me along to being a wage slave. This is one of those albums that often gets overlooked when people are looking for some rock from the 1960's. It is a damn good album full of great songs like "All These Blues", if you want something mellow to play while having a nip of whiskey or even for just relaxing then there are few better places you can go. 

​Year Released: 1966
Album: East-West (1966)
Genre: Blues Rock, Blues
Mood: Road Fever
Perfect For: Traveling, Having a drink, Summer drives
Where To Next: "Hideaway" - John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers
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Rating: 8/10

"Willow" - Blackwater Holylight

I am always on the look out for stoner rock/stoner metal/desert rock/doom metal bands and luckily for me there are a ton of bands that hit the grade. One of the best I have come across modernly is Blackwater Holylight, a beautiful band that has a hard time staying with one simple sound. These ladies know how to put out a compelling and pretty song that has you feeling sinful at the same time as being stoned as hell. Great imagery and while I haven't dug into too much of their work I have been pleasantly pleased each time I come back to them to gather some more songs. "Willow" according to Spotify is their most known and it shows, this song is great and works to grab modern psychedelia fans as much as it can grab those that like swamp rock and people like me that like it all especially stoner rock. Their heavy riffs matched with the siren singing leaves me breathless and ultimately impressed. A sound that can lure in both the old and the young, I am going to have to keep an eye out to see if they tour into Utah, seeing some of their photos on their website they do indeed come this way so maybe I will actually have to use social media since it is hard keeping track of the less famous bands on tour. Isn't it crazy that some bands get picked up for fame and others strive to no avail? I love the streaming generation of music but it sure makes it harder for bands to get picked up, but still it gives everyone a chance to throw in their sound to the all powerful beast known as music. None the less, these gals kick ass! I am excited to get more into them as time moves on, but for now I will abuse "Willow" because the song makes my soul happy. They are great heavy and unlike some bands with that statement they are equally as great when they are laid back. Give the band a listen and you will see what I mean, no don't just read this and say "neat" and do nothing, go check em out! There's nothing to lose, but there sure is a lot to gain.

​Year Released: 2018
Album: Blackwater Holylight (2018)
Genre: Stoner Rock, Rock
Mood: Dreamy, Murky
Perfect For: Exploring the woods, Having a fire, Adventuring
Where To Next: "Black Eyed Gods" - The Well
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Rating: 8/10

"Grind" - Alice in Chains

I have an Alice in Chains mood for each season, autumn makes me want their self titled (Three Legged Dog) to be blasting. I love Jar of Flies for winter, Facelift for spring and lastly Dirt for summer. Well, it isn't quite autumn yet but there is that little tinge in the morning air, we were almost there but out of nowhere Utah decided to be 80 degrees, which ain't shit, but at the same time I preferred the little teaser cooler weather we had the week previously. People get seasonal depression mainly during the colder seasons but I am the opposite, I am a ball of stress and sorrow during spring and summer, but when autumn and winter come along, I am a much more positive person. Could be the quiet nights, the beautiful snow, or the mellow feeling of the holiday seasons. Plus, I miss my damn jackets all summer long and can't wait to put those puppies on! Anyways Alice in Chain's self titled is probably the weakest release while Layne Staley was alive but it shouldn't be an album to sleep on, I have been a long time fan of this album. It is a murky and gross feeling take on the often beautiful Alice in Chains, a little heavier and songs like "Grind" are my supporter on why this album is honestly great and almost as great as the albums and EP's that came before. It seems to be a little more planned out of an album though, from a band that was either maturing or losing that knack to keep a perfect streak going. I honestly am curious where the band would have gone if Layne Staley hadn't passed away, even if they were to not stay together. This album has a certain texture that I love, it stands apart from the previous albums. Is it me or did Alice in Chains color code their sound? I swear the color theme in each albums art is expressed in the sound, maybe it is just some thought I never quite let go. None the less "Grind" is arguably the strongest harder track on the album, only being shown up overall by "Heaven Beside You". This is an album a good majority of grunge fans can sink their teeth into, I strongly suggest listening to this song and others while having a sundown drive by yourself, it puts your heart at ease from the bombastic nature of "Grind" all the way to Jerry Cantrell sung gem on this album "Over Now". I don't care what anyone says, this album is damn good and shows a different side of the band, a side I grieve we never got more of. Enjoy!

​​Year Released: 1995
Album: Alice in Chains (1995)
Genre: Grunge
Mood: Sludgy
Perfect For: Casual listening, Driving into the sun
Where To Next: "Frogs" - Failure
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Rating: 8/10

"Embodiment of This Bitter Chaos" - Goatwhore

​There is a special sound in blackened death metal, has the best of both of them combined. Goatwhore is a champion of laying that sound out for your ears to take in. I have yet to get too deep into the band but I have listened to this album, Blood of the Master, and the one that came before it Carving Out the Eyes of God a handful of times within the last couple of years. I was first grabbed by the band with this track and naturally instantly fell in love, with its eerie calming intro that drops into a bombardment of speed and shrapnel I knew I found another shining gem of a band. I was a little worried truth be told after seeing the bands name, while Goatwhore is a kick ass name it also worries me it would be solely built around shock and Satan. While a lot of their work has satanic themes the band is much more than a shock group, pure talent with compelling songs that make you want to red line your vehicle. I love the album art, it is a perfect embodiment of their sound. I am honestly not sure where I first came across them but I am glad that I did and am equally excited to listen to more of their stuff. I am planning on Friday for checking more of the band out so you may see even more Goatwhore in the near future. Blackened death metal is their home but there is certainly a thrashing backing to this song, a constant chugging that keeps your head banging. I chose the song while at work, but while standing there in my shoes I blanked out and saw myself on a war boat heading into the thick of it, envisioned my own head on a pike while kick ass metal plays in the background. Small visions but still, the power of music strikes again and my own overactive imagination. Don't let the band name scare you away nor the imagery, the band is well worth your time to sink your teeth into. Bold enough to please the extreme metal fans but tame enough to allow heavy metal fans of all walks to appreciate their brand of hellish delight.

​Year Released: 2012
Album: Blood for the Master (2012)
Genre: Blackened Death Metal
Mood: Epic
Perfect For: Heading into battle, Destruction, Headbanging, Driving fast
Where To Next: "From a Cloudless Sky" - Skeletonwitch
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Rating: 8/10

"Almost Ready" - Dinosaur Jr.

My playthrough of Skate 3 came to an end the night before, I wanted to wait until I beat it before adding all the songs I loved to my playlists since there are plenty of damn good songs in that game. One of the best in the game is Dinosaur Jr.'s "Almost Ready". I have always dug Dinosaur Jr. especially their 1990's work but admittedly I haven't really made it past their 1980's and 1990's work both because of my year-by-year study but also because I am content staying in the stuff that I know. I am excited to get into their 2000's work though, especially if there are more songs like "Almost Ready". It is a fitting song both in the game and just for casual listening, I was at work and was even more impressed with the song casually listening to it than I was when skating around the fictitious town of Port Carverton. Dinosaur Jr. excels at this "strung out" sound that I am obsessed with since it is what my heart would more than likely sound like. From what I can tell people are saying the album it came off of, Beyond, is a damn good one so 2007 can't come along fast enough in my studies, I mean I could always just jump ahead for this album since I am curious if the rest of the songs can hold up. Critical acclaim is something that I am never sure if I can trust, some of my favorite albums have damn low reviews and then some albums I am not too fond of are 10 / 10 across the board. I guess music is like all art and is subjective, still doesn't mean I am not stoked to take in more of the album and their later work. I wasn't even aware that they had such an impressive come back career but I am not too shocked since Dinosaur Jr. is always original and always enjoyable even with the more strange rock/punk sound from their 1980's albums. 

Year Released: 2007
Album: Beyond (2007)
Genre: Alternative Rock
Mood: Strung out
Perfect For: Having a cigarette, Playing Skate 3, Casual listening
Where To Next: "I'm Now" - Mudhoney
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Rating: 7/10

"Sunday Morning" - No Doubt

I chose this song not on a Sunday morning but on a Sunday afternoon. I have never been able to tell how I feel about No Doubt, funnily enough I have listened to a couple of their albums many times throughout my life so I must like what I hear. Their turn came around when I was going through 1995 with their legendary album Tragic Kingdom and once again, I was impressed. I am huge into ska, one of my favorite styles but No Doubt's pop washed version of it sometimes grabs me way too hard and then other times leaves me wanting a raunchier ska punk sound even if their debut is just that. Well there is no doubting that "Sunday Morning" is a damn potent song, damn catchy and an all-around entertaining song that is definitely worth a couple listens in a row which is what I did when I knew the song was coming along on the album. Probably my favorite No Doubt song, even though there are plenty of quality tracks to choose from. Gwen Stefani is a fun singer; she keeps you sucked into the song and lets you go decently roughly leaving you wanting more of her. I think what kind of hurt my image of No Doubt was before I even knew of the band I naturally heard "Hollaback Girl" & "The Sweet Escape" all over the radio and almost everywhere when growing up. I remember driving around Texas with my dad and there were plenty of times we would end up in a different zone for radio stations and the rock station we would be listening to changed to pop and R&B and driving for hours we wouldn't fully pay attention that the music changed and I swear I would hear "The Sweet Escape" back-to-back for a solid hour. So, my image of No Doubt is a touch damaged but within my grown years I have come around to separate the two, and I don't even hate her solo work it just isn't what I choose to listen to but I won't lie "The Sweet Escape" is sort of a closet listen song of mine, shit is just too good but that is just between you and I dear reader. None the less we are talking about No Doubt not Gwen Stefani's solo hits. "Sunday Morning" is a good place for a budding fan to jump into the band, it gives you a taste of their ska side and also their pop side. It was hitting the irritable mood I was in while scoping out some places for "fall leaves" pictures for my lady. While it wasn't a successful outing, I was glad to be out driving when it was time for No Doubt to prove their strength and set their place in music history for 1995. Good album and so many good songs, it was hard to choose one but there aren't any better songs on the album than "Sunday Morning" in my opinion.

Year Released: 1995
Album: Tragic Kingdom (1995)
Genre: Ska, Alternative rock 
Mood: Fun
Perfect For: Driving around
Where To Next: "Volcano Girls" - Veruca Salt
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Rating: 8/10

"Flowers Never Bend with the Rainfall" - Simon & Garfunkel

As I am sure I have expressed before, Paul Simon is one of my all-time favorite lyricists. One of those poets that seem to write the things within your soul. The hidden corners of the soul and the one you show to others are both exposed in the form of song in so many Simon & Garfunkel songs. Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme is a damn beautiful album and is chock full of quality songs, one of the best tracks to come off the album is "Flowers Never Bend with the Rainfall". I love this song; I was captivated the first time I heard the song and even now the song puts my heart at ease. A perfect song that expresses the imperfectness of life, the sorrow and the acceptance that flowers do indeed bend with the rainfall. What a beautiful way to express the hard facts of life, that it's naïve and foolish to not believe that life itself is full of different sorrows but still in the end you are a flower that can weather it. The whole song has that "real life" lyricism that borderlines between positive and negative, melancholy if you will, but overall I think the song is a happy song. "And I must be what I must be and face tomorrow" is something we all need to hear. None the less, a grade A song from two of the best lyricists and male harmonists in the folk and rock game. This is one of those songs I come to often when I am feeling down, there are many from Simon & Garfunkel I use for therapy. I chose this song while just driving around with my lady, we were taking turns playing songs and trying to keep a "whiplash" feeling going. I choose the Andrew Sisters she chooses Lady Gaga, I choose Simon & Garfunkel she chooses Motionless in White. A fun little game and a good chance for us to casually show each other songs, plus I think she uses it to try out my subwoofers. None the less, a peaceful song and one that Alesha felt a tad bit odd following up since I threw one out that means a lot to me, I could practically see her frantically deleting "Rock Me Amadeus" from the search bar. If you need a song to take a breath to or have a peaceful smoke to then this song is going to work out perfectly, give it a listen and I am sure you will understand why Paul Simon is often regarded as one of the best lyricists of rock and certainly one of my all time favorites.

​Year Released: 1966
Album: Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme (1966)
Genre: Folk, Folk Rock
Mood: Peaceful
Perfect For: Casual listening, Deep thought, Having a smoke, Day dreaming, Coming to terms
Where To Next: "One Too Many Mornings" - Bob Dylan
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Rating: 10/10

"Death Valley Blues" - Black Cat Bones

A band that didn't get any limelight in the 1960's into 1970 but seemed to be a foothold for many well-known rock musicians to be. From the band we have Rod Price move on to be the guitarist for Foghat during their prime years and while they aren't on the album Paul Kossoff (who helped form Free) and Simon Kirke (drummer of Free then Bad Company) toured with the band and had their stint in the heavy garage blues that we hear from Black Cat Bones. This is the only album the band released and it is filled with damn good songs, with that heavy blues format that had its hand in ushering in the hard rock sound the early 1970's rock musicians coveted, which led to heavy metals birth. I love the bands that seem to be a proving ground of future legends, Paul Kossoff is a damn good guitarist and often is underrated. You can see how this style moved into each band (well maybe not Bad Company) but Free and Foghat makes perfect sense. Anyways, another song I chose when just doing mundane tasks at work though there are few better sounds to make time move along than blue rock and that I will stand on. It is mellow enough to let your mind wander but heavy enough to keep the energy up. I was going through all the damn good songs I collected from the 1970's when this song kicked on. For a second, I forgot about the band, but within a second I remembered who these guys were and their importance. Plus, you can't really forget about that album cover, somewhere between creepy, cheesy, and kick ass. Anyways the album is a hidden gem of the 1960's, a through and through enjoyable album that doesn't force itself on you with its heaviness. One that anyone who digs Free should go check out to get a feel for roots same goes for those that just enjoy the heavy blues that came out of this time. Even if you don't know what the hell I am talking about with these other bands I think you might dig it too, but what do I know? This whole website is based around me and what I like so obviously I am gonna rant and rave about the songs I choose, wonder if it is boring to read? I have always sold myself on passion but when does it cross over to egocentric? None the less, I will let the music do the talking and this song talks along with a nice drawl. Hopefully you have found a song or two from this blog so far, so long as that happens I would say my job is complete!

Year Released: 1970
Album: Barbed Wire Sandwich (1970)
Genre: Blues Rock, Hard Rock
Mood: Mellow
Perfect For: Casual listening, Lounging around, Rainy cigarette drives
Where To Next: "I'm a Mover" - Free
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Rating: 7/10

"Masque of the Red Death" - Crimson Glory

​Finally we are getting that speed metal kiss on this website, a form of metal that has faded but aged like stinky cheese! Now that might sound rude but what I mean is it appeals to a certain metalhead much like stinky cheese appeals to selective cheese lovers. Honestly, I am not even sure if Crimson Glory can be thrown in with speed metal, since there is a touch of progressive metal and those damn impressive vocals from Midnight (John McDonald) leave me with a power metal embrace. Still the band has had me as a fan since I was in 6th grade, the first time my lucky ears took in the song listing from the cult classic video game Brutal Legend I was loving it. "Queen of the Masquerade" is a still a favorite of mine from the 1980's, those vocals raise my hair every time. I was just checking in parts at my work and was like "damn do I love Crimson Glory" and listened to a couple of other songs off this album, Transcendence, before moving on just to give my ears a little more sugar. Crimson Glory might not gather the same respect as other 80's metal bands but they are a force to be reckoned with, their songs are intense and their vision of metal alongside other progressive metal bands of the time like Queensryche and Fates Warning gave footing for other bands to come along and mix intense speed with intricacy. The band wore silver masks on stage and it became a big part of their persona, sure would have been kick ass to see live but there are a couple videos on YouTube that show it off. I have always loved bands that wear masks or makeup on stage to cover who they are, really seals the deal on it being more than a show, it is more of a performance with the stage show to boot. None the less "Masque of the Red Death" is a damn good example on what makes the band good, there is never a dull moment and the song comes in as aggressive as it ends. The song is based off the story by Edgar Allan Poe which due to this song was one of the first short stories of Poe's I took in many years back. Anyways, this song will please those who like the 1980's balls to the walls style of metal especially those more interested in progressive and speed metal. I love me a dose of straight heavy metal with no crazy drops or frills, just aggression and impressive work from the whole band and this song and many from this album never let me down.

Year Released: 1988
Album: Transcendence (1988)
Genre: Progressive Metal, Speed Metal
Mood: Mystic
Perfect For: Casual listening, Headbanging
Where To Next: "Warning" - Queensryche
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Rating: 8/10

"Speak to Me" - Velvet Meadow

Velvet Meadow is another modern artist that has me completely hooked, ever since I stumbled across his kick ass psychedelic work, I always am wait for more and each time I am impressed with what he dishes out. This man needs all the attention right now! One of those artists that are a damned gold mine of hidden gems, this kind of style and sound could honestly usher in a ton of attention modernly. Mellow psychedelic-based things never really fade especially if it is melded with the sound of music today, well so far as pop and rock goes. This song and most of his work puts you in a trance, flying 1000 miles through a colorful space scene and not even for a second hoping to come down. I hope with all my heart that Velvet Meadow makes it big because I have heard few other artists modernly that reach the same level of nirvana that songs like "Speak to Me" give. First stumbled across his songs in 2020 with the equally as impressive "In the Meadow" and have awaited every release since, time and time again I am left impressed and so I always wait for the next. I wish there was a better way to get potent musicians noticed, I mean sure I have my website but this shit is gonna take a long time to get noticed itself, if it ever does. So, with my small reach I will throw Velvet Meadow out there and hope that you will take the time to check out this song and some of the others because I promise you that it's gonna leave you floating. I am sure you will see a couple different songs if you stay tuned to the blog though, but for now we have this one and I would say it is a good place to start Velvet Meadows work.

​Year Released: 2021
Album: In My Feels (2021)
Genre: Psychedelic Pop
Mood: Transcendental
Perfect For: Getting stoned, Going for a drive, Casual listening, Relaxing
Where To Next: "Reunited with the Day" - The Groovy Nobody
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Rating: 9/10

"Machine Gun (Live at Fillmore East, 1970)" - Jimi Hendrix

I am not one to jump right to a live album, there are a ton that I adore but, in the end, I love studio work. There are a couple of bands and musicians that put out stellar live albums be it Johnny Cash or Deep Purple but I don't think there are many that do a better live album than Jimi Hendrix. Like this album here and a shit load of the live albums from Hendrix it was all released posthumously, another thing I tend to avoid aside from Jimi Hendrix. This song comes from the posthumous box set Songs for Groovy Children: The Fillmore East Concerts admittedly this version might have come from another since it is a box set but I would need to set aside some serious time to go through all of his posthumous live recordings, so I am just gonna use this one, also it has a kick ass name so I will roll with it. After really digging "Ledbetter Heights" from Kenny Wayne Shepherd the day before I fell into a pretty good desire to listen to more blues rock, and Jimi Hendrix is the king of blues rock. I chose the song while on the way to work, most of the time when I drive to work I am in some kind of daze from waking up and trying to find an escape from this mundane existence of 9 to 5, so it isn't common for me to find my song of the day within the first couple of songs of the day. I have really been digging this mellow melancholy changing of seasons weather but to make it all better it was rainy as hell this morning, I was already running late and was damn tempted just to call out and drive around, listening to more Jimi Hendrix or maybe a little Cream. I got my ass to work but still the commute was damn enjoyable with the rain trickling down my windshield having some smooooooth guitar work from Hendrix blasting over the speakers. Truly a memorable morning and one that sent me on a path of being sad I couldn't be out playing in the rain. Hendrix has so much damn good work, you can see why he is still a household name even today. It is in songs and performances like this that keep him forever cemented in rocks history as one of the brightest and biggest stars to ever shine upon music as a whole, though you know what they say, the brightest stars burn out the fastest. Another musician that leaves you wondering what else he would have pulled off if he didn't die young. As much as I usually don't dig the posthumous releases, I am glad for the Hendrix releases because a good portion of them are damn fine. There are many versions of this song live, I am pretty certain this version comes off of his 1970 album Band of Gypsys, but out of safety and liking this clean version more I am just rolling with the box set, that and I am lazy and I don't think you care as much as myself. Enjoy!

​​Year Released: 1970
Album: Songs for Groovy Children: The FIllmore East Concerts (2019)
Genre: Hard Rock, Blues Rock
Mood: Groovin'
Perfect For: Driving in the rain, Traveling, Casual listening, Shooting pool
Where To Next: "Blues Power (Live at the Fillmore Auditorium 1968)" - Albert King
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Rating: 9/10

"Ledbetter Heights" - Kenny Wayne Shepherd

I kick myself in the ass for how long I went without listening to more Kenny Wayne Shepherd. Like everyone, I knew "Blue on Black" and was happy with that. Maybe I knew that someday I would do this damn 10+ year project of sifting through rock from every year and he would show up. When I was first putting together the playlists I use for the project and saw his name pop up I was excited to get further into the man, but man was I shocked by his debut! I never knew that he was such an outstanding guitarist, it is crazy to think "Blue on Black" is his most famous song when it doesn't really show off his guitar skills. He rocks along on the coat tails of Stevie Ray Vaughan in this song. Once again another instrumental, I think in my 6 years of doing my song of the day playlists this month is the one with the most instrumentals on it, wonder what that shows about my emotions this month. I am glad this song is part of the playlist though, will add some blues boogie which every playlist needs! I was feeling the cooler weather, the mellow overcast atmosphere and the wet roads when this song rolled along. I was just on my boring way to get groceries but that simple trip to spend my hard-earned money on frozen pizzas and liquid sugar turned into a little party when this song and others off of his debut Ledbetter Heights kicked on. Everything was lined up to have a pleasant drive, the first step is having some compelling and damn good tracks, second is listen to those songs while avoiding getting hit by all these damn fools on their phones. Why are they dicking on their phones when they too could be listening to some Kenny Wayne Shepherd? Sometimes I just don't get people, but maybe they don't get this long hair having too much of a good time on his way to getting groceries. I don't have to explain myself to them, especially when the music can do all the talking. I am damn excited to continue into Kenny Wayne Shepherd's discography since I realized I slept on a damn good musician and album. So, dear reader, do not make the same mistake that I did for all these years and give this song a listen. It won't change your life but at the same time it will brighten your day, I would say that is well worth your 6 minutes.

​Year Released: 1995
Album: Ledbetter Heights (1995)
Genre: Blues Rock
Mood: Groovin'
Perfect For: Driving, Casual listening, Whiskey drinkin' nights
Where To Next: "Rude Mood" - Stevie Ray Vaughan
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Rating: 8/10

"Mellow Yellow" - Donovan

A long-time love of mine, even before I got really into the 1960's rock and folk, I really liked this song. When I was young and didn't really listen to lyrics all too well (crazy to think that was a thing but hey I was like 8) I wondered why this dude liked the soda Mello Yello enough to make a song about it. I mean I really liked that soda too so I couldn't blame him but still. Truth be told I am not even fully sure what the song is about, in a 2011 interview Donovan said that him and John Lennon used to peruse the back of newspapers to find funny things to incorporate into songs, well it seems mellow yellow was one of them. "Electric bananas" supposedly were ladies' vibrators, another reason to dig the song truth be told. You can also hear another Beatle, Paul McCartney, in the background of the song so there is another reason to dig the song. I mean the song is mellow and laid back, there ain't too much to say about it other than it is one of those songs that worm its way into your head and stays there. The song was played when trying to find an easy song that utilizes the high hat but is still easy and this is one that came to my mind, my lady did a great job or replicating the song on drums up until the song picks up 40 seconds in. Truth be told she could probably drum out the whole song if we tried a little bit longer, though the desire to go shoe shopping so I can stop having half held together shoes took prevalence. Still the song lingered on my brain as the day moved along and it was naturally chosen as the song of the day before I hit the hay. A classic from Donovan and is really just a laid back song, but what do you expect from Donovan?

​Year Released: 1966
Album: Mellow Yellow (1967)
Genre: Psychedelic Pop
Mood: Mellow
Perfect For: Having a smoke, Having a toke, Having a poke, Making a joke
Where To Next: "Waterloo Sunset" - the Kinks
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Rating: 8/10

"On Melancholy Hill" - Gorillaz

I know it is a cardinal sin but I haven't really taken in any Gorillaz that was released after 2005's Demon Days aside from this song and a couple of others. When it was released you almost had to actively avoid it so obviously I heard it around. I don't really have an excuse for why I have yet to take the dive into their modern work, I really have to because what I have heard I have enjoyed even if it is a bit different than their earlier work. Gorillaz is a "comfort" band for me, I go to the same safe place on repeat and never really tire of their first two albums so I don't see too big of a reason to move on. I am honestly excited when I find the time to give it a tussle, especially since year by year I am finding myself fonder of the modern style of music especially the "modern" style we hear in the dreamy and hollow "On Melancholy Hill". Me and my lady were having another adventure day, maybe not as grandeurs as last Saturday but still a good one. I am not someone ruled by emotion, though that Saturday I woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Found my mind wandering to stupid places, emotion sickness I guess you could say. So, after doing a little people watching and crepe gobbling, we were on our way back home. There is a highway called Legacy Parkway between Farmington and Salt Lake City that I have always been fond of, each time I have taken it there is a simple peace that creeps over me. That is exactly when this song came creeping on and I knew right away it was the song of the day. I have always been head over heels for melancholic songs, because that is what my brain feels like day in and day out so like calls to like. Seeing Bountiful Lake in the shining sun and the people riding their bicycles is a simple reminder of what you should expect out of life, nothing that you cannot see and cannot grasp shouldn't be expected of yourself. After the song ended I went right back to having the rain cloud pour over my head once more so my epiphany didn't amount to much. Still, I enjoyed the hell out of the song while it played, I really need to make time to listen to this album and also the multiple that followed it. Good for them to be able to have such a successful comeback.

​Year Released: 2010
Album: Plastic Beach (2010)
Genre: Synth Pop
Mood: Melancholy 
Perfect For: Driving, Staring Off, Thought, Feeling the feels
Where To Next: "Myth" - Beach House
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Rating: 8/10

"Palace" - Bad Nerves

Bad Nerves is a band I have just recently come across, as I am sure you have noticed thus far, I tend to be more based in older music with a couple of modern groups here and there. I am under an expansion right now of modern punk groups and ones that are reviving the garage rock sound of yesteryear, I can hardly get enough but like most genres there is the good, the bad and the ugly. Bad Nerves is the exact idea of "the good", they are god damned explosive and the songs I have heard up to now leave me gasping for air. Especially this track, each time it takes off I get so damned pumped, I feel like a dog that escaped its leash while on a walk. Makes me wanna run and dream which is what music should be all about. Another one I just chose while at work but man did it get me pumped for the weekend, gave it another listen to on the way home just to keep that blissful energy. This is one of those songs you can listen to on repeat all day and be completely content, wish I had more information about the band to give you but honestly I am new to it and they just barely released their 2nd album which I have yet to jump into yet I might do that right now. A mellow Saturday morning waiting for the day to start seems like a mighty fine time to give it a spin, who knows maybe you will see a song from it for the 14th's song of the day. I cannot recommend this song enough especially if you are into punk, modern rock or just like music that makes you want to party even if you are introverted. I am excited to see where the band goes as they gain traction! One of the sad things about being obsessed with the older style of music is there isn't the excitement of waiting for another album, most of the bastards are dead or should honestly stop putting out mediocre albums (though a few groups are exempt from that statement). So I am glad I am starting to find some bands that I can do just that.

​Year Released: 2020
Album: Bad Nerves (2020)
Genre: Rock, Power Pop, Punk
Mood: Energizing 
Perfect For: Nights on the town, Dreaming, High energy activities
Where To Next: "Fried IV" - Wine Lips
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Rating: 9/10

"The Web" - Neurosis

This band is ever impressive and forever odd, I mean granted I have only listened up to their 1999 album Times of Grace but it seems like each album is a different mess to enjoy. Their first two albums are this raunchy crust punk style that I thought was decent and then boom in 1992 here comes Souls at Zero, a sludge metal messterpiece that has this leadened atmosphere and an experimental nature that keeps you on your toes. My favorite track from the album is the one we are talking about today, "The Web" had me sold right off the bat with that kick ass intro that sent you off onto this heavy and slow nightmare. The track feels way too long and way too short all at the same time, and much in Neurosis style there isn't a full dull moment since there is so much going on at the same time. They are one of the bands I am most excited to go through when I hit the 2000's of metal, seems there are plenty of albums to sink my teeth into especially 2001's A Sun That Never Sets, which seems to be their most beloved on Spotify. Still here I am still kicking around the stuff I love from their 1990's work, granted I just don't wanna sneak peak the album and lose the excitement. None the less I know the more sludge metal type isn't for everyone, honestly it took me a second or two to get into. Before I knew it though I was hooked, it unsurprisingly came about the same time I fell head over heels for black metal, once I got what it was all about and what to focus on to really see the music for what it is worth. This album is probably a pretty good place to start for anyone trying to move in its direction, alongside their 1996 gem Through Silver in Blood which is actually where I started for both a more sludge based metal album (even though it isn't a full fledge sludge metal album) and Neurosis so maybe I have a touch of a bias. I chose this song while working, nothing too exciting though I was compelled to listen to it a couple of times since I am in love with that damn intro. 

​Year Released: 1992
Album: Souls at Zero (1992)
Genre: Sludge Metal
Mood: Chaotic 
Perfect For: Casual Listening, Doing mundane tasks, Mind numbing music
Where To Next: "Man Is Too Ignorant to Exist" - Eyehategod
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Rating: 7/10

"Problem Child" - Wasted Youth

Wasted Youth never got the fame and coverage like some of the other bands from the budding west coast hardcore punk scene but that doesn't mean that their songs are any less impressive. The band is a "song by song" kind of band for me, I can't say I loved the album in full though I do have a good chunk of songs that get plenty of play. Most importantly the explosive and sludgy "Problem Child", arguably their best and most popular song to be released and one of the best to come out of 1981. You get a decent idea what this album is going to be like just from the album cover, and the sound within keeps a consistent pissed off punk atmosphere with a more political backing and the expected "wasted youth" lyricism. I chose the song while actually going through 1995, I was listening through The Scene Is Not for Sale by Glue Gun a surprising gem which I really enjoyed. They did a cover of Wasted Youth's "Problem Child", a song that I have always loved the intro to. So, I sort of stopped in the middle of the album to check back into Reagan's In just to make sure I didn't miss any kick ass tracks for the 1980's punk section of my studies. I think I have gathered all the kick ass Wasted Youth tracks, like I stated earlier they didn't have that long of a run and near the end shifted towards the crossover thrash sound which honestly complimented them pretty well yet in the end there is no beating this track. For anyone who wants expansion away from Black Flag and Agent Orange since there is a whole cesspool of punk bands that appeared at that time, over half of them not being worth a damn, I suggest trying out this album. I wasn't blown away I am not going to lie but I am damn picky on anything punk rock, has to have that thing to it aside from pure anger or artistically bellowing into a microphone. What I might miss out on just leaves more for you to enjoy and discover! Great thing about the early punk is its practically timeless, lyrical content tends not to fade (as I am starting at Reagans and Charles Manson hybrid), and the general feeling of it will grab people forever. Those people will certainly be of a certain caliber but those people are my people. 

​Year Released: 1981
Album: Reagan's In (1981)
Genre: Hardcore Punk
Mood: Grimy
Perfect For: Casual Listening, Having a beer
Where To Next: "Warzone" - S.O.A.
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Rating: 8/10

 "Why Can't This Be Love" - Van Halen

Strangely enough it seems the first Van Halen song chosen for the Song of the Day blog is with Sammy Hagar at the helm. I am not one of those that hate on "Van Hagar" while I still certainly prefer Van Halen with David Lee Roth, I also really dig what they did with Sammy Hagar especially since I love Sammy Hagar's solo work and his time with Montrose and some of Chickenfoot. In some ways it was smart for Van Halen to keep up with the changing times, there are graveyards of bands that won't budge and then get thrown on the discount rack. Van Halen exceled through the 1970's and then did great all the way through the 1980's and it is partially due to them changing their sound but still keeping it kick ass and ever impressive. This song is one that will get stuck in your head, it is a through and through enjoyable track that works well in so many different settings. I wasn't on this ball of confusion in space during the 1980's but I bet it was a hell of a shock to go from the iconic powerhouse album that is 1984 to their follow up 5150. So, I get how Hagar got a cold shoulder from the switch over but from retrospective specs there are still enough damn good tracks to make this another iconic Van Halen album. I will die on this hill, 5150 is worthy of the same praise as some of Van Halen's greatest but still in the end there is nothing that can beat the band's first 3 albums. "Why Can't This Be Love" utilizes the keyboard, something I am sure most Van Halen fans never expected to be said, though I love that intro and its company is pleasing dueling against the heavy drumming of Alex Van Halen and his brother, the guitar god, Eddie Van Halen's ever iconic guitar work. I chose the song when just meandering at work, dreaming of the pizza I might have when I get this pesky shift over. While I didn't get pizza, I still was left with a longing for the Sammy Hagar side of Van Halen, had full intention to listen to this album over again at work but ultimately got distracted. Though here I am typing this out and deciding if I stay my course in listening to this Frenzal Rhomb album or if I should go through ​5150 once again. If you are a fan of Van Halen but haven't taken the dive into the Sammy Hagar fronted section of the bands work then there isn't a better place to start. For those that have a stick up their bum about later Van Halen, then I implore you to take it on again and maybe this time you will find yourself digging it.

​Year Released: 1986
Album: 5150 (1986)
Genre: Pop Rock, Rock
Mood: Straight Forward
Perfect For: Casual Listening, Mindless online video games, Energized nights
Where To Next: "Privacy" - Sammy Hagar
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Rating: 7/10

"La Villa Strangiato" - Rush

Alright, I take back my statement from 09/03, turns out I must actually really like instrumentals because this is the 4th one this month. This track is the ultimate of instrumentals, long and fucking epic! Often regarded as one of the hardest songs to play on drums, it finds itself on the "top songs of Rush" lists commonly. I mean it is easy to see why, through and through this song is a jaw dropper! It blows my mind just how damn good each member of this band is, the inspiration that plethoras of musicians drew from the Rush well. Honestly, I would be more frustrated than inspired, the things they pull off on this song seem unhuman, machine or some kind of shining deity of rock. I mean we all know that these bastards are gods, but still their efficiency with instruments is staggering. I chose the song after slaving away making a playlist of the legendary drummers and drum-based songs of rock music for my lady. She got her first drum kit to set off on her musical journey with sticks in hand, hot right? None the less it occurred to me she might need some ear candy to get a feel for the varying styles of playing and to showcase the legends that have come before and where she can be if she dedicates her whole fucking life to get even close to the godliness of Neil Peart. The background of this song is the cherry on top of what makes this song so damn compelling, "La Villa Strangiato" roughly translates to "The Strange Village" and is based off of a dream that guitarist Alex Lifeson had, the song is broken into 12 parts that explain each part of the dream. As a kid I always dreamed of making a song based off of my dreams, even now I think that would be great even if my dreams are lacking in comparison to the dreams of a child. In a lot of ways this song is a flex for Alex Lifeson as much as it is for Neil Peart on drums. Either way one of the best instrumentals to come out of rock music, and one that doesn't drag on or grow stale at any point. It was Rush's first fully instrumental track and in my opinion, it is their most impressive but I prefer still "YYZ" which lets Geddy Lee really unleash his status as one of the best bassists if you aren't sold already from his performance on this track. A great instrumental that leaves you breathless and thoroughly impressed, also a great one to watch them do live so you can see drum sticks being just a blur as the onslaught ensues. 

Year Released: 1978
Album: Hemispheres (1978)
Genre: Progressive Rock
Mood: Intense, Well Formulated
Perfect For: Focused listening, Casual listening, Being awe struck
Where To Next: "Heart of the Sunrise" - Yes
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Rating: 9/10

"I Only Have Eyes for You" - The Flamingos

What a damn pretty song! One of those that I can never get enough of, it has a perfect romantic dinner atmosphere. You can almost feel the fine clothing on your arms, taste the champagne, and feel the fluttering of the heart from whispered words and stolen kisses. A true romantic track, one that can make you have heart eyes while taking a crap. Which is when I chose this song... just kidding. I chose the song while waiting for my woman to get back to the vehicle while she took care of some things at her house. Just staring out the window and thinking pleasant thoughts and feeling the sun on my face. It is starting to get dark again earlier which means that damned sun isn't baking me as much during the day. It is about to be autumn, one of the best seasons and one that begs me to go into the mountains and crunch those leaves. Anyways, it was a memorable moment, even if it was as simple as just starting out the window. This album, Flamingos Serenade, is so damn good, I have to give it another listen soon because it makes me want to frolic in tall grass and ice skate and shit and I HATE ice skating, stupid little kids making fun of me... I cannot emphasize how all-consuming this song is, I remember the first time I heard it I got these chills that wouldn't go away for I swear 10 minutes. Even now as I am listening to it again as I type this out I have chills. I wonder how it feels to finish a song and give it a listen after and be like "damn... we... we did that". We brought a boy 65 years later to damn near tears. I am honestly shocked this song took this long to show up on the Song of the Day blog, because ever since my first listen to it I have been hooked. Doo-Wop was an early love of mine, after I watched the iconic American Graffiti I sat down and took in so much Doo-Wop it is unreal. While it is completely rooted in its time there is something timeless about the atmosphere they produce, that love longing and sometimes lovelorn serenading that teleports you to romantic winter drives at night with a hot drink in your hands. I know it isn't for everyone but it is certainly for me, the hopeless romantic dreamer in my soul clutches it to my heart.

Year Released: 1959
Album: Flamingos Serenade (1959)
Genre: Doo-Wop 
Mood: Romantic
Perfect For: Romantic dinners, Date nights, Chilly winter drives, Reminiscing, Making looove
Where To Next: "Earth Angel (Will You Be Mine) - The Penguins
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Rating: 10/10

"Untied" - Tommy Collins

Still makes me sad on how many potent country musicians got lost to the test of time, granted Tommy Collins didn't have all too long or successful of a career but still he played a role in popularizing the Bakersfield sound, a sound that ruled Country music up until crossover country showed up near the end of the 1970's. In my opinion that is when country lost its soul, but there is still a ton of crossover country songs that I like and I won't deny it was probably a smart move so the genre could flourish. Doesn't mean I can't be sour about the fact that the country sound I love took a step back. "Untied" is a lively country track that works as well drinking as it does traveling. I chose the track while running the roads in Wyoming, pulled into a gas station in Evanston and took a look around while the song was playing and it fit the mood perfectly. There were so many great songs that day, I could hardly choose just one but rules are rules. As I have mentioned before I don't feel as happy anywhere else as being on a highway in a faraway place with my lady by my side. This one was one for the records too, lots of strange things happened this trip but I am too lazy to type it all out, nor do I think you, dear readers, care all that much. Still if you get a hankering for roaming, I suggest heading to this ghost town called Carter, the town doesn't have too much history but there are plenty of ruins worthy of adventure. Being a Utahn, most of our "ghost towns" are nothing more than a post or a building frame at this point. I was shocked to see full fledge buildings, some you can even go in as it seemed a homeless person or two has. Didn't get too far into the building before my wise girlfriend advised we probably shouldn't go too far in unless we want a nail in our foot or knife in our back. I begrudgingly agreed and then moped about it for a split second until I realized it was a safe call, that place reeked of "horror movie beginnings" and I don't mean that lightly. Still, it was a great day, perfect weather and my truck drove us there and back without having a tire fly off or overheating. I gotta make more time for these memories, money be damned, safety be damned (sort of). It is moments like this Saturday that remind me of the simple joys in life. It is wise to take moments to be untied, to listen to country music in the middle of nowhere in Wyoming. To hold hands while roaring down the highway, to enjoy the passing of the trains and the birds of prey that fly along untied. Eventually we got back into town and the romance of freedom fell away again, but that can't stop me from taking moments of leisure and enjoying the simple and finer things in life when I get the chance to run.

Year Released: 1955
Single: Boob-I-Lak (yeah I know, haha) / Untied
Chosen Compilation: Capitol Collectors Series (2012)
Genre: Country
Mood: Reckless
Perfect For: Driving, Getting drunk, Traveling
Where To Next: "High Geared Daddy" - Webb Pierce
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Rating: 8/10

"Rock 'n' Roll High School" - Ramones

This was my all-time favorite Ramones song for the longest time, it is sort of sad that it doesn't hit the same as an adult. I grieve for plenty of songs that make me feel a little out of place now, ones that talk of teenage love or high school, since there are so many damn good songs under that theme especially from the 1950's one of my favorite decades for music. Even as an adult I can still get behind this song, both for the nostalgia and that classic brand that Ramones brings to the table. Their strange melding of the rock and pop they grew up listening to and the snotty punk that they helped bring to force is damn good. This song comes off of the soundtrack for the film Rock 'n' Roll High School in which the Ramones are also in. I watched the movie years and years ago, it is decent enough, one of those cult classic teenage burnout movies, a theme I was obsessed with for a good handful of years growing up. Films like Blackboard Jungle meant a lot to me, I loved anything that had a damn good soundtrack too, a movie all rebellious youth should see especially if they like the old movies. Anyways, the track is a shining classic for the Ramones, it is them through and through and comes off one of their best and most innovative albums End of the Century. Ramones always makes the mood, through their simplistic songs there is a special brand of rebellious blithe that always leaves me with a crooked smile. Ramones was the first band that I ever thought to research, I remember asking my mom and sister about them and pronouncing the name viciously wrong, I still sometimes think back on it and cringe. Little did I know at that time I was soon to dedicate most of my life to looking into bands and finding more and more information so I can forget it all when someone asks me about it in person. Still, I remember seeing the leather jackets and converse and wanting to dress like that. I went and ripped up my only pair of skinny jeans (which I had to really give myself a prep talk to wear them, how the hell did people wear those uncomfortable sons of bitches?!) and got myself a leather jacket I religiously wore for a good while. I never got the chucks though I had half the look, I probably looked like a proper trailer trash Ramones though I thought I looked styling, still got chicks so I shall take that as a win. I still come back to "Rock 'n' Roll High School" often enough and take in the memories and that kick ass intro. Don't you love how music is a time capsule? Can take you back to an exact memory or emotion.

​Year Released: 1979
Single: Rock 'n' Roll High School / Do You Wanna Dance?
Album: End of the Century (1980)
Genre: Punk Rock
Mood: Rebellious
Perfect For: Driving, Skating
Where To Next: "Trying for Kicks" - Generation X
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Rating: 8/10

"Skullbucket" - Southern Culture on the Skids 

Hoooooowee! We got ourselves some rough necking, beer chugging, speed loving music right here for you good folks. Southern Culture on the Skids is one of the oddest bands that I can't help but love. Also, I have a soft spot for bands that do their own thing whenever they want no matter what sounds are on the music menu of that year. I am sorry that I have selected three 1995 tracks in a row but I suppose it doesn't matter what the year it is so long as the music is giving us that sweet sweet buzz. Strangely enough this makes 2 instrumentals in the same month, even more impressively just a couple days from each other, though this song is nothing like "Infamous Glory" from the 3rd day. It was damn hard to choose between the tracks on this album since I enjoyed it all the way through even the dumb ass humor-based tracks. I mean you see that album cover and what do you expect? Honestly, I love the vibe of the album, be it the condom on a dirt track album cover or the rockabilly hellbilly atmosphere. Feels like something a cartoon grease monkey along route 66 would listen to, especially this track. I first came across the band on a song called "Demon Death" which is perfect for a night of drinking as it is perfect for the night of Halloween. Rockabilly and Roots Rock has always been a sound I come back to time and time again, I could see it being my chosen style if I had a band of my own with a couple of different influences mixed in since I am a mixed bag of styles myself. There aren't any other genres that make me want to hit the road or dance like rockabilly does. Shit is sunbaked on the black top; it is the sound of a hot rod turning over belching smoke. The album is corny in all the right ways, and is rocking in all the right ways too, now that I am here I am regretting not choosing "Voodoo Cadillac" so we can have some vocals rolling in or their biggest hit "Camel Walk" so you can see the random nature of their corny hillbilly persona. Either way the band is unique, some strange mix between Reverend Horton Heat, Link Wray, and Primus. So give the song a spin, get liquored up and get down!

Year Released: 1995
Album: Dirt Track Date (1995)
Genre: Rockabilly
Mood: Heat Wave 
Perfect For: Driving in the heat, Driving on a desolate highway at night, Driving through the hills of your local small town
Where To Next: "Big Sky" - The Reverend Horton Heat
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Rating: 8/10

"Away" - Buck-O-Nine

Nothing makes me feel like I am in a rush more than ska, the rhythm and good time willing-to-die nature of the songs always make me feel like I am invincible and running late though I am not. I was getting ready for my travels to the dentist office a couple of towns over, taking on the tools and the fools upon the highway when this song kicked on. I felt ready, willing and able to push my poor Ford Ranger on that whining freeway, but that never happened since traffic pretty well just crawled until eventually I was off the freeway. Having that stressful yet fun ska rhythm rolling throughout the stress and heat really matched the mood, the album played for half the time before it switched to Die Arzte's Planet Punk which didn't match the mood nearly as well. If it wasn't for the fact I had an appointment I would have started Barfly over and gave it another run. I think since starting the 1990's deep dive of punk Buck-O-Nine has been one of the best bands I have discovered, I am always glad to see their name show back up for their turn. Ska punk is a genre you would have to be deaf to not be able to get behind it, it has this special brand of electricity that you cannot get in reggae or punk alone. Shit is addictive and even if it is often silly, which is easily overlookable when you get sucked into its quick as sin style. Ever since picking up Operation Ivy's 2007 rerelease/compilation of their legendary album Energy and the EP Hectic simply titled Operation Ivy I have been fucking hooked! That eventually moved into a deep love for the genre, jumping back to hear the new wave licked bands like The Specials and The Beat, then jumping forward to No Doubt, The Mighty Might Bosstones, and Sublime. Now that I am jumping further into the 1990's I am coming across so many great bands for ska that I can hardly contain my joy at finding some of those golden tracks! None the less, this album was highly enjoyable and it is because songs like "Away", even if some of the covers on the album are kind of odd and lacking. I loved all the original material and I cannot wait until I get to 1997 to get to the album that gave them their mainstream success Twenty-Eight Teeth. 

Year Released: 1995
Album: Barfly (1995)
Genre: Ska Punk
Mood: Energetic
Perfect For: Driving in traffic, Feeling pumped, Getting drunk
Where To Next: "9mm and a Three Piece Suit" - Catch 22
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Rating: 8/10

"Infamous Glory" - Krisiun

While I am not typically huge into instrumentals there are some that grab my attention. Some like "Cliffs of Dover" by Eric Johnson or "Rose in the Heather" from Nazareth have my full heart but there is still a serious hurdle for instrumentals to be fully taken in and also added to my collection. There I was feeling down on the world, hungry, you know the kind of days, trying to make my way to the smoke shop and also to the BBQ place right next to there. As I was dealing with the stupid fast speed expectation on one of my favorite roads (can't a mother fucker just go the speed limit or 5 over?!) I heard this track kick on. While going through my year by year deep dive it was time I started going through Krisiun, a band that I have dabbled in here and there but wouldn't call myself a fan aside from a couple of songs, so I was glad to see their name show up and that kick ass album cover. The album was damn brutal, strangely intricate and once again... fucking brutal. I was pretty impressed by the band, though admittedly I would have to be in a special mood to select it out of the legions of death metal albums. That and if I played this in front of my lady I would probably get the "what the fuck is this" look of shame. Still, doesn't mean I didn't play it loud and proud while in a pissy ass mood or up until I got to the traffic lights at least. This song reminds me of Brutal Legend, one of the most ambitious and fucking kick ass video games to date. Brutal Legend helped my music taste bud more than any other game or media out there, the imagery and soul of heavy metal put into one glitchy hidden gem. The shredding mixed with an eerie atmosphere made me feel the true spirit of heavy metal as well. I was pleased as punch to find another decent death metal album, I honestly didn't expect the band to be that god damned potent from early on. Guess it isn't shocking they're still putting out damn fine work, if anything a lot of their 2010's releases overshadow their earlier work. Leave it to Brazilian metal to blow your ass away and always hit you with that right hook!

Year Released: 1995
Album: Black Force Domain (1995)
Genre: Death Metal
Mood: Evil
Perfect For: Driving, Wanting to pick up the guitar
Where To Next: "For the Glory of..." - Testament
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Rating: 7/10

"Dead End Friends" - Them Crooked Vultures

If this is your first time hearing this band, I am very excited for you and honestly a touch envious. There have been few more impressive supergroups out there, 3 of rocks highest royalties all together to make a compelling album each with a little bit of their own personal touch. We have Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age and so many more, anything this guy touches turns to gold! Much like Dave Grohl, which as we know comes from Nirvana and Foo Fighter fame and also Queens of the Stone Age alongside others. Then lastly the thing that really kicks the bucket, John Paul Jones is on bass and other instruments which he hails from the hammer of the gods, the all mighty, the immaculate Led Zeppelin. Now with those 3 mixed together this album is bound for fuckin' glory! The best track on the album in my opinion is "Dead End Friends", one where you get a heavy dose of that Queens of the Stone Age sound but still there is some Foo Fighters peaking over the edge and even strangely some Zeppelin. I love how much texture this one song can has, it is so bold it steals your attention attention but doesn't force itself on you either so it is still great for smoky beer drinking nights. I chose the track after picking up Skate 3 for another playthrough, it has been many years and I forgot how many great songs are on that game. Right when I heard the intro for this song during character customization, I knew my lady chose a good game for me to play for her, she knew too since she was also a fan around when the game released in 2010. What the hell happened to the Skate series?! I thought it sold well, most people I knew either owned it or knew of it. I know the whole skater culture sort of died out of the mainstream but still, we need a good skating game and we need it now! The game is soothing and challenging and once again it has a great set of songs on there in which "Dead End Friends" is fittingly one of them. Them Crooked Vultures is a dream team if I ever heard of one, each are immaculate musicians, Queens of the Stone Age was practically a breeding ground for raw talent with the massive amount of musicians that were part of the band at some point or other. None the less we will cover that when I chose a Queens of the Stone Age track since it is a given they will show at some point. For now, we have Them Crooked Vultures which can hold up next to many of Queens of the Stone Age albums. I hope one day they put out another album, it breaks my heart knowing I am confined to 13 tracks. So I have no choice but to over play all these songs, hasn't affected me yet even if I only discovered these guys a couple of years back when looking into everything Josh Homme after I fell in love with Kyuss. Anyways, the song is great and if you liked it then maybe try out the whole album it holds many stellar songs that can match the tastes of a lot of different walks or rockers.

Year Released: 2009
Album: Them Crooked Vultures (2009)
Genre: Hard Rock 
Mood: Burnt Out
Perfect For: Extreme sports, Having a beer, Driving in the heat
Where To Next: "3's & 7's" - Queens of the Stone Age
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Rating: 8/10

"Whisky Drinkin' Woman" - Nazareth

It feels like it was yesterday when I picked up this album, Hair of the Dog, with limited knowledge of Nazareth aside from "Love Hurts" & "Hair of the Dog". I figured the album that holds those timeless classics would be a great place to start. I had no idea how much of a treat I was about to take in, that was 10 years ago and I still can never tire of any of the tracks and make sure to give the album another listen when I am in the mood for some hard rock. There is enough flow in the album to really keep you locked into some great rock, they have the harder tracks like "Hair of the Dog" and "Miss Misery", the murky rock tracks like the one you are reading about now, and even some room for the softer side like "Love Hurts" and the long atmospheric tracks such as the instrumental "Rose in the Heather" and the tame "Please Don't Judas Me". The whole album is a 10/10 from start to finish, filled to the brim with quality tracks. One of the finest from the album is "Whisky Drinkin' Woman", a laid-back track that invites rockers that love Lynyryd Skynyrd as much as it kisses the cheek of the rockers that dig Deep Purple. Hair of the Dog is the crown jewel of their discography but don't let that stop you from taking in some of their other great albums, most of them are criminally underrated. "Whisky Drinkin' Woman" is one of those "wicked woman" tracks that hard rock of the time seemed to love, which isn't a half bad lyrical theme. Break up songs were left on repeat throughout most of the 1960's so it is fitting the 1970's keeps the same idea but makes it a touch more personal, more angry and less sad. The band wrote an all-around fun song, I like the mental imagery of this poor lady's condition and also, he isn't even really talking down on her, more so complaining that he is broke and feels like he might as well buy the distillery at this point. I have always been fond of Dan McCafferty's gravelly vocals, which helps that nitty gritty rock sound very well. Plus, we didn't have too many of those vocalists yet, there was no Brian Johnson who was inspired by McCafferty's singing which makes perfect sense. Nazareth is a band that a lot of rockers sleep on, don't make that mistake! There are a ton of tracks that are worth every second of your time, go back and check out Razamanaz or even go forward and see their 80's sound with "Holiday". 

Year Released: 1975
Album: Hair of the Dog (1975)
Genre: Hard Rock, Blues Rock
Mood: Mellow
Perfect For: Drinking, Casual listening, Driving
Where To Next: "Goodbye Love" - Geordie
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Rating: 9/10