Cicero's Song of the Day: August 2012

Friday, August 31, 2012

Buddy Holly: Maybe Baby (1957)

Just a great song by the incomparable Buddy Holly. His influence on the British Invasion can not be understated. The Beatles took their name as an homage to The Crickets and the invasion acts all cited Holly as an influence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEHNFxXkILM

Thursday, August 30, 2012

The Drifters: There Goes My Baby (1959)

Before Ben E. King had the smash "Stand By Me", he was a Drifter. "There Goes My Baby" introduced strings to R&B music and represented the next wave of R&B/Soul music that came with the 1960s. I had this song in my head all day yesterday for no apparent reason, so here it is....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noFS4_oEakI

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Boston: More Than A Feeling (1976)

Tom Scholz worked on "More Than A Feeling" and five other songs in his basement in 1974 and 1975. The song became the debut single off Boston's debut album. The song helped the album become the largest selling debut at the time. Nirvana's "Smells Like Teen Spirit" bares a striking resemblance to "More Than A Feeling."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0XBGEft83zE

Monday, August 27, 2012

Peter Buck: 10 Million B.C. (2012)

R.E.M. is no more, but the guys are still with us. Peter Buck is the first member of the iconic band to release new material. Yes, this is Peter on vocals. It sounds like a cross between sixties garage rock and punk music. Top notch.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htzUUzec_Ak

Friday, August 24, 2012

Greatest songs of the 2000s part III

final installment

The Rising- Bruce Springsteen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOm-uIPzqpI

Hurt-Johnny Cash

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o22eIJDtKho

Walk On-U2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwKEdFoUB0o

Magnificent-U2

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi52HjJbwVQ

Like a Stone- Audioslave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7QU1nvuxaMA

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Greatest Songs of the 2000s part II

once again, my favorites...

Imitation of Life- REM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0vqgdSsfqPs

Girls in Their Summer Clothes- Bruce Springsteen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J8PB1a1c9zA

Doesn’t Remind Me of Anything- Audioslave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lBFdX37Qpnk

Holiday- Green Day

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrWpLS0vM0g

Stacy’s Mom- Fountains of Wayne

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZLfasMPOU4

Wednesday, August 22, 2012

Greatest songs of the 2000s part 1

These are some of my favorites from the last decade. Pop music declined sharply during the 00s. By 2012, it all sounded the same and there have been scientific studies confirming this~

Long Road to Ruin- Foo Fighters

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=308KpFZ4cT8

Seven Nation Army- White Stripes

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY

Lonesome Day- Bruce Springsteen

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VuBRgq6nT7s

Man Sized Wreath- REM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFF8iwdhc0k

Brainwashed- George Harrison

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQ8pjXxNym4

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

1945 in Music

World War II ended in 1945. Hitler shot himself and partisans executed Mussolini. The Allied side witnessed changes as well. Churchill lost re-election and Roosevelt died leaving Stalin the only member of the Big Three to last the war. The war left most of the world in shambles and Americans wanted simply to return to normalcy.
In music, Bing Crosby was named male singer of the year for the ninth straight year. Charlie Parker records his first album as a lead. The recording also features Miles Davis.
The top hits of 1945:
Sentimental Journey by Les Brown and Doris Day:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O7umIJj8UBo
Rum and Coca Cola by the Andrews Sisters:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGxL2uNr7bk
Till the End of Time by Perry Como:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xSJ-oT2ZBa0
Billie's Bounce by Charlie Parker:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72UeP0o68JA

Sunday, August 19, 2012

The Zombies: She's Not There (1964)

The Zombies rode the British Invasion in 1964. "She's Not There" caught fire in the fall and peaked at #2 on the US charts. The song is distinctive for the use of the electric piano and folk-style backing vocals. Rolling Stone placed "She's Not There" in their top 500 songs of all time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5IRI4oHKNU

Saturday, August 18, 2012

Billy Joel: Moving Out (Anthony's Song) (1977)

Billy Joel chides people for rejecting their blue collar roots in favor of the middle class. In his view, it will only lead to a "heart attack." The character is disgusted with those around him and seems to have either given up or believes upward mobility a futile endeavor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-UBpt1dya60

Friday, August 17, 2012

The Beach Boys: Sloop John B (1966)

The Beach Boys reworked an old West Indian folk song, "The John B Sails" and transformed it. The song tells the story of a rowdy ship's crew that shipwrecked in 1900. They did not take their captivity too well. "Sloop John B" took on a new meaning in Vietnam's wake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSAoEf1Ib58

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Nickelback: Leader of Men (2000)

Nickelback was an alt rock act emerging from the ashes of grunge when they released "Leader of Men." Since 2000, the band grew to become perhaps the biggest rock band in the world and Van Halen's heir apparent as party rock gods. Critics considered it a "reign of terror." The band and their fans did not care...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PR_oGP4az3k

Monday, August 13, 2012

Tom Petty: Into The Great Wide Open (1991)

Tom Petty's video stars Johnny Depp and features appearances from Faye Dunaway and Matt LeBlanc. This was the heydey of music videos when companies shelled out millions for flashy mini-films. Petty's song about a teenagers rise to stardom readily adapted itself to the format.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzVV7NWGOIA

Friday, August 10, 2012

David Bowie: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1996

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/david-bowie/bio/

Official Site:

http://www.davidbowie.com/

David Bowie's career began in the early 60s, but he did achieve notoriety until he used the space program for inspiration.

Liza Jane w/the King Bees (1964):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNNfqh-iJXs

Space Oddity (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhSYbRiYwTY

Changes (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pl3vxEudif8

In 1972, he created the andogynous Ziggy Stardust character to serve as an alterego.

Starman (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=muMcWMKPEWQ

Ziggy Stardust (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G8sdsW93ThQ

Suffragette City (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLnPd7lzT4g

The Jean Genie (1972):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BLbi6y4ktgc

Life on Mars? (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v--IqqusnNQ

Rebel Rebel (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sa6bI_95G9I

Rock n Roll Suicide (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9jg4ekLG9Zo

Diamond Dogs (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36lWAcY9IXE

In 1975, Bowie killed Ziggy (Rock n Roll Suicide) and changed up.

Young Americans (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ScVi_L817ec

Fame (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J-_30HA7rec

Golden Years (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wd2clb5T8JA

In 1977, he began work on the Berlin Trilogy...changing up once more.

Sound and Vision (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IJsAuUgSgc

Heroes (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tgcc5V9Hu3g

Boys Keep Swinging (1979):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AwTlbs51v2M

During the 80s, he achieved his greatest commercial success.

Ashes to Ashes (1980):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMThz7eQ6K0

Fashion (1980):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GA27aQZCQMk

Under Pressure w/Queen (1981):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xtrEN-YKLBM

Cat People (1982):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i1O4iZOt23Q

Let's Dance (1983):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OyVjdQXNs9s

China Girl (1983):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_8IXx4tsus

Modern Love (1983):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hDbpF4Mvkw

Blue Jean (1984):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTYvjrM6djo

For Live Aid:

Dancing in the Street w/Mick Jagger (1985):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7y-x2fWKbmo

Day-in Day Out (1987):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7-u10bLJ0PY

Then, he decided to be a part of a group (Tin Machine)

Tin Machine (1989):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6CbGRze5zU

Throughout the 90s and 00s, he continued to do his own thing.

Real Cool World (1992):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcLRR0ONyU0

The Hearts Filthy Lesson (1995):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pe6uWzwQ1FE

I Can't Read (1997):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COj5BWnxd9U

Thursday's Child (1999):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8S227FFNwl8

The concert for New York (2001):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xdo5f_ozf6E

Rebel Never Gets Old (2004):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ueCQpsGw7aE

Arnold Layne w/David Gilmour (2006):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K499HpGF46E

Bowie also appeared in a number of films including Labrynth, The Last Temptation of Christ, Twin Peaks, and Zoolander.

He is now in retirement.

　
　

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Gladys Knight: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1996

Rock Hall Bio: http://rockhall.com/inductees/gladys-knight-and-the-pips/bio/

In 1952, Gladys Knight won a television talent contest. She formed the Pips the following year. They did not score a hit until 1961.

Every Beat of My Heart (1961):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JbcCQnNZrVs

In 1966, they signed with Motown and broke out.

I Heard it Through the Grapevine (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWvwP72FuVg

The End of Our Road (1968):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tpMHDbJO7sU

The Nitty Gritty (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgSgIbveiQI

Friendship Train (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CB_ukeSFfNU

If I Were Your Woman (1970):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZW8EjfXlF1c

In the mid-70s, they moved to Buddha Records.

Neither One of Us (Wants to Be the First to Say Goodbye) (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KX8fZ-lWhFA

Midnight Train to Georgia (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pHhItkhc7o

I've Got to Use My Imagination (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0kPFrQPdKPM

Best Thing That Ever Happened to Me (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rmvm3l7zm4w

On and On (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLFWImJqEpoHYPERLINK "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLFWImJqEpo&feature=related"&HYPERLINK "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLFWImJqEpo&feature=related"feature=related

The Way We Were (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlg2svEAh-w

Love Overboard (1987):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4o1mGXyTjU

In 1988, the Pips retired, but Knight continued on.

License to Kill (1989):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Luh06bW9Ln0HYPERLINK "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Luh06bW9Ln0&feature=fvst"&HYPERLINK "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Luh06bW9Ln0&feature=fvst"feature=fvst

Superwoman w/Dionne Warwick and Patti LaBelle (1991):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-2olRqxK7c

I (Who Have Nothing) (2010):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68CGJg2tBxs
　

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Jefferson Airplane: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1996

Saturday, August 4, 2012

Kenny Chesney: Come Over (2012)

#1 this week on the country charts. When will that Call Me Maybe go away??

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1GfEl8XUc4

Friday, August 3, 2012

Pink Floyd: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1996

Rock Hall Bio:

Official Site:

Roger Waters: http://roger-waters.com/

David Gilmour: http://davidgilmour.com/

Pink Floyd emerged from the sixties psychedelic scene to become a leading prog rock band. Their music, live shows, and experimentation made them one of the most successful bands in history.

Pink Floyd formed in 1965 and coalesced around Syd Barrett. Over time, Barrett suffered from mental illness and was replaced by David Gilmour.

Arnold Layne (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tA73k88NU-s

See Emily Play (1967):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLQiFlgSVYs

Barrett essentially "left" the band in 1968. This is literally the sound of someone having a breakdown.

Jugband Blues (1968):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xIc2EgS9MNg

Astronomy Domine (1969):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJh9OLlXenM

The band's sound evolves:

Echoes (1971):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGwPSPIhohk

They hit the "super league" with Dark Side of the Moon:

Money (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-j3xITvYQY

The Great Gig in the Sky (1973):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVM7ZpQrCnQ

Time (1974):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYiahoYfPGk

Their success led to disillusionment:

Have a Cigar (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V5mZKZtIy2k

Wish You Were Here (1975):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPL_SV3n7IUHYPERLINK "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPL_SV3n7IU&feature=related"&HYPERLINK "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPL_SV3n7IU&feature=related"feature=related

Barrett visited the band during the recording sessions for Wish You Were Here. No one recognized him at first.

Floyd moved to politics as Waters took more control.

Sheep (1977):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcRYdVlGXNQ

Waters commentary on stardom and isolation- The Wall.

Another Brick in the Wall (1979):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YR5ApYxkU-U

Comfortably Numb (1979):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU-OSLBKwG0HYPERLINK "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU-OSLBKwG0&feature=related"&HYPERLINK "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU-OSLBKwG0&feature=related"feature=related

Run Like Hell (1980):http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y2aOccbfAqE

The band recorded one more album with Waters and rebelled. They continued without him and lawsuits followed.

Pink Floyd's third stage came in 1987 under Gilmour's direction.

Learning to Fly (1987):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DrGuVa-4BVE

High Hopes (1994):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OTBK5HBx3M

Pink Floyd stopped recording new material after 1994. The band essentially quit after a lucrative tour.

In 2005, they reunited with Waters at Live 8:

Waters and Gilmour seemed to have buried the hatchet and have performed at charity events together.

Barrett died in 2006.

Richard Wright died in 2008.

Thursday, August 2, 2012

Little Willie John: Rock n Roll Hall of Fame Class of 1996

Rock Hall Bio:

http://rockhall.com/inductees/little-willie-john/bio/

He sang with Count Basie at age 14.

Signed recording deal at 18.

All Around the World (1955):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u00ytxRIZDk

Fever (1956):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nr8XOuesG3s

Talk to Me, Talk to Me (1958):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LaWV-lGrd1k

Leave My Kitten Alone (1959):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmyD2AJIqcU

Take My Love (1961):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Haddk6XPTqA

He was convicted of manslaughter in 1966 and died two years later.

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