Song of the Day May 13-19

May 13 2024

A little history of this song..... Rain King       by Counting Crows

Counting Crows is an American rock band from San Francisco led by vocalist Adam Duritz. The band has sold more than 20 million albums and is known for its dynamic live performances. Billboard has also ranked the band as the 8th greatest Adult Alternative Artist of all time. In 1994 the band received two Grammy Awards nominations , one for "Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal" (for 'Round Here') and one for "Best New Artist". Today's Song of the Day 'Rain King' is off 1994's "August and Everything" produced by legendary producer T Bone Burnett. Adam Duritz who is also the lead singer of the band wrote the lyrics to this song. He got the title from the book Henderson the Rain King, written by Saul Bellow in 1959.The song isn't about the book specifically, but relates to how Duritz felt about his art. It's a song about everything the goes into writing, all the feelings, everything that makes you want to write and pick up a guitar and express yourself. It's full of all the doubts and the fears about how I felt about my life at the time."He considers it a very spiritual song about the forces that spur creativity and energize art. One of their best songs off their debut album. A great song if haven't heard it in a while.

Enjoy!!

May 15 2024

A little history of this song..... Stone Cold Sober       by Del Amitri

Del Amitri are a Scottish alternative rock band formed in Glasgow in 1980 and have released seven studio albums, five of which have reached the UK top 10. Del Amitri's  easy blend of Beatlesque pop and country-rock has made them a worldwide road and radio staple since the mid-'80s. They have had their most loyal following in the UK, but still tour the US. Today's Song of the Day 'Stone Cold Sober' comes off their 1989 "Waking Hours" album and as I like to do it's one of the deeper cuts on the album.'Stone Cold Sober' talks about the heavy use of alcohol to dull the pointlessness of life. As the title of the song infers the protagonist has become "stone cold sober" due to the events in his life. I know.... kind of a depressing song, but worth a listen to as well as the other songs on this album. Give it a spin and see if you like it.

Enjoy!!

May 17 2024

A little history of this song..... I'm Amazed       by My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket was formed in Louisville, Kentucky in 1998 by singer-songwriter Jim James. James created the group as an outlet for acoustic songs he had developed on his own that his band at the time, Month of Sundays, could not use. It wasn't until MMJ's 5th album "Evil Urges" that the band broke through to the general music public. Today's Song of the Day 'I'm Amazed' is from that album and has been one of the band's lesser known hits. It's a prophetic song in many ways - it speaks not only of a divided nation and the need for justice but also to the beauty in the life and plight of others. The song suggests that the world is not always what it seems, The song talks about how the protagonist is amazed and surprised by various things happening in the world. He is shocked by the ocean's peace, his partner's wrong loyalty, people's opinions, a country divided, and the lack of justice in the world. He is also amazed by the history and the media's influence on people's beliefs. The lack of evolution, faith, and love is another aspect that surprises the protagonist. The song suggests that the world is not always what it seems, disrupting the protagonist's sense of rhythm. Yet through all of this, he plods through. Somewhat of an erudite song but worth listening.Give the entire album a few spins and see what you think.

Enjoy!!

May 19 2024

A little history of this song..... When Am I Gonna Lose You      by Local Natives

Local Natives is an American indie rock band formed in Los Angeles in 2008. They have put out 5 albums since their inception, with 2019's "Violet Street" being the LP that Today's Song of the Day ' When Am I Gonna Lose You' is from. Here are 2 different views of the song from the band's members: Guitarist Ryan Hahn explained..."The song is about the feeling of being in an amazing relationship but feeling the fear and anxiety that it can't possibly last, whether just by twist of fate or because of your own self sabotage. It was inspired by a trip Taylor took to Big Sur with his, at the time, new girlfriend. He kept telling us how even when you're at your happiest it can be difficult not to put up those self-protective barriers." Lead Vocalist Taylor Rice explained the song this way..

Wait, when am I gonna lose you?

How will I let you slip through?

Careless or unkind?

Trace the curving on the coastline

The Santa Lucia cliffside

We'll stay here for the night

Rice is unable to enjoy the moment. He is a pessimist who believes that no matter how great something is, it's likely to eventually end. An interesting song from an Indie band that gets a lot of Airplay.

Enjoy!!