Song of the Day May 21-27

May 21 2024

A little history of this song..... Zombie       by The Cranberries

Formed in Ireland in 1989, The Cranberries’ original lineup consisted of lead vocalist Dolores O’Riordan, guitarist Noel Hogan, bassist Mike Hogan, and drummer Fergal Lawler. In the 1990s, they rose to prominence with their distinctive blend of alternative rock, pop, and folk elements. O’Riordan’s ethereal vocals and poignant songwriting, combined with the band’s melodic and guitar-driven sound, set them apart from other bands of their time. Born from a tragic event, Today's Song of the Day ‘Zombie’ not only offers a haunting and profound glimpse into O’Riordan’s experiences in Ireland but also possesses a universal connection that transcends borders. The song was penned in response to The Troubles, a period of political conflict and violence between Northern Irish nationalists, who sought a united Ireland, and unionists, who wanted Northern Ireland to remain part of the United Kingdom. One of the most devastating events during this time was the 1993 IRA bombing in Warrington, England, which killed two young boys and injured many others. The song’s lyrics express anger, frustration, and grief over the senseless loss of life and the impact of the conflict on innocent people. The word “zombie” in the song’s title is used as a metaphor to describe the dehumanising effects of war and violence on individuals and communities.The song throughout the years has become The Cranberries most popular having had 1 billion hits on YouTube.

Enjoy!

May 23 2024

A little history of this song..... Sweet Sounds of Heaven     by The Rolling Stones, Gaga

As incredible and unbelievable as this may sound, in October 2023 The Rolling Stones came out with their 31st Studio album entitled "Hackney Diamonds", their first album of original material since 2005's "A Bigger Bang" and their first since the death of Charlie Watts. The Stones career with Mick & Keith at the helm began some 60 years ago in 1962 when the two were 20 year olds from Dartford, Kent UK. The rest, as they say, is history. And oh, what a glorious history it has been for the Stones. Today's Song of the Day, 'Sweet Sounds of Heaven (feat. Lady Gaga)' was the third single released from the album and has received critical acclaim from all the major music magazines as one of the best in years by the group.'Sweet Sounds of Heaven (feat. Lady Gaga)' was critically acclaimed by a number of publications: The Telegraph rated it five out of five stars, stating that the band is in "exultant form" and calling the track "a thrilling, uplifting proto-gospel song that belongs in the very highest echelons of the Stones' starry catalogue". Consequence described the "anthemic, surprisingly emotional cut" as "one of the best late-stage songs the Stones have to offer", with the vocal interplay between Jagger and Gaga "[making] the extended track feel like it breezes by in an instant". American Songwriter praised the "truly epic" track as "[proof] that rock and roll and soul music can live harmoniously", while Rolling Stone further described it as a "free-flowing soul journey" with a "gospel vibe". The New York Times listed 'Sweet Sounds of Heaven (feat. Lady Gaga)' as the fifth best song released in 2023, stating that "the song climbs to a big, gospelly finish, with Jagger and Gaga goading each other to belt more." It's a fantastic song by a band that has been putting out hits for 60 years !! What more can you say about the Stones??

Enjoy!!

May 25 2024

A little history of this song..... Heart of Gold by Neil Young

Ever since I started the blog in May '22, I've wanted to do a post about a Neil Young song but couldn't because Neil Young (among others) had pulled their music catalogues from Spotify in protest of a podcaster who had signed a multi-million dollar contract with Spotify to retain the exclusive rights to his podcast. The podcaster was an ultra-right wing proponent that Young, and other artists, pulled their catalogues from Spotify. Today as I write this (Mar 14 2024), however, Neil Young  and Joni Mitchell both finally decided to give up their protest and let Spotify have access once again to their catalogues. No one is happier than I am... Neil Young is in that pantheon of singer-songwriters that have very few equals and now I the privilege to bring you Today's Song of the Day 'Heart of Gold' from his 1972 "Harvest" album. The track was written, in part, as the result of a back injury Young sustained that left him unable to stand for long periods of time. As such, he could not play his electric guitar due to it being so heavy, so he took a load off and picked up the acoustic. In the song, Young sings of being in Hollywood, Redwood (forests, presumably), and crossing oceans in search of a "heart of gold." Indeed, the song is about salvation—either someone or something—that can give him the treasure—metaphorical or actual—that he requires. By far, this was the biggest hit for Young as a solo artist, reaching #1 on the BillBoard Hot 100 on March 18, 1972. Listen to the entire album as it doesn't get much better than this from the decade of the 70's. On a side note, what you may not know is that the studio version of 'Heart of Gold' features backing vocals from James Taylor and Linda Ronstadt.

Enjoy!!

May 27 2024

A little history of this song..... The Kill          by Maggie Rogers

OK. I’m not entirely sure if this is an actually the Album's first “single,” but she played it on The Late Show, so I will pretend it is the lead single from the album. Anyway, I have discovered that I LOVE Maggie Rogers. She's become a regular on most of my playlists. I know, I am very late to jump on this ship, but everyone is entitled to be a little late to the party and experience something for the first time, right? Last year I saw the videos from Glastonbury Festival but really didn't pay much attention to her... I must've been half-dead or something because both her and the videos are fantastic especially the 'That's Where I Am' video. If you haven't seen it.. click on the link... it'll blow you away. Today's Song of the Day '2024's 'The Kill', which is equally as good  is a track off Maggie Rogers’s recently released "Don’t Forget Me" LP, which became available in all the usual places a month or so ago. Treat yourself and buy it! Maggie's genre in Rock is is hard to describe but is firmly rooted in the Fleetwood Mac school of earnest pop rock, and there is no shame in that. On 'The Kill'  Rogers describes the feelings of falling in love—even when she was putting up a wall. “

So difficult, but so invincible

Irresistible, but I lovеd you still

You were going in for the kill,”

She sings over a western-inspired guitar riff and a thumping kick drum, reminiscent of some great 90's songs. Sometimes, you need something that’s just unapologetically nice and optimistic and she provides that on every song.on this album. Maggie Rogers has become my favorite artist of the last 2 years, and I don't say that lightly.

She’s also currently on tour. Tour dates begin May 23rd and guess who already has gotten front row seats for her Chicago OCT 24 show???

Enjoy!!