We took a week off for Christmas and now we're back with the New Years Edition of Song Of The Day Fridays!! Some of the guys are picking their favourite song from 2020, others are letting the dawn of a new year inspire their track, others are just giving 2020 a big ol' middle finger through song! There are no rules and that's how we like it! Rob's up first!!
Retrospective Rob
Jimmy Eat World - "Appreciation"
While everyone has their own thoughts and experiences through 2020, i'm gonna reflect on the positives. It's had it's ups and downs, but while looking back this has really been about searching within, while still facing so many new challenges. If you could rewind 2020 what would you do differently? My goals = Live and Learn! Happy New Years!
Mr. Times Square
The Eagles - "Funky New Year"
G-Man's Rockin' New Years Eve
Enuff Z'Nuff - "New Thing"
One of the best songs I heard this year and no it's not a 2020 track. This one might be a surprise to some of you. Yes on the surface it doesn't immediately identify as a G-Man pick. The hair metal aesthetic of the band and even the band's name sounds like it should be printed in the bright oranges, pinks and yellows of early 90's cheese. Ordinarily, I probably wouldn't have given it a second listen, but with it being 2020 and all it's lockdown malaise...i actually found myself intrigued by this track. It's hair metaly but it isn't. It's New Agey but it isn't. It's glam but it isn't. What it is is catchy, different and uplifting. If it was released any other time but the early Nineties, we probably would have heard more from these guys
Doug-cember 31st
Taylor Swift - "New Year's Day"
Dano
Andrew WK - "Party Hard"
January HP
Korn - "Throw Me Away"
Midnight Mike D
Semisonic - "Closing Time"
J. Bubbly
Bloodhound Gang - "Fire. Water. Burn"
So since this year was such a dumpster fire in many ways, let's commemorate it with my selection. I could have gone a darker route with "Lift Your Head Up High" but hey, there were some good things. Right? Maybe? Happy New Years all and let's burn this fucker to the ground and start fresh!
A close friend to many of the Song Of The Day members was recently lost. Some of the guys have dedicated their picks this week to his memory. RIP Roger Rehel...
Rob
B.B. King - "The Thrill Is Gone"
Very sad to hear a great friend is gone, hope you Rest in Peace my friend. So many great memories, coffee bets on hockey games to just talking life and music! You were instrumental in our local Humane Society and helped me adopt a pup. I Cannot say enough about your character and anyone who had the privilege of knowing you would say the same
Mr. T
Gary Moore - "The Years Go Passing By"
Loved talking to Roger about music and guitar. One of my favourite parts about going to work back then was discussing music with the boys in Tool Repair. Roger introduced me to one of my now favourite Blues musicians Gary Moore
G-Man
Roy Buchannan - "The Messiah Will Come Again"
I do a segment on my Radio show called Living Legends. The idea is instead of singing someone's praises after they die, do it while they are still alive so they can hear them. I feel like I just pissed on that whole philosophy. Roger and I haven't spoke to each other in years due to his diagnosis with Parkinsons, but we texted frequently. He was a constant presence when I would broadcast and always gave me feedback on my shows. His opinions and advice left a mark on me, probably a holdover from when he was my manager. He was a damn good one at that. I thought I had more time to tell him. He was a boss I learned a lot from, but I truly considered him a friend. Rest easy Roger, we'll keep your legend alive
Doug
Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band - "Like A Rock"
When I heard that Roger had passed I put on some Bruce Cockburn, Joe Cocker and Bob Seger to try and pick a song that reminded me of him and the days that he would treat us to his iPod instead of the repetitive rotation of CHEZ. One of my favourite memories is the day he told G-Man and I that he regretted not giving Dave McGlashan a high five on Dave's last shift. Roger denying Dave that high five every day was one of the best running jokes in Tool Repair. Good times. RIP
Well we're getting on in December, creeping towards that ever present day of Festive Cheer that rests on the 25th of this Month. Some of the lads, not all, have decided to get in the Holiday spirit already with their picks, let's take a look...
Rob-Nosed Reindeer
Jimmy Eat World - "Christmas Card"
Mr. T
Mickey Avalon - "My Dick"
Grinch-Man
Bruce Cockburn - "Mary Had A Baby"
This song is about to get stuck in your head until the end of December. Sorry, not sorry
Doug-nog
Frank Sinatra - "Adeste Fideles"
Dano
Johnny Hiland - "Barnyard Breakdown"
JollyHP
Dropkick Murphys - "The Season's Upon Us"
Fear - "Fuck Christmas"
MikeDTheSnowman
Goo Goo Dolls - "You Ain't Getting Nothin'"
JingleBells
John Lennon - "Happy Xmas (War Is Over)"
Forty years this week since, debatably the most iconic member of The Beatles (a generation?) was gunned down while outside his NYC apartment building. RIP.
I used to listen to this song almost everyday during the final years of my Highschool days. Late 90's. Even now hearing it i'm right back in my buddy's old, cruddy mini-van. Cruisin' around on a late Spring evening. Too young to get into any real trouble, but too old and restless to just sit in one place. And yes, Rob Van Winkle is Vanilla Ice's real name
Note: J.B. and I unintentionally picked the same band....sometimes it happens
Doug
Lewis Capaldi - "Someone You Loved"
Dano
ABBA - "Take A Chance On Me"
Jonny HP
Creedence Clearwater Revival - "Have You Ever Seen The Rain"
Mike D
Limp Bizkit - "Rollin' (Air Raid Vehicle)"
J.B.
Bloodhound Gang - "Along Comes Mary"
Some of the best memories I have involve listening to the Bloodhound Gang. Usually involve booze and blaring music. The 'genre' they fall under is kind of a unique area, mainly involving heavy basslines and hilarious lyrical mania. Is there any other band to compare them with?
Note from G-Man: We unintentionally picked the same band this week, sometimes it happens
Death Cab For Cutie - "I will Follow You Into The Dark"
Mr. T
Josh Turner - "Cherry" (J.J. Cale Cover)
This guy has some talent!!
G-Man
Big Thief - "Shark Smile"
There is something about the way the stars align this time of the year that brings fantastic new music to my ears. Can't really give you a concrete answer as to where I this one came from recently, just stumbled ass backwards into it. It's from a few years back, and I have no idea how it got passed me. Excited to see what else these guys have
Doug
Matthew Good - "Us Remains Impossible"
Dano
Bruce Springsteen - "Mrs. McGrath"
Jonny HP
Three Dog Night - "Shambala"
Mike D
The Killers - "Caution"
J.B.
Filter - "Hey Man, Nice Shot"
Sometimes you just want to breathe smoke. This is my go to for a little shred. Anyone else piece together the 'I may hate my dad' overtones in Richard Patrick's lyrics? It's a theme I won't get into, but next time you listen to Filter, keep it in mind. You'll see. Happy Freaky Friday
There's a song out there. Super Lo-Fi, kind of alternative sounding, male vocals. The chorus is basically just "Dance Floor, Dance Floor". It's not this song, but I stumbled across it during my quest for that other elusive tune. This one is fantastic though....almost better than the one i'm searching for
Track 1 Side 1 of one of the best albums ever made: Rumours. Was feeling basic today. So there ya go
Don McLean - "The Grave"
For Remembrance Day
Doug
Paul Simon - "Duncan"
Dano
TBD
Jonny HP
Melvin & The Blue Notes - "If You Don't Know Me By Now"
Mike D
TBD
J.B.
Alvvays - "Archie, Marry Me"
Imagine yourself as the kid of a pretty successful singer/songwriter...okay, now imagine on top of that, your aunts and uncles were part of this massive group that saw pretty big success in the Canadian music scene. Of course, you'd have some ridiculously, musically inclined tendencies. Enter Molly Rankin, daughter of one of the many members of the Rankin Family (East Coast music Canadiana Legends). She's got some great vocals, and writing skilss. If you're into East Coast indie or not, this and many other songs will satisfy. Happy Friday!
The decade from 2000-2009 gets overlooked all the time when it comes to music. One of these days i'm going to roll up my sleeves and dust off all the tunes to make some sort of cohesive Top 100 list. The best part of an exercise like that is re-discovering absolute GEMS like this one. That particular decade has hundreds of them
Doug
The Watchmen - "Incarnate"
Dano
The Decemberists - "Calamity Song"
Jonny HP
Billy Joel - "We Didn't Start The Fire"
This song has been on repeat in my head since Tuesday, so it has to be my SOTDF
Mike D
We The Kings - "Spin"
J.B.
Silverchair - "Straight Lines"
Remember this 'comeback' tune from 2007? No? Yeah, I don't think you're alone. Aside from the rather pirate like appearance of front man Daniel Johns in the video. It was a huge switch from the quintessential sound we all grew up with in the mid/late 90's. It's definitely good. But, nevertheless, this definitely has a coming of age progression to it and in fact this track pays homage to the multitude of struggles Johns had to deal with over the years. Seriously, there's a lot. I thought the biggest was his bust up to Natalie Imbruglia but i'm definitely wrong. Take a listen and enjoy
Yes it is All' Hallow's Eve....Eve. So the lads down at Song Of The Day Friday decided to pick some of their favourite spooky, scary Halloween inspired tunes! Trust me, we're having skeleTONS of fun! Alright, sorry. Rob's first up
Robbin' For Apples
Rage Against The Machine - "The Ghost Of Tom Joad"
SinisterT
Alice Cooper - "Feed My Frankenstein"
Goblin Man
AFI - "Fall Children"
It makes sense for a band who's biggest inspirations were The Misfits and The Cramps to have some quality Halloween themed tunes. I could have picked any song of their All Hallow's EP, including a cover of the Misfits' "Halloween", but "Fall Children" is such a cool tune and I am one! So here ya go
John Carpenter - "Halloween Theme"
'Tis the season to watch some scary, horror flicks as well, and is there any better place to start than 1978's Halloween? I kinda thought the Youtube video was just including John Carpenter's name in there because he directed the film, but to my surprise also composed most of the music for it!
Count Dougula
Oingo Boingo - "Dead Man's Party"
Dan-O-Lantern
Rob Zombie - "Dragula"
Jonny Halloween Party
TBD
Mike Deceased
The Rocky Horror Picture Show - "Over At The Frankenstein Place"
A few years ago Canada re-ignited their love affair with the Tragically Hip, sadly it was mainly due to the fact that lead singer Gord Downie revealed he had terminal brain cancer and took his band on one last cross country tour. They're just one of those bands that has an endless stream of great tracks to get lost in, though I feel most of their albums past 1998's Phantom Power, get overlooked. This gem, and I do mean GEM, is form 2004's In Between Evolution. Love how Downie's words and vocals bounce so playfully along with the song's infectious groove. Blast it!!
Doug
The Tragically Hip - "The Luxury"
If you have any way of watching American Netflix the Tragically Hip documentary Long Time Running is on it and it's amazing. I'm not crying, I got dust in both my eyes
Dano
Charlies Daniels Band - "The Devil Went Down To Georgia"
Jonny HP
Starship - "We Built This City"
Mike D
Blame it On Whitman - "Some1Else"
J.B.
Beastie Boys - "I Don't Know"
One of probably the best all around and possibly skipped or forgotten tracks on the now dated, Hello Nasty album. I remember coming to the album strictly for the "Intergalactic" smash. But, I also remember finding this one on the first listen through and I think that's when I realized that the Beastie Boys weren't just 'white rappers' but actually had a lot of depth. They aren't really recognized for their acoustic play style and I bet a lot of you didn't know they played their own instruments and could shred! RIP MCA.
In honour of Gord's passing on 3 years this Saturday
G-Man
Gwar - "Sick Of You"
Gwar is a great metal band. I will fight anyone who claims otherwise. This weekend is the 20th annual Jonny and G Birthday Bash (See Jonny HP below). I have no idea how this is gonna go, but that's why I love it so goddamn much! Gwar muthafuxxx! Jonny and G bitchezz!!
Doug
Metallica - "Nothing Else Matters"
Note from G-Man: Duuuuuude!!!
Dano
Chemical Brothers - "Orange Wedge"
Jonny HP
Smashing Pumpkins - "Zero"
Props to my hoes jizz
Mike D
Nine Inch Nails - "The Perfect Drug"
Note from G-Man: Duuuudes!!!!
J.B.
STRFKR - "Golden Light"
So many good things seem to spawn from Portland. STRFKR is another one of those mutant things. They aren't just another indie rock band, wait, well they are but more in the realm of synth/indie/dance with a wide range of focus and talent. Starting originally as a solo project the group has expanded and so has their album line up since 2007. This track is a gem, turn it on, head out for a drive and turn it up. Chill vibes and easy days...bet you'll start nodding your head in a sleepy daze.
Unfortunately with the coming of Rocktober, typically comes the passing of some beloved and well know artists and musicians that have shaped and carved out the very corners of the musical landscape that the Song Of the Day crew gets their daily and influential anthems. Let's see if the recent and sudden passing of Eddie Van Halen has left a mark on their picks this week!
Rob
Radiohead - "Just"
Mr. T
Van Halen - "Top Jimmy"
I'm gonna throw 2 songs at you! One of the first CDs I received as a gift was Van Halen "1984". Played the shit out of that CD. So from 1984 to starlight Eddie's talent "Top Jjimmy"
Van Halen - "Dance The Night Away"
I Didn't realize how much of a Halen fan I was until I started listening again. This is my favourite Van Halen song. "Dance The Night Away"
G-Man
Van Halen - "Without You"
Never was the biggest Van Halen fan. Always appreciated EVH's guitar technique and the influence they had on rock and metal in the 80's and 90's. The first Van Halen song I admitted that I like was when they came back with Gary Cherone as their 3rd singer. "Without You". Still showcases Eddie's amazing guitar abilities I feel, and just brings you back to those late 90's when every 80's band was still grasping for air. Van Halen held on to it for a little longer here....more than most.
Doug
Van Halen - "Jump"
Did we all submit "Jump" as our songs this week? I am not surprised. ;)
Dano
Van Halen - "Hot For Teacher"
Jonny HP
Van Halen - "Running With The Devil"
Mike D
Julie and the Phantoms - "Perfect Harmony"
J.B.
Presidents Of The United States Of America - "Dune Buggy"
What happened?? Honestly?! OK you might think i'm referencing a certain political climate south of the border. But, no. The Presidents had this break out album in the mid 90s that was full of hits. Honestly, I cant think of one bad tune on it. Sure some of the better known bangers were beaten to death by pop radio. But, they just had it chalked full of great jams. No follow up that was notable or, even memorable. They were still touring prepandemic and kicking out a few of the classics. RIP American (political) presidents.
Mischief Brew's "Roll Me Through The Gates Of Hell" is essentially my Ocktober anthem. And for a long time that was the only song I knew by the man also known as Erik Petersen. It's the only song I felt I needed to know, because it's held in such high esteem by myself. This song then came on my suggested videos list the other day. It left me dumbfounded. Happy Rocktober everyone. We're just getting warm
Doug
Matt Mays - "City Of Lakes"
Dano
Grady - "Three Legged Race"
Jonny HP
Mudmen - "5 O'Clock"
Mike D
Daughter - "The Right Way Around"
J.B.
Mission Of Burma - "That's How I Escaped My Certain Fate"
Wow, this band shouldn't get much introduction and I completely forgot about them. A post-punk/indie band right out of Boston dredges the depths of the punk sound I like to hear. They've been around a long, long time and deserve more airtime and accolades. They released their final album in 2012 and sadly, only recently called it quits. RIP MOB, i'll still have you on repeat.
The Grapes Of Wrath - "What Was Going Through My Head"
How did I miss the boat so spectacularly on this guys? I like to fancy myself fairly well versed on all things musical, but I keep hearing great tracks from The Grapes Of Wrath that I must have missed when I was a youngin' and coming into my musical tastes. That's one reason why I would like this blog to keep going. Not only good for hearing brand new music, but fantastic older tracks that I whiffed on, big time.
Doug
Autumn Kings - "If I Leave Today"
This is my new favourite group! Not really, but they do have the same name as my daughter and I have been listening to them this week
Dano
Death From Above 1979 - "Cheap Talk"
Jonny HP
Five Finger Death Punch - "A Little Bit Off"
Mike D
Said The Whale - "UnAmerican"
This has a Dear Rouge vibe and they're both Vancouver bands...
J.B.
Soul Coughing - "Super Bon Bon"
Ah yes, the eclectic sound of min 90s grunge/alt rock. My youth during this time was smattered with hours and hours watching MuchMusic in hopes of finding these gems (now classics). Love the drums on this and mixed with the squelch of guitar. Just a combo that feeds the soul. Happy Friday
He's often over looked save for a few tracks, but why wasn't Bruce Cockburn better known? Even in his native Canada you don't hear much, if any of his stuff in the day to day. Catchy tunes and clever writing, kind of like Canada's Paul Simon. "Wondering Where The Lions Are" should be a track one on a 20 track "Best Of" Cockburn's tunes
Doug
The Blue Stones - "Let It Ride"
Dano
I Mother Earth - "Used To Be Alright"
Jonny HP
Pearl Jam - "Yellow Ledbetter"
Mike D
TBD
J.B.
Snuff - "All You Need"
So here's a band I forgot about for a very long time. Snuff's been around since the mid 80's and aparently still putting out albums. I'd like to say that I was rad enough to have listened to them then, but i'm not that old or cool. Let's face it though, punk in general has changed or maybe even melded into what pop rock became in the early 2000s. I miss those old days and this definitely takes me back
Rob At The Drive-In - "Invalid Letter Dept"
Going to the drive in tonight! Figured my pick was on point.
Mr. T Bruce Springsteen - "I'm Goin' Down"
G-Man Sasquatch - "Chemical Lady"
This is a simple pick this week. Got myself a new t-shirt of Heather Grey. To honour the new arrival, this is Sasquatch with "Chemical Lady". A grungey, sludgey rock track from a band out of Los Angeles.
Doug STORMZY - "Superheroes"
Dano Mastodon - "Creature Lives"
Mastodon - "Octopus Has No Friends"
They must live together
Jonny HP TBD Mike D The Tragically Hip - "Coffee Girl" Note From G-Man: "Great Pick!"
J.B. Pete Rock & CL Smooth - "T.R.O.Y"
I love this track. It's got depth, experimentation (for the times) and a background story. I've always been a sucker for early 90's Hip-Hop. This was a tribute to Smooth and Rock's really good buddy who died 2 years prior. Roy and a group of buds after a show were messing around on a raised exit ramp at a stadium and he accidentally fell to his death. Pour one out for your homies and enjoy
Mr. T Chronixx - "Spanish Town Rockin'"
This one came up on the Sirius XM last week and I was like "Oooohhhhh I like"
G-Man Metallica - "All Withing My Hands" w/ The San Francisco Symphony Orchestra
It's been a long wait for the release of Metallica's S&M2. Recorded back in September 2019, it was well worth the wait. To make it stand out from their first concert with an Orchestra back in 1999, Metallica took a few more chances with the songs they chose this time around. Featuring a bass solo, James singing with just the Orchestra and Metallica playing with the Symphony to a piece composed by a Russian composer in the in 1920s. I think the most impressive feat was turning one of my least favourite Metallica songs into one of my current favourites. Taking a track off of St. Anger, turning it acoustic and adding a full Orchestra, leaves "All Within My Hands" one of the stand outs of an already fantastic album. Finally, something good in 2020
Doug Babylon Zoo - "Spaceman"
Apple Music brought it to my attention just this morning and it needed sharing!
Dano Lucas Stricagnoli - "For A Few Dollars More"
Jonny HP Against Me! - "Transgender Dysphoria Blues"
Mike D Doris Day - "Que Sera, Sera (Whatever Will Be, Will Be)
In honour of my Grandfather
J.B. Grimes - "Reaiti"
In case you've been living under a rock for the past year or two, to me five years. Grimes is a Canadian musical genius creating and writing music for some pretty high level music heads. Maybe you've seen her next to a certain mega-billionaire/rocket ship and car maker. She has some amazing tunes though and this one is a guilty pleasure for sure. If you want to about musical arc, her repetoire definitely has matured and changed dramatically. Enjoy
G-Man Frightened Rabbit - "My Backwards Walk"
I was a bit mixed up and confused earlier this week. I'm back now. Not wearing my hat on my feet nor my shoes on my head. However, on this warm Summer night, I bring with me this song, which is great for sitting in my garden throne, watching the beacons of the moon appearing one by one
Doug The Verve Pipe - "The Freshman"
Dano Rush - "La Villa Strangiato"
PS it's Alex Lifeson's birthday today
Queens Of The Stone Age - "No One Knows"
And Songs For The Deaf came out 18 years ago today
Jonny HP TBD Mike D Travis Scott - "The Plan"
J.B. Blitzen Trapper - "Furr"
So I try and find tracks that capture a feeling or a moment or a memory. A little sappy but i'm cool with it. Nothing's better than having a song that helps me reflect on camping trips. Rather than your classics which might send you to that 'special' place this is one of my favourite latest tracks, hell it's even full of imagery and nature sounds. If you're really jonesing for some outdoor reflection without getting out there, go watch some Hinterland Who's Who! As for me, i'll be back in few days..
G-Man Cauterize - "Choke"
I remember this band back when they were known as T.O.E. Thought they had a ton of potential for a Hard Rock group from Oshawa, Ontario. Looks like they changed their name to Cauterize and broke up shortly after. At least they have this one fantastic album as their legacy. Tons of great tracks on it
Doug Whitney Houston - "How Will I Know" (Junior Vasquez Remix)
Dano Big Sugar - "Heart Refuse To Pound"
Jonny HP Badflower - "30"
Mike D Juice WRLD - "Wishing Well"
J.B. The Get Up Kids - "Mass Pike"
Everytime I hear The Get Up Kids or one of their many off shoot "Projects" it sends me to my 20s. While the band saw limited mainstream success in the early to mid 2000s I feel they missed the boat due to the scream-o/pop-punk saturating the airwaves at the time. But, after 2 decades they returned last year and released a new album and their sound has matured, it's still an unfettered pleaser. Enjoy and happy Friday kidz.
