Snake by Jade Warrior (1972)

Jade Warrior was one of the British bands to make the journey from psychedelic to progressive rock. By their third album, 1972's Last Autumn Dream, this journey is near complete. That said, I've decided to focus today on one of the more psych tunes off of this album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9vg8Zf2esU

Mau Mau (Amerikon) by Paul Kantner and Jefferson Starship (1970)

By 1970, the Jefferson Airplane had already peaked. They had a couple of years left, but some of the band members were starting to leave or work on solo projects. Blows Against the Empire was one such album. This album was Paul Kantner's solo project with help from Grace Slick. But since it was mostly Kantner's material, he was the only one named on the cover. They did add Jefferson Starship to the title. This was the first use of this variation of Jefferson Airplane, but very far from the musical creation that came about a few years later with the same Starship moniker. Well, that was confusing.

In any case, here is the first cut off of the album. RIP Paul Kantner.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Squ_pgiztRI

T.N.T. by the Nashville Teens (1964)

The Nashville Teens, known for their version of J.D. Loudermilk's Tobacco Road, were an interesting band. First and foremost, they weren't from Nashville. They were an English band that gained success at the height of the British Invasion. They would go on to be a backup band for both Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis later in the 60's.

Here they are with a little known B-side, T.N.T.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymX3dhGWTYc

Get Up & Enjoy Yourself by Head East (1978)

Long before the internet, when you would hear a part of a song that you liked but missed the dj introduction, you would have to just wait until you heard it again and hopefully be able to get the title or band name. You could also try asking a friend by humming the song or singing a fragment of the lyrics. These methods, though, were often ineffective or took a long time to get any resolution.

For a couple of years in the 1980's, as I was listening mostly to classic rock radio, I came upon my "white whale" of unidentified songs. The particular song featured the refrain "Save my life, I'm going down for last time" along with some classic rock guitar solos. After a couple of years, I finally caught this rarely played song and the dj's back introduction. It was Head East's "Never Been Any Reason". I proceeded to then buy the cassette and overplaying it myself. But at least I had identified my white whale.

Here is another track by Illinois' Head East. It was taken off of their self-titled fourth album. There is nothing fancy about this song. It is pure, indulgent, 70's arena rock.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JzmAhLfx_8E

Life Force by Beyond Possession (1986)

How about some 80's Canadian hardcore punk for your Wednesday? Despite what many thought, this Calgary band's name did not have anything to do with Satan. The band was referring to the fact that they were beyond possession by "ego and material goods"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1bWFeru86g

Steam Roller by Eric Burdon and Jimmy Witherspoon (1971)

Shortly after Eric Burdon left War, he decided to get together with singer, Jimmy Witherspoon,  to record a blues' album. Guilty! is a good sounding album, as they assembled a quality backing band for this project. It is unclear what Burdon's contributions are, as Witherspoon does most of the singing. In any case, it is great to hear a bluesier version of the James Taylor classic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_e7L9_9n8o

Steel to Blood by Culprit (1983)

Culprit was a Seattle-based heavy metal one-album wonder. Listening to their album, Guilty as Charged, I'm surprised that they didn't get more traction. Maybe it just didn't stand out enough among all the other emerging metal bands of the day.

While the band never achieved much fame, listening to this track I would think that Izzy Stradlin must have been a fan(or maybe Slash).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GxSkc1S9OlU

Cricket and the Genie by The Claypool Lennon Delirium (2016)

I know that it is unlike me to post a new song, especially one that was just released on the internet days ago. However, I really dig this new psychedelic track. I would like this even if the names in the band didn't include Lennon and Claypool.

In any case, I like the fact that Les Claypool, of Primus fame, and Sean Ono Lennon got together to make some really interesting music. I hope to see more from this new duo.

Also, interesting fact, Sean Ono Lennon is now older than this father when he died...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XItx4MlQ3oc

The Establishment Blues by Rodriguez (1970)

I, like most Americans, discovered the music of Sixto Rodriguez(a.k.a. Rodriguez) after watching the Searching for Sugar Man documentary a few years ago. Here is a link to the trailer. I believe that you can still see that doc on Netflix. It is worth watching if you haven't seen it.

Here finds Rodriguez with some simple social commentary from 1970.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_7u06P3ebU

Go Back by Crabby Appleton (1970)

In Los Angeles in 1970 out of the ashes of local bands Stonehenge and Millenium, formed the new Crabby Appleton. This new group would play rock that bent slighly pop. There's probably a better way to describe it, but I like it in any case. The band managed to get a minor hit off of their first single. That song is featured here today.

Crabby Appleton would go on to release another album the following year, but dissolved shortly thereafter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NM9qgiTZO6Y

Las Campanadas by Los Natas (2009)

Los Natas is an Argentinian stoner metal band that had been around since the mid-90s up until 2012, Their sound developed a bit over the years. Here, on their last release, 2009's El Nuevo Orden de La Libertad, they sound a bit more eclectic that the stoner rock label. It's still pretty heavy, though.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNfAwQ3hdic

Myage by Descendents (1982)

The Descendents were one of the best punk bands to grace the planet in the age of punk and hardcore. They don't get nearly as much credit as other bands of the time like Black Flag and Minor Threat. While their first album came out in 1982, they had been together since '77.

So, here is the first track off of that first album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SmfgGYTDbrk

Queen of the Night by Automatic Fine Tuning (1976)

Automatic Fine Tuning(or A.F.T. for short) was an interesting band that came together for one album in 1976. The band members really had chops at their respective instruments. It doesn't always come together and I could live without the harmonies. However, when it does come together, it is really some good hard rock. Check out today's track, Queen of the Night. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6urfbN9MpA

Let's Make It by Cuby + Blizzards (1966)

It's been a while since I featured a straight up garage rocker. So, here are Dutch rock legends, Cuby + Blizzards (aka Cuby & the Blizzards). This band kept it simple thoughout their entire existence. The finally called it quits after their lead singer, Harry "Cuby" Muskee, died of cancer in 2011.

Here is the final track off of their first LP.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=858SWhuVk2g

Ibiza Flight by Triode (1971)

How about some early French prog with a heavy dose of flute?? Alright, I haven't done a good job of selling this music. It is actually more fast-paced than you may have imagined with some electric guitar soloing accompanying it.

This was off of the band one and only LP, On N'A Pas Fini D'Avoir Tout Vu, in 1971.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9-H19fpaZ0

I'm a Freak by Wicked Lady (1972)

If you're into hard rock, and you haven't heard of Wicked Lady, it's time to check them out. This English band was around during the peak period of rock n' roll, 1968-1972. This band took fuzztone to the next level.

Their final work, Psychotic Overkill, was released in 1972. This track is the first song off of that album, but I could have played any number of songs. This is good stuff.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nARmUY2pWZg

In To The Night by Sweet (1974)

When I was a teenager in the 1980's, listening to classic rock radio, the only songs by Sweet that got played were Ballroom Blitz(too campy), Love is Like Oxygen(inane), and Fox on the Run(meh). As a result, I never bought a Sweet album to dig further. As it turns out, they had some really good stuff that never got played. They also had some terrible material(see Little Willy).

Anyhow, back to that good stuff I was talking about. Check out Sweet here off of their second album, Sweet Fanny Adams, with a rocker called In To the Night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b4Jcil85zGo

This Year's Girl by Elvis Costello (1978)

Elvis Costello sure is a producer. I mean he is constantly recording and releasing new music. From 1977 to 2013, Elvis has released 30 albums(solo, with the Attractions, and with other musicians). Not only that, but there is a ton of quality material. If anything, it is overwhelming to get started on his discography.

So, I'll go back to the beginning, or near the beginning. Here finds Elvis on his second album, This Year's Model. This is the one before he christened the Attractions as his official back up band. The big hit off of this album was the infectious Pump It Up. Here is a lesser known track, This Year's Girl

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9E5xmd_F5o

Boys Keep Swinging by David Bowie (1979)

Today is the third and final day on this blog to pay tribute to the late, great David Bowie. Hopefully, I can go another 380+ posts without repeating an artist(Stay well Bob and Paul).

So for this last day of tribute, we fast forward to the latter days of Bowie's Berlin era and the androgynously wonderful "Boys Keep Swinging".

RIP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2KcOs70dZAw

She Shook Me Cold by David Bowie (1970)

My streak of 387 songs of the day without repeating an artist has come to an end. I just can't say goodbye to this legend with one tune. Here finds the Thin White Duke in a gloomy, yet powerful, pre-Glam phase on his Man Who Sold the World album. This particular track is more reminiscent  of Black Sabbath than Bowie's later work.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_Cv_rmz8zs

Diamond Dogs by David Bowie (1974)

I usually write posts for this blog a couple of days in advance. Today, however, I woke up to the completely shocking news that David Bowie has died. My head still isn't completely wrapped around that. You don't need me to tell you that Bowie was one of the greatest musicians/artists of all time, it is just understood.

Here is one of my favorite songs from the Thin White Duke.

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

Road Fever by Blackfoot (1979)

Blackfoot is one of those bands that achieved enough of a level of success that they managed to stay together, in one lineup or another, for about thirty years. On the other hand, they never had that big hit that would send them to the next level. Even Molly Hatchet had "Flirtin' with Disaster"! But perhaps it is unfair to compare Blackfoot to bands like Molly Hatchet(or Lynyrd Skynyrd for that matter), because they don't really sound like "Southern Rock" despite being from Jacksonville.

This is just straight ahead hard rock with perhaps a bit too much harmonizing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kjXaBtJAzmk

Yesterday's Trip by Elias Hulk (1970)

Wow, this Elias Hulk album is really good. This blues rock with a tinge of psych hits the sweet spot for me. It is surprising, and then again not really surprising at all, that this band only managed one album. To be fair, they were around for a a few years touring England before releasing their only album in 1970. By 1971, they disbanded. A couple of members reformed the band in 2008 for a taste of old glory, but here is the original quintet making some quality music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEpV5IaAz4A

One Way Street by The Saints (1977)

How about some old punk for your Friday? Here is one of, if not the most, iconic Australian punk bands to ever grace the scene. This is the second song of their debut album, 1977's I'm Stranded. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=68FyJORVRlk

9-5, '59 by Wilkinson Tri-Cycle (1969)

Man, these guys were not very good at marketing. I mean, Wilkinson Tri-Cycle is not a great name, but this confusing song title is even worse. Also, the cover art(above) to their only album is very bland. The band itself looks southern despite being from the Northeast. It's not surprising that the band only released one album, despite making some promising music. I do like this trippy song, despite the poor name. There are a couple of other decent tunes on the album, but the rest of it seems to veer into Blood, Sweat, and Tears territory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tOduuL2Cg9k

Dr. Feelgood by Aretha Franklin (1968)

About a week ago, the 2015 Kennedy Center honors were aired on TV. While there were several outstanding musical performances, the one that stood out most was 73 year-old Aretha Franklin performing Natural Woman for honoree Carole King. You can see video of the stunning performance here.

Of course, this should not be entirely surprising. After all, Aretha is the Queen of Soul. And she's held that title for nearly 50 years! While some of her classic songs, like the aforementioned Natural Woman and RESPECT, have been overplayed to death on the oldies rock stations, there is plenty of deeper material to explore in Aretha's catalog. I prefer the bluesier stuff.

Here is a 26 year-old Aretha in some excellent quality video for 1968. Bear with the introductions for the first minute or so, the song is worth it!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S44sovsp7RE

Psychobilly by The Wolfgangs (2011)

Boy, these intros have been quite succinct as of late. I must be tired. In any case, here is some modern day French psychobilly with a salute to their own brand of music.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zo16VEjwr6A

Coast to Coast by Ducks Deluxe (1973)

Ducks Deluxe was one of the core British pub rock bands of the 70's. Pub rock was good time music for the common man, a basic tenet of rock n' roll itself. After a couple of albums and about three years of touring, the band dissolved. However, guitarist Brinsley Schwartz and the rest of the gang would periodically re-unite to relive the good times.

Here finds the band with their first single, Coast to Coast.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6IDGGJVnBo

Welcome to the Void by Morgen (1969)

Here is yet another 60's heavy psych band that had some shady management leading to their demise. From a long delay between recording and release to poor distribution, Morgen ended up calling it quits before their work could be appreciated. There are many songs off of their only LP worthy of featuring, but I'm sticking with the "hit". Check it out.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WPnsVhyV6Y

Warm Leatherette by Grace Jones (1980)

After nearly a week straight of psych and hard rock, I present to you a palate cleanser. Here is the inimitable Grace Jones with her brand of new wave club funk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmoMFYbLOUg

Rocket Queen by Guns N' Roses (1987)

So the boys are getting back together(well, most of them anyways). Therefore, this new year may be the year of Guns 'N Roses. Probably not, but it will be interesting to watch. Will they still have enough juice to be interesting live? Will Axl walk off stage at some point? Unanswered questions surely to be addressed in the coming months.

Whether or not the re-united Guns will be interesting is certainly up for debate. What isn't up for debate is the impact of the band's original incarnation. They came to popularity in a sea of hair metal bands and clearly stood out above the rest. While the band continued to produce some good music through part of the Use Your Illusion double LP, their most important work was their seminal debut album, Appetite for Destruction. 

Appetite was one of the soundtrack LPs of my college years. This album just rocks. Sure, it featured overplayed hits such as Welcome to the Jungle, Sweet Child o' Mine, and Paradise City. But the rest of the album was filled with other tunes that were just as good or better than the "hits". The song that closed out that first album is my favorite and is the song of the day to kick off 2016.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zf2SobKvivs