Rock Me Gently - Andy Kim

I heard this song today for the first time in awhile, and it totally took some stress off me. I wanted to get up and dance to this bad boy in the lab I was in. Luckily I embarrass easily so I did not. The bass to lead into this song is epic, one of the best build ups to one of the most singable choruses that exists. Considered prob the top bubblegum hit of all time, it's still awesome enough to be listened by a wide array of music fans. Another Canadian, he actually had not had a hit for three years and had to form his own label just to release this song. Now that is a tale of incredible drive. I salute you Andy Kim.

Sir Duke - Stevie Wonder

This post is via Andrea

I dare you to find a happier song. This song just brightens my day. From his 1976 album Songs in the Key of Life, this song was written as a tribute to jazz legend Duke Ellington who died in 1974.  I especially love the horns. A great song about how great music is! You can feel it all over!

San Tropez - Pink Floyd

This song barely sounds like Pink Floyd, and you'd probably never guess it was them if you heard it on the radio. It's off Meddle too, which holds such Pink Floyd staples such as One of These Days and Echoes. This song just makes me think of summer for some reason, it's a driving song. It has an almost lounge piano solo that is just so fitting for the song. This is a song solely written by Roger Waters, who plays acoustic guitar on it, and was brought into the studio already done. It's also song by Waters, who I am a huge fan of, and is just a great, easy listening song.

Cecilia - Simon and Garfunkel

A great little hit written by Paul Simon and done by Simon and Garfunkel. Although the song appears to be a women cheating on him but them making up, it has also been thought that this song might be about St. Cecilia, patron saint of music, and is in fact about the difficulty of songwriting. I'm not sure which one is true, although I personally like the second one because it's more abstract. A nice feeling song with great vocal lines and a simple but well placed solo really pull this song together and make it a hit.

The Logical Song - Supertramp

Off their major hit album Breakfast in America, The Logical Song was a hit in its own right. It has a very interesting musical flow with a lot of odd percussion background noises, and a hot sax solo in the middle that is electrifying. What makes this song is not only the lyrics, but the one he sings them. Putting a bit of an accent on it while also singing in odd timing and a little outside of the measure gives this song a recognizable hook. Placed near the start of a phenomenal side of music, this whole album is surely worth the listen.

Could Have Been A Lady - Hot Chocolate

A great little track from 1971 by Hot Chocolate, it has such a smooth feel, a cool drum riff, and some great guitar licks. This song has also been covered by April Wine, who's version I ultimately prefer, and I have included the link below. They very similar, however April does change up the lyrics a bit, and also has a much better breakdown for the bridge. Either way, Hot Chocolate was a very solid band, releasing at least one hit a year from 1970 through 1984, including this one in 71 and You Sexy Thing, which is the only UK single to reach the top 10 in three decades ( 70s, 80s, and 90s). They actually got their first break by doing a reggae version of John Lennons Give Peace a Chance, as he rather liked their version of it. A great underrated band who has several great hits worth checking out.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoSVPiuNqHM - April Wine Version

Aqualung - Jethro Tull

A good song with a weird premise - it's about a homeless man named Aqualung who is a pedophile. This song has such a cool middle section, going down to an almost acoustic section, then kicking it up with some off the beat guitar strums. the first six notes are considered some of the most recognizable in rock history, and the guitar solo is absolutely phenomenal - apparently while recording it, Jimmy page walked in as Zeppelin was recording next door and waved to Martin Barre, perhaps inspiring him to give it his all. How can you not love a song that features jazz flute??

Virginia - Prism

My personal favorite song by Prism, it's got a great driving bass line, some subtle keyboard, and a great drum breakdown. Another Canadian band, Prism hails from Vancouver BC, and has won a Juno for group of the year back in 81. Although they split for awhile, they are apparently back together and still touring. Yesterday's song was off of their debut album, while Virginia is off the third album, which also spawned probably their greatest hit Armageddon. This album is also interesting, as Bryan Adams was called in to help write three of the songs as Prism was unable to come up within enough material on it's own (however the three big hits did not include Adams, including Virginia). Virginia was actually NOT written by their main composer, Jim Vallance, who had actually left the band, or their other main composer who was still a part, Lindsay Mitchell. This song was actually written by Bruce Miller, who I can find no information about and who was never in the band. Still a great song however.

Spaceship Superstar - Prism

For Ozzy, who's birthday is today, a song by his favorite band growing up that he often brags that he can get off of this first little noise you hear, which is true. I will follow this up tomorrow with my favorite song by the same band.

I Hear You Knocking - Dave Bartholomew

Originally written by Dave in 1955, this was a pretty popular song that was covered by several artists of the day. It has a cool guitar lick with some simple lyrics about someone's ex coming back and him not taking them back. The video I've picked and perhaps one of the best known versions is by Dale Edmunds. John Lennon personally said this version was his favorite new recording, and it took the coveted number 1 spot at Christmas, so that speaks a lot for this hit.

Love In Stereo - The Monks

This album is pretty awesome (Bad Habits) and spawned a fair bit of hits for this punkish band, but Love in Stereo always seemed to be the biggest in my opinion. Simply about a man in love with two women and unable to choose between them. Although they only ever put out two albums, the second only getting any playtime in Canada, I'm quite the fan of this band and think their somewhat spoof punk sound is enjoyable and also really well put together.

Amazing Grace - John Newton

I know everyone knows this song - hell it's considered the most recognizable song in the English language. Today though, I heard the story of it's creation while listening to a rebroadcast of Casey Kasem, and found it incredible. Like most people I'm sure, I immediately associate this song with the church, and to be fair it's writer John Newton become a minister. But at the time when he wrote it, John Newton was in fact a sailor of a British Navy boat who delivered African slaves up to Britain. He began to feel terrible for his involvement in this, especially when they had to be isolated in the hole. After struggling with it for some time, he eventually had a revelation during a rough night at sea, actually calling out to God for mercy. He then went and penned this poem, a collection of his thought and experiences about what he had been involved in, and how he felt the grace of God. He would eventually leave the Navy to study Theology before eventually becoming a pastor. The lyrics are stunningly beautiful, and I picked this version for it's acapella deliverance, which makes it feel more like a poem to me.

Amazing Grace

Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

T'was Grace that taught...
my heart to fear.
And Grace, my fears relieved.
How precious did that Grace appear...
the hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares...
we have already come.
T'was Grace that brought us safe thus far...
and Grace will lead us home.

The Lord has promised good to me...
His word my hope secures.
He will my shield and portion be...
as long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
and mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
a life of joy and peace.

When we've been here ten thousand years...
bright shining as the sun.
We've no less days to sing God's praise...
then when we've first begun.

"Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me....
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind, but now, I see.

Second Hand News - Fleetwood Mac

One of the greatest bands ever, one of the best albums of all time. Every song is a hit, every lick is perfect, and the vocal deliverance is immaculate. Any song off this album could easily make it but I picked Second Hand News not only because it starts off the album, but I think the chorus is just awesome; I mean, I can't even find anywhere that can clearly tell me what he's singing there or if he's just making noises, but it sounds awesome. Lindsey Buckingham is a solid writer, great lyricist, and phenomenal guitar player. Period.

Second Hand News

I know there's nothin' to say
Someone has taken my place
When times go bad
And times get rough
Won't you lay me down in the tall grass
And let me do my stuff

I know I got nothin' on you
I know there's nothin' I can do
When times go bad
And you can't get enough
Won't you lay me down in the tall grass
And let me do my stuff

One thing I think you should know
I ain't gonna miss you when you go
Been down so long
I've been tossed around enough
Oh couldn't you just let me go down
And do my stuff

I know you're hopin' to find
Someone who's gonna give you peace of mind
When times go bad
When times go rough
Won't you lay me down in the tall grass
And let me do my stuff

I'm just second hand news (I'm just second hand news, yeah)
I'm just second hand news (I'm just second hand news, yeah)
I'm just second hand news (I'm just second hand news, yeah)
I'm just second hand news (I'm just second hand news, yeah)

Ain't No Sunshine - Bill Withers

This song has just absolutely beautiful vocals and lyrics. A song to listen to when you've been left and you're down. You can feel his pain through his voice, and it's incredible feeling. I've felt this song, and am sure I will again. It is a short one, but that's all the time Bill needed to get his message across. This song was actually written while Bill worked in a factory making toilet seats for 747's, which makes you believe in anything. It has been covered by a huge variety of artists, and is in it'sown rights one of the best songs ever released.

Ain't No Sunshine

Ain't no sunshine when she's gone.
It's not warm when she's away.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
and she's always gone too long
anytime she goes away.

Wonder this time where she's gone,
wonder if she's gone to stay
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone
and this house just ain't no home
anytime she goes away.

And I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know, I know, I know, I know,
I know, I know, I know

Hey, I ought to leave the young thing alone,
but ain't no sunshine when she's gone,
ain't no sunshine when she's gone,
only darkness everyday.
Ain't no sunshine when she's gone,
and this house just ain't no home
anytime she goes away.
Anytime she goes away.
Anytime she goes away.
Anytime she goes away.
Anytime she goes away.

Sunny Days - Lighthouse

Another great Canadian band, this time hailing from Toronto itself, this song starts off with a little keys and some interesting horn work. This is definitly a summer song, and is a fairly inspiring song I think. What makes this song is the chorous, which has such a solid blend of all the instruments and a simple lyrical set up. Not only were they the first Canadian group with a Platinum certified album, back in 72, they also won the Juno for Canadian artist in 72, 73, and 74.

Sunny Days

Sittin' stoned alone in my backyard
Askin' myself "Why should I work so hard?"
Sittin' dreamin' 'bout the days to come
Half-undressed, just soakin' up the sun

Sittin' here, I hope I don't get fried
Two years ago, you know, I almost died
And yet, there's nothin' better for your soul
Than lyin' in the sun and listenin' to rock 'n roll

Sunny days
Oh, sunny, sunny, sunny days
Ain't nothin' better in the world, you know
Than lyin' in the sun with your radio

Sunny days
Oh, sunny, sunny, sunny days
Ain't nothin' better in the world, you know
Than lyin' in the sun with your radio

I really think there's nothin' quite so fine
As lettin' the sun rejuvenate your mind
Don't get me wrong, I really dig the moon
But it was four in the afternoon when I wrote this tune

And now the sun's about to fade away
I'm feelin' better than I've felt for days
You know, there's nothin' better for your soul
Than lyin' in the sun and listenin' to rock 'n roll

Sunny days
Oh, sunny, sunny, sunny days
Ain't nothin' better in the world, you know
Than lyin' in the sun with your radio

Sunny days
Oh, sunny, sunny, sunny days
Ain't nothin' better in the world, you know
Than lyin' in the sun with your radio-

Sunny days
Oh, sunny, sunny, sunny days
Ain't nothin' better in the world, you know
Than lyin' in the sun with your radio

Sunny days
Oh, sunny, sunny, sunny days
Ain't nothin' better in the world, you know
Than lyin' in the sun with your radio

Eclipse - Pink Floyd

This song, off Darkside of the Moon, is a perfect example of a closing song for an album. What made Darkside such a popular album was it's simple lyrics that everyone could identify with, and this song is no exception. It's musical brilliance, with a great progression, especially the backing vocals that come in. The lyrics themselves are some of my favorites from not just Pink Floyd but any band. This one is actually song by Waters, with Gilmour doing backing, which I have preferred, although Gilmour does them now that the band has split. The last line ' everything under the sun is in tune, but the sun is eclipsed by the moon' really summed up the album. Waters described the album as the differences between sun and moon; light and dark; good and bad, and this last is meant to show the good that is out there but how easily we can be distracted by the bad that gets in between.

Eclipse

All that you touch
And all that you see
All that you taste
All you feel
And all that you love
And all that you hate
All you distrust
All you save
And all that you give
And all that you deal
And all that you buy
Beg, borrow or steal
And all you create
And all you destroy
And all that you do
And all that you say
And all that you eat
And everyone you meet
And all that you slight
And everyone you fight
And all that is now
And all that is gone
And all that's to come
And everything under the sun is in tune
But the sun is eclipsed by the moon

"There is no dark side of the moon really. Matter of fact it's all dark."

Lay It On The Line - Triumph

This song just starts epically; I mean listen to it. Great guitar work, some slide bass and Rik Emmetts solid vocal deliverance. This was the first big hit for this Canadian band, off their 1979 album Just a Game. They were truly a rock trio, often compared to Rush, but really sells this band is Emmetts outstanding vocals. An outstanding song by a great Canadian band.

Lay It On the Line

It's the same old story all over again
You turn a lover into just another friend
I wanna love you i wanna make you mine
Won't you lay it on the line

I'm tired of playin' foolish games
I'm tired of all your lies makin' me insane
I don't ask for much truth will do just fine
Won't you lay it on the line

Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
Don't waste my time

You got no right to make me wait
Better talk girl before it gets too late
I never ever thought you could be so unkind
Won't you lay it on the line

Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
Don't waste my time

You know i love you you know it's true
It's up to you girl now what have i got to do
Don't hold me up girl don't waste my precious time
Won't you lay it on the line

Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line

Don't hold me up girl
Lay it on the line
Yeah yeah
Lay it on the line

Lay it on the line girl
Lay it on the line
Oh don't hold me up girl
Lay it on the line

Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line
Lay it on the line

I Was Made For Loving You - KISS

I know people seem to hate disco, but this song is just so awesome, especially due to the solid bass line. A great vocal deliverance with some fairly good lyrics, this song is one of KISSes finest, and would have been something to see live I'm sure. Paul Stanley actually wrote this song to prove how easy it was to write and record a hit disco single. Still a great along to sing along to and probably one of my favorites disco songs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNGNLo8K6Fk&feature=related

I Was Made For Loving You

Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Tonight I wanna give it all to you
In the darkness
There's so much I wanna do
And tonight I wanna lay it at your feet
'Cause girl, I was made for you
And girl, you were made for me

I was made for lovin' you baby
You were made for lovin' me
And I can't get enough of you baby
Can you get enough of me

Tonight I wanna see it in your eyes
Feel the magic
There's something that drives me wild
And tonight we're gonna make it all come true
'Cause girl, you were made for me
And girl I was made for you

I was made for lovin' you baby
You were made for lovin' me
And I can't get enough of you baby
Can you get enough of me

I was made for lovin' you baby
You were made for lovin' me
And I can give it all to you baby
Can you give it all to me

Oh, can't get enough, oh, oh
I can't get enough, oh, oh
I can't get enough
Yeah, ha

Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do

I was made for lovin' you baby
You were made for lovin' me
And I can't get enough of you baby
Can you get enough of me

Oh, I was made, you were made
I can't get enough
No, I can't get enough

I was made for lovin' you baby
You were made for lovin' me
And I can't get enough of you baby
Can you get enough of me

I was made for lovin' you baby
You were made for lovin' me
And I can give it all to you baby

The Night Chicago Died - Paper Lace

This is another one of those songs I own on 45, but it has a unique sound to it that's really hard to define. Couple that with some cool lyrics about Capone and the demise of Chicago and you got a hit. Written from the prospective of a Chicago police man's mother, the singer is waiting to see if her son survived the shootout. I especially love the cowbell part, just so cool. This was only a secondary hit for them, not reaching as high as Billy don't be a Hero, but is my favorite of the two for it's more unique composition.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-L0NpaErkk

The Night Chicago Died - Paper Lace

In the heat of a summer night
In the land of the dollar bill
When the town of Chicago died
And they talk about it still

When a man named Al Capone
Tried to make that town his own
And he called his gang to war
With the forces of the law

I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother what a night it really was
Brother what a fight it really was
Glory be

I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother what a night the people saw
Brother what a fight the people saw
Yes indeed

And the sound of the battle rang
Through the streets of the old east side
'Til the last of the hoodlum gang
Had surrendered up or died

There was shouting in the street
And the sound of running feet
And I asked someone who said
Bout a hundred cops are dead

I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother what a night it really was
Brother what a fight it really was
Glory be!

I heard my mama cry
I heard her pray the night Chicago died
Brother what a night the people saw
Brother what a fight the people saw
Yes indeed

And ther was no sound at all
But the clock upon the wall
Then the door burst open wide
And my daddy stepped inside
And he kissed my mama's face
And he brushed her tears away

The night Chicago died
The night Chicago died
Brother what a night the people saw
Brother what a fight the people saw
Yes indeed

The night Chicago died
The night Chicago died
Brother what a night it really was
Brother what a fight it really was
Glory be

The night Chicago died
The night Chicago died
Brother what a night the people saw
Brother what a fight the people saw
Yes indeed

Walk on the Wild Side - Lou Reed

This is a very chill song with some light acoustic guitar, a strong bass line and some very laid back vocals. Written about a lot of transvestites that hung at Andy Warhol's studio, The Factory. Produced by David Bowie, it has some of his vocals for backing. Not only do I love this song for it's mellow feel and cool lyrics, is got that sweet sax solo to fade that just ties up the song. One of the funniest things about this song was that when it was written in 1972, a lot of people did not understand the slang of "giving head", and therefore it wasn't edited when played on the radio.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pAE5G5OBzw

Walk on the Wild Side

Holly Came From Miami, Fla
Hitchhiked Her Way Across The USA.
Plucked Her Eyebrows On The Way
Shaved Her Leg And Then He Was She - She Said:

Hey Babe, Take A Walk On The Wild Side,
Said Hey Honey, Take A Walk On The Wild Side.

Candy Came From Out On The Island,
In The Backroom She Was Everybodys Darling,
But She Never Lost Her Head
Even When She Was Given Head - She Said

Hey Babe, Take A Walk On The Wild Side,
Said Hey Honey, Take A Walk On The Wild Side.
And The Coloured Girls Go, Doo Dodoo

Little Joe Never Once Gave It Away,
Ev'rybody Had To Pay And Pay.
A Hustle Here And A Hustle There
New York City Is No Place Where They Said:

Hey Babe, Take A Walk On The Wild Side,
Said Hey Honey, Take A Walk On The Wild Side.

Sugar Plum Fairy Came And Hit The Streets
Looking For Soul Food And A Place To Eat
Went To The Apollo, You Should Have Seen Him Go Go Go - They Said:

Hey Sugar, Take A Walk On The Wild Side,
Said Hey Honey, Take A Walk On The Wild Side.

Jackie Is Just Speeding Away,
Thought She Was James Dean For A Day
Then I Guess She Had To Crash, Valium Would Have Helped That Bash - She Said:

Hey Sugar, Take A Walk On The Wild Side,
Said Hey Honey, Take A Walk On The Wild Side.
And The Coloured Girls Go, Doo Dodoo