Day 18: Werewolves of London

Hello, today's song is an old favorite and a fun classic. Warren Zevon was a talented musican and vocalist most famous for songs from his third album Excitable Boy. Early in his career he worked in studio and on tour with the Everly Brothers, and roomed with Stevie Nicks. He often was a guest on David Letterman, even serving as substitute band leader for Paul Shaffer (Letterman's sidekick) on several occasions. Eventually, he would sadly succumb to mesothelioma. After his passing he won 2 Grammys for his final album The Wind, these were his first and only Grammys.
So, lets get into it!

Song: Werewolves of London
Artist: Warren Zevon
Album: Excitable Boy (1978)

What has been referred to (by me) as "The Funnest Song of All-Time" features sensible drums, and air guitariffic chords, all being carried upon the broad shoulders of an ingenious piano melody. After a few verses the songs breaks into a brief psychedelic guitar solo. The opening line, “I saw a werewolf with a Chinese menu in his hand,” won a BBC Radio 2 listeners’ poll in 2004 for the greatest opening song line in rock history, but my favorite line in the song comes in the final verse,

"I saw a werewolf drinking a pina colada at Trader Vic's,
and his hair was perfect, nip!".

Accompanying Zevon, are Fleetwood Mac members John Mcvie (drums) and Mick Fleetwood on bass. Oh, and did I mention that Werewolves of London features, probably, the greatest chorus ever. Ah-oooo!

Listen here

Lyrics here

Want more Warren Zevon? There's a simple solution, get Genius: Best of Warren Zevon.

Day 17: Birdland

The day's forecast calls for a torrential downpour of Jazz. Weather Report was a jazz fusion band in the '70s and '80s. I was first introduced to today's song by my professor in Jazz appreciation. I would give myself an A on this song, because I appreciate the dickens out of it. Early to midway through Weather Report's journey, bassist Jaco Pastorius joined the band bringing along his funkiness. Jaco is revered for his skills on bass, but shining brighter than him is the band as a whole. Simply put, when it comes to Weather Report: This is why it's hot.

Song: Birdland
Artist: Weather Report
Album: Heavy Weather (1977)

A beautiful thing about Birdland is the way that one instrument leads you right into the next in the same way that elements in a painting lead your eye from one to the next. This song is so swingin' man! Really take the time to appreciate each instrument. Each one is played so expertly that I simply cannot praise one musician, or even a few. The whole band presents a unified front. Listen for the vocals sung along with the saxaphone, blending so well that it's hard to decipher the vocals from the instruments. Birdland really is a cohesive slice of funky wholesome goodness that you simply must hear to believe.

Listen here

Day 16: Run This Town

He's baaaack! Whatever it is you wanna call him (Hov, Jigga, Mr. Carter,), Jay-Z has returned to form. In recent years you've probably heard more Jay-Z on Entertainment Tonight than you have through the speakers of passersby on the streets. His return from retirement has, thus far, resembled Michael Jordan's comeback with the Wizards. He's been good, even showing flashes of his former dominance but has clearly shown that he's not the best in the game anymore. But Jay is going back to the Blueprint, for a third time. In a genre currently being dominated by pop-rappers like Lil Wayne, Soulja Boy, and Drake, Jay's timing couldn't be better. A little tidbit for those of you who might think Jay-Z is just a demeaning, superficial thug: following the hurricane Katrina disaster Jay-Z donated 1 million dollars to the American Red Cross relief effort. He has also worked to fight the global water shortage, pledging a world tour to raise awareness, and in '06 he took part in a documentary titled Diary of Jay-Z: Water for Life. Today's song follows the release of his poignant single D.O.A (Death of Auto-Tune), and gives you a mouthful of what to expect when The Blueprint 3 hits store shelves September 11th. Oh and by the way, Rihanna and KanYe West both join Jay-Z on this track.
The Roc is definitely in the building!

Song: Run This Town
Artist: Jay-Z Feat. Rihanna & Kanye West
Album: The Blueprint 3 (2009)

The Blueprint 3, Jay's pièce de résistance against current music trends, features a heavy reliance on real instrumentation rather than electronic beats, and absolutely no auto-tune. Although "the Michael Jordan of rap" has put up several attempts since coming out of retirement, this effort is his first to hit nothing but the bottom of the net since his famous "last shot" from the top of the key (The Black Album). Run This Town bites down hard and won't let go. The production (handled by Kanye), which features a mean guitar riff, sets the tone for this powerful anthem right from the start. Rihanna, looking better than ever, is fierce and badder than ever (watch her face in the video). She sings the hook with absolute fire, raising the question: can anyone sing a hook better than this girl? Kanye delivers his verse straight from the gut, with the intensity exhibited on Jesus Walks, in an effort to shut the mouths of his incessant critics. And Jay-Z makes clear the difference between a Grown Man and a lil' boy. Quite frankly, Jay-Z, Rihanna, and Kanye have never been stronger than on this effort.

Listen and watch here

If you want more Jay-Z be sure to pick up The Blueprint 3 September 11th.

Day 15: A Woman's Worth

Ladies, ladies, ladies, ladies, ladies...How my ladies doin' out there? Fellas, what you know about a woman's worth? Better stand up and take note. Alicia Keys first came into our lives at the age of 4 on The Cosby Show, since then she has been working hard to empower women and save the world, all between recording classic albums and winning Grammys. In recent years she has returned to acting, starring in films such as Smokin' Aces and The Secret Life of Bees. With her philanthropic work and compositions like No One and Unbreakable she has proven to truly be a Superwoman. Remove your caps gentlemen, there is a lady present.

Song: A Woman's Worth

Artist: Alicia Keys

Album: Songs In A Minor

A smooth cut off Alicia's debut album, A Woman's Worth paints a beautiful portrait of femininity seen all too seldom in pop culture. A far cry from the portrayal of women as possessions, Ms. Keys starts the bidding high,

"You could buy me diamonds

You could buy me pearls
Take me on a cruise around the world
Baby you know I'm worth it"

and makes it clear that it's about much more than material gifts

"Wanna please wanna keep wanna treat your woman right
Not just dough but to show that you know she is worth your time
You will lose if you chose to refuse to put her first
She will and she can find a man who knows her worth".

A true role model, Keys shines on vocals, lyrics, and production, all while flexing her strength of character. A Woman's Worth is a both a tribute to Real Men, and an anthem for ladies the world over.

Hear A Woman's Worth here

Lyrics here

If you'd like more Alicia listen to When You Really Love Someone, Unbreakable, and Every Little Bit Hurts.

For lots more, buy her albums As I Am, Songs In A Minor, Diary Of Alicia Keys, and Unplugged.

Day 14: You Are The Best Thing

Good day! I hope you've all been enjoying the song selections thus far. We're almost halfway there, with 23 followers and no word back on the job proposal it's looking like I won't quite hit the mark I aimed for. But it's cool, in the process I've discovered a new love for writing and of course for music, so in any case this has been far from a lost cause, and I have you all to thank for that. So, Thank You. Today I will introduce you to Ray LaMontagne, he's kind of shy, but you'd never guess it from hearing his powerful voice. He was spurred to quit his job as a shoemaker and begin singing and writing songs one morning after being woken by Treetop Flyer by Stephen Stills. He looks something like Jesus in the 70's (see below), and sounds something like a cross between Van Morrison, Joe Cocker, and some other guy. Followers (hehe!, I have "followers"), You Are The Best Thing that ever happened to me. Well, lets not carried away, you all are a good thing. Perhaps not the best, but good, and I appreciate your support.

Song: You Are The Best Thing
Artist: Ray LaMontagne
Album: Gossip In The Grain (2008)

You Are The Best Thing kicks into action with a bad, and I mean BAD, horns arrangement before transitioning smoothly into a sugary sweet guitar favored melody. The instrumentation is classic and sounds as if it could have been taken from The Temptations and slowed down to fit Ray's gruff, smooth vocal delivery. Mr. LaMontagne raspily grits his way through this sweet, carefree tune like only he can. As long as You Are The Best Thing is playing through your speakers your loved one will seem like a saint, Ray cannot be held responsible for what happens when the music stops.

Listen to it here

Lyrics here

Like Ray LaMontagne? Listen to Crazy, Trouble, and Meg White.

Day 13: Lonely Avenue

Today's song is a double feature. I present to you something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue, all in one song. Lonely Avenue, originally recorded by Ray Charles in 1956 and more recently covered by Stephen Marley in 2007, is a classic i'm-blue-without-you type of song. Ray Charles was a blind singer-songwriter/musician most noted for his soulful voice and his instrumentation on piano. He could make country music into soul, and national anthems into chart-topping pop hits. He was indeed a Genius. Stephen Marley, son of Bob and Rita Marley, is a 37 year old musician/producer. Of the Marley kids Stephen has the voice most closely resembling Bob's, in my opinion. He has produced much of his brothers' music, as well as the album Chant Down Babylon, which features modern remixes of Bob Marley hits. He released his first solo album Mind Control in 2007. Come and take a walk down Lonely Avenue, it'll be well worth you time. 2 great artists, 2 great versions of 1 great song.

Song: Lonely Avenue
Artist: Ray Charles|Stephen Marley
Album: Yes Indeed! (1958)|Mind Control (2007)

The warm, soulicious voice of Ray Charles is backed by a simple but lovely piano rhythm. A saxophone solo is featured midway through the song, adding a smooth jazzy feel to the song. Lonely Avenue, which was penned by Doc Pomus, was one of the first of countless Ray Charles hits.
Stephen Marley's cover of the song features a bluesy reggae bass line and the signature Marley vibe. Beautiful backing vocals are notable, as well as the insightful ad lib "Stand in love, don't fall in love". Stephen does a wonderful job of breathing new life into a timeless classic.

Listen to Ray's version here

Listen to Marley's version here

Want more Ray Charles? There's plenty more where that came from...try Drown In My Own Tears, Hallelujah I Love Her So, and The Night Time (Is The Right Time).

Keep it comin'...Pick up The Birth Of Soul (compilation) for more Ray.

For more Stephen Marley listen to Hey Baby, Pimpa's Paradise, and Iron Bars.

Still more Stephen...Pick up the his album Mind Control and his brother Damian's Welcome to Jamrock which Stephen produced.

Day 12: Amy Winehouse

Today's featured artist is a young lady with immense talent whose personal struggles have been well documented, but today we will not be distracted by the negativity slung at her. No, today we will focus on the incredible gifts that she contributes to the world. At just 25 years of age, Amy Winehouse is the proud owner of an an absolutely timeless and versatile voice, as well as 5 Grammy Awards. Her retro musical stylings utilize elements of R&B, Jazz, Soul, Rock & Roll, and Ska, which combine to create a unique sound. If you don't already know, you soon will see that Amy's voice and talent is undeniable.

Song: Valerie
Album: Back to Black [Bonus Disc] (2006)

This track finds Amy singing a lively cover of The Zutons hit song Valerie. She gives it a more upbeat, lighthearted feel than the original with the help of backing band The Dap-Kings. A song that'll make you wanna snap your fingers and get up and dance, Winehouse's rendition of Valerie is sure to win over the hearts of Amy newcomers as well as established fans.

Listen to Valerie here

Lyrics here

Song: Will You Love Me Tomorrow?
Album: Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004 Soundtrack)

In a sweet and soothing performance Amy covers The Shirelles 1960 chart-topper with beautiful results. A song scantily clad by an acoustic guitar and little else, leaves Amy vulnerable and nearly naked, exposing every inch of her supple, sultry voice. Even the most steadfast fans of the original must admit that Ms. Winehouse does Will You Love Me Tomorrow the justice it deserves.

Listen for yourself here

Lyrics here

Song: Help Yourself
Album: Frank (2003)

Help Yourself is written to an apparently demeaning man with higher expectations of his partner than he probably deserves. A wonderful horn section backs Amy as she sets him straight with her honey-sweet voice

"You've got a degree, A in philosophy, So you think you cleverer than me ('cause you so smart), but I'm not just some drama queen, 'cause it's where you're at not where you've been."

Help Yourself is a beautiful, laid back track perfect for a Sunday drive.

Listen here

Lyrics here

Want more Amy Winehouse? Grab her albums Frank and Back to Black

I hope I have helped to shine light on the talent of a beleaguered star. Take note of this bright young icon, to paraphrase Amy "Yes she's been black but when she comes back you'll know, know, know!"