Song of the Week #207

It's been a bit of a sad week with someone I knew passing away unexpectedly. Dealing with death isn't something that gets any easier. In this case I despaired as a couple of close friends mourned and I really couldn't find the right words. I guess in the end it's sometimes just about being around, on the end of a phone or even an email. It's a cliché but this first bit of this song fits (and I like it). RIP Toni.

 

Elton John – Funeral For A Friend / Love Lies Bleeding -  http://youtu.be/3p_xAToFzck

 

If you're into great cover versions then have a quick listen to Dream Theater doing the above song – magic.

 

OK, there's a theme coming with the next few tunes. It should be much easier than my last effort so shoot me an email / Facebook message / tweet / smoke signal / carrier pigeon if you work it out.

 

The first tune is one that made me want to play the electric guitar. It's probably the greatest opening riff of all time. And it's Angus Young's favourite AC/DC song apparently. I found this cool version that you might like...great playing.

 

Igor Presnyakov – Back In Black - http://youtu.be/3jJ7DwG1X5o

 

Metallica are making the trip to our shores next year for the Soundwave Festival. I'm tempted to go and check them out but I fear I'd be disappointed. Maybe I'll wait and see if there's a new album first and if it's any good. Here's something from their Garage Inc. album of covers that I'd really like to see them play live...

 

Metallica – Sabbra Cadabara / A National Acrobat - http://youtu.be/N_2AZr9C0MY

 

Next up something from one of the best voices in folk music ever...great band too. Worth checking out if you like your Celtic folk with some good boogie guitar.

 

Steeleye Span – Black Jack Davy - http://youtu.be/pADlDZyIS-8

 

One of my Facebook cronies is always posting about how cool this next band is. I checked them out and I have to agree. They're a bit of a cross between The Donnas, Joan Jett and Hole. Any band that can use the lyrics "'cause I'm naturally deodorised" is a winner in my book.

 

The Dollyrots – Because I'm Awesome - http://youtu.be/d2pgbjPzF2k

 

This next one is a creepy tune by a band I tried to like but really couldn't. This song, however, is pretty ace for a song about hair dye.

 

Type O Negative – Black No. 1 - http://youtu.be/vFwYJYl5GUQ

 

My Dad's in Alaska at the moment. Why? Well why not – it's his holiday. I'd like to go there and see if you really can see Russia with binoculars.

 

Johnny Cash & June Carter – When It's Springtime In Alaska (It's Forty Below) - http://youtu.be/Ini-a_m4sN8

 

There you have it...pick the link between those songs.

 

Last week I played Manfred Mann's "Blinded By The Light". Many thanks to a few listeners who reminded me that it was indeed a Springsteen song originally. They are both quite different.

 

I bought a couple of cheap CDs recently. I've been reading some stuff from an American hard rock journalist and he wrote that he thought Aerosmith's "Toys In The Attic" album was one of the all time classics of the genre. Well it was on the shelf for $10 so I gave it a chance. Of course the guitars are gritty and Steven Tyler sounds as awesome as he always does. But what I didn't realise was how their classic hit "Walk This Way" had evolved over the years. They've made quite a few subtle changes since recording the original (notwithstanding the collaboration with Run DMC). The original is the best – check the staccato intro riff and the burbling guitars through the verses – sublime.

 

Aerosmith – Walk This Way - http://youtu.be/bKttENbsoyk

 

DJ Macca and DJ Al-E-Sun have birthdays on Sunday. So does my young nephew Andrew – what a popular day to be born on. So, a couple of dedications.

 

For Andrew... Wynton Marsalis – Buggy - http://youtu.be/Yuz6pejyddg

 

For DJ Macca...Depeche Mode– Route 66 - http://youtu.be/UyhkBg8wOBo

 

And finally, for the love of my life...Jimmy Barnes/Johnny Diesel – Since I Fell For You - http://youtu.be/s4HOwDp0NLo (ffwd to 3:00 for the song!)

 

Good luck to DJ AC in her singing gig this weekend!

 

Bye,

DJ Rob