Featured in Film or T.V.
Silver Springs – Fleetwood Mac
SONG OF THE DAY “Silver Springs” by Fleetwood Mac (The Dance, Warner Bros./ Reprise Records, 1997). Written by Stevie Nicks. MY TAKE This song seems to seriously want me to blog about it this week! First, I’m singing along to it as I’m creating a birthday playlist for my Aunt Di (find the playlist... »
Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie – Joanna Newsom
SONG OF THE DAY “Clam, Crab, Cockle, Cowrie” by Joanna Newsom (The Milk-Eyed Mender, Drag City Records, 2004). WHERE I HEARD IT + My O.P.INION This weird harp-plus-Kate-Bush-like vocals song was featured during the credits of the 2007 PBS documentary Following Sean. The vocals can get really grating when she strains her voice to... »
Shine A Light – Wolf Parade
SONG OF THE DAY “Shine A Light” by Wolf Parade (Apologies To The Queen Mary, Subpop Records, 2006). WHERE I HEARD IT This is my third post in a row of a song that I discovered on CBS’ Criminal Minds during this season, Season 5. BRIEF BIO (a la wikipedia) - Wolf Parade is... »
I’m Your Man – Leonard Cohen
SONG OF THE DAY “I’m Your Man” by Leonard Cohen (I’m Your Man , Columbia Records, 1988). Written by Leonard Cohen. WHERE I HEARD IT Another great song from Season 5 of CBS’ Criminal Minds. BRIEF INFO FROM WIKIPEDIA - I’m Your Man is a 1988 album by Leonard Cohen. The album marked Cohen’s further move... »
I Made A Lover’s Prayer – Gillian Welch
SONG OF THE DAY “I Made A Lover’s Prayer” by Gillian Welch (Soul Journey, Acony Records, 2003). Written by Gillian Welch and David Rawlings. WHERE I HEARD IT On CBS’ detective drama Criminal Minds, season 5. BRIEF BIO (a la wikipedia) - Soul Journey is the fourth studio album by Gillian Welch. - As with... »
This Old Heart Of Mine (Is Weak For You) – The Isley Brothers
SONG OF THE DAY “This Old Heart of Mine (Is Weak For You)” by The Isley Brothers (This Old Heart Of Mine , Tamla/ Motown Records, 1966). Written by Holland–Dozier–Holland, and Sylvia Moy. MY TAKE This song was featured on my July 2010 playlist! This song was playing in the background of an episode of season... »
40 Day Dream – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
SONG OF THE DAY “40 Day Dream” by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros (Up From Below, Community Records/ Vagrant Records/ Rough Trade Records, 2009). Written by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros. WHERE I HEARD IT This awesome track was talked over during a scene from Season 1 of NBC’s Mercy (episode: “That... »
Rumba Azul – Lecuona Cuban Boys
SONG OF THE DAY “Rumba Azul” by The Lecuona Cuban Boys (Lecuona Cuban Boys, Vol. 4 (1932-1936), Harlequin Records, 1994, originally released on Victor Records sometime in the mid-30s). Composed by Armando Oréfiche. WHERE I HEARD IT Well, this song really took me for a ride! I heard it during the “New-Year’s-Eve-party-in-Germany-1943″ scene of... »
Addicted To Love – Florence + The Machine
SONG OF THE DAY “Addicted To Love” by Florence + The Machine (, Universal Island Records, 2009). Written by Robert Palmer. HOW I FOUND IT This incredible version was featured on this season’s So You Think You Can Dance (season 4). Isn’t this version sick? The quiet a cappella at the beginning, the... »
Fireflies – Owl City
SONG OF THE DAY “Fireflies” (Ocean Eyes, Universal Republic Records, 2009). Written by Adam Young. WHERE I HEARD IT It was featured on this season of So You Think You Can Dance (see the video of the performance below). INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - Owl City is a Second Wave synthpop musical project by American Adam... »
Jar of Hearts – Christina Perri
SONG OF THE DAY “Jar of Hearts” by Christina Perri (single, iTunes release, 2010).Written by Christina Perri, Barrett Yeretsian, & Drew Lawrence. WHERE I HEARD IT This season of So You Think You Can Dance, which I’ve now totally quit watching because Alex “Freaking” Wong was permanently injured and, honestly, there’s no point to... »
Hymne à l’amour (Hymn to Love) – Edith Piaf
Joanee’s back, woot woot!! After a month-long wedding preparation hiatus, I am very pleased to announce the return of this daily blog to my routine and your computers! I missed this thing, and have a ****load of music queued up and ready to talk about, so grab a drink, sit down, and buckle in!... »
Jambalaya (On The Bayou) – Hank Williams
SONG OF THE DAY “Jambalaya (On The Bayou)” by Hank Williams (Honky Tonkin’, MGM, 1954). Written by Hank Williams (and Moon Mullican). WHERE I HEARD IT HBO’s Six Feet Under VIDEO OF THE DAY »
Something In The Air – Thunderclap Newman
SONG OF THE DAY “Something In The Air” by Thunderclap Newman (single, Track Records, 1969). Written by John “Speedy” Keen. WHERE I HEARD IT HBO’s Six Feet Under INTERESTING FACTS A LA WIKIPEDIA - “Something in the Air” is a song recorded by Thunderclap Newman, a band created by Pete Townshend for The Who’s former roadie John ‘Speedy’... »
Jesus, Etc. – Wilco
SONG OF THE DAY “Jesus, Etc.” by Wilco (Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, Nonesuch Records, 2002). Written by Jeff Tweedy. WHERE I HEARD IT NBC’s Mercy VIDEO OF THE DAY »
Live Forever – Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors
SONG OF THE DAY “Live Forever” by Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors AS HEARD ON NBC’s Parenthood VIDEO OF THE DAY »
People In The Hole – Catherine Feeny
SONG OF THE DAY “People In The Hole” by Catherine Feeny (People In The Hole (album), 2009). AS HEARD ON NBC’s Mercy VIDEO OF THE DAY »
Waiting – The Devlins
SONG OF THE DAY “Waiting” by The Devlins (Waiting, Universal Records, 1997). allmusic.com With their brogue-tinged harmonies set to acoustic-based melodies,Colin and Peter Devlin continue to build on the success of their alt-rock duo, the Devlins. Their 1993 debut album, Drift, produced byDaniel Lanois and recorded in Lanois’ New Orleans studio, showed hints of their ability to... »
Hometime – One EskimO
SONG OF THE DAY “Hometime” by One EskimO (One EskimO, Shangrila Music Inc., 2009). WHY TODAY? Recommended by Daddy Dearest! INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - One eskimO are a four piece indie rock group from London, England consisting of Kristian Leontiou (vocals), Adam Falkner (drums), Pete Rinaldi (guitar), Jamie Sefton (bass and horns). - In an interview... »
In These Arms – The Swell Season
SONG OF THE DAY “In These Arms” by The Swell Season (Strict Joy, ANTI- Records, 2009). WHY TODAY? Another great find from NBC’s new family comedy-drama Parenthood. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - “In These Arms”, the first single from the album was released on iTunes on August 18, 2009 and began streaming on spinner.com during the same... »
Tambourine – The Happy Hollows
SONG OF THE DAY “Tambourine” by The Happy Hollows (Spells, Autumn Tone Records, 2010). WHERE DID I HEAR IT? NBC show Parenthood actually featured the band recording this song live during a scene where one of the character’s goes to work at a recording studio. VIDEO OF THE DAY »
Oo-De-Lally – Roger Miller
SONG OF THE DAY “Oo-de-lally” by Roger Miller (Classic Disney: 60 Years of Musical Magic, Walt Disney Records, 2003). Written by Roger Miller. WHY TODAY? Because I watched Disney’s Robin Hood today! INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - Although a full soundtrack to Robin Hood has never been released on Compact Disc in the US,... »
The Ballad of High Noon (or Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin’) – Tex Ritter
SONG OF THE DAY “The Ballad of High Noon Theme (or Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darlin’)” by Tex Ritter (from the High Noon original soundtrack, 1952). Written by Dimitri Tiomkin, lyrics by Ned Washington. WHY TODAY? Todd sang it to me, and it was cute. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - It... »
Some Other Time – Barbra Streisand
SONG OF THE DAY “Some Other Time” – Barbra Streisand (Love Is The Answer, Columbia Records, 2009). Music by Leonard Bernstein, with lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green. WHY TODAY? I heard it performed by the Los Angeles Gay Men’s Chorus in an episode of “Six Feet Under,” and had never heard it... »
Burning Down The House – Bonnie Raitt
SONG OF THE DAY “Burning Down The House” by Bonnie Raitt (Road Tested, Capitol Records, 1995). Written by David Byrne. WHY TODAY? This incredible version of this song was featured in a dance party scene in Six Feet Under, and was consequently brought back into my consciousness. I had mentioned it earlier in this... »
Our Love Is Gonna Live Forever – Spain
SONG OF THE DAY “Our Love Is Gonna Live Forever” by Spain (She Haunts My Dreams, Restless Records, 1999). WHY TODAY? The song was featured in the soundtrack for an episode of Six Feet Under. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - Spain are an American rock band, led by Josh Haden. - Their song “Spiritual” was... »
Good Man – King Straggler
SONG OF THE DAY “Good Man” by King Straggler (King Straggler, Authentica Records, 2005). WHERE DID I HEAR IT? From the soundtrack of the Jeff Bridge’s film The Amateurs. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - This is a musical group consisting of actors John Hawkes, Rodney Eastman and Brent Gore. - Here’s the MP3 on amazon.com.... »
Uprising – Muse
SONG OF THE DAY “Uprising” by Muse (The Resistance, Warner Brothers Records/ Helium 3, 2009). Written by Matthew Bellamy. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - “Uprising” is a song by British progressive rock band Muse, featured on their fifth studio album The Resistance. - Written by lead vocalist and guitarist Matthew Bellamy, the song was released as the lead single... »
Telling The Truth & Going Away – Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
SONG OF THE DAY “Telling The Truth & Going Away” by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. WHERE DID I HEAR IT? The end credits for the John Malkovich/ Colin Hanks film The Great Buck Howard. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (often abbreviated CYHSY) is an American indie rock group based... »
Honest – Band Of Skulls
SONG OF THE DAY “Honest” by Band Of Skulls (Baby Darling Doll Face Honey, Shangri-La Records, 2009). WHERE DID I HEAR IT? As seen on NBC’s Mercy. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - Band of Skulls is a British alternative rock band that formed in 2008 in Southampton, England. - Initially, they played at night clubs in... »
Chains, Chains, Chains – Elvis Perkins In Dearland
SONG OF THE DAY “Chains, Chains, Chains” by Elvis Perkins in Dearland (Elvis Perkins In Dearland, XL Recordings, 2009). Written by Elvis Perkins. WHERE DID I HEAR IT? As seen on ABC’s Flashforward. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - Elvis Perkins in Dearland is the second studio album by Elvis Perkins, and his first with backing... »
In Your Eyes covers
SONG OF THE DAY “In Your Eyes” by Peter Gabriel (So, Geffen Records, 1986). Written by Peter Gabriel. COVERS OF THE DAY Dianne Reeves – Delicious, delicious, new jazz arrangement. Dianne Reeves is incredible brilliant at combining new, off rhythms with her soulful, “I’ve been through it all” voice to create, really, an entirely new piece.... »
The Cover Of The Rolling Stone – Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show
SONG OF THE DAY “Cover Of The Rolling Stone” by Dr. Hook & The Medicine Show (Sloppy Seconds, Columbia Records, 1973). Written by Shel Silverstein. WHY TODAY? Todd and I couldn’t stop singing this song this morning while he was making eggs, so, obviously, it was a pretty fun morning. This song brings me... »
Sympathy For The Devil – The Rolling Stones
SONG OF THE DAY “Sympathy For The Devil” by The Rolling Stones (Beggar’s Banquet, Decca Records, 1968). Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. WHY TODAY? First of all, is anyone going to say “Nice Easter Sunday pick, Joanee” and point out the irony of this song on this day? No, because no one... »
Perfect Day – Lou Reed
SONG OF THE DAY “Perfect Day” by Lou Reed (Transformer, RCA Records, 1972). Written by Lou Reed. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - “Perfect Day” is a song written by Lou Reed in 1972, and originally featured on Transformer, Reed’s second post-Velvet Underground solo album. - Unlike its predecessor, Lou Reed, eight songs of which were leftovers... »
Boadicea – Enya
SONG OF THE DAY “Boadicea” by Enya (Enya , BBC/ Atlantic Records, 1987). Written by Eithne Patricia Ní Bhraonáin (a.k.a. Enya). INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - Enya’s first full-album recording, Enya / The Celts features music written and recorded for the soundtrack of the 1986 documentary television series, The... »
James Bond Title Themes
From Wikipedia… “The James Bond film franchise is notable for its distinctive theme songs, often performed by the top singers of the day. Paul McCartney’s performance of “Live and Let Die” was the first James Bond theme song to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Song; it reached #2 as a... »
One – Aimee Mann
SONG OF THE DAY “One” by Aimee Mann (For the Love of Harry: Everybody Sings Nilsson, MusicMasters Records, 1995). Written by Harry Nilsson. Also released on Warner Brother’s 1999 soundtrack to Magnolia. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - The Magnolia soundtrack is largely culled from the work of Aimee Mann, enough so that she... »
Young At Heart – Frank Sinatra
SONG OF THE DAY “Young At Heart” by Frank Sinatra (1953). Music by Johnny Richards and lyrics by Carolyn Leigh. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - Frank Sinatra was the first performer to record the song, which became a million-selling hit in 1953 (and spilling over with popularity into 1954). The song was such... »
Little Green Bag – George Baker Selection
SONG OF THE DAY “Little Green Bag” by George Baker Selection (Little Green Bag single, Negram Records, 1969). Written by Jan Visser & Hans Bouwens. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - The song reached the #9 position in the Dutch Top 40, and the #3 position in Belgium. In the summer of 1970, it... »
You Are Forgiven (from the medley A Quick One, While He’s Away) – The Who
SONG OF THE DAY “You Are Forgiven” from the medley “A Quick One, While He’s Away” by The Who (A Quick One, Decca Records, 1966). Written by Pete Townshend. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - “A Quick One, While He’s Away” is a 1966 medley written by Pete Townshend and recorded by The Who... »
A Well-Respected Man – The Kinks
SONG OF THE DAY “A Well-Respected Man” by The Kinks (Kywet Kinks, Reprise Records, 1965). INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - It was released as a single in the US in October and reached #13. - Musically, it marked the beginning of an expansion in the Kinks’ inspirations, drawing much from British music hall... »
The Candy Man – The Ray Conniff Singers
SONG OF THE DAY “The Candy Man” by Ray Conniff & The Singers (Alone Again, Naturally, Columbia Records, 2008). Written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - This is a song from the 1971 film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. It was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony... »
But Not For Me – Joey De Francesco feat. Joe Doggs
SONG OF THE DAY “But Not For Me” by Joey De Francesco featuring Joe Doggs (Falling In Love Again, Concord Records, 2003). Written by George and Ira Gershwin. INTERESTING FACTS (a la wikipedia) - Joe Doggs = Joe Pesci - The Gershwins wrote this song for their musical Girl Crazy (1930) and introduced in... »
The Winner – Coolio
SONG OF THE DAY “The Winner” by Coolio (Space Jam Soundtrack, 1996, Atlantic Records). »
Woo Hoo – The 5678′s
SONG OF THE DAY “Woo Hoo” by The 5678′s (Bomb The Twist, Time Bomb Records, 1996). Cover of the 1959 single by The Rock-A-Teens. INTERESTING FACTS (from wikipedia) - “Woo Hoo” is a rockabilly song, originally released by The Rock-A-Teens in 1959. - The song is distinctive for its lack of lyrics apart from... »
The Origin Of Love – John Cameron Mitchell & Miriam Shor
SONG OF THE DAY “The Origin Of Love” as performed by John Cameron Mitchell and Miriam Shor (Hedwig & The Angry Inch Motion Picture Soundtrack, Hybrid Recordings, 2001). Written by Stephen Trask. INTERESTING FACTS (from wikipedia) - Stephen Trask wrote the song, which is based on a story from Plato’s Symposium. In the Symposium,... »
New Age Girl – Deadeye Dick
SONG OF THE DAY “New Age Girl” by Deadeye Dick (A Different Story, Ichiban Records, 1994). Written by Caleb Guillotte. INTERESTING FACTS (from wikipedia) - The song most notably appears on the soundtrack to the 1994 film Dumb and Dumber. - The song peaked at #27 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, and remains... »
Roll To Me – Del Amitri
SONG OF THE DAY “Roll To Me” – Del Amitri (Twisted, A & M Records, 1995). Written by Justin Curry. INTERESTING FACTS (from wikipedia) - This song reached the Top 10 in the Billboard’s Hot 100. - The track was less successful in their native UK, reaching No. 22. - The band does not... »
Me Voy a Morir de Amor – Alberto Iglesias
SONG OF THE DAY “Me Voy a Morir de Amor” composed by Alberto Iglesias for the soundtrack to Sex and Lucia (Lucía y el sexo) (2001, Palm Pictures) INTERESTING FACTS (from wikipedia) - Iglesias has composed the scores for many films, including Che (2008), The Kite Runner (2007, upon which he received his first... »
Psycho Killer – Talking Heads
SONG OF THE DAY “Psycho Killer” – Talking Heads (Talking Heads: 77, Sire Records, 1977). Written by David Byrne, Chris Frantz, Tina Weymouth. WHERE YOU MAY HAVE HEARD IT The song was used (quite appropriately and in good fun) in the soundtrack of the film Julie & Julia during the hilarious lobster scene. INTERESTING... »