Song of the Day- Day After Day by Badfinger

"Day After Day" is one of the best-known songs by the British rock band Badfinger. According to Wikipedia, it was released in the US as a single in November, 1971 and in January, 1972 elsewhere. It was a top 10 hit in the US and the UK in January of 1972, and eventually went Gold in March of that year. "Day After Day" was the band's only Gold single. It appeared on their album Straight Up. (link)

Badfinger began as a band called the Iveys, formed in Swansea, Wales in 1961. The Iveys were the first band signed by the Beatles' Apple Label in 1968. One of the original members left, and they renamed themselves Badfinger in 1969. They went on to have four worldwide hits between 1970 and 1972: "Come and Get It" (written and produced by Paul McCartney), "No Matter What", "Day after Day" and "Baby Blue." (link)

Many acclaimed musicians participated in the recording of "Day After Day". The song was written and sung by Pete Ham, and produced by the Beatles' George Harrison. Harrison also plays some of the slide guitar parts, along with Ham. Leon Russell, another well-known musician, played the piano. George Harrison stopped working on the Straight Up album to produce the Concert for Bangladesh, and Todd Rundgren took over the project. "Day After Day" was still unfinished when Harrison left, and the final mix of the song was done by Rundgren. (link)

The band Badfinger did not have a happy ending, but that's not the focus of this post. "Day After Day" is a seemingly simple but well-crafted song, full of love and longing. It tells the story of a man who proclaims his love to someone who has left. We don't know what happened between them, but he is sad and lonely, and hopes they will be back together soon. It is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful love songs ever written, and it stands the test of time. 

The video, linked to YouTube at the top of this post,  shows clips of the band walking through the open countryside, spending time at a farmhouse, wading in a stream, and enjoying being together on a beautiful day. A woman is present in some of the shots, presumably a wife or girlfriend of one of the band members. I could not find out where the video was filmed, but since the band members were Welsh, it was most likely somewhere in Wales. I don't know if was the actual promotional video, or if it was put together later, but it is a joyful, hopeful, life affirming video that accompanies the song perfectly. I hope you enjoy it!

Sunset (Photo by Madalin Colita) (link)

Song of the Day--"Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" by Elton John

"Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" by Elton John was recorded in January 1972 and appeared on the album Honky Chateau. This YouTube video features the original song, with images of people, places and street art of New York City from the 1970s to the present. It is a fitting and beautiful enhancement to this incredible song, Elton John's very best, in my opinion.

According to Wikipedia, the lyrics were written by Bernie Taupin during his first visit to New York City when he heard a gun go off near his hotel window. link 

I find the lyrics far less cryptic than  most of Bernie Taupin's songs. Although his description of New Yorkers as "Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters" is odd, it somehow works with Elton John's exquisite melody to express emotions far deeper than words. 

My interpretation of the song is that although it initially paints a less than flattering picture of New York City, which was infamously crime-ridden in the 1970s, it is ultimately hopeful and positive. The song's protagonist discovers the reality "that rose trees never grow in New York City", and describes what he has experienced there as "this trash can dream come true. You stand at the edge while people run you through." But he is also grateful for the good people he has met: "I thank the Lord there's people out there like you."

Although the "subway's no way for a good man to go down", he admits that "This Broadway's got...a lot of songs to sing. If I knew the tunes I might join in." And although he feels like an outsider, "I'll go my way alone", he embraces the city and his future there when he says "My own seeds shall be sown in New York City," and reiterates "I thank the Lord for the people I have found."
 

Photo by Robert Pastryk (link)

According to Wikipedia link  Elton John has described the song as one of his all-time favorites. He delivered a heartfelt rendition at "The Concert for New York City", held at Madison Square Garden just one month after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. He dedicated the song to emergency workers and their families, as well as to New York City.

To me, this song is a lifelong friend and is cozy music at its best. It never gets old or worn out; it's like cuddling up in a warm, favorite blanket with a cup of tea. It fills me always with a sweet sense of love and hope and longing and gratitude. It always makes me feel a little bit more alive, and thankful for the gifts I've been given and especially for "the people I have found."

 

Photo by Foster & Asher (link)

Song of the Day: The Monkees - "Daydream Believer" (Official Music Video)

"Daydream Believer", released in 1967, is probably the most popular and enduring song by the Monkees. It is happy, hopeful and innocent, and a great timeless pop song. The official video is colorful, fun and could have only been made in the 60's!

Photo of Davy Jones and Maureen McCormick from the television program The Brady Bunch. (November 23, 1971) Photo By ABC Television link

David "Davy" Jones, the cute lead singer (and everybody's favorite Monkee) would have celebrated his 71st birthday today--he was born on December 30, 1945, in Openshaw, Manchester, England. Sadly, he passed away in 2012. 

The Monkees television episodes originally aired from 1966 to 1968, but reruns of the sitcom were broadcast for many years, introducing new generations of fans to their music.  From 1986 to 2011, the band reunited and toured several times, and even recorded new music.

The Monkees in May 1967 link

Fans remember Davy Jones for his distinctive voice, charm and good looks. Davy's official website is www.davyjones.net. It features pictures, merchandise, biographical information and personal stories from people who knew him.

Davy Jones loved horses, and even trained as a jockey in his teens. In later years, he raced as an amateur, and he kept a herd of mostly rescued racehorses. After his death, his family created the Davy Jones Equine Memorial Foundation (DJEMF), which helps to care for his beloved horses. To find out more, or become a supporter, click the foundation link on his official website, or visit www.djemf.com.