Song of the Day- I'd Love To Change the World by Ten Years After

Image by pixel2013 (www.pixabay.com) Link

"I'd Love to Change the World" was a hit in 1971 for the British band Ten Years After, from the album A Space in Time. It was the band's most popular single, and their only top 40 hit. Written in troubled times, the song abandons the late 60's idealistic "peace and love" vibe that was found in so much popular music of the era. The protagonist of this song instead confronts the harsh and confusing realities of the world in the early 1970s. Although he still hopes for a better world, he confronts his own disillusionment, admitting that "I'd love to change the world, but I don't know what to do." It is a message that still rings true today. Times have changed, but the world is no less troubled, and there are still no easy solutions.

Image by pixel2013 (www.pixabay.com) Link

The following description of "I'd Love to Change the World" is from the Wikipedia article found here: Link

The song was written and sung by Alvin Lee. It discusses the confused state of the world, covering a wide variety of societal complaints, until it finally addresses the Vietnam War.^[1] The song features a folk-inspired chord pattern to support the melody.^[1]

"I'd Love to Change the World" was the band's highest charting single. It peaked at number 40 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971.^[2] When it was released, "I'd Love to Change the World" was a staple of both FM and AM radio, a rarity for the time.^[1]

Billy Walker of Sounds wrote that the "[a]coustic guitar, echoing vocals, and electric guitar build up the tempo with very good cool electric passages by Alvin [Lee], and while there's nothing new developing it's a very nice track".^[3] Matthew Greenwald of Allmusic highlighted Lee's guitar work as the "most expressive—and most tasteful—electric guitar performance of his career", and added "if there is a single song that can describe the overall vibe of the counterculture in 1969/1970, this may very well be it. The band and Lee never quite matched the song's supple power in their later efforts, but this song is representation enough of their awesome artistry."^[1]

Ten Years After (1970) (from Wikimedia Commons) Link

There is no video available featuring Ten Years After performing "I'd Love to Change the World" live. However, the following video from YouTube features the song lyrics set against a backdrop of multiple still images from the 1960s to the present, and is a moving and effective representation of the message of this classic song.

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)

In Memory of David Bowie (1947-2016)

Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy 

With Bing Crosby (Recorded 1977, Released 1982)

In honor of David Bowie, who passed away one year ago today, and who would have celebrated his 70th birthday two days ago, I am posting an updated version of my original tribute post from January 12, 2016, with new videos added. 

In Memory of David Bowie (1947-2016)

David Bowie was truly an original! I was fortunate enough to see him in concert in 1990, on his Sound + Vision tour. I saw him in Philadelphia. The photo below was taken on that same tour when he performed in Chile. Although I wasn't a fan of much of his later music, his work from the seventies and eighties was amazingly creative and influential, and it has formed an important part of the soundtrack of my life. I knew that he had just finished a new album, but I had no idea he was so sick. I was sad to hear that he passed away on Sunday, January 10th, 2 days after his 69th birthday, and I hope he is now at peace. He will be missed. 

David Bowie in Chile 1990 By Jorge Barrios,via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:David_Bowie_Chile.jpg

I've posted links to videos of some of my favorite David Bowie songs as a tribute: 

Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy (with Bing Crosby), (1977/1982) is a wonderful Christmas song that perfectly blends the voices of two very different stars, from different generations.  

Starman (1972), Rebel Rebel (1974) and Ziggy Stardust (1972) are classic early 70s favorites, showcasing his unique music and style. The video for Ziggy Stardust is exceptional: it has amazing footage, onstage and backstage, from the early 70's from a BBC Documentary.

Under Pressure (with Queen) (1981) This amazing song brought out the best in both David Bowie and Freddie Mercury of Queen, and remains one of my favorite songs of all time. The video here for Under Pressure is not the original, and the bands are mostly shown separately, but it has some good concert footage.

Ashes to Ashes (1980) is a classic Bowie song, and the video is surprisingly futuristic. In it, Bowie holds up a photograph that moves, looking intriguingly like a 21st century tablet computer.

Space Oddity (Cover by Passenger) (2016) is a haunting and beautiful version of this song recorded as a fitting tribute shortly after Bowie's death. 

No Plan (2017) This dreamlike song and video was released posthumously this week.

Starman(1972)

Rebel Rebel (1974)

Ziggy Stardust (1972)

Under Pressure- With Queen (1981)

Ashes to Ashes (1980)

Space Oddity- Cover Version by Passenger (2016)

No Plan (Posthumously Released) (2017)

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)

Happy Birthday Graham Nash

Graham Nash Performing in 2006 as Part of Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young --Photo by Matthew Harris (source) (license)

Today is Graham Nash's 74th birthday. Born in Blackpool, England on February 2, 1942, he is a musician, songwriter, political activist and photographer, and is a dual citizen of The United Kingdom and the United States. He was a member of the British group The Hollies, before joining with David Crosby and Steven Stills in 1968 to form Crosby, Stills and Nash (also known as Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young when joined by Neil Young.) In addition to singing, he plays the guitar, keyboard, drums and harmonica.

Click on the links below to hear some of Graham Nash's greatest songs. They were all written or co-written by him, except for Blackbird, by the Beatles, and Suite Judy Blue Eyes, which was written by Steven Stills, but is included because it captures the band's beautiful vocal harmonies so perfectly.



Carrie Ann by the Hoillies (1967)

Our House, CSNY (orginal recording 1970-- video posted 2008)

Marrkesh Express & Blackbird (From Woodstock 1969--Blackbird is a Beatles Cover)

Suite Judy Blue Eyes (From Woodstock--1969)

Wasted On the Way (Original Recording 1982--Concert From 1989)

David Bowie (1947-2016)

Peace On Earth/Little Drummer Boy 

With Bing Crosby

David Bowie was truly an original! I was fortunate enough to see him in concert in 1990, on his Sound + Vision tour. I saw him in Philadelphia. The photo below was taken on that same tour when he performed in Chile. Although I wasn't a fan of much of his later music, his work from the seventies and eighties was amazingly creative and influential, and it has formed an important part of the soundtrack of my life. I knew that he had just finished a new album, but I had no idea he was so sick. I was sad to hear that he passed away on Sunday, January 10th, 2 days after his 69th birthday, and I hope he is now at peace. He will be missed. 

David Bowie in Chile 1990 By Jorge Barrios,via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:David_Bowie_Chile.jpg

I've posted links to videos of some of my favorite David Bowie songs as a tribute: Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy (with Bing Crosby), Starman, Rebel Rebel, Ziggy Stardust and Under Pressure (with Queen). The video for Ziggy Stardust is exceptional: it has amazing footage, onstage and backstage, from the early 70's from a BBC Documentary. The video for Under Pressure is not the original, and the bands are mostly shown separately, but it has some good concert footage, and it's still one of my favorite songs of all time.

Starman

Rebel Rebel 

Ziggy Stardust

Under Pressure- With Queen