HBO’s fantasy drama series, Game of Thrones, has gained the reputation of having the penultimate episode of the season (episode 9) play out a shocking event or moment that non-reader fans were not expecting. For fans of the show who have read the books the surprise is not as shocking but still worth the wait to finally see on the screen. Season 3 of the show looks to have shocked both types of fans.
In honor of the penultimate episode of Game of Thrones third season I’ve chosen the song which will forever go down in pop-culture history as the song that ushered in the “Red Wedding” to the tv landscape. It’s finally turned the series from must-see TV into one of those rare few shows that’s become an event that everyone will speak of for days, weeks, months and even years to come.
The Rains of Castamere
And who are you, the proud lord said, that I must bow so low? Only a cat of a different coat, that’s all the truth I know. In a coat of gold or a coat of red, a lion still has claws, And mine are long and sharp, my lord, as long and sharp as yours.
And so he spoke, and so he spoke, that lord of Castamere, But now the rains weep o’er his hall, with no one there to hear. Yes now the rains weep o’er his hall, and not a soul to hear.
And so he spoke, and so he spoke, that lord of Castamere, But now the rains weep o’er his hall, with no one there to hear. Yes now the rains weep o’er his hall, and not a soul to hear.
What else to follow up a guilty pleasure than with a classic southern rock song that I still consider one of the best examples of what made 70’s American Rock an equal of the huge British invasion that was currently happening in the US with mega bands like Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and The Who. It’s this song from one of the preeminent Southern Rock groups of the 70’s, The Allman Brothers Band, that arrives as the latest “Song of the Day”.
“Midnight Rider” is a great Southern rock tune which successful melds not just blues guitar playing but country and gospel songwriting and vocalizing. It’s well-known for Greg Allman’s powerful vocals and Dicket Betts lead guitar work. Yet, I consider this song as reaching “one of the greatest” status because of the rhythm guitar (with an acoustic guitar no less) work by one of the greatest (call it hyperbole but I truly believe him to be one of the best ever) guitarists who ever picked up the instrument whether one’s genre of music was jazz, flamenco, rock, blues, metal, rock and everything in-between. Duane Allman’s acoustic guitar work makes this song what it is. It’s a rhythm that he sets which everyone else in the band orbits around with their own talent rising to meet it on equal footing.
For some people this song was first experienced as the opening track to Rob Zombie’s underappreciated “grindhouse road flick” The Devil’s Rejects. Others of more recent time probably heard it as part of the GEICO insurance company’s 2013 ad-campaign. It doesn’t matter where one has heard it. The more people who hears it and experiences just why this song continues to be a staple of what made 70’s American rock scene such a great one the better people will be for having heard it.
Long live, Duane Allman.
Midnight Rider
Well, I’ve got to run to keep from hidin’, And I’m bound to keep on ridin’. And I’ve got one more silver dollar, But I’m not gonna let ’em catch me, no, Not gonna let ’em catch the Midnight Rider.
And I don’t own the clothes I’m wearing, And the road goes on forever, And I’ve got one more silver dollar, But I’m not gonna let ’em catch me, no Not gonna let ’em catch the Midnight Rider.
And I’ve gone by the point of caring, Some old bed I’ll soon be sharing, And I’ve got one more silver dollar,
But I’m not gonna let ’em catch me, no Not gonna let ’em catch the Midnight Rider.
No, I’m not gonna let ’em catch me, no Not gonna let ’em catch the Midnight Rider.
No, I’m not gonna let ’em catch me, no Not gonna let ’em catch the Midnight Rider.
The latest “Song of the Day” comes courtesy of one of my favorite bands. Anyone who has been following this site and this recurring feature pretty much knows I speak of the awesome epicness of the German power metal band Blind Guardian. The song from their expansive discography I’ve chosen this time around is the song “Mirror, Mirror”.
This song combines two every epic things together: Power Metal + J.R.R. Tolkien’s Silmarillion = epic awesomeness.
The song itself and it’s lyrics tell of Turgon, King of the Noldor and second son of Fingolfin, brother to Fingon, Aredhel and Argon who builds the famed city of Gondolin during the First Age of Middle-Earth. The city was to be a safe haven for Turgon’s people who were in the midst of an age long war against the fallen Valar, Morgoth. It’s a song that tells of Turgon’s decision to build the city with assistance from the Valar and Lord of Water, Ulmo.
It speaks of the long road and desperation of Turgon to try and save the Noldor from the armies of Morgoth. It’s a tragic tale that hints at the ultimate fate of Turgon and Gondolin. A dream that ultimately will end in the ultimate betrayal from within.
I know that there are people who still thinks that metal is all about fast, loud, discordant guitar playing backed up by screaming and guttural sounds that pass off as singing, but Blind Guardian should dismiss such notion. There’s definitely nothing guttural about this song.
Mirror, Mirror
Far, far beyond the island We dwelt in shades of twilight Through dread and weary days Through grief and endless pain
It lies unknown The land of mine A hidden gate To save us from the shadow fall The lord of water spoke In the silence Words of wisdom I’ve seen the end of all Be aware the storm gets closer
Mirror Mirror on the wall True hope lies beyond the coast You’re a damned kind can’t you see That the winds will change Mirror Mirror on the wall True hope lies beyond the coast You’re a damned kind can’t you see That tomorrows bears insanity
Gone’s the wisdom Of a thousand years A world in fire and chains and fear Leads me to a place so far Deep down it lies my secret vision I better keep it safe
Shall I leave my friends alone Hidden in my twilight hall (I) know the world is lost in fire Sure there is no way to turn it Back to the old days Of bliss and cheerful laughter We’re lost in barren lands Caught in the running flames Alone How shall we leave the lost road Time’s getting short so follow me A leader’s task so clearly To find a path out of the dark
Mirror Mirror on the wall True hope lies beyond the coast You’re a damned kind can’t you see That the winds will change Mirror Mirror on the wall True hope lies beyond the coast You’re a damned kind can’t you see That the winds will change
Even though The storm calmed down The bitter end Is just a matter of time
Shall we dare the dragon Merciless he’s poisoning our hearts Our hearts
How shall we leave the lost road Time’s getting short so follow me A leader’s task so clearly To find a path out of the dark
Latest “Song of the Day” comes courtesy of one of the Big 4 of thrash metal. I think anyone who is remotely a fan of metal music has heard of this song and whether it’s a favorite of theirs or consider it one of the best thrash metal songs out there there’s no denying that this song has more than earned all the praise heaped upon it.
This song has consistently been mentioned by metal aficionados everywhere to be one of the genres torchbearers. It has set a standard for the genre that many try to match and surpass and usually fail to do so. It’s a song that drives itself into ones brain and only gives the listener a brief respite in the song’s middle section which also happens to be an eargasm-inducing guitar solo.
What song do I speak of?
Well, if you’ve clicked on this post you already know since it’s in the title. But just in case you’re still confused as to the song. It’s Metallica’s greatest song: “Master of Puppets”.
Considered by the legendary Cliff Burton (may his great bass soul rest in peace in Valhalla) as his favorite song from the band’s third full-length album, “Master of Puppets” has become a staple of Metallica live performances worldwide. Even in their lost years under the guidance of Bob Rock this song was the light at the end of the tunnel that still brought out the band’s legion of fans.
The song also featured in one of the funniest scenes in one of my favorite comedy films of all-time: Old School.
But enough rambling…just sit back, grab yourself a glass of Jack and enjoy some epic thrash.
Master of Puppets
End of passion play, crumbling away
I’m your source of self-destruction
Veins that pump with fear, sucking darkest clear
Leading on your deaths’ construction
Taste me you will see
More is all you need
You’re dedicated to
How I’m killing you
Come crawling faster
Obey your master
Your life burns faster
Obey your master
Master
Master of puppets I’m pulling your strings
Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams
Blinded by me, you can’t see a thing
Just call my name, ’cause I’ll hear you scream
Master
Master
Just call my name, ’cause I’ll hear you scream
Master
Master
Needlework the way, never you betray
Life of death becoming clearer
Pain monopoly, ritual misery
Chop your breakfast on a mirror
Taste me you will see
More is all you need
You’re dedicated to
How I’m killing you
Come crawling faster
Obey your master
Your life burns faster
Obey your master
Master
Master of puppets I’m pulling your strings
Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams
Blinded by me, you can’t see a thing
Just call my name, ’cause I’ll hear you scream
Master
Master
Just call my name, ’cause I’ll hear you scream
Master
Master
Master, master, where’s the dreams that I’ve been after?
Master, master, you promised only lies
Laughter, laughter, all I hear or see is laughter
Laughter, laughter, laughing at my cries
Hell is worth all that, natural habitat
Just a rhyme without a reason
Never-ending maze, drift on numbered days
Now your life is out of season
I will occupy
I will help you die
I will run through you
Now I rule you too
Come crawling faster
Obey your master
Your life burns faster
Obey your master
Master
Master of puppets I’m pulling your strings
Twisting your mind and smashing your dreams
Blinded by me, you can’t see a thing
Just call my name, ’cause I’ll hear you scream
Master
Master
Just call my name, ’cause I’ll hear you scream
Master
Master
Summer is still months away. Hell, Spring still won’t arrive for another five or so days, but I’m on a Frank Sinatra kick tonight and what better choice for the latest “Song of the Day” than one of Ol’ Blue Eyes’ seasonal songs.
“Summer Wind” remains one of the classic Sinatra tunes and also one of my favorite songs of his. I think most of his songs are favorites of mine which just goes to show just how much of an icon he has become. Growing up with a father who was a Sinatra fan through and through it didn’t surprise many that I would also end up becoming a fan of the Chairman of the Board.
This particular song wasn’t even originally sung by Sinatra. Wayne Newton had made the song a No. 1 hit single a full year before Sinatra, but it’s once Sinatra had gotten a hold of the song and made it his own that people will forever remember “Summer Wind” as Sinatra and Sinatra-only. The Newton version is not bad and very good as well.
Now, time to pour me a glass of absinthe and mellow out to the coming of the summer wind even if it’s still three months away…
Summer Wind
The summer wind came blowin’ in From across the sea It lingered there to touch your hair And walk with me
All summer long we sang a song And then we strolled that golden sand Two sweethearts and the summer wind
Like painted kites, those days and nights They went flying by The world was new beneath the blue Umbrella sky
Then softer than a piper man One day, it called to you I lost you I lost you to The summer wind
The autumn wind And the winter winds They have come and gone And still those days Those lonely days They go on and on And guess who’s sighs His lullabies through nights that never end My fickled friend, The summer wind The summer wind warm summer wind Mmm the summer wind
Whoever has been in charge of choosing the songs that make up the soundtrack for AMC’s The Walking Dead I must salute you. With Bear McCreary’s Southern gothic-influenced score this show has been flush with some excellent songs to end particularly strong episodes. Last week’s strong episode of The Walking Dead saw a favorite character from season 1 make an emotional and heartbreaking return. It also helped refocus the show’s main lead to forging past his own psychological and emotional problems to take on the looming war about to begin.
The song which ended this episode is my choice for “Song of the Day” and it’s from British songwriter-musician Jamie N. Commons.
“Lead Me Home” doesn’t just end the episode but also helps put a spotlight on this show’s third season and it’s many themes concerning not just the zombie apocalypse the survivors must exist and survive in, but how they go about this task. The song’s lyrics takes on the show’s very Southern gothic roots as Rick, Michonne and Carl drive away from Rick’s hometown passing by wrecked vehicles, bodies both freshly killed and decaying.
The song really hit home when they pass by the mauled remains of the backpacker they ignored and passed by earlier in the episode whow as begging to be picked up and saved. It’s this scene which brings to light how much cynicism and distrust as entered these survivors. Faith in the goodness of people has been abandoned for the sake of survival and the roadside remains of their inaction to save this backpacker when he most needed it was shown in gory detail. It’s not the Lord that’s inside them now, but darkness and it will be a long way back before Rick and his people can lead themselves back “home”.
Lead Me Home
Oh lord live inside me, lead me on my way Oh lord live inside me, lead me on my way Lead me home Lead me home
Oh lord in the darkness, lead me on my way Oh lord in the darkness, lead me on my way Lead me home Lead me home
Hmmmmm Hmmmmm
Oh lord heaven’s waiting, open up your door Oh lord heaven’s waiting, open up your door Lead me home Lead me home
Whether one loves, likes, hates or is indifferent when it comes to AMC’s The Walking Dead tv series I haven’t heard much complaint from most about the producers on the show’s taste in music. This show has done a great job in picking an eclectic selection of tunes that fit the mood of the show as a whole or a particular episode. This past weekend’s new episode hasn’t broken that streak of quality choices and it’s the producers’ choice for this past episode that makes our latest “Song of the Day”.
“Hold On” by Tom Waits would’ve made this list even if The Walking Dead didn’t use it to end their latest episode. I mean it’s Tom Waits. He’s the only reason why. Again, he’s Tom Waits, enough said. So, “Hold On” is the latest song in this long-running feature and it didn’t just fit in with The Walking Dead episode, but it’s also by Tom Waits.
Once again, it’s Tom Waits.
“Hold On”
They hung a sign up in out town “if you live it up, you won’t live it down” So, she left Monte Rio, son Just like a bullet leaves a gun With charcoal eyes and Monroe hips She went and took that California trip Well, the moon was gold, her Hair like wind She said don’t look back just Come on Jim
Oh you got to Hold on, Hold on You got to hold on Take my hand, I’m standing right here You gotta hold on
Well, he gave her a dimestore watch And a ring made from a spoon Everyone is looking for someone to blame But you share my bed, you share my name Well, go ahead and call the cops You don’t meet nice girls in coffee shops She said baby, I still love you Sometimes there’s nothin left to do
Oh you got to Hold on, hold on You got to hold on Take my hand, I’m standing right here, you got to Just hold on.
Well, God bless your crooked little heart St. Louis got the best of me I miss your broken-china voice How I wish you were still here with me
Well, you build it up, you wreck it down You burn your mansion to the ground When there’s nothing left to keep you here, when You’re falling behind in this Big blue world
Oh you go to Hold on, hold on You got to hold on Take my hand, I’m standing right here You got to hold on
Down by the Riverside motel, It’s 10 below and falling By a 99 cent store she closed her eyes And started swaying But it’s so hard to dance that way When it’s cold and there’s no music Well your old hometown is so far away But, inside your head there’s a record That’s playing, a song called
Hold on, hold on You really got to hold on Take my hand, I’m standing right here And just hold on.
For only the rare times when we get more than one “Song of the Day” posted in the same day. This time it’s for that special day we call Valentine’s Day. Resident editor of all things art and photography Dazzlin’ Erin posted earlier tonight a song that tells one and all to love the one we’re with. It’s a celebratory song.
To help close out 2013’s Valentine’s Day I’ve chosen a much more intimate ballad that speaks of the love that survives the trials and tribulations of distance and being far apart. The song is Metallica’s power ballad from their Black Album and has become one of their signature songs. “Nothing Else Matters” remains one of the more popular power ballads and, coming from the band’s pre-rock era which most younger listeners know them more nowadays, quite a lovely song from the kings of thrash.
I’ve chosen the live and symphony-backed version of the song conducted by the late Michael Kamen. Part of the set-list for their metal and symphony show, S&M, the song takes well to the addition of a 100-piece symphony orchestra that doesn’t just repeat the same notes, but adds so much more nuances to the song. This could be heard quite clearly when the song reaches the guitar-solo part. This time around we get the string section, especially the violins, giving voice to the emotional aspect of the song. It’s my favorite part of the song and can listen to it over and over.
Happy Valentine’s Day…til next year.
Nothing Else Matters
So close, no matter how far Couldn’t be much more from the heart Forever trusting who we are and nothing else matters
Never opened myself this way Life is ours, we live it our way All these words I don’t just say and nothing else matters
Trust I seek and I find in you Every day for us something new Open mind for a different view and nothing else matters
never cared for what they do never cared for what they know but I know
So close, no matter how far Couldn’t be much more from the heart Forever trusting who we are and nothing else matters
never cared for what they do never cared for what they know but I know
Never opened myself this way Life is ours, we live it our way All these words I don’t just say
Trust I seek and I find in you Every day for us, something new Open mind for a different view and nothing else matters
never cared for what they say never cared for games they play never cared for what they do never cared for what they know and I know
So close, no matter how far Couldn’t be much more from the heart Forever trusting who we are No, nothing else matters
Today we see the release of Skyfall on Blu-Ray and DVD. This latest James Bond film surprised quite a bit of people who weren’t sure the franchise would be able to recover from the missed opportunity that was Quantum of Solace. So, it came out of left field that this follow-up ended up being one of the best films of 2012. From the acting, direction and writing the film was top-notch. One other thing which truly stood out about this film was it’s theme song.
“Skyfall” by Adele wasn’t just one of the best film songs of 2012, but most like going to turn out to be in the top 5 of best James Bond theme songs when all has been said and done. This is why to commemorate the release of the film on video I’ve chosen the Adele sung theme song of the same name to be the latest “Song of the Day”.
The song harkens back to the true James Bond classic theme songs by Shirley Bassey like “Goldfinger” and “Diamonds are Forever” right up to my personal favorite, Paul McCartney’s “Live and Let Die”. Maybe it was destiny that Adele would end up doing a James Bond theme song. Her soulful vocal range just shouts early James Bond and her “Skyfall” easily holds it’s own against the classic Bond themes of the 60’s and early 70’s.
The song itself has a very simple melody that incorporates the iconic 007 theme. Almost sung like a mournful ballad that hints at the danger and death awaiting the intrepid 007 and those around him, the song spends much of it’s running time with Adele singing in a very subdued fashion until we hit the final third of the track when she finally lets her inner diva shine….and shine she does.
Skyfall
This is the end Hold your breath and count to ten Feel the Earth move and then Hear my heart burst again
For this is the end I’ve drowned and dreamt this moment So overdue I owe them Swept away I’m stolen
Let the sky fall When it crumbles We will stand tall Face it all together
Let the sky fall When it crumbles We will stand tall Face it all together At skyfall At skyfall
Skyfall is where we start A thousand miles and poles apart Where worlds collide and days are dark You may have my number You can take my name But you’ll never have my heart
Let the sky fall When it crumbles We will stand tall Face it all together
Let the sky fall When it crumbles We will stand tall Face it all together At skyfall
Where you go I go What you see I see I know I’d never be me Without the security
Of your loving arms Keeping me from harm Put your hand in my hand And we’ll stand
Let the sky fall When it crumbles We will stand tall Face it all together
Let the sky fall When it crumbles We will stand tall Face it all together At skyfall
The latest “Song of the Day” comes courtesy of one of my favorite bands of the 80’s. It’s the sister rock duo Heart, Nancy and Ann Wilson, and their chart-topping power ballad from their self-titled album released in 1985. The song itself was released in 1986 and soon rose up the charts in both Billboard’s Mainstream, Rock, Pop and Adult Contemporary Charts. The song I speak of is “These Dreams”.
I was 13 when I first heard this song and saw the video make it’s rounds on MTV (yes, MTV used to show music videos, shocking isn’t it). I wasn’t sheltered muscially enough not to have been introduced to female rockers (Jett, Benatar, Slick being some of the ones I listened to courtesy of my Dad and older cousins), but with “These Dreams” I was finally introduced to the pioneers who gave young girls someone to look up to and dream of becoming rock stars as well. Heart, by the time I discovered them in 1986, were more in tune with that eras soft rock and adult contemporary sound. It was later on when I listened to their earlier albums that I finally heard them as hard rock musicians.
“These Dreams” was a favorite power ballad growing up and it rivals Led Zeppelin’s own fantasy-themed power ballad, “Stairway to Heaven”, as a power ballad I listen to constantly. It also had a music video that was so very 80’s MTV with both Wilson sisters sporting the overly teased, big hair that was glam/hair metal of the day. It didn’t matter since both then and now I still carry quite the crush and torch for Nancy Wilson. She, as Wayne and Garth would say, is a babe then and now.
Now, just sit back, relax and listen to one of my favorite songs of my youth.
These Dreams
Spare a little candle Save some light for me Figures up ahead Moving in the trees White skin in linen Perfume on my wrist And the full moon that hangs over These dreams in the mist
These dreams go on when I close my eyes Every second of the night I live another life These dreams that sleep when it’s cold outside Every moment I’m awake the further I’m away
Is it cloak n dagger Could it be spring or fall I walk without a cut Through a stained glass wall Weaker in my eyesight The candle in my grip And words that have no form Are falling from my lips
These dreams go on when I close my eyes Every second of the night I live another life These dreams that sleep when it’s cold outside Every moment I’m awake the further I’m away
There’s something out there I can’t resist I need to hide away from the pain There’s something out there I can’t resist
The sweetest song is silence That I’ve ever heard Funny how your feet In dreams never touch the earth In a wood full of princes Freedom is a kiss But the prince hides his face From dreams in the mist
These dreams go on when I close my eyes Every second of the night I live another life These dreams that sleep when it’s cold outside Every moment I’m awake the further I’m away
These dreams go on when I close my eyes Every second of the night I live another life These dreams that sleep when it’s cold outside Every moment I’m awake the further I’m away
Through the Shattered Lens 