This is the episode where I try to explain why I think Todd Rundgren’s “Cliché” is the most beautiful song ever written. Of course it’s all subjective, but I don’t know how anyone could deny the beauty and emotional resonance of this song. I probably can’t do it justice, but here’s my attempt anyway.
“Cliché” (Todd Rundgren) Copyright 1976 Warner Publishing Corp.
By the time Aerosmith recorded their 2nd album, they had refined their sound, improved their songwriting chops, and Steven Tyler had found his authentic voice. “Seasons Of Wither” is one of the moodiest tracks Aerosmith ever committed to vinyl. Still sounds every bit as great today.
“Seasons Of Wither” (Steven Tyler) Copyright 1977 Music Of Stage Three and Song & Dance
Welcome to 2019! Let’s start the year off with one of the Greatest Rock Bands Of All Time. There is simply no other band like The Who. Genius and violence, vulnerability and madness… all words that can be used in equal measure to describe The Who. Four larger-than-life characters that created a dozen indelible classic albums; a band that recorded so much great music that a song like this was tossed aside, eventually released on a ramshackle album of leftovers & outtakes. Most bands would give an arm & a leg for a song this good.
“The Naked Eye” (Peter Townshend) Copyright 1974 Fabulous Music Ltd/Towser Tunes Inc.
When the band released their first 2 albums in 1968 & 1969, they set off a musical revolution; the psychedelic sounds of the ’60’s were out and a return to the roots was back in style. “Whispering Pines” is their most haunting, beautiful ballad, with a lead vocal from Richard Manuel that’s so vulnerable it makes you ache to hear it. The Band were at their peak during this time, with every member writing & performing at their best. Let me know what you think — write a review, leave a comment, and share with your friends!
“Whispering Pines” (R. Manuel and J.R. Robertson) Copyright 1970 Canaan Music, Inc.
One of the most underappreciated bands in rock. Undaunted by the ups & downs of the fickle music business, Cheap Trick have played over 5000 shows and released 20 albums, including “Rockford” in 2006, one of their best albums ever. I could’ve picked any song from this album– it’s that good– but I settled on “If It Takes A Lifetime”. If you don’t have this album in your collection, don’t wait– Go get it now.
“If It Takes A Lifetime” (Robin Zander, Tom Petersson, Rick Neilsen, Bun E. Carlos & Julian Raymond) Copyright Z.P.N.&C./Sony/ATV (BMI) and Maxiva (ASCAP)
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