My Favorite Songs by Joni Mitchell (Part One)

This is a series of posts that will talk about my favorite songs by Joni Mitchell. See if you agree with any of these!

Joni Mitchell’s “California,” written solely by Mitchell and released on her album Blue on 06-22-1971, is a wistful, free-flowing travelogue in which she describes wandering through Europe—Paris, Spain, and the Greek islands—while yearning for the emotional safety and creative freedom she associates

Continue reading “My Favorite Songs by Joni Mitchell (Part One)”

Lyrical: State Names (Part One)

These are songs that contain States names in the lyrics or title.

“I’ve Been Everywhere” is a rapid-fire novelty song originally written in 1959 by Australian country singer-songwriter Geoff Mack, who crafted it as a tongue-twisting travelogue listing dozens of towns across Australia, but it was later adapted to American geography in 1962 by Hank Snow,

Continue reading “Lyrical: State Names (Part One)”

Brian Wilson Dies

“The maestro has passed.”

Brian Wilson was born on Sunday, June 20, 1942, in Inglewood, California, growing up in Hawthorne alongside his brothers Carl and Dennis. Brian was the first child of Audree Neva (née Korthof) and Murry Wilson, a machinist who later pursued songwriting part-time. From a young age, he displayed precocious musical talent—learning piano, crafting vocal harmonies, and teaching his siblings to sing.

Continue reading “Brian Wilson Dies”

Song Meanings: Daniel

Oh God, it looks like Daniel,
Must be the clouds in my eyes

“Daniel” is a song by Elton John with lyrics by his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. Released in 1973 as a single from the album Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player, the song became one of John’s biggest hits, reaching No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States (No. 1 on the adult contemporary charts for two weeks), and No. 4 on the UK Singles Chart.

Continue reading “Song Meanings: Daniel”

Covers – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree

Voices singing, let’s be jolly, Deck the halls with boughs of holly

“Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” was penned by Johnny Marks, a prolific songwriter renowned for his contributions to the Christmas music genre.

Continue reading “Covers – Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree”