30 Day Song Challenge - Day 01 – Your Favorite Song

How on this green green earth can I possibly pick a favorite song??

I have many choices but I'm not going to bore you with all of them so I went with....

Wonderwall - Oasis (or Ryan Adams)

I have no particular reason just have loved this song since I first bought "What's The Story, Morning Glory"

It's pure class by a definitely unclassy person. I finally saw Oasis live at Coke Fest in 2009 just before they disbanded. I was bitterly disappointed with their whole performance but when Wonderwall came on the whole world disappeared and all that was left was that song.

It’s a beautiful song and the Oasis version is a classic. Ryan Adams on the other hand took the exact same song and made it very different. He made it sad and I think that is why I fell in love with his version. I have said before that I love music for it’s lyrics but this is proof that the same lyrics can be changed with one simple melody.

Have a look at both videos and let me know what you think

Oasis

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAPtTS0TYtU

 Ryan Adams

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0gVxRvNfFLg

OK, now for the useless information:

·         The general consensus is that this song is about Noel Gallagher's then girlfriend Meg Matthews, who is compared with a schoolboy's wall to which posters of footballers and Pop stars are attached. Noel later married then divorced Meg Matthews. However, according to Q magazines 1001 Best Songs Ever, this was not about Matthews. Noel is quoted as saying, "The meaning of that song was taken away from me by the media who jumped on it. And how do you tell your Mrs. It’s not about her once she's read it is? It's about an imaginary friend who's going to come and save you from yourself."

·         The music is based on Wonderwall Music, an instrumental album George Harrison wrote for the movie Wonderwall in 1968. This was the first solo album released by any of The Beatles.

·         The concept of the "Wonderwall" is based on a '60s film called Wonderwall - from Psychedelia to Surrealism, starring Jane Birkin. She lives next door to a man who becomes fascinated with her,so he slowly makes holes in his wall so he can watch her through it. This is the "Wonderwall." Warning: this movie is supposedly terrible.

·         In 2002, the British army produced a recruitment video that used this under footage of soldiers conducting exercises. The producers of the video didn't realize they needed permission to use the song, and when Oasis denied, they had to recall all the videos.

·         The album is the second-best selling in British history. The best selling album in UK history is Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band by The Beatles.

·         This was the first single Oasis released in the US, and is their biggest hit in that country.

·         Initially Noel wanted to sing this song, but he gave his brother Liam Gallagher the choice, and Noel ended up singing "Don't Look Back In Anger."

·         What sounds like a cello was played on a Mellotron tape-playback keyboard, although the video features shows someone playing the cello.

·         At live shows Noel plays his acoustic guitar on a Fender Telecaster. It's one of the few songs where he uses a Fender guitar rather than a Gibson.

·         The opening track of (What's the Story) Morning Glory is the track "Hello," which starts off with the opening riff of "Wonderwall" playing extremely quietly; this stops once the guitar noise comes in.

·         The original title was "Wishing Stone."

·         In an interview conducted in Australia around the time of the release of Be Here Now, when asked which 3 songs he would like to be remembered for, Noel immediately responded with "Live Forever" and "Wonderwall" and then proceeded to list several others, including "Champagne Supernova," "Magic Pie" and "Cigarettes & Alcohol."

·         At the very end of the song, the intro to "Supersonic" can be faintly heard being played on acoustic guitar.

·         Radiohead recorded a bootleg cover of the song in which Thom Yorke sings many incorrect lyrics and cuts out mid-chorus when a background voice says, "Is this abysmal or what? It's always good to make fun of Oasis."

·         Check out the sleeve artwork in the Song Images. (thanks, Bertrand - Paris, France, for above 8)

·         This was prevented from reaching #1 in the UK by Robson & Jerome's Double A-side, "I Believe" and "Up on the Roof."

·         The song's music promo won the Best Video at the 1996 Brit Awards.

I know I said it before but it really is a beautiful piece of music and in the right time and place can bring a tear to anybodies eyes.

My favorite song will more than likely change tomorrow, but for now....

Today is gonna be the day...

To buy this:

(What's The Story) Morning Glory - Oasis

Takealot

Amazon

Love is Hell - Ryan Adams

Takealot

Amazon

Oh and thank you for listening

XOXO

January 24th: On this Day

January 24th: On this Day

1953, Eddie Fisher was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Outside Is Heaven'. American singer and entertainer divorced his first wife, Debbie Reynolds to marry his best friend's widow, Elizabeth Taylor, too much unwelcome publicity at the time. Eddie is father of actress Carrie Fisher.

1958, Elvis Presley was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Jailhouse Rock'. It became the first ever single to enter the chart at No.1 and was Presley's second UK No.1. It went on to sell over 4 million copies in the US.

1958, The Quarry Men performed at the Cavern Club, in Liverpool, (this was the bands only performance at the club). It was three years later when they appeared again at the Cavern but under their new name as The Beatles.

1962, Brian Epstein signed a management deal with The Beatles. Epstein was to receive 25 per cent of the bands gross earnings, the normal management deal was 10 per cent.

1963, American lyricist Otto Harbach died aged 90 in New York City. He co-wrote, 'Smoke Gets In Your Eyes', US & UK No.1 for The Platters in 1958.

1968, Georgie Fame was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'The Ballad Of Bonnie and Clyde', the singers third and last UK No.1.

1969, New Jersey state prosecutors issue a warning to US record dealers that they would be charged with distributing pornography if they were caught selling the John Lennon / Yoko Ono LP 'Two Virgins'. The front cover of the album showed the pair frontally nude, while the back cover showed them from behind. The album still managed to reach No.124 on the US, but failed to chart at all in the UK, where only 5,000 copies were ever pressed.

1969, The Doors appeared at Madison Square Garden, New York City, They were paid over $50,000 for the gig making them one of the highest paid acts this year.

1969, During their first North American tour Led Zeppelin played the second of four nights at the Boston Tea Party, Boston.

1970, James Sheppard, the lead singer from the Heartbeats and Shep and the Limelites, was found murdered in his car on the Long Island Expressway. The US singer had been beaten and robbed. The Limelites reached No.2 in the US in 1961 with 'Daddy's Home'.

1976, Bob Dylan started a five-week run at No.1 on the US album chart with 'Desire' his third US No.1.

1976, Diana Ross went to No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Theme From Mahogany', the singers third US No.1, a No.5 hit in the UK.

1977, The Buzzcocks appeared at the Roxy, in London, England, supported by Chelsea. Also appearing at the venue over the last week; The Damned, The Boys, The Adverts, Slaughter And The Dogs and Squeeze.

1978, Workers at EMI's record pressing plant refused to press copies of The Buzzcocks forthcoming release 'What Do I Get' because of the title on the B-side 'Oh Shit.'

1979, The Clash released their first single in the US, 'I Fought The Law' (written by Sonny Curtis of Buddy Holly's Crickets).

1979, Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys divorced his wife Marilyn after 15 years together. She was a member of the Honeys and mother of Wendy and Carnie Wilson, who would go on to sing in Wilson-Phillips.

1980, Spandau Ballet appeared at The Blizt Club, London, England.

1980, A billboard was erected on Sunset Strip, West Hollywood, California to promote Pink Floyds new album 'The Wall'. Every day workmen added another brick to the wall until it was finished.

1981, Adam And The Ants started a 10-week run at No.1 on the UK chart with their debut album 'Kings Of The Wild Frontier'.

1981, Steve Tyler of Aerosmith was hospitalised after being involved in a crash on his motorbike.

1987, Billy Vera and the Beaters started a two week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'At This Moment' not a hit in the UK.

1992, Nirvana played their first ever show in Australia at the Phoenician Club in Sydney. Also on the bill, Tumbleweed and The Meanies.

1995, David Cole producer, keyboards, C & C Music Factory died of meningitis aged 32. (1991 UK No.4 single 'Things That Make You Go Hmmm...', 1991 US No.1 single 'Gonna Make You Sweat'. Produced Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston and Aretha Franklin.

1998, Oasis went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'All Around The World'. The longest running-time for a UK No.1 with a total duration of 9 minutes 38 seconds. It was one of the first songs to be written by Noel Gallagher, with the band rehearsing it as early as 1992.

1999, The Offspring went to No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Pretty Fly, For A White Guy'. Taken from their fifth studio album Americana the single was a No.1 hit in ten other countries.

2003, Girls Aloud were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Sound Of The Underground'. Canadian singer Avril Laviagne had the UK No.1 album with 'Let Go.'

2005, Country singer Lynn Anderson was arrested for shoplifting after being caught stealing a Harry Potter DVD from a New Mexico supermarket and punching a police officer during her arrest. The 57 year-old had the 1970 Top 5 hit 'Rose Garden'.

2007, Record producer Dave Shayman (also known as Disco D) was found dead at his home in New York City. 26-year-old Shayman was famous for his production work on hip hop records and was a rising star in the business. His death was being treated as a potential suicide after he was recently diagnosed with manic depression.

2008, Amy Winehouse was admitted into rehab in a battle to kick her addiction to drugs. A statement from her record company, Universal said she entered the facility "after talks with her record label, management, family and doctors to continue her ongoing recovery against drug addiction."

January 24th: Born on this Day

1933, Born on this day, Zeke Carey, The Flamingos (1959 US No.11 single 'I Only Have Eyes For You'. 1975 UK No.1 hit for Art Garfunkel). Died on 24th December 1999.

1941, Born on this day, Aaron Neville, vocals, The Neville Brothers, (1966 US No.2 single 'Tell It Like It Is', 1989 UK No.2 single with Linda Ronstadt' Don't Know Much').

1941, Born on this day, Neil Diamond, singer, songwriter, (1970 US No.1 & UK No.3 single 'Cracklin' Rose' plus over 30 US & 10 UK Top 40 singles. Wrote 'I'm A Believer', No.1 for The Monkees. Many acts from Elvis Presley, Lulu and Deep Purple have all covered his songs.

1941, Born on this day, Ray Stevens, singer, songwriter, (1970 US No.1 & UK No.6 single 'Everything Is Beautiful' 1974 US & UK No.1 single 'The Streak').

1947, Born on this day, Warren Zevon, singer, songwriter. He had played piano with The Everly Brothers, recorded over 15 solo albums and had the 1978 US No.21 single 'Werewolves Of London'). Zevon died on September 7th 2003.

1949, Born on this day, John Belushi, actor, singer who played Joliet 'Jake' Blues in The Blues Brothers, died of a drug overdose on 5th March 1982. Had the 1990 UK No.12 single 'Everybody Needs Somebody To Love'.

1955, Born on this day, Jools Holland, keyboards, Squeeze, Jools Holland Big Band, TV presenter on The Tube, Juke Box Dury and Later. (1979 UK No.2 single with Squeeze, 'Up The Junction').

1963, Born on this day, Keech Rainwater, drums, Lonestar, (2000 US No.1 & UK No. 21 single 'Amazed').

1974, Born on this day, Christopher River Hesse, drummer, Hoobastank, 2004 US No.2 hit 'The Reason'.

1975, Born on this day, Paul Marazzi, vocals, A1, (2000 UK No.1 single, 'Same Old Brand New You')

This Day in Music History - 18 January

January 18th: On this Day

1960, Johnny Preston started a three week run at No.1 on the US singles chart with 'Running Bear'. Written by J.P. Richardson (The Big Bopper), the tune originally entered the chart in October 1959, then quickly vanished, but re-entered in November and slowly climbed to the top. It was also a UK No.1.

1964, The Beatles made their US chart debut when 'I Want To Hold Your Hand' entered the chart at No.45 just ten days after its release, making it the fastest-breaking and the fastest selling single in Capitol Records history. It went on to spend seven weeks at the No.1 position. I Want To Hold Your Hand

1965, The Rolling Stones recorded 'The Last Time' and 'Play With Fire' at the RCA studio in Hollywood, California. Phil Spector played acoustic guitar on 'Play With Fire.'

1967, Jimi Hendrix recorded an appearance on UK TV show Top Of The Pops and also played a show at the Seven and a Half Club in Mayfair, London.

1969, Pink Floyd played three shows in one day: first at the Homerton College, Cambridge, then the London College of Printing, London and finally at Middle Earth, The Roundhouse, Chalk Farm, London, England (in the early hours of 19 January).

1974, Former members from Free, (Paul Rodgers & Simon Kirke), Mott The Hoople, (Mick Ralphs), and King Crimson, (Boz Burrell), formed Bad Company. The band went on to score a US No.1 album with their debut release.

1975, Barry Manilow scored his first US No.1 single when 'Mandy', (originally titled 'Brandy' when it was recorded in 1972 by Scott English), went to the top of the charts.

1975, Status Quo were at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Down Down', the group's only UK No.1 from 52 hits between 1968 and 1996.

1981, Wendy O. Williams of The Plasmatics was arrested on stage at Milwaukee and was charged with the offence of simulating sex with a sledgehammer. Williams later filed a multimillion dollar civil suit against the Milwaukee Police, claming they sexually assaulted and beat her during the arrest, but a jury rejected her claims. Wendy O. Williams

1984, Van Halen kicked off their 103-date '1984' North American tour at Jacksonville Coliseum in Jacksonville, Florida.

1986, 'That's What Friends Are For' by Dionne Warwick began a four-week run at No.1 on the US singles chart, all company and artists profits were given to aids charities.

1989, At just 38 years old, Stevie Wonder became the youngest living person to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. At a ceremony held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York, other inductees include The Rolling Stones, The Temptations, Otis Redding and Dion DiMucci.

1991, During an AC/DC North American tour three fans were killed during a crush in a crowd at a gig in Salt Lake City.

1991, The first of three nights at Wembley Arena for The Brits 91, which featured the Happy Mondays, James, 808 state, The Cure, Jesus Jones, The Quire Boys, Thunder and The Little Angels. Tickets £12.50 ($21.25) for each day. Wembley Arena

1993, Elton John resigned his directorship of Watford Football Club.

1996, Lisa Marie Presley divorced Michael Jackson after less then two years of being married.

1997, Songwriter and producer Keith Diamond died of a heart attack. He wrote, 'Caribbean Queen' and 'Suddenly' for Billy Ocean, and also wrote hits for Donna Summer, James Ingram, Mick Jagger, Sheena Easton and Michael Bolton.

1997, Tori Amos was at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'Professional Widow' (It's Got To Be)'. The song had been remixed by Armand Van Helden and was rumoured to be about Courtney Love the former wife of Kurt Cobain.

2000, Spencer Goodman was executed by lethal injection in Huntsville, Texas. Goodman was convicted of kidnapping and murdering the wife of ZZ Top manager Bill Ham in 1991. Ham was present for the execution.

2001, Oasis guitarist Noel Gallagher was granted a quickie divorce fromMeg Matthews at the High Court in London. The couple had split last September, eight months after Meg had given birth to their daughter, Anais.  Noel Gallagher & Meg Matthews

2004, Jennifer Lopez’s divorce from her second husband Cris Judd became final. Lopez and Judd married in 2001, after meeting when filming the video to ‘Love Don’t Cost A Thing’ but split the next year. He was expected to get a $15 million (£8.8 million) settlement from the divorce.

2004, Winner of the 2003 Pop Idol TV show Michelle McManus started a two week run at No.1 on the UK singles chart with 'All This Time.' Michelle McManus

2005, Motown producer Norman Whitfield pleaded guilty for failing to report royalty income he earned from 1995 to 1999 to the Internal Revenue Service. Facing charges of tax evasion on over $2 million worth of income, he was sentenced to six months of house arrest and a $25,000 fine. The producer was not imprisoned because of health problems.

2006, Animals in Michael Jackson's private zoo were declared to be in good health after officials paid a surprise visit to the singer's Neverland ranch. A medical officer from the US department of agriculture inspected the property following concerns voiced by the animal rights group, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Jackson had earlier moved out of Neverland and had taken up residence in Bahrain in the Middle East. Neverland

2008, Four photographers were arrested for reckless driving after they chased Britney Spears' car on the outskirts of Los Angeles. The four were among a group of paparazzi seen driving at high speed, each of the men were ordered to post $5,000 (£2,539) bail. The cars were following Ms Spears' car too closely and travelling at an unsafe speed and made several unsafe lane changes, according to police.

2010, Canadian folk singer Kate McGarrigle died of cancer at home in Montreal at the age of 63. Once married to folk singer Loudon Wainwright lll, Kate was the mother of singers Rufus and Martha Wainwright. She rose to prominence with sister Anna when they recorded together in the 1970s. Other artists who covered the pair's songs included Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, Billy Bragg, Kirsty MacColl and Judy Collins.

2011, The largest collection of Beatles memorabilia went on display in a new museum in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Rodolfo Vazquez, a 53-year-old accountant, turned his mammoth Beatles collection into a museum with more than 8,500 objects - setting the new world record for the largest collection of Beatles memorabilia. Some of the items included a box of condoms bearing the names of John Lennon and Yoko Ono, a brick from the Cavern Club, a hunk of the stage from the Star Club in Hamburg, and certified copies of the band members' birth certificates. Among his favorite items were 64 boxes of chewing gum in the form of Beatles records.

January 18th: Born on This Day

1941, Born on this day, Bobby Goldsboro, US singer, (1968 US No.1 & UK No.2 single 'Honey'). Bobby Goldsboro

1941, Born on this day, David Ruffin, vocals, The Temptations, (1971 US No.1 & UK No. 8 single 'Just My Imagination' and re-issued 'My Girl' UK No.2 in 1992, solo, 1975 US No.9 & UK No.10 single 'Walk Away From Love'). Ruffin died of a drug overdose on 1st June 1991.  David Ruffin

1944, Born on this day, Legs Larry Smith, drums, Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band, (1968 UK No.5 single 'I'm The Urban Spaceman').

1959, Born on this day, Bob Rosenberg, Will To Power, (1988 US No.1 & 1989 UK No.6 single 'Baby I Love Your Way / Freebird').

1962, Born on this day, Jeremy Healey, guitar, Haysi Fantayzee, (1982 UK No.11 single 'John Wayne Is Big Leggy').

1971, Born on this day, Jonathan Davis, vocals, Korn, (1998 UK No.23 single 'Got The Life', 1998 US No.1 album 'Follow The Leader'). Jonathan Davis

1973, Born on this day, Crispian Mills, guitar, vocals, Kula Shaker, (1996 UK No.2 single 'Hey Dude').

1973, Born on this day, Luther Dickinson, guitar, The Black Crowes. Joined in 2007.

1974, Born on this day, Christian Burns, BBMak, (2001 UK No.5 single 'Back Here' No.1 hit in Japan.

1977, Born on this day, Richard Archer, singer, guitarist, Hard-Fi, (2006 UK No.1 album, ‘Stars of CCTV”).

Richard Archer 1980, Born on this day in 1980, Estelle Swaray, female English hip-hop artist, singer and producer. 2008 UK No.1 single 'American Boy' featuring Kayne West.

1983, Born on this day, Samantha Mumba, singer, actress, (2000 UK No.2 & US No.4 single 'Gotta Tell You', 2001 UK No.3 single 'Always Come Back To').