Today's Tune: "The Warrior" By Scandal

Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) and the Doctor (Jon Pertwee)
wrestle with a Sontaran in 'Doctor Who' - "The Time Warrior" (1973).

English actress Elisabeth Sladen was born on February 1, 1946, in Liverpool, England. Therefore, since today is the day of the year to celebrate her birthday, this 'Today's Tune' is dedicated to her.

I have always been a big fan of Elisabeth Sladen, ever since she starred in 'Doctor Who', the longest running science-fiction television show of all time and space. From 1973 to 1976, Sladen portrayed an investigative-reporter named Sarah Jane Smith, the most popular of all the many companions that 'the Doctor' ever had. Sarah Jane is the role Elisabeth Sladen is most remembered for. She then reprised the role a few times, including in the 'Doctor Who' spin-offs, 'K-9 And Company' and 'The Sarah Jane Adventures'. Unfortunately, Sladen died from cancer on April 19, 2011, at the age of 63.

The very first story that included the Sarah Jane Smith character was called "The Time Warrior", which originally aired in four episodes, from December 15, 1973 to January 5, 1974. This story's title led to my choice of musical track for today.

Doctor Who - Sarah Jane Smith quizzes the Doctor in "The Time Warrior"

The American (US) band Scandal, fronted by singer Patty Smyth, released a song called "The Warrior" in August, 1984. It comes from the album of the same name, also released in August of 1984.

Scandal were popular for a few years, 1981 - 1985, creating a few hits before splitting up. They reunited in 2004, and have continued to tour off and on since then. Band members have changed over the years.

Scandal - "The Warrior" (1984)
Original official video reminds me of the musical, 'Cats'. How 'bout you?


Scandal - "The Warrior" At Gilford 2007
Lookout, someone's drunk (and hot) mom is singing karaoke!



Scandal - "The Warrior" at 'Alive At Five' Albany, NY 2012
Hey, someone's drunk (and hot) mom returns for more karaoke!

Today's Tune: "Rock Out" By Motörhead

This is one of those dual purpose 'Today's Tune' installments. It's yet another Hockey Music post, as well as celebrating a rock 'n roller's birthday.

Back in New York for an Eastern Conference Semifinal Game 5 tonight, the Washington Capitals are looking to move ahead of the New York Rangers. They return after having alternated victories, first in New York and then in Washington, DC, putting them in a 2 - 2 tie in the playoff series.

Hopefully, we'll be celebrating a Caps win tonight. In the meantime, happy birthday to Welsh guitarist Phil Campbell! Campbell has been playing lead guitar in the iconic group Motörhead since 1984.

To set the right mood, Junior's Eyes happily presents the song "Rock Out", from the 2008 album - Motörizer.

Motörhead - "Rock Out" (2008)

Today's Tune: "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" By Saxon

The Washington Capitals are back in Boston, Massachusetts tonight, for Game 7 against the Boston Bruins. It's the last game of their quarterfinal playoff series, and if they don't come out with a win, their last game in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs (NHL).

Today, Junior's Eyes offers another Hockey Music anthem type piece for this 'Today's Tune'. The Capitals are really going to have to rock against the Bruins, who won the cup last year, to continue into the next round of the playoffs. Therefore, I chose a fitting song from the British heavy metal band Saxon. "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" (Lyrics) comes from their 2007 album 'The Inner Sanctum'.

Band members at the time (and currently) of this recording were: Biff Byford (lead vocals), Paul Quinn (guitar), Nigel Glockler (drums, keyboards), Nibbs Carter (bass) and Doug Scarratt (guitar). Additional musicians on the studio album and single versions are Lemmy Kilmister (Hawkwind, Motörhead), Angry Anderson (Rose Tattoo) and Andi Deris (Helloween).

Saxon with Lemmy Kilmister, Angry Anderson and Andi Deris
"I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" (2007)



Saxon - "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" Wacken Fest. 2007 DVD



Saxon - "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" Montreux Jazz Fest. 2008

Today's Tune: "We Can't Be Beaten" By Rose Tattoo

Today, shortly after 3:00 PM EDT, the Washington Capitals are at home facing the Boston Bruins in Game 6 of their Stanley Cup quarterfinal playoff series. Junior's Eyes continues with the Hockey Music theme for this 'Today's Tune'.

My track selection today has to do with the attitude the Capitals need to bring and the confidence they need to show in today's game. There is no sense in prolonging this series with the Bruins. It's time to move on. For this to happen, Washington has to believe they will win, with no doubt.

To reflect this feeling, I've picked a great tune by Australia's bluesy hard rock band, Rose Tattoo. Think it, believe it, shout it and sing it - "We Can't Be Beaten"!

Rose Tattoo - "We Can't Be Beaten" Live March 2001

Link For 1982 Studio Version / Music Video

If you want to be in my gang, stand up with me
We'll start a revolution and make the streets free
We'll never weaken, we'll give it our best
Can't be defeated, we're better than the rest

Shoulder to shoulder, we're gonna stand
We're gonna fight 'til the very last man
Can't be defeated, don't know the word
Shoulder to shoulder, we'll fight the world

We can't be beaten
What do we tell 'em, boys
We can't be beaten

There comes a time when every man must fight
When he believes in justice and right
He'll take so much 'til he'll take no more
They'll hear us comin', when they hear the mighty roar

Shoulder to shoulder, we're gonna stand
We're gonna fight 'til the very last man
Can't be defeated, don't know the word
Shoulder to shoulder, we'll fight the world

We can't be beaten
Let me hear ya
We can't be beaten
Sing it out loud
We can't be beaten
We'll tell the world
We can't be beaten

Now listen, everybody out there that really cares
We can't be beaten
You gotta realise that you're the real power
We can't be beaten
We can rule the streets
We can't be beaten
It's just up to you and me
We can't be beaten

Can't be defeated, don't know the word
Shoulder to shoulder, we'll fight the world

'Cause, we can't be beaten
Hey-hey, we can't be beaten
You've gotta believe it
We can't be beaten
They'll soon find out
We can't be beaten
No, we can't be beaten
We can't be beaten
When they hear our voice
We can't be beaten
They'll hear us comin'
We can't be beaten
We've got the cause to fight
We can't be beaten

Message To Braden Holtby, Via Today's Tune: "Get It Up" By Aerosmith

I would like to send a friendly message to Braden Holtby, goaltender for the Washington Capitals. "Get It Up" is a song by Aerosmith, and it's also what you need to do with your glove, before an opponent takes a shot on your net.

Congratulations, for gaining the honor of playing goalie in the NHL's 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I'm very happy for you, and you're doing great. Fantastic, in fact.

However, I couldn't help but notice that on both of the game winning goals (Game 1 and Game 3) by the Boston Bruins, you didn't put your glove up until the puck was sailing by you. You actually moved it downward just before the deflected one in Game 3. The goaltending coaches have probably already pointed this out to you, but I wanted to make sure you were aware of it. You may have had a better chance at catching or blocking those shots, holding the glove up.

I'll be cheering for you tonight, and deep into the playoffs, I'm sure. You've got a great style of playing, and you are destined to have a successful NHL career.

"Get It Up" originally appeared on Aerosmith's album 'Draw The Line', released on December 1st of 1977. It was later put out as a single in 1978. The band Aerosmith are also originally from the Boston, Massachusetts area.

"...Can't give it up
Gotta get it up, get it up..."



Aerosmith - "Get It Up" Live (Very Rare)
Dec 22, 1977 at Capital Centre in Landover (Largo), MD



Aerosmith - "Get It Up" (1977)


"...Can't give it up
Gotta get it up, get it up..."

Today's Tune: "I'm Your Captain (Closer To Home)" By Grand Funk Railroad

Happy Birthday to Ian McShane and to Mark Farner! We celebrate the birthdays of both the actor McShane and musician Farner with this 'Today's Tune'.

Ian McShane was born on September 29, 1942 in Blackburn, Lancashire, England. McShane's films include 'Ordeal By Innocence' (1985) and 'Too Scared To Scream' (1985). He's also appeared in the television shows Space: 1999 (1975) and Trust (2003). He portrayed an East Anglia antiques dealer in the comedy / mystery-drama television show Lovejoy. The song choice this time however, has to do with McShane voicing Captain Hook in the animated movie 'Shrek The Third' (2007), and then a captain again (live action) in 'Pirates Of The Caribbean: On Stranger Tides' (2011), as the infamous pirate known as Blackbeard.

American guitarist, singer and songwriter Mark Farner was born in Flint, Michigan on September 29, 1948. He's mostly known for his years rocking with Grand Funk Railroad. One of their most popular songs is "I'm Your Captain (Closer to Home)" (1970), which Farner wrote, and the band released as a single and as part of the album, 'Closer To Home' (1970)

Grand Funk Railroad - "I'm Your Captain (Closer To Home)" (1970)



GFR - "I'm Your Captain (Closer To Home)" 1971 Shea Stadium

Today's Tune: "Photographs And Memories" And "Time In A Bottle" By Jim Croce

We lost the great American folk singer, songwriter Jim Croce on September 20, 1973. Junior's Eyes therefore celebrates his meaningful cultural contributions on this anniversary.

Croce's musical creations are the kind that are life changing. When I hear his songs, in my mind, I'm transported back to the happier and easier time of my childhood. There is an emotional link to his music that I never want to lose.

This 'Today's Tune' is a double feature. I've chosen to include a bonus track for a couple of reasons. I love both songs, and they both fit the situation so well that I couldn't pick just one.

"Photographs And Memories" comes from the 1972 album titled 'You Don't Mess Around With Jim'. It was picked because, other than the brilliant five studio albums and a couple live recordings, that's basically almost all we have left of Jim Croce. That might seem greedy, but he was only 30 years old when he died.

When a tremendous musical talent perishes at such a young age, or as in Jim's case, when you realize how special a person that someone is even during their life, you wish you could save their "Time In A Bottle". This song is off the same album, and was released as a single later on, in 1973.

Jim Croce - "Photographs And Memories" (1972)



Jim Croce - "Time In A Bottle" (From 1972 Album, 1973 Single)



Jim Croce talks about early days of his career.

Today's Tune: "Close My Eyes Forever" By Lita Ford

Lita Ford at Rocklahoma July 12, 2008. Photo by Mark Weiss.

Happy Birthday to Lita Ford! Born in London, England on 19th September in 1958 as Carmelita Rossana Fordson, American singer, songwriter and guitarist Ford moved to the United States at the age of four. She is well known for both her time with the all-female rock band The Runaways (1975-1979), and her solo work since the 1980s.

The 'Today's Tune', Lita Ford's hit single "Close My Eyes Forever" (from 1988 album 'Lita'), was originally recorded in studio (1987) as a duet with Ozzy Osbourne.

Lita has been on tour this year, and is currently working on material for a new album.

Lita Ford & Ozzy Osbourne - "Close My Eyes Forever" (1988)

Lita Ford & Dee Snider - "Close My Eyes Forever" 2010 Las Vegas,NV



Lita Ford Interview at M3 Rock Festival 2011 in Columbia, MD



Lita Ford - "Close My Eyes Forever" 2011 in Columbia, MD

Today's Tune: "A Kind Of Magic" And "Heaven For Everyone" By Queen

Freddie Mercury was born on September 5, 1946. Since the former lead singer of Queen (my favorite band) remains my favorite singer of all time, this 'Today's Tune' will be dedicated to him.

Sadly, Freddie passed away with AIDS on November 24, 1991. If he were still alive, he would've turned 65 today, and that's being celebrated all around the world in a big way.

The last five studio albums from the Queen catalouge are being reissued on CD today. Also, 'Queen Live At Wembley Stadium 25th Anniversary Edition', which now includes both the July 11th and July 12th concerts from 1986, will be released today in a standard 2 disc DVD set and also a deluxe 2 disc DVD with 2 disc CD set. Queen and Freddie Mercury fans can visit the official Queen YouTube Channel for specialy streamed music and tribute videos until Wednesday, September 7th. There's even a Freddie Mercury Google Doodle video to view when you go to use the internet search engine (tomorrow in US).

"A Kind Of Magic", the title track from the best album ever recorded, and "Heaven For Everyone" are the double feature tracks for this special day. Both were written by Queen drummer, Roger Taylor.

Queen - "A Kind Of Magic" (1986)



Queen - "A Kind Of Magic" Live (July 1986)



Queen - "Heaven For Everyone" (1995 Version - 'Made In Heaven')

Today's Tune: Rod Stewart Sings "Sailing"

Endeavour replica sailing into Cooktown's harbor near the mouth of the Endeavour River. Photo by John Hill.

On August 26, 1768, Captain James Cook left a port in England on board the HMS Endeavour. The explorer and his crew sailed west, around Cape Horn (South America), on to New Zealand and Australia.

Our 'Today's Tune', Gavin Sutherland's "Sailing" (1972), gives the listener a good idea of how James Cook and his crew members must have been feeling by the time they headed toward home, after such an incredibly long time away.

The song title connects with our story for an obvious reason, but the performer does as well. Cook was the son of a Scottish farm laborer, and the featured singer covering the song is Scotland's most popular singer of all time, Rod Stewart.

Rod Stewart - "Sailing" 1975 Original Recording



Rod Stewart - "Sailing" 1975 Audio with Slide Show



Rod Stewart - "Sailing" Live 2004
'One Night Only! Rod Stewart Live At Royal Albert Hall'

Today's Tune: "Rescue Me" By Y & T

Happy Birthday to Denis Leary! American comedian, television and film actor, writer and director, Leary turned 54 years old today. The Massachusetts native, and son of Irish immigrants is well known for his fiery, angry style of comedic delivery. His stand-up act consists largely of anti-conformist rants.

Many have complained that Denis Leary copied his stage persona and some of his material directly from his former close friend, the now deceased (pancreatic cancer) American comedian, Bill Hicks (December 16, 1961 – February 26, 1994). I can't say for sure that none of the accusations are true, but don't comics steal / borrow from and emulate other performers all the time? Of course, they usually take from retired and already dead comedy legends. Leary and Hicks did spend a lot of time around each other though, climbing up the ranks together.

Moving along here, this 'Today's Tune' relates to the television drama, Rescue Me (2004 - 2011). The show was created by Denis Leary and Peter Tolan. Leary also stars in the series, which is about the personal lives of a fictional group of New York firefighters.

The selected track comes from the US rock band Y & T. The original recording first showed up on their third studio album, 'Earthshaker' (Recorded 1980 / Released 1981). The song has the same title as Leary's show. Please enjoy "Rescue Me".

Y & T - "Rescue Me" Recorded 1980 / Released 1981



Y & T - "Rescue Me" on April 1, 2011 at Brixton South Bay,
in Redondo Beach, CA

Today's Tune: "Highway Song" By Blackfoot

Photo from www.tccn.ca

Trans-Canada Highway, one of the largest (4,990 mi / 8,030 km) national highways in the world, officially opened on July 30, 1962. It's actually a multi-road system, running across the Southern regions of Canada, from one end to the other. This bit of transportation history lends us the opportunity to relate a rather good 'Today's Tune' selection.

Our featured track comes from a rock band that originated in the Southern US state of Florida. Simply titled "Highway Song", it comes from the 1979 Blackfoot album, 'Strikes'.

Blackfoot - "Highway Song" 1979



Blackfoot - "Highway Song" Paris, France 2011 (New Morning club)
With current singer (Mike Estes) and drummer (Kurt Pietro)

Today's Tune: "The Miracle" By Queen And "Miracles" By Jefferson Starship

Happy Birthday to Eve Myles! Born July 8, 1978 in Ystradgynlais, Powys, Wales, this Welsh beauty is a very talented television, stage, film and voice actress. Myles is most well known in the United States for her TV role as alien and monster investigator Gwen Cooper, in the fantasy / science-fiction Doctor Who spin-off show Torchwood (2006 - Present). In the United Kingdom, she is also remembered as Ceri Lewis/Owen in the Welsh drama Belonging (2000 - 2009). For the latest news on Eve Myles, visit fan site EveMyles.net .

Tonight, as if to be some sort of birthday present, the new season (4th) of Torchwood, known as Torchwood: Miracle Day premieres in North America via the Starz network. This new Americanized (Oooh God!) BBC Worldwide / Liberty Starz combo version will show in the UK starting July 14, 2011.

Many of the great American classic television shows have been British imports, but when it comes to science-fiction, the record isn't anywhere near as good as comedies, murder mysteries and crime-dramas. I am hopeful that it at least remains similar in overall quality to the first three series (seasons), which were produced by BBC Wales.

Eve Myles (Gwen Cooper) and her original co-stars, John Barrowman (Captain Jack Harkness) and Kai Owen (Gwen's husband - Rhys Williams), are joined by American film, television, and stage actor Bill Pullman ('While You Were Sleeping', 'Independence Day', 'You Kill Me'), who portrays convicted murderer Oswald Danes in Series 4. The "Miracle" theme for this season is advertised as something happens globally that makes it so "No one dies". SPOILER ALERT: However, it has recently been leaked that the once immortal Captain Jack becomes mortal, and now can die.

Torchwood: Miracle Day - Trailer

Torchwood: Miracle Day - 8 Trailer Clip Playlist

Staying with the miracle theme, our 'Today's Tune' is a double dose of musical medicine. First up is "The Miracle" (1989) by British rock band Queen. The follow up is "Miracles" (1975), by American rock group, Jefferson Starship.

Queen - "The Miracle" (1989)



Jefferson Starship - "Miracles" (1975)

Today's Tune: "No Matter What" By Badfinger

Thomas Evans, Jr. (June 5, 1947 – November 19, 1983), English musician (bassist, guitarist, singer and songwriter) mostly remembered for being a member of the rock group Badfinger, was born on this day in 1947. We will remember and honor Evans today, with this 'Today's Tune'.

You'd probably expect me to choose "Without You" (November 1970), since it was co-written for Badfinger by Tom Evans, Jr. and Welsh bandmate Pete Ham (singer, songwriter and guitarist), and became one of the most covered hit tunes ever recorded. It's even my personal favorite of all the songs in the entire Badfinger catalogue. However, it's the cover recordings by Americans singer-songwriter Harry Nilsson and Heart that I prefer, and some day those will surely be posted on this blog.

Instead, please enjoy the track I did decide to post here. "No Matter What", released on the same album, 1970's 'No Dice', is the Badfinger song that I most enjoy hearing performed by the band. It always takes me back to the good times of my childhood. I hope it brings back good memories for you as well.

Badfinger - "No Matter What" (1970)



Badfinger - "No Matter What" Live

Today's Tune: "Dr. Phibes" By Angel Witch

Hugh Griffith as the Rabbi in 'The Abominable Dr. Phibes' (1971)

Born on this day in 1912, Welsh film, television and stage actor Hugh Griffith (May 30, 1912 – May 14, 1980) was born. His acting career flourished soon after he served in the army during World War II, which happened just as he was getting started.

Early on, Griffith did very well trodding the boards in both England and the United States. Those stage roles earned him award nominations, while putting him alongside another famous Welsh actor, Richard Burton, and American actor Anthony Perkins.

He also shared the silver screen with many celebrated actors, once he started doing films in the late 1940s. Griffith would work in movies ('Ben-Hur', 'Oliver!', 'Start The Revolution Without Me') released up until the year before his death, at 67 years old. He appeared in a few hit television shows (Quatermass II, Clochemerle, 'Grand Slam') as well.

This 'Today's Tune' was selected based on a pair of horror films Griffith made with master of the macabre, Vincent Price. Price stars as Dr. Anton Phibes, a murderous madman bent on revenge, in both 'The Abominable Dr. Phibes' (1971) and it's sequel, 'Dr. Phibes Rises Again' (1972). In the first film, Hugh Griffith plays the Rabbi that knows all about the Egyptian themed curses all the terrifying deaths seem to be related to. In the follow up movie, Griffith portrays Harry Ambrose, while Price's re-awakened Dr. Phibes continues to kill.

Angel Witch, my favorite cult NWOBHM band, originally released the instrumental track "Dr. Phibes" on the 'Loser' EP (Extended Play Single - B-Side). Since then, it has been included on multiple re-issues of 'Angel Witch' (1980), the band's gothic masterpiece and first full studio album.

Angel Witch - "Dr. Phibes" Original Studio Recording



Angel Witch - "Dr. Phibes" Live in Athens, Greece Nov. 15, 2009

Today's Tune: "Country Girl" & "Neon Knights" By Heaven & Hell

Performing in Montreux, Switzerland, on July 7, 2007.
Photo by Sandro Campardo - AP Photo / Keystone.

One year ago today, singer and song writer Ronnie James Dio passed away (67 years old), by the hands of stomach cancer. Naturally, Ronnie has been on my mind, and remembered by millions and millions of other fans as well. Therefore, this 'Today's Tune' combo was selected to honor and remember that great man.

He was lead singer for some great bands in his time - Elf, Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Dio and Heaven & Hell. Both of these tracks are originally from the first two Black Sabbath albums that Mr. Dio recorded with the band. I was fortunate enough to see Sabbath on both of the subsequent tours that followed. I remember those times fondly, to say the least.

The following video is from a live Heaven & Hell concert. A taste of "Country Girl", from 'Mob Rules' (1981), starts it off. Then, "Neon Knights" (1980), which was a single from the album 'Heaven And Hell', goes into full flight.

Click here, to see my long post from a few days after Ronnie's death in 2010.

Heaven & Hell - "Country Girl" & "Neon Knights"
Live - June 16, 2009

Today's Tune: "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" By Elf

My favorite (several years, now) NHL hockey team, the Washington Capitals zipped through their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Playoff Series (Round 1) in five games. However, just four games into the Semifinals (Round 2), they were knocked out of the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs on Wednesday night (May 4th).

Of course, the way it ended was very disappointing. In the first round, the Capitals were very determined, and they dominated the New York Rangers. Then, playing a much more offensively dangerous Tampa Bay Lightning, an injury riddled Caps team could only manage to keep it close.

Like most passionate fans, my heart was broken again. A few days have passed now, and the healing process has begun. Hockey will be back in the Fall, and everything will be alright. Until then, I'll be enjoying the other two thrilling sports that give me happiness, Formula One racing and World Rally Championship competition.

This 'Today's Tune' is a similar story. It gives us the reassurance we need at such a time as this. "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" is from the self titled first studio album by heavy blues-rock band Elf, when Ronnie James Dio (Rainbow, Black Sabbath, Heaven & Hell) was both lead singer and bassist. Ronnie (born Ronald James Padavona) recorded this with band mates, guitarist David Feinstein, drummer Gary Driscoll and pianist Mickey Lee Soule.

Elf - "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" (1972)



Elf - "Sit Down Honey (Everything Will Be Alright)" June 10, 1973
Live! And My Soul Shall Be Lifted (Bootleg)

Today's Tune: "No Way But The Hard Way" By Airbourne

The Washington Capitals, having lost all three of the Semi-Final games played so far against the Tampa Bay Lightning, are in a very tough spot. They now have to win four straight to survive the second round of the 2011 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Every game now truely is a "must win" game, because one loss and they're out. I believe they can do it, but it's sure going to be hard on the fans, the players and the coaching staff. From here on out, "There ain't no way, but the hard way, so get used to it!".

While we fans of the Capitals hope, pray and wish for them to be triumphant, this 'Today's Tune' seems appropiate for the difficult task ahead. It's "No Way But The Hard Way", the 2010 single by Australian rock band, Airbourne.

Just win the game tonight. Just one win, and the tide will turn. Rock and Roll boys!

Airbourne - "No Way But The Hard Way"

I had a good job
And a good lovin' woman
But the world fell apart
And then I lost them

I can't pay the loans
Or the overdue fines
Can't drink enough whiskey
To make it alright

But the tide will turn
'Cause I have learned

There ain't no way but the hard way
Get used to it
I said there ain't no way but the hard way
So get used to it

You say I drink too much
And that it's a problem
But that's how it goes
When you hit rock bottom

Don't need your advice
Or your helping hand
'Cause I'm living on the road
In a rock and roll band

The tide will turn
And you will learn

There ain't no way but the hard way
Get used to it
I said there ain't no way but the hard way
So get used to it

The tide will turn (Yes it will) (Hey, hey)
I'm gonna roll on (Hey, hey)
I'm gonna stand strong (Hey, hey)
For the long haul (Hey, hey)
It's rock and roll

When the chips are down
You gotta make your play
'Cause there ain't no way (But the hard way)
There ain't no way (But the hard way)
I said there ain't no way (But the hard way)
Oh no, there ain't no way
But the hard way

There ain't no way but the hard way
Get used to it, rock and roll
I said there ain't no way but the hard way
So get used to it

There ain't no way but the hard way
No way but the hard way
No way but the hard way
So get used to it
The tide will turn

Today's Tune: "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue" By Graham Bonnet

"The Blue Marble photo" of Earth, taken from Apollo 17 as it headed to our Moon.

Today is April 22, 2011, officially making it Earth Day. Earth Day was originally founded by US Senator Gaylord Nelson on April 22, 1970. It is all about promoting awareness, protecting the environment, and saving this beautiful blue planet of ours.

This reminds me of a Bob Dylan song called "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue". More specifically, I think of the cover version by English (Born in Skegness, Lincolnshire) singer Graham Bonnet, released as a single in 1977. So, I've chosen that one for the 'Today's Tune'.

Bonnet, possessing one of the greatest rock voices of our time, replaced Ronnie James Dio as the lead singer of Rainbow a couple years later. He's also fronted the bands like The Marbles, Michael Schenker Group and Alcatrazz, when not working under his own name.

Graham Bonnet - "It's All Over Now, Baby Blue"

Today's Tune: "We're An American Band" By Grand Funk Railroad

It's birthday number 63 for Flint, Michigan native Craig Frost, today. Frost is a keyboard player, and has twice been a member of Grand Funk Railroad, first from 1972 to 1977, and currently since 2005. He spent most of the time in between as a member of Bob Seger's Silver Bullet Band.

For this 'Today's Tune', we go back to 1973 for our selection of song. From the album of the same name, it's the well received GFR single titled "We're An American Band".

No studio version was available when I checked. In case someone posts it again, here's a link for Grand Funk Railroad - "We're An American Band" Studio at YouTube.

Grand Funk Railroad - "We're An American Band" Live