Today's Tune: "Free Man" By Angel Witch

Angel Witch group photo from first album, 'Angel Witch' (1980).

Patrick McGoohan (March 19, 1928 - January 13, 2009) was born on this day, in 1928. In remembrance of the American (US)-born Irish actor, it's to him that this 'Today's Tune' is dedicated.

McGoohan's family moved back to Ireland shortly after his birth and later moved to England, where he would eventually get into the acting business. Early on, McGoohan worked in the theatre end of the industry. Later, he made his way to television and film.

Patrick McGoohan became famous and most well known for two similar television roles. In the early and mid 1960's, he played a spy named John Drake in the popular show called 'Danger Man'. Later on however, it is his 17 episode show titled The Prisoner that became a cult classic.

By the time McGoohan decided he wanted to quit 'Danger Man', he was offered the lead role in 'The Prisoner'. He played a secret agent, who was kidnapped and taken to a very mysterious and strange village while unconscious. He wakes up not knowing where he is, or who is really running the place. His character only knows they won't let him leave, and what they want from "Number 6" (as he is called) is "Information".

The Prisoner - Series Trailer

The show was filmed in the North Wales Italianate style seaside village of Portmeirion. Having been there back in 1992 myself, I assure you that it is real, and not just a temporary set. My visit occurred while I was on a trip with an American (US) based Doctor Who fan club. I believe "The Friends Of Doctor Who" were the largest club in the States, at the time.

McGoohan's charater was forever trying to outsmart his captors and make his escape from the village. He aimed to once again be a "Free Man". With that in mind, the song "Free Man" (1980), from Gothic-Metal British head-bangers Angel Witch, is my choice for this 'Today's Tune' post. It was originally released on the band's self-titled debut album, in March of 1980.

Angel Witch - "Free Man" (1980)



Angel Witch - "Free Man" Live March 9, 2012

Today's Tune: "Are You Ready" By Thin Lizzy

Scott Gorham playing guitar solo on stage with Thin Lizzy.
Photo © Scott Uchida / Thin Lizzy

Happy Birthday to Scott Gorham! Born on March 17, 1951, Gorham is an American (US) guitarist and songwriter, and is best known for his time with the classic rock band Thin Lizzy. Therefore, our Today's Tune for today comes from that group's lengthy and great catalog.

Scott Gorham was not a founding member of Thin Lizzy, but he has spent as much time with them as most. He is also more connected with them, and was one of their biggest creative parts, during some of their most creative periods.

Other artists and bands with which Gorham participated with over the years include Pat Travers, Supertramp, Asia and Rollins Band. Coming up in a couple months, he will be associating with yet another band, sort of.

A new rock band named Black Star Riders, which is really the current Thin Lizzy members under a different name, are scheduled to release their debut album in May 2013. 'All Hell Breaks Loose' will contain material that had originally been considered for inclusion as new Thin Lizzy product.

Scott Gorham on Thin Lizzy / Black Star Riders in Oct. 2012 Planet Rock Interview

For the Today's Tune, I've chosen a Thin Lizzy track titled "Are You Ready". Yes, it is a question. I don't know why bands and record companies have some sort of aversion to using a question mark (?), or other proper punctuation, but there it is. By the way, I'm not claiming to be perfect, myself. This is a good, rocking track, so please enjoy.

Thin Lizzy - "Are You Ready" Live in 1981



Thin Lizzy - "Are You Ready" and Jailbreak" Live in 2012
'Under The Bridge in Chelsea, London'

Today's Tune: "Napoleon Bona-Part One" And "Napoleon Bona-Part Two" By Budgie

Cover of Budgie's 1975 albun 'Bandolier'

Napoléon Bonaparte (August 15, 1769 – May 5, 1821) was Emperor of France from 1804 to 1815. However, as the title of this 'Today's Tune' post might suggest, his reign wasn't one long and smooth run.

The French military and political leader ruled over his people through a lot of successful battles and war. Bonaparte is considered a military genius and great strategist by many, as he was during his time as a military leader. He would sometimes tend to go a bit to far in his relentlessness though, which eventually got him into trouble, and people began to turn against him.

One such time came during the War of the Sixth Coalition. Napoléon and his forces had won some battles, but they were losing ground overall. After Coalition forces had captured the capital city of Paris and the French were in a bad position, Bonaparte demanded his men march on the city to take it back. This command led to a mutiny, and eventually as punishment, Napoléon Bonaparte was exiled to the Mediterranean island of Elba, Italy as part of the Treaty of Fontainebleau.

His people ended up under the control of King Louis XVIII, and the rules of the treaty were blatantly disregarded. On February 26, 1815, Napoléon Bonaparte escaped from Elba, and made his way back to France within a couple days. Louis XVIII found out most of his soldiers, including the ones sent to intercept Bonaparte, were happy to welcome back Napoléon. King Louis XVIII fled the country, and by March 20, Napoléon Bonaparte was back in power. This stint would not last long though, and is known as the Hundred Days.

Bonaparte and his army were defeated by the armies of field marshals Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington and Gebhard Leberecht von Blücher at the Battle of Waterloo. Louis XVIII would then be restored to the throne of France.

Today is February 26th, the same date as the day Napoléon Bonaparte escaped from Elba and headed back to France for another run on the throne, leading me to choose the aptly named two-parter from the (mostly) Welsh rockers Budgie. This 'Today's Tune' is a double feature of "Napoleon Bona-Part One" and "Napoleon Bona-Part Two".

Budgie - "Napoleon Bona-Part One" and "Napoleon Bona-Part Two" (1975)



Budgie - "Napoleon Bona-Part One" and "Napoleon Bona-Part Two" Live (2009)

Today's Tune: "Rise Brother Rise" By Soulnaturals Featuring Lotus D

Ray Lewis brings trophy into home stadium rally, after parade - Baltimore, MD February 5, 2013.
Photo © Baltimore Ravens.

Lately, I've been getting into a lot of Soul and R & B music. More particularly, I have been checking out artists and bands within these genres of music, that are of British origin. One of my favorite British groups to listen to right now are the Soulnaturals, especially when featuring singer Lotus D at the lead. Read on to find out why they were chosen for this 'Today's Tune' post, here at Junior's Eyes.

I live in an area near Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States. Therefore, it's impossible for me to not be aware of the Baltimore Ravens, our local NFL team. I would have to describe myself as being an extremely casual fan of American football, at least until my local team gets into the playoffs. Of course, I watched the Super Bowl on Sunday.

Obviously, I was rooting for the Ravens. Defenseman Ray Lewis has been one of the team's most respected leaders, and the incredibly popular player had announced weeks ago he was to retire after this season. So for that and many other reasons, I was very hopeful that he and the Ravens could go all the way, and win Super Bowl XLVII. I was so glad that they did win, and are now the Super Bowl champions, for a second time. See Ray's tweet from the plane ride home. It was fun to see who else was joining in, and showing interest, too.

Good luck today to both competing USA squads in your local version of the Grey Cup.#playsafe#fairness#hydrate#huddleupcuddleup

— Brent Butt (@BrentButt) February 3, 2013

For me, the song that kept coming to mind during the playoffs and championship game, was "Rise Brother Rise". It's the latest single by the Soulnaturals, featuring Lotus D, and it's our chosen track for this 'Today's Tune'. Their London, England recording label, British Soul Standard, even chimed in on the Superbowl via Twitter.

How many of you are watching the #superbowl tonight? Who are you supporting??? #Ravens!!!

— BritishSoulStandard (@BritSoul) February 3, 2013

I tweeted the audio shortly before the game. Yes, I'm on the Twitter, now! Anyway, here it is, followed by the official video.

#RayLewisRise Brother Rise and Claim Your Prize!Soulnaturals feat. Lotus Dsoundcloud.com/soulnaturals/r…Go Ravens!#Ravens#RavensTalk

— Dan, Jr. (@DanJunr) February 3, 2013

Soulnaturals Featuring Lotus D - "Rise Brother Rise"

Ray Lewis does his game day dance at home stadium rally, after parade - Baltimore, MD February 5, 2013.

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: "(I'm Not) Born To Lose" By Black Sabbath

This is what I want to see after Game 7 on May 12, 2012!
Photo by Bruce Bennett / Getty Images after Game 2 win on April 30, 2012.

There is a song that has played in my head many times since my NHL team, the Washington Capitals, made it into the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I think it fits the frame of mind that this team has right now, and I feel it too.

It's a Black Sabbath track titled "(I'm Not) Born To Lose" (1987). Clearly, the confidence and persistence that the Capitals have shown throughout the first two rounds, are proof that they are ready to win. They need one more (Game 7) win tonight against the New York Rangers to move on to round three, the Eastern Conference Finals. To have a chance at doing it, all they have to do is keep doing what they've been doing, and work together as a team.

Please enjoy this Hockey Music styled 'Today's Tune'. Dan, Jr., of Junior's Eyes, is anticipating that there are many more to come, yet.

Let's Go, Caps!



Black Sabbath - "(I'm Not) Born To Lose" (1987)



Black Sabbath - "(I'm Not) Born To Lose" Live (1987) Audio

Today's Tune: "Gonna Raise Hell" And Bonus Track "The House Is Rockin' ", By Cheap Trick

Brooks Laich and Alexander Semin celebrate game winning goal May 5, 2012.
Photo by Greg Fiume / Getty Images

Junior's Eyes offers up two songs this time. Both are originally from the Cheap Trick album, 'Dream Police' (1979).

In Washington, DC tonight, the Washington Capitals face the New York Rangers in a "must win" Eastern Conference Semifinal Game 6. My Hockey Music pick for the 'Today's Tune' is "Gonna Raise Hell". Maybe this one could be blasted away through the arena's loudspeakers just before the game, to pump up the fans and the players.

I added a bonus track, "The House Is Rockin' ", to celebrate the 62nd birthday of American rock band Cheap Trick's bass player and the song co-writer, Tom_Petersson. Happy Birthday to Tommy! It would be another good one to play at the playoff game, tonight.

Cheap Trick - "Gonna Raise Hell" from the 'Silver' DVD (2001)



Cheap Trick - "The House Is Rockin' (With Domestic Problems)"
June 15, 2011 Olympia Theatre - Dublin, Ireland Bootleg

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'm The Show" By Max Havoc

The Washington Capitals are at home tonight for Game 3, after having split the first two games of their semifinal playoff series (NHL) with the New York Rangers in New York, New York.

As they continue their run in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs this evening, they are the show to watch, for me and many other fans. Junior's Eyes had this in mind when choosing the Hockey Music track for this 'Today's Tune'.

This time, it comes from 1980s Los Angeles, California metal band, Max Havoc. "I'm The Show" (with it's overly simplistic, yet fun lyrics) is on their only album, also called 'Max Havoc' (1983). I'm still happy to have this vinyl gem in my personal collection.

You can thank Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward for getting the band their start. Then, you can thank bad timing for their early finish. Here's hoping the Capitals have a long run in this year's post season.

Max Havoc - "I'm The Show" (1983)

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

Today's Tune: "Back In Business" By AC/DC

There are a couple reasons for the 'Today's Tune' song selection posted on Junior's Eyes today. They both have to do with my favorite NHL hockey team, the Washington Capitals.

After falling behind the Boston Bruins 2 - 1 in the first round of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Capitals evened up the series (2-2) by winning Game 4 on Thursday. They did this without their number one center Nicklas Backstrom, due to his one-game suspension for a crosscheck.

Everything is new, evened up, reset. The Washington Capitals play Game 5 this afternoon (3:00 PM EDT), and Backstrom is back in too.

This 1985 track, by AC/DC, really fits the situation these guys are in tonight. Nicklas Backstrom and the Capitals are definitely "Back In Business" again.

"Breaking out, about to shout
Feel the need, for one more round..."



AC/DC - "Back In Business" (1985)
YouTube Search Results List


"...Call me dirty, trash my name
Just tell the boys that I'm gonna be
Back in business again!..."

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: "The Last Time" By The Rolling Stones

The current season (4th series) of Torchwood, known as Torchwood: Miracle Day, comes to a close tonight. Many millions of fans are anxiously awaiting the final twists to come in this story.

However, it will probably be a few million less than the audience that were watching back in July, when the new Americanized (Oooh God!) BBC Worldwide / Starz combo version started. The overall production quality has been top notch, but the story's flow and logic have been at times, a bit uneven. So much so, that at least one television critic almost stopped reviewing the show he had previously adored.

I still love the show, and hope creator and executive producer Russell T. Davies can smooth out the wrinkles. There has been improvement over the couple episodes leading up to tonight's finale, which will hopefully end up being something special.

Torchwood: Miracle Day - San Diego Comic-Con International 2011

If 'Miracle Day' is seen as a success, the show will likely continue with it's Starz affiliation. Otherwise, this could be the end. I don't foresee the BBC taking back full ownership and keeping it alive, so this could be the last time you see it.

Please, check out tonight's episode. "This could be the last time. This could be the last time. May be the last time, I don't know." The track selected for this 'Today's Tune' comes from one of rock's most successful bands. Here's "The Last Time" (1965), by The Rolling Stones.

The Rolling Stones - "The Last Time" (1965)



The Rolling Stones - "The Last Time" September 18, 1997
'Bridges To Babylon Tour' - Double Door in Chicago, Illinois

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