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Song of the Day #1,559: ‘I Saw the Light’ – Todd Rundgren

I have to make an embarrassing confession. For years I’ve confused Todd Rundgren with Ted Nugent.

When I’ve read favorite artists of mine such as Ben Folds name Rundgren as an influence, I’ve thought “Jesus… the gun nut who basically threatened to kill Barack Obama a few months ago? He must have really gone downhill.”

But no, Rundgren isn’t a psycho fascist. He’s a singer-songwriter-producer who released his most popular material in the early 70s but has had a prolific career that’s still humming along.

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Song of the Day #1,558: ‘Humankind’ – Grant-Lee Phillips

If I get nothing out of this musical genome project but an introduction to Grant-Lee Phillips’ 2001 album Mobilize, I’ll consider it a roaring success.

While the name Grant-Lee Phillips is somewhat familiar, I couldn’t have told you a thing about him. And I had certainly never heard a note of his music, or else I’d already be a fan.

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Song of the Day #1,557: ‘Quiet Heart’ – The Go-Betweens

It’s funny how some band names are familiar while the bands remain a complete mystery.

A week ago, had I heard of The Go-Betweens? Absolutely. Did I know they were an Australian indie pop band that released a handful of critically acclaimed albums in the 80s? No way.

I might have guessed 70s punk or 90s grunge. Maybe I would have pegged the decade, but only by luck, certainly not familiarity.

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Song of the Day #1,555: ‘Boulevard of Broken Dreams’ – Green Day

I’m surprised to see that I’ve never featured a Green Day song through 1,555 Songs of the Day.

Not that I’m a big Green Day fan. I’m decidedly not. In fact, I dislike most of their music.

But I love American Idiot, their 2004 rock opera (which has since become a Broadway musical). And you’d think during more than four years of daily songs I’d have gotten around to it.

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