Celebrating Music With The Letter “D”!
As most of the world is #Shelteringathome, we can all use some music to raise our spirits and keep us sane in these insane times.
These are either songs OR Artists beginning with the letter “D” – let’s begin with an inspirational song from a great British band that had two chart-topping albums in the UK:
Doves “Catch The Sun”
Doves are now inactive, and were composed of twin brothers Jez Williams (guitar, vocals) and Andy Williams (drums, vocals), and Jimi Goodwin (bass, vocals, guitar).
Here is the song that I loved – one that should life your spirits in these gloomy times:
Their “best of” album is a great way to get to know them. Read more about great british bands like Doves by clicking here:
Next up, is a gorgeous ballad that reminds us of how much of a music impact The Eagles have had on our lives:
“Desperado” by The Eagles
It’s a song about bringing someone back into the fold – and in these days we ALL need to care for each other.
This song was one of their most poignant ballads. Here they are singing it live in London in 2013:
While a classic now, the song and album bombed when they were released…it was a concept album about the links between rock’n’roll Artists and wild west outlaws – here is that story:
These are all “songs with a D”, and I guess this one is meant to take your mind off the gloom and doom around us.
Time now to “touch yourself”:
Divinyls “I Touch Myself”
This band didn’t have a lot of hits, but this was a great one – here is the music video:
So many groups have a tough time creating a body of hit music – but here’s a band that did it TWICE!
The Doobie Brothers “Another Park, Another Sunday”
“The Doobie Brothers” are a band with massive hits in the 70’s like “China Grove”, “Listen To The Music” and “Black Water”, but I have always loved this ballad…here is a great live performance from earlier this year!
In the 80’s, they had huge hits like “What A Fool Believes” and “Minute By Minute” – but when original lead singer Tom Johnston left the band, Michael McDonald replaced him – and what a different sound…click here to read about the “tale of two Doobies”:
https://johnrieber.com/2015/05/24/black-water-what-a-fool-believes-a-tale-of-two-doobie-brothers/
I enjoy both versions of the band, and the original members with Tom Johnston are still recording and performing live…
Next up, a band that captured a time in music when the “doors of perception” were expanding:
The Doors “Hello, I Love You”
Jim Morrison will always be one of music’s most mysterious and captivating singers.
There are so many classic Doors songs I could have used: the epic “Light My Fire” or “The End”, or even the majestic “LA Woman” – but I chose this catchy pop song that showed they had an eye on the top of the charts as well.
Here is a great vintage “live” performance by the band on a street!
Another Artist with an eye on the top of the charts was David Bowie – a true musical chameleon who managed to write hit songs in so many genres…
“Diamond Dogs” by David Bowie:
This early 70’s concept album imagined a post-apocalyptic world, with bleak lyrics and a very catchy tune:
“The Halloween Jack is a real cool cat
And he lives on top of Manhattan Chase
The elevator’s broke, so he slides down a rope
Onto the street below, oh Tarzie, go man go!”
Here is a great live version:
That’s an original print taken for the cover album…he was quite the entertainer, and music fans still mourn his death – he made incredible music, perhaps never more so than when he dropped in on Queen and the result was the majestic “Under Pressure”:
See the story of the incredible recording session here:
Finally, a criminally under-appreciated Artist who gave us this terrific power pop rocker:
“Determination” by Todd Rundgren
Finally, a song with a title that could be the word we need most now.
“Girl, the last time I saw you
You were crying my name
When I put you on the spot
Will you still feel the same?
Show me some determination
Show me the measure of your dedication
I need to see just a reflection of your inspiration
Don’t you break down on me”
Yes, it will take “Determination” to get through this, and this song inspires me every time I hear it. Listen to Todd belt it out live:
The song is from his masterpiece “Hermit Of Mink Hollow” – and it’s a great example of his prowess with power pop…see why here:
If you are stuck at home and hungry for more great music, how about the “A” list?
Yes, Aerosmith is classic rock with a big “A” – one of several great songs or bands with that letter – here are more:
And if you love to surf, then you’ll love the music from the “B” list:
Timeless classics from The Beach Boys, The Beatles and Bowie of course – all right here:
Finally, here is a great song starting with a “C” from a “C” band as well!
See more great songs with a “C” right here:
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Let’s all support each other and get through this health crisis facing the planet.
Let me know what you think of these “D” songs!
Categories: 70's Music, Art, Books / Media, Classic Rock, Music, Obscure Music, Pop Culture, Talent/Celebrities, Todd Rundgren, TV Show
johnrieber 
Great song choices, John. I love Under Pressure.
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Thanks Robbie, I tried to mix it up a bit – we are listening to a LOT of music right now at the house as it helps the mood we are in – I had to shop yesterday here in Beverly Hills and it will be the LAST time out of our house in April I think…we are stocked for isolation to hopefully do our part to flatten the curve!
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Yes, my dad went out this morning and we are also stocked for a couple of months if needs be. I heard today that two of my relatives are in hospital in the UK with double pneumonia. Very frightening as they are the first people I know personally who probably have this virus.
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The Divinyls. Ha! I remember being a new mom and watching this video in the wee hours while I fed my son his bottle. I thought it was a very sexy song. That and Siouxsie And The Banshees…”Peek a boo” Anyway, you have devoted posts to the other bands in your post today. I appreciate your “feel good” post in the middle of the lock down. Nice job, John.
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Thanks Cindy…I have been listening to a lot of music lately, just having it on can really help the mood of the lockdown – hope all is well for you and your family in the midst of this #shelteringathome!
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We listen to music from 3-6. We play cards. Drink wine. Try new recipes. We are making the best of the situation.
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Cindy, almost the same that we are doing! I have been cooking using my mega-cans of corn and potatoes, and my corn fritters were pretty darn good! Wine as well, luckily we collect wine so have PLENTY to tide us over! Stay safe Cindy!
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I just made a pecan pie. Wine is forthcoming…
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Look, wine is healthy – and it offers just a bit of a break from the tension of the day! Cheers!
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Prost!
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Good selection, John. And you managed to get Todd in there too! 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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We all need some “Determination” right now Pete! Thanks for reading – hope you feel better soon!!!!
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😀
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Some great tunes here. I love the Eagles and when we saw them perform in Vancouver about 8 years ago, they ended with Desperado and I was so happy. I’ll never forget it. It wasn’t long before Glen Fry passed away so I was glad we had a chance to see them.
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