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@tedtockscovers.bsky.social
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I am a Canadian guy who loves music. I am fascinated by the songwriting process. I write about it at Ted Tocks Covers. Check it out on the link below.

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Ted Tocks Covers - Year 9 - Day 80

Runnin’ with the Devil

Remembering Eddie Van Halen six years later.

“I found the simple life ain’t so simple
When I jumped out on that road
I got no love, no love you’d call real
Ain’t got nobody waiting at home”

#VanHalen #EddieVanHalen
Runnin’ with the Devil – Van Halen, the Devil and Me. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #VanHalen #EddieVanHalen
It was a seismic eruption. When Van Halen arrived in 1978, with Marshall Berle (‘Round and Round’) Mo Ostin, Gene Simmons and Ted Templeman all circling the band, something shifted in rock music. A…
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October 6, 2026 at 10:35 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers

I Don't Like Mondays

Originally posted Jan. 28/18

Happy 75th Birthday to #BobGeldof

“Then the bullhorn crackles & the captain tackles
W/ the problems & the hows & whys
& he can see no reasons
'Cause there are no reasons
What reason do you need to die”

#TheBoomtownRats #ToriAmos
I Don’t Like Mondays – What reason do you need? #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #TheBoomtownRats #BobGeldof #ToriAmos
This song tells the story of one of countless mass shootings in the United States. It happened 39 years ago today in San Diego. An obviously troubled 16 year old Brenda Spencer shot up a city schoo…
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October 5, 2026 at 10:19 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers

Song to Woody

Originally posted on January 29, 2021

On this day 65 years ago #BobDylan played @ Carnegie Hall for the first time.

“Hey, hey Woody Guthrie, I wrote you a song
Bout a funny ol’ world that’s a-comin’ along”

#woodyguthrie #arloguthrie #davidbowie #frankturner
Song to Woody – A meeting that took place sixty years ago today. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #WoodyGuthrie #BobDylan #ArloGuthrie #DavidBowie #FrankTurner
What does it mean to be a folk singer? Two of the most prominent players to perform under that mantel have been connected for several decades. On this day in 1961, Bob Dylan completed his pilgrimag…
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October 4, 2026 at 10:40 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers - Year 9 - Day 79

Battle Scar

Remembering the lyrical prowess of Pye Dubois

“Bust the busters
Screw the feeders
Make the healers
Feel the way I feel”

#MaxWebster #PyeDubois #KimMitchell #NeilPeart #Rush #GeddyLee #AlexLifeson #TomGordon #GordieJohnson #CharlieEdward
Battle Scar – Remembering the Poet Behind the Power. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #MaxWebster #PyeDubois #Rush #NeilPeart #KimMitchell
Some songwriters never stand behind a microphone, yet their words echo as loud as the people singing them. I am thinking of writers like Robert Hunter, Bernie Taupin, Shel Silverstein, Peter Sinfie…
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October 3, 2026 at 10:40 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers - Year 9 - Day 78

Angel Dream

Remembering Tom Petty

“Sing a little song for loneliness
Sing one to make me smile
Another round for everyone
I’m here for a little while”

#TomPetty #TomPettyandtheHeartbreakers #GlenCampbell #WillieNelson #LukasNelson #DollyParton #LucindaWilliams
Angel Dream – His Music is With Us Everywhere We Go. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #TomPetty #TomPettyandtheHeartbreakers
On this day let’s talk about the quiet little album hiding in Tom Petty’s vast catalogue. Ask most people to name a Tom Petty album and you’ll hear ‘Damn the Torpedoes’, ‘Full Moon Feve…
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October 2, 2026 at 10:40 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers

The Top Three Posts for September and much more.

Enjoy some quality music from #Supertramp #GratefulDead #WarrenZevon #TheAnimals #TheNakedEyes #PeterByrne #MaxWebster #GaryMcCracken #PyeDubois and #Rush plus a whole lot more.

Have a grateful day!
Top Three Posts for September and a Whole Lot More #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers
Hey Ted Tocks Readers! How was your September? Welcome to my monthly check in. It has always been my contention that music is good for your soul, so we will begin today’s feature with a reflection …
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October 1, 2026 at 11:07 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers

Sign of the Gypsy Queen

Originally posted on August 10, 2018

Happy 75th Birthday to #BrianGreenway of #AprilWine!

“Shadows movin' without a sound
From the hold of the sleepless town
Evil seems to be everywhere
Heed the spirit that brought despair”

#LorenceHud
Sign of the Gypsy Queen – Heed the spirit that brought despair. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #LorenceHud #AprilWine
In the late 70s and early 80s it was hard for any fans of Canadian rock music to go anywhere without hearing April Wine. In Canada they were huge and they were a hit machine. Today’s feature …
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October 1, 2026 at 10:28 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers

Stolen Land

Originally posted Sept. 29/22

#TruthAndReconciliation

“So now we’ve all discovered the world wasn’t only made for whites
What step are you gonna take to try and set things right in this stolen land?”

#brucecockburn #williamprince #elisapieisaac
#lailabiali
Stolen Land – What step are you gonna take to try and set things right? #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #BruceCockburn #WilliamPrince #ElisapieIsaac #LailaBiali
When it comes to politically astute protest songs that bring issues to the forefront, few Canadian artists rival Bruce Cockburn. Speaking to this point, Cockburn’s song ‘Stolen Land’ from his 1987 …
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September 30, 2026 at 10:26 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers

We're an American Band

Originally posted on September 29, 2018.

The seventh album from #GrandFunkRailroad was released on this day fifty years ago.

"We're an American band
We're an American band
We're comin' to your town
We'll help you party it down
We're an American band"
We’re An American Band – It’s all about the cowbell. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #GrandFunkRailroad #NashtheSlash #RobZombie
It needs more cowbell Will Farrell Today’s feature is a song that transformed Grand Funk Railroad into a huge arena rock band. In many ways ‘We’re An American Band’ not only defined this popular ‘7…
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September 29, 2026 at 9:45 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers - Year 9 - Day 77

They Killed Him

Remembering Kris Kristofferson! Make room for some music legends.

“With a dream of beauty that they could not burn away
Just another holy man who dared to be a friend
MY GOD, THEY KILLED HIM!”

#KrisKristofferson #BobDylan #TheHighwayMen
They Killed Him – Here’s a Song for the Heroes of the Spirit. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #KrisKristofferson
I was in the second row. Me and my friend Steve spent the day at Ontario Place and the Canadian National Exhibition before rolling into the old CNE Stadium to see Neil Young and the International H…
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September 28, 2026 at 10:35 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers

Twist and Shout

Originally posted on March 31, 2019

On this day in 40 years ago ’Twist and Shout’ by The Beatles found its way back to #1. The catalyst was its inclusion in ‘Ferris Bueuller’s Day Off’

“Well, shake it up, baby, now”

#isleybrothers #kellyisley #thebeatles #Thewho
Twist and Shout – Twist a little closer now. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #IsleyBrothers #KellyIsley #TheBeatles #TheWho
Today’s feature is a salute to another man of strong influence, who in my opinion deserves way more credit as one of music’s pioneers. O’Kelly Isley is an integral part of The Isley Brothers; an ic…
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September 28, 2026 at 12:49 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers

Time Warp

On this day in 1975 the film version of #TheRockyHorrorPictureShow’ was released in theatres.

“It’s astounding, time is fleeting
Madness takes its toll
But listen closely, not for very much longer
I’ve got to keep control”

#richardobrien #timcurry #therockyhorrorshow
Time Warp – You’re Spaced Out on Sensation, Like You’re Under Sedation. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #RichardOBrien #TheRockyHorrorShow
The film adaptation of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ was released on this day fifty years ago. Based on the music, book and lyrics written by Richard O’Brien, the movie followed the musical stage…
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September 26, 2026 at 10:32 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers - Year 9 - Day 76

September 25th - A Busy Day in Music History

Enjoy an interesting combination of songs from a variety of great artists. All associated to this day.

#JohnBonham #ShelSilverstein #TheTemptations #ThePartridgeFamily #Queen #DaveGrohl #SlyStone  #TomPetty
September 25 – A Busy Day in Music History. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #JohnBonham #ShelSilverstein #TheTemptations #ThePartridgeFamily #Queen #DaveGrohl #SlyStone #TomPetty
For today’s feature I had much bigger intentions, but I ran out of time. When I read the news that it told me, it made me sad sad sad” Instead of a deeper dive into each of the significant items fr…
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September 25, 2026 at 12:54 PM
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Ted Tocks Covers - Year 9 - Day 75

Nevermind

Celebrating ‘Nevermind’ by #Nirvana 35 years later.

“A mulatto, an albino, mosquito, my libido, yay, yay, a denial.
I’m worse at what I I do best and for this gift I feel blessed.
I found it hard, it’s hard to find, oh well, whatever, never mind.”
Nevermind – 35 Years Later We Still Find Ourselves Saying Oh Well Whatever. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #Nirvana
Thirty-five years ago, on September 24, 1991, a rough around the edges band from Seattle released an album that would completely rewrite the rules of popular music. Nirvana’s ‘Nevermind’ didn…
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September 24, 2026 at 10:37 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers - Year 9 - Day 74

Uncle John’s Band

Remembering Robert Hunter!

“Come hear Uncle John's Band
By the riverside
Got some things to talk about
Here beside the rising tide”

#GratefulDead #RobertHunter
Uncle John’s Band – Ain’t No Time to Hate. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #GratefulDead #RobertHunter
Before the first chord lands, all Ted Tocks wants to tell you by way of an introduction is that to me ‘Uncle John’s Band’ is a treasure trove of Americana. It is intriguing to note that during a mo…
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September 23, 2026 at 10:36 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers

Cars

Originally posted on August 26, 2022.

On this day in 1979 Gary Numan was at #1 with ‘Cars’.

“Here in my car
I feel safest of all
I can lock all my doors
It’s the only way to live
In cars”

#GaryNuman #FrankZappa #FearFactory #NineInchNails #BillBailey #Sloan #FamilyGuy
Cars – A pop culture masterpiece and maybe more relevant today than the day it was written #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #GaryNuman #FrankZappa #FearFactory #TheLeisureSociety #NineInchNails #BillBaile...
Every once in a while, a song pops into my head and I immediately set out to add it to the Ted Tocks Covers library. This is exactly what happened with ‘Cars’ by Gary Numan. The timing was perfect.…
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September 22, 2026 at 10:23 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers

Creep

Originally posted on Aug. 24/18

On this day in 1992 #Radiohead released ‘Creep’.

“When you were here before
Couldn’t look you in the eye
You’re just like an angel
Your skin makes me cry
You float like a feather
In a beautiful world
I wish I was special”

#ThePretenders
Creep – Self lacerating rage. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #Radiohead #ThePretenders
Today we feature another song that the artist quickly grew tired of performing. As a result of this they have moved it in and out of their set list since its release in 1992. ‘Creep’ wa…
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September 21, 2026 at 10:18 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers

Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap

Originally posted Oct. 5/24.

On this day 50 years ago, #ACDC released their third album, ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’

Concrete shoes
Cyanide
TNT (Done dirt cheap)
Neck ties
Contracts
High voltage (Done dirt cheap)

#AngusYoung #MalcolmYoung #BonScott
Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap – Let’s have ourselves a ball. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #AC/DC #BonScott #AngusYoung #MalcolmYoung
Today’s feature is a song with an interesting history. ‘Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap’ by AC/DC was recorded in 1976 and released as the title track of AC/DC’s third album. In the early days of AC/DC…
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September 20, 2026 at 10:36 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers

Return of the Grievous Angel

Originally posted Sept. 19/23

Remembering #GramParsons

Oh & I remembered something you once told me
& I’ll be damned if it did not come true
Twenty thousand roads I went down, down, down
& they all led me straight back home to u

#ThomasStanleyBrown
Return of the Grievous Angel – They all led me straight back home to you. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers
Today represents fifty years since the death of Gram Parsons. Read on and hopefully you will learn a little bit more about the signature Gram Parsons song, ‘Return of the Grievous Angel’. Let’s beg…
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September 19, 2026 at 12:08 PM
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Ted Tocks Covers - Year 9 - Day 73

Play That Funky Music

On this day in 1979 #WildCherry was at #1 with this cross genre smash hit.

“Oh, but now it's so much better
I'm funking out in every way
But I'll never lose that feelin'
Of how I learned my lesson that day”
Play That Funky Music – Music Should Just Be Fun. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #WildCherry
It was 50 years ago today that Wild Cherry hit #1 with ‘Play that Funky Music’. In the period that led up to this success Wild Cherry was facing some serious concerns about their future. As a band …
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September 18, 2026 at 10:36 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers

New Kid in Town

Originally posted on September 25, 2024

Remembering J.D. Souther!

“But after awhile
You’re lookin’ the other way
It’s those restless hearts that never mend”

#JDSouther #DonHenley #GlennFrey #JoeWalsh
New Kid in Town – Two Degrees of J.D. Souther. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #JDSouther
Obviously, the names of many great musicians flow through the volumes of Ted Tocks Covers like ripples of water through a mountain stream. As the music plays one is left to ponder their mark on the…
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September 17, 2026 at 10:02 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers - Year 9 - Day 72

Rapper’s Delight

On this day in 1979 #TheSugarhillGang released ‘Rapper’s Delight’ which became the first ‘Rap’ song to hit the Billboard charts.

“I said a hip-hop, the hippie, the hippie
To the hip, hip-hop & you don't stop the rockin'
to the bang-bang boogie”
Rapper’s Delight – Sylvia’s Blueprint Turned a “Fad” Into a Chart-Topping Revolution. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #TheSugarhillGang #SylviaRobinson
On this day in 1979, a fifteen-minute single with no chorus, no traditional hook, and three guys nobody had ever heard of trading boastful verses over a looped bassline started its climb up the cha…
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September 16, 2026 at 10:40 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers - Year 9 - Day 71

Don’t Be Cruel

Elvis Presley was at #1 with Don’t Be Cruel on this day 70 years ago.

“Don't be cruel to a heart that's true
I don't want no other love
Baby it's just you I'm thinking of”

#ElvisPresley #OtisBlackwell
Don’t Be Cruel – One Single Yielded Two Hits and it was a Sure Sign that Rock n Roll Was Here to Stay. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #ElvisPresley #OtisBlackwell
‘Don’t Be Cruel’ and ‘Hound Dog’ are still known as the double-sided miracle. Enjoy this Ted Tocks feature which looks at how Elvis Preseley turned one record into two hits. In 1940, Billboard publ…
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September 15, 2026 at 10:41 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers

5:15

Originally posted Oct. 26/23

On this day in 1979 #TheWho premiered ‘Quadrophenia’ @ #TIFF.

“He-man drag in a glittering ballroom
Grayly outrageous in my high-heel shoes
Tightly undone, know what they're showing
Sadly ecstatic that their heroes are news”

#PeteTownshend
5:15 – Sadly ecstatic that your heroes are news. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers
Why should I care? A question so crucial to this album, the troubled character asked it in rapid succession as he took in his surroundings. Pete Townshend’s protagonist in ‘5:15’ was traveling to B…
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September 14, 2026 at 9:45 AM
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Ted Tocks Covers - Year 9 - Day 70

So Many Tears

Remembering #2pacShakur 30 years later!

God can you feel me?
Take me away from all the pressure & all the pain
Show me some happiness again, I’m goin blind
I spend my time in this cell, ain’t livin well
I know my destiny is Hell, where did I fail?
So Many Tears – From the Rebel Angel of Rap. #MusicisLife #TedTocksCovers #TupacShakur #StevieWonder #QuincyJones #KendrickLamar #JCole #FreddieGibbs #TheAlchemist #DJThugLife
Thirty years from the day I sat down to write this feature Tupac Shakur was shot in Las Vegas. He died six days later; September 13, 1996. He was only 25 years old. I suffered through the years, an…
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September 13, 2026 at 10:44 AM