Song of the Day: "I Don't Wanna Die in an Air Disaster"

ARTIST: Albert Hammond
TITLE: "I Don't Wanna Die in an Air Disaster"
YEAR: 1974

Singer-songwriter Albert Hammond is, in my opinion, rather underrated. He's best known for the hit "It Never Rains in Southern California," but he had so many other great songs that fly under the radar, including this one. It was released as a single in 1974 and only managed a peak of #84 in the USA. Still, it's an excellent song, and one I'm surprised others didn't jump at the chance to remake.

I'd kind of hoped that Hammond's son (Albert Hammond, Jr.) being a member of The Strokes might inspire some sort of revival of his work, but alas, that doesn't seem to be the case.

For the lyrics to this song, click here. While you're there, explore. It's Hammond's official website and it's very well-constructed, packed with information about the man and his music.

If you'd like to hear it, a fan has put up a Youtube video here.

If you'd like to own this on CD, the best option appears to be Albert Hammond/99 Miles from L.A., a CD which takes his 1974 and 1975 albums and remasters them onto one disc. Other hits of his included on the disc include "I'm a Train," "Half a Million Miles from Home," and "99 Miles from L.A." Also included is his original version of "Lay the Music Down," which was later recorded by Cilla Black. Note that the version of "Down by the River" here is not the 1972 hit version, but a newer version which was made for the original 99 Miles from L.A. album.