Tuesday, October 15, 2013

BATTLE OF THE BANDS VI


October 15, 2013 - here we are, and it’s time for ‘BATTLE OF THE BANDS VI’. I really, Really, REALLY thought that I was going to post something in between my Battles and Results posts, but you guys know me, and that didn’t happen. I’ll try to be better. I know you are all starved for some of my witty repartee.

ANYWAY… let’s get right to the dueling banjos or voices, as it were.

I decided to return to something a little more traditional…ahem. So as to NOT have so many of you voting for the ‘lesser of two weevils’.

First up the traditional. Miss Judy Garland singing ‘Somewhere Over the Rainbow’.  I was able to find a video with images and lyrics but no pictures of Judy or scenes from the iconic movie ‘The Wizard of Oz’. No being swayed by that cute little woman in pigtails.



Next up same song by a very different singer. Here’s IZ or Israel Kamakawiwo’ole. Please don’t strain yourself trying to pronounce his name. Once again I was fortunate to find a video with images and lyrics but no pictures of this very big Hawaiian boy, BUT unfortunately this video is also a mash-up of ‘Over the Rainbow’ and ‘Wonderful World’. I’m going to use it anyway and just suggest that you cut it off at around the 2:15 minute mark, which makes it about the equivalent of Judy’s version.

I think you’ll do better just listening to the music and not judging by the visuals of the performers. (Just me – I guess)



When I come back with the results, I promise to post IZ’s official video, including the spreading of his ashes in his beloved Pacific and Judy’s version as sung in the movie ‘The Wizard of Oz’.

Now, you should know the drill, but just in case. I insist you click on over and visit the irresistible Mr. Stephen T. McCarthy at Ferret-faced Fascist Friends  and see what he has chosen for his ‘Battle’ and then you’re just another click away from the famous Arlee Bird at Tossing It Out and his bi-monthly ‘Battle’. These of course, are the official sites – as in the ones participating in the contest with prizes. For anyone else who is also posting a BOTB, please leave a comment and a link (if you know how to do that), so as to direct my numerous readers to your post also.

As another reminder –– here are the rules for the contest.

Find The True Purpose For Voting On ‘Battle Of The Bands’ Installments: Win Compact Discs!-Compact Discs!-Compact Discs! Spectacular, Super-Colossal Blogosphere ‘Battle of The Bands’ Voting Contest!

Here’s The Deal: By voting on the ‘Battle Of The Bands’ blog bits here and at the ‘Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends’ blog, you can win the compact disc of your choice. Every 4 months, Stephen and I will add up how many times you voted on our blogs, and the person who has participated most often (i.e., submitted the most eligible votes) will get to select one compact disc that contains any one of the songs that were included in either of our ‘Battle Of The Bands’ installments (“Super-Colossal” expensive boxed-sets, imports, and ‘out-of-print’ compact discs not included). In the event of a tie, the names will be put in a Stetson and the name drawn from the cowboy hat will win the CD.

Rules For Voting: Stephen and I post new ‘Battle Of The Bands’ blog bits on the 1st and 15th of each month. We also post our own personal votes for the respective blog bits on the 7th and 21st of each month (i.e., six days later). For your vote to be counted, it must be submitted in our comment sections BEFORE we post our own votes (BEFORE we make our own votes known on the 7th and the 21st).

Every 4 months there will be a new compact disc winner. In other words, ‘Battle Of The Bands’ #1 was posted on August 1, 2013, so at the end of November, one of you lucky voters is going to win a CD that includes one of the songs we’ve featured in our ‘Battle Of The Bands’ installments (you get to choose, and it doesn’t matter if the song won or lost its battle – if you like it, it’s YOURS!)

Alright, now... VOTE ON and ROCK ON! (while we ‘Count On...’)


I’ll be back on the 21st with my vote and a little more information on each of these performances. For now I want to ‘zip it’ and do nothing to influence your vote – I mean – what do I look like to you? A Chicago politician?



158 comments:

  1. When I first heard that guy's version I was blown away and if you'd asked me back then I would have chosen that guy's version. His voice is beautiful and the arrangement is sweet and simple. But now after repeated listenings the novelty has worn off. It's still beautiful to listen to, but I'm now back in Judy's camp. Nobody can replace the original version from the movie.

    My vote goes to Judy Garland.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
  2. I might participate tomorrow - if I have room.
    Not a song I really like, but definitely Judy Garland's over the other one. Just too odd and not my type of music.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Yeah Garland's all the way. I'd strain myself typing that other name anyway lol

    ReplyDelete
  4. OK, FAE, I've listened to both, but... I've been awake all night, working, so I'm not entirely sure that my ears aren't playing tricks on me.

    I will get a few hours of "shut-eye" and then return, re-listen, and cast my vote when my mind is clear and my ears they hear. (Maybe they're hearing now, but I can't be certain... yet.)

    This much, however, I CAN say with CERTAINTY: This was a great 'BOTB' installment from ya!

    Yak Later...

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
  5. Arlee, Alex & Pat - I guess you're just traditional kind of guys.

    STMc - Thanks! I'll be looking for your vote.

    ReplyDelete
  6. IZ all the way. Love this song, always have but he completes it for me. His style and emotion is how I feel when I here this song.

    But you already knew that. This is my all time favorite song, will be forever and always.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hey Lady! I'm pretty sure this won't be the popular decision, but I am voting for the big Hawaiian. (IZ) Everything about him and his cover of this song speaks to me. No disrespect to Miss Garland, but I must vote honestly and I'm very partial to the covered version.

    ReplyDelete
  8. This is your toughest installment of BOTB yet. I listened to the Garland version and the Israel version. Liked them both. So, I listened to the Israel version and then the Garland version. Still liked them both.

    I am going with the Garland version by a hair. It was an extremely close call.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Judy, Judy, Judy!! No one can sing Over the Rainbow like her. That song needs a strong voice and her range was perfect. The second version lacks energy.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I'd echo almost exactly what Arlee said. I was blown away and got chills the first time I heard IZ's version (and this is not my preferred musical style). But with repeated listening, it has faded a bit. Still great, and filled with a lot of heart, but it doesn't quite have the same impact as it did at first. But Judy's is still an all-time classic. Much more of an over-the-top "Big Production!" rendition, but still very effective. However, Judy's vocal dynamics and range are simply much, much better than IZ's and it carries the song.

    ReplyDelete
  11. I thought I'd pick ol' Izzie's version without even thinking twice, but listening to them back to back, I like Garland's version a lot more than I thought I would.

    With that said, though, I still find IZ's version to be more haunting. I love that aspect of it. Plus, who isn't a sucker for a morbidly obese man in a grass skirt with a tiny ukulele?

    Score one for the Iz-man.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I like IZ's version, but nobody beats Judy Garland - despite Bryan's argument above. Judy for the win!

    xoRobyn

    ReplyDelete
  13. I know a lot of people are moved by his version, but Judy does OTR. Period.

    ReplyDelete
  14. LuckyMama - Pretty sure I knew how you would vote.

    Jaybird - So glad to see you back. Hope things are good in your neck of the woods. another one for IZ.

    Robin - chalk up another vote for Judy.

    D.G. - Judy again, it is.

    Chris - Nice to see you joining the BOTB voting. another traditionalist, eh?

    Susan - Apparently, you and luckymama share the same feelings about IZ.

    Beer Boys - Haunting...a good way to put it. the rest of your comment sounds like a segue to a future blog bit.

    Robyn - ah, a fat man, in a grass skirt with a tiny ukulele, wasn't enough for you, eh?

    CW - No ifs, ands, or buts - Judy for you. Got it.

    ReplyDelete
  15. So far, this is shaping up to be an interesting race. And here I thought one of 'em was going to run away with it.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I also have versions of the song by Billy Thorpe and Tori Amos.

    I think Judy Garland owns this one.

    I did not hate the uke version, but too many viewings of the Wizard as a yewt....

    Larry

    ReplyDelete
  17. Are you kidding? I love both those versions. For different reasons!

    ReplyDelete
  18. The other version is interesting but Judy's has always been one of my favorites. My vote goes to Judy.

    ReplyDelete
  19. HG Writer - OK, another traditionalist.

    Larry - Is it OK if I call you Larry? I went and listened to Tori and Billy. I have to admit I can't really get into Tori's version - personally, I think you just have a thing for red-headed women, BUT Billy's WOW! Thanks for that tip.

    Interesting to I know you were once a yewt also. I can't hear/see that without thinking of 'My Cousin Vinnie' - hilarious.

    BUT, in the end another one for that cute little woman in pigtails.

    Donna - It's nice to see someone who can't/won't vote because they LIKE both my selections as opposed to usual where they hate em both.

    LD - Helping Judy run off with this, huh?

    ReplyDelete
  20. >>... LD - Helping Judy run off with this, huh?

    Aww, not so fast, NOT SO FAST!!

    fae, Fae, FAE...
    I listened to both versions yesterday on zero sleep. When I finally woke up again, the Dodgers' playoff game was soon to start, and by the time it was over, Nappy had gone to bed (which means no computer speakers in use because they wake him up regardless of how low the volume is set).

    So, I'm late... but I'm here.

    I listened to each song a second time, today, and I have to say that if this is not my favorite of your 'BOTB' posts to date, it's certainly right in the running (along with Chris Botti Vs. Leonard Cohen and the original 1st one, Nina Simone vs. ...whoever that was).

    I love this one for the extreme difference in styles, tempos, arrangements, primary musical instruments (ukulele vs. strings), and even female voice vs. male voice.

    I love and own 'The Wizard Of Oz', and it seems to me (simply trying to remember) that the song version in the movie is more minimalist musically and if so, it would appeal to me more because...

    I did not really care for the arrangement of this version of Judy's 'Somewhere Over The Rainbow'; it was a bit too sweet for me (strings overdone), too cutesy and gimmicky with the chirping birds, etc. (The video images, however, were really nice. Kudos to whoever put the video together.)

    Now, for IZ... I had never heard of him before. Hokey-Smoke! What a surprisingly original and enjoyable take on '...Rainbow'! I really dug it! And unlike a couple of the earlier commenters, I enjoyed it just as much the second time I heard it as I did the first.

    Not sure I would want to hear an ENTIRE album full of songs recorded in that same style, but it worked great for '...Rainbow'!

    I could be mistaken but here's how I "interpret" the two versions: Garland's version is meant to be somewhat bittersweet and wistful; she's hoping for an ideal place in "this world" but secretly suspects down deep that this ideal is unattainable. So it's a "wishing" song for a better place on Earth.

    IZ takes it higher, into a more spiritual realm. Just my own personal impression, but when I hear him singing it, he's thinking about a Heavenly Spiritual Place; he KNOWS it exists, and he KNOWS he WILL eventually be living there, if he isn't already.

    Score another (pleasantly surprised) point for The IZ Man!

    Again, FAE, wonderful 'BOTB' this round! You dun reeel gud!

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
  21. STMc - Well, Mr. McCarthy - glad to hear you enjoyed this post as much as you did. Another vote for the IZ man.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I thought I'd prefer Judy Garland's but have to admit, I think I like IZ's more. Bit more contemporary sounding.

    Happy Blitz!

    ReplyDelete
  23. I've loved the IZ version for some time; it was used on an advert in the UK quite a while ago. Of course, Ms Garland's version will always be the classic, but I love updated versions of things.

    I'd have to go with IZ.

    ReplyDelete
  24. I'm here to Blitz you as well. :)

    I'm a bit sad I haven't managed to keep up with this BotB you've been doing, but really it's been a matter of lack of time. I think it's a great idea because I bloody well love music and love to talk about it. Maybe I'll be able to catch up. :)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Haha.. I think I like IZ. :)

    Have a great Blitz!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I can't currently listen to the songs as I don't have speakers on this computer - have heard the Judy Garland version before (who hasn't?). Will check out IZ later.

    Happy Blog Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hello! I love this song! But I've been a Wizard of Oz fan since I was four...so Judy wins this battle, no contest! But it's cool listening to other interpretations of the classic song. I like the version at the end of the movie You've Got Mail. No one can sing it like Ms. Garland, though!

    Happy Blog Blitz Day! Have a great weekend!!

    Happy reading and writing! from Laura Marcella @ Wavy Lines

    ReplyDelete
  28. I can't help myself. I have to vote for Judy Garland, just because she's Judy. And, of course, she can sing. I think I was the only one in high school (in the 80s) whose favorite music was Big Band sung by JG.

    Happy Blog Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Judy Garland's version is the one I like most.

    Happy blitz day!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Judy all the way! You're having a Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Oh....I LOVE both versions and have them both loaded on my iPod. Judy's is a true classic, but Kamakawiwo’ole has its own special sweetness. If somebody put a gun to my head and forced me to pick, I'd have to go with the classic, but there would still be some indecision.

    BTW...you're being BLITZED! Enjoy! :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. Iz gets my vote - for highly personal reasons which I won't blather on about here...

    Happy Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Garland's amazing! Good to meet you!

    ReplyDelete
  34. Happy Blitz Day. And Judy, Judy, Judy. No question

    ReplyDelete
  35. This looks like so much fun! I don't even have to click on the videos to know which version of the song I like... one of them gets played rather frequently in my house ;) Happy Blitz Day!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Judy's version all the way! Have a wonderful weekend. :)

    Happy Blitz day!

    ReplyDelete
  37. What a lovely site! And good music, too. Judy's my pick, but I'm old. ;-)

    Happy Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Being an island girl I can't resist a good ukulele and IZ sang with so much heart. But The Wizard of Oz is my all time favorite movie and Judy sang from her soul. What a tough decision! I'll have to call it a draw. Happy Belated Blitz Day.

    ReplyDelete
  39. Definitely Iz's version, the strumming in the background is catchy, and yet overall haunting :)
    Happy blitz day!
    Suzanne @Suzannes Tribe

    ReplyDelete
  40. Happy Blitz day...I gotta' go with Judy.

    ReplyDelete
  41. Happy Blitz Day! And for the record, as much as I love Judy and the Wizard......the IZ version is one of my favorite songs. He made some amazing music!

    ReplyDelete
  42. I prefer Judy's version.

    Happy Blitz Day!!! Enjoy it!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Stopping by for the Blog Blitz! Have a great weekend! :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. As lovely as the second version is, you simply can't beat Judy Garland's version.

    Happy Blitz Day :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. Both versions make me smile - one nostalgically and the other because of its pep. I would go with IZ. Thanks for an interesting contest and a nice beginning of a blitz day.

    ReplyDelete
  46. Like Judy's version but IZs voice (sometimes). Happy Blog Blitz!!!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Nothing Like Judy's version.... It holds a special place in my heart... My mom sang that song to me when I was little to put me to sleep. I'll never forget it!

    Happy blitz!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Wow. You have to love the heart Judy Garland sings with but you also have to love the happy breezy good feelings version from Mr. Israel. I don't actually have to pick a favorite, do I?

    Great choices!

    BAZINGA!

    You've been blitzed!

    Have a great day!
    Heather

    ReplyDelete
  49. Yep, I agree with everyone. Judy rocks! Happy blitz day!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Happy Blitz!!

    I have to admit, I love the Battle of the Bands thing you have going on here. It's so fun! And after going back to look at previous battles I've found some new loves.

    I'll have to vote Judy on this one. I just love her voice.

    ReplyDelete
  51. I love IZ's version but it doesn't take me back to my childhood like the Judy Garland version. It stirs up wonderful memories,a time when you stared in awe at things like rainbows. Judy gets my vote. Happy Blog Blitz!

    ReplyDelete
  52. Judy Garland put a stamp on that song that will live forever. As with any song others will try to give their best rendition, but iconic status trumps others every time. I am part of the DL Hammons blog blitz. Happy "getting due attention" day!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Over the Rainbow is one of my most favorite songs! I don't think too many songs are about rainbows, and I love them. Blitz day!! You did alot of work on your writing!! Great job! Sandy

    ReplyDelete
  54. Got to go with Judy. Though I do like Eva Cassidy's, but she's not part of this. Happy Blitz Day and have an awesome weekend.

    ReplyDelete
  55. I am in for the classic Judy Garland one as well.

    Happy Blitz day!!

    ReplyDelete
  56. What a fun idea for a contest! I have to go with IZ. I've always loved his version.

    Happy Blitz Day!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. Judy will always have the voice we immediately associate that song with- there's no changing that. But IZ's song makes me so damned happy I can't not vote for him.

    Happy blitz!

    ReplyDelete
  58. I like Israel's version best. Happy Blog Blitz!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  59. Happy Blitz Day!! It's great to meet you and discover your blog. :)

    ReplyDelete
  60. Both great but I have to go with IZ, I've always loved that version ;)

    Happy Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Somewhere Over the Rainbow is a great song, and you gotta love the classic Judy Garland version too, though I've heard many wonderful renditions over the years. Happy blitz day to you!

    ReplyDelete
  62. There's no contest. It has to be Judy. Sorry IZ....

    Happy Blitz day!

    ReplyDelete
  63. I've always been an Over the Rainbow fan, but when I first heard the IZ version several years ago, I just fell in love. Now it is on my regular play list.

    Happy blitz day to you!

    ReplyDelete
  64. IZ fo' sho! Love that version.

    Well, well, this was a very fun post to have up for your blitz day. ;)

    ReplyDelete
  65. Both versions are amazing in my opinion.

    Happy Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Judy Garland for me! Love her! Happy Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  67. both songs are good

    Happy Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  68. What a cool idea! I love the mashup, but I have to stay with Judy Garland. I have big love for the original.

    ReplyDelete
  69. This is my first time visiting your blog and what a neat thing to do. <3 Happy Blitz day.
    ~summer

    ReplyDelete
  70. Happy Blitz Day!

    Judy Garland had a beautiful voice, but ever since the first time I heard IZ's version it's been a favorite of mine.

    ReplyDelete
  71. I've loved IZ's version ever since I first heard it :) But this isn't really an official vote since I'm just here for the blog blitz and not commenting on both the blogs or anything :) But I do think it's a really fun concept - way to go!

    ReplyDelete
  72. Happy Blitz Day. This version of the classic song is unusual, but pleasant. I love most music anyway, as a former voice student. It's fun to hear new styles.


    ReplyDelete
  73. I'll have to go traditional, although the IZ version was great as well.

    She was called "the little girl with the big voice" so I guess that makes him "the big boy with the little voice." :)

    You've been blitzed!

    ReplyDelete
  74. Happy Blitz Day! I'll have to go for the classic version, though I like the breezy, light-hearted style of the Hawaiian version.

    ReplyDelete
  75. I love both songs! And happy Blitz day! :)

    ReplyDelete
  76. You've been blitzed! ;)

    Hands down, it's IZ all the way. I know he's dead and all, but this song STILL is my go-to for "calm." LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it.

    ReplyDelete
  77. I am a classics kinda girl, but I love the cheery vibe of IZ and I use to live in Hawaii, the land of many rainbows :D I vote IZ

    ReplyDelete
  78. Criminy, I thought this post had gone viral or something. What a way to rack up votes. I'll have to check out this "Blog Blitz" thing.

    Lee
    A Faraway View

    ReplyDelete
  79. It's hard to go against a blog Hawaiian guy with a name like that! Hope you're having a wonderful blitz day!

    ReplyDelete
  80. I'd vote in this if I knew about it, even if I wasn't here to Blitz your blog! IZ for me!

    ReplyDelete
  81. Both versions give me chills. I have IZ's version on my play list. Happy Blitz!

    ReplyDelete
  82. Not gonna lie--I feel like I should like the original better but Iz's version speaks to me more. My dad and I went back and forth between the two for so long we ended up picking a different song to dance to at my wedding! Happy Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  83. "Over the Rainbow" is a great song. If memory serves, it was added to "The Wizard of Oz" as an afterthought, last-minute kind of thing. Probably the best song of the whole musical! :) As for which of these versions I prefer..? I like the quirky twist of the Hawaiian version, but, call me a traditionalist, the original wins out every time. Sorry, Israel, my vote goes to Judy.

    Happy blitz day! :D

    ReplyDelete
  84. Have a good Blitz day.

    WELL DESERVED.
    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
  85. I've got to stick with Judy on this one. Happy Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  86. Both versions are awesome, so the choice is difficult. In a way, this song represents the apex of both artists' unique careers. I think I prefer Judy's version because it captures a dream and a hope, which for her went wrong heartbreakingly early in her life. Israel's version hit at a time when he was very well known in Hawai'i and introduced him to the rest of the world. We lost both artists way too early (Judy at 47, Israel at 38), but maybe because I know more about Judy's life, I find her version more poignant.

    Happy BLITZ!

    VR Barkowski

    ReplyDelete
  87. razzle dazzle and rainbows... you have been blitz'd! now i am not taking no for an answer, you have to stop at everyone who has blitzed you today... starting with me. now go, it's along way to the top! :)

    ReplyDelete
  88. Oh man I love this battle of the bands idea. You are an awesome blogger, glad to have discovered you!

    ReplyDelete
  89. Hi FAE :)

    I love Judy Garlands version, but my vote goes to Israel. His voice is always in my head for this song.

    Have a great week.

    ........dhole

    ReplyDelete
  90. Judy Garland all the way. Though my very favorite rendition of that song was by Jevetta Steele.

    Hello from the Blitz!

    ReplyDelete
  91. I'm with Julie. Judy Garland all the way. Happy Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  92. Tough call. I sing along with Judy's version better, but the Hawaiian version reminds me of one of my best friends...hmm. I guess I'll go with IZ's version. Happy Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  93. Not a Judy Garland fan. She's too syrupy for me. I've always loved IZ's version, it's hauntingly beautiful, and he's not TRYING to sing it strongly - he's sorta humming to himself, in a dream. I like that take on a totally overdone classic.
    Oh, and happy Blitz! DL sicked us on you. This ought to be a fun one to tally...LOL.
    Tina @ Life is Good

    ReplyDelete
  94. IZ all the way.

    But I'm biased :)

    Happy Blitz Day :)

    ReplyDelete
  95. That's so tricky! I love both versions. I too have to go with IZ though. Every time his version comes on the radio, I have to smile and sing along. Good stuff. :)

    Happy Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  96. Happy blitz day. I'd vote for Judy, but have a soft spot for the Hawaiin version as it was played during a wedding I attended there. But then, I also like Kermit's version.

    ReplyDelete
  97. I love them both, but IZ for me. Your battle of the bands makes me think of "Music and Lyrics" - I loved the movie.

    Enjoy the many comments and have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  98. I love Israel's version. So much better than Judy Garland.

    Happy Blitz day!

    ReplyDelete
  99. I won't even try to pronounce the name, but amazing job :)

    Happy Blitz Day

    ReplyDelete
  100. You've been Blitzed. Judy's version wins it for me though Israel's is definitely a unique version that I have heard in the past and enjoyed. I must also add that I'm a bit offended by your response to other Judy voters which included you saying 'another traditionalist' and things that not only say you clearly are on Israel's side but also that you seem to think some of us Judy voters just take her side because she is the classic piece. Stephen gave the best and most detailed reason his vote was Judy despite Israel's own also being really good and cited another fact about Judy's video not being the best version of the song. I'm sure not everyone will agree with me but you should be kinder to those who think different from you.

    Still wish you the best with your blog and congrats on being blitzed.

    ReplyDelete
  101. No contest, Judy gets my vote all day long. And by now you must be aware that YOU HAVE BEEN BLITZED! :D

    ReplyDelete
  102. Since DL began the Blog Blitz I have been a participant. I always thought this was a really super idea, BUT you cannot imagine the feeling of being ‘Blitzed’.

    I’m not much of a ‘head hunter’ and as I stated in someone else’ comment box recently, I primarily blog for myself. I’ve learned not to care too much if I get 2 or 3 comments or 25, but the absolute feeling of elation that exists when you open the page and see 114 comments from a lot of folks you don’t even know, I am unable to explain. I’m sitting here listening to IZ sing and tears are running down my face.

    I appreciate each of you who have taken the time today to drop by, if for no other reason than you signed on to do so. This could not have come at a better time for me. I also need to say how much I appreciate the people who regularly come by to comment in my space. All of you guys help to keep me sane.

    AND, DL Hammons the mater mind behind the Blog Blitz…well, I have no words, other than to say, he is definitely one of the good guys.

    It may take me awhile, but I will make every effort to visit each and every one of you. Again, a thousand thanks yous. I sincerely hope each of you has the same opportunity that I have this day when we visit and blitz your home site.

    ReplyDelete
  103. The videos are not showing up in my browser...
    But I know Judy Garland's version... would love to hear the other version though...
    Happy Blog Blitz Day!!

    ReplyDelete
  104. Sheena-kay

    I really feel the need to apologize. I meant no disrespect to Judy or those who have voted for her. I suppose the people who come by here regularly, know me as kind of a smart-A and that's all I was attempting to do with that comment about selecting the traditional version of this song.(I also in no way meant to tip my hand as to whom I would vote for in the end.)

    I am sorry that this offended you. Probably my favorite movie of all time (or at least somewhere in the top three) is 'The Wizard of Oz. If it weren't for Judy Garland and her beautiful rendition of this favorite, we might not hold it in as high regard today.

    As far as being kinder to those who think differently from me...you have no idea.

    Thanks for coming by and your comments.

    ReplyDelete
  105. This is such a great song and I love both versions. Sorry I can't vote one way or the other, it really depends on my mood at the time which one I'll hit play. Right now it's past midnight where I live so I think I'm going to hit play on a lullaby. (: Happy Blitz Day!!! :D

    ReplyDelete
  106. My vote will definitively go to the Israel one and my 150 dwarves vote for that one too. ;) Happy Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  107. Judy Garland - so pure and sweet, and I think it makes me feel so nostalgic for my own childhood when the Wizard of Oz was so spectacular when it came on over Thanksgiving each year. Happy Blitz!

    ReplyDelete
  108. Rarely do I prefer a remake over the original. Gimme Garland. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  109. Hey, happy blitz day!

    I really like Israel's version. But I have to vote for the version that's made me cry every time I watched it since I was 5 years old. I vote for Judy!

    ReplyDelete
  110. This was an interesting post! It's the first of seen of battle of the bands blogging :) Happy Blitz Day :)

    ReplyDelete
  111. I love them both, but IZ's version has that something more that touches me in a way Garland's never did. Happy Blitz day!

    ReplyDelete
  112. Judi Garland's version is iconic and I've always liked the song. However, when I first heard Kamakawiwo's version some time ago, I love the soft lilting version even better.

    So for me, it's the second for personal preference. :-)

    Sia McKye Over Coffee

    ReplyDelete
  113. That name sure is a devil to spit out!

    Happy blitz day, enjoy it :)

    ReplyDelete
  114. I am a traditionalist, however in this case I have to go with IZ version. It's just more fun.

    PS:Happy blitz day!

    ReplyDelete
  115. Judy Garland all the way. Nothing like the original.

    Happy blitz day.

    ReplyDelete
  116. You've been blitzed!!! Have fun with this and have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  117. I know I'm a tad late for the event, but Happy Blitz Day to you!! I've always love the Wizard of Oz and JG's rendition, but I fell in love with the remake some time ago. I can't really choose. I love them both for different reasons...but if I HAD to choose, number 2 by a smidge. Sorry Judy!

    ReplyDelete
  118. As a sporadic blogger myself, I never throw stones. Just late blitzes!

    ReplyDelete
  119. EZ (I did share this for the BLITZ yesterday, but only just got to comment)is best for me. Although, in a completely different way - perhaps nostalgically - I do love Judy's too. X

    ReplyDelete
  120. Giving it to IZ, just love a bit of ukelele and the peaceful melody it brings ;)

    ReplyDelete
  121. How fun!! I've always preferred the IZ version. It's just so tranquil.

    I'm a bit late for the blitz, but here nonetheless! Hope you have a fantastic weekend!!

    ReplyDelete
  122. Oh ... Judy for sure! The other version is quite lovely, but I am a child of the '50s and the annual television showing of "The Wizard of Oz" was one of the highlights of my childhood, including the exquisite terror introduced to my brain by Witch of the West's flying monkeys.

    ReplyDelete
  123. My choice is definitely Judy Garland's version. The Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies. : )

    I'm sorry I'm a little late for the blitz, but I still want to say HAPPY BLITZ DAY!

    ReplyDelete
  124. My vote is for Garland.

    Happy Blitz Day!

    ReplyDelete
  125. Ack! I missed Blitz Day. But I'd already commented on this post so I hope that counts. *sheepish grin*

    ReplyDelete
  126. FAE -

    I am staggered at the number of people who have not heard IZ's version. I like it, but I've heard it so much that I am pretty tired of it. It seems as though they put it in about every sixth movie made over the last few years.

    I vote for Judy. I like 'em both, but the original version packs the emotional angle required by the words. At least to me.

    ReplyDelete
  127. You've been blitzed!!!

    And I like Israel's version of Over the Rainbow best!!! I have for a while now.

    I still think that Shirley Temple would have made a better Dorothy . . . Judy wasn't the right fit to play a 11 year old character . . . I know that I'll probably get angry comments for that, but there it is.

    ReplyDelete
  128. Well Mr. Six, thanks for stopping by. I was wondering if you were gonna make it. Seems more than a few people share your sentiments about the over-play of IZ's version.

    ReplyDelete
  129. Tyrean- that's an interesting thought. One I had never entertained before, but I could definitely see Miss Temple as an acceptable Dorothy. Should we get any hate mail over this we'll go down together. I already have one person upset because I termed those voting for Judy as traditionalists. I promise it was innocent - just my way if saying that they preferred to more traditional version. Some people just seem to have a desire to read unkindness into everything.

    ReplyDelete
  130. better late than never! Happy blitz day!

    ReplyDelete
  131. A bit late to the party, but I hope you had a great blog blitz day!

    ReplyDelete
  132. I vote for IZ. And wish you a fond blog blitz. God bless, Maria

    ReplyDelete
  133. I'm a little behind, but I hope you had a great Blitz day! :)

    ReplyDelete
  134. Whoa! Good luck tallying up those votes, Mrs. Tallyman!

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
  135. I missed the official blitz day due to a family emergency, but I wanted to stop in still!

    This is such an excellent idea!! I'm going to have to say, I'm a sucker for the classic, so Miss Garland all the way!

    ReplyDelete
  136. Ooh, I missed the Blitz day! Happy belated blitz!
    And what a fun Battle of the Bands this is!

    Hope the health stuff gets better {{hugs}}

    ReplyDelete