Saturday, February 15, 2014

BATTLE OF THE BANDS XIV - 'Life in Pink"




In keeping with the Valentine (February is the month of LOVE) theme; my selection for this BATTLE OF THE BANDS XIV is ‘Life in Pink’ (the literal translation) or ‘Life through Rose Colored Glasses’ (the general translation) of ‘La Vie En Rose’.

Before we get too far along here’s another little tidbit of FAE trivia (remember there might be a test at any time) I can understand, read and speak French. Unfortunately, you have to be pretty good to understand me. That little cow town in the Midwest where I was born and grew up, has left an indelible mark on my accent that makes it difficult to make those very French sounds. I think I sound great, but the snobs are constantly correcting me.

Also, I used to own a pair of rose colored glasses (true story), but that is a tale for another time, like NEVER. Anyway…let’s get back to BOTB, shall we?

 Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about “La Vie En Rose’:

The song's title can be translated as "Life in Rosy Hues" or "Life Through Rose-Colored Glasses"; its literal meaning is "Life in Pink".[3]

The lyrics of the song were written by Édith Piaf herself, and the melody was composed by Marguerite Monnot[1] and Louis Guglielmi, known as Louiguy. Originally, the song was registered as being written by Louiguy only, since at the time Piaf did not have necessary qualifications to be able to copyright her work with SACEM.[4] Words "Quand il me prend dans ses bras..." ("When he takes me in his arms...") came to her mind one evening in 1944, when she was standing in front of an American man.[5] That gave the base for the rest of lyrics. Piaf offered the song to Marianne Michel, who slightly modified the lyrics, changing "les choses" ("things") for "la vie" ("life"). English lyrics for the song were later written by Mack David.[6]

Initially, Piaf's peers and songwriting team did not think the song would be successful, finding it weaker than the rest of her repertoire. Having listened to their advice, the singer put the song aside, only to change her mind the next year. The song was performed live in concert for the first time in 1946. It became a favorite with audiences.[4] "La Vie en rose" was the song that made Piaf internationally famous, with its lyrics telling about retaken love and appealing to those who had survived the difficult wartime.[7]

"La Vie en rose" was released on a 10" single in 1947 by Columbia Records, a division of EMI, with "Un refrain courait dans la rue" making the B-side. It met with a warm reception and sold a million copies in the USA.[8] It was the biggest-selling single of 1948 in Italy, and the ninth biggest-selling single in Brazil in 1949.[9] Piaf performed the song in the 1948 French movie Neuf garçons, un coeur. The first of Piaf's albums to include "La Vie en rose" was the 10" Chansons parisiennes, released in 1950. The song appeared on most of Piaf's subsequent albums, and on numerous greatest hits compilations. The song went on to become Piaf's signature song and her trademark hit, sitting with "Milord" and "Non, je ne regrette rien" among her best-known and most recognizable tunes. Encouraged by its success, Piaf wrote 80 more songs in her career.[4]

The song received a Grammy Hall of Fame Award in 1998.[10]

So, let’s hear from Edith first.



Unfortunately, Edith’s life was a real train wreck, IMO. If you want to learn more about it, google her and see for yourself. I’m not too interested in getting into it here.

Next up something really different. Grace Jones and her version of “La Vie En Rose’. I’m gonna tell you, I didn’t really know Grace Jones as a singer. As a matter of fact all I knew about her came from her performance in a ‘Conan’ movie I was once forced to sit through, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. IMO, Grace was pretty scary in that film. Here’s what Wikipedia has to say about her career;

Beverly Grace Jones [1] (born 19 May 1948) is a Jamaican singer, actress and model.[2]

She was born in Spanish Town, Jamaica[3] and raised by her grandparents. When she was thirteen she and her siblings moved to her parents' home in Syracuse, New York. Jones started out as a model, initially in New York state, then in Paris, working for Yves St. Laurent, Claude Montana, and Kenzo Takada, and appearing on the covers of Elle, Vogue, and Stern working with Helmut Newton, Guy Bourdin, and Hans Feurer.

In 1977, Jones secured a record deal with Island Records. In 1980 Jones, with the aid of Compass Point All Stars moved into New Wave, scoring Top 40 entries on the UK Singles Chart, with "Pull Up to the Bumper", "I've Seen That Face Before", "Private Life", "Slave to the Rhythm" and "I'm Not Perfect". Her albums include Warm Leatherette (1980), Nightclubbing (1981) and Slave to the Rhythm (1985).

In America she appeared in some low-budget films in the 1970s and early 1980s. Her work as an actress in mainstream film began in the 1984 fantasy-action film Conan the Destroyer alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the 1985 James Bond movie A View to a Kill. In 1986 she played a vampire in Vamp, and acted in and contributed a song to the 1992 film Boomerang with Eddie Murphy. She appeared alongside Tim Curry in the 2001 film, Wolf Girl.

In 1983, Jones's One Man Show was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Long-Form Music Video next year.[4] For her work in Conan the Destroyer, A View to a Kill, and Vamp, she was nominated Saturn Awards for Best Supporting Actress. In 1999, Jones ranked 82nd on VH1's 100 Greatest Women of Rock and Roll, and in 2008, she was honoured with a Q Idol Award. Jones influenced the cross-dressing movement of the 1980s[5] and has been an inspiration for artists, including Annie Lennox,[6] Lady Gaga, Rihanna,[7][8] Brazilian Girls[9] Róisín Murphy,[10] Nile Rodgers,[11] Santigold,[12] and Basement Jaxx.[13]

OK, now you got the Wikipedia skinny on Grace (as well as Edith), pick and choose what you want to believe – Wikipedia isn’t always that reliable. Let’s hear her sing. BUT, before we do that I want to dedicate this version to one of the other BOTB participants, Mr. Arlee Bird. I think he may have called me ‘stogy’ in the comment section of Mr. McCarthy’s blog. This version of “La Vie En Rose” would definitely be the UNSTOGY somewhat ‘adult’ view. Please try not to be too distracted by the wardrobe function (no I did not misspell that, I’m pretty sure this is exactly how Grace expected this outfit to appear).



FINALLY, the last version (in the BATTLE) of “La Vie En Rose’ by none other than Mr. Louis Armstrong ‘Satchmo’. I think we can forego the Wikipedia life sketch here. After all, this is the third time I’ve featured him in one of my BOTBs and if you don’t know who he is, well you just might be the ‘stogy’ one.



In the last BOTB Mr. McCarthy shocked some of you by suggesting a particular album as music to ‘do it’ to. Well this song would be my personal pick for ‘lovemaking’ song of all time, but you’re gonna have to wait until the 21st until I tell you which version I prefer.

Now, after you have listened to all three versions leave me a comment with your vote and your reasons for that vote. You can also leave other thoughts about the song, performances, and just about anything else to do with this little BATTLE.

When you’ve finished up here, head on over to Ferret Faced Fascist Friends the home of the totally unstogy, and resident expect on what to do with, or to various musical compositions Mr. Stephen T. McCarthy. Participate in his BATTLE. I also know I can trust him to provide you with a list and links to the other regular participants.

If you want to post your own BATTLE (and you want myself and others to visit your site) please leave a comment to that effect with a link to your home.

I hope you enjoy this BATTLE OF THE BANDS. I’ll be back on the 21st with the result and my vote. See ya then!   

35 comments:

  1. Hmmm not sure I like this one so much, but #3 stands out as the best for me

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Not your favorite song, huh? Well, I'll put you down with the rest of the crowd as one for the Jazz man. At least no one can accuse you of following the crowd, seeing as you are first.

      Delete
  2. Louis's has always been my favorite, but Grace Jones has a great voice for it. I could like it--but Louis is still my vote.

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    1. Surprise, surprise another vote for Louis, well that's probably not fair because after all your vote came in second before all the predictions of a run away. Thanks for stopping by and voting. I'm sure Ms. Jones will appreciate the nod.

      Delete
  3. No fan of Edith Piaf. I don't care for her voice or her style of delivery.

    I seem to recall at least one Grace Jones song that I used to like, but not this one. This sounds too much like some tawdry performance in a karoake bar that's stuck in the disco 80's.

    Louis has got this one for me. I like the seductive instrument portions and this is one of the smoothest vocals by Satch. Good music never becomes stodgy. Louis Armstrong wins for my vote and I predict that he's got this contest in the bag.

    Lee
    An A to Z Co-Host
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Hey wait a minute I thought you were a fan of 80k's music. OK, just not this one huh? 'Tawdry performance' I like that description. Better be careful though, she is one scary woman.

      And the predictions start.

      Delete
    2. I liked some 80's music--not all. She's a formidable lady for sure. I guess that's why she was cast in her role in the Bond movie.

      Lee
      An A to Z Co-Host
      Tossing It Out

      Delete
  4. I really didn't care for the first version. I liked Grace's version pretty well so long as I kept my eyes closed. She really has a lovely voice that is lost in that crazy make-up and outrageous costuming. The only time I didn't care for her version was when she went a bit screechy in the middle. I know that she was going for a crescendo, but it made me clap my hands over my ears.

    So, that left the field wide open for Satchmo. He was the clear winner for me. His trumpet is always so fine and I liked the vocals delivered in English (a language that I can actually understand).

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    1. Could it just be the prophecy of predictions?Tthat's probably not fair at all. Another nod to Grace, which I'm sure she will appreciate, or are you just as afraid of her as I am.

      I can imagine most people will agree with you (obviously), about the vocals in English. Not tipping my hand in this particular Battle, by any means, but I have always enjoyed hearing musical lyrics (as well as people praying) in a foreign language. In my extended family alone, many different languages are spoken. I feel that when you hear a song sung or a prayer said in a foreign language, especially one that you are not familiar with, you depend more on the presence of the Spirit to touch your soul and convey the emotions of the song, if not the meaning.

      While I lived in Florida, my family became close to a family from Laos. I was learning to speak their language and having a difficult time of it, but listening to them pray in aof Rock Music in Thai and although this language has no ties to English (like French, Spanish or even German) I was surprised how easy it was to discern the love songs, from the more pop culture tunes.

      It seems at least for me music and prayer are a language unto themselves. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to express that, even if a bit off topic.

      Delete
    2. Let me try to clarify that third paragraph. I swear it was all there when I pushed publish, but I have been having trouble with Windows 8 trying to update something all day.

      Anyway...that should have read:

      While I lived in Florida, my family became close to a family from Laos. I was learning to speak their language and having a difficult time of it, but listening to them pray in Laotian was an amazing experience. Then one of them gave me a tape of rock music in Thai and although this language has no ties to English (like French, Spanish or even German) I was surprised how easy it was to discern the love songs, from the more pop culture tunes.

      I hope this publishes correctly and makes more sense than the gibberish in that last comment.

      Delete
    3. I didn't mean to leave you hanging by not replying to this lovely response. Since I know that BOTB results go up a week later I tend to come back and read all of the comments after you post a winner.

      I understand precisely what you are saying about understanding the spirit of a song even if you don't understand the words. My mom speaks Spanish fairly fluently and listens to some music in Spanish. While I don't understand it all that well, I really like some of it.

      I love your story about your experience with the family from Laos. I find it astounding all of the different forms the blessing in our life arrive in. Prayer is so powerful no matter what language it is delivered in!

      Delete
  5. Oh, dear me, FAE, I fear that (despite 3 contestants this time) you have another shutout on your hands.

    I know Van Morrison liked Edith Piaf but... I can live without her.

    Black Grace "Slick" Jones is a poseur - her (ugly) image should appear in the dictionary to accompany the definition of "poseur".

    That leaves only... "Satchmo" ...and anyone who don't love Satchmo should be deported to Russia or China where they belong.

    You got another shutout comin', to go along with the Glenn Miller / Chicago debacle.

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. 'Et tu Brute'

      Of course Grace Jones is a poseur as are all models, who seem to think because someone decided they were an acceptable 'clothes horse', they could suddenly act, sing and do all sorts of 'stupid human tricks'. Most of them need to 'get over themselves' and stick to what they do best. Of course most of them don't do much all that well, other than smile, of course.

      There I've said too much.

      Delete
  6. I'm not a Piaf fan, and though I like Grace Jones's voice, the beat makes the song seem hokey. I'm gong with Satchmo. Besides, his was the first version I can remember hearing as a kid. It brings back memories of my father. :)

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    1. Memories of your father are a good enough reason to vote for just about anyone. Another vote helping to make the predictions come true. Thanks for stopping by, Bish.

      Delete
  7. Not ignoring you guys. My computer is down and since the general consensus is already that this is a one sided, uninteresting Bartle of the My Battle is Better than Yours, I'm gonna refrain from embarrassing myself any more by trying to reply to your comments from my phone. I can only imagine how THIS comment will post. Ha, ha, ha! At least I'm still laughing.

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    1. Yeah, the phone cut me off before I was finished.

      I'll be back with individual replies as soon as I'm able.

      Delete
    2. Are you laughing because you are happily looking at the world through rose colored glasses? I started the day off with computer problems so I quit for a while and went to Costco. Now my wife and I are $300 poorer but we sure have a lot of stuff now. You should see all the toilet paper.

      Lee
      An A to Z Co-Host
      Tossing It Out

      Delete
    3. The rose colored glasses have been gone for quite a while now, and as far as the toilet paper, I would rather not - see it that is.

      Delete
  8. It would take a lot to beat out Satch...I am surprised you did not post the Todd Rundgren version...

    While Louis gets my vote, this may have been the first time I ever heard Grace Jones sing, and I was surprised-her voice is better than I would have guessed from her appearance.

    Larry

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    1. Is that another prediction I hear...

      Are you seriously telling me that Rundgren has a version of this song. Had I only known.

      There is a first time for everything, eh?

      Delete
  9. A great song and a great post. For me, it will always be Louis's song.

    I hope you might consider joining my bloggers' book club. Details are here: http://armchairsquid.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-cephalopod-coffeehouse-february.html

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    1. Hey Squid, thanks for coming by and voting. I'll check out your site and book club, just as soon as I get my computer up and runnin. Currently operating off my 'dumb phone'

      Delete
  10. Okay, I got my helmet on, prepare the rocks everyone... I found the first one making me see Darla from Little rascals. Satchmo's was nice, but just a little too plodding. I'll take Grace.

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    1. Well you are the shut-out breaker. I have to admit I expected someone to vote for Edith as opposed to Grace, but this whole thing is about personal preference.

      Delete
  11. All three were very different. I actually liked the first one. Grace wasn't bad, but I just can't look at her. Can't go wrong with Armstrong either. Guess his version will be my pick.

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    1. Thanks for mentioning that all three of my versions were different. That is what I was going for. I suppose when you go for a vast difference, one should expect that one particular versionight run away with the show.

      Delete
  12. How beautiful! I love the Louis Armstrong version. Great song choice.

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    1. Thanks Sandra, I've counted your vote for Louis.

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  13. Not really my favorite type of music, but I found Satchmo's to be the most listenable. The fast pace of Grace's version made it seem a little cheesy to me. So... score one for Mr. Armstrong.

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    1. Another vote for Satchmo and another cheesy vote for Grace.

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  14. Love Edith Piaf and she gets my vote any day.. . . Separate the artist from their works, many are train wrecks. I say that Satchmo's is second to Edith.

    Grace doesn't rate. Grace looks ludicrous and takes away the French flavor of the song. Her voice does nothing for me.

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    1. D.G. Thanks for coming by and casting a vote. A special thanks for ensuring that Edith was not shut out in the voting on 'her' song.

      Finally, one for Edith.

      Delete
  15. Grace's version made me think of a really cheesey commercial, lol.

    Louis i guess

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    1. A reluctant vote for Louis.

      I have to admit there are a lot of words I would use to describe Grace Jones. I'm a bit surprised that so many of you chose 'cheesy'. Ha!

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