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It's February 1st and you know what that means, don't ya? Well, yeah, it means it's time for another BOTB, but it's also the month of love. Now, I suppose some of you will post 'silly love songs'. Maybe something even dedicated to your sweetheart. I'm going to post a love letter of sorts, but it's to my parents. The song I've choosen for February 1st was 'THEIR SONG'. Every time I hear it, I can clearly see that wacky duo gliding and swaying across the dance floor, whether it was in our living room, with the furniture pushed back and the rug rolled up, or at some fancy wedding or other family event.
I had originally written this post back in August. That was when we posted on August 30th for September 1st. August 30th (not this year) is the day my mother left this world and there hasn't been a day go by that I haven't missed her. For some silly girl reasons (sometimes, I'm a silly girl) I didn't use the post for my BOTB III, back in August.
Anyway, I haven't changed much to this post, so some of it may seem a little strange and dated, but since I'm still haveing trouble typing, I thought it was time to dig it out. Also, I would have been real disappointment in myself, if someone else used this song, before I got to it. (Over the course of the last few BATTLES, one of 'my' songs got used by someone else. Of course I would have used finer versions, but no matter, it still kind of ticked me off. I need to do my best to not let that happen again.)
It’s time for ‘BATTLE OF THE BANDS III’ (er...XIII actually). I know it’s
not the first of September yet, but due to the Labor Day Holiday and the three
day weekend, Mr. McCarthy and I decided to post a little early.
Apparently, ‘BOTB’ is a big hit because Stephen T. and
I are now being joined by Mr. Arlee Bird of TOSSING IT OUT.
So…here we go. Ya’all know how this works. Listen to me
yak for a few minutes, then listen to both versions of the ‘tune’. Leave your vote in the comment section and tell me why you voted. NEXT, get yourself on
over to Ferret-Faced Fascist Freinds the home of Stephen T. McCarthy and see what he has served up for
us. Listen, vote and comment there also. Then check out Arlee’s selections at TOSSING IT OUT
Originally, I had planned something different for this ‘Battle’ but due to the date change I just couldn’t help myself. I posted another version of this song back on July 5th, with some stories about my family, if you’re interested click HERE and read that post and have a listen to Willie (BUT, he’s not a part of this contest).
For this tune I want to take you back, way back to the
composer.
"Hoagy" Carmichael (born Howard Hoagland Carmichael;
November 22, 1899 – December 27, 1981) was an American composer, pianist, singer, actor, and bandleader. He is best known
for composing the music for "Stardust", "Georgia on My Mind", "The Nearness of You", and "Heart and Soul", four of the most-recorded American songs
of all time.[2]
‘Hoagy’ first recorded the song as Star Dust in 1927
(long before my time). It was then a ‘peppy (but mid tempo) jazz instrumental.
The lyrics weren’t added until 1929, written by Mitchell Parish. In 1930,
bandleader Isham Jones recorded a slower version, a sentimental ballad. This is
the more popular one played more often.
So…First up Mr. Hoagy Carmichael and his original Star
Dust
Next let’s hear what some people (at least those at
Wikipedia, Ha, ha, ha) think is the best. This one with lyrics.
Here’s Nat King Cole
Well, there you have it my selections for BOTB III, (XIII)
probably not what you expected from me. I’ll refrain from becoming all maudlin about
this choice. If you skipped back (or remembered) my post from July 5th,
you have some idea why. Today I’m reminded of my mother again. ‘I miss you
momma and I will every day of my life.’
Number three, is my ole buddy Willy:
And Number fouir that ever popular jazz man, Satchmo:
NOW, if you haven’t already, get yourself
on over to
Stephen T. Mccarthy - Ferret-Faced Fascist Freinds and vote there also. I'm sure Mr.McCarthy will also post a list of and links to the other regular participants. If you're new and want to participate, please leave a comment and a link to your site so that I and my visitors can visit you also,.
I think I'll cast my vote for Nat King Cole. Armstrong would be second.
ReplyDeleteOK, got you down for the first vote for NKC.
DeleteWe're on the time budget so are going the first two... And here, Laurie and I are in agreement.. the voice and orchestration ("more than just a piano"- L) gives Nat a clear win. And on a song like this, I think Nat's voice works better than Willie or Satcho's (noting that I didn't listen to the latter and haven't heard the former in a long time.)
ReplyDeleteI understand the time it takes to listen to all three and I did give you the option of only choosing between the first two, BUT you missed out on two extra chances to listen to a great song done by amazing artists. SO, another one for the late, great NKC.
DeleteInteresting match-up, FAE. And I'm glad you finally decided to post this one.
ReplyDeleteWell, first, it's a great song. And Hoagy must have re-recorded it later because I used to own a copy of 'STARDUST' with him not only playing the piano but singing the lyrics too. (That's the version I assumed you'd post.)
As I'm sure you recall, my deceased Pa has contacted me numerous times from "the beyond" by using Nat King Cole music (NKC was his favorite). In fact, once he even specifically used Nat's version of 'Stardust'. You'd think then that means I'm voting for Nat, right? Wrong.
It was also my Pa (while he was still breathing) who turned me onto that great Willie Nelson album 'Stardust'. Willie's nasally voice... why does it seem to work so well on these American Standards? Maybe it's not really Willie, maybe it's the great production by Booker T. Jones. That mournful harmonica... combined with Willie's voice and approach to the song... I gotta vote for the "Country Outlaw".
The Artie Shaw instrumental version is another one I like a lot. And if you had included the incredible version by Spanky And Our Gang, I believe THAT'S the one I would have voted for (even over Willie).
By the way, Woody Allen just phoned me a minute ago and he told me to tell you to put him down for... "One vote for Satchmo." (Woody is so predictable though, isn't he?)
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
POSTSCRIPT: I wonder if your folks and my Pa have ever met in Heaven at Nat King Cole's "STARDUST LOUNGE".
Mr. McCarthy
DeleteI read somewhere that Hoagy really wasn't too fond of the lyrics when he first heard them and he did not like the toned down ballad version of 'his' Stardust, but it eventually grew on him and he came to embrace it. Knowing that I chose to include his original instrumental version back in August (it also reminded me of Daddy, as he played the piano in the same style as Hoagy).
Again, when I originally wrote the post I had only pitted Hoagy against Nat, whom Wikipedia says has the most popular version.
As for 'Spanky and Our Gang', I admit that I had never heard that version until you sent it to me just a few weeks ago.
Willie got added, just this week, because well ya know, just because.
And, and with Satchmo, well, let's just say Woody made me do it.
As for your postscript, I have no doubt.
Hoagy Carmichael wrote such beautiful music. Back when I was in high school (which feels like another lifetime) I was in a choir that sang a medley of Hoagy Carmichael tunes.
ReplyDeleteThe Nat King Cole version is just so smooth that I have to vote for it. I enjoyed all of the others, so there is not a BAD version of this song!
Hoagy is amazing and Nat certainly is SMOOTH. It is my opinion that here in my BOTB or anywhere else, there is no bad version of this song. It is exceptional. Of course, my judgement is tainted by sentimentality.
DeleteVery different versions of the song and they are all great for their own reasons.
ReplyDeleteI concur with Stephen about Spanky and Our Gang's version of the song. It is amazing and I too would have voted for that one.
I have to go with Nat King Cole's ethereally beautiful rendition. That's my favorite.
Lee
An A to Z Co-Host
Tossing It Out
Another vote in general for the great song 'Stardust'. As I told STMc, The Spanky and Our Gang version was new to me, so it didn't win a spot here, but I agree it too is exceptional, but then I have yet to hear a bad version of this tune.
DeleteI have to go with #2 at my zoo.
ReplyDeleteYour vote will go, to the smooth and slow.
Delete4 would be my pick of today
ReplyDeleteAh, finally one for the man with the golden horn. Mr. Satchmo for you.
DeleteMy vote goes to Willie Nelson, although I like the Louis Armstrong version, and the Nat version. I'd prefer to hear Willie in person, he has such a beautiful voice.
ReplyDeleteApparently, another tough decision won over by the Country Outlaw.
DeleteAn interesting post that I enjoyed reading.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.
Hey Andrew, thanks for stopping by. Don't be shy, come back and vote for your choice. I don't bite...much.
DeleteHi FAE. I'm not post this week, but probably will for the 15th. I have a song in mind, but have been pretty busy and don't always get around to visiting blogs.
ReplyDeleteThese were all so different. I'm normally a hands down piano lover, and Willie Nelson makes me weak in the knees. But I loved the orchestra, and Nat's lover smooth voice. So I guess Nat gets my vote for making my heart pitter.
.....dhole
OK Donna, we'll plan on seeing you as a participant next time on the 15th of February. AND, there's one more heart pittering vote for Nat.
DeleteWow is this tough. McCarthy will be surprised, but I like them all.
ReplyDeleteI love Hoagy's (not just 'cause he's named after a Philadelphia sandwich) instrumental, and I am a sucker for Satchmo's voice. But Nat does a wonderful job, too.
In the end, I'm going to cast another vote (see Your Daily Dose) for Willie...
Larry.
and I almost forgot...FOUR versions?
DeleteYou've been hanging around my blog too long!
Now, see if I had only posted the two versions you would have missed out on two more chances to listen to this great song done by great artists. I'll put you down for another vote for the Country Outlaw. At least here Willie had to work for that vote.
DeleteGotta go with Nat King Cole! His voice is so crisp and clear.
ReplyDeleteHey, thanks for stopping by and casting a vote. Another one for Nat.
DeleteI'm going to be unpopular and vote for Hoagy's version. The rest are good, but the instrumental version just has this wonderful sound to it that needs no words.
ReplyDeletethank you for the vote and I'm sure Mr. Carmichael would also. I was afraid he was going to be 'shut out' of the voting, but then I thought every vote is, in reality, a vote for him and this great song.
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI was surprised that I enjoyed the Willie version but my vote goes to Nat. I've never heard the Spanky and Our Gang version but I always enjoy their music so I guess I'll have to go hunting for it.
ReplyDeleteLD - Thanks for stopping by to vote. I'll put you down for another vote for NKC.
DeleteYou can find the Spanky and Our Gang version on YouTube. It's very good also and I think you'll enjoy it.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFAE ~
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to tell ya that this was a "stellar" BOTB blog bit.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Yep, there you are!
DeleteGeez, how eazy that wuz.
ReplyDelete~ D-FenzDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Gotta live blogger.
DeleteLove, live, love you dumb phone.
DeleteThis is a really tough choice, I don't know which to choose. They're all good for their own reasons.
ReplyDeletewww.modernworld4.blogspot.com
Hey Gina, thanks for stopping by. I agree this is a tough decision. I don't think I've heard a bad version of 'Stardust'.
Delete