Sunday, February 1, 2015

BATTLE OF THE BANDS - THIS ONE COODERN'T HAVE BEEN MORE INTERESTING



February 1, 2015 – YIKES! How did that happen? I don’t know about you, but time has taken flight for me.

I have a lot to say today, so we better get on with it. I’ve really enjoyed BATTLE OF THE BANDS. I’m not a music guru, like some people, who shall remain nameless, at least for now. I can read music, play the piano, and have even been known to sign a note or two, but when it comes to fancy technique, or instrumentation what I know is; WHAT I LIKE. Through some of your posts and in the comment sections I have learned a lot about music, instrumentation, technique, and some personal history of the artists. Today, my BATTLE was a learning experience for me; one that started at a point and came around full circle.

Let me tell ya ‘bout it:

Awhile back I was talking music with STMcC, well, he was talking and I was listening. He mentioned a band with an odd name; ‘Dicky Doo and the Don’ts’. About all he said at the time was something about their comical name. I decided to look them up and see if they ever had a hit and if it was something that either they might have covered, or if someone (gasp!) had covered one of their tunes.

Turns out I found this at Allmusic.com

Artist Biography by Bruce Eder
Dickey Doo & the Dont's started out as a joke with a purpose. Gerry Granahan, a producer, songwriter, and performer needed an alias under which he could release his newest record without getting into legal trouble with another record label to which he was already under contract and the alias turned into a successful recording act. Granahan, born in Pittston, PA, was a musician and singer who'd handled demos for Hill & Range aimed at Elvis Presley. Signed to Sunbeam Records in 1957, he had a hit in mid-1958 with "No Chemise Please," a novelty song that got to number 23 on the Billboard chart. His next four singles stiffed, but then he found himself with a song that seemed like a certain hit, "Click Clack," and a label -- Swan Records of Philadelphia -- that wanted to release it; moreover, with Swan behind it, the label's silent partner, Dick Clark, would give it a boost on the local version of his daily music showcase, American Bandstand, thus ensuring it had every chance to become a hit. Granahan's different contractual relationships, with Sunbeam and an earlier contract with Atlantic, however, made it risky for him to release anything with Swan, at least under his own name. Thus were born Dickey Doo & the Dont's, a mythical act whose name would be attached to the song "Click Clack." Swan partner Tony Mammarella suggested the name Dickey Doo & the Dont's as an "in" joke that obliquely referred to Clark's secret involvement with Swan. The song broke out gradually and rose to number 28 during a three-and-a-half-month run. With a hit behind him, Granahan now faced another problem: coming up with a group to appear as Dickey Doo & the Dont's. He recruited a quartet -- Harvey Davis (bass), Al Ways (sax), Ray Gangi (guitar), and Dave Alldred (drums) -- to back him as Dickey Doo & the Dont's; Granahan was referred to on their recordings as Richard A. Doo. The quintet proved extremely popular in concert and charted more singles, including "Nee Nee Na Na Na Na Nu Nu," "Leave Me Alone," and "Teardrops Will Fall," over the next year and a half. By the 1960s, the group had left Swan and moved to the United Artists label, where they cut two albums and remained under contract until 1965. Granahan continued his extensive activities as a producer during this period, working with the music of the Angels and Patty Duke, among others. Dickey Doo & the Dont's have never been compiled on one CD, but their music is spread among several compilations devoted to Swan Records and early '60s oldies.

I had not heard of any of these songs, but a Youtube search proved that ‘Teardrops Will Fall’ was covered by various other artists. Including John Mellencamp and Linda Ronstadt. I listened to both of those versions and although the lyrics are the same, they didn’t sound anything like the original. A little more searching led me to a fellow named Ry Cooder. Now ya’ll probably know all about Mr. Cooder (especially you music gurus) but I had no idea. This guy really gets around. Here’s what Wacky Watchee has to say about him;

Ryland Peter "Ry" Cooder (born March 15, 1947)[1] is an American musician. He is known for his slide guitar work, his interest in roots music from the United States, and, more recently, his collaborations with traditional musicians from many countries.

His solo work has been eclectic, encompassing folk, blues, Tex-Mex, soul, gospel, rock, and much more. He has collaborated with many musicians, notably including Captain Beefheart, Ali Farka Touré, Eric Clapton, The Rolling Stones, Van Morrison, Neil Young, Randy Newman, David Lindley, The Chieftains, and The Doobie Brothers. He briefly formed a band named Little Village.
He was ranked eighth on Rolling Stone magazine's 2003 list of "The 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".[2] A 2010 ranking by Gibson placed him at number 32.[3]

Personally, I found it interesting that Ry has worked with many of my favorite artists. I was shocked that I had never heard of him before, but then you know me.

Anyway, turns out it’s Ry Cooder who took that old song by Dickie Doo and the Don’ts, ‘Teardrops Will Fall’, and wrote a different arrangement. He then recorded it and so did John Mellencamp and Linda Ronstadt.

Now remember back at the beginning of this post, I said that my research started at a point and took me full circle. Well…here’s the skinny on that part of the story.

A week or two ago I was at the home of Chris Fries The Creative Outlet of a StratPlayer. You all remember Chris. He used to participate in BOTB, but dropped out this year to pursue his personal creative projects. (BTW, you should stop by his space on Mondays, where he is posting some of his creativity, and boy oh boy, can this guy create!) Anyway…while eavesdropping in the comment box Chris and STMcC are yakking away about music, way over my head, until Mr. McCarthy mentions ‘The Buena Vista Social Club’, which was an album produced by Ry Cooder (he’s also one of the musicians). It’s Cuban music played by older Cuban musicians. Mr. Cooder, if you will remember, has an interest in “roots’ or ‘traditional music’ from many countries. The album was also produced as a film documentary. Here’s what Wacky Watchee says about it.

Ry Cooder produced the Buena Vista Social Club album (1997), which became a worldwide hit. Wim Wenders directed the documentary film of the same name (1999), which was nominated for an Academy Award in 2000.

So, what started out as a somewhat frivolous conversation turned into a learning experience, at least for me. Also, I listened to most of ‘Buena Vista Social Club’, and really enjoyed it. It is definitely music of the Caribbean.

OK, enough of that brief history of me, and my search for this BOTB.

I’m seriously trying to avoid a shut out here, so I’ve decided – DUM, DUM, DA, DUM – to go with a three-way. Once you listen, I think you’ll understand why.

First up, the original – Dicky Doo and the Don’ts


Next, Mr. Ry Cooder


And finally, Miss Linda Ronstadt


OK, you guys know what to do and how to do it. Leave me a comment with your vote and tell me why. Next go on over to the home of Mr. BOTB - Mr. Stephen T. McCarthy. I’m sure he has a marvelous BATTLE posted for your pleasure and he will also provide links to the other participants.

As always, I appreciate your continued support of this fun little endeavor. If you would like to join us and post your own BATTLE, please let me know in the comment box, so I can be sure to visits your site. Also, leave a note at Mr. McCarthy’s site so he can add you to the list.

I really hope you will try to visit all of the BATTLE OF THE BANDS participants.

I’ll be back on the 7th, with the final tally and my vote. Until then – ‘Happy Trails to You!’

31 comments:

  1. Dicky Do is for me new too. That's a sound that brings back memories.

    I go way back with Ry Cooder. I have several of his albums on vinyl, cassette, and CD and even the Buena Vista Social Club DVD. So you can see I'm a fan. I consider him to be a musicologist as he explores many genres and puts them out to the public. He's good, but after a few listens I tend to put his albums on the library shelf.. Though in all fairness that's what happens to most of my happens.

    Linda's version is smoother, sweeter, and far more listenable for me. She has outstanding musicians behind her and a voice like an angel.

    My vote for this tune goes to Ronstadt.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Can't argue with your assessment of Linda. It's more than sad, what has happened to her with Parkinsons disease.

      Cooder being new to me is intirgueing. I have Buena Vista Social Club on my Netflix list.

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  2. Why does the music industry have the most insane history?
    Dicky Doo and the Don'ts - before my time but I do like that saxophone.
    Made me think of the Beach Boys at one point.
    Ry Cooder has a nice clean, pure sound. A nice pace if you're crying.
    Linda Ronstadt - upfront - not a favorite. I simply don't like the instrumentation. Females always cry - what can I say? I'm lost here.

    Geez, Louise - this one has me sitting back, laughing and crying a bit myself.
    I'm on the third play here - we're having fun now. Thanks FAE!

    My vote - Dicky Doo and the Don'ts.

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    1. First, vote for the original. I was afraid that, being before most everybodys time, they wouldn't get many votes. I'm sure they appreciate it and so do I. I can see from the first two votes, that this won't be a shut-out.

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  3. Oh lord, I can't believe I'm saying this, but - my vote goes to Dicky Doo. I didn't want to take their version seriously since I read that they started out mostly as a joke, but they won me over.

    I love, love, love Ry Cooder, but prefer the Dont's' old-style music even to that of the incomparable Mr. Cooder.

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    1. Kind of hard not to giggle when saying (or typing) Dickie Doo, isn't it?

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  4. I vote for Linda Ronstadt! Her voice is strong, melodic and captures the mood. The first one is fun but doesn't sound all that professional to me but what do I know? Ry_couldn't play him here - I went to youtube and found a version that looked like someone filmed him with their Iphone. Not the best to take it in but I am not a fan for the most part. Linda it is!

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    1. I'm sure the lack of a more professional sound on the Dickie Doo recording has to do with the fact that it is so OLD.

      Sorry that the Cooder version woulnd't play for you. I have the same issue on other blogs at BOTB. Not sure why that happens.

      Got you down as another vote for Miss Linda.

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  5. Honestly, FAE, you make me feel better about my own lack when it comes to music. I like what I like. Period. I don't know much about a whole bunch of genres or the "major players" who make it all happen. I don't know the inside jokes or the history or any of it really. I always feel like I learn something with these battles (because so many folks contribute musical knowledge on their posts). Today you can count yourself among them, because I didn't know any of this stuff.

    You're right about the Dicky Doo version not sounding anything like the other two. It was faster and probably a product of its time. And I liked it fine. In fact, I liked it pretty well UNTIL I heard the Ry Cooder version and I could actually understand the words. It's a sad song. I like Cooder's interpretation much better. So, I'm thinking Dicky's out and Cooder's in. Then I heard Linda Rondstadt and thought that in terms of style and arrangement it wasn't that different from Cooder, but man she sings so much better. So, the other two were now out and Linda was in. This was an interesting battle for me. Thanks!

    Linda Rondstadt it is.

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it and learned something too.

      I have to admit that for me music is emotional more than technical. Probably because I'm a girl. Even the stuff I know something about, still has to 'touch' me in a certain way for me to truly appreciate it. In other words, I can see something as technically sound or even superior, but still not LIKE it. all that said, I do enjoy learning something new and like you BOTB and some of the 'music gurus' who participate have greatly contributed to my education.

      You did realize that Ry Cooder did the arrangement that Linda Ronstadt is singing, didn't you? That would be the reason they sound similar. I do have to agree with you that she has the better voice.

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  6. Title was spot on. Without a doubt the best BOTB I've ever listened to, because the three versions were so different, and so good. It hardly seems fair to vote for just one. But I will bow to my male gender and vote for Linda.

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    1. Another vote for Miss Ronstadt.

      Glad you enjoyed this BATTLE so much. I don't know if I'll be able to keep it up to these standards. As you can see, I really got into the research on this one.

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  7. Well, that was quite a journey. Dicky's version was kinda big band fun, and Ry has a sort of R&B thing, really nice also. But I have to give my vote to Miss Linda; this song seems made for her voice, and that acoustic/percussion sound in the middle just made me want to listen to more. I think she would have rocked the original version also.

    Funny where a leisurely chat can lead.

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    1. Sometimes a leisurely chat can be a dangerous thing. Ha!

      Glad you liked all three versions. Got your vote down for the lovely Miss Linda.

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  8. My vote is for Ry on this one. It was close with Linda. The original had a dated sound, and I do enjoy dated sounding. music I just preferred the other two more.

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    1. First vote for Mr. Cooder. Thank you Mike. After the first two votes, I realized this wasn't going to be a shut-out (all votes going to one version), but it was beginning to look like Ry Cooder would be shut-out. Not so anymore.

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  9. I have to go with #3. Just found I liked her the most, even though all versions were different and good. You just never know where a conversation will go.

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    1. It's true, you never DO know where a conversation will go, and when you have a mind like mine, it's an even stranger trip.

      thanks for your vote and continued support, Pat.

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  10. FAE ~
    Very informative AND very good BOTB lineup.

    I enjoyed all three versions. But I especially enjoyed that late 1950s / early '60s Doo-Wop sound of DICKY DOO AND THE DON'TS, along with that chunky saxophone instrumentation. They get my vote, both for the music AND the wonderfully humorous band name.

    Good 3-Way Battle here.

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. Glad you enjoyed it. Seems most people liked it and so far no one has complained about the three-way. I did that to avoid ANOTHER shut-out. Unfortunately, Ry almost got shut-out, but finally received one vote.

      Voting for the humorous name, OK I'll take that.

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  11. LOTS of information I didn't know here... in fact, ALL of it was new to me. Nice!

    I always liked Linda Ronstadt's band. Most of those guys were simply fantastic musicians that performed on countless albums. It has a sound that I am most familiar with. Frankly, I don't even like the song at all as performed by the guy that wrote it, but I like Ry's version, and like LR's version even more. So: another vote for Linda.

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    1. I'm just turning into a veritable encyclopedia here. Ha, ha, ha. Seriously, I had a good time doing this research and found some really enjoyable music to boot (Buena Vista social Club). Most of the time I enjoy learrnin new things, at least on topics that interest me. This one was fun.

      I find it interesting that there was a pretty close knit group of musicians that were all working together to help one another out. when you look at the liner credits on any of their albums you'll see them recording backup for each other and collaborating. Seems that they guys were truly into making good music. Take this guy Ry Cooder. he never really achieved some big time personal fame, but check out the liner credits of all kinds of music and his name is there. during my research I ran across another name, Van Dyke Park - another guy who shows up all over the place, but I had never heard of him.

      Now today you have these so called musicians (primarily rappers, but others too) shooting and sueing each other. It's all about the $$$ and too many of them don't seem to be concerned about the music, but more about their fame. Kind of sad that this was lost.

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  12. Faye, first up so happy you have exited Blogosphere for good. I certainly get where you're coming from because I've been there too often to know you gotta take time to regroup. Taking a regular hiatus once or twice a year helps me a lot. Anywho, on the battle...this is a new-to-me song. I wasn't sure at first which one would steal my vote, but the one version that sounded the best to me for whatever reason was Linda Ronstadt. She gets my votes!

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    1. Thanks Cathy. It is amazing how different things can look after a little break. I guess it's something we all need sometimes.

      got you down as a vote for Miss Linda.

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  13. Dicky Doo and Don'ts won me over with their goofy name, but I also like their sound the best. And let's be honest, the name is funny, but I'd rather be named "Dicky Doo" than "Cooder."

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    1. I admit that I giggle every time I read, think, or say Dickie Doo, but I hadn't thought about Ry Cooder. Guess this was just the BOTB of the very unusual and laughable name. At least you didn't take the easy way out and vote for Linda.

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  14. I'd have to give it up for Cooder. I like his arrangement best.

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    1. I kind of had a feeling, that as a guitar guy yourself, you might vote for Ry, and I'm glad yours is only the second vote he's collected so far. Thanks for your continued support.

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  15. Hi FAE!

    First off, thank you very, very much for the plug of my blog! That is so sweet and kind of you -- I really appreciate it!

    Next -- great battle. I'm not a big fan of the doo-wop kind of thing, but I did sort of enjoy Dicky Doo and the Don'ts. It's not something I'm going to seek out, but I enjoyed it in a nostalgic kind of sense. But the vocals are a little too white-bread and lack soul -- it sounds like an old-timey college glee club. The best part was the sax.

    Ry Cooder is wonderful. I'm not that familiar with his stuff, but what I've heard I've enjoyed -- I have a Little Villiage CD and really like it, and the stuff he's done with DavidLindley is also great. His version is excellent -- the only weak spot is the vocals.

    Linda's is smoooooth. I love the instrumentation, and the singing is by far the best of these versions for my taste.

    But overall, even though Linda sings it best, I think Ry's is the best. The music and soul push it past the smoothness of Linda.

    Fun battle!

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  16. I like the harmony on the original and the whole arrangement. One for Dickie Doo and the Don'ts!

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