I'm going to make this post short and sweet. At least I hope it's sweet for some of you, for me not so much. To be honest I don't feel well. I've had a series of bits of 'bad news' lately, and physically I've been in a lot of pain. Nobody really wants to hear about that, but it is what's been keeping me from visiting your posts and getting this one up. I keep hoping things will tun around, but so far; no good.
Anyway... if I remember correctly more than one person predicted this BATTLE would be a blow out. It didn't exactly turn out that way, but one group did come out the winner at about 2 to 1. Many of you declared yourselves to be Crosby, Stills and Nash (this one was without Young) fans and thought sure you would vote that way, but after listening to the great harmonies and peppier sound of the Spanky and Our Gang version, you heartily 'jumped ship' and voted for the young lady from Chicago and her cohorts. Don't feel too bad; I'm joining you.
The final tally including my vote for Spanky is:
Spanky and Our Gang 16 votes Crosby, Stills, and Nash 7 votes
The common consensus was that Crosby, Stills, and Nash sounded like they just finished off some wacky tabacy and a bottle of wine. Excuse me while I go an join them.
Hopefully, I'll be back on the 1st of August with another thrilling BATTLE for your enjoyment. Until that time or whenever; Happy Trails!
Today is July 15th, and you all know what that means;
it’s time for another BATTLE OF THE BANDS, but this date has some special
meaning. It was roughly two years ago (July 10th to be exact) that I
posted the first BATTLE OF THE BANDS. Little did I know that it would turn into
something this long lasting with so many participants. Of course, none of it
would have happened without the encouragement of Mr. Stephen T. McCarthy.
Today I’m using another ‘show tune’, but I use that title in a very broad sense. This
song was used in a movie, but not as the theme. It has come to be closely
associated with said movie, though. The movie: ‘Midnight Cowboy’. The song: ‘Everybody’s
Talking’.
A few interesting facts about the movie, first. ‘Midnight Cowboy’
released in 1969 was rated X. It is the only X-rated movie to ever win the
Academy Award for Best Picture. Not to worry, today the movie has been
down-graded to an R rating. Now, what does that tell you about the caliber of
movies today? What does that tell you about the movie rating system?
The song was made famous and sung in the movie by Harry Nilsson
or just plain ole Nillson, but he didn’t write it. It was written by a man
named Fred Neil, who also recorded a version very similar to Nilsson’s.
If I were to use the version by Nilsson, I’m pretty sure he
would run off with this BATTLE, as that is the version most of you are probably
familiar with, so I found to slightly different version, that you may or may
not have ever heard of.
First up, Spanky and Our Gang:
Next, Crosby, Stills and Nash:
Now the ball is in your court. Vote for your favorite and tell
me why. When you finish up here, hurry on over to the home of Stephen T. McCarthy. I’m sure
he has posted an excellent BATTLE for your listening pleasure and he will
provide the links for all of the other participants. I hope you will take the
time to visit all of the BATTLES going on and cast a vote (You have until the
21st, to do so.)
I’ll be back on the 21st to cast my vote and tell you
the final tally. Until then Happy Trails!
This was a fun BATTLE for me. I was a bit worried that it could
be a complete blow out. I figured that most of you would vote for the version
by Don Henley. It’s more modern and that reggae beat is pretty catchy. BUT, as
usual you guys surprised me and quite a few of you enjoyed the Stubby Kaye
version. Before we get to my choice and the final vote let me tell you a few
things about these two versions.
The original is from the Broadway Play ‘Guys and Dolls’, which
was later made into a movie; hence the Stubby Kaye version. Stubby was more of a
character actor than a singer, so his voice isn’t as pleasant as Don’s, but as
a few of you mentioned, this song is more conversational.
Songs in musicals were meant to be conversational; this is so
they can keep telling the story. I’ve felt a little irritated in some musicals,
when they just break into song, for the sake of adding a song, and not
necessarily moving the story along. ‘Guys and Dolls’ is NOT this type of
musical. All of the songs are appropriate and work to move the story along. It’s
a great story and the movie version has some really big names of the time. I
encourage you to rent it sometime.
Don Henley’s version comes from the movie ‘Leap of Faith’, a
quirky movie starring Steve Martin as a swindler type tent preacher, who ends
up having a real spiritual experience. It’s a pretty good movie and again I
encourage you rent it sometime. It’s been awhile since I’ve seen it, so I can’t
really tell you where this song comes into play, but it does fit the story.
I’m a little torn about my vote. I really like both versions. For
just simply listening pleasure I like the Don Henley version, but for real ‘content’
Stubby wins me over, hands down. Either way that I might vote wouldn’t change
the outcome whatsoever. Here’s the final tally without my vote:
Don
Henley16 votes
Stubby
Kaye9 votes
Mr. Henley is the clear winner here. You guys liked the
modern/reggae sound of his version. Maybe the familiarity of it had something
to do with it (Don’s version did get some radio play.), who is to say.
I’ll be back on the 15th with another BATTLE. I appreciate
your support and votes. I really appreciate all of the new participants. You
guys make me smile.
Are ya feeling patriotic? If you live in the US you probably
should be, cause it’s almost the 4th of July. The big summer holiday
where we celebrate gaining our independence from foreign rule. Ha! Maybe it’s
time for another revolution…
Anyway, it’s also time for another BATTLE of a different sort
and by that I mean; BATTLE OF THE BANDS, but before we get into that I have a
little something I want to share with you.
My good friend Bish Denham over at bish-randomthoughts.blogspot.com bestowed upon little
ole me the ‘CRETIVE BLOGGER AWARD’. Her reasoning was because I started BATTLE
OF THE BANDS and in her words ‘that’s pretty creative’. Well, Bish, I thank you
very much and appreciate the kind thoughts and words. I encourage you guys to
stop over at Bish’s place. She is only posting on Mondays right now, but she
has some interesting ‘alternatives’ that can be a big help for all of us, but
especially you writers out there. She also posts a weekly ‘What I’m thankful
for’ statement. I really like that. In a world where there is so much negative
it’s nice to see someone publicly express what they are thankful for. Bish is a published author of several delightful children's books. She was born and raised in the Virgin Islands and often posts some amazing pictures and stories about he life there.
This award has a few simple rules.
1.Thank and post a link to
the person who nominated you.
2.Share five (5) facts about
yourself
3.Nominate 5-10-20 blogs and
notify them
4.Pass on the rules
I think I have successfully taken care of rule number one in the
paragraph above, but thanks again Bish, I do appreciate it.
Now for the five facts about me.
1.
I often refer to myself as
a ‘dumb blonde’ but I’m not really dumb or blonde. Actually, I'm a ginger and I’m smarter than I look, or act, most of the time.
2.I’m older than I guess
most of you think, but I’m not telling exactly how old.
3.I’ve traveled to forty of
the lower forty-eight states of the US and lived in quite a few of them, as
well as having lived outside of the country.
4.I’m what you would call a ‘water
person’ and love just about all water sports. I’m definitely more graceful in
the water than on dry land and would spend most of my time there if I could.
Maybe I’m a mermaid after all.
5.I have written three full
length novels (two that are part of a trilogy), and have a memoir in the hopper,
as well as a screenplay. I’m constantly looking for critique partners and need
a kick in the rear to finish up my editing and get something out there for
sale.
OK, that takes care of number 2 and believe me, for someone who
is intensely personal, that was a teeny bit hard for me.
Now number 4 of the rules – NOMINATIONS. Well, I’m gonna take
what might look like the easy way out, but I NOMINATE each and every participant
in BOTB. You guys are the best and all very creative. When I see some of the
BATTLES posted I’m in awe of the ideas and posts you come up with. Give yourselves
a collective pat on the back. Pick up this award and pass it on. Ifyou have recently received it from someone
else, I don’t expect you to go through the whole thing again, but please pick
up this one and display it at your blog, letting everyone know what you
received it for. I want you to be recognized for your CREATIVITY in BATTLE OF
THE BANDS as well as your other blogging endeavors.
You other BOTBers who have just been nominated, please consider
the rules passed on.
NOW, let the BATTLE commence.
I’ve already yakked yer head off, so I’m gonna get right to it
and I’ll give you a little more info on the artists and this song in my results
post. But, I wanted to dedicate this song to one of my blogger friends and
fellow BOTBer. I’m not mentioning any names, (they may know who they are, but I’m
not telling). You guys are free to guess, if you like.
I wanted to change up the genre a little bit, so I’m going with
a show tune. This little ditty was featured in two different movies, one originally
a Broadway play. I’ll let you guys also give a guess to the movies that each
came from. Now no cheating and googling for the answer. I’ll reveal that in my
results post also.
First up, Mr. Stubby Kaye:
Second, Mr. Don Henly:
OK now, you guys know what to do and how to do it. Leave me your
vote with a comment as to why you chose as you did. Also, I would love to hear
your guesses on what movies these two versions came from. As usual I’ll be back
on the 7th, probably sunburned and worn out after the weekend
festivities, but I’ll give you my vote, the results and clear up any confusion
about where each song came from.
Now, get yerself on over to the home of Mr. BOTB himself, (AKA
the TSMOTP) STMcC Presents Battle of the Bands and check out the link for the other participants. Please try
to visit everyone this time, and cast a vote.
Have a fun and safe 4th of July, and until the 7th
; Happy Trails!
