Wednesday, July 1, 2015

BATTLE OF THE BANDS and GUESS WHAT I'M CREATIVE






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. If you 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!

57 comments:

  1. Congratulations on your award, and thank you for sending it out to us BOTB-ers. I got this for my joke blog last week, but nothing on the music blog until now.

    I don't know what movies are involved here. I thought "Guys and Dolls" was a play - no? I enjoyed Don Henley more than Stubby Kaye. My vote goes to Don.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Dixie, 'Guys and Dolls' was a play that was later made into a movie. So you are correct.

      Got you down as the first vote for Don.

      Delete
  2. Congrats on the award, my friend!

    I prefer Don too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Miss Donna. I been looking for you lately and I guess you're taking a break for the summer. I'll stop by later to see if you posted an IWSG today. I completely forgot.

      Second vote for Don.

      Delete
  3. Geez, got that many books done and not out? Need to get on that haha

    Don wins for me. As for movies, hmm I know it was the guys and dolls play and the second was used in Leap of Faith, never much liked that movie.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You, good sir, are 100% correct in that statement.

      You got both movie titles correct. 'Guys and Dolls' was first a Broadway play turned into a movie. And the second is in fact, 'Leap of Faith'.

      And Don takes another one, even if you didn't like the movie.

      Delete
  4. Ahh, Faye thanks for passing the award on to us BOTBers. Now, you certainly do deserve it. I mean the whole BOTB concept for a regular blog post is an ingenious idea and I'm glad it took root. So, bravo to you!!!

    I have no idea what movies this song is featured in. It's back to living under the rock for me. The Guys and Doll excerpt didn't jingle my memory at all, but I do remember Don Henley doing this number, and it goes without saying I far like Don's version over Stubby Kaye. So, give my vote to Don Henley! Interesting battle and great get-to-know-you facts! ;)

    #BOTB Star Spangled Banner Showdown ~ Spirit VS #MadisonRising

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Cathy. You guys are so creative in your BOTBs that I think you deserve the award also.

      And Mr. Henley takes another one. Looks like a shut out brewing.

      Delete
  5. giving my vote to Mr Henley!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I guess the first was the film version of Guys and Dolls. It's a fun version, but I'm not overly thrilled with it.

    If the Henley version came from Leap of Faith like Pat said, I don't remember it, but I do like that movie. I just watched it again recently and think it's an outstanding film.

    My personal favorite of this song is the one by Louis Armstrong. Between these two version's Kaye is just OK for me. My vote goes to Henley's more musically interesting and original version.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat was correct, so apparently the song didn't make much of an impression on you during the film. I haven't seen it in quite awhile, so I can't say for sure where it appears. Could be it's simply an overplay in the credits, but maybe not.

      I was not aware of a version by Satchmo. I'll have to search YouTube to hear it, but not today. BOTB has gotten so big, it's taking all my efforts to get my voting and responses done.

      Another vote for Don, Surprise, surprise!

      Delete
  7. >>... "I have ... a memoir in the hopper"

    That's the ticket! Mega-success and super-stardom is the ultimate revenge!

    "Harry The Horse"... that was Sheldon Leonard, wasn't it? Hard to see clearly on the small screen, but his voice is unmistakable.

    I like both of these movies a great deal and own the second one on DVD.

    Does every man with a "checkered coat" have a checkered past to go with it?

    Both versions are enjoyable, and I do like all the interplay between Stubby and the background singers. But in the end, that neo-Reggae version by Don Henley is just too hot. I feel the urgency more in Henley's version, so, guess what... it continues.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yup that is Sheldon Leonard!

      Delete
    2. Yeah, it continues. Not really surprised, but we're far from over here. At least I hope we are.

      Like Birgit said; yes that is Sheldon Leonard and you might have caught Frankie Baby there in the corner too. This movie had a star studded cast with Marlon Brando playing the lead. YIKES!

      I don't own either movie, but have enjoyed them both.

      Probably, on that checkered coat thing. I mean, what a fashion statement - a checkered coat.

      Delete
    3. Good ol' Birgit - she knows her movies!

      And, yes, I knew that Frankie-Baby and Brando were the big names in 'GUYS AND DOLLS'. Funny, first time I saw it, it didn't do much for me, but the second time I really enjoyed it.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    4. Yep, Birgit is the 'go-to girl' when it comes to movies, especially the older ones.

      I first saw 'Guys and Dolls' on the stage and loved it, the first time through for the movie, not so much, but like you it has grown on me. I was surprised at how well I liked Brando in a musical. YIKES!

      Delete
  8. Movies? Seriously? I'm officially clueless :D But the choice was easy for me, seeing as I'm not much of a fan of musicals or showtunes in general (except Annie--the original--which I can not just sing but lip-sync to the movie). My vote's for Don, who managed to turn an odd sort of recitation with music into an actual, even kind of beautiful, song ;)
    Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, the version from the movie 'Guys and Dolls' is a kind of odd recitation, but I think that's the way it was intended forr the purposes of the movie (replacing dialogue). Isn't that what they normally do in musicals?

      Anyway...Don does turn it into something else and you are certainly in the majority enjoying his version.

      Annie, YIKES! I guess you are a super fan.

      Welcome to BOTB. Hope you're enjoying yourself.

      Delete
  9. I like "rockin the boat" with controversy, lol. And I let my hair go grey to commemorate all the hard times I've lived through (mainly in the form or rascally kids). Perhaps we should call you Rusty instead of Blondie :) I'm feeling rusty after soaking up the swamp cooler in my easy chair the last few days. I sure missed you on my trip through your woods. I'll give you a gold star for surviving the grandkids.

    As a kid I loved musicals. Don't listen to them much now, but I think its cuz they are not as well done as those old black and whites. I did like both versions of this song; but count my vote for Stubby. How can a short person not like a name like Stubby? The song just fit the scene, and i liked the energy.

    Enjoy your weekend FAE.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, there's a lot of snow on my roof too, but so far I'm keeping the natural red with a little help from my friends.

      I missed seeing you too. I thought about you when I passed that Love's truck stop in Fernley as I sped my way home on Wednesday. Next time for sure my friend. I'm hoping you get that job, and the trip will become a regular thing. Any word?

      I agree that the 'new' musicals are not as well done as the older ones. I'm grateful that I can usually count on you to break up a shut out, cause you always seem to vote for the underdog, no matter their height. Ha.

      there is good energy in the Stubby version. It was written for this scene so it should be a good fit.

      And the shut out is over folks Nothing to see here, so just move along. No massacre today.

      Delete
    2. It may be the end of the month before I know anything. The job would be a life saver right now; so cynic that I am, I know she'll keep it, or give it to one of her friends. *le sighs*

      Delete
    3. Well, know that I'm keeping everything crossed that I can and still function as some level of normal, ha, ha, ha! for you. I really hope you get it.

      Delete
  10. Oh I like this song and I love musicals so I am all the way for Stubby Kaye. I love the whole rhythm of the first song and the way it was played. Can you believe Marlon Brando was the lead in this musical! The 2nd was ok but I felt like it was a bit reggae and that doesn't appeal to me

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey, hey, hey Stubby gets another vote. He thanks you and I thank you for helping to keep this from a shut out/ blow out.

      I know Marlon Brando was the lead in this movie and I thought he did a really good job. This was a star studded case. Brando, Sinatra, Leonard, and I think is was Simmons as the female lead, I think.

      Delete
  11. Hey Kaye, congrats on your award. And thanks for passing it on to us BOTBers. I have to say though, I hardly feel worthy of it as I'm in a creative block right now! I don't know where my creativity has gone but it has definitely left the building!
    Re: your contest: for me, it's hands down Don Henley. I met him back in the early 90s. He was in town (Austin, TX) for something and he did a stop on the morning show for the classic rock radio station where I worked. I got his autograph on an old Eagles ticket stub. But I kinda thought he was a dick really; he was quite rude. I wasn't that impressed with him at all personally. But I liked his version oh so much better than the show tune. I'm not big on show tunes. So my vote goes to Don Henley.
    Have a great 4th of July!
    Michele at Angels Bark

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Michele, I plan on having a great 4th weekend.

      I'm sure that creative block is as much in your head as for real. Your BATTLES are pretty good, so you deserve the award also.

      I've heard that Henley was kind of an ass. I think he was the problem with the Eagles break up. I guess he has a bigger ego than most and that's saying something.

      That said, you're right there with the majority in liking his version better.

      Delete
  12. Stubby Kaye. It was a lot more fun. Afraid musicals are't in my wheelhouse so I won't demean the song with a probably stupid guess.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another vote for Stubby (does that sound funny?). No guess would be stupid, but I hear what you're saying.

      Delete
  13. I'm still not through voting on all the posted BATTLES, but thought it best f I take a break and respond to all of you folks, kind enough to stop by and cast a vote here.

    ReplyDelete
  14. I really liked the Don Henley version of this song -- really liked it -- and I plan to add it to my playlist when I get my music stuff straightened out. So, a big thank you for introducing me to this one!

    Do I need to say it?

    Okay, I will... I vote for Don Henley (shocker, I know).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No you really didn't need to say it. I heard you loud and clear. Henley it is for you.

      Glad I could introduce you to a song you really like. Hope you can get your music 'stuff' straightened out. I have so much 'stuff' to get straightened it would take me forever.

      Delete
  15. I accidentally cheated - I saw the answer on the way down. :-|

    My vote has to go to Don Henley. And thanks for the Creative Blogger nod; back at ya. You're quite creative yourself.

    As for #2...I bet I'm older than you...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I don't know how I missed responding to you and Janie yesterday, but that's what happens when you leave a dumb blon...ah, er redhead in charge.

      Hard not to notice, if you even just skim the comments. so I'll let you slide this time. Ha!

      I really DO think all of the BOTBers are pretty creative, especially you new people. You really have to stretch to find 'new' BATTLES now with so many participants.

      And as for #2, you might be surprised, but then I'm not sure how old you are, so maybe, but then I'll never tell.

      got you down as a vote for Don.

      Delete
  16. Don Henly because I could hear him better. I could barely make out the first one even with the volume all the way up.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey go ahead misspell his name, he might not care, but then again, I hear he can be a real son of a gun sometime.l Ha!

      See my apology above to Cherdo and know that it goes double for you. don't know what I was thinking. Just being in too much of a hurry, I guess.

      Anyway...Don takes another hit... ah... er, vote.

      Delete
  17. Hi there- I liked both versions and they were so different from each other. I will go with fellow Texas boy Don Henley. I enjoyed his slower ballad touch to the song.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. OK, Holli, thanks for stopping by. got you down as another vote for Don.

      Delete
  18. I'm showing my relative youth here: no idea who either of these fellows is! For shame, for shame.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha, ha, ha. Ethan, surely you've heard of the Eagles. Don Henley is one of 'em. Stubby Kaye is an old time singer/actor, way before your time.

      Delete
  19. The original musical version is perfectly correct for the song. It is a strange song, but was written for a purpose specific to the musical, and it is funny. Don Henley's reggae version is not. Not funny, not appropriate. A vote for Stubs.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are exactly right, of course. I mentioned to someone above that of course it's conversational sounding. that's how songs in musicals were, because they were telling a part of the story in song. Therefore, totally appropriate. And yes, it is funny.

      I thank you for your vote and so does Stubby. I don't think he has a snowballs chance at winner, but he is making a decent showing.

      Delete
  20. Thanks for you kind and wonderful words!

    I have no idea which movies these came from but I can tell I MUCH prefer the movie version by Stubs. Don's doesn't do a think for me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are so welcome, my friend. It's only the truth.

      Stubby garners another vote. Two in a row, Wow! he's making a come back. Sort of.

      Delete
  21. Creative Blogger award - As a participant in the BOTB, I think you for the nomination. I received a nomination last week and posted on my blog. Congrats on you receiving as well, I love the BOTB and we seem to be getting more and more participants every other week.

    BOTB - Though I do love show tunes, I'm absolutely love Don Henley and the music he's associated with. To not place my vote for him would make no sense at all.

    Vote Henley

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BOTB is, in fact, growing by leaps and bounds. It is taking me longer and longer to get around to everybody and vote. Then come back and respond to all you lovely people. I am truly impressed by the creativity expressed by all of you participants. I hope you're all having fun, too.

      Show tunes are fun, aren't they? Don't feel too bad voting for Don, after all it was a 'show tune' too.

      Delete
  22. This song is meant to be sung by a singer like Stubby Kaye. He gets the vote here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 'Meant to be sung by Stubby', OK, I'll accept that. And the short man, or the stubby man, or whatever, gets another vote.

      Delete
  23. When I started to read comments, I thought maybe we were both crazy. We vote very easily for the original. Henley's is okay, but I mean, it doesn't fit the musical. It's supposed to be a kooky show tune... how can you be rocking the boat when the boat's floating along at a leisurely pace and the captain's smoking a huge joint?

    Perhaps it's also telling that we both were involved in drama and this was one of our favorite musicals to work on. We worked behind the scenes but it was still a lot of fun.

    Two very easy votes for the original.

    Also, I'm just surprised that you have that much written without anything being out there yet. We the adoring public want to see it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I LOLed when i got to the end of that first paragraph. Ya think?

      'Guys and Dolls' is one of my favorite stage musicals, so I can see where you're coming from. AND, Stubby is making a come back. Yay!

      Thanks 'adoring public', but editing is my short suit. I'm laboring away on one of my darling right now. It's set in your neck o the woods, as a matter of face. It is currently a behemoth of about 130,000 words, yeah, I know, I know. I'm desperately trying to slash and burn. let me know if you're ever having trouble sleeping and I'll send it to you.

      The other two-parter is an interesting tale. It's set in the Caribbean (imagine that) and Greece. I think the second book is kick-ass, but the first needs a lot of work (it was my first ever attempt, I know you're supposed to throw that one away, but I love the story and like I said the sequel is pretty good at least IMO). so, I'm not sure what to do with that one.

      Anyway...that's my sad tale of writing and where it sits.

      Delete
  24. Congratulations on your Creative Blogger Award and thanks for passing it on to us. ☺
    Interesting match up! Not a huge fan of show tunes, so I'm voting for Don Henley.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thanks and your welcome Debbie.

    AND, yet another vote for Don Henley.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I've a couple of things to add since my earlier comment. First, congratulations on the Creative Blogger Award. This BoTB thang has really taken off. It is a great idea! At one point I was under the misapprehension that Stephen McC. sort of co-thought-it-up with you... but I shoulda known that it was hatched in the brilliant mind of the "dumb blonde!"

    The other thing I thought might make you smile is that since I listened to your battle, I have been simply unable to get Stubby's original version outta my head! It is playing over and over... and I don't mind at all. It is a very fun and different song and I loved hearing it again. I've seen Guys and Dolls a bunch of times, live and the movie, and its a goodie.

    Merci' mon bon ami!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Ah, Mr. Six, what a nice comment. Sorry, if that song is driving you nuts in your head. Sometimes, even a song I really like, will get stuck in my head and drive me absolutely nuts. Ha, ha, ha! I too, love 'Guys and Dolls.

    As far as BOTB, I first used that on a whim two years ago this August. I had house guests and wanted to put a new post up, but had no time to put something together. So, BOTB was born. STMc loved the idea and wanted to do it as a regular thing. I told him to take it, but he said he wouldn't unless I came along. So, even though I initiated it, it wouldn't have happened if he hadn't gotten on board. In the end it was this dumb blonde, ah...er...redhead who first came up with the idea, but STMc pursued it.

    Hope you had a nice 4th. Mine was quiet, but nice.

    ReplyDelete
  28. Don Henley gets my vote and enjoyed his version when it used to get airplay on the radio. I might be ac little biased since that is the one that I am more used to listening to.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Hey Mike, glad you made it by to vote. Not as though Don needed the help, but I appreciate you.

    ReplyDelete