APOLOGIES & bATTLE OF THE BANDS RESULTS

Apologies first; I said n my BOTB post that I would be back on the 21st to cast my vote and give you the results. Well, that didn't happen. I sincerely apologize to any of you who stopped by looking for that post. An even bigger apology to any of you who came back more than once looking for that post; yeah, like THAT happened. Anyway, I'm here today to tell you what did happen in this little BATTLE.

Shocked me all to pieces. I don't normally count the votes up before I'm ready to write my results post, but I was thinking that Allison was fairly well giving Dan quite a beating. Lo and behold when I counted up the votes it's a TIE! Imagine that?

So, it's gonna be up to me to cast my vote and break the tie.

You may have noticed on other BATTLES that I have mentioned I am not a big fan of Allison Krause. She does have a lovely voice, but it usually seems to not really fit what she is singing, to my ears. Anyway, I think this one was the exception. There was something about her voice that did lend itself beautifully to the melancholy piece, even if she had to change some of the lyrics to fit a female perspective.

I have been a Dan Fogelberg fan for a long time. I own several of his LP's on vinyl. Unfortunately, they reside in a storage locker in Idaho and I'm in Nevada (that could make some interesting lyrics). This particular song wasn't one of my favorites, nor do I think it was a major hit for Dan, but nonetheless it's beautiful, in a haunting, melancholy sort of way.

I sort of cheated when I chose this song. Remember, up there I told you that my Fogelberg collection of vinyl resides in Idaho, so I had kinda forgotten all about him. Also, I really wasn't aware of his music being regularly covered. Well, here's the sort of cheating part. A radio station out of Reno; The X at 100.1 FM does an afternoon contest called 'Under the Covers'. They play a cover of a song and then you call in and tell them who the original artist is. Yeah, about two weeks ago they played the Allison Krause version of 'Stars', and I was reminded of this beautiful song and Dan Fogelberg.

Now, my vote. Have you guessed? It goes to Dan Fogelberg breaking the tie and making him the winner of the BOTB. The final tally is:

     Dan Fogelberg                            11 votes (including mine)
     Allison Krause                            10 votes

This turned into quite the horse race, don't ya think?

Before I close here I want to say something. I don't know about anybody else who is playing BOTB, but my voting was down this time. What really disappointed me is the fact that several of the other participants didn't come by to vote at my space. I have a really tight schedule, but manage to make it around and vote at everyone else's BATTLE. That seems only right. I dunno, maybe it's just me.
 
Also, a special note to Alex J. Cavanaugh: I cannot comment at your site. I've left several comments and they never appear. If I've offended you in some way, (I'm thinking over this BATTLE OF THE BANDS vs Battle of the Banned thing), please let me know and I'll stop coming by. I notice you come by and comment here, so I'm more confused than normal.
 


 

'STARS' a BATTLE OF THE BANDS Post

Alright, I know I’m really late in getting my BATTLE OF THE BANDS posted, but hey it’s still the 15^th, so don’t go a countin’ me out yet.

I hate making excuses and I don’t want to bore you with the foibles of my life, but I will say that normally the hardest I work is sitting in front of a computer screen whereby, I become more and more of a recluse and less and less sociable. I decided to correct that by going back out into the workforce on a part-time basis. I casually inquired about a job in one of the high end retail shops located in a local casino, and lo and behold, they hired me. I worked my first shift today and am exhausted. I also did not plan ahead and write by BOTB post beforehand. Not surprised, are you?

So…let’s get right to it, shall we? I’ve always like this song by the guy who wrote and originally performed it. Too bad we lost him so soon.

First up, let’s here from Mr. Dan Fogelberg with ‘Stars’:

Next, I have selected a cover that I only heard recently. Here is Miss Allison Krause and Union Station doing the same song.

Now you know what to do and how to do it. Leave me a comment with your vote and the reason you chose as you did. Then head on over to STMCC Presents Battle of the Bands the hone of TSMOTP where Stephen has posted a great BATTLE for you (I know cause I already peeked.) Vote there and then check out the links for the other participants. Please try to visit all the other BOTBers. I know that everyone puts a lot of time and thought into their BATTLES.

If you have a chance and you’re the prayin sort, you might want to include Dixie of DC Relief fame, in your prayers. She hasn’t been feeling well enough to blog and participate in BOTB. We miss you Dixie and wish you well.

I’ll be back on the 21^st with my vote and the final tally. Until that time…Happy Trails!

BOTB RESULTS - HAPPY BIRTHDAY & I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU

Hey gang, remember when I told you that my first ever BATTLE OF THE BANDS was posted because I had house guests and I only put up the two songs because I had no time and didn’t want my blog too go al ‘whumpy’ for too long…well, I have the same house guest again, yeah, two years later, and I have been busy, busy, busy, running around and having a good time, so…here is the blog going all ‘whumpy’ and neglected AGAIN. Sorry About that.

Anyway…the results are in for BOTB and the winner is…BEFORE I tell you who won, I’ve got to say, I’m a little disappointed, because I love the version by Astrud and she really took a beating in this BATTLE. It does seem that most of you voted against the organ in her version and not really her voice. I loved what Cherdo said about her; ‘Love her voice. It’s almost fragile sounding.’ Yeah, that describes it perfectly; ‘fragile sounding’. I also love the images her version conjured up for some of you. Go back read what Mr. Sheboygan Six had to say. YEOWEE! That comment transported me back in time to a day when ‘my daddy was driving my Uncle Matt’s Caddy around with a big ole stogie stuck in his maw’. Anyway…I doubt youse guys wanna hear ‘bout that!

Here’s the results, plain in simple (and to my great disappointment).

        Sergio & Wanda          14 votes

        Astrud                       7 votes including mine

This BATTLE was my first big bummer!

BUT today I want to take the time to wish TSMOTP a great big ole wet sloppy H-A-P-P-Y  B-I-R-T-H-D-A-Y! You know you are special!

Also, today brings a sad memory for me. Michael Patrick Gordon…you will never be forgotten!

BATTLE OF THE BANDS - SUMMERTIME IS 'SO NICE'

It’s the first of August and you know what that means. Yeah, yeah, it means it’s time for another BATTLE OF THE BANDS, but unfortunately, August 1 also signals the beginning of the end of summer. Every stinkin’ year I hate to see summer go. Except for five years of my life, I’ve lived places where you could easily experience all four seasons. While I really love a ‘White Christmas’; Summer is undoubtedly my favorite time of year and I feel sad every August anticipating its demise.

It’s my opinion that summer is ‘So Nice’. So…let’s celebrate it with a little ‘Summer Samba’ or ‘So Nice’. Now some of you might be wondering what song this is. The title is not necessarily readily recognizable, but once you hear those first few notes, I’m sure you’ll say…’Ahhh, I’ve heard that one before’.

The two versions I’ve chosen for you today are not all that different. The instrumentation varies so you’ll have to listen closely to see which tickles your fancy.

First up, Sergio Mendes and Wanda De Sah:

Next, let’s hear from Miss Astrud Gilberto:

I’ve noticed that some of you publish the lyrics in your BOTB. I have not felt that necessary before, but personally I love the lyrics to this one. They touch my heart in a special way. So, I’ve decided to give ‘em to you, just in case.

Someone to hold me tight
That would be very nice
Someone to love me right
That would be very nice
Someone to understand
Each little dream in me
Someone to take my hand
To be a team with me

So nice, life would be so nice
If one day I'd find
Someone who would take my hand
And samba through life with me

Someone to cling to me
Stay with me right or wrong
Someone to sing to me
Some little samba song
Someone to take my heart
And give his heart to me
Someone who's ready to
Give love a start with me

Oh yes, that would be so nice
Should it be you and me
I can see it would be nice

Someone to cling to me
Stay with me right or wrong
Someone to sing to me
Some little samba song
Someone to take my heart
And give his heart to me
Someone who's ready to
Give love a start with me

So nice, that would be so nice
Should it be you and me
I can see it could be nice

OK, you guys know what to do and how to do it. Leave me your vote in the comment box and tell me why your chose as you did. When you’re finished up here head on over the home of 'The Supreme Ninja Captain of the Universe and BOTB'; Mr. Stephen T. McCarthy and see what he has cooked up for us this month. Also, Stephen will post a link to all of the other participants. Please try to visit everyone and cast a vote.

I’ll be back on the 7^th (The good Lord willin’ and the creek don’t rise) with my vote and the final tally. Until that time…Happy Trails!