Just so you know, I’m participating again today with a little help from my friends…again!
I’ve got an interesting song for you. One that has been covered
a lot, and I really should have thought of it on my own, but well, you know me…dumb
blonde here.
I want to dedicate this to all of you out there who have a past
love for whom you still feel some affection. No matter how much time has passed
and even when the right thing is to move on, the love – if genuine – remains. I
personally know this to be true and have these feelings myself. I often wonder
if there is anyone out there who harbors such feelings for me. OK, probably best
not to dwell on such things.
The song today is a Bob Dylan classic. It’s appropriate to use
it at this time, as I’m currently freezing here in Tahoe, and Bobby hails from
one of the coldest places in the US; Hibbing, MN. Ever been there; I have.
There are a gazillion covers of this tune, some really good and some not so
much. Keith Richards has one with some nice guitar work; plain, simple and kind
of sweet, but his voice…YIKES! He makes Dylan sound like a nightingale.
Let’s
get on with the contest, shall we?
First up with ‘The Girl From the North Country’, Crosby, Stills
& Nash:
Next The Waterboys doin’ the same tune:
Now you know what to do and how to do it. Leave me a comment
with your vote, and hey, what the heck, if you have one of those past loves
that you would like to tell me about, I would love to hear your story.
When you’ve finished up here, head on over to the home of
TSMOTP, Mr. Stephen T. McCarthy and check out his BATTLE. I’m sure it will be a
good one. Once you’ve given him a vote, follow the links to the other BATTLES
taking place today. Please try to visit everyone participating. Heck! Why not
join the fun and post your own BATTLE. If you do, let me know in the comment
section.
I’ll be back on the 7th with my vote and the final
tally, at which time we’ll crown a winner in this here little ole BATTLE. Until
that time…Happy Trails!
Just so you know. I wrote up this BATTLE and set it to post at 2:00 AM on the West coast, but Blogger has different ideas. If you look closely, it says that it was posted on October 1 at 2:00AM, but it's only 8:40PM here in Nevada and the post is showing up. Go figure.
ReplyDeleteI'm too tired and too dumb to figure it out, so if you see it a little early, just know that Blogger hates me!
You probably have the time zone set as UTC instead of Pacific (I think that's the time zone for Las Vegas).
DeleteNormally I'd probably prefer CS&N but I think they messed too much with the pacing or something So they don't do it for me on this song.
ReplyDeleteWaterboys have such a great solid rootsy sound on this--kind of like The Band. Love this sound. This is the version that I pick for my favorite.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Hum...I hadn't thought of the pacing being what made the CS&N version different, but there is something about it that sets it apart. If I would have been betting how you would vote, I would definitely have put my $$$ on CS&N (see that's exactly why I don't usually try to predict -I'm more often wrong than not).
DeleteSo, I've got you down for the 'rootsy' sound of The Waterboys.
My vote is for Crosby, Stills & Nash! Smoother.
ReplyDeleteLost love, doesn't everyone have one? :)
Thanks Yolanda. CS&N it is for you.
DeleteOn lost love, I guess that's true, but then there are those who are lucky enough to fall in love and remain so with just that special someone.
GREAT BATTLE, FAE!
ReplyDeleteDylan's first album was almost a "throwaway". Some artists don't get a second chance. But Dylan was so incredibly talented that he did get another chance, and on his second album - 'The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan' (one of my favorite album covers ever) - which included this song, one could see the possibilities.
In my opinion, it wasn't until his 5th album - 'Bringing It All Back Home' - that the fullness of his talent was realized (and that's still my favorite of his albums, followed by 'Blood On The Tracks').
Both versions presented here were very good (and this should be a pretty close contest), but the voices of CROSBY, STILLS & NASH were designed by God for songs like this. They easily get my vote (although, I repeat, this will probably be a close Battle).
Sheboyganboy Six gave you this song? Suddenly, my opinion of his taste in music jumps up 6 rungs on the ladder. (I'm sure he'll appreciate my sense o' humor.)
I ain't Inhibited, and I ain't never been in Hibbing. All I've seen of Minnesota is the Minneapolis airport. (That was enuf.)
~ D-FensDogG
'TSMOTP'
First, you haven't missed much by never being to Hibbing. It's always cold there (I passed through in the summer). I think it's great claim to fame is as the birthplace of Mr. Zimmerman.
DeleteYep, this song was a recommend of Mr. Six. and a lot of the text in my post is verbatim from his email. His recommendations were top notch. I have at least one more that I'm gonna use, maybe as soon at 1015. I've been so tied up lately it's been kind of nice not to have to think about these BOTB posts. As it goes, looks like I won't have to do much of my own thinking until 12/1. That should be a good thing for everyone involved.
I think my favorite Dylan album is 'Blood on the Tracks'. I don't think there is a track on it that isn't one of my favorites.
I had you figured for those harmonies in the CS&N version, even though I don't regularly try to predict how you guys will vote (more often than not I'm dreadfully wrong).
I think you are correct that this one will be close, at least that's how the voting looks so far. This was not exactly the match-up recommended by Mr. Six, but he suggested I use one of my favorite artists and I was afraid he would get clobbered. Not only would that have been a 'bad BATTLE', but I would have felt bad. I think this was a pretty fair match up, although quite different. We shall see.
One of my favorite Dylan songs here. The Waterboys version did grow on me but it wasn't enough to over come CSN. My vote goes for Crosby, Stills and Nash. I enjoyed your battle!
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed it, Mike. Sometimes when someone takes one of our favorite songs and picks two 'other' versions, it's not so much fun. Got you down for CS&N.
DeleteCrosby, Stills, and Nash have great voices, but the second one was stronger all the way around. It gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteStronger, Eh? That's a good way to describe it. The Waterboys version certainly has more energy and they also have your vote.
DeleteThe first one the three didn't really seem to be in sync. Number 2 gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteGot it Pat. The Waterboys it is for you. Thanks for coming by to vote.
DeleteI really CS&N. However, it didn't take long for me to realize I would like their version better if I wasn't watching them. Video can be wonderful. It can also be distracting. Once I stopped looking at them I could truly appreciate the harmonies on this song. As Stephen T. McCarthy said above, "This sort of song was made for them." I agree. The Waterboys were good, but they don't compare to CS&N on this tune.
ReplyDeleteIt's funny, but I can hear the Dylan-esque of this song. It's undoubtedly one of his... no matter who sings it.
Lost love... I have a few for whom I still harbor fond feelings. Not want to get back together feelings, but fond feelings. It's like that for J1 and J2. And I still love Jack even though he's now been dead almost a year. It's taking time, but I'm slowing coming to peace with that fact.
In case there was any doubt, my vote is for Crosby, Stills and Nash.
That Video is a bit distracting, isn't it. What in the world is Graham Nash doing? He looks as though he's about to take flight. And he's barefoot to boot or 'no boot' should I say? Anyway...it's does sound better if you don't watch.
DeleteEven with the pleasing harmonies of CS&N, the lyrics and overall cadence of the tune make it unmistakenly Dylan.
Loving someone is so much more than the physical. Those feeling don't often die and if they do they tend to die hard. It was an interesting contemplation to wonder if there is someone or someones out there in the universe who might feel that way about me. I can name a few for whom I have those feelings, but it hadn't occurred to me that someone might think that about myself. I guess I'm always quick with the self doubt and think that lingering love was not in my destiny. Anyway...
I have you clearly down for CS&N
Hey Fae, It's a bit cool here today, but I'm liking these upper 60s temps just fine. Fabulous song! I'm giving my vote to Crosby, Stills, & Nash. I just love their harmony! Have a bandtastic day!
ReplyDeleteThose harmonies are fantastic and lend them self beautifully to this song.n CS&N for you it is then.
DeleteI'm voting for The Waterboys. I've never liked CS&N, with or without Neil Young, and they're singing it like a lullaby.
ReplyDeleteLullaby,m eh? didn't really think of it that way, but I hear it now. Got you down for The Waterboys.
DeleteI'm really surprised at this but I didn't like the Crosby, Stills and Nash version at all! It surprises me because I'm a major CSN fan. So my vote is going to the Waterboys. I like the gravely voice and the music is more lively and engaging.
ReplyDeleteMichele at Angels Bark
Well even when we're fans of a particular group, we can't always like EVERYTHING they do. got you down for The Waterboys. They do lend a special energy to this tune, don't they?
DeleteI have issues with the confusing Blogger post times, ha ha. Glad to see you suffer the same malady.
ReplyDeleteLove this battle - I've always thought this was a great song and I lean acoustic (given the choice).
Gotta give it to CS&N...I know, I know...it sounds so CS&N. But I love 'em. The Waterboys sounded like they were channeling Dylan a bit but that may not be true - this is the only song I can compare it with.
I'm trying to make the rounds and get back in the zone! Thanks for a great battle! :-)
Blogger vs. Me - it's a love/hate relationship! Ha,ha, ha.
DeleteGot you down for those great harmonies and that acoustic sound. CS&N are great and this song was made for their special flavor.
I had heard about your trials and those of your son. Have had you in my prayers and hope for a speedy recovery. It sounds as though you have one great kid there and he was and still is being protected. Kind of makes you wonder what God has in store for him, eh?
Glad you're able to get back into the fray. Of course, your family comes first. We'll still be here.
I vote for Crosby, Stills & Nash even though it upsets me that they don't use the Oxford comma. I have to vote for them because they are Crosby, Stills & Nash, and the pure beauty of their voices can bring a tear, or sometimes two, to my eyes.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Oxford comma - ha, ha, ha! Got you down for the pure beauty of CS&N.
DeleteGood battle, Fae!
ReplyDeleteFor me, learning and listening to Dylan has been like sipping on a fine wine. It's better with every song of his. That said, I think CS&N do a wonderful job. I listened and found myself hoping they'd find 'The Girl from the North Country.'
My vote goes to them, please.
Dixie
Thanks Dixie. Interesting comment that CS&N made you 'feel for them' and not just the song. AND, they get another vote.
DeleteIt seems like I carry a lot of such memory bubbles in my heart. Some I know where they are... some I have no idea. One in particular I pray for, especially on New Year's Eve. I would have to believe somebody out there thinks of you that way.
ReplyDeleteThanks CW, it was nice of you to say that.
DeleteAnd as for the vote, sorry so late, but it was about half-experiment (I didn't vote first on ANYONE's BOTB) and half getting time alone to listen.
DeleteCSN has always been a favorite of mine (when I steer away from their politics), and the Waterboys are new to me. But the WBs to me out-Dylaned Dylan, so my vote goes there.
CS&N have beautiful harmonies, but I have to say, the tempo was so slow, it was putting me to sleep! The Waterboys' version was much better IMO, in sound and pacing, so that's my choice.
ReplyDeleteAh, ha! a vote for sound and pacing. I admit that in these two version those two things are very, Very, VERY different.
DeleteMaybe its just me; but the guy in the middle looks like he needs to go pee. Perhaps the song was just too slow for his liking, lol. Sorry, don't remember who is which.
ReplyDeleteYou know I'm with you on the still having feelings for an old flame. It is sad when a relationship ends - or perhaps its just changed. I'm not so sure all the ex's think of me fondly, but it doesn't interfere with my own nostalgia :)
I'm giving my vote to the Waterboys. I liked their style, theirs was easy to listen to, just the right tempo and pacing. Kinda like a nostalgic book :)
I'm actually looking forward to the coming winter. Taking a blog break from Nov through possibly Feb, and cold weather is good writing and reading weather.
See you soon.
Ha, ha, ha! That's Graham (Cracker) Nash and I have no idea what he is doing in this video. I have a feeling neither did he.
DeleteI love your comment that even if your ex's don't think fondly of you; you don't let THAT interfere with your own nostalgia. Great attitude.
Got you down for The Waterboys.
Cold weather is good for curling up by the fire with a good book or an old/new lover, eh?
FAE -
ReplyDeleteOf these two versions, it must be the Waterboys.
You mentioned that another version by one of your favorite artists would have been clobbered here.. Perhaps you are right about that. You have be posting these battles for ages and I'm sure you have a feel for that sort of thing. But I am totally surprised that CSN is not only NOT getting clobbered, they are AHEAD! Their version is poo-poo.
I really love CSN, as I've said before on your blog. But Lee is right about the pace: it is ALL WRONG! It is a royal snooze-fest. Though I love the song, I can barely get through their version.
I am pleased that Mr. McCarthy has me rising in his esteem, but unfortunately my estimation of HIS musical taste plummets even further with his voting for CSN!
SBB-6 ~
DeleteAll I can say is... you and Lee... agree.
And as Dylan would say... "How does it feel?"
[;o)
Ha!-Ha!
We can get a lot of mileage out of this peculiar musical disagreement, eh? I mean, when you can reference Armageddon comin', based on BOTB votes... Gotta love it! GOTTA!!
~ D-FensDogG
Poo poo you say! Ha! I'm not gonna tip my hand by saying too much. I want everybody to keep guessing about my vote right up until the 7th.
DeleteThat barometer of your and McCarthy's mutual admiration with regards to musical tastes certainly provides for some interesting fodder in the comment box.
Armageddon...YIKES!
AND, yes, I fear that one of my favorite ole performers who has a great version of this song (just him and a piano) would definitely have been clobbered here. Maybe I'll post that version on the 7th, just to irritate everybody. Ha!
Yes, poo-poo. I was going to say "caca," but figured that would be considered racist and I might get myself banned from the blog.
DeleteYes, McCarthy has simply terrible taste in music, except for Tom Petty and jazz. Well, more accurately, his likes are so narrow that one is always safe in betting that he won't like something. Me? I like most stuff except for the few artists that he LOVES: Karen Carpenter, Willie Nelson, and Johnny Mathis. HA! And so I think he is right that when we start agreeing with each other too much, it must be a sign of the End Times.
As for the performer you skipped: I am not so sure he'd have bitten the dust in this contest. He version is excellent. But for sure you got yourself a real horse race so far with this battle! So... you picked well, e'en if I personally am not a fan of one of 'em!
I hope you feel better!
Poo Poo Caca; it's all carp to me.
DeleteThe horse race is what I'm after here and so far it's going well. I haven't counted the votes up yet, but it seems to be going back and forth. There are two BOTB participants who haven't voted yet, so their might be more votes today, but I kinda doubt it. We'll see.
These are both great versions. But it seemed to me that The Waterboys sounded a bit too much like Dylan or too much like his album Blood on the Tracks. It also didn't have enough of a haunting/lost-love feel to it. It was to me, too loud.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure who could ever top C,S&N for the tight beauty of their harmonies. And Stills's somewhat gravely voice seems well suited. It is now the song of an old/older man, looking back on his youth, on a lost love.
Obviously my vote is going to Crosby, Stills and Nash.
Interesting comment and perspective with respect to CS&N, particularly Stills. Those guys do have some pretty tight harmonies, but then they should, they have been at it for a long time. It's kind of nice when they don't have Neil in there messing things up. Ha.
DeleteGot you down for CS&N. And BTW, we have another BATTLE on the 15th and I just might use your suggestion. Thanks.
I'm sorry to say we both couldn't even make it half way through the CSN version. Sure, they have amazing voices, but it's soooo slooooow that I feel like if I toooook a naaaaap I could wake up and just be barely half way throooooough the choooooorus. ;)
ReplyDeleteThe Waterboys have a much better pace and all around sound. We both agree - two votes for them, not just for the better version, but for waking us *snore* up.
And no humorous comment about Graham Nash about to take flight? I'm
Deletedisappointed. Maybe he was doing that to keep the audience from going to sleep. Ha, ha, ha!
OK, The Waterboys for the Beer Boys, it is.
Considering what they are singing about, I much prefer the smooth vocals of Crosby, Stills and Nash. It was romantic and had a sense of longing which I thought appropriate. Yes I have a past love, chances missed, things that could not be. I have a feeling he felt the same for me...I like to believe that. Unfortunately he died this past year.
ReplyDeleteOh, that was sad,but then seems that many of us have a situation like that in our past.
DeleteThe smooth vocals of CS&N for you it is.
I've never heard of The Waterboys, but I do like their version best, actually!
ReplyDeleteHi Stephanie, thanks for stopping by and casting a vote. Glad I could give you something new to listen to. The Waterboys it is for you.
DeleteGood song. I know I've heard some of these lyrics before, then I realized the line, "Remember me to one who lives there, she once was a true love of mine." Is from Simon and Garfunkle, which Dylan borrowed I believe. An interesting bit of trivia.
ReplyDeleteAs for the songs selected, I think I like the harmonies of Crosby, Stills and Nash.
Got you down for CS&N.
DeleteI'm not well enough today to check it out, but it would be interesting to see which song is older and who borrowed from who with that line.
Ooohhhh! That was a great catch by JEFFREY! I didn't notice the line, but he's right, it also appears in the song 'SCARBOROUGH FAIR' by Simon & Garfunkel.
DeleteSo, I just looked into it and found that the line was written by neither Dylan or Simon. It's actually from an olde traditional English ballad. Dylan borrowed the line first, for 'Girl From The North Country', and S&G recorded their version of the traditional song a few years later.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Scarborough_Fair_%28ballad%29
Very, very interesting! Gotta love BOTB. You never know what info it might lead to.
~ D-FensDogG
I agree. I've been learning a lot of cool music trivia.
DeletePut me down for the Waterboys. Could've been the live-vs-studio recordings, but they sounded better, more put-together, to me. Great song, both great versions.
ReplyDeleteGuilie @ Quiet Laughter
Thanks Guilie The Waterboys it is for you.
DeleteLove the Waterboys! Glad they won :-)
ReplyDelete