Thursday, October 15, 2015

BATTLE OF THE BANDS - TIS THE SEASON of the Witch






You guys know how I’ve been yakking about getting ‘a little help from my friends’ with my recent BATTLE OF THE BAND posts…Well, this one is no different and it’s a good thing. Last week at a regular doctor’s visit, I was diagnosed with walking pneumonia – no wonder I was so tired and a dumber blonde that usual. I was suffering some pretty serious oxygen depletion. I’m still tired and had to return to work, but am on the mend.

Today’s BATTLE suggestion comes from my good friend Bish Denham. I really appreciate Bish. She comes by and votes at almost every BATTLE. I wish she would consider joining us and posting her own BATTLES, but for today I’m grateful for her recommendation of this great Halloween themed tune.

You can visit Bish at Bish-Random Thoughts and as a little ole hint, if you are considering participating in Mr. Stephen T. McCarthy’s ’25 Favorite Movie List’, Bish is running a Blog Hop on October 26 titled ‘The Listing Hop’. For more information see Bish’s Blog.


I’m going to combine this ‘Listing Blog Hop’ with Mr. McCarthy’s request for our LIST of ’25 Favorite Movies’. Why don’t you join me? This will be fun. FIRST, go HERE to Bish’s blog ad sign up for the Hop. NEXT, let Mr. McCarthy know that you’ll be participating in his ‘LIST’, by leaving him a comment HERE to check out your ‘LIST’ at your blog on the 26th of October. Got that?

OK. Now back to BOTB. The song Bish suggested is Donovan’s ‘Season of the Witch’. Appropriate for this Halloween Season, eh? Here’s what 'Wacky Watchee' has to say about Donovan and the song.

"Season of the Witch" is an early example of psychedelic rock, written by Donovan[1] and first released in September 1966 on his Epic Records (USA) album, Sunshine Superman

Although originally written and recorded by Donovan, in the United Kingdom a cover version by The Pandamonium was released as a single in November 1966 (CBS 202462),[2] while Donovan's version was finally released in June 1967 on the Pye Records compilation Sunshine Superman.[citation needed] (The song was never released as a single but it became a very popular song with fans, enough so that Donovan himself played it live more than most of his other hits.)

The recording features Bobby Ray on bass and "Fast" Eddie Hoh on drums.[3] The hauntingly eerie guitar is provided by Jimmy Page, then a noted session guitarist working in England. There are rumours that the organ was played by another noted British session player, John Paul Jones, perhaps helping to establish the groundwork for the eventual formation of Led Zeppelin two years later in 1968. (However, this was unable to be verified.)

If you want to hear the original by Donovan go , but don’t confuse yourself, THIS VERSION, is NOT a part of the BATTLE.

First up:

Lou Rawls



Next:

Dr. John


Yeah, I know these versions are long, (not as long as some on YouTube) but that’s Psychedelic Rock for ya. Everybody had all the time in the world…Nobody knew what time it was…Who cared? Ha, ha, ha!

Well I care about your vote. You know what to do and how to do it, right? Leave me a comment with your vote and your reason why. Then head on over to the home of TSMOTP, HERE and see what he’s brewed up for you. Stephen will also provide a link to the other participants. Please try to visit everybody and cast a vote. I expect there will be some other Halloween themes going on this time.

I’ll be back on the 21st with my vote and the results of this BATTLE.

I’ll also be posting for ‘The Listing Blog Hop’ my 25 favorite movies (not necessarily what I think are the 25 greatest movies, but my personal 25 guilty pleasures) on October 26th. Please try to stop back and consider joining me in this fun little HOP.

Until then…Happy Trails!




38 comments:

  1. Glad to hear that you're getting better. That walking pneumonia must be tough trail on which to meander.

    "Season of the Witch" was covered by plenty of artists back in the late 60's early 70's, but Lou Rawls is one of the least artists that I would have thought of doing this song. Never heard his version, but it works.

    Spooky Dr. John certain fits the witchy sound image better and he does put an interesting spin on the song.

    Over time Rawls would probably work better for me for repeated listenings, but for this battle I've got to vote for the creepier Dr John version. He stays in the spirit of the song better and I prefer his musical back up a bit better.

    Interesting song of the season with some capable performers.

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

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    1. Yeah, the Lou Rawls cover surprised me too. I went with it because it was so diverse from Dr. John and yet pretty good. Certainly
      Rawls is much easier on the ears.

      Thanks for the well wishes. Walking pneumonia is a pain in the chest, but more serious than you would think. I suppose it's mainly because you really don't have any idea how sick you are.

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  2. The first one I liked more as the second was a bit hard on the ears I found at times. Even scared the cat awake lol

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  3. So glad you're feeling better

    This is one of my favourite songs ever! Nobody comes close to Donovan, but Dr. John's bluesy version is cool and those raunchy vocals! Yeah! Lou just didn't do it for me, at all. Dr. John, all the way! ☺

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    1. Thanks Debbie.

      I'm sure using Donovan would have produced a shut out o near to it. Got you down for the raunchy vocals of Dr. John.

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  4. Very different sounds on the same song. I think I'll go with Lou Rawls (Does that surprise you? I think not.) . Dr. John is an acquired taste that I haven't quite acquired yet. I'm working on it...

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    1. I don't usually try to guess how the regulars will vote, but I'm not surprised that you went for Lou. I have noticed that you're not much on those gravelly voiced guys.

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  5. I thought I was going to like Dr. John better because I love his Right Place, Wrong Time song but my vote is going to Lou Rawls. It was smoother and flowed better. I love Donovan's original best though. :)
    Michele at Angels Bark

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    1. Yeah, Donovan owns this one. Lou's voice reminds me of that pat of creamy butter slowly melting down the side of a short stack with the thick gooey maple syrup. Did that image make you as hungry as it did me?

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  6. Fae, Whew, walking pneumonia! I bet you felt more like the Walking Dead, eh? Glad to hear you're on the mend. Wow, you picked two different sounds here. I think Lee said it best and for my personal taste I think I have to agree with him on this round. Lou Rawls definitely would be a repeat artist for me and does a nice job on his cover, but Dr. John's rough vocals and music arrangement is the better suit for the cut, as well as impending holiday. Give my vote to Dr. John. Nice face off!

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    1. Hey Cathy, I did have a few days there were I wasn't walking nowhere, couldn't lift my head off the pillow, but that's over for now.

      Got you down as a Halloween vote for the good doctor.

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  7. Good Battle, FAE! You've got votes falling both ways.

    Not a song I'm really wild about. Don't mind hearing it once in awhile though, and it's pretty much the only Donovan song I can think of that I won't change stations on.

    Normally, I like Dr. John a great deal. In fact, I need to get that CD of his, 'IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD'. That one's great and includes his duet with Rickie Lee Jones on 'Makin' Whoopee' which won an old BOTB I put together way back when.

    But, in this case, I felt Dr. John's version of this song was a little too slow for my tastes. It's alright to listen to once in awhile, but I don't think it's something I'd want to hear often.

    LOU RAWLS does a surprising cover here. Who woulda thought you could put some Soul into 'Season Of The Witch'? And of course all that electric organ throughout it really grabbed me. Interesting take on this, and I liked it, so give Lou Rawls my vote, y'all.

    "You got to pick up every stitch, y'all." Ha!-Ha!

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. Those y'alls that he tosses around in there made me chuckle too. I figured you would like that organ, but wasn't sure it would be enough to sway your vote. Lou's cover is a surprise to me too. If you remember I didn't even listen to or consider it, up until the very end. Glad I did though, this one looks like a pretty good race.

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  8. What a bite, to have walking pneumonia... and I'm so glad you're feeling better! Thanks so much for the shout out about my hop! I appreciate it a BUNCH. Sending you lots of virtual hugs and healing Halloween candy!

    Lou Rawls? I hardly expected a version done by him!

    It's a good thing you didn't use Vanilla Fudge's and the Supersesson versions or I wouldn't have been able to decide. From the votes so far it looks like I may be, AGAIN, choosing the underdog.

    Right off the bat I did care for Lou's rendition. It was too bland, too normal. Right off the bat I liked Dr. John's intro and his voice... perfect for the spooky quality of this song. So my vote goes to the doc!

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    1. Thanks for the hugs and healing Halloween candy. Everything is better with chocolate.

      I almost did pit those two against each other, but at the last minute decided to o fo something different.

      Dr. John's weird vocals and the instrumentation do give it a spooky quality. Perfect for the season.

      I'm excited about the HOP, and it gives me the perfect timing to combine two posts in one. Hopefully, a few of the others who are doing the movie thing for Mr. McCarthy might join up at your place also.

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  9. I generally like Donovan, but this is one of the few songs of his that I usually will turn to a different station when it comes on. The song is perhaps one of the most repetititititititive songs ever written. Because of that, the best version will do a lot to somehow spice it up.

    Lou Rawls has a fantastic, soulful voice. Love it. I found the organ playing good and the electric guitar that noodles around in the background annoying. I think he does a good enough job with the material that - for him - I'd NOT turn the station.

    Dr John has one advantage right off the bat: it is 40 seconds shorter! I am a fan of Dr. John. He has a lousy but unique voice. The guitar work on this one is better than Lou's. It would be a blessing if he sped up his version about 1/3, but unfortunately, we are NOT blessed with the boon. So, which version gets my vote?

    In a close contest I'll give it to Dr. John for the far more interesting musical arrangement, and for letting the station get on to "Do You Believe In Magic" just a bit more quickly.

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    1. Ha,ha, ha! 'do You Believe in Magic!

      Seems a lot of the other voters feel the way you do - Lou does a good job, but the Dr. is more interesting. The voting has been back and forth, so we shall see what the outcome of this BATTLE is.

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  10. I have to admit, my eyes widened at the sight of the words "Lou Rawls". I can see this being in Dr John's wheelhouse (sound unheard), but Lou Rawls?

    But I did enjoy it. Lou can't screw up a song. BUT... I liked the Dr better.

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    1. Everyone seemed a bit surprised to see that cover by Lou...my job is done.

      got you down for the doctor.

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  11. You reminded me that I've missed Dr. John - he gets the vote!

    Sorry to hear you weren't feeling well. A special prayer for you. Stay healthy and happy.

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    1. Thanks Cherdo, prayers are always welcome. And, a big ole vote for the MIA doctor.

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  12. I liked the first version better. Lou Rawls did a better job. The second artist, was too slow for my taste.

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    1. I'll agree that Dr. John has a real case of the slows on this one. Got you down as a vote for the smooth Lou Rawls.

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  13. I was certainly not expecting that cover from Lou Rawls. Nor did my cohort. Dr. John's wasn't bad, but in this case, we both agree - two easy votes for Lou Rawls. What a great cover and a great overall battle.

    Oh, and feel better soon! I don't know what walking pneumonia is, but it sounds very not fun.

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    1. Walking pneumonia is where you just keep walking around wondering why you fee so lousy...then, the doctor tells you...'man, you are really very sick. YIKES!

      You guys are not the only ones shocked not onkl to see Lou in this BATTLE, but to give him the nod.

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  14. I hope you are slowly getting better. Funny how we never realize just how sick we are until the Doctor tells you. I like Dr. John's version. It seems to go more with the witch style. It had an air of Halloween to it which i liked.

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    1. Yep, I'm on the mend. You are right about the doctor. I thought I was just very very tired until the doc told me what it was, then I had to go straight home and get in bed for two days. Ha!

      Another vote for the doctor and his witchy style.

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  15. So sorry to hear about walking pneumonia. That's serious stuff. Glad to hear you're taking care of yourself. I like the Dr. John one! I remember him. Sexy Eyes, right? Is that the only instance where a singer has used the name "Dr." in his professional name?

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    1. Wow, that's an interesting question. right now I can only think of one other musician Doc Severenson (sp?) the band leader on the old Johnny Carson show (I think), but I'll bet there are a few others at least. And who knows...Dr John, just might have a Phd in something, qualifying him to go by the title Dr.

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  16. I like this song! I think I even have the Lou Rawls version on my iPod... And I'd never heard Dr. John's (or even of Dr. John), but that's the one I'm voting for. Perhaps it's the novelty, that rush of the first listen to a cool arrangement and a new voice... Or maybe not. I seem to be doing horribly today at justifying my votes, haha. But there it is. Dr. John for me.
    Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

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    1. Of course, I ask you guys to tell me why you voted a certain way...but there is no real need to justify your vote. 'I like it better', is good enough for me.

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  17. Dude, where's my comment?!? I was here yesterday, commented, wished you speedy recovery. Dang, you got goblins eating up comments?

    Well, I love the creep factor to Dr John. Both singers are a good match up; same style and all.

    Hope you are feeling much better. Miss you :(

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    1. It's a well know fact that blogger hates me, so anything is liable to happen here.

      Got yo down for the 'creep factor', HA!

      I do feel better, thanks. I promise I'll get to you with an 'e' soon.

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  18. Fae,

    I'm glad to hear you're better now; I hate illness! All types. Continue healing - sending hugs and prayers for you.

    Season of the Witch - wow! Nice song choice. Dr. John is usually my pick but not here, today. I'm blown away by Lou Rawls. My vote goes to him. Thank you (smile).

    I'm late getting here to vote. Blogger 'dropped' three participants from my link list. I'm of to vote on the rest of them. Maybe Blogger hates me too!!

    Dixie

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    1. Dixie, thanks for stopping by and casting a vote.

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  19. I like both artists in this contest a lot. They both due excellent versions of the song. My preference is for Dr. John in this contest!

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