.
Republican
Vs. Democrat, Male Vs. Female, War Vs. Peace, Light Vs. Dark, Good
Vs. Evil, Man Vs. Machine, Love Vs. Hate, Dog Vs. Cat, Sun Vs. Moon,
Brain Vs. Brawn, Oscar Vs. Grammy, Angel Vs. Demon, Laurel Vs. Hardy,
Beer Vs. Wine, TV Vs. Radio, Pitcher Vs. Batter, Paper Vs. Plastic,
Reality Vs. Fantasy, Yeshua Vs. Beelzebub, Conservative Vs. Liberal,
You Vs. Me, House Vs. Senate, Offense Vs. Defense, Kramer Vs. Kramer,
Spy Vs. Spy, Fischer Vs. Spassky, W.C. Fields Vs. Sobriety, Harold
Gimpy, Jr. Vs. Sheldon J. Pismire, Rock Vs. Paper Vs. Scissors, Islam
Vs. Everything, Singer Vs. Singer, Band Vs. Band...
.
THE
BATTLE OF THE BANDS! (‘BOTB’)
.
Shoop-Shooby
–
Shooby-duh-Dooby-Doop-Dooby-Dooby-Doo-Wah
–
Buh-Doo-Wah!
.
Yes,
it’s time once again for ‘Battle Of The Bands’
(‘BOTB’)
.
Alright,
let’s get on it...
.
.jpg) |
| EUGENE MARTONE VS. JACK BUTLER |
"Many
of [LEROY
ANDERSON'S musical compositions] have
become part of the musical fabric of American life. Most everyone
knows one or more of his tunes, though they may not know the name of
the composer
[*It's Leroy Anderson, remember?*] or
even the title of the composition."
For instance, there's BLUE TANGO, the first instrumental piece ever
to sell over one million copies. And THE SYNCOPATED CLOCK, used as
the theme for "The Late Show" on WCBS-TV in New York for
over 25 years.
Anderson
was incredibly imaginative and he composed each piece almost
completely in his head. He stated, "When
I'm making something up I never play a melody on the piano, because
your fingers are used to falling into familiar patterns. You don't
give your imagination free rein that way. In other words, your
fingers are holding you back."
I
find his brief musical pieces to be very evocative. For instance,
when I hear 'SUMMER SKIES', in my mind I seem to see images of Lee
Remick romping in a bathing suit at the beach as if in a black and
white montage from some classic movie of the 1950s. Or when I hear
'THE WALTZING CAT', I always seem to imagine a cat waltzing in my
mind. 'THE FIRST DAY OF SPRING' always makes me think of the first
day of Spring and 'FORGOTTEN DREAMS' always reminds me of... hmmm...
I forget. But anyway, 'SLEIGH RIDE' takes me for a ride in a sleigh
in my wintry mind.
And
just how imaginative WAS
Leroy Anderson? Get this! He composed 'Sleigh Ride' (originally an
instrumental) during a 1948 July heat wave in Woodbury, Connecticut!
OK? Uh-huh. That's what I'M talkin' 'bout! So, what else ya wanna
know?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wrUNdPT9yUo
.jpeg) |
| GODZILLA VS. KING KONG |
And now for the competition...
The
Glenn Miller Orchestra is a jazz big band originally formed by Glenn
Miller. It was arranged around a clarinet and tenor saxophone playing
melody, while three other saxophones played the harmony. Miller had
already formed one band before this in 1936, but dissolved it as he
considered it too similar to other bands of the era. …
After
the disappearance (and presumed death) of Miller in 1944, the band
was reconstituted under the direction of Tex Beneke, its lead tenor
saxophonist, singer, and one of Miller's longtime close friends. A
few years later, the Miller estate, having parted ways with Beneke,
hired Ray McKinley, principal drummer in Miller's Army Air Force
band, to organize a new "ghost band" in 1956.
Hollywood
contributed to the band's popularity and that of its founder and
original members with the 1953 release of 'The Glenn Miller Story' on
the big screen. The band garnered award nominations and box office
success, as well as top hit status for its soundtrack album in 1954.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra has recorded and performed under various
leaders, from 1956 to this day.
'SLEIGH RIDE' – THE GLENN MILLER ORCHESTRA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7u4NttRRfxo
.jpg) |
| RIDDLER VS. BATMAN |
.
After voting here, I suggest - actually I insist - you pop over to the blogs of the other 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS' participants to see which songs they have chosen and vote there also. (If their ‘BOTB’ blog bits aren’t posted yet, pour yourself two shots of ‘Grand Marnier’ over ice – do it twice – and then return to their blogs to
.
Voice Your Vote @ ‘FAR AWAY SERIES’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘TOSSING IT OUT’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘DISCCONNECTED’ by clicking HERE.
@ 'BOOK LOVER' by clicking HERE.
@ ‘CREATIVE OUTLET OF STRATPLAYER’ by clicking HERE.
@ 'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CURIOUS AS A CATHY' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING' by clicking HERE.
@ 'ALEX CAVANAUGH' by clicking HERE.
.
As I've done in the past, I will continue to return to my 'BOTB' blog bits on the 7th and 21st of each month to post my own votes and announce the winners in the comment sections.
.
~ Stephen T. McCarthy
.
YE OLDE COMMENT POLICY: All comments, pro and con, are welcome. However, ad hominem attacks and disrespectful epithets will not be tolerated (read: "posted"). After all, this isn’t Amazon.com, so I don’t have to put up with that kind of bovine excrement.
Wonderful Christmas song, and I love the Leroy Anderson version -- it's the "official" version I've always heard. Wonderful dynamics and blend of instruments -- the counterpoints echoing through the strings to the brass to the reeds, the 'horse-y' percussion, the big "neigh" finish of the horse. This sounds like an energetic sleigh ride -- fun, brisk, and peppy.
ReplyDeleteI also love the old big band sound of Glenn Miller, but this sounds like a late, recreated version of the band, recreating that "big band sound," to recreate an old Christmas tune. Fun and nostalgic, but not quite the real thing -- to me, there seems to be something missing. It just doesn't quite feel genuine for some reason -- maybe it's missing the pep of the original tune and also missing some of the old big band sound? Or maybe it's just my fluky taste-o-meter is acting all wonky and not giving me valid tricorder readings on this.
Still, I did enjoy the big band version, but nowhere near enough to dethrone the original: Leroy takes this one by a huge landslide.
GgC ~
DeleteI think both of these are FAN-TASTIC! So, as is often the case, no such thing as a wrong vote.
As for the Glenn Miller Orchestra: According to sites I visited, the band itself was comprised strictly of personnel that HAD played with Glenn Miller either in his civilian band or his Army Air Force band.
Also, the creators were supposedly pretty discerning about the band they put together to record these Christmas songs in the authentic "Miller Mood" (there are actually two 'In The Christmas Mood' albums, 1 and 2). They didn't want just anyone who could rightly claim to have played under Glenn's leadership, but they also had to be particularly accomplished on their instrument.
So, while I know there's a tendency to want to think "Glenn was long dead, so this isn't the REAL Glenn Miller band and sound", I believe it's as close as one could get, minus Glenn. And honestly, to my ears, they do a remarkable job of creating recordings that I believe probably do sound considerably close to what they would have sounded like had Glenn himself been arranging and leading.
The only Christmas song Glenn Miller and his orchestra recorded together was 'JINGLE BELLS' in 1941. If you're interested, here's a URL to it at YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZwQZjpVwNw
To me, if anything, it actually sounds kind of "tame" compared to the supercharged version of 'Sleigh Ride' by The Glenn Miller Orchestra (minus Glenn) in this BOTB.
But fair enough. The original jumps out first from the starting line.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Don't want my fingers to hold me back!
ReplyDeleteAdmit I like Anderson's original sound better. Seems more upbeat. The Miller version sounds like something from my parents' age and not as timeless.
Glenn Miller is from my parents' age too. They would try to get me to listen when I was a teenager but there was no screaming guitar in the music so I got bored very quickly and went right back to my Styx, Thin Lizzy and Led Zeppelin.
DeleteToday, I don't own a single recording by Styx, Thin Lizzy or Led Zeppelin. But I do own a whole bunch of recordings by Glenn Miller. That's because Miller's sound is... timeless.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I don't think I have to tell you who I'm voting for. I'm also fairly certain of Brandon's vote, but I'll let you know for sure when that comes in either today or tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteAlso, just to check, I know you've probably been busy, but you get my E?
Bryan, Just so you know you better NEVER vote this way on my BOTB... because I have NO IDEA who you'd vote for... and your vote in this one remains a mystery (for me). I'm sure your "brother" will have no trouble with this interpretation, however. So, I will sit on the sidelines, not getting the Inside Joke, but appreciating the fact that I am totally missing it. ha!
DeleteFor me, this was a case of No Contest. I love love love the Leroy Anderson version. How creative was he as a composer? Just blows my mind. That jaunt felt like what a sleigh ride should be. I've never been on one, so I'm taking his musical interpretation for encompassing the feeling of it. I loved all of the various instruments. The bells are so joyful, the horse clops are timed perfectly. The overall impression is sheer bliss. By golly that song makes me want to go on a sleigh ride. Even though I really don't care for snow or cold. If I could "bewitch" myself in and out just for the ride...I'd do it!!!
DeleteNote: I know the words to this one well enough, that I sang it in my head as the first one ran. And I'll be dinged if they weren't just a perfect counterpoint to everything happening musically. I couldn't do that with the second one as it strayed too far out into "jazz land" and away from the melody. For the record, the second one wasn't "bad;" it simply didn't ring my bell!
6-B ~
DeleteNO! I have NOT received an E from you. When did you send it? (I would have immediately replied "This Eagle Has Landed", 'cause I aim to make that automatic from now on.)
Can you resend it?
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
GIRL WONDER ~
DeleteI'm glad you managed to get your vote in before leaving for your (topless) vacation.
Yeah, I think I have a pretty good idea who Bryan is voting for. I'm not 100% certain, but enough that I'd probably be willing to risk a ten-spot on it.
You've never been on a sleigh ride?
It can be slightly bumpy, and you spend the whole time behind a horse's patoot, so... bring a flask of brandy for a snoot (or two-t).
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Man, so far it looks like it's gonna be a blow out. Well, I vote for the Glenn Miller version anyway, because I love that big band jazz sound. Also, my cohort votes for that as well, simply because we're big grinches and can't stand Christmas music. And Leroy Anderson's version, to me, is THE definitive Christmas song.
DeleteOh, that tambourine shake, shake, shakin'. Oh, that sound like horses clip clopping. All I can picture is that being blasted overhead during Black Friday while some guy's delivering a piledriver to some old broad because she got in his way while he buys the brand new video game system for his spoiled brat kid. Ho ho ho indeed. Is Christmas over with yet?
So +2 for Bah Humbug.
(Also, resent you that E)
6-B ~
DeleteI can't believe it took this long before Glenn Miller's Orchestra was saved from a shutout, but at least when the moment came it was two-votes-in-one-comment.
>>... All I can picture is that being blasted overhead during Black Friday while some guy's delivering a piledriver to some old broad because she got in his way while he buys the brand new video game system for his spoiled brat kid.
That's funny, because in my mind it's the old broad delivering a piledriver to some guy because he was in her way while she was launching herself toward the Lingerie Department. (Oohhh! C'mon, Old Broad, NOBODY wants to see you in THAT!)
Got the E, 6-B.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I'm voting for the big band, jazzy, glitz and glamour sound of Glenn Miller! Though Leroy Anderson started it all, I've heard too many elevator knock-offs to fully appreciate it.
DeleteJulie
GEM JULIE ~
DeleteYou are definitely on Santa's 'Good Girls' list this year. Expect expensive things that are cut in such a way that they sparkle when the light hits them.
Also, maybe something very shiny that goes 0 to 60 in 2.5 seconds and sheds its top anytime you want it to.
I can't promise Santa is going to bring you these things, but he should. I'll certainly have a yak with the big, fat feller in red on your behalf. (Unfortunately though, I am perennially on Santa's 'Bad Boys' list, so it's questionable how much I'll be able to sway him toward giving you what you so richly deserve. I'll give it the ol' college try though... even if I only went to college for one single day before dropping out.)
Thanks for helping to keep it somewhat interesting.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Nice battle. My Grandad and I used to dance up and down his hallway to the big swing sound of Glenn Miller. I grew up on the stuff. I can jada-jada, to anybody's jing-jing! But here's the deal. When it comes to this song - Leroy Anderson is the timeless one! He is my go-to Sleigh Ride man... always will be.
ReplyDeleteAs Bob hope would say: "Thanks for the memories!"
DC DIXIE CHICK ~
DeleteYour comment was very sweet... up to a point.
That stuffs about dancing with your Old Grandad, very sweet (and pretty strong if consumed straight from the bottle), but I got excited thinking that Glenn Miller's great Orchestra was about to receive its first vote, and then suddenly... you pulled the plug on it!
Not nice. Not sugar and spice and not nice!
However, mentioning your jada-jada to anyone's jing-jing made me think of one of my all-time favorite Disneyland attractions:
'AMERICA SINGS'
Unfortunately, that ride is long, long gone (and most of the animatronics wound up in the 'Splash Mountain' Ride).
The entire video is worth watching (several times), but if you want to fast-forward to Jada-Jada, Jada-Jada-Jing-Jing-Jing! go to the fourteen-minute and ten-second point and then just let it play from there, in the dark. (Did you know 'THE BAND' quoted from that song on the cover of their very first album?) "...I wanna be there when THE BAND starts playing!"
Aren't I just full of totally useless information?
DIXIE, you seem to have an expansive knowledge of music, so why don't you join us and become a BOTBer on the first and fifteenth of each month?
Or do you think you're just too good for the rest of us? (Which is quite possible. I mean, I'm not saying it like it's a preposterous idea. I just wanna know, that's all.)
Thanks for your comment and your vote!
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Thanks for the "America Sings" link - I'll give it a whirl later, when I can sit back with my Grandfather's Frank Sinatra hat (smile) and mellow out. Or maybe my bababaBing Crosby scarf!!
DeleteI'll think about joining - not sure I know enough artists, even if I do seem to know music and little stuff. I mean, how many people would remember Uriah Heap? And did they ever do Christmas music? Imagine Bing Crosby vs Uriah Heap? Either way I'll make a decision... oh geez.... and get back in touch!
I'm truly sorry about letting you and Glenn down.
~d-fenceless wonder
DIXIE ~
DeleteWhen I was a teenager, URIAH HEEP was one of my favorite bands for awhile. I owned several albums but two I can distinctly remember are 'WIZARDS' (or was it called 'Wizards' and something else? 'Wizards And Warlocks?' Can't remember for sure and I'm too lazy to Google search it, but I recall the cover painting distinctly) and my favorite which was 'HIGH AND MIGHTY', with the cover photo of the upside down gun looking like a fighter plane flying through the sky.
I lost my taste for that sort of music long ago, but you might be surprised to know that we BOTBers have had Battles that were about as peculiar as a Uriah Heep Vs. Bing Crosby contest would be.
Although the vast majority of the time, when I put together a BOTB contest, I already am familiar with the two versions of the same song that I use. But some BOTBers (and even myself on rare occasions) will just select a song they know and like by a particular artist, then go to YouTube, do a search for that song and all the other covers will show up as options. Then they just start listening to them and decide on one they think would be an appropriate choice that might give the first selection a run for its money.
Another way it can be done is to think of a song and then search the title at Wackypedia. Toward the bottom of the Wackypage there's usually a list of other notable recordings of the same song.
Some people also like to copy some background info at Wackypedia and include it in the text of their BOTB installment. I sometimes do that, or use info I'm already aware of, or even a combination of the two (such as I did in THIS 'Battle Of The Bands' blog bit).
But even background info is not necessary; you could just post the two versions of the song without much or any commentary on them.
It's a misconception that a person needs to be extremely knowledgeable about music in order to become a BOTBer.
But of course I wouldn't want you to participate if you don't really, really want to. No one should feel pressured to become a BOTBer just because I'm going to say they're a Poo-Poo Head if they don't.;-)
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Hello - I'm taking a break from blogging. Thought I'd stop by to let you know, re., BOTB decision. It's been really nice conversing with you. 'llI drop by your other blog sometime and read what's happening.
DeleteHave a good Christmas.
Dixie@dcrelief
DIXIE ~
DeleteWell, thanks for stopping by to let me know, so I wouldn't have wondered about your disappearance and axing myself: "What did I do? What did I say?
Sometimes it's necessary for some of us to step away from blogging. My most popular blog, 'Stephen T. McCarthy's STUFFS', I closed a couple years ago because two blogs took up too much of my time and I preferred to focus on the less popular one ('Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends') because it highlighted more important matters like Spirituality and politics.
November 27th (this last Thanksgiving Day) I explained in a lengthy 2-part blog bit that I was closing down F-FFF also because I'd said all I had to say about Spirituality and politics (at least 12 different ways each), because I'm preparing to move to a new state in a few months, and because I need to spend more time strengthening my own Spiritual walk.
So, I do understand that occasionally we need to move in a new direction, and blogging does take a lot of time, especially if one responds to individuals who leave comments, such as you and I do.
I am planning to leave this "BATTLE OF THE BANDS" blog operational for as long as there's any interest in it. This blog isn't such a big investment of time because I only have to write new posts twice a month (on the 1st and 15th).
Anyway, you yourself need not be an active blogger in order to visit here and cast a vote on my various "Battles Of The Bands", so I hope you won't be a stranger. Please feel free to continue voting and commenting here - I'd be pleased to hear from ya.
And whatever it is you hope to accomplish for yourself by discontinuing to maintain an active blog of your own, I hope you achieve it.
Best of luck in the new year and well beyond!
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I hate to be wishy-washy, but I ditched other priorities instead. I cannot seem to leave my blogs behind. As long as there's spirit I've gotta speak.
DeleteMy mentor tells me to redistribute my time. I enjoy community work and don't want that to lag.
This recent jump to close down was due to a disagreement with another blogosphere personality. My friend, Alex Cavanaugh set me straight on that one. He's a champ. Sometimes it takes another perspective - the path is good - but the rock in your shoe sucks. So for now - I'll keep both blogs going. It's been 8 years.
I do wish you well on your own journey. I thank you for the kind words. There are a lot of nasty peeps in the blog world - nice to meet a decent one.
Dixie @ dcrelief and @An Artful Blogger
Actually, I'm pretty indecent most of the time but... thanks for the compliment nonetheless.
DeletePleased to hear you'll still be around, as I has many mo' BOTBs to go!
(Ha!)
Yak Later...
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Are you familiar with Wizzard? The song is, "I wish it could be Christmas everyday."
Deletehttp://youtu.be/ZoxQ4Ul_DME
Nope, never heard of 'em before. Kind of a supergroup though, eh? With Frank Zappa on drums, Gregg Allman doing lead vocals, and Carl Wilson playing saxophone.
DeleteNot sure who the other guys are but does KISS know they broke into their dressing room?
That's the stuffs nightmares are made of.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I figured you'd eventually do this song and if you hadn't I would have some day. It's a song that's always been a favorite of mine and I've liked the music of Leroy Anderson since I was a kid.
ReplyDeleteOf these two versions the Glenn Miller one is well done, but not my cup of wassail. I grew up with the Anderson version and for me it's the best. It's more like a tone poem in the classical tradition and captures the essence of the song the best by far.
Lee
Tossing It Out
BOIDMAN ~
DeleteI had you figured as a Leroy Anderson-voter, so no surprise with this one. (After almost a year and a half of BOTB, I've gotten a pretty decent feel for how the regulars will vote. And there are a couple regulars whose votes I can predict with astonishing accuracy - like 98.5%.)
I truly love BOTH versions of this song, so I couldn't fault anyone for voting either way.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
While I like both versions, I am going with Leroy Anderson because (for me) it captures the spirit of what would be the holiday season if I lived in a state where the temperature ever got to a point where it felt holiday-like.
ReplyDeleteWhat do you need a sleigh for in Phoenix, anyway?
>>... What do you need a sleigh for in Phoenix, anyway?
DeleteI use mine as a Stand from which to sell my homemade Lemonade:
"Stephen T. McRosebud's Ice-Cold Lemonade Sold Here! Available Only From January 1st Through December 31st. Get it while you can!"
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Leroy Anderson all the way. It is classic, it evokes a winter sleighride and Christmas time while the Miller version is good but it might be better for a New Year's Eve party. It does not evoke Christmas to me
ReplyDeleteBIRGIT ~
DeleteHearty thanks for your vote and commentary.
I actually expected Leroy Anderson to win this BOTB, but I didn't think it would be quite the one-sided affair it is turning out to be.
Of course, this is only Day One of Six for voting, so it's very early yet, but the Glenn Miller Orchestra is already in a big hole and I'm not sure it can dig itself out of it at this point.
Thanks again for your input, it is greatly appreciated!
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Weeeeellll-doggies. This is kinda a blowout for Anderson. I know you hate blowouts. Miller will get a a few votes (including yours, probably) but Anderson will dominate throughout.
ReplyDeleteSo... now that I have BOLDLY stated the above, you will no doubt put the lie to BOTH predictions.
I'm tempted to vote for Miller since it is good, I like it, and I like to surprise you. But you know I like the original better so I won't lie... this time.
SHEBOYGANBOY 6 ~
Delete>>... you will no doubt put the lie to BOTH predictions.
Ha! There seems to be a lot of that going around these days, doesn't it?
Yes, I had you pegged as an Anderson voter from the very beginning. And I would NEVER want you to submit anything but a completely honest, genuine Prisoner #6 vote, Mr. Free Man.
I rarely care which artist wins my BOTBs, regardless of how I vote. I'm just curious to find out which version of a song is most popular amongst my readers/voters, and I have no emotional investment in the outcome. This Battle is no exception.
And I did expect an Anderson victory by at least two or three votes; by no stretch of the imagination did I think my vote might be the deciding factor in the outcome this time around. However, I did not expect that Anderson would establish an insurmountable lead so early on in the voting.
Oh well, there's no telling in how some of these BOTBs will go. And blowouts don't really bother me much, but it's the total shutout that I want to avoid at all costs. And luckily, after nearly 15 months of BOTBs I've constructed, I have never yet had a shutout, although a couple times I came within a single vote of one.
Thanks as always for supportin' da fun, Brother Sixgun.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
WOW, what a fabulous song to use to pit Anderson against GMO! I love both versions A LOT!!! How do I chose? *scratch head* It's gonna be a close call because they each evoke something different in me, but after reading the history and listening and because it's December and it's a bit chilly this morning, then Anderson gets my vote easily! I felt like I was sitting in that sleigh buried under a mound of cozy fleece blankets. Fur blankets sound romantic, but honestly they would make me sneeze too much to enjoy the ride :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, CATHY, for your vote!
DeleteIn putting together a BOTB involving Leroy Anderson's 'Sleigh Ride', I felt it made sense to select a competitor that also had an instrumental version, so I wasn't using Instrumental Vs. Vocal, as I think that would have created too much of an imbalance, particularly with this famous song.
And the Glenn Miller Orchestra version came to mind because it's also extremely energetic and includes a very distinctive, classic sound-style.
Some people would probably be surprised at how much thought I actually put into selecting the contestants for each BOTB.
Thanks again for checking in with your vote, Cathy.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Quick Note: Whenever BOTB falls on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday Alex J. Cavanaugh is likely to participate. (Yep, he's participating this time.) You might consider adding him to the list of participants in the sidebar:)
ReplyDeleteOK, Robin, will do.
DeleteYou still got a shirt on? [;-)}
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
As you might guess, I will vote the original. But not for lack of enjoying the challenger- as you say, it IS Glenn Miller.
ReplyDeleteBROTHER MARTIN ~
DeleteYeah, you're right, I had you figured that way.
Thanks for your input, Bro.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
My apologies, good sir, for taking so long to get back here and vote. I read your BOTB blog bit directly after I posted mine and listened to the two versions of ‘Sleigh Ride’, but failed to come back and vote until now.
ReplyDeleteI’m very familiar with the Leroy Anderson version, as most everybody else. As I listen I can feel big cottony snowflakes on ‘my nose and eyelashes’ as I snuggle down into the furs I’m wrapped in (high maintenance – remember) while sitting in this one horse open sleigh. Good thing I don’t mind looking at a horse’s patoot as he canters over the snow. This version lends itself well to the soft swishing sound the runners of the sleigh make as they glide over the snow. Mr. Anderson has well captured the subtle, and sometimes not so subtle sound effects one would imagine heard on this little jaunt. I love this song and this version, along with the images it conjures up for me.
I had never heard The Glenn Miller Orchestra’s version of ‘Sleigh Ride’ before, but I gotta say that I love it. The images it creates in my mind are a bit different; more like sitting by the fire of some big ole farmhouse wrapped in a red plaid blanket, you know the kind with fringe on the ends. I’ve got my hands wrapped around a hot buttered rum (Cruzan, of course; still high maintenance) for the warmth, so I’m thinking that I just got back from that ‘sleigh ride’ and am trying to warm up. Yeah, that’s it for sure, because there at the end I can hear the horses who are tied up outside waiting to take the next winter revelers out over the hills and dales of the countryside for a grand old ‘big band’ sleigh ride.
So, there you have it two great images (at least for me) from two great versions of the same song. I think I’m gonna vote for…The Glenn Miller Orchestra on this one. It’s a departure from the norm, and yet its close enough it definitely puts me ‘in the mood’. Besides, my internal thermostat still is kerflouey, so I’m always cold and I kinda like the idea of being inside warming up by the fire.
As a side note; even Bryan and his ‘bah humbug black Friday’ comments couldn’t destroy the pleasant images of this one (at least for me).
>>... Good thing I don’t mind looking at a horse’s patoot as he canters over the snow.
DeleteWell, you ARE a horse's patoot for taking this long to cast a vote. But I'll forgive you since the comment was so beautifully descriptive that just thinking about it I had to go and put on my plaid flannel shirt with the thermal lining sewn into it. (Yeah, you know the one I mean. THIS one: http://stephentmccarthysstuffs.blogspot.com/2012/02/can-you-wear-me-now.html :-)
Now it's even MORE torn up than when I photographed it for that blog bit (every washing cycle kills it a little bit more than the last), but I'm still wearing it in the house.
Your comment was wonderful and worth the wait. Thanks!
Believe it or not, I actually had a sneaking suspicion that you might go "Glenn Miller Orchestra" in this Battle. And I'm glad that Miller's Orchestra is now at least making a respectable showing even though they have no chance of pulling out a last second victory here. I didn't expect they'd win against such a universally known classic tune, but I'd hoped the nostalgia factor of their highly identifiable sound would keep them in the race.
Yeah, I had no idea that Bryan was such an Ebenezer "Kidnap-The-Sandy-Claws-Beat-Him-With-A-Stick" Scrooge. That boy's just not drinking enough Cruzan Black Strap Hot Buttered Rum!
Well, thanks again for your vote, now I'm going to take off this ratty thermal-lined shirt and go to Goodwill to return the Fleetwood Mac compact disc I stole from them yesterday. My conscience has gotten to me and, heck, I'm not really a Fleetwood Mac fan anyway. Maybe instead I'll steal a Gospel CD while I'm there.
Now, ask yerself: How bad does a shirt have to look if you can't even wear it in a Goodwill store?
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Hello, my name is Bryan, and I'm a grinch. I blame years of pretty lame Christmases, a general lack of Christmas attitude around these parts (the true meaning, not the commercial, materialistic meaning), and a severe lack of Cruzan Black Strap Hot Buttered Rum, which I've neither had nor heard of but I see you've already mentioned twice.
DeleteBut I can change. I see you signed up for Janie Junebug's "Favorite Memories of Christmas" blog hop thing. Well, in your honor, I did too. And not facetiously, either. Let's see what we can come up with.
Also, I should mention I'm not a TOTAL grinch. I kept forgetting to show you, but the guest room that I stayed in while I was with family in California had a particular special ornament on the night stand. It actually brought me a smile. It's real, and it's signed by a few of the cast members.
It's a major award!
POSTSCRIPT: I'm glad to see Glenn not get completely blown out of the water, and grinchness aside, I stand by my guns. I'd rather curl up around the tree to his version any day.
6-B ~
DeleteA "major award" my ass!
That's the “Soft Glow of Electric Sex!"
Why, only a naked Little Orphan Annie All-Growed-Up could pull me away from THAT!
Cruzan Black Strap Rum, distilled in Saint Croix, Virgin Islands, is LITERALLY the ONLY rum I'll drink. Two Christmasses ago, a bottle of it was illegally shipped to me from a Beautiful Outlaw living in the Virgin Islands. I've purchased a couple more bottles of it on my own since then. It's the best rum I've ever had, and I'm not even a "rummy"! (I had some tonight and now I'm seeing pink elephan-- er... I mean, I'm seeing Pinky Bensons.)
>>... I see you signed up for Janie Junebug's "Favorite Memories of Christmas" blog hop thing.
Actually, I signed up for CHERDO's "Favorite Memories of Christmas" blog hop thing, but it's the same thing.
I really have no idea what I'm going to write for that, but I'll think of (or make up) something.
Maybe I can come up with something in which I can incorporate the song 'You're A Mean One, Mister B.".
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I like both of these. Anderson's is the way the song *should* sound. Glenn Miller's was Big Band personified. I'm going with Miller.
ReplyDeleteAl Bondigas here. I love the Glenn Miller version, but, we both know it's not Christmas time until we hear the Leroy Anderson version. Something about familiarity breeds votes or something along those lines. Anyway one more vote for Leroy Anderson. That's it. Thats my rulin'.
ReplyDeleteJOHN & JUDGE BONDIGAS ~
ReplyDeleteMy thanks for your votes!
It's too bad that either of these versions of SLEIGH RIDE has to lose this contest because my suspicion is that had they been matched up against ANY OTHER version, they BOTH would have won in landslides.
But I also think it was kind of interesting to see what I consider to be the very best versions - at least the very best instrumental versions, for sure - face off against each other.
My vote and the final count tomorrow. Be here or be... somewhere else.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Leroy Anderson gets my vote. Great battle and I did enjoy the Glenn Miller version. The versions did have great contrast.
ReplyDeletePart 1 Of 2:
ReplyDeleteSTMcC’s Vote On ‘BOTB - 2014, December 1,
- Leroy Anderson Vs. Glenn Miller Orchestra'
And The Final Tally:
My #1 all-time favorite musical recording, ever, anywhere, including every genre of music and both Instrumentals as well as Vocals is...
'Moonlight Serenade' by Glenn Miller And His Orchestra
Having said that, you might want to go ahead and guess my vote on this BOTB installment.
In my opinion, the Glenn Miller Orchestra version of 'SLEIGH RIDE' deserves a grade of "A+".
My #1 all-time favorite "Christmas" music recording, ever, anywhere, including every genre of music, both Instrumentals as well as Vocals, and both secular as well as Sacred is...
'Sleigh Ride' by Leroy Anderson
How much do I love Anderson's 'Sleigh Ride' if the Glenn Miller Orchestra version gets an "A+" in my book but doesn't get my vote in this "Battle Of The Bands"?
Although Leroy Anderson scored a lopsided victory in this "Battle", it did my heart good to see so many voters remark that they really enjoyed the GMO's version also.
Those readers who have been visiting my blogs for a few years know that I have one grade even higher than an "A+" and that is an "R". As I've stated in the past, the "R" grade I got from my Pa who got it from his drafting teacher in high school. My Pa said that the highest grade his teacher gave on drawings was an "R", and although my Pa had no idea what the letter stood for, he always coveted an "R" on one of his class assignments but never achieved one.
Does anyone have any idea what an "R" might signify in drafting or on blueprints? If so, please do tell.
At any rate, I adopted the "R" grade in memory of my Pa. How great does something have to be to score an "R" from me? Well, I'll put it this way: Of my all-time very favorite Top Ten movies, I would give an "R" to only 4 or 5 of them. The rest would get an "A+".
Continued Below:
Part 2 Of 2:
ReplyDeleteTo me, that Leroy Anderson instrumental of 'SLEIGH RIDE' is the ultimate Christmas song. I believe the first time I ever noticed it was while walking along some quaint, little Blue Jay Village storefronts one snowy morning in 1988 or '89. The song was being piped through an outdoor sound system and could be heard all the way along the row of storefronts. I was wearing my overcoat and a black Stetson cowboy hat or grey fedora. The old-fashioned, rustic village stores in combination with the way I was dressed, the snow on the ground, and the sound of Leroy Anderson's 1948 classic tune made me feel as if I had been transported back in time to a much simpler California, U.S.A. (You know, like, when U.S.A. stood for United States of America, rather than Unbridled Satanic Agency.)
["Blue Jay Village today is home to 2314 residents. It is considered the entertainment district of the Lake Arrowhead community. It contains a shopping center, a number of restaurants, and many privately owned stores. The village also hosts many events including the Lake Arrowhead celebration of film, The Blue Jay Christmas parade, and the Blue Jay Jazz Festival."
~ Wackypedia]
At that point, I did not know who did that instrumental version, and it would be a few years before I found out, but when I did, I immediately purchased a copy of the recording and it has been my #1 favorite ever since then (even though I also love many other Christmas songs, both Sacred and secular, and I always know "The Reason For The Season").
Anyway, Anderson won this BOTB, which is understandable (especially to me), but I was pleased that GMO's version made a respectable showing against "THE Classic" and was shown even more love in words than in votes.
Leroy Anderson = 13 Votes
Glenn Miller's Orchestra = 5 Votes
This was a nice voter response, especially for the hectic month of December, and I hope to see y'all back again on December 15th for another Christmas-themed BOTB. I've got a little-known but beautiful Christmas gem of a song picked out for y'all on December 15th and I'll bet that a few of ya might be hearing this gorgeous melody for the very first time, so please do return here again.
Thanks again for all the votes, and a Warm, Glowing, Merry December to y'all.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I totally love "Moonlight Serendae" - it's one of the best pieces of music ever created. So it's not like I'm not a fan of the GMO.
DeleteBut maybe it was the clean production that made it sound "modern" to my ears; or maybe my imagination had a hard time juxtaposing the 40's WWII sound with a Christmas tune I think of a 'more contemporary' (even though it was written in 1948) simply because I associate it with my own history of Christmasses-past; or maybe it was just interference from the PC screen due to the Guv'ment putting all those brainwave-controlling devices in there to make us tolerate socialized medicine, fluoride in the water, and shrinkage of ice cream cartons from 1/2-gallon to 3-quart size.
I dunno... It could just be, as my granddaughter recently said when she didn't want to eat the broccoli she had said she liked before putting some on her plate -- "Yeah, I like it, but I just don't LOVE it."
But regardless of where on the scale of "like" the GMO version falls for me, it would have been virtually impossible for it to overtake how much I love the original "Sleigh Ride".
So I voted for bad, bad, Leroy.
Fun BOTB!
GgC ~
Delete>>... or maybe it was just interference ...due to the Guv'ment putting all those brainwave-controlling devices in there to make us tolerate socialized medicine, fluoride in the water, and shrinkage of ice cream cartons from 1/2-gallon to 3-quart size.
Man, I hate that stuffs too! But worst of all is the downsizing of the ice cream cartons. When ya screw wid my ice cream, yer gettin' on the fightin' side o' me!
Well, as you saw, GgC, I too had no choice but to vote for Bad, Bad Leroy. So, I totally get where yer comin' from, and never is heard a discouragin' word... from me.
Frankly, Brother, methinks you made the right choice. But, ya know, I likes to promote both songs I use in my BOTBs if for no other reason than to avoid tipping my hand when it comes to my own vote further on down the road.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Whoops! See? It's those guv'ment's brain-beams messin' with me again, trying to convince me that less-is-more!
DeleteThat's 3 PINTS, not 3 quarts, lol! 3 quarts would be 3/4 of a gallon and be an increase in size from a half-gallon. :)
I need to make sure my aluminum foil hat is properly adjusted before I try to go cipherin' and convertin' units...
And I needs to stop trustin' people right out of the chute without double-checking what they say first.
DeleteExcept that when it comes to anything mathematics-related, I'm pretty much at the mercy of everyone, 'cause my math skills just don't add up to nothin'!
The only math I know is that a pint is better'n a half-pint and a quart is better'n both. And 90-proof is better'n 80-proof and Wild Turkey 101 is better'n both.
That's it! My math skills now be officially exhausted.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
No surprise at your vote whatsoever. Especially when you consider the Blue Jay Village memory and all. I kinda had you figured for a Leroy Anderson vote from the start.
ReplyDeleteFAE ~
DeleteHad it been ANY OTHER version than the Leroy Anderson original, I would have voted Glenn Miller Orchestra. And in fact it kind of pained me to have to vote against GMO, but to myself I had to be true.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'