.
Hey, before I do anything else I want to wish you a...
"HAPPY MARGARITA DAY"
MARGARITA DAY: “A tradition since 1986, except for 1994.”
[Margaritas: Where Sobriety Goes To Die!]
To steal a line from ol’ Ernie ‘Mr. Cub’ Banks:
"It's a beautiful day for a margarita... Let's drink two!"
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“IT’S MARGARITA DAY”, sung to the tune of “It’s Howdy Doody Time.” The lyrics are not too terribly complicated so you should be able to learn them quickly.
It’s Margarita Day!
It’s Margarita Day!
Hoo-ray! - Hoo-ray! - Hoo-ray!
For Margarita Day.
It’s Margarita Day!
It’s Margarita Day!
Hoo-ray! - Hoo-ray! - Hoo-ray!
For Margarita Day.
Hey, before I do anything else I want to wish you a...
"HAPPY MARGARITA DAY"
MARGARITA DAY: “A tradition since 1986, except for 1994.”
To steal a line from ol’ Ernie ‘Mr. Cub’ Banks:
"It's a beautiful day for a margarita... Let's drink two!"
.
“IT’S MARGARITA DAY”, sung to the tune of “It’s Howdy Doody Time.” The lyrics are not too terribly complicated so you should be able to learn them quickly.
It’s Margarita Day!
It’s Margarita Day!
Hoo-ray! - Hoo-ray! - Hoo-ray!
For Margarita Day.
It’s Margarita Day!
It’s Margarita Day!
Hoo-ray! - Hoo-ray! - Hoo-ray!
For Margarita Day.
.
[El Coyote Restaurant in Los Angeles: #1 Margarita, oh yeah.]
OK, and now let's get down to business:
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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...
OK, and now let's get down to business:
.
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...
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THE
BATTLE OF THE BANDS! (‘BOTB’)
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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...
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.jpg) |
| EUGENE MARTONE VS. JACK BUTLER |
This being a new year, I'm a-gonna do something completely different. Yes, I mean that literally. Well, sort of. Maybe about half literally. I guess I mean it ltrly.
This is a slightly twisted BOTB. Think of it as a lime wedge in a Margarita. I am also planning another slightly twisted BOTB installment for January 15th. But beginning in February I'll be going back to presenting my "Battles" the way they're meant to be - you know, two different versions of the same song for you to select from.
However, today I am putting the legendary proto-Punk youth anthem 'MY GENERATION' by The Who up against a much lesser known, updated and lyrically different version of the idea.
There's probably no one who hasn't heard the famous Who song with its deliberately stuttered vocals and the often quoted line "I hope I die before I get old". Nevertheless, listen to it again. And please remember that although both of these videos below are rather fun to watch, this is really all about the music:
'MY GENERATION' - THE WHO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qN5zw04WxCc
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.jpeg) |
| GODZILLA VS. KING KONG |
Some years ago, my friend DiscConnected turned me on to Todd Snider and after one listen to his debut album, 'Songs For The Daily Planet', I went right out and bought myself a copy of it. Snider's clever wordplay immediately elevated him, in my opinion, to the highest echelon of lyricists, occupied by only two other songwriters: Bob Dylan and (early) Tom Waits.
Snider can write both humorous and moving songs. 'My Generation (Part 2)', the first song on Snider's first album, is funny, although he has also written one of my all-time favorite Gospel songs, 'Somebody's Coming'. And his song 'Long Year' probably sums up my 2014 better'n any other song I could think of.
Give a listen and then decide whose Generation song you like best, The Who's or Todd Snider's:
'MY GENERATION (PART 2)' - TODD SNIDER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g0LS-RAsuaE
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.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.
@ 'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CURIOUS AS A CATHY' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING' by clicking HERE.
@ 'DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THIS BELLE ROCKS by clicking HERE.
@ 'ALEX CAVANAUGH' (when BOTB falls on a Mon., Wed., or Fri.) by clicking HERE.
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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.
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~ Stephen T. McCarthy
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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.
Not sure why I'm doing this, but like with everyone else: "This was just the "read the post" visit, back later to listen. Hope you enjoyed the M's I can't stand the taste (much less smell) of 'em.
ReplyDeleteBROTHER MARTIN ~
DeleteI do like Margaritas. I don't drink them often, but they've become a longstanding tradition for me on New Years Day. (It was my Pa who started the tradition on January 1, 1986.)
Somebody HAD to invent the Margarita because what else would you do with Tequila? That's some nasty poison right there. I know some people would say, "Well, don't forget about the Tequila Sunrise." But I've never even liked those - I like the song better'n the drink.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
This is a hard call, and I want to tell you why. I think each of those songs reflects (rather truthfully) the generations they are representing. The Who sang about those teens of the 60s who rebelled against everything (sometimes just for the sake of rebelling). They were living like they'd never die or run into the consequences of their decisions. If you look at Mick Jagger now, you can see the consequences written all over his face. He abused his body and his life with drugs, alcohol, and womens... and he looks like he's been ridden hard and put out wet.
ReplyDeleteBack to the firs song... the punchy lyrics down to the guitar riffs all speak loudly to the fact that this generation is flying high. For anyone who's living through that rebellious phase of life, this song will speak to you.
And then there is Todd Snider's take on the 80s brats (that would be me). We weren't interested in rebelling. We just wanted to fit in even if we looked stupid as hell with our big hair, parachute pants (he says stonewashed jeans, but really parachute pants were worse), neon clothes (oh, my eyes) and our attachment to the mall. That bit about blending in (with the corresponding sheep picture) made me laugh out loud. "We'll buy anything..." Oh boy. That's so true. We are this government's dream come true.
So, I give it to Todd Snider for painting an ugly (but true) picture in a comical way. He managed to touch on ever so many societal failings of this generation. My generation. I shudder to think what the anthem of the kids in high school now will be.... Very very scary.
Great song analysis as always, GIRL WONDER!
DeleteI figure this is going to be an uphill fight all the way for Todd Snider, just because The Who's original is so well known.
I was going to add where The Who's 'My Generation' topped out on the Billboard Music Charts, but when I looked it up in my Billboard Top 40 book, I was amazed to find that 'My Generation' never even did break into the Top 40. WHOda not thunk it?
Well, thanks for making sure from the get-go that I wasn't going to have a shutout here. I KNOW The Who are going to score lots of votes, but you've guaranteed that Snider won't suffer a shutout.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
"Happy Root Beer Day!"
ReplyDeleteThe "Margarita" song brought back some joyful moments - a salty tribute to the rim of life.
Around 1997, I saw "The Who" in concert. They sounded a lot better then than they did when I was younger. I never was a fan until that concert. Funny how things go. I might have liked a song or two, but overall, no. And they're not my pick for today. Maybe they sound too much like the Stones in this cut...wasn't ever a Stones fan. Maybe it has to do with the voice mellowing and the "screech" factor going away with age...
Today is the first time I remember hearing Todd Snider. That doesn't mean it didn't happen... (remember those margarita moments)(smile). Not sure how to explain, but the "maturity" of the sound, including his voice, impresses me more. If ever there was a song that could sum some things up nicely - that "My Generation" does a heck of a job!
Musically #2 is a better sound and quality too. (Not talking about the video.) Todd punches it up - it almost has a country flavor, with a twist of Dylan on the rim.
Todd Snider gets my vote.
P.S. I listened to other two songs you put up for Todd. "Long Year" gave me reason to sigh and let it go.
Good battle! Unique and appealing concept.
DIXIE POLKA ~
Delete>>... The "Margarita" - a salty tribute to the rim of life.
Ha! That's pretty good! I like that.
>>... remember those margarita moments
Actually, I had one that landed me in a Mexican jail. It's a memory I have but would rather suppress.
Todd Snider was originally labeled as Alternative Country, and he is also a big Bob Dylan fan, so it's not surprising that you heard those elements in the song. I think the way he used the harmonica is a dead giveaway that he's listened to a lot of Dylan.
Also, on his debut album was a hidden track titled 'TALKIN' SEATTLE GRUNGE ROCK BLUES' which is a nearly note-for-note copy of a famous "Talking Folk" song by Bob Dylan. Everything about the Snider version is identical except he changed all the lyrics and made it a parody of Grunge Rock which was so popular then. Another very funny song by Snider.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Wow, what a choice...the rock anthem versus the alt-hippie poet.
ReplyDeleteThe Who song had a twenty year head start with me and truly is an anthem of sorts.
However, when you take into account that Snider contrasts a Bush campaign speech with a soft drink, and the fact that SFTDP is one of the most criminally overlooked albums of our time, and the fact that that of the two somewhat dated songs, I actually think Snider's holds up better, well I guess I can only vote one way.
Snider.
PS-Were you really worried about a shutout? I figure you had to know how I was going to vote....
Happy New Year, McDogg!
LC ~
DeleteI couldn't agree with you more about 'Songs For The Daily Planet' being one of the most criminally unknown albums of all time. (I will always be grateful that you turned me onto it.)
And, no, I wasn't really concerned about a shutout. Yes, I had a pretty good idea you would vote for Snider, and I figured at least one or two others would likely vote for him too. I'm not expecting him to win, but right now he's actually ahead o' da Who. That surprises me.
And a Happy 2015 to you, too, Brother!
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Snider's song is a clever parody of the Who's original. It's fun and well done, but for me doesn't stand up to "My Generation" by the Who. That one was a classic that will be around for decades to come.
ReplyDeleteMy vote definitely goes to who? Why The Who of course.
Lee
Tossing It Out
BOIDMAN ~
DeleteAre you going to be the vote that saves The Who from a shutout?
Nah. Sheboyganboy Six will vote "Who" too. That's one of his very favorite bands ever.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
StMc ~ Your sidebar has failed you again with updates. Dixie's posted her battle even though it isn't showing up. I guess Blogger is broken... again.
ReplyDeleteActually, ROBIN, I think it's working OK.
DeleteShe went and posted something on top of her BOTB blog bit and then deleted it. But the title of her latest (now deleted) post is still showing.
I'm going over there to vote right now.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I don't know what I did... this link works to get to my battle:
ReplyDeletehttp://cringe53.blogspot.com/
Oh, my. This is a hard one, simply since I am somewhat hard-wired to go for The Who's original due to it being so much more substantial. On the other hand? LOVE Todd Snider. And Robin is right....it paints an ugly, superficial picture, but it takes me back to my own memories of simpler times. Regardless....I'm voting for The Who. IMO, they just did it better.
ReplyDeleteI have a battle up (and I think I got it all right this time), but I'm not sure where to submit.
KIM ~
DeleteI thought you were a "One-And-Done" BOTBer because you didn't respond to my question about your intentions for the future. (Or maybe you did and I just didn't see it.)
Anyway, I now have you permanently linked in my Sidebar BOTB Blog Roll, and your blog will always be linked at the bottom of each of my BOTB blog bits.
Thanks for your input and your vote here, and I will make it to your blog and cast a vote there.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I may not have responded with my intentions, but I certainly meant to. Y'all are stuck with me now!
DeleteYou predict a few votes for Snider and a clear victory for The Who. I think Snider is gonna win this one. Demographics and the "rebel-thinking" (like getting a tattoo to be different) is going to propel Snider to wearing the laurel, and hardy victory.
ReplyDeleteNot that I don't like Snider's version. His snotty put down of the generation is a hoot! The video is funny, too... with the flock of sheep (blendin' in with the crowd) and the middle finger, sarcastically singing "my generation should be proud." That seems to indicate that he agrees with his dad that the previous generation SHOULD be so. It is amusing to me that the Woodstock generation IS proud of what they did, when they shouldn't be. What a disaster the baby boomers have been.
The Who is one of my all-time favorite bands. They exhibited raw energy like nobody else. The frenetic, non-stop, one-constant-solo of Keith Moon, the raw vocals of Daltry, the windmills and 25' running slides of Townsend... hell, even the quiet posture of Entwhistle belied his "top-five-all-time-bassist" flying fingers. You were right, of course, about my vote.
But really, no matter how your readers vote on this, nor the fact that it did not crack the top 40 at the time, My Generation by The Who is the winner on every front. If you asked the question "what song is the anthem of the 1960's?" I'll bet at least 20% would say this song. And hell, ANOTHER 20% would say "We Won't Get Fooled Again." In terms of the marketplace and history, the public has already voted.
SHEBOYGANBOY SIX ~
DeleteFirst of all, thanks for the input and the vote. Yeah, your vote is the ONE that I knew I could bet the farm on.
I agree with you about the Woodstock Generation, which I'm sure doesn't surprise you. They thought Communism was a good idea... and drugs... and free love... and a lot of other bullshit too. And now, today, we have an outright Communist in the White House and Americans tattooed and pierced to show their rebellion. The ironic thing is that there are so many tattooed and pierced people today that they outnumber the non-tattooed and non-pierced in the vast middle age group. Boy, that's some rebellion.
>>... The frenetic, non-stop, one-constant-solo of Keith Moon
That's a good description of his style. And for some reason, I liked it when he did it, but hated it when others tried to do the same thing (e.g., Mitch Mitchell with Hendrix). Moon was always playing something interesting, where others were just slamming away at the drum kit fast and furious and leaving no space vacant.
It's too bad Townshend had a thing for children though.
>>... If you asked the question "what song is the anthem of the 1960's?" I'll bet at least 20% would say this song. And hell, ANOTHER 20% would say "We Won't Get Fooled Again."
I think not.
There was this guy named Bob Dylan who wrote 'The Times They Are A-Changing', 'Like A Rolling Stone', 'Mr. Tambourine Man', and 'Blowin' In The Wind'.
The Who would have more competition than they'd care for just from Dylan alone. And that's without even dipping into The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, and others.
And I still say The Who will win this one. However, the early voting suggests it might be closer than I first imagined. Right now I think it might be tied.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I wondered if you would challenge me on my assertion, and you did. So I am going to challenge you back: name the specific songs by those artists that might contend as anthems for their generation.
DeleteI am not saying that other songs than "My Gen" were not more popular... clearly, many were. But "My Generation" IS an anthem, a proclamation of a generation. And so is "We Won't Get Fooled Again." I think the numbers would be quite high if that generation was asked the question: "what is the anthem of this generation?" And when I used the guessitmated statistics of 20% of the people might say "My Generation" and 20% might say "We Won't Get Fooled Again," that still leaves a huge percentage of votes for plenty of other songs. But what would they be?
In Dylan, you've name the only artist who wrote what approaches an anthem, in my opinion. Is Dylan's "Blowing in the Wind" an anthem? Probably it is. Is it even quite the same generation? Ummm... maybe, but I think it is really for people a bit older. Is "Mr. Tamborine Man" an anthem? No way. "Satisfaction" by the Stones was VERY popular, recognized by everyone... but not an anthem. Is the Beatles "I Want to Hold Your Hand" an anthem? Nah... they just wanted to hold her hand. The only Beatles tracks that some people might think are anthems might be "Let It Be" or "Hey Jude", neither of which is really an anthem. How about "American Pie" by Don McClean? EVERYONE knows this song, but is it an anthem? Nope.
Why am I focusing on the whole "anthem" thang? Because of the very nature of your BOTB: both songs specifically address what is going on with their generations.
What The Who did was to vocalize the rebellion and rage of that particular generation at that time. The same goes for "We Won't Get Fooled Again." The lyrics are speaking for a generation, and they do it better than anyone else. Few songs really do that.
Is it your contention that "My Generation" would be but a blip on the screen of anthems for the 60's generation? If so, what am I missing? I lived (so to speak) through those times, and I cannot think of another song that sums up the in-your-face, stick it the man, you don't get us, we're holding a sit-in, better than this one.
Snider? He's not bad.
One of the logical fallacies is the "appeal to authority" technique. I'll employ it here.
DeleteI'd not read anything about it ahead of your post, but the following website (for whatever its worth, which is nothing) supports my argument: http://digitaldreamdoor.com/pages/best_songs-anthem.html
A quick web search revealed no other anthem-specific lists, except dumb "Top 20 Arena Rock Anthems" - which is not the same thing. But another true "anthem" from the 1960's that I'd forgotten about is Steppenwolf's "Born To Be Wild." It is down that website's list at No. 8, but the song would get plenty of votes!
SHEBOYGANBROTHER SIX ~
DeleteFirst of all, we would need to reach an understanding on what we mean by "anthem". I think you and I are already pretty close on that, but not in 100% agreement.
For sure we aren't talking about Arena Rock Anthems. But I'm not restricting myself to songs that overtly state that they are speaking for their generation. I mean, The Who comes right out and blatantly say that they're singing about "My Generation". But addressing the times without SAYING that you're addressing the times qualifies too.
And my argument is NOT that The Who wouldn't win this imaginary vote with either of the songs you've named. Maybe they would. All I'm arguing is that I don't believe for a second that 'My Generation' and 'Won't Get Fooled Again' would account for 40% of the total vote, which is what you said.
There would be way too much competition for their two songs to score 40%.
Back to Dylan for a moment:
He also wrote 'Subterranean Homesick Blues', which many people viewed as an anthem for its times with lines like "Don’t follow leaders; Watch the parkin’ meters" and "You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows". (The Weather Underground certainly thought of this song as an anthem, because that second line inspired their name.)
Another Dylan song that would give The Who some competition is 'Ballad Of A Thin Man' ("And something is happening here but you don't know what it is, do you, Mister Jones?")
If I had to guess which anthem would win this imaginary vote, I would put my money on 'Like A Rolling Stone', which was absolutely a '60s anthem.
And I disagree about 'Mr. Tambourine Man'. It wouldn't get my vote, but it was certainly viewed as an anthem about supposed consciousness-raising via drugs.
I'm glad you acknowledge that "appealing to authority" is worth nothing, especially with THAT list, because they had...
1. We Will Rock You - Queen
2. We Are the Champions - Queen
And I don't think either qualifies as anything other than Arena Rock Anthems, and we've already agreed that this isn't what we're yakking about.
I'm not much of a Beatles fan, but the two songs you mentioned might be the most likely candidates. But John Lennon's 'Imagine' (which he admitted was essentially the Communist Manifesto set to music) would score plenty of votes. Yes, it was released in '71, but it was really expressing the '60s hippie mindset. Plus, musical trends tend to run more from the middle of one decade to the middle of the next, rather than, say, 1960 to 1969.
I also think Simon & Garfunkel's 'The Sounds Of Silence' would get some votes. Certainly 'Born To Be Wild', as you mentioned.
'Gimme Shelter' by The Stones would get votes. (It also happens to be the only song by them that I really like.) Some people would probably interpret 'Sympathy For The Devil' as an anthem of those times and vote for it.
Even 'Stairway To Heaven' (also 1971) would likely be interpreted as an anthem and get some votes.
How about 'Hair'?
I think there would simply be too much competition for any two songs to gather 40% of the vote.
Incidentally, I definitely think 'American Pie' (again, '71) qualifies as an anthem, especially if one understands all the symbolism in it, much of which pertains to the '60s.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
If people were to name "Won't Get Fooled Again" as an athem of the 60's, they'd be wrong.
DeleteIt was released in '71, wasn't it?
Yeah, you're right. Yet again a song from '71. What's with this '71 connection that keeps coming up?
Delete~ McDogg
Who said the 60's? Not me. I said "the generation" because - of course - I know when those songs came out. It does not matter that the turn of the decade did not precisely coincide with the angst of those hippies. That is also why I mentioned that "Blowin in the Wind" might really be the anthem of the previous generation. The beatniks flowed slightly into the early 60's folk folks... but the Hendrixs, Whos, and Zeppelins represent a different group to me.
DeleteAlso Stephen, Townsend was not a pedophile. It was another overzealous sting by cops framing people. As we know, cops acting out is not all that uncommon. Read this: http://ore-exposed.obu-investigators.com/PC%20Pro%20article%20June%202007%20.pdf
SHBOYGANBOY SIX ~
DeleteActually, you did say "the '60s":
>>... If you asked the question "what song is the anthem of the 1960's?" I'll bet at least 20% would say this song. And hell, ANOTHER 20% would say "We Won't Get Fooled Again."
And I have no problem with that because in my mind songs up to the middle of the 1970s were still reflecting the idealism and protest of the 1960s.
I can't remember who wrote it or where I read it, but many years ago I read where someone had stated the major changes in pop music generally occur in the middle of the decades, not at the beginning. And I immediately recognized the truth of that.
For example, Rock & Roll songs from 1963 and '64 are more closely related to Rock & Roll songs of 1955 than they are to Rock & Roll songs of 1968.
What major shift occurred in 1976? Punk Rock began, and Punk Rock was the antithesis of the long-haired hippie generation and 'Purple Haze', 'In-A-Gadda-Da-Vida', 'Stairway To Heaven' and anything by Boston. It was guys with short hair playing short songs fast, and giving the middle finger to the hippies and just about everything else.
So, I view most of the Rock music from about 1965 to 1975 as being cut from the same basic cloth. I think it represents one generation in pop music.
As for the Pete Townshend thing... there's no question about overzealous cops framing people, but I don't believe that's what we have here.
I quickly skimmed the article you referred me to and the only references I found to Townshend were captions for two photos.
If you go to Google and type in "Pete Townshend Child Pornography" it will take you to several articles that confirm what I'd originally heard. That is that Townshend admitted to having paid money to access a child pornography website.
For years he kept quiet about it and just accepted a warning from the cops. Years later, as his reputation was being thrown into the gutter, he claimed that he had paid for the website because he was suffering from "White Knight Syndrome", in which he wanted to help the children by doing "research" meant to prove that money for child porn was being funneled into English banks, etc., etc.
Asked why he didn't fight to clear his name when the accusation was first made, he claimed he was too "exhausted" at the time to fight it. Also, he felt he'd just get screwed over by the court. But the reason he was trying to "help the children" is because he felt he had been somewhat sexually abused by a man when he was a child. Not that he'd been raped but that there was something "creepy" going on with this guy.
Now, if it was ANYBODY other than Pete Townshend saying this, I would be saying that I smell bullshit.
And I'm STILL saying I smell bullshit.
I think this was another case of a wealthy, influential person (nearly) getting away with something no ordinary person would.
And we've all heard that abused children often grow up to become abusers themselves. There's no evidence (that I'm aware of) that Townshend ever actually abused a child himself, or touched one inappropriately. But I suspect his viewing of child porn may have been the first step in that direction and I'm just glad he got caught when he did.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
But if you want to visit/add it, here's the direct link:
ReplyDeletehttp://thisbellerocks.blogspot.com/2015/01/happy-new-year-lets-start-out-2015-with.html
Thanks!
Oh The Who all the way! The hidden anger and in your face style really showed how revolutionary the times were. The 2nd one is quite good and, even though the 80's is my time, I am thankful I never dressed like that and never owned acid wash jeans. The 2nd song is fun and a good send up but it is not as deep as the first.
ReplyDeleteBIRGIT ~
DeleteThanks for your vote and your analysis.
And just as I suspected, here comes The Who, starting to outpace the Snider version.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Any BOTB where I want to vote for both is a great one, and you've done it again, StevieMacDaddy!
ReplyDeleteThe Who version is an iconic famous song that no cover could outdo -- so you gave us a cover that's not a cover. It's a revamped, updated, 90's version with much more clever lyrics and a snarky attitude.
So, technically, I could throw a flag and say you cheated -- Snider's song is wonderful, but it ain't no "cover." So by voting for both, my cheating dual vote would be in the spirit of this offering -- I'd even call my vote for Snider, "Yes vote (part 2)" to help skirt the rules. ;)
But I'll be fair and say that if you call them the same song, The Who wins.
(But I like Snider, too)
GgC ~
DeleteWell, I'm not really calling them the same song, even though Snider uses a couple of the same lines from The Who song. And I tend to think of what I've done here as a twist rather than a cheat. (It sounds so much nicer.)
Thanks for coming by to comment and vote. And thanks for the compliment on this BOTB.
No matter how it gets sliced, I've got you down as a vote for 'My Generation (Part 1)'.
[;-)}
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Well, if the vote was for sheer entertainment value, It would be Snider in an avalanche. Solely on the music, it might have been a toss up, but then Todd went and reminded me of the line, "Hope I die before I get old..." The Who by a smidge.
ReplyDeleteBROTHER MARTIN ~
DeleteWell, it really is supposed to be about sheer entertainment, since they aren't REALLY the same song.
Nevertheless, "The Who by a smidge" it is.
Thanks for your vote.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I love this BATTLE. Love the concept. It is sheer genius; using two different songs that are very similar in their execution. This is exactly why you ARE Mr. BOTB aka TSMOTP (I Iaughed out loud when I saw that you signed the comment on my BOTB with that moniker {thank you for understanding} – isn’t it interesting what a little perspective can do?) But of course, I digress.
ReplyDeleteI never really cared much for The Who, and found their song ‘American Woman’ quite irritating. ‘My Generation’ was a close second on the irritator meter, at least for me. Todd Snider, on the other hand, I really DO like. His rendition of this song was very cleaver (shape as a carving knife, he is) and spot on, with respect to those of whom he speaks, or sings (sad but true).
Give my vote to Mr. Snider and his excellent wit.
Can’t wait to see what you have planned for the 15th. If it’s anything like this one, I expect to be thoroughly entertained and definitely WOWED again.
Happy Margarita Day to you too! Here's to a better yer in 2015 (one that definitely includes forks).
FAE ~
DeleteHa! Thanks! I'm glad you liked this concept so much. I'd been planning this for awhile and would have done it sooner but when we started getting closer to New Years Day I thought I'd save it to start out the new year with something "different".
I had to laugh though about your remarks regarding 'American Woman'. Close but no cigar. That song wasn't by The Who; it was The Guess Who - two different bands, the latter one from Canada.
The one I have lined up for the 15th will be like this one simply by the fact that it's not a REAL Battle Of The Bands. Again it will be two different songs, but it's the "STYLE" they're performed in that contains the "theme" of the thing.
I suspect my 1/15/2015 Battle may irritate some folks, and there's a good chance it will be considered my worst BOTB installment overall. Me though, I think it's funny in a goofy kind of way.
If people don't desert me after this next one, they will find me doing "normal" BOTBs again starting in February.
Thanks for the nice kudos on this one though.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
;-) You know me - dumb blonde on my best days, but at anytime on Margarita Day I'm more dazed and confused than normal.
DeleteIn actuality, I have always confused The Who and The Guess Who. I mean really; at the time these guys were big, they couldn't have come up with a little more diversity in their names. I guess it's pretty obvious that I was never a big fan of EITHER band.
I almost entered into that debate going on about 60's anthems, but fortunately read your reply first. Just imagine what I might have come up with. Ha, ha, ha!
Aww, but it's a good kind of "dazed and confused" on Margarita Day!
DeleteYeah, really, The Who and The Guess Who? That's kind of dumb. Why not The Guess What? (Or maybe they thought they'd sell more albums thanks to the confusion. How many people bought Guess Who records thinking it was The Who's latest?)
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I recall in the mid-60's when The Four Seasons released a version of Dylan's "Don't Think Twice" under the moniker of The You Know Who. I didn't until the album came out and their cover was unveiled.
DeleteLee
Tossing It Out
A lotta Whos in Whoville, eh?
Delete~ D-FensDogg
No, WHO.
Delete~ D-FensDogg
I feel an Abbott and Costello routine coming on.
DeleteStephen:
ReplyDeleteThis is a tough one for me - usually I am fairly certain of my response immediately (I'm just like that...opinionated and reasonably sure that I won't change...that ship has sailed...).
The Who's classic MY GENERATION is hard to beat and it is so tied to the time period, blah blah blah. What's not to like? And Roger Daltrey was eye candy back then...girls like that...
Todd Snider is new to me; he sort of sounds rock-a-billy. It's a tough call, but lyrically, I like this one better. It's clever and it has a good beat; obviously the guy has talent. The lyrics seal the deal.
Todd gets my vote.
Happy New Year, STMcC!
CHERDO ~
DeleteAnd a wonderful 2015 to you, too!
Thanks for the vote. This BOTB is turning out much better'n I thought it would because it's really too close to call. I really thought The Who would win this by at least a 2 to 1 margin, but to my surprise, this is either performer's ballgame to win.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
The purest in me votes for The Who's version! But I enjoyed Snider's version the most!
ReplyDeleteMIKE ~
DeleteHmmm... to MY way of thinking, that sounds like your vote should have gone to Snider.
Nevertheless, it's YOUR vote to cast any way you choose so... The Who it is.
And the votes just keep swinging back and forth!
I never dreamed I had THIS GOOD of a BOTB in this match-up. The "Surprise Factor" in BOTBs make them a lot of fun for me.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I agree that Ernie Banks is the greatest, and will always be "Mr.Cub!"
ReplyDeleteThough Todd Snider is very clever, I still like the original Who version of My Generation better. It was written for the 60's, yet it still has a timeless appeal. Another exciting battle, Stephen!
Julie
GEM JULIE ~
DeleteThank you! Glad you liked it. And thanks for your ongoing support of my BOTBs.
I'm now totally at a loss when it comes to guessing which one will ultimately win this thing.
I've never been a Cubs fan, but Ernie Banks was great and a class act.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Definitely give it to Snider! I didn't really like the Who version, that stuttering turned me off. The video was definitely fun though - especially the guys in speedo trunks doing a line dance. Yum, yum. But Snider's version was a lot more fun to listen to.
ReplyDeleteNow, about them swim trunks; did you wear those? hmm, I'll just sit here and day dream . . .
Ha!-Ha!
DeleteDONNA, you're terrible!
NOoooooo! Never a Speedos guy.
I was a Quiksilver man.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Al Bondigas here. Hmmm. Kind of a tough one here. I keep going back and forth. Ok, I vote for Todd Snider's song, but, I vote for The Who's video. I love all that old footage. That's it. That's my rulin'.
ReplyDeleteJUDGE BONDIGAS ~
DeleteYeah, I liked that Who video too. Pretty neat slice of English history there. And that dude in the black leather motorcycle jacket was lookin' real cool.
We missed that era by... THAT much.
John Milner, where R U?
"Let me have a Three Musketeers, and a ball point pen, and one of those combs there, a pint of Old Harper, a couple of flash light batteries and some beef jerky."
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Did either of you two birds (or Arlee, too) ever watch "Quadrophenia"? I'd assume yes. Lots of Mods and Rockers in that movie. That leather look is better than the recent (and fading) fad of droopy drawers.
DeleteSIX ~
DeleteI've heard the album a few times (my friend Pooh was a big Who fan) but I've never seen the movie. Neither has my Brother, as far as I know.
But, yeah, the leather look was cool. Still is. Always will be, I suppose. The 'Droopy Drawers' look was incredibly stupid. A stupid look for stupid, dumbed-down followers.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I too have the Quadrophenia album but have never seen the film.
DeleteI've never mastered the droopy drawers look as my pants just fall to my ankles when they droop below my waist. Not the best fashion statement at least in my case. I do have a leather jacket that my wife bought for me several years ago and I still wear when I'm in cold weather (which is not often).
Lee
Tossing It Out
Given the previous discussion, perhaps they should have called the album "Quadrophelia." Close... but quite different!
DeleteThe album is my favorite Who album. The film is filled with chrome-festooned-scooter mods, fighting with the motorcycle-riding leather-clad rockers. It is worth watching even if just as a glimpse of that time and place.
'QUADROPHELIA" - Ha!
DeleteI do really like the song 'Love, Reign O'er Me'. That's from Quadrophenia, isn't it?
I wouldn't be at all opposed to watching the movie. Maybe I'll see if NetFlix has it.
~ D-FensDogg
Happy belated Margarita Day! As things would have it, the two of us celebrated with margaritas at a Mexican restaurant in Denver for New Years. I was feeling adventurous and had a jalapeno margarita that was pretty damn good.
ReplyDeleteAs for the song, open and shut case. The moment Todd yells, "Part two, verse three, chapter four, Jackson Five, Nikki Sixx!" I knew I was going to vote for him. Even so, that razor sharp wit continued through the rest of the song and it was just a blast to listen to. Neither of us grew up listening to The Who, so I guess we don't have that whole 'it's a classic' thing weighing us down. I mean, yes, I've heard the original a lot, and it's great, but Todd's version had us both grinning from beginning to end. So for BOTH of us, well... we choose wit.
~6B
A Jalapeno Margarita?!?!?!
DeleteWow! Never heard of THAT one. I'll bet I'd like it though.
Thanks for the votes, Beer Boys!
I had no idea how Brandon might vote on this one, but you, Bryan, I thought could go either way on it. If I'd been forced to put money on it, I think I'd have said you'd vote for The Who, for that very reason that "it's a classic".
Well, I'm glad you both liked the Snider wit. The guy most definitely had a way with words.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I'll vote for THE WHO of course! I've been slow at getting around to BOTBs. Good song choice, IMO.
ReplyDeleteD.G. ~
ReplyDeleteThanks for coming by to vote.
I was hoping you'd make it to my last one - December 15th - when I used a Canadian Christmas carol that few people were already familiar with. I was curious to know if you were aware of it and whether or not you liked it.
The song was titled 'THE HURON CAROL' and my competitors were The Canadian Tenors and the Spiritus Chamber Choir. The Canadian Tenors won 14 to 7.
Thanks again for returning here to vote. I've missed you the last couple times.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
STMcC’s Vote On ‘BOTB - 2015, January 1st,
ReplyDelete- The Who Vs. Todd Snider'
And The Final Tally:
Unlike my friend Sheboyganboy Six, I have never really been a big WHO fan. Never cared much for their early hits, nor Quadrophenia or Tommy.
The 'Who's Next' album, however, I have always thought was a Rock music masterpiece. I like every single track on that one, and a couple of them I LOVE. I know the music from that album was actually meant as a soundtrack to an aborted Rock opera project by Pete Townshend called 'Lifehouse'.
So, for whatever reason, it seems that musically I connected with the 'Lifehouse' idea, whereas I did not connect with The Who on other albums.
My feeling about 'MY GENERATION' is kind of 'eh. Yes, it's a famous Rock anthem with plenty of energy, but I've never really cared for it. I get the stuttering bit (the inarticulate stammering of youth) but it comes off seeming too artificial to me. Musically it's got that raw Garage Band sound that I only rarely find appealing (such as with Eddie And The Hot Rods and the Stray Cats, to name two).
Musically, I definitely prefer Todd Snider's 'MY GENERATION (Part 2)'. It's got that Rockabilly "Slap-Slap" rhythm going for it. Lyrically, it's extremely clever and funny, which makes it far more entertaining to me than The Who song is. "We were raised up in the hallowed halls of half a million shopping malls". And anybody who calls out George H.W. Bush on his "one thousand points of light" from his speeches promoting of the "New World Order" definitely scores bonus points in my book.
So, obviously my vote goes to Todd Snider. And as it turned out, my vote was the deciding one which determined the winner in this Battle Of The Bands.
This BOTB was way better than I expected, and with a different outcome than I'd predicted. For one thing, in counting up the votes I saw that the lead in this Battle changed hands a couple of times, so it was a neck-and-neck race to the finish line. Honestly, I thought the "classic" status would propel The Who to a pretty easy win but, boy, was I ever wrong about that.
I knew for sure that there was no way this would be a shutout. The Who were absolutely guaranteed to get votes, and I guessed that DiscConnected would vote for Snider. I knew when I first conceived the idea for this BOTB that I would be voting for Snider also. I thought he might pick up one or two more votes along the way, but he did far more than that.
The Who = 9 Votes
Todd Snider = 10 Votes
It's a lot of fun when a person puts together such a competitive Battle as this one was. As always, I thank each and every one of you for coming by here, taking time to listen and to cast a vote. I couldn't do it without all y'all.
I hope you'll come by again during the week that follows January 15th, as I have another "TWISTED BOTB" planned for ya. This one will be kind of goofy, again using two different songs that are tied together thematically. I think a lot of you might not like my Jan. 15th BOTB, and will probably consider it my worst pairing ever, but just thinking about it makes me laugh.
I promise though that beginning on February 1st, I will be returning to the normal BOTB format, and I'm gonna give ya some damned great electric guitar playing to listen to as a reward for sticking with me through the two "TWISTED BOTBs".
Take care, my friends, and I'll see ya on the 15th.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
Can't wait to see what you have in store for us on the 15th!
ReplyDeleteI really liked this BATTLE. It was a departure from the norm, and I'm all for that. By the fact alone that you gathered up 60-some comments on this post I would say a few others liked it too, even if some of them were concerning all that Whos, Who carp!
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the 15th, but I also hope that from time to time you'll do something like this again, just to keep it interesting. ;-)
-------- KIM & FAE --------
ReplyDeleteY'all might be sorry when you hear my Jan. 15th BOTB. Then again, like me, you might think it's kind of fun in a "twisted" way.
Yeah, I might do something like this again sometime after Jan. 15th. I won't do it right away because I have some really good BOTB match-ups that are itching to see the light of day. Also, I don't have another idea like this in mind right now, but something will likely come to me at some point.
Of course, everyone else is free to put up a "TWISTED BOTB" sometimes too. It doesn't have to be only me who does it.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
"...Of course, everyone else is free to put up a "TWISTED BOTB" sometimes too. It doesn't have to be only me who does it.,..."(STMcC)
ReplyDeleteInteresting. Nice to know.
I'm glad your battle turned out like this - it does provide for an exciting atmosphere. A couple times I hopped back over, became disappointed, felt the Who were taking it....but then... finally decided to skip a couple of days, wait it out.
I don't recall anyone else BOTB going this way. Nice, nice, nice!
I remembered - I owe you an apology - regarding Santana/ Eagles... I distinctly called you a "Dogg". And in case you didn't notice my error.... then maybe I dreamed it and it never happened. Yeah.
ReplyDeleteDIXIE POLKA ~
ReplyDeleteYou can't do a Twisted BOTB. I meant everyone but you could do one.
Yeah, my Battle was pretty cool because it wasn't decided until the last vote - MINE! I like it when I get to decide the winner. (This wasn't the first time this has happened on one of my BOTBs. More like the 4th time.)
Hey, no problem about the insult, I collect 'em like butterflies. Besides that, Santana DID DO a cover of 'Hotel California', so that's probably the one you had in mind.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
>"You can't do a Twisted BOTB. I meant everyone but you could do one."
ReplyDeleteWhat-chu-talkin'-bout, Foghorn? Iz the original Twisted Sister. And that gets me a leg up on yuze... get it.. Foghorn - Leghorn.
Az the Slyman said: "Hey, you drew first blood."
>"Hey, no problem about the insult, I collect 'em like butterflies."Didja ever see the movie, "Butterflies are Free"?
Lastly!
>"Besides that, Santana DID DO a cover of 'Hotel California', so that's probably the one you had in mind."
Well here's another butterfly >>You are a Dogg!
Nah - just pulling your FOG.(smile)
You say Slyman, I say Balboaboy
ReplyDeleteLet's call the whole thing off.
No, never saw 'BetterSlys are free'. Are they though?
Dogg And Butterfly? Now that's a title with Heart!
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Betterfly'
Huuu - funny guy!
Delete(See you guys on the 15th.)
What a close race! I'll have to listen to Todd Snider again. I'm sure I missed some witty lyrics the first time around.
ReplyDeleteJulie
GEM JULIE ~
DeleteI've had a couple closer BOTB races (i.e., tied) and a few that were just as close as this one (i.e., decided by a single vote) but this was definitely a good one - almost as close as it can get.
Yeah, Snider is definitely a witty writer.
See ya on the 15th?
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
You fiend. I was SURE I was gonna vote for the Who version. After all, as you said, it's one I've heard many times, and liked. Besides, it's closer to actually being about MY generation.
ReplyDeleteAhem.
However, I really like the second version. Good sound, good lyrics, nice bits of humor. Okay, so it may not be about MY generation, but the Snider version gets my vote.
Surprised? I am.