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Welcome back, my friends, to the "Battle" that never ends.
We're so glad you could attend. Come inside! Come inside!
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This is 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS' ('BOTB') where you listen to different recordings and vote for the one you like best. A new Battle gets posted on the 1st of each month and on the 7th, I place my own vote, tally 'em all up and announce the winner.
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Friend? Foe? Stranger? No matter, ALL are welcome. So pull up a chair, pour yourself 24 oz. of DOG BITE High Gravity Lager (or the poison of your choice) and turn it up to Eleven!
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[NOTE: Links to the first year of 'BOTB' (#1 - #24) can be found at the very bottom of this page.]

Friday, May 15, 2015

2015, MAY 15: BATTLE OF THE BANDS (Or, PAUL SIMON VERSUS THE B-52s)

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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...
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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!
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Yes, it’s time once again for ‘Battle Of The Bands’ (‘BOTB’), and...

It's me, it's me,
It's Stephen T.
The Captain Ninja
Of BOTB!
(At least that's what FarAwayEyes called me.)
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Before I pull the lever and let this BOTB installment dangle, I have a li'l sumpin' to say:

We have three new 'Battle Of The Bands' participants joining us beginning with this May 15th round. I'm pleased to introduce, present and announce DEBBIE D. from the blog 'THE DOGLADY'S DEN', CHERDO from the blog 'CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE', and MICHELE TRUHLIK from the blog 'ANGELS BARK'. Please be sure to visit them and make them feel welcome. (And if any of them ever uses a Tiny Tim song, make certain you report that to me ASAP so I can take immediate action against them;-)

Alright, let’s get on it...
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EUGENE  MARTONE  VS.  JACK  BUTLER
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And now for something completely different, as promised (or threatened). Some of you will remember when I BOTBed Tiny Tim versus Richard Cheese in a "Lounge showdown". They were doing different songs ('Stairway To Heaven' and 'Another Brick In The Wall'), so instead of the SONG being the common denominator, it was actually the "Lounge" style that provided the theme of that contest.

This time, just for the halibut ("No anchovies, please!"), I'm again using two different songs, rather than the traditional "same song, two different artists" approach. There IS a method to my madness, although it won't be readily apparent. It's not like I've just randomly chosen two songs and put them up against each other. No, sir, there's a "theme" here - there's a reason I've selected these two particular songs and artists, and I will explain the hidden meaning behind it when I post my own vote and the final results in this blog bit's comment section on May 21st. (If anyone already knows WHY I'm using these two songs against each other, you may say you know the secret, but please don't let the cat out of the bag. Please let me do that on the 21st. Thanks!)  

The idea for this BOTB match-up came to mind about 2 or 3 days after I moved to Reno. I'll 'splain that when I cast my vote and announce the winner.

After this 'Battle Of The Bands' installment, I will be going back to the regular margaritas BOTB format. (I only have one more non-traditional BOTB contest in mind, and if I do it at all, it won't be for awhile.) 

 GOODNIKS  VS.  NO-GOODNIKS

OK, your job in this BOTB blog bit is simply to listen to the two songs below and vote in the comment section for which song you like best (for whatever reason). Please tell me, if you can, why you prefer the one song over the other.

"And now here's something we hope you'll really like"...

'ONE-TRICK  PONY'  by  Paul  Simon



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SN3GXj4r_1s
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GODZILLA  VS.  KING  KONG
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'ROCK  LOBSTER'  by  The B-52s



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VCCiY17hKw
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RIDDLER  VS.  BATMAN
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Alright now, “you know the gig”... I welcome EVERYONE to vote for their favorite of these songs in the comment section below. And feel free to tell us WHY you chose one song over the other. 

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 vice your voice ...vote your vice ...voice your vote.)

Voice Your Vote @ ‘FAR AWAY SERIES’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘TOSSING IT OUT’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ 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
@ 'SHADY DELL MUSIC & MEMORIES' by clicking HERE
@ 'THE DOGLADY'S DEN' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE' by clicking HERE
@ 'ANGELS BARK' 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


106 comments:

  1. Stephen, I'm clueless to where you're going with your madness and I can't wait to learn the workings of your mind next week. It's not even 7am EST, as I listen to today's song picks. Let me point out, I don't remember either of these songs. Now, with my second cup of coffee in hand, I think I'm gonna have to go with Paul Simon. I don't have a reason why other than I just prefer Paul's vocals and music style over B-52. I know one of the more experienced music critics on the BoTB list will pick the pieces out of both cuts to give the good, the bad, and the ugly and maybe it will be after reading what others have to say that I will know why Paul Simon suits my taste this morning. :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. CATHY ~

      >>... I'm clueless to where you're going with your madness and I can't wait to learn the workings of your mind next week.

      Yeah, me too! As a matter of fact, just today my doctor said she's going to cut back on my meds because the voices are keeping me awake at night.

      She also said that, as a result, I may be hearing from myself again soon. So, as soon as I learn the workings of my mind, I'll pass that info on to you as well.

      My doctor also said some other stuffs, but she was wearing a short skirt, so I didn't catch any of that.
      [;-)}

      ~ D-FensDogG
      'Loyal American Underground'

      Delete
  2. Hello, good buddy Stephen! I'm glad you deviated from the norm today because I did, too, and feared that I would be excommunicated for it.

    The two contenders in your battle are connected in my own mind for the following reason. Mrs. Shady #1 was a huge Paul Simon fan and Mrs. Shady #2 is a huge B-52's fan. I love the body of work produced by Simon & Garfunkel, even enjoyed the recordings the guys made early in their career when they called themselves Tom & Jerry. However, I was not as fond of Simon as a solo performer. Maybe it was overexposure or the feeling that he was overrated. I simply got tired of hearing his voice on the radio day after day, year after year, and his work began to sound derivative to me.

    I have always been a sucker for gimmicks and dug the new wave act the B-52's and their fresh, unorthodox, retro-inspired, fun-filled approach to music. I vote for the B-52's, good buddy, and thanks for the entertainment this morning. Have a great weekend, Stephen!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. SHECKY SHADY SHAFT ~

      >>... Mrs. Shady #1 was a huge Paul Simon fan and Mrs. Shady #2 is a huge B-52's fan.

      Oh, man, as I was reading along, I thought maybe you were gonna say: "Mrs. Shady #2 is a huge Art Garfunkel fan."

      Come to think of it... is ANYBODY a huge Art Garfunkel fan? He WOULD have put the "funk" in Simon & Garfunkel if Simon & Garfunkel would have funk.

      Wow! It's gettin' late, and these Bloody Mary's are starting to wear off. I fear I may "stop making sense".

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
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  4. Have no idea about the connection but this is a fun and difficult pairing.

    I really enjoyed the B-52's. Entertaining, unique, and a lot of musical variety.

    Paul Simon's song is cleanly preformed with some great musicianship.

    Going with durability of withstanding repeated listenings I think I'll have to go with Paul Simon's "One Trick Pony". It's more of an any time, any mood sort of recording.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Road trippin' with A to Z
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BOIDMAN LEE ~
      I thought at least one or two voters would get the connection between these songs, even though it's quite obscure and one would need to be very much tuned into "details" to remember it.

      I think you'll be surprised to find that this really IS a "Battle Of The Bands" in a (close to, sort of, semi-traditional) way.

      It's definitely NOT like I've put 'Stairway To Heaven' against 'Smoke On The Water' (or, 'Ticket To Ride' against 'Satisfaction').

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  5. Hey Stephen. First I gotta say I cracked up when reading your Vs. list when I got to WC Fields Vs. Sobriety: Hilarious! Loved seeing Rocky & Bullwinkle this morning too: nice flashback. Now for my vote: it's a no contest for me: definitely the B-52s. I LOVE Rock Lobster. It's such a corny song and it's soooo fun to sing and dance to. The different sea animal imitations always get me grinnin'. So it's the B-52s for me. I like Paul Simon okay but didn't really care for this particular song. Will look forward to hearing why your paired the two. I'm stumped.
    And thank you for the warm welcome! I'm excited to be a part of the BOTB. Will be fun getting to know everyone.
    Now that I've listened to Rock Lobster twice already, I'm going to head over to my playlist and dig up some more B-52s, a little Love Shack action. The B-52s are a great way to start the day... :)
    Michele at Angels Bark

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MICHELE ~
      Howdy. I LOVE that you know W.C. and Rocky & Bullwinkle!

      After Laurel & Hardy, W.C. is my favorite of the Old School film comedians. And R&B is still one of my very favorite TV shows of all time. That stuffs was Triple-A-List creative and WAY ahead of its time. (I own every single episode on DVD.)

      R&B was the very first cartoon really created for adults, but it wasn't until I became an adult (sort of) that I realized that fact. (In one episode, Bullwinkle even spills the beans about that. Ha!) When I was a little boy, I thought R&B was a kid's show.

      Thanks for joining us BOTBers.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  6. Interesting battle, but I'm at a loss, trying to figure out the connection between these two. Same era? Anyway, my vote goes to Paul Simon. The B52s are cool but Rock Lobster was never one of my favourites.
    Thanks for accepting me into the fold for BOTB. This is so much fun!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DEBBIE ~
      Third comment's a charm, eh? (I can't help wondering what was in the first two comments which you deleted.)

      "Same era"?
      Yeah, but even more than that. Both songs have a 1980 connection... to be 'splained later.

      Happy to have you BOTBing with us. Thanks for your vote.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    2. I didn't like the wording of the first comment and I added a second thought after that. Decided to edit and consolidate. Yes, I'm that pedantic! LOL (A comment edit feature would be nice.)
      I'll be wondering about that 1980 connection. Intriguing!

      Delete
  7. The album One Trick Pony had some great session players, most of whom were Jazz musicians. Tony Levin's bass lines are fantastic. Eric Gale played for the great Lena Horn, Aretha Franklin and Van Morrison. Then there's Steve Gadd on drums who did some killer work with Chick Corea. Richard Tee on keyboards was a legend and he and Eric were in the band Stuff.

    I watched the Carol Kaye interview last night so it's interesting that you chose this song. Simon was a good singer and good songwriter, but it was these cats that put the songs on the charts Without them, the song may have laid on the ground like a fish gasping for air.

    And I haven't voted yet. This is just the first of our discussions about these two piece.

    I'll be back baby!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Now onto the B52's Whilst One Trick Pony was played in the UK, the B52's hit big time with Rock Lobster. I was really into the style of music and I dug the clothes and the hair.

      I bought One Trick Pony, but it didn't do anything for me. It didn't make me feel anything, it didn't make me want to dance and it didn't make me want to sing. The musicians were fantastic, but I felt Simon didn't make good use of them.

      Also both of these were released during the Troubles. I needed to be distracted by things that were happy, eccentric or musically interesting.

      So listening to these today, I feel as I did then. My vote goes to The B52's Rock Lobster.

      Delete
    2. ANNE ~
      Interesting comment, and I can see where you're coming from with this BOTB match-up.

      I'm kind of surprised you even knew the Paul Simon song and that it got airplay in the U.K., because in the U.S., the song barely scratched the Billboard charts (#40 for 2 weeks - just looked it up). I'm not sure I ever heard it played once on American radio, and I would bet that most of my voters here are totally unfamiliar with it.

      'Rock Lobster', on the other hand, was a massive hit and got played about every 20 minutes on every Top 40 radio station.

      Thanks a lot, Anne, for coming back here and submitting your first BOTB vote to my blog. It's truly appreciated.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    3. My understanding was that the album did very well in the US as Paul Simon was a legend. I assumed most people would be familiar with the song. Also it's the title song of the album.I thought all of the songs on this got loads of playtime in the US. I bought the album, so I know all the songs.

      I thought the opposite was true of the B52's. I'd no idea they were played on radio in the US. I thought they were considered an underground cult band. Maybe only listened to by students at University. They were like that with us until Rock Lobster broke.

      I do believe we may be on opposite sides of the fence on this one. And if so, that's okay with me. People don't have to agree on everything to appreciate one another.

      Have a good weekend!



      Delete
    4. ANNE ~
      The song 'LATE IN THE EVENING' from that Paul Simon album was a big hit (#6 in 1980) but not the title track. The album, as you know, served as the soundtrack (sort of) for the movie of the same name. But to my knowledge, neither the movie or the album did all that well financially speaking.

      The B-52s were quite popular here. 'ROCK LOBSTER' apparently was NOT a big radio hit (I was mistaken), but it SEEMED like a big hit because it got a lot of playing time in the clubs and on FM radio in L.A. Honestly, I heard it everywhere I went.

      And, yes, the B-52s were very popular in the U.S. 'LOVE SHACK' and 'ROAM' both went to #3 in Billboard and they had three more Top 40 hits over the years.

      Time will tell about my vote but even if we were to wind up on opposite sides of the fence, as my ol' friend Linda Haley used to say: If two people agree on EVERYTHING, then one of them is unnecessary.

      Yak later, my friend.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    5. Well now don't I look stupid? Wouldn't be the first time. But in my defense, I wasn't living in America when these songs came out. And these aren't the kind of songs my husband and I have ever had reason to talk about. So I'm utterly clueless.

      Now on to something else.

      I know you're a big fan of Van Morrison and I want to know if you've listened to any of our traditional music.

      Here's a link to the first song I ever sang publicly and it's one I've sung in pubs most of my life.
      https://youtu.be/wEmy8nif7J8

      What is it about the mad Irishman that you like so well? Aside from his music.

      Delete
    6. I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date! No time to say "Hello", goodbye! I'm late! ~

      ANNE O' ~
      I have heard some traditional Irish songs during my life. I am, after all, 55 years old and a dog (as in "ancestral mutt") with some Irish in me. I'm Irish, Scottish, German, and a wee bit o' American Indian (Mohawk).

      Not sure I've heard that particular song before but probably.

      >>... What is it about the mad Irishman that you like so well? Aside from his music.

      Aside from his music? Nuttin', really.

      I've seen Van-The-Man live in concert 3 or 4 times and I love a great deal of his music - some of which is very inspirational to me - but some of it... not so much. (One song in particular really turned me off from Van-The-Man and caused me to go through my Van CD collection with a fine-toothed comb and jettison some of it. But that's a long story.)

      Van's a cantankerous ol' dude and I doubt I'd be a friend of his if we knew each other personally. And yet, some of his music is very near and dear to my heart and inspiring as all get-out!

      Now, then, I wanna tell ya that I think 'WAKING NED DEVINE' (which I own on DVD) is one of the very best comedies produced in the last nearly 20 years! I trust you love it too.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    7. Ned Devine was bloody brilliant. Some great actors in that film

      Ha! My husband is 55 years old and you two have a tremendous amount in common. Your views of America, it's history, it's politics and it's current state are identical. It was one of the first things I noticed about you when I first saw you commenting round four years ago. I think it may have been on Yeamie Waffles blog (Matthew).

      Also he has a degree in Theology and most likely you two are similar in that way as well.

      I didn't mean any harm by asking if you'd heard any of our music. I asked because we all worked so hard to get hold of your music and we were intensely curious about what an American was. We tried so hard to figure out what and who you were through your music, your movies and your programmes. We were mad about your comic books and read your Pulp Magazines as well. I was wondering if you'd done anything similar with us as we did with you.

      Again, I meant no offense.

      Delete
    8. ANNE O' ~

      Oh, sheesh! You kiddin'? How could I possibly have taken any offense at anything you wrote in the previous comment?

      I'm offensive, but I'm not easily offended.

      >>... you two have a tremendous amount in common.

      Except, of course, I am far better looking (according to my Mother and my Mother's Mother).

      >>... Your views of America, it's history, it's politics and it's current state are identical.

      Wow! I didn't think ANYONE was as cynical and irked as I am.

      >>... Yeamie Waffles blog

      Oh, yeah, I remember him! He seemed like a nice kid.

      >>... Also he has a degree in Theology and most likely you two are similar in that way as well.

      I don't have a degree in Theology, but I'm proud to say that I would get kicked out of every "Christian" church in America. Ha!

      >>... We tried so hard to figure out what and who you were through your music, your movies and your programmes.

      Well, now you know: We're mostly a buncha gullible jerks. (Don't think so? Go read the comments at any YouTube video.)

      >>... I was wondering if you'd done anything similar with us as we did with you.

      Unfortunately, I'd have to say that, in general, no. But, you know, we Americans are a pretty self-absorbed lot for the most part. "American Exceptionalism" and all that tommyrot.

      Of course, individually, it's sometimes been a different story. For example, my good friend "Pooh" (whose Pa, Seamus, owned a liquor store in Venice - a section of Los Angeles) got very, very much into his Irish heritage. He's gone back to Ireland several times and done a lot of research into his family tree.

      I should also mention that I love the movie 'THE COMMITMENTS', which I've seen probably three times.

      Dang! Maybe I'll watch a bit o' Ned Devine' before I hit the sack tonight.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  8. After your E, I was looking forward to casting my vote for something 80s. Then I saw what the song was... Rock Lobster. Not my favorite. I like the B52s, but not this song. So, I'm going to have to vote for Paul Simon (and against the 80s, which really bugs me). I'm not crazy about his song, either, but I like it better than Rock Lobster.

    I have NO IDEA what these songs have in common. I will say this: your brain sees connections the rest of us completely miss.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. GIRL WONDER ~
      I am only minutes away from brushing my teeth and hitting the sack. I will return tomorrow with more replies, but for now I will close with this:

      Your vote discombobulated my mind!

      Coming into this BOTB, there were two things I was sure of: you would vote for the B-52s and Bryan would vote for Paul Simon.

      Well... one out of two ain't bad.
      Of course, it ain't good, either.
      I'd say it's almost, very nearly, right down the middle.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  9. I had to read all the other comments, too, to make sure I was on the right track. Was this a random pairing of star crossed artists? Is the theme "songs with animals in the title?"

    Paul Simon is a heavyweight of the music biz and there's nothing NOT to like. He was no lightweight in the writing or performing category, but I always miss Art Garfunkel when I see him.

    But the B-52s are in a class that isn't really seriously challenged by anyone. Flying Lizards, maybe? Retro romp and style, combined with Fred Schneider's talk-sing style equals fun. And sometimes, girls just wanna have fun (Cyndi Lauper? Is that you?).

    I vote for B-52s!!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. My apologies for not using the correct icon/logo for BOTB! I wasn't sure, so I made one. Artsy idiots are like that.

      Delete
    2. CHERDO ~

      >>... Is the theme "songs with animals in the title?"

      Ha! No, but that's a good guess. (If I were to use animals as the theme, I'd have probably gone with Pink Floyd's 'PIGS' versus The Beatles' 'PIGGIES'. Or maybe 'LONESOME DOG BLUES' by Lightnin' Hopkins versus Tom Waits' 'EGGS AND SAUSAGE'.)

      >>... My apologies for not using the correct icon/logo for BOTB!

      Naturally, I assume the milkshake is in the mail.

      ~ Stephen

      Delete
    3. I think you need to be GENERAL NINJA. 'Cause you're a ninja...generally.

      You'd outrank Alex. It's a big responsibility...

      Delete
    4. DOC CHERDO ~

      I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date! No time to say "Hello", goodbye! I'm late!

      >>... It's a big responsibility...

      Pish! 'n' Pshaw!

      I outrank Alex every single time I leave a comment anywhere of at least 4 sentences in length (which is pretty much every single time I leave a comment... anywhere.)

      I must admit a degree of dismay, however, to find that Sergeant Alex (who hasn't posted a BOTB installment in "Old Dog Years") made it onto your BOTB icon/logo, but good ol' STMcC was absent.

      DOH!

      Betcha hadn't noticed that. Drat this "attention-to-detail" plague of mine!

      ~ GENERAL FIDO

      Delete
  10. I meant to comment on you calling yourself Captain Ninja in my comment, but forgot when faced with your battle.

    No no no no to Captain Ninja.

    If you must be the Captain of something, be Captain Morgan. That is my all-time favorite alcoholic drink. And you're more liquor than ninja. Just sayin'. ;)

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    1. GIRL WONDER ~
      It was really FAE who called me the Captain Ninja of BOTB. I just decided to run with it.

      >>... No no no no to Captain Ninja.

      Yes, yes, yes, yes. I sure wish you hadn't told me "no" because now I have to continue using the nickname despite the fact that I dislike it and did not really intend to use it a second time.

      But I think I'll add to it. I mean, why be just a "Captain" when the whole thing is total B.S. and one can be whatever they want? Right?

      So, I think I'll be...

      Five-Star General Ninja of the Star Trek Enterprise and Jedi Master of the Vampire Zombies of Battlestar Ga-crap-tica.

      Hmmm... Have I missed anything? I wanted to tie in the 'Hunger Games' and '50 Shades Of Shit' but my imagination does have its limits.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    2. Well, if we can be whatever we want, then I'm a Princess. You can call me that from now on...;)

      Delete
    3. PRINCESS ROBIN ~

      Why be an underachiever when the sky's the limit?

      Wouldn't you rather be the queen?

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    4. You've got a point. Then, the more I thought about it, I was already GIRL WONDER... and that's pretty awesome.

      BTW, are you ever going to respond to my email? Or did I freak you out so thoroughly that you're in the business of quietly disappearing and changing your email addy... again?

      Delete
    5. GIRL PRINCESS QUEEN WONDER ~
      Ha!-Ha! No, you didn't freak me out. And, yes, I am going to reply. But, you know, right now with the job search online and responding to BOTB comments et al., I'm in first gear on a muddy track and a bunch of string has gotten coiled around my axles. On top of that, we have 2.5 hours of "The Retro Theatre" to do tonight. So... I may be the hare, but ... I'll get there.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  11. I feel like I don't even need to comment for you to know how I voted.

    Just know that my cohort agrees with me 100%. If he didn't, I don't think we could be friends and co-authors anymore.

    When you post on the 21st, then I'll see if WE can still be friends.

    (Kidding. Maybe).

    ~6B

    ReplyDelete
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    1. 6-B ~

      Got it! One vote for 'CRAWDAD SONG'
      and one vote for 'FREE BIRD'.

      (Hey, that would be another good "Animal Themed BOTB Contest".)

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  12. While I have danced many a time to the B-52's song, it's kind of a novelty song for me, and the Paul Simon track is something I actually listen to from time to time.

    So I am voting for Paul Simon...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LC, you disappoint me. Where's your sense of class and good taste?

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  13. Certainly one of your more eclectic BOTB posts, oh 'Captain Ninja of BOTB', but then as one of it's founders and someone who has posted numerous traditional BOTB posts over the past 'almost three years', you are most certainly allowed and even entitled. Besides the fact that I'm sure you have a very good and logical reason, which we will all sound a collective 'ah ha', at, when you explain your reasoning on the 21st.

    Now, onto the bestowal of my illustrious vote in this highly intellectual and mystical matter.

    I like Paul Simon quite a bit. Of course, I liked him better when he was Simon & Garfunkle, but this incarnation of the singular is also pleasing to the ear. I also like him a lot when baked by that 'Ladysmith Mombassa Whatever' that he put an album out with, but all of that is really irrelevant to this matter, but it does make me sound quite knowlegable, doesn't it? Especially when you consider my humble 'dumb blonde' beginnings, eh?

    Anyway...Paul's a pretty good guy and probably has the stats to prove it, but that's way beyond me (DB, remember?)

    Now, onto the B-52s. The song began, the video started, I was glued to the screen and...my mind simply floated off into the stratosphere. Not really...but I wanted to say something witty and profound (go with me here, it's been that kind of day...already). Actually, when I heard the first few notes, and the goofy video (yeah, I said goofy) began all I could think of was that great cult classic sci-fy movie (not really) 'Mars Attacks', You know that's the one where they make 'the international sign of the donut'! (That's a real line in the movie. I won a contest once knowing that. Really! Go ahead someone, look it up and verify! I dare ya.) Anyway...where was I...oh yeah, when the music began and I started watching the 'Mars Attacks' video all I could think was; WHAAAAA!

    So, all of that means that Paul Simon, that's Paul in the singular, not to be confused with Paul in the double of Simon, Paul & Garfunkle, Art, and definitely not Paul backed by those marvelous black guys; gets my vote.

    Did you get that, or did I completely confuse the issue? There seems to be a lot of that going on today, eh?

    ReplyDelete
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    1. FAE ~

      >>... Now, onto the bestowal of my illustrious vote in this highly intellectual and mystical matter.

      OK, now there's a first: the word "intellectual" in association with anything B-52s-related.

      >>... I like Paul Simon quite a bit. Of course, I liked him better when he was Simon & Garfunkle,

      Ha!-Ha! I don't know if you meant for that to appear EXACTLY that way, or if you intended to write "...when he was WITH Simon and Garfunkel...", but that made me laugh.

      Yeah, Art Garfunkel had a nice voice that added a pleasant vocal element to 'Simon & Garfunkel', but I think we can safely say that Paul Simon was really 'Simon & Garfunkel'.

      >>... 'Mars Attacks', You know that's the one where they make 'the international sign of the donut'!

      Heard of it, but never seen it. However, "the international sign of the donut" made me think of that hilarious movie Beer Boy Bryan turned me on to: (Link:->) 'IDIOCRACY'.

      There was one scene that makes me laugh just thinking about it but it would be hard to describe.

      Thanks for your comment and vote, FAE. See ya at TRT. (I'll be the guy making "the international sign of procreation".)

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  14. Here, have a celery stick while we talk. I lavish mine with strait Mayo, but there is some peanut butter in the pantry, help yourself.

    The better half of Simon and Garfunkle! Simon is proof a white boy can be a soul brother. Slide a trombone between some of those guitar riffs and this and you could nearly call it jazz. Awesome song, awesome singer, excellent back up. I love when Paul plays.

    On the other hand, I clicked on the contenders, turned it up, and went to the kitchen to pull my potatoes off the stove (cooking up a potato salad). Catchy start but then . . . I heard something that sounded like "bark bark" or "bok bok" and a screech, and then a diving aeroplane (Red Baron must have wanted some chicken take out) and some sort of cat/dog fight. And then the silence.

    Whew, I'm too frightened to listen again! Its early here, but I am cooking, and like a glass of wine while I'm touring the BoTB, so this song justifies the early vino (a lovely, sweet Moscoto).

    I'm pretty sure my buddy Paul Simon would have won this anyway for me - though this is not one of his best songs - so I'll, so Captain, Oh My Captain, give my vote to Paul.

    Dang it, forgot to boil the eggs to top the potato salad. Gotta go before that barage of music restarts itself.

    Oh, and THANK YOU my dear sweetie for the song you left on my blog. Really made my day :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Psst; my Book Lover link doesn't work :(

      Delete
    2. "Oh, Donna, Oh-Oh, Donna, Oh Oh Oh..."

      I hadn't thought about drinking today until I got to yer comment. I see I'll need a six-pack of 'ICKY' (Reno beer) before I can tackle this comment. (Thanks for the inspiration to do my 12-ounce curls.)

      Hold on. I gotta put some pants on and get some Icky, but I'll be back.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    3. Ahhh, I'm back, and suddenly life doesn't seem so "icky" to me.

      DONNA, I loved it. This is my kinda comment, all stream-o'-consciousness and going wherever it wants to go.

      >>... Here, have a celery stick while we talk. I lavish mine with strait Mayo, but there is some peanut butter in the pantry, help yourself.

      Gosh, I can't even remember the last time I had some celery. Hmmm... I think I'll dip mine into some Wish-Bone 'Chipotle Ranch' dressing. I've never had it that way before but I love that dressing on hard-boiled eggs and it seems like it would go good on celery, too.

      >>... you could nearly call it jazz.

      Yes, indeed. In fact, Simon has been all over the musical map during his career. Folk, Rock, Dixieland, Jazzy, and even some very Gospel-inflected tunes. I can't think of anything Country-ish he's done, but then I've not heard all his stuffs.

      >>... I heard something that sounded like "bark bark" or "bok bok" and a screech, and then a diving aeroplane (Red Baron must have wanted some chicken take out) and some sort of cat/dog fight. And then the silence.

      Ha!-Ha!-Ha! Oh, Donna, Oh-Oh, Donna!

      >>... like a glass of wine while I'm touring the BoTB, so this song justifies the early vino (a lovely, sweet Moscoto).

      I used to have a girlfriend named Moscota, and she too was sweet.

      >>... Captain, Oh My Captain, give my vote to Paul.

      I will give your vote to Paul, and I thank you for your fun comment and vote. However, FYI, I am no longer a captain. I'm now a Five-Star General Ninja of the Star Trek Enterprise and Jedi Master of the Vampire Zombies of Battlestar Ga-crap-tica. But I will still answer to "Captain" and "Mr. Sexy" for good friends like you.

      >>... Dang it, forgot to boil the eggs to top the potato salad. Gotta go before that barage of music restarts itself.

      Oh, you got hard-boiled eggs now, too? Try some Wish-Bone 'Chipotle Ranch' dressing on 'em and tell me whatcha think.

      ~ Stephen T. McSexappeal

      Delete
  15. Paul Simon for me, as I don't care for the second version's puppy-upper style. . .a little too bouncy and ooh-aahs for me.
    Paul is a poet, and used to be a fave, in his Simon and Garfunkel days. Now I rarely listen to him, I prefer jazz or blues.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. D.G. ~
      Thanks for your BOTB loyalty and your vote.

      Hmmm... You didn't say that one (or both) of these videos wouldn't play for you in Canada. That's a good sign (methinks).

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  16. Though I've always enjoyed Paul Simon's music, especially with Art Garfunkel, OneTrick Pony has never resonated with me. In fact, I've forgotten it already. On the other hand, Rock Lobster made me get up and dance. It reminded me of my punk days in college, when jumping around like a klutz was an art-form. I can't wait to see what the connection is. Oh, and since you're a Captain now, I think you're more like Captain Daryl Dragon!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
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    1. GEM JULIE ~
      Why I oughta...
      get up and dance myself!

      Thanks for your B-52s vote! This feels like a pretty competitive BOTB contest. And I know it doesn't seem like a real BOTB match-up since the songs are totally different. But, in a way, it's actually more like a REAL Battle Of The Bands competition would be than our standard BOTB format is. (I'll 'splain that in due time.)

      >>... since you're a Captain now, I think you're more like Captain Daryl Dragon!

      Arrggghhhhh!
      (That was my impersonation of Captain Bligh.)

      Well, I guess it could be worse. You could have said I was like Captain Kangaroo.
      [:-)}

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  17. Paul Simon all the way! I like some of the B52's, but I have a deeper connection with Paul Simon.

    Now.. about this BOTB thing. I'd like to know how to get my blog (www.jinglejanglejungle.net) involved. I hear you're the go-to guy.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Howdy, MARY! ~
      Thanks for your vote.

      >>... I hear you're the go-to guy.

      If yer gonna buy, I'm the guy.

      Soon as I can, I will visit your blog and give you the BOTB details. (We're very selective about who we let in: A person must have a blog and at least a 49 I.Q. I myself only made it in by 2.5 I.Q. points.)

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  18. Oh B'52"s all the way!! They were like my anthem in High School once I figured out to just tell all the bullies to P off! I would dance to this tune on my own and be my own person no matter how nutty. They are unique and just fantastic. I actually have no recollection of the Paul Simon song at all so he could have been singing blah, blah blah and it wouldn't matter. Now it will be interesting to see the connection

    ReplyDelete
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    1. BIRGIT ~

      >>... Oh B'52"s all the way!!

      What do you mean by that? Can you clarify, please? I'm just trying to get some idea of who you're voting for in this BOTB installment.

      It seems like both you and D.G. Hudson had no trouble playing the videos this time. Woo-Hoo!

      Damn, I wonder who's going to win this Battle. I sure hope I'm not going to wind up with Tie #6.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    2. Oh I am voting for the B'52's! I just think they are so original and way out wacky which I love plus I danced to this a number of times and yes went slowly down on the dance floor and kicked my legs up like I was a dying fly. I didn't care for Paul Simon much at all

      Delete
    3. BIRGIT ~

      Ha! I was just kiddin' you, my friend. Your enthusiastic "Oh B'52's all the way!!" was a vote even I couldn't miss.

      I counted your vote in amongst the others for the B-52s, make no mistake about it.

      And, say, since we're both here again, I just want to add a sincere note of gratitude for your ongoing support of BOTB. I always appreciate receiving votes from you, regardless of whether or not your votes and mine coincide (which I think they often do).

      Bless And Be Blessed and I'll see ya again on the 1st (or in that week).

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  19. I'm interested to know what connections you make between these two songs. I am sure I don't get the main reason you connect them; I can think of a couple of tenuous "connections," but I'm not gonna fall for it! I'm not even going to try to figure out this puzzle. Instead, I'll just concentrate on the music.

    This is another contest where neither song does much for me. I liked a couple of the B-52 songs back in the day; I was very into alternative music in general, and still am. But THIS song always annoyed me.

    On the other hand, the Simon selection does nuttin' for me either, although I like Paul Simon.

    Lee pointed out the big difference in the two numbers: musicianship. Rock Lobster is the “pun” of the music world. It is the most basic of songs. It has a beat and not much else. The musicianship is crappy, even by rock standards. The melody is almost non-existent. All that being said, it has some compelling aspects that propelled the song to making a splash on the charts with the general public. The Simon song is - in my opinion - a rather pedestrian song that has great musicians playing it very well. That helps make it more enjoyable.

    Therefore, I am voting Steve Gadd and company. Great musicianship gets my vote this time.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. SHEBOYGANBOY #6 ~
      You are so BOTB loyal. Truly appreciate your friendship, and I'd send you a six-pack of the best beer you ever had except... well, you know... yer (a very cool) Soberboy.

      Well, thanks for taking the time to listen, comment and vote, even though neither song does anything for ya.

      Tell ya what I'm gonna do: I'm gonna look through my HUGE list of 'Future BOTB Match-Ups' and try to find something that I think you, specifically, will like for the June 1st Battle. I have so many types of songs on that list that I'm sure I can pinpoint one that you will enjoy listening to and voting on.

      Thanks again, muh Bruhthuh!

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    2. NO! You don't need to try to pick out something I'd like! I enjoy listening to the BOTB selections... even if I don't particularly love each song. SOMETIMES I love each song, and sometimes not. It is pretty rare that voting/listening becomes a "chore" and I don't want to be seen as a curmudgeonly nincompoop... though probably it is too late to worry about that.

      Just go with the one you want next time! I promise I'll be here to vote.

      I would like to again apologize to all the other BOTB participants for not having time to visit them all and vote. I do three: the ORIGINAL BoTB, FAE, and Tossing it Out. Maybe (hopefully, someday) I will have time to visit and vote on others. I've looked at a few, and there are some good ones going!

      Delete
    3. SHEBOYGANBROTHER J. McSIXGUN ~
      Too late, man. I've already gone through my list and I'm going to do even BETTER'N I said in the last comment...

      I am going to give YOU the right to choose which of two songs I BOTB next, on June 1st.

      I got yer E. So, check yer E InBox in about 20 minutes for my (partial) r-E-ply.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  20. Al Bondigas here. I thought the Paul Simon song was a little on the boring side, but compared to the B-52's, it wins hands down. I don't know what was worse, that ridiculous song or that horrid video. I'll be honest with you, I couldn't even finish it. That's it, That's my rulin'.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. JUDGE AL ~
      Pretty tough judgment to render, eh? Ha!

      This BOTB installment doesn't seem to be one of my more popular ones, as I've seen a number of "Lesser Of Two Losers" votes.

      But that's OK. They can't ALL be really spectacular Battles, and this one is coming from a different place to begin with, so it has that non-traditional, lack-of-familiarity factor going against it.

      In those immoratal words of Ed Wood:
      "My next one will be better."

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  21. Apples and bananas I think not. All the clues have been there for fifty years. Paul Simon and Fred Schneider are the same person. I mean have you ever seen them in the same place at the same time? Supposedly different birth dates but both born in Newark NJ! What are the odds of that? And another glaring clue…”Love Me Like a Rock Lobster“. Jeez-Louise, could Steve Miller breathe any louder?

    Thank you, Stephen for finally exposing the truth. Oh, yeah, sorry… ***SPOILER ALERT!***.

    OneSigMonkey

    ReplyDelete
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    1. OneTinSoldierMonkey ~

      Welcome home, Brother! How you been? I was thinkin' o' ya recently. In fact, I've moved outta Airheadzona, so I need to send you my new E address and physical address. Be watching your mailbox, as you may be the next big winner of the STMcC SWEEPSTAKES.

      I ruined Steve Miller for you forever, didn't I? And yer such a nice guy that you fuhgeddaboudit, turn around and reward me with a very clever play on titles: 'LOVES ME LIKE A ROCK LOBSTER'. You, sir, score an A+ for that one.

      Uh... No votey, Siggy? Don't like either song well enough to toss it a bone?

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    2. Got a little caught up in the moment with your discovery and all. Could you let me know where JImmy Hoffa is when you get a chance?

      Like "One Trick Pony" but love the guys and gals from Athens, Georgia so it a no gray matter decision for me: B52's.

      Show us around Reno when you can. Maybe a montage of Nevada based tunes. Glad to hear you have moved on up to that "deee-luxe apartment in the sky". As a wiseman must have once said,

      "Fish don't fry in the kitchen;
      Beans don't burn on the grill.
      Took a whole lotta tryin'
      Just to get up that hill."

      Don't feel that you ruined Steve Miller for me, you just rented some space in my head forever. Well done.

      TooTinSig







      Delete
    3. I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date!
      No time to say "Hello", goodbye! I'm late!


      TooTinSig ~

      Jimmy Hoffa was indeed buried in one of the End Zones at GIANTS STADIUM. I could tell you which End Zone, but why spoil the mystery, eh?

      I like your idea about an STMcC "RENO TOUR". I may just beg, borrow and steal that idea. Of course, it'll just be a buncha pictures of Reno bars but... what's wrong with that? Great concept. What's to drink about?

      I DIDN'T ruin Steve Miller for ya?

      Oops. Well, like Avis, I'll try harder.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  22. You've been Saint Lounge Lizard to me, for decades now. You like rocking the boat but then turn around and bless it. Awww. I vote for Paul & his pony. I know your secret theme.

    By the way. If Robin can be "Wonder Princess", I wanna be Polka Princess or P.P. for short.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm late! I'm late! For a very important date! No time to say "Hello", goodbye! I'm late!

      POLKA PRINCESS (Or, Pee-Pee for short) ~
      [;-)} Oops! Sorry. I meant, "P.P."
      [As Bugs Bunny said, "Ain't I a stinker?"]

      Do you really know the secret theme?
      I thought maybe one or two voters might be familiar with it, but it seems no one really was... until you... if yer bein' truthful. (Then again, it's possible you THINK you know it but don't really. I gotta admit, it's pretty damned obscure.)

      >>... You like rocking the boat but then turn around and bless it.

      Ha!-Ha! That reminds me that the Zevon Zong 'MUTINEER' reminds FAE of me. (You can find it at ZouTube.)

      Yeah, I'm a stinker and, yeah, I'm a boat-rocker. But what I ain't is a psychic... Who ya votin' fer?

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    2. Hiya Lounge Ninja!

      What I wrote was: 'I vote for Paul & his pony.' (So much for trying to be cute & stuff.) Official: Paul Simon.

      Something about the B-52s make me wanna barf (no offense).

      I remember thinking that maybe I should rethink the P.P. part. Ha! And yes, you are a stinker. A mid-west mess...but lovable on Saturdays. (what? you wonder? Well, I'm not around here on Saturdays.)

      >["(Then again, it's possible you THINK you know it but don't really. I gotta admit, it's pretty damned obscure.)'}

      This from the gentleman that wrote on my battle post, that I was semi-obscure? (Well, not me but the song - same difference.)

      If I'm being truthful? (?) Go stand in front of a mirror and slap yourself. I'll wait.

      Oh goodness, now I'll have to find Zevon, and have a laugh with Fae.

      One thing... I'm very happy at the new people and the way they handle their battles. I hope you and Fae are too. I'm kinda the low one on the totem pole because I'm terrible at trivia write-ups. But I love cutting up and reading all the crazy comments they post to me. These peeps know their stuff. Congratulations - you got new kids on the block!

      I'll have to pick a former post and leave the obscure theme info...then you can say: 'Aha! PP, that's not it... or you can mail me chocolate!!

      I'm saying 'goodbye' now

      Delete
    3. DIXIE POLKA PRINCESS ~

      >>... What I wrote was: 'I vote for Paul & his pony.' (So much for trying to be cute & stuff.)

      Well, by golly, gosh, gee-whiz, so you did.

      I think I got so sidetracked when I read the next sentence (stating you know the secret theme) that I immediately "forgotted" that you had just voted.

      Paul's Pony... gotcha, Dixie. Thanks! And sorry 'bout the false accusation. "It won't happen again, Chief!"

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  23. I can't vote for Paul Simon. Although I enjoy listening to him sing with Artie, I'm not that fond of him when he's alone. I saw him in concert. He is the shortest, most boring performer ever. I have to vote for the B-52s, who are way cool. I think they even sang a song called Junebug. Or someone else did.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Howdy, JANIE ~
      Thanks so much for stopping by to cast a vote for the B-52s.

      Hokey-Smoke! This is one seriously close BOTB installment. I almost never count the votes until the voting window has closed, but this feels like - doggone it - I may wind up with yet another BOTB tie!

      Oh, well, that still beats the heck out of a shutout, which I fear I may have with my scheduled June 1st 'Battle'.

      My friend Sheboyganboy Six knows what my next Battle will be, both the song and the competitors - something I almost never tell anyone in advance. He and I agree on who the winner will be, but Six predicts the margin of victory will be three votes. Me? I think it will be a miracle if it's not a shutout.

      Needless to say, I'm hoping for a miracle.

      >>... He is the ... most boring performer ever.

      I've never seen Paul Simon perform in person, but I have seen The Cars. Dressed all in black, they scarcely moved and played every song note-for-note. I'm not even certain they weren't lip-syncing.

      As boring as Bob Dylan was, The Cars were worse.

      Thanks again for the vote, Janie!

      ~ Stephen

      Delete
  24. I am going to vote for Paul Simon. I thought I would have liked the B-52s more but it just was too cheesy for me today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, MIKE!
      And on and on, back and forth, the voting goes. Where it stops... probably only Yogi Berra knows.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  25. Hey, Rocky! Watch me pull a vote out of my hat!

    This was too easy: I don't like Paul Simon, and the B-52's are from Athens, GA (Go Dogs!), so the B-52's win!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Oops. Wrong hat", JOHN.

      Ha!-Ha!

      I'm not counting ALL of the votes, but the swinging back and forth has finally gotten my curiosity up. So I decided to count the votes backwards (beginning with yours) just until I hit a spot where two consecutive votes were cast for the same performer. And here's what I got:

      B-52s
      Paul Simon
      B-52s
      Paul Simon
      B-52s
      Paul Simon

      Talk about a "seesaw" Battle. Whew!

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  26. While I do love Rock Lobster, I'll never understand how such dorky people hit the big time :P

    I liked One Trick Pony better anyway. That's my vote.

    ReplyDelete
  27. PART 1:

    Sorry I'm so late with this comment, FOLKS, but I took too many prescription sleeping pills last night and nearly died of an overdose. However, my guardian angel woke me up because she knew I needed to announce my BOTB voting results here.

    STMcC’s Vote On '2015, May 15th: Battle Of The Bands' (Or, 'Paul Simon Vs. The B-52s')
    And The Final Tally:


    Alright, I'll tell you my own vote, before revealing this BOTB blog bit's "secret theme":

    First of all, everyone has their own taste in music, and that's how it should be, so no offense is intended toward anyone who voted differently from my own vote. But I'm gonna be blunt and tell you how I REALLY feel about this contest. Here goes...

    Only once in my BOTB history have I used a song that I absolutely despise from its first note to its last.

    'ROCK LOBSTER', how do I hate thee? Let me count the ways... Nope. Can't do it, 'cause I can't count that high!

    I think my friend DIXIE POLKA expressed my own feeling perfectly:

    "Something about the B-52s make me wanna barf (no offense)."

    My friend Sheboyganboy Six was a bit more specific and I agree with his following statement also:

    "Rock Lobster is the 'pun' of the music world. It is the most basic of songs. It has a beat and not much else. The musicianship is crappy, even by rock standards."

    Oh, I like a "fun" song as much as anyone does, but to me, THIS isn't "fun". This is just annoying, irritating and vomit-inducing.

    My brother, Judge Al Bondigas, said of the B-52s video:

    "I'll be honest with you, I couldn't even finish it. That's it, That's my rulin'."

    I will admit that I DID watch the entire B-52s video, but ONLY because I figured that if I was going to subject my voters to it, I ought to at least be able to tolerate it once myself. I'll also confess that I find that B-52s lead singer dude to be really, Really, REALLY difficult to watch. ("Not that there's anything wrong with that!") His mannerisms really make me squirm and want to slam my eyes shut as hard as I can.

    The only good thing I can find to say about The B-52s, and other similar bands from that era (e.g., Flock Of Seagulls, Duran Duran, Gary Numan, etc.) is that they drove me to seek out more authentic, emotional music, which led me to the Blues and then to Jazz (which became my favorite form of music). So I guess I should at least be grateful for that much, anyway.

    Continued Below...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PART 2:

      It seems that even some of Paul Simon's fans who voted here weren't particularly fond of the song 'ONE-TRICK PONY'. I actually like it quite well, and it makes sense in context of the 1980 movie it appeared in of the same title: (Link:->) 'ONE-TRICK PONY'

      Like Judge Al and Beer Boy Bryan, I am a BIG Simon & Garfunkel AND Paul Simon (solo) fan. On CD, I own 'The Best Of Simon & Garfunkel' as well as the 2-disc set 'The Essential Paul Simon'. There are only 2 (maybe 3 at absolute most) songwriters in history whom I think were better lyricists than Paul Simon was (is), and if I had a dollar for every time I've quoted that "high school" line from the song 'Kodachrome', I wouldn't be looking for a job today.

      I mentioned that the idea for this BOTB match-up occurred to me 2 or 3 days after I moved to Reno. Here's how that happened...

      I brought to Reno with me a very small TV set and a DVD player which I had purchased in Airheadzona before leaving there. Both of these were used items that I had never even tested before. When I plugged them into each other for the first time, I had no idea whether or not they would work. Nor could I be sure that the DVD player wouldn't scratch to hell any disc I put into it. It also occurred to me that maybe the DVD player wouldn't even give back to me whatever disc I put into it.

      Not wanting to risk losing a DVD that I really love, I looked though my collection to find something that I wouldn't consider a terrible loss if the DVD player ruined whatever I fed into it. I settled on my copy of the movie 'ONE-TRICK PONY'.

      'ONE-TRICK PONY' is not a great movie. I wouldn't even say it's a good movie. But I do think it's somewhat interesting, which is why I bought it years ago. It was written by Paul Simon and he plays the lead character, Jonah Levin, a sort of semi-forgotten Rock star from the 1960s who is still on the road, gigging with his band in small joints and often opening for more popular bands of the day.

      The movie has some excellent music (its main draw for me) played by some fabulous musicians. (Steve Gadd, a great drummer, first came to my attention for his subtle, quirky work on the Rickie Lee Jones song 'WE BELONG TOGETHER'. And guitarist Eric Gale made me sit up and take notice with his outstanding Bluesy playing on Van Morrison's song 'T.B. SHEETS'.) The movie's cast is also pretty good and includes Rip Torn, an actor whom I think is outstanding in almost everything he does.

      I'm pleased to announce that the TV and DVD player worked fine and my copy of 'ONE-TRICK PONY' is still in superb shape.

      Continued Below...

      Delete
    2. PART 3 OF 3:
      OK, now you want to know about the "secret theme" of this peculiar Battle Of The Bands installment...

      As you all know, in our Blogfest version of BOTB, we take 2 different versions of the same song (once in a blue moon, maybe even 3 versions) and put them up against each other to see which will receive the most votes and be declared the Battle winner.

      This time, I did something different and put two totally different songs (by two drastically different kinds of performers) against each other. But these weren't just randomly chosen songs (like, say, putting 'Stairway To Heaven' against 'Smoke On The Water'). No, there REALLY WAS a method to my madness, there WAS a hidden theme here, but you would need to be pretty familiar with the movie 'ONE-TRICK PONY' to figure out what it was.

      On day 2 or day 3 of my new life in Reno, when I watched that movie to see if my DVD player was going to work, a certain scene in the film jumped out at me: Seven minutes and four seconds into the movie, Jonah Levin and his band (with Steve Gadd on drums and Eric Gale on guitar) are on a small stage playing the song 'ONE-TRICK PONY'. The YouTube video I used for that song in this BOTB blog bit is THAT VERY SCENE from the movie.

      At 10:52 in the movie, Jonah and his band leave the stage to polite applause. At 11:08, The B-52s emerge from the dressing room and walk onto the stage to play their set. They launch into the song 'ROCK LOBSTER' at 11:17 and the audience erupts with applause, screaming and just general joy.

      Hearing the reception The B-52s are receiving, Jonah Levin, walks to the side of the stage and watches for a few moments. He doesn't say anything, but his eyes seem to reflect a bit of confusion and the realization that his sort of meaningful music with great musicianship has been replaced by New Wave, superficial, artificial antics and goofy, bad jumping around (aka "dancing"?) [*Note: That was my own interpretation of what Jonah Levin's eyes were saying. Ha!]

      So, in watching that movie scene, and seeing how the B-52s were clearly more popular than Jonah Levin's band, I got to wondering what would REALLY happen if I put those two groups and those two songs against each other in one of my BOTB installments. Well, I'm happy to report that the BOTB results here were nuttin' at all like the movie suggested.

      Paul Simon = 17 Votes
      B-52s = 9 Votes


      My SINCERE THANKS to everyone who listened and voted (even if your vote was different from mine). I am grateful for your votes and respect your right to "Have It Your Way".

      I hope all y'all will return for my June 1st BOTB which I promise will be a "traditional" match-up with two versions of the same song (and both of which I like).

      Bless And Be Blessed!

      ~ D-FensDogG'
      Loyal American Underground'

      Delete
  28. I'm not overly surprised by the outcome and the intent of your contest was interesting.

    When the song "Rock Lobster" first came out I couldn't stand it and I didn't care for the B-52's either. I did enjoy a lot of the New Wave bands like Talking Heads, Devo, Duran Duran, etc., but to me B-52's were so stupid and annoying.

    Honestly though I'd never paid much attention to them. Then hearing this song again after so many years and seeing them in performance I did like it a great deal and was tempted to vote for them.

    I still don't know much of their music, but your post gave me a much greater appreciation for what they do. I think the song is stupid, but that's the point. I find it to be a very well arranged and performed novelty song. I wouldn't listen to it with any regularity, but it's fun to hear.

    My vote still stands for the more musical Paul Simon song. I wouldn't tend to listen to his music on any regular basis either but he's good.

    I will give both artists credit for doing what they set out to do.

    Interesting battle. I've had a couple of similar type dissimilar battles in the hopper for a while. Guess I can unleash them now that you've done this. Don't know if it will be any time soon since I've got others scheduled for now. But that could change too. That's why I've got so many Battles lined up for the future--I keep changing my mind and adding new ones.

    This was fun. And you given me a new perspective on the B-52's by making me pay attention to them.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Road trippin' with A to Z
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, LEE. I'm glad you appreciated the sneaky little theme I had behind this unusual BOTB installment.

      Oh, yeah, TALKING HEADS and DEVO - that's two more New Wave bands I hate. I've never owned a single Talking Heads album, but I will (with chagrin) admit that I purchased that very first Devo LP when it came out. I got sick of it very quickly though. ("Oh, I've got it! Let's all go around with red, upside-down flower pots on our heads and everyone will think we're so clever and artistic and deep thinkers.")

      I'll add though that I do find that Devo song 'Space Junk' kind of appealing in some once-every-fifteen-years kind of way (although it's crappy music... to use the word "music" very loosely).

      I have great appreciation for some really unique artists (think: Tiny Tim) but very, very low tolerance for what I perceive to be artificial "Oh-Look-At-Me, Look-At-Me" arty pretentiousness. And that's exactly what I think of Devo, Talking Heads, B-52s and a number of other pseudo-artists. It was ALL (bad) style and no real substance.

      >>... Then hearing this song again after so many years and seeing them in performance I did like it a great deal

      That's funny because my reaction was very different. I have ALWAYS hated 'Rock Lobster' (not just the pretentiousness of it and the super-stoopid lyrics, but something about that riff / beat, too, turns me off). But when I watched this video of them performing it... I hated it EVEN MORE! (And I didn't think that would have been possible.)

      Yeah, I have just one more "Dissimilar Songs BOTB Contest" in mind but I won't do it for awhile, as I honestly prefer the traditional BOTB format.

      I will say that this Simon / B-52s contest was not nearly as close as it felt when the votes were rolling in. It seemed to me that I was heading for yet another tie, or that perhaps my own vote might be the tiebreaker. I was quite surprised when I counted 'em all up and found that Paul Simon won by a nearly two-to-one margin.

      ~ D-FensDogG
      'Loyal American Underground'

      Delete
    2. Sure, I'll concede Devo though I actually don't know much about their music other than what I'd seen on TV. However, I think your assessment of Talking Heads is way off base. They put out some great music in their genre. The band was tight.

      Have you seen the Jonathan Demme produced concert video Stop Making Sense? I need to watch this again--it's on YouTube, but I need to see it on the actual TV. I remember really liking it and watching the clips on YouTube live up to those memories.

      Together the Talking Heads were an outstanding band and independently the members put out some interesting music.

      That's your Talking Heads opinion, but I'm wondering how much of their material you've actually listened to and I mean listened to without a preformed negative opinion?

      AS for B-52's they are entertainment and that's something I can appreciate. There is a lot of parody and utter silliness in their music and I get a kick out of that.

      Now I'm going to give "Rock Lobster" another listen. That song is really starting to grow on me.

      Arlee Bird
      A to Z Challenge Co-host
      Road trippin' with A to Z
      Tossing It Out

      Delete
    3. PART 1:

      BOIDMAN ~

      Ha!-Ha! Oh, man... "AND THEY'RE OFF!... Bird takes the lead out of the gate, but here comes McCarthy on the rail..."

      Talking Heads: >>... "They put out some great music in their genre."

      Ah-Ha! Well, let's start with that word "genre". In their "genre"... which I happen to hate and which I would define (as I did in the previous comment) as artificial "Oh-Look-At-Me, Look-At-Me" arty NEW WAVE pretentiousness.

      OK, I'll admit that of all the artificial "Oh-Look-At-Me, Look-At-Me" arty NEW WAVE pretentious bands that existed, Talking Heads was one of the best!

      >>... I'm wondering how much of their material you've actually listened to and I mean listened to without a preformed negative opinion?

      The reason I laughed is because you often seem to find it impossible to believe and accept that some other folks might strongly dislike some music that you strongly DO like.

      OK, let's talk about Talking Heads... It's possible that I heard them before you did. Check this out: (Link:->) 'TALKING HEADS' LIVE @ UCLA, 1978

      Did you find me in any of the shots that showed the audience? I didn't either, but I was in there somewhere.

      The New Wave / Punk / Alternative Rock station in Los Angeles at that time was "the world famous KROQ": http://kroq.cbslocal.com/

      I used to tune in quite a bit back then, and that's where I first began hearing the Talking Heads song 'PSYCHO KILLER' from their album 'TALKING HEADS: 77'.

      I liked that song back then. (Today, I'd call it another "Once-Every-Fifteen-Years Song".) So, when I heard that Talking Heads were giving a free concert at UCLA on November 19, 1978, you can bet some of my friends and I went to it.

      For the most part, they bored the crap outta me. And bear in mind that this was when I liked almost ANYTHING that was Rock and bought LPs by just about EVERYONE in Rock 'N' Roll. But I never bought a Talking Heads album. No interest in 'em, ever.

      Continued Below...

      Delete
    4. PART 2:

      Were they great musicians? Did they become great musicians? They were fine... for what it was. But, you know, when a guy mostly listens to Dave Brubeck, Brian Auger, Charles Mingus, and Wes Montgomery, the Talking Heads aren't exactly going to "Wow!" him.

      I'm not saying all music needs to be fabulously complex an' all (heck, I also like Eddie Cochran and Walter Egan), but if I don't care for the genre, then it's not going to matter one whit that the musicians are fairly competent.

      I've heard plenty enough Talking Heads music over the decades (on radio, on the stereos of friends, etc.) to have determined in a "non-preformed" way that I don't like their music.

      'Take Me To The River' isn't bad - I like it well enough not to change the station when it gets played on the radio, but otherwise, I can't think of a single song they've done that I won't turn off within 60 seconds.

      Their second album was titled 'More Songs About Buildings And Food'. Uh-huh. There we go, there's that artsy B.S. I hate.

      Here's a David Byrne quote from the movie you mentioned:

      "I try to write about small things. Paper, animals, a house…love is kind of big. I have written a love song, though. In this film, I sing it to a lamp."
      –David Byrne, interviewing himself in Stop Making Sense


      That's a PERFECT example of what I'm talking about. Oh, gee, isn't David SO CLEVER?! I mean, that's some deep shit, Brother Bird. I wish I could come up with totally meaningless nonsense like that, then maybe I could be a famous songwriter and Rock star, too.

      Man, I can vomit better and more abstract sayings than THAT! (And by the way, all David needed was a red flower pot hat to go with his gigantic suit and he could have been in Devo.)

      Even if I'd never heard a single Talking Heads song, that quote above, alone, would clue me in that it's highly unlikely I would like them. Pretentious. Artificial. Nonsense.

      I only wish David Byrne would START making sense.

      I'm sure the band members are wonderful human beings and I hope every single one of them goes to Heaven when their time comes. But I sure don't like the sounds they made.

      OK, your turn again to try convincing me why I'm objectively wrong about the Talking Heads. Don't give up yet, my friend!

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    5. There is no real reason to try to convince you of anything. The world is a vast and wondrous place filled with a diverse amount of things. I try to find something to like about as much as I can and even things that don't thrill me all that much I can probably find more good than bad about it.

      I don't know that there was any one upsmanship on who heard what first. 1978 would be about the time when my ex-brother-in-law gave me cassettes he had made of Talking Heads and Elvis Costello. That was also the year when I'd seen where The Police where playing a number of clubs around NYC when I was there and I wanted to go but we had a new baby and getting a sitter was an issue.

      I was not bored with new artists, but curious and I did enjoy many and recognized others for what I thought they were.

      Byrne's line about writing about small things actually does make better sense than all of the big issues that some artists try to tackle. The first thing his quote made my think of was "My Favorite Things". Seems like you could appreciate that songwriting philosophy.

      So I'm not going to knock it and I've been trying my best to be respectful towards everyone's likes since I don't want to offend or start a big row if I can in any way avoid it.

      So actually I do give up since there is nothing to argue from my side. I'm just a simple kind of guy who wants to be free as a bird but find myself tied down a lot of crap that life dishes out. Just call me Lynyrd.

      By the way as I type my meandering thoughts I've put on the album Rei Momo. Have you heard that one? I rather enjoy it--here it is if you haven't heard it:

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LH1kRTd_Xdw&list=PLX9OLGtTcDyHEFTDb4bygjbb3AZvt4Hg-

      Gettin' late. Gotta retire. To bed that is since I guess I'm already retired from paid work life.

      Enjoy your life battles with others cause you'll get less and less fire from me. Which reminds me--be sure to see my post tomorrow.

      Arlee Bird
      A to Z Challenge Co-host
      Road trippin' with A to Z
      Tossing It Out


      Delete
    6. LEE ~
      I can't figure out why your comments don't appear in my Email InBox. Everyone else's does.

      Hey, I was merely trying to point out that I HAD been exposed to plenty of Talking Heads music, and very early on, too (1977, '78).

      You seemed to be saying that I "should" like them, and that maybe I just didn't know them well enough. You know, we've had this sort of conversation before: "You just need to listen more and give it a fair chance", when in fact I HAVE listened and came to a different conclusion than you did.

      Well, we both already know (because we've joked about it so many times) that our tastes in music are vastly different. Not 180-degrees different, but not so far from that either, I think.

      There's plenty we agree on, so who cares if music isn't one of them?

      Believe it or not, I don't really relish battles with people, but sometimes they are just unavoidable. Also, sometimes maybe they CAN be avoided but shouldn't be.

      Until a certain special time occurs, there will always be some "fire on the earth", and sometimes there will necessarily be "division" rather than "peace on earth".

      I look forward to a time when that's not so, but until then, I will continue to be true to myself at the "Garden Party".

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  29. I popped over a couple of times today looking for your results post. It wasn't until I scrolled all the way down here in an attempt to find out what was going on that I found it.

    I respect your feelings about these two songs and I understand your distaste for the B-52's.

    I do agree with you that Jazz is a superior form of music and that it takes a superior musician to play it. However, I still listen to and appreciate all of the rock music that shaped my early years.

    Also I wanted to let you know that I found your comment on my blog and replied. After 7 days, my blog is set to mediate all comments and I do not check those every day.

    Also I've just seen your new post and am going to refrain from commenting. I don't know you well and know none of your followers, so whatever the post is about is none of my business. Things seem very unsettled in the BOTB crowd and I don't want to stick my nose in where it doesn't belong.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ANNE O' ~
      Hey, I just checked my Email and blog as I was about to go to bed and I saw yer comment here. Thanks for coming by.

      Yes, I almost always post my BOTB results in the Comment Section of the contest. I think I'm the only BOTBer who does this. My reasoning is: If someone sometime in the future should come across one of my BOTBs while doing a Google search, they might want to know who won the contest, and that info won't be available to them unless they do more searching via Google or through my blog's backlog.

      So, I usually prefer to keep the ENTIRE contest, including the results, all together on one page.

      As I aged, my music tastes changed more drastically than anyone I personally know. As a teenager, all I really cared about was Rock (preferably Hard Rock) and a few other select artists that I'd been raised with (e.g., Roger Miller, etc.)

      Today, I do still like some of the Rock I listened to in my teens and early twenties (e.g., Dylan, Petty, Pink Floyd, etc.) but my taste in Rock music became far more selective than it had been in my youth. Jazz, I like pretty much across-the-board, as ya know.

      Thanks for letting me know about my comment at yer blog and your response. I will check it out tomorrow, but I'm pretty exhausted right now. (I've been messed up all day. There was a good deal of truth in what I said about the "prescription sleeping pills".)

      There's no real mystery about my new music post. It's simply a song I like a lot and wanted to share with my blog's readers.

      In my last BOTB installment (before this Paul Simon / B-52s Battle), I used the song 'LONG HARD CLIMB' which was written by RON DAVIES. I put his original against the MARIA MULDAUR cover, which I voted for. (Ron and Maria tied in that Battle.)

      But I love that whole album that MARIA's version is found on. It was her debut, and also included 'MIDNIGHT AT THE OASIS' and the song 'THREE DOLLAR BILL' which I think has some excellent instrumentation.

      So, I just wanted to post another song from that album, and all of the images are tied into the lyrics in various ways ("deception", "baloney", etc., etc.)

      Ha! I think that YOU think I'm hard to figure out - an enigma of some sort - but I'm really not. Yeah, there are multiple sides to my personality, and it's not exactly a low-key personality, but I keep the majority of my deeper thoughts (such as they are) mostly inside me.

      Thanks again for coming by.
      Yak later...

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    2. You are a volatile/passionate person and I get that and respect it.

      Now I'm a person whose feelings are easily hurt. And as I don't understand all the nuances of your culture I am prone to misunderstanding things quite frequently. Also, when it comes to book knowledge, I'm fairly intelligent. But when it comes to people, I'm daft as a badger. Most generally if there is a misunderstanding it's my fault.

      Different kinds of music came to me all at the same time. Part of that was down to being raised mainly by my grandparents and getting hold of their music as my music when I was little. So I would listen to Patsy Cline, Mama Cass and Janis Joplin all at the same time, appreciating each one. Also I would try to find out if I could trace them back to their root music to see where each came from. The same thing applied to Rock music. Early Zep and Blues were happening at the same time for me. Cream and Jazz were linked. So I'd hop back and forth from one thing to another, liking it all.

      I've not jettisoned any of the music of my past. It's all still carried within me wherever I go. Some mean more than others, but they all remain part of my life today.

      Delete
    3. ANNE O' ~

      >>... Now I'm a person whose feelings are easily hurt.

      Oh, I see. And I guess that makes sense then that I might seem like someone who could offend. I wouldn't deliberately, of course, but I'm sometimes like a bull in a china shop (looking for the sake and not realizing that's Japanese).

      My Sister is super-sensitive, too, and so is one of my good friends, so I have to try to be careful sometimes. I think I'm getting a little bit better about that.

      >>... And as I don't understand all the nuances of your culture

      Believe me, neither do I. And the older I get, the less of it I understand. American culture has been changing quickly and drastically over the last few decades.

      >>... But when it comes to people, I'm daft as a badger.

      Ha! That's a funny expression.

      As I mentioned to Lee, I think that New Wave Rock played a part in expanding my musical awareness mostly by pushing me toward something else.

      In the early '80s, Rock music became very techno or synthesizer-based and, in my opinion, rather superficial. But beginning in the mid-1970s, I began doing a lot of reading about the bands I did like and kept coming across references to the Blues.

      Also, I was a big fan of Van Morrison's music, which of course is largely based on Blues and Jazz and their relatives.

      Thanks to my Ma (and her B.B. King album), I had at least a small knowledge of what Blues sounded like. But I began looking into that more extensively - first Robert Johnson - then Muddy Waters and Howlin' Wolf, and then back into more of the Country Blues.

      And then Blues led me to Jazz and... here I am today!

      A lot of the music I really dug as a teenager only makes me want to tear my hair out now. I could never listen to Punk Rock now, and very, very little Thin Lizzy (whom I loved and saw in concert about 3 times).

      I used to think Styx was pretty much the god of music. Can't stand any of their stuffs today.

      But some of what I liked back then (mostly the less loud and more "rootsy" or "jazzy" stuffs) I still own and listen to. Such as The Mamas And The Papas, Steely Dan, Bob Dylan, Traffic, The Beach Boys, The Band, and so on.

      So, I'm not down on all of it, but some of it just didn't stay with me through the decades as my musical horizons were broadened.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  30. I for one am glad to hear that you really do not like The B-52s and 'Rock Lobster'. Personally, I can hardly refer to it as music. There are some 'novelty' songs out there that are true parody and funny, (I'm thinking Weird Al) but to my way of thinking this one is just plain annoying.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. FAE ~
      It's fine with me if people enjoy 'ROCK LOBSTER'. Why should I care, right? (Just so long as they don't make me listen to it.) As "annoying songs" go, in my opinion, this is one of the "annoyingest".

      Aside from what I've already said about it, here are some lyrics that seem to particularly irk me:

      We were at the beach
      Everybody had matching towels
      Somebody went under a dock
      And there they saw a rock
      But it wasn't a rock
      It was a rock lobster


      OK, so if it WASN'T a rock, why did you tell us it was at first? ("And there they saw a rock".) That entire verse seems like something 6-year-old kids would make up in the backseat of a car on a long journey when they're bored and trying to amuse themselves. To think that something that incredibly dumb could have made these "musicians" millions of dollars forces me to acknowledge that the world is upside-down.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  31. Kinda makes you wanna treat me with a little more respect, doesn't it?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're an absolute mess. Just look at yourself...

      [;-)}

      [I know what you're doing, and I can do that, too. Ha!-Ha!]

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    2. On the contrary, I didn't think I looked that good.

      Delete
    3. [:-)}

      It's like a secret language that only we know.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  32. I'm glad to finally find out the connection between the two songs. No one would've ever guessed that they both appeared in the same movie. Foiled again! Now that you mention it, I don't think I ever listened to the silly lyrics of Rock Lobster before. I still have fond memories of dancing to it in
    college, though. Have a great Memorial weekend, Stephen!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GEM JULIE ~
      I'm genuinely glad you had such a good time dancing to ROCK LOBSTER in college. I've bluntly stated in this comment section how I feel about the song (seriously, I sense that I even have a kind of negative physiological reaction to its beat or rhythm) but I would NOT make the song disappear from the Earth if I had such a power.

      I know some people really like the song, and I wouldn't want to interfere with their pleasure over some innocent fun.

      I never went to college, but I went to nightclubs. Back in that day, one of the few songs I would get up and dance to was 'FOOTLOOSE' by Kenny Loggins. I thought I could really "cut the rug" to that tune.

      I'm SO GRATEFUL that there was no "social media" back then, so there's no video evidence floating around today of me making a fool of myself during the playing of "FOOLoose".

      It's Memorial Day weekend? Sheesh! Thanks for the heads-up, Julie. Time flies when you're outta work.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  33. Well, don't be blind to the big surprise
    Swimming round and round like the deadly hand
    Of a radium clock, at the bottom, of the pool.


    ~Private Idaho, B-52’s

    Paul Simon or Bob Dylan wish they could write lyrics like that! Can I vote for the B-52’s again to try to even things up?

    Didn’t think I’d stop by again for this post; comment section growing like a weed, or tumbleweed. Seen any of those around? Just thought this was a great post with a neat little surprise as to why you linked two songs. I never even heard of that movie.

    I don’t think people change much as they grow older. The few self-aware ones who change for the better are the lucky ones. But as for musical tastes I’m not so sure. Makes me want to climb into the WABAC machine, go back to 1980, and re-poll everyone here who listened to music on their transistors or boom boxes or whatever there was back then.

    I need to find some Waylon Jennings tunes stat! Got “Private Idaho” stuck in my head and it won’t come out! Just glad I never worked in a factory painting glow-in-the-dark radium on the hands of watches and clocks and entertaining my co-workers by painting my face with it just for a laugh. Would have been a poor career choice. So much to be thankful for, right?

    SigThree

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SigThree ~
      (That's getting kind of close to "Sigfried", isn't it? And that spells KAOS. Sorry. That bad joke won't happen again, Chief!)

      I haven't gotten Emails out to all my friends yet, telling them where they can E me, but maybe today is that day. Hell, it's raining (as usual) and I got nuttin' better to do.

      >>... Makes me want to climb into the WABAC machine...

      Ding!-Ding!-Ding!
      100 instant points for ANY and EVERY 'Rocky & Bullwinkle' reference!

      >>... and entertaining my co-workers by painting my face with it just for a laugh. Would have been a poor career choice.

      Man, you NEVER FAIL to make me HOL (Howl-Out-Loud). I read that twice, about an hour apart, and it made me - literally! - HOL both times! Thanks for the morning laugh, Brother!

      I'll be in touch soon.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  34. ~D-FensDogG,

    Sorry to be late - things prevented me.

    I hope your sleep pattern gets sorted soon. When I worked third and went to first, I used chamomile tea, and valerian root. Both are excellent for inducing relaxation and sleep. Now days, I use guiafenesin for health and sleep. I can only take a teaspoon - but it works exceptionally well for sleep.

    I did think the 1980 movie was the connection. I remember watching part of it (years back) on a Saturday afternoon. The B-52's played themselves, and I couldn't stand it. I really, to this day, do not know how the movie ended. I'm not a big fan of Paul Simon, but I do like a few of his songs.

    Crazy battle - I'm glad that one trick pony kicked the lobster to the curb!

    Take care of you, (smile).

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DIXIE POLKA ~

      >>... Sorry to be late - things prevented me.

      Oh, I HATE "things", girl! Don'tcha just hate it when "things" happen?

      >>... I hope your sleep pattern gets sorted soon. ... I used chamomile tea, and valerian root. ... Now days, I use guiafenesin for health and sleep.

      I've found that drinking alcohol interferes with my sleep pattern. Not sure what I could possibly do about that though.

      I've been into alternative health remedies for decades and I even used to work in a health food store. (Got my Bragg's 'Apple Cider Vinegar' sitting on the kitchen counter as I type.)

      I've tried the tea and the Valerian root before, many times (and a bunch of other things as well) but they didn't do much for me. I think the problem is that I'd need to almost overdose on it for something to break through my abrasive, obnoxious, alpha-dog personality and go to work on me.

      Guiafenesin? WTH?! I don't know if I've ever even heard o' dat. I'll need to look that up. If one teaspooon works for you, a pint outta work for me.

      Dixie, the movie 'One-Trick Pony' ended with Jonah (Paul Simon) stealing the tape of the new album he's been creating for the record label and rolling it down the rainy, city street.

      Now maybe you'll be able to get some sleep.
      [;-)}

      ~ Stephen

      Delete
    2. What an awful movie ending! Maybe I oughta find it ans watch it all the way through. Sheesh.

      Most people can take 4 times the dose of Guiafensin than I can. 'Things' you know.

      You are so funny! Get some rest.

      ~dcrelief

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    3. Yeah, it sounds like a bad movie ending, huh? Actually, in context, it was a pretty good ending. It really marked Jonah taking a stand for artistic integrity at personal cost to his pocketbook, and the ending was (other than the music itself) probably the best thing about the movie.

      The Jonah character was unlikeable in some serious ways, so I, as a viewer, could not invest myself wholly in his plight, but the movie had some good elements, not least of which was the Paul Simon-written and recorded tunes. But then I have ALWAYS been a fan of most of his music.

      Ah, so it's really primarily a cough medicine / expectorant as found in Robitussin. Suddenly all the cool mystique is gone.

      ~ D-FensDogG

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    4. Guiafensin is an element for healing at the basic cell level. Yes, it does remove all bodily flem (sp). I used to take the prescription pills, but it;s costly. Now days, I hit the dollar store and get the Tussin brand. He builds from basic cell level. I guess I need to get more info for you. I do know, doctors don't want to prescribe it because it works so well. It has put my Fibromylgia in remission.

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    5. Hmmm... Well, I don't doubt it. I've done some researching into the medical industry too and - surprise! surprise! - it is loaded with evil deception also (just like everything else in "this world").

      They've known how to cure (and even prevent) cancer for decades but there isn't a ton of "big money" in it for them, so they suppress the information from getting to the masses via the mainstream media. You gotta look "underground" for the truth about anything.

      I'm a fan of the .99 Cent stores. I was in one just yesterday where I got a bottle off-brand 'Plax' for .99 cents. What does that go for in most stores, about $5.00?

      ~ D-FensDogG
      'Loyal American Underground'

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