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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BATTLE OF THE BANDS! (‘BOTB’)
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Shoop-Shooby
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Shooby-duh-Dooby-Doop-Dooby-Dooby-Doo-Wah
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Buh-Doo-Wah!
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Yes,
it’s time once again for ‘Battle Of The Bands’
(‘BOTB’)
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This is my 50th BOTB!
Alright, let’s get on it...
Alright, let’s get on it...
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| EUGENE MARTONE VS. JACK BUTLER |
Like everyone else did, I loved 'AMERICAN GRAFFITI' when it hit the silver screen (I believe it might still be my Brother's very favorite movie). I purchased the soundtrack album which contained 41 classic Old School Rock & Roll songs. Years later, sometimes I'd wake up in the middle of the night / wee hours of the morning, get in my car and just drive the L.A. freeways with the 'American Graffiti' soundtrack playing and with no particular place to go. (100 points if you caught that one!)
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Back in the LP era (hell, in the CD era, too, for that matter) one of the all-time greatest collections of early Rock 'N' Roll & Doo-Wop was the soundtrack to the classic American movie 'AMERICAN GRAFFITI'. The double LP / double CD includes stuffs by Chuck Berry, the Beach Boys, Booker T & The MGs, Buddy Holly, The Platters, Fats Domino, Del Shannon, The Del-Vikings, The Big Bopper, and many mo'. No Eddie C. or Elvis P., but...
I LOVE the song 'Chantilly Lace' by The Big Bopper, which reminds me of this sweet girl, Lisa, whom I had it bad for, back when I earned my living on Hollywood movie and TV sets, and girls were girls and boys were boys. (A few times, I worked with Lisa on the TV show 'Happy Days' which, ironically, was inspired by the movie 'American Graffiti'. I remember that once or twice the director put us together at the diner because he thought we looked like brother and sister. Lisa was blonde; I had dark brown hair. I think it was the sexual attraction yakking, which the director picked up on. I should have asked Lisa to marry me. "Uhp! I was an idiot!")
Did you know The Big Bopper died in the plane crash "the day the music died"? Buddy Holly's bass guitar player, Waylon Jennings, let The Big Bopper have his seat on the plane, and Waylon took the bus. Good decision, Waylon!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2OoxzYqgNY
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Undoubtedly, I first heard this song by The Skyliners in the 'American Graffiti' movie and later on my soundtrack album. In the film, the song starts playing around the time that Laurie (Cindy Williams) gets into Bob Falfa's (Harrison Ford) "Wicked '55 Chevy" and it fades out just as Carol (Mackenzie Phillips) disappears inside the front door of her house after saying goodbye to John Milner (Paul Le Mat).
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Then Wolfman Jack says over the radio: "I haven't cried so much. And the tears and everything, man... I leaned down towards the microphone and almost shorted myself out!"
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Let's hear it now, shall we?
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'SINCE I DON'T HAVE YOU' - THE SKYLINERS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzyEd2soQkk
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Back in the LP era (hell, in the CD era, too, for that matter) one of the all-time greatest collections of early Rock 'N' Roll & Doo-Wop was the soundtrack to the classic American movie 'AMERICAN GRAFFITI'. The double LP / double CD includes stuffs by Chuck Berry, the Beach Boys, Booker T & The MGs, Buddy Holly, The Platters, Fats Domino, Del Shannon, The Del-Vikings, The Big Bopper, and many mo'. No Eddie C. or Elvis P., but...
I LOVE the song 'Chantilly Lace' by The Big Bopper, which reminds me of this sweet girl, Lisa, whom I had it bad for, back when I earned my living on Hollywood movie and TV sets, and girls were girls and boys were boys. (A few times, I worked with Lisa on the TV show 'Happy Days' which, ironically, was inspired by the movie 'American Graffiti'. I remember that once or twice the director put us together at the diner because he thought we looked like brother and sister. Lisa was blonde; I had dark brown hair. I think it was the sexual attraction yakking, which the director picked up on. I should have asked Lisa to marry me. "Uhp! I was an idiot!")
Did you know The Big Bopper died in the plane crash "the day the music died"? Buddy Holly's bass guitar player, Waylon Jennings, let The Big Bopper have his seat on the plane, and Waylon took the bus. Good decision, Waylon!
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| GOODNIKS VS. NO-GOODNIKS |
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2OoxzYqgNY
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Undoubtedly, I first heard this song by The Skyliners in the 'American Graffiti' movie and later on my soundtrack album. In the film, the song starts playing around the time that Laurie (Cindy Williams) gets into Bob Falfa's (Harrison Ford) "Wicked '55 Chevy" and it fades out just as Carol (Mackenzie Phillips) disappears inside the front door of her house after saying goodbye to John Milner (Paul Le Mat).
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Then Wolfman Jack says over the radio: "I haven't cried so much. And the tears and everything, man... I leaned down towards the microphone and almost shorted myself out!"
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Let's hear it now, shall we?
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'SINCE I DON'T HAVE YOU' - THE SKYLINERS
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzyEd2soQkk
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| GODZILLA VS. KING KONG |
In 1998 or '99, I purchased a compact disc by Brian Setzer. There was one song on the album I thought my Ma would really dig big time, so I took it over to her house one day and played it for her. (Of course, she'd never before heard of Brian Setzer.)
Did she dig the song, 'You're The Boss'?
Eh... it was... OK.
I played her a different song.
It was... alright.
Tried a third.
Mmmmm... not bad.
So, I was about to put the CD back in the case when, on a whim, I decided - just for the helluvit -
I'd hit 'Play' on track #9...
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ALLAH'S UNHOLY TROUSERS!
BINGO!
JACKPOT!
WINNER, WINNER, CHICKEN DINNER!
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It knocked her for a row o' lib-labs! I used to call my Ma "Binky Buckeye, Ohio's Flippin' Squirrel". Well, yak about "flipping", she ABSOLUTELY FLIPPED over Brian Setzer's version of 'Since I Don't Have You'. I mean, "flipped" as in every single time I drove her anywhere, I was required to play that song in my car.
I mean, "flipped" as in she thought Setzer - at least on that song - probably had the "sexiest" voice of all-flippin'-time! (It gave her goosebumps. I'm not kidding, I saw her shiver many times at a certain point in the song. Thank God my Pa was already in Heaven!)
I mean, "flipped" as in 'Since I Don't Have You' by Brian Setzer was now one of her Top Ten favorite songs ever! More like Top Five. Quite possibly Top Three. All I know is that a whole lotta Sinatra, Count Basie, Bobby Darin, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey songs got bumped down a notch the day she heard Brian Setzer singin' 'Since I Don't Have You', and she started asking me questions like "Where's he from?" "How'd you hear of him?" "Is he a good guitarist?", et al.
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And there I was only seconds away from giving up when I hit "Play" on track #9. Ha!
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Every year, on my Ma's birthday and the anniversary of the day she went "Home", I play several of her very favorite songs (e.g., 'April In Paris', 'Mercy, Mercy, Mercy', Tommy Dorsey's 'Boogie Woogie', 'We'll Be Together Again'). I KNOW that if I ever failed to play Brian's 'Since I Don't Have You', she'd come back and haunt me inside of 10 seconds.
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OK, let's hear it. (And by the way, I'm officially recording one vote for Brian Setzer on my Ma's behalf right out of the chute. At this very moment, Brian leads this Battle 1 to 0. What say you 'bout that?)
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'SINCE I DON'T HAVE YOU' - BRIAN SETZER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cdNAMyG1Ti4
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| RIDDLER VS. BATMAN |
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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
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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.
@ 'THE DOGLADY'S DEN' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE' by clicking HERE.
@ 'ANGELS BARK' by clicking HERE.
@ 'JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE' by clicking HERE.
@ 'WOMEN: WE SHALL OVERCOME' by clicking HERE.
@ 'J.A. SCOTT' by clicking HERE.
@ 'NOVELBREWS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'HOLLI'S HOOTS AND HOLLERS' by clicking HERE.
@ 'QUIET LAUGHTER' 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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This was a fascinating read, Stephen. I had no idea you were in showbiz and I bet you have many more interesting stories. Too bad about Lisa, but perhaps it wasn't meant to be. I love how you described your mother's reaction to Brian Setzer's song because I often feel the same way about favourites. His version was new to me and I have to agree with you and Mom. It's more interesting than the original and has a great, jazzy feel to it. He does have a great voice, too!
ReplyDeleteDEBBIE ~
DeleteThanks for your vote!
Yep, I have some interesting stories, I s'pose. Spent 7 or 8 years in "The Industry" (as those pompous, overly-proud peoples call it), and that's too much time behind the scenes in Hollyweird to fail to acquire a few stories.
I like both versions posted here for different reasons. The arrangements are quite different, but not so much so that one doesn't realize it's the same song.
Nearly always, I have a suspicion about which song is going to win my BOTB before I post it (and as often as not, I think the winner will NOT be the version I cast my own vote for).
However, in this case, I really can't even guess who's going to win. I think it could go either way.
Although I have definite ideas about which version several of my regular voters will go with.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
Excellent battle, Stephen! Count up another vote for Brian; he does a magnificent job of covering a classic, and -- musically speaking, if not in terms of emotional attachment (see? I'm learning to be objective ;) ) -- I think his version is superior.
ReplyDeleteGuilie @ Quiet Laughter
Thanks, GUILIE!
DeleteMy Ma, Debbie, and you have Brian Setzer jumping out to a 3-0 lead, but this is a long way from over, and I think The Skyliners might overcome the early deficit. This is still either artist's victory.
Hang on, this could be a wild, bumpy ride...
~ D-FensDogG
Boy oh boy oh boy. This is a tough battle. I listened to them both. Sat here and contemplated. Then decided to visit a few other battles and come back to it.
ReplyDeleteI like both songs for different reasons. The Brian Setzer Orchestra always kills it with their "sound." So much talent there. But, I like the smoothness in the version by The Skyliners. Ah decisions, decisions.
I'm assuming your Ma really liked Brian Setzer's high notes, but I actually preferred The Skyliners on those high notes.
I really hate to vote against your Ma. Dang. That just seems WRONG. But, I vote The Skyliners.
GIRL WONDER ~
DeleteNo problem voting against my Ma's choice. I might do the same... maybe... possibly... we'll see...
This is like a Doo-Wop version with strings and a focus on beautifully smooth vocal harmonizing versus a Big Band rendition, where the horns sort of substitute for the vocal harmonizing and Brian's strong vocal and electric guitar raunch take center stage. (Incidentally, I think he might possibly have pioneered that Big Band/Big Electric Rock Guitar combination. Lot's of neo-Swing bands did it later, but I don't remember hearing that style before I heard Setzer doing it.)
So, these two versions have a lot of very different things going for 'em. Do you like authentic Old School Doo-Wop, or neo-Big Band horns, heavy on the Rock Guitar? Those be yer choices.
My Ma loved Brian's high notes, but she actually loved all of his singing ALL THE WAY THROUGH this song, even the guttural shouts with an edge.
This should be an interesting Battle. And thanks for breaking up the early shutout.
~ D-FensDogG
I love that you are casting your mom's vote in today's battle! That is so sweet! So nice that you have such beautiful memories of her. Music is the best for memories.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to give my vote to the Skyliner's on this one though. I liked their smooth sound. But I LOVE LOVE LOVE Brian Setzer's album cover art!!! Wow, I could look at that all day long! Great battle Stephen!
Michele at Angels Bark
MICHELE ~
DeleteThanks for your vote. And I agree with you about the album cover of 'THE DIRTY BOOGIE'.
Years ago, I composed a blog bit about what I consider to be (Link:->) THE 15 GREATEST ALBUM COVERS OF ALL TIME.
Setzer's 'The Dirty Boogie' is on my list.
~ D-FensDogG
Al Bondigas here. Very enjoyable version by Brian Setzer, but as you already knew, The Skyliners get the judge's vote. Great movie clips to accompany the song, by the way. That's it!! That's my rulin'.
ReplyDeleteJUDGE AL ~
DeleteShocking to see your rulin' come in so early. Normally it's an 11th hour rulin'.
Yep, I had your vote already scored for THE SKYLINERS.
In fact, my vote guesses on this BOTB have been outstanding. Best ever. Not sure why I'm doing so well on this one, but I am.
Thanks for yer vote, Bro.
~ D-FensDogG
Another tough one for us Stephen.
ReplyDeleteBecause this is such a tough call for me I approached it a bit differently I listened to them both in the morning then went to the grocers. My test was "which version will play repeatedly in my head until I come back to vote?"
It was the Skyliners version that had the biggest hook, so that's who gets my vote.
Musically these are both outstanding versions and I can find no fault with either. There's the lush strings, the superb vocals and the feeling of longing in the Skyliners. The band is fantastic and does a splendid job.
Setzer and his band are also stellar. I LOVE big band music and would gladly time travel to that era and see every great band live. I dig the horns, the drums, the guitar, the vocals and the wicked urgency of his version.
I had no idea that you had worked as an actor. And on such a huge television show. Who did you play? Is there a scene on an episode we can see you in? You are just one big, giant onion aren't you? So many layers to peel back.
ANNE O' ~
Delete"Wicked urgency" was a real good way to describe the tone of Setzer's version.
My guess about how you would vote is one of my rare misses in this BOTB. I thought you'd like both recordings, but felt you might lean toward the energy and big horn section blast of the Setzer Orchestra. Oh well, my psychic power does have its limitations.
[;-)]
Oh, I did a ton of Background work for about 7 or 8 years, picking up a few minuscule parts (a line or two here and there) along the way. I worked a lot on the show MASH - the last 5 years of its 11-year life.
I never really liked that show much, but I'm still wild about its opening theme music.
~ D-FensDogG
I like the theme music to that as well and I loved the movie. I've not seen a whole lot of the television series and have no feelings about it one way or another. Now Happy Days I saw and I liked that because it was about classic 50's America. A period I find fascinating.
DeleteBelieve it or not, I never saw the movie MASH. I've seen parts of it here and there, but never the whole thing from start to finish.
Delete'HAPPY DAYS' was better, I suppose, earlier on. I think it really started getting silly when the "Fonzie" character began to dominate.
But, hey, at least The Fonz gave us the expression "Jumped the shark", right? Gotta be grateful to him for that, anyway.
~ D-FensDogG
HEY, Y'ALL!...
ReplyDeleteSo much for BRIAN'S early 3-0 lead. I think he's a vote behind already. I gots some stuffs to do but I'll return for personal comment replies later.
So far, I'm doing a good job of correctly guessing who my regulars will vote for. I've even got Beer Boys Bryan and Brandon splitting votes on this one. We'll see if that prediction comes true.
I'll be... Beethoven.
~ D-FensDogG
Oh my this is a toughy! It's like roses or orchids. I love the big sound of Brian-it feels so classy like from the Martin Sinatra days but I must go with the original. The voice, to me, makes the song plus I love the movie but I am going by the song not the movie:) Anyway, The Skyliners get my vote. Say sorry to your mom from me:)
ReplyDeleteBIRGIT ~
DeleteMy Ma accepts your apology... barely.
Ha!
Glad I could make it kind of tough on ya, but it sure does seem like Brian's getting the seltzer squeezed out of him in this Battle.
~ D-FensDogG
It seems that way:) Um...I made a card which was inspired by your song choice and the film also. Hope you don't mind and hope you like it:)
DeleteYou hope I don't mind?
DeleteAre you kidding? I feel honored.
Have you posted it yet? Well... no need to answer that, as I'll check right now.
~ D-FensDogG
That's sweet:)
DeleteTough time with this one. While I really like Brian Setzer's voice and I think I can pinpoint the exact point his voice gave your mother goosebumps haha, The Skyliners have this old-timey feel I just really like. So my vote's for them!
ReplyDeleteThanks for checking in with your vote, MADILYN.
DeleteBrian shot out of the starting gate like he was gonna knock The Skyliners for a row of lib-labs, but it's been all Skyliners since then.
I find the way votes ebb and flow in BOTB installments to be really fascinating. So often it really does seem like momentum builds for one artist or another, and then occasionally it'll shift completely in the opposite direction.
~ D-FensDogG
While I’m not a major fan of Doo-Wop (YIKES! The meathead would get on me for using that kind of language. HA!), I have to admit that the Skyliners are smooooth. Their rendition of ‘Since I Don’t Have You’ is great and I can say that I do remember it, in that scene from ‘American Graffitti’.
ReplyDeleteAs I listened to Setzer’s version I was really liking it, but my mind kept going back that that great finish in the Skyliners version. THAT alone was going to get my vote.
BUT, hold on a cottin pickin minute there, cause Brian pulls off his own great finish with those same iconic notes, and I love that Big Band Sound he has backing himself up.
In the end, I gotta go with Ma, after all she knows best. Give that ‘Stray Cat’ my vote – see I told you I knew who he was. I know you doubted me. Ha, ha, ha!
T
Delete>>... "Doo-Wop"... YIKES! The meathead would get on me for using that kind of language. HA!
(Link:->) Pollocks who live in crass houses oughtn't go around casting uhspersions on other ethnicks! You got that, FAE-ski?
:-)
You couldn't fool me. I knew yer vote was comin' down the line for the Stray Cat. (I guess you DID really know who he was after all.)
What kind of name is Setzer, anyway? Is he a Swede or a Kraut? :-) I know he ain't 'Merican.
~ D-FensDogG
POSTSCRIPT:
DeleteThat expression on Archie's face the third time he says "Meathead" (at the 14-second mark) is pure, absolutely classic Archie Bunker. It makes me GOL, every time I rewind it (which is OFTEN!)
That expression on the third "Meathead", and his expression when he yelled "SCRANTON?!" (in the episode 'Edith's Problem') are two of the finest moments in 'All In The Family' history. Priceless, both of 'em!
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen....I'll be back to listen & vote, but I just wanted you to know I heard from Dixie. Her fibromyalgia has set her back and she expects to be away from blogging until late fall. She sent me a note yesterday and I was having trouble with the web, but I did manage to squeeze an update on my current BOTB comments for anyone stopping by. Have a good Sunday afternoon!
ReplyDeleteCATHY ~
DeletePlease, please ask Dixie to send me her Email address in a comment. Tell her I promise not to publish it, but that I'll only write it down on a piece of paper and then delete the blog comment.
I really need to talk to her, and I think she's the only person who can help. She and I both need to yak right now.
~ D-FensDogG
I'm baaaack! First of, I sent an email to Dixie for ya, Stephen. Hopefully, you'll her from her (or her God-daughter) in a day or two. Now, it's time to cast my vote. America Graffiti is a fun movie. I saw it for the first time like a year or two ago. Everything about the 50s seem magical somehow or at the very least dreamy. It was before my day, so I can only daydream about that era. Anyhoo...what a fabulous tune to feature. Brian Setzer does a great job on his cover and I certainly see why dear ole Ma loved it, but it's just hard to out do the original. So, I'm giving my vote to The Skyliners. I loved your battle and memories of your mother!
DeleteCATHY ~
DeleteThanks for your vote and for contacting DIXIE for me. (But the mention of possibly hearing from her God-daughter rather than her makes me even more concerned. And so far, I've heard from neither of them.)
Thanks again, Cathy. I hope to hear some good news soon.
~ D-FensDogG
Oh, brother, it has to be BRIAN SETZER! I gave them my best listenerooni, I swear I did. But there is a history...an addiction, if you will.
ReplyDeleteEver since I saw The Stray Cats appear on the radar, I've loved Brian Setzer. Talent, sass, rock and roll! He really has his own style and I'm into it, big time, daddio
Fortunately, I'm not going against Mom's vote, which you and I both know is 100% accurate.
A VOTE FOR SETZER!!! :-)
DOC CHERDO ~
DeleteThanks for showing a little love for Brian. Right now, the guy needs all he can get. He's getting blistered in this BOTB, and I thought he would actually win this thing by a nose.
I went out and bought the first Stray Cats album right after hearing them on the radio for the first time. Rockabilly - I loves that stuffs, hep cat!
~ D-FensDogG
Hey Stephen, Such a good battle. I loved the movie and love seeing all the many great actors that appeared in it. I love original by The Skyliners. Their version is of course very memorable. I am huge fan of Brian and The Stray Cats. I think he did a great job! Mama does know best- i'll go with Brian for my vote.
ReplyDeleteAwww, thanks, HOLLI!
DeleteI'm glad to see Setzer get another vote.
Several people have said they thought this was a tough one to vote on, and that makes me feel good. BUT... even so, Brian's losing badly, and I don't feel this Battle should have been anything even remotely close to a blowout.
BOTB... it's as puzzling as always.
~ D-FensDogG
Rupert... er, Stephen:
ReplyDeleteThis is not meant to sound bad, but I WANT to like Setzer more than I do. I LIKE him... but I'm not thrilled with is voice, I think his playing a bit overrated, and I'm typically not as fond of people/groups that cover material rather than write their own. To me, the writing and conception usually counts more than the performance, which is why the originals in all these BoTBs more often gets my vote.
Countering my take on Setzer: although I am just old enough to have actually listened to the Skyliners and others in real time, I was never a huge fan of doo-wop music. I was 4 when this was originally playing on the radio, and recall even as a kid liking jazz more than doo-wop style. The Beach Boys sound blew doo-wop outta the water, and then (sorry, StMcC!) the British Invasion blew away the Boys and ALL that came before (especially doo-wop stuff) just sounded unbelievably hackneyed.
So, my vote? Setzer's version just did very little for me, so I am going with the original. If nothing else, it certainly brings back the era beautifully, as did FAE's selection last battle (So Nice!)
I am voting from Iowa, where I just arrived tonight. I had no internet for most of this week! Nice to be connected again, even if the NSA is logging virtually every key I strike!
SHEBOYGANBROTHER 6 ~
DeleteGot E!
And, thanks for your continued support of BOTB. Always thrilled to receive your votes and analysis (regardless if musically you're from Venus and I'm from Mars... or vice versa). Sincerely, I love the fact that you always make time to check in, listen, intelligently analyze and vote.
Honestly, I think Setzer is - if anything - underrated as a guitarist. I mean, I'm never putting him in a class with Danny Gatton, Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, or Pat Metheny, etc. But I've heard Setzer play some fantastic stuffs, displaying great dexterity and tone. He's sure better than most Rock guitarists today, and could teach a helluva lot to the "Death Metal" shredders, most of whom are one-trick ponies.
Uhm... The Beach Boys... The British Invasion. Ha! I think "The British Invasion" was England's revenge for The American Revolution. And I think it should have been called "The British Rip-Off Of Great American Blues Artists", but... that's just me. HA!
Musically, NO ONE influenced Rock more than Brian and his Beach Boys did. Lyrically, NO ONE influenced Rock more than Dylan did.
However, I DO love Ireland's 'THEM', and I DO love Mrs. Brown's LOVELY DAUGHTER, and I DO love DAVY JONES in a very manly, heterosexual, shake-his-hand kind of way. [:-)]
Got you down for THE SKYLINERS... which is how I figured yer vote to begin with.
Thanks for checking in while 'On The Road', Jack J. KerouSix.
~ D-FensDogG
HA!
DeleteWell, as I said: I like Setzer... I just don't love him and wish I liked him more. And I was not saying that he was a lousy guitarist, merely that I feel he is overrated. Lots of people think he is great, but to me he is just a good guitarist. And I OFTEN like his covers less than the originals. Check out Louis Prima's "Jump Jive and Wail" vs. Setzer's. Prima BLOWS him out of the water... as it should be.
I know and respect your take on the B-Boys. Actually, MANY musicologists (a new title for ya?) will say the same thing. I agree with you.
HOWEVER: the harmonized bouncy sound of the Beach Boys sounded passe' (whether or not there were nuances that - in their ignorance - the general public missed) after the arrival of the Animals, the Kinks, and the Stones. The Beatles kept the harmonies but added... added... well, I don't know what they added but whatever the hell it was nuked the whole west coast sound off the airwaves. THAT is fact, since the Boys were rarely heard on the radio after 1964. The British did indeed "steal" American blues, but they put their own stamp on it, and I LIKE the bluesy influence on rock!
SHEBOYGANBOY 6 ~
DeleteMaybe I'll actually cover some of these details (and mo') in a future blog bit. I have often said that The Beatles were (after their Mop Top phase) way overrated and mostly 2nd rate Beach Boys and Bob Dylan wannabes. But I have never actually illustrated this fact with... facts, and... examples.
Maybe someday I will do so on this blog.
Louis Prima wins, of course. But that's just one song that Setzer covered. He's written plenty of originals over the course of his career.
~ D-FensDogG
I hope you don't mind if I jump in on this conversation, but it's one that I have had with other people and I do enjoy it.
DeleteI am puzzled by your reaction to "The British Invasion" Stephen. You seem deeply offended by it. What I can tell you is where these guys were coming from and it wasn't from a place of "we want to rip off American blues". It came from a deep appreciation for the music. Those guys knew more about blues than most Americans and they knew it because they bought those albums, loved them and listened to them until they wore the grooves off them. They were loving the American blues artists that you guys were unwilling to support financially. Heck, in America the blues players were treated like crap, whilst in Europe they were treated like kings. Just ask B.B. King about the difference in the audiences and the money earned in London versus America. He was flabbergasted that white people knew his music, loved it and respected him. And he cried on stage the first night he played in London because he was so moved by the obvious adoration from the crowd.
So the British took your music, which they loved and respected and reintroduced it to you. To have people from another country love what you're doing isn't an insult, it's a high compliment. There are many an American musician who had their first introduction to the blues via those British bands. And that breathed new life into blues, which ended up putting money in the pockets of starving blues players. Because after the Brits came over, you guys finally reached into your wallets and bought some of those American Blues albums. Blues musicians will tell you this is so. Buddy Guy will tell you how much this improved his finances.
And as for it being their revenge for the Revolution-that's not the case at all. The British don't think about that ever and they don't want America back in the Commonwealth. The British and American musicians of that period got along quite well and there was a lot of mutual admiration. They fed off each other, inspired each other and that sort of atmosphere produced better music and more proficient musicians.
I'm not writing this in an angry way, I'm just giving you my perspective. Heck, I've no reason to love the British and lots of reason to hate them. But I don't. The music they made enriched my life and I love them for it.
ANNE O' ~
DeleteNo problem at all, my friend. I always encourage various views. And as you know, when those views don't coincide with what I know, I have no qualms about straightening out the other person - very gently if they're a friend; more likely with a taught rope if they're a liberal.
And of course, I always want to learn a new fact if someone possesses one that I don't. For me, it's never, ever been an ego thing but a "Truth" thing.
And in this case, you and I have ZERO disagreement. Everything you wrote was spot-on. I was already aware of all that. In fact, it even extended beyond the Blues artists, into Jazz and even Gospel...
Some of the Jazz groups who had been ignored in the U.S. were embraced like gods in Europe, much to their surprise. That's why they spent a good amount of their touring time overseas. And they were also surprised to find how many musicians were playing their songs overseas - songs that not 1 in 100,000 Americans could identify.
Mahalia Jackson was treated more like "The Queen Of Gospel" she truly was in Europe than she ever was here. And that inspired her often. She performed a date in Sweden that I think might possibly have been the very apex of her career.
So, I don't disagree with you at all concerning this matter. I was just being my snarky, funny self (well, I would say "funny" but others wouldn't necessarily agree).
I actually appreciate what the "British Invasion" bands did for mostly forgotten Black American musicians. (And, no, I did not think it was revenge for The American Revolution. I did, however, think that was a gem of a line I came up with on the spot. One must remember that a good amount of the time, I've got my tongue in my cheek like a corkscrew in a bottle of cheap wine - cheap, but still having a cork rather than a screw-on metal cap.)
The ONLY British Invasion band that I really do feel kind of ripped off some old American Bluesmen was Led Zeppelin. They generously "borrowed" some things from the Black greats but never gave credit - passing it off as if it were purely conceived by Led Zeppelin. That irks me a bit.
But The Stones, The Beatles, The Animals, and many others did a good service for those American musicians who'd inspired them. (One time, The Stones even refused to appear on a British music TV show unless the show agreed to fly in Howlin' Wolf and let him appear on the show, too. I LOUDLY APPLAUD THAT! I'm not much of a Stones fan, but they get massive STMcC kudos for that demand they made, which the studio eventually caved in on.
So, we're not in disagreement on this. You just didn't realize the degree to which I was being facetiously snarky.
~ D-FensDogG
It will take me some time to figure out when you're joking and when you're serious. Anyway, it was a good conversation and one I enjoy having with people.
DeleteI agree with you on Zep not giving proper credit and that was wrong. The one thing they did do for all musicians was to force the record labels to stop robbing the bands. Peter Grant was a real SOB, but he knew how to negotiate and other managers learned from him.
Comment Received.
DeleteReply coming ASAP.
~ D-FensDogG
ANNE O' ~
DeleteSorry I'm late but... if you lived in "The Biggest Little Hellhole In The World", you'd understand.
Yeah, I know a good amount about Peter Grant.
I think... think... he may have actually borrowed his managerial strategy from Albert Grossman - the manager for Dylan and several other early '60s bands like 'Peter, Paul & Mary'.
FUN FACT: There's a line in the booklet for Dylan's album 'BRINGING IT ALL BACK HOME' where Bob wrote: "...experience teaches that silence terrifies people the most..."
I'm pretty sure that's a reference to the fact that Grossman used to sit in negotiation meetings and refused to speak. After several minutes of silence, the record company executives would start talking out of nervousness, to fill the silence.
Next thing anyone knew, Grossman had been given what he'd been seeking for his clients.
But he was also known to be a big bad-ass/jerk, who would threaten people and throw his (prodigious) weight around.
I think Peter Grant borrowed those pages from Albert Grossman.
~ D-FensDogG
You probably guessed my vote already and came up with the reason.
ReplyDeleteThe Setzer version is outstanding. Nothing wrong with it really.
However the Skyliners have the strings and I prefer their ethereal vocals. It's a classic of an era and I just like it better than the update.
My vote for the Skylines original version.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
LEE ~
DeleteYep, your vote for THE SKYLINERS was recorded before I even posted this blog bit.
Not saying your votes are predictable, but this was one where I would have put an awful lot of money on it.
Actually, I accurately predicted MANY of the votes in this BOTB installment. Probably the best I've ever done in that regard.
~ D-FensDogG
I'm going to have to give my vote to the skyliners. I didnt care for the extra big band sound that Brian Setzer provider. Great battle!
ReplyDeleteThanks, MARY, for your honest vote.
DeleteI actually dig BOTH of these versions. One maybe a little more than the other, but I could have easily voted for either one with great satisfaction.
~ D-FensDogG
My vote is for Brian Setzer. I liked the style better it hasd a bit more umph to grab my vote!
ReplyDeleteThanks, MIKE.
DeleteNo question, there's plenty of "Umph" in Setzer's version. As a matter of fact, he's got a "Switchblade 327" sitting under that hood. He, his girlfriend, and the car weigh 500 pounds combined. Sumbitch can run!
Look out, Milner and Falfa! Sumpin's gainin' on yaz.
~ D-FensDogG
American Graffiti is one of my favourite films of all time. And living in Milwaukee, where a lot of inspiration for the film and the TV show Happy Days comes from, it probably means more to me than many others. I did the same thing, lots of cruising, lots of looking for Susanne Summers. But which song do I prefer? I have to throw my vote for the Skyliners. I really do love this version the best, Brian Setzer didn't do it for me. Sorry.
ReplyDeleteJEFFREY ~
DeleteIt's a great, great movie. I can watch it every year and never tire of it.
Yep, the TV show was based, supposedly, in Milwaukee, WI. Actually, it was filmed at Paramount Studios in a Zevonesque-grungy part of Hollyweird. I worked on it many times and even have a blurry photo posted somewhere on one of my blogs showing me standing with Fonzie and taking notes on the art of picking up girls.
Near the Paramount lot was a fast food joint called "Astro Burgers". It was a typical - TOTALLY TYPICAL - greasy fast food joint, but... it had the most amazing Onion Rings I ever ate. It was funny, because late at night you could find movie and TV stars in line for the Onion Rings at Astro Burger.
Astro Burger was the ONLY thing I ever liked about working at Paramount Studios.
OK, got you down for a Skyliners vote. Thanks! (Can't believe how badly Setzer is getting beaten on this tune. Well... it's BOTB all over again!)
~ D-FensDogG
Brian Setzer's version was good, but the original by The Skyliners is a masterpiece. The Skyliners win this for me.
ReplyDeleteJOHN ~
DeleteHa! I already had your vote recorded for The Skyliners. Yours was one of the votes I was MOST SURE about. That's not to say you're predictable. Rather... I'm quite psychic.
~ D-FensDogG
As I'm sure that you know that I know that you know that your Ma knows, I like to vote differently. I like to go against the BOTB norms and stereotypes and against the mainstream media standards and practices so I'm going to place my vote for Wolfman Jack. I know he's not an option, nor is even he a singer or musician, but I must cast my vote purely in the interest of being different.
ReplyDeleteOh, that's not an option? Well, in that case I guess I'll go for your original guess, which was pretty spot on. I vote Skyliners, my cohort votes Setzer. Both versions were great, so I don't want to throttle him for disagreeing with me on this one.
Oh and hey, you wanna hand me to the keys to that yellow Ford? Keep the girl, though, she's kinda annoying...
~6B
6-B ~
DeleteYes, I had noticed that you'd noticed that I'd noticed that you vote "differently". Of course, sometimes you only THINK you're voting "differently", and then you have to eat crow with egg on your face because the majority voted "differently" just like you did.
Don'tcha hate it when that happens?!
And... just to show you how "different" I can be, I'm actually going to count your vote for Wolfman Jack. (I know that if I didn't... the Wolfman was gonna get me.)
Oh, c'mon, the annoying girl was cute... in her own annoying way.
~ D-FensDogG
POSTSCRIPT:
DeleteHokey-Smoke! This SN "Oktoberfest" might REALLY be Top 10 for me!
However, I've noticed that - for me - it MUST be really, Really, REALLY cold. As it warms up, I don't like it nearly so much.
But there's a distinctive malt aftertaste that totally does it for me!
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC’s Vote On '2015, Aug. 15th: Battle Of The Bands'
ReplyDelete(Or, 'The Skyliners Vs. The Brian Setzer Orchestra')
And The Final Tally:
First, thanks to all those who participated in determining the outcome of my 50th installment of 'Battle Of The Bands'.
[LC, where were you and your vote for Brian Setzer??!!]
It's funny that I accurately predicted how so many of my regulars would vote in this Battle (wish I could predict lottery numbers this well) and yet I somehow predicted the end result so... "WRONG!" (as Waylon used to sing).
It's a good song and I really like BOTH the original and the cover by "Stray Cat" Setzer. I had predicted that Setzer would win by maybe 2 or 3 votes. Actually, he lost by a decisive margin, but scored a respectable number of votes.
Who did I vote for and why?
My vote went to The Skyliners. This might surprise some of you, having read the story about how I'd introduced the Setzer cover to my Ma and she fell head-over-heels in love with it.
But, actually, if you were thinking carefully about that story, you would have noted that I had already played my Ma three songs off that album before... "I was about to put the CD back in the case when, on a whim, I decided - just for the helluvit - I'd hit 'Play' on track #9.
So, I myself only introduced her to Setzer's 'Since I Don't Have You' as an afterthought. There are several songs on that album that I like better than that one. It was my Ma who fell in love with Setzer's singing and got chills listening to it. It wasn't me who did.
I really love and respect great group vocals. My Pa was a fan of The Ink Spots, so that's probably where I first became cognizant of vocal harmonizing. I'm very much attracted to the music of The Beach Boys (NO ONE ever harmonized better), the 5ifth Dimension, Spanky And Our Gang, The Mamas And The Papas, etc. There's a lot of harmonizing in some of the best Eagles songs. Even The Carpenters (listen carefully: there's quite a bit of harmonizing going on in many of their tracks, despite the obviousness of Karen's incredible lead vocals).
Gotta give it up to The Skyliners, as that truly was some masterful melding of mellifluous melody.
I haven't yet decided what my September 1st BOTB song will be, but it's time for something upbeat and rambunctious. So, be here or be... somewheres else.
Thanks again for your votes, my friends.
The final result:
The Skyliners = 14 Votes
Brian Setzer = 7 Votes
Wofman Jack = 1 Vote
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
POSTSCRIPT:
Delete"Wofman Jack"... It seems the "L" got the L outta there.
~ D-FensDogG
I would have been very surprised if the outcome hadn't turned out pretty much like it did. Hard to beat the Skyliners's version.
DeleteYou're not going to find upbeat and rambunctious in my next BOTB. Mine will be very mellow and laid back and maybe a bit odd.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
LEE ~
Delete>>... "Mine will be... maybe a bit odd"
Well, there's a "first time" for everything.
I just now decided on the two recordings of the song I'm using on Sept. 1st. I knew of a cover version that I figured couldn't possibly get beaten by anyone (not even by the original hit). I listened to others and thought, "Nah, it'll get killed"... "Nah, it'll get killed"... "Nah, it'll get killed"... "Nah, it'll get killed"...
Then I heard one and thought: Hey! That's pretty damned good!
I listened to it a second time and thought: Shit! I don't know which one I'LL be voting for!
Man, I love BOTB!
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
POST-POSTSCRIPT:
ReplyDeleteWhoops! Big Boo-Boo on my part! Actually, Brian Setzer scored 8 votes, not 7.
I forgot to include my Ma's vote (the first vote of this BOTB installment) in the tally, because it occurred in the blog bit text, rather than in the comment section.
THE SKYLINERS: 14
BRIAN SETZER: 8
A wee bit closer now.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underpants'
This was a close one for me as both songs had elements in music that are critical for me. In the end I had to ask myself "If Setzer's version had been the original, would it have held a significant place in my memory?" The honest answer was "No". I would have remembered it as a good song, but it wouldn't be one that carried any "emotional weight" for me.
ReplyDeleteI prefer a battle where I have to stop and think about my vote. And sometimes I surprise myself after I've given each piece a real listen as I'll pick up on subtle things I didn't notice before in a recording, or have forgotten about.
You and I agree on what is good about music, but we do differ on some of our core favourites. The Beatles get on your tits and I love them to bits. How do you feel about The Eagles? I'm not going to tell you how I feel until you tell me how you feel. I'll be honest though, I promise!
Looks like my comment got eaten. Well it doesn't bear repeating. Perhaps I'll see you next time round. Perhaps not.
ReplyDeletePart 1 Of 2:
DeleteHowdy, ANNE O' ~
Nope, as you can see, yer comment didn't get eaten. I wouldn't allow that! It's just that I hadn't checked my Dashboard for awhile, so it had to sit there patiently and wait for me to sober up enough to locate my computer keyboard.
I really liked the process you used to help you decide your vote: "I listened to them both in the morning then went to the grocers. My test was "which version will play repeatedly in my head until I come back to vote?"
I have noticed that far more often than not, your votes and mine are in agreement. It's usually the reverse with Sheboyganboy's, Arlee Bird's, and mine.
No, The Beatles don't get on my tits. I don't have any. I don't even have any "moobs". An old guy like me has to be careful to not overeat and to get enough exercise so as not to develop things that only females oughta have. [;-)]
I can respect the early phase of The Beatles' career when they really were original and influential. And strangely, their albums that I think were the best came late in their career, when they were actually experiencing a good amount of personal friction. Somehow, I think the friction fueled them creatively to compete with one another. Or something like that.
Also, they started to get away from the heavy influence of hallucinogenic drugs and toned down the artificial "weirdness" that I find so pretentious. I have so little use for pretentiousness - it really annoys me - and The Beatles were major offenders with the lyrics of 'Come Together', most of the Sgt. Pepper's and Magical Mystery Tour albums, et al.
I own 'The White Album', and I think 'Abbey Road' was excellent. To me, those were really the creative peaks of their career. That middle period (when they were trying to be like Dylan and Brian) makes me roll my eyes and seek another radio station.
Continued Below...
Part 2 Of 2
DeleteAlso, on a less musical level, I despised John Lennon, one of the greatest hypocrites to ever walk the earth. I won't go into it all again, as I've written about his (typical Communistic) hypocrisy a number of times. The song 'IMAGINE' should be put in front of Stalin's best gunmen and riddled to death. By the way, where ARE his best gunmen? Ha!
In chapter eleven of her autobiography, Brenda Lee mentioned that... "John Lennon used to pee out of the hotel window onto pedestrians."
Oh, yeah, there's a man who really loves the common people! Had he gotten me, or my Ma, or my Sister, I would have gotten HIM before anyone else did. What a lousy, hypocritical person.
THE EAGLES: In general, I like The Eagles - primarily their earlier stuffs. They created some really nice, memorable melodies and did some very pleasing harmonizing while pioneering that Southern Californian Countrified-Rock sound.
They had a lot of big hits for good reasons, and wrote some lyrically wonderful songs.
"I'm standing on a corner in Winslow, Arizona, and such a fine sight to see. It's a girl, my Lord, in a flatbed Ford slowin' down to take a look at me." That line paints a picture, and it practically "swings".
The song 'DESPERADO' contains some of the finest lyrics ever composed. Those words (with some stellar metaphors) can be analyzed and placed right alongside some of the best lyrics written by Dylan, Paul Simon, Bob Seger, and early Bruce Springsteen.
Most people don't automatically think of lyrics when The Eagles or Rickie Lee Jones gets mentioned. But 'DESPERADO' by The Eagles, and 'LAST CHANCE TEXACO' by RLJ are just about as good as any songs ever written, and far better'n most.
I grew away from The Eagles quite a bit when they moved into their more "urban" Rock sound (e.g., 'Life In The Fast Lane', etc.) But the song 'HOTEL CALIFORNIA' has one of the best Rock guitar solos ever recorded.
Over the last couple decades it seems that it's become fashionable or "in" for people to mock and criticize The Eagles, and I don't understand that at all. Too "commercial"? Too "slick"? They were huge, they were good, and their music will be remembered long after Green Day, Poison, and a million other flash-in-the-pans have departed our collective memory.
When I was in high school, it was considered really cool to dump on The Carpenters, too, because they were mellow. I never "joined" that boneheaded trend. And while The Eagles were never one of my very, very favorite groups, I did own about 4 or so of their LPs back in the day.
And although I thought essentially their pre-'Hotel California' work was their best, my all-time favorite Eagles song actually came later: 'I CAN'T TELL YOU WHY'. That song is beautiful, haunting, and it gets stuck in my mind like peanut butter on the roof of a dog's mouth!
So, there's my assessment of The Eagles. I'm mystified by how it became so "in" to hate on what was a talented band. But just as it's no longer "in" to hate The Carpenters, I suspect a time will come when people will realize that hating The Eagles really didn't make any sense either.
And now... your thoughts on the matter?
~ D-FensDogG
I'm in total agreement with you regarding John Lennon. I absolutely despise the man. He created his own mythology and then he was ignorant enough to believe it. Also I think he should have been run out of your country. First off it wasn't his country and setting himself as a spokesperson was ludicrous. Everything those free love, hippy dippy freaks were into has contributed to the downfall you see today. Imagine makes me ill as well. As does that "So This is Christmas" song. "War is over if you want it.." Jesus, how naive do you have to be?
DeleteI like a lot of the Eagles work as well and I thought they were popular. Then I came here and people seem to hate them, which has me confused. To admit one likes them today is to invite ridicule. I really can't find anything wrong with their work. They could write, they could play and they could sing. Everything you want in a band. I recently watched a two hour documentary on them on Netflix and it was fantastic. I think you'd love it. So I wanted to get what has become "The Eagles Issue" out of the way before it came up on a BOTB.
I've always been a huge Carpenter fan and don't care what people think about that. I've always owned their albums and will always have them in my collection. Timeless, beautiful, perfection.
ANNE O' ~
DeleteI'm relieved to find you're not an "Eagles hater". I was afraid that might be your position, since you're not originally from this country, and I worried that the (completely illogical, unexplainable, musically unsound) "popular trend to hate The Eagles" might have affected you somehow. And had it... we were gonna have to step into the 'ring of reason' and lace up the gloves. Ha!-Ha!-Ha! Glad we're in the same corner!
I think I did see that documentary you mentioned - or some of it, anyway. And The "Eagles hate" thing is just a trend that won't last forever - or even much longer, I'd guess. It may have been started by Low I.Q. fans of Death Metal garbage, by fans of Metallica, Guns 'N' Roses, Insane Clown Posse Jerkoffs and the like. I'm not really sure how and who started it, but it's musically illogical.
But like I said, when I was in high school, it was popular for teenagers in this country to loudly state their hatred of The Carpenters. Somehow that was supposed to be the credential you needed to prove your "Hard Rock" status or something.
Well, back then, I LOVED Hard Rock! But I also loved the singular voice of Karen Carpenter, who had a quality that no other singer I'd heard before (or since) possessed. So, I never played the "Ignoramus Card" by bashing The Carpenters to make my peers accept me as a Hard Rock enthusiast.
Funny that today I don't like much Hard Rock, but I sill own more Carpenters recordings than I own recordings of just about any other musical artists. Only Dylan, The Beach Boys, Waylon Jennings, Bocephus, Tom Petty and several Jazz groups are in the running in that category.
Basically, the "Hate The Carpenters / Hate The Eagles" bit is an example of "The Herd Mentality" - a bunch of people who can't objectively think for themselves following a leader or leaders who are dumb as stumps and can't reason anything out either. It's a fad, a trend, begun and followed my musically illiterate people more concerned about appearances and artificial personas than they are about learning what music is good and WHY it's good.
I don't pay any more attention to those dumbasses today than I did back in my day. And if you asked them to explain their hatred of The Eagles, they couldn't put together two intelligent sentences to justify their position.
I used to laugh in the mid-1970s when most people were complaining about The Carpenters. I'd think to myself: Well, if everyone HATES The Carpenters, who the hell is buying these millions of records they sell every year? I mean, I myself only accounted for a few record sales per year. So, who was picking up the slack? Clearly, a lot of "Carpenters haters" were buying their records and then yakking about how much they hated the group the next day in school. Ha!-Ha!
~ D-FensDogG
I've been sweating out The Eagles thing for awhile now. I was afraid that if I waited until they showed up on a BOTB and I waxed poetic about them, you'd eat me alive. The only song I don't really like is Hotel California. It's the one time I don't think they were being honest with themselves about their own music. And I like them with Joe Walsh in the line-up. He's one strange dude and quirky as all get out, but I like him. I don't think there's any way to objectively analyze the bulk of their catalog and say with a broad stroke "they suck". That's just plain ignorant.
DeleteYeah, there had to be a lot of closet Carpenter fans out there in the day. What kills me is why a person would want to define themselves by only one type of music. It's limiting and it's boring. I took a lot of crap over listening to Janice Ian and for covering some of her songs. But I liked the music, it meant something to me and I stood up for it.
It's better to listen broadly and go back in music history to explore the roots. That's the only real way learn and to be able to speak intelligently about music. I thought some people in our generation were bad, but the kids today make us look like geniuses.
I've really enjoyed this conversation as there's no one here to talk to about music and it's something I miss doing.
Comment Received.
DeleteReply coming ASAP.
~ D-FensDogG
ANNE O' ~
Delete"I've been sweating out The Eagles thing for awhile now. I was afraid that if I waited until they showed up on a BOTB and I waxed poetic about them, you'd eat me alive."
HA!-HA! Not sure if I otter be taking youz seriously or not.
But, for one thing, the "EAGLES" bit already came up, long ago, before your BOTB time:
In my 20th BOTB installment, I put The Eagles cover of 'OL' '55' up against the Tom Waits original.
I LOVE The Eagles cover... a shade less than I do the Tom Waits original:
http://xtremelyun-pcandunrepentant.blogspot.com/2014/05/battle-of-bands-20-or-tom-waits-vs.html
>>... "The only song I don't really like is Hotel California."
Really? I'm curious to know why.
Not to debate, but just to get another (valued) perspective on it.
Because I think it's a pretty great Rock song, even though it came at the point in The Eagles' career when I was becoming less interested in their music.
The lyrics are damned good, utilizing several nice metaphors to describe the ugly underbelly of the "High-Life" of the rich and famous in Los Angeles. I think it has a really good melody. And the Rock guitar solo, alone, is clearly one of the best ever; it's so melodic that a person could actually hum or whistle it.
So, I am very - HONESTLY - curious to know what it is you don't like about the song 'HOTEL CALIFORNIA'.
The ONLY thing I can think of to criticize about it is that The Eagles seemed to be dumping on a high-living lifestyle that THEY, THEMSELVES, were living at the time. In other words: The song could be considered "hypocritical".
If THAT'S why you dislike the song, I totally agree with you about that. But if you dislike it for some musical reasons, I'm surprised, and would LOVE to learn what those reasons are.
Again, no debate. I'm just HONESTLY curious. Because I think 'HOTEL CALIFORNIA' is a pretty great Rock song. The guitar solo, the line "You Can Check Out Any Time You Like, But You Can Never Leave"... the reference to Steely Dan ("...they stabbed it with their Steely knives..."), all makes it a true Rock classic in my mind. And I'd really be interested to know why you don't think the same.
~ D-FensDogG
POSTSCRIPT:
I have a unique BOTB installment coming up (likely on Oct. 15th) that will explore the (urban Los Angeles) ideas behind the song 'HOTEL CALIFORNIA', but neither song in the BOTB will be 'Hotel California'.
You might want to make a point of being here for that one. It's going to be a One-Of-A-Kind BOTB installment.
~ D-FensDogG
This outcome surprised me! I thought it would have been closer, but it is hard to beat an original.
ReplyDeleteYou always have such interesting battles, Stephen and the stories that go with them are fascinating.
Thanks, DEBBIE! That was a nice thing to say.
DeleteMy next BOTB installment won't really have much of a personal story to go with it, but I think it's going to be a really good one that a lot of people will enjoy.
It's gonna be Rockin' Out next time, and I'm not sure yet which performer will get my own vote. It's THAT close for me.
~ D-FensDogG
Nice battle this week. Great memories.
ReplyDeleteGlad you dug it, JEFFREY.
Delete~ D-FensDogG
Not terribly surprised by your vote. I did pick up on the fact that this was not the first Setzer tune you played for your Ma, so, I was figuring that it was not your favorite on that album. Both were good for sure, I just like the Setzer version a wee bit better.
ReplyDeleteFAE ~
DeleteYeah, I think both recordings are pretty outstanding. But I figured the 'Big Band' sound of Setzer's updated version would win. BOTB can be full of surprises.
~ D-FensDogG