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
–
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’)
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Alright,
let’s get on it...
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| EUGENE MARTONE VS. JACK BUTLER |
In 1963, Rufus Thomas released the song he'd written, 'WALKING THE DOG'. It went to #10 on the Billboard charts and became his biggest hit.
It has been covered by many musicians, and it seems many of 'em like to improvise some of the lyrics. However, below are the lyrics as Rufus wrote 'em:
Mary Mack, dressed in black
Silver buttons all down her back
High, low, tipsy toe
She broke the needle and she can't sew
Walking the dog
I'm just a-walking the dog
If you don't know how to do it
I'll show you how to walk the dog
Come on, now! Come on! Come on!
I asked my Mama for fifteen cents
See the elephant jump the fence
He jumped so high that he touched the sky
He just got back 'til the Fourth of July
Walking the dog
I'm just a-walking the dog
If you don't know how to do it
I'll show you how to walk the dog
Mary, Mary, quite contrary
Tell me, how does your garden grow?
Why, you got silver bells and cockle shells
Pretty maids all in a row
Walking the dog
I'm just a-walking the dog
If you don't know how to do it
I'll show you how to walk the dog
Oh, ju-ju-ju-ju-ju-ju-ju-just a-walkin' the dog
In this BOTB installment, you get to choose between two "Classic Rock" artists. For me, this has proven to be one of the toughest BOTB contests of all time. I really dig BOTH versions and right now, I STILL haven't decided which recording I will be voting for, despite having listened to both COUNTLESS times!
I keep thinking: Got it! I'm gonna vote for THIS one because of A, B, C. Four minutes later it changes to: No, wait! I'm gonna vote for THAT one because of X, Y, Z.
Back and forth, back and forth I go. Damn, this is a toughie!
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AEROSMITH included a cover version on their debut album in 1973. Play it LOUD! Up to eleven!
'WALKIN' THE DOG' - AEROSMITH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLDXEwTYucc
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It has been covered by many musicians, and it seems many of 'em like to improvise some of the lyrics. However, below are the lyrics as Rufus wrote 'em:
Mary Mack, dressed in black
Silver buttons all down her back
High, low, tipsy toe
She broke the needle and she can't sew
Walking the dog
I'm just a-walking the dog
If you don't know how to do it
I'll show you how to walk the dog
Come on, now! Come on! Come on!
I asked my Mama for fifteen cents
See the elephant jump the fence
He jumped so high that he touched the sky
He just got back 'til the Fourth of July
Walking the dog
I'm just a-walking the dog
If you don't know how to do it
I'll show you how to walk the dog
Mary, Mary, quite contrary
Tell me, how does your garden grow?
Why, you got silver bells and cockle shells
Pretty maids all in a row
Walking the dog
I'm just a-walking the dog
If you don't know how to do it
I'll show you how to walk the dog
Oh, ju-ju-ju-ju-ju-ju-ju-just a-walkin' the dog
In this BOTB installment, you get to choose between two "Classic Rock" artists. For me, this has proven to be one of the toughest BOTB contests of all time. I really dig BOTH versions and right now, I STILL haven't decided which recording I will be voting for, despite having listened to both COUNTLESS times!
I keep thinking: Got it! I'm gonna vote for THIS one because of A, B, C. Four minutes later it changes to: No, wait! I'm gonna vote for THAT one because of X, Y, Z.
Back and forth, back and forth I go. Damn, this is a toughie!
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| GOODNIKS VS. NO-GOODNIKS |
AEROSMITH included a cover version on their debut album in 1973. Play it LOUD! Up to eleven!
'WALKIN' THE DOG' - AEROSMITH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLDXEwTYucc
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| GODZILLA VS. KING KONG |
Two years later, on his second solo album 'Ride A Rock Horse', ROGER DALTREY, the former lead singer for THE WHO, released his own very different version of the song. Play it LOUD! Up to eleven!
'WALKING THE DOG' - ROGER DALTREY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X0oxklL8iw
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'WALKING THE DOG' - ROGER DALTREY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4X0oxklL8iw
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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.
@ '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 is a tough one, Stephen. Kudos for making it so challenging! Both versions are kick-ass, but I'm picking Roger Daltry by a hair, because I liked the arrangement just a bit better.
ReplyDeleteDEBBIE ~
DeleteGlad you liked this BOTB installment.
>>... I'm picking Roger Daltry by a hair...
Are you also picking Roger Daltrey because you liked his hair? [:-)}
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
I did love his hair and was so sad when he cut it off! ☺
DeleteGood morning Stephen! Yes this is an awesome battle for sure. Both versions are great and rockin!! I'll keep this short and sweet though and just tell you that my vote goes to Aerosmith. I love Steven Tyler's voice.
ReplyDeleteThe first vote went to Daltrey.
DeleteThe second vote (yours, HOLLI) goes to Aerosmith.
And they're OFF!...
~ D-FensDogG
I never liked Roger Daltrey. I turned it up to eleven and still didn't like him. Aerosmith I like, so they get my vote. I can't resist their sound.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Thanks, JANIE.
DeleteAny reason is reason enuf (as long as you cranked it up to eleven).
~ D-FensDogG
You're right. This is a very difficult choice. Both versions are outstanding.
ReplyDeleteAS a rule my preference between these two acts would lean toward Roger Daltrey and the Who over Steve Tyler and Aerosmith. I've never been overwhelmingly a fan of Aerosmith though I do like their music. On the other hand I own many of the recordings by the Who and its members.
For this song I'm going to go with rougher edged Aerosmith version. Roger Daltrey's version is just about perfect which is part of the problem on this song. I was almost expecting him to break into the Who's "Eminence Front". The percussion doesn't let up and the sax wails and everything is really cool about Daltrey's version.
The Aerosmith version rocks all the way through and there are some nifty guitar tricks to add to the fun. I especially liked that flute sound or whatever it was adding the butterfly effect--that was cool.
Put me down for Aerosmith on this one. Good match.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Thanks, LEE.
DeleteI used to own LPs by BOTH Aerosmith and The Who.
Today, I own nuttin' by either one of 'em. (Although I would like to get a CD of the 'WHO'S NEXT' album.)
Yep... tastes change. (Well, mine did, anyway.)
~ D-FensDogG
I like both artists you pitted together. I was sure I was going to vote for Aerosmith whose version was better known to me. It's great muddy, classic, hard rock. However, I am voting for Roger Daltrey with his cleaner different version. Based on the strength of his vocals alone.
ReplyDeleteOK, thanks for checking in with your vote, MIKE.
DeleteBOTB is fun, isn't it? Sometimes we end up surprised by our own votes.
~ D-FensDogG
Bloody hell Stephen, this ain't gonna be easy.
ReplyDeleteLet's deal with Daltrey first. The man can sing, really sing and he's got range. So there's his fabulous voice to consider. The song opens with percussion, which grabs me immediately and then there are the horns. I'm a real sucker for horns and the horns give the song that R&B sound I dig.
Now onto Aerosmith. I'm fairly attached to this particular album and everything they did through Rocks. Saw them in concert a couple of times before they went to rehab and became sanctimonious twats and it was good every time. Their version is great, basic blues rock, with Tylers gritty vocals, big chunky guitar riffs and I dig that. Also Joey Kramer lays down a couple of really tasty fills. I've heard them play this live and it's better than what is on this recording. They absolutely rock this song live. Kramer does a killer drum intro into it and Tyler gives it all he has.
If I set aside my emotional attachment to Aerosmith's first album and my memories of the live performance, I have to vote for Daltrey's version. The song has a better groove. Deep, slow and sexy. Daltrey's vocals are spot on and that band he has behind him is first rate. Fabulous rhythm section. The horns also are a big factor in my decision. Just can't get past what they do for the song.
That's my vote, it wasn't easy, but there it is. And I managed to put aside the fact that Daltrey is dead sexy. That had no impact on my vote whatsoever. I swear it.
ANNE O' ~
Delete>>... "the fact that Daltrey is dead sexy. That had no impact on my vote whatsoever. I swear it."
Yeah, yeah. A likely story. Tell it to the judge!
[:-)}
Well, on your own blog you wrote the following to me:
>>..."I'll swing by tomorrow to see what you've got up for us. I hope it's a really tough one to vote on."
I'm glad I was able to meet the request.
As always, excellent music analysis, Anne.
>>... "I'm fairly attached to this particular album and everything they did through Rocks."
I found that an interesting remark because, back in the day, I felt the same way. Aerosmith was one of my very favorite bands, up through the album 'ROCKS'.
I loved their first two albums! 'TOYS IN THE ATTIC' I liked and played a lot, but not as much as the first two. Then came 'ROCKS', which was a very, very popular album with kids in the high school that I went to.
I played 'ROCKS' a lot, too, but I didn't like it nearly as much as the first three.
I asked for and got 'DRAW THE LINE' for Christmas in 1977. And at that point, I began to feel that Aerosmith was starting to sound more like "noise" than "music" to me. And that was the last of their albums I ever owned.
I could see that after the first two LPs (which I liked equally well), I was enjoying Aerosmith's music less and less with each subsequent album. So, 'DRAW THE LINE' was where I drew the line.
~ D-FensDogG
I owned Draw The Line at some point, hated it and never bought another on of their albums. And when their stuff came on the radio after that, I switched the dial.
DeleteNow my relationship with The Who is kind of complex. I liked a lot of what they did, but not all of it. I despise Townsend as a person. He was so pretentious and egotistical, it made me ill. I wasn't keen on the whole "let's break up our instruments to show art is disposable" malarkey line either. But then there was Keith Moon's drums and I had to listen. I mean, it was crazy, it looked like he was just randomly hitting the heads because he moved like a mad man, and his technique was all over the place. But God, he was good. And then there was Entwistle on bass. One of the most under appreciated bass players in my opinion. And Daltrey. I'll admit it, if it wasn't for the way that man looked I may not have stuck with the band for so many years. Most rock stars are bone ugly, so on the rare occasion God spits out a looker and slaps him on a stage, I take the time to appreciate that fact.
Anyway, I looked through the comments and this is shaping up to be a good one. I'm very interested to find out which way you went and why.
This is the only time I've tried to guess which one you picked. I'll let you know if I guessed right or not when you give us your vote.
ANNE O' ~
DeleteYeah, I'll be curious to see if you guessed my vote correctly. I finally decided on it but, damn, it wasn't easy. I could have voted either way, really, because I think BOTH versions have plenty to like about 'em.
That's funny our reaction to Aerosmith was identical. The only "song" I vaguely remember from the 'Draw The Line' album was called... "Kings" something. Was it 'Kings And Queens'? Anyway, I know it contained the word "King" or "Kings".
Was the album named after a song on it, 'Draw The Line'? I can't even remember if there was a title track. That goes to show how "memorable" I thought the album was. There wasn't much in the way of melody or hooks - it sounded primarily like "racket" to me. And that was at a time when I loved Hard Rock - fast songs and loud guitars. But Aerosmith lost whatever it was that I was attracted to for the first (primarily 3) albums.
I have some stuffs to say about my view of The Who, too, but I'm saving it for my final comment where I vote and announce the winner... whoever it turns out to be.
But, yeah, Keith Moon... behind the drum kit, the guy was a loon, like a madman on the Moon. He's the only drummer I can think of whom I felt really "overplayed" (filled too much musical space, hitting something all the time) and yet I really liked/like his playing. It was like an aural assault, but it fit the band.
And Townshend... I don't know every detail of the story, but from what I've read, I feel he got away with that "child porn" bit. Someday I may look into it further, but his supposed excuse about doing "research" just... Well,... read my mind.
~ D-FensDogG
The only memorable thing about Draw the Line for me was the album cover as I liked the line drawings of the band on it. I had to go to Wikipedia to find the song list. Ya, it had a song King and Queens on it.
DeleteMoon was doing two things on the drums. His fills were shadowing Daltrey's lyrics. If you look closely at him, he's singing the whole time he plays. And Daltrey confirmed in an interview that's what Moon was doing-playing the lyrics. The other thing he's doing, is playing drum corp stuff. Which is why it's so "busy".
I can't imagine that you're a massive fan of The Who, but there might be a few songs of theirs you dig. My favourite Who album is Live at Leeds. It's one that has and always will be in my collection. Looking forward to your analysis of them.
ANNE O' ~
DeleteThat's interesting about Moon. You have an insight into that which I don't have, not being a musician myself.
I like Moon's busyness. What he was doing definitely appealed to me.
The "busy" drummer I never could tolerate was Mitch Mitchell. I wasn't going to like most of Jimi Hendrix's songs anyway, but Mitchell could very nearly ruin even some of those few I DID like. That guy never heard a space he didn't want to fill with a slam or a bang.
'LIVE AT LEEDS' - I know I've heard some tracks from it. I never owned it though. I'll have to go to Spotify and give it a listen.
~ D-FensDogG
I totally get your internal debate on this one. You sure did pick another tough one. (Good job, by the way!) On first listen I thought I liked Aerosmith better. On second listen I realized that Roger Daltrey's instrumentation was much more interesting. More percussive and I believe that is a sax he's got tearing up the instrumental breaks (but I'm not great at instrument identification). However, Aerosmith (as usual) relies heavily on guitars. On the plus side for Aerosmith, I like what they do vocally with the song. That's what makes it a tough contest.
ReplyDeleteAh well, give this one to Roger Daltrey.. He's no slouch with the vocals, and I like his arrangement.
GIRL WONDER ~
DeleteYes, M'Dear. That's a tenor sax wailing away on the Roger Daltrey version.
Nice analysis! And thanks for the compliment, too!
For me, it was also my second listen - when Daltrey's version really took hold of my mind - and all my troubles began. Ha! [:-)}
~ D-FensDogG
Oh it's Aerosmith all the way for me! I grew up on that version and I pretty much knew before I even listened to Daltrey that I was going to vote Aerosmith. But I did listen to Daltrey's version and it's good for sure but Aerosmith rules this one, in my opinion...
ReplyDeleteMichele at Angels Bark
I had your vote correctly guessed, MICHELE.
Delete~ D-FensDogG
When I saw your blog title: "AEROSMITH VS ROGER DALTREY" - this was not the song I expected to see displayed. Thanks for the official lyrics. Over the years I'm sure I've deleted and/or added something different. There's only one Aerosmith song I ever liked. Don't ask - it'd make you laugh. However, for Roger Daltrey, I'd give up my favorite teddy bears bedroom shoes, three poker nights, and every mason jar I own. Tough love on my part but I think he's worth it! Ha! (Wait! Maybe only half of my mason jars.)
ReplyDeleteAreosmith is nice and tight on the vocals and stuff. That's nice. But with Daltrey I can visualize him walking THAT dog. Okay - so my vote goes to Roger.
DIXIE POLKA ~
DeleteYour favorite teddy bear, too? Wow! Poor Ted!
OK, so you know I gotta know:
What's the one Aerosmith song you like.
You gotta tell me now! You can't dangle a carrot like that and then not give it to me.
~ D-FensDogG
Well, it's been 2 beers and 3 listens apiece and we're both still having trouble.
ReplyDeleteI think Brandon's settled on Aerosmith. He just likes their rock sound a lot more, which they absolutely nail. As for me, I can't pick between that sweet rock sound or Roger Daltrey's killer vocals. In fact, I'm gonna do something I usually don't do. I'm gonna sit on this for a day, listen to them again tomorrow, and then try to decide.
In the meanwhile, did you guess Brandon's right? And what did you think mine would be?
~6B
6-B ~
DeleteI won't say until YOU do.
~ D-FensDogG
OK, I'll tell you this much: I guessed right on Brandon.
DeleteNow then, did I guess right on you, too? And, on this song, did I guess that you and Brandon would agree or disagree? We shall see.
~ D-FensDogG
Alright, so after another listen (and another beer, of course) I find myself leaning toward Roger. Which I'm sure doesn't surprise you. So, what made you think I'd pick Roger and disagree with my usually agreeable comrade?
Delete~6B
I knew it because I'm a genius. And I know I'm a genius because Andrew Leon proved I am. I mean, if you can beat a guy THAT brilliant in an argument, you must be a genius. (And Andy makes it clear often that he believes he's brilliant.)
Delete~ D-FensDogG
POSTSCRIPT:
Delete6-B, I forgotted to give you my record on guesses in this round of BOTB.
The following people voted differently from how I guessed they would:
CHERDO (She voted Daltrey.)
FARAWAYEYES (Voted Aerosmith.)
MIKE SPAIN (Voted Daltrey. In retrospect I realize I really should have guessed his vote correctly. I overlooked some things.)
The following votes I guessed correctly:
ANNE O'LEARY (Voted Daltrey.)
ROBIN (Voted Daltrey.)
MICHELE TRUHLIK (Voted Aerosmith.)
BRANDON (Aerosmith)
YOU (Daltrey)
SHEBOYGANBOY 6 (Daltrey)
It was a pleasant surprise to find GEM JULIE's (Empty Nest Insider's) vote. I wasn't expecting her, but if I had been, I'd have correctly guessed her Daltrey vote.
I predict JOHN HOLTON and JUDGE AL BONDIGAS will also vote for Daltrey. If they do, then I will have gotten 9 right and 3 wrong. Not too bad at all.
~ D-FensDogG
ALL Y'ALL ~
ReplyDeleteI'll be back when I can with personal replies to all y'all. But for now, I only have time for a fast, general comment:
Normally, I do NOT count up votes until the end. But because this Battle is so hard for me to decide my own vote on, and because it seemed very close after just these first 9 votes, I decided to do a quick count.
I think ROGER DALTREY is leading AEROSMITH 5 votes to 4 at this point. Hellck! That's close! This is the ONE TIME I really hope I don't have to decide the winner with the tie-breaking vote of my own. I don't want to be responsible for declaring the winner THIS TIME.
I'm counting on YOU to decide the winner, so I can cast a mostly insignificant vote at the end.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
I vote the Rolling Stones. Ok, ok, I know they're not in the running, but I actually do like their version the best, It's raw and brutal. That seems the way this song should be played. So, net up with the raw and brutal those 'Stones' wannabes, Aerosmith. Give them my vote. Daltrey's version was too pretty for this tune, or maybe that's just me today.
ReplyDeleteSorry, M'Dear, but I posted the two best versions of 'WALKING THE DOG' right here. I did consider putting The Rolling Stones cover up against Aerosmith, but I didn't because I knew they'd get creamed and cleaned.
DeleteObviously it wouldn't have been a shutout though, because you would have voted "Stones". But I think THIS Battle is a lot closer than an Aerosmith / Stones Battle would have been.
Then again, I could be wrong. It happened once before, ya know?
~ D-FensDogG
Brother, I usually buy American (ha ha) and it doesn't take much to pull an Aerosmith vote from me...just about any tune will do it.
ReplyDeleteI'm a pretty big fan of The Who, too, so it looks like it might be a dead heat....
BUT...
Ain't my man, Roger, sassypants in his snappy, soulful cover of this song? Can't ya just sway with the man? HOW COULD WE NOT VOTE FOR HIM?
You made my job easy: A VOTE FOR DALTREY!!
"Sassypants" Daltrey. Ha!
DeleteYeah, I "Buy American" too, when I can. But if I can't find something Made In The U.S.A., I buy "Hecho En Mexico", because at this point, what's the difference? We're just Mexico North now.
An "easy" vote for Daltrey? Wow! My vote didn't come easily at all. I had to get pliers and pull it from my mouth.
~ D-FensDogG
OK I vote for Aerosmith because I like the heavy rock sound better for this song. There was something I found a little annoying about Dalty's version which is strange for me to say but I wouldn't want to keep listening to it. Aerosmith gets my vote:)
ReplyDeleteThanks, BIRGIT. Sounds like your vote was an "easy" one also. Except you voted easily for Aerosmith while Cherdo voted easily for Daltrey.
DeleteAnd the two continue to run neck-and-neck, regardless of how easily or difficult the votes get cast.
~ D-FensDogG
Wow, dude-you almost went mainstream on this one...
ReplyDeleteI'd forgotten about the Daltrey version of this one-almost never drag those solo CD's off the shelf (begs the question why I bought 'em), but as I type this his is playing again, and while I like what he did with it, I'm kinda partial to Aerosmith's version (although I am digging the sax solo right now).
A vote for Aerosmith...
LC
LC ~
DeleteThat's funny. I've never really thought of my BOTB blog bits as "non-mainstream", but looking back I see that most of them kind of have been.
I guess I was mainstream when I put the Kinks and Van Halen against each other on 'You Really Got Me', and again when I put the Zombies and Santana against each other on 'She's Not There'.
But for the most part, my songs come from more obscure sources and/or performers. My BOTBs certainly aren't "typical" Rock or Pop songs from the last 20 or so years.
I enjoy a lot of different kinds of music - much of it pretty old - so I guess I have a lot of different stuffs to select from in my Bag of Musical Tricks.
~ D-FensDogG
Nothing wrong with not being mainstream.
DeleteHeck, my tastes, although mostly rock and pop, are far from mainstream!
But Aerosmith in particular surprised me!
MMMmmmm... I would say your tastes are mostly Rock and Pop, but very much across the board - both mainstream and non-mainstream. You like almost - almost - ALL of it. The size of your CD collection alone testifies to this.
Delete~ D-FensDogG
This is indeed an excellent BoTB! I like both versions, but unlike you I have a clear favorite.
ReplyDeleteThere is SO much more going on musically with the Daltrey version than the Aerosmith rendition. The sax, the background singers, the relentless steady groove... it seems MUCH more like "walkin' the dog" than the hard driving and raw version by Tyler and da boys. Not that there is anything wrong with raw. It is a great version, but ultimately seems like a thousand other raw metal-ish rock songs. Daltrey's is really unique, so it gets my vote.
I took the time to go find a live version also, and Daltrey does it just as well or better live, with his great voice, open vest, and mic-swinging in-place march that he does.
He was better with The Who, but he was not bad by himself, either.
So, now you are on the horns of a dilemma. Lee voted one way and I voted the other! You GOTTA agree with one of us!
SHEBOYGANBROTHER SIX ~
DeleteYou're entirely right that there is so much more going on musically in the Daltrey cover. However, I would disagree with the statement that the Aerosmith version "ultimately seems like a thousand other raw metal-ish rock songs".
If that were true, I wouldn't like it the way I do. I'm not a fan of Metal, and don't even enjoy very many "Hard Rock" songs anymore, either. (When I was a teenager, Hard Rock and Heavy Metal were terms used almost interchangeably. But Metal is so harsh and one-dimensional today that I differentiate between the two.)
Bands I used to love as a teenager, I can't even listen to anymore. Thin Lizzy was a huge favorite for me. Today, about the only album I still think has one or two good Hard Rock songs on it is 'Bad Reputation' - starting with the title track.
Most of Deep Purple's stuffs I can't listen to now. (But a few of their songs still rock 'n' roar for me.) I still think the Golden Earring album 'Grab It For A Second' is overall great - one of the most underrated Hard Rock albums of all time, without a single hit song on it.
So, for me to STILL, to this day, really dig a "Hard Rock" song, it has to have something special going for it. And I contend that the Aerosmith version of 'Walkin' The Dog' does indeed have something special happening there. Perhaps give it a few more listens, because there is a "there" there, which makes it much more than a standard Hard Rock or Heavy Metal song.
You're also right that I have a dilemma. I MUST agree with you... or Lee. Oooh, don't I hate it when that happens? Ha! (Kiddin'.)
~ D-FensDogG
Who's on first? Roger Daltrey gets my vote in this toe-tapping, tail wagging little ditty. Fun battle Stevereno!
ReplyDeleteJulie
GEM JULIE ~
DeleteYou're back! Alright! I missed you, I really did.
Thanks for announcing your return and for stopping by with a vote on my BOTB.
Aerosmith and Roger Daltrey, still standing toe-to-toe and slugging it out in the middle of the ring. What a boxing match!
~ D-FensDogG
This one is a tough one! I really enjoyed both of them.. but if I were to muster up a vote.... I would give it to Roger Daltrey. I just sounded a little bit more fun! (but it was really close!)
ReplyDeleteMARY ~
DeleteI'm glad you had trouble with it. That's the sign of a good BOTB match-up.
And I agree, the Daltrey version DOES sound more "FUN", actually.
~ D-FensDogG
AEROSMITH gets my vote. Didn't like the other version.
ReplyDeleteYOLANDA ~
DeleteHey, thanks a godzillion for stopping by to vote. You are welcome here ANYTIME!
Have I ever told you how much I love your name? I had a big crush on a Mexican gal named Yolanda when I was in 5th grade, and Renee has a touch of - I dunno - European class(?) to it. Is it pronounced "Re-nAy"?
Anyway, great combination of names, and the 5 syllables with the pronunciation accents give it a "snap".
~ D-FensDogG
I had to listen to both versions twice. I agree, it was tricky to decide on a winner. And I also went back and forth for a time or to. Finally, I decided to cast my vote for Aerosmith. I feel more like rocking out to that song. So that's my vote and my reason.
ReplyDeleteJEFFREY ~
Delete"Rocking out" is as good a reason to vote for a song as any. Thanks for your input.
I finally decided how I'm voting, but it literally took me about 2 weeks. Yikes!
~ D-FensDogG
Hiya Stephen! Okay, I went into this contest thinking one thing and changed my mind. Aerosmith's song was a bit boring sounding and Roger Daltrey's version snappy. Can you guess who gets my vote? Why that's right, Roger Daltrey. Thanks for introducing an old song that somehow slipped my ear. :)
ReplyDeleteHiYa, CATHY ~
DeleteThanks for your vote.
Just when it looked like Aerosmith was going to take a lead that would put Daltrey away, finally, you give Roger a boost.
And I can think of two voters who haven't gotten here yet, and I suspect both of them will vote Daltrey.
This damned thing really MIGHT get decided by my vote. And if so, this'll be the first time ever that I DIDN'T want that to happen.
~ D-FensDogG
Al Bondigas here. There are some things I like better about Aerosmith's version and some things I like better about Daltrey's. I guess, maybe, just slightly, in a too close to put a thread through it, I go with Aerosmith. Remember when I used to love Aerosmith? Practically all the hard rock bands that we loved in our youth, I hardly ever listen to anymore. Once in a while I will turn on the classic rock station in my car, but, I rarely finish the song. Anyway, that's it!! That's my rulin'.
ReplyDeleteColor me "Shocked Out Of My Gourd", JUDGE AL!
DeleteI remember you telling me several times that you never really loved the Hard Rock / Heavy Metal we all listened to back then. But you thought you were "supposed" to like it, so you kinda went along with the crowd on that one.
I thought FOR SURE you would vote Daltrey. With the horns, the background singing, and an interpolation of "Chantilly Lace" into the middle, it seemed like far more "Al Bondigas" to me than Aerosmith does, but...
If that's yer rulin', that's yer rulin'. Who am I to question it? I'm just a reporter for the the Frostbite Falls 'Picayune Intelligence' newspaper.
~ D-FensDogG
Come to think of it, I think I will have that beer.
DeleteHA!-HA!-HA!-HA!-HA!-HA!-HA!-HA!
DeleteThe ONLY other person who could "get" that one is SHEBOYGANBOY SIX.
~ D-FensDogG
When I mentioned the hard rock bands we used to love, I was speaking of us collectively. yes, you are right, I never really cared too much for the real hard stuff, ( except "Old Harpers" of course ), just went along cause I thought I had to.
Delete"Old Harper - hard stuff" is the best hard stuffs there is. So, it'z all goooood.
Delete~ D-FensDogG
Roger Daltry gets my vote. I don't care for Aerosmith . . .And Daltry seems closer to the original, which I remember. I grew up in the south, and that song was popular at dances. . .sorry I've missed a few BOTBs but moving is never easy. . .
ReplyDeleteD.G. ~
DeleteFirst of all, welcome back! Glad to see you again. I know you've had a whole lot on your plate, but even so, I began to wonder if I had inadvertently offended in some way. Glad to know I didn't.
You're right, the Daltrey version is closer to the Rufus Thomas original. Of course, he added a lot of touches to it, but tempo-wise and style-wise it's closer than is the Aerosmith cover.
I'm as pleased as Spiked Punch to know you've got the move done and things have smoothed out enough that you can find time to vote again. I've always, Always appreciated your support of BOTB.
~ D-FensDogG
Part 1 Of 2:
ReplyDeleteSTMcC’s Vote On '2015, Sept. 1st: Battle Of The Bands'
(Or, 'Aerosmith Vs. Roger Daltrey')
And The Final Tally:
This was the second hardest 'Battle Of The Bands' vote I ever had to cast. And here's how this BOTB contest came together:
When I was a teenager - circa 1975 - I purchased that debut album by Aerosmith, based on the song 'Dream On', which had become a hit when re-released as a single. I played the (aero)shit outta that album. I loved it in its entirety then, but my favorite songs on it were 'WALKIN' THE DOG' and the hit 'Dream On'.
I purchased more Aerosmith albums and played 'em to death. The last one I ever obtained was 'Draw The Line'... and that's where I drew the line with Aerosmith.
At the end of my love affair with that band, my two favorite songs were covers: 'Walkin' The Dog' and 'TRAIN KEPT A-ROLLIN''. Remember that, you'll need it later.
I knew that 'Walkin' The Dog' was a cover and that the song had been recorded by a number of bands. When I decided to use it in BOTB, I went looking for a contender. I played the original and thought: He'll get clobbered by Aerosmith in BOTB. I played a cover: They'll get killed by Aerosmith in BOTB. Another: They'll get clobbered. The Rolling Stones: They'll get killed. And on and on it went: clobbered, killed, clobbered, killed, clobbered...
I was just about to give up on the idea of using Aerosmith's version of 'Walkin' The Dog' in BOTB when I came across the Roger Daltrey cover. I hadn't played it earlier because I've never been a fan of The Who. (The 'WHO'S NEXT' album is an absolute Rock classic - which I need to re-purchase in the CD format - and 'Love, Reign O'er Me' is a great song, but otherwise, I don't really like anything by The Who, not 'Quadrophenia', not 'Tommy', not nuttin'.)
Just before I gave up on the idea of using Aerosmith's 'Walkin' The Dog', I gave one last shot at finding a contender, and I clicked on Roger Daltrey's version. After one listen I thought: Damn! That's pretty damned good! After the second listen, I knew I would use it in this BOTB blog bit. After the third listen, I wasn't sure who I would vote for in my own Battle!
I went back and forth, back and forth, totally undecided and changing my mind with almost every listen to each version.
Continued Below...
Part 2 Of 2:
DeleteWithout a shred o' doubt, the Roger Daltrey cover is musically superior, with that wildly enthusiastic vocal performance, that wailing saxophone, the background singers, and the interpolation of "Chantilly Lace" in the middle. [Some of you might remember that in the text of my previous BOTB installment, I wrote this: "I LOVE the song 'Chantilly Lace' by The Big Bopper, which reminds me of this sweet girl, Lisa, whom I had it bad for...".]
But our love of music isn't always about what's "musically best". If it were, Classical and Jazz would rule the airwaves and there'd be no T. Rex, Shocking Blue, or Clash.
I am a total sucker for that "chicken-scratch" rhythm guitar effect. You can drop that into any song and chalk me up as a fan for life. You can hear it in the Aerosmith cover at 1:10, 1:40, and 2:54. The Aerosmith cover is funky, chunky, and badass!
In the end, I had to resort to a trick I've used in the past to decide my votes. I ask myself this question: "If God said you could hear only one of these two recordings for the rest of your life, which one would it be?" Immediately, I knew how my vote must go...
What ultimately wins me over and demands my vote is that "chicken-scratch" rhythm guitar in the cover by AEROSMITH.
FUN FACT: Just in the last week I learned that the great guitar workout in my other favorite Aerosmith song, 'Train Kept A-Rollin'', was not actually performed by Aerosmith's guitarist Joe Perry. In fact, it was a duo guitar lead by Steve Hunter and Dick Wagner. And since that song was recorded AFTER 'Walkin' The Dog', now I'm wondering (and doubting) if Joe Perry was responsible for the "chicken-scratch" rhythm on 'Walkin'...'.
(I saw a live recording of Aerosmith doing 'Train...' on the 'Midnight Special' TV concert show in 1974, and Joe Perry was terrible. Steven Tyler wasn't a whole lot better. Compare Perry's playing on that to the guitars on the 'Get Your Wings' studio recording and see what I mean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EvGn22Mplg /// https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxXI2BPRzaA)
Aerosmith = 12 Votes
Roger Daltrey = 12 Votes
Anyway, this was a battle worthy of the word "BATTLE". It ended in a tie. The 6th BOTB tie I've had. Normally, I don't like ties at all - after all the work of putting together a Battle, responding to voters, and adding up the results, I WANT A "WINNER!"
But this time - for the first time - I'm HAPPY WITH A TIE. This was one contest where I really didn't feel either contestant deserved to lose. I was so torn about casting my own vote that a tie seems totally "right" to me.
I thank everyone who took the time to listen and cast a vote. Love yaz all, and I hope to see you here again on September 15th for my next Battle (which I think will also be a tight race).
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
Looks like we agreed on this one for essentially the same reasons--I didn't call it "chicken-scratch rhythm", but I did note the "nifty guitar tricks". I'm a sucker for neato little techniques like that.
DeleteBoth versions were excellent and a win either way would have been appropriate so a tie seems like the best way to go on a contest like this one.
Good Battle!
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
A tie? Holy shit, Stephen! I agree that Roger Daltrey's version is musically superior but I also enjoyed the Aerosmith rendition. I have to say though, that I didn't recognize Steven Tyler's voice. It must have changed some over the years. Another great battle! You are such a pro at these, D-FensDogG. ☺
DeleteLEE ~
DeleteThanks! Yeah, I think this was one of the best Battles I've conceived, and so a TIE seems completely as it ought to be, to me. Ordinarily, my favorite Battles are those that end in a 1-vote margin of victory for the winner. But this time, a TIE seems perfect.
DEBBIE ~
Thank you very much for the compliment! Well, I've certainly learned a few things since putting together my first few BOTB contests. I can still have a runaway blowout from time to time, but with 6 ties and 0 shutouts in my record, I guess I've got a pretty decent handle on what makes for a good BOTB match-up.
Yeah, I think Steven sang more in the early days, and screeched and screamed more as time went on. That's why the "noisy" 'DRAW THE LINE' was the last Aerosmith album I ever owned. I didn't like the direction the band was going in.
~ D-FensDogG
Unfortunately, I think that you have been influenced by a devilish suggestion and hence your vote was WRONG!
DeleteYou said: "I ask myself this question: "If God said you could hear only one of these two recordings for the rest of your life, which one would it be?" Immediately, I knew how my vote must go..."
But, YOU KNOW that a wise and loving God would never force you into such a hateful position as only being able to listen to one of those the rest of your life! The question is a red herring, and therefore: you SHOULD have considered your own comment "Without a shred o' doubt, the Roger Daltrey cover is musically superior" with more weight.
You see now, surely, that "the devil made you do it?"
Ha! Nice work.
DeleteBut I got news for ya... If I had not posed that question and scenario to myself, I probably would NEVER have been able to decide, and might really (REALLY!) have declined to vote on my own BOTB for the very first time. Just as I threatened to do in an E to you.
Also... the most fun I've ever had in life was when I did stuffs that the devil made - or at least suggested - I do.
Rock 'N' Roll is fun, thus, the devil made it to begin with. And I'm glad Beelzebub helped me with my vote.
~ D-FensDogG
~ D-FensDogG,
ReplyDeleteI figured Aerosmith would pass Daltrey by 2-3 votes. Surprised me. Great battle! Yes, I agree, you're quite the professional at this.
It almost bothers me to not have affection for Tyler and the guys. I listen to the 'Midnight Special' versus the studio performance. The studio was levels above the MS. Then again, I was also grateful it had no visuals. (Sheesh)
Looking forward to your next battle when we learn the secrets to Jazz... is that right?
dp
DIXIE POLKA ~
DeleteIf I'm a BOTB "professional", where's the money? Show me the money! [;-)}
Nah, seriously, thanks for the kind words.
Yeah, no comparison between the studio and live recordings. When I listened and watched Joe Perry live in that Midnight Special performance, I was stunned by how poorly he played. My first thought was: Wow! They sure do know how to "fix stuff up" in the studio.
Then right after that I discovered that it wasn't Joe Perry playing on the studio recording at all, and suddenly his amateurish performance made sense.
Ha! The Secrets to Jazz? I don't think so. (I'd need to learn 'em myself first.) But I'm excited about this next one because I think it has all the elements for the making of a great Battle: Instrumental Vs. Vocal, Male Vs. Female - two very different approaches to the same song by two BIG NAMES in Jazz. And I think BOTH recordings are truly excellent.
If that doesn't have the potential for an epic BOTB contest, I don't know what would.
~ D-FensDogG
Yeah Man, you're right about how close the competition is. I listened to both twice, and compared, and danged if I don't like them both.
ReplyDeleteBut a vote MUST be cast, so I'm going with Aerosmith simply because Duh, hair band! Heavier metal! I can pretend I'm a girl again, living the groupie fantasy.
Ah to be young, and less round, lol.
For me it's:
DeleteAh, to be young and less gray
With a better job and more pay
And the Grim Reaper on his way
To save, to save, to save the day
Well, my friend Pooh, who drove up here to visit me (first friend I've seen in nearly 6 months) said that if he could have, he would have voted for Roger Daltrey.
So, a tie it remains, now and forever.
~ D-FensDogG
You said this one would be close and you were right. I wasn't expecting a tie though. You called my vote right and as for my guess about how you would vote?
ReplyDeleteI was right! Since you were so undecided on these, in the final analysis I figured you would go with the American band. I understand your rationale and will often go the same way. Sometimes what is "musically superior" isn't always the song one wants to listen to the most. You'll see me vote that way as well.
I don't think the single performance on that show Midnight Special represents how Aerosmith performs live. I've seen them several times and they sounded better than on the albums. You can't judge a bands ability to play live unless you are actually there and see them more than once. Every band has a bad night and to be judged on one bad night isn't right. Especially not when a performance is recorded on a crap tv show. Perry is a solid rhythm guitar player and I wouldn't call him a slouch. He's got experience and knows what he's doing.
Anyway, this was a really good one and I enjoyed it a great deal.. I'm very much looking forward to the next one. Hopefully it will be one I have to think about as that's more fun.
See you next time!
ANNE O' ~
DeleteThanks for checkin' in for the results. And I'm pleased as Spiked Punch that you enjoyed this BOTB installment so much. I did too!
>>...Since you were so undecided on these, in the final analysis I figured you would go with the American band.
Oh, no! You guessed my vote right, but apparently for the wrong reason. I'm not at all provincial nor a Country Homer. To quote Pike Bishop: "I SHARE VERY FEW SENTIMENTS WITH MY GOVERNMENT". (If you don't get that reference, I urge you to look it up and then see [if you haven't already] the movie it comes from. One of my Top Ten favorite movies of all time.)
I am so disgusted with the USA that in contests against other countries, more times than not I root for the "other" country. So, in a Rock 'N' Roll contest in which I'm undecided, the origin of the performers would never, ever enter into my thinking.
Aside from that, I never really think of Aerosmith as an American band. Their early look and style (in the years that I was a fan) was so obviously influenced by The Rolling Stones that I've frequently forgotten they were an American band. Someone will say that and I'll think: Aerosmith? American? ...Oh, yeah, that's right. They were from Boston.
I think you may have misunderstood what I was saying in one place. Maybe I wasn't being clear.
By no means was I implying that Aerosmith was a poor concert act. I never saw them live, but I know a number of people who did and who say they put on a helluva show. I can believe it.
I was referring strictly, solely, and only to THAT performance on The Midnight Special, and noting that it took place in 1974, just one year after Aerosmith's debut album. They were a young band then, and no doubt they got better and better after years and decades of performing. Apparently they developed into a really good live act, and I have no doubt that Joe Perry got a whole lot better than he was in 1974.
But, based on that performance on The Midnight Special, it's obvious to me that at that stage in their career, Aerosmith was not flying like an arrow.
Tyler was OK, but his vocals had been helped out with some knob-turning studio tricks.
And Joe Perry was not a guitarist just having a bad night. It's apparent to me that he was not yet a musician who had mastered his instrument. His playing is totally rudimentary, raw, and sweating (as in "you can almost see him sweating as he works to form some chords and hit certain notes, all in a very choppy, non-fluid, lacking-"musicality"-way). It was as if he had been playing in his parent's garage just the night before.
My guitar-dabbling Brother-In-Law could outplay the 1974 Joe Perry. In a "head-cutting" contest, my friend "Fuckin' Lelly" Rosen, and the non-professional guitarist in my friend Twinkie's band, would absolutely bury the 1974 Perry.
All I was really saying is that from what I see in that performance, in 1974, Aerosmith was not yet (YET) a band ready to walk into the spotlight on a nationally broadcasted TV concert program.
And based on what I see in that performance, I have my doubts that Perry really played all the guitar in 'Walkin' The Dog', which was actually recorded a year earlier. I could be mistaken, but color me "Speculatingly Suspicious" (especially considering that Perry wasn't able to even closely copy what Hunter and Wagner had played on Aerosmith's studio version of 'Train Kept A-Rollin'').
As for my next BOTB, I think it should be fairly competitive - for sure NO SHUTOUT, as both performers will receive votes - but I think you and I will vote alike (as we often seem to). We'll see...
And then I have some very unique things planned for the October Battles - two things that have never been done before in BOTB. After all, October is the month "when all the monsters come out".
I appreciate your support of BOTB.
~ D-FensDogG
Happy Tie To You! LOL
ReplyDeleteI know I been had missed the deadline but we discussed this any way any how. I vote for Roger Daltry because 1. He reminds me of Doug; 2. I think the Aerosmith version was fine for stripped down blues rock from guys from Bahstun but though the Daltry version had more musicality and more layers of music from the clapping to the sax it just had more umph! Although Roger didn't stick to the lyrics it was still interesting nonetheless. - Still haven't figured out how to sign in..Jane get me off this crazy thing! Or, as Seamus would say Maura get me off dis crazy ting. JW,
ReplyDeletePooh
...AND POOH, That's Not All...
Delete"Why he wanna do that for, anyhow, anyway, what for? - ah'd-no."
Well, looks to me like you signed in just fine. That's exactly the way Nappy (Judge Al Bondigas) signs in to vote, too. He appears as "Anonymous", but I always know it's him because the Judge always gives his "rulin'."
Very good analysis. (And you thought you'd not know what to say about 'em.) And I fully agree: The Roger Daltrey version is better music. But I prefer the Aerosmith version... just because of the "chicken-scratch".
Now... will you sign in again and vote on my September 15th BOTB blog bit? We shall see. All I can tell you is... it won't be Rock 'N' Roll.
"Put the ting on the ting." Ha!
Love Ya, Man (JW!-JW!)
~ D-FensDogG