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...
BATTLE OF THE BANDS! (‘BOTB’)
As you no doubt already know, FarAwayEyes - the very first BOTBer - has dropped out of our BOTB blogfest. I'm sad. Sad I am.
For those newbies who might not know the story, BOTB started [link:] on FAE's blog on July 10, 2013. Right [link:] HERE! The song was 'SUMMERTIME' and the contestants were Nina Simone and the band Muse. (Nina won in a blowout. ...Just like Donald Trump's gonna do.)
Back then, FAE had a regular blog posting schedule, and she was just looking for something she could toss up on her blog to satisfy her Wednesday blog bit demand. She quickly threw together this "Battle Of The Bands" idea which she figured was a "one and done" thing. BUT!...
I had other ideas.
I thought the concept was so much fun and had so much potential that I urged FAE to make it a semi-regular feature on her blog. When she didn't agree fast enough, I told her I was going to steal the idea and make it a semi-regular feature on MY blog. After a few Email exchanges, I convinced her that it was something we should do together and we ironed out the details - like, which days to post on, which days to close the voting and announce the winners, etc. I created the official BOTB logo for the two of us to use and we were off and runnin'. (FUN FACT: Did you know that the "blue" text in the 'Battle Of The Bands' logo was specifically chosen by me because FAE nearly always posted her blog bits in blue writin'?)
I can tell you honestly that never once did either of us entertain the idea of this being an "open to the public" blogfest. Neither of us ever even mentioned that idea. We just agreed to do it together. BUT!...
Other bloggers enjoyed what we were doing so much that, after 3 official BOTB installments were in the books, folks began asking if they could join us, and that's how this blogfest was born.
BOTBers have come and gone - and now our Founding
So, this Battle is my farewell tribute to my dear friend, FAE. (I still remember the first time I called her "FAE" in one of her comment sections. She sent me an "E" asking what FAE stood for and why I called her that. My reply was protly smart-assed, something along the lines of: Gee, I dunno, FarAwayEyes! What do YOU think it means?)
It cracks me up that she subsequently became known as "FAE" throughout our corner of the Blogosphere. (And contrary to what some people may think, FAE is not my [link:] "lovely wife". But we both got a kick out of Kim's remark!)
Over the course of the 67 BOTBs we participated in, FAE and I did a few fun "themed" Battles. Such as using the same two artists against each other on two different songs on the same date. Or the couple times when we used four different artists on the same song at the same time. And then two weeks later, we had the two winners from our respective Battles face off against each other on that same song to see who, of the four artists, would claim the 'Battle Of The Bands' crown for that particular tune. Those were cool, outside-the-box contests.
OK, this BOTB tribute consists of 3 songs, and the third song, with its two versions, constitutes this BOTB installment, which you are being asked to vote on.
Alright,
let’s get on it...
 |
| FAE's OLD BLOG HEADER (Lake Tahoe, Nevada / California) |
One thing I'll miss with FAE gone is her occasional testimonies for THE Messiah, our Holy King and Savior. (NO!!! Not Barack Obama! I mean our [link:] Surfin' Jesus. But don't tell Barack he's not the savior. That would crush his
 |
| 'SURFIN' JESUS' by Bryan Pedus |
'FAR AWAY EYES' by The Rolling Stones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyK1bZZ7E-s
Alright, all y'all knew FAE as "FAE" (thanks to me). But did you ever know her "real", "official", "authentic" nickname? I gave it to her long before y'all knew her. And believe me, NO NICKNAME is official until I, me, myself give it. Period!
FAE's real nickname is: NITRO WILBURY BABSKIDDO. I ain't a-gonna 'splain it to ya. ("I don't explain if you don't understand." ~Waylon Jennings) But if you've made the "Traveling Wilburys" connection, pat yerself on the back for bein' smarter'n the average bear.
My next tribute song to FAE had a monumental influence upon me deciding what her real, official, authentic nickname should be...
'HANDLE WITH CARE' by The Traveling Wilburys
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8s9dmuAKvU
Now comes my third song tribute - the bestest one - and my official BATTLE OF THE BANDS entry.
In 1974, Bob Dylan released his 14th studio album, titled 'PLANET WAVES'. It was far, Far, FAR from the worst album of all time, but I do think it has probably the ugliest album cover of all time:
'Planet Waves' included (the great!) The Band backing Dylan and featured the song 'You Angel You' (later covered by Manfred Mann's Earth Band), and two versions of 'FOREVER YOUNG' - an uptempo version and a ballad version. So, OBVIOUSLY, this BOTB installment features the two different versions going face-to-face, right?
"WRONG!" (~Waylon Jennings)
I really, Really, REALLY wanted to do a 'Forever Young' BOTB tribute to Nitro Wilbury Babskiddo (or FAE to the rest o' you) but I couldn't find a good cover version to compete. I very nearly gave up the idea and considered just posting the song independently of BOTB, when I suddenly stumbled upon a fabulous cover by Chrissie Hynde & The Pretenders. Apparently their cover was featured in the movie 'Free Willy, Part 2'. OK, I never even saw Part 1 because I didn't know Nelson was ever in prison. Yeah, I knew he'd had some IRS troubles, but prison time? Color me "Stupid Stephen".
Who knew Chrissie could sing so well? Gosh! I always hated The Pretenders. Now, in 2016, I discover what a gift Chrissie had - a seriously super singin' voice - and I think of all that time she wasted singin' shit like 'Brass In Pocket' and 'Back On The Chain Gang' when she could have been recording GREAT songs like 'FOREVER YOUNG' and so many American Standards that have stood the test of time. What a freakin' waste of talent. Yeah, that crap made her rich and famous but..... what a freakin' waste! Damn-it, man! She's got an A-list terrific voice! Who the hellck knew?!
Then my next problem was which Bob Dylan recording to use. I had 3 different YouTube videos to choose from and I agonized over it. Finally, I decided on one, but it was horribly difficult and I even consulted some outside advice. In the end, I went with my own reasons, and we'll see how this turns out. If the voting is close, then when I announce my results, I'll also 'splain my options and the thinking that went into choosing the one I did.
We'll start with THE PRETENDERS because the video includes the lyrics on-screen. Remember, it's about the music, NOT the videos!:
'FOREVER YOUNG' by The Pretenders
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y-ef6l8L2Hk
And now the writer, Bob Dylan, with (the great!) The Band backing him at The Band's final concert: "The Last Waltz" in San Francisco, 1976.
'FOREVER YOUNG' by Bob Dylan & The Band
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P1fSVbBwVX8
FAE / NWB, we'll really miss you at BOTB.
"May you Bless and Be Blessed" ~STMcC
...And "May you stay Forever Young!" ~Bob Dylan
[If any of ya BOTBers want an A-list Tribute like this one posted for ya on my blog, it's really easy to get. ...All ya gotta do is... QUIT ...or share a prison cell with Willie Nelson.]
Alright now, “you know the gig”... I welcome you (whoever you are) to vote for your favorite of these songs in the comment section below. And feel free to tell us WHY you chose one song over the other.
After voting here, I suggest - actually I insist - you pop over to the blogs of the other 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS' participants to see which songs they have chosen and vote there also. (If their ‘BOTB’ blog bits aren’t posted yet, pour yourself two shots of ‘Grand Marnier’ over ice – do it twice – and then return to their blogs to
Voice Your Vote...
@ ‘TOSSING IT OUT’ by clicking HERE.
@ ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ 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.
@ 'JANIE JUNEBUG, RIGHTING & EDITING' by clicking HERE.
@ 'J.A. SCOTT' by clicking HERE.
@ 'QUIET LAUGHTER' by clicking HERE.
@ 'REINVINTAGED' by clicking HERE.
@ 'EVIL POP TART' by clicking HERE.
As I've done in the past, I will continue to return to my 'BOTB' blog bits on the 7th and 21st of each month to post my own votes and announce the winners in the comment sections.
~ Stephen T. McCarthy
I'm gonna miss FAE too (I do like her moniker--and easier to type out).
ReplyDeleteI like Dylen's version, but too bad he couldn't have found a different vocalist. The backing band sounds great--of course.
So on the merit of better vocals and greater listenability I'm going with The Pretenders' version. It's really a close call though as both are quite good.
A vote for The Pretenders.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
For sure, "FAE" was much easier to type than was "Nitro Wilbury Babskiddo". Of course I could have used "NWB" but that would have just been a head-scratcher to everyone (except me).
DeleteYeah, Dylan's voice could sometimes be as harsh as his songwriting was great. Although I don't feel that applies on this recording. (Mostly his earliest stuffs, to my ears. The older he got, the more acceptable his voice became, imo.)
But, you're right. Dylan should have done everything in his power to try persuading Neil Young to sing this song for him.
Oh, no, wait. Young's voice was even worse than Dylan's. He shoulda-coulda maybe enlisted Johnny Mathis' help though. 'Chances Are' Johnny woulda he'ped Dylan out.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
I'm so sorry to see if sweet FAE leave the Battle of the Bands. What a lovely tribute to a good friend.
ReplyDeleteThe Battle of the Bands has always been a fun and interesting blog hop. Of course, people will flock to that sort of thing! A big thank you for starting it all, FAE and Stephen, and for allowing everyone else to jump on the train as it rolled by.
Some of my favorite installations were the tag-teamed themes. Brilliant.
FAE, wherever you are, you can always change your mind. Women do that stuff all the time...you is ah women...hint, hint...
Hugs, best wishes, and a VOTE: LOVE Dylan but I have to go with Akron's finest, CHRISSIE!!!!
DOC CHERDO ~
DeleteThank you for all the kind words!
Yeah, I think for both FAE and I, one of our very favorite BOTB installments was the one where we used 4 different artists on the song 'THE LOOK OF LOVE'. That resulted in what might still be the greatest BOTB comeback ever, with Sergio Mendes And Brazil '66 pulling a victory from the jaws of defeat. It was a blast watching that Battle unfold the way it did.
~ D-FensDogG
It's sad to see a founding member of this blogfest leave. That was a lovely tribute to FAE. Thanks for the back story!
ReplyDeleteChrissie Hynde is one of my favourite female singers and she does a great job here. Not a fan of Bob's vocals, but it's a brilliant song and The Band sounds fantastic. Tough choice! Please give my vote to The Pretenders, on the strength of Chrissie's performance.
Thanks, DEBBIE!
DeleteI am a big fan of Dylan's but this is a really tough choice for me, too. I actually haven't decided yet how I will vote.
With CHRISSIE & THE PRETENDERS taking an immediate 3-0 lead, it appears I may have selected the wrong Dylan video to use. (One of the other options gave him a much better chance of winning, I felt. To be 'splained later, in my June 7th BOTB Results post.)
But then again, it's so early that ANYTHING could happen yet (and probably will). After 67 Battles, I believe I've seen every improbable thing that can happen in a BOTB installment.
~ D-FensDogG
Wow...it's not often I like to vote against the songwriter, but the Pretender's version is so much easier on the ears...
ReplyDeleteSorry Mr. Zimmerman.
Vote for the Pretenders (I'd forgotten they even covered this)
LC
Et tu, LC?
Delete~ D-FensDogG
Dylan: Beware the ides of June.
DeleteI look forward to your rationale on why you picked this version...Robin's Dylan song fared better (coincidence you both posted from the Dylan & The Band era?)
DeleteNope, no coincidence. You'll notice that not only did Robin and I select a song from the same Dylan album, but I even foreshadowed the song SHE was going to use by mentioning it in my blog bit.
DeleteMy rationale actually makes sense (to me, anyway) but the results so far indicate that I guessed wrong... OR that it wasn't going to make any difference which video I selected.
Right now, I'm even thinking of doing something never before done in BOTB: Changing horses in mid-stream.
~ D-FensDogG
By the way, don't think I have forgotten that I never got a BOTB tribute post when I went on hiatus.
DeleteEnough time had passed between me hitting your BOTB post and Robin's that I forgot your mention of "You Angel You" which seemed odd at the time that you'd mention that song.
I couldn't do a tribute post for you because you had already posted on your blog every song Rundgren ever recorded... three times.
DeleteYou didn't leave me no place to go with a tribute!
~ D-FensDogG
It's hard when anyone takes a break or simply walks away, let alone someone who started it all. I, for one, am really grateful to FAE and to you for putting this together. Not sure if you know this or not, but before I stumbled onto one of the battles taking place (I'm not even sure who's battle it was now) I had been doing a series of 'Who Sang/Performed it Better?' Finding that first BOTB for me was inspirational and I knew I just had to join in the fun. FAE will be missed, and I do hope that she returns home again to us soon.
ReplyDeleteAs for my vote - I'm going with The Pretenders.
Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
MARY ~
DeleteNice of you to say, and I also hope FAE eventually follows the bread crumbs home again.
No, I wasn't aware of your 'Who Sang/Performed it Better?' Cool. So you already had some practice putting Battles together when you joined BOTB. No wonder you seemed to be so comfortable "in the swing of things" right from the get-go.
OK, The Pretenders thank you for the vote. (I know, because I just got a phone call from Chrissie. She's been bugging me about this Battle ever since she learned I was going to feature her in it. Rock 'N' Roll women - they're SO neurotic!)
~ D-FensDogG
No one beats the Bob, Dylan that is, in my mind. His voice is real, and the poetry of his words resonates, even if that word is overused now. Also love the Travelin' Wilburys (how could I not with Roy, Tom, George, Bob, and the others?)
ReplyDeleteAnd that's not even taking The Band into the matter. Best backup band IMO. The Pretenders are okay, but it isn't Bob . .
D.G. ~
DeleteThanks for the vote. Sheboyganboy Six is going to be disappointed though, because he was under the impression he was getting the honor of breaking up the shutout. But apparently you two were both typing at the same time and you beat him to the punch by 3 minutes.
Ha! Poor Jeff Lynne (formerly of Electric Light Orchestra), it seems he's always the one "Wilbury" that everyone forgets to mention. I've seen that many times. Too funny.
Thanks again for participating in my Battle.
~ D-FensDogG
Funny thing is, the Wilbury's were conceived by Lynne and Harrison while Lynne was producing Harrison's Cloud Nine album.
DeleteRight. And I remember reading somewhere that 'HANDLE WITH CARE' was just tossed in at the last minute as B-side filler for a Harrison song.
DeleteSo, they just knocked it out, not even considering it Top 40 hit material. But the record company thought it was too good for a B side, so the guys recorded an entire album to go with that one song.
Wild way to begin a "supergroup".
~ D-FensDogG
I like the Pretenders way more than you do. I immediately liked them back when they first arrived and the scene, and I like all the songs you smacked in this blog bit.
ReplyDeleteI like Bob Dylan, too.
This was a toughie. The vocals are way "better" on the Pretenders' version... but I am not sure that is what my ears want to hear here. It is almost too polished.
I am going to vote for Dylan. The Band is great, and the vocals are just about right for a song with this content. To me, anyway!
I am certainly glad they DIDN'T enlist Johnny Mathis for his vocals, though. That would have cost them my vote!
SBB-6 ~
DeleteYep, if you like The Pretenders at all, then you like 'em "way more" than I do. I think this cover is the first thing I've ever heard by them that I really enjoy.
And, indeed, I know what you mean about the vocal contrasts. Sometimes it's not really the technically "better" voice that puts a song across the best, but rather the voice with more, shall we say, "character".
Thanks for being the second person to break up this shutout. (I know, I know... That's something no person can do second. Like being the second person to steal someone's virginity, eh? Ha!)
~ D-FensDogG
You really know how to hurt a guy!
DeleteBeing second in some cases ain't so bad, I suppose.
I know I wouldn't mind being the second wealthiest guy in the world. (And I wouldn't have minded being the second guy to steal Susan Dey's virginity, either.)
Delete~ D-FensDogG
I'll stick my neck out and vote for The Pretenders. They were smoother.
ReplyDeleteEVIL POP TART ~
DeleteWell, so far, I'd say that Pretenders vote is not much of a "neck-sticker-outter". At this point, you are soundly in the majority.
~ D-FensDogG
Okay... this is one of those cases where I'm not voting for one version, I'm voting against the other. It's Dylan's song, and he's a fantastic songwriter, but he insists on singing his material, and he really can't sing. My vote goes to The Pretenders, even though I didn't like theirs much, either.
ReplyDeleteJOHN ~
DeleteI guessed you wouldn't go for Dylan, but I'm a bit surprised you don't like Chrissie & The Pretenders on this one.
Well, it's BOTB, where ain't nuttin' is a sure thing.
~ D-FensDogG
I'll go with the Pretenders because I'm not hot on Bob Dylan.
ReplyDeleteELVIS (ELVISETTE? ELVISESSE? ...just tryin' to process the mental image that conjures up) ~
DeleteWelcome to BOTB! And I sincerely thank you for your vote. I'm pretty sure Dylan (wearing a bra on his head) doesn't appreciate it so much, but I believe Chrissie (wearing a bra on her chest) approves!
~ D-FensDogG
Wow! one could almost call this a "Soundtrack" of Fae's BOTB life, huh? Such a kind and sweet write up. (I'm still guessing you ain't getting paid for the woids, right?)
ReplyDeleteGezz, I did not know the Stones' song, but I really liked it. And I certainly did not know that Fae was a Wilbury! That's one for the archives... you do keep our archives, right?
Loved Waylon and the non-Waylons. Great song that I actually knew the words to... umm, don't ask.
As for your battle... I love Dylan's band, but Chrissie & the Pretenders stole my heart. Her voice is outstanding, like you said.
I will certainly miss Fae. Hope she'll come home for the holidays!
DPP
DIXIE POLKA ~
DeleteThanks, my friend!
Nope, there's no money in my woids.
Yeah, FAE is the one Wilbury remembered by the public even less than Jeff Lynne.
Our archives are safe and sound... under my mattress. And when I take a long trip, I always remove the door key from under the mat on my front porch. Not to worry!
Glad you liked the Waylon I threw in there. Waylon was the best live performer I ever saw.
Your vote for Chrissie doesn't catch me much by surprise. Thanks for checking in.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen, fabulous send off to Fae as steps down from BoTB. I really, really hate that she's leaving us, but I do understand. Sometimes you just have to be true to oneself. At least, she knows she can come back to us anytime, right? We'll just have to remind of that our arms are open wide for her return anytime. :D Oh, I hope you're so right about Trump having a landslide victory in November. Maybe this will put those boobs in office a serious wake up call. Enough said on that one. I'm giving my vote to the The Pretenders. There version just sounded best to my ear. Great battle, my friend!
ReplyDeleteCATHY ~
DeleteI thank you for the "fabulous" compliment.
Nitro has until the voting ends on my November 15th BOTB installment to rejoin us (i.e., until November 21st). After that, the voting ends, the window closes, and she's left out in the cold.
Why that date?
I dunno. I just make this stuffs up as I trot along.
Unless they assassinate Trump, or unless someone digs up some really serious bombshell from his past that they can drop on his campaign, he is assured of victory. Even the Democrat party can't cheat enough to get itself out of THIS one!
The debates - if Hellary even makes it that far - will ruin her political ambition. Her reputation (what's left of it) will never survive debates with Trump (and she knows it, too).
OK, thanks for your PRETENDERS vote.
That makes it 10-2 in favor of The Pretenders at this point.
But I gotta hunch Dylan is about to begin a comeback. Enough of a comeback to win? I don't know. We be seein'.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen, DH calls Hillary, Hitlary. Your nickname is a good one, too. You cracked me up with your remark, "I just make this stuff up as I trot along." That's fine. It's perfectly legal in your niche of the Blogosphere. lol
DeleteThanks, CATHY.
DeleteYeah, "Hitlary" is all over the Internet. There's a whole bunch more too, not even counting my "Hellary". On some political website about a week ago, I commented that she was "the woman of a thousand nicknames and zero integrity".
If Hellary and Obama had a baby together it could only be baby satan himself. (Of course, that would never happen though since he's gay and she's a lesbian.)
~ D-FensDogG
What a nice tribute to FAE. I vote for Dylan. Chrissie has a great voice, but I associate the song with Dylan. It's ingrained in my brain.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
LOVE JANIE ~
DeleteThanks so much for the kind words! OK, got your ingrained vote etched into the book for Bobby Zimmerman.
~ D-FensDogG
I like the vocals on the Pretenders but their version was a bit spacey, so my vote is for Bob and the Band!
ReplyDeleteMIKE ~
DeleteSo, maybe Bob ain't gonna roll over and die in this Battle after all. Thanks for the vote.
~ D-FensDogG
What a fabulous tribute to FAE. I loved reading the backstory of this amazing bloghop. I'm sorry to see her go and hope she'll still be with us sometimes.
ReplyDeleteAs for your battle, well, I'm a Chrissie Hynde fan, mostly because of her song My City Was Gone. Some of my friends back home told me, back when that song was getting tons of airplay, that they always thought of me when it came on because I was going to Youngstown State at the time and the constant references to Ohio made them think of me. So that song is just near and dear to my heart.
Of your two contenders, I'm casting my vote for Chrissie. I like Dylan's version okay, but his vocals just don't do it for me. Chrissie's, on the other hand, are really pleasing to the ears.
Great post Stephen. I know you're sad, losing your founding partner, but she'll always be here in spirit!
Michele at Angels Bark
MICHELE ~
DeleteI thank you! And I'm glad you enjoyed learning about the BOTB backstory. It's been told a couple times but I figured once more, for all our new friends, wouldn't hurt. Plus, I think it's interesting how it was never really intended to become what it has, but it seemed to take on a life of its own.
I'm not sure I ever heard 'My City Was Gone'. I'll go to YT and listen to it. BTW, I once had it really bad for a gal who was born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio. She was even a blonde, which was not my normal preference. Goes to show that she had *something* going for her to get my attention the way she did.
~ D-FensDogG
Let me know what you think of My City Was Gone when you get a chance to listen to it. I'm curious to know if you'll like it as much as I do...of course, it has sentimental associations for me so that could color my opinion... But I love it!
DeleteMICHELE ~
DeleteOK, I went and listened, and I knew in EXACTLY 5 SECONDS (thanks to that bassline) that I'd heard that song a godzillion times! I even knew it was by The Pretenders. In fact, for a decade or more (maybe even still today) RUSH LIMBOOB used it as the opening theme music for his talk radio show. I knew it was a Pretenders tune but I never knew the title of it.
My feelings about it, to be entirely honest, are kind of "eh, whatever". It certainly has a very distinctive sound (hence Limboob grabbing it for his theme music), and I certainly don't hate it (as I do 'Brass In Pocket'), but it's not a song I ever thought about buying (which is pretty much the standard I use in determining how much I dug a song: Did I buy it? Did I ever think about buying it?)
The message of the lyrics alone actually reminds me a great of Joni Mitchell's 'BIG YELLOW TAXI' (another song I feel kind of "eh, whatever" about):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmdbYSgGmXE
However, I do relate to the message in a personal way. Probably 85% of the Los Angeles I knew growing up there is gone now. In fact, I'll be mentioning one particular place in an upcoming "The Soundtrack Of My Life" post.
~ D-FensDogG
Well I'm glad you listened to it and realized that you knew the song. I had forgotten about Rush Limbaugh using it for his show --- they actually had a legal battle over that. Re: Big Yellow Taxi -- yeah, "paved paradise and put up a parking lot" -- very similar lyrical objective. I've never been really crazy about Joni Mitchell.
DeleteSad what time and change does to the places of which we are so fond. As they say, You can never go back...
Hope you're having a good weekend Stephen. :)
MICHELE ~
DeleteYeah, you're right, there was some sort of legal issue between Limboob and The Pretenders over his use of that song.
I don't know what happened, but I'm sure Limboob continued using the song, so at it's most fundamental level, he won the skirmish. Because they wanted to deny him use of it.
I've never been a Joni Mitchell fan either. I like a couple of her songs but that's about it.
~ D-FensDogG
Hi Stephen, This was such a thoughtful tribute to FAE who will be missed. You should both be proud of how much you've built up BOTB! Sorry I missed your last one. I remembered to check in a day or two before the polls closed, and then my Internet went on the fritz.
ReplyDeleteBob Dylan gets my vote for Forever Young. I like the Pretenders, but I don't think they added anything to this song.
Julie
Thank you, GEM JULIE!
DeleteAlthough, I don't really feel we did anything to build up BOTB. This idea somehow just built itself up. It presented itself to FAE's mind, got my attention, and then it just sort of self-promoted. I think most great ideas kind of have a life of their own.
Say, never apologize for missing a BOTB vote! You have been so faithful for so long, and the fact that you're not even a BOTBer yourself - well, your participation is just that much more appreciated.
I think I have a special regard for people such as yourself, Birgit, D.G. Hudson, SBB-6, and all the others who aren't actually BOTBers themselves but still regularly contribute to it with their votes. I love that!
Hey, I was wondering, did you notice the cover of 'OLD BROADS WAXING POETIC' in The Pretenders' video? That was one of the main reasons I used that one.
~ D-FensDogG
June 2, 2016 at 6:66 PM
ReplyDeletePooh Lynth said:
And STMcC, that's not all. I'm getting tired of saying this but another close call.
I did at one time have a crush on Chrissie and she does have a softer voice and is much more melodious. But I have to go with Bob Dylan here as he is doing a great Adam Sandler impression albeit he was only 9 when the song was recorded.
Joking aside, gotta go with the song writer here and the guitar of Robbie Robertson is much more livelier than Chrissies version. Now move-it, now move-it, now move-it and I'm not sayin' it was your people, but I'd apreeshiate it.
Dylan, that is all!
Pooh
...AND GENERAL POOHREGARD, THAT'S NOT ALL...
DeleteAh, you ain't Ozzie!
You ain't even Mr. Toad's judge, either. (But you might be, huh?)
You had a crush on Chrissie, or on Chrissie's hynde end?
OK, gotcha down as a vote for Zimmy (or you can call him Bob). Glad you survived the UCLA Engineering building this week. Let us hear about your heroic exploits sometime. (Like, what did you fall into while running away?:o)
~ D-FensDogG
We did activate our Emergency Operations Center due to the trafic events. It was quite chaotic with loads of Po-lice responding. I didn't fall into anything but got a bunch of emergency response plan improvements from the debrief I facilitated with our Dept. I gotta stop asking questions... Nonetheless, our traffic staff did an excellent job in closing roads and facilitating traffic. We could have used one more CDR
DeleteJW,
Pooh
You can never have too many CDRs.
DeleteAnd, you know, CDRs are people, too.
(Nah. I'm just kidding.)
~ D-FensDogG
I too shall miss FAE in the battles. Hearing she was not having fun any more makes me feel sad. And I hope I in no way contributed to it. But it was a great tribute.
ReplyDeleteAs for this battle, I have to say I like the Pretenders but this song in not one of my favourites. It never appealed to me. Despite being a weaker song on the album, I still think it's better than Bob Dylan and the Band. So my vote goes for the Pretenders.
Thanks, JEFFY. And, no, I'm quite certain you had zippo to do with FAE leaving. It was a few different factors, but definitely nuttin' at all to do wid you.
DeleteGotcha logged in for Chrissie's hynde.
~ D-FensDogG
This was a downright sappy tribute to FAE, and I'm certain that she cherishes every word. Really, Stephen, you come across so often as this GUY and then you write something like *this.* Whenever she's having a sucky sort of day, she can hop over to this blog, read this, and feel instantly better.
ReplyDeleteI'm not convinced that FAE actually realizes how thoroughly she'll be missed. Or we even realize how thoroughly she'll be missed. That's kind of how the missing thing works. We don't ever really get it until we've been punched in the gut. Then, when we're doubled over, we think, "Well that stung more than I expected." At least that's how it's been for me and the missing people.
Anyway, moving on to happier topics like voting in this here battle. Since you and kinda sorta talked about this song before you posted it... though we didn't about these two versions of this song... I did make plain to you how I felt about Bob Dylan backed by The Band. I think I said something like, "In his younger years he could write amazingly well, but could barely sing (and I stand by that), but after twenty years of abusing his voice with God knows what he could hardly sing at all. And now I call him The Mumbler. Or the guy who sings around marbles." Whatever. It's just a misery to listen to the man try to sing live these days. A freakin' misery. And it's a shame because he could sing as young man. I know because I've heard it. In his 20s he could sing. He was never the best singer, but he was an amazing lyricist. Anyway... my feelings about Dylan with The Band backing him haven't changed (as I'm sure you knew when you posted this). The Chrissie Hynde video was a spectacular find. What a great cover. This was so suited to her voice, and I think it's the perfect send-off for FAE. That said, I think FAE will probably vote for Dylan and The Band. Oh, the ironies in life.
But, it doesn't change my vote. My ears gotta vote the way they hear it. So, she may have played with The Pretenders, but she ain't pretending here. Give one to Ms. Chrissie. And that's my ruling.
NOTICE THAT SINCE I SCREWED UP WITH THE SCHEDULED POSTING OF THIS BATTLE OF THE BANDS IT IS NOT UPDATING ON ANYONE'S DASHBOARD. I THINK I'M GOING TO GET THE WORST VOTER TURNOUT IN MY OWN PERSONAL HISTORY OF BATTLE OF THE BANDS EVER. GAH.
ReplyDeleteGIRL WONDER ~
DeleteFirst of all, Judge Al Bondigas is gonna be pissed when he comes here and finds you've stolen his line! [:o)
Not sure FAE will find the tribute as awesome as you and I do but... what can ya do?
So, I'm sitting here in my place with a broken A/C unit, the property owners have not returned my calls and it's 88 degrees in here and climbing.
Thank God for cold beer.
I think my take on Dylan's voice is, like, 180 degrees different from yours: Generally, I liked the youngest Dylan's voice least of all. I'm yakking about his first couple albums, when he was strictly acoustic Folk / Protest Songs. He sounded so nasally to me then that it's hard for me to listen to those earliest recordings.
Later, in his mid-period when he'd gone electric and was reinventing Rock music, I found his voice (with occasional exceptions) to be acceptable. On some songs he still got pretty nasally at times, but for the most part I was able to tolerate the voice, and sometimes even like it for the way he could put certain lines across. (Certainly there's nothing wrong with his voice on 'LAY, LADY, LAY' or 'YOU'RE A BIG GIRL NOW'.)
But when he got old and his voice changed to that croak, I came to almost love it. It was still not a "nice" or "good" voice but it was absolutely loaded with character. He sounded like some mad scientist had crossed mid-period Dylan with all-period Louis Armstrong.
For example, listen to the following song, and know that I LOVE THAT VOICE, and all the creaky, weary experience it exhibits:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLB5_79WI4g
But even when discussing Dylan's "bad" voice, it's all relative, because the very worst Dylan - the totally unlistenable Dylan - is the one where he deliberately amps up the awfulness...
This next clip comes from a concert he gave in England, '65 or '66 (I'd have to look it up), when the audiences were protesting his move from acoustic Folk to electric Rock.
This is the show where someone in the audience yelled out "JUDAS!" and Dylan responded, "I don't believe you. You're A LIAR!" Then he turned to The Band and said, "Play it fucking loud."
Then he launched into this version of 'Like A Rolling Stone' where he twisted and contorted his voice into something no one ought to pay money to hear. And he added all those bizarre grimaces and facial expressions, no doubt to answer THEIR protest with one of his own:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RHOdoJDgtrk
Now if that's not THE WORST SOUNDING DYLAN EVER, I don't know what is. By comparison, his singing of 'FOREVER YOUNG' with The Band at 'The Last Waltz' makes him sound like Johnny Mathis, eh?
Not sure why you should have less voter turnout for BOTB this time. Hell, all the regulars should be going to your blog regardless of whether your post is showing up in their Dashboards. Everyone knows that you don't miss BOTBs, so there's no excuse for anyone to miss yours.
I hope I don't have to take names and send Rocco out.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
Al Bondigas here. Where's my gavel? Hey, that wonder girls got my gavel. How kin I make a rulin wid out it? Ok, here we go. I'm rulin fer Dylan. I like the musicianship behind it and that's what swayed me. I'm not the Dylan fan that you are, but, I do like a lot of his stuffs. I'm not a Pretenders fan, but, Chrissy Hynde does have a good voice and did a wonderful job with this song. I probably would have ruled for her, had it not been for "The Band" playing with Dylan. Now, when I get my gavel back that will be it!! That will be my rulin'.
ReplyDeleteJUDGE AL BONDIGAS ~
DeleteYa see what happens when you show up late to the party? Judge Judy (aka Judge Robin) shows up before ya, steals yer gavel, and makes you look like a typically lazy male judge.
You need to get here earlier from now on. That's it. That's my rulin'!
~ Judge D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Circuit Court Judge'
Well, I've been sick.
DeleteHa!-Ha!-Ha! Hee!-Hee!-Hee!
DeleteThat reply was a total Classic! It (Link...>>) WAS AN "R".
Of course, 0 out of 100 readers will un'erstan' what we're yakkin' 'bout.
Come to think of it... I believe I WILL come home.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
June 5, 2016 at 3:03 PM
DeleteSHEBOYGANBOY SIX sez:
I got the reference immediately, unless you two birds are using it differently than what I know. That "I've been sick" gag was in a lot of Tex Avery cartoons.
SBB-6 ~
DeleteYep, I'm sure you've got.
I don't recall seeing it any other Tex Avery cartoons, so Nappy and I are referencing it from the undeniable Tex classic 'KING SIZE CANARY'. Unfortunately, whoever uploaded that clip to YT started it a few seconds too late.
Hilarious line:
"Waell... I've been si-iii-ck." (Almost apologetic for not bein' plump enough.)
~ D-FensDogG
It was in a couple of those travelogues, at least. One had an alligator with a big head and puny body.. the other had a caterpillar pop out as a butterfly but was small with no colors. Both of them had some sort of "well, I've been sick" line. Methinks there was another one with a puny man, also... but that one I can't put my finger on.
DeleteYou have passed the test with flying colors and are hereby admitted into The Club.
DeleteYour membership card and your secret Little Orphan Avery Decoder Ring should be arriving in the mail in 7 to 10 days.
Welcome Aboard!
~ D-FensDogG
'Little Orphan Avery Club Director'
Sorry that I am a little late posting here....the birthday crunch is over and thank you for your happy birthday to me. What a beautiful tribute to Fae and I am sure she is touched by this. This battle is a tricky one because, I love the voice of Chrissie but I love the music styling and performance of the 2nd one. I will give it to Bob Dylan because even his voice can't disrupt such a great song and I just love the styling of the instruments if this makes sense. They get my vote
ReplyDeleteThanks, BIRGIT!
DeleteAnd there's no such thing as "late" here, as long as the voting is still open.
Yep, yer comment makes poifect sense, and I thank you for the vote. For what began as an awful blowout, this BOTB contest has become a super-tight race.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
I do believe that Kanye West's new album The Life of Pablo has the ugliest album cover of all time.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fitting tribute to FAE aka Nitro Wilbury Babskiddo, and I'm honored that Surfin Jesus made an appearance for that tribute. May FAE always hang ten, no matter where she may or may not blog.
It took us this long to bote, even though I knew it'd be an easy call for both of us. Two votes for Dylan and "The Band". I'd explain it in detail, but come on, how can anyone vote against The Last Waltz?
~6B
6-B, that's an atrocious album cover. Not sure, though, that I'd say it's "uglier" than 'Planet Waves'. I can hardly even stand to look at Dylan's artwork. He shoulda stuck with songwriting.
DeleteYeah, I thought it was kinda cool that there was a "Second Coming" of SURFIN' JESUS here. I didn't set out to include Him, but it just sort of naturally evolved as I was composing my tribute.
Yep, I felt pretty confident that I knew how both you Beer Boys would bote this time.
~ D-FensDogG
One of Several
ReplyDeleteWhen I first read this post, in the wee hours of June 1st, I thought I need to take some time to be the first comment. But, as you can see that didn’t happen. Now you know I hate excuses, but I do have a good one. I was preparing to leave town that day and things just got far enough away from me, that I didn’t have a minute to open up computer. Also, I spent more than a few minutes in the ‘cringe zone’, as you know I have a hard time with compliments of any sort, and a tribute like this is a compliment of the highest order.
Anyway, the fact that I’m out of town and in a place with a dicey Internet connection is only one of the reasons my comment is so late. Considering all of the above, I probably won’t have time or the connection to visit many of the other BOTB’s, because I’m counting on you to post your results here in the comment box (If you should decide to post a separate blog bit and your results post, please copy and paste this comment as the very first, so others will see it.) I figured if I’m one of the last comments, others will see it and feel my appreciation for all of the kind things said.
I love that you used the Stones ‘Girl with the Far Away Eyes’. That is in fact where the moniker comes from. When I lived in Colorado and was tending bar, a fellow bartender used to play this song every time I showed up for work, or anytime I came into the bar, for that matter. It became kind of a joke and the nickname stuck. Although, I certainly hope I don’t have too much of a resemblance to THAT girl. ‘Far Away Eyes’ also became the title of my first novel; nothing to do with the song, but it does tie in to the premise of the story. No, I’m not going to tell you, you’ll just have to read the book someday.
The next of many
ReplyDeleteYou know I’ve always liked The Traveling Wilburys (are you kidding me: Tom, Bob, George, Roy and Jeff all together in one place and time) and ‘Handle with Care’ is probably my all-time favorite tune by them; ‘nough said!
You choice for BOTB is another favorite of mine. I like it no matter who is performing, but admittedly some are better than others. Now you know I have always tried to be polite when voting on BOTBs, even though there have been times when it has taken a whole lot of restraint. I know that music is very subjective. Oh yeah, we can get into the technicality of certain performances and the vocal abilities of various artists, but basically the voting in these things is about what each of us personally like. BUT, it’s BOB and THE BAND, how on earth could anyone vote against BOB and THE BAND. Not to mention the fact that this performance if from one of the most iconic concerts EVER (imo).
Yeah, Chrissie really lets her vocal talent shine on this tune and it is a beautiful rendition, but, like I said above it’s BOB and THE BAND and this version is from The Last Waltz. ‘nough said.
I don’t care what anyone might say about Bob’s voice, it’s the heart that shines through in his songs. When you put your heart into something and it’s genuine, it shows. Through the years Bob’s voice has changed and obviously so has his heart, but what he puts into his music has not. He is always, Always, ALWAYS ‘all in’. It’s my opinion that this is what makes this guy, who in reality never should have gotten a recording contract, so great. Do I have to say it…give my vote to Bob and The Band on a tune that will forever speak to my heart on numerous levels.
Surprise, surprise - I made it in three
ReplyDeleteThank you for the kind words and I also thank everyone who commented with respect to my departure from BOTB. I may drop back in from time to time, but it’s kind of unlikely. You all know I have that ‘oh look a chicken’ disease and when it’s time to move on…well, it’s time to move on! I do plan to get back to blogging at some point in the future, but for right now, I’m pretty much enjoying being ‘unplugged’.
I do appreciate all of you and have seen most of your BOTB posts (from my phone, which does not allow me to comment). Several of you left very nice tributes of your own, and I truly do appreciate it. I hope no one will be offended I don’t make it by to comment at their space. As I said earlier, I’m out of town and spending time with family. I only have a short time here, so the family is the priority. I’m also out in the ‘sticks’ of Idaho and have a very snakey Internet connection. I appreciate all of you.
Ya know I love music, so I want to leave you with my own Thank You. I apologize that I am not able to leave a link you can click directly on to get to this song (you’ll have to copy and paste it). But you know me. Please take the time to listen.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKgUq5dziEk
One last thing that want to address here: Looks like we’ve been outted by Kim at her blog. Why not give it up and admit the truth. I know you like to flirt all over the Internet and it really doesn’t both me one bit, but the moment of truth has arrived. If for nothing else…think about the children. Signed Your Lovely Wife.
FAE / NWB ~
DeleteI haven't decided yet whether to post my results here, or to create a new blog bit page for 'em, but if I do the latter, then I will copy and paste your comments to appear first.
Your story about the song 'FAR AWAY EYES' reminded me that every time I saw Marty, I would play Dylan's 'POSITIVELY 4th STREET'. You know, the one that starts out: "You've got a lot of nerve to say you are my friend..." It started to drive him batty (even though he was a big Dylan fan).
Confession Time: The funny thing is that I don't really like The Traveling Wilburys. You'd think I would with Bob Dylan and Tom Petty in the band, and my favorite of the 4 Beatles, but... nope, not really. Heck, I don't really even like the song 'HANDLE WITH CARE'. But that doesn't change the fact that I associate it with you, for reasons I 'splained once, long ago.
>>... "Through the years Bob’s voice has changed and obviously so has his heart, but what he puts into his music has not. He is always, Always, ALWAYS ‘all in’."
Well, that's an excellent, succinct explanation for some of Dylan's appeal despite having such a... uhm... "unique" voice.
You know how someone can change the lyrics of a song in a parody kind of way and it makes such an impact on your mind that you can never really hear that song the "right" way again?
Example: One of my very favorite Rickie Lee Jones songs is 'WE BELONG TOGETHER'. (I remember that it was the quirky drumming on that track that first captivated me. And that's how I learned who Steve Gadd was. Even though, unbeknownst to me, I'd already heard him thousands of times playing that martial pattern on Paul Simon's '50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR LOVER'.)
Anyway, one day long ago, Brother Nappy started singing the chorus lyrics as "We belong in leather", instead of "We belong together". It got etched into my brain like that. Ruined by Nappy! (Nappy ruined it!)
Well, I own a recording of 'THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES' by Ray Anthony. And unfortunately, I myself messed up the song for me many years ago, when I started singing it as "Thanks for the mammaries". Now I can't unhear that. (It's like I can't unhear Steve Miller's heavy breathing between lines.)
I DON'T FLIRT! It's just that I have such a naturally winning personality that it seems like "flirting".
OK, OK, My Lovely Wife, I'll do it. I'll do it! I'll come home... FOR THE CHILDREN! (It's always "for the children".)
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
This is a beautiful tribute, Stephen. (And FAE, I loved your replies.) I think we're all a bit in shock still...
ReplyDeleteMy vote goes to Dylan and The Band. As much as I love Chrissie's voice, Dylan's style is unbeatable. (For me.)
Great battle, Stephen. Farewell, FAE.
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter
GUILIE ~
DeleteThanks for the kind words and for the vote. I think this Battle is as tight as one can be. Pretty good considering it stated out 10 votes to 2.
~ D-FensDogG
"Thanks for the Memory" -- what a great parting song FAE. You will indeed be missed!
ReplyDeleteThank YOU for the memories too. :)
Michele at Angels Bark
ATTENTION!:
ReplyDeleteIf anybody is curious to see the final voting outcome of this particular BOTB installment, please click (Link...>>) HERE.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
OMG, I am SO SORRY? Why didn't anyone correct me? (FWIW, I could have sworn I saw her referred to as such on another of the BotB blogs, and that is why I thought that). Oh my goodness. How embarrassing.
ReplyDeleteWell...obviously I haven't been around much. Hopefully that will change now that my internet connection is more up to speed (literally) and now that I have my computer located in a better spot - more conducive to blogging AND reading, ahem. Oh, and now that I have an rss reader that makes it easy to see everyone's latest updates.
I actually even plan to return to the battles soon-ish. And will certainly miss your "lovely wife"'s entries, LOL!
Seriously....sorry about that. But glad you got a chuckle out of it.
Kim @ ReInVintaged Goods
Don't worry about it, KIM. We thought it was funny. Especially considering that we've never even actually met outside of the Blogosphere.
DeleteI look forward to your BOTB return.
~ D-FensDogG