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

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

2016, JUNE 15: BATTLE OF THE BANDS (Or, JUDY GARLAND VS. KEELY SMITH)


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’)


Shoop-Shooby –
Shooby-duh-Dooby-Doop-Dooby-Dooby-Doo-Wah –
Buh-Doo-Wah!

Yes, it’s time once again for ‘Battle Of The Bands’ (‘BOTB’)
And I'm sure everyone joins me in welcoming Arlee Bird of 'Tossing It Out' back from his hospital stay. Yeah, he'll miss the busty blonde nurses feeding him Daiquiris through a straw all day, but... well, we ain't bad either. And we're more than nationwide (thanks to our Canadian voters).

Alright, let’s get on it...

Surprisingly, there will not be the usual verbosity from me this time. It's just going to be a very simple, straight-forward BOTB contest. Nuttin' fancy, no shock 'n' awe, no "Look, Mom, no hands!" Not "a bunch of okie-doke" and no special arcane information that you need your Little Orphan Annie Secret Agent Decoder Ring for. I'm not trying to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony. This is just a basic  "meat  'n'  tater  tots" Battle -- like BOTB was meant to be. (I might even have room to include some advertising!)

'I GOTTA RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES' is an old Jazz and Blues standard. What else ya need to know?

Best if you don't watch the videos, so the images won't interfere with the judgment of your ears. 

First up is "Dorothy" from 'The Wizard Of Oz'. It comes from Judy Garland's 1957 album 'Alone'.

'I GOTTA RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES' by Judy Garland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PsCW0JNEuK0

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EUGENE  MARTONE  VS.  JACK  BUTLER

Next is Keely Smith, the wife of Louis Prima (aka "King Louie" from Disney's animated classic 'The Jungle Book'). It comes from the album 'The Wildest Show At Tahoe', recorded live at Harrah's, Lake Tahoe, in 1958. It's Prima, Smith, and Sam Butera & The Witnesses.

'I GOTTA RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES' by Keely Smith
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IgKV-v_n18c
 
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GOODNIKS  VS.  NO-GOODNIKS
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GODZILLA  VS.  KING  KONG
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HOME  OF  CALIFORNIA  FRUITS  &  NUTS
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RIDDLER  VS.  BATMAN
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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 vice your voice ...vote your vice ...voice your vote.)

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 & EDITINGby 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

68 comments:

  1. The second video doesn't work in Canada. :( I found an alternative HERE

    Both versions were good, but I prefer Keely Smith. Kind of surprised by that! Her vocals and the arrangement sounded better to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, DEBBIE, for the vote and the additional link.

      Well, you know BOTB: if there's only one word to describe it, "surprising" is probably that word.

      ~ D-FensDogG
      'Loyal American Underground'

      Delete
    2. It doesn't work for this Canuck 😓

      Delete
  2. Thanks for the welcome back. I don't know what hospital you've been going to, but I don't think I saw a single blonde nurse in the joint where I was and about half of my nurses were male. I can only wish they'd replaced at least one of those poking me for blood events for a cool tasty Daiquiri. The only alcohol I got in my hospital was on my arm.

    Nothing wrong with some arcane info to help educate us. I kind of like that. But a straightforward band battle is fine. And I'm sure you're making a statement.

    "I've Got a Right to Sing the Blues" is a great song that I feel deserves a very specific treatment to be absolutely effective. Judy Garland's version turned me off from the start with those showy orchestral punches so reminiscent of what turns me off about a lot of 50's band music. Sinatra fell into the same trap. I think that glitzy showstopper technique works okay on a Vegas stage or a TV variety show, but it's not what I enjoy listening to on the couch sipping Daiquiris. After those initial blasts, Garland brings the song closer to the way it should be sung--close but still no cigar. If I listened to this too much I might end up prancing around the room in a high heels wrapped in a feather boa.

    IN contrast Keely and company comes closer to the bluesy approach the song deserves. They still go into that 50's Vegas glitz, but still its pretty cool--especially in that it's a live performance.

    For this song my preferred approaches are something like Lena Horne's sultry take (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ev6aTBkZpU) or the jazzy blues of Louis Armstrong's version (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dR51EQWPIO4).

    Garland and Smith both pull the song off with professionalism and either is fine. Of the two my preference is Keely Smith & the boys.

    Great classic song choice.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LEE ~
      I haven't been to a hospital in many years (knock on my headbone!) but the last time I was, I remember busty nurses and Daiquiris. Maybe they just had me drugged up more than I realized.

      After several detailed BOTB installments - and especially the last one in which I went in-depth, and into minutiae-ville, explaining my thought processes regarding video types, etc. - I really wanted a "Back-To-Basics" kind of BOTB. (Also in light of the possibility that my next one might be another of the "unusual" kind.)

      'I GOTTA RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES' has been recorded countless times and in numerous styles. One could easily find a ridiculously large array of potential match-ups for this one. (I also really like Ella Fitzgerald's take on it.)

      Feel free to use the song yourself in the future. I contemplated several stylistically different approaches before settling on this pair of recordings to face each other.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  3. Keely Smith sounds better in my book. Not that Judy doesn't, because she does. But in this battle, I'm going with Keely please.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, JEFFY.
      And Keely sends her regards. (She texted me from poolside where she and Diana Krall are hanging out together, sipping the Daiquiris that it seems Lee got gypped out of.)

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  4. ~D-FensDogG - wow, you're pushing okey-doke with coke. Ha! (Sometimes I worry about you, but less often as time goes by.)

    Quote from Arlee(above) : "If I listened to this too much I might end up prancing around the room in a high heels wrapped in a feather boa."

    You know, I'd pay to see that! Still I wonder what color boa he'd choose? Yes, it's important!

    Tough battle choice for me. You know I'm a sucker for Big Band - no matter which band is swinging it. IMHO, Judy is along for the ride. The orchestration kept me swaying. Keely has that deeper sultry sound, but I'm not a Jazz fan. (Oh no, did I really say that?) It's all good, though but in the end, I want to sing with the Band...

    My vote: The Big Band, featuring Judy Garland! Thank you, sir.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dixie, definitely a pink boa--any shade--or a white one with lots of silvery tinsel stuff in it. Since you said it was important then I felt it was imperative for me to respond.

      Lee

      Delete
    2. DIXIE POLKA ~
      OKIE-DOKE & COKE: Two great tastes that taste great together!
      (I think I'm turning commercial.)

      You're quite right: the boa color IS important.

      I'm going to guess it would be hot pink with black leopard spots. Although I also see neon-lime green with black zebra stripes as a possibility. I guess it would depend on the color of the high heels Lee selected.

      Thanks for ending the shutout! (Although I was never in fear of one.)

      I'll get to your Battle tomorrow, during my first "off" day from work.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    3. LEE, you were typing your comment at the same time I was typing mine.

      Looks like my first guess was right though. Now, can I interest you in some black leopard spots? Twelve for a dollar?

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    4. No leopard for me--it's so animal. And as for the heels I'm kind of partial to clear glass looking ones like Cinderella. Shiny white ones might be nice too.

      You know, all this boa and high heel talk is starting to make me feel a bit ill. It's just that Judy Garland made me start thinking of this.

      Lee

      Delete
    5. Just stay outta nightclubs for awhile, Lee!

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    6. I love when people take me seriously.

      Geez, I wouldn't have figured Lee for pink but the white with silver accents is a definite YES!

      Mac~ do you want 'whips and chains' with your Leopard? Just asking. Ha!

      Delete
    7. PIGTAILS ~
      I'm really not a "whips" kind of guy, but the "chains" are good. And if they're not available, well, leather straps work fine, too.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  5. Another Canadian here for which video is unavailable - had to search youtube to find Keely and glad I did. My vote is for Keely Smith as she has more of a blues vibe. Although I like Judy Garland's strong voice, this version sounds more 'Hollywood' than bluesy (maybe too much brass?). Keely has that smooth smoky blues sound. . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. D.G. ~
      Thanks for responding to my Canadian shoutout and casting your vote, my friend.

      I foresaw this one as being a very tight Battle, but so far, Keely has jumped out to a quick lead. We know how those early BOTB leads can mysteriously evaporate later, though, so I'm a long way from fearing a blowout here.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  6. Judy Garland had a tremendous voice, but her accompaniment was less than super on this. Keely Smith's voice might not be as strong, but the overall effect was a much better listening experience. I'm going to go with her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Looks like Judy needs to pay a visit to The Wizard, because she's clearly not in The Winner's Circle anymore.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  7. When I first saw this battle I predicted a shutout... but it looks like Dixie already saved you. So I must drop my prediction back to a massive blowout for Keely Smith.

    You had my voted counted already, I'm sure, since you know how much I like her, and Butera. and Prima. And Judy Garland was always very over-loved, in my book.

    I knew this battle would shine the klieg light of Smith's superiority on Garland. I think this will be a runaway for Smith. But you have developed a pretty good sense for these BoTB's... so perhaps I'm wrong.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SBB-6 ~
      Yes, sir, I indeed had you pretty strongly figured as a Keely vote. And so far, anyway, you are right that this being a massive blowout.

      But then I remember my very last BOTB installment when Dylan was getting beat by Chrissie Hynde 10-2 and wound up in a tie.

      And I also remember Sergio Mendes & Brasil '66 being down by 8 votes to Chris Botti and coming back for the win right at the end.

      I've learned not to accept BOTB appearances until the Fat Lady sings.

      Thanks for your vote, Brother.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  8. This is a tough one Stephen. I love Judy Garland: she has a super strong voice but in this battle I enjoyed Keely Smith's version better. It was bluesy... and the tinkling of the piano keys set the stage, then the music just took me to sitting in a dark smokey bar, swaying to the music... Overall, a better listening experience so please give my vote to Keely.
    Sorry Judy :(

    Nice song choice. I like it a lot!

    Michele at Angels Bark

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MICHELE ~
      Thanks for your analysis and vote.

      Glad you thought it was a tough one because the voting pattern so far does not indicate such a thing.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  9. Judy Garland sounded a bit like she was chasing the melody, while Keely Smith was on spot and took control. My vote goes for Keely Smith.

    Mary
    Jingle Jangle Jungle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MARY ~
      I've chased women but never a melody.

      Keely has taken a commanding lead in this Battle right out of the chute.

      Thanks for the vote!

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  10. You know, I kinda find it funny when BOTBers mention to not let the videos sway them. I just realized that I don't ever watch the videos. We make it a habit to just minimize the browser and listen.

    So I saw your comment about it possibly being a close battle, and I've seen the resulting votes, and... well, it's starting to take a turn. But worry not, we're here to save the day. We both listened, and after 3 hard fought rounds (of drinking) we go to the judge's score cards where we score it 50-45 and 49-46 for the winner by unanimous decision, Keely Smith.

    Oh... wait.

    (Well, sorry, we both loved that jazzy sound and preferred her vocal stylings just a bit)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 6-B ~
      Thanks for your botes.

      I wish there was a way to take a YT video and black out the screen so that only the audio could influence listeners.

      I don't know how many people are influenced by the images, but even a few is a few more than I want it to be. I know for sure that my votes are never influenced by the images, but that's because I'm a totally single-focused guy. I can't even chew my cud and walk at the same time.

      Looks like you and "Other B" felt it was a close contest (as Michele also stated) but you both sided with Keely. And, yep, I guessed ahead of time that's how you'd both vote. Not exactly sure why. I suppose I just "sensed" it somehow.

      And your votes make it 10 to 1 in favor of Keely Smith.

      (OK... I think I'm ready to move on to the next Battle now.)

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    2. If you ever found two covers that you liked on Soundcloud.com, you could always post those directly as music plays instead of videos. See this music blog for an example: notice how the embedded player is purely a music player and not video related.

      http://www.d4am.net/2016/06/moglii-novaa-down-under.html

      The problem, of course, is that you'd have to find two covers that are on Soundcloud, and Soundcloud is mostly a platform for new emerging music, not the classics.

      ~6B

      Delete
    3. Thanks for that suggestion. I'll keep it in mind. (I've run across those Soundcloud music posts before.)

      Probably not likely they'd have much (or anything) I'd be using in a BOTB, but it's certainly worth checking to see.

      If I ever do a classic Katy Perry vs. Lady GagGag match-up, Soundcloud might just be the ticket. ;-)

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  11. Lee said what I am thinking-both versions ok but neither grabs me.

    Neither version conveyed the blues to me, and if you've gotta right to sing 'em, you durn well better 'ave 'em!

    I thought the Keely version seemed almost happy...so I'm going with Dorothy.

    LC

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your first sentence... well... never mind. I'm just pleased as spiked punch to see Dorothy get a vote.

      But, I think it's important to keep in mind that the "Blues" has more than one musical connotation.

      For example: Here is an example of an early and truly "Classic" Blues number. It was very influential and has been covered a godzillion times. And although it has a "Bluesy" undertone, one could also accurately describe it as a "celebration"...

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nvERJJ5Euk

      ~ D-FensDogG
      'Loyal American Underground'

      Delete
  12. This one was a close one, but my vote goes for Judy I liked her vocals better

    ReplyDelete
  13. I've been sicker than a dog so I am really slow listening to everything. I couldn't even listen to Keely SmitH's version on YouTube but I listened to her doing other compositions. You may negate my vote and that's ok but I still give it to the great Judy Garland. I think she has one of the most amazing voices ever so she gets my vote because, for me, nothing beats her really.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BIRGIT ~
      Debbie, your Canadian neighbor, DID find a video for Keely that worked for her in Canada, eh? She posted a link to it at the top of this thread.

      If you see this comment before I export the link to your own blog, please check it out and see if it works for you also. Thanks.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  14. Stephen,

    You know if any one's got a right to sing the blues it has to be that guy who falls in to things. HEY, that'd be me. Another close one my friend. Judy was good but I like the music and overall tone of Keely Smith's version.

    JW,
    Pooh

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ...AND, POOH, THAT'S NOT ALL!...

      Not only did you have a right to sing the Blues, I can personally testify that I repeatedly saw you BLEED The Blues. (And we ain't talkin' 'bout "Bleeding Dodger Blue" here, either.)

      Of course, your blood was red, and 80-proof, but clearly represented "The Blues".

      Thanks for your vote, my stumbling, bumbling, Blues-bleeding buddy.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  15. I've gone back and forth on my vote since you posted this battle. I keep picking up the gavel to make my ruling and then setting it back down again. Once a ruling's been made, well there's no taking it back. Not to mention the fact that I get distracted by the sheer heft and weight of the gavel. The handle is worn smooth and feels real good in my hand. So, I allow myself the luxury of admiring it while I give both versions just *one more listen* only to find out that I'm still not ready to make a ruling.

    It's gone on like this for three days now.

    Al never said nothing about all the responsibility that comes with this gavel. But, I admit I kinda like it;)

    The problem with this here battle is this: both versions are very good. I really love the piano that kicks off KS's version. Actually, I like the instrumentation throughout. I'm not real crazy about the part where it speeds up in the middle, but the rest is stellar. She has an excellent voice. I also really like JG's SV of this song. Her voice embodies that bluesy quality, so I believe her. Of course, the instrumentation is top notch in this recording, too.

    What's a girl to do? I'm giving the nod to Judy Garland, and that's my ruling.

    Now, Mr. Bondigas, if you want to discuss the aforementioned gavel, show up for your court appearance and cast a vote for Lana Del Rey or Postmodern Jukebox before June 21st. Once your vote has been cast, your gavel will be returned to you spit polished to a shine. If you miss your court date, you won't be rescheduled until August 15th and will have to live without your gavel until then. That is also my ruling.

    ~Girl Wonder

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GIRL WONDER ~
      Hilarious, Top-Notch, A-List, King Of The Hill, Top Of The Heap comment!

      It looks like JUDY has no intention of taking a beating from Keely Smith lying down!

      I liked your thorough analysis, as well as your willingness to make a trade with Judge Al Bondigas: his vote for his gavel.

      -------- JUDGE AL BONDIGAS --------
      Below is the address of the courthouse where you have been subpoenaed to appear:

      http://yourdailydose-robin.blogspot.com/2016/06/battle-of-bands-young-and-beautiful.html

      Good luck, Al!

      ~ D-FensDogG
      'Loyal American Underground'

      Delete
  16. Al Bondigas here. I sent my vote over at that wonder girl's BOTB. Haven't heard nothin bout muh gavel yet. Don't know if it's comin Fed Ex, USPS, UPS or what. Yall in this together. I feel like one of those metro sexual, eunuch type liberals without it. I'm casting a vote for Keely Smith. Both were good, but I prefered her smoother voice and the piano work. That's it!! That's my stinkin vote!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If you do one more itty bitty little thing for me over at my place you can have your gavel back.

      XOXOXO
      Girl Wonder

      Delete
    2. Hmmm. I'm a little scared to ask. Ok, Ahh gotsta know.

      Delete
    3. It's in GIRL WONDER's response to your comment at HER blog, Judge.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  17. I'm sorry, Keely, but your voice is too sweet. I take away your right to sing the blues. Judy truly earned that right, so I vote for her.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOVE, JANIE ~
      Thanks for showing Judy a little support. She's needed all she could get from the time the gates opened here.

      There's no way she can win, but I'd like to see it be as competitive as possible.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  18. Hey Stephen T! I think it's too late for my vote to count, but wanted to stop by anyway. (and thank you again for the gentle reminder. I really appreciate that.) Anyway, I liked Keely Smith's version. I have NEVER liked Judy Garland's voice after she got "older." It seemed like everything she sang came out sounding like a battle in itself, ya know? Kind of a "boom-boom-bang, take-that" kind of singing! I always theorized it was because of her sad life, alcoholism, etc...So, my vote (probably non-counting vote) goes to Keely!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Your vote made it under the wire, BECKY. (I like your "boom-boom-bang take-that!" description of Judy's singing. That describes it well.)

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    2. Hey, that's cool that my vote counted. And glad you liked my description of Judy's singing! I don't know how I came up with that....must've been one of my these-days-rare "writing" kind of thinking...

      Delete
    3. Yeah, I hear ya. The only writing I do anymore is for my blog.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  19. Sorry I almost missed this. Give my vote to Keeley. I really like Judy most times, but not on this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Another vote sneaks in at the eleventh(-and-a-half) hour.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  20. STMcC’s Vote On '2016, June 15th: Battle Of The Bands'
    (Or, 'Judy Garland Vs. Keely Smith')
    And The Final Tally


    This was a disappointing 'Battle Of The Bands' installment in more ways than one.

    First, it wasn't very competitive. But also the voter turnout was down. And although the comment section did include whips, chains, and leather straps along with leopard spots and pink, neon lime green, and white boas with silver tinsel in them, it still, somehow, seemed to lack the usual spark, the pizzazz, the snap-crackle-pop, that ring-a-ding-ding. In a word, this Battle was kinda "boring". (And boring was the ONLY thing that I always thought my blogs could never be found guilty of.)

    I don't have much else to say except that Keely Smith's version of 'I'VE GOTTA RIGHT TO SING THE BLUES' may be my favorite rendition of the song. I even like the tempo shifts. I think of the uptempo section as that brief point where the heartache turns to anger: "That So-And-So! How could he let me go? How could he not see what a good thing he had in me? Why, that lousy, no-good..." And then she shifts back into self-pity and Woe-Is-Meism.

    At any rate, the results looked like this:

    Judy Garland = 6 votes
    Keely Smith = 15 votes


    I thank those of you who voted and I hope to see you back here for my July 1st 'Battle Of The Bands' contest. I actually have something very F-U-N and "COMPLETELY DIFFERENT" cooked up for you next time. I think you'll like this unique twist on BOTB. So, please come check it out in two weeks.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
  21. Your turnout wasn't really all that bad considering it's summer and all. Seems like blog comments have begun to take a lethargic heat wave type listlessness all over the blogosphere.

    And not the worst outcome in the world either though Judy's version might have been more competitively replaced by another when up against the great Keely Smith version.

    I'll look forward to your next "fun" and "different" battle. I think mine might be similarly described.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. >>... I'll look forward to your next "fun" and "different" battle. I think mine might be similarly described.

      Uh-Oh!
      I hope we aren't going to post the SAME Battle.

      Nah, just kidding. Not in a godzillion years could that happen. Mine is really "out there" in a "Summer Fun" kinda way. In fact, my next two are going to have unique twists involved. Then it's back to da standard stuffs.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  22. Judy Garland gets my vote, but Keely Smith also had some fine pipes. Sorry I'm so late to the battle. I just saw Lee's comment which is a very good sign. I've missed so much in blog land. Great battle, Stephen!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GEM JULIE ~
      Thanks! Unfortunately, your vote would have just been one more Band-Aid on Judy's gaping wound.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  23. It's hard to get a good turnout in the summer, so you didn't do that badly, Stephen. July 1st will likely be worse; it's a holiday weekend for both Canada (the 1st) and the U.S. (the 4th). Keep on truckin'! Looking forward to your "fun" battle! (Yours too, Lee.) ☺

    Keeley Smith was the obvious choice here, IMO and I'm glad she won. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're right, DEBBIE. I'd forgotten how slow Summer is in terms of blogging and readership.

      And, yeah, the July 1st turnout will probably be crappy and unworthy of the Battle I have planned for it. But I'm running with this idea anyway. If voters miss it, it will be THEIR loss.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    2. Right on! I was going to skip it, but changed my mind. See you there.

      Delete
    3. The Show must go on! ;-)

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  24. Kind of a blow-out ya got for yerself there. Bummer. It is a good song with two great competitors, but I mean Keeley Smith...even Judy couldn't blow her out of the water on a tune like this one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah. I wish I could get a "DO-OVER" on this one. Bad Battle.

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  25. Replies
    1. That seemed to be the prevailing view. I DID think Keely would win, but not by such a large margin.

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  26. I think my July 1 battle will most likely be a bit of snoresville. But I'm going to blame it on the holiday and let it go at that.

    80's pop for July 1 and then R&B for July 15. we'll see how it goes.

    Mary
    Jingle Jangle Jungle

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MARY ~
      I don't think you've yet done a Battle that I didn't care for, so I have high hopes (even if '80s Pop ain't my thing). "Snoresville" you say? No problem. I'll just drink a pot of coffee before I head on over.

      Oooh! You can NEVER go wrong with an R&B Battle.

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  27. Don't feel so bad about your turnout and vote. My blowout was more pronounced and I even had fewer turnout than you did. As for your predictions on my site. You won't believe this, but you are VERY close. I have something very interesting planned for my second July battle. Something worth trying anyway.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JEFFY, I can't even imagine how THOSE predictions could be remotely close to... anything. But now I'm really intrigued and looking forward to your Battle.

      ~ D-FensDogG

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