.
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.]

Monday, August 15, 2016

2016, AUG. 15: BATTLE OF THE BANDS (Or, BENNY GOODMAN VS. ELLA FITZGERALD)


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').

Alright, let's get on it. Let's get ON this thing!...

[**And NOTE that LC of the blog 'Discconnected' is back in the BOTB fold. Be sure to check out his Battle. There's a link to his blog at the end of the list at the bottom of this page, and also one in the right sidebar.]

EUGENE  MARTONE  VS.  JACK  BUTLER

Wackypedia sez: 
"In A Sentimental Mood" is a jazz composition by Duke Ellington which is also performed as a song. Ellington composed the piece in 1935 and recorded it with his orchestra the same year."

This has become a well-known Standard with a gorgeously lilting melody. Listen...

GOODNIKS  VS.  NO-GOODNIKS

'IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD' -- The Benny Goodman Orchestra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyVNS_ByzUA


GODZILLA  VS.  KING  KONG

Now, here's Benny's competition:

'IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD' -- Ella Fitzgerald
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1gOij0El_IY


RIDDLER  VS.  BATMAN

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. 
@ 'DISCCONNECTED' 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

76 comments:

  1. My Friends, My Friends ~
    I feel very, very sick. I got no sleep at all last night -- NONE! -- and I have no idea why not. And now I'm faced with a work schedule of 37.5 hours in 3 days. I'm hot and shivering.

    Therefore, it's not likely I will have time to respond to your comments here and get around to vote on your own BOTB contests until this Thursday and Friday. But God willing, I'll get these things done before I die.

    Speaking of dying... In one hour I'll be on the Reno freeway trying to get to work, and to begin with, these are hands down, without a shred of doubt, the most atrocious freeway drivers I've ever seen, and I've driven all over this country, coast-to-coast and countless other road trips. These Reno drivers have Freeway I.Q.s the equivalent of a third grader. I hate being on the road with them even when my mind and body are fully rested.

    So, if you never hear from me again, you'll know that a sick and exhausted guy met with a typically awful Reno freeway driver and there will be no more BOTBs at this site.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Brudder, don't leave me! Take the Tylenol, drink the fluids, get some Gator aid in ya and spend all available non-work time sleeping or you're going to feel much worse for much, much longer.

      You know I've had shoulder surgery and if you should croak, I can hardly manage the shovel for that desert burial, though I am still your huckleberry and you ARE a dandy if you do.

      The things a guy will do just to see Jesus before me.

      GET WELL.
      Cherdo

      PS: My vote goes to Benny Goodman because this is a fantastic tune for orchestration and a guy who could actually play a clarinet.

      I love Ella...but this one doesn't do her voice justice.

      Delete
    2. DOC CHERDO ~
      Well, crap! Looks like I survived. After getting no sleep 2 out of 3 nights, I got 8 straight last night and now... well, I know who I am and where I am, but I'm still a ways from feeling human.

      >>... The things a guy will do just to see Jesus before me.

      I just gotta know... Does He really have strong, white teeth?

      Hopefully another quart of vodka will put me to sleep again tonight as well as it did last night.

      BENNY

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    3. I'm sorry you were sick, but obviously with Cherdo on your side, a rescue is being thought of.

      Love,
      Janie

      Delete
    4. Ha! That's a very versatile line. Gotta love it!

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  2. Stephen, we'd better hear from you again! Sorry about the illness and I wish you a speedy recovery and safety on the freeway.

    Not only are you and Robin in the same mode of sentimentality, my song choice of this round is of a similar style and era. Must be something going around in our minds. Just don't send any sickness my way.

    Ella does a splendid job with her version, but like I was on Robin's site, I'm in an instrumental mood I guess.

    My vote goes to Benny Goodman.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  3. The great Ella Fitzgerald does a brilliant job with this song. However I'm giving my vote to Benny Goodman. He and his orchestra really spoke to me this morning and I could listen to their version all day!

    Great battle Stephen. Have a wonderful week, my friend...

    Michele at Angels Bark

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, MICHELE.
      This is lining up to be a really tight race to the finish line. I hope this doesn't end in a tie or it's going to mess up what Robin and I are trying to do!

      BENNY

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  4. Funny, because on Robin's post the fuller version won me over, but here Ella's voice takes my vote. Too many years listening to my mom playing Ella records, I guess.

    Hope you feel better, and a vote for Ella.

    LC

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LC ~
      Both versions are great, and Ella's voice - dang!

      Ella may have had the purest voice ever. I've really only come to fully appreciate it in the last 3 years since BOTB started. As you know, my love of Jazz is more about the instrumentation, but the more I hear of Ella the more knocked out I become.

      ELLA

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  5. You CAN'T die, Stephen! I don't want to hear any more talk like this or else! You don't want to know what the or else is, ok? Remember, I'm a mother. LOL Really, I hope you feel better soon. I know it's awful when you have to work when you're under the weather and to get behind the wheel of a car to face the crazies of the world. You poor, poor feller! Saying prayers for you, my friend. Now onward to your BoTB. This is a lovely music arrangement done very well by the big band sound of Benny Goodman, but Ella Fitzgerald's soft vocals really pulled me in lock, stock, and barrel. So, I'm giving my vote to Ella. Take care!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, CATHY! Looks like I survived. And that's only because God never answers my prayers!

      I hear ya on what yer hearing in Ella's vocals. She was simply a magnificent singer.

      ELLA

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  6. Stephen, I am sorry you're sick; and hope it won't be long before you're back to yourself. I am also leaning to Ella Fitzgerald.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, POP TART. I'm not back to normal yet... but then I never really was there to begin with.

      Nice to see ya again and voting for...

      ELLA

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  7. Stephen, just read your comment here. Hope you get to feeling better real soon, Reno drivers be damned! Sending good vibes your way...

    Michele at Angels Bark

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks!

      >>... Reno drivers be damned!

      As far as I'm concerned, 90% of them can take the express shuttle straight to hell!

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  8. These are two great versions of a jazz standard. I really love Benny Goodman's version of it, but Ella Fitzgerald accompanied by just a guitar (I think it's Joe Pass playing with her) is sublime. My vote goes to Ella and Joe.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, JOHN, any BOTB contest where you offer two excellent versions of a great song simply can't help but be a success!

      I didn't do any researching into the recording info on these two versions (e.g., dates, personnel, etc.), but I believe you're right about Joe Pass -- that definitely sounds like him to me also.

      ELLA (and probably Joe)

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  9. Well, nice knowing ya. Nothing you can do. One of those disease containment facilities in your new state probably left the door open again. Look on the bright side. Those freeway nut jobs should be bleeding out of every orifice within 48 hours.

    But enough of this “jocularity, jocularity”!

    I could have sworn I saw your brother on the left side of the screen right after Biff got punched in the face. Is that possible? Don’t answer. Save your strength.

    Ella sounds great. One vote for her. She’ll be a star some day.

    You'll be missed.

    NotTooSentimentalSigToo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. NotTooSentimentalSandalista(Too?) ~

      >>... One of those disease containment facilities in your new state probably left the door open again.

      Actually, I think the entire state is diseased. I mean, it DID put Harry Reid into the Senate, right? Does it get much sicker than THAT?!

      About 6 months ago, I did a search to find out if Father Mulcahy really ever did say "Jocularity! Jocularity!" because I'd heard conflicting rumors. Turns out he DID, cause I've now seen and heard it with my own eyes and ears. I think he was drunk at the time.

      Indeed, Brother Nappy (aka Judge Al Bondigas) was present when Biff got biffed. Nappy wanted to throw the punch himself but the director wouldn't let him because a hospital stay for Biff just wasn't in the film's budget.

      I think you're right: ELLA has "it". Might get 2nd or even 3rd on one of those TV singing competition shows.

      I've ALWAYS missed me.

      ELLA

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    2. Now that I think about it, you must have made reference to 'Back To the Future' in on one of your "Stuffs" posts. Looks like I'll have to go Stuff diving again.

      During 'Movie Night' I remember some of the 4077 imitation Father M, but I also vaguely remember those words being uttered by the father himself. Almost as funny as the episode where someone puts black grease on Col. Potters binoculars so that it left black rings around his eyes. Radar's reaction still makes me laugh when I think about it.

      You'll have to solve that freeway problem like I did. I bought one of those dash cams to catch all the excitement. Now everyone behaves themselves. How do they even know I have a dash cam? A watched commuter never boils as they say.

      If you have nine lives like a cat, how many do you think you have used up? I think I've used up four and maybe one I don't know about. I guess that's not bad considering my age. (No using negative numbers.)

      Glad you are doing slightly better health-wise.

      S2+1

      Delete
    3. S2+1+Won ~
      If we can get Ella to lose 300 lbs, dye her hair blonde and turn into a 21-year-old White girl, I think she's got a good chance of taking first place on American Idol.

      I probably did mention the Nappy / 'Back To The Future' connection, although I don't recall it now. I've posted a lot of stuffs over the years 'As The Brain Cells Drown' (my own personal soap opera).

      Yeah, Mulcahy said it while leaving The Swamp after hanging out with Hawkeye and... Trapper John, I believe. It was an older episode -- long before I joined MASH and ruined it for everyone.

      A dash cam? Hmmm....

      If I have nine lives, then I used up eight of them just during the four or five 'League Of Soul Crusaders' years.

      SiggyStarSearch, check yer Email InBox as I sent you something an hour or so ago.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  10. There is no rest in "this world." I'm sorry you are having trouble, and sorry you have had conflicts with the crappy Reno drivers. I must disagree about who has the worst drivers, though. Washington State does, hands down. I've been in 45 states, and these Birkenstock-wearing-Prius-driving nitwits up here are so polite that the slam on the brakes in the middle of the street to "politely" let someone out of a parking lot. Unfortunately, everyone behind him has a multi-car pileup as a result... but at least he was polite and "cared." Sitting in the fast lane at 60 is not only common, but de rigueur. After all, you should not be allowed to break the law by exceeding the speed limit. You burn too much gas and create too much of a carbon footprint. Hope you feel better soon.

    Before listening to this BOTB, I was certain that I’d vote for Ella. Although I really like Benny G, I love Ella and almost any other time she would get the nod.

    But no.

    Her rendition is a bit too sparse for me. The voice is great, but I just prefer the Goodman sound this time.

    (BTW - “The Eagle Has Landed!” A bad penny saved gathers no moss. Like a rolling stone that passes in the night.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. SBB-6 ~
      Yeah, "this world" is weary, but the 7th Day of Rest is coming soon.

      It seems everyone thinks their own state has the worst drivers. Bryan says Colorado, FAE says Utah, you say Washington, I say Reno...

      However, on the surface streets, the Reno drivers are not as bad as the Phoenix drivers. It's really only when you get them on the freeways that the Reno drivers turn into retards. [I'm actually planning to get a custom bumper sticker made that says: Re(no)tard, Tailgate And You'll Buy My Next Car!]

      A Penny Earned Is Worth Two In The George, but Little Boy Bleu Come Cut Your Cheese.

      BENNY (Blew His Horn, and And The Dish Ran Away With Bill Clinton)

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  11. I had to go to YouTube to find Benny Goodman and I hope I have the right version. I really enjoyed it and even though Ella sings this so wonderfully, I have to give it to Benny. I love the musical styling with his orchestra more.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, BIRGIT! Glad you dug wonderful Ella and melodious...

      BENNY

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  12. I'm going to vote for Duke and Ella as I can't hear the Benny Goodman version (not available in Canada, eh) I know Benny's work, but I just love the Duke, so I'll vote for Ella and Ellington. Get healthy, must be the California flu. . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Click HERE for a Canadian-friendly version.

      Delete
    2. Thanks Debbie...that is the one I listened to:)

      Delete
    3. D.G. ~
      Thanks for coming by. Although the video shows Ella with Duke (who composed the tune) he didn't really play a part in this Ella recording.

      And for the record, I've tested all the videos of my last two Battles with that URL Restriction Checker site. They all came back as viewable in Canada, but two of the four were NOT. That site is useless, obviously. Sorry. But I did try.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    4. Thanks for trying, Stephen! Sometimes URLS that were available before suddenly are not. C'est la vie.

      Delete
    5. Thanks from me too, Stephen, for trying and for clarifying Duke's part in this. I'll stick with Ella this time.

      Delete
  13. Hey BossMan! I hope you are feeling better soon. Feeling ill really sucks. Too bad you can't telecommute. Or call in well one day, see how they handle it. I did that once. My boss was like "You're calling from Wells?" Uh no. I'm calling well. As in I'm not sick. and I'm going to enjoy my day!.

    You can't die. I love coming here and reading the comments. They always brighten my day. And I have to agree with Sheboyganboy - stay away from Washington or Oregon in any kind of inclement weather. Everyone here suffers from Driver Amnesia anytime the weather changes. No one knows how to properly merge - Do just stop and wait for my invitation to join the lane? And God Forbid there ever be the slightest amount of ice on the road. These dumbasses flat out abandon their vehicles right in the middle of the road!

    alright, I've rambled on. and My sentence structure sucks. So I guess it's time for me to cast my vote in your battle. I really enjoyed both versions, but I gotta give my vote to Benny Goodman. Feel better soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MARY ~
      I love that idea! "Yeah, hello, boss? I'm sorry but I'm feeling just way too good to come into work today. I'll be in tomorrow if I feel worse."

      HA! That's exactly how life SHOULD be! That, and a reversal of the whole schedule: two days of work and five days of play.

      >>... You can't die. I love coming here and reading the comments. They always brighten my day.

      Yes, I really do get good comments, don't I? It's always been my favorite part of blogging - the interacting with funny, witty people.

      I see other blogs with all these super-short, boring comment exchanges and I wonder: What's wrong here? How come these people (the blogger and the visitors) don't have as much fun as there usually is on my blogs?

      Nice post.
      Thanks.

      Sheesh! Why bother to post? Why bother to comment? Why bother responding to the comment?

      Maybe it's my ebullient, effervescent extremism that effectively exacerbates the excessive exchanges with extra-special, E-Ticket... eek! I ran out of "E-words" and can't eke out an ending to this... egregious effluvia.

      >>... alright, I've rambled on. and My sentence structure sucks

      Comparatively speaking, do you STILL think your sentence structure sucks?

      Abandoning their vehicles in the middle of the road due to a little ice? Yeah, I gotta admit, that IS pretty "dumbass". But then again, an abandoned vehicle in the middle of the road is probably safer than one that's moving with a dumbass behind the wheel.

      BENNY

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  14. I'm sorry you're so sick, Stephen. :( Be careful on the road and take care of yourself!

    As DG Hudson mentioned, the first video isn't available in Canada. Click HERE for an alternate. **ATT. BIRGIT**

    I've heard this song before. My mother was a big fan of that big band sound and I like it too, in limited amounts. Please give my vote to Benny Goodman. The instrumental version melts like butter.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DEBBIE ~
      Thanks for the good wishes. I'm feeling somewhat better, anyway. I might pull through (damn it all to hell!)

      And thanks for digging up videos that actually DO work in Canada. Before using the videos in BOTB, I've tried testing them for Canadian availability with this site...

      https://polsy.org.uk/stuff/ytrestrict.cgi

      ...but apparently that site isn't worth a thing. Maybe I can find another similar site that actually does what it claims to do.

      BENNY (melted like butter)

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    2. Glad to know you're feeling better! Videos are sometimes restricted suddenly when they were available before, so it may not be the site's fault. I'll look around for an alternate region checker and let you know if I come up with anything. BENNY is smooooth!

      Delete
    3. Thanks, DEBBIE, that would be GR-R-REAT if you could find a URL region checker that's really reliable. I promise I'll use it every time prior to BOTB posting!

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    4. I'll keep looking, but in the meantime, I think you might like my BOTB. Check it out HERE. Thanks!

      Delete
    5. I been had done that, DEBBIE. (I've never missed a vote and I won't start now.)

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    6. ☺ I knew you might like this one. Thanks for your vote.

      Delete
    7. DEBBIE, I did go back to the earlier Battle and saw that in that one I said that I also liked Slow Feet's cover of 'My Generation' better than The Who's original. Same as I said about Cream's 'White Room'.

      I'm definitely going to add SLOW FEET to my Spotify music collection. Thanks for introducing me to them. (And I'll bet they know wine as well as music!)

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    8. Slow Feet only ever recorded that one album, far as I know. Too bad! They are amazing. Glad You like them, too. They likely would know a lot about wine, as they're Italian. ☺

      Delete
    9. Yeah, that Italian-Wine connection is what I had in mind.

      I was listening to their album the other day at Spotify. I really like what they did with their covers.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  15. 1) Glad to read that you're sleeping again, so you're feeling better. That no sleeping thing sucks.

    2) Part of me wanted to vote for the instrumental just to shock you. I like doing that (shocking you), but I just can't bring myself to vote against my own ears even if it would be enormously gratifying to know that I surprised you. So, I'm voting for Ella. However, I'm feeling rather drawn to Dr. John over at my own place after repeated listenings, so my vote there is now up for grabs. Who would've thunk it???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GIRL WONDER ~
      You've gotta lot of nerve showing up here, Sister, after stealing my 'In A Sentimental Mood' thunder. But how'd you know?...

      How's the Battle going at your place? Here, this thing is close and could go either way. I'm even a little worried about a tie. What do we do in THAT case?

      If you didn't vote for Ella, I'd know that someone abducted you at camp and replaced you with some kind of alien being from a space pod.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  16. Hey Stephen T! Well, for once I'm surprising myself. I thought I'd like the Benny Goodman version better, but it didn't have the words...which Ella sings so gorgeously...and definitely put me in a sentimental mood..... :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh, so did it come across that I vote for Ella?! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, BROWN-EYED BECKY-O! I got ya down as one vote for Ellaphants Gerald.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  18. I hope by now you've fully recovered. I'm still convinced that Denver drivers are worse than Reno drivers, even if it's comparing apples and oranges. See, ours are idiots on the side streets, not on the freeways. Just driving 2 minutes down the street to the grocery store you're certain to encounter someone almost hitting you. Or crosswalks, which I call deathwalks... best not to use those at all, or if you do, RUN. Denver drivers don't stop for anything - not emergency vehicles, not stop signs, not even crosswalks! And our crosswalks have flashing lights and signs that says 'MUST YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS." But that's not a real law! It's more like a challenge! Stopping is for chumps!

    Alright, so I don't think I have to tell you who we voted for. Or me especially. I picked Benny in a heartbeat. He has always been one of my favorites. My cohort, meanwhile, just prefers the fuller arrangement. But either way, that spells two votes for Mr. Goodman. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go walk across my own street and get hit by a car going 50.

    ~6B

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 6-B ~
      Someone needs to find a way to organize and promote a DUMBASS DRIVERS OF THE U.S. SUPER BOWL, so we can get to the bottom of this issue once and for all.

      Yeah, I had you figured as a Benny vote. Brandon I wasn't as sure of, but I also guessed Benny.

      BENNY x 2

      ~ D-FensDogG
      'Loyal American Underground'

      Delete
    2. You don't need to organize squat. You need to ask me, and believe my words.

      I'm in Denver now and visit here at least three weeks a year. Most locales have somewhat lousy drivers and Denver is no exception, but they really seem just about "average." The Denver drivers are not great... but most are OK. About every five minutes a REALLY crappy nitwit zooms by or cuts you off, but it is nuttin' like Boston's sociopaths or Washington's holier-than-thou socially conscious control freaks. Word.

      Delete
    3. SBB-6 ~
      I've been in Boston twice, and both times there was so much gridlock that traffic seemed too slow to be dangerous.

      I haven't been in Washington state, and never left anything behind there, meaning I likely never will be in Washington state. So, I can't comment on those "holier-than-thou socially conscious control freaks". But I can believe that because all I know of Washington, me no likey.

      I think it's important to begin with a few observable facts:

      1) The "average American" is a moron. The "sub-average Americans" are retards. But when you begin with the fact that "average" is actually "moronic", we must expect bad drivers everywhere. So, it being a given that it's bad everywhere, where is it REALLY the worst?

      2) Old geezers (like you and I) have done an extensive amount of driving all over the country while advancing in their geezerhoods and have more road trip hell to draw from when making their determination.

      3) There is a difference between bad freeway driving and bad surface street driving. The drivers who are worst in one place at one of those two ways of driving may not be the worst at the other.

      I haven't done any real driving in L.A. since I moved away from there the last time (1995) so I can't speak to how it is today... although I'm sure it's worse and not better. But...

      I thought it was interesting a couple years ago when discussing this same topic, you and I both agreed that the best drivers (especially on freeways, I believe) were in Southern California.

      I've heard some people here in Northern Nevada criticize the speed that SoCal drivers go at. They think L.A. drivers are crazy. I just shake my head and walk away from the conversation. These retards think the SoCal drivers are crazy, but I guess it never occurred to them that if you actually know what you're doing behind the wheel, you can do it faster and still do it safely.

      I think that in just a year and a half, I've already seen more freeway accidents in Reno than I ever saw in L.A., all my years combined.

      Worst drivers that I, personally, have encountered (not counting Mexico) are...

      Overall:
      New Mexico & Utah

      Freeways:
      Reno
      (along with the Northern Californians here who can't drive fer shit!)

      Surface Streets:
      Airheadzonans

      I respect your road knowledge and experience, and I take your word for it when it comes to those "holier-than-thou socially conscious control freaks" out Washington-way.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  19. Difficult decision. I love Ella Fitzgerald, but I have a migraine. I closed my eyes and listened to Benny Goodman's clarinet and the other instruments, and I relaxed. Ella Fitzgerald felt like too much work to listen to (yes, I ended the sentence with a preposition; sue me). My migraine and I vote for Benny Goodman.

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOVE JANIE ~
      I'm glad for your sake that I didn't use Van Halen this round.

      I think I could have foreseen you as voting for Ella. I guess that means I could have foreseen myself being wrong.

      BENNY

      [Methinx Benny may have now taken an insurmountable lead.]

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  20. Stephen,

    Another tough one, so tough, I been had had to listen to em twice. Now, not because I forgot, but because I couldn't make up my mind. They both had emotional impact albeit different emotional spectrums. Love Benny's and took me back to black & white movies with dance hall scenes with a little bit of Noir. But, seein' as Duke wrote the song, and Ella's singing just hit me a little bit harder, I will go with Duke and Ella's version.
    JW,
    Pooh

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

      Thanks for taking the time to climb outta the hole you fell in to cast a vote here for...

      ELLAPHANTS GERALD.

      It looks like she ain't got no quit in her. She don't know it's a damn show; she thinks it's a damn fight!

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  21. I can't listen to these at the moment because I'm at work - but I'll come back and vote on this tonight.

    I would like to join the BOTB blog hop starting September 1st. Janie Junebug can vouch for me.

    The Pedestrian Writer

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Howdy, CHRIS. Welcome!
      I'm sorry but mentioning Janie Junebug actually works against you. I'm afraid that now I will need TWO references -- one to counteract the mention of Janie, and one more to personally vouch for you.

      Ha!-Ha! I'm just kidding you and teasing Janie.

      OK, buddy, I'll be watching for your vote here tonight, and I'll add you to the List O'Links for the September 1st Battles.

      Catch ya later.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  22. Al Bondigas here. Well, I can't get over how surprised I am with my vote. I thought for sure this would be a slam dunk for Gootmin, but I have to rule for Fitzy here. Wow!!! What a voice. Can you imagine me and her doing a duet together? Would that make history or what? Anyway, that's it. That's my rulin'.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thought you were gonna getta Goot one, eh? Well, there's only one thing that you can be certain of about BOTB: it's unpredictable.

      And you may have been surprised but, in truth, I was not. I guessed beforehand that your vote was going to go to Ella. I know that essentially you're more of a "song guy" than an "instrumental guy", and with a voice like Ella had, singing such a lovely melody, how could you fail to rule in her favor?

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  23. What? I need TWO references??! Good thing I hit a few other BOTB blogs earlier this week. Someone vouch for me please! Anyone?!? Hello?!??! ;-)

    Oh-kay...so I just listened to this song FOUR TIMES because Robin at Your Daily Dose also used it. I vote for Ella Fitzgerald's version on yours. I enjoyed both but I think that Ella's vocal held my attention more than the orchestra (though I could see myself listening to either, depending on my mood)

    Now I have to choose a song for my BOTB debut on Sept. 1. Hmmm...I wonder if anyone has used "In A Sentimental Mood"...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CHRIS, I'll let you into the BOTB club without the necessary references, but don't let this happen again. And between now and September 1st, make sure you've learned the secret handshake or the doorman won't let you into the meeting.

      OK, another vote for ELLA. Thanks! She's staging a nifty little comeback here.

      BOTB is 3 years old now, Chris, so lots and lots of songs have been used. But if you're interested, I can tell you that so far nobody has done 'HEY JUDE', The Beatles versus Tiny Tim. You can start with that one if you'd like to. ...Just a suggestion to get you off on the right foot.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  24. Ella Fitzgerald gets my vote like the vocals

    ReplyDelete
  25. STMcC’s Vote On '2016, August 15th: Battle Of The Bands' (Or, 'Benny Goodman Vs. Ella Fitzgerald') And The Final Tally:

    Well, this turned out to be a pretty dern good Battle. At one point I sensed that Benny had the contest well in hand with a sizeable lead, but I think his quick start fooled me. In tabulating the votes I found that this contest was pretty much neck and neck all the way to the finish line.

    Benny did take a lead around the clubhouse turn, but Ella came storming back, capturing 4 of the last 5 votes in the final stretch.

    This Battle ended so close that I had to count the votes a third time because the first two times I came up with reversed outcomes.

    I really dig BOTH recordings. I think it's a gorgeous melody and Benny and Ella really did it justice. In the final analysis, I have to side just slightly with Benny because I love the instrumentation. I'm a sucker for great Jazz instrumentals, and when you have a melody this lovely, I'm not sure you really even need words to convey the feeling.

    Regardless, both versions were absolutely top-notch, which you'd expect from Jazz legends like Benny and Ella. But the voting turned out like this:

    Benny Goodman = 11 Votes
    Ella Fitzgerald = 12 Votes


    I'm glad this wasn't a tie, so now Robin has a winner from here that on September 1st she can pit against the winner from her own Battle at her site.

    As always, thanks to everyone who took the time to participate. I appreciate you, and I hope to see you back here again for my September 1st BOTB installment.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
  26. Well, that was a good one. And good for Robin that you had a winner here.

    My results will appear on Monday. They weren't as close as yours, but I think it was still a decent outcome.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, I liked your Battle, LEE. Two good versions of a good song. Can't beat THAT!

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  27. Stephen - Sorry I missed the battle. It was a tough one, because Ella Fitzgerald has such a wonderful voice and Benny Goodman also did an outstanding job on the instrumentals. I scrolled through the comments in an attempt to reach a decision, and saw that you saved me the trouble. Another entertaining BOTB, Stephen!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, GEM JULIE. If you WOULD HAVE voted for Benny then I'm glad you didn't get here in time because that would have thrown a wrench into the monkey.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  28. Benny lost? Oh well, both contenders were great and at least it was close. Good one, Stephen!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, DEBBIE. I was a little surprised also. I figured it would be a reasonably close Battle but I actually predicted a Benny victory.

      Oh well,
      with BOTB,
      never can tell.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  29. Awwww, that can't be right. :-)
    Benny was robbed. And I didn't expect that of Ella...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Benny WAS robbed, in the alley by a very large Black person wielding a... gorgeous voice. (Only in BOTB, eh, DOC?)

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  30. Had a strong feeling I'd be voting for Mr Goodman and that slide trombone before I even saw the contender - and ya know I loves me some Ella. But, yeah, I'm in one of those sentimental moods meself, and Benny just tromps all over dat.

    And. . . . I just noticed this is the results, not the battle. See how much I been missing you Darlin'? Me Toesies is missin' yer lip service.

    Damn, I need a break for some serious catching up.

    Stay cool my friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WILD THING ~
      What this country needs is a good, 5-cent toe sucking!

      Yeah, you been neglectin' me, and I don't tolerate that from women! (Except for when they do it.)

      Well, I got a good BOTB scheduled for September 01. It's a classic song and the contenders are a bunch of Mexicans against a little girl. How can that NOT be a great BOTB installment? See ya here then?

      ~ D-FensDogG
      'Loyal American Underground'

      Delete

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