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'BATTLE OF THE BANDS' ('BOTB')
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Yes, it's time once again for 'Battle Of The Bands' ('BOTB'). Except that this is...
VALENTINE'S DAY BOTB #2
(Or, LOVE NEVER DIES!)
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This is my 85th 'Battle Of The Bands' installment, and although it is destined to be a big, bad blowout, this is probably my favorite Battle that I've ever constructed. After two ties in a row, it'll be refreshing to finally have a winner to announce! Yeah, I can live with a blowout this time.
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| EUGENE MARTONE VS. JACK BUTLER |
This is a "Twisted BOTB" contest, meaning that I'm using two different songs rather than two versions of the same song. However, I'm only using one artist. Slick, huh?
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I like to think I've come up with some uniquely Twisted BOTB contests before, but this one is extra special to me. This Battle idea occurred to me several months back and I've been waiting all this time to use it. This was probably the only time in my life that I eagerly awaited Valentine's Day (pish 'n' pshaw)
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Wackypedia sez:
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"EL PASO" is a Country & Western ballad written and originally recorded by Marty Robbins, and first released on Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs in September 1959. It was released as a single the following month, and became a major hit on both the Country and Pop music charts, reaching Number One in both at the start of 1960. It won the Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording in 1961, and remains Robbins' best-known song.
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It is widely considered a genre classic for its gripping narrative which ends in the death of its protagonist, its shift from past to present tense, haunting harmonies by vocalists Bobby Sykes and Jim Glaser and the eloquent and varied Spanish guitar accompaniment by Grady Martin that lends the recording a distinctive Tex-Mex feel. The name of the character Faleena was based upon a schoolmate of Robbins in the fifth grade -- Fidelina Martinez.
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Members of the Western Writers of America chose El Paso as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.
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"EL PASO" is a Country & Western ballad written and originally recorded by Marty Robbins, and first released on Gunfighter Ballads and Trail Songs in September 1959. It was released as a single the following month, and became a major hit on both the Country and Pop music charts, reaching Number One in both at the start of 1960. It won the Grammy Award for Best Country & Western Recording in 1961, and remains Robbins' best-known song.
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It is widely considered a genre classic for its gripping narrative which ends in the death of its protagonist, its shift from past to present tense, haunting harmonies by vocalists Bobby Sykes and Jim Glaser and the eloquent and varied Spanish guitar accompaniment by Grady Martin that lends the recording a distinctive Tex-Mex feel. The name of the character Faleena was based upon a schoolmate of Robbins in the fifth grade -- Fidelina Martinez.
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Members of the Western Writers of America chose El Paso as one of the Top 100 Western songs of all time.
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The second song may be new to you. Wackypedia sez this about it:
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"EL PASO CITY" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Marty Robbins. It was released in March 1976 as the first single and title track from the album El Paso City. The song was Robbins' 15th number one on the U.S. Country singles chart. The single stayed at number one for two weeks and spent 11 weeks on the chart.
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Robbins wrote "El Paso City" while flying over El Paso, in - he reported - the same amount of time it takes to sing, four minutes and 14 seconds. It was only the second time that ever happened to him; the first time was when he composed the original El Paso as fast as he could write it down.
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Valentine's Day is when we celebrate romantic love (so sez Dr. Hallmark). So, while you are listening to the two recordings, give some thought to how you would answer the following questions (and I hope you will indeed answer them in the comment section in conjunction with your voting).
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Do you believe in love at first sight?
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"EL PASO CITY" is a song written and recorded by American country music artist Marty Robbins. It was released in March 1976 as the first single and title track from the album El Paso City. The song was Robbins' 15th number one on the U.S. Country singles chart. The single stayed at number one for two weeks and spent 11 weeks on the chart.
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Robbins wrote "El Paso City" while flying over El Paso, in - he reported - the same amount of time it takes to sing, four minutes and 14 seconds. It was only the second time that ever happened to him; the first time was when he composed the original El Paso as fast as he could write it down.
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| GOODNIKS VS. NO-GOODNIKS |
Valentine's Day is when we celebrate romantic love (so sez Dr. Hallmark). So, while you are listening to the two recordings, give some thought to how you would answer the following questions (and I hope you will indeed answer them in the comment section in conjunction with your voting).
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Do you believe in love at first sight?
Do you think there is life after death?
Do you believe a person's romantic love for another can be maintained even after the physical body has died and disappeared?
Do you think the souls of the deceased sometimes reincarnate and inhabit the earth in newly born bodies?
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Heavy, huh?
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Alright, let's get on it. Let's get ON this thing!...
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EL PASO -- Marty Robbins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spaPETdoRVM
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| GODZILLA VS. KING KONG |
EL PASO CITY -- Marty Robbins
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7wTYDxLOUgk
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Question: Will Marty Robbins win this Battle?
The Magic 8-Ball sez: "It Is Certain"
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Now it's time for you to vote for which Marty Robbins song you preferred and to answer some or all of those questions I posed above. Have fun with it, and... have a Happy Valentine's Day! (Oh, Valentine's Day has already passed? ...Well, maybe it will reincarnate someday.)
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Now it's time for you to vote for which Marty Robbins song you preferred and to answer some or all of those questions I posed above. Have fun with it, and... have a Happy Valentine's Day! (Oh, Valentine's Day has already passed? ...Well, maybe it will reincarnate someday.)
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I will return here on February 21st with a BOTB Results post. So, be here or... bring a note from your bartender.
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| 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
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.
@ '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.
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~ Stephen T. McCarthy
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Stephen, At first I was confused by the song titles. I thought it was the same Marty Robbins' song until I listened to them. Yeah, I'm having a rough morning - sinus headache and pressure. The rain causes my mold allergies to kick up big time. BLAH! Anywho, I know El Paso and it's nice, festive song. I didn't know El Paso City, so it was a nice introduction and I preferred it. The overall style suited my ear best, so give my vote to Song #2! Have a bandtastic day, my friend!
ReplyDeleteCATHY ~
DeleteYou beat Lee to my BOTB!
That's not something we often see.
Sorry to hear you're feeling poorly though, and I sincerely hope you are your ol' peppy self again soon.
First vote out of the chute and the potential for a shutout was shut out. Thanks!
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Wow! Two El Paso songs! I like the first one's narration better, so my vote goes there.
ReplyDeleteAs for your questions, Here's my take:
I do believe in love at first sight. But sometimes it may occur later.
I do believe in life after death.
I do believe that love can go beyond the physical body.
Not a believer in reincarnation.
Love is angelic.
EPT ~
DeleteThanks for coming by with a vote, and extra thanks for answering all the questions. I 'preciate that!
Send me the bill for your next 8 Sazeracs and they're on me.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
I'd never heard "El Paso City" before. It's okay, but definitely lacks the grabbing impact of "El Paso". I've liked "El Paso" from earliest times not long after it came out. At the time I didn't really understand the concept of "Country Western" music and "El Paso" is really "Western" which being a fan of the cowboy genre I had gained familiarity with from Roy Rogers and Gene Autry westerns. That genre of music romanticized the aspects of cowboy and western life for a kid to the point where I guess now it's almost a cliche.
ReplyDeleteThe genre of Western music no longer captivates me like it did in my younger days, but it's still fun to hear now and then.
My vote goes to the original "El Paso" and I think you are correct in predicting a blow-out in this match. That 8 ball is really shooting low in it's prediction this time.
As for the questions:
Do you believe in love at first sight?
Definitely an attraction that might lead to love, but I think true love is something that has to grow over time
Do you think there is life after death?
For good girls and boys I'd say yes, but for the bad ones eternal death (which maybe in a sense might be defined as life, but not the sort of life I'd want to live).
Do you believe a person's romantic love for another can be maintained even after the physical body has died and disappeared?
No--or not like we understand in this life. Biblically speaking, which is how I'd look at it, I don't think we are really told exactly what it will be like though plenty of theories abound. Whatever the case might be, I don't think departed souls without bodies have any continued love and later, after judgement, if there is some kind of romantic love then I'm sure it will be much purer and God-centered than we've seen love in our Earthly lives.
Do you think the souls of the deceased sometimes reincarnate and inhabit the earth in newly born bodies?
Makes for a nice fictional story romance. I've seen more than a few movies that use this as a plot device. But, no, I personally don't think this happens. I have not been convinced that reincarnation is true according to the Bible, but there are still accounts that I've heard that might suggest otherwise. Over all though I'd say no at this time.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
LEE ~
DeleteTwo people beat you to the voting on my Battle. What, did you oversleep? (You're the "Alex Cavanaugh" of my comment sections, don'tcha know?)
As Waylon sang, "MY HEROES HAVE ALWAYS BEEN COWBOYS, AND THEY STILL ARE, IT SEEMS."
Like you, I grew up in that Silver Screen Cowboy era of Roy and Dale, Hoppy, etc. And the "romantic mystique" of the West remains in my heart.
I'm not a huge fan of Country music, but the artists I do like, I love, and most of them are from the "Outlaw" side of the genre.
Thanks for the detailed answers to all the questions. I'm giving you an A+ report card to take home to your parents, Little Buckaroo.
In my BOTB Results post, I'll be answering the questions from my own perspective. And one of my answers is NOT what it would have been just a couple years ago. (Some old dogs CAN learn new tricks.)
~ Stephen
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
"El Paso" is a classic, obviously, but in this battle I'm going to vote for "El Paso City." I liked it because it told the story from "El Paso" differently, from the perspective of the composer who somehow has forgotten the song.
ReplyDeleteJOHN ~
DeleteYour vote sure fooled me on this one. I thought for sure you were a solid vote for 'El Paso'.
Ain't no "sure thing" about any BOTB installment.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Interesting battle, Stephen. Huge fan of the first El Paso and that gets my vote. It has more dramatic flare, although I did enjoy the "mariachi" flavour of the second number.
ReplyDeleteAs for your questions, my answer is "NO" to all of them. What is perceived as "love at first sight" is a physical, chemical attraction. Sometimes it can evolve into real love, but more often it does not and the attraction wears off. I guess I'm not much of a romantic. Not a fan of Valentine's Day, either. It's a fake holiday, invented by the retail industry to fatten their coffers. Love should be expressed year 'round, when the mood strikes, not on any mandated day.
Instead of BOTB, I'm participating in the creative writing challenge #WEPFF today. As a fellow writer, I'd love to know what you think of my post. BTW, the planned return date for BOTB is May 15, after all the A to Z activity has subsided. Hope that's okay. I'm nurturing the writer in me at the moment.
Thanks for the visit and the vote, DEBBIE. And thanks also for addressing the questions I posed. The different responses I'm getting I find to be very interesting, and I'll be answering all the questions myself in my BOTB RESULTS post on the 21st.
DeleteLooks like we're both Valentine Scrooges.
No problem about BOTB. (I'll try to remember to remove the link to your blog in my future installments, until 5/15.) And I will check out your WEPFF post fo' sho.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Thank you! Hubby and I prefer to make our own Valentine's Days when they suit us, calendar be damned. ☺
DeleteI always felt the same way. I didn't need some greeting card corporation or rose garden gnome to tell me when to show the girl I dug some affection.
DeleteHeck, I had Chris Botti's 'A Thousand Kisses Deep' album and I knew how to use it. Ha!
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Okay.. let's get these answers out of the way first:
ReplyDelete❤Do you believe in love at first sight?
Love? No. Lust? Definitely!
❤Do you think there is life after death?
Absolutely! It's what gives me peace when someone close to me passes. I know that I will see them again when it's my turn to go.
❤Do you believe a person's romantic love for another can be maintained even after the physical body has died and disappeared?
This is a tough one. I'm not entirely sure about the answer. My only grandparent that I knew was my grandmother, who outlived grandpa by 40 years. She was an ornery old cuss, and I'm not sure she had a romantic bone in her body. My Mother lived five years longer than my Dad, and while she missed him a great deal, I don't know that the love after death was romantic, but rather more of an unconditional love for her mate. I'm no expert on love, having had my share of relationships, the longest lasting 10 years.
❤Do you think the souls of the deceased sometimes reincarnate and inhabit the earth in newly born bodies?
No. I believe the spirit leaves the body at the time of death. But it does not reincarnate. The spirit is free to come visit any time. Quick story - It was 4th of July, 1996. I was driving westbound on I-80 from SLC to Winnemucca to save my sorry @$$ boyfriend as his car had broken down. We had been fighting previously, and it was clearly a sign that the relationship would not work out. As I was driving by myself, my sister, who had been fighting colon cancer, appeared briefly in my passenger seat. We had a good long chat about life in general and she told me how much she loved me and then she disappeared into thin air. At first I thought it was just my imagination as I was still trying to sort out the relationship in my head. When I returned home, I had a message from family members saying that my sister had passed - the time of death was right about the same time she had paid me a visit. I have felt the presence of other loved ones at various times, but nothing as strong as this particular visit from my sister.
Okay, now on to the battle:
You really threw me a curve ball with this one! Not only is it the same artist, but the song title is very similar to each other. Sneaky! And BRILLIANT!
I'm more familiar with 'El Paso' (not the city, but the song... I don't think I've ever been to the city, but I think it used to be a sister city to a small town in Idaho that I once lived and they would have 'El Paso Days' in the city park)
I wasn't put off by 'El Paso City', but I feel a stronger connection to 'El Paso'. Therefore, by default, I am casting my vote for:
EL PASO
~Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
MARY! MARY!... ~
DeleteI'm very pleased that you liked the concept of this Battle.
And Big Thanks for the wonderfully exhaustive answers to all my questions. You dun good!! And the story about your Sister appearing in your car was truly fascinating.
QUESTIONS: When your Sister first appeared, what was your reaction? I mean, one minute you're alone in the car and the next minute your Sister is in the passenger seat? I would imagine most people would be startled to the point of driving off the road or something.
Did you think you were hallucinating, suffering from Desert Road Fever? Or just having an imaginary discussion in your mind? Or did you REALLY accept that your Sister was there even though you knew her to be far away and very ill? How did your mind process that as it was occurring?
And one last question, if you don't mind: Who spoke first, you or her, and what was said initially? Can you recall?
Thanks again, Mary. FANTABULOUS comment!!!
I'm at work where I can't hear the audio on videos, so I won't make it to your Battle to cast my vote until Coffee O'Clock tomorrow morning.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
well, I know you like those long, drawn out comments, so I thought I would expand a bit more today.
DeleteWhen I had the conversation with my sister, I thought it was an imaginary conversation. But I definitely felt her presence around me. I don't recall who spoke first. I felt at peace after she 'left' and that gave me a lot of comfort knowing that I was able to kind of have one last goodbye with her.
Apparently my comments are acting all weird, so hopefully you will be able to comment when you can. I may have to revert back to google comments (blah).
I was going to respond to your email after work this past Saturday, but about an hour after work, I crawled into bed with chills, and then fever, and didn't get out of bed except for an hour or two here an there until today. Today, I feel about half human again.
Thanks for the follow-up comment, MARY!
Delete"One last goodbye" is an expression John Edward often used. (Not sure if you know who he is and what he does, but I'd guess you do.)
Glad you're feeling somewhat better, anyway. And no rush on the r-E-ply. Take yer time.
If I have trouble posting my vote on your blog tomorrow, I'll send it in an E and you can post it there for me.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
This is a fantastic BATTLE Mr McCarthy in sorta a demented way. Pitting Marty against Marty. What a concept!
ReplyDeleteI've always liked Marty Robbins. I had a friend way back when, an Irish guy who said he moved to the States because he was a big Marty Robbins fan. Micky used to travel all over the country to attend his performances. Even met him in person more than once But, as usual, I digress.
Marty's music is iconic, from the Gunslinger Ballads to his more Pop tunes like White sport Coat and a Pink Carnation. His heyday was a bit before my time, but I'm familiar with his music none the less.
When I clicked on El Paso and it began to play I surprised myself by singing along and actually knowing all of the words. I admit I'm not sure where that came from. I didn't think I was that familiar with the tune.
I had never heard El Paso city before, but boy oh boy, what a great sequel. I don't think I can recall another song with it's own sequel. Of course, I didn't know any of the words and pllayed it through three times just to get the hang of it, but I really liked it.
In the end familiarity ISN'T GONNA WIN OUT on this one for me. Give my vote to the haunting sequel El Paso City. I liked everything about it, from the tune to the hints at reincarnation by that ole cowboy way up in the air.
I'm back! Suffering from the beginning of a head cold today, so I'm more 'blonde' than normal. I finished up my comment and vote, then ran off to reply to comments at my own space. While there I realized I didn't answer your questions, so I cam dancing right back over here to do so
Delete1. Do you believe in ove at first sight?
Not sure I would say yes to that one, but not actually no either. I don't think so much of it as 'love at first sight', but I have felt a Spiritual Connection to people upon first meeting them and that has often turned to a deep and abiding love.
2.Do you think there is life after death?
MOST DEFINITELY!
3. Do you think romantic love can be maintained after...blah,blah,blah?
Yep I do. If it's real, it's eternal.
4.Do you believe in reincarnation?
Another yep, I do. I don't think everyone is reincarnated, but I do think some are and believe that's it's possibly more than we think.
Now I think I covered it, right?
Excellent comment, NITRO WILBURY (Lost Sister Of The Traveling Wilburys). Thx!!
DeleteI'm glad you liked the Battle. I could barely wait to get to this one. And I was worried someone else might think of it and use it before I could, if I delayed until Valentine's Day. But I took my chances.
You knew a mick named Micky, eh? That works.
EL PASO CITY is doing better in this Battle than I'd anticipated, so far.
And there is actually ANOTHER Marty Robbins song related to this same story. EL PASO CITY is really #3 of 3. The second recording was 8-something minutes long and titled FALEENA (Of El Paso). That one tells the story from her angle and how she uses the cowboy's gun to shoot herself when he dies. The three songs taken together is something of an epic.
And much gracias for returning with your answers to my questions. Yep, you covered it, and in A+ manner, too.
It's been really interesting to see all the different answers that have come in.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
And Stephen,
ReplyDelete1. Yes, it has happened to me many times. Although that was usually with one eye, hic! I believe you fell for many a waitress if I recall but then again....And you can't find your waitress with a Geiger counter And she hates you and your friends and you just can't get served without her .. Or, she asks the cooks to kick you out of Zucky's one more time.
2. I certainly hope this was indeed a dress rehearsal cuz there's been too many smatterings of misery, death, and heart ache along the way, and that was AFTER i quit drinkin'
3. Yup, i expect to have one good long stiffy after I go.
4. Not quite sure, but I do feel I been had been here and done this or that before.
A good battle indeed with a guaranteed winner, of Marty. NOT to be confused with our good friend Martin Brummer. I do think of him now and then. I have a sudden craving for Orange Juice.... I pick the song about El Paso, wait, what's that you say? you need more information ya say, what is I Ignorant? Well if you don't know me by now....The first and original El Paso, both good songs mind you, just gotta go with the more classic El Paso. I remember hearing that song on the transistor radio when I was a kid. Powerful voice and a powerful tune. So there ya have it. And you didn't have to even remind me this time.
JW,
Pooh
GENERAL "Real-Men-Drink-Mickey's-Big-Mouth" POOHREGARD ~
DeleteThat comment is going to be awful hard to beat. AWFUL HARD TO BEAT!
Of course, only former 'League Of Soul Crusaders' will un'erstan' most of it. Meaning: Only you, me, and Judge "Nappy" Al Bondigas will un'erstan' most of it.
Yep, I fell for countless waitresses. And you weren't even there for the one I fell for in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Nor the one I fell for in Bumphuk, Kentucky, nor the one I fell for in...
(I think it may have had something to do with women "serving" me. Ha!:o)
Man, the Tom Waits lines... I swear, I think that guy was reading our mail!! It was almost like he was in the booth next to ours at Zucky's, every single time, and eavesdropping on us. That Son-Of-A-Bitch Plagiarist!
Speaking of which... after work tonight, I stopped into one of my favorite watering holes here, and the woman sitting next to me, whom I was speaking politely to, axed me, "Did the Mrs. let you go out alone tonight?"
Pooh, it's been a long time, so I can't really remember, but isn't THAT what people mean by the expression "Coping a feel"?
Anyway, she went home alone tonight, as did I, because she was old enough to be my granddaughter. (Way too old for me, Bro!)
So, you're gonna pass (on) the old El Paso City, and bote on El Paso, eh? 'Ite.
You done got on this thang quick, Pooh. No need to remind "a bear of very big brain". Ha! Seriously, thanks, Brother.
Love,
in a (Link:] "CONFIDENT HETEROSEXUAL", John Wayne Way,
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Well, I don't know if Marty Robbins will win, but that Marty Robbins sure has talent :)
ReplyDeleteEl Paso is one of my favorite cowboy love ballads. As beautiful and haunting as this is, if you put it against Willie's SEVEN SPANISH ANGELS it would get my vote. Cuz ya know, Willie!!!
The El Paso city just doesn't have the "heart" that the original has. I think Marty just had a de ja Vue moment flying over El Paso and rewrote the song after a few Whiskey's.
AS for your questions . . just cuz a thing has never happened to me doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
I do believe in love at first sight, though it generally fizzles out to lust, and finally boredom. I believe there can be instant attraction, but romantic love is grown over time and life experience.
And if there is life after death, then certainly love can transcend such alternative plains of existence. Soul mates are rare, but possible.
If there is life after death of some sort, then there is no reason for me to discount reincarnation, and not necessarily as a human. I don't buy into the religious go to heaven or go to hell for eternity as the only options for after life, but I don't put it past my spiritual essence to return as a rock or space dust either. Seriously, if I am able to choose, I'm coming back as a fat, hairy, cat. Man, watching my cats sleep all day makes me jealous!
I was reading bits of your reply comment above. Nice to be almost propositioned by someone not demanding money for the compliment, lol. Good to know you're still getting some winks.
WILD THING ~
DeleteThanks for your vote and the lovely comment.
Yeah, that woman copped a feel and didn't even charge me for it. What a nice lady. :o)
What you are referring to, technically, is known as Soul Transmigration, which implies that a soul might return in human form, or in some other form (a butterfly; a holy cow; a fat, hairy cat, etc.) While Reincarnation is the return strictly in human form.
But I'll tell ya, if Soul Transmigration is true, you have abbalouly nailed the best choice: a fat, hairy cat. That's like being pampered royalty, but even better.
>>... As for your questions . . just cuz a thing has never happened to me doesn't mean it doesn't exist.
That is such a wise view. And it's amazingly sad how many people take the opposite view in so many things.
Oh, you have a jones for Willie? I never knew dat.[;o)
I think if Willie ever showed up while you and FAE were partying together, that would result in a cat fight that I would pay a lotta good money to watch. (Did you know your pal FAE has a Willie jones, too?)
Thanks again for stopping by with an entertaining comment, OH DONNA.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Yes, I know FAE has the Jonsies for Willie too. No problems for us, we'd share if he ever showed up in person. Give him a joint and he'd happily "share" us. FAE and I are not soul mates, we are soul friends :) You too my Dear Saint Mac, join the club. You know ya wanna put on that blingy stuff and party with us gals.
DeleteMight be yakkin at ya next weekend for you both to meet me where Willie and Bettie intersect. Was hoping for that auspiscious meeting this weekend but shalsbutt at home and all that Donner mess tweaked the schedule. Too long a story for here.
Have a shot on me and hope for afavorable party weekend to come.
Ha! "Blingy stuff" and I don't belong in the same sentence. My "Proud Member Of The Basket Of Deplorables" T-shirt is about as "blingy" as I get.
DeleteActually, a Jessi Colter for me would be nice. Now that Waylon's gone, I wonder if she has lonely nights that could use a little TLC from STMcC.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
I believe in love at first site and reincarnation but I don't believe in life after death or that love continues after death. As for the battle of the bands I find it funny that you chose a song the artist wrote about another song he wrote. I hate country music but I do love Marty Robbins and I'll go with El Paso City and it's cheeky references to El Paso.
ReplyDeleteHiHelloHowdy, YVONNE ~
Delete(Incidentally, Yvonne has always been a favorite name.)
Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe this is the first time you've visited my humble little blog.
WELCOME! Thanks for coming by with a vote, and feel free to visit anytime, to vote or just yak.
You hit on something that happens to be one of my favorite things about EL PASO CITY. Marty Robbins, singing about EL PASO, says:
...Where long ago I heard a song about a Texas cowboy and a girl
And a little place called Rosa's where he used to go and watch this beauty whirl
I don't recall who sang the song but I recall the story that I heard...
HA! I love the cleverness of that. He doesn't recall who sang the song EL PASO! I don't know much about Marty Robbins, but clearly he had a sense of humor after my own heart.
Thanks again for the vote. El Paso City is doing much better in this Battle than I had anticipated. There ain't no possibility of it winning, but the blowout I expected is not going to be nearly as lopsided as I figgered.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
I love Marty Robbins and can listen to him all day actually. I think of him more as western folk than country western. I have to go with his famous ballad El Paso. It just is so lyrical and sweet except for the dying part. As for your questions, I believe in lust at first sight but not love. Now, mind you, my uncle met my aunt and 2 weeks later they were engaged and stayed married u til he passed away. My mom met my dad in October 1959 and they started to live together(yup sinful) by New Years(there's a story there). I do believe in life after death and don't think we just upchuck and die and that's it...how horrible. Too many people have had "visits" from loved ones including my mom who really scoffed at these things even though she found it fascinating. When she still lived upstairs but had dementia and was not eating, she told me she had a dream, I was helping her dress, and she said her mom was there and her dad and her husband and others n the background. She was very happy to see the, but her mom held her hand and told her to go back, that it wasn't time yet. She told me she thought what a silly dream but I think they did visit her. My mom loved my dad so much even though they could argue like no one could. He passed away in 1988 and she never looked back...she never wanted anyone else and she told me she would talk to him and loved him. She wasn't pining or sad but she said that was the lover of her life. I do believe we come back and it is to always better ourselves from one life into the next. No matter what our beliefs, I think we can always aspire to be kinder, gentler, more tolerant, more loving and more forgiving and that s not easy! I think of Arlee right now who, like you, believe in Trump and all he stands for. Arlee has dared to voice his opinions which has cost him some followers and some wrath which is a shame because one is always entitled to voice ones opinion. You know I am n the opposite end but it s ok to be that and still be respectful. Whoa!!! Where the bleeping hell did I just go...hahahaaaaa . I guess this is more Buddhist or whatever thinking but isn't it nice to think that we can continue to climb towards that fulfillment. How's that for deep:)
ReplyDeleteBIRGIT ~
DeleteI thank you for your vote and the nice response to the questions I posed. It's been interesting to me seeing how various people are answering some rather serious questions.
That story about your Aunt and Uncle is really something. That sure looks like love at first sight to me.
"Upchuck and die" -- Ha! That sounds like something I might say.
And I also find it odd how so many people can discount the testimony of so many credible people. For some, it ain't easy leaving their comfort zone and facing other possible realities with implications that might frighten them a bit.
And actually, you got something wrong though: I do NOT believe in all that Trump stands for. My political views are extensive, well-researched and thoroughly thought out. They cannot be easily understood by simply reading a handful of different comments in different places.
My political worldview is so poorly understood by most (except for my closest friends) that I have been called everything from a "racist asshole" to a "Fascist" to a "Leftist" to a "Libtard" to a "troll for Hillary". How's that for variety? If ALL of those people were right, it would mean I didn't stand ANYWHERE politically and wavered from Left to Right on a daily basis.
Should you ever be interested in learning how I really DO view the political realm, you could sign up to receive Emails of my posts at my new blog. There I am reviewing all sorts of things, including political materials.
In fact, later today I believe I'll post a review for what I consider one of the three abbalouly ESSENTIAL political books that every person ought to read and understand.
Thanks again for your vote and in-depth answers to the questions, Birgit. I sincerely appreciate that.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
As the slothful sociopath sitting in the back row of class and throwing spitwads, I know I'll get an "F" on this assignment. The other classmates have really shown me up this time.
ReplyDeleteI'm not gonna answer all your questions, but I will say that I believe Life is eternal. So maybe I'll get a D+.
The Marty songs were fun. I saw the second one slightly differently than you did... but perhaps I am wrong. I was not particularly taken with it in terms of cleverness, lyrics, or melody. It struck me as an lazy attempt to strike the same vein of gold he had hit before, but this time most of the ore was already mined. I'll vote for the waltz.
Sixgun McItchyfinger ~
DeleteYeah, I'm afraid I can't give you an exemplary report card to take home to Mother this time. You didn't seem to itchyfingered to pull the trigger on answers to these questions.
But that's alright. I still appreciate you coming by and voting like the BOTB loyalist you are.
And, yep, we definitely see the song El Paso City differently. (Imagine US having a musical disagreement. INCONCEIVABLE!)
I believe that after EL PASO had become such a major hit, Marty just wanted to flesh out the story, fill in the gaps, of what was initially more like just a sketch. Hence he wrote the second part of the story, FALEENA (Of El Paso), which told listeners Faleena's story from birth to death. And at 8 minutes in length, obviously he knew it wouldn't be a radio hit. So surely it was not about money.
And then I think the third part probably really was just spontaneous inspiration while he was flying over and looking down on Texas in a modern machine. He found a way to bring closure to the story by adding an unconventional mystical element to it.
Yes, I really do think it was a wildly imaginative and creative way to conclude a trilogy.
Oh well... Tom Petty. Ha!
But thanks again for the vote, McBrother! And you DID answer one of the four questions, so you have not failed the class. You may go out to the playground for recess now. [;o)
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Well, I am traveling again right now so that is my excuse for brevity. I will add that I was IN El Paso a couple of days ago. I did not stay... it is not my favorite place. We have some property up by Alamogordo and we went there to plant a for sale sign so that took us through the area. The badlands of New Mexico trump old El Paso... senoritas or not.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to El Paso -- wait! Lemme go check my road atlas...
DeleteRight. I've never been to El Paso. I don't think I've ever even been passed the Old El Paso salsa. But I used to know how to play 'The Streets Of Laredo' on the guitar.
Uhm... that's all I got.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
This may be my favorite battle of all time. Not kidding. Great questions and great songs.
ReplyDeleteNot gonna lie, El Paso got me right out the gate with "I fell in love with a Mexican girl." I love the gunfight-over-a-gal story. Had me enraptured the whole time, and I just love that line "my love is stronger than my fear of death." I'm a sucker for the eternal love story (see my story Like An Axe Through Bone from Graveyard Shift), and so is my cohort. We would each vote for El Paso 100 times over if we could, which is saying a lot, because El Paso City is a great song. But the ol' romantic sap in me has this song still on repeat even after the battle (for him) is over.
To answer your Qs.
Do you believe in love at first sight?
❤ I do, but not in the traditional sense. When I first met the wife, I wasn't all googoo over here. Rather, we were both shocked that we were incredibly comfortable with each other, like we'd known each other our whole lives.
Do you think there is life after death?
❤ Absolutely 100%. I've encountered way too many 'signs' of people and of pets who've passed on letting me know that they're okay, in extravagant and often remarkable ways, to just pass it off as some kind of dumb coincidence.
Do you believe a person's romantic love for another can be maintained even after the physical body has died and disappeared?
❤ Yes, absolutely. The wife and I have both discussed it, and even if one of us dropped dead this very day we would NEVER get re-married. My thoughts can again be found in Like An Axe Through Bone.
Excerpt:
“She’s the only one I ever wanted,” I say, elbows pinned to the counter, staring into my lukewarm beer. “I pledged my love to her and her alone, and even in death my love is only for her. Look, if people choose to remarry when their spouse dies, fine. I don’t care. But that’s not for me. My wife was not a dog—one dies, you just buy another. I will wait for her, and I will be with her again.”
Do you think the souls of the deceased sometimes reincarnate and inhabit the earth in newly born bodies?
❤ I honestly don't know, but what I lean toward believing is that sometimes a person needs to be sent back for one reason or another. To learn a lesson they didn't catch the first time around, or right a wrong, maybe. Again, not sure, but I won't rule it out.
Would you shoot a stranger down for the sake of your beloved Mexican girl, knowing it meant certain death?
❤ You're gul-damn right I would, pardner.
~6B
DeleteBROTHER BEER BOY BRYAN BODYGUARD BETTY ~
The comments on this Battle have been so heartening and such a pleasure for me.
I love that you loved this installment and that you sort of personalized it in a way. (I kept thinking of you playing EL PASO on repeat. So much for your disliking Country Western music, eh? I guess new dogs can learn old tricks.)
I dig how you and Mary Burris were able to duplicate the little red hearts and incorporated them into your answers. I have no idea how you two did that, but it was really cool. (Ha! And you even added your own 5th Q at the end, you nonconformist you. :o)
I remember the 'An Axe Through Bone' story in your book 'The Graveyard Shift'. That was the one where the guy was, like, going into some kind of parallel universe to do battle? That story knocked me out! How could I not love a story that includes "pre-battle ale"? And in fact, that very passage you wrote here is yellow-highlighted in my personal copy. And I dug how it mentioned "dog". I thought the entire book was terrific.
FUN FACT: It was after reading 'The Graveyard Shift' that I first realized for certain that you and Other B were REALLY writers. I mean, truly talented writers, and not wannabe self-published dreamers. I was really impressed and kind of surprised because the blog really didn't clue me in to what you guys were truly capable of.
Anyway, LOVED the comment and your answers. My thanks to you and Other B. I will be back here on the 21st with my own answers to my own questions and my vote for the winner and loser of this Battle.
~ Stephen
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
What a fabulous blast! These songs played on radios everywhere - from swimming holes and chino stores, to every restaurant or cantina with a jukebox. That classic Latin/western ballad style exemplified a unique kind of cultural cohesion and intense passion. Marty was even a decent NASCAR driver. And now you want me to choose between songs? Reno, that’s just cruel – and devilishly awesome!
ReplyDeleteI can’t resist “El Paso” – but that’s not to say “El Paso City” isn’t a fantastic sequel ;-)
Questions, questions:
#1 - Yes, I do believe in love at first sight. But I must admit, I knew him on the radio and company intercom before we actually met. Still crazy for him ;-)
#2 – Life after death? Not if we’re talking Zombies.
#3 – Yes, I imagine love can live on after death, but how sad.
#4 – Reincarnation? Yes. But I wouldn’t want to know.
dIEDRE ~
DeleteThanks for stopping by with a vote and such a lovely comment. I'm pleasantly surprised to see you aware that Marty Robbins actually drove NASCAR, too. You know sumpin' 'bout ever'thing, don'tcha? Good fun fact you done added here!
Still crazy for him after all these years, eh? That's wonderful! I'm really happy to hear it, since about half of all marriages end in divorce nowadays. Yours is not only going strong but "crazy" strong! Fabuloso!
By the way, zombies NEVER get any play or recognition on my blogs! I hate zombies and I will re-kill the first one that even looks at me wrong. I ain't a-skeered-a no zombies. Those damned, ungrateful dead heads!
Say, did you ever get that 'WESTERN LIGHT' DVD I'd mentioned to ya? If so, did ya like it at all?
Thanks so much for the vote and the answers to my Qs!
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Aw, not yet on the Western Lights but I imagine I soon will, for reasons I might mention on my next post. No really, I do plan to post again! I'm already sure I'll love it, so naturally I have to have it ;-)
DeleteNo problem. I was just curious about feedback on it.
DeleteI will be sure to check out your next blog bit, dIEDRE.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Wowsa, wowsa, I see why you were so excited about this battle Stephen. It's brilliant! I love it! When I saw the title of the songs and the artist I was completely unfamiliar with them (or so I thought) but as soon as El Paso started playing I knew it immediately. I didn't however know about the follow-up(s). What a very cool concept to have a fluid and beautiful story flow between three songs. A musical epic!
ReplyDeleteI actually like both of them very much. My vote is going to the original El Paso but I definitely enjoyed El Paso City too.
As to your questions:
Do I believe in love at first sight?
Not really. At least not for myself. I've definitely been in lust at first sight and maybe had a whirlwind night or weekend a time or two or three ;) that seemed really intense with an emotional connection but love it was not. Overall I'm not a believer in love at first sight. However I can't say that it's not possible. After all, my mom and dad met in a bar and the night they met my dad told my mom that she was going to be his wife. My mom just thought he was a cocky and arrogant SOB but he relentlessly pursued her (and as my dad told it, "She didn't run too fast either!") and they were married three months later. They stayed together for over 60 years and would still be together had my dad not passed a few months back. So, love at first sight? I guess it is possible. I just doubt that it would be possible for me. I'm too suspicious of people! :)
Do I believe in life after death?
AB-SO-LUTELY! That's why I'm not scared of death. I believe that we are all reunited with our loved ones (pets included). And I believe that our passed loved ones hang out or check in on us after they go.
Do I believe a person's romantic love for another can be maintained even after the physical body has died and disappeared?:
Yes, I do. Love is eternal. The circle of shared love can never be broken and I truly believe that. From a creative standpoint, I think probably the most incredible depiction of romantic love lasting beyond death is in the movie "Ghost" with Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze (and of course the awesome Whoopi Goldberg lending some great comedy). Wouldn't it be wonderful if it was that way (minus the pursuing killer, that is)?
Do I think the souls of the deceased sometimes reincarnate and inhabit the earth in newly born bodies?
Yes, I do believe in reincarnation. I think we are all here now working on things we didn't get right in previous lives and that with each reincarnation, we move closer to a state of perfect self-actualization for one's soul.
I've often said that I must've been a real asshole in a previous life because I sure have had some heavy crazy shit to deal with in this one! I did have a past-life reading one time where a psychic told me that I was a nun in one of my previous lives. First of all, a NUN??? Me?? Oh my! But I did find it quite ironic how he told me that I lost my life back then: I was in a small village working with children when unexpectedly bad men came riding in on horseback with lit torches and were burning down the village. I was ushering all the children out to run and hide in the woods when all of the sudden, I witnessed one of the men kicking one of the village dogs. In my outrage at that sight, I naturally responded to defend the dog and went after the guy somehow (maybe I struck out at him or something) and he killed me as a result. That sounds about right for me. I can totally imagine myself being killed defending an animal. If I ever saw someone hit or kick my dog (or any dog/animal), that person would, no question, experience my wrath. And I could see myself getting killed because of it.
Anyway... This was a really fun battle! Awesome pairing! Very unique. Kudos.
One last note: I got your email that day at the airport but have not had a chance to respond yet. Will do so this weekend and will fill you in on everything that's been going on.
Talk soon!
Michele at Angels Bark
MICHELE ~
DeleteI'm pleased beyond measure that you were able to find the tme and took the trouble, amidst important personal issues, to really make it to this Battle. I was so hoping you would because I was sure the concept of it would interest you.
And thanks for the very kind, terrific compliment on it. I appreciate that!
Your story about Mom and Pop was somewhat similar in a way to the story that Birgit told about her Aunt and Uncle. That sounds pretty much like love at first sight to me. And if not love at first sight, then at least love at second beer. Ha!
>>... "and as my dad told it, "She didn't run too fast either!"
:o) From other things you've related about your Pa in the past, methinks I'd have liked him. Seems like a "man's man" kind of guy, just like my own Pa was. (That was a time when men were masculine and feminine women liked 'em for being that.)
Interesting story about your past life reading. A nun, huh? Hmmm.... And now you're making up for lost time? I just jest, of course. But that is kind of funny trying to imagine a rocker like you being a nun. The getting killed over defending a dog actually adds up though.
You and so many others have really risen to the occasion making this BOTB installment everything I'd hoped it would be and even more. I wasn't sure how many of the voters would really take my Qs seriously and take the extra time necessary to answer them, but the response has been so wonderful. And the answers have been so varied that it's been a great deal of fun for me to get to learn a little more about my readers' beliefs on some of these intriguing topics.
I was hoping this comment section would be something above and beyond the ordinary BOTB comment sections, and it has been. I think the Battle would have been a good one regardless -- just based on the novelty of the concept -- but by adding the questions which so obviously tie in thematically with the nature of the stories in the songs, and getting such excellent and detailed responses to them from y'all has really made this my most cherished BOTB installment to date.
So, thanks again, Michele, for the vote and the A-List comment. And take your time with that r-E-sponse to my E. I know you're busy with important matters there, so no rush at all.
~ Stephen
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
I thought I would get to my laptop yesterday to type out a better comment. Alas no. So, I am on my phone this morning...
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for El Paso (the first one). I didn't think I knew either song pre-listening. When El Paso started I knew I'd heard it before. That means my dad must have played it in the car when I was a kid. He loved story songs (as do I). The second song was very good and a wonderful successor to the first.
I will try to come back later to answer your questions. :)
GIRL WONDER ~
DeleteI look forward to your return with A's to my Q's. (It would be a real shame if your nickname got reduced to simply "Girl". ...Ha! :o)
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Al Bondigas here. There are so many wonderful Marty Robbins' songs, and these are two of my all time favorites. I know how confident you are about which song I am going to rule for, but you are going to be shocked here. Are you ready? Ok, My rulin' goes for El Paso City. This battle is as close as two songs could possibly get, but I love the reincarnational mystery and feeling to it, as well as the great guitar sound. So that's it!! That's my rulin'!! Ohh yeah, the four questions. Love at first sight? yes for some people, but rarely. Life after death? Of course. Reincarnation? You just heard Marty Robbins' song, didn't ya? Sheesh. And something about the soul and romantic love carrying on. No. Not in any kind of romantic way. At that point real love is truly understood and felt, and way beyond anything romantic, or anything we could possibly imagine at this earthly level.
ReplyDeleteJUDGE AL ~
DeleteVeddy, veddy intedesting A's to my Q's.
Ha! I especially liked the one about reincarnation.
"Yeah, ah heard uhm."
Believe it or not, your vote didn't really shock me at all. I'll admit that I figgered you would lean slightly toward EL PASO due to the familiarity factor. But I did NOT AT ALL rule out the very real possibility that you might vote for the sequel.
I kind of guessed the reincarnation element might draw you in. Plus, it's a cool 'n' clever mystical song and I knew that wouldn't be lost on you.
Seriously, I would have guessed a vote for EL PASO, but only by about a 55%-45% margin.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Like Andy said?
DeleteWhat did Andy say?
DeleteAndy said that it was probably just the lighting. Which we have now come to believe is the answer to everything:
DeleteWas I REALLY that drunk last night?
It was probably just the lighting.
You just insulted my intelligence!
It was probably just the lighting.
I just got fired for using sexual innuendo while talking to that hot, new receptionist.
It was probably just... well, you knew she was wound pretty tight, and you shoulda kept yer mouth shut.
OK, the answer to ALMOST everything.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Got it! Thanks for splaining it.
DeleteJW
Pooh
Okay, I am still on my phone. But...
ReplyDeleteYes, I believe in love at first sight. I also believe in friends at first sight. As in the really close sort. I suspect it's a recognition at first sight on the soul level. I can say from experience that those relationships when they break hurt the worst.
Yes, I believe in life after death. Or that souls don't ever die. They just change vehicles, so to speak.
I don't think love after death exists as it does now. I think it must be purer. Truly soul to soul.
Yep, I believe in reincarnation. The old round school is here to help us learn.
GIRL WONDER ~
DeleteThanks for returning with your answers to the Qs. And sorry I'm late in acknowledging them but I've been fighting off some kind of bug, and to make matters worse, I got maybe 2 hours of sleep last night. Not feeling well at all right now.
Thanks again!
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Marty Robbins is probably the first musician I was into, I had Gunfighter Ballads on vinyl and playing it when I was a toddler. So, Marty Robbins gets my vote with the song about El Paso. "El Paso" gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteAlright, MIKE, thanks for checking in with your vote.
Delete~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
ATTENTION PEOPLES!
ReplyDeleteIf you are interested in seeing the final vote tally for this 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS' installment and my closing thoughts on it, please click (Link:] HERE.
Or you can put the following URL into your browser:
http://stmccpresentsbattleofthebands.blogspot.com/2017/02/results-battle-of-bands-2017-feb-15-or.html
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'