BOTB RESULTS -- 2017, DEC. 15: Or, KATHY MATTEA VERSUS JUBILANT SYKES

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STMcC’s Vote On '2017, December 15th: Battle Of The Bands' (Or, 'Kathy Mattea Versus Jubilant Sykes') And The Final Tally:

Sometimes it takes me awhile to put together a BOTB contest, even after I've already conceived of it. Using the song MARY, DID YOU KNOW? and putting Kathy Mattea against Jubilant Sykes (HERE) was an idea I had at least two if not three Christmases back. It wasn't until now that I finally presented it to y'all.

I originally wanted to use their studio recordings, but because I was unable to find a video of Jubilant's studio recording that would play in Canada, I had to make it a live performance contest. Not my preference.

This Battle was not nearly as close as I thought it might be, however, the Magic 8-Ball finally predicted an outcome correctly. I believe I may have finally found the proper way to use my Magic 8-Ball: apparently, instead of asking it who will Win, I should have been asking it who will Lose.

Kathy Mattea and Jubilant Sykes do this song better'n anyone else I've heard, and that's why I wanted to pit them against each other. The first time I ever heard this song, Jubilant was singing it live at Grace Community Church in Los Angeles during their Christmas program. I was blown away!

FUN FACT: Jubilant Sykes is from my hometown ("Dogtown" -- South Santa Monica / North Venice) and he and I were in the same Boys Chorus in junior high school together. He made it; I didn't. 
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Determining which version of MARY, DID YOU KNOW? that I like better is quite tough. I love them both. I get that the "motherhood" theme seems, at first glance, to make the song more natural with a woman's voice. But then again, the singer asking Mary the lyrics' questions does not necessarily need to be female, and the song conveys the Power of God which manifested through Jesus Christ. In referencing the Power and Wonder of God, a strong male voice might seem to have a natural edge. So, it all depends upon how one perceives the song.

I almost hate having to vote against either competitor here, but in the end, I think it's the end of Jubilant's rendition that steals my vote. When he sings of "the great I AM", I can almost feel the Strength of God's Divine Power coming through Jubilant's voice. Therefore, I'll cast my vote my homie's way. And he needs it, too:

Kathy Mattea = 12 votes
Jubilant Sykes = 7 votes

I own two Jubilant Sykes compact discs, and one of them contains the song BLESSED ASSURANCE, which never really captivated me. But a couple weeks ago, I was doing dishes and just letting YouTube play music videos when I heard a live version of Blessed Assurance by Jubilant. After about two minutes of just hearing the way he was singing the song, I felt compelled to dry my hands over the kitchen sink and walk over to my computer monitor and watch the rest of the video. Jubilant absolutely knocked me flat with his performance! Mind blown!!

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine!
Oh, what a foretaste of glory Divine!
Heir of Salvation, purchase of God,
Born of His Spirit, washed in His blood.

This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long;
This is my story, this is my song,
Praising my Savior all the day long.

Perfect submission, perfect delight,
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight;
Angels descending, bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of Love.

Perfect submission, all is at rest,
I in my Savior am happy and blessed,
Watching and waiting, looking above,
Filled with His goodness, lost in His love.

If I didn't already believe in God and didn't already know Jesus Christ, THAT performance by Jubilant would have put me on "The Christian Way". Dang! Dang!! Even back in 7th grade, I already knew Jubilant was great, but this live version of Blessed Assurance fills me with even more awe of his God-given gift!

If you can spare three and a half minutes, watch and listen to THIS!...
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IsBx7G3uucY

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Well, that's it for BOTB 2017. I thank each and every one of you for participating and I wish you a Merry Christmas; Happy Holidays; and a peaceful, blessed 2018! Remember: On New Year's Eve, don't drink and drive. Just drink! 

I will return here on January 15, 2018 with my 100th Battle Of The Bands installment. And because it's The Big One-Hundred, I plan to do something fun, something a little different, something sorta sexy. Yes, s-e-x-y.  
And why not? A certain someone (female, I blessedly assure you!) used to call me "The Sexiest Man On The Planet". Sure, she's living at the Dogtown Rescue Mission now, but she wasn't always "blind" drunk! 

Thanks again, Y'all, and see ya on 1/15/2018.
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Bless And Be Blessed!
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~ Stephen T. McCarthy
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