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

Thursday, December 21, 2017

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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24 comments:

  1. Well, I'm not happy about the outcome, but I'm happy that that Magic 8-Ball finally started pulling its weight. Who'da thunk it was such a Debbie Downer, though?

    So wait, you and Jubilant Sykes tried out for the Boys Chorus; he made it and you didn't? Well, I think we all know why the black guy stole that spot away from you.

    ...Because he clearly had the better voice and he's insanely talented. What did you think I was going to say?

    (What an awesome fun fact)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Trainyard Julio ~
      I had the soloist spot nailed down until Jubilant pulled his Black Privilege card and stole it from me! I've been a Nazi racist ever since.

      Ha!-Ha!

      It's true that we really were both in the same Boys Chorus, and it's true that Jubilant was our primary male soloist. Me they hid in the back, and I fully understand why. No grudge held. (Still, I could sing circles 'round Nappy, who -- the poor guy -- can't even pull off a non-flat "Happy Birthday". But tough guys don't sing, right?)

      ~ D-FensDogG
      Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...

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    2. POSTSCRIPT:
      Nappy could give Barney Fife a run for his money in the Bad Singing category. He knows it, too! Just ask him.

      ~ D-FensDogG

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    3. On the contrary, I didn’t think I sounded that good.

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    4. HA!-HA! [:^D
      Well... you're probably right. I was trying to give you the benefit of the doubt.

      ~ D-FensDogG
      STMcC Presents 'Battle Of The Bands'

      Delete
  2. I knew you were in Southern California, but didn't realize you were in Santa Monica. Our office was in West LA, and I used to stay at the Huntley on Wilshire when I was there. How 'bout that?

    Merry Christmas, Stephen, and best wishes for a blessed 2018.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wilshire? Never heard of it.

      Yeah, JOHN, my formative years were spent in Santa Monica, about a block North of Venice. ...That might account for some things.

      Thanks, Brother! And a very Merry Christmas to you also, with a healthy and happy 2018 thrown in to boot!

      ~ D-FensDogG
      Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...

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  3. I forgot to post a results of my battle; hmm, I'm not even sure who got the most votes. Probably Simon and Garfunkle. Oh well, we'll just go with that :)

    Sweet Blessings on you this holiday season!! Stay warm, "dry", and sexy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. WILD THING, I'm good with calling it a victory for S&G. They are one of my favorites from that era and genre!

      Sexy? Ha! If that ship ever was in port, I'm afraid it sailed long, long ago. I'm satisfied to merely still have some of my real teeth and real hair attached.

      Have a Merry Christmas and stay safe on those highways this coming year.

      ~ D-FensDogG
      Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...

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  4. You were doing the dishes???

    Will you marry me?

    Love,
    Janie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha! Well, JANIE, when they've overrun the living room and begin encroaching into my bathroom space, I always know it's time to clean some dishes.

      My favorite bar is closed from 2 AM until 10 AM. So, if you're not doing anything between those hours, I'm also free for a marriage. Open bar at the wedding reception, right?

      ~ D-FensDogG
      Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...

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    2. I'm usually free from 2 to 10. Florida or California wedding? Do you mind if the dogs join us on the honeymoon?

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    3. Actually, JANIE, I was thinking more like [Link> the Silver Queen in Virginia City, NV. Their bar is literally right around one corner from the wedding chapel. Very convenient for both the wedding reception AND the honeymoon!

      Sure, bring the dogs! Might as well, since I'm bringing my snakes.

      ~ Stephen
      Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...

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    4. Well, dang it! I don't understand it, but I've lost more potential wives this way.

      ~ D-FensDogG
      Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...

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  5. For 2018, I'm sticking with ALWAYS using songs that I like - I'm never disappointed!

    Merry Christmas, brudder, and Happy New Year! Blessings upon blessings for you.

    Hugs,
    Cherdo

    ReplyDelete
  6. Stephen,

    You're such a funny, funny man! That's not only part of your charm but why we love you. Please don't change a thing! The battle outcome went my way. So hooray for me and congrats to the victor! I hope you have a joyful Christmas. It sounds like you might get add your new bride and her dogs as tax write-off. Thanks to Janie's proposal. lol I look forward to sharing another fun year of battles (my next one is Jan. 1st) in 2018, dear friend and I hope God's blessing follow you in the new year with good health, much happiness, and success in all you do. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Awww, shucks, CATHY! I'm sure I must be beet-red right now.

      Well, thanks for the many kind words, my friend. And, yeah, I'm looking forward to the tax write-off. Ha!

      You, too, have a wonder-filled Christmas, a safe and healthy New Year's celebration, and I will catch up with you during your January 1st BOTB installment.

      Happy Trails To You Until We Meet Again!

      ~ D-FensDogG
      Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...

      Delete
  7. Sheboyganboy Sixgun McItchyfingerDecember 23, 2017 at 10:32 PM

    I didn't think you were EVER going to find your match, but congrats on your impending nuptials! I understand that your gift registries are at "Total Wine and More," "Puptown Girl" pet store, and "Dick's Liquor" in La Jolla, CA. That will cover the whole gamut of necessaries.

    Merry Christmas, and God Bless Tiny Tim!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ha!-Ha! Well, I thank you, McITCHYFINGER! Yes, finding my mate was a long time in coming but here she is, and with dogs to marry my lonely snakes, too! WIN!-WIN!

      When looking for that perfect wedding gift, remember that you can never go wrong with the Family Size jug of Thunderbird.

      I will get a brief Yak-E sent to you later today.

      And, yes, my Brother, God bless Tiny Tim. I am thinking that for next year's Christmas edition of BOTB, I will put Nat King Cole's version of 'SILENT NIGHT' up against [Link> Tiny Tim's rendition, which is my all-time favorite recording of that song.

      Do you think Tiny could hang in there in a Battle against the Nat man?

      ~ D-FensDogG
      Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...

      Delete
  8. Here I am alone in a motel in Memphis after driving from Houston since 4:30 AM. Got woken up by a call on my cell phone and now here I sit with heartburn after my cheap fried seafood dinner from Captain D's trying to put myself to sleep by diddling on my super slow notebook computer. There's probably a song in this somewhere.

    "Blessed Assurance" was one of my favorite hymns when I was a child. Still like it. Couldn't listen to it on this computer, but that's the way it is for now.

    Have a happy New Year. I've still got miles to go before I get back home. Be spending the rolling in of 2018 with my daughters in NJ and then my wife will join me shortly thereafter. Then it's that long trip home. I'm getting too old for this.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LEE ~
      Yeah, no doubt. Just add a dog, a truck, and a pint of whiskey and you've got yaself a Country-Western hit!

      FYI, a few teaspoons of baking soda mixed in about 5 ounces of water will eliminate heartburn in about 3 minutes. It eliminates heartache in about 5 minutes, and repairs a broken heart in 10.

      I'm not sure if ringing in the New Year in... NEW JERSEY!... is exactly setting a good tone for the rest of the year. But, hey, it's YOUR New Year.

      Truthfully, in my "youngerness", I LOVED long road trips. In my "non-youth", just the thought of one tires me out. I believe I've probably seen my last mile-burning road trip for pleasure.

      Safe travels, Buddy!

      ~ Stephen
      See... 'It's A Wonderful Life' Come To Life

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  9. This is a no-brainer for me. Tijuana Brass all the way. It's 3 fold really. First off ,I grew up as a trumpet player as a young man. Not feeling very cool as youngster ,this album cover added an element of cool to playing trumpet. Secondly, as stated above again this album cover was the beginnings of my young male lust as a 10 year old. The final capper is that I worked for Pat Senatore at Pasquale's jazz club in Malibu. Pat was Herb Albert's bass player. So all the way Jose, Love Potion for the win.

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