Harlem Vs. Hollywood, 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...
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BATTLE OF THE BANDS (BOTB)
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Five and a half months ago (February 1st), right HERE, I wrote this:
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Peoples, I need your help! I have a BOTB contest planned for later on, and one of the two songs I want to use in it is Danny Gatton playing 'Harlem Nocturne'. Problem: Gatton recorded two different versions of it, and I can't decide which one to use. And that's where you come in. I need YOU, with your votes, to decide which of these two recordings I will use in my future Battle against a different "Nocturne".
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It was decided in that Battle that Danny Gatton's 1993 recording of 'Harlem Nocturne' would move on to Battle again -- having beaten his 1975 recording of the song 9 votes to 6.
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And today is the day that preliminary Battle in February was constructed for! What we have today is Gatton's 'Harlem Nocturne' '93, going up against The Brian Setzer Orchestra's 'Hollywood Nocturne'.
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Brian Setzer, I'm sure most of you know, was the guitarist and lead vocalist of the Rockabilly trio The Stray Cats, who scored Top Ten hits with 'Rock This Town' and 'Stray Cat Strut' in 1982 and '83. In 1998, Setzer reemerged with the album 'The Dirty Boogie' (one of my all-time favorite album covers!) and fronting a Big Band playing a kind of Benny Goodman / Louis Prima-cum-Rockabilly style.
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The twelfth track on that album was a hauntingly eerie romance tune titled 'Hollywood Nocturne'.
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What else ya need to know? This is the Battle Of The Nocturnes -- Harlem versus Hollywood.
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Alright, let's get on it. Let's get ON this thing!...
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HARLEM NOCTURNE -- Danny Gatton (1993)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_jmeU505GI
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What's your preference, THAT or THIS?...
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HOLLYWOOD NOCTURNE -- Brian Setzer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G5Eun--5U-M
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The Battle Within The Battle
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VERSUS
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Question: "Will Brian Setzer lose to Danny Gatton?"
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The Magic 8-Ball (5-2) sez: "My Reply Is No"
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The Amazing Sixwell (5-2) sez: "Signs Point To Yes"
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Alright now, “you know the gig”... I welcome you (whether I know "you" or not) 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
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Voice Your Vote...
@ ‘TOSSING IT OUT’ 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
@ 'JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE' by clicking HERE.
@ 'ANGELS BARK' by clicking HERE.
@ 'THE DOGLADY'S DEN' by clicking HERE.
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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.
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~ Stephen T. McCarthy
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A couple of major talents, here! My vote goes to Danny Gatton though, without hesitation. I'm a sucker for a sexy guitar solo. ☺
ReplyDeleteIf there were a prize for 'First Voter', it would be in the mail to you, DEBBIE.
DeleteThanks for coming by and getting the ball rolling on this Battle. Have yourself a terrific Sunday!
Vote: GATTON
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Stephen darlin'
ReplyDeleteHands down this one goes to Danny Gatton. I found Setzer's vocals to be a bit off-putting in his rendition. Perhaps if he had just kept his mouth shut, he would have had a chance...
~Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
Hmmm.... Interesting. Thanks, MMQE!
DeleteThere's a line early in the song that goes, "Stands a man from some other time". And I suspect that in working within that theme, Brian gave his vocals a kind of "megaphone" effect.
I don't think he was *really* singing through a megaphone, but his voice does have that kind of quality in this recording. (Although I may be mistaken, I'd guess that his voice was manipulated electronically, not megaphonically.)
IMO, it's that sound which gives the song its eerie, time-traveling 'Twilight Zone' quality. And I'm thinking perhaps that is what you find "off-putting" about his vocals. I really, really dig that sound, but I can easily imagine why other folks might not.
Tiny Tim said, "Let there be... more megaphone!" Christopher Walken said, "...And more cowbell". Brian Setzer said, "I side with Tiny."
Thanks for your vote, Mary. (AND thanks for your perfect blog! [;-)
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
>>...Thanks for your vote, Mary. (AND thanks for your perfect blog! [;-)
DeleteI think you meant to say PURRfect!
Sorry so slow to respond... the blond roots forgot to click the 'notify me' button.
~Mary
Literary Gold
And Stephen,
ReplyDeleteDidn't we rock this town once many moons ago? Speaking of moon rocks; today, the only fizzle we get from life is from pop-rocks. WTH happened to us when we swore blood brothers against the wind...no retreat, no surrender. I give up.... Good battle once again. Great guitar licks. This is a tough one...I remember the Gatton battle. I did like Brian Setzer's version but it would have been better without the lyrics and if he hadn't gone all Hollywood with it. I like what the orchestra added to the song as well. But Gatton gets my vote as the guitar by itself adds a bit of mystery to the whole damn thing invoking the nocturne more better. Now lets go down to Panchos and get a burrito and then I will fall on something and bloody my shin. Or we could go further back to Tomys and you can ride a shopping cart. Is that something you'd be interested in? BTW, thought of you when I saw Kenny Loggins at the Bowl, singing House on Pooh Corner.
JW!, JW!,
Pooh
...AND, POOH, THAT'S NOT ALL!...
DeleteI have a distinct memory of hearing The Stray Cats' 'ROCK THIS TOWN' while out on the front lawn of the Bay Street house. Not sure where the music was coming from, but probably Twinkie's open window (his stereo) or from the TV (MTV playing, with the front windows of the living room open... as they usually were).
On some alternate vibrational level of existence, we're still at Panchos, and your shin is still bleeding. "We were happy then."
>>... "...thought of you when I saw Kenny Loggins at the Bowl, singing House on Pooh Corner
Kenny Loggins at the Hollywood Bowl -- man, wish I coulda been there. I still love his 'Celebrate Me Home' album and the song 'House At Pooh Corner'. To borrow a quote from Eeyore...
"Thanks for thinking of me."
See ya at the next gang fight in Tops' parking lot?
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Hey!! The League will rise again!! We'll do bloody shins and mo-peds in the living room and what about my elbows. We might even punch a coconut head again. But don't tell mama.
DeleteShe tryin' to forget about it?
Delete~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
Yeah, she’s trying to forget about a lot of things you guys did.
DeleteWaa-ell... a man's gotta do something to stay warm.
Delete~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
POSTSCRIPT:
I don't know what made me think of it, but a few days ago I suddenly thought of that time I woke up and went in the backyard to feed Mickie and saw the new "newsstand" in the garage. {*Shee-it! I'm literally laughing-out-loud as I type this!*}
I remember yelling for you and saying something like, "Alright, you guys have gone TOO FAR this time!"
Takin' it home... applied to a lot of things. We'll have to have a 40th parade reunion in 2023 Hopefully without the non-showing up MF's not showing up. Heck we can do it almost anytime, after June 27th next year. I will see if I can find the Popcorn Machine. I remember
DeleteJW to ya both,
Pooh!
...AND, POOH...
DeleteYeah, it just wouldn't be the same without The Popcorn Machine. That was like an inanimate honorary member of The League!
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Danny Gatton was a great guitarist, and his interpretation of this song is fantastic, BUT.... (you knew that was coming, didn't you?)
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed "Hollywood Nocturne," cheesy lyrics and all. There's a lot of "sway" in it, cool changes and fantastic instrumental harmony. That caught my ear immediately. I'm going with Brian Setzer's Orchestra on this one.
Thanks, JOHN, for being the shutout-buster. (It seems it was a-gonna get busted up anyhow, but you wuz da foist.)
DeleteYeah, I really like both of these recordings. Each one has its positives, and I don't feel either of them has any real drawbacks. These are "No Negative Nocturnes".
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Danny Gatton gets my vote, great guitarist! Grabs you with the guitar right away.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your vote, MIKE!
DeleteYeah, Gatton is really sumpin' else, ain't he?
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
I like everything about the Setzer song--bossa nova rhythm, lazy sultry guitars and vocals, the other instruments--everything.
ReplyDeleteBut right now I'm liking Gatton's song better. But the other song is really good.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Welcome home, LEE! Glad you had a good and safe trip.
DeleteIt's really kind of a shame that there has to be a "loser" in a contest like this, because I think BOTH recordings are real winners.
Oh, well, that is the nature of BOTB. And I'm just pleased this Battle has given me a chance to introduce some folks to some good new old stuffs.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Setzer gets my vote. In contrast, Gatton with his nimble fingers and way-heavy handed - Hey Gatton, why don't you just hit me upside the melon a few times with a sledgehammer.
ReplyDeleteIn contrast, Setzer is open and airy and chill - he's got nothing to prove. At first, the special effects on his voice was a drawback - I mean the song already won but... At second, the voice creates artistic tension - among the great instruments - thinking, "Sing it right and the song would be even better. Thirdly, the voice is perfect thus now the whole song is perfect. I would be remiss if not mentioning the Setzer song ought to be in a James Bond movie... or better yet an Austin Powers movie. In case it's not clear enough, Setzer gets my vote.
Howdy, McG DOGG! I appreciate you checking in with your $0.03. (Inflation, ya un'erstan'?)
DeleteI'm pleased to find that after awhile you came to embrace the deliberate "megaphone" effect in Setzer's vocals. I think it really adds a lot to the ambience of the piece and it was actually the first thing I really locked into the first time I heard it, lo, those many years ago.
Of course, me being a fan of 'The Monsters Of Megaphone' -- ;o) -- it's understandable that the old-timey vocal style would appeal to me right out of the chute.
>>... I would be remiss if not mentioning the Setzer song ought to be in a James Bond movie... or better yet an Austin Powers movie.
I think both songs have a kind of "Film Noir spy" flavor to them. Which actually makes a good deal of sense seeing as they're both "Nocturnes". And it's even kind of funny that Danny Gatton tosses that 'James Bond' lick right into the middle of his song, starting at the 2:40 mark. It fits there so thematically perfect.
And, DogG, I agree with your description of Setzer's version as "open and airy and chill". Both songs have that late night tension, but their moods are still slightly different:
With Setzer's song, it's late at night. You're walking alone, and about half a block ahead, you can see some guy in a trenchcoat, leaning up against the lamppost. He's repeatedly flipping a silver dollar up in air and catching it again, as he furtively steals little glances your way. You know he's waiting for you to reach his lamppost, and so you slip your right hand into the pocket of your black leather jacket and place your thumb on the button of your switchblade... just in case you need it quickly.
With Gatton's song, it's late at night. You're walking alone, and about half a block ahead, you can see... nothing, because the fog is too thick. All you can make out is the diffused smoky yellow glow of the streetlamp ahead. Who knows what, if anything, is up ahead where the streetlamp stands, beckoning to you?
Yes, I love these recordings.
Thanks for your vote, Muh Bruhthuh. Setzer needed some help and you came riding in. Good job! "You're just like the Lone Ranger!"
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteI wasn't sure how I'd go with today's battle. I enjoyed Gatton's cover but honestly by the time the song was done I'd had about all I could handle of the screaming guitar. Maybe, it's just too early in the morning. Setzer was definitely easier on the ears and I loved that this version has vocals which is a first time for me to hear, I think. I think G Dogg describes Setzer's rendition purrfectly 'open and airy'. Give my vote to BRIAN SETZER please.
Here's my BoTB...It Takes Two BoTB Showdown!
I thank you for coming by with a vote, CATHY, my friend!
DeleteThe time of day in which one is listening can make a huge difference in how much they appreciate certain songs.
FUN FACT: For awhile now, I've been experimenting with different CDs from my music collection, trying to pinpoint precisely WHICH album I feel is the ultimate "Early-Morning-With-Coffee Music Experience".
After months of testing various albums with coffee, I finally came to the conclusion that, for me, the two best "Early-Morning-With-Coffee Music Experiences" are:
'KIND OF BLUE' by Miles Davis
and
'THE VERY BEST OF SERGIO MENDES & BRASIL 66'
There are a few other pretty good choices, but I found those two to be my very favorites. Both of them sounded "just right" (as Goldilocks would say) each time I put them in my player and settled down in front of my computer monitor with a mug o' joe.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Both are quite good and so different-wonderful BOTB! I have to go with Gatton because I loved his unique styling of this song. The Setler version reminds me of a film Noir until he started to sing, then it reminded me of a sleazy 70's porn. I still liked it though which makes me think about my twisted way of thinking. I have returned! I was in Vancouver and the Rockies which was amazing.
ReplyDeleteWelcome back home, BIRGIT! I'm happy you had such a nice trip. (Lord knows you were overdue for a good getaway!)
DeleteAnd thanks for participating in my BOTB again! I'm pleased you found the contest "wonderful". It IS kind of wonderful, isn't it? ;o)
Your mention of the cinematic expression "Film Noir" is most apt. I think both of these have a Noir-ish quality to them, although slightly different in tension. (See my reply to G Dogg above.)
I gotta say, though, your vote surprised me a little this time. I had mentally already penciled in your vote for Brian Setzer. (Good thing I hadn't inked it in, eh? Because then I'd have needed a bottle of Wite-Out.)
~ Stephen
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Before we get to the part about two of my favorite guitarists, a word about Panchos. Every Sunday for many many moons at the corner of Lincoln and Ocean Park did I have my huevos rancheros. Having recently been in the relocated Pancho's down the street I can say that it did not serve my memories well. I'd rather stick with my memories.
DeleteNow on to the guitar playing. Picturing Brian at the Sands Hotel surrounded by Michael Buble, Harry Connick jr, And Frank and the Rat Pack still did not win me over in listening to his vocals or in my mind's eye the overly produced arrangement. My nod definitely goes to Danny on this one. Now if you want to experience both guitarists in another similar genre, find a copy of the Danny Gatton with Robert Gordon CD known as The Humbler. And then you can pit Danny against Brian in a battle of the rockabilly guitarists. I have the utmost respect for Brian in that he single-handedly revived three genres of music: rockabilly, swing, and big band horn music. And just as a side note, before there was Brian Setzer in the Stray Cats, there was Robert Gordon formerly of the cbgb's punk rock band The Tuff Darts, he switched over to the rockabilly format.
LELLY -- just another boy from the hood!
Delete>>... I'd rather stick with my memories.
Thomas was right: You can't go home again.
Don't ever ask for extra chips at Panchos'. They'll punch ya in the face if ya do! (As you likely suspect, there's a story behind that and, yes, it involves alcohol.)
One of the boys -- Judge Al or Pooh -- can correct me if I'm mistaken but, if memory serves, before Panchos' moved from Ocean Park & Lincoln Boulevards, and before it was Panchos', there was a Campos' at Lincoln & O.P. There were two Campos' in Dogtown -- the one on Pico Blvd, and I think the other was at O.P. & Lincoln. I was always more of a Campos' guy than a Panchos' fan. (Campos' would give you extra chips instead of a punch in the nose. Walshy's nose knows.)
Lelly, this Battle wouldn't be happening without ya!
I wouldn't mind having 'The Humbler'. I do, however, own the live track 'Sun Medley (Mystery Train/My Baby Left Me/That's All Right)' on CD.
IMO, the only problem with a Danny Gatton / Robert Gordon recording is Robert Gordon. I can't help asking myself: Why am I listening to this instead of Eddie Cochran or Elvis on Sun Records?
You know wot I mean? Like, why do I want to listen to some neo-Rockabilly bloke doing retro-Rockabilly when I can listen to the originals? (Well, I guess the only good answer to that is: Danny Gatton.)
For quite awhile, I've toyed with the idea of doing a 'Rock This Town' BOTB - The Stray Cats versus The Brian Setzer Orchestra. I've shied away from it though, for fear of a major blowout. (Because I can still remember what I thought the first time I heard his Orchestra do it while driving home from a trip to Tombstone.)
Thanks for checking in and having your voice be heard, Lelly. And for inspiring yet another stroll down Amnesia Lane for me!
And remember, as The Bard wrote:
"Never show up in a kilt when the invitation says 'Cowboy Dress Required'."
~ Stephen
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Hey Stephen,
ReplyDeleteWow, what a fabulous battle you have here! I'm glad you finally decided to showcase this bright match-up.
Both versions are good. Very good. But one, for me, moves into the Excellent column. And that is Gatton's version. Setzer's Hollywood Nocturne turns me on because of the sax...You know me, I love good sax.
But Gatton's Harlem Nocturne and his guitar is just so haunting and so sexy and so compelling.
Put me down for Gatton please.
And I'm so glad you included the Setzer's "Dirty Boogie" album cover. Great album title too btw. The cover: WOW WOW! I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! It reminds me of a combination of Art Deco, Man Men and an incredibly talented graphic designer who is skilled in color treatment. It's a "blow me away" cover for sure. That would make a good framed piece. In fact I just might do that: find a Google image of the cover online, print it out and frame it. It's art, no doubt. Thanks for turning us on to that and two incredible songs!
Hope you're having a good week...
Michele at Angels Bark
MICHELE ~
DeleteThanks for coming by with your vote and for the top-notch comment, too!
I agree that both songs are really good 'n' cool. But unfortunately for Setzer, he's really got a tiger by the tail here. I knew going in that Brian would have his hands full, but I was hoping this would be a bit more competitive than it's turned out to be. But there's just no denying the extraordinary quality of Gatton's playing.
I think you'd really like 'THE DIRTY BOOGIE' from beginning to end. If you get a chance, maybe see if someone has uploaded the entire thing to YouTube. It's really terrific and lives up to its album cover.
THE ALBUM COVER:
I couldn't agree with you more. The color scheme, the stylistic illustration, the way the smoke from the cigarette snakes its way up to the top and becomes like a "cartoon dialogue balloon" for the album's title.
That's a picture that tells a story. I could start riffing on that illustration and invent a story from it...
It's a foggy February night in 1966. Agent 101 tugs at his Windsor knot, pulls down his fedora, and slips in the back door of Kelbo's. He's on the trail of the elusive Hula Girls gang and got a hot tip from his informant, Miss Moana, that they'd be digging the scene tonight at Kelbo's mysterious and infamous Volcano Lounge.
Agent 101 tries to blend in with the patrons by lighting a cigarette and hunching over one of Kelbo's famous coconut bowl umbrella drinks. Several couples hit the dance floor when someone hits B-17 on the jukebox and Walt And The Tiki Gods launch into their big hit, 'Walkin' The Nose'.
Just then, a dark-haired beauty built long and lean like Natasha Fatale, sidles up next to Agent 101 and purrs, "Hello, Handsome. Got a light?"... and so on and so forth.
Thanks again, Michele, for tossing your $0.03 into the pot!
~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
Both are nice, but only one is great. Now, which one would YOU call "great?" Do I have spell it out for you?
ReplyDeleteSetzer is one of those guys that I simply have never liked much. He does some stuff that I like, but for some reason I never like it quite as much as I should... just because he is involved. I think Brian's voice is a bit weak, I am not a fan of the rockabilly genre, and - though I SHOULD give him credit for reviving genres (like big band) as Lelly suggests, that just doesn't carry weight with me.
Needless to say, I've giving my vote to Harlem.
Howdy, SIXGUN. Now... Draw!
Delete>>... which one would YOU call "great?" Do I have spell it out for you?
No. It's G-R-E-A-T.
Let's see here... I like Setzer. I think Setzer has a good, strong voice. I am a fan of Rockabilly music.
How's that 'Great Musical Divide' workin' for us? Ha!
I thanks ya for participating in BOTB #111. My Battles now go "up to one-hundred and eleven". And I'll bet you've voted in every single one of them. I truly appreciate your devotion to this blogfest, my friend!
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
International Bruzhthuh,
ReplyDeleteI vote for Kid Jersey although they're both good. I mean, Dickie Crickets 1 1/2 minute songs - how long can one sing about automobiles and aeroplanes. Kid Jersey pushed Dickie Crickets to another level.
It almost seems like the same scenario/neighborhood. I picture Gatton deft with nunchakus. One for each hand. The old adage: Don't bring a switchblade to a nunchakus fight.
<"You're just like the Lone Ranger!">
As the real Lone Ranger said (the one the tv show was based on), "Tonto, it's pronounced POSSE."
MUH McBRUHTHUH DOGG ~
DeleteAs you know very well, when it comes to megaphone, I am a big Tiny fan. I love the way he updated it in 1968 and added a touch of Flower Power to the art. But at least I'm honest enough to admit that pretty much every megaphone lick he ever did, he'd borrowed from either Dickie Crickets or Kid Jersey.
And between those two -- although I hate to admit it because I love Dickie's name -- I have to agree with you that Kid Jersey was truly the greatest of all time. He was just SO INNOVATIVE, so far ahead of the times (and ahead of Time Machines) that any honest fan of megaphone really has to give the nod to The Kid over Dickie. But both were certainly masters and "monsters" of the megaphone.
DogG, you rock, bruh! (Thanks again for that push in the right direction. I'll never forget ya for it. In fact, if I had enough stuffs to warrant a will, I'd write ya into it!)
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
STMcCzy aka MC Stephen, my post above has big gaps between the paragraphs because I meant to post your words <> in the interim/inspiration. Few people remember Kid Jersey's B-Side where he did a ditty, "PT 109" Lyrics, "Is all he got. He's gonna get shot." I heard Kid Jersey made a deal with Sixwell to tell the future.
Delete< (and ahead of Time Machines)>
That cracks me up big time with huge laughter hahahaha exponentially.
Sixwell foretold the moon landing was a fix and Jersey zipped it, "Bouncing on the moon, aluminum suits, on the moon, bouncy boots."
Sixwell sees the future clearly. Kid Jersey sees the future abstractly - he's an artist - never quite up to speed with Sixwell.
Kid Jersey's posthumous hit "Shoe-Sized Cell Phone."
BRUHTHUH McDOGG ~
DeleteI didn't even notice the gaps between your paragraphs until you mentioned them. (God only knows what I read between those lines, but I ain't mad with ya, so I guess it was OK.)
>>... "PT 109" Lyrics, "Is all he got. He's gonna get shot."
So, Sixwell was feeding future events like that to Kid Jersey, eh? In D.C., they call that "a leaker".
I had forgotten all about The Kid's posthumous hit, 'Shoe-Sized Cell Phone'. But now that you mention it, I seem to recall reading an old article which said that Mel Brooks, when he was just a kid, loved that song and much later it was his inspiration to give his fictional TV character, Maxwell Smart, a shoe phone.
~ Stephen
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Don't tell me you referenced Maxwell Smart.
DeleteSTMC, "I referenced Maxwell Smart."
I told you not to tell me that.
"Missed it by that much."
DeleteHa! The show of a thousand disguises and two thousand catchphrases.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Al Bondigas here. Wow!! Both of these are great!! I can understand and appreciate the awesome skills of Danny Gatton and he may be the greatest, most gifted string slinger ever. However, over the years, I've begun to fall in love with that certain sound that Setzer displays here. dude, this old man listens to Prescott's Kahm more than any other station while driving. I really like bossa nova, big band, etc. Love that sultry kind of sound I guess. Both of these were awesome but I'm rulin fer Setzer. That's it!! That's my rulin'.
ReplyDelete"Here come da judge! Here come da judge!"
DeleteJUDGE AL ~
I thank ya fer yer rulin'. It just wouldn't be BOTB without a rulin' from the court.
I am exceedingly pleased to learn that KAHM is still on the air. Always loved that station. KOY and KAHM were always the two best things about living in Hell, Arizona.
Now this is one time when yer rulin' did not catch me by surprise. As a matter of fact, just yesterday, I said in an E to a friend of mine that I was sure yer rulin' would favor Brian Setzer, and I dun did git it right.
Thanks again, Li'l Bro!
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
In the reverse, inverse, or some other verse of what Mr. McSixgun said, I generally like Brian Setzer (who by the way, I what to call him Seltzer, and picture that goofy little Aska Seltzer guy from the OLD commercials), but not all of his stuff. And, after listening to Gatton’s rendition, I was pretty sure I would it be voting for ‘pop, pop, fizz, fizz, BUT it turns out this is some here BATTLE. I really enjoyed them both, if for different reasons.
ReplyDeleteGaston has that great noir/sleeve factor going for him and contrary to the somewhat derogatory term that this reminds me of (sleeze, in case you didn’t pick up on that), I like that especially in these guitar god pieces. Reminds me of some of Gary Moore’s stuff. I do wish he hadn't lightened it up there around the 2/3-3/4 mark, but he does a nice save by returning to the opening noir/sleaze. But then PPFF, has a lot of sax, and you know how I like sax in a piece.
Lot of comments abut Setzers vocals, and it got me to thinking maybe I wouldn’t like his version as much just because of the vocals in general, but not so. I like the swaying rhythms of his version, almost like a Bossa Nova kind of beat (is that an original idea, or did I real that in the comments somewhere - if you haven’t guessed by now, I real the comments before I voted and even before I listened to both pieces. I know, I know, not necessarily a good idea and unusual for me, but then ‘you know me’. I like the sometimes bad idea and I hate to be thought of as usual.
Anyway, it’s a bit of a tough choice and on another day I could be easily swayed the other way, but not this day, for on this day I’m gonna go with the ‘guitar god’ and the noir/sleeve version.
FAE, I thank you for checking in and depositing your two cents into the Bank of BOTB.
DeleteAs I was reading along, you had me pretty convinced that in the bottom line, you were going to side with Mr. Plop-Plop Fizz-Fizz. But I shoulda known you'd eventually succumb to the sleaze factor. ;-)
>>... I know, I know, not necessarily a good idea and unusual for me, but then ‘you know me’. I like the sometimes bad idea...
Yip! I've been known to occasionally launch myself straight into a bad idea, also. Like for instance, that Breakfast Club meeting at [Link> Kelbo's in April of 1983, when I was about 90% hungover and one of my so-called friends said, "Let's go to Mexico today". Bad, bad idea. But I went along with it. (Did I mention that this was a very bad idea?)
We were all pretty drunk before we even crossed the border. And that's when we started REALLY drinking. It did not go well for Team McCarthy.
Yeah, I'd say Setzer has got some megaphone, Bossa-Nova, Film Noir stuffs going on in that recording. Three things I dig and nuttin' I don't.
But... Guitar-god Gatton thanks you for your support, and I thank you again for your bote.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
This is definitely a tough battle. I think I can still see the smoke clearing from Gatton's fingers after ripping that poor guitar to shreds. And yet Brian Seltzer (pop, pop, fizz, fizz, oh what a relief he is) comes through with a nice, noirish sound that makes me feel like I'm in a lounge somewhere, either about to solve a murder or about to get hit on by a mysterious girl with legs up to her eyeballs. Maybe both.
ReplyDeleteOne vote for Setzer (hold the murder and the legs - I'm in need of neither).
BEER McBRO, thanks for contributing your twelve ounces to this Battle. Brian A. Seltzer was sorely in need of your bote. It's not enough to change a pretty lopsided outcome, but at least it's a slightly better "optic" (as they love to say at that goofy website over yonder somewhere).
DeleteIf I were a "leg man", that video would have sent me to heaven! Heck, those legs seem to climb all the way up there.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Yo MC Bro,
ReplyDeleteAnother good battle. I had the idea early that Gatton may run away with it. The retro Setzer song, glad you included at - 10/10. I'm not a big fan of guitar virtuosity. Sixwell is on a roll and surely is making 8-ball figuratively trying get figure him out and step up his game. Kudos.
Thanks, McBrother DogG!
DeleteI was happy enough with the Battle. The voting wasn't very close, but a few voters did say that they could have almost gone either way on it, so I feel it was closer than the final score might seem to indicate.
And, yes, indeed, I think the Magic 8-Ball can see the writing on the wall now. It took The Amazing Sixwell a couple Battles to get himself on track, but once he did, he's been unbeatable since then.
My friend, I hope to see ya again at my next BOTB installment on Aug. 01.
I appreciate your interest and your comments, DogG!
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Drunk on white wine mixed with Diet 7-Up, judge how you will - I know you don't judge - thought I posted my comment on the results of the vote page and not this page/thread. "STMC isn't publishing my comment on the wrap up page"* I forgot I posted on this page/I didn't forget but rather didn't know I did that in the first place. Glad to see you replied to me here. Looking forward to your 8/1 epic.
Delete* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jz1FUgGb_us
G McDogG ~
Delete>>... "Drunk on white wine mixed with Diet 7-Up, judge how you will"
Ha! I judge that... as long as the word "drunk" is present, the other words are merely superfluous decorations.
Now THAT was "Rock & Roll".
I owned the 'Some Girls' album on "L"icorice "P"izza back in the day. (I loved that moment when Keith Richards hung is elbow across What's-His-Name's shoulder. Watched the whole video a second time because I wanted to see that again.)
This BOTB game is always full of mystery and surprises. I had been planning to do another Psychedelic '60s song on August 1st, but around the time you were drunk yesterday, a new idea popped into my head. Now I'm not sure which of the two directions I'm going in, and the Battle is just four days away.
Uhp! I'm an idiot!
I better make a decision here pretty quick.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Mc Bro, I didn't see the "Keef" elbow the first time nor him throwing guitar pick into the crowd - and for the first time in the history of rock and roll that move not being cliché. I was surprised they played the song so good. There's a lot of hype in celebrity culture... but, c'mon "greatest rock and roll band" is apt.
DeleteI don't wholly remember. I do.. recollect now. The first Stones album I had was Tattoo You. Then I backed up to Hot Rocks - that's some confidence from a band to not call an album Greatest Hits. Then I heard each song of Some Girls. Shattered is an example of - these guys probably didn't spend that much time in New York - and they just nailed it. They just nailed the whole thing.
"What's-His-Name" hahaha I don't know who that is either.
Yeah. White wine. Red wine is literally thick and has too much sugar: I'm a health nut. Red wine creates a big hangover. I owe it to my employer to drink white wine and work with just a slight hangover.
Cheers, a toast. Looking forward to your next song choices big time.
>>... I owe it to my employer to drink white wine and work with just a slight hangover.
DeleteGee, DogG, I applaud your strong work ethic! I'll confess that I wasn't always nearly so conscientious about what I owed my employer. (I think I showed up still drunk a few times.)
'Hot Rocks' was the first Stones album I ever bought. I believe 'Some Girls' was the second. I know I also owned 'Let It Bleed' at one time.
Well, I made my decision and constructed the August 1st BOTB installment. (I'm guessing you'll be happy to know that you'll be spared "the Psychedelic '60s" song. ;o)
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Well that's good news. I'd vote for polka before the Psychedelic '60s. Not that the Psychedelic '60s are bad (they are) - but that polka is so good.
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vlWpPQWdqFk
McDogG ~
DeleteThat was really Count Floyd and Doctor Tongue in disguise. (I'd re-cog-o-nize 'em anywhere!)
I associate Polka with Bowling, because both are better'n people generally say they are. Fruitcake, too.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...