BATTLE OF THE BANDS (BOTB)
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Shoop-Shooby -
Shooby-Duh-Dooby-Doop-Dooby-Dooby-Doo-Wah -
Buh-Doo-Wah!
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Yes, it's time once again for 'Battle Of The Bands' ('BOTB').
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Alright, let's get on it. Let's get ON this thing!...
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Those of you with the better memories will recall that in a recent BOTB installment I spoke of some compact discs that my friend Julio had burned for me. Two of them were titled 'On The Road Again' and designed for times when I have my hands on the wheel. The one subtitled 'Cruise Control' contained songs I'd selected for mellow, night-driving; the one subtitled 'Pedal To The Metal' had a playlist for the faster, more exciting daytime driving.
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As you also know (or would, if you paid any attention to what I write), I make a lot of trips up the mountain from Reno to the Old West mining town of [link> Virginia City.
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| The moment Virginia City comes into view on Geiger Grade |
The last time I drove down Geiger Grade (the twisting, hair-pin turning highway that connects Reno and Virginia City), I was listening to 'Pedal To The Metal'. When Deep Purple's 'Highway Star' came through my speakers it seemed like the perfect musical soundtrack for that outrageously drunken road.
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If you have the time, enjoy this video below of a dude going down a portion of Geiger Grade on a skateboard! I've driven this highway countless times and my favorite part starts at 2:15 in the video. It's a right turn that seems to go on and on and on forever. I laugh-out-loud every time I find myself in the middle of that turn with the distinct feeling that I'm making a 360 and about to drive into the bed of my own truck!
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9mmxakHyORI
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To see the video of a motorcyclist who DIDN'T make it down Geiger Grade without crashing, click HERE. Fortunately, he was not injured, although his motorcycle was destroyed.
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However, it was while I was going UP Geiger Grade the last time when a Twisted BOTB theme occurred to me:
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Tom Petty's song 'Runnin' Down A Dream' was playing when it dawned on me that 2 different songs on this compact disc contain lyrics about driving fast and listening to the radio, which is playing hit songs by OTHER singers from the 1960s.
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'Runnin' Down A Dream' mentions the old hit song 'Runaway' by Del Shannon, which climbed to #1 in 1961:
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It was a beautiful day, the sun beat down
I had the radio on, I was drivin'
Trees flew by
Me and Del were singin' [link> 'Little Runaway'
I was flyin'
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Also on the CD is the well-known song 'Radar Love' by Golden Earring, and that one mentions the old hit song 'Coming On Strong' by Brenda Lee, which went up to #11 in 1966:
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The radio's playing some forgotten song
Brenda Lee's [link> 'Coming On Strong'
The road has got me hypnotized
And I'm speeding into a new sunrise
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Hokey-Smoke! (I thought) Why not put those two songs up against each other and see who wins this BOTB Road Race?
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So, whose fast-driving song do you like better? Is it GOLDEN EARRING listening to Brenda Lee on their car radio, or is it TOM PETTY listening to Del Shannon on his car radio?
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RADAR LOVE -- Golden Earring
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckM51xoTC2U
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CANADIAN VOTERS! If that video won't play for you, this one should: CLICK [link> HERE.
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RUNNIN' DOWN A DREAM -- Tom Petty
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dXYl5NrHPb4
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The Battle Within The Battle
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VERSUS
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Question: "Will Tom Petty lose to Golden Earring?"
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The Magic 8-Ball (7-3) sez: "My Sources Say No"
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The Amazing Sixwell (7-3) sez: "Without A Doubt"
.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.
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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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This is interesting: You are presenting two good road songs and my Battle has a road song theme. With some greatly improved production I think my song could fit in with these two you've picked. I love good road songs.
ReplyDeleteYour picks are both outstanding. I don't think I've ever heard a Tom Petty song that I didn't like and "Running Down a Dream" is one of his best.
However, "Radar Love" is like the ultimate road song--such intensity and forward movement. And the drama!
Geesh! How do I choose between these two. In the long run, the Petty song is one I could probably listen to more. But it's road songs we're talking here.
I've gotta cast my vote for Golden Earring's "Radar Love".
No way would you find me skateboarding down that mountain road. I'd really get hurt no matter what music was playing.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Glad you liked the Battle, LEE. I think this is one of my best in awhile. I'm pretty excited about it.
DeleteYou know what's fun? To start playing the 'SKATEBOARDER ON GEIGER GRADE' video and then clicking on one of the song videos I've presented, so the skateboarder has either 'Radar Love' or 'Runnin' Down A Dream' as background music for his ride.
When I do that, I think 'Runnin' Down A Dream' works best as "Music For Skateboarding Down Geiger Grade". But of course, the real question is simply "Which Song Do You Like Better?", regardless of road conditions or modes of transportation.
I'm looking forward to getting over to your blog and hearing the various renditions of your song! Will be there soon.
~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
POSTSCRIPT: I agree with you about Tom. There are very, very few T.P. songs that I don't dig. I got into him immediately, I believe even a week or two before the release of his very first album. The L.A. radio stations where playing a promo recording of his song 'Breakdown' (recorded live in a studio with a small audience) and I thought: WHO is this guy and WHERE can I get a copy of this song?
Man, this is a tough one. Can I play these both in my car, tear around a 360 degree corner until I slam into my own trunk, and then report back which song was playing in the afterlife?
ReplyDeleteRunnin' Down a Dream has always been an old favorite, but you introduced me to Radar Love, and that's a top notch song in itself, especially behind the wheel of my hot rod family sedan.
Which song would I rather the officer hear when he pulls me over for going 160 in a 75? Let's say Radar Love. But damn you for making me choose.
JULIO, I find it really cool that I actually came up with the idea for this BOTB installment while I was literally driving up Geiger Grade with 'Runnin' Down A Dream' playing in my truck!
DeleteI agree that this one is a tough call. Every once in awhile I create (or run across) a BOTB installment in which it actually pains me to have to vote against either of the songs, and this is that kind of a Battle for me.
It's very safe to say that this Battle wouldn't be happening right now had you never made that 'ON THE ROAD AGAIN: Pedal To The Metal' compact disc for me, so I thank you again for that!!
~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
What a creative battle, Stephen. Love it! ☺ I do remember your posts about Virginia City and would love to visit there sometime. Watched part of the skateboard video and the song that comes to mind is "The Long and Winding Road"; must be a fun road trip. The first video worked just fine for this Canadian voter. Both songs are on my favourites' list, but Radar Love gets the edge, here. Lots of good memories attached. Have a good weekend!
ReplyDeleteHey, thank you, DEBBIE! And I really appreciate you stopping by, even when you're rushed for time in preparing for your major upcoming vacation. That's outstanding BOTB loyalty right there.
DeleteBefore too much longer, I am going to reopen my old 'Stuffs' blog as a place to post my many Virginia City photos. I'll let ya know when that happens, in case you'd be interested in seeing the place through my eyes (or my lens).
Yeah, 'Long And Winding Road' definitely has the right outlook, if not so much the right pace.
That is the FIRST TIME that I've ever found a YouTube video that was restricted in some countries but not in Canada which actually DID work in Canada. I always try to find videos that have no restrictions whatsoever, because I've been burned by the false "works in Canada" claim several times in the past.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Excellent theme, McCarthy!
ReplyDeleteThis one has all of the excitement of a street race. Golden Earring really gets the blood pumping and the heart going, and once you hit that high Tom Petty comes along and keeps that momentum going.
I'm glad that I waited to catch your battle until later in the day, because if I would have listened at midnight - I would not have been able to get to sleep right away.
I had to listen a few times to make my decision.
I think my assessment earlier still holds. Radar Love is the one that gets you going, while Running Down a Dream holds you steady at the right pace. Both vital in a decent road race.
But I'm going to have to vote for Golden Earring as it's crucial in a race to get to the desired speed before you can hold that pace. Golden Earring does that for me every time. I can be sedate, and Radar Love comes on and next thing you know I am flying down the road. So yes, Radar Love gets my vote today.
~Mary
The Ultimate Dog v Cat Battle of the Bands Tournament, Championship Round
Thanks, MMQE! I'm glad you liked this BOTB Road Race. And, yep, these songs could probably be used as a coffee substitute or in place of caffeine pills for staying up late studying for an upcoming exam.
DeleteGotcha! 'Radar Love' is the song that gets one speeding and pulled over by a cop with a citation book. And 'Runnin' Down A Dream' is the one that gets the person pulled over by the same cop about 3 miles later because... it's Tom's fault!
Mary has a need for speed!
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
What a great, great battle!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I did as you mentioned above and played Petty while watching the skateboarder race down that grade. WOW!! I LOVE this kind of stuffs... usually with cars and motorcycles, but this longboarder has some real cajones. Especially the turn that starts at about 6:50. Wow again!! That was a tight, fast turn... with no brakes. I never was good at skateboarding. I got one of the first ones that came out: narrow, red, with tiny wheels. Couldn’t do diddly on it ‘cept bruise my bum and scrape my elbow. Driving fast, now that was another thang. Shoulda been a racer or a musician instead of the nonsense I spent my time doing.
Anyway, two of the best road songs ever. "Runnin Down A Dream" to my ears is for a bit faster driving, while "Radar Love" drops the pace a tad (though not nearly as much as, say, "Autobahn" by Kraftwerk.)
But all through the decades, had you asked me: “what is the best driving song?” I’d have answered “Radar Love”. (You might tell me that’s not the question you are asking here, but it IS the question I’m answering!)
Radar Love.
REBEL SIXGUN ~
Delete>>... You might tell me that’s not the question you are asking here, but it IS the question I’m answering!
If this Battle winds up as my first BOTB shutout after 5 years, the next knock you'll hear at your door will be Nappy with a contract in his back pocket.
Thanks!! And I'm as pleased as spiked punch that you find this Battle great, great (despite the drubbing Tom is taking so far).
Although my own favorite part of driving down Geiger Grade is that Endless Right Turn at about 2:15, you zeroed in on another very notable part of that highway at about 6:50...
I like to think of myself as a good driver in general and a better'n average mountain road driver. And ESPECIALLY on Geiger Grade, which I've driven more times than I could count.
I can still remember when I was a kid on family vacations, and whenever my Pa found himself driving us on some snaking mountain road, he'd break out into a song, singing: "I'm a curve man, I'm a curve man!" And in his memory, I sing that every time I'm on Geiger Grade.
It's frustrating when I find myself behind someone on Geiger Grade who really doesn't know how to navigate mountain roads (e.g., tapping their breaks in the turns rather than coasting into them and then accelerating midway, etc.)
I consider it a major fail anytime I touch my brakes on Geiger Grade. And yet there are a couple of turns that I STILL underestimate almost every time and wind up tapping my brakes. And that one you picked out at about 6:50 is one of those two. I always forget how sharp that turn is and how it has more of a dip than is apparent until you're right in it.
If you noticed, it's right there on that turn with the more-pronounced-than-apparent dip that the skateboarder suddenly picks up speed and winds up putting extra distance between him and the following car's camera. And right afterwards, he even glances back with a look of approval, having especially enjoyed that turn.
FUN FACT: Just a little beyond that point, if you pause the video at EXACTLY 7:24, you'll see two cars parked in a turnout. The reason those people stopped there is so they can look at the two all-year-long Christmas trees in that turnout. People decorate two of the trees (right in front of that parked red car). There are lots of ornaments on them that stay up 365 days a year.
My first year in Reno, I stopped there once to admire them and, finding a red bell that had fallen to the ground, I kept it and have used it as my Christmas tree topper (instead of a star or angel) every Christmas since. When it's not December, I have it hanging over some cupboards in my kitchen:
[Link> GEIGER GRADE CHRISTMAS BELL
I never would have taken it off the tree, but since it was already on the ground and there was no way to re-hang it, I kept it. But over the years, I have added a few Xmas ornaments of my own to those two trees, so I've more than repaid what I have taken.
Now, for your sake and the health of your family's sake, I hope there's a Tom Petty vote forthcoming here. ;o)
~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
Great road songs! Radar Love is probably on the top of the list for Road Songs. However, I have to vote for Tom Petty.
ReplyDeleteGreat, MIKE! Thanks! You just saved Sixgun McItchyfinger's life.
Delete~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
WHEW!
ReplyDeleteRadar Love.
ReplyDeleteI watched the skateboard video for one minute and 5 seconds then shut it off before I have a panic attack. Now I have to take 4 valiums instead of 2. I was worried sick about you skateboarder!
I didn't know Magic 8 Ball has sources I thought he could tell the future on his own.
Magic 8 Ball in an alley hands a guy a 50 dollar bill. Guy looks far left, far right, far left again mostly with his eyes and says on the down low, "JJ Washington has a hangnail. Runnin Rebels only by 4."
McBRUHTHUH G DOGG (aka McBRUHTHUH T. CLIFTON) ~
DeleteYour first two words were "Radar" and "Love". That looked like a vote to me, but I thought perhaps you were just letting me know that you love Radar. (Gary Burghoff loves you, too. He told me so.) And I didn't want to wrongly accuse your words of being a vote. (I'm pretty serious about obeying the 9th Commandment. The others I approach as Suggestions. But the 9th is more than a mere Suggestion. God was adamant about that one!)
So I asked the Magic 8-Ball if you were voting for Radar Love. At first, it said, "Concentrate and ask again." So I did that and asked the 8-Ball again if you were voting for the 8th Commandm-- er... I mean, if you were voting for Radar Love. And The Magic 8-Ball said, "You may rely on it." So, I'm assuming that's right. But if not, please correct me.
>>... I watched the skateboard video for one minute and 5 seconds then shut it off before I have a panic attack.
Ha!-Ha! You missed the best parts! (Like 2:15+). And the skateboarder wasn't going to have an accident. It was safe to watch. Wossamotta U? Don't you trust me? You think I'd lie to you?
Maybe you don't trust me, but I know you'd trust The Magic 8-Ball. Hold on, I'll ask it...
ME: Will that skateboarder make it down Geiger Grade without crashing?
MAGIC 8-BALL: It is decidedly so.
There, ya see?
>>... I didn't know Magic 8 Ball has sources I thought he could tell the future on his own.
Oh, no! The Magic 8-Ball is just a plastic sphere with purple water in it that was manufactured for Mattel by political prisoners in Chinese labor camps! Without sources, The Magic 8-Ball [Link> wouldn't know Bo Diddley from Bo Jackson.
There are even rumors that sometimes The Magic 8-Ball consults with The Amazing Sixwell. But he has a lousy memory and tends to forget what Sixwell said and then has to wing it on his own.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
McBro, for sure a vote for Radar Love. Gary Burghoff and I are just good friends.. well, a hug here and there but not flaming desire most of the time.
DeleteI did watch the whole video now... circa two minutes "Don't go so close to the yellow line. Don't go so close to the mountain." Around 5:20, I saw that when he turned back and touched his chest. "Dude, you're going down a mountain, and really shouldn't take your eye off the ball. That's confidence bordering on hubris. And his hands behind his back - instinctively anyone would put hands out front to break a fall. Then again, if he fell, it wouldn't really matter where his hands fell, we'd be looking at some Wile E Coyote stuff, crazy. On the whole, I must say, a pretty chill video."
Magic 8-Ball is 7-3.. 7-4. That doesn't just happen. It's still real to me dammit.
McDoggBruh ~
Delete>>... "Don't go so close to the yellow line. Don't go so close to the mountain."
What got me was thinking about how close the car with the camera was following him. Man, if he had gone down, that car was bound to run right over him! There was no way the driver could react fast enough to avoid the skateboarder.
Now you otter watch that other one I linked to, where the motorcycle crashed. (There's no blood 'n' guts.) The first time I saw it -- even though I knew he was destined NOT to make it down to the bottom -- when it reached the point where you can see him going off the road toward the side of the mountain, I reacted as if it were happening to me right NOW. I practically jumped out of my computer chair and yelled "SHIT!" Ha!!
>>... It's still real to me dammit.
Ha!-Ha!!
I wanna thank you for sayin' what needed to be say-ed.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
McBro, the motorcycle video didn't bother me at all... as I don't identify with motorcycle riding. The quick take on the crash was surprising. The slow-mo made it more rough. There's a fine line - well not really a fine line at all between motorcycles and motorbikes. Motorbikes are what people drive in the dirt and find - or pre made it - a small dirt hill to go 10' in the air. Without exception, every layman (not some fancy ESPN "X-TREME SPORTS" with neon bikes and bright green suits) has had an accident an broken something. An arm, a collarbone. Ever person on a motorbike broke something. How do I know? Because they all spent up to three days in the hospital - and they all have a story to tell for the rest of their lives. It's worth it. Each one really enjoys the story to tell. It's real, they're being real.
Delete>>... they all have a story to tell for the rest of their lives. It's worth it. Each one really enjoys the story to tell. It's real, they're being real.
DeleteMcDOGG, I was never into skateboarding (despite growing up in Dogtown), nor into motorbikes or motorcycles.
And therefore I drank for stories. Truth be told, I never really cared for alcohol, nor the buzz, and especially didn't care for being shitfaced. But... I wanted the stories. Back then, I still had the dream of being a writer, so I knew I needed stories. And I also knew that the best way of collecting them was to fish for them (aka drinking for them).
I mean, Twain and Hemingway shone a light on that staggering path, and I was wise enough to follow in their footsteps.
~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
McMcBro. You were born Irish American. You were born to drink and write. Give up drinking - kudos. You can only give up one or two of your birthrights - therefore you must write as to the manor born.
DeleteTwain and Hemingway? They're maybe top 5, not even Irish-American. How 'bout Yeats, James Joyce, Yoey O'Doughtry, George Bernard Shaw, Jonathan Swift, even Bram Stoker for goodness sakes. American-American writers got grit and are lioinized, but arguably not as much grit as Irish-American writers, by cracky.
G McDOGG ~
DeleteSo glad you mentioned Yoey! He's probably the only writer I would place higher on my list than Twain.
Hey, if bloggin' counts, then I'm still writin'!
~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
And Stephen,
ReplyDeleteGood battle agin! Both songs good, very good, spectacular. I am trying to figure out which one speaks best, to my different selves: High School Pooh or later in life Pooh? Both have a great driving beat along with good lyrics. I suppose it would depend on how much energy I was trying to generate and how many miles were in front of me. What's behind me, ...I don't care...well don't care much other than those lingering haunting memories of the things i done and the things I can't remember and the things i would like to forget.
So I decided to give the songs they referenced a listen. And darn it if that didn't sway my vote to for the later in life Pooh's choice of Tom Petty and Del's Runaway.
We'll that's my two cents, now spend it wisely!
JW,
Pooh
...AND, POOH!
DeleteDid you watch the skateboarder on Geiger Grade? Did you spot the place where I vomited a 'Seven & 7' on the side of the road in '86? Someone put up a historical marker there, and the skateboarder rides right past it without even saluting, the son-of-a-bitch!
Now THAT was a unique way of deciding how to vote -- taking into consideration the 1960s songs being referenced in the competing recordings.
I got 'Me, Lynth & The Beach Report' playing as I type these words. 1985 was way better than 2018. Did you know that?
"Someday We'll Be Together"...
(John Wayne! John Wayne!!)
~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
Yes, I watched the skateboarder and for some reason I started to break out in a sweat, dry mouth, a mild throbbing headache, and felt a strong desire for a 99 cent Margarita. Not that I followed through with the latter...what with the non-drinkin and all. I forgot how windy that road was...perhaps all roads seemed that windy with a 100% hangover back in the day. Good memories of significant moments of misery sprinkled in with lots of laughs and adventure. Maybe it was the other way around?
DeleteJW
Pooh
Both great songs, both great guitar licks. Neither would get a thumbs down anywhere else in any category, but alas a challenge has been issued, the gauntlet thrown so only one can emerge a winner. Golden earring for me, though I only wear silver earrings in my ears.(:
ReplyDeleteLELLY ~
DeleteThank you and muchos gracias for taking time to stop by and have a say.
I love the theme of this Battle, but I also hate the fact that one of these songs must lose, because both are really such winners!
>>... though I only wear silver earrings in my ears.
RRRrrrrr! You must be a pirate. PDR? "Pirate Dress Required"?
~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
Al Bondigas here. Well, I had to really think about this one. I kinda went back and forth a little bit, but, I guess I have to give the edge, ever so slightly to Golden earring on this one. I like the rhythm and style to Tom Petty's song, but, "Radar Love" just kind of puts me in the back of a white Cadillac with the roof chopped off. I don't know why such an image would flood my mind, but, I kind of picture myself and a bunch of immature punks with beers in our hands while "Radar Love" is playing up to 11. Hmmm, go figure. anyway, rulin' fer Golden Earring. That's it!! That's muh rulin'!!
ReplyDeleteJUDGE AL ~
Delete>>... I don't know why such an image would flood my mind, but, I kind of picture myself and a bunch of immature punks with beers in our hands while "Radar Love" is playing up to 11.
Funny you should say that, because last night an image like THIS and like THIS appeared to me in a nightmare. But I just chalked it up the jalapeno & pineapple pizza I had eaten before bedtime.
I'm kinda surprised you even had any trouble with this Battle at all, because I remember you not really caring for Tom Petty's tunes very much. (And that ALSO surprised me because the band's official slogan was: "Don't bore us; get to the chorus!", and if that ain't an endorsement of musical hooks, then I don't know what is.)
What I thought was going to be a pretty close contest has turned into Blowout City! ...Well ...in those immortal words of Ed Wood: "My next one will be better!"
~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
Yeah, I almost mentioned that I liked this Tom Petty song better than most. I never dis-liked him, I just thought he was a little overrated. I’m going to go to those links right now.
DeleteNot that I ain't backin you up Al...but I think the true color for that chop-top Caddy was an off-white...Sudan Beige if I recall, wasn't that a 67 Caddy? Nonetheless, I agree that Radar Love would have been the best appropriate song for that league of soul crusaders. Now UGGGGGGGGGGH! Not to mention the space walking that took place on the hood....now talk amongst yourselves..
DeleteJW,
Pooh
See how you are?!
Delete~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
It was a '64 Caddy, punk! Even if you can't walk straight, the least you can do is get your facts straight!
DeleteDon't make me have to take you to the Santa Monica Pier!
[;o)
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
I must have thought it was newer cuz I know the red real convertable was a 64. I must have misremembered.
DeleteNow ahm not sayin that it was yer people, but....
DeleteMaybe it's me what got the year wrong. BUT(!)... in "the book" it says 1964. And "the book" is the source by which we settle all bets. (Well, that, and 'The Billboard Book Of Top 40 Hits'.)
Delete~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Virginia City? Isn’t that where the Cartwrights live?...Hoss, Little Joe, Trapper John, the Ponderosa? I can’t say that word anymore. Reminds me too much of Omarosa.
ReplyDeleteI’ll take the ferry between those two towns instead after watching that skateboarder.
This was a cool post. Sort of a travel-music two-fer. I even tried to think of another song that mentions another singer, even if they are not necessarily listening to that singer. Using my limited musical knowledge, with no Googlecheating, this was harder than I thought. Excluding any rap music (only real music) and not counting ‘Life is a Rock( but the Radio Rolled Me)’, I only came up with ‘Sweet Home Alabama’. Skynrd mentions Neil Young and the Swampers; sort of a “two-fer Too’.
'Runnin Down a Dream' is a great song when standing alone, but put it against ‘Radar Love’ and it pales by comparison…at least for “exciting daytime driving”. Is it the best driving song of all time? Maybe Molly Hatchet and Commander Cody would have something to say about that. One vote for ‘Golden Earring’.
Have you ever seen the movie ‘Logan Lucky’? I like the eclectic soundtrack. I also like to use the word ‘eclectic’.
Sig “Life in the Slow Lane” Too
SigToo ~
DeleteHe's back, he's looking for the man who drank his beer when he went to the restroom, and this time... it's PERSONAL!
Welcome back, my ol' friend from the previous lifetime! Thanks for the vote and the comment.
Indeed, Virginia City was the nearest town to the Cartwright's Ponderosa Ranch. And interestingly, that TV series, 'Bonanza', played a huge part in reviving public interest in Virginia City. The tourist dollars generated by the series played a significant role in saving the town. You can look at photos of Virginia City from the 1930s and see that it was on the verge of becoming a pile of dust and being blown away by a "Washoe zephyr".
But then television and 'Bonanza' came riding in to save the day, "just like the Lone Ranger!" ("Yeah, yeah.")
"HE BURIED OMAROSA
IN THE BACK FORTY OF THE PONDEROSA
AND THEN CELEBRATED THE FUNERAL WITH A MIMOSA"
OK, it needs a little work but... I'm only on my morning's second cup of (Little) Joe.
I think 'Radar Love' probably is the best driving song of all time. There are many great and good ones but, IMO, the only one that has any genuine chance of topping 'Radar Love' is 'Born To Be Wild'. (Although Deep Purple's 'Highway Star' and 'Space Truckin'' come pretty close as well.)
I LOVE 'Life Is A Rock (But The Radio Rolled Me)'. I think there are probably a lot of songs that mention other musicians and/or songs. But my mind being what it isn't... the only one that's coming to me at this moment is THIS ONE.
"Meanwhile, back at the moose..."
Modern day Virginia City has indicated its appreciation for what 'Bonanza' did for it by naming a couple of places after the TV show. For one thing, there's the 'Bonanza' saloon. But more popular is the PONDEROSA SALOON & MINE. If the drinks don't bury you, you can walk past the bar and go directly to the UNDERGROUND MINE TOUR.
Just a couple months ago, they were looking to hire someone to conduct the mine tours, and I actually thought about it and even spoke to someone about taking THIS JOB.
In its heyday, The Ponderosa Saloon was actually The Bank of California, which safeguarded millions in gold and silver. And after the mines played out, the building became The Sazerac Saloon, before becoming The Ponderosa after the TV series made Virginia City famous again.
I know more about Virginia City's history than most of the people living there today do, and as you can see, I don't need much more than a tiny nudge to get me up on my soap box to start dishing the facts about VA City. In truth, it's my favorite place I've ever been.
I have never heard of 'Logan Lucky'. I've heard of 'Logan's Run', though. (Haven't seen that one, either.) That eclectic music, is it electric? 'Cause, you know, the only acoustic music I'll listen to is Squeek Steele on piano at the BUCKET OF BLOOD SALOON.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
That skate boarder was just nutz! Made me motion sick just watching him, and my elbows and knees gave off sympathy pains in anticipation of him crashing.
ReplyDeleteVirginia City is not a place to go during the heat of summer. And NEVER go with someone who frowns on drinking, lol. I've only been there once, I should go again when it cools down a little.
Those are great songs. And surprisingly similar in rhythm and lyrics. I love the musical interlude in Radar Love - always gets my toes and fingers tapping. I've even been known to attempt playing Air Guitar with it - not that I'm any better at that than with a real guitar. My Daddy tried to teach me but I'm musically untrainable, lol.
My vote goes to Tom Petty though, and not just cuz its Tom. I like Running Down Love better than Radar Love.
Keep cool Dude. Catch ya later.
WILD THING ~
DeleteI sincerely appreciate you taking the time to stop by and toss your $0.02 into the pot. Tom needs a whole lotta love such as you showed him here.
>>... my elbows and knees gave off sympathy pains in anticipation of him crashing
There are numerous places where, had he crashed, I think the vehicle following him would have ground him right into the pavement of Geiger Grade. That was quite a ride.
Q: Why did you ride a skateboard down Geiger Grade?
A: Because it was there.
I guess that answer works equally well, whether we're yakking about ascending or descending a mountain.
I can handle Virginia City in the heat of Summer (having survived two decades of Phoenix, Airheadzona), but being there with someone "who frowns on drinking" would be a real bummer. Unless one enjoys hiking the surrounding mountainsides (as I do), there ain't a lot to do in Virginia City if you eliminate the drinking. (That is perhaps the drinkingest place I've ever been, and I've tied on a few myself there over the years.)
I don't drink anymore, but I don't frown on it at all. So let me know when you're going to be there next time and I'll ride my skateboard up Geiger Grade to meet ya there.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Ha, I'll go just to see you on the skate board!!
DeleteAnd then afterwards will you smuggle a bottle of 80-Proof into the hospital for me? (That's the kinda nursing I could use!)
Delete~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteFirst off is it legal for skateboarders to be on the road like this dude? Second off, is that dude insane? I bet it felt like he was flying off the planet. I remember riding my bicycle from Clingmans Dome parking lot to New Foundgap parking lot in the Smoky's. Every time my speed passed 30mph I gently tapped the brakes to keep things under control. I prayed the whole way down that nothing crossed my path because I was sure if it did then I'd be road kill and if I had survived, I was wearing shorts and a t-shirt so if I had wrecked then oh boy would that have ever hurt! Not to mention, was that ever scary!
The stretch of highway is curvy but it has nothing on some of the roads in our neck of the woods. We've been on some back roads where the hair pin turns resembles a U-turn. I kid you not, it's that sharp in places. These back roads are not only super curvy but often times narrow and there aren't any guard rails. I always feel a panic attack seizing me while on treacherous stints, so I just close my eyes and pray until we hit the bottom of the mountain. Hey, I figure if I can't see what's happening then it makes everything better. It also helps me to keep my mouth shut, too. lol
I enjoyed your twist in this battle. My vote goes to TOM PETTY listening to Del Shannon on the radio this round. That being said, I really do like Golden Earrings version. I wasn't nutz over Brenda Lee's song, though. That's the only reason I didn't vote that way.
Well, life has heap a bunch on my shoulders and if I can make it through the week then perhaps I can breathe a sigh of relief on Sunday. If you have any extra words to say to the Man upstairs then please add me in there, my friend. Have a pAwesome week and thanks for popping over to vote in my BoTB, my friend!
Thanks for your continued prayers for my ears. I know our heavenly Father will heal them.
CATHY ~
DeleteFirst off, know that I will indeed send up some good words and requests for you to God, Father, Abba, The R.E.A.L. I talk to Him every day that He has created and I will remember to mention you.
No, I'm sure it wasn't legal for that guy to go down Geiger Grade on a skateboard. I don't know how the law would have been worded, but the only words you hear in the entire video, right at the very end -- "Let's get out of here!" -- pretty much tells the story. Ha!-Ha!
I think what that guy did was crazy but awesome! I love that road, and I have replayed that video numerous times. I've still driven Geiger Grade more times than I've watched that video, but someday that will probably be reversed.
That there are no brakes on a skateboard, and that he's going down the mountain faster than the drivers of some cars I've gotten stuck behind on Geiger Grade, really impresses me!
The Brenda Lee and Del Shannon songs weren't necessarily meant to be an influence on the vote in this Battle, but I'm glad you took them into consideration anyway, because Tom Petty needs all the help he can get in this contest. If Del's 'Runaway' can give him a helping hand, I'm all for it!
Thanks for coming by, Cathy. And hang in there, my friend. The Bottom Line is that our Father will never let us down. You'll make it, M'Dear! And you'll be stronger afterwards.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Stephen,
DeleteI'm glad you addressed skateboards not having brakes. I thought they didn't, so these boneheads are stuck on the crazy ride till the end - the bottom of the hill or splat on the side of the road which ever comes first, huh? What's the speed limit generally when you get behind one of these skateboarders? I would hate to follow one of them. I'd be biting my nails all the way down and I'd hate to pass one for fear of wiping him out. At times, this dude looked a bit wobbly which has to happen even for the most experienced skateboarders. Thanks for keeping me in your prayers. You just can't get too many of them! Have a funtastic week, my friend!
CATHY ~
DeleteI'm honored to be be able to pray for ya anytime you want. Please let us know how things turn out.
Although I'm no lead-footin' speed-demon, I drive up and down Geiger Grade faster'n most, primarily because I'm so familiar with that road. And I've never ever seen a skateboarder on it. For all I know, this video may be the one and only occurrence of a guy going down Geiger Grade on a skateboard.
There are very few places on that road where one could pass anything. However, there are a number of turnouts which most of the slower drivers are usually good about using.
But last year there was one pansy from Colorado whose neck I wanted to wring. He was scared to death (driving down Geiger Grade much slower than the skateboarder was traveling) but he also ignored every turnout despite the line of cars on his bumper.
I think he was afraid to go faster for fear he'd pass a Starbucks and the chance to get his next Soy Latte.
~ D-FensDogG
Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends
Gosh I love both, The first one is more raw and lusty almost..yes, I used the word Lusty. I have to give it to Tom Petty because I can see that song being used while going down a curvy road while the 2nd one would be for a James Bond film where he is being chased but he has a curvy gal names, Lusty, ready for more..um...drivin.
ReplyDeleteBIRGIT ~
DeleteThanks for coming by and helping Tom a little bit. The poor guy! I never thought I'd see the day when Tom Petty would get clobbered in a BOTB.
Ya know, now that you mention it, I do kind of get the "lustiness" of 'Radar Love'. I wouldn't have thought to use that word, but I think it's the drum pattern that gives it that sort of sly oomph!
"Lusty Lucy Lacebottom" -- I think that's the name of the femme fatale in your imaginary James Bond movie. ;o)
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Damn! I've said "Damn!" several times while reading your post here. The first "Damn!" came with the viewing of the skateboarder on the Geiger Grade. That turn your referenced would scare the crap out of me! When I was younger it wouldn't have scared me but now it would. I find that so many things that never used to bother me in my younger years suddenly frighten me as I age.
ReplyDeleteI hate making those 360-type curves. There's one here, when exiting one toll road and getting onto another, and I always slow way down going around that curve. Plus I have an SUV and those things have high rollover risks. I know people behind me get irritated because I brake and slow down; they try to pass me which is stupid because as soon as I make it around that curve, I kick it back up to 80 again right quick but whatever. Take a chill pill people...
The next "Damn!" came when I viewed the motorcycle crash. I was curious and had to go watch. So glad that guy wasn't injured.
The third "Damn!" was when I saw the track listing of your On the Road Again's "Pedal to the Metal" road trip tape. ("tape": haha. You can tell I've had my share of road trip tapes all those years ago. :) )
I have several favs on that list, starting with Eddie Money's "Shakin", BOTH of the Doobie Brothers cuts, the Eagles' "Take It Easy", War's "Whose Cadillac is That" and Deep Purple's "Space Truckin'". I used to go see a band all the time who played a lot of Deep Purple. Space Truckin' was one of their songs that always got me up on the dance floor. That, "Highway Star" and my other DP favorite "Woman from Tokoyo".
And the Who's "Goin' Mobile" always reminds me of cruising in my '71 Monte Carlo when the warm summer day temps cool and the sky turns to dusk and the long roads carry me along... I love that song! That, my friend, is one very kickass road trip tape! :)
The next "Damn!" is in response to how you came up with this battle. It was extremely creative to choose two songs that both have lyrics referencing listening to a popular song from the 60s on the radio and match them up for a battle based on that fact alone. That's so very cool. It has to go down as one of your most inventive battles ever, in my opinion.
The songs mentioned in the lyrics don't have any bearing on my vote but I do like Del Shannon's "Runaway" better than Brenda Lee's "Coming On Strong".
Which leads me to my next Damn! which may actually be a "Dammit" because now I have to choose between Golden Earring and Tom Petty! I like both of these songs immensely. Both remind me of my high school and college days. I saw Golden Earring back in my early concert-going days when they opened for Peter Frampton at the Niagara Falls Convention Center on August 27, 1977 (I have the concert stub, that's how I know the date)...
(Question: Have you watched the music video to the TP song? The animated one? It's pretty bizarre and I don't get it. I couldn't follow it or make sense of it other than it's just one effed-up dream...)
So who do I give my vote to?? Although I'd love to split my vote, I'm going to buck up and put my full support behind Golden Earring and "Radar Love"...Just because.
Like I said... Damn, Stephen!
This is one very cool and kickass battle...
Michele at Angels Bark
DAMN! What a comment, MICHELE! That's A-list and E-Ticket all the way.
Delete>>... I find that so many things that never used to bother me in my younger years suddenly frighten me as I age.
You know what I was thinking just yesterday afternoon? I was in downtown Reno at a casino and I had this thought: "You know you're getting older when you momentarily stop at the Up Escalator in order to properly time your first step onto it."
When I was young, I could RUN onto an escalator. Now there's that little (old man) hesitation before I take the first step. DAMN! I hate THAT! This wasn't supposed to happen to ME!(*Hangs grey-haired head in shame.*)
>>... I have several favs on that list, starting with Eddie Money's "Shakin"
If you check out the official (MTV) video for that one, at the beginning and ending, it features an old 1950s diner called Rae's (in Santa Monica or West L.A. -- right on the cusp of them). My buddies and I used to go there often for breakfast, when we had hangovers on the mornings following the nights before.
And I'm really surprised that you knew the War song 'Whose Cadillac Is That?' That wasn't a hit. In fact, I think it was just a bonus track on an early 'Best Of' CD. But that song (along with Eddie's 'Shakin'') always makes me think of my homeboys and our early '80s rowdiness. We were known to travel around in old Cadillacs (2 1964s and 1 1959). Fun times! "Whose Cadillac Is That?" Why, The League Of Soul Crusaders', of course!!
>>... It has to go down as one of your most inventive battles ever, in my opinion.
Thanks so much, Michele! I thought it was a pretty cool theme, that just popped into my head while listening to Tom on my way up Geiger Grade one day. I only wish it had been as competitive as I'd imagined it was going to be.
>>... Question: Have you watched the music video to the TP song? The animated one? It's pretty bizarre and I don't get it.
Yep, I've seen it a few times. I'm more a fan of Tom's tunes than of his videos. And I feel that one really kind of missed the boat (or, more appropriately, missed the 1964 Cadillac flyin' down Geiger Grade). I think I'd have had fun directing a video for 'Runnin' Down A Dream' -- and it definitely would have had very different imagery.
Thanks again, Michele, for the kind words and the awesome comment! You sure put some time and thought into your comments and I dig that!
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
I just went and watch Eddie Money's video and saw Rae's diner. I love those old time diners. Me and my drinkin' buddies always went to Sambo's (which we affectionately called "Samblows") for breakfast after a night of partying. I always felt sorry for the waitresses who had to deal with a bunch of our drunk asses... haha We weren't bad though.
DeleteI totally get that escalator thing. I ALWAYS stop and take a carefully calculated step on and off the escalators. Getting old sucks and it for sure ain't for sissies...
Would love to hear your ideas for imagery in Tom Petty's 'Runnin' Down a Dream', if you ever care to share...
gotta run and feed the dogs now. And then I'm gonna kick back and chill in the recliner. I need some serious sleep...
Yeah, I'm definitely getting old when that's how I want to celebrate my birthday! :) Gettin' too old for this shit... all of it! :)
TOOT!! TOOT!!
DeleteDon't mind me horning in here...
I just wanted to interject myself into your little conversation with a piece of trivia.
Your convo re: Sambo's and the 80's.
Back when I lived in Sun Valley, my roommate took a liking to a fine young man. His family would spend a month each year vacationing in the valley. Turns out, his grandfather (Sam Battistone, Sr) was the founder of Sambo's. His dad (Sam Battistone, Jr) used to own the NBA team - New Orleans Jazz. He was the one who moved the team to Utah.
And that's not all folks...
A quick peek at Wikipedia tells me that Sam Sr's grandson (not the one my roommate took a liking to) own's the only remaining Sambo's. Of course, Wiki fails to say where this last remaining restaurant is located.
Happy Happy Birthday, Michele!
~Mary
Yo, MMQE! ~
DeleteI didn't get a chance to reply last night as I was already late getting to bed.
Must be nice owning restaurant chains and basketball teams and vacationing for a month at a time. Hell, I'd settle for owning just one bourbon distillery!
I believe I may have found an A to your Q about the last standing Sambo's. According to [Link> THIS SITE, the last Sambo's is also the first Sambo's, in Santa Barbara, California.
I remember my Mom taking us kids to Sambo's occasionally for breakfast or lunch, when she had errands to run in downtown Santa Monica. By the time I was old enough to eat in a restaurant by myself, without adult supervision (age: 25), that one Sambo's that I was aware of in the Los Angeles area was already gone.
So I took my hangovers to RAE'S instead. Or THE OMELETTE PARLOR. Or to [Link> KITTY HAWK (now called The Spitfire Grill) at the Santa Monica Airport.
"Those were the days, my friend,
we thought they'd never end..."
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
I was a little disappointed that you didn't use the official video of "Runnin' Down A Dream." (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1D3a5eDJIs) The cartoon in that video is Max Fleischeresque, with the black & white and all the craziness that goes on in it. Max would be proud of whoever did the cartoon.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to go with "Runnin' Down A Dream." "Radar Love" is a great song, but Petty's is a wild romp that starts rocking hard and is still going at it as it fades out.
Hey, JOHN, I sincerely appreciate you stopping by to give a helping hand to Mr. Petty. (He needs all the help he can get in this contest!)
DeleteAnd I totally agree with your description of Petty's song as "a wild romp...". I really love it! And I gotta watch my foot on the accelerator when that tune is playing in my truck.
You are also entirely right about the official video for that song being "Max Fleischeresque". But you know what? I don't really like Fleischer's cartoons much. They've always kind of creeped me out a little bit. The same goes for Chuck Jones.
Quite seriously, I'm really a Tex Avery kind of guy. HA! :O) (Yeah, I take my Tex Avery cartoons very seriously.)
Thanks again, John. You comin' back to BOTB next round? We've missed yer Battles.
~ D-FensDogG
Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Howdy Reno!
ReplyDeleteAm I too late again? I was sure I'd go with Radar Love till you reblinded me with Runnin Down a Dream and good ole Tom gets my vote.
Whew, Geiger Grade made me a bit queesy - but then, I can't sit in a bathtub for very long ;-) And on a skateboard? Where is that boy's Mama? I bet he wouldn't try that through Salt River Canyon - ha!
"about to drive into the bed of my own truck" - Such a terrifyingly true feeling! Sorry I laughed ;-)
Howdy, dIEDRE!
DeleteNope, yer not late at all. In fact you're a refreshing and much-needed vote for Thomas Petty in the ("up to) 11"th hour!
>>... but then, I can't sit in a bathtub for very long
Ha! You got it bad and that ain't good. I'll bet you don't run onto escalators anymore, do ya? :o) Yeah, me neither.
I think that boy's mama was driving the car in hot pursuit of him.
Geiger Grade is actually a fun road to drive. You won't see me doing it on a skateboard, though. Like life ain't dangerous enough as it is, eh?
Thanks so much for stopping by, dIEDRE. It's always a delight when ya do!
~ D-FensDogG
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, you can put the following URL into your browser:
http://stmccpresentsbattleofthebands.blogspot.com/2018/09/botb-results-2018-sept-1-or-golden.html
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'