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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| Eugene Martone vs. Jack Butler |
Robert Johnson recorded 29 songs for the American Record Corporation. One of those songs, 'Love In Vain', recorded in a Dallas hotel room on June 20, 1937, has become an acknowledged Blues classic. There have been rumors of an unrecorded 30th song. This myth is pretty much Blues music's equivalent of 'The Holy Grail'.
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In 1986, a (really good!!) movie titled 'CROSSROADS' was made around the idea of a quest to find Robert Johnson's missing 30th song. I actually won free tickets from a Los Angeles radio station program (KLON's 'Nothin' But The Blues') to see the premiere of 'Crossroads' at the Chinese Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard.
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Have you ever wondered where BOTB's official logo (click HERE) came from, or who "Eugene Martone" and "Jack Butler" are (click HERE)?? Then you need to see the (really good!!) movie 'Crossroads'. It is amongst my favorite movies!
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Ralph Macchio is Lightning Boy. A kid who can make a slide guitar sing. Blind Dog is an old pro who knows it. Together, they're headed to a place where deals are made. And legends are born.
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Many years ago, I wrote a humorous review for the Robert Johnson album 'King Of The Delta Blues Singers, Vol 2', and if you're so inclined, you can read it by clicking HERE.
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| Goodniks vs. No-Goodniks |
On their 1969 album 'Let It Bleed', the Rolling Stones recorded a cover of Robert Johnson's 'Love In Vain', and those are our two BOTB contestants in this round.
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Alright, let's get on it. Let's get ON this thing!...
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LOVE IN VAIN - Robert Johnson
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07T3h0b93Rg
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| Riddler vs. Batman |
The YouTube Region Restriction Checker said that the following video will play for our friends in Canada. I hope this is true because I was unable to find an alternate video for the song.
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LOVE IN VAIN - Rolling Stones
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q4x_oSD8ZZU
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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.
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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.
@ 'THE DOGLADY'S DEN' by clicking HERE.
@ 'CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE' by clicking HERE.
@ 'AI LOVE MUSIC' 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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Going into this I was pretty sure that my vote would be going to the Rolling Stones, but...
ReplyDeleteI remember the Let It Bleed album, but I'll be darned if I remember the cover of "Love in Vain". I liked the mandolin in it, but the Stones started getting on my nerves the more I listened to their version.
By default my vote goes to down to earth earthy sound of Robert Johnson.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Thanks, LEE.
DeleteIt's always interesting to me when that happens. I start out assuming I'll vote a certain way but the music changes my mind. It's good to remain fluid.
~ D-FensDogG
'Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...'
Thanks for the movie review! I haven't seen Crossroads, but will look for it online. As for the contest, The Rolling Stones gave that song a whole new twist and I especially loved the mandolin. Give my vote to Mick and the boys!
ReplyDeleteDEBBIE ~
DeleteSo far, your vote is the only thing standing in the way of a shutout. *Thumbs Up!*
I think you will really dig 'Crossroads' a lot. It features Ry Cooder music and Steve Vai doing a lot of Heavy Metal shredding. The only thing I didn't like about the movie was... Jami Gertz. Bad casting there.
~ D-FensDogG
'Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...'
I LOVE heavy metal shredding! (And Steve Vai.) ☺ Glad I was able to help you avoid a shutout. Jami Gertz has kind of a shrill/hard edge. Will definitely look for Crossroads and get back to you when I've seen it.
DeleteLook what I found! ☺
DeleteCrossroads Full Movie, Youtube
The devil done fooled ya, DEBBIE.
DeleteHe led you to the wrong 'Crossroads'.
I mean, when you get to the "crossroads", I guess ya still gotta know which way to turn. Ha!-Ha!
~ D-FensDogG
'Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...'
Oops! I didn't take the time to check it out, but all is well. ☺ I found the real "Crossroads" on Netflix.
DeleteGreat! DEBBIE, once you've seen it, please let me know your thoughts on it. I can't imagine you wouldn't dig it, but everyone has their own tastes, so...
Delete~ D-FensDogG
'Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...'
Happy Easter, Stephen! ☺ Hubby and I watched Crossroads last night and thoroughly enjoyed it. That guitar showdown with Steve Vai was amazing! Apparently he did the actual playing for BOTH parts. Thanks for the introduction. I loved the storyline, too. As for Jami Gertz, I agree with your assessment. Someone else could have made more of that part.
DeleteHey, thanks, DEBBIE! It was a nice day!
DeleteAnd I'm pleased as spiked punch that you dug the movie. (I couldn't even imagine that you wouldn't.)
FUN FACT: Yip! Steve Vai actually outdueled himself in 'Crossroads', having done the playing for both Jack Butler as well as Eugene Martone. The Karate Kid wasn't good enough on guitar to really overcome Jack in a battle for the soul. [;-)}
Another FUN FACT: Steve Vai once said the following...
"When someone uses the phrase 'the best guitar player in the world', I usually go into an exhaustive discourse on how music is art and you can't judge art and there are many different ways that people play the guitar and it's impossible to be considered the best because then you would have to master all styles and that it's all right to have favorites, etc., etc., etc., blah-blah-blah. But I feel okay in saying that Danny Gatton comes closer than anyone else to being the best guitar player that ever lived."
I concur 100% with Steve Vai on all of that.
Here are some examples of why I'd want Gatton playing for my soul against either Jack Butler OR Eugene Martone:
[Link> GATTON AT 'GALLAGHER'S'
[Link> CANADIAN SUNSET
~ D-FensDogG
'Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...'
I didn't think the Karate Kid could really play that well. Had a hunch it was Steve Vai and looked it up to confirm. Steve makes a good point about judging art. Danny Gatton was an amazing talent and it's sad he felt compelled to cut his life short. Thanks for the links!
DeleteYeah, DEBBIE, I can't even wrap my mind around Danny Gatton's suicide. To have *THAT MUCH OBVIOUS TALENT* and yet to feel that it's not enough to make life worth living? SMH!!
Delete~ D-FensDogG
'Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends'
I love Crossroads! I find this a great film and wish more people saw it. Glad you talk about it here. I like the Rolling Stones and it is more sophisticated that Robert Johnson’s but I am giving my vote to Robert because it felt more real coming from him
ReplyDeleteThanks, BIRGIT!
DeleteYeah, 'Crossroads' is an overlooked little gem. I think the fact that it stars Ralph Macchio as the protagonist Eugene Martone may cause some people to look past it. But Ralph was good in it and it's just a cool movie.
~ D-FensDogG
'Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...'
I've seen Crossroads and I considered it a good flick! Not that it made me want to stand at the crossroads and make a deal with the devil, but it was good!
ReplyDeleteOff topic: Have you seen "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"
What I really want to do here is put Robert Johnson's voice over the arrangement done by the Stones. Just one more example of "no-wishes-granted-Monday-for-Cherdo." I hate that about Mondays.
So, I'm voting for ROBERT JOHNSON who sound like a bluesy guy singing the blues instead of a rocky guy trying to sound like an original bluesy guy.
This also makes me want some Billie Holiday in my life...but I fear the effects of blues. :-)
DOC CHERDO ~
DeleteIn 2014 / '15, I worked graveyard shifts for a year or so at an upscale retirement community, and every few nights - like around 3:00 AM - I'd see scenes from 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' playing on the TV screen in the cafeteria. I became intrigued by what I saw and made it a point to rent that movie.
I liked it! I can't stand loony George Clooney, and I don't normally like Coen Brothers movies, but that one was very entertaining.
~ D-FensDogG
'Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...'
It's totally on the list of quotables!
Delete"Well ain't it a small world, spirituality speaking. Pete and Delmar just been baptized and saved. I guess I'm the only one that remains unaffiliated."
Everett: What'd the devil give you for your soul, Tommy?
Tommy: Well, he taught me to play this here guitar real good.
Delmar: Oh son, for that you sold your everlasting soul?
Tommy: Well, I wasn't usin' it.
"My hair!"
HA!-HA!
DeleteI've only seen the movie once, and it was some years ago, so I don't even remember those lines, but... GOL!
But I do remember the "Act of God" disaster at the end and all the hair goop!
I need to see this movie again. I recall liking it a lot, but... like I said, I was workin' nuttin' but graveyard shifts back then (so my brain was more shot'n usual), and my home life was 100% stressed to the max, due to circumstances beyond my control. So... as much as I liked 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' then, I'd probably like it an additional 90% now.
Note to self: See 'O Brother, Where Art Thou?' for a second time, soon.
~ D-FensDogG
'Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...'
And Stephen,
ReplyDeleteGood battle agin. Hard choice here for sure as both versions were the soundtrack to many a hangover during that eternal summer starting in the early 1980's. I remember Twinkie having a strong liking to the song, I think he played the Stones version more often. But then again, I could,and have been many times, wrong. While I like the additional layers the Stones add I have to go with Robert Johnson, the original artist who was the creative source and who actually lived the blues.
JW,
Pooh
...AND, POOH, THAT'S NOT ALL!...
DeleteYou had a hangover in the early 1980s? Shame on you!
I turned Twinkie onto Robert Johnson. He and I would play R.J. after everyone else had passed out. Ha!
I don't remember Twinkie playing the Stones' cover, but "it's possible, it's possible" (as Muskie would say). But what about his elbow?
~ D-FensDogG
'Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends'
A black guy that hasn't won a battle for years? A winner of major kudos years ago, but in a slump until... THIS WEEK! No, not Tiger Woods, but Robert Johnson. He will win this week with the help of my vote.
ReplyDeleteI can't stand most of the Stones' songs. They are tremendously overrated, as we've discussed before. Robert Johnson is a treasure. This particular tune is not my favorite, but he beats the Stones all hollow.
In fact, I think President Trump my bestow the Presidential Medal of honor on him... just like Tiger.
I listened to many versions of this after these, and The Faces are my favorite. You'd hate it, of course.
SIXFINGER McITCHYGUN ~
Delete>>... I can't stand most of the Stones' songs. They are tremendously overrated
I'm not going to sit here and listen to you badmouth the United States of America!!
>>... he beats the Stones all hollow.
Ha! I like that expression. I may even need to steal it. Will I be stealing it from you, or did you steal it from someone else?
I went to YT to listen to The Faces' version but all I found were 6 and 7 minute live versions. Which version are you referring to? Is there a studio recording?
~ D-FensDogG
'Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends'
The "beat all hollow" idiom is way older than me, and way older than anybody uses any more. But I like it. I don't know how it got started.
DeleteYeah, The Faces version is live. There are a couple of live Faces vids on YouTube from this 1970-71 period that I really like. I loved early Rod Steward (with Jeff Beck, solo, and The Faces,) but after 1974 it was downhill. "Smiler" was the last album he put out that I liked. He started "Losing You," er, me.
6er ~
DeleteI hear ya! There are certain old expressions I really like using. One of them is "Consarn it!" which I began to use after you turned me onto the great Bob y Ray. ("Consarn it!" was used multiple times in 'Tippy The Wonder Dog'.)
I gotta listen to some Bob y Ray! That hasn't happened in "Willoughberry" yet.
I'll give one of those live versions by The Faces a listen. (And then protly get back to you about how yer musical taste still sucks beans. ;-)
~ D-FensDogG
'Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...'
The Faces version is fabulous! ♥
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZWZJoGIcShE
Stephen,
ReplyDeleteCool battle. Although I respect the success and longetivity of the Stones I'm not a huge fan. I really didn't care for their cover. I by far preferred the original artist. His bluesy swag is mewsic tomy ears. My vote goes to Robert Johnson. Thanks for joining in my BoTB showdown!
Thanks for checking in, CATHY, my friend!
DeleteI like your expression "bluesy swag".
Robert Johnson beat The Stones all hollow with his bluesy swag! ...Yeah, that'll woik!
~ D-FensDogG
'Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends'
Awww man, but how am I supposed to vote if the Magic 8 Ball doesn't tell me how NOT to vote?
ReplyDeleteI loved Crossroads, but you probably already knew that. You probably also already knew that I would vote for Robert Johnson, because I am. The Rolling Stones weren't bad, but Robert Johnson made a deal with the devil for that kind of talent, and he utilized the hell out of it. But you already knew that, too.
Hey, if you're so good at knowing all of these things, maybe *you* should be the next Magic 8 Ball.
BEER BROTHER ~
DeleteHmmm.... your offhand remark about me being the next Magic 8-Ball has actually got me to thinkin'. With the Magic 8-Ball and The Amazing Sixwell both six feet under now, maybe I really should / will become the new resident psychic.
I need a good name? Got name?
~ D-FensDogG
'Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends'
Quite a conundrum going on here, Stephen T! Jackson somehow made me think of Shirley Temple (the child-star, not the drink) During Jagger’s rendition, my dog sighed heavily and left the room. No accounting for taste, I guess. But only one can win, so here’s what I’m thinking:
ReplyDeleteJackson conjures an array of emotions for me as first: we share a birth date; though he lived – and died- well before I was born. Second: How, exactly, and why would one sell their soul to the devil? It couldn’t have been for everlasting life since that sure didn’t pan out. Lastly, and more to the reason for the decision I’m practically dragging my feet toward, Jackson used music as possibly his only means of expression, and in doing so as an Itinerant musician was way ahead of his time in terms of mass-marketing, lack of interest by his peers notwithstanding. All things considered, my vote goes to Robert Johnson for being a foremost and genuine rolling stone – thanks for the introduction!
Interesting review you gave for Johnson’s album. I hadn’t heard of the Crossroads film, but I think I’d like to see it ;-)
Howdy, dIEDRE ~
DeleteHave you been confusing Robert Johnson with Michael Jackson?
>>... my vote goes to Robert Johnson for being a foremost and genuine rolling stone
Ha!-Ha! Terrific line!
I don't know how one would go about selling their soul to the devil, but I know Carlos Santana once cooperated with a demon in exchange for the success of his (appropriately titled) album 'Supernatural'.
I still wanna know about this "Diana" or "Diane" thing. It seemed like you were implying it's a haunted mine somewhere along Nevada's Highway 50, but I did some Google searches and came up with nuttin'. Please spill the beans mo' better. Got link?
Yes, you definitely oughta see 'Crossroads'. I really think you'd dig it.
And thanks for reading my review. I think you may have been the only one what did! (I need to go back and look at the lyrics I wrote for my song 'Devil On My Coat-Tail Blues'. I can't even remember any of it anymore.)
~ D-FensDogG
'Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...'
Oh heck no! Alan maybe, but never Michael. Anyway, the thing is, what I really mean - this is the strangest thing I've ever seen! I MEANT Johnson, and bless yer heart, you knew it ;-) I'll just slink off into the sunset now...
DeleteNice views on your hike! Looked like a perfect day to be outside.
What struck me most about the Diana Mine was that someone would name a mine after a woman. The thought has since occurred to me that the little silver mine that never was may have crushed the ambitious heart of whoever gave it the name. Then again, it might just be a gimmick to increase tourism. If I was to name my search for info on this mine it would be Diana! http://www.americansouthwest.net/nevada/berlin-ichthyosaur/berlin-diana-mine_l.html
'Crossroads' is on my list!
See ya soon ;-)
Howdy, dIEDRE ~
DeleteWell, I finally managed to find where the hell that mine is located on my Road Atlas. I began feeling as if I were searching for The Lost Dutchman's Mine!
The Diana Mine is about 50 miles South of Highway 50. So, all told, that would have been a 100-mile side trip. As it was, I drove 829 miles, and that was more'n enough for me.
However, I have done mine tours in Virginia City (the Chollar Mine & the mine tour that starts at the Ponderosa Saloon - the name of that mine escapes me at the moment). Pretty neat stuffs.
But your mention of Diana - a mine named after a woman - made me think of the Lucky Lady Mine. This was in Tombstone, and I'm sure you must have been to Tombstone numerous times.
And speaking of that... I may have mentioned this to you in the past, but have you ever heard 'Allen Street Rose', an album of original Western songs by a woman named Pat Berrington?
[Link> 'Allen Street Rose' by Pat Berrington
As that blog says, this is "insanely rare" music. I have never found even a single song uploaded to YouTube. But one song is titled 'Lucky Lady Mine', and like so many other tunes on that album, it's imbued with a kind "haunted" mood that runs through it.
Many years ago, I read Berrington's book, too, and I wasn't buying her "story". (Although I most certainly do believe in reincarnation.)
[Link> https://tinyurl.com/yydm2qb6
The music, however... OH, MY! I still listen to it (it's really good first thing in the morning), and I went through a period - maybe 8-12 months - where I listened to almost nothing except the album 'Allen Street Rose'. There's something really *magical* (and *haunted*) about that album. I finally broke through the spell it had on me, but I still dig it and play it from time-to-time. (Got it playing right now, in fact, while I type this comment.)
My good friend Bryan has created a number of videos for me and my YT channel, and since 'Allen Street Rose' deserves to be heard, maybe I should ask if he'd be willing to digitize it for me to upload to my channel. I know there are a lot of people out there who would love to be able to hear it. And I speculate yer one of 'em.
>>... 'Crossroads' is on my list!
OK, not to put you on the spot but... have you gotten a copy yet of Windham Hill's 'Western Light'? It's so, SO-ooo cool! That's one of a few DVDs I can put on any time that I don't know what to watch. I'm *always* in the mood to watch 'Western Light'.
Here's one segment from 'Western Light': [Link> an Alex de Grassi instrumental with images of the ghost town Bodie, California. Dig it.
~ D-FensDogG
'Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends'
Hey! look who finally showed up in your comments! Nothing like taking my sweet time to make the rounds.
ReplyDeleteI was checking out the movie and thought for use that I had seen it before - but after watching the trailer, I guess that I haven't.
A month or so ago, I did find 'Hair' on Amazon Prime and I watched that. That's 120 minutes of my life that I'll never get back.
Oh, Right. The battle. Definitely voting for the Stones. Believe it or not, I found them much easier to listen to.
Catch ya on the flip side...
~Mary
MMQE ~
DeleteWell, I'm glad to see The Stones score a second vote. (They have gotten Stoned to death in this Battle!) *BUT*!!!...
>>... "That's 120 minutes of my life that I'll never get back."
HOKEY-SMOKE!
One of the all-time greatest twist endings in motion picture history; one of the most charismatic performances ever delivered on the silver screen, and... and... and... you thought it was two hours completely wasted?!?!
See if I ever recommend any "art" to you again.
Oh, wait! 'Green Eggs & Ham'! - it's a "must-read"!! [;-)}
~ D-FensDogG
'Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...'
I am going to go with the Rolling Stones version. I never seen Crossroads but will put on the movies to see list for next week's Golden Week!
ReplyDeleteThanks, AMY! I hope you dig the movie.
Delete~ D-FensDogG
'Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...'
Al Bondigas here. You know I've never been a big fan of the blues, but I do understand the heart and soul behind the music. I didn't care for the very overrated Rolling Stones version. It was way too long and didn't sound genuine to me. Robert Johnson's seemed more from the heart. Rulin' fer Johnson!! That's it, that's muh rulin'.
ReplyDeleteJUDGE AL ~
DeleteYeah, despite the fact you're not really a Bluesman fan, I kind of suspected yer rulin' would go R.J.'s way.
I think I'm going to do another Blues battle next time, also. But you'll protly dig the next one more'n you did this'n.
~ D-FensDogG
'Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends'
McBruthaOfTheSameColor,
ReplyDeleteThese days, likely all music is derivative.. which the Stones often do well but not in this case. Easy vote for Robert Johnson. He sounds like Leon Redbone or vice versa. Also if Robert Johnson had stacked Marshall amps and so chose, he could have sounded like ZZ Top.
G McDOGG ~
DeleteI appreciate you checkin' in with yer BOTB bote, muh bruhthuh!
>>... if Robert Johnson had stacked Marshall amps and so chose, he could have sounded like ZZ Top
That's what I wanna hear! Robert Johnson cranked "up to eleven"!!
~ D-FensDogG
'Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends'
Robert Johnson gets my vote on this one.
ReplyDeleteOK, thank you, MIKE!
Delete~ D-FensDogG
'Ferret-Faced Fascist Friends'
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:
https://stmccpresentsbattleofthebands.blogspot.com/2019/04/botb-results-april-15-or-robert-johnson.html
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'