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Yes, it's time once again for Battle Of The Bands (BOTB).
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"Roll down the window, put down the top
Crank up the Beach Boys, baby
Don't let the music stop"
~ Randy Newman
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Well, well, well, we're now in the patriotic heart of Summertime. Having grown up in the shade of Lifeguard Station #26 in "Dogtown", California, this time of year fills my mind with good memories of Fourth of July celebrations, lemonade, body-surfing waves all day long, and the sunny, cheery songs of The Beach Boys. The Boys are on my very short list of all-time favorite musical artists.
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In 1975, I purchased my first three LPs in a single visit to Tower Records, and one of those three albums was this one:
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It included several lesser-known songs that I loved as much as I did the massive hits. One of those songs was 'SAIL ON, SAILOR', which actually got played on Los Angeles FM radio stations very frequently and, along with 'Good Vibrations', was the primary reason I purchased this LP. In putting together this Battle, I was shocked to discover that 'Sail On, Sailor' was never a Billboard Top 40 hit. I guess its massive popularity was more of an "underground" type of thing in L.A. back then.
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I've decided to put The Beach Boys up against The Beach Boys, with two different singers performing the lead vocals. Ray Charles needs no introduction. But who is this "Blondie", who sang the lead on the original recording?
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No, no, not *that* Blondie! "Don't let's be silly!!"
Terence William "Blondie" Chaplin grew up in South Africa under apartheid where he was classified as Coloured, and where he played in the band The Flames... Beach Boy Carl Wilson heard The Flames while the band was performing in London and signed them to the Beach Boys' Brother Records label, producing their self-titled album, The Flame. In 1972 and '73, "Blondie" was a member of the Beach Boys and contributed to their albums Carl and the Passions' 'So Tough' (1972) and 'Holland' (1973).
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See which version of the song you prefer -- Blondie Chaplin's original, or Ray Charles covering it with The Boys themselves.
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Q: Will Ray Charles & The Beach Boys beat Blondie Chaplin & The Beach Boys?
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WARNING: This song can be a nasty earworm that keeps you awake all night long. Take it from an extremely tired guy who knows: Don't play this song shortly before bedtime!!
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Alright, let's get on it. Let's get ON this thing!...
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SAIL ON, SAILOR - The Beach Boys (with Blondie Chaplin)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wYanztTi7k
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SAIL ON, SAILOR - The Beach Boys (with Ray Charles)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5zFlvqTDVSE
.Please vote here and then check out the other folks in the BOTB Club to see what Battles they are running this week. (See the Linked List of "Participants" in the right-hand column, punks.)
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I should be back here on July 8th to announce the winner. Git you a Happy Fourth of July, my friends! (Don't gorge yourself on fireworks and then play with your food!!)
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~ Stephen T. McCarthy
Beach Boys albums were among the first I owned, but mine were Christmas gifts from my mother. Those albums were Beach Boys In Concert (1964) & Beach Boys' Party! and I played the heck out of both of them.
ReplyDeleteRay Charles does a nice vocal on the "Sail On" song, but I've never been a massive Ray Charles fan. No doubt that he's great and left us a massive musical legacy, but as Gary Lewis and the Playboys might say, "He's not my style." I much prefer the Chaplin vocal.
My vote goes to the first version--the original.
That was a nice summer music break.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
BOIDMAN ~
DeleteI had to google "not my style" and "Gary Lewis And The Playboys". You got me with that cryptic one.
Like most people, I first got into the Beach Boys because of their famous hits. But over the years, as I delved into some of their later and deeper stuffs, I found that I loved some of it even more than many of the major hits.
I've got two more BB-related BOTB ideas in the hopper for the upcoming months. I've got a ton of (good, methinks) BOTB idears ready to run with. I just need to figure out in which order to run with 'em.
~ D-FensDogG
'STEPHEN T. McCARTHY REVIEWS...'
When I was thinking that the music of Ray Charles is not my style for some reason the Gary Lewis hit "Just My Style" popped into my head. Now that was a song that I liked a lot more so than something like "Hit the Road Jack". Yeah, it was cryptic and personal I guess. But it works for anyone who was into Gary and his Playboys back in those days. I guess.
DeleteOne of my favorite Beach Boys album sides was the B side of The Beach Boys Today!.which consisted of the lesser not so much of a hit songs, but they are all exquisite and beautiful. Give me that B side any day! But nothing wrong with those hits on the A side either. Great album!
I typically prefer the lesser songs of most artists than the songs that get the most attention and airplay.
Lee
BOIDMAN ~
Delete>>... it works for anyone who was into Gary and his Playboys back in those days. I guess.
I wasn't really into Gary, but I always had my nose in Playboys back in the day. Of course, I got the magazine just for the pictures; I never read an article. (They had articles, din't they? My memory's gettin' fogged up.)
I'm gonna have to go to YT and check out that B side of 'The Beach Boys Today!' You got me curious to hear what's on it, and wondering if there are any tracks I've not encountered before. If so, I'm pert-dern sure I'll dig 'em, because there are only perhaps 2 or 3 classic Beach Boys songs I've ever heard that I didn't really care for.
>>... I typically prefer the lesser songs of most artists than the songs that get the most attention and airplay.
I kinda swing both ways when it comes to that (and ONLY *that!!*) Generally, it was an artists hit(s) that prompted me to buy an album. But if I got really into that artist, then I'd find that often I liked many of the deeper cuts as well or even better'n the Billboard successes.
In fact, of the two Beach Boys songs I intend to use in BOTB before long, one will be completely unknown to most voters. And the other one, while it reached #20 in Billboard in '68, has been mostly forgotten and will probably also be "new" to many voters.
I hope you has a Happy 4th of July, Brother!
~ D-FensDogG
Well snap. Here it is the first of the month and I completely spaced putting together a battle for this month. Guess my mind has been elsewhere lately. Hopefully I will get my act together by next month.
ReplyDeleteFor your battle - I prefer the sound of the original. Bet Ray Charles didn't see that comin'!
Thanks for the greeting card you sent a week or so ago.
~Mary
MMQE ~
Delete>>... Guess my mind has been elsewhere lately.
Tsk!-Tsk! Priorities, Mary. You need to get them priorities in order, m'dear!
>>... Hopefully I will get my act together by next month.
I certainly hope so! Don't make me have to come over there.
HA-HA-HAlarious!
Be careful how you talk about Ray. He carries a big stick!
~ D-FensDogG
'STEPHEN T. McCARTHY REVIEWS...'
I, too, am amazed that Sail on Sailor was not a hit. I remember hearing it a lot when I lived in SOCAL.
ReplyDeleteWhat is it with you and these so-called "psychics?" They invariably mis-call everything and then meet an untimely demise... that they did not see coming. You lose more psychics than the Clintons lose witnesses. Why not save money on the payroll and just call Dionne Warwick? And Sidekick "Corrigan" is gonna get this one wrong too.
Beach Boys: great.
Sail on Sailor: great.
Ray Charles: great.
His version: great.
T. "Charlie" Chaplin's version: greater. I just can't see beating out the original, which sounds just right to me.
Sixgun McItchyfinger
6-GUN ~
Delete>>... "You lose more psychics than the Clintons lose witnesses."
G😂L!
True that. Wish I had a dime for every psychic I lost to a bus driven by Ray Charles. Ray was a psychic killer (not to be confused with Talking Heads and 'Psycho Killer').
Glad you enjoyed this Battle. It's certainly not going the way Psychic Sidekick predicted, but then there's no surprise in that. Although it's a very lopsided contest, I really like BOTH versions a great deal and feel it's not a bad Battle despite the beating. (Somehow I foresaw Ray being able to defend himself mo' better, despite his sight disadvantage.)
~ D-FensDogG
'STEPHEN T. McCARTHY REVIEWS...'
BTW - Did you draw that picture of Debbie Harry? It is pert dern good.
DeleteSix
I did. Thanks, 6! I probably drew that while waiting around on some movie or TV set in the late '70s or early '80s. There was "a whole lotta waitin' goin' on" in Hollywood sound stages.
Delete~ D-FensDogG
OK, that's your retirement vocation and avocation: painting. Get youssef some paint, brushes, easel, canvases... and go Bob Ross on de behinds. Maybe paint some of those saloons you frequent. Or paint portraits of some of the crusty characters that hit the bars also (like Napoleon.) Or paint the fall colors of the Washoe Valley. Or paint the dreams that visit you each night. I think you have a future. For a few years, anyway. I'll buy your first official painting as a starving artist.
Delete6
McITCHYFINGER ~
Delete>>... OK, that's your retirement vocation and avocation: painting.
Hokey-Smoke! I'll not lie, this comes as something of a disappointment to me. I was of the belief that my retirement vocation and avocation was taste-testing Jack Daniel's. This painting gig sounds a bit like "work". And Bob Ross? It also sounds a bit "nonconfident heterosexually" (is that a thing? 😉)
>>... Or paint the dreams that visit you each night. I think you have a future.
I'm "mighty grateful" for your confidence in me! But I gotta say, trying to put my dreams on canvases would not only be the ultimate challenge, but would also scare away the few friends I have.
Just a couple nights ago, I had a dream that I had checked into a dump of a motel room, which had been recommended by Chad (I don't even know a Chad). Then some "fidget" pushed my Sister, so I pushed the "fidget" only to discover a few minutes later that he had stolen my wallet. (How do you paint that?!)
I ain't kiddin' neither, when I say that the stories my subconscious mind creates while I'm asleep utterly amaze me. Sometimes scares me, too. DOH! McBrother, [Link> My Dreams Are *NOT* Getting Better All The Time!
~ D-FensDogG
Wow this was tough and my hubby is listening this time too. We both like the first version better because the flow of the words etc... seemed to go better than with the great Ray.
ReplyDeleteBIRGIT & HUBBY ~
DeleteI thanks ya both for checking in with 4 cents (2+2) to drop into the BOTB kitty!!
At this point - two more votes for Blondie - it's starting to feel like piling on poor Ray. But... he bought his ticket; he knew what he was getting into!
It's true that when a song gets "Jazzed" or "Blued" up, it's gonna alter the syllabikian flow o' tings.
~ D-FensDogG
'STEPHEN T. McCARTHY REVIEWS...'
POSTSCRIPT: It's 10:58 AM and I'm still sober as I type these comment responses, so I apologize for my lack of creativity and funness.
Yo S-Man,
ReplyDeleteTrue that whenever I think of the Beach Boys, I think of Dennis Wilson and Charles Manson hanging out. Dennis thought he was a "genius" and genius Brian Wilson thought Manson was a hacky kook, "Suuure, Charlie, Rhonda will help you find the bottomless pit on 4/09 on horseback."
Listening to the original version of Sail On Sailor I think, "This song needs to be blacker. Be more black. Black it up!" It does sound great though, like it could be any number of 80s arena rock bands anthemic, biggest hit.
Ray Charles has me at the first hard funk piano notes. And again when his gospel voice (and then Beach Boys' gospel chorus! - sounds like there are 20 of them!) kicks in. The Beach Boys and Ray Charles aka The Layered Fab Six get my vote.
Cheers,
G DogG
PROFESSOR G-DOGG ~
DeleteI thanks The Lord Almighty that you showed up to bust up this shutout! It was starting to get me down, and I was thinking I'd have to switch from Mickey's Big Mouth to some 130.6 proof single barrel Jack.
>>... I think of Dennis Wilson and Charles Manson hanging out. Dennis thought he was a "genius" and genius Brian Wilson thought Manson was a hacky kook
And now we know why Brian is still considered a genius, while the one real surfer in the group, Dennis, drowned to death in about 12 feet of water at the Marina del Rey harbor.
Hey, Brother, somebody had to "Black up" this song. And if not Ray Charles, who? And if not then, when? "The Layered Fab Six" (with Uncle Ray) are now officially on the scoreboard. This now has a chance to become the greatest comeback since Game 1 of the 1988 World Series.
Thanks for always remembering to come by with some Baretta rolls for old time's sake. Hmmm.... that reminds me, it's been awhile since I've had some sake. I wonder what they're doing at Cowboys Liquor. Or Aloha Liquor. Guess I better go and check up on them employees, eh what?
~ D-FensDogG
'STEPHEN T. McCARTHY REVIEWS...'
What G DogG said. Ray Charles!
ReplyDeleteJOHN ~
DeleteWith or without the three lavender hearts? ;-)
~ D-FensDogG
'STEPHEN T. McCARTHY REVIEWS...'
Whew, I was scrolling through comments and also starting to worry about a shutout. No love for Ray today, minus the last two botes. As for me? Uh... also no love for Ray. I like Blondie's version much, much better. Give my bote to him.
ReplyDeleteNow then, my completely tasteless Ray Charles joke...
Q: What do you call a test devised to see if people prefer the music of Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder?
A: A double blind study.
I'm here all week.
~J S-A
We got JU-DOGG in the ho-owww-se!
DeleteI'm pleased as spiked punch that you brought your two cents for the BOTB kitty. Now where's that six-pack of Mickey's I axed you to bring?!
I enjoyed your "completely tasteless Ray Charles joke".
Now, here's my own version of it what I just made up:
Q: What do you call a test devised to see if people prefer the music of Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder or Blind Lemon Jefferson?
A: Who's Blind Lemon Jefferson?
Thank you! You've been a terrific audience!!
~ Stephen
DogGtor of Alcohology &
King of Inebriation Nation
Al Bondigas here. Never heard of this "Blondie" cat, but he fits in pretty good with the "Boys". Good song and good voice. I hates ta rule agin Ray Charles, but, I done sworn muh duty, and that means an honest rulin'. Rulin fer "Blondie!! That's it, that's muh rulin'.
ReplyDeleteHey, JUDGE PUNK, you got yer rulin' in early for a change. Goot mang!
DeleteOf course, I suspect you voted for "Blondie" over the Black man for reasons that have nuttin' to do with the music. It's racism - racism is systemic in the justice system. And it's built right into it, too!
I can't hate on you too much, though, Judge Al. I realize that you're just a product of your times. Why, if you saw Ray Charles about to cross the street (Lincoln & Wilshire Boulevards), you'd probably be the first one to take his arm and help him, while flipping off the drivers (justifiably so, mind ya!)
Thanks fer yer rulin' Judge Al.
(Please give a person of color a break the next time one comes before you in your courtroom.)
~ Stephen
DogGtor of Alcohology &
King of Inebriation Nation
POSTSCRIPT:
How wonderful that Ma & Pa both got what they wanted: One son a lawyer / judge, and the other son a dogGtor!
Stephen, Is that you? It's me, Cathy! Ha-Ha!! The Beach Boys are legendary in the music industry and while I certainly do enjoy listening to their songs on occasions I can't say I'm a 'true fan'. This song I would not have pegged for a Beach Boys song. I loved both version, too. I don't know what it is about Ray Charles but he won me over in John's battle and he reeled me in with yours, too. Give my vote to Mr. Charles, please! Have a bandtastic week, my friend!
ReplyDeleteHiYa, CAThy! Yes, it's that me!
DeleteI'll bet if you grew up in the shadow of Lifeguard Station #26 in Dogtown, you'd probably dig The Boys from The Beach mo' better. Fun Fact: Santa Monica High School (where I graduated after 10 tough years), had an official school song. It was probably written in, like, 1920, or sumpin'. "Samohi, Dear Old Samohi, Queen of the setting Sun..." that's how it started. I can't remember the rest of the words.
But every single Friday noon pep rally, for all 10 of the years I studied there, ended with the playing of 'Good Vibrations' by The Beach Boys. The administration could say what it wanted, but every person in the school - administrators, teachers, and pupils - knew that 'Good Vibrations' was the *REAL* school song.
Santa Monica Beach being only about 3 blocks from Santa Monica High School (and Samohi being an "open campus" - i.e., you could leave the campus for lunch) probably wreaked destruction on the attendance levels. It was not uncommon for me to slip out of my second period Art class, meet my buddy Eric, and then take off for the beach. Sometimes we'd return to school after the lunch period; and other times the waves and bikinis were just too powerful, and we stayed at Dogtown Beach, where we knew we really belonged.
~ D-FensDogG
'STEPHEN T. McCARTHY REVIEWS...'
https://www.samohichoir.org/index.php/about/videos
DeleteSix
Hokey-Smoke & Hoo-Wee!!
DeleteSENTIMENTAL SIXGUN ~
That nearly brought a tear to my eye.
In fact, it did - it DID bring a tear to my eye. (My left eye, to be specific).
JOHN WAYNE! JOHN WAYNE!
Yep, that was the song. The so-called "official" school song. But I never saw Jean Gonzalez dance to that, like she did when 'Good Vibrations' was playing. "Oh, Jean Gonzalez, Dear Young Jean Gonzalez, Queen of my rising libido..."
That choir - The Madrigals - sounded pretty darn sweet.
FUN FACT: At SAMOHI, "Twinkie" (of 'Soul Crusaders' fame) was a member of The Madrigals, SAMOHI's highest-level choir. This probably explains why Journey was his favorite Rock group. THAT, alone, almost kept him out of 'The League'. Twinkie could sing like a bird, and he loved "Stephanie Perry". Tsk!-Tsk!
But we let him into 'The League' despite all that because, although he was a "blonde-headed Swede", he could drink like a League-leading Irish-American!
Twinkie's best singing (IMO) : [Link> THE LEAGUE OF SOUL CRUSADERS
McBrother, what a great addition to this comment section. Thank you!! {*sniffle!* wiping a single tear away from my left eye}
~ D-Fens{*sniffle*}DogG
"There, there..."
Delete"where? where?"
JW back. (pat, pat, pat)
I was very curious if this song was lost to antiquity or if it is still a "thang." A Thang, apparently.
I went to your link and found a massive playlist that was "NOT for me." In spite of that I looked at it anyway, and found that much of it was for me. Not specifically, though. I also found that you added the recent find of "Samohi Hymn" in it's rightful place just before "Good Vibrations." I'll check out this list mo later, even though - Bibbiddi-Bobbidi-Boo...
Sixgun
Ha!
DeleteWell, technically, you checking out that song playlist is 'Breaking And Entering' - a crime punishable by a two-bit fine and/or 30 minutes of being pawed by Bette Midler. But since you're a longtime friend o' mine, I won't report you to the Playlist Police ...this time.
Helck, maybe it'll even help heal The Great Musical Divide to some extent. Mayhaps it'll turn the Grand Canyon into something more manageable in terms of traversing. ...I doubt it, but only The Shadow (and Psychic Sidekick) knows.
~ D-FensDogG
Howdy Stephen!
ReplyDeleteNice song choice, "Blondie" gets my vote, please. It will make a great roadtrip song when I head back down the mountain ;-)
Howdy, dIEDRE!
DeleteHey, you're up in the mountains? Be careful up there. Watch out for lions, and tigers, and bears - OH MY! (Big Bats, too!!)
I hope you're having fun. And I hope you can afford enough gasoline to get home when the time comes. (If you can't, remember this little trick: Click your heels together and say, "There's no place like home! There's no place like home!")
~ D-FensDogG
'Stephen T. McCarthy STUFFS'
Hey there!
DeleteYep. It's been rainy and oddly peaceful in this small mountain town - even with all the sirens. People are just nuts these days ;-) Hard to say which is more likely: affording fuel or finding a station that has any ;-) My ruby slippers might come in handy after all.
No bats other than in the belfry of one brave little beagle who thinks she can take on any of the hungry bears sneaking around. We're not taking bets ;-)
I'll be back for the battle tally. Hope you enjoyed the 4th!
Sirens in a small mountain town?
DeleteHelck, you can go to Phoenix for that.
Yip! You're right -- the world has gone nuts and it's getting nuttier by the hour. (What's next? The suspense is like waiting for that other shoe to drop!)
~ D-FensDogG