tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post3657258867764201006..comments2024-03-26T20:35:39.291-07:00Comments on STMcC Presents 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS': 2015, SEPT. 15TH: BATTLE OF THE BANDS (Or, DUKE ELLINGTON VS. NANCY WILSON)Stephen T. McCarthyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-21184064385011367362015-09-26T12:02:33.982-07:002015-09-26T12:02:33.982-07:00No problem, but yeah, I missed yer vote, ANNE O...No problem, but yeah, I missed yer vote, ANNE O'. I knew you must have been busy with something because this Battle was right up yer alley. I was watching for ya.<br /><br />I had guessed beforehand that you would vote for DUKE. As did I.<br /><br />Your vote for Duke, and the would-be vote for Nancy from my old drinkin' buddy, Pooh, would have still left me with a tie. Ha! I guess a tie it was meant to be, no matter what.<br /><br />I have no problem voting for instrumentals. For me, instrumentals don't necessarily have an edge over vocals, but neither do they take a backseat to them (as is often the case with many people). Many of my very favorite recordings of all-time are instrumentals, so a lack o' lyrics does not put a tune at a disadvantage in my mind.<br /><br />I hope you can make my October 1st BOTB, because I have something unusual planned. And I DEFINITELY want your input for my October 15th Battle, because I'll be doing something no one else has ever done with BOTB, and I want all the ears I can get for that one. Plus, you'll bring a different perspective to that one, I believe.<br /><br />~ D-FensDogGStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-61278222305743787892015-09-26T10:27:42.196-07:002015-09-26T10:27:42.196-07:00I've been out of town and unable to get to any...I've been out of town and unable to get to anyone's blogs. I missed a good one it seems. For what it is worth I would have voted for Duke's version. Most of the time I'll pick an instrumental piece over one with vocals.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01681799401614263953noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-21477837333226322622015-09-22T12:47:13.640-07:002015-09-22T12:47:13.640-07:00You'll get there, dp!
A temporary setback. ......You'll get there, <b>dp!</b><br />A temporary setback. ...Or "blowback".<br /><br />Believe it or not, I don't own ANY CDs by Nancy or Duke, although I do own a couple Ellington recordings on Jazz compilation discs.<br /><br />I think they were both terrific, but there are other Jazz performers I generally like better. However, I thought their versions of 'SATIN DOLL' matched-up really well for a BOTB contest, and that's why I used them. Glad I did, too.<br /><br />~ D-FensDogGStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-75228303977049242282015-09-22T01:41:53.848-07:002015-09-22T01:41:53.848-07:00~D-FensDogG:
Great Battle! 22 voters says a lot! ... ~D-FensDogG:<br /><br />Great Battle! 22 voters says a lot! I'm not a Duke or a Nancy fan... so this was tough for me. Your versions were well matched :)<br /><br />I guess you'd call my battle a blowout > October is gonna need more work to get me back on top of things.<br /><br />See ya next time. ~dpDixie@dcreliefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11558671709412200904noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-26131081582468751532015-09-21T23:11:51.675-07:002015-09-21T23:11:51.675-07:00DEBBIE ~
Congratulations on your first tie!
I don...DEBBIE ~<br />Congratulations on your first tie! <br />I don't care what anyone else may think, I believe a tie is the sign of a very well thought-out competition (even though I don't really like ties - ha!)<br /><br />I've done a number of Instrumentals Vs. Vocals BOTBs, but then I've been around since the beginning, so I've had a long time to come up with different ideas. (My Nov. 1st contest will be "something completely different".)<br /><br />I think my favorite is when a song is used but the musical genres are TOTALLY DIFFERENT. I've done that a few times. <br /><br />One that comes immediately to mind is 'Route 66' - a 3-Way I did between Jazz, Garage Rock, and New Wave. Also when I used 'Ain't Misbehavin'' and let two Jazz greats slug it out with an Outlaw Country great. Those were both fun, even though the 'Route 66' winner wasn't the artist I voted for.<br /><br />On my way over now to check out yer tie...<br /><br />~ D-FensDogGStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-47196696796254934182015-09-21T23:02:10.639-07:002015-09-21T23:02:10.639-07:00LEE ~
Well, to thine own self be true. I'm a b...LEE ~<br />Well, to thine own self be true. I'm a big believer in that maxim and I pretty much (or always) follow it.<br /><br />I love BOTB too. If it weren't for BOTB, I probably wouldn't be blogging at all anymore. But at the same time, I'm not trying to appeal to or interest anyone who isn't already interested in music and the BOTB concept.<br /><br />I mean, MUSIC-RELATED blog bits are all I do anymore. I'm still able to tie a variety of topics into my blog by simply finding a music catch. But BOTB is the main attraction here, and I don't really make any attempt to please anyone, other than to offer quality recordings of quality songs (in my op).<br /><br />That's just me. I'm an old, inflexible, curmudgeonly pain-in-the-ass. But someone's gotta be me, and I suppose I'm the best candidate for THAT job.<br /><br />Your music tastes and mine don't often align, but I'm still pleased you enjoy BOTB so much and I'm glad yer still doing it, and doing it yer way. That's A-OK.<br /><br />~ D-FensDogGStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-39714909721248281582015-09-21T22:47:44.239-07:002015-09-21T22:47:44.239-07:00Yeah, I think you're doing great. I always loo...Yeah, I think you're doing great. I always look forward to seeing what you've come up with. <br /><br />~ D-FensDogGStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-63871941868496646422015-09-21T22:45:02.274-07:002015-09-21T22:45:02.274-07:00FAE ~
Yeah, protly so.
~ D-FensDogGFAE ~<br />Yeah, protly so.<br /><br />~ D-FensDogGStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-60925799646569839592015-09-21T22:33:05.757-07:002015-09-21T22:33:05.757-07:00A tie means you picked wisely in choosing evenly-m...A tie means you picked wisely in choosing evenly-matched contestants. Unlike you, this is a skill I haven't been able to master - until now. Yup; got my first tie! ☺ <br /><br />Duke and Nancy were both great, but the instrumental was my choice, same as yours. <br />It's always interesting when a vocal competes with an instrumental. Haven't seen too many of those.<br />Debbie D. https://www.blogger.com/profile/13153118405565035071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-51484285036662701992015-09-21T19:49:27.901-07:002015-09-21T19:49:27.901-07:00This one turned out as it should for these two wor...This one turned out as it should for these two worthy opponents.farawayeyeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17578277501054242356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-76322478282367709272015-09-21T13:09:22.594-07:002015-09-21T13:09:22.594-07:00However keep in mind that I'm playing to an au...However keep in mind that I'm playing to an audience to readers who seem to not give a whit about BOTB so I try to tie in my battles to play to them as well by linking some other issue or story to my song picks.<br /><br />I've already essentially cut back my blogging to one post per week and don't want any one thing to dominate my blog posts (not even during April A to Z). <br /><br />I try to keep a high standard in my match-ups as well as presenting posts that will hopefully be interesting to a broad audience and I think that's an important agenda for me to pursue as a blogger. I think I've already alienated a large segment of my former audience with BOTB posts, but I don't care so much because I love doing the music posts. I also enjoy the posts that encourage readers to think for a few seconds and leave their thoughts.<br /><br />I'm now trying to think of any song versions that I have used that were "bad". Not a one I'd say, but that's according to my taste and opinions and I know some disagree with me on that. At least I've shared music that I've liked or appreciate on some level.<br /><br />Arlee Bird<br />A to Z Challenge Co-host<br /><a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Tossing It Out</a><br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-4277781419559763432015-09-21T11:14:31.403-07:002015-09-21T11:14:31.403-07:00I think you are right, it's more observation t...I think you are right, it's more observation than a science. Yes, I've learned a thing or two so far in my matchings. But I think I've done a good job finding songs that are best suited for each other. I hope i can continue to improve.Jeffrey Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06973104877310669196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-735051767152244622015-09-21T10:40:25.908-07:002015-09-21T10:40:25.908-07:00Good comment, JEFFREY.
Yes, for me, probably the m...Good comment, JEFFREY.<br />Yes, for me, probably the most fun I get out of one of my Battles is watching the voting swing both ways - like a good horse race or boxing match, when the lead changes at times and you're left guessing who will be in front when the final bell rings or the wire is crossed.<br /><br />That's where the fun is. And one will miss out on that fun if one of the competitors is getting clobbered from the opening bell or the second the starting gate opens.<br /><br />Also, after all these Battles, I've found that there's some sort of an art to selecting two combatants for a Battle. It's not always just as simple as finding two good recordings and putting them against each other. There are all kinds of little details one can take into consideration that can sometimes even make a good Battle great instead.<br /><br />I don't always get it right, and sometimes I overlook things or outguess myself. It's not a science, that's for sure. But for the most part, I think I've picked up a few observations for my bag o' tricks as I've gotten mo' BOTB experience along the way.<br /><br />Thanks for stopping by, Jeffrey!<br /><br />~ D-FensDogGStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-30517202966158826632015-09-21T10:30:58.908-07:002015-09-21T10:30:58.908-07:00LEE ~
95% of the time, my only BOTB agenda is to ...LEE ~ <br />95% of the time, my only BOTB agenda is to select a good song and then find two good recordings of it to give voters something to really contemplate and internally debate with themselves when trying to determine which song they prefer and why.<br /><br />In 52 Battles, I think only 3 times have I used what I would consider an inferior recording. The first time was as an object lesson, in order to illustrate the importance of and the effect that an arranger / arrangement can have on a song.<br /><br />Once I did it because that's the way the match-up was put together in the movie I was referencing. And the last time... simply because I wanted to see the old, dead communist get clobbered in a BOTB showdown. Which he did.<br /><br />But to me, by and large, the fun and pleasure of a quality BOTB contest should be the only "agenda". What's more important than that, when axing friends to come by and spend some time at my blog?<br /><br />~ D-FensDogGStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-18543784453453821412015-09-21T07:53:44.852-07:002015-09-21T07:53:44.852-07:00I think you are right. It's better to have a t...I think you are right. It's better to have a tie than a blow out or shut-out. It's an indication the person who orchestrated the battle knew what songs worked well together and which would be harder to choose from. That's the real battle. And yes, it would be nice to know for a certainly which of the songs we prefer as a group, it's also nice to know it was a good battle. Sometimes the fun is in seeing the actual battle, not who wins or loses.Jeffrey Scotthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06973104877310669196noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-48366603266257311382015-09-21T07:50:46.912-07:002015-09-21T07:50:46.912-07:00You voted correctly in my opinion since you and I ...You voted correctly in my opinion since you and I voted the same way.<br /><br />To me a tie usually means the versions were so equally fine that the win could have gone either way and likewise I could have voted for either choice and been able to justify my choice.<br /><br />I thought my most recent Battle might have been a shut-out, but that would have been fine with me since I had a bigger agenda in the song pick. <br /><br />Arlee Bird<br />A to Z Challenge Co-host<br /><a href="http://tossingitout.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Tossing It Out</a><br /><br />Arlee Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11663942782929929334noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-16089916391772670962015-09-21T01:23:59.028-07:002015-09-21T01:23:59.028-07:00STMcC’s Vote On '2015, September 15th: Battle ...<b>STMcC’s Vote On '2015, September 15th: Battle Of The Bands' (Or, 'Duke Ellington Vs. Nancy Wilson')</b><br /><br />First and foremost - DEFINITELY FOREMOST! - I want to SINCERELY thank everyone who took the time to visit my blog, listen to the songs, and post a vote in the comment section. I really appreciate EACH and EVERY one of you!<br /><br />In my opinion, BOTH of the recordings I posted here are really terrific! I love them BOTH!<br /><br />The version of 'SATIN DOLL' that I grew up hearing, thanks to my dearly beloved Ma, was by... well, honestly, I haven't figured out WHO it was by, but I know it included vocals by a MALE vocalist.<br /><br />However, I love the song... PERIOD! Vocals, instrumental... it makes no difference, because the melody is memorable, and so are the words. I enjoy it either way.<br /><br />In this Battle - although I think Nancy Wilson has a GREAT voice and sings this song PERFECTLY - I feel that the DUKE ELLINGTON instrumental is fantastic, and doesn't need a thing... not even Nancy Wilson's perfect vocals. So... <b>my vote goes to "THE DUKE OF ELLINGTON" and his fabulous orchestra!</b><br /><br />What that means is that... well... read it for yaself:<br /><br /><b>Duke Ellington & Orchestra = 11 Votes<br />Nancy Wilson = 11 Votes</b><br /><br />Yep! Another tie. That's OK. I'm alright with this.<br /><br />In fact, some other BOTBer, in a BOTB comment section somewhere (can't recall WHO or WHERE it was), recently wrote that (s)he didn't know if a BOTB tie was really significant in any way. (S)he wasn't sure that anything in particular could be definitively determined or assumed by a voter tie in a BOTB contest.<br /><br />Me - in "most" instances - I prefer to see an artist win a BOTB contest. After all the work, I like to see someone come out on top... most o' da time. <br /><br />But my very favorite BOTB outcomes are those that end with a ONE-VOTE MARGIN OF VICTORY. To me, THAT means that the BOTBer put together a HIGHLY COMPETITIVE Battle, but still got to see someone win it.<br /><br />The WORST BOTB outcome is obviously a SHUT-OUT.<br />Thankfully, I've not had one of those yet.<br /><br />The NEXT WORST is a BLOWOUT.<br />I've had some of those but, thankfully, not TOO many.<br /><br />I'd much rather have a TIE than a SHUTOUT or BLOWOUT.<br /><br />I'll leave it to y'all to decide for yaselves, individually, if there is any genuine meaning in a BOTB tie.<br /><br />At any rate, THIS was my <b>7th BOTB Tie</b>, and my <b>Second BOTB Tie in a row</b>. I'm not crazy about BOTB ties, but I suspect I'm doing SUMPIN' RIGHT when I conceive my BOTB contests. I'll leave that up to YOU to decide.<br /><br />Either way, I hope you'll return for my OCTOBER BOTB CONTESTS, because I have some unique concepts in store for the month of... "THE GREAT PUMPKIN'S ARRIVAL".<br /><br />Thanks again for voting, y'all!<br /><br />~ D-FensDogG<br />'Loyal American Underground'Stephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-70603780234027619192015-09-20T14:28:07.984-07:002015-09-20T14:28:07.984-07:00JUDGE AL ~
I associate 'Sunny' strictly wi...JUDGE AL ~<br />I associate 'Sunny' strictly with Ma. She was crazy about that song and played it often! And I did used to try to pick out the notes to certain songs on the guitar. It's possible I had learned to play some of the melody from 'Sunny', though I don't recall that.<br /><br />Surely you remember the 8-track tape we had by 'H,JF,& Reynolds', right? It was THIS album:<br /><br />http://audiopreservationfund.org/graphics/archives/7/Front%20Covers/Big/ARC_7_01184.jpg<br /><br />Thinking back on it, they were actually pretty good! Remember THIS song?...<br /><br />https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rFBPxVzBhNo<br /><br />There's something about that video which really appeals to me. Unfortunately, though, I can't put my finger on it. ...Sure wish I could.<br /><br />Kind of a sad day for me. This is the day that Kelly did what he did in '86. So, I'm just sitting around drinking beer (not Coors though) and listening to Kenny Loggins sing 'HOUSE AT POOH CORNER' over and over. Pretty soon, I will switch to Merle Haggard, and Johnny Russell's 'Rednecks, White Socks And Blue Ribbon Beer'. Kelly wouldn't want it any other way.<br /><br />~ D-FensDogGStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-24358788496063023632015-09-20T13:58:11.175-07:002015-09-20T13:58:11.175-07:00Al Bondigas here. Yeah, I do vaguely remember the...Al Bondigas here. Yeah, I do vaguely remember the 8 track player. Not sure if you're right about the artists. You may very well be right, though. For some reason, I associate the song 'Sunny' with you during the time you were taking guitar lessons. Is it possible that was one of the songs that you had to learn to play? Anyway, the judge is leaving the building.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-11467723324792656642015-09-20T12:15:47.968-07:002015-09-20T12:15:47.968-07:00OH DONNA ~
October 9th? Sheee-it! You WOULD have t...OH DONNA ~<br />October 9th? Sheee-it! You <i>WOULD</i> have to pick the one day I have scheduled to wash my hair in October, wouldn't you?<br /><br />Ha! Just kidding. That's really 'Clip-My-Toenails' Day. <br /><br />Well, just so you're aware... Under no circumstances do I get out of bed before 9 AM, and I have to be in the shower (getting ready for work - ONLY!) at exactly 1:00 PM. So.... if you can devise a devious plan... have at it.<br /><br />But also be aware that if we're going <b>"Dutch"</b> (i.e., I have to pay for myself) then (Link:->) <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x9EI3xQ3bd0" rel="nofollow">THERE'LL BE NO <b>"WOODY"</b> AFTERWARDS.</a></b> I don't work for free, ya know? On the menu, "Woody" doesn't come with "Dutch".<br /><br />~ D-FensDogGStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-69253442167062682542015-09-20T01:24:59.173-07:002015-09-20T01:24:59.173-07:00GEM JULIE ~
Thanks so much for your vote! You know...GEM JULIE ~<br />Thanks so much for your vote! You know I love ya, right? <br /><br />I was just about to go to bed for the night - and hopefully for the life - but I decided to check my Blogspot dashboard first, and there yer vote be!<br /><br />Only a brilliant person can put together a <b>"brilliant battle"</b>, so Brilliant I thankz youz fer dat komplymehnt. Ha!<br /><br />~ D-FensDogGStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-60684896309910521252015-09-20T01:04:44.356-07:002015-09-20T01:04:44.356-07:00Stephen, I agree with Al that both bands were grea...Stephen, I agree with Al that both bands were great! This is such a classic song, but I really enjoyed listening to Nancy Wilson's powerful pipes. Interesting tidbit that Johnny Mercer was called in to write lyrics after the song had become a success. Most of his songs can make me tear up in the first verse.<br /><br />Another brilliant battle!<br /><br />JulieEmpty Nest Insiderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10074223969046687064noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-59059474726379300422015-09-19T19:51:13.494-07:002015-09-19T19:51:13.494-07:00Wouldn't be broke if you used those psychic ab...Wouldn't be broke if you used those psychic abilities to WIN. And of course you're picking up the tab for two beautiful women!! Or we're going dutch. Whatever. Oct 9. Breakfast if you're working that day, dinner if not :)<br /><br />Email me, lets talk. donnahole at gmail dot comdolorahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08715849844092553699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-41339232718904990992015-09-18T23:06:55.211-07:002015-09-18T23:06:55.211-07:00POSTSCRIPT:
So, Dolorah (aka Donna) voted Ellingto...POSTSCRIPT:<br />So, Dolorah (aka Donna) voted Ellington and you voted Wilson. Now they're tied 10 votes to 10 votes.<br /><br />It's really starting to look like my own vote is going to decide the winner in this contest.<br /><br />~ D-FensDogGStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3043167264059951487.post-38385064891675301812015-09-18T23:03:25.090-07:002015-09-18T23:03:25.090-07:00JUDGE AL ~
Yeah, whoever that band was backing Nan...JUDGE AL ~<br />Yeah, whoever that band was backing Nancy, they were damned good, too! <br /><br />I'm glad I guessed your vote right this time. After you went Aerosmith over Daltrey in the last contest, I was afraid I'd lost my touch. (Because I was ENTIRELY POSITIVE about your vote in that one.) If I'd guessed wrong twice in a row, I would have KNOWN that I'd lost my touch.<br /><br />I could be way off here, but... do you remember that little portable 8-track tape player we used to have? Probably came to us from Grandpa - one of his "No more than two bits!" buys from a garage sale. I think we had only two 8-track tapes to play on it.<br /><br />For some reason, I feel like the version of 'SATIN DOLL' that Ma always played was on one of those 8-track tapes, which was a collection of various songs. (The other tape was 'Hamilton, Joe, Frank And Reynolds', and remember?)<br /><br />If it wasn't that, then the song may have been on a hit songs compilation LP she had and played A LOT! Actually, I think it was a 2-LP set. (We probably broke one of them with a badly aimed dart. Ha!) With absolute certainty, I can state that the song 'SUNNY' by Bobby Hebb was on one of those 2 albums. Remember? She played the living hell outta those LPs. And 'Satin Doll' may have been a cut on one of them. But I don't know who the artist was.<br /><br />Very often, for no apparent reason, a line from 'Satin Doll' will pop into my mind:<br /><br /><b>"And that'n... my satin doll".</b><br /><br />~ D-FensDogGStephen T. McCarthyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249125637725791567noreply@blogger.com