Tuesday, October 15, 2024

BATTLE OF THE BANDS: 2024, OCT. 15 (Or, BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN Versus THE EAGLES)


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East Coast or West Coast? What's it gonna be? In this installment of Battle Of The Bands' Battle Of The Booze, the spirit that's about to speak is WINE. You know, as in...
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"wine that makes glad the heart of man" 
~ Psalm 104:15
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Most folks know the first recorded miracle that Jesus performed was turning water into wine at a wedding celebration feast. One of the very best books I have read was written by John Eldredge and titled [link> 'BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW: Experiencing The Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality Of Jesus'.
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Just for fun, before getting this musical Battle underway, let's take a quick look at what Eldredge had to say about that first recorded miracle performed by Christ: 
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To see bigger'n better, click on the images.
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So, this BOTB installment includes two songs which mention wine (rosé is a type of wine). Here are the relevant lyrics:
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Well, Billy slammed on his coaster brakes 
and said anybody wanna go on up to Greasy Lake?
It’s about a mile down on the dark side of route eighty-eight
I got a bottle of rose so let’s try it
~ Bruce Springsteen 
'Spirit In The Night' 
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Cruising down the center of a two way street
Wondering who is really in the driver's seat
Minding my business along comes Big Brother
Says, son, you better get on one side or the other
I'm out on the border, I'm walking the line
Don't you tell me about your law and order
I'm trying to change this water to wine
~ The Eagles 
'On The Border' 
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Alright, doggone it, let's get on it.
Let's get ON this thing!
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Please vote in the comment section for which song you like better and then, like good peoples, please visit all of the other BOTBers and contribute to their contests, also. 
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I intend to return here on or about Oct. 22nd to announce my own vote and the final tally. 
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SPIRIT IN THE NIGHT 
by Bruce Springsteen 
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ON THE BORDER 
by The Eagles
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~ Stephen T. McCarthy

29 comments:

  1. Neither of these songs is a favorite of mine from their respective band's collection. I was a big fan of both acts in the era, but these songs were just "on their albums" for me. I know other people liked them, but for me they were meh.

    So of these I'll vote for Bruce by the width of a swizzle stick. Or an olive. Or whatever else you put in wine.

    BTW, liner notes say that the vocals on On the Border were by "T.N.T.S." That might appeal to you as a "double shot" of giggle juice in favor of the Eagles.

    Sixgun McItchyfinger

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    1. SIR SIX ~

      A bartender could definitely put a swizzle stick or an olive in a glass of wine. That same bartender will likely be looking at Indeed.com for a new job pert-soon.

      Yes, I own that Eagles CD and I saw that it does say T.N. T.S. after Don Henley's name as the vocalist for 'On The Border'. (My *EAGLE* eye detects a space between the T.N. & the T.S.) Do you have any idea what that stands for? I'm sure it doesn't refer to the explosive substance, otherwise it would say "ACME" or "Wile E. Coyote".

      ~ D-FensDogG

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    2. From (generally speaking) Lying Wikipedia:

      "In the liner notes, "T.N.T.S." was credited for the vocals on the track; this refers to Tanqueray 'n' tonic, a drink favored by the producer Szymczyk. According to Henley, the drink ""helped out" on the hand-clap overdub and the Temptations-like background vocals on the title track" by adding an element of spontaneity to the song."

      I didn't know this (and I have this vinyl album still) but often look up stuffs from your and Lee's battles. (Apologies to the other BotBers. I only have time to dive into two; it used to be three. Bless you, FAE.) So I learned that this song has a SECOND booze connection for youse!

      Six

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    3. HA! Sir Six Of The Octagon Table, that is a wonderful FUN FACT! (Yes, Wackypedia can be useful, so long as one doesn't stray beyond dates, correct spelling of names, and politically / religiously irrelevant fun facts.)

      These days there are all kinds of fancy, expensive gins. (In fact, I have a bottle from one I purchased in Virginia City, as a souvenir. It was the most money I ever paid for a bottle of "evidence".)

      But back in the early '80s, when I did my serious League-leading drinking, Tanqueray was what I preferred mixed with my tonic. I loved me some gin & tonics. In the screenplay I wrote - [Link> 'Billy 'N' Billie' - I had my male protagonist being a Beefeater gin guy, because subconsciously he was trying to reinforce his manliness.

      I even have a song to use for BOTB's BOTB which specifically mentions "Tanqueray". Maybe I'll use that in my November 1st Battle.

      Thanks for your research and the whimsical Fun Fact you provided, Sir Six!

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  2. Great song choices! It's been so long since I've heard the Eagle's song I've got to go with them just for clever innuendos and memories of two-lane roads ;-) On The Border!
    Intriguing excerpts from Beautiful Outlaw... Just like sunshine.

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    1. Thanks, dIEDRE!
      FUN FACT: About 2-3 months ago, I was in my brother's car as we were going to the Senior Citizens' Center to play some ping-pong. (We do that about 3 times per week, and for old geezers, we are pretty damn scary on a ping-pong table. There has even been blood!!) I heard this Eagles song playing in Judge Al's car, and thought: "WINE! This is going into BOTB's Battle Of The Bands competition."

      'BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW' is probably one of the 10 best books I have read in my entire life (fiction AND nonfiction included). I HIGHLY (not drunkenly) recommend you buy it and read it... three times!!!

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  3. VOTE = EAGLES

    Clarence's saxophone aside, I dig da Eagles mo. ~Ed.

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    1. EDUARDO ~
      I raise my glass of Everclear (with a dash of wine) to your selection! Thanks, mi hermano.

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  4. My vote goes to The Eagles. I prefer them as an artist over Springsteen. You might not believe this but I'm not big fan of the Boss. I enjoyed reading the excerpt written by Eldridge. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. CAThy!

      I totally understand how some folks never dug Springsteen's stuffs. He had a distinctive style that was like a cross between Dylan & Tom Waits, with a little King Curtis thrown in. That's definitely NOT going to appeal to everyone.

      I'm pleased to see that you liked the Eldredge excerpt from 'BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW'. I strongly suggest you get and read that book. It *could* change your life for the better. (That's the *Real* JESUS he is writing about - not to be confused with the fictional fabrication that most pastors & priests peddle from their pulpits.)

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  5. Generally speaking, I'd listen to Eagles over Springsteen, but in this Battle Springsteen gets my vote. I like the song better and the performance is excellent.

    Lee

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    1. Thanks, R. LEE BOID.

      I hear ya. I always liked both, Springsteen AND The Eagles. Today, I like more Eagles songs than I do Springsteen songs. BUT!... this Springsteen song is one of his best, no question.

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  6. I love that part of Beautiful Outlaw, and it makes me scratch my head at the Christians that think alcohol is a sin. I mean, if it is, then why did Jesus make 908 bottles of the most top shelf hooch you could imagine? That sounds like an epic gift to me.

    So, neither of these songs are exactly top shelf hooch to me, though I do find them mildly enjoyable - The Eagles moreso than ol' Springy. Give my bote to The Eagles, and give Jesus my number in case He wants to drop some of that wine off at my house - Lord knows I've got the room for it now!

    ~Chief Julio down by the vineyard

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    1. [Link> CHIEF BADENOV, you rain dancin' fool! ~

      One can't help but think that if "Christianity" had it entirely right, there probably wouldn't be 666 different denominations of "Christianity".

      There's no doubt whatsoever that Yeshua was indeed the prophesied Messiah from the Old Testament. But why in helck did "The Way" eventually turn into "the traditions of men"? I think I know the culprit responsible for that, and his name was... GEORGE BURNS!

      Lord knows that if you had been blessed to be a "pinch-hitting" member of 'The League Of Soul Crusaders', you would hold "ol' Springy's" song 'Spirit In The Night' in much higher esteem than you currently do. Nevertheless, as always, I appreciate you bringing some high-priced Cabernet to the Ol' Rummy's party!

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  7. Jesus would make a killing in wine where I live..the heart of wine country. I wonder if the wine was a resting or a merlot or a rose zinfandel? Just kiddin:)) I love the Eagles but I love this Springstein song more. I vote for da Boss.

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    1. BIRGIT ~

      According to the Bible, the wine that Jesus divinely created from water was a Syrah. It's mentioned in the book of Vineyard, chapter 3, verse 16 (Vineyard 3:16). ;-D

      Thanks for participating in the party!

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  8. I can't think of two musical acts that I despise more than Bruce Springsteen and The Eagles. I'll go with the Eagles because I like them a little better than Springsteen.

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    1. JOHN ~

      So this was more like a Battle Of The Beasts than a Battle Of The Booze?

      Yeah, well, when it comes to my social outlook and moral worldview, I have no real use for the artists. But... all that aside, I definitely dig some of the tunes.

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  9. Shhhh.... Don't tell anyone that I am out and about.

    Once again, I had my battle scheduled, but completely forgot what day it was until a good friend of mine started out with a vote. I was most likely preoccupied with trying to figure out what kind of swill this place was serving and how I could avoid it. I do believe the cooks here need photos to help them identify the difference between a grill, a toaster, and a microwave. I thank the Lord above that I get to be gone for 2 meals tomorrow.

    These 2 songs were either new to me or I have completely forgotten about them. As a general rule, I don't allow Bruce to be played in my presence (hush now... I do believe he will get some airplay in my Rocktober series) but I feel he is personally responsible for an incident on I-84 that occurred in the early summer of '86. If it weren't for the need to fast forward to skip a song on the cassette, the driver would not have lost control of her vehicle and ended up in the median facing the wrong way. We were about a mile past the nearest town so we started walking back toward town. Thankfully, a Lays Potato Chip truck saw us and gave us a lift.

    On the other hand, Don Henley and the boys have never steered me wrong. I also enjoyed the tune featured here today.

    Therefore, to make a long story longer... I am casting my vote for The Eagles.

    -MMQE

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    1. MMQE ~

      >>... "I do believe the cooks here need photos to help them identify the difference between a grill, a toaster, and a microwave.

      You're talking to a guy who doesn't even know what a grill or toaster is. If it can't be microwaved, I don't eat it!

      >>... "I feel he is personally responsible for an incident on I-84 that occurred in the early summer of '86."

      Didn't Springsteen write a song about that? He's mentioned so many highways in his songs that I suspect this incident may have been covered. (You should maybe look into suing for royalties.)

      Thanks for bringing a pint of hooch to the shindig.

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  10. Since I'm not a super-fan of either artist, these songs aren't familiar. That said, I really liked the Springsteen tune as well as the good sax. The Eagles, meh... A vote for "The Boss"!

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    1. DEBBIE D'DOGLADY ~

      I'm kind of surprised that you're not much of an Eagles fan. I know that your preferred style is Hard Rock / Heavy Metal, but The Eagles have done some pretty rockin' stuffs.

      So far, this is a fairly good contest. I think it's 6-4 in favor of The Birds (not to be confused with The Byrds) and still anybody's Battle to win or lose.

      As always, I thank you for your participation!

      ~ D-FensDogG

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    2. I do like some Eagles tunes Stephen, (Hotel California, Witchy Woman, Desperado to name a few), but this one didn't do much for me.

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    3. DEBBIE ~

      Oh, and I love 'Desperado'. Probably my second favorite Eagles song. My #1 favorite is 'I Can't Tell You Why', and I can't tell you why. Perhaps it's because I can still distinctly remember hearing it on airplane headphones while high in the sky en route to New York City for the first time.

      I kind of associate The Eagles with Bob Seger. Although they both have some songs that I think are really terrific, and I enjoy a large number of their tunes in a general way, I, like you, was never a "super-fan". Also, you can't go anywhere, or turn on a radio without hearing songs by The Seger Eagles being played! They are truly ubiquitous.

      ~ D-FensDogG

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  11. And Stephen that's not all....

    Good battle my ol' friend and life straightener. I reckoned which way this was going to go from the start but I did give both songs a good listen too. It reminded me how much I found Don Henley to be annoying so I'm voting for Broooooooce here. Tanks for the reminder.
    JW,
    Poooh
    PS: I sent the photos from your last post to Kranium and asked who wore it better? He at first thought it was himself in both pictures. Perhaps you can work those photos in again and put That's What Friends are For against something else. Still JW

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    1. AND, GENERAL POOHREGARD...

      It was my great pleasure and honor to have been selected to straighten out your life. I can't really take any credit for it... because it wasn't anything that any other drunk wouldn't have done for ya!

      You know what's funny is that Don Henley has nothing but nice things to say about you. Are you sure you're not foncusing him with Flenn Grey or Fon Delder?

      It's actually amazing how clear so many of those photos from The League years turned out. Not nearly as fuzzy as the photographers were.

      Thanks for stopping by with some Bacardi 151 for the community punch bowl. Later, when it's my turn on October 22nd, I'm gonna bring some "Miracle Water" (wine) for the punch.

      ~ D'Drunken DogG

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  12. Al Bondigas here. I was truly hoping that The Eagles could pull this off so I wouldn't have to rule for that scumbag Springsteen. I've always liked most Eagle's songs and "On The Border" is no exception, but unfortunately, if I'm going to be honest with muh rulin', I'm gonna have to rule fer the scumbag. Rulin' fer scumbag. That's it, that's muh unfortunate rulin'.

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    1. JUDGE AL ~

      I know how much you would have preferred to rule for The Eagles over Bruce Stinkweed, so I salute your intellectual honesty and the upright way in which you run your courtroom.

      Try not to let it make you bitter.
      Now go play the horses and take your mind off of it.

      ~ D-FesDogG

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