Results, Results ( #BOTB Results )

 

I got my first injection of COVID vaccine last week.  So far no weird complications have developed and all seems to be normal.  Next infection--I mean injection comes in April.  Right in the middle of Blogging from A to Z April Challenge!

 Battle of the Bands Results

        This latest Battle featured the Cole Porter song "I've Got You Under My Skin" with versions by Frank Sinatra and the duo of Louis Prima and Keely Smith.   It seemed probable that Sinatra would win, but I thought there might be a few more voting for the duo like I did along with John Holton.  But it was an overwhelming decision in favor of Frank.

        It's quite possible that Louis and Keely's version was the first I'd ever heard of this song.  My parents had the album and it was among my favorites.  And I had kind of a kid crush on Keely Smith.  It might have been interesting to see how The Four Seasons' version would have ranked against Frank since a few voters mention them in their comments.

Final Vote Tally

Frank Sinatra                          16 votes

Louis Prima/ Keely Smith       2 votes

Next Battle of the Bands on Thursday April 1st

        That's when that Alphabet Challenge thing also starts.  So we'll have a convergence of events next time, but seems like I always do.  That's me juggling I guess.

I've Got You Under My Skin ( #BOTB )

 With St. Patrick's Day coming up I'm not so much concerned with wearing green as I am concerned about the possibility of turning green...

Battle of the Bands

        Battle of the Bands is the blogging event started by Far Away Series and now hosted by StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands.   This event happens each month on the 15th and on some there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month.  My blog is one of those with a second Battle excepting over these summer months.   The premise is simple:  Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it.  Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this                                                                                 post for more Battle action.

I've Got You Under My Skin

       Anyone want to venture a guess as to why I'm using this particular song for this particular Battle?  Think topical issues.  Under my skin.  Can you guess?  

        Okay I'll tell you.  I'll be getting my first dose of COVID vaccine on Wednesday St. Patrick's Day.  Yeah, I'm getting it.  I've got a morning appointment at a specific time and I've been informed that there will be little to no wait involved other than the 30 minute or so observation period to make sure that I don't drop dead or have some kind of adverse reaction like my arm turning green and falling off.

      I'm not worried about getting the vaccine.  In past years I've always been getting the flu shot with no negative outcome.  As in those past years, since my medical provider is offering the service and assuring that it will be an in and out procedure, I figure I might as well take it.  Considering all of the stuff I've put into my body in my lifetime and that I'm still here in a relatively healthy condition, one more dose of mystery substance probably won't bother me.

      Besides, I'm planning to take a cross country trip this summer so I want to have the vaccine just in case things get any more weird than they have been and I need proof that I've had the silly shot.  It's all a racket as far as I'm concerned--especially the masks, shutdowns, and distancing.  Come on folks!  If you're worried about getting sick then you should stay home and protect yourself from whatever bug-a-boo the government is trying to foist upon us.

        But enough about the vaccine doses.  Let's get a couple of doses of music...

Frank Sinatra  "I've Got You Under My Skin"   (1963)

          Let's start off with what some might consider the ultimate version of this Cole Porter classic.  The best some might say--but is it?   I'm going to let you decide so let's start things off with Chairman Sinatra...

Louis Prima & Keely Smith  "I've Got You Under My Skin"   (1959)

         You might be wondering why I would go with that classic Sinatra version.  Maybe because there might be a comparable or better version?   What about this one?...

Time to Vote!
        
          Music is the medicine that cures many ills.  How about taking a few minutes to play along in this Battle of the Bands.  I hope you'll at least give the versions a listen to discern your favorite.   Which version do you prefer?   Hopefully you have an opinion of some kind.  You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.

        Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.


Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:

 StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

  'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 

A I Love Music


Winner of this Battle Announced on Monday March 22nd

        Hopefully I'll be here with the results on that day.  I think I will, but who knows.  My plans go on like a river keeps flowing.   Rivers.  Guess I'll be working on my "River" theme for A to Z April as well.  

The House I Live In (#BOTB)

 “Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.”
—Coretta Scott King

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.”
—Langston Hughes

       These quotes state truths that more people in our time need to hear and think about.   At times I get so cynical  about the way things are, but that is likely because we get bombarded every day with negativity and dishonesty. 

      In honor of Black History month I offer for my Battle of the Bands two notable black male vocalists with their renditions of a song first made popular by Frank Sinatra...



Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands is the blogging event started by Far Away Series and now hosted by StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands.   This event happens each month on the 15th and on some blogs there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month.  My blog is one of those with a second Battle on the 1st of the month.   The premise is simple:  Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it.  Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battle action.



The House I Live In

          To some these days this song might sound rather mushy and maudlin, but it does express a sense of tradition and love for country of which many might approve. Though the song first appeared in a stage musical review in 1942, it was embraced by the public in 1945 when it was used as the centerpiece of the opposition to anti-Semiticism film The House I Live In.

         Ironically the music was written by Earl Robinson, a member of the Communist party who was blacklisted during the McCarthy hearings, with lyrics by Abel Meeropol, a liberal activist who had also at one time been a member of the Communist party.

          I'm sure this music won't be everyone's cup of tea, but maybe if you don't care for it you can chill a bit and pretend it's a big glass of ice cold sweet tea on a sweltering hot summer day.   If you'd like to hear how Sinatra did the song you can go here or this link will take you to the entire Oscar winning short film it came from (it's only about 10 minutes long, but it carries a worthy message).  Please don't vote on this version--save your vote for one of the two artists featured below....


Paul Robeson  "The House I Live In"   (1947)




Sam Cooke   "The House I Live In"   (1960)





Time to Vote!

     Let's join together and vote!  What's your favorite between these two choices?   Which song version do you like best? You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.

         Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.

Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:

 StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

  'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

Angel's Bark  

Debbie Doglady's Den

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 

Cherdo on the Flipside

A I Love Music


Winner of this Battle Announced on Friday February 8th
   
            Next Wednesday I'll have an Insecure Writer's Support Group post so I do hope you'll drop in before then.  But definitely come back to see if your favorite song version came out with the most votes.  I think I can predict this outcome pretty easily, but we've all been surprised by these Battle outcomes in the past.   We'll see!

             Do you think the USA has changed for the better or worse since World War 2?  What do you think is better?  What do you think is worse?  

             

Belly Up to the Blog Buffet (#IWSG & #BOTB Results)

When I get too much on my plate I wonder if it would look bad to take some back to the buffet?   Maybe not such a great metaphor for my post today, but I do have a full plate so let me get started.

Join us on the first Wednesday of each month in Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group--a forum of writers who gather to talk about writing and the writer's life. For a complete list of participants visit Alex's Blog. 

       The co-hosts for the March 7 posting of the IWSG are Mary Aalgaard, Bish Denham, Jennifer Hawes, Diane Burton, and Gwen Gardner!

March 7 question - How do you celebrate when you achieve a writing goal/ finish a story?

       I can't say that I've done much celebrating for achieving any writing goals since there hasn't been that much to celebrate.  Tonight I'll celebrate finishing this post by going to bed--to bed far earlier than normal.  

        The writing finishes I have of late are finishing blog posts and usually my celebration doesn't amount to much more than thinking up another post, reading, watching television, or something that I can do by myself since no one else feels celebratory when I've finished composing a post.  

          Then there is the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.   That's a fairly sizable writing endeavor that is a relief to finish.  But as with the other blog posts, when I'm done there are no fireworks or parties or anything like that.  No, it's just business as usual in the world of blogging.  

         And speaking of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge...

         It's coming soon!    Did you see where the list is now open?   You've still got a few weeks to decide if you are still mulling over whether or not to participate.  Maybe seeing the colorful A to Z badge (once again created by the talented Jeremy Hawkins) starting to appear on other blogs will get you fired up.  We'd love to have you join us again or for the first time.  You can find the sign up list here.  

Battle of the Bands Results

       
        Often when I've reached the winner's announcement I'm ready to forget the song that's been in my mind in order to move on to the next one.  This month not so much.  The song "I Believe in You" from How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying is still running in my brain and I could keep it going for a while longer.  However short of using the song again in my next Battle I'll settle for watching the film in the next couple of weeks and start focusing on the Battle that is to come next week.

       The previous Battle was probably predictable enough.  After all it was Frank Sinatra against Bobby Darin who is no slouch of a singer.  But Sinatra is a tough name to go up against.  The venerable Chairman of the Board--Frank--carried the weight with the voters.   I greatly appreciate Sinatra's version of this song and might typically pick him in another Battle, but Bobby's pacing of the song suited me better.  I really like that cool lope of Darin's take on the song.   But the voters spoke the verdict loud and clear...

Final Vote Tally

Frank Sinatra          15 votes

Bobby Darin             7 votes

Next Battle on Thursday March 15th!

          I'll be combining my next Battle with my A to Z Theme reveal for 2018.  I hope you'll join me again then.  

           Did you sign up for A to Z?   What makes you celebrate?   What is your favorite way to relax after a day at work or some period of tension?  

I Believe in You (#BOTB)

Author, life coach, and motivational speaker Tony Robbins. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

         Listening to a motivational speaker is a great way to seriously start thinking about doing something.  Now if only I could just get one of those guys to shut up and just show me what I need to do instead of telling me about it...

   









          Need some motivation?   Have you tried listening to motivational speakers?   I've got success program recordings by Napoleon Hill, Tony Robbins, and a few others that I used to listen to when I was driving.  Whether it was for my fifteen minute commute to and from work or some extended trip, I would listen to these tapes over and over and over.  Now I don't have a cassette player in my vehicle so I don't listen to them. 

           At the time I supposed that listening to the content enough would make it stick with me and maybe it did.   Probably so.  Still, there are those times when I need a healthy dose of motivation, part of which is reassurance. The guy doing most of the talking these days is me talking to myself.  If I'm not hearing something on the computer or seeing something on television that pushes me to action, then it's up to me to do the prodding.   I know it's all worth it in the end.  At least I think it is.  I hope it is.

        By the way, for those who are shilly-shallying about doing the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge--go head and do it.  Push yourself.  Give yourself a hearty pep talk.  And if you want a theme song to go along with your kick in the pants, you can sing along with my song pick for....

Battle of the Bands

Battle of the Bands is the blogging event started by Far Away Series and now hosted by StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands.   This event happens each month on the 15th and on some blogs there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month.  My blog is one of those with a second Battle on the 1st of the month.   The premise is simple:  Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it.  Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battle action.

"I Believe in You"

            As a first reaction to this song title you might have been expecting a Christian song--there are a few with this title.  Or maybe that great song by Neil Young with the same title.  You might even have thought of any number of other songs with the title "I Believe in You."   In the case of this Battle I'm using the hit song from the 1961 Frank Loesser musical How to Succeed at Business without Really Trying,

          This song popped into my conscious mind within the past couple of months--not sure how or why, but it just did.  Since then it has been my obsession to use it in an upcoming Battle and today is the day.  The message in the song is a motivational one:  Have confidence in yourself if you want to succeed.  That speaks to my own self perception of late.  I guess that's why I've had the song on mental replay for several weeks now.  When I'm leading up to a Battle, the song I'm going to use next tends to overtake my musical mind.  This one has done so probably more than any song I've used so far.

          I recall seeing the song performed by How to Succeed star Robert Morse on television back in the sixties and hearing versions by many other artists during that era.  It's not a song I've heard in recent years although maybe I did hear it not so song ago and it planted the song seed then.  For some reason I've been thinking about this great song and now you can think about it...

Frank Sinatra with Count Basie  "I Believe in You" (1964)

         Let's start this Battle off in a big way with the brash flashy sound of Count Basie and his orchestra and an energetic delivery by the legendary Frank Sinatra.  Can any recorded version of this motivational song be bigger and better?   Give it a listen to see if it gives you a wallop...




Bobby Darin  "I Believe in You"  (1966)

         Can Sinatra and Basie be outdone?   Or maybe you prefer the slowed down cool version by Bobby Darin.  It's not the frantic sound like the previous version, but it's a showy version nevertheless and you can focus on the lyrics with a more meditative approach.   This is a darn good version of "I Believe in You," but is it as good as Sinatra's.    You be the judge...





Time to Vote!

        Come readers!  I believe in you.   Please vote.   What's your preference between these two choices?   Which song version do you like best?   You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.  
       
        Please vote on your favorites by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.


Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:

 StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

 ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ 

 'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

Angel's Bark  

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 

Cherdo on the Flipside 


Winner of this Battle Announced on Wednesday March 7th

           Do come back next Wednesday to find out who won this Battle.   That will also be the day of the Insecure Writer's Support Group so you might want to drop in for that post as well.    If you have not yet completed the survey at the Blogging from A to Z Blog site, please visit and help us with your input.  A to Z sign ups open on March 5th. 

            Do you need any particular motivation right now?   Do you ever listen to motivational gurus?  Have self-help books ever been helpful to you?

You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To (#BOTB)

Pensioners Cottage, Ballygowan. This quaint old cottage in original condition is located near Lammy crossroads.
 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Home Sweet Home

       Settled in for a few days, it's almost like we never left.   The miles behind us, the places we've been and people we spent time with almost seem like a dream now that I'm nestled back into the familiarity of the house we've lived in for the past nineteen years.  A vacation is nice, but in some ways being home in familiar surroundings is equally so.  In many ways it's better.

        From the vantage point of this modest place we call home, we've seen our girls finish school, leave home, and start families and careers as I've settled into retirement and my wife will soon follow.  Will we stay in this dwelling in the years to come?  We have been pondering that decision in recent years and the decision is one that will likely be made within the next few years.  I have some dreams in mind, but the act of moving is not something I particularly relish.

        For now I'll keep this decision of relocation in the back of my mind.   The thought will creep frequently into the forefront of my thinking as the quandary looms ever larger over my shoulder.  I love this place I call home, but it is a mere physical abode.  This is the place my wife and I think of as home, but this place can be replaced in my worldview.   I don't have to be here forever and come to think of it I won't.

        The structure where I keep my stuff is merely a storage room and a shelter for my physical being.   Eventually this situation will pass and my spirit will move on.  But until that time comes, I hope I can find that near perfect structure in that near perfect geographical location where life can be lived in peace, comfort, and as much happiness as circumstances will allow.

Battle of the Bands

         Battle of the Bands is the blogging event started by Far Away Series and now hosted by StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands.   This event happens twice each month on the 1st and 15th.   The premise is simple:  Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it.  Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battle action.



"You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To"

         This 1943 song by Cole Porter has been in my BOTB song queue for a couple of years and coming home from vacation seemed like the ideal time to unleash it.  Though I've heard this song many times since childhood, I was first drawn to it several years ago when I bought the CD Sinatra Sings Cole Porter.   The haunting version on this album came from The Frank Sinatra Show which was broadcast on television on February 3, 1951--four days after I was born.  I had planned on using his duet with June Hutton for my battle, but I could not find a video that was unrestricted in all countries.   However I offer it here for anyone who is interested in hearing it (but please don't vote on this version).

         The song has been recorded by numerous artists since first appearing in the film Something to Shout About where it was introduced by Don Ameche and Janet Blair.  For my battle I have chosen two very short recordings which came from live performances in the 1960's, both done in Japan.

Anita O'Day "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" (1963)

       Internationally proclaimed for her jazz singing style, Anita O'Day was nicknamed "The Jezebel of Jazz."   Throughout her life she struggled with drug addiction though she lived until age 87 still recording until near the time of her death.  Her smooth song styling is showcased in this following performance with some fine Japanese jazz musicians.





Julie London "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" (1964)

       The prolific Julie London had a popular career as a singer, actress, and television personality through four decades starting with her first film role in 1944 and up to her recurring role on the television show Emergency! which ended in 1978 after six seasons. Her sultry singing style led to the recording of 29 studio albums with 29 singles hitting the charts.  Her version of this battle's song by Cole Porter is from the laser disc "Julie London Show", with the Bobby Troup Quintet, recorded on May 28, 1964 in Japan.






Time to Vote!

         Hope you've enjoyed this trip back in time with a Cole Porter classic.  Maybe it's not your style of music, but hopefully you'll keep a musically open mind in assessing the two versions.   Let us know what you think about these two recordings. Is there one that you prefer over the other?    If you're visiting a Battle of the Bands post for the first time then let me briefly explain.  Please give each song version a fair listen to decide which one you enjoy the most.  If you don't like either then at least tell us which recording was least innocuous to you. This comes down to your preference and it's as easy as that.

     Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours.

Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:


 StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

 ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ 

  'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

DC Relief Battle of the Bands

The Doglady's Den 

Angel's Bark  

Cherdo on the Flipside  

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 

Janie Junebug Righting & Editing.
  
J. A. Scott  

Quiet Laughter

Holli's Hoots and Hollers

Be ReInVintaged


Winner Announced on Monday August 22nd

      I don't plan to post on this blog until next Monday, but who knows what wild things might come to my mind that will lead to another post this week.  I'm just saying that another post this week is not in my plans for the time being.  That's the way it is.  And actually I need to do some recouping after our long trip away from home.  See you when I see you.

       Are you happy with where you currently live?   Do you think you will ever move to another home?    What is your dream location for a home and what would you like to see in another home if you were to move?

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Battle of the Bands: What's Now Is Now

          What's now is Battle of the Bands, the blogging event helmed by our friends at Far Away Series and  StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands.   This event happens twice each month on the 1st and 15th and since the 15th comes on a Saturday this November I am posting special on this day.   The premise is simple:  Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it.  Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battle action  So now is the time to start:

Frank Sinatra "What's Now Is Now" (1970)

         With a singing/acting/entertainment career that lasted for 60 years, Frank Sinatra is not an artist who can be discredited for his accomplishments.  Whether you like him or not, the fact remains that a lot of people did like him and he stayed on or near the top of the heap throughout his lengthy career.  Those who do like Sinatra undoubtedly have their favorite phases of his career and can cite albums that stand out among the others.

         I'm particularly fond of the work he did during the 50's with Nelson Riddle, Gordon Jenkins, and Billy May.   Those were the albums from my parents' collection that I listened to back in junior high thus honing my appreciation for Sinatra's song stylizing.

          My all time favorite Sinatra album is one of his least known.  Watertown (1970) is a concept album with songs composed by the team of Bob Gaudio of the Four Seasons and Jake Holmes, who was also the writer of the Led Zeppelin classic "Dazed and Confused".   The song cycle tells the story of a small town husband and father whose wife leaves the family.  The songs describe the heartbreak, sense of loss, memories, and hopefulness the man goes through as he deals with the loss of his wife.  For me these are some of Sinatra's best performances and taken as a whole the album is a powerful piece of work.   The album was critically acclaimed but essentially tanked with the public.

           On my memoir blog Wrote By Rote I have more to say about this album and the memories that I connect with it.  I hope you'll click on that link to read my story about Watertown, but first here's one of my favorite songs from the album:





Cake "What's Now Is Now"  (2011)

        My first encounter with the band Cake was in the latter 1990's when I overheard my daughter playing her copy of their second album Fashion Nugget (1996).   I began listening closely to the album and eventually borrowed it to listen more.  The band has a unique sound that uses a trumpet to great advantage.  The band displays an eclecticism that appeals to my musical tastes, performing catchy tunes with intelligent delivery.

        I was previously unaware of the album Showroom of Compassion on which their cover of the Sinatra tune appears.   In fact, I was surprised to see that any of the tunes from Watertown had been covered by any other artists since the album seemed to be in the dustbin of musical history.  Now that I know that more than one of the cuts from Watertown have been covered, I will undoubtedly be using some of them in later Battles.  After all, it's one of my favorite albums and I want those who don't know about it to be persuaded to listen to more of it.   You can find Sinatra's complete version of Watertown on YouTube.

       But I digress--first let's listen to Cake's version of "What's Now Is Now":




  Now What?  Let's Vote!

         These are two great versions of one great song--at least I think so and I hope you've enjoyed hearing them both.   But surely you prefer one over the other.   I'll tell you my preference on my post of Friday November 21st.  I'll also be announcing the winning version on that day.   Please vote for your favorite in the comment section and let us know why you prefer that one.   After you vote here, make sure to visit the links listed below for other possible Battles.


‘FAR AWAY SERIES’ 

 StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

 ‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’ 

 ‘DISCCONNECTED’ 

 ‘CREATIVE OUTLET OF STRATPLAYER’ 

 'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

           Are you familiar with Sinatra's Watertown album?    Do you like Cake (I mean the group not the food)?   What about cake (the food)?    Can you think of a relatively obscure song that you like that you were surprised to hear covered by another artist?

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