Before I get down to the song, I want to take a moment and let you know that I will be on vacation this week. Internet is uncertain, but possible. I will try to get around sporadically, but I'm not betting on a lot of time sitting in front of this here computer. I will do my best to listen to all of the BOTB participants before the voting time expires. So, bear with me and REST ASSURED I will be back to all of your blogs... soon!
For those of you "in the know," this is the season of Advent. This is one of my favorite Advent Christmas carols. I'll have you know that I spent a great deal of time on YouTube listening to variations of this song. I hope that I found two choices that are both so darn good you have a tough time deciding. If I didn't, I'm sure you'll tell me in the comments!
So, let's get down to it, shall we???
Oh, right. Right. Right. What is the song, you ask???? Silly me. It's O Come, O Come Emmanuel. Now, we can get down to it!
First up is Enya:
Next up is a duo called The Civil Wars:
For more Battle of the Bands fun, check out the other BOTB bloggers to vote on their battles:
- Far Away Series
- Stephen T. McCarthy's Battle of the Bands Blog
- Tossing it Out
- DiscConnected
- The Creative Outlet of Strat Player
- Mike's Ramblings
- Curious as a Cathy
- Book Lover
- The Sound of One Hand Typing
- Alex J. Cavanaugh (sometimes)
Now, is the critical moment. It is time to vote for your favorite version of this song. I even encourage you to leave me long comment explaining all the ins and outs of why you voted as you did!
ROBIN The GIRL WONDER ~
ReplyDeleteI love the song - it's really beautiful.
Both versions were somewhat similar in arrangement. I've heard versions that are considerably different from these two in terms of tempo and instrumentation.
Both of these were nice, but I especially liked the ethereal quality of the Enya recording, so that's where my vote lands.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
I enjoyed both, Robin! Nice battle!
ReplyDeleteIn general, I think I lean more to the rootsy sound of Civil Wars versus the new-age Enya for most of things I like to listen to, But for this song, even with the synth-y sounds, Enya has a much more Gregorian chant kind of feel that fits the song.
Again, I enjoyed both, but I'm leaning towards Enya for this battle.
I've always loved Enya, and that ghostly, ethereal sound she puts into her music. It's always so haunting, in the most beautiful way. Both versions were good, but Enya's especially stands out. She easily gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteGoing to go with my girl, Enya. There's something about her voice and how it blends with the instruments...it's quite angelic. I expect that when I die, Enya will be playing in the background. I hope.
ReplyDeleteBoth are really good and it's difficult to choose. Enya's is really haunting though. Also reminds me of Fellowship of the Ring. Gets my vote!
ReplyDeleteEnya's got my vote! Lovely.
ReplyDeleteEnya's singular voice lights the night - you see the coming. Her background group vocals, so mellow, so strong, so soothing - compliment that tender pitch and volume.
ReplyDeleteThe Civil Wars have a unique guitar riff, but not enough to carry me away into the Christmas season. At some points they sound like The Everly Brothers - though not as tight in the harmony. Interesting sound.
Enya!
I'm voting for #2, that was pleasant start to finish. Have a fun vacay! :)
ReplyDeleteThe Irish half of me cannot vote against a countrywoman...I think Enya's voice suits this song perfectly, so she gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteBoth are very nice, but then you started with a great song. I was prepared to think The Civil Wars version would not be so good, but was pleasantly surprised to find that, not so. All that said, I have to vote for Enya for just about every reason stated in the other comments.
ReplyDeleteGood BATTLE!
Most are voting for Enya. Although I love Enya, I will have to go for Civil Wars just this time. It's just that I like that version more.
ReplyDeleteI am a nut for Enya. Could listen to her and Clannad all day long. So Enya gets the vote, but I am intrigued by the Civil Wars version and am glad to have heard it.
ReplyDeleteI love Enya and I love this song but when I was listening to it and near the end it almost sounded like I could be in a graveyard. On the other hand The Civil Wars created more of an "upbeat"( Not sure if that is quite the word to use) sound to it but I did not like how the singer annunciated the words and it really started to annoy me so I go with Enya as she has such a beautiful voice from some far away land and I must go with that version
ReplyDeleteTwo interesting versions of one of my favorite Christmas songs. Both good, but I'm going to vote on Enya. She had her usual ethereal strangeness and beauty and I like the effects that are interjected throughout the song.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
Civil Wars was not much to my liking, but Enya surreal vocals are just perfect for this song. Give Enya another vote from me! Nice battle!
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for not replying to you individually, but I am "out" and time is limited. Thank you all for voting. Seems like Enya is running away with this one. Perhaps, I should have used my mom's favorite version of this song by Mannheim Steamroller instead of The Civil Wars. Oh well. All you can do is try and get it right with these things!
ReplyDeleteI've always loved Enya. Her version has my vote! :)
ReplyDeleteI thought they were both a little slow. I know this is not a boisterous song, but I could not sit through the Enya version. Stopped it after about 30 seconds. The Civil Wars version held my interest longer. It engaged me more with a pace that varied, and I enjoyed the two voices. (And I listened to the end.)
ReplyDeleteFirst, let me say I have this as one of my favorite Christmas hymns. I looked forward in Catholic School for doing this one. Even if the Church did a fair job of modifying the words every few years (which I found annoying!).
ReplyDeleteSecond, I enjoy Enya. Maybe not my favorite version of this song but far from the worst.
Third, the other version? Not so far. Really didn't care for the harmonies. I vote for Enya.
Gotta go with the haunting! Enya! (Love these battles… so fun!) :)
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for Enya! Hope you're having a great trip, Robin!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Enya. Just on the strength of her voice. Perfect for this song.
ReplyDeletewell, not to be a negative nelly...but like southpark once said...enya sounds like what old age feels like to me. LOL...and the other one sounds quirky for the sake of being quirky...short of traditional choir kings college style..I like casting crowns version. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roy3Ft6Fvbk&list=RDroy3Ft6Fvbk#t=69
ReplyDeleteEnya. I knew it the moment she started singing in Latin.
ReplyDeleteI'll go with Civil Wars
ReplyDeleteI will post a blog tomorrow with the vote outcome (though this one is No Contest), as well as some other Good Stuffs!
ReplyDelete