Saturday, January 31, 2015

Battle of the Bands ~ The Way You Do The Things You Do (Early... That's How I Do Them!)

I've said this before (in fact, repeatedly) but life is getting away from me. It's not that I'm sleeping all the time, though I do spend more than my fair share of time in bed with migraines. But, even so, not what I mean. I guess it seems like I only have a few good hours every day. That said, I haven't been using those hours to their best advantage, so it feels like time is just slipping through my fingers. Really this is a time management problem, methinks!


With that in mind, I looked over my list of potential battles a few days ago for the battle on the 1st and nothing appealed to me. (I suppose that means we can add "cranky" to the list.)  Then I was out and about (see: sitting in a game room) and music was playing and the song The Way You Do The Things You Do by The Temptations came on. I thought to myself, "Self, that is one heck of a good song. It has some great similes in it (and I do love myself some simile). Surely there must be covers of this song. Self, make a note to cruise YouTube looking for covers." I did. And there were. In fact, there were rather a lot of them.

I'm sure that all of you know the song of which I speak, but if you want to listen to the original version made famous by The Temptations, you can do so right now. Click here to listen. (I originally imbedded the video but my first comment was a vote for The Temptations, so I am removing it. Right now.)

BE FOREWARNED. YOU MAY NOT VOTE FOR THEM. PERIOD. THE TEMPTATIONS IS NOT AN OPTION FOR VOTING. AGAIN: NOT ACCEPTING ANY VOTES FOR THE TEMPTATIONS!

***


Just in case you missed it, you absolutely cannot vote for The Temptations. No way. No how. 

I bet you're wondering right now, if not them, well who? So glad you asked. This battle is between two covers of this song. The Underdogs Vs. UB40.


What can I tell you about The Underdogs? Not much. I'd never heard of them before I went looking for covers of this song. I did read in the comments on YouTube someone expressing dissatisfaction that Motown didn't promote this band more (and it didn't get much recognition as a result). I guess that person has a point because I'd never heard of them. No publicity=no recognition.

So, they really are underdogs in every sense of the word. Let's take a listen. First contender: The Underdogs....




UB40 was a fairly popular band back in the 80s. Since that is MY era, I knew who they were/are. This song was a hit for them. Ironically, I don't remember their recording of this song. Of course, that could have something to do with the fact that it charted in 1989. At that time, I was in college and the only music I heard was at the bar. And they weren't playing UB40. Ah well. I think that reveals more about me than UB40. Don't hold it against them. Anyway, I discovered, with just the tiniest bit of research, that they recorded not only this version, but two other versions of this song. That tells me they really liked it. One was a Jazzy Club Mix and the other a Paradise Mix. If you want to listen to them, they are easy to find on YouTube. But, you may NOT vote for either of those either. (I know.... picky picky.)

Second contender: UB40. This is the version you CAN vote for in this battle...





For more Battle of the Bands fun, check out the other BOTB bloggers to vote on their battles:

If you are participating in Battle of the Bands, and you are not listed here, leave me a note in the comments. Thanks!

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! 
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27 comments:

  1. Optimistic ExistentialistJanuary 31, 2015 at 6:26 PM

    I LOVE The Temptation's version. One of the greatest bands of all-time :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RobinJanuary 31, 2015 at 8:46 PM

      Are you doing this just to yank my chain????

      Delete
  2. Arlee BirdFebruary 1, 2015 at 1:50 AM

    First of all sorry about those migraines. I feel for you. My middle daughter has suffered with that affliction for some time and there are spells when it lays her up for a few days. Thankfully, she's finally gotten some health insurance so she can seek out help from a specialist. It surely will be cheaper than the visits to the emergency room that she's made on occasion.

    Now for the business at hand. I'm not familiar with the Underdogs, but they have a real 60's sound with riffs from "Land of 1000 Dances" and "Boy from New York City" thrown in the mix. That video was kind of strange.

    I have at least one UB40 cassette tape hidden away somewhere and I was familiar with their take on the song. I like the way they do it, but....

    After going back to listen to the Dogs I do like their version and I like it better than UB40. Kind of nostalgic and it takes me back--way back.

    My vote is for The Underdogs--arf, arf!

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
  3. Alex J. CavanaughFebruary 1, 2015 at 7:59 AM

    I'd have to say the Underdogs. Not normally the type or era of sound I like, but their version had personality.

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  4. ManzanitaFebruary 1, 2015 at 8:17 AM

    I vote for UB40. That's a reallly good dance beat. Too much clutter and noise in the Dog's version.
    Sorry your migrains are in full forse again. Something has to be done about that.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dixie@dcreliefFebruary 1, 2015 at 11:06 AM

    Robin - oh wow! I was almost persuaded to vote the # 2, but I find The Underdogs charming, with or without that sensational video. I know I'd listen to it more than than the second one. So I vote for the Underdogs. This was fun!

    ReplyDelete
  6. LizaFebruary 1, 2015 at 11:47 AM

    UB40. I just enjoyed the upbeat tempo more. These days I'm about getting some of my exercise by dancing to music that makes me move. This works better to that end. I hope you begin to feel better soon, Robin.

    ReplyDelete
  7. CWMartinFebruary 1, 2015 at 12:58 PM

    Never cared much for either the Temps version or the one I heard most by Rita Coolidge. Underdogs beats both of them with ease, in a Mitch Ryder and Detroit Wheels sort of way. So does UB40, but they sound a little more like the original, which works against them. Gimme the Underdogs.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Kim @ This Belle RocksFebruary 1, 2015 at 1:00 PM

    I wanted to vote for The Underdogs because I truly loved their version and HEY! They're Underdogs! Alas, you pitted them against UB40. Since reggae and reggae-inspired music owns a sizable portion of my musical heart, I liked their version best. My vote? UB40.

    ReplyDelete
  9. BirgitFebruary 1, 2015 at 1:22 PM

    Oh UB40 was all in my heyday and I remember this song with affection. I have to say it has a bit of a reggae beat to me and I am not one for Reggae. I truly enjoyed the Underdogs and I guess they really were considering they never were able to get famous. I love their rendition much better-more earthy and raw

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  10. farawayeyesFebruary 1, 2015 at 4:59 PM

    Because you so emphatically stated that we may not vote for The Temptations, I of course want to vote for...but, I won't. Just wanted you to know that it was a real struggle.

    Now that that's out of the way...That video that goes with (or at lest is played with) the Underdogs version, with the Javanese dancers is kinda freaky, especially with the song. Not that this influenced my vote, but it was strange to watch.

    I'm gonna have to vote UB40, just because their 'island' sound even if it is more the 'white man island sound' rings a note with me.

    This was an interesting BATTLE in that the two versions are very different. Both are also quite different from The Temptations (there at least I got to type it). Ha, Ha, Ha!

    ReplyDelete
  11. dolorahFebruary 1, 2015 at 5:51 PM

    Well, I can see why the Underdogs remained little known. That hurt my ears and my grandson said "gramma no!" I'll stick with UB40.

    ReplyDelete
  12. MikeFebruary 1, 2015 at 6:02 PM

    I'll vote for the Underdogs. I like UB40. The Dogs kept it closer the the Motown sound which I enjoy a bit more.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Empty Nest InsiderFebruary 1, 2015 at 8:26 PM

    Since The Temptations are out of the running, I'll vote for the lighter sound of UB40. The Underdogs were a little too overpowering for me. Feel better, Robin!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  14. Cathy KennedyFebruary 2, 2015 at 7:23 AM

    This is a new-to-me song, as well. The first group, nope I've never heard of them and although, I'm sure I've heard of UB40, I can't place any of their songs at the moment. I'm gonna have to make a note to myself to check out some of their tunes. Anywho, that being said, my vote goes to UB40 because I liked the new revamped sound they brought to this cover.

    ReplyDelete
  15. A Beer for the ShowerFebruary 2, 2015 at 10:22 AM

    Wow, such divided votes. That's awesome.

    As for me, I'm not a big UB40 fan. The Underdogs version wasn't half bad, so I'll give them a pretty easy vote.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Stephen T. McCarthyFebruary 2, 2015 at 10:35 AM

    GIRL WONDER ~
    U2? UB40? Me2 (fifteen years ago)

    Alright, this will probably surprise U (I know it surprises me) but... I've heard the original version of this song a million and 2 times but I never realized it was The Temptations. (I thought it was some girl band. Ha!)

    Anyway, now that I know it's The Temptations, I cast my vote for them.

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
  17. Stephen T. McCarthyFebruary 2, 2015 at 10:46 AM

    Postscript:
    UB saying I 2 can't vote for The Temptations?

    That's a helluva note!

    OK, here's what I B saying 2 U...

    U know I HATE '80s Pop. But even so, UB40 isn't 2 bad. They've got that Ska rhythm thing going (as usual) that made their songs sound 2 similar. Yeah, yeah, I remember 'RED, RED WINE' and it 2 B sounding like their version of 'THE WAY U DO THE THINGS YOU DO'. But U know what? It's not 2 bad, all things considered.

    However, CW Martin NAILED The Underdogs when he said they have a Mitch Ryder and Detroit Wheels kinda sound 2 them. And I like that BETTER.

    So although U B voting for UB40 (yeah, I know, I know), I B voting for Mitch Ryder And The Detroit Wheels (aka The Underdogs).

    GIRL WONDER, kudos on a BOTB installment that used 2 totally different sounding versions of what B the same song! Good, good battle, red, red wine.

    ~ Stephen B 40 2

    ReplyDelete
  18. cleemckenzieFebruary 2, 2015 at 1:17 PM

    I'm going for the 50's sound with UB40. The first one made me nervous just watching the featured dancer.

    ReplyDelete
  19. JJFebruary 2, 2015 at 6:29 PM

    While I like UB40, their version was too fast. It didn't have the Reggae beat I love so much. The Underdogs get my vote. I thought their version, sans the video (no doubt entitled "Godzilla Goes to OZ), was perfect. Great find! Be well.

    ReplyDelete
  20. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2015 at 8:43 PM

    I'm going with The Underdogs, mostly because it had a little life to it. UB40's laidback faux-reggae is just not all that pleasant to listen to.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comFebruary 2, 2015 at 9:27 PM

    UB40's version is more fun and bouncy. It gets my vote.

    ReplyDelete
  22. StratPlayerCJFFebruary 2, 2015 at 9:34 PM

    Hmmm.... I'm not sure. Did you say we could vote for the Temptations??? ;)

    I have heard some UB40 and liked it -- I definitely like the reggae influence and beat, but for some reason, this doesn't quite connect with me, like say, "Red, Red Wine." The cheesy 80's influence is a little too strong in it maybe.

    I'd never heard of the Underdogs, but it's definitely got that Detroit sound, with a rougher edge of Motown. (And YES -- Mitch Ryder and the Wheels is exactly the sound). Being a native Michigander, I can't vote against the Underdogs.

    So gimme some mo' of the Motown!

    ReplyDelete
  23. mail4roseyFebruary 3, 2015 at 12:40 AM

    I'm voting for UB40 for this one. Love, love, love that version!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Jay NoelFebruary 4, 2015 at 11:13 AM

    I have to vote for UB40. Labour of Love II was the very first CD I ever bought, so they hold a dear place in my heart.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Dixie@dcreliefFebruary 8, 2015 at 1:29 PM

    Robin, I'm not receiving your posts in the right order....have you posted the results? I've been looking around for two days. Sorry.

    ReplyDelete
  26. Dixie@dcreliefFebruary 8, 2015 at 1:30 PM

    Never mind - I'll disconnect my widget.

    ReplyDelete

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