Thursday, January 1, 2015

What I'm Thankful for in 2014 and Battle of the Bands ~ White Winter Hymnal

Happy New Year blog friends!

Yesterday I posted what I intend to be the first of a series. I'm not sure how many posts it will take. If I were Stephen T. McCarthy, I would have all the posts written and appropriately numbered. Well, I'm not and they aren't. I guess I'm more of a roll with it sort of blogger.


Anyway, before we launch into Battle of the Bands, I do want to take a moment and not complain about events of the past year, but to point out some truly amazing things that 2014 brought.
  • I experienced several No Migraine Days. 
  • To help you understand how MONUMENTAL this was, let's put it in perspective. From January 2002-July2014 I had yet to see even ONE day that didn't include at least a low-grade migraine. Not a knock your head off sort of migraine, but just that nagging migraine. I was functional, but really tired in an emotional and physical way. I think only someone who lives with chronic pain will fully understand how it wears you down.
  • So, experiencing ENTIRE DAYS without any migraine at all. Woohoo. I can't tell you how joyous it felt to wake up and it not be there. 
  • I even had several blocks of two or three days in a row without a migraine. This tells me it's possible. I'm doing the right things to get healthier and well. I hope that next year I report I'm able to work (or have gone back to work) because I reached a point of going several weeks migraine-free.
  • I finished a rough draft on my novel. Yep, it has a beginning, middle, and end.
  • I revised and revised and revised that rough draft to the point that I read it and think, "This is really pretty good."
That is good stuff folks. For everything that went wrong in 2014 two HUGE things went really right for me. I am thankful. I feel blessed. I hope that we all see even more good things in 2015.

Now, let's get down to Battle of the Bands.

I'm not going to yammer on about the song for today... mostly because I don't know that much about it. I discovered it while jogging around on YouTube listening to Christmas music. No, it's not a Christmas song, but people who sing Christmas songs sing other songs and they show up in the sidebar. That can lead to a lot of clicking and random listening.



The song is White Winter Hymnal, which I think is an appropriate title for a January song. The band who recorded it first was Fleet Foxes. If you've never heard of them, take a number. They're new to me, too. I'm going to warn you that the video is strange. You can choose to watch it, but don't allow it to distract you from the song. If you are one of those who will try to find meaning in the video as it relates to the song, this will only boggle your mind (trust me). You've been given fair warning. You might want to close your eyes. The challenger is Pentatonix. In order to fully appreciate what they've done with the song, I think you need to watch the video. Yep. Life is full of contradictions. Don't snap at me. It's LIFE.

Here is Fleet Foxes with their version:




Here is Pentatonix with their version:



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! 

44 comments:

  1. Glad to hear about the migrane free days, may they be the norm in 2015! I'd have chewed my head off at the neck (were it physically possible) if it were me. Be back to vote later.

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    1. If you read my blog back in 2010, I think you'd have been a bit worried at the amount of time I spend pondering how to use an axe to cut off my own head. I've been over it many times, and logistically, it simply doesn't work. Likewise, chewing one's own head off... just not possible. But that doesn't stop a person from thinking about it. I woke up with a corker of a migraine today, too. I spent the last two hours lying in bed rethinking the axe theory. So, the migraines are still around... just not every day. And, eventually, this one dialed back to bearable. Whew.

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  2. Dang! GIRL WONDER, this one's a real winner!

    I liked both versions. After hearing the Fleet Foxes - which I felt contained some Beach Boys-like touches in the background harmonies - I thought almost for sure that they would get my vote.

    But that clapping percussion effect that Pentatonix introduces to the number totally steals it away from the originals.

    I think I might actually like the singing just a shade better in the Fleet Foxes version, but the singing by Pentatonix is nearly as good - right there with the Foxes - and then when you add the percussion, well, it's a done deal.

    I hope you don't have a shutout here on your hands, but I know for sure The Camera People are going to saddle you with a blowout in this BOTB.

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. I've listened to them both multiple times. I really like both arrangements. There isn't a wrong vote here.

      I'm glad you enjoyed this battle:)

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  3. A finished rough draft with beginning, middle, and end--I wouldn't mind that at all.

    I've heard stuff by Fleet Foxes before but I'm not really all that familiar with music. Never heard this song before and I like it a lot. I was just reading this morning in the L.A. Times about how one of the columnists considered Pentatonix to be the most overrated group of the year. I don't like the Times and don't give much credence to anything they say. I still think Pentatonix is good and they do a very nice job with this Battle song. Maybe even too slick. But it's definitely good.

    However, I've got to hand this contest win to Fleet Foxes. Their sound is haunting and down to earth. Good stuff.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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  4. Oh, and I should have said about the Fleet Foxes "their music" since I am kind of familiar with music.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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    1. I really like Pentatonix and take most everything I read with a grain of salt. God gave us all ears and opinions.

      Good to know that this won't be a blowout. Happy to see the vote for Fleet Foxes!

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  5. Surprised you had not heard of Fleet Foxes-they seemed to be all the rage a couple years ago (or so)...while I have not pulled their albums off the shelf in ages, I fully expected to give them my vote.

    But I am surprised that I like the subtle touches Pentatonix add-I think the dash of percussion gives the song more flavor, and so the cover beats the original for me this morning.

    Happy New Year, Robin!



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    1. LC ~ The migraines take their toll on me in the craziest of ways. When they are really bad, I just drop out of everything. I don't know anything about anything. That makes it possible to be oblivious of all manner of things. I think Fleet Foxes was one of those things for me. And so it goes...

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  6. Wow - nice battle! For the second time today I'm wishing the vocal on one could be added to the instrumental of the other! I love the background music of the first version, but more swayed by the voices of Pentatonix!

    Pentatonix... lovely choices, Robin!

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    1. Ah well, if you had the power to make it the way you wanted, what a wonderful world this would be!

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  7. Hi! Here from Battle of the Bands. Not sure if I'm linked up, but I put one up at my blog anyhow.

    First off, I hope you have an amazing and pain-free as possible 2015. Migraines are no joke.

    Fleet Foxes are indeed a weird band, but I love their sound and loved the Claymation video :) However, Pentatonix blows my mind and they get my vote.

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    1. Hi, Kim. Thanks for stopping by, voting, and Participating. Did you tell Stephen T. McCarthy so that he can add you to the Battle of the Bands Blogroll on his blog??? If not, you should do so. Good to have you and I will make a note here!

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  8. I am so happy to hear how often you did not have a migraine. Chronic pain is just downright horrible and I wish I had a few days off but I know that is not realistic. Knowing how important it is to not feel this pain almost made me weep for joy for you! Now the battle-I vote for Pentatonix. Their voices are strong and I love the clapping with the song. I did enjoy Fleet Foxes which was more longing and sad and I get the video-hahahaaaa. I think of it as the change in seasons and father time. He is trying to change time back but, in the end, it does not work so the air of sadness to the song works but I still like Pentatonix better

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    1. Birgit, The thing that I have noticed is how much my pain issues are amplified by stress. I'm not sure that I'll ever eradicate migraines completely from my life, but if I can learn how to deal with my stress better, I think I can learn how to mitigate/minimize the impact they have on my life. I think this is true for anyone with chronic pain. The thing is that we get so used to it that we don't even comprehend how our emotional junk contributes to our physical junk. I REFUSE to believe that chronic pain sufferers just have to live with it and there is NOTHING that can be done to make it better. I strongly recommend tapping therapy and a book called Unlearn Your Pain by Dr. Michael Schubiner. I also think eliminating processed foods from your diet will help. Best to you on your healthy journey.

      Thanks for voting!

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  9. I pray that many days ahead will be Migraine-Free Zones! My taste in music is so strange that the ghost of Mark Twain claims that should I post the tunes on my "electronic journal" as he calls it, the villager would be heading to my apartment with torches and pitchforks! Happiest of New Years!

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    1. Thank you, Roland. I hope so too! Well, you can still vote on the Lesser of the Evils here... hahahahaha!

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  10. Happy New Year! I hope your 2015 is migraine free!!! And congratulations on the novel -- I hope to be able to say the same about a rough draft by this time next year!!!!

    This is another battle where I love both versions. The first one is trippy and mystical and wonderful. But Pentatonix is incredible -- such mesmerizing harmonies, and the percussive choreography is amazing. But even with out all the hand-jive, I'd still vote for them simply on the strength of their singing.

    Here's to a glorious 2015!

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    1. I can already tell you that 2015 will not be migraine free. Yesterday afternoon a doozy snuck up on me and laid me out. BUT, I'm really hoping to see IMPROVEMENT.

      Glad you enjoyed both versions. Happy 2105 Chris!

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  11. You know, this is the second time Pentatonix has been on BOTB, and both times 75% of my mind thought it was a really good song. But there is a unnameable 25% that just bugs the crap out of me and I don't know why. Gimme FF on this one.

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    1. Dang that 25%. Hahaha.

      The truth is there is no wrong answer here. They're both good!

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  12. I'm so glad your migraines have gotten more manageable! I'm also very impressed that you've written your first draft!

    I really didn't like the song when Fleet Foxes performed it. Then Pentatonix's upbeat style completely changed my mind. I liked their voices, as well as their hand-jive. As a matter of fact, I just saw them on The Kennedy Center Honors. They sang "That Thing You Do" honoring Tom Hanks. It was so good that I just downloaded it again.

    Julie

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    1. My migraines still don't meet my standards for "manageable," but that is a great direction to move toward! Considering there was a time I was highly uncertain I'd ever see a day without a migraine, this is big progress. However, now that I've had a taste, I want MORE. Naturally. Yes... I, too, think finishing that rough draft is impressive. It's actually way beyond a first draft now. It's been revised A LOT. It's getting close to DONE... I hope.

      This is what I like about BOTB. Isn't it fascinating how you can not like a song the way one group does it and then completely change your mind when someone else changes it up a bit????

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  13. Dear human, Robin,

    It heartens me to note that your migraines have been less frequent. Such a debilitating situation for you. Kudos for getting done all you do.

    I much prefer Pentatonix's version. Nothing like a bit of acapella. Although, I think I recognise one of the bearded folks in the first video.

    A peaceful, healthier New Year to you, dear lady.

    Geoffrey the garden gnome :)

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    1. Gary ~ I'm thrilled that I finally found a song that didn't make you want to vomit. 2015 is looking better already!

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  14. Pentatonix gets my vote! I liked the other version but the last one was just so much better in my ears! Happy New Year!

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  15. I don't have chronic pain but I have a friend who has several conditions that cause her constant pain - hearing about her struggles makes me so sad for people like her who have to deal with those things every day! I'm so glad you've had a few days with no migraine at all. That is an awesome sign!

    Here's hoping for much more of that in 2015!

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    1. Chronic pain... well, I've talked about it loads here. It wears a person down. I do think there's hope. I hope your friend never gives up!

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  16. I have herd of Fleet Foxes and THIS song before. It's an interesting piece that has a real melancholy feel to it, at least IMO. I admit that it lends itself perfectly to the 'vocal acrobatics' of PENATATONIX, but I still like the Foxes version better, so give them my vote.

    Here's to hoping that 2015 will be a better year for you and that you can overcome the migraines and chronic pain. It is possible. Last year I managed to receive successful treatment for my fibromyalgia, and am no longer crippled by that constant pain.

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    1. Well, maybe the Foxes will make a comeback....

      Yes, I do think that there are things we can do to deal with chronic pain issues. So glad you're doing better.

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  17. It's so hard to vote Penatatonix so I won't.
    So glad about your headaches and hope it just gets better and better.

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    1. Is that a vote for Fleet Foxes, then? I'm assuming it is....

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  18. I love Pentatonix! They are so talented!

    So glad your headaches seem to be subsiding. Hopefully they'll stay gone.

    Happy New Year!

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    1. Thanks Sherry (for the vote and the support).

      Happy New Year!

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  19. Happy New Year, Robin. May this be the year you finally get a handle on those migraines and get them under control. Even a low-grade migraine can be debilitating if it lasts long enough. We can ignore them to a certain extent, but they're always... THERE. I feel for you. But hey! They're already getting better, right? Right. A few days without pain is nothing to sneeze at.

    Now, for the Battle. I like both versions, but I think I like the second one a teensy bit more. The percussion makes the difference.

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    1. Yeah, the chronic pain (even when it's low-grade) wears on a person. So, having even a few migraine-free days has been a very real blessing.

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  20. You've got a nice, positive attitude. I'm glad you went some days w/o a migraine. I'm sorry you get them so frequently. :(

    For the BOB, I choose Pentatonix. I enjoyed it, and didn't really like the first one. Odd, I know, but true. :)

    Happy New Year to you!

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    1. I'm constantly working on the attitude, Rosey. Constantly working.

      Thanks for voting:)

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  21. I already liked the Fleet Foxes, and this song, and figured they'd blow Pentatonix away... but Pentatonix held their own. It's not bad at all. However, like C.W., they just 25% bother me. I don't know if it's something about their voices. Or the way they always eye-f*** the camera in their music videos (they are best heard and not seen, I think...).

    Either way, the percussion is cool, but the original is haunting. Give me the Fleet Foxes all day long.

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  22. Several things to applaud--no migraines being at the top. Having a beginning, middle and end to a story another. Can you hear the sound of my clapping? I'm using both hands.

    Happy New Year.

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  23. Ah...love a Capella and this group. I would travel to see them perform. #2 for sure. Congrats finishing your novel draft and hope the migraine battle is over. Happy New Year.

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  24. All the way with the Pentatonix. I'm an a Capella girl from way back and what they do is amazing. I did however, like the first version also.

    You have accomplished BIG things this year. Carry that with you all the way through 2015 and I'll bet there will be much more!

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