First, the story.
Still my sophomore year of college, for those of you only loosely keeping up with my Soundtrack feature. And this one features a boy. A different boy than the last Battle. I still have to tell you the story of how that one turned out (this year). Next post. I promise.
We're gonna call this boy J2. Yep, another "J" name. I told you they were prevalent. Not the same "J" name for the curious.
Anyway, it's spring semester and I can't remember exactly how I met J2, though I'm almost positive it was at a party at his house. Yep, he lived in a "party" house. Not an every weekend party house, but an occasional party house. Anyway, I really liked him and vice versa.
Our first date was something of a disaster, though. It was in the middle of pledging. I know I was very caught up in sorority stuff. And everyone in my pledge class and sorority were planning on going to this annual party the night of our date (it was a Saturday) called The Wild Irish Rose (maybe it was around St. Patrick's Day... that would make sense). Anyway, I really wanted to go to this party.
Even though our date was the same day as the party, I thought "no problem," because the date began early in the afternoon. We were meeting up with some friends of his. Turns out it was to play volleyball. I suck at all sports, including volleyball. I always stove my thumb. So, after I stove my thumb I opted out in favor of drinking. Yeah, it was drinking and volleyball. I thought I was a pro at drinking. Not so much. As you might imagine, I was wasted by five o'clock. Or somewhere around there. I'm pretty sure a dinner was involved, but it's all rather hazy on account of the "being wasted" I mentioned earlier.
As it approached eight o'clock and we were still nowhere near campus, I started to worry about The Wild Irish Rose. I'm sure I expressed this anxiety repeatedly. I was drunk, remember? However, that didn't hurry things along. We arrived at The Wild Irish Rose around 1:30 AM. I can't tell you what we were doing all that time. We were drinking. I remember that much. At least I was drinking. I think he was fairly sober, which makes me feel a bit sorry for the guy as I type this... he was really a decent fellow. And getting more decent by the moment.
The party was nearly empty and everyone still there was as drunk as I, if not more so. They served punch with Everclear in it. I'd been looking forward to this day for weeks, if not months, so you know I had some.... on top of everything else in my system. Frankly, I'm thankful at this moment that I didn't die that night. (an injection of humor, there)
Around 2:00 we venture back to his place. Not sure what he had in mind, but that wasn't what happened. He went inside while I stood out on the porch to "get some air." The next thing I know I'm throwing up from the porch into his bushes. Yep. Projectile vomiting. That's when he comes out to find me killing his bushes, (poor sucker) and then he holds my hair. Yeah, I know... so sweet. As I retched for the umpteenth time I was thinking, "Well, this is going to be one and done."
Turns out, he liked me enough to overlook that horrifying incident and we actually dated. So, J2 turned out to be my first boyfriend. In spite of vomit (which is a definitive buzzkill), he was still in... and so was I.
These are pictures of us at an annual dance called Fantasia. It was at this fancy hotel. I think you can tell I really, really liked him. I was so scared of the "L" word at this point that I think a person would've had to rip my fingernails off to get me to say it, but just because you don't say something doesn't mean you don't feel it. I was so in.
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| scanned photo |
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| photos of a photo in my scrapbook |
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The song for today is I'm In. It was first written and recorded by Radney Foster. I've been a big fan of his for a long time. He's an excellent songwriter (and under-rated, I think). His singing career never really got off the ground. I think he was not country enough to get play on country radio, and not pop enough to get play on any other radio station. He gets an assist from Abra Moore.
The second version is by The Kinleys. Radney Foster was a producer for the album this song appeared on, which is quite possibly why they chose it.
We've got so many new Battle of the Bands players that I'm having difficulty keeping up. (We post a new battle on the 1st and 15th of each month.) For those who've been following this feature/blog for a while now, can you believe that once upon a time -- for a long time-- there were only five of us??? Well, now the list grows each battle. So, if your name is not on here and you're participating, please leave me a message in the comments. Thanks for your patience!
Also, please vote for the version of this song you prefer. If you want to get into the Ins and Outs of why you like one better than the other... I LOVE long comments!
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 (temporarily disconnected from BoTB)
- This Belle Rocks
- Mike's Ramblings
- Curious as a Cathy
- Book Lover
- The Sound of One Hand Typing
- dcrelief ~ Battle of the Bands
- Cherdo on the Flipside
- Angels Bark
- THE DOGLADY'S DEN
- Jingle Jangle Jungle
- WOMEN: We Shall Overcome
- NovelBrews
- J.A. Scott
Robin, this is not only a new-to-me tune, but I'm not familiar with either artist. I like both, too. They each have a quality to them that really shines through with this track. I had to flip back and forth to figure out which singer I liked the best. I'm getting the best vibes with the first vid, so I'm giving my vote to Radney Foster. His performance felt more real to me, less showy sounding, if that makes any sense to you. I like his style. I am going to check out more of his stuff! Thanks for the introduction & great battle!
ReplyDelete<a href="http://curiousasacathy.com/2015/06/whatcha-see-is-whatcha-get-botb/“>Whatcha See Is Whatcha Get #BOTB</a>
It makes perfect sense to me. I really like both versions, so I understand your dilemma in the choosing...
DeleteI would not want to be that drunk.
ReplyDeleteTough vote since I'm not a fan of country. Will pick the second one though.
NO ONE wants to be that drunk.
DeleteYeah, it can be tough choosing in genres of music that just aren't your thing. Thanks for voting anyway!
Hi, dear Robin!
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the latest episode ripped from the pages of your true life story. Here's my take on first dates. 99% of the time if a guy finds a girl attractive it doesn't matter if she loses control, gets drunk, vomits on his bushes or robs a bank. The guy will give her a second chance and probably be relieved that he wasn't the one who screwed up. If the circumstances are reversed and the guy acted that way on the first date, most women would kick him to the curb and not give him another chance. My freshman year at college I was lucky enough to get a date with the most beautiful girl on campus, an absolute sorority goddess. I was so nervous that I drank too much on the date and became too affectionate. I blew it - one and done - and I have been kicking myself ever since.
Leave a door open and the fly comes in
Leave a door open and the fly comes in
Leave a door open and the fly comes in
That's the way it is and how it's always been
That's the way it's always been
- Roger Miller
The Kinleys are beautiful and do a fine job performing this song, but I'm emphatic in my vote for Radney Foster. I love his voice and the inclusion of female backing vocals by Abra Moore. I don't know why this recording wasn't a big hit on the country side because, IMHO, it deserved to me.
Thank you very much, dear friend Robin, and have a great day and week!
I think you may be right about that analysis of dating. I would add that people with a higher self-esteem tend to be more picky. I would also add that if any circumstance happens in your life to make you feel "desperate" in a any way, you will do things that you wouldn't do otherwise.
DeleteI think that J2 was able to look past the puking(because I am a fairly likable person when I'm not vomiting.
Funny enough, much later in life I went out with a guy who annoyed me with his affection. Seriously, we went on maybe two dates and I had to call a halt. It was incessant. "Do you need anything? Do want anything? Too hot? Too cold?" Honestly, it drove me crazy. Of course, he was probably doing all that because he sensed I was uncomfortable, which I was by all of the questions. Life feels like a big circle sometimes.
This is the third BOTB that I've visited this morning and they have all been tough. I may not be a good BOTBer. I'm comparing songs that are too familiar on my blog and trying to hit different genres...today is pop-ish.
ReplyDeleteYOU, however, have done a great job!! This match up is everything I'd want a battle to be. First and foremost, it's difficult to determine which one I like more.
Radney Foster: Love that voice, love the song, Abra is okay.
The Kinleys: Love the voices and the video. A little polish really tightened this one up and gave it the CMA shine.
In the end, I gotta go with RADNEY FOSTER. I like his take on it. Polished up is not always better (truthfully, I can't complain about anything in the Kinleys video - it was great). In this battle, I just like the delivery...I like his voice...a little more raw, a little more grit. Awesome.
I think your battles have been excellent, including this one... so don't worry. You're doing great!
DeleteI've never heard of any of these artists or the song. Don't what that means, but for me it's probably more common than not of anything of recent years.
ReplyDeleteI can go with either of these versions as they are both good and probably equally so.
However, I'll give the edge to Radney Foster's original. His delivery appeals to me more and I like the contrast between his vocal and that of the female backup.
Good song and match.
I Vote Radney Foster.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
It probably means you weren't listening to country radio in the late 90s. I do believe that is when The Kinleys version got some play. I'm not sure that the Radney Foster version ever got radio play, but I'm not sure about that.
DeleteI have always been a huge fan of Radney Foster! My stepdad was big fan of him and has his albums. I agree he should have been a lot more popular. The Kinleys did a great job too but Radney wins my vote.
ReplyDeleteWhen I got stupid drunk one night and threw up like the exorcist- my boyfriend was very uncompassionate. He wasn't with me at the party so he was being judgmental. Man I was sick! I should have kicked him to the curb then but I hung in for another year. Yall are so cute in those pictures.
When you look back on your life (which you will do if you continue with these soundtrack posts) some of the choices you made will surprise you. Haunt you. Anger you. Etc. A big part of this process is forgiving yourself (for hurting others) and the people who hurt you and LET IT GO. Sometimes, just putting it out there is a big first step to the letting it go. Kind of like releasing a balloon into the universe...
DeleteOn our third date the wife tried to keep pace with me on alcohol because she thought she could hang. She could not. There was much puking on her part, and I ended up doing laundry for her while she was sleeping (passed out) because of the mess. That's when she decided I was a keeper, apparently.
ReplyDeleteNot a big fan of either song, but I'll give it to Radney for... um... slightly less twang?
I always thought I could hang back in my drinking days. I absolutely cannot hang. The only difference between then and now is that I KNOW it.
DeleteSounds like your guy was a keeper, seeing you through that drunken night. ☺
ReplyDeleteI'm not a huge country music fan, but Radney sounded plenty country to me, as did The Kinleys. I liked the lead singer's tone and my vote is for The Kinleys.
Debbie, he was a really great guy. I wish that I'd known what I was doing (in terms of dating/relationships) back then. I sure would've handled it all differently.
DeleteI enjoyed the Kinleys, but I think my vote is going to go to Radney. He held my attention the longest :)
ReplyDeleteGotcha.
DeleteThat sounds like some first date, wow! haha .. very decent of him to take it in stride, though :)
ReplyDeleteHonestly, not a fan of country. Very few of the songs from the genre hold my interest, but I found myself liking Foster's version A LOT better than the Kinleys.
Oh, also... I've done a BOTB post, but not listed! http://shereadsanddrinks.blogspot.com/2015/06/a-z-challenge-k-battle-of-bands.html
He was a pretty easy going guy. Good thing!
DeleteGot you down for Foster.
I have to admit, I'm not familiar with either artist in this battle, or the song. So, I am walking into this battle completely fresh.
ReplyDeleteIf you would, please cast my vote for the Kinley's. The Radney Foster didn't call out to me and I found it a bit disjointed in parts. The Kinley's have great voices and they are beautiful. I'm actually interested in looking for other music performed by them. So that says something. I think your selection this battle was good. I'm looking forward to your next Battle of the Band.
About three posts back (in a Soundtrack of My Life post) I used another song by The Kinleys. These are both from the same album: The Kinleys II. You can listen to it here: http://yourdailydose-robin.blogspot.com/2015/06/the-soundtrack-of-my-life-going-through.html
DeleteYes, as you know by now, I checked that song out. What a great song. I want to find a CD now.
DeleteFirst, I HAVE been that drunk. That is a crime that keeps on giving, no? I have been thrown up on by girls twice. Never really saw it as a good experience. At least it was just because of the booze.
ReplyDeleteNext, add me to the list of those who came not knowing artist or song. your description of Radney is a lot like Roseanne Cash's later lps- so much a genre of it's own, it never really finds a place in the market. As to this tune, I honestly like it and I honestly cannot choose. I flipped a coin and give it to the ladies.
The crime that keeps on giving.... hahahaha. You got that right. I don't even want to talk about it.
DeleteIt's pretty darn close if we're now choosing by coin toss. I feel ya. I like them both, too.
GIRL WONDER ~
ReplyDelete"Everclear"... that should always be viewed as a giant red stop sign. You sure got off on the wrong foot and it's hard to imagine a worse first date. But he obviously liked you a lot to overlook that misstep. I'm glad it worked out.
[Last night I tried a new drink: Copper Illusion Martini. It was Tanqueray, Grand Marnier, and Campari. It was too damn strong, even for me. Betcha never thought you'd see me say sumpin' like that, right?]
Like others, I didn't know this song nor the artists. And for a couple of reasons, Radney Foster seemed like a somewhat countrified version of Marshall Crenshaw. And, by the way, shouldn't that be ROdney FAster? Whoever heard of a "Radney" before? It's almost like his parents couldn't decide on Rodney or Randy so they split the difference.
This was a close contest for me to decide on, but like Doc Cherdo said above, I think the song benefited from Rodney Faster's slightly more ragged edge, so I'll park my vote with him.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
<<<---"Everclear"... that should always be viewed as a giant red stop sign.
DeleteNo kidding. But I was young and dumb and didn't know any better. So were a bunch of other people evidenced by the quantity of extremely drunk people still there when we arrived.
No, I didn't think there was a drink too strong for you. Just goes to show...
I've found that people in the south name their kids funny names. I've met a lot of people with a double name like that. I worked with a guy named Waymon. What kind of name is that??? But, it seems to happen more than you'd think once you cross that Mason Dixon Line.
That's amazing there was a date 2. 'Cause date 1 sounded crazy.
ReplyDeleteI like the Kinley's version a little better.
Bordering on the miraculous...
DeleteThis is a tough one, and not just because of the country guitar tuning.
ReplyDeleteIt's a good song, and both versions have appeal. I've never heard either version, but the Foster version was less country (a plus for me) and less slickly produced (sometimes good, sometimes not).
The Kinley version was a lot slicker, but a little more countrified (a minus). Plus they were cute as a bug's ear and eye candy never hurts.
But in the end, I always disregard the video and judge based on the song, so the "rougher" and more mainstream sound of Foster's version gets my vote.
Larry
I'm glad you enjoyed this one LC. I really like both versions, so voting on this one won't be easy for me.
DeleteHi Robin,
ReplyDeleteAnd thus, despite your vomiting prowess, he became your first boyfriend. Love conquers all, including puke :)
Always wondered why Country singers sound alike. I can handle small doses of Country music. My choice is for the ladies.
Take care, Robin.
Gary :)
I did have some vomiting prowess. Might have been the only prowess I had going for me back then :(
DeleteI will mark you down for The Kinleys.
Oh I have been there, more than once I'm afraid and thankfully all worked out. This guy obviously liked you and even if it didn't work out in the end, he knew enough to give you a second chance and get to know you. I have to go with the Kinley's. I like the vocals better-they seem stronger to me even though it is more country.
ReplyDeleteNo, it didn't work out in the end, and the blame is 95% mine... only because it's never 100% in one corner.
DeleteMy preference is the first one, Radney Foster. I love country!! I like a song that tells a story
ReplyDeleteI like story songs, too!
DeleteOnce a guy sees you at your worst he's either in or out, lol. Gotta get better from there!
ReplyDeleteRadney is a excellent songwriter, and pretty decent singer. I think I always like him in a duet. This was a good song for him to sing.
But, for some reason I hear this as a chick song, and liked the Kinleys quite a bit for their slightly softer sounds. I'll give the girls my vote.
I guess that's right (and maybe for the best), because if he can take you at your worst... well, that's good news. If he can't, it's best that he bail.
DeleteCool! I've not heard of these artists before. Thanks for introducing them to me. Though I'm not a country music fan, that's the one I liked best. :)
ReplyDeleteYvonne, is this a vote for The Kinleys?
DeleteSince I don't know who you're voting for here, I'm just not counting you for either side. Glad you liked the song!
DeleteLove this song, Robin! I'd never heard it or the two artists before today. Kinleys do a wonderful job but "I'm in" for Radney's voice! In fact I'd love to hear a John Cougar Mellencamp version! Hot'cha!
ReplyDeleteMy vote if for Radney Foster.
I really like John Mellencamp, too. I bet he'd do a great job with this song!
DeleteVery nice song, one that I wasn't familiar with. I don't understand why Radney's career didn't take off; he's plenty country and his sound would go well with most country radio stations. But, the Kinleys... wow. They took a good song by a great artist and made it even better. They win this one for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked them both, John! I'll put you down for the girls.
DeleteBoth versions are good. With the second one, I liked how they sounded like Shania Twain, who I adore. But my vote goes to Radney Foster. I love his deep voice.
ReplyDeleteThis was a tough contest. Radney it is.
DeleteNo man has ever held my hair while I barfed. That is so romantic. I like the sound of the Kinleys so they get my vote. No woman has ever held my hair, either. Woe.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Well, that's just sad Janie. We all need someone who'll hold our hair!
DeleteI feel like I should vote for Rodney...but the second vocal is tighter...the kinleys.
ReplyDeleteThere is no "should" in this game, just pick the one you like best. I got you down for The Kinleys. Welcome back, Christine!
Delete*radney
ReplyDeleteDon't you wish you'd proofread your comments before you hit publish??? I do all the time.
DeleteHe was a gentleman, and you were a cute couple. This stories really makes me want to know whatever happened to him. Do you know?
ReplyDeleteI vote for the Kinleys. It's a great song (I've never heard it before either), and I like their harmony vs Radney's nasal-ly voice.
I can't tell you what happened to him, Robyn. After all this writing, I looked for him on social media, but he's nowhere to be found. If the White Pages on the internet are correct he still lives close to where we went to college (and he grew up).
DeleteI've always like this song. The Kinleys do a very nice job on this one. They have beautiful voices and nice harmonies, but I don't know exactly why, I just don't like them. Yeah, I know it's kind of weird. I think it may be their little Barbie voices or something.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if Radney Foster's version is the one I've been used to hearing or if someone else covered it, but he definitely gets my vote here.
Good BATTLE, with a song that seems to fit your life story well here.
Glad you liked this one FAE. Yeah, it was a perfect merger this go-round of Soundtrack and Battle.
DeleteI was that drunk several times in my century-long life and it wasn't fun, so I just quit doing it. Mostly when my partner of evil went out of the picture.
ReplyDeleteI shall vote for the Kinleys. Dragon Hugs to you!
I don't drink anymore either. I occasionally have a glass of wine, but that's about it. I simply don't like feeling drunk.
DeleteI remember the days of Everclear punch. Most fraternity parties served that or beer, so I always went for the sweeter, deadlier version that tasted like spiked Cool Aid. I also love that J2 held your hair! You were a very cute couple. My vote is for the Kinleys. They did a nice job of harmonizing.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Sweeter and deadlier. Yep. That would be the punch!
DeleteI *love* your Soundtrack series! I found you via Debbie Doglady, and I think I'm going to join her in copying you for a soundtrack series of my own... I've actually been thinking about doing that for a while now, just didn't know anyone else was doing it--and it's so much more fun this way :) I've also been meaning to join BOTB for at least a year... Yes, I have a Ph.D in procrastination :D I'll do it, though. July 1st, BAM: I'm there :)
ReplyDeleteGuilie @ Quiet Laughter
The next BoTB is July 1. Make sure you post something on Stephen T. McCarthy's blog so he includes you on his list (as many people refer to that). As for the Soundtrack posts, you can start that any time you like, post as often as you like, really get down into the details, or approach it all a bit more distantly. There are no rules. Just do what you like!
DeleteI will vote for The Kinleys
ReplyDeleteThe Kinley's get my vote I like their vocals better.
ReplyDeleteThe voting is now closed!
ReplyDelete