So, let's start with the Soundtrack story. It's my Sophomore year of college. We're jumping ahead in time just a little bit, but at least we're in the right year! I lived in a coed dorm, the only one on campus, which is right where I wanted to be. My roommate situation became complicated at the end of my freshman year (which I'll address later), but ended up working out just the way it should. The girls who lived across the hall were complete strangers, though that wouldn't last, and they'd become good friends.
In point of fact, all four of us (me, my roomie, and the girls across the hall) all loved to play euchre. If you're from the north, you know of what I speak. If you're from the south, you're without a clue. I don't know about you western-living folk. BUT, it's a card game. In the north it's a wildly popular card game. Most everyone at my college played euchre. Turns out, there was a group of guys who lived on the second floor of my dorm who congregated in the lobby to play. After dinner, my friends and I (them that wanted to play, that is) would stop in the lobby for a game (or night) of euchre.
On this particular occasion, we didn't have enough people. So, I volunteered to go knock on doors on the second floor of the dorm to scrounge up some euchre players. I kinda sorta knew where these dudes lived, but not really. Anyway, one of the rooms had music blaring. (I mean blaring, as in really loud.) I knocked and knocked and knocked again. Honestly, I was stymied. Someone had to be in there because no one would just leave with their music turned up to 11.
This guy, who I'd never met, throws open the door and yells, "What???"
Two things were readily apparent. 1) He was annoyed. 2) He'd been sleeping. The latter threw my brain into a spin. Who could sleep through that racket????
I stammer out, "I was looking for R-------. We need someone for euchre." At this point, feeling really stupid and kinda scared. The guy was big (not fat), but football player-like big. Mussed. A bit like an angry bear.
He scratches his head and says, "Where you playing?
Okay, maybe this wasn't going to be a disaster. "The lobby."
"I'll be down in a few minutes." Door slams.
Why is this story even important? We'll call this guy J1 (guys with J names feature prominently in my life). He would also be my first Big Love. But not this year. There was a time when I thought this would be a story for the grandchildren. Alas, it didn't work out that way. But, it still makes me smile just to think about it. You never know who's lurking behind Door Number One.
If this were just a Soundtrack post, the song would be Orange Colored Sky by Nat King Cole. And you can listen to it HERE. But, you can't vote for it. He would run away with the vote. .
So, let's get to it. I punched in Orange Colored Sky on YouTube and listened to many versions. Honestly, I was a bit surprised at the number of covers. I'd never even heard the two I decided on for this battle until I began the search.
Do you have any First Meeting Stories you'd like to share? I'd like to hear about 'em!
First up is Natalie Gauci:
Next up is Michael Buble:
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 (not participating 6/1/15)
- 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
- Shady Dell Music & Memories (not participating 6/1/15)
- Cherdo on the Flipside
- Angels Bark
- THE DOGLADY'S DEN
- Jingle Jangle Jungle
- WOMEN: We Shall Overcome
- Alex J. Cavanaugh (sometimes)
Fae, It's hard to out do a legend like Nat King Cole. You put up two good artists to do this classic. At first, I felt swayed by Natalie Gauci after listening to both her and Michael, but then I listened again to both cuts. It was then that I decided who would get my vote. My favorite artist is Michael Buble! He simply has a bit more pizazz! Good, good battle!
ReplyDeleteMad World #BOTB
Cathy, I think you need another cup of coffee:) This is not FAE's blog, but I think this might be her kind of song. Were you thinking she'd like this one as you began typing your comment?
DeleteGlad the voting proved challenging. If you have to go back and listen more than once, it means they are both contenders!
Love the meeting story--that went right along with my Friday post. I never had the experience of college roommates in a dorm setting, but later I did share a house with some male friends for a while. We were all working, but that house became party central. Some very wild, overly wild, days.
ReplyDeleteThis song choice runs pretty close as they both have something good to offer. Maybe Natalie's version is a bit more glitzy that I like, but it is very well performed.
I like Buble's cooler jazzier sound--he gets into some glitz as well--but he also has that cooler element.
I vote for Michael Buble.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Arlee, I smiled thinking about you living in a "party" house. When we're young, it sorta feels like the wild west, no?
DeleteWell, we already talked about this before, but you know my secret fondness for the Bub-man. And how it brought the wife and I together. So I was already very familiar with his version of the song. I listened to the other version just to give it a chance, but nope, he blew her out of the water. One very easy vote for Ham and Bubbly.
ReplyDeleteBryan, you've let the cat out of the bag. Now that secret fondness for the Bub-man isn't quite so secret. Be careful... your sensitive side is showing;)
DeleteWhat a way to meet a boyfriend!
ReplyDeleteNatalie gets my vote. I like the energy.
Thank you for breaking the Michael Buble streak. I was beginning to think I screwed this up and was going to have a shut-out on my hands. (I hate a shut-out!)
DeleteYes, it was an interesting way to meet a boyfriend. Can't say that it's happened like that since.
I've heard of euchre! Don't ask me how to play it, but still haha
ReplyDeleteI have this prejudge against Buble, so I pick Natalie Gauci. She's got a real nice voice :)
Someone mentioned the euchre. You from the north Madilyn? I should've made it more clear that I'm also trying to formulate a Euchre parameter to know just where the line ends. Geographically, that is.
DeleteI won't ask about that pre-judge between you and Buble. But you'd tell me if he broke your heart, right?
These two deserve individual pats on the back for their versions, but I have to profess a fondness for MICHAEL BUBLE. He gets my vote today!
ReplyDeleteThat is awfully kind Cherdo. Who doesn't love some back patting?
DeleteHad not heard of Natalie but the song had a lot of spunk...Buble's version made me want to take a nap.
ReplyDeleteA nap. I admit it was a slow start (which I kind of liked because it was different from the other versions), but then it did pick up. And pick up. And up...
DeleteMichael Buble gets my vote all the way. I have some of his music. He's a local personality and we've seen him out in restaurants, etc. I like his smooth delivery. Don't know the first contender but she's got a strong voice. Nat, of course, does it best. . .
ReplyDeleteYes, Nat does it best, which is why he is outta here!
DeleteYou've actually seen MBuble out and about? Cool....
Oh my choice is definitely Natalie Gauci. I loved her version: it was energetic and fun. Loved her outfit too (I know that's not part of the voting critieria, just sayin') :)
ReplyDeleteI did like Michael Buble's version but I was really drawn to Natalie's so she gets my vote. Great song to battle!
Michele at Angels Bark
And we have a vote for the outfit. Just kidding. I liked it, but she does look a bit like a bumblebee. ha!
DeleteA definitive vote for Natalie!
I do like Michael Buble, but that opening to the song literally put me to sleep. My vote goes to Natalie Gauci.
ReplyDeleteIt was a slow open for Mr. Buble. Got you down for Natalie.
DeleteMy vote is with Michael Buble and you're correct, I've never heard of that game before.
ReplyDeleteHolli, you're in Texas, right? Ask your hubs about euchre. I bet he's heard of it.
DeleteBoth singers did excellent renditions of the song. But, I gotta tell ya, I was in love with Natalie Gauci and the way she sang this one. She gets my vote for certain.
ReplyDeleteAn enthusiastic Natalie vote. "In love." Woo-eee.
DeleteInteresting story......
ReplyDeleteMy vote goes to Michael Buble'; I'm a huge fan of his. The other version was good, but I just love Michael's voice.
If you're a huge fan, you've gotta vote for your guy!
DeleteOh, my, my, GIRL WONDER, you got yerself a damned captain fantastic BOTB contest rollin' here! Look at the votes going back and forth (and I'm about to do my part in keeping this seesaw in motion).
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I LOVE this song! It's one of my very favorite famous Nat King Cole songs. In fact, I'm almost certain that on my list of 'FUTURE BOTB CONTESTS' I have this song written down. But I've got it pegged as Nat versus his daughter, Natalie Cole. Since the competitors would both be different, I might still use 'ORANGE COLORED SKY' sometime later down the BOTB road.
>>... their music turned up to 11.
Ha! Love it!
I also loved the way the guy went from sleepy and grouchy to interested in a matter of moments. Funny story. (I have heard of Euchre but have no idea how it's played.)
Natalie Gauci... that's a new name to me but - Hoo-Wee! - she's GREAT! Totally loved her version. She gets my vote big time!
Fantabulous Battle, Girl Wonder. If it's not my favorite you've ever put together, it's damned close to it.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
Well, that was quite the comment. If you noticed, Mr. Buble took the first three votes of this little battle, and I began to think I'd chosen badly... again. Do you ever second guess it as the votes/comments roll in? Or is that just me?
DeleteAnyway, I knew you'd know this song (it is Nat King Cole, after all), but I didn't know it was a favorite. Of course you can still use it!
Yes, that sleepy grouch turned into a pretty lovable guy pretty darn quick. I think he even combed his hair before he emerged in the lobby;)
Well, we aims to please here, so I'm glad you liked this battle. And thanks for keeping the house rockin' or the seesaw sawin'.
I would like to say that I am, indeed, a euchre player par excellance. But in the interests of not being struck by lightning, let us say I am a skilled player that plays my father's style of reckless, count-on-your-partner, and thus have as much fun making a loner as getting set.
ReplyDeleteBuble's better than I expected, but Natalie blew it away for me.
Ah, CW, you know the rule... count on your partner for 1.
DeleteI like to think I am (was) a pretty good euchre player, too. I haven't played in years, though. No one here even knows how to play:( However, in college we played constantly! My friends and I always took a euchre deck to parties. If things got dull, we'd carve out a spot for a game of euchre. Ha!
I vote for Natalie because I like her big band sound.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Got ya Miss Janie!
DeleteHi Robin,
ReplyDeleteThanks for another in-depth reminisce, Robin. The letter "J" and for some strange reason, I thinking about a certain show starring Monty Hall.
Not much of a fan of either version. However, because it's so close in my head, I have to give the nod to Buble because he's also from Vancouver. Every time I go back to Vancouver he phones me up and begs me for singing tips.
Take care, my kind friend.
Gary
>>... Not much of a fan of either version.
DeleteSo... what else is new?
~ D-FensDogG
Hahahaha.
DeleteI think I've pleased Gary ONCE with BoTB.... which is better than never;)
And to think that some folks believe that I am "Mr. Negativity". Sheesh! I could be taking lessons from Gary.
DeleteYour comment section combined with Arlee Bird's comment section makes for a "Negativity Blogfest" for this guy.
After a couple years of seeing it, I finally reached the point where I had to say sumpin' 'bout it.
~ D-FensDogG
Gary,
DeleteI do appreciate you voting in these battles despite the fact that I rarely choose music you actually like. In point of fact, your comments like "it made me want to vomit" actually crack me up. Of course, I don't think you and I will ever be getting together for a night of musical enjoyment, but still... You do have a way with putting what you feel right out there (and I did ask for it!). So, I hope you continue to come back and vote... and say exactly what you think!
StMc ~ In seriousness, we must remember that not everyone loves music like we love music. It's a wild world:)
Well, if you're all good with remarks like "it made me want to vomit", then who am I to say anything? It's your blog.
DeleteBut one too many comments like that would start to really irritate me.
~ D-FensDogG
I love Michael Buble but in this version I was picturing him pointing at girls and winking while his teeth sparkled with annoyance. I vote for Natalie. She had sass and brought a fun spirit to this song. I met my current hubby after I told myself that I was done looking! I came to the Employment Help Office where we had a satellite office for my work. I am there once per month. When I cam in and saw this amazing art piece on the wall I almost cried -it was that good! It was all etched in wood like a tapestry. The lovely lady, Dawn, showed me another art piece of hummingbirds and I was floored!! I thought this artwork must be known. Dawn then asked me if I was married. I sighed...and almost lied but said no but that I didn't want to be hitched up. Anyway, I saw a client and when I was stepping out to the bank, Dawn said to come back as the artist was coming down. On his end, he was sleeping soundly when Dawn called him and told him to get his butt down to the office and she lied saying there was a potential buyer. He came down and was waiting. I saw him as I was coming back and he greeted me with shorts that had seen better days and a yellow t-shirt with holes in it. I was not looking so we started talking. I told him how he should get his artwork known. We met 2 days later, again, and he showed me more of his artwork and from there we talked every night and that was that. It was "Bang!" Shazamm! He moved in 7 months later and had to redo the garage to make it his studio. He has to get more art pieces up but I hope he does create more so he can be shown. That is my story
ReplyDeleteThat is a great story. I'm beginning to think you should start participating in my Soundtrack feature. You always have great stories. It's just a matter of setting them to music. Think about it, Birgit. I'd love read/listen.
DeleteYou're not the first person I've met who found exactly the right person after they decided they were D-O-N-E looking. I think that maybe once we quit focusing on it, we allow it to come our way. Just a thought.
Also, because I can't resist, you do realize this story gives a whole meaning to "he showed me his etchings," right?
That's an awesome story about your first encounter with your first big love. I want to know more.
ReplyDeleteSadly, my computer issues include being unable to hear this music. Grrr! I'm so disappointed. I think it's great that you paired an American Idol contestant against Buble.
Well. There is more of J1 to come. We have to touch on some other important events of sophomore year, but I promise we're getting there!
DeleteHmm, first meeting story? Ok; the first time I met my last husband (yes yes, before he became my hubs) he insulted me. Not necessarily with words; more with his attitude of indifference. I had just got hired at the place he worked, and his cursory "gads, not another girl to train" look scared me to befuddledum. I barely spoke to him unless I had to, he always had that "I don't like you" face. A couple weeks later everyone had gone home except he and I (I thought I was alone at the office) and he pulled up to the steps I was sitting on and crying my eyes out because my then hubby refused to come get me when I called to say the car wouldn't start. Again. So Mr I don't like you just says "get in, I'll take you home." When I explained how far away I lived he repeated "get in." We drove most of the 30 minutes home without speaking a word, radio off; him looking meaner every time I looked up, me fighting not to cry. And afterward at work, same sour looks and lack of communications. Due to my car problems I was fired within a few weeks. Four or five years later I stopped by a general store in a nearby, very small town, and it happens that his parents owned it. I was with my sister, who was having - car problems. We were unsure what kind of oil to buy and where the dipstick was. He grunted when his Dad told him to help us, and insulted my sister for not knowing how to check the oil herself. I tried to be friendly, break the tension, and reminded him how I met him the first time. He remembered me, he said, as he poured in the oil, checked the guages, pronounced us both idiots, and stormed off back to the store. Guess you're wondering how we ended up married? A story for another time, lol.
ReplyDeleteNo contest, Natalie gets my vote. Loved the big band style, and boy can she carry a note. She was a total pleasure to listen to, and I think I would have liked her singing even without the band. Or any band. She was awesome.
OMG. That is one of the craziest (as in Crazy-Good) stories I've ever heard. And I can't wait to hear how he turned this disaster around. He insulted you and your sister. That's rather a lot to come back from!
DeleteI listened to this in the wee hours of the morning, and blogger ate my comment. The same thing happened over at Stephen's. I normally like Buble's music, but Natalie belted this song out to perfection! Natalie gets my vote. I want to read more about your first love, Robin.
ReplyDeleteJulie
Lucky for you Julie, I'm in that share all sort of mode. So, you're going to hear so much about this guy that you might be begging me to quit. hahaha.
DeleteLove the Natalie Gauci version! Not so fond of Michael Buble on this one. Too polished.
ReplyDeleteJ1 sound like someone I would've fallen for, too.
He was pretty awesome:)
DeleteI know people who have played euchre but never played it myself. So true, we never now who or what will be behind door number one but it never hurts to take a peek!
ReplyDeleteElsie
Where you from Elsie? North? South? West?
DeleteI like Mr. Buble, but I'm going to vote for Natalie on this one. She nailed it!
ReplyDeleteShe did a fantastic job for sure!
DeleteHi Robin. Did this song make Broadway? Surely someone put it in a play! Funny, this is great lounge lizard-lizardette stuff!! Natalie is cutesy and high energy on camera, but I really enjoyed Michael's version more. I get all nostalgic for big band play - those jazzy 'wooby-doobies,' and his male voice. There you have it.
ReplyDeleteI'm playing my hand, and voting for Michael Buble.
I don't recall this ever being on Broadway, though I can understand why your brain made that connection. Did you listen to the Nat King Cole version? If not, go back and follow that link. I do believe you'll like it.
DeleteI'm so sorry I haven't commented back to each of you. I'm still sick. Finally started taking an antibiotic yesterday, so I'm hoping to feel better by tomorrow. I'll try to get back to this comment section before then and respond to each of you.
ReplyDeleteAlso, this post will continue to accept votes until Sunday the 7th, with the results posted on Monday am.
Hi, dear Robin! I just read your comment (above) and hope you are feeling much better by now. Regarding first encounters with people, I can tell you this. A couple of my most intense romantic relationships have blossomed after a bad first impression. It's as if something inside our heads suddenly clicked and everything made sense. We became aware that the initial awkwardness stemmed from a palpable chemistry between us. There is always time to turn a bad first impression into a lasting friendship or even a loving relationship. All it takes is the will.
ReplyDeleteI hope I am not too late to vote in your BOTB. It's a great match-up and that made it hard for me to choose. It was even more difficult because I had to choose between a live performance clip and a studio recording with a static slate of the artist. When I am presented with a choice like this I look away while the video plays to avoid being unduly influenced by the visual images of the live performance. It was hard to look away from Natalie Gauci because she is a very polished performer. Even so, even without watching, I still need to vote for Natalie because she puts more pizzazz into the song, more fire, more zest than does Michael. Hers is the kind of performance to which I respond more favorably. Please mark me down for Natalie.
Thank you, dear friend Robin!
I think that sizzle makes us uncomfortable, so your explanation of awkward first meetings makes a great deal of sense.
DeleteNot too late to vote! Got you down for Natalie!
I'm closing the vote. Just counted 'em up and will post the results on tomorrow's post.
ReplyDeleteThanks all!