Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Battle of the Bands ~ Young and Beautiful

I'm giving you all fair warning now. I leave for camp again this summer (more info on that before I go), but I'm not going to even try to keep up with Battle of the Bands while I'm gone. Or this blog Or any social media. Why? Because I won't have internet for a large portion of the time I'm gone. And when I do, I'll be with family, so I'm sure they'll love me hammering away at the keyboard rather than spending time with them! I think it's good that we all unplug from time to time and actually talk to other people (but that doesn't mean I don't ADORE you). So, you'll hear from me a few more times before I go. I intend to give you my camp address so you will write to me (letters are the BEST!), and I will write you back. I don't guarantee you'll be able to decipher my handwriting, but I'll write.




Let's move on to the battle. I've always loved the novel The Great Gatsby. I find it fascinating that a person can build their life so thoroughly on a delusion. Or maybe we all do it to some degree??? I don't know. But Gatsby took it to a whole new level. And his certainty in the belief almost made me believe it, too... even though I knew it was pie in the sky thinking. Of course, the fact that he'd already pretty well done the impossible (a poor young man with little means turned nothing into wealth...he knew how to rise), so maybe he could have it all. But then he says this...




And if you didn't know it was going to end badly before this point, you knew it now. This is self-delusion at its finest. Of course you can!

For his last battle, Lee used a group I'd never before heard of called the Postmodern Jukebox. They really killed it in his battle. I'm going to use them again here, BUT I'm putting them up against the original artist. I'm only doing that because I think they are so good (and different enough from the original to keep it interesting). I think both versions are excellent, so I hope that this battle is a real horse race.

The song is Young And Beautiful (from The Great Gatsby, of course) and the original artist is Lana Del Rey. To be fair, I'm going to use the original (moving) video footage for both artists. But, if you think the images will influence your vote, don't watch and just listen. This is about the music after all.

Lana Del Rey:


Postmodern Jukebox:
 

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:



35 comments:

  1. I'm going with Lana Del Rey, the first one. Richer sound.
    Never saw that version of the film. (Not a fan of the director.) I do remember the one with Robert Redford.
    Unplug and enjoy camp! Go live a little. Enjoy some quiet moments with God.

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  2. I loved the Gatsby book as well as the newer movie version. I still want to watch the earlier versions of the film to see how they compare with the more recent interpretation.

    So glad you liked Postmodern Jukebox. They have become my favorite cover band. Scott Bradlee is a true music innovator.

    The Lana Del Rey version is sweeping and beautiful. The PMJ version captures the musical style of the Gatsby era. Such a tough choice since both versions are very good. I tend to gravitate toward orchestral music, but I like the hot jazz as well. Decisions, decisions...

    Give my vote to Scott Bradlee's Post Modern Jukebox.

    Have a good time at camp. If the doctor gives me the okay (which I don't see any reason why not), I've got another epic back east road trip in my plans. I've been preparing all of my Battle posts ahead of time like I did last year and will try to make it to all of the other battles as I have time and internet access. I've got too many BOTB songs in the ready for the future and I have to keep using them up.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

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  3. Yes, we all need to unplug from time to time. I hope you enjoy your time at camp with your family. We 'll still be here (I hope) when you get back. ☺ I'm contemplating a blogging break for July as well.

    Huge "Gatsby" fan here! Read the book and saw both versions of the movie. While I enjoyed the 1920s feel of Postmodern Jukebox, my vote goes to Lana Del Ray. Her version was more "epic".

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    1. Thanks Debbie. I think we all get a bit tired, plus there's summer and plans. I don't know. Seems like a lot of people are contemplating some time away from the blog in July... be safe out there.

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  4. Hi Robin!

    What an interesting BOTB day for me. The more I seem to say, "I'm not a Jazz fan." the more I seem pulled towards the style. I read the book, and saw the first Gatsby movie; I'm not sure if I want to see the second one.

    Lana Del Rey is rather haunting and that's not the mood I want to be in today. Give me the "Dixieland" with the second version.

    My vote: Postmodern Jukebox.

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    1. I thought the second Gatsby movie was pretty good (if that's worth anything at all).

      Isn't funny how the more you say you're "not" something, the more that statement follows you around and nips you in the rear end???

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  5. Even though I like both versions immensely, I find myself leaning toward Postmodern Jukebox because of the variety of interesting instrumental riffs throughout it. I'm also a sucker for that era's sound.

    Being unplugged for awhile sounds like a nice break! I'm just coming off a blog break (due to work schedule and not necessarily by choice) but I'm refreshed and ready to get going again. I hope you come back from your camp time renewed!

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    1. I will try to visit before I leave (maybe today???). Thanks for coming by and voting Lynda.

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  6. I got halfway through Lana Del Ray's version before I fell asleep. On the other hand, Postmodern Jukebox's version grabbed me at the beginning and never let go. It was an outstanding version, and I hated to hear it end. Postmodern Jukebox for certain!

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  7. I don't know why I think it's because I prefer the voice but I say Lana Del Ray's version did it best. :)

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  8. This is a tough one-I am familiar with the LDR version, and had not heard of Postmodern Jukebox until Lee's last BOTB...

    As much as I like the LDR version, Postmodern is gonna snag another vote from me this week!

    I didn't notice how slow her version was until after listening to theirs-it harkens back to that era and is much more lively and interesting.

    Larry

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    1. Totally different sounds, right??? In some ways it's hard to believe it's the same song. I was really excited to find the PJ version.

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  9. Wow Postmodern Jukebox did a great rendition of this. Quite a different taste to the song. However, I love Lana del Rey and her haunting voice. I can't imagine picking anyone but her.
    Please give my vote to Lana.

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  10. I quite enjoyed both versions, but PMJ seemed to hold my attention just a little bit better. Please give my vote to them.

    Mary
    Jingle Jangle Jungle

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  11. I know I read Gatsby, but it's been a long time. I know I enjoyed it. I'd say Lana's version caught me a lot more than PMJ. It was an entertaining song and all, but they just didn't make me pay any real attention, and the original did.

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    1. I don't think I've read the novel since high school, CW. That's a long time ago. I meant to read it again after the Redford movie came out (but didn't). Then made a note to self to read it after this movie came out(but haven't yet). But, the good news I just updated that mental note, so it could happen any day now.

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  12. I appreciate what PMJ does with their covers, and their version wasn't bad, but I just prefer the 'epicness' of the Lana Del Rey version. It sounds fuller. More haunting. I vote for her... even if she does have a song devoted to her genitals tasting like soda.

    And yeah, you'd better post your camp address, so I can send you some chicken scratch to decipher. I'm hoping you can tell me what it says, because I most likely will not know.

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    1. Did you read the comments to that vid you sent me? Someone said, "Think of the calories..." hahahahaha. I'm going to be chuckling over that one all day.

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  13. Camp sounds like something exciting to look forward to! Where is the camp? There's nothing better than spending time with family...especially when it's all about good times! Have a blast Robin.

    As for your battle, well, when I read who your contenders were I assumed right away that I'd be voting for Postmodern Jukebox because, as you mentioned, I was introduced to them on Arlee's battle and LOVED them. So I figure I'd be voting for them again.
    BUT Wow oh wow, Lana Del Rey blows it away on this song! She owns this song and makes it hers. I'm giving my vote to Lana, hands down. (that being said, I did definitely enjoy Postmodern's version but just not as much as I did with Lana's).

    Great battle!
    And can't wait to hear some camp stories... :)

    Michele at Angels Bark

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    1. The camp is in northwest Ohio, which has got to be cooler than Florida right now. Sooooo hot here. I think it's going to be a hot summer there, too, though... :( I'll tell some camp stories, I'm sure...

      I'm glad you liked the song. Seems like you haven't heard it before. Kinda surprised about that, but yay.

      Maybe I'll hear from you via snail mail? That would be COOL. :)

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  14. Camp sounds wonderful, and I remember how meaningful it was for you last year. I'm glad you'll be completely disconnected from the internet and completely connected to what's important.

    I vote for Lana Del Rey. She's hot and a cut above.

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    1. Yes, I learned a lot last year. It was a big month for me. I'm sure it will be much the same this year in new and different ways.

      I like her, too, Robyn!

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  15. GIRL WONDER ~
    How long will you be at camp? Dates? Do you want another post card from Roxy's Lounge at the Eldorado casino?

    Didn't know this song. And "haunting" is definitely the word for the MARINA DEL REY version.

    8 seconds into Postmodern Jukebox and the jig was up.

    Vote: MARINA DEL REY.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. I'll be at camp 4 weeks this summer. Do you think I'll last??? I'm not sure.... I'm just praying about it. A lot. Yes please. Lots of post cards.

      We've talked about this... MARINA DEL REY. Yikes.

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  16. Al Bondigas here. Ok, this judge really feels like he's being strong armed here. What can I do? I've always said that I feel powerless without my gavel, and naked without my clothes. I'm voting for PMJ. I like that kind of sound, sort of cheers me up. The other version was good, but a little too eerie for me at the moment. That's it!! That's my vote!! Now gimme mah gavel so I can make a proper rulin'.

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    1. Well, now you've gone and done it and said the word. Naked. I was going to just let you have the gavel, but you had to say the word. That has taken us to a whole different place. Now you have to watch this...

      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1_W0LCHwK4

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    2. Al Bondigas here. Sorry to be so late responding; I was using my phone to read and send comments and could not get the video on it. Finally I got smart and went to the regular computer. Ok, I hope you're not demanding that I go spongey jumping neked in order to get my gavel back. Great video. Thanks for sharing.

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    3. No. I just thought would be nice to share a laugh before I solemnly return your gavel.

      Go forth and rule wisely.

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  17. I'm going retro with Postmodern Jukebox

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Dazzle Me!