I will write a more detailed post (possibly posts) about my summer, since it was eventful, but I don't want to weight this one down. I know that many of you are simply trying to "get 'er done" and don't have time to actually read anything. Besides, I'm still very tired. I love doing the "camp thing," but it takes it out of me.
Time has surely gotten away from me, but it is the 15th and that means BATTLE OF THE BANDS!
If you've already visited Mr. McCarthy's blog, you'll notice that we've teamed up. To be fair, this idea is entirely Stephen's. He knew I'd be whipped after spending 4+ weeks at camp (he was right) and barely functional (also correct) and not able to put together a Battle of the Bands on my own (three for three). So, when he proposed this idea while I was at camp I jumped on it. So, make sure you vote on the battle on his page and then the winners from our respective battles will square off on the 1st of September (right here)
What is the song? IN A SENTIMENTAL MOOD. The contenders are Dr. John (the pill) and Billy Joel (the tickle).
Dr, John's version of In A Sentimental Mood was recorded on his 1989 album of the same name. Wikipedia, which usually has so much to say on virtually everything, is shockingly silent on this song. So, I'm going to let the song speak for itself. Take it away, Dr. John:
In 2011, Billy Joel included Duke Ellington's In A Sentimental Mood on The Complete Albums Collection. Since I didn't have much info about the Dr. John version, I'm not even going to consult Wikipedia on Billy Joel's version in the spirit of keeping things fair and balanced. We'll just let the musicians do the playing. Take it away Billy Joel:
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:
- Stephen T. McCarthy's Battle of the Bands Blog
- Tossing it Out
- 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
- Janie Junebug Righting and Editing
- NovelBrews
- J.A. Scott
- Quiet Laughter
- Holli's Hoots and Hollers
- beReInVintaged
Welcome back, Robyn!
ReplyDeleteThis kind of music needs a voice to hold my interest, so Billy Joel all the way.
Now, will you need help with the upcoming IWSG post?
That was funny Alex.
DeleteYou know, I might need some help with my IWSG post. I haven't done a lick of writing all summer long...
I remember the Billy Joel version. I liked that one.
ReplyDeleteWelcome home from summer camp.
Thanks Diane. I loved being gone. I like being home. The only thing that's rough is catching up on all my stuff...
DeleteI hear you on the tiring effect of being away from home. I've been exhausted since rolling into the driveway last Thursday. This was a nice song to relax to early this morning.
ReplyDeleteBoth are nice, but the Dr. John version really did it for me. I don't need no words--the piano playing said it all.
A vote for Dr John.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I hear ya, Lee. You don't realize how tired you are until you stop. Then it hits you hard. Very very hard.
DeleteWelcome back! Normally I'd lean towards the vocal version, but even if you tune out the rest of the arrangement, I think Dr. John even tickles the ivories more interestingly. The rest of the arrangement is icing-Joel adds some nice touches towards the end, but Dr. John holds my interest the whole song.
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for Dr. John
Larry
It is quite lovely, isn't it? The more I listen to it, the more I like it. Of course, I like the Billy Joel cover, too. I simply don't know how I'm going to vote in this thing!
DeleteRobin, so glad you made it back all in one piece! Both of your contemporary artists do an excellent job and while I love the piano arrangement, Billy Joel does a surprisingly good job adding a jazzy soulful quality to his vocals which is super nice! I'd like to hear him do more arrangements like this! Give my vote to Billy Joel!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Billy Joel does a really nice job with this song.
DeleteSorry I haven't been by your place yet, Cathy. I'm getting there soon... I promise!
Welcome back! Like L.C., I'm usually one to lean toward vocal versions, but I just really enjoyed the playing on Dr. John's a lot more. One vote for the good doctor, please!
ReplyDeleteThe pill it is!
DeleteI like both versions; I like the vocals in Billy Joel's version but I really like Dr. John's version so he's getting my vote. Such a nice song!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back Robin! Can't wait to hear all about camp. Hopefully you'll be relaxing and catching up with some good sleep...
Michele at Angels Bark
I will have to put together some blog bits about camp. Some funny stories this year... :)
DeleteFor certain, I'm going with Dr. John here. I love the instrumental piano and orchestra and the taste of N'awlins, for lack of a better way of putting it. Billy Joel... enh...
ReplyDeleteWell, this battle has been interesting. I think the good doctor is leading the pack, though I haven't done an official tally.
DeleteI have no way of listening to Dr. John which is a bummer. I went to YouTube but couldn't find a version there. I listened to Billy Joel who sang it quite nicely. Now for the bummer...I made a card to send to you thinking you would be there u til the end of August because, you know, I am daft as hell. I still would love to send it to you if you would like and I apologize for not sending out a card sooner to you when. You were camping
ReplyDeleteThis is all I could find, Birgit. Click on "listen" at the top right, NOT on "Download" or "Play Now"
Deletehttp://redmp3.su/211646/dr-john-in-a-sentimental-mood.html
Birgit, did you listen to the Dr. John version the site Debbie provided? Get my comment with my email address? No apologies necessary...
DeleteI did listen and I did send your card out today:)
DeleteI like Dr. John's slurring bayou voice, so he gets my vote. Not a big fan of Billy Joel. I couldn't hear Dr. John, but I have heard his voice many times. You and Stephen both have choices that don't allow other countries to listen - a music wall.
ReplyDeleteD.G. this is actually an instrumental by Dr. John. I'm not sure what you can find where you are. Maybe give it a quick look on YouTube and see what pops up for you....
DeleteYes, I know it was an instrumental and we can get most things video in Canada, but some American postings don't allow international viewing. IF I'm still allowed a vote - it will still be Dr. John.
DeleteOf course you can vote! I just wanted you to be able to hear it:)
DeleteWhat is the deal lately where I keep finding battles where I love both of them? Here we go again, ha ha. Dr. John distinctive voice has always been a favorite. With waaaaaaay too much thought, I like the mellow Billy Joel on this one.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Robin, and welcome back!!
You do realize that Dr. John didn't sing on this one, right? It was instrumental. You just threw that in there about his voice to "tickle me" right???
DeleteUh, I did notice...
DeleteJust blabbering on. I do thst some times.
Uh, I did notice...
DeleteJust blabbering on. I do thst some times.
Robin, I think Cherdo was probably just blabbering on. She does that sometimes.
Delete~ D-FensDogG
Robin, I think Cherdo was probably just blabbering on. She does that sometimes.
Delete~ D-FensDogG
I think Billy Joel is a bit overrated, and I enjoyed Dr John quite well. Please give my vote to Dr John. and WELCOME BACK! We missed you!
ReplyDeleteMary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
Thank you Mary. It's good to be home. ::clicks heels::
DeleteWelcome back, Robin!
ReplyDeleteHaving bad luck trying to play videos in Canada! :( This is all I could find for Dr. John; an instrumental. Is that right? http://redmp3.su/211646/dr-john-in-a-sentimental-mood.html If this the correct version, then please give my vote to Dr. John. I think this song is more suited to instrumentals.
I'm not a member of that site, but it is an instrumental by Dr. John of that song, so I feel 99.9% certain that we're talking about the same song. Thank you for taking the time to look and sorry for the difficulties!
DeleteNo problem. I'm not a member either, Robin, but you can still listen. Glad to know it's probably the right one. ☺
DeleteHunh. It wouldn't let me listen without being a member, but I'm glad you were able to listen. Anyway, I feel confident it's the right version. And I'm putting you down for Dr. John.
DeleteI like the first version. The second is a bit too slow with the singing for me (though I do like Billy Joel singing, just not this particular song).
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining in the fun Rosie!
DeleteI have my issues with Mr Joel. And the music of the Dr John piece is so peaceful, so relaxing. It might even help the "mother of all neck cricks" I am currently having! Give me the Doctor, please...
ReplyDeleteWell, if it relieves neck cricks it's good medicine indeed. What pills? We don't need no stinkin' pills!
DeleteAnother vote for Dr. John.
I do believe he's got a strong lead here.
Welcome back, Robin! Looking forward to hearing about your summer adventures.
ReplyDeleteThank you Dianne. I'm working at making the rounds. I plan on dropping by your "house" soon. :)
DeleteGIRL WONDER ~
ReplyDeleteI like how you stole my song and then told all your minions that I gave it to you so they wouldn't know what a big thief you really are! Liar, liar, pants on fire!
For me, this one is really a no-brainer:
I have never really liked Billy Joel (I too think he's vastly overrated), and DOCTOR JOHN is the dog's pajamas!
And THIS particular DR. JOHN recording is one of my very favorites in his entire catalogue. It's heavenly, but the word that really describes it best is "exquisite". The way his fingers loll around that gorgeous melody and all the subtle little touches he adds that gives it such richness really brings that melody home.
I do like the horns at the back end of Joel's recording, but his voice does nuttin' for me and his piano playing isn't even in the same league with the good Doctor's.
Well, my Battle still seems really close and I think either contestant could win, but it looks like D.J. is gonna be the artist who advances to the Super Bowl from your playoff round.
~ Stephen
I like the way you teamed up with Mr. McCarthy. As I listened to Dr. John, I thought, Oh, yes, I'll vote for this sweetness. Then I listened to Billy Joel, and I thought his voice sounded the best I'd ever heard it. Therefore, I decided to give my vote to Billy Joel. Welcome home to you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Oh-kay...so I just listened to this song FOUR TIMES because Stephen also also used it. I vote for Billy Joel's version on your blog. I seem to be drawn to the vocal renditions of this song over the instrumental (not a hard and fast rule for me by any means) but I think Billy Joel's version is the best of both worlds.
ReplyDeleteDr. John's was very pleasant, but you can't out-piano the Piano Man. :-)
The Pedestrian Writer
Welcome back Robin!! I have a card for you and never sent it. I checked your days again and realized that if it took longer to get there, you wouldnt receive it when i remembered to mail it. So sorry i turned out to be crappy letter sender this year.
ReplyDeleteCant wait to hear all about it!! Oh and my vote goes to Billy Joel
Welcome back!
ReplyDeleteBoth renditions are lovely, but I do love billy Joel ;-)