Wednesday, November 15, 2017

River ~ Battle of the Bands

In the back of my mind I knew that Battle of the Bands was getting closer (and then closer). However, this has been a heck of a month. I started classes this month. Turns out going back to school is just as tough as I thought it would be (that translates to tougher). Yikes. I'm not sure how long I'll be able to last here in blogland. I have so many things on my plate in the best of possible ways.

But, I'm in for this month. I guess it's one month at a time.

This is another song I've wanted to use for a while just because I like it so much. I fell in love with it when Robert Downey, Jr. sang it on Ally McBeal. Or I fell in love with Robert Downey, Jr.'s character of Larry on the show. It's all rather confusing in my head.  And then I was crushed when RDJ had to leave the show due to his addiction and mandatory jail time. It was rougher on RDJ I'm sure, but I felt crushed at the time. I've blogged about this before (a long time ago), so I don't feel the need to rehash it all again, but I'm so happy that he's had this tremendous comeback personally and professionally. Sadly, it didn't work out so well for Larry and Ally, but you can't have everything.

After listening to his version of River (again), YouTube shot me over to this gem. You don't have to watch it as it has NOTHING to do with this battle. It has everything to with RDJ and Ally and one of my favorite scenes. Also, one of the only scenes from that show you can find on YouTube, which irritates me when I think overly long on it. But, nothing to do with this battle. Oh Lord, he was fine (and is still *not bad*;). This just sets my poor little heart atwitter all over again.



 Anyway, I think one of the reasons I fell in love with this song was that it foreshadowed his leaving the show. That probably should be a reason to dislike it, but I'm a tad bit complicated. So, the song for this battle is River. As it references Christmas approaching (which it is), I feel like this is the best month to use it. I'll use an actual Christmas song next month.




This song was originally recorded by Joni Mitchell. I figure everyone has heard her version, so not going to use it in this battle. I will use RDJ for all the reasons I've given you.

Without further ado:



But, who to pit against him? I've listened to several versions of this song. Point of fact, Train just came out with a Christmas album and this song is on it. But, I think Sarah McLachlan does a really lovely job with it, so I'm abandoning Train (are you shocked???) in favor of Sarah. It's crazy times here in da hood.



Okay, so now that you've listened to Robert Downey, Jr. and Sarah McLachlan it's time to decide who performed it best. You get to vote by way of comment. Bring it people:)

If you want to see who else is participating in this round of Battle of the Bands, click HERE and visit Stephen T. McCarthy. He keeps up with the list:)

31 comments:

  1. Robert Downey Jr. is much better now.
    I like his version better.
    I imagine going back to school is really tough. When you're younger, school is an easy habit, but to get back into that routine after years of absence sounds painful. But - you can do it!

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    1. RDJ is much healthier now. He has come so far in every possible way. I'm really happy for him.
      Going back to school is a challenge (understatement!). I'm also job searching. So, when I add a PT job into this mix things are going to get more crazy yet. So, buckle in.

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  2. Good luck with your classes, Robin. You can do this!!

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  3. Robin,

    Who knew RDJ could sing? Not me! I'm going with Robert in this battle. I love his vocal style! Thanks for sharing and have a joyful, blessed Thanksgiving. Best of luck in your studies!

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    1. It's funny to me that this continues to take everyone by surprise. I believe he's actually released several albums...

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  4. Hey Robin,
    I had no idea that Robert Downey Jr had singing talent! He's quite good.
    I love Sarah McLachlan and her version is very pretty but I'm going to go with RDJ on this one.

    Such a nice song. Hope you have a fabulous Thanksgiving. Lots to be thankful for. One month at a time...

    Michele at Angels Bark

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    1. One day at a time girl! Seriously, one day at a time. Thanks for voting. Glad you got a nice surprise:)

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  5. I think it's better to have a full plate than an empty one and to be aching from hunger. You can manage so just hang in there.

    What a beautiful song! I've never heard it (or at least don't remember it)and had no idea that Robert Downey Jr. could sing so well.

    I could hear Sarah channeling the sound of Joni. She does a wonderful job with her version.

    But Downey's version has so much emotion coming through in the performance and I love the piano and cello backing. I've got to go with Downey's version.

    Very nice Battle and seasonally appropriate.

    Lee
    Tossing It Out

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    1. I like your first statement Lee. It is better to have a full plate than to stare at an empty one and ache with hunger. I know THAT feeling all too well.

      You know so many songs. I'm shocked this is new to you.

      I'm less surprised you've not heard RDJ sing. That seems to be a common theme. He is very good. I don't know how many albums he's released, but there are several. Debbie linked to a YouTube video below you should check it out. It's some spliced stuff of him talking about his singing along with a song of his. He has played piano since he was a kid and he mentions dropping by studios in the 80s and banging around on the keyboard, but he wasn't serious about it. When I watched that video she sent it really drove home for me how far he's come in his life. Roads can be long.

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  6. Finding out RDJ could sing was big news! He really has a talent there, should he need something to fall back on if the whole acting thing doesn't work out for him :)

    But even as well as he did this song, Sarah stole the show (in my humble opinion, at least) The song has put me in a bit of a Christmas mood.

    My vote: Sarah

    ~Mary

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    1. I am now just repeating myself, but RDJ has recorded several albums. I know... shocking. This was an early effort as it was on the Ally McBeal Christmas Soundtrack.

      Sarah McLachlan has a gorgeous voice. I saw her in concert back in the early-mid 2000s. She is phenomenal. Some of her best stuff was just her and the piano. She has that sort of voice. I mean when she was backed by a full band it was great, but that moment in the show when she sat down at the piano and just sang for a while was super cool.

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  7. Going back to school must be such a challenge! Wishing you great success.

    I'm a huge RDJ fan and knew he could sing, although I never watched Ally McBeal. So glad he was able to turn his life around! This is a tough battle, Robin! Both versions are excellent and I had to listen a few times. In the end, Sarah triggers a slightly bigger emotional response, so I'm going with her. Thought you might enjoy this: ☻
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xsDuYkC8OPk

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Hmm, link didn't work. Trying again, the old way...
      RDJ sings "Broken"

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    3. I did enjoy that very much. So much it made me want to jump around on YouTube looking for more, but I don't have time. He has come so far. It really makes my heart happy. There is nothing sadder than a person who is so talented, so full, and so unhappy as to throw it all away on drugs. I suppose there is nothing more satisfying than to watch someone build it all back from the ground up either.

      As a person with chronic migraines who pretty well lost everything, I was telling someone my story recently. That person said to me, "Well, that great thing about rock bottom is that you have a solid foundation on which to build." Darn straight. There is always that.

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  8. I didn't know Robert could sing. I liked his version.

    You are one brave woman to go back to school now.

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    1. Brave. I don't know about that. I just feel called to do something and I've tried to go around it to no avail. So, I'm answering it.

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  9. I was astounded, like so many others here, on how well RDJ can sing. Still voting for Sarah, though. I think it's my nature to tend to the female vocalist.

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    1. To be fair, she has an amazing voice. So, I completely get it.

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  10. Although I've been in love with RDJ for years and appreciate his voice, I vote for Sarah's sweet sound. It's perfect for the song.

    Love,
    Janie

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    1. I know the feeling. Years and years and years. Did you see his movie Chances Are with Mary Stuart Masterson and Cybil Shepherd back in the 80s? That was so good! I loved him even BEFORE Ally McBeal. That was just the sealer of the deal.

      And Sarah does have a lovely voice!

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  11. GIRL WONDER ~
    Seeing as how you are one of BOTB's "Fantastic Four", I'm glad you threw a Battle together instead of wimping-out on us.

    And this is a really good Battle, considering you really did just kind of throw it together at the last minute. Maybe that's the trick for you -- don't overthink it, just do it in the 11th hour.

    Not only did I not know that Robert Downey Jr. could sing, but I didn't even know who Robert Downey Jr. was! And after listening to his version, I thought: Whoah! I might actually vote for this jerk!

    But then I heard SARAH's version and thought: Too bad for Junior!

    Seriously, nice contest that really fits the season's theme. (I woke up this morning thinking about my 2017 Christmas card ideas!)

    ~ D-FensDogG
    STMcC Presents 'Battle Of The Bands'

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    1. My friend you need to do some googling. Robert Downey Jr. played Charlie Chaplin back in the 80s. That was a pretty big movie for him. He was in a movie with your gal Cybil Shepherd called Chances Are. You should watch that one. He is currently Iron Man in the Marvel franchise. You wouldn't like that probably, but it's HUGE for the rest of the world. I love love love the show Ally McBeal and would like to appeal here and now that if/when we ever get back to JOA and finish it we at least try Ally McBeal. It's funny. You like funny. But, it's also an hour and has serious moments. But it's very funny.

      And RDJ isn't a jerk. He's the only celebrity I've ever considered writing a letter to as an adult (when he went to rehab/jail for addiction). I am fairly certain that he's stayed clean and sober since he's gotten out, which is kinda rare in Hollywierd. I admire that.

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    2. Ha! I was just trying to get a rise outta you.

      (But then again, I suspect everyone in Hollyweird is probably a jerk. Heck, even I was a jerk when I worked in Hollyweird. :^)

      I assume you knew that when I said "Fantastic Four" I was referring to the first four people who began the BOTB blogfest. I hope that didn't offend any of our other fine BOTB participants.

      ~ D-FensDogG
      STMcC Presents 'Battle Of The Bands'

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    3. I knew what you meant by Fantastic Four. I think everyone knows you well enough to not let that little ole thang get under their skin. If they don't, just tell 'em you're an "equal opportunity offender." That should settle it for 'em;)

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  12. I'll go with RDJ just because he's not a pro singer, so he gets some extra brownie points.

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  13. I love RDJ and he is actually quite a good singer plus I loved Ally McBeal even though I thought she should be got "Please eat a big meal" but I give it to Sarah. Her voice is so haunting yet so strong. I love it so she gets my vote

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  14. I'm voting for Sarah McLachlan on this. I didn't like Robert Downey Jr.'s take on this at all.

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  15. Of all the battles, this one is the toughest for me. Truly, I like the RDJ gravelly voice; it's edgy. I like to think he really knew he was hard to handle, ha ha; it was more than a lyric.

    But Sarah McLachlan just has one of those pure voices, she layers just enough emotion (except when I see her on the dog commercial...stoooooppp), excellent musicianship.

    Dang,dang,dang. I guess Downey has had enough breaks already. I'll give to SARAH MCLACHLAN.

    Thanks, Robin!

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