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:)

The Dixie Chicks Versus Bush (Again)

I just received a message from Stephen T. McCarthy letting me know that the votes were "probably" all in on this battle. In other words, get on with the results. Hahaha!

Before I do that, I want to let you know that I'm sorry for being so absent (once again!). Now that I'm healthier, I keep packing more things into my days and nights. My blogging time is getting eaten up by other things. My first class started this past Monday. So exhausting! I also went on a job interview. So stressful! And I participated in all three services at church this morning. Exhausting and stressful! Interestingly enough, I wasn't as nervous as I thought I'd be before the services. I would say there was a "normal" level of anxiety. But, after I finished my part in the third service I thought I might throw up. Seriously. I went to the ladies room and debated it with my head between my legs. That surprised me!

Much like the vote results on this battle surprised me. I expected a much closer race. The Dixie Chicks actually garnered a hit with the song Landslide. They had all of the instruments and harmonies going for them. Whereas Bush stripped down the song so that it was just him and a guitar. Very mellow. Now I like that, but I find I'm often about the only one. Turns out that in this battle, most of you liked it too! Final tally:

Dixie Chicks: 5 (with my vote)

Bush: 11

As you can see, my vote didn't make one iota of difference. If you read the comments, Stephen T. McCarthy asked me if I'd purposely put The Dixie Chicks up against Bush as a musical nod to the scandal. (The Dixie Chicks versus George W. Bush that ended up being a career killer for them). I didn't, but thought it was hilarious that once again the Chicks were duking it out with Bush (and losing again). Well played, voters. Well played.

Battle of the Bands ~ Landslide

It's time for another round of Battle of the Bands. As I was contemplating what song to use, as well as covers of that song, I realized that I'd not yet used Landslide. It's one of those songs that's been on my list of possible songs since this whole thing started. Of course, the problem is contenders. Using Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, or Stevie Nicks with Lindsay Buckingham feels very much like a shutout waiting to happen. OR a very lopsided vote.

Some of you may know that the Dixie Chicks also scored with this song, but probably less of you have heard it. So, I decided to use their cover (which was a hit for them) against another cover that I think is very good. Now, I've noticed that sometimes what I think is very good doesn't always translate well here. Hmm. It's probably better I don't dwell on that overly long.

This version appeals to me because of the harmonies and differing instruments (yeah, I said the instruments), but mostly the harmonies. Here are the Dixie Chicks singing Landslide.





Or, perhaps you like a male perspective? Or an acoustic one? I like both. And Bush singing Landslide.





Now is the fun part. You get to vote in the comments on the version you prefer. Will it be Dixie Chicks or Bush. Cast your vote. You can even tell me WHY you prefer one over the other. I like long comments.

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:)