Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Battle of the Bands - Don't You (Forget About Me)

One of my favourite movies from the 80's is the Breakfast Club. It's a film featuring a group of students from different social standings forced to serve detention together on a Saturday. There are several reasons why I like this film; it's an interesting social 'experiment', one of the characters reminds me of myself, (can you guess who), it features Ally Sheedy, and most importantly, it has awesome music. As an 80's fanatic, it's not surprising I love the music.

For today's Battle of the Bands, I'm featuring the signature song from the film. 'Don't You (Forget About Me)', by the Simple Minds. Instead of comparing Simple Minds (who I feel no one could compete with), to another band, I found two other artists who have covered the same song. These two versions can be found below. I hope you like at least one of the versions.

Additonal Questions:
Are there any 80s films you love?
Which character do you identify with from this film?
Can you guess which character I was in High School?

Bouncing Souls


Smash Mouth


So those are the two contenders. Ignoring the actual videos, who do you think performs the song best? I collected the two bands to battle it out, now it's your job. Time to vote on your favourite. Please vote for your preferred song choice and let me know in the comments. Also, please let me know why you feel the way you do. Voting ends on the 30th when I'll cast my own vote and announce the winner in a separate posting.

Did you enjoy the Battle of the Bands feature? Come back on the 1st October when I'll have a new battle. Also, be sure to check out my friends below who have banded together to offer up their own musical battles.

FAR AWAY SERIES
STMcC PRESENTS 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'
TOSSING IT OUT
JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE
WOMEN: WE SHALL OVERCOME
YOUR DAILY DOSE
BOOK LOVER
MIKE'S RAMBLINGS
CURIOUS AS A CATHY
THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING
DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS
THE DOGLADY'S DEN
CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE
ANGELS BARK
NOVEL BREWS
QUIET LAUGHTER
HOLLI'S HOOTS AND HOLLERS

Are you currently in the BOTB and don't see your name in the list above? Let me know in comments and I'll include it.

50 comments:

  1. So this one is tough..... I like how Bouncing Souls stayed pretty darned true to the original. They have a good sound to them, and do an excellent cover of this song....
    Then there's Smash Mouth.... I'll admit... I'm a huge fan of Small Mouth. I just like the guys voice and the sass that this band brings to their music.
    Ultimately, I feel like both bands made enjoyable covers of this song... Good quality, tempo, etc... Personal preference for me tho... Smash Mouth. The first band sounded just a little too much like they were TRYING to sound like the original.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm also a huge fan of Smash* Mouth. Lol

      Delete
    2. I know some people are, and some people aren't. So I was not afraid to use Smashmouth. I rather like them, but that will not influence my vote, however it goes.

      Delete
    3. And yes, this is a tough one for me to vote on as well. As of this very moment, I have no idea who I'm going to vote for.

      Delete
  2. Hi, Jeffrey!

    I, Shady Del Knight, proudly cast a write-in vote for the lovely Diana Krall. :)

    Question: Are you allowed to ask us so many questions? :)

    I don't want to guess which character from The Breakfast Club you were. The one that most resembles me is Molly Ringwald. (I was pretty in pink. :) Yes, I enjoy many 80s brat pack movies, high school musicals and horror flicks. I was shocked to learn of the recent death of Amanda Peterson who starred with Patrick Dempsey in Can't Buy Me Love.

    Turning to today's BOTB, I am hoping to match your vote for a record setting second time by going with act #1 - Bouncing Souls. Their rendition sounds very close to the Simple Minds original and has that authentic New Wave 80s feel. I found the vocals on the Smash Mouth version a little irritating for some reason and didn't like the arrangement as much.

    Therefore, my vote does to Diana Kra... uh... to Bouncing Souls. Thanks, Jeffrey!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diana Krall it is!!!
      Hey, wait a second!
      As much as I'd like to tabulate the vote for my love, I'm afraid I won't be able to do so.
      Yes, on my blog I can ask as many questions as I want. ;)
      Though you seemed to bounce all over the place before you cast your vote, I finally caught it. Vote for Bouncing Souls counted.

      Delete
  3. If I saw The Breakfast Club I don't remember it. I must have seen it, but that was years--even decades--ago so I don't have any comments about the movie.

    I do remember the song well and I actually prefer these two covers to the original.

    Of the covers, Smashmouth is a bit harsher than I'd like to hear--well, I guess they're called Smashmouth for a reason.

    I much prefer the smoother sound of the Bouncing Souls.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Back in the 80's, I was a movie nut. I went to see just about anything. Oddly enough, I rarely go to the theatre any more. Even when there are awesome movies I want to see.

      Delete
  4. I love The Breakfast Club. I could go into a huge explanation of why, but I remember (still) the feeling I had watching it in the movie theatre the first time. High school was a fish bowl in which I thought I knew who people were by their "label." That movie blew the glass out of that theory. It's always interesting when an illusion crumbles right in front of you.

    Who were you? I don't know, but I can only hope you were the Anthony Michael Hall character. The nerd. One of the best scenes:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnbDA4wKrg0

    I'm in math club. Physics club. Hahahahaha.

    I didn't care for the Bouncing Souls version. Does it make sense to you when I say that they sound like a knock off of Simple Minds? Not as good, and not different. I much preferred Smash Mouth over them. It was a different arrangement (not trying to be Simple Minds) and it was good. So, a strong vote for Smash Mouth.

    Did you see the movie Pitch Perfect? If not, you should definitely watch it. I'm going to give you this anyway... since I think you'll like it.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNSx1RdPl04

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I was the Halls character, but not too much like him. I was in Stage Crew and Computer Club. Perfect clip from TBC. Interesting movie, PItch Perfect. When did that come out?
      Another vote for Smash Mouth recorded.
      It does make sense about being a knock off. One of the things I've learned to appreciate in doing this BOTB, is how much better it is for a song that's being redone, to have something different done with it, yet staying true to the original.

      Delete
    2. Pitch Perfect came out several years ago and the sequel, Pitch Perfect 2, came out about six months ago. My brother and SIL introduced me to PP (the original), so we went to see the sequel when I was visiting them. We all really liked it. Hilarious movie(s). And people who like a capella singing will like them. If you don't care much for music, these movies won't do it for you.

      Delete
    3. I'm a big music lover, or I wouldn't be doing these BOTB. And I grew up on musicals. What can I say, I have four sisters.

      Delete
  5. The first one did stay very true to the original, which is why I appreciated Smash Mouth doing something just a little different. Plus it's heavier. They get my vote.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I LOVE this song! And you're so right: Simple Minds would've run away with the battle. Their version rocks! I'm voting for Bouncing Souls since they sounded closest to Simple Minds. But Smash Mouth's version was good too. Still it's Bouncing Souls for me.
    Great battle. Thanks for sprinkling this song into my day!
    Michele at Angels Bark

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. After last weeks run-away, it's nice to see this week I've cooked up a true battle. I think this can go any direction. To be honest, I'm still up in the air who I'll be voting for.

      Delete
  7. JEFFREY ~
    In the 1980s, I was in my twenties, so I couldn't really relate to those '80s "teen" movies much. But one that I loved, own, and still watch frequently is 'BETTER OFF DEAD'. Man, that was a funny, funny movie.

    I also love, own, and frequently watch 'BIRDY', 'MY BODYGUARD', and 'ORDINARY PEOPLE'.

    Come to think of it, I guess I liked more of those 1980s teen movies than I realized until just now.

    Hmmm... In this Battle, give my vote to BOUNCING SOULS. I know it sounds quite a bit like the original, but it also sounds more "musical" to me than the harsher Smashmouth cover.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. "Man, now that's a real shame when folks be throwing away a perfectly good white boy."
      Oh yea! 'My Bodyguard', I can't tell you how many times I watched that movie. I can't think of anything I've seen Adam Baldwin in, that I haven't liked. Firefly, Chuck, whatever.
      Seems like the votes this time are bouncing around all over he place.

      Delete
  8. I was not about to guess who you were most like from the movie and then I saw your reply to Robin. I thought the movie was pretty good and have seen it several times, but there were other 80's teen scene movies that I liked better. BUT, the song is a classic.

    I'm gonna go with Smashmouth, they have a very distinctive sound, and I generally like it. The Bouncing Souls sounded a little too 'garage band' to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'd love to hear your favourite teen movies from the 80s.
      I'm not ashamed to admit I was the nerd/geek kid in school. I was at the time, now I don't' care. Nerds are cool now. LOL
      Thanks for your vote, but will they smash the competition?

      Delete
  9. Jeffrey,
    Good choices. I've seen 'The Breakfast Club' about six times, and maybe more. The characters are so funny, yet bittersweet. The song has been a favorite too. This is the first time I've heard a cover that I like just as much as the original - shock'n awe!

    My vote is for 'Bouncing Souls.' Thanks, Jeffrey!

    DC

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Glad you found a cover song you actually like.
      But, nothing will ever replace the original.

      Delete
  10. Awesome song, Jeffrey, and awesome battle! Love this song... Yep, love Breakfast Club, too. I was, sadly, the princess kid, and just about as unapproachable. Even more sadly, I never found the kid, or kids, to break through and get me (and get me to get them) until I was out of high school. Great, great memories nonetheless :)

    Bouncing Souls sounded too much like the original — not necessarily a bad thing, since I love that original — but, given the choice, I'd rather listen to Simple Minds. Smashmouth, on the other hand, gave it a spin, and the pseudo-metal feel worked for me. Vote for Smashmouth :)

    Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whether we admit it or not, I think we can all find we fit one of these sterotypes from the movie. I was also like the Alley Sheedy character as well as the AMH character. I spent a lot of time by myself and not worrying what others were doing.
      Great thoughts on your vote placement. Thanks.

      Delete
  11. I'm voting for Smash Mouths. A good rendition of the original but not identical. I like their take on it. I am guilty of watching The Breakfast Club with my daughters and listening to their comments on 80's fashion. They still loved the movie though. FYI daughters are early 20-somethings. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. One day they will be watching movies with their 20 year old daughters who will commenting on the fashions from the 2010's.
      Vote recorded.

      Delete
  12. I think Smash Mouth brought a little more energy to the song and my vote goes to them, although the other version was good too.
    The Breakfast Club was a good movie and I totally related to the Ally Sheedy character. Like her, I was a Bohemian loner/outcast in high school.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vote noted, Character identified. Thanks.
      Yes, I had a bit of sheedy in me as well.

      Delete
  13. I love The Breakfast Club! And this is the one song that always gets stuck in my head whenever I hear it. So thanks for that. :P Out of all the characters, I related more to Ally Sheedy's character. I wasn't as weird but I was a nerd and loner. I even once tried to be a goth. lol

    It's cool how Bouncing Souls sounds so much like the original. But I love how the Smash Mouth version is upbeat. It's fun. So my vote goes to Smash Mouth.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm so glad everyone else is playing along with the Breakfast Club game. Yes, don't you love when songs get stuck in your head? I hate when that happens.
      Thanks for the vote.

      Delete
  14. Smashmouth win my vote just a bit more energy and ownership on the cover

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I see one of our artists is beginning to pull away from the other. Thanks for the vote.

      Delete
  15. The Breakfast Club was one of my faves, but I also have Ghostbusters, The Princess Bride, Labyrinth, Batman, and Back to the Future high up there on the list! I've also recently watched Big Trouble in Little China which made me laugh SO hard. Ridiculous movie haha 80s movies are the best :)
    As for who I'd be in the breakfast club... the freak, definitely. I don't want to be presumptuous with you ;)
    And as for my vote in this battle: Smash Mouth
    The horn in Bouncing Soul's version I really liked. Smash Mouth has their usual sound that I enjoy. Tough choice, but I think the fact that Smash Mouth really took their spin on it pushed it up ahead. Really great battle this time!

    - Madilyn Quinn @ NovelBrews

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. All good movies, I've seen them all. There's just something about 80's. My brother in law is a Bowie fan and loves Labyrinth. I was more partial to the Dark Crystal. Weekend at Burney's and One Crazy Summer were some other films I enjoyed.
      Thanks for the vote.

      Delete
    2. (I'm wild about Bowie as well!) You know, I've never seen the Dark Crystal. I've got it on DVD, but have yet to watch! Perhaps I'll pull it out this weekend :) Weekend at Burney's is good too!

      You're welcome!

      Delete
    3. So did you watch it this weekend? I didn't get to any 80's movies this weekend, thought I wanted to watch One Crazy Summer again. I did watch Men in Black II. Still have not watched the third one, but at least now I'm ready.

      Delete
  16. I like Bouncing Souls because they added the horns and made it slightly different. Smash mouth is good but it's just...them-nothing unique. so Bouncing Souls gets my vote

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I actually liked the horns in the Bouncing Souls too.

      Delete
  17. Bouncing Souls sounds like the original - if I hadn't read the comments, you would've got me. So yeah, B. Souls for effort.

    ReplyDelete
  18. I watched all of Cory Feldman and Mollie Ringwald movies. I would have dated Cory, I was into nerds.

    I liked Bouncing Souls version. The deeper voice, the horns. That darker vibe appeals to me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I've never been a big Mollie Ringwald fan, even still I watched several of her movies. Great reasons to love Bouncing Souls.

      Delete
  19. Jeffrey, I saw the Breakfast Club with DH. We had been married 6 years by the time this move hit the big screen, so I wasn't overly fond of it. Even, if I had been in my teens I don't think I saw myself in any of these characters. The music was the best part of the flick. I think I kinda like Smash Mouth cover the best and am giving them my vote. If you haven't cast your vote yet in my BOTB, then you still have time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did like the music in the film, just about all of it.
      And yes, I have voted in yours already. Did so on the 17th.

      Delete
  20. Smashmouth wins hands down. A true energetic performance....

    ReplyDelete
  21. Smashmouth is SO cool! Anything they do sounds perfect to me. One vote for Smashmouth!

    ReplyDelete