I was recently with a group of friends when the topic of top five favourite songs came up. A few had a hard time deciding what to put on their top five, one had songs they liked, but couldn't remember the names of the artists. The interesting thing is, it doesn't matter if you remember the names of the artists, or if you can fill out your top five favourite songs on a moments notice. It doesn't even matter what the top five songs are. The thing is essentially a Kobayashi Maru test. (A no-win test that judges a persons internal character) There is no right way to answer the question correctly. But in this case, it's a test of determining what sort of music you listen to. A lot can be told about a person by the music they listen to. However, the question never got around to me. So you can say I got off "Scott" free. But I started wondering and created my top five list. So when I agreed to do this listing hop, I thought it would be a good time to explore my top five favourite songs. The list may surprise a few people (for what is or is not included), but there are specific reasons I have chosen the songs I have chosen and I shall explain.
Top Five Favourite Songs
5. Bond - 1812 Overture - I love this song as performed by Bond because it's always motivating and inspiring. Even when I'm in a lazy mood, when I play this song, I'm suddenly energized and raring to go. It's my go-to song for when I jog.
4. Beatles - Hard Days Night - I would be remiss if I didn't throw in a Beatles song. The Beatles were an amazing band and help revolutionize the music industry. As a Beatles fan, this is my favourite. Though if you ask me, it could use more cowbell.
3. Blondie - The Tide is High - "Wow! That is an odd choice", I hear you say. Though I do love the group Blondie, there is a specific reason I have this included in my list. It was the early 80s and I was sitting in my living room when suddenly a guy across the street walked past with his ghetto blaster blairing. The song at the time was this one. It was so catchy, I ran to see if I could find it on a radio station. Side note, till I heard this song, I never listed to music on the radio. So this is the song that got me interested in listening to music on the radio. I was probably 15 at the time.
2. Huey Lewis - The Power of Love - Unsurprisingly, another of my favourite 80s. Unlike the other selections, this song is chosen because for me, it typifies 80s music which I have come to love so dearly. There is no coincidence this is also the signature song from one of my favourite films as well. Can you guess it?
1. Michael Bublé - Haven't Met You Yet - One of only a few songs where I absolutely love the video as well as the song. As a single guy, I'm still looking for that one special lady. There has to be at least one special person for everyone. Shouldn't there be? But the problem is I've broken my hear so many times I've stopped keeping track. But I believe she is out there. Wherever she is and whenever it's right, she'll come out of nowhere and into my life. And I know we are going to be so amazing, and her love is going to change me. But I just haven't met her yet. One day I shall.
Top Five Questions:
5. What song really motivates you?
4. What song do you feel revolutionized music?
3. Do you remember a song that got you into music?
2. What is your favourite genre of music?
1. Which song best fits your life?
Bonus Question: Who did you think you would see on this list that you didn't see?
Perhaps I shall do a follow-up post indicating who my top five favourite artists are and why.
Hint: My top artists will not ALL be in that list.
Thanks for stopping by and visiting me on this Listing Hop.
For other cool and fantastic lists, visit the hosts of this blog hop.
Host - Bish Denham
Co-Host - Alex J. Cavanaugh
In line with this weeks song, I'm going to be lazy and just post the results. No play by play action this week. I'm too lazy to do an in-depth report. Also no photo. Round One goes to Bruno Mars: Bruno Mars votes: Arlee, Holli, Robin & Debbie Kimmi & Jake: Shady Total: Bruno Mars 4 / Kimmi and Jake 1
Round Two goes to Kimmi & Jake Bruno Mars votes: Stephanie and Tammy Kimmi & Jake votes: Hilary, Madilyn, Michele & Janie Total: Bruno Mars 6 / Kimmi and Jake 5 Round Three goes to Bruno Mars Bruno Mars votes: Cherdo, FAE, Stephen, Cathy & Birgit Total: Bruno Mars 11 / Kimmi and Jake 5 Round Four goes to Kimmi & Jake Bruno Mars votes: Dixie and The Armchair Squid Kimmi & Jake votes: Guilie, Dolorah, Mike & Jeffrey Scott Total: Bruno Mars 13 / Kimmi & Jake 9
Congratulations Bruno Mars!
Top Comments
Arlee Bird -Jake and Kimmi do a very capable cover, but it is a bit too true in its coverishness and a bit too cutesy for me. Now let me go back to bed and be lazy.
Shady Del Knight – You are one lazy dude, Jeffrey! When I listened to version #1 by Kimmi & Jake, the sweetness made my teeth ache.
Debbie D. - Kimmi's voice makes me grimace.
Madilyn Quinn - I guess I'll give my vote to Kimmi and Jake, if just not to vote for Bruno Mars haha
Michele Truhlik - Lol! You cracked me up with your lazy post! I think I like the blend of the male/female vocals with Kimmi and Jake. I liked both videos too.
Stephanie Faris - She has an amazing voice, but how can you beat Bruno Mars? Although the gorillas have always been a little disturbing.
Tammy - I vote for Bruno. I love this song, it goes through my head every morning! lol
Janie Junebug - I am so tired, and I want to be lazy. Then I hear Kimmi's voice. Suddenly I want to get up to dance. I vote for the first contenders.
FAE - Anyone who appears with monkeys in their video gets my vote. Most fun BATTLE of the day.
Stephen T. McCarthy - Well, that first version was just so damned sweet that I immediately made an appointment with the dentist.
Birgit - The first version gave me the shakes...because I had too much sugar:)
Dixie - OH Jeffrey! The Lazy Song and yet, now I feel energized. Help!
Guilie -BoTB this time seems to have hit on pretty much my top 5 Most Hated Songs of All Time. The only thing I dislike more than the actual song here is Mr. Bruno himself.
dolorah - I'll have to remember those Chimps for the next time I don't feel like an actual post, lol. Watching them was loads of fun.
Winners Circle
Congratulations to Bruno Mars
A few people felt energized and wanting to dance this week. So for the winners circle, her are 100 movies dancing along with Bruno Mars in Uptown Funk.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by and placed a vote.
Come back again for a new battle November 1st.
Who will you vote for?
What song will I choose?
Which artists will battle it out?
Stay tuned.
Don't forget to visit the other participants in the Battle of the Band to see who won their battles.
I'm posting this entry from the past.
My bloggers flux capacitor is primed and ready.
Posting this entry now, and should be seen October 21, 2015
The same date Doc Brown and Marty arrive from the past. November 5, 1985
If my calculations are correct. When this post hits 88 comments, you're going to see some serious wit.
R.a.n.t. of week 01/04/15
According to the film, Back To The Future II, 2015 is an exciting time for us. We have a plethora of awesome inventions making our life simpler, cooler and more enjoyable. Take the Black and Decker Food Hydrator. Gone are the days of heating up the oven to 350°, placing a frozen pizza in the oven and waiting twelve minutes. Now we simply place a dehydrated pizza into the hydrator (which is voice activated mind you), tell it to cook at level four and wait a mere twelve seconds before taking the piping hot pizza out, already sliced. The only draw-back of this model is it's not as fast as those new models which can accomplish the same task is just six seconds, but boy oh boy, your mother will sure know how to hydrate a pizza.
Unfortunately, a few days ago, I had a bad experience at Target. When I asked where I might find a food hydrator the sales clerk just laughed at me. So it appears Back to the Future lied to us! All those great inventions they promised us do not actually exist. Whoa! That's heavy! And yes, to all you who are about to point out to me that it's just a movie and I should not get overly excited about all this, I do know that. It's just a bit of fun. If you truly want to be over critical of my blog post, you can make like a tree and get out of here!
Other inventions we won't see in 2015.
Fashion (Part One) Self Adjusting Jacket
This brings new meaning to 'one size fits all'. No more worrying about finding a jacket that fits just right. Every jacket in 2015 will be the perfect fit. This particular one comes with the additional feature of drying itself, so never worry about being caught in the rain. (If that's a problem for you, perhaps you should pay more attention to the weather service.)
Fashion (Part Two) Ties
Gone are the boring days of wearing a single silk tie. Now we can wear two ties at once. Ever have a problem deciding which tie goes best with your suit? Now you don't have to decide, wear both ties. Or in a few rare occasions, you can still wear a single tie, just make sure the tie is invisible, or clear at the very least.
Our list will continue in just a minute. But first...
We are back!
Fashion (Part Three) Nike w/ Power Laces
Never bend over to tie your shoes again. With Power Laces, you simply place your foot in the shoe and the power laces do the job for you. Comfortable and secure shoes are now the norm. Never be fooled that your shoes is untied ever again.
Hover Tech (Part One) Automatic Dog Walker
Back in my day, when we had a dog, we had to take care of it. If the dog wanted to go out, we had to take him, when he went poo, we had to pick it up, when he wanted to be petted, we had to pet it. You kids are spoiled these days. You can have a dog and not have to give it any attention.
Hover Tech (Part Two) Hovercam
On the plus side, hovercams can go where they are needed as quickly as possible. Additionally, they can go to remote areas hard to get at. Having many on stand-by hovering over the city, they can be where the action is almost immediately. Bad news is, Jimmy Olsen is out of a job.
Hover Tech (Part Three) Hover Conversion
Tired of sitting in traffic on the roads? Get a hover conversion and you can sit in traffic in the air. Getting from point A to point B has never been easier, and you can get there as the crow flies. Goldie Wilson III can install an affordable conversion for only $39,999.95. BEWARE! Some con-artists will try to sell you a Hoover Conversion. Mayor Goldie Wilson wanted to clean up this town, but I don't think that was what he had in mind.
Hover Tech (Part Four) Hoverboard
Doing tricks and being slick was never easier. Whether you are using a Mattel, No Tech or Rising Sun brand, you are likely to find the right board for you. Just remember, a hoverboard does not work on water, unless you've got power. For that, I'd suggest the Pit-bull.
Holo Tech (Part One) Holobillboards
Remember back in the day when billboards were just large paper advertisements? Everything had to be written and there was no automatic updates when needed. With holobillboards, we can hear additional information about acquiring hover conversion and how things used to be in the past. Or how about automatic updates when our favourite team wins the World Series! I hear the Milwaukee Brewers are favoured to win in 2016.
Holo Tech (Part Two) Holomax Theater
Why just watch a movie when you can experience it? Holomax theaters make you feel like you are right in the thick of things. In Star Wars XII you can BE the Jedi. Indiana Jones VIII lets you accompany Indy on his perilous journeys. Go head to head with Rocky in Rocky XIII. Want to know what it's like to be eaten by a shark? See Jaws XIX. Be forewarned though, reviews say the shark still looks fake.
We will return to our blog post, but first a word from our sponsor
We now continue the blog post.
Binocular Card
Small enough to fit in your back pocket and advanced enough to zoom in clearly. Utilizing the photographic feature of this binocular card makes it perfect for bird watching. Get it? Bird watching? Well, my friends in the UK will understand.
Bionic Implants
We can rebuild man, we have the technology. Better, stronger, faster. Of course for peak performance, a decent upgrade can cost upwards of six million dollars. Or you can go the bargain basement route. Unfortunately, you get what you pay for and should expect a few short circuits in your bionic implants.
Garden Center
Tired of buying fruits at the super market only to have them go bad in a day or so? Of course not, you have the Garden Center. Fruits grown at home and preserved for just the moment you crave a bunch of grapes, apple or whatever else you decide to plant. No worries about the time it takes, the Garden Center does most of the work for you. Besides, you have extra time, you no longer have to walk the dog.
Master-Cook
Don't know how to cook? Who does? We have Master-Cooks now, so who has to? The Master-Cook is fully stocked with recipes of all sorts, helps with the preparing and cooking as well. Still having problems? Well, you can always hydrate a pizza.
Home Energy Reactor
"Never take the trash out again!" Remember that slogan when Mr. Fusion first came out? That caught every guys attention right away. But it's true, with your own home energy reactor you can turn your garbage into energy. Let the wife nag you all she wants about eating too many bananas and drinking too much beer. You know you are just doing your part to keep your homes energy level maxed out. Tell her to leave you alone and go watch her soaps.
Illuminated Parking
Back in the old days, you had to search hi and low for signs which indicated where you could or could not park. Not so any more. You'd have to be colour blind to get a ticket now. If the curb is blue - there's parking for you. If the curb is red - park up ahead.
Pepsi Perfect
Vitamin enriched soda. My grandfather had to eat cereal if he wanted to get all his daily allowance of vitamins and minerals. Now you can make Pepsi a 'Perfect' part of this complete dinner.
Rejuvenation Clinic
Add years to your life at a rejuvenation clinic. When you get a natural overhaul, you never again have to worry about a botched facelift. Are you looking for something simple like hair repair? We can do that. Or perhaps you need a spleen or colon replaced. Yes, we can do that do. You will feel and look years younger. Just don't spook the kids or animals when you get home with how much more different you'll look.
Once again, we are taking a break to pay our bills.
Welcome back to our blog post.
Scenery Channel
Technology that's really not that futuristic. The biggest problem is finding an actual need. Will watching a display screen over your window convince you you have been transported into a nicer neighbourhood, or one of your favourite locations overseas? Would the cost of the screen and the subscription to the scenery channel make you feel any more relaxed? Certainly the scenery channel repairmen won't. Typically they like to make fun of you and call you a chicken, for whatever reason.
Sleep Inducing Alpha Rhythm Generator
Ugggghhh, my wife hates me! After a hard day of work installing the scenery channel at losers house-holds, she makes me walk the dog, then put the kids to bed. Fortunately my sleep inducing alpha rhythm generator helps knock the kids out in ten seconds flat. Next she'll be asking me to hydrate a pizza as soon as I walk in the door. Oh great! Now she wants to talk about her day. I'll rant later, I need to go charge my sleep inducing alpha rhythm generator. Time for some quiet time. For her or for me, not sure which yet.
Automated Service Stations
Have your windows washed, oil changed, gas filled landing gear checked, all at the same time. Never before in history has going to the service station been any easier. And you never have to get out of your car. Compu-serve comes right to your window where you can pay with just a press of your thumb. Thank you. Please come again.
Thumbprint Technology
Once upon a time, we had to carry an odd assortment of items along with us wherever we went. Keys, credit cards, identification cards, money, so on and so forth. Now all we need is our thumb print. If we want to enter our homes, we just scan our thumb. Finished shopping at the store? Scan your thumb. Start our cars? Scan our thumb. Police need to know who we are if they find us tranked in a back alley somewhere? They can scan our thumb. Historical society badgering us for funds to preserve the clock tower? Just thumb them $100 bucks to shut them up. Transient begging us for money? Hit the road! Just be careful, there are thumb bandits out there. They won't steal your wallet, but they might steal your thumb.
Video Glasses
An essential part of any teenagers life. Video glasses make it easier to cut off the rest of the family and pretend they don't exist, than ever before. If you want to watch a few channels of television in privacy or you just want to chat with a friend or two. Check out our beautiful model displaying her video glasses. All the cool kids have one, and you have to believe that, because it's posted on the internet.
Video Waiter Simulacrum
Remember when Max Headroom was all the rage? No? Well, if you blinked in the 80s then you missed it. Despite that, these Max Headroom inspired video waiters are ready to serve you. Ronald Reagan is anxious to take your order. But watch out, Ayatollah Khomeini wants you to have the 'Hostage Special' and he doesn't care who he has to push out of the way to make sure you get exactly what you want, as long as it's what he wants you to have. A Michael Jackson video waiter is also available and he'll be thrilled to take your order too. Want an egg? He'll Beat It any way you want it. Sorry, was that joke Bad? Don't blame me, It was Billie Jean's fault. Can you fault her? It's only Human Nature. (These jokes just get worse and worse).
Video Phone
Another invention not so far off the mark. Scype anyone? However, a video phone is not exactly a standard feature in most homes, certainly not one that gives off personal details of who you are talking to. Seriously, do we really need to know how many kids our phone acquaintance has? Or their job, or address, or food preferences, or vital statistics or body measurements? No wonder Needles is such a jerk.
Weather Service
More reliable than the postal system, the weather service accurately predicts the weather to the tick. But it not only predicts the weather, it makes the weather. Worried about a coming blizzard? Don't be. All of this moisture coming up out of the Gulf is gonna push off to the east and hit Altoona. Do you remember life before the weather service? We also had to worry about sub-zero temperatures in the Winter. Glad that's not a problem any more.
Sometimes I feel lazy. Like finding the perfect picture for my blog post, or finding an awesome song for the Battle of the Bands feature. Or coming up with something unique to say about the vidoes I'm posting. Not today. Today I'm just too lazy.
In other words: Here's two songs. Vote!
Kimmi Smiles & Jake Broido
Bruno Mars
Pasted from my last battle. Don't feel like writing this out today. 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. Additionally, let me know why you feel the way you do. Voting ends on the 8th when I'll cast my own vote and announce the winner in a separate posting.
Additional Questions:
Are you lazy sometimes?
Blah Blah Blah Blah Blah?
Yaddda Yadda Yadda?
Ask me a question today. I'm lazy and can't think of any more.
Did you enjoy this Battle of the Bands feature? Come back on 15th 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.
I've been ranting for (four) years now, but every once in a while I like to see what is irritating other people. This is where Random R.a.n.t.s comes in. Once a year I like to turn to Twitter and see what other people are ranting about. I certainly can't be the only one complaining all the time. Right? In true R.A.N.T. fashion (rage against nothing, typically), some of the rants I discovered from September are small and petty. No worries, that's what a good rant is about. And yet, several people I know have made fun of me for r.a.n.t.s. Well, turn about is fair play. Below are my third annual random rants, along with humorous retorts provided by yours truly. Enjoy the session and look below for information on how you too can join in on the fun once a month.
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S. Cook - Im so rude to cold callers its unbelievable! Not being funny though but if I wanted your product don't you think Id ring you myself! >What if they were selling a book on funny ways to deal with cold callers? I might actually buy that from them.
B. Skrabanek - Why does curry always get such a bad rap? My apartment reeks of it tonight and it's absolutely divine. >Why the bad rep? REEK - [rēk] VERB to smell strongly and unpleasantly.
T. Plumpton - The roadworks are ridiculous at Temple @CornwallCouncil not a single worker in sight! Also the new car park phone system is a pain! >Please, only one rant per customer.
A. Bensing - I wish people would be honest with me, instead of this tip toe through the tulips bull crap >Great, now I have Tiny Tim's song running through my head.
L. Williamson - It feels like every week new 'rare' photos of the #Beatles are released. How many more 'rare' photos are there? >42
J. Gromest - I have come to the conclusion that people from Maryland don't know how to drive. >Oddly I was just thinking the same thing about Wisconsin people.
L. White - don't hate me for this, but I'm so bored of Clara! WE NEED A NEW COMPANION ALREADY (pick me pick me pick me pick me) >Sounds like she'll be gone soon enough. Personally, I'll miss her. I just hope they don't kill her off.
Max - Not happy with the trend in modern dramatic TV series of killing main characters after they fulfill their plot role. >I hate when they do that in comic books. But then again, no super hero has ever truly died, have they? That's just as annoying.
B. Sachan - Here we go again. Food blogger = a person who WRITES a blog dedicated to all things food. Blog =a regularly updated website. WEBSITE. >Feel free to follow my blog. Why only last month I was ranting about rotten fruit.
Sher - Why are there never coupons for fruit??? Grapes are expensive and necessary in my diet. Ugh! >If only there was a food blogger who discussed this topic. I hate how expensive fruit is too, especially when it's rotten when you eat it.
KewlBabe - Getting tired of the @USPS paying for 2 day shipping only for it not to be there in 2 days, not even 3 days, today makes the 4th day. >Where you using The United States Procrastinators System again?
Nerdarchy - I'm tired of "articles" where you have to click, click, click to view next piece of content- it's just a scam to up click rates! >I hate those as well, so I'm not even going to joke about this. But if you really, really want to see my joke on this, click to the next article.
Nicole - Rage cleaning is a thing I do. In fact, I am doing it right now. I need to put on some music and dance like no one is watching. >I hope using your tweet upsets you. My house could use a good cleaning. Stop over any time you want.
Mac - When did "used cars" turned into "pre-owned vehicles"? It's still the same thing. >It's a politically correct phrase. Hey, cars are people too. Right mother?
Anna - Drive thru rules:if ur ordering the whole store GO inside (this way u dont hold up the drive thru line) >And who trained the cashiers to give you the bills first, then place the change on top. Making all your change fall to the ground. Drive Thru - Certainly a First World Problem if I ever saw one.
I. McDermott - I thought @jimmyjohns were the guys with the fast delivery, until they were 18 minutes late with my order and made me late for class. >You think that is bad? I was at their drive through the other day and the guy in front must have been ordering every sub in the place. That was freaky and I waited a freaky long time for my sub.
Ray - Does anyone know a place online where I can #rant in private? Like #real private. >If you want real private try this. Pen, Journal, Bedroom. Can't get any more private than that. Unless you want t go find a cave to write in somewhere.
DiceShamingIsAThing - Ugh that was rough. Lost the wizard. Had to spend cash on his res. Got no prestige. No items. GM screwed us at a couple points. Ugh. >For my joke reply, please roll 2D6 and tell me the results. If you have a +2 jocular sword, let me know.
Patti - Here's an idea: let's pay for groceries @ pharmacy so u can hold up the line waiting for .....oh yeah PRESCRIPTIONS!!!! >Just to get back at everyone, you should pay for your medicine in cosmetics.
TФDD ИФΔLL - Quit apologizing because you haven't posted in a while. No one noticed/cared. >It's been 13 months since my last random rants and no one has noticed or cared? :'(
J. Brown - Signal lights - use them to tell people what you WANT to do, not what you're ABOUT to do. They're useless if you don't. >It's like, "In case you couldn't tell, I'm turning." Yes, we know.
J. V. Relph - After spending hours in a movie theater, I'm left to wonder if they ever shampoo those damn chairs *feeling itchy* >This might be one of my subconscious reasons why I don't go very often, Alex J. Cavanaugh.
K. Barth - I really hate home owner associations. Nit pick over the stupidest stuff. >Isn't nit-pick supposed to be hyphenated?
E. Olmstead - don't tell me you're an animal lover but you still eat meat >Would this be a bad time to mention I always thought PETA stood for People Eating Tasty Animals?
Aharon - Cannot understand why Profs find it surprising that students could fall sick. Should ask them to try the mess food. >Hey, who's writing the jokes around here? Stop stealing mine.
Faith Guy - What does community college have in common with Mars? Well there's no intelligent life there, but people still keep trying to go! >Perhaps they really enjoy the food in the mess hall.
M. Aprison - I know it shouldn't bother me so much but my name is Margaret. It's not Marge or Margie or Mags. It's Margaret. >So I guess Large Marge is inappropriate too? I'll let Pee-Wee know.
A. Carney - It's 75 and sunny out. I don't understand these people at the gym running on treadmills. >No kidding, it's a perfect day for an ice cream on the beach.
Barrister Moses - When a person drinks alcohol, everyone says he's alcoholic but when I drink Fanta no one says I'm fantastic. >Can I hire you next year for the next random rants article?
Craig - NO Voters must feel like right idiots. They're the type that actually give their bank details to the Nigerian Lottery winning Prince >Why is it a bad thing to give my bank details to the Nigerian Lottery board? I've won and soon they are going to forward £2,500,000 into my account. First I have a clearing fee of £1,000 to give them and another transfer fee of £500. But then the money is all mine!!!!
Brewstock - Anyone see @CervezaModeloMX advertising the clear bottles their beer comes in? It helps "show its character" and skunk your beer! >Maybe their campaign character should be Pepé Le Pew.
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Do you like to r.a.n.t. too?
A few people have wondered where my R.a.n.t. series has gone. It really hasn't gone anywhere. It's still here. But having joined a few blog hops and working on my own short story series, my time for writing has been cut drastically. So I had a thought. What about ranting once a month?
When will I be ranting?
I'm hoping to write the second Monday of each month. This way I only need to write one r.a.n.t. a month.
Can I join in on the fun?
YES! I'm interested in reading what other people are r.a.n.t.ing about.
How do I join you?
Grab the banner below and let me know you are interested.
What should I r.a.n.t. about?
What you want to complain about. Preferably, something that's been bugging you lately.
Examples: Your writing - the supermarket - annoying people. The sky is the limit.
If you need additional suggestions, re-read the random rants above.
*Please note. This article is not my typical format. I only do random rants once a year.
This is the banner I've created. Thoughts? Anyone interested in joining?
See you all next month for my next r.a.n.t. article.
November 9th
This weeks battle featured the Indigo Girls and Edwin McCain singing the Dire Straits song, 'Romeo & Juliet'. A few had never heard the song, a few hated the song, and some loved the song. Despite all that, everyone listened in and cast a vote. So who performed the song best?
In our first round, Edwin McCain took an impressive early lead. Collecting five of the six votes cast.
Edwin McCain - Alex, Kate, Arlee, Robin and Stephanie
Indigo Girls - Yolanda
But Edwin lost the second round. Was he losing his support? He only received 1/3 of the vote.
Edwin McCain - Shady and Cathy
Indigo Girls - Cherdo, Michelle, Dixie & Janie
The answer, no. He was not losing support. The third round went back to him, taking nearly all the votes from Indigo Girls.
Edwin McCain - Debbie, Dolorah, Hillary, Chrys and John
Indigo Girls - Mike
With a hefty lead, McCain fans took a back seat for the fourth and final round. Indigo Girls won this round, but were they able to get enough votes to win?
Edwin McCain - Birgit
Indigo Girls - FAE, Stephen, Guillie and Jeffrey Scott
Final Score - Edwin McCain 13, Indigo Girls 10
The battle was much closer than it seemed like it was going to be. Once Edwin took the lead, he refused to let it go.
Top Comments
CowgirlKate – This one was harder for me than I expected... The original of this song would probably rank up there in my top ten favorite songs... As it stands... I love Edwin McCain's voice, guitar playing and phrasing. But I feel like the phrasing and melody of this song got a little lost on his version. With the Indigo Girls, I felt they started out well. Recognizable melody for the song.... But the singer's voice just seemed rough and a little scream-y as the song progressed. It felt she was trying to turn this love lost, broken hearted ballad into some driving rock song and it just didn't work for me... Since I'm not a huge fan of either version, my choice is based on what I consider ease of listening, in this battle... So Edwin McCain has it for me. I wouldn't switch him off if it came in the radio, but the Indigo Girls, I probably would....
Robin - The Indigo Girls has its appeal. It's that pissed off that it's over feeling that I think we all have experienced at least once. Whereas Edwin McCain is the sad that it's over that we've also experienced. It just kind of depends on where you are.
Cherdo - I gotta go with Indigo Girls on this one. Just had a homey, acoustic vibe that tickled my fancy.
Dixie@dcrelief - Hey Jeffrey! Well, you caught me in an Indigo Girls mood today - yep - all peppered up and nowhere to go. But Edwin sounded so, "we're over this, " I wanted to cry... and you know what I think about crying, right? No? Big girls don't cry (right.) Ha!
Debbie D. - Edwin McCain all the way! Beautiful, heartfelt, melodic. I found the Indigo Girls' version jarring.
John Holton - I'm going to go with Edwin McCain. The Indigo Girls do some beautiful stuff, but this wasn't an example of it.
Stephen T. McCarthy - I know a lot of people really love 'ROMEO AND JULIET' by Dire Straits, but as many times as I've heard it, I've never been able to find the "song" in this song. I mean, could anyone hum or whistle this tune? What IS the tune? I can't find it. To me, this is just some words that meander around. It's like opening Jack Kerouac's book 'On The Road' and randomly singing the words without any thought toward melody, chorus, musical hook, nuttin'... I don't get it. I really DO NOT "get" this song. There must be a tune in this song, somewhere, since so many folks love it, but... it eludes me.
Winners Circle
Congratulations to Edwin McCain
Here's a video featuring one of his more well known songs, "I'll Be".
Thanks to everyone who stopped by and placed a vote.
Come back again for a new battle October 15th.
Who will you vote for?
What song will I choose?
Which artists will battle it out?
Stay tuned.
Don't forget to visit the other participants in the Battle of the Band to see who won their battles.
It may or may not be news to many, I'm slowly working to complete a project I started nearly 30 years ago...
Has it been that long? Yikes!
You see I have always wanted to be a writer. And I've always enjoyed writing. I started a personal journal in 1984 and continued writing in it till 1992. Why did I stop? Good question. I'll address that in a bit.
Thirty years ago (while in school) I wrote a fun piece of fiction for a friend of mine about the two of us driving around the city, goofing off. We repeatedly and humorously continued to get injured and sent to the hospital. I broke the 'fourth wall' frequently and myself as the Author was a character in the story. It was such a success with my friend we showed other friends who enjoyed it also. From there, I went on to write six more sequels, with a seventh planned. For a time, I literally had several friends waiting to have their turn to read the latest episode. In the ensuing years, interest waned. No, not because people were losing interest in the story, but because life was getting a hold of me. I got married and my wife was not keen on my writing and was not encouraging. ("Why are you writing? There are things to do around the house.") Quite the reverse, to be honest. Needless to say, I pretty much stopped writing. Remember my journal I mentioned before? That too fell by the wayside.
Oddly, as we were on our way to splitsville, my interest in writing took a hold once again. Around 2002 I acquired my first real computer. (I was using an Apple IIe till then, with no printer. PS - I still have it set up in my basement bar. Pictures can be found HERE). One of the first things I got involved in was posting to forums and joining such awesome social sites as Myspace. Remember Myspace?
But then the real writing came back to the forefront when I began to blog. Discovering blogger was a blessing as far as I'm concerned. It's been a way for me to spend my time creatively and productively. I've written many a poem via my blog and have appreciated any who were entertained by my rants. I even utilized my blogs to continue my short story writing. One of my favourite projects (though I admit still very sloppy) was a Fan-Fiction I wrote involving the TV series, Doctor Who, Quantum Leap and Sliders. I also incorporated Fan-Fiction from the comic book world, namely the Legion of Super Heroes. To make it even more confusing, (LOL), I decided to include (a non-canon) tale using my short story series from almost 30 years ago. The story can be found HERE.
So this is where my insecurity for the month comes in. After I wrote that story, I started to develop a longing to return to the series. But in it's previous form, it was no where near ready for public display, let alone, submission. So I've slowly been working on redoing the series. Removed the Author as a character and have made it less ridiculous. (One of these days I should scan a copy of what the original draft looked like). My writing has improved significantly too, so I knew it was time to do a final final draft. In fact, a few have noticed I've started to upload the polished off episodes to my blog HERE. It's something I've been longing to do for a long time as you are now well aware. But what about my blogging? I love my blogging friends and colleagues I've become acquainted with. But there is so little time. I want to get back to my YA short story series, but keep finding it hard to get back to. Am I doing this wrong? Should I finally take some ME time, buckle down and get to my series once again? I've loved my blogging because I look at it as a continual writing practice. Yet, m I spending too much time on my blogging? How do I find the time? Am I just insane?
Sorry for such a long blog posting this time. I promise not to run on so much next time. As this is only my second contribution to the IWSG, I felt it would probably be a good idea to inform everyone exactly why I write and the base reasoning why I too am an Insecure Writer who needs a Support Group.
Questions:
What was your first computer?
What was your first social media site?
What is the first thing you remember writing, and being proud of?
How long have you been blogging?
Am I rude to my family and friends if I finally decide to take time off for me to work only on my writing?
My IWSG postings will be done the first Wednesday of every month. My fellow writers will be doing like-wise. Are you an insecure writer? Why not join the group? You can find out more information via the website found HERE.
The site is founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh - Thanks for all the support!
It's been said one of the greatest love stories of all time is Romeo and Juliet. One the surface, it may be so. Juliet and Romeo are on opposite sides of feuding families. Despite this, they fall in love. Does love conqueror all? Not exactly. SPOILER ALERT! When Romeo believes Juliet is dead, he takes his own life, not wanting to live without her. Juliet in turn, who is not dead, discovers Romeo is dead, and then takes her own life. So it's a true love story, but not exactly a happy, feel good story of all time.
The film West Side Story was loosely based on the same idea. Two lovers associated with two rival gangs, fall in love regardless. SPOILER ALERT: This film doesn't end well for the lovers either.
In this edition of Battle of the Bands, we take a look at the song 'Romeo & Juliet', a song performed by Dire Straits. Unlike Taylor Swifts, 'Love Story', which has a fairly satisfying ending (so sue me, I'm a romantic), Dire Straits song, like the films above, has no happy love story ending.
Who do you feel performs this song the best? The two contenders are shown below. Edwin McCain and the Indigo Girls (Thanks Kate for the song suggestion.)
Edwin McCain
Indigo Girls
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. Additionally, let me know why you feel the way you do. Voting ends on the 15th when I'll cast my own vote and announce the winner in a separate posting.
Additional Questions:
Do you believe it's better to have loved and lost?
Or do you believe it's better to have never loved at all?
What is your favourite love song?
Do you believe love stories typically end more like the Dire Straits song or the Taylor Swift song?
Did you enjoy this Battle of the Bands feature? Come back on 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.
