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.
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.
Not a fan of country, but I didn't like the singer in the second song. First version gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteOne vote for McCain
DeleteThis 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.
ReplyDeleteWith 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....
Now... in answer to the other questions posed.... I would choose to love and lose than to never have love. Our past memories and experiences help shape our present selves. I'd hate to live not knowing love.
My favorite love song, hands down, is Halo, by the Cure.
I believe that love stories in songs, especially the emotions they purport to share, are sensationalize, extreme. I can't say with any qualified certainty how most love stories resolve. But for myself.... Years of failed attempts could have drug me down, and did, on occasion... But I've found my love and have no plans to let it die. Not do I have delusions that it's all happily ever after fairy tales. It's hard work and learning to live with and love another person's imperfections, as well as your own. But that's just me.
There was a reasons I didn't include Dire Straits in the battle. I think it would have been a sweep, or fairly close to one.
DeleteI don't like songs that scream at me either, but I didn't feel that way towards this song. It seemed more angst ridden than anything, which considering the song, seems to fit.
Glad you found your love. He sounds like a great guy. I need to meet him sometime. LOL
As for not knowing love, I'm starting to think I don't have any idea what it really is.
Not sure why my comment posted three times... What a pain
ReplyDeleteNot sure why it's doing that either. I deleted the extra comments for you.
DeleteActually I deleted for my benefit. OCD.
I'm not very impressed with this song--definitely not one of Dire Straits' best in my opinion--and I don't think either of these versions elevate it's standing to my ears.
ReplyDeleteI'm a fan of love songs, love stories, and love itself. Someone who has never loved is difficult for me to imagine. What a sad empty life in my thinking. Love is life's greatest inspiration. I'm glad I've loved even though I've "lost" a few times.
In your Battle I'll immediately dismiss The Indigo Girls since I don't much like their overly dramatized style. They kind of bore me.
Edwin McCain doesn't excite me either, but his version is easier for me to listen to. By default my vote goes to McCain.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Not one of my favourite Dire Straits songs either, but I have always liked it. Maybe because to me, it seems this is what love really is all about. Something that ultimately escapes you. But then again, I've been jaded for a long time now.
DeleteMaybe there is something I'm missing, but I don't dislike the Indigo Girls. I rather like their rendition. Not saying that is going to be my final vote, but I certainly don't hate it.
Indigo Girls gets my vote!
ReplyDeleteI find it funny that when love dies in mid bloom it considered the ultimate love story. But if you think about it - they haven't had time to find those things most irritating about the other. Once the chase is over it takes what - 72 days, 6 months, 1 year??? I've loved and lost and truthfully, love is a joke - it doesn't exist except in fantasy! How's that for a dark Halloween interpretation.
Very, very true. For example, if Romeo and Juliet hadn't ended so tragically, perhaps they would have discovered each others suicidal tendencies. Seriously though, I agree with you on that point. I also agree love wanes over time. But that's when you see how deep the love goes. Can we overlook faults and irritants of others? Sure, it takes a bit of working at it. But who am I to say anything? The only real relationship I've ever had was a tragedy in it's own right, and I did everything I possibly could to overlook faults. So yea, it's hard for me to disagree with your analogy that love = joke.
DeleteNot to criticize by any means... I posted a battle with this song a while ago... so it'll be new to many people. I wanted an Edwin McCain vs Indigo Girls match-up, but I couldn't find a good version of Edwin McCain on YouTube. So, it was Dire Straits vs. Indigo Girls... and Dire Straits just killed them.
ReplyDeleteAs for me, I like all versions of this song for different reasons. 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.
I had the Indigo Girls version of this first, as I bought the CD its on... the name escapes me right now (of the CD, that is). I first heard the Edwin McCain version back in 2006 maybe. I really loved it, too. This version is similar (but not the same) as the one I know best.
Honestly, I'm torn. I guess I'm living more in the Edwin McCain place of lost love right now than The Indigo Girls. So, chalk one for Edwin McCain.
The problem with BOTB is sometimes a song get covered that's already been done. Kind of wish there were a master list of all songs already having been covered and by who. But for now it still works and with each presenter having a different audience, (to some degree), even the exact same paring can have a different result.
DeleteLike you, I'm still torn over which song I like best. I love your reasons why you do like each song though, so true.
I like Edwin McCain's version better. I didn't even know this was a song. All I could think of was that song "Fire" that has the line, "Romeo and Juliet, Samson and Delilah..."
ReplyDeleteSo I take it not a big Dire Straits fan?
DeleteNow that you mention it, I was thinking of that song as I was writing this article.
How odd is that.
Hi, Jeffrey! I wish I would have heeded your SPOILER ALERTS. Always curious (and foolish), I read on, and learned the fate of Romeo and Juliet and the lovers in West Side Story. Please don't reveal who is buried in Grant's tomb. I plan to look it up on Wiki this weekend.
ReplyDeleteTurning to your band battle, I was all set to vote for the Indigo Girls because I am going through a female vocals phase. However, I wasn't very fond of the pouty style used by Amy and Emily on this one. Perhaps another female artist would have done a better job with the song... someone like... let me pick a name at random.... like Diana Krall, yeah, that's the ticket, Diana Krall.
The roots rock style of Edwin McCain is more closely related to artists like Dire Straits, Seger and Mellencamp and I believe it is better suited to the material. I enjoyed Edwin's version and he gets my vote.
Thanks, good buddy Jeffrey!
There is a reason I put SPOILER ALERT in all caps. Sorry to spoil the fun of the story for you. I know how upset I was when someone told me Darth Vader was Luke's father. Wait, you did know that already right? D'oh! I probably just spoiled that for you to.
DeleteThanks again for the vote.
Damn, Jeffrey! What's next? You gonna tell me that Clark Kent was Superman?
DeleteClark Kent is Superman? That's, errr, a good one. He's such a wimp, there is no way he could be Superman. I think you are mistaken.
DeleteJeffrey, this one was quite easy for me after listening to both for a few seconds. My vote goes to Edwin McCain. His vocals are better in my opinion. Have a bandtastic day!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. So many people saying they don't like the Indigo Girls. I may have to cast a sympathy vote for them.
DeleteFIRST, your questions:
ReplyDeleteDo you believe it's better to have loved and lost? Well, I'm not sure it is better for your heart but it will straighten your head out from that point forward, amen.
Or do you believe it's better to have never loved at all? No. Never.
What is your favourite love song? It changes; right now it is Falling Slowly.
Do you believe love stories typically end more like the Dire Straits song or the Taylor Swift song? Dire Straits seems more normal. Actually, maybe Tom Petty's Last Dance (it is the month of Halloween remember).
I gotta go with Indigo Girls on this one. Just had a homey, acoustic vibe that tickled my fancy.
It's nice to know that I'm not the only one (potentially) who'll vote for Indigo Girls. I still haven't really made up my mind. Even though I love Taylor Swifts songs, (so I'm a fan, sue me), I agree the majority of love stories end like Dire Straits. As for Last Dance with Mary Jane - Can Arlee's La Cucarachas join in?
DeleteI definitely like the Indigo Girls version better. The song is a story and I can hear (understand) the lyrics much better in their version over Edwin McCain's, making the song stronger, in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteAnd I definitely think it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all. What a tragedy that would be, to never love.
Michele at Angels Bark
I agree. I feel the lyrics more in the Indigo Girls.
DeleteUnfortunately, there are people who never learn what true love is. Very sad.
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!
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I have a single favorite love song; I enjoy so many.
>>...Do you believe it's better to have loved and lost than to never have love at all?
Yes, I do, Jeffrey! Love is very important - it is life.
Interesting pair up - log me for the Indigo Girls.
Dixie
So true. Without love, why do we do anything we do?
DeleteOne more vote for Indigo Girls. :)
I vote for the Indigo Girls--rough and raw, just the way I like it. Edwin McCain is too twangy for this song. I don't think I've loved and lost. Just lost. I love Willy Dunne Wooters in my own way. He makes me laugh. I think the "love" between Romeo and Juliet is teenage infatuation. My favorite song is Yesterday. I don't know if it counts as a love song.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
"I don't think I've loved and lost. Just lost." Wow, I think that explains my life perfectly. You must have been reading my private journal I shall find a new hiding spot for it forthwith. ;)
DeleteLove your reasoning on the song differences too. I think you got it.
Edwin McCain all the way! Beautiful, heartfelt, melodic. I found the Indigo Girls' version jarring.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's better to have loved and lost, but better still is to have loved and won! ☺ We've been married for 42 years and still going strong. I'd say that's probably rare in the 21st century. Favourite love song is also my favourite song overall: "Nights in White Satin" by the Moody Blues (the extended version with the poem at the end.)
That's awesome on 42 years. 42, ironically enough, is my favourite number.
DeleteOh, good song choice.
First your questions:
ReplyDeleteYes, it is better to have loved and lost. Sometimes memories are all we have to sustain us in old age. Experience makes us empathetic. I know, some lovers are bitter when they lose someone, but mostly I think people accept their differences and move along without too much regret - if there were enough good times. That said, I'm more of the Dire Straits romantic; social worker here, but I've had my share of lost relationships. Its hard to remain "through thick and thin" for eternity. I'm not sure (with exceptions, of course) that humans were meant to mate for life. STAND BY YOUR MAN is not a song I believe in. I enjoy romantic songs sometimes, but can't think of many right now. Hmm, Garth Brooks' THE DANCE ranks pretty high, and is appropriate for the loved and lost theme. Would SEVEN SPANISH ANGELS qualify as a love song?
Ok, the song. Even without mentioning its a Dire Straits original, you can't miss that vibe. They had a unique sound. Edwin captures it well, for an almost. Indigo Girls has a gritty sound that I like, especially for this song, but I think I'll give my vote to Edwin's bit of angst in his voice. I was happy to hear that prominent guitar in both versions.
Fond memories are great, but what if there are not fond memories? Just memories of fights and detachments? It's rough to deal with. I may not sound like it, but I do believe it's better to have loved and lost. Of course, I've also started giving up expecting any sort of happiness from a relationship. That's what's really scares me.
DeleteI must be the only person who actually likes both versions of the song.
Hi Jeffrey - I'd go with Edwin McCain and his version ... to me it had some magic element - lovely ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteWhatever that magic element is, it's seemed to charm most people in the comments today.
DeleteI listened to Edwin McCain's version all the way through. His version was calming and lovely. I really enjoyed it. As for the version by Indigo Girls...I listened to it for about 45 seconds and stopped. So obviously my vote goes to Edwin McCain!
ReplyDeleteAnything in particular about the second song you didn't like? Must really not have liked it. Glad you liked the Edwin version though. :)
DeleteI'm going to go with Edwin McCain. The Indigo Girls do some beautiful stuff, but this wasn't an example of it.
ReplyDeleteI will have to see if I can find more music from them as this was my first sampling.
DeleteThanks for stopping by.
Dire Straits! I know I can't vote for that one. I will vote for the Indigo Girls, kind of brought a Dylanistic folk vibe to it.
ReplyDeleteOkay, one vote for Dire Straits, wait... Doh! You almost got me. Okay, Indigo Girls it is. Thanks for the vote.
DeleteOK so this song is not one of my favourites and when I listened to the first one, it seemed to go on and on...and on. Then I listened to the 2nd one and I had a hard time to finish listening but I did. I disliked her voice-ick so Edwin gets my vote-he was more melodic
ReplyDeleteI did think Edwin was a bit too long and almost didn't use his version. He would probably be glad I did because it looks like he's getting the majority of the votes thus far.
DeleteNot really a fan of 'angry girl bands', but I did like the Indigo Girls version better than Edwin. So give them my vote.
ReplyDeleteYes, Yes, YES much better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. Love is what it's all about and how sad to never have loved, no matter how much hurt there might be when it's lost.
Favorite love song. I would have to think on this for a long time. There are so many good ones. This really isn't one of them for me, though.
Sometimes it's hard to pick just one song. This weekend I had a friend who was asking people to name their five favourite songs of all time. They never got around to me but I was hard pressed to come up with my own list. I'd probably have to choose just one song from every decade, because I love so much music.
DeleteI 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'...
ReplyDeleteI 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.
Regardless, of these two recordings, I'll vote for the Indigo Girls, just because it seems to be the livelier version of Kerouac's 'On The Road'.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
Well, we don't all like the same thing. To be sure, this isn't one of my favourite Dire Straits songs, but I do like it to some degree. But I understand what you are saying. There are other songs that are great hits that I am not fond of.
DeleteI'm all for living intensely: "joyously, drunkenly, serenely, divinely" (Henry Miller's my hero, unsurprisingly). To love means to invest yourself—your emotions, your "soul" (if you believe in that kind of stuff)—and, by definition, that carries the risk of losing. As a matter of fact, it's not just a risk but a certainty: whether by choice or by life coming to its natural end, we will all lose the people we love. It's unavoidable. But choosing not to love for the fear of losing is like preferring to live in an underground bunker because you're afraid of losing daylight when night comes.
ReplyDeleteMy two plugged pennies.
As for the battle, Indigo Girls all the way. Edwin did a good job, but this song does things to my heart that I can't explain (okay, I could, but it would take a good chunk of space), and the Dire Straits / Indigo Girls versions are intertwined in that heart stuff. Indelibly.
Great battle, Jeffrey.
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter
True enough, no matter mate, we will always lose the ones we love. Either by death or other means. Wow, serious topic today. But I'm not one to hide in the bunker. Let life throw what it may at me. I shall endure.
DeleteAlso, thanks for the vote. :)