I felt it would be unfair to place Bowie next to any other band. Oh, I'm sure I can find another artists that might tickle the fancy of a few music connoisseurs, but probably not enough to fell as though I've put together another blow out battle.
When I think of a battle, I want to see two evenly matched contenders. The first contender I found was Eurythmics and I though, 'Oh no, if I find a lesser known artist who also performs this song, I'm going to be back where I started'. Fortunately, I discovered Duran Duran also covered this song. Boom! Done. Two well known artists covering the same song.
For one of the first times, I'm literally going into this without bias. I like both artists and I have literally no idea who I'm going to vote for in this round of.....
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
The two musical contenders for this Battle of the Bands are found below.
Please listen to both and let me know which you like best.
Eurythmics
Duran Duran
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 to vote on your favourite. Please list your preferred song choice in the comments. Additionally, let me know why you feel the way you do. Voting ends on the 22nd when I'll cast my own vote and announce the winner in a separate posting.
Additional Questions:
To what level of fame would you like to achieve?
Are you a David Bowie fan?
Do you prefer a close BOTB feature when it's hard to decide who you want to vote for?
Or do you like a battle when you know before going into it, who you are going to vote for?
Did you enjoy this Battle of the Bands feature? Come back on 1st January 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
JANIE JUNEBUG RIGHTING AND EDITING
YOUR DAILY DOSE
BOOK LOVER
MIKE'S RAMBLINGS
CURIOUS AS A CATHY
DCRELIEF - BATTLE OF THE BANDS
THE DOGLADY'S DEN
CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE
ANGELS BARK
NOVEL BREWS
QUIET LAUGHTER
HOLLI'S HOOTS AND HOLLERS
THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING
JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE
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.
I didn't care much for Bowie during his Ziggy Stardust period (my high school years), but as I've gotten older I can appreciate him more. Anyway...
ReplyDeleteAfter a while, Annie Lennox got on my nerves, and I didn't like the way the background singer (probably also Annie) pronounced "fame" as "foime." Duran Duran did a pretty good job of this, and they get my vote.
You are not the only person I've heard that Lennox gets on your nerves.
DeleteGot the vote for Duran Duran.
This is one of my least favorite Bowie songs. I'm an Annie Lennox fan but I thought the Eurhythmics version of this song was a bit of a bore.
ReplyDeleteDuran Duran stayed pretty true to the original except I think they made it better--more exciting.
My vote goes to Duran Duran.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
So I wonder if I had used the Bowie version instead of Lennox, would you still have picked Duran Duran? I wonder.
DeleteI would have picked Duran Duran over Bowie, but up against the Eurhythmics I'd gone with Bowie.
DeleteArlee Bird
Tossing It Out
It's always interesting how the votes could turn out completely different if another song were to be used.
DeleteHi, Jeffrey!
ReplyDeleteThis is a toughie because I very much enjoyed both versions presented. More often than not in these contests I appreciate an artist, group or band that closely imitates the sound of original. In this case, Duran Duran remained more faithful to Bowie's vocal style and arrangement. However, I was more impressed by the refreshingly different arrangement on the Eurythmics recording. Annie's seductive vocals blend with an instrumental track that percolates. I loved it. Annie gets her gun and Annie gets my vote!
To answer your extra credit questions, I do not seek fame. I would prefer to remain anonymous. I like Bowie but I have never been a huge fan. I prefer evenly matched battles that make it hard to decide because they enable us to learn about our own tastes and hidden biases as well as those of others.
Thanks, good buddy!
I had a sneaking suspicion you'd be throwing in with Lennox. I love your reply to the bonus questions, "they enable us to learn about our own tastes and hidden biases as well as those of others". Very astute.
DeleteOh wow this battle is awesome! It's hard to choose from. I really like the Eurythmics and Duran Duran. I think I do like the Duran Duran a hair better. As John mentioned above, the background fame chorus does get a little annoying. Have a great day!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Holli. Got your vote.
DeleteI think these close battles are exciting.
Duran Duran stayed close to the original, but I thought Annie's was fresher - she gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteI've heard people base their votes on how close the song is to the original, but I've also heard how people base their vote depending on how 'original' the artist can make it. Always interesting to see which reasoning wins out.
DeleteI'd like to place my vote for Bowie.....
ReplyDeleteBut since that isn't an option... Lol
I found I disliked the Eurythmics version quite a bit. I can't put my finger on why precisely, but it just wasn't enjoyable for me. I did enjoy the Duran Duran version tho, so it's getting my vote today.
I do not desire fame. While it's nice to have a bit of limelight once in awhile. I'm a person who enjoys a query life and I don't think fame of any significance would allow for that.
As to whether I like Bowie... I think that would be an obvious yes. ;)
And I do enjoy the tight battles much more than the landslides
Your reasoning is sound. Sorry about not making the Bowie version a candidate. I think at the end of the day, we all enjoy a kiss of the limelight. But being able to step away from it at a moments notice is a very good thing.
DeleteAnd can I just add... David Bowie with a sonic screwdriver???? Yes please!
ReplyDeleteI thought that would get your attention.
DeleteDuran Duran did it for me. I love Eurythmics, but in this one I really enjoyed the classic DD sound. And yes, I'm a big fan of Bowie—so maybe that has something to do with my preference.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy battles that make me delve into the whys and wherefores of my choices. Usually it's the close ones that do that, but not necessarily. And re fame, I think recognition is more important (at least to me)... I'd rather be recognized by a few people whose opinion I value than by a larger group who might like me or what I do for all sorts of different reasons.
I'll be back to check the results next week, but just in case I forget then... Merry Christmas, Jeffrey!
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter
Thanks once again for stopping by Guilie.
DeleteI'm starting to think this is not going to be as close as I thought it might be.
Yes, I like David Bowie. I thought I would vote for The Eurythmics, but the scary voice at the very beginning was icky. I've never been a Duran Duran fan, but they get my vote this time. To what level of fame would I like to achieve? I've already had more than my 15 minutes on a local level as a newspaper reporter on the East coast. I'm fine with living quietly now. I can't answer the questions about the contenders. Sometimes I think I know who I'll vote for, but then I change my mind.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
The scary voice. LOL Yes, there is that drawback, isn't there?
DeleteNewspaper reporter, really? How cool.
Can I vote for Bowie? lol
ReplyDeleteI know.. let me listen. Uhm, yeah the beginning of the Eurythmics version creepy me out and it didn't get much better from there. I suppose that's on par. They're not one of my favorite bands. Also, not a huge fan of Duran Duran, but they did OK with this! So there's my vote!
I'd like to achieve enough fame to pay the bills and then some, but not be recognized in the street, haha
I prefer a close battle! Whether I don't like either of the songs or like em both.. and have to listen to them many times to decide.
It's a rare occasion when I have to listen to two songs two or more time. But when I do, it's generally because I like both songs very much.
DeleteSo, I don't have a lot of fans of the 'creepy' voice.
Well, Jeffrey - another exciting moment for me. Both versions were nice, but I'm the diehard Annie Lennox/Eurythmics fan! Supporting the E's is for me's please.
ReplyDeleteGlad to appease a Lennox/Eurythmics fan.
DeleteOkay, gotta go with Duran Duran because Simon LeBon was one of my first celeb crushes and so I spent hours and hours listening to their music as a teen. I'd never heard this song from them before...had no idea they even remade it. But it felt very familiar to me! Like putting on a favorite pair of socks!
ReplyDeleteNo kidding! I had no idea they redid this song either. And yes, the song does feel very familiar, even with them singing it instead of Bowie.
DeleteI thought, going in I would prefer the Eurythmics but I actually didn't care for her rendition or the styling they gave it. I found Duran Duran was better and gave it the sex it needed. It is a sensual song so the singing from duran Duan is excellent actually. This just shows that you never know what you will truly like unless you give it a chance. I do like David Bowie and I just truly enjoy the BOTB whether the battle was close or not because I always am learning something.
ReplyDeleteSo true, the BOTB where I'm introduced to new music are some of my favourites.
DeleteHi Jeffrey - I really enjoy Bowie now - didn't in the early days. I'd go with Duran Duran - it was easier to listen to.
ReplyDeleteRe fame - not really ... but I'd like to be recognised one day for doing good, helping others etc. It's interesting to watch how fame affects people - there's a very good docu-film on Amy Winehouse ... prophetically described - poor girl: just badly guided, and unable to cope and fell for the destructive person. Sad to see ... but then others realise they need to give back. JK Rowling describes how at first fame affected her - she didn't know 'anything' - how to do her hair etc etc ...
Thanks - good choices ... usually I like Annie Lennox ... cheers Hilary
Thanks for the comments and thoughts. Got you down for Duran Duran.
DeleteYes, sad about Amy Winehouse - so tragic.
As for fame. I don't feel I need to be famous now. But being famous after I die, that would be cool, even if I were not around to appreciate it.
You chose three artists that I love - I'm totally pegged myself now as a late Boomer. Basically, I like the vast majority of the songs put out by every contender (and of course, the original!). Well played, sir.
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, I've never seen Duran Duran do this one and they totally stole my vote!
Merry Christmas, Jeffrey, and happy holidays! God bless.
Is it dating myself if I say I love almost all 80's artists and fond of quite many 70's artists?
DeleteA few others have stated they've never heard the Duran Duran version. I'm in the same boat.
Fame is a great song. and I love David Bowie's version best but both your contenders did a good job with it. My vote goes to Duran Duran. I like all three of these artists/bands.
ReplyDeleteAs for what level of fame I'd want to achieve: I'm more of an in-the-background type of person. I'm a behind the scenes gal and I don't like the spotlight. That's one thing that held me back from doing my very best, I think...
Good battle.
Hope you're enjoying the holiday season! Merry Christmas Jeffrey!
Michele at Angels Bark
Michele at Angels Bark
I agree, I love to be in the background. I'm not a forrunner. I'd rather let someone else run the show. I'll just bask in their shadow. ;)
Deleteyep, right there with ya Jeffrey!
Deleteyep, right there with ya Jeffrey!
DeleteOK, I'm gonna answer your questions first:
ReplyDeleteFAME - although at one time I wanted to be an actress, and since I spent some time on the stage (in NY no less), I guess I was. Today I live more like a recluse and much prefer that.
BOWIE - I like some of his stuff and some, not so much. I guess I don't really qualify as a fan.
BOTB - It's my opinion that the closer the BATTLE the better. I like it when it's hard to decide, but I also like it when the choices are very dissimilar. You have definitely achieved that here - two diverse versions of the same song.
Having said all that, give my vote to Duran Duran. Their cover was closer to the original, so I guess I liked that better. Annie's choice was a bit over the top for me.
Unfortunately for me, I don't think this is going to be a very close battle.
DeleteThere was a time when I thought I'd love to be famous. Let me just say this: I thank God for unanswered prayers. There is no way I want to be famous. Not paparazzi stalking famous. No way.
ReplyDeleteIn the 80s I loved Duran Duran. More specifically, I was over the moon for John Taylor (the bass player). BUT, I figure he was very likely gay (now) and even if was straight... there was no way he'd even be excited that a teenager thought he was *hot*... such is life. But, that crush caused me to spend much time listening to Duran Duran (and liking it).
Now... I also liked Annie Lennox. (Just a quick note: What they hell did she do to herself in this picture??? Did she go crazy with spray tan? A bad day at the salon? What????) Unfortunately, the music is very much like the picture. Way out there. Overcooked maybe.
So, a vote for Duran Duran.
As for battles. I like them close (mine). As a voter, I try very hard not to go in with preconceived ideas. Quite often, I get a shock.
I generally don't read comments until after I've voted. I'm so worried they will sway me one way or another. And they usually do.
DeleteTo me Duran Duran hasn't aged which is cool. The contemporary sound of Eurythmics isn't bad but Duran Duran still win. Merry Trekmas!.
ReplyDeleteTrekmas. LOL
DeleteAgree about Duran Duran, They seem very young yet, at least in sound.
Jeffrey, I didn't care of the Eurythmics cover, so kindly give my vote to Duran Duran.
ReplyDeleteVote for Duran Duran, Done & Done.
DeleteJEFFREY ~
ReplyDeleteI am decidedly NOT an "80s" music fan, so I vote for... Bob Dylseger.
Uhm... alright. I vote for NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARY HARTMAN, MARY HARTMAN - DURAN DURAN. Why? Because Annie Lennox is sporting a 3rd-Degree Burn all over her face and seems to be proud of it.
But I will say this for Annie's pronunciation: It was the first time I realized the line was "Got to get a rain check on..." The ONLY version I'd ever heard before was the David Bowie original, and all these decades I've thought the line was, "Got to get a rectagon", which I just assumed was a euphemism for an "erection", and one that might be "misused"... if you catch my meaning (aka "Bowieism").
To what level of fame would you like to achieve?
One million dollars would be enough. Any more and people would begin to "recogonize" me.
Are you a David Bowie fan?
Uhh... "Rectagon". NO! (I like about 3 of his songs, beginning with "Young Americans".)
Do you prefer a close BOTB feature when it's hard to decide who you want to vote for?
Yes. This one was semi-close. Hated one, disliked the other.
Or do you like a battle when you know before going into it, who you are going to vote for?
Yes, if it's Tiny Tim versus Whitney Houston. (Easy vote for Tiny!)
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
It's like they say, you either love the 80's or you don't.
DeleteWow! Lennox is being taken to school this round. And I thought it would be close. I wonder if I had gone with my other song how this would have turned out.
In general, Duran Duran usually does a much better job of doing cover songs (check out their c.d. called "Thank You", features a killer version of the song White Lines).
ReplyDeleteAmazon
Shall I consider this a vote for Duran Duran?
DeleteThanks for stopping by.
Oooh. Both versions are great, so this is super-hard. I loved the dancy arrangement of The Eurythmics' effort, but ultimately prefer the overall sound of Duran Duran's. So Duran Duran for me!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by and voting. Seems like Duran Duran is the go to band this battle. I promise a harder battle next time. ;)
DeleteThree awesome musicians, all with their unique styles. For this song, I prefer Bowie. Since he's not in the battle, I'll go with Duran Duran. Eurythmics do a good version, but its all the dips and warble that appeals to me in this song, and the Eurythmics left out that style. Sometimes there's just not adapting the original.
ReplyDeleteAs for your questions:
To what level of fame would you like to achieve? Absolute, all out, can't go anywhere without the poparotzi! Look out world, here I come. I'm and extremist, fame or obscurity, lol.
Are you a David Bowie fan? Totally.
Do you prefer a close BOTB feature when it's hard to decide who you want to vote for? Yep, I like the BATTLE. I like to be surprised and entertained, and I also like being exposed to something new. I raised 5 kids, and the best part was all the diversity.
Or do you like a battle when you know before going into it, who you are going to vote for? See above comment :)
Have good one Jeff.
It's fascinating how many people like both of the contenders, but the Eurythmics keep falling short of the mark.
DeleteFive kids. I raised two. That was enough surprises for me.
Both had different twists. In the end Duran Duran gets my vote they were closer to David Bowie but still very much Duran Duran.
ReplyDeleteSome answers for your questions yes I like David Bowie. Fame would be nice but in moderation. I would still like to blend in when I go places. I like it when battles are close, but more mportant is the song or artists.
It's too bad you can't be famous without being recognized. Well, maybe there is. Some voice actors are very well known, but I wonder how often they are stopped on the street.
DeleteI wonder how many people stop Dan Castellaneta on the street.
This one was hard for me as I didn't like the song to begin with and found it even harder to pick a band I like over the other. But the Eurythmics gets my vote, although I'm more familiar Duran Duran I didn't like their version at all.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't mind being famous, as long as I could do it anonymously! :)
Unfortunately, I can't pick a song that everyone likes. But, it is interesting to see what people like and what they don't like.
DeleteThanks for stopping by to vote.