Without getting too much into our conversation on the matter, she was somewhat apprehensive I use her favourite artist in an upcoming battle. In part, it may have been in jest. But it's just as likely she has a fear her artist will not rise victoriously.
Should I respect her suggestion I don't use her favourite artist? Nahhhh! Despite her hesitation, I am going along with this battle. Because, hey, what are friends for?
Kim, this one is for you. And don't forget to place your vote! Everyone else? You know what to do.
For reference only: The Jam - That's Entertainment
BATTLE OF THE BANDS
The two musical contenders for this Battle of the Bands are below.
Please listen to both and tell me who you like best.
Michael Anthony Austin
Morrissey
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 vote (if needed) and announce the winner in a separate posting.
Additional Questions:
Have you ever done something to annoy one of your friends? In a joking sort of way?
Has a friend ever suggested a musical artist to you, that you came to enjoy?
What was your favourite bread spread as a child?
Please note:
My first BOTB in December will be on the 15th. I will be skipping the first battle of the month so I can concentrate on more writing.
If you enjoyed this Battle of the Bands feature, don't forget to visit the other participants in the Battle of the Band to see what sort of music they are featuring. You will certainly be entertained, so click on their links below.
Don't forget to visit the other participants in the Battle of the Band to see who won their battles.
STMcC PRESENTS 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'
TOSSING IT OUT
JANIE JUNEBUG RIGHTING AND EDITING
YOUR DAILY DOSE
MIKE'S RAMBLINGS
CURIOUS AS A CATHY
THE DOGLADY'S DEN
CHERDO ON THE FLIPSIDE
ANGELS BARK
THE SOUND OF ONE HAND TYPING
JINGLE JANGLE JUNGLE
DISCCONNECTED
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.
Austin hit the notes just a bit too high for me. Morrissey gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteToo high for you. That reason is valid.
DeleteThanks for the Morrissey vote.
Kind of a quirky song you got there Jeffrey. Can't say that I think of most of those things as entertainment, but then 'you know me'.
ReplyDelete, I didn't care for those high notes much.
Please tell me that you did NOT use this song 'just' to annoy your friend. I don't think I've ever intentionally done something like that. I tend to be a pretty loyal friend and besides just being my normal self is annoying enough. Anyone who puts up with me as a friend, doesn't need anything extra hanging around out there.
Favorite bread spread as a child, apple butter. Yeah, I know weird, but what did you expect?
I believe the song was meant sarcastically. Don't like the high votes either? I'm assuming that means you prefer Morrissey?
DeleteWell, when I say annoy. I mean that in a playful sort of way. It's not like I do so to be upsetting. If I felt that's what it would do, I wouldn't do it. Does that make sense? Maybe it's a guy thing.
Hi, Jeffrey; I've never heard this song before, so, no preconceptions.☺ Michael Anthony Austin's vocals were a bit jarring to my ears. Morrissey sounded smoother, with a somewhat mournful undertone, which I liked more. Please give my vote to Morrissey.
ReplyDeleteGreat descriptions of why you like your preferred song. I appreciate you stopping over and voting.
DeleteThanks for the Morrissey vote.
Thanks, Jeffrey. ☺ I forgot to answer your questions, though:
DeleteHave you ever done something to annoy one of your friends? In a joking sort of way? No, I've never intentionally annoyed anyone for any reason (not in my nature), but apparently, some people get annoyed, anyway. LOL
Has a friend ever suggested a musical artist to you, that you came to enjoy? Yes, I've discovered a few great artists (the names escape me at the moment) through my BOTB buddies
What was your favourite bread spread as a child? My mother was German, so my childhood was a bit different. Liverwurst (on pumpernickel) was a favourite, still is, along with cheeses like Gouda, Butterkäse and Emmental, on rye. Have a great week!
One of the things I love about BOTB is discovering new artists.
DeleteWhen I was younger, we had liverwurst in the house all the time. I ate it constantly. This is one of those odd times where after awhile I lost the taste for liverwurst. Now I can't imagine buying it. So, odd. Huh?
Hi, Jeffrey!
ReplyDeleteThis was not a very difficult decision for me. I found Michael Anthony Austin's vocals irritating while those of Morrissey were easier on my ears. The Morrissey version was more melodic and I appreciated the echo FX and harmony. I am giving my vote to Morrissey!
BONUS QUESTIONS:
Have you ever gone against the wishes of a friend, just to annoy them?
I don't believe in deliberately annoying people because it amounts to passive aggression, just like when you grab someone, restrain them and tickle them against their will.
Has a friend ever suggested a musical artist to you, that you came to enjoy?
Yes! In fact she got me interested in an entirely new category of music, one that I thought I hated but ended up loving. Here's to open minded people!
What was your favourite bread spread as a child?
I know you are looking for peanut butter or jelly but, if I am to be honest, it was my mother's homemade ham spread. I used to help her make it, feeding ham, hard boiled eggs and pickles into a hand cranked food grinder mounted on the counter. Helping my mother in the kitchen is one of my favorite childhood memories.
Thanks, Jeffrey!
I listened to both versions. I didn't seem to find Michael's voice as annoying as you I guess. Mind you, I'm still on the fence as to who I will vote for.
DeleteKeep in mind, when I say to annoy a friend, I mean in jest. I can't imagine anyone would seriously go out of their way to annoy a friend, just to be mean. That really wouldn't be much a friend.
To be honest, no I was not looking for just PB&J. I like to throw out odd random questions just to see what some people come up with. And you came up with a great answer. Glad I was able to drum up some great childhood memories for you.
Count me in for Michael Anthony Austin, I felt it was more true to the original. The Morrissey one was going to put me to sleep. I had never heard this song and am not really familiar with any of these people. As for purposely annoying a friend, I'm not sure about that one. I can't remember any specific time but then again I'm getting old and sometimes my memories are foggy. Favorite bread spread as a child? Most definitely butter with cinnamon and a little sugar mixed in. I still love that but these days I take the sugar out...Did we ever get the answer to that burning question you were using the BOTB to torture us with? Point me in the direction if I missed it please.
ReplyDeleteI just found the answer. I am SO glad it wasn't anything going on with you personally and I never would have guessed it since I am not a Dr. Who person. Perhaps I should look into it though, it seems to be quite a big thing. Thanks for the fun, Jeffrey.
DeleteGlad you were able to find the answer. Yes, I had a feeling most would not guess my secret theme. I want to do another secret theme again soon, but I promise it will be much easier.
DeleteYes, you should definately check out Doctor Who. Starting with the series as it relaunched in 2005.
Thanks for the Michael Anthony Austin vote.
First things first.... my vote is for Morrissey
ReplyDeleteAnd the bonus questions:
Have you ever done something to annoy one of your friends? In a joking sort of way? I have 4 older brothers, of course, I'm going to do things simply because I know it will annoy them! And that tradition has carried on through to my friends as well. All done in love and good humor.
Has a friend ever suggested a musical artist to you, that you came to enjoy? yes, several times.
What was your favourite bread spread as a child? Growing up, our after school treat was to take some bread, spread butter on it, sprinkle sugar and cinnamon on top of that, and pop it in the over just long enough to get a good toast on the bread. That, and open faced grilled cheese sandwiches.
~Mary
You sound like you grew up a lot like me. I have three sisters and two other brothers. Yes, we annoyed each other constantly. And yes, that has carried over.
DeleteWe did kind of like you with the butter and cinnamon. But we toasted the bread in the toaster first. Added butter, then a cinnamon/sugar mixture. Wow, I have not had that in a long time.
Thanks for the Morrissey vote.
I really like both performances. Really like, but the second one has a better recording quality, which makes me lean that direction. And that's the only reason. It's such a toss up!
ReplyDeleteWhatever helps you decided is a good enough reason for me. Thanks for the Morrissey vote.
DeleteYep, it's Morrissey for me! He managed to make the sounds (lyrics) of screaming sirens and screeching tires much less alarming. His easy flowing vocals made me think of music or a movie in the park on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
ReplyDeleteI try not to annoy anyone, but sometimes it happens by accident. Friends have broadened my musical tastes many times and while I do like PBJs, my favorite spread as a kid was ketchup. Do quesadillas count?
I've always enjoyed a Wednesday evening in the park, listening to music. Especially when, in the Summer, most parks here have Beer Gardens also available.
DeleteSure, quesadillas count if that's what you used. With ketchup?
Thanks for the Morrissey vote.
I think Morrissey' has a chorus or something backing his vocals up which is why his musical flow sounds better than Austin. It could be the timing but these vocal scratches are very easy to fix with todays technology.
ReplyDeleteYou would think they would want to fix them.
DeleteThanks for picking Morrissey.
JEFFY ~
ReplyDeleteI liked the tempo better of the first one, but as others here also said, I didn't care for those high notes. So, overall I gotta vote for MORRISSEY.
>>... Have you ever done something to annoy one of your friends? In a joking sort of way?
Yeah. Well, for one, there was my friend Marty. I used to set it up in advance so that every time he'd enter my room or my car he'd immediately hear Bob Dylan singing "You've got a lot of nerve to say you are my friend..." [Song: 'Positively 4th Street'] I did it to annoy him ONLY BECAUSE he REALLY WAS such a great friend.
>>... Has a friend ever suggested a musical artist to you, that you came to enjoy?
I'm sure there have been several. But one that stands out is "Phuqin' Lelly" Rosen turning me on to DANNY GATTON, whom I eventually came to realize was the greatest guitarist who's ever lived.
>>... What was your favourite bread spread as a child?
If it's bread we're yakkin' about, then I think probably mayonnaise. BUT if we make the bread toast, then it is DEFINITELY avocado with lots of salt. To this day that's probably still my favorite food. (It's real close between 'Avocado On Toast' and cheese enchiladas and chile rellenos.)
I know you won't be able to BOTB on 12/1, but I hope you can still find time to come by and cast a vote on my Battle. I've got a pretty unique one planned for Dec. 1.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
See? This is what I mean. True friends at times, try to annoy each other. In a joking manner, of course. Or maybe it's just a guy thing.
DeleteI remember eating mayonnaise sandwiches. We were poor and couldn't afford lunch-meat. At least not very often. More often than not, we had Bologna.
AS for future battles, yes, I plan on still visiting the other battles. So I will be around to check out yours.
Thanks for the Morrissey vote.
Morrissey - definitely Morrissey!!! I love him and always have. I love the 80's!!
ReplyDeleteMy family are pranksters. We always try to get a rise out of each other- my husband included. Pranks and annoyances are expected.
I just ate butter on my toast as a kid.
Oddly, that's the exact comment I expect to come from my friend, if she were ever to show up and vote. The loving Morrissey comment, I mean.
DeleteSometimes it's fun when someone knows you so well, they are comfortable trying to annoy you. Even better when you get them back. LOL
Thanks for the Morrissey vote.
My vote goes to Morrissey. I liked the background. :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the background.
DeleteThanks for the Morrissey vote.
I've had a co-worker suggest listening to college radio back in the mid 90's, which in turn opened my horizons to all kinds of music.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the songs, I never got into Morrissey when I old enough to listen to his stuff to begin with (weird UK new wave/emo never appealed to me) and the other gentleman I've never heard of.
Having said that, anyone who can turn a song into a very good acoustic version always gets the nod in my book, so by default, the gentleman opposing Morrissey the militant vegan gets my vote.
Father Nature's Corner
I'll be honest, for the most part, all these artists are new to me. But I appreciate your reasoning's, all thought out well.
DeleteThanks for the Michael Anthony Austin vote.
Jeffrey, I'm not familiar with the band, The Jam or this song, which I actually liked the original better than Contender #1. I know, I know The Jam is out which brings me to Contender# 2 who I liked better than Austin. So, give my vote to Morrissey!
ReplyDeleteSorry for excluding the Jam. But you know how the game works. ;)
DeleteThanks for the Morrissey vote.
I preferred the melodic, mellow (warm?) tone that Morrissey brought to this song.
ReplyDeleteI think your friend will know you hosted this battle in the name of good fun. Whether her favorite wins or loses on this song... shrug it off. Voters are fickle in these things. Not only that, all tastes are different. It's what makes the world go round!
I'm positive my friend will take the entire post in stride. Once again, if she even shows up to vote. I won't say which is her artist, just yet.
DeleteI thought I felt my ears burning. =) lol.
ReplyDeleteWell, well, look who finally decided to listen to my favorite singer? It only took a few YEARS! haha. jk. For the record, Morrissey's version of most cover songs aren't as good as his original songs, so I was ready to be unbiased despite being a fan. But alas, I'm voting for the Moz.
The other version by Michael Anthony Austin wasn't too bad, actually, because I didn't mind the high vocals. (Morrissey's vocals can be just as high and even include some yodeling on occasion...so that didn't bother me too much. lol) However, Michael's version had too much of a melodic, peaceful vibe to it, which didn't capture the lyrics in the same ambivalent way that Morrissey sang it. Morrissey's vocals provided that haunting uneasiness to the lyrics which gave the song the proper vibe and context all around.
Well, well, look who finally decided to stop by my blog? It only took a few YEARS! haha. jk.
DeleteEver have déjà vu?
Actually, I didn't mind the high vocals either. I even rather enjoyed Morrissey. But will I vote for him? Time will tell. You will have to wait till I release the results later today.
Thanks for the Morrissey vote.
I think Michael Anthony Austin has some definite range with those high notes. They didn't bother me like they bothered some. I liked his strumming. And at first I thought I'd vote for him but I really liked Morrissey's version. So please give my vote to Morrissey.
ReplyDeleteCan't think of a time when I've went out of my way to annoy someone...I'm sure I've just done it naturally! :)
My friend Joanne introduced me to Patti Smith who I grew to like. In fact I've used her in two Battles, including this latest one.
My favorite bread spread as a child had to be the peanut butter and marshmallow one; can't think of the name of it right now but it was definitely yummy. Not sure how I'd feel about it now, if they even make it anymore...
Great battle. Hope your friend's fav wins!
Michele at Angels Bark
Was that spread called something like Fluffernutter? I don't really recall having it, but I have heard of it.
DeleteIt's true, at times we annoy people without even realizing it.
There are a few things my friends do that really annoy me, and I know I must annoy a few from time to time.
Thanks for the Morrissey vote.
I'm going to go with Michael Anthony Austin. His voice just draws you in and the song is more upbeat, even though I've never heard of him before. I always go with the more upbeat version of a song!
ReplyDeleteI'll admit, I have not heard of him either. I think he did a great job too.
DeleteThanks for the Michael Anthony Austin vote.
Your battle caught me off guard as I expected a different song. Never heard this one before--interesting, but it would have to grow on me to really appreciate it more.
ReplyDeleteBetween your competitors, I'm leaning toward Michael Anthony Austin. I liked that choppy crystal clear guitar and faster, lighter pace.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
And as for your questions:
DeleteIn the past I was often very annoying--in a fun sense--to some of my friends, but they sure did dish it back!
Much of the music I like has been the result of recommendations from friends.
I don't remember having a favorite bread spread throughout my childhood, but I do recall eating bread with mayonnaise quite a bit. Or even better I liked what I think was called "sandwich spread" which was a mixture of mayo and relish, but we didn't have that in the house as much as we did plain mayo.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Which song were you expecting? :D
DeleteSometimes it's fun to annoy people. As long as it's not out of control or truly hurtful. Much like practical jokes. Which I think teasing a friend is pretty much.
We ate bread and mayo quite often.
Thanks for the Michael Anthony Austin vote.
I was expecting the older song "That's Entertainment" which appeared in The Bandwagon and other films. I'm sure you'd know it if you heard it. Here's the original clip:
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t6gX37d2eP8
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
I have to vote for Morrissey because his voice sounded richer and not so tinny. It was more melodic. I have irritated my friends and sometimes on purpose:) My brother told me about King Crimson and I gave that a go and really enjoyed their music. As for spreads...one could only get Nutella in the German Delicatessen back in the day and I enjoyed that but I would also take chocolate sprinkles...when they were made with real chocolate and sprinkle that on my toast...learned that from a Dutch friend of mine.
ReplyDeleteWould you believe I still have never tried Nutella? I hear people rave about it all the time. It's sounds great, but it seems the only time I think about it coincides with the time I'm trying to lose weight.
DeleteThanks for the Morrissey vote.
Gotta be Morris see - nice battle (sorry so short!).
ReplyDeleteNo worries about being short. You are here to vote. That's what counts.
DeleteThanks for the Morrissey vote.
Morrissey gets my vote, smoother vocals
ReplyDeleteThanks for the Morrissey vote.
Delete