The Battle of the Bands
Battle of the Bands is the blogging event started by Far Away Series and now hosted by StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands. This event happens twice each month on the 1st and 15th. The premise is simple: Listen to the songs presented below and then in the comments vote for your favorite and tell us why you liked it. Then visit the links listed near the bottom of this post for more Battle action."Sorry"
This catchy tune was the second single released from the Purpose album. After its release in October of 2015, the song quickly secured places on numerous hit charts throughout the world reaching the number one position on many of them. "Sorry" garnered much critical acclaim and appeared on several year end "best of" lists. The song was written by Bieber about his ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez
"Sorry" ranked at number nine on the Billboard Magazine Critic Picks list of the 25 Best Songs of 2015 along with this comment:
Justin Bieber should try apologizing more often. From the bright opening notes to the manipulated vocal loop in the chorus, the Biebs brought EDM to his pop palette and made fans out of haters with an unforgivably good single.
Think what you will of the young man, with songs like "Sorry" Bieber is establishing himself among the greats of pop song writing history.
Flash update: Lest anyone argue about the current copyright dispute regarding "Sorry", please be sure of any argument you want to put forth about Bieber's creativity. This is another absolutely ridiculous claim on behalf an essentially little-known artist wanting to cash in on another recording artist who "used" essentially 3 notes of her original recording. A claim of sampling might be argued, but White Hinterland probably should be thankful that someone has brought some attention to her song release. I don't know that much about the infringement claim so if you happen to have more information by all means let us know in the comment section. "Sorry" is a far superior song to Hinterland's "Ring the Bell". Just look at the negative clicks her song has gotten. Then of course you can listen to it yourself and make your own call. When arguments such as these are given credibility then all of the history of music comes into question. Classical and jazz particularly use musical phrases that can be found elsewhere whether it be in contexts of variations on a theme or mere quotations of previously existing musical phrases.
Flash update: Lest anyone argue about the current copyright dispute regarding "Sorry", please be sure of any argument you want to put forth about Bieber's creativity. This is another absolutely ridiculous claim on behalf an essentially little-known artist wanting to cash in on another recording artist who "used" essentially 3 notes of her original recording. A claim of sampling might be argued, but White Hinterland probably should be thankful that someone has brought some attention to her song release. I don't know that much about the infringement claim so if you happen to have more information by all means let us know in the comment section. "Sorry" is a far superior song to Hinterland's "Ring the Bell". Just look at the negative clicks her song has gotten. Then of course you can listen to it yourself and make your own call. When arguments such as these are given credibility then all of the history of music comes into question. Classical and jazz particularly use musical phrases that can be found elsewhere whether it be in contexts of variations on a theme or mere quotations of previously existing musical phrases.
A dance video of "Sorry" was released on October 22, 2015 and became an immediate sensation becoming the 2nd fastest video to attain a billion views. This video now ranks as the 7th most highly viewed YouTube music video of all time and still climbing. When I first checked the list of most viewed YouTube videos in April the video ranked at #16. It's climbed considerably in less than two months.
Many people like this song as evidenced by the numerous cover versions available on YouTube. I had a tough time deciding on the two covers I wanted to pit against each other. Those versions can be found if you scroll past the Bieber dance video version which I offer below. Please don't vote on this version as I offer it for reference purposes only. If you haven't seen this video before I highly recommend that you watch it before going on to the Battle opponents
Please Do Not Vote for this Version!!!
Justin Bieber "Sorry" (2015)
This official video features the music of Bieber's "Sorry" as interpreted by the ReQuest Dance Crew from New Zealand. This hip hop dance crew headed by Parris Goebel has performed world-wide and won many dance competitions. Not only has this video amassed a phenomenal viewership on YouTube, dozens of other dance crews have emulated the moves as well as been inspired to choreograph their own dance routines to the song. A YouTube search of "Sorry" will yield hours worth of dance and cover videos. In my opinion, this is one of the most well choreographed and well edited popular dance videos that I've seen. Some nice dance moves as well. Take a look and see what opinion you come to after watching the video.
From Northeastern University in Boston, here is the premier co-ed acapella group the The Nor'easters with their version of "Sorry" as performed with special guests, Kinematix Dance Crew on March 21st at BONR4: Best of the Northeast Region Acapella Showcase. I'm always kind of amazed to hear this kind of acapella music with the beatbox effects. This version is a lot of fun.
Postmodern Jukebox "Sorry" (2016)
Postmodern Jukebox is one of the best cover bands around. Actually PJ is more a musical project devised by Scott Bradlee and performed by a rotating assemblage of outstanding singers and musicians. In the following performance featuring the incredible Shoshana Bean on vocals, Postmodern Jukebox asks the question, "What would Justin Bieber's "Sorry" sound like if it was written and recorded in the Motown era?" I think this is an excellent interpretation of the song. Hope you enjoy this one.
Time to Vote!
Hope you don't let the Bieber connection turn you off. Just try to feel the music. Let us know what you think about these two versions. Is there one that you prefer over the other? If you're visiting a Battle of the Bands post for the first time then let me briefly explain. Please give each song version a fair listen to decide which one you enjoy the most. If you don't like either then at least tell us which recording was least innocuous to you. This comes down to your preference and it's as easy as that.
Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours
Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands
‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’
'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'
'Curious as a Cathy'
Sound of One Hand Typing
DC Relief Battle of the Bands
The Doglady's Den
Angel's Bark
Cherdo on the Flipside
Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
Janie Junebug Righting & Editing.
J. A. Scott
Quiet Laughter
Holli's Hoots and Hollers
Be ReInVintaged
Results on Wednesday June 8th
One result of BOTB is that it results in some random posting. But that's fine. I'll post the results from this current match-up on Wednesday the 8th. Don't forget to leave your vote in the comments.
Insecure Writer's Support Group
Join us on the first Wednesday of each month in Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group--a forum of writers who gather to talk about writing and the writer's life. For a complete list of participants visit Alex's Blog.
When Should You Apologize for Your Writing?
There's not anything that I've written that I would apologize for having written. Whatever I have written I had a reason to write at that place and time of my life. There might be things that I wouldn't show to many people, but I wouldn't say I'm sorry. Not sorry for writing what was within me and I felt needed to be said even if I was only saying it to myself.
At least I hope I haven't written anything that I'd feel sorry for if someone found it...
Do you enjoy watching dance? Have you seen any of the videos inspired by Bieber's song "Sorry"? Is there anything that you've written that you feel you would have to apologize for if it fell into the wrong hands?
Please Do Not Vote for this Version!!!
Justin Bieber "Sorry" (2015)
This official video features the music of Bieber's "Sorry" as interpreted by the ReQuest Dance Crew from New Zealand. This hip hop dance crew headed by Parris Goebel has performed world-wide and won many dance competitions. Not only has this video amassed a phenomenal viewership on YouTube, dozens of other dance crews have emulated the moves as well as been inspired to choreograph their own dance routines to the song. A YouTube search of "Sorry" will yield hours worth of dance and cover videos. In my opinion, this is one of the most well choreographed and well edited popular dance videos that I've seen. Some nice dance moves as well. Take a look and see what opinion you come to after watching the video.
Please vote for one of the following
The Nor'easters "Sorry" (2016)
From Northeastern University in Boston, here is the premier co-ed acapella group the The Nor'easters with their version of "Sorry" as performed with special guests, Kinematix Dance Crew on March 21st at BONR4: Best of the Northeast Region Acapella Showcase. I'm always kind of amazed to hear this kind of acapella music with the beatbox effects. This version is a lot of fun.
Postmodern Jukebox "Sorry" (2016)
Postmodern Jukebox is one of the best cover bands around. Actually PJ is more a musical project devised by Scott Bradlee and performed by a rotating assemblage of outstanding singers and musicians. In the following performance featuring the incredible Shoshana Bean on vocals, Postmodern Jukebox asks the question, "What would Justin Bieber's "Sorry" sound like if it was written and recorded in the Motown era?" I think this is an excellent interpretation of the song. Hope you enjoy this one.
Time to Vote!
Hope you don't let the Bieber connection turn you off. Just try to feel the music. Let us know what you think about these two versions. Is there one that you prefer over the other? If you're visiting a Battle of the Bands post for the first time then let me briefly explain. Please give each song version a fair listen to decide which one you enjoy the most. If you don't like either then at least tell us which recording was least innocuous to you. This comes down to your preference and it's as easy as that.
Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the version you chose. Then after you've finished here, please visit the other blogs listed below who may or may not be participating this time around. And if you've put up your own BOTB contest let us know that as well so we can vote on yours
Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands
‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’
'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'
'Curious as a Cathy'
Sound of One Hand Typing
DC Relief Battle of the Bands
The Doglady's Den
Angel's Bark
Cherdo on the Flipside
Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
Janie Junebug Righting & Editing.
J. A. Scott
Quiet Laughter
Holli's Hoots and Hollers
Be ReInVintaged
Results on Wednesday June 8th
One result of BOTB is that it results in some random posting. But that's fine. I'll post the results from this current match-up on Wednesday the 8th. Don't forget to leave your vote in the comments.
Insecure Writer's Support Group
When Should You Apologize for Your Writing?
There's not anything that I've written that I would apologize for having written. Whatever I have written I had a reason to write at that place and time of my life. There might be things that I wouldn't show to many people, but I wouldn't say I'm sorry. Not sorry for writing what was within me and I felt needed to be said even if I was only saying it to myself.
At least I hope I haven't written anything that I'd feel sorry for if someone found it...
Do you enjoy watching dance? Have you seen any of the videos inspired by Bieber's song "Sorry"? Is there anything that you've written that you feel you would have to apologize for if it fell into the wrong hands?
I vote for the "Nor'easters". thought it great.
ReplyDeleteWhen I write I write what I feel, how I feel but try not to upset anyone too much. To me honesty is the best policy.
Great post Lee.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, sometimes honesty can be upsetting to some, but one should never have to apologize for being honest.
DeleteFirst vote goes to Nor'easters
Lee
There are a few writings that I'd be sorry if it came to light but I'm not sorry that I wrote it. Nothing that I wrote was untrue and if you decide to be awful to people then a writing about your awfulness is your own damn fault. No hate for the Beebs but sadly can't listen to the videos at the moment.
ReplyDeleteSheena-kay, some writing is probably best read by scholars after an author is dead and gone and not to be seen by general public and relatives.
DeleteLee
I've not written anything I feel I'd need to apologize for. There were a few complaints about no women in my first book, but it fit with the overall story line, so no apologies.
ReplyDeleteAlex, no point in injecting characters into a story if they don't belong. You should apologize for not having voted today. But I can guess you didn't like anything presented here today.
DeleteLee
Hahaha! Great opening there, Lee. ☺ Of course there's no need to apologize. Your site, your choice. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of pop music, in general and singers like Bieber with high, soft voices in particular, but I do concede the kid has talent. Both covers did justice to the song, but I prefer the Motown version by Postmodern Jukebox. Good sax!
ReplyDeleteI've never felt the need to apologize for anything I've written. That's an unlikely scenario.
Debbie D, some visitors might not find the humor in what I've written here, but then again some will just skim through and not even know what I've said for the most part. It's unlikely that I'll feel the need to ever apologize for anything I've written either, but I guess anything is possible.
DeleteA vote for Postmodern Jukebox
Lee
Hi, Lee!
ReplyDeleteI am not what you would call a "Belieber." I didn't mind Justin's song and video for "Sorry," and yet I can't help asking "what's the big deal with this guy?" I "belieb" that, at this point in his career, his name and fame alone sell his songs and lead to the outrageous number of views on YouTube. My ears are currently tuned to female vocalists and they tend to reject pretty boy pop singers like Bieber.
This band battle was a rather unusual match-up. On the first version we needed to evaluate the dancing as well as the vocal performance. The Nor'easters along with the Kinematix Dance Crew did a good job with the Bieber-Gomez song, but I liked Postmodern Jukebox a lot more, even though I didn't see or hear anything in their performance that resembled "Motown." I agree with you about Shoshana Bean. She's the real deal. The Jukebox gave this modern pop standard a fresh new treatment and it worked. I like it better than the original. I enthusiastically vote for Shoshana and her Postmodern Jukebox!
Thanks, Lee!
Shady, if you just listen to the vocal work of the college group without viewing the video it's pretty amazing. A lot of intricate stuff going on there. I definitely hear a lot of Motown influence in the PJ version--vocal back-up lines, bouncy piano riff, and a sax line that is almost lifted straight out of a song that I don't remember which it is.
DeleteA vote for Postmodern Jukebox.
Lee
I killed a character in Thanmir War. It served a purpose, and I wouldn't change it, but I feel bad because of certain tropes. So, yeah, I'm sorry, but I wouldn't do it differently.
ReplyDeleteI vote for Postmodern Jukebox.
Loni, interesting article that you link to. Sometimes the story just seems to dictate certain things happening, but there's no doubt that the authors perception and point-of-view has a big influence on the way things go.
DeleteA vote for Postmodern Jukebox
Lee
Karen, I might be sorry that I've written something, but not for having written it because it was true as I understood it. Writing is our expression of what's on our minds so that's that.
ReplyDeleteLee
You should never apologize for liking something!
ReplyDeleteI vote for Postmodern Jukebox!
HR, not sure why anyone would want to apologize for what they like unless they're overly concerned with the opinions of others.
DeleteAnother vote for Postmodern Jukebox
Lee
Excellent battle! I was a little worried because I have a Bieber tune scheduled for the June 15 round, but relieved that we haven't selected the same song. (unless, of course, you use another Bieber song in the next round... then the worry will return)
ReplyDeleteI found the dance tune to be catchy, but after all is said and done, I preferred the sound of Postmodern Jukebox.
Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
Mary, I was also concerned about coinciding with your Bieber battle so I'm glad I didn't interfere with yours. Though I did find plenty of decent covers for "Sorry". I won't be using anymore Bieber songs--not from this album at least. I'd hate for the voters to turn against me because of Bieber over saturation.
DeleteA vote for Postmodern Jukebox
Lee
When I first started writing my series, my husband told me "Don't write anything you wouldn't want our pastor to read." That kept me morally in check and I've not been sorry for what I wrote.
ReplyDeleteL.Diane, I've heard similar admonitions of not writing what you don't want your mother or your kids to read. There's enough crap out there on the market and though sleaze often sells, I'd rather not be a purveyor of it.
DeleteLee
I don't like watching dance for too long. I like Riverdance. But the first time I tried to watch the Nutcracker I was wishing someone would say something.
ReplyDeleteJoJo, I guess it depends on who's dancing and the total presentation package. The Nutcracker has a lot going on so I enjoyed the one presentation that I saw live. Modern dance done on a spare stage can be kind of boring.
DeleteLee
Still not a Bieber fan, but that's never going to taint my view of a song. I listened to both versions and found the first one, ok. However, I really liked the second version from Postmodern Jukebox. Loved the feel and sound of it.
ReplyDeleteAs for being sorry. I think for the most part, we are never truly sorry for anything we've written. If anything, we are more sorry it offended someone.
Jeffrey, I think the first version requires more of a listening investment to fully appreciate it.
DeleteBut I'll give your vote to...
Postmodern Jukebox
If my writing offends anyone that's mostly their problem, but I will apologize if that's what it takes to feel better. I won't really be sorry though.
Lee
I really like the calypso beat of the song in general, and missed it in the the second version though Shoshana Bean's vocals were indeed excellent. Nor'easter kids get my vote for this one :-) Now that you've enlightened me on the merits of the young Beibster, his style of music (these days) is not half bad.
ReplyDeleteI think if you're going to write or say anything in public you had better be prepared to defend it, no matter who you are, though those in the spotlight tend to be targets for opposition.
Diedre, I tend to be very defensive if someone brings something I've said, written, or done into question. I'd rather explain myself that admit wrong with an apology.
DeleteThe lively beat and tone of the song is what makes it so attractive to me and why so many dancers have made videos using the song. It's a great tune for hip hop dance. I'll stand by my argument that the Purpose album is probably one of the best of 2015.
A vote for Nor'easters
Lee
The Motown version, baby!
ReplyDeleteI've written and deleted lots of things that I know I'd have ended up being sorry for, but I can't think of anything that's made it out there that I'm sorry for.
Nicki, it's a good idea to be careful about what writing gets released for public consumption, but if it needs to be said then say it, consequences be damned.
DeleteA vote for Postmodern Jukebox
Lee
More than once, people have said they don't like either of my contenders in the battles, ha ha. I never modify my true likes and dislikes. I'm quirky and all over the place. Additionally, I really dislike son popular songs!
ReplyDeleteGive my vote to P J. Thanks!
Cherdo, I've gotten used to people saying they don't like my song picks. I guess when they start saying they don't like me then I might start getting bothered. On the other hand if bloggers say they don't like me, it might not affect my life all that much.
DeleteA vote for Postmodern Jukebox
Lee
That should have said "some popular songs," lol. I've got to stop typing out posts on my phone.
DeleteI'm not a Beiber fan. No worries.
DeleteI lean toward Postmodern Jukebox.
Pop Tart, you sneaked your comment in!
DeleteA vote for Postmodern Jukebox
Lee
I think the only thing I'd feel sorry about was if someone figured out that they were inspiration for one of my characters and were painted in a not so good light. It would be so hard explaining how we sometimes take parts of different people to make our characters and that not everything the character did was based on them. They'd probably never believe me.
ReplyDeleteQuanie, I can see where that could be a problem but truth is truth--that is if it's true.
DeleteLee
Um.... I have a one-word answer to the question, "when should you apologize for your writing", and that is never. Think before publishing, edit, rewrite, but once it's ready it should be your best piece of art, no apologies required. :-)
ReplyDeleteEE, "never" is my answer too--that is unless I'd happen to say something I really shouldn't have and have to backtrack on it.
DeleteLee
I loved the version by Postmodern Jukebox. I'm voting for theirs.
ReplyDeleteJohn, okay, got your vote...
DeletePostmodern Jukebox
Lee
haha I guess if I really must listen. Actually the 2nd wasn't too bad. So that sure gets my vote. Pffft if I write it and put it out there, not sorry for it what so ever.
ReplyDeletePat, yeah, we are kind of what we write so if we aren't sorry for being who we are then no apologies necessary.
DeleteAnother vote for Postmodern Jukebox
Lee
Wow! I liked all three versions, including Bieber's. The choice is tough; both covers are good. I'm into the Motown sound any day... and the sax brought back memories of "Heatwave". So there's my choice:
ReplyDeletePostmodern Jukebox
Dixie, thank goodness someone liked all the versions like I did. Without Bieber's name on any of this I think reactions would be much better.
DeleteFor you it's Postmodern Jukebox
Lee
Loved the way you combined the Battle and the IWSG posts today! Great theme! I don't know that I regret writing things, but I did have a poem published that I somewhat regretted having out there in the world - a number of people didn't understand it and made some rather bad assumptions about me because of it. However, I look back on that experience and think of it as one of my strongest responses to writing that I've ever had - it taught me that my writing could definitely have an impact and that I wanted to write even if a vocal group of people didn't like it.
ReplyDeleteAnd for the battle - I have to say - Nor'easters - loved the smooth sound! :)
Tyrean, as they say any publicity is good publicity. If you write something that gets a lot of response I think it's better than no one noticing what you wrote. At least you called attention to your work.
DeleteFinally, another vote for Nor'easters
Lee
My cousin Tom cast his vote on Facebook...
ReplyDeletePostmodern Jukebox
Lee
Both versions were ok, but I feel compelled to vote for the version that has an actual recording, so I am going with Postmodern Jukebox.
ReplyDeleteLC
Postmodern, that is
DeleteNot sure if my eyes are just really bad, but it looks like the word I just typed twice ends with "modem"....oh well....shoulda voted Bieber.
DeleteLarry, you weren't supposed to vote for Bieber. I'm not sure what you mean by version with "an actual recording". But there's a lot of things I don't understand.
DeleteA vote for Postmodern Jukebox (did I spell it right?)
Lee
The college group released a video clip but is not a recording act. One of the reasons I stopped participating in BOTB is that most comments seemed that people were voting on a visual presentation rather than music.
DeleteI still cannot tell is I misspelled the band name or not, and that's with a pair of cheaters on...
Larry, For the most part I don't encourage anyone to watch the Videos in the contest as it's the audio that matters. I rarely watch the videos, but instead just play them and do something else while they play. I didn't find what the college group did was visually exceptional, but when you listen to the audio the vocal arrangement is pretty awesome--or so I thought.
DeleteIf I were to watch all of the videos that BOTB participants put up it would likely take several days for me to get through them all unless I had absolutely nothing else to do.
Incidentally, according to the YouTube clip for the Nor'easters, "Sorry" is a cut from their album release so I guess they are a recording act to some extent.
Lee
Larry, oh, sorry but I was wrong. "Sorry" is not from an album release. I read that about a different recording they had done. They do have 3 albums available, though probably with some personnel changes since they are a college group, but they have albums and do bookings for outside performances.
DeleteLee
You beat me to the punch-I wnet an checked and there are a few albums available on their site.
DeleteI was wrong-I will now sing the song in apology for casting dispersions on your choice.
LC
Be glad you did not actually have to listen to my rendition...
DeleteI liked all 3 too but absolute do not like Justin Beiver but the song was good.
ReplyDeleteThe Nor'easters and Postmodern Jukebox are a tied for me really for different reasons, but if have to pick one
My vote Postmodern Jukebox
Juneta @ Writer's Gambit
Juneta, that was a squeaker...
Deletebut in the end, Postmodern Jukebox
Lee
I don't regret things I've written but I do learn and progress from reading things I have written at a certain time in my life. Some of it is cringeworthy :) but necessary at that time. Great post, Arlee.
ReplyDeleteNicola, I don't often go back to read things I've written in my past, but when I've done so it's an interesting experience.
DeleteLee
How on earth can people be so judgemental that they'd even criticize the music you like? Geesh!
ReplyDeleteSo far I don't think I've written anything I'd feel I should apologize for. I have written characters who say or do bad things, but they're bad guys, so I punish them. :D
Patricia, I guess those who criticize the music I like don't like it themselves. I've been guilty of doing the same thing myself, but I often will try to go back and understand what it is about the music that attracts some people. I do have a difficult time appreciating a lot of rap music.
DeleteIf our characters say or do bad things people can't blame us--can they? Stories would be bland without some things that we find disagreeable that are part of the conflict in the story.
Lee
I've apologized for things I've written just to keep the peace, but I'm not sure I've felt truly sorry for them, because as you say I felt that way at the time I wrote them. I hate being socially fake, but "socially correct" is part of living in a civilized world, I guess.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, if We're being honest we shouldn't have to apologize for what we say, though sometimes just saying nothing is the best policy.
DeleteLee
I haven't apologized for any public writing. I suppose some things might surprise people in my journals, but they aren't meant to be read by just anyone. I've kept most of them, but there might come a time when I toss some out.
ReplyDeleteMary, the private stuff is just that--private. I guess after we die then maybe it gets discovered and then whoever finds it has to deal with it for what it is.
DeleteLee
Wow, this is a tough one Lee! When I first heard the Nor'Easters I thought that would be who I would be voting for but then I heard Postmodern Jukebox and was wowed. I love their version. Their overall sound was rich and then the sax sealed the deal for me. Please give my vote to Postmodern Jukebox (great band name!).
ReplyDeleteBeiber wrote some great lyrics here. And the dance video was fun too...
Michele at Angels Bark
Michele, lyrics are simple, but cleverly constructed into a catchy melody.
DeleteThe final vote from you is Postmodern Jukebox
Lee
First my vote: SORRY by the Nor' easteners.
ReplyDeleteI love every kind of dancing and love to watch it on television or to participate in dancing when I go out.
As for writing something I'm sorry about, no, I am not sorry about the pieces I have written so far. Although I have to admit that my Mother's Day poem, A Somewhat Other Mother's Day, written this year caused some stink and bad feelings my some of my readers because they thought I was putting down Mother's Day. I gladly read the emails sent but didn't retaliate. That's his or her opinion.
I stand by what I wrote in my poem.
Shalom aleichem,
Patricia
Pat, you'll rarely find me on a dance floor, but I do enjoy watching dance, especially well choreographed routines by good dancers. I've written some misunderstood things as well and it's often attempts at humor. Sometimes readers don't read deeply enough and respond to initial reactions.
DeleteA vote for Nor'easters
Lee
Normally a capella singing has an advantage with me, because I just love it. I guess I just didn't love this arrangement. It started off well enough and then... well, let's just say I didn't love it.
ReplyDeletePostmodern Jukebox. Well, that was a lovely surprise. I really liked it. So, this is an easy vote for me. Postmodern Jukebox all the way.
Robin, I'll have something to say about this acapella performance in my winner announcement next week.
DeleteA vote for Postmodern Jukebox.
Lee
"Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better."
ReplyDelete"Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better."
"Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better."
"Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better."
"Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better."
"Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better."
"Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better."
"Every day, in every way, I'm getting better and better."
My vote goes to POSTMODERN JUKEBOX.
"Bieber is establishing himself among the greats of pop song writing history."
"Bieber is establishing himself among the greats of pop song writing history."
"Bieber is establishing himself among the greats of pop song writing history."
"Bieber is establishing himself among the greats of pop song writing history."
"Bieber is establishing himself among the greats of pop song writing history."
"Bieber is establishing himself among the greats of pop song writing history."
"Bieber is establishing himself among the greats of pop song writing history."
"Bieber is establishing himself among the greats of pop song writing history."
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
STMcC, -----
DeletePostmodern Jukebox
Lee
I MUST vote for the Nor'easters. Love, love, love their version.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie, I thank you. The Nor'easters thank you.
DeleteA hearty vote for Nor'easters
Lee
I don't know of anything that I've written that I'd be sorry for. Most of what I write, especially my blog posts had a reasoning behind it. There are times that I think people don't quite get my point or misunderstand and I could have presented my thoughts a little better, and I sometimes go back to clarify.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, practicing the skills of written communication is one advantage in blogging. The responses we get to our post sometimes give us direct information while other reactions might be determined by inference.
DeleteLee
Lee, I won't write anything down that can hurt someone's feelings. I think what if I'm not around to explain my thoughts, what was going on in my life at that moment,... To me nothing good is accomplished by this, so I refuse to put thoughts to paper that can do more harm than good. Okay, now for this battle. I liked both artists' covers better than I liked Bieber's. Between the two contenders, I think I'm giving my vote to The Nor'easters. I preferred their more simple version over their rivals' cover the best. Good battle!
ReplyDeleteCathy, I think most of us don't intend to hurt anyone with what we write, but there are some folks who can find a reason to get upset about just about anything. I'll say what I'm thinking and if it bothers someone they can discuss it, rant on with me about it, or just give me the cold shoulder. Not my intended response, but I have no control over what others do. Getting ideas out is not the real problem, but the reactions that happen afterwards determine a lot about the parties involved.
DeleteA vote for Nor'easters
Lee
I really liked both versions, but Postmodern Jukebox gets my vote. I agree that Shoshana Bean is "incredible!" I remember a few years ago I wrote about something personal that was taken out of context. I was sorry I wrote it right after the negative comments came pouring in, and you were there to help bail me out. Thanks again Lee!
DeleteJulie
Julie, I don't remember that incident, but I think a lot of things get taken out of context and misunderstood because people don't read and listen carefully. I hear stuff like this happening everyday.
DeleteAnother vote for Postmodern Jukebox
Lee
So I am reading your post about almost feeling bad about your last BOTB and then you wrote that you have another Bieber song and I almost spit my drink out from laughing. Now he is not one of my favourites but I listened to both and I give it to Jukebox whom I think did a great rendering of this song. I like the new spin on it better than the original which I am sure is more about my choice in music than which one may be actually "better". I love dance in almost all its forms but I have to admit I am getting sick of the videos of all the women gyrating etc... I know the men aren't:) but it's becoming old. If I try to do those moves though, I would knock my hip out. I have written something in the past that would hurt a friend that was never meant for his eyes and that's all I will say. We all think we will never write anything that would hurt someone but, somehow ...we do. I can say it was not an attack on my friend or anyone he knows but it would still hurt.
ReplyDeleteBirgit, if words are vindictive and meant to hurt then that's the mission accomplished I suppose, but otherwise I guess it's best to be careful about we write down that others might see. If it's honest and not meant to hurt then that's what it is and no call to be sorry.
DeleteI'm glad you were amused by my opening because that was my intent. I like to have fun with these BOTB posts since I think that's the purpose of them. It's not like my doctoral thesis or anything.
Dancing has always incorporated some form of women or men gyrating, but taste is a big factor in what I like. The dance videos for the Bieber songs are very well done I think with clever moves, fine videography, and slick editing. That's probably a big reason for their popularity.
A vote for Postmodern Jukebox.
Lee
The up-and-coming pop star that I manage loves this song. And the video. She's going to be using that same style of 'have professional dancers do the music video' thing because it's (obviously) quite popular now. Excerpt from rehearsal. If it works, it works, right?
ReplyDeleteHopefully they don't emulate 2:14 of the Sorry video where they all get together in one big conga line and start spanking each other.
As for the battle itself, I don't really care for any version, but I like Postmodern Jukebox's new spin on it, so give my vote to them.
Beer, I'd rather watch someone dancing to a song than just singing it or even acting a scene out when it's being sung. Dance + music does work or people wouldn't have been doing it since even before Busby Berkeley or Fred Astaire. It's fun and it's visual and therefore usually more interesting.
DeleteActually the conga line with the spanking is one of the oft mentioned parts of the choreography that is highly popular. I don't recall having seen this before and it's a kind of clever move especially within context of this song. These ladies from ReQuest Dance Crew are fine dancers--winning the competitions they have won attests to that.
Postmodern Jukebox
Lee
The Nor'easters get my vote! Their vocals wowed me from the start!
ReplyDeleteMike, they can use your vote.
DeleteNor'easters
Lee
Another vote for Postmodern Jukebox here. I've come across them before, on #BoTB research missions, and have always enjoyed their sound.
ReplyDeleteAs to the apologizing... When it comes to writing, I believe the only apologizing necessary is for bad writing. You know, cliché descriptions, cardboard characters, careless editing... the works. And even then, the criteria is subjective. Who will be the judge? If anything, then, I'd have to say the apology is owed to ourselves... Bad writing is a fact of the writerly life; we need to write reams of crap before getting to the good stuff. It's letting bad writing stand, I suppose, that would be apology-worthy. Because letting it stand keeps us from pushing our limits, keeps us from becoming better writers.
Bottom line (for me): no apologizing. Unless it's to yourself.
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter
Guilie, letting bad writing stand or just letting it out in public in the first place could be worthy of apologizing unless there was a reason for doing it. Hopefully a serious writer doesn't do this, but I have seen it.
DeleteAnother vote for Postmodern Jukebox.
Lee
Can't find the comment box outside of a reply of yours to another's comment...
DeleteI'm voting for Shoshana Bean, Vintage Motown... Liking her voice, and the jazz-esk sense of the song. I hadn't heard it before. The JB influence doesn't apply, as I never heard it, and have seen him fleetingly on DWTS, so no problem there.
NOTE: Enelinwen is my Blogger ID; am reading and commenting from the mail I get from you at my WP blog Quantum Hermit https://fimnorawestcaw.wordpres.com
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