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| Private School Costume by Leg Avenue |
Halloween used to be mostly a kids' holiday when I was young. Now adults celebrate bigger than the kids. Adults spend billions on costumes each year. A popular trend with younger women has been the sexy costumes. These costumes are themed in occupational or character roles. One of the recurring trends is the "sexy school girl" costume. Often each costume company in the adult market will have more than one style of sexy school girl.
What does this say about our society? Do you dress up for Halloween? Have you ever seen a Halloween costume that offended you?
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 each month on the 15th and on some there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month. My blog is one of those with a second Battle on the 1st of the month. 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.
Good Morning Little School Girl
This song is among the earliest that I placed on my BOTB someday queue and now after a few years in waiting someday has arrived. My introduction to "Good Morning Little School Girl" was the 1969 recording by blues rock group Ten Years After. My initial intent was to use their version, however due to its length I decided to go with two shorter versions. If you'd like to hear the Ten Years After version you can listen here, but please don't vote on this version.
First recorded in 1937 by "Sonny Boy" Williamson with attribution to his authorship, he apparently derived the melody from an older blues song. "School Girl" has become a blues standard and has been recorded numerous times by a wide range of artists. When looking for cover versions I had no difficulty finding them and most of them are quite good. Hope you enjoy the versions I have chosen for this Battle of the Bands match-up.
Johnny Winter "Good Morning Little School Girl" (1969)
One of the more well-known versions of the song comes from albino rock and blues man Johnny Winter. This hard rocking version is rooted in the traditional blues, but updated for the audiences of the hippy dippy sixties. Get ready to boogie and bop...
Taj Mahal "Good Morning Little School Girl" (1969)
Taj Mahal has had an ubiquitous presence on the music scene for the past fifty years. Not hugely popular with the masses, Taj has become a respected artist among his peers and students of blues music. His mark has not only been left on many albums, but also in a number of film and television appearances. Here is a loping take on the song by a legendary blues man...
Time to Vote!
How's this pairing hit you? Do you have a preference between these two choices? Hopefully you have an opinion of some kind. Which version do you like the best? You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.
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 (though this round I might be the only one):
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands
‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’
'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'
'Curious as a Cathy'
Sound of One Hand Typing
The Doglady's Den
Angel's Bark
Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
Cherdo on the Flipside
Winner of this Battle Announced on Friday September 22
Please check back next Friday to see which version gets the most votes. And please make sure that your vote is included. If I get fired up with writing between now and then I might have another post as well. I make no promises for now. Blogging is not conducive to promise making.
I like both of these, but I'm a big Taj Mahal fan and his version is something I'd listen to more than once.
ReplyDeleteHarry, from his fan base, first vote goes to...
DeleteTaj Mahal.
Lee
Both are too country twangy for my taste.
ReplyDeleteLittle school girl outfit seems wrong. However, I've always liked the sexy maid outfit.
Alex, What??? "Too country twangy"--lordy, you've probably eliminated most modern music if these songs represent country twangy. I thought for sure you'd look past the singing and focus on the merits of the playing. These artists are both highly respected in the realm of blues music.
DeleteLee
>>... "This song is among the earliest that I placed on my BOTB someday queue"
ReplyDeleteSame here, LEE. This was probably one of the first 12 songs I listed when I started writing down potential BOTB material. The only problem was that I couldn't find what I felt was the right match-up.
One version that I was determined to use is so good I felt it would clobber every other recording I could find -- including Muddy Waters' version!
So, in almost 3 years of BOTB, I still haven't used this song. But perhaps I'll put my choice against whoever wins this Battle of yours and have them fight for the title. That way if it's a shutout, all of the blame won't fully rest on me. Ha!
When the Countess and I started going together, she was a UCLA student and I was a UCLA employee. I got in the habit of saying to her, "Good Morning, Little School Girl", the first thing after she'd wake up.
The first time I went to the L.A. Blues Festival next to the Watts Towers, TAJ MAHAL was the headlining act. And he gets my vote here. I much prefer his laid-back approach. I mean, it IS morning after all, and who wants to hear all that loud caterwauling before you've even had a couple cups of coffee and properly awakened?
I'm predicting a pretty one-sided Battle here in Taj's favor.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents 'Battle Of The Bands'
STMcC, I'd have figured somebody would have used this song by now. I kind of slipped it in now because my intended Battle is still being held up by "technical issues". There are so many excellent--and interesting--versions that coming up with matches shouldn't be too much of a problem. Hope you'll do the rematch as I'd like to see which version would have been your choice.
DeleteAnother vote for Taj Mahal.
Lee
Hello Lee!
ReplyDeleteI am back from my very long summer away. I threw up a battle today, so I hope you drop in.
Well, this song was before my time and NOT on my BoTB potential song sheet. Ha! However, I'm not going to break Taj Mahal's streak. I liked their styling on this song much better than the frantic pace of the first one.
A vote for Taj Mahal.
Robin, glad you're back!
DeleteThe roots of this song are before my time too, but I well remember when it seemed like a song in every modern act's repertoire.
Again it's Taj Mahal.
Lee
Hallowe'en: never got it. Never have. Probably never will.
ReplyDeleteI had an album back when I bought my first stereo that was a Columbia sampler of some of their best guitarists, and Johnny Winter and Taj Mahal were both on it. Taj's guitar player, of course, was the late, great Jesse Ed Davis. It was the first I had ever heard of either of them and I was hooked. I've seen both in concert (Taj when I was at Northwestern, Johnny some time after I moved here) and both were excellent.
As for the song, I'm leaning more to Johnny Winter's read of it. Taj's honky-tonk piano style really didn't cut it for me, and Jesse Ed didn't get a solo. Give my vote to Johnny Winter.
John, I loved Halloween when I was a kid and worked in the Halloween industry for nearly two decades. Now I'm kind of sick of it and don't much like dealing with it.
DeleteNice to see a turn in voting from you.
A vote for Johnny Winter
Lee
When I was little, I'd go tricker-treating with two of my older brothers. We'd go through the neighborhood, then swap costumes with each other, hit the neighborhood again, swap costumes a third time and hit everyone up for a third time. Now that I think about it, I bet that's where my super sweet tooth came from. But those days, it was mostly innocent fun. Today, it seems the costumes are overtly sexual and the innocence in gone. Kids are growing up way too fast. Plus, it's really not as safe to take them out to peoples homes as it once was. In many ways, I'm glad that I don't have kids of my own to worry about that.
ReplyDeleteJohnny Winters came out of the box strong and felt really in my face and quite aggressive. I much preferred the laid back sound of Taj Mahal.
My vote: Taj Mahal
~Mary
Mary, when I was of trick-or-treating age we lived in a neighborhood that was so big that we were never able to finish our rounds let alone start over again. I'd always have candy enough to last through Thanksgiving and you can believe that I was eating more than my daily share until it was all gone. I rarely met a candy that I didn't like.
DeleteA vote for Taj Mahal.
Lee
I'm not a big fan of Halloween. I think even as a kid I found coming up with a costume kind of stressful. I definitely don't get the 'school girl' thing, but then there is much in popular culture I can't quite understand. Hope your'e doing well!
ReplyDeleteJoyce, I always liked coming up with a yearly costume especially when I started foregoing the boxed ones bought in the store and started coming up with my own. Things seems to be going a bit overboard in our times.
DeleteDoing well--just not attending to blogging much.
Lee
Take a look at Japanese anime, they have real weird taste in some of that stuff, not just for Hallloween. To each their own though.
ReplyDelete#1 gets my vote.
Pat, I know the Japanese have a thing for fetishism so it's no wonder what they come up with in their anime. I've seen some of the more mainstream stuff as well as images from some of the more far-fetched stuff.
DeleteAnother vote for Johnny Winter.
Lee
I have dresed up for Halloween - mostly in my Lum costume when it fit.
ReplyDeletePop Tart, I remember a restaurant chain called Lum's. It was pretty good as I recall. I have no idea what a Lum costume would be.
DeleteLee
Halloween was fun when my kids were small, but these days I don't buy candy and don't turn on my lights for trick-or-treaters. Our neighborhood has aged, so we ended up eating all that chocolate ourselves. That's not a good thing
ReplyDeletePatricia, you take the same tactics that I do. I always make sure that I've bought candy that I like since I'll be eating it. I'm sure I'd see it all differently if I was living near my grandkids.
DeleteLee
We haven't dressed up in years but just got invited to a Halloween costume party. All our kids are grown and the neighborhood kids usually go to the "rich" side of town for their candy so things have definitely slowed down. For the BOTB, I vote for Taj Mahal. Like the bluesy feel of the song, which I had not heard before. When we go to ACDC concerts we see plenty of "Little School Girl" outfits because of Angus and his school boy pants. Have a great weekend, Lee.
ReplyDeleteJanet, every year our neighborhood seems to get quieter at Halloween--not for any lack of kids, but less neighbors seem to participate and keep their lights off.
DeleteAgain a vote for Taj Mahal.
Lee
Halloween isn't celebrated where I am/come from, but generally speaking, most festivals have got way more commercialised than I can handle.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed both the versions, like 'country twangy.':) My vote goes to Taj Mahal.
Have a great week.
Nilanjana, commercialization has its plus sides as well as the minuses.
DeleteAnother vote for Taj Mahal
Lee
My vote goes to Johnny Winter, since it's closest to the version I remember. I also like Taj Mahal's version but not as well. The song has always struck me a bit of a lecherous song. . .however.
ReplyDeleteI've never been that fond of Halloween although I made an effort when the kids were small, making costumes, etc. I did love one time at work where 5 of us women dressed up as a witches coven. . .I consider it a kid's holiday, but adults like role playing too. . .
DeleteDG, I grew up with Halloween being a mainly kids' holiday, but now the adults spend a lot to join in on the fun. I always looked forward to Halloween when I was still at trick-or-treat age.
DeleteA vote for Johnny Winter.
Lee
The last time that I'd dressed up for Halloween was in the late 90's as a demented/deranged pizza delivery guy. I would scare people at work by opening a box that had a severed arm and I would say, "Would you like the Jeffery Dahmer special? All natural ingredients!"
ReplyDeleteThere have been no costumes that I've come across that would offend me, however I have seen some women dress in a few jaw-to-the-floor costumes back in the day when I worked retail.
GB, that was a very creative costume that sounds appropriately demented from what I know of you. I can picture it.
DeleteI usually only saw the costumes on the packaging of the costumes themselves. We had thousands in our warehouse when I was in wholesale.
Lee
It is a shame that Halloween has become a day of sexy costumes. Of course, its really too dangerous a world for kids to be out trick-or-treating anyway. But all those little princess costumes isn't what Halloween is about either.
ReplyDeleteThis is a tough battle. I loved the music of Johnny Winter, not so much to vocals. Taj was blah to me for both musical and vocals. So, Winter gets my vote.
Dolorah, the scary dangerous part of Halloween is sad for many of today's kids. I usually took my own kids to the harvest festival at our church. They probably got more candy there than if they had gone trick-or-treating around the neighborhood.
DeleteA vote for Johnny Winter.
Lee
I'm loving the blues battles this time around! Johnny Winter gets my vote here. Taj Mahal is an amazing artist!
ReplyDeleteMike, I'm not a big blues fan, but I can certainly appreciate the artistry involved.
DeleteA vote for Johnny Winter.
Lee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteI'm with Alex, the little sexy school girl just feels wrong. I always thought this even before motherhood. The sexy French maid outfits are far sexier. You'd never catch me in public in anything so racy as this but maybe at home for DH! :)
We only took our kids to neighbors close by. They got more than enough candy visiting a handful of people. I know when I was a kid I loved getting a ton of candy but as a parent I thought that was just too much. They probably hated it but they weren't deprived. We gave them lots and then I made a lot of homemade goodies for them to enjoy, too.
Now for the battle... I struggled with this round. Johnny Winters appeal to my rock n' roll side and I really loved the bluesy vibes of Taj Mahal. I think I'm going to go with Taj Mahal. Maybe their laid back approach suited my mood better in this early morning hour. Great battle and no matter who gets the most votes both bands are winners with their covers!
Cathy, I don't think many kids in the U.S. are deprived. A lot are spoiled due to excess though. I tried to keep some balance in our house, but I always seemed to have sweets available.
DeleteAnother vote for Taj Mahal.
Lee
Lee,
DeleteI agree a whole heck of lot of kids are spoiled. That's why we have this "me-me" problem in America. The younger generation feels entitled just for doing nothing. Dah, that's really messed up, too! Well...nuff said on that or else I'm sure to offend someone by my comment. :D
I like Halloween, and I like tasteless costumes. Last year I tried to get the wife to dress up with me, where I'd dress up as Harambe the gorilla, and she'd dress up as a small child, and I'd literally drag her around with me. She didn't go for it, sadly. :(
ReplyDeleteFar be it from me to stop a blowout, but I like Taj Mahal better, too.
ABFTS, getting dragged around might not be very comfortable. Neither is wearing a gorilla costume in my own claustrophobic opinion.
DeleteAgain it's Taj Mahal.
Lee
For certain Halloween costumes, I think a lot depends upon context and intent. I've dressed as a nun for Purim and Halloween a few times, in a serious, respectful costume, because I've always loved and respected nuns. The same can't be said for "sexy nun" costumes, whose entire intent is to mock and cheapen nuns. I also like creatively-assembled costumes that are a bit vampy and sexy, but tastefully so. So many people have forgotten it's very possible to look sexy without showing lots of skin, wearing skintight clothing, and lathering on makeup with a trowel.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the Taj Mahal version. The mood seems a bit more fun than the Johnny Winter version.
Carrie-Anne, I do like the creative self-assembled costumes better than the packaged ones. Then of course it depends on who's wearing the costume.
DeleteA vote for Taj Mahal.
Lee
It was fun when I was a kid, now I'd sooner host a party that takes two days to clean up after, just to keep the little people safe. We still do the pumpkin patch each year and I still get lost in the maze;-)
ReplyDeleteI like Johnny Winter as rule, but I really liked Taj Mahal for this battle as they made me worry less for the little school girl.
Diedre, the maze sounds like it could be fun
DeleteAnother vote for Taj Mahal.
Lee
I always thought Halloween was a stupid holiday. Even as a kid of about 7 I did not want to go. My mom convinced me to dress up and try it... and I went to ONE HOUSE. It confirmed just how stupid and wrong it felt for me. I came home and told her I refused to beg or threaten for candy. Never much of a kid, I suppose.
ReplyDeleteStrangely enough, I DO like girls in sexy costumes. Frankly, it seems like the only thing to recommend Halloween. Little girls in sexy costumes, however, is a giant NO NO... and parents who allow them are moral idiots.
As for the two music choices, I vote for Johnny Winter. I don't care for Taj on this one. Too honky-tonk.
Sixgun, I guess I've always been fascinated and lured by the commercial aspects of the day, but now, other than buying sale candy, I don't participate in Halloween. I loved it when I was a kid, but I guess maybe it was different locales? I was in San Diego during those years and those days of youth hold such fond memories.
DeleteA vote for Johnny Winter.
Lee
Tho' I loves some Johnny Winter, this totally belongs to Taj.
ReplyDeleteCherdo, and so it is...
DeleteA vote for Taj Mahal.
Lee
Once upon a time, I dressed up in sexy Halloween costumes too. But that was many moons ago before I realized many things about myself.
ReplyDeleteNumber one gets my vote!!
Enjoy the rest of your week!
Elsie
Elsie, I never dressed sexy, but I was in character as the doof I've been.
DeleteA vote for Johnny Winter.
Lee
Hi Lee.
ReplyDeleteSorry I flubbed up on posting a September battle. The 15th came up on me without me realizing it (how, I don't know, because I did a 9/11 post but I was truly surprised to get an email asking why I hadn't posted a battle... surprised that it was already the middle of the month! Anyway, my September battle, which I've actually had planned for a few months, will fall in October.
As for your battle, I liked both versions. I enjoyed Taj Mahal's for sure and maybe in another battle I'd vote for his version but I liked Johnny Winter's version better. So my vote is going to the very skinny J Winter.
Regarding the sexy school girl costume: as far as I'm concerned, it's disturbing on so many levels. For a grown man to be turned on by a young school girl in a slinky uniform, it's downright disgusting.
I never have been a fan of Halloween. When I was a kid it was fun and exciting...although not much fun when we had to trick-or-treat through the snow! And when I was in college, it was kinda crazy (I have to say my favorite costume was back then when I wore all black and covered myself with pages ripped out of the yellow pages phone book and adorned a sign that had the Yellow Pages slogan: "Let Your Fingers Do the Walking". Okay, that was a bit suggestive, but I was flirting with a bunch of college dudes).
As an adult, I hate the holiday. I had a scary encounter one Halloween night when a friend and I were leaving a bar and were accosted by three guys wearing masks and they were very aggressive in trying to keep us from getting in our car. It ended promptly when I got pissed and pulled out and showed them my NY State Carry-Concealed handgun license and asked them if they still wanted to f*** with us. They let us leave then. But ever since then, I've hated Halloween. So has my friend from that night. I hate masks. I hate not being able to see someone's face. It's just a creepy prospect.
I never participate in the holiday now: I turn all my lights off and pretend not to be home. And usually I'll spend the evening watching the Halloween/Michael Myers slasher movies and scare myself silly. :)
Anyway, great battle Lee. I enjoyed.
Michele at Angels Bark
Michele, I think we all understand that time issue to which you refer. I keep meaning to post things other than BOTB and the time and inspiration gets away from me.
DeleteThese days with all the Antifa protests and other renegades going against anything they can find, I've come to dislike masks as well. Other than for Halloween, Mardi Gras, and maybe a few other special occasions, I think masks should be banned.
Another last minute vote for...
skinny Johnny Winter.
Lee