Can't Take My Eyes Off of You ( #BOTB )

        Other people are a favorite pastime for most of us.  We like to see what others are doing.  Just think if there were no people on television.  It would be like looking out a window at a view that was always changing, but without people it would likely soon get old--and wordless....

     

A cool scene for a hot day:  Skating at Ober Gatlnburg in the Smoky Mountains

Who You Lookin' At

         Who doesn't like people watching?  We watch others for entertainment, satisfying curiosity, or instruction. YouTube is filled with videos of people doing nutty or endearing things.  It's become a go to site for me when I want to watch how others do something like household chores or simple repairs that I might want to attempt on my own.  If I can see somebody else do it then I figure I can possibly do it as well.

        Then, there are those objects of fixation, admiration, or adoration. It might be your spouse, kids, pet, car, or whatever it is that you want to have for your own The desire can sometimes be so strong that it can work adversely against us. Perhaps you can recall some instance in your own life of wanting someone or something so badly that it can lead to feelings of despondency or even reckless behavior.

         In other cases, our focus on something might help us to become better as we continue to strive to obtain that which we achingly long for.  We practice, we work, we write, and we dream.

           Or we might just have a Battle of the Bands...
       

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 each month on the 15th and on some blogs 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.


Can't Take My Eyes Off of You

         My Battle theme for this month is eyes.  The previous Battle featured "Eye in the Sky" which is essentially about watching someone for the purpose of spying on their thoughts and actions. In this next Battle we'll look at two very different versions of the song "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" which was originally a big hit for Frankie Valli of the vocal group The Four Seasons.   You've undoubtedly heard this original version (don't vote on it please!) and if not, you've surely heard some version of this song which has been recorded numerous times and appeared often in films, etc.  This classic is a true standard tune of our times.

        In the following Battle we'll compare two very different sounding as well as different approaches to this hit.  One of these you will likely be unfamiliar with while the other was a big hit in the nineties.  I actually own the albums where each of these versions first appeared so I'm a fan of both.  However, I like one better than the other.  Which do you like best?


Daniel Amos  "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You"   (1995)

         Daniel Amos is the name of a contemporary Christian rock group that first appeared on the scene in 1974.   Under the leadership of Terry Scott Taylor,the group and its members have recorded numerous albums to this day not only as Daniel Amos, but also in various other guises.  To me, Taylor is a music genius and his group and solo projects are among my favorites.  Though they usually do original tunes, in this case they performed this cover.  In Taylor's approach here the song is sung almost as a hymn of adoration to God...





Lauryn Hill   "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You"   (1998)

        Formerly with the hip-hop group The Fugees, Lauryn Hill parted ways to release the highly acclaimed monster hit album The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill which is where her version of "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You" first appeared. She takes a pretty radical approach to the tune and I think it works very well. What do you think?....








Time to Vote!

        Now all eyes are on you!  Which artist do you like best?   Pick one and have some fun!  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:

 StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

  'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

Angel's Bark  

Debbie Doglady's Den

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 

Cherdo on the Flipside





Winner of this Battle Announced on Monday September 23
          As we head into fall, I'll announce the results of the final Battle of the summer of 2019.  I don't even want to think about winter right now.  It seems like January was just a few weeks ago.  Time is careening at an unbelievable speed!

           These days, what is the focus of your greatest love, admiration, or attention?  In your younger days did you ever fall under the affliction of "puppy love"?    Do you have a secret love that you dare not tell anyone about (except here of course)?