The onset of spring is upon us and with spring comes new life, the stirring of hope, and the revival of stifled dreams. I've been reading the discontent, the pain, and the despair on some of your blogs and from the sound of things more than a few of us could use an infusion of metaphorical spring in addition to the actual season that is so near to us--this Friday in fact!
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But for now we are at March 15th and this is one of the days of the month that we now set aside to celebrate the Battle of the Bands, the event where music loving bloggers offer up two different versions of one song and you the readers decide which version you prefer. The Battle of the Bands blog event was founded by Stephen T McCarthy and Faraway Eyes. After you vote on your favorite of the two selections I've offered, please visit the participants who are listed at the end of this post to vote on their Battles.This post is dedicated to all of you who have been indicating that you need a lift and especially to my Battle of the Bands mates Robin, Faraway Eyes, and Stephen T. McCarthy.
"Bring Me to Life"
This song was originally released in 2003 by the alt rock/metal/nu metal band Evanescence. It's a quite beautiful song with a message of hope and personal revival. The song has been covered a number of times in various ways. In this current Battle I've chosen versions by two artists that have a somewhat classical sound, this in contrast to my previous Battle which featured heavy rock interpretations of Beethoven's "Fur Elise".
If you're interested in hearing the original with the official video you can click here, but please don't include this in the vote. This is for reference only for those who are curious. I won't say anything about the competitors in this contest. I'll let their song versions speak for them.
Gregorian "Bring Me To Life" (2010)
Katherine Jenkins "Bring Me To Life" (2009)
Time to Vote!
Which do you prefer? It's up to you to determine the winner. Please vote on your favorite by letting us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the one 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:
‘FAR AWAY SERIES’
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands
‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’
'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'
DC Relief Battle of the Bands
Alex J Cavanaugh (his will post on Monday March 16th)
Results on Friday March 20th
There will be no Monday post at Tossing It Out this week in order to allow this current post to stay current for a couple of extra days in order to allow more voting. Do come back on Wednesday though.
The results of my Battle of the Bands post for this current contest will be announced on this coming Friday March 20th.
Which version do you prefer and why? Do you typically enjoy listening to Gregorian chants? Does this song speak to you in any way?
I do so enjoy Katherine Jenkins voice, so I guess she gets my voice.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Lee.
she does sing well.
DeleteLee
Not being a music expert, my reasoning may not be the best. I like the Gregorian Chant due to the song being sung in a lower pitch. I like voices that have a great deal of timbre. The blend of voices in the chorus sounds good.
ReplyDeleteI agree that the Gregorian Chant style works well with this song.
DeleteLee
Jenkins' voice was very close to Amy Lee's. However, I really dug the Gregorian chant took the song in a completely different direction. The chorus work was impressive. (And Dark Side of the Chant? Hilarious.)
ReplyDeleteThe original version also featured singer Paul McCoy from the Christian rock band 12 Stones.
It's funny that Evanescence decided that they did not want to be associated with the Christian music scene after that genre initially embraced their work.
DeleteLee
I liked Katherine Jenkins between the two. Her's had almost a haunting quality to it with her voice.
ReplyDeletebetty
Her version is haunting--and dramatic.
DeleteLee
I feel split. Katherine Jenkins version is more like something I'd put on a playlist. But I really liked artistically the Gregorian version. I could see stone walls and grey, feel the urgency- it was almost like worship.
ReplyDeleteSo a split decision I guess?
DeleteLee
One vote for the chant as it stuck with me longer and more pleasantly.
ReplyDeleteAnother chance for the chants.
DeleteLee
Katherine Jenkins' voice is more like the original version by Evanescence (which I LOVE), but it lacks the dramatic music and duet which, if you'll excuse the pun, bring the song to life. I'd have to go with the Gregorians.
ReplyDeleteGood point about the counterpoint voice. Gregorians it is for you.
DeleteLee
Jenkins had the better voice but I like the ominous feel of the first one. So #1 gets my vote
ReplyDeleteOminous is a good way to describe the Gregorian chant sound. Guess that's why it's used so often in horror films.
DeleteLee
This was a great battle but I think I am biased since I love classical:) Both are excellent but I give it to Jenkins who has such an amazing voice and brings it so to life for me. The song is one of hope and the Gregorian piece is great but their style is opposite to the song for me. I also have this CD of Jenkins which I often play:)
ReplyDeleteI can understand your bias--good point about the Gregorian style.
DeleteLee
It's tough to decide, so many reasons to like each version from the chants to the lovely vocals... so I choose not to decide, I still have made a choice.
ReplyDeleteYou have made a choice though a bit wishy washy. But I can understand that too since I'm having a tough time deciding.
DeleteLee
I think I liked the Catherine Jenkins version better...but mostly because I like a female voice with this song. Plus, my inner Catholic was confused by the first one LOL
ReplyDelete"Conflict of the inner Catholic"--I like that. It's sounds like some kind of psychiatric diagnosis.
DeleteLee
I read this post earlier but did not listen to the tunes. I kept thinking that I needed to remember to thank you for the dedication, and then I listened to the music. Wow, I guess I am more transparent than I think. Well, thanks, anyway...I think.
ReplyDeleteI am not familiar with this song. I have or had at one time, a CD of Gregorian, but I don't think it was this 'Dark Side of Chant', from what I remember it was a more traditional type of 'Chant'. I was surprised when they really kicked in. I love the ending...very ethereal. Almost sounds like wind chimes.
The Jenkins version is beautiful. she does have a lovely voice, but one that is not to my particular taste, at least not in a piece like this.
So, I'm gonna swim upstream here (not unusual for me) and go with Gregorian.
BTW, listened to and watched the original also. Very disturbing to my mind early this Sunday morning.
I like the original video, but it does come across as somewhat disturbing. However I think that this is a pretty amazing song with a good message for any of us.
DeleteGot your vote for the Gregorians.
Lee
Katheine Jenkins' voice is pleasant enough, but as I listened to it I kept thinking it sounded like someone singing a karaoke version of the original (which I would have voted for if it were a choice).
ReplyDeleteSo while I can't say I love the Gregorian version, I'm voting for it since it gives the song a different spin.
Larry
I almost used the John Tesh version which was closer to the original, but then it just seemed better to go with the classical/rock contrast theme as I mentioned in the post.
DeleteThe Gregorian style definitely gives the song a unique spin.
Lee
Gregorian gets my vote, the female version just didn't do anything for me. I only like women vocalists with strong blues-y voices. I could imagine listening to Gregorian while doing something else, but Jenkins would just annoy me.
ReplyDeleteAnother annoying woman bites the dust--er, you said that I didn't. Well, maybe I restated your words wrong. But I get what you're saying.
DeleteLee
Lee, I am touched by your dedication to Robin, Faraway Eyes, and Stephen T. McCarthy. A lovely song, and truly speaks to the need of being uplifted. You are always so kind, (smile). I wish all three the very best too. Evanescence version is so full, it makes one want to 'leap' for joy. Thank you for posting a link to it. (smile)
ReplyDeleteGregorian - so full and rich with, what I like to call, the male mystique of chanting. However I do enjoy the lone female voice... a la Tina Turner. I love the driving drums, and that consuming orchestration - kissed with the end play of guitars and a piece of... what to call it - dreamy syncho(?).
Katherine Jenkins - quite the opposite arrangement regarding voices. She's the lone voice, backed up with others.
Her version opens with the keyboards, while Gregorian has that simple guitar. She sounds clear like a bell, slowly moving into an 'operatic' crescendo. Is it me? Why do I think of Cirque du Soleil? I like this and yet...
Do I typically listen to Gregorian chants? I have a few favorites, but overall, no. I have certainly enjoyed this song done in that style. Tough, wonderful battle, with the two you present here. I played both several times.
My vote goes to Gregorian. Thank you, Lee.
Thank you for your kind words for me. Now I feel kind of all warm and not just because it's 90 degrees outside here in L.A.
DeleteLove the way you broke down your analysis of the two versions. And I'll put down another vote for Gregorian Chanters.
Lee
Jenkins gets my vote. It was a tough call I liked both version.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Either one would deserve a win in this pairing.
ReplyDeleteLee
I absolutely love that song. It was the inspiration for the main character in my second book.
ReplyDeleteWhile Jenkins sticks to the original version, I had to laugh at the Gregorian Chant version. It's just different and weird enough to get my vote.
It's one of the best rock songs of recent years in my opinion. Evoking raucous laughter, the mysterious monks get Diane's vote. Okay, I'll go with that.
DeleteLee
First, thank you for thinking of me (us) with this song. It touches my heart that someone you've never met in person thinks about you (outside of the time they read your blog) and care about what happens to you. You're a very tender-hearted person and I love that about you!!! (Didn't you have some 2s in your numerology chart??? I do believe they're showing right now:) Thank you again!
ReplyDeleteI didn't expect to care for the Gregorian Chant take on this tune. I'm familiar with Gregorian chant and must say it's not my favorite genre of music, but this was very different - not what I expected at all. I liked the urgency of the chorus (that they kept the echo from the original). (Wake me up) Wake me up inside...
Katherine Jenkins has a lovely ethereal voice and she would have stolen this away from the chanters if her chorus had kept that urgency. Instead I felt all loosey goosey with her wake me up inside. It was lovely but it felt like it missed the point of the song.
So chalk up one surprised vote for Gregorian and the Dark Side of the Chant!
2 did play a significant role in the chart!
ReplyDeleteI've said in the past that Gregorian chant is a genre that I don't particularly care for, but as with you this updated take causes me to take another look.
And good point about the urgency of the chorus. This is more like the original version which had that same sense of urgency.
Got you for the chant.
Lee
Hi Lee -
ReplyDeleteAnother interesting battle you've arranged for our listening pleasure.
Somewhere I have an LP of Gregorian Chant (real-olde-tyme-relentlessly-Catholic-guilt-infested chant.) I wanted to study and possess some of that style of "classical" music in my library, but it is not my favorite. These guys here make the song interesting... but to my ears only that. Not pleasant.
To me, Jenkins voice sounds a great deal like Sarah Brightman. (I have several of Brightman's CDs and one (Dive) gets played more than many artists I own.)
Neither of these versions is on par with the original, but Jenkins wins this one by two lengths.
I forgot to add that I'm very surprised at how well the Chant Brothers are doing in this battle! I'd have guessed that Jenk-baby would win this by a 3-1 margin, but seeing the votes, she'll probably lose!
DeleteGregorian chant is a genre that has never made its way into my musical collection since as I've mentioned in a previous response, like you, it's not my favorite music to sit around and listen to. With some updating and western musical influence just about any kind of music can become palatable to our ears I suppose.
DeleteI'm not overly surprised about the direction of this contest, but I will say I'm wavering in my favorite. I do like them both a great deal.
Lee
I slightly prefer the Katherine Jenkins version, though I've liked a lot of the Gregorian versions of popular songs. They've covered some songs I've never expect monks to cover, from such a wide range of genres and styles. I love the various traditions of monastic chanting, particularly in regards to the Kyrie Eleison prayer.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I give your vote to Katherine.
DeleteLee
I like this song a lot by Evanescence, but she almost depresses me when I listen to her music. I had no clue other artists did Bring Me To Life.
ReplyDeleteGregorian has a bit of that eerie quality like Evanescence, but my mind couldn't get into tune with their cover. I think it's because a group is doing the song, instead of the solitude of one voice singing these sad lyrics. However, Gregorian has an interesting sound and one worth looking into further. I'd like to hear more by them.
Katherine Jenkins has a gorgeous voice. She kept her cover close to the original without the darkness. I think Jenkins vocals brings me to life. Katherine steals my vote!
Great BOTB installment, Lee!
There were a number of versions of "Bring Me To Life" to choose from. These two gave me a theme. Yes there is an ironic dark sound to a song with an uplifting message.
DeleteLee
I feel like Jenkins' sounded a little too much like the original... minus the rock sound. Which for me is less, rather than more. The Gregorian version, though? Haunting. And a deep voice is a surprisingly nice fit for this song. Easy for vote them.
ReplyDeleteGot your vote for Gregorian.
DeleteLee
You are soooooooooo right, winter has done many of us in. People have cabin fever, and truly need some sunshine. Hubby and I had a fire outside last night from cleaning up some of winters mess...even had our cocktails there with our coats on, just not wanting to go back inside. Come on Spring.
ReplyDeleteAnd here in L.A. over the past week it's been very hot. Spring will be here on Friday!
DeleteLee
I'm afraid I'm not into music, but my son is plugged in all day long. Removing his earbuds is slightly easier than moving a mountain. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Shout with Emaginette
I did a post about this a few weeks ago. I'm puzzled when people say they're not into music.
DeleteLee
Gregorian chants have in my experience been just that with no musical instruments - just monks using their voices in a slow beautiful and haunting way. I did not care for this one. Too discordant.
ReplyDeleteSo I'll go with Jenkins - though it sounds as if it would be appropriate for Wuthering Heights.
I guess Jenkins' version could work well in a movie.
DeleteLee
Wow, tough call! I liked them both. I will give the Gregorian version the edge for originality, though Jenkins' plaintive chorus almost won me over to her side. Her quiet despair really touched me.
ReplyDeleteSlight edge to Gregorian. Very slight.
Another edge vote and I can understand.
DeleteLee
Oooh! I liked Katherine Jenkins' "stormy" sounding musical bits, but much preferred Georgian's primitive, ethereal vocals by a long shot. Georgian for me!
ReplyDeleteAnother vote for the chant.
DeleteLee
Oh man, loved them both. Gads, how to choose. I think I'll vote Katherine simply because it is a bit more haunting. If I come back tomorrow I might choose georgians. Shhhsh, Lee, does it get any tougher. Give it to Kat today :)
ReplyDeleteI with you on the difficulty of the choice. Either is a good one.
DeleteLee
Hrm, it was close for me. The Gregorian one is haunting, and I enjoyed a male voice for the song, but Jenkins had such a lovely voice I had to go with her.
ReplyDeleteKatherine is starting to rack up some votes now.
DeleteLee
My vote also goes to Katherine Jenkins. She has such a wonderful vocal range.
ReplyDeleteJulie
She does have range.
DeleteLee
I love both the original version and the c.d. by the group. Having said that, I will vote for Kelly's version. Not by default, because the mixture of orchestral and the basic drum kit stays true to the original, but I thoroughly detest Gregorian chant music.
ReplyDeleteFrankly, if you had two versions that had any kind of orchestral music to them, I would've spit my vote. Orchestral music does this song absolute justice.
If this Gregorian chant was purely chant style I too would have had a difficult time liking it, but it does have a rock ensemble and what sounds like orchestration behind it so that makes it more palatable to my ears. I think I understand what you're saying about chant music though.
DeleteThat being said, I'll put you down for Katherine.
Lee
Gregorian
ReplyDeleteTo the point!
DeleteLee
I liked both, but I liked Katherine's a little better. I vote for her.
ReplyDeleteThat pushes Katherine almost to a tie.
DeleteLee
BOIDMAN ~
ReplyDeleteI still has no Internet service and I can't really play the songs because I'm in a public library and they'd kick me out. But thanks to my immense musical knowledge (and a little help from a good friend) I'm able to cast a vote anyway...
Give my vote to: GREGORIAN.
If I manage to get Internet service prior to the 21st, I will return and correct my vote (should I determine I got it wrong the first time... which is highly unlikely).
Excuse the "copy & paste" job but at least I ain't totally AWOL in this installment of BOTB. I should be back at 100% before too long.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
Good to know you're out and about and on your way home wherever that may end up being.
DeleteLee
Katherine Jenkins for me! I need male voices with a bit of grit. His is too operatic for me.
ReplyDeleteBut Katherine Jenkins is an opera singer!
DeleteNo problem though--she gets your vote.
Lee
Katherine!
ReplyDeleteHusband concurs.
I guess I can count that as two votes for Katherine.
DeleteLee