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| Halloween (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
There can be no courage unless you're scared."
-- Eddie Rickenbacker,
fighter pilot and business leader |
Halloween is coming upon us. This is a celebration that has particular significance to Tossing It Out since this blog began a little over six years ago as a Halloween blog. That's the industry that I was working in prior to starting this blog so it stood to reason at that time to start writing about what I knew as writers are often recommended to do. I knew Halloween.
My blogging interest in Halloween dissipated pretty quickly as I became more interested in the writing process itself. That's where my real interests lie. In reality I'm no big fan of Halloween anymore--not like I was when I was a kid. Moving Halloween products into stores was an enjoyable job in many ways, but the event day itself was more of a let down for me as the real excitement was in the months leading up to Halloween itself. Now Halloween is a fun memory of the past and no longer particularly relevant to my present time.
This doesn't mean I'm going to ignore Halloween completely. For this Battle of the Bands edition I present a "scary" song to celebrate the scary season.
Battle of the Bands!
This is not at all complicated: Listen to the song versions 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 Battles to vote on.
"I Scare Myself"
This song was written by campy eclectic artist Dan Hicks. It was originally recorded by his band Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks--one of the best and most diverse bands of the past 50 years. The band is difficult to categorize, but Hicks calls his music "folk jazz" which seems like an appropriate label.
Don't vote on this, but for reference purposes for those who are interested here is the original version. And the following are your voting selections:
Thomas Dolby "I Scare Myself" (1984)
Music artist and record producer Thomas Dolby covered "I Scare Myself" on his second album The Flat Earth (1984). I particularly enjoy the jazzy piano and trombone near the halfway point of this recording. While staying true to the original, Dolby adds a cool feel to his version of the song.
Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks with Rickie Lee Jones "I Scare Myself" (2000)
The alternative version that I'm offering is actually Dan Hicks doing a cover version of his own song. He's joined by Rickie Lee Jones as they step up the tempo with a sort of hip-hop world music sound. The jazziness is still evident in the vocals and the signature Hot Licks jazz style violin. Enjoy!
Time to Vote!
Don't be scared to vote on this Battle. I hope you'll add your vote to this contest. Which song version do you like the best? Judge what you hear in the above videos. Which version do you prefer? It's up to you to help 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 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:
‘FAR AWAY SERIES’
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
Women: We Shall Overcome
Book Lover
J. A. Scott
Quiet Laughter
Holli's Hoots and Hollers
NovelBrews
Results on Wednesday October 21st
I'll be back with the final tally and the winner on Wednesday October 21st. Also, join me this Saturday on Wrote By Rote when I present another Soundtrack of My Life segment based on a song by the great Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks.
Are your fears mostly based on external threats or what is in your mind? What are your biggest fears? Are you familiar with the music of Dan Hicks?
Thomas Dolby.
ReplyDeleteHalloween has gotten as big as Christmas now in terms of popularity and decorations. My stepson's girlfriend has been posting a daily countdown to Halloween since the spring. But as with Christmas, it is a huge letdown once it's over. There's such a massive buildup to the crescendo, then it's all over within hours. We hardly ever get any kids, but maybe this year since it's on a Sat. we'll get more. I've noticed a lot of places are doing 'Trunk or Treat' where kids go to a parking lot and get candy from police cruisers and fire trucks instead of hitting up neighbourhoods.
JoJo, our neighborhood participation was way down last year, but we also had a rare California rain that kept the crowds down. I think it will be better this year, but still my house will be dark. Besides that candy has gotten expensive.
DeleteLee
JoJo, oh and a vote for...
DeleteThomas Dolby
Lee
Hi, Lee! Thanks for introducing these recordings, good buddy. I enjoyed both but, ultimately, the Thomas Dolby version is too subdued for my taste. The up tempo collaboration of Dan Hicks and Rickie Lee Jones has a lot more going for it. It cooks. It percolates. The beat reminds me of a speeded up version of the Zombies' hit "Time of the Season." I favor Hot Licks with Rickie Lee Jones. Thanks, Lee!
ReplyDeleteShady, the uptempo version is why I used it as a contrast with Dolby's more traditional take.
DeleteFirst vote is for Dan Hicks
Lee
I listened to Thomas Dolby and was sure I was going to vote for him. His smooth mellow tone was music to my hears. Then I listened to Dan Hicks, and the choice was made a little harder. I really like the second version too. In the end, I decided I'm a Thomas Dolby fan and will still give my vote his way. I just love the feel and sound of his version.
ReplyDeleteJeffrey, I think both versions are very good. I'll tell my choice on 10/21.
DeleteGot you down for Thomas Dolby
Lee
Like you, Halloween is not something we participate in any longer. It's a real pain with dogs in residence, plus we never had that much of a turnout anyway, because we live on a side street.
ReplyDeleteThis is a cool song I'm not familiar with. I had to go searching for an alternate link for the second video, because it's not viewable in Canada. [Alternate link HERE]
Both covers were good, but I'm a sucker for a trumpet solo. Please give my vote to Thomas Dolby.
Debbie, I live in a gated community, but we've always thrown open the gates for Halloween. Some years we've had huge numbers. No idea what's in store for this year, but the Saturday date might bring out a lot of kids.
DeleteThe trumpet solo cinches a vote for Thomas Dolby
Lee
I really thought I'd be voting for Thomas Dolby (before the listening and then after listening just to him). Then the "Hot Licks" began and I really liked it. Shocker.
ReplyDeleteSo, give my vote to Dan Hicks and Ms. Jones.
Robin, the Dan Hicks remake does cook.
DeleteI give your vote to Dan Hicks
Lee
Thomas Dolby is my choice.
ReplyDeleteI had amassed a collection of Halloween themed shirts and wore them one October. That is when I realised that I was no big Halloween fan. I do enjoy children whooping it up.
Ann, when I was a kid Halloween was my favorite day. It's definitely a day for kids and for adults who have a lot of kid inside them.
DeleteThomas Dolby gets your vote.
Lee
I live Halloween. I have an annual HOLLIWEEN party and I love every part of it. My house is heavily decorated and it's always attended with great costumes.
ReplyDeleteMy vote goes to Thomas Dolby. I liked his funkiness that he adds to songs.
Holli, "Holliween"! I like that! Our house still has some Christmas decorations from last year on the inside, but Halloween decorations are nowhere to be found.
DeleteAnother vote for Thomas Dolby.
Lee
I like Thomas Dolby's version the best. It had more of a mood to it. Nice battle I look forward to seeing the results!
ReplyDeleteMike, Dolby does give the song a rather ethereal dreamy mood.
DeleteThomas Dolby
Lee
Oh I like Thomas Dolby best. That piano and trombone are so sexy. His sound reminds me of a nice sunny Sunday afternoon...
ReplyDeleteGive my vote to Dolby please.
Michele at Angels Bark
Michele, I agree that the piano and trombone have a sultry pleasing sound. Sunny Sunday afternoon? Sure, I can go with that.
DeleteThomas Dolby gets another vote.
Lee
I might be dressing up for, like, the first time ever this Halloween.
ReplyDeleteAndrew, what brings on the change of heart? What will you be dressing as?
DeleteLee
I have completely irrational fears. Stems from anxiety wrecking my brain. Not fun. In any case, I'm voting for Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks with Rickie Lee Jones!
ReplyDeleteMadilyn, irrational fears are not healthy, but common. I used to have a lot more when I was younger.
DeleteA vote for Dan Hicks
Lee
Lee, I promiiise, I'm not scared to vote. This is a new song for me, which is kinda good because I don't have a preconceived ideas on what to expect with this cut. After listening to both versions, I actually prefer Thomas Dolby over the original and cover by Hicks. So, there you have it my vote goes to Dolby. Nice pick for this battle showdown. BTW, I'm not a real fan of Halloween, either. In fact, I haven't been for years, but I do like the candy part of this fun holiday. :D
ReplyDeleteOopsie, I forgot to click "notify me" on the comments. Thanks for stopping by to vote!
DeleteCathy, the candy part of Halloween has always been my weakness.
DeleteAdding still another vote for Thomas Dolby
Lee
Having never heard the song until on here I go for Ricky Lee Jones.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Lee.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, thanks for your vote!
DeleteIt's for Dan Hicks via Rickie Lee Jones.
Lee
This was a great BOTB, LEE.
ReplyDeleteIt's a rare day when I'd vote against Rickie Lee Jones, as some of her stuffs I am very much crazy about, but today is a rare day.
Before I played it, I saw the name THOMAS DOLBY and figured for sure I'd be voting against him. I remember (too damn well) his hit song 'She Blinded Me With Science'. That was one of many songs from the early 1980s that drove me away from Rock / Pop music.
But his version here was really nice. Some great instrumentation in a "lounge-y" mood piece with a slight Bossa-Nova flair to it. Really dug it. I listened to it a second time just for the pleasure of it.
Unbelievable! I'm voting for DOLBY over Rickie. I never would have imagined such a thing!
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
STMcC, I was hoping you'd like this one. Both recordings are well done, but I can understand your reasoning. Hey, the video for the "Science" song was pretty good. Dolby has done some creative stuff.
DeleteNothing wrong with your vote for Thomas Dolby.
Lee
Halloween is just different now. I enjoy watching scary movies!
ReplyDeleteHR, I haven't seen as much about Halloween this year as in years previous, but maybe it's just less in my radar than it was in the past.
DeleteLee
Thomas Dolby! Smooth and entrancing, ocean breeze on a white sand beach...yeah, I enjoyed that very much :-)
ReplyDeleteNowadays I'm content to pass out treats. But alas, I've only one trick-or-treater in my neighborhood so I always have leftover candy;-)
Diedre, I've always got candy at my house, but I should stop buying it. One of my biggest weaknesses.
DeleteGot you down for Thomas Dolby
Lee
Big questions there, Lee. I am scared of what is in my mind, hard to explain. Too many memories, I guess. What I fear most is something happening to those whom I love.
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for Thomas Dolby, absolutely. The combination of brass and piano, and dif. cultures--a dreaminess, yet with an edge.
Susan, the mind stuff is often the most illogical stuff to fear and yet it's probably what most of us fear more than anything.
DeleteGot you down for Thomas Dolby
lee
I must vote for Mr. Dolby. I'm a pianist. My son is a trombonist. What more is there to say?
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie, and I think the piano and trombone are the highlights of this version.
DeleteAgain a vote for Thomas Dolby
Lee
I expected to be able to vote for the second version without listeniing, being the Rickie Lee fan that I am, but a funny thing happened while reacquainting myself with the Thomas Dolby version...I remembered something-I like it. I have a couple more recent Hicks CD's, but had not heard his original (liked that). The remake with Rickie Lee did not wow me. In fact, I may like Dolby's cover over the Hicks original.
ReplyDeleteCall me blinded by science, but chalk one up for Dolby.
Larry
Larry, I haven't heard anything else recent from Hicks other than some live cuts on YouTube.
DeleteAnd still another one for Thomas Dolby
Lee
I would have to say that THAT was not what I expected from Thomas Dolby! I think, though, of the two, I liked it better. Vote for TD!
ReplyDeleteCW, Dolby like Hicks is a pretty eclectic music man.
DeleteThomas Dolby scores another vote.
Lee
OK first off-Dang! The Rickie Lee I could not play it here but I went on youtube and found a version so i hope this does not cancel me out. I have to say I prefer the Dolby version better. I liked the styling of the song better especially the instruments so Dolby gets my vote
ReplyDeleteBirgit, not counted out but counted in for...
DeleteThomas Dolby
Lee
I'm a fan of Dolby, but for some reason this one was too mellow - though I love the jazzy touch. Now, in an elevator, I'm down with it.
ReplyDeleteI've got to give my vote to Dan Hicks this time.
Good battle, Arlee! I didn't know either of these songs. Sweet!
Cherdo, glad you enjoyed and help Dan with some votes.
DeleteDan Hicks
Lee
This was an interesting battle. I'm not familiar with the music of Dan Hicks, though given the prodigious number of candles on my birthday cake, I'd heard the name from the old days.
ReplyDeleteBut I'd the Hicks/Rickie version before somewhere. I really liked it. The beat drove it along in a much more pleasing way than Dolby. I think I still own an old Thomas Dolby album, but I've only listened to it once... right after I bought it back in the early 80's. What was I thinking? I was blinded by... well, everyone else has made that joke so I'll skip it.
I also listened to the original Hicks Licks track and liked the one with Jones best. I vote Hicks/Jones.
NO, Lee! You need more sleep!
DeletePut me down for Hicks!
SBB6, Hicks has essentially been a fringe artist since the 60's, known more to musicians than the record buying public.
DeleteOh, and thanks for the correction which I've done here.
I'll put you down for Dan Hicks
Lee
Last year was the first Halloween in my new home. I wasn't used to the neighborhood; but had virtually no trick-or-treaters for the last about six years. Within 20 minutes I ran out of candy, and spent the next two and a half hours turning kids away at the door. A sad, sad day for me. I've already bought about $60 worth of candy for Halloween, and thinking I may get another big bag or two, just in case. I don't particularly like Halloween, but I adore the costume parade of the little ones. They better show up in droves again this year or I'll be hauntingly disappointed.
ReplyDeleteBoth of these are cool, but I think I like Colby a tad better.
Dolorah, if I opened my door to the little beggars, I'm sure I'd go through a number of bags of candy. I was closed for the candy distribution over the past couple years and it worked out well for me.
DeleteA vote for Colby or I guess you mean Thomas Dolby
Lee
Over in the UK so Halloween is not so widely celebrated as in the US, although that is changing. Guy Fawkes (November 5th) is our big celebration. But this time next year, we will be living in Idaho and my wife's kids celebrate Halloween in a big way. One son decorates the house in creepiness.
ReplyDeleteAnyway, my vote was going for Thomas Dolby but then I heard the Dan Hicks & Rickie Lee Jones version and changed my mind. Maybe I should enjoy them both again. But a vote for Hicks & Jones.
Roland, with so much Halloween product produced in China and other places I know the push for more international participation has been on for the past several years. When I was in the business we were shipping all over the world.
DeleteIdaho? Great state. I might not mind living in Idaho one day though it's still far from my kids and that's not great.
A vote for Dan Hicks
Lee
Great BATTLE!
ReplyDeleteTwo very good versions of a song I was not familiar with before today. On any given day my vote could go either way. Today I'm going with door number 2 Dan Hick and Rickie Lee Jones.
FAE, door number 2 it is! They are both good.
DeleteA vote for Dan Hicks
Lee
The Dan Hicks video was not available!!!! But I loved the Thomas Holby and for 1984 it sounds modern. The piano and trombone are cool - nothing a trombone and jazzy piano combo .. I liked the graphics, the song itself was maybe a little repetitive.. Wish I could have heard the Rickie Lee Jones!
ReplyDeleteSusan S, too bad you couldn't hear the Hicks-Jones version so you could vote on this. Dolby's version is not at all dated I agree.
DeleteLee
Lee - I love your battle! I listened to Hicks & Jones first... no particular reason today. Thought I'd be voting for their version. Then I played Thomas Dolby... ooh, wow!
ReplyDeleteAbout the time his piano started that wonderful journey through the keys and the trombone, achingly sounding, began... outside of my studio window... golden leaves drifted to the earth. An instant magical moment enchanted me.
It was kind of an ironic scary moment in time.
We do Halloween carnivals and parades - not much house to house trick or treating any more. Times have changed.
Log my vote for Thomas Dolby! Thank you.
Dixie, your reasoning for voting actually gave me kind of a chill. So poetic.
DeleteA exceptionally arty vote for Thomas Dolby
Lee
Aw, bummer... The Hicks + Jones video wouldn't play for me, and I couldn't find an alternative version :( Really enjoyed Dolby's, though, and if Hicks' "cover" was similar to the original, I'm pretty sure I'd have voted Dolby. Does that count as a vote?
ReplyDeleteGuilie @ Quiet Laughter
Guilie, maybe not a totally accurate vote since the Hicks cover was quite different from the Hicks original, but still...
DeleteI'll give your vote to Thomas Dolby
Lee
[ Smiles ] I happen to be a Thomas Dolby fan and it is not a bad version at all.
ReplyDeleteI regret to inform you that your embedded version of that song from Rick Lee Jones is no longer available (It may have been pulled off of YouTube).
Renard, sorry to hear this. You apparently live outside the U.S. and from what I'm hearing this version is not available in certain other countries. Thanks for stopping in though.
DeleteLee
[ Smiles ] You are most welcome!
DeleteI really liked the somewhat eerie quality of Dolby's version. But in the end Dan Hicks and Ricky Lee get my vote!
ReplyDeleteBish, I think you described the Dolby version well.
DeleteBut a vote for Dan Hicks
Lee
Hard to vote when I couldn't hear the second one, Lee. Not in this country, it said. Didn't care for the first one, so you can count me for the second one. I'd probably like it better. . .(or is that allowed?)
ReplyDeleteI do like some of Dan Hicks music, anyway!
DeleteDG, sorry that you couldn't hear the Hicks version, but since you are familiar with his music and didn't like the first version by Dolby I"ll bend things a bit to give your vote to...
DeleteDan Hicks
Lee
I vote for the Dan Hicks and the Hot Licks with Rickie Lee Jones version. I like the faster pace.
ReplyDeleteI was never big into Halloween, but I do love making costumes and getting dressed up. :)
Loni, I haven't dressed up in costume since my kids were much younger and that was years ago.
DeleteAnother last minute attempt to save Dan Hicks
Lee