Preso (#BOTB)

        It's November 15th which means the end of the year is growing nearer.  It also means that it's time for another installment of Battle of the Bands!   This event which takes place on the 1st and 15th of each month was started by Far Away Eyes at Far Away Series.  Blogger Stephen T McCarthy maintains the participant list and answers your questions about the event--you can find his blog with a list of participants at  StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands.   

        Here's what I'm asking of you:  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.

        And now my song pick for this round of Battle of the Bands:

"Preso"

        "Preso" is Spanish for "prisoner" or "imprisoned".   In this song the term is used as a metaphor for being so involved in a love relationship that it's like being hopelessly ensnared.   The song first appeared on the album Gracias by popular Mexican singer José José in 1981.  If you're interested in hearing the original version then click here, but please don't vote on this version.

Here are the contestants for your consideration:


Cristian Castro  "Preso"  (2011)

       To start this Battle we have the uber romantic song styling of Cristian Castro.  Mexican singing star Castro is the son of the renown actress/entertainer Verónica Castro  and popular comedian/actor Manuel "El Loco" Valdes .  Cristian started his acting career as a baby when he began appearing in telenovelas and commercials with his mother.  In 1992 when he was still a teenager he recorded his first album and has recorded many since.

       Castro's version of "Preso" stays true to the original recording by José José.






Aleks Syntek  "Preso"  (1998)

        Considered by some to be a genius of pop music, Aleks Syntek first caught my attention in 2006 when I heard his amazing recording of the song Historias De Danzón Y De Arrabal (linked here in case you're interested--it's well worth hearing and the video is very nicely produced).  After I bought Syntek's album Leccion de Vuelo and enjoyed it for a while I discovered Syntek's version of "Preso" on the José José tribute album that I had owned for several years but apparently not listened to very often.

       Syntek has received and been nominated for many awards for his music and his albums have garnered gold and platinum record status.  He was also part of the first judging panel on the Mexican version of the television show The Voice.   This is a favorite version of Guilie Castillo-Oriard who this past Wednesday introduced my song choice for the BOTB round. If you missed Guilie's guest post I hope you'll check it out. Thanks again Guilie.

          Now take a listen to the techno pop version of "Preso" by Aleks Syntek.




Time to Vote!

         Exercise your freedom to vote!   Please don't let the language deter you from enjoying these song versions--you don't have to understand the words to appreciate the music. 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 

Janie Junebug Righting & Editing.
  
Book Lover

J. A. Scott  

Quiet Laughter

Holli's Hoots and Hollers

NovelBrews


Results on Monday November 23rd

       Due to my schedule in the upcoming week, the winner of this Battle will be announced on Monday November 23rd.  After that day, during the Thanksgiving week my posting could be sporadic to none.  I'll figure that out when the time comes.

       Now please vote!