Ever tried voting in the Battle of the Bands yet? If not why don't you give this one a try? You don't have to know anything about music other than which song you like hearing the best. It doesn't matter whether or not you know the song or the artists, just listen to let us know which one sounds best to your ears.
And now...
Here we are--the last Battle of the Bands for the year 2015. Another Christmas is upon us as we await the coming of still another year. But not yet. We still have this one last Battle of the Bands post. 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:
"Trouble of the World"
As I hinted at in my previous winner announcement post, this is a song that I could use for several months worth of Battles. There are so many interesting and enjoyable versions done in so many different ways. Listening to many of these versions kept me engaged for some time as I tried to come up with versions that had similar elements while being worlds apart. It's a big world after all that is not only filled with many problems, but filled with many differing tastes and likes. Now here's your chance to listen and contrast and then decide which version you enjoy the most.
Rose Stone et al "Trouble of the World" (2004)
In the first round of voting when I used this song on December 1st, Sheboyganboy Six must have been on my wavelength of thought when he suggested that he would have liked to have seen me use a version of this song from the soundtrack of the film The Ladykillers. His prescient comment foreshadowed the Part Two post that I had waiting in the wings. Here's a more traditional uptempo choir version of "Trouble of the World". This might get you to clapping your hands and dancing around the room.
Mahom "Trouble of the World" (2014)
In another collaborative vocal version, from their album The Skankin' Cat, the French dub electro group Mahom starts out lightly, sounding almost Christmassy in feel, but then breaks into a jarring bit of reggae electronica. Don't dismiss this version too quickly. Upon first hearing I had no intent of using this version as I didn't much care for it. Then I listened again, and then again, and then after several listenings this version started taking hold of me. Now I like it a great deal. See what you think.
Time to Vote!
You might like or not like either of these versions, but whatever the case please give each one a fair listen to decide which version you prefer over the other. I think they're both enjoyable--I have an inclination toward one version, but I'm still wavering a bit. What about you?
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
Be ReInVintaged
Results on Monday December 21st (I Hope!)
I might be facing a challenge to get the results post up by next Monday, but I'll try my darndest to do so. It's a busy season I know and I'm sure it's the same with you. My blogging activity might be rather sporadic in the next few weeks, but that's the nature of the season. Stay calm. We've got this and there's no reason to be troubled by what we've got filling up our lives. Be happy in these times.
A wonderful song .I vote for Rose Stone.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Yvonne, first vote in!
DeleteRose Stone
Lee
Sorry, the song has soul to it, and Rose Stone is the one that delivers. They get my vote.
ReplyDeleteAlex, it's definitely got soul!
DeleteA vote for Rose Stone
Lee
Okay, I've never voted before and I don't know much about music. However! I am voting for the Mahom version. For me, it captured the feeling of weariness. The beat sounded like a march toward a final peace.
ReplyDeleteLynda, so glad you've decided to vote for my Battle. And thank you for preventing a shut-out! Love the way you reasoned your choice--great description!
DeleteA first vote for Mahom
Lee
Mahon was good. I can see where it would play well on the radio or a soundtrack. My preference is Rose Stone. I have always liked gospel music. It is a more a more relatable style to me.
ReplyDeleteAnn, this is some excellent gospel music in the clip from The Ladykillers.
Deletea vote for Rose Stone
Lee
I liked the way Mahom started this, and after the electronic noise it was okay. Rose Stone, on the other hand, was tremendous, and did the song as it should be done. She gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteJohn, sticking with tradition and the crowd...
Deletea vote for Rose Stone
Lee
Hi, Lee!
ReplyDeleteI agree that you selected two more excellent versions of the song. You described the Mahom recording as "jarring." I happen to like jarring. However, I am not as fond of electronica as you seem to be, nor am I a fan of reggae. The female vocals were angelic and that's what I liked best about Mahom. Rose Stone and the church choir nailed "Trouble of the World." It is my favorite rendition presented thus far and they get my vote in this contest.
Thanks, Lee!
Shady, yes I like jarring in many instances including this Mahom version. But I hear your argument for picking Rose Stone and record the vote as such--
DeleteRose Stone
Lee
Lee, I do appreciate your final comment about things filling up our lives. I find myself apologizing for a schedule that was highjacked and took a new direction (only for a time, though!) due to family needs. But, you're spot on, as usual: "...there's no reason to be troubled by what we've got filling up our lives."
ReplyDeleteAmen! I'm blessed to have so much going on and occasionally, I need reminded that I shouldn't have to apologize.
As for the BOTB: WAY TO GO ROSE STONE!!! Now that is what I want to hear when I listen to this song. Mahom was different and unique; kudos to them for that.
Thanks for a great battle!
Cherdo, I'd rather be busy with a bunch of stuff than worn down by loneliness, fear, and depression. A good attitude can overcome many ills.
DeleteAnother vote for Rose Stone
Lee
I enjoyed Rose Stone and prefer the style they give over the other. I like the other, it does grow on you but the first gets my vote because of the soul style
ReplyDeleteBirgit, a vote for the style--
Deleteis a vote for Rose Stone
Lee
While I like the 2nd version, I think I am going with the gospel version--It's funny because I don't think of myself as a gospel listener, but when they are coordinating and taking separate parts rather than all singing at once, I really do love it.
ReplyDeleteHart, a lot of gospel music is difficult for me to take, but when it's done right it's righteous.
DeleteAnother vote for Rose Stone
Lee
I see I'm in the minority here... I'm voting for Mahom. Loved the Rose Stone version, but the new spin of the French band stole my heart. Great battle, Lee! Great picks :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I'll be by before the holidays, but one can never say this too much: Merry Christmas!
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter
Guilie, it's still early so you might not stay in the minority.
DeleteMerry Christmas to you too!
and a second vote for Mahom.
Lee
Why do I smell you as a secret Santa Clause in this 'I'm busy for the season' talk :)
ReplyDeleteDezmond, what do I smell like? Peppermint? Hot chocolate? Christmas tree?
DeleteHo, ho, ho!
Lee
I love the clip from The Ladykillers. They get my vote.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie, it's an entertaining clip. Now I want to see the movie.
DeleteRose Stone
Lee
Rose Stone is way more lively and fun. That sure gets my vote.
ReplyDeletePat, voting for the fun factor...
DeleteRose Stone
Lee
I was pleasantly surprised by Mahom, but Rose Stone shows 'em how it's done ;-)
ReplyDeleteMay all the things that fill your season by joyous, Lee. Merry Christmas!
Diedre, you have a wonderful Christmas as well.
DeleteRose Stone
Lee
I like Rose Stone better! Merry Christmas to you. :)
ReplyDeleteLinda, and Merry Christmas to you too!
DeleteAnother vote for Rose Stone
Lee
I love the name of the album, the Skankin' Cat, love the album cover but don't love the song. My vote is going to Rose Stone. I love a good Gospel song and they do it up right.
ReplyDeleteHope you are enjoying this holiday season Lee!
Michele at Angels Bark
Michele, I wasn't thrilled with the Mahom version at first. Had to listen many times.
DeleteA vote for Rose Stone
Lee
I can see how the second version could grow on a person. But it didn't really grow on me that much. I was hoping to like it. I do so love voting against everyone else. But in this case, I have to cast my vote for Rose Stone.
ReplyDeleteJeffrey, no grow for Mahom but another vote for..
DeleteRose Stone
Lee
I feel like Jeffrey. I thought Mahom might be my choice but they got on my nerves in the end. Rose Stone takes my vote. Have fun, Lee.
ReplyDeleteDixie, not hearing it like I did, eh?
DeleteA vote for Rose Stone
Lee
It's hard to make a BOTB work with the same song two contests in a row. For me, #1 didn't do it, #2 did.
ReplyDeleteCW, there were so many different styles of the song that I liked that the idea worked for me--I could do this contest a few more times but I promise I don't have it planned in any near months to come.
DeleteA vote for #2 Mahom
Lee
Two more great versions of this song! My vote goes to Rose Stone because the tempo is fun, Mahom just has a little too much of the electronic dub sound for my taste.
ReplyDeleteElizabeth, another traditionalist.
DeleteRose Stone
Lee
Hmm....do I vote for the traditional, uplifting gospel, or the incredibly cool electro-reggae version? Huge, HUGE props to Mahom for that unforgettable sound (and version), but I'm giving my vote to Rose. Her choir's rendition of this really moved me, as opposed to just making me want to move.
ReplyDeleteKim, kinda but kinda not?
DeleteA vote for Rose Stone
Lee
I got a Facebook vote from my cousin for
ReplyDeleteRose Stone
Lee
I like both of them. Stone is more uplifting but I couldn't understand most of the words. Mahon had a different tempo that I liked too. My vote is for Stone for its uplifting beat and the cute little choir conductor, or whatever he is called. Good picks Arlee!
ReplyDeleteLisa, the choir conductor looks like he's having a lot of fun.
DeleteAnother vote for Rose Stone
Lee
Methinks you have a 'blow-out' brewing here, if not a downright 'shut-out'(don't have time to do an actual count). I have to agree with most of the comments I scanned. The second one was a worthy opponent and not absolutely awful, but Rose Stone does this a 'down home gospel'. Give them my vote.
DeleteFAE, might be a blow-out--probably will be. No one listened to the 2nd version as many times as I did and it is a version that has to grow on the listener I think.
DeleteA vote for Rose Stone
Lee
Thank you Arlee for stopping by blog.
ReplyDeleteI think my vote goes to Mahom "Trouble of the World" (2014) I like the more modern and lightness of the sound. The constant level rhythm of the other one, without more varied instruments sort got on my nerves--jarred me.
I do agree with what someone else said about it being like an old time gospel sound. I tend to like a little blue grass added in the old time gospel sound myself or more R & B sound in production pieces like this, anyway my vote is for Mahom "Trouble of the World" (2014)
Juneta Writer's Gambit
Juneta, your reasoning makes sense to me, thank you.
DeleteA needed vote for Mahom
Lee
Lee, I prefer both of these covers over the ones you used in round one ~ both are quite good. After carefully listening to them, I think I enjoyed the gospel version. It made the song more fun. The reggae electronica did make me boogie more in my seat, but I'm giving my vote to Rose Stone.
ReplyDeleteCathy, these versions are definitely more upbeat than my first choices, but I think they are all excellent.
DeleteA vote for Rose Stone
Lee
Hey Lee... You've got two very different versions of this song (good thing:), but you're right in that the second one requires some "growing room." However, I don't have the time to give it to them. It's been a difficult few months, and I'm once again crawling (clawing?) my way through all of the BoTB posts before the voting ends.
ReplyDeleteInteresting note: at the beginning of the second version I was sure that the record got stuck. Remember when that happened? A tiny little scratch in the vinyl and suddenly the needle sticks.... uggghh. I know it was their electronic effects making the sound, but my inner child wanted to run over and lift up the needle. Ha!
So, this vote won't come as a surprise: Rose Stone. That was awesome!
Robin, sure I remember those stuck places on vinyl records and initially I had the same reaction on this Mahom recording. Hope you're going to have a much better year in 2016.
DeleteA vote for Rose Stone
Lee
Mahom gets my vote, I really enjoyed their vocals on this song. The gospel one didn't grab me as I would have expected.
ReplyDeleteMike, I think the electronica scared a lot of voters off this version. Thanks for your daring vote...
DeleteMahom
Lee
I thought I was going to go with the first version. Love that style, but this one really struck a cord. Mahom "Trouble of the World"
ReplyDeleteHow odd. :)
Yolanda, I don't think it's all that odd, but both are worthy opponents in my opinion.
DeleteMahom
Lee
The first one is catchy and nicely upbeat, but I'm giving my vote to Mahom.. such an interesting sound!
ReplyDeleteMadilyn, your vote has helped some. Now we need another 20 votes for Mahom to bring them past the current leader.
DeleteA Vote for Mahom
Lee
Sorry I'm late to voting this month! VERY busy times right now, and not just Christmas stuff.
ReplyDeleteAgain: sorry I blew it last time by suggesting the very version you'd planned on using this week! But, regardless, you have put together a good battle.
I'll spoil it right now by saying I'm voting for Stone. But I like some electronica and I like most reggae, and the combo found in Mahom was neat. I liked it, and I liked it first listen.
What clinches the vote though is that I found myself tapping, drumming, waggling, and dancing to the full-on gospel version of Rose. It is a case of her winning this rather than Mahom losing it.
SBB6, you didn't really blow anything and I was surprised when you suggested something I already had waiting. There are several more interpretations of this song that I found to be rather engaging.
DeleteI hear what you're saying about the two contenders--I see it similarly.
A vote for Rose Stone
Lee
At first I was all like, wait, did I vote on this already? Good thing you 'splained'.
ReplyDeleteI knew within the first few note of Mahon that I wasn't voting for them. They were good, and I did like the electronic vibe. Way cool. They are good, I'd turn up the radio if I heard them come on.
But, I was moved to 'Hallelujah' with Rose Stone's gospel-choir version. Very nice. Just shift all those uTube comments about "black gospel singers" from St Mc post to here and they'd have it right.
I think I may need to visit uTube and listen to more Mahon. Thanks for the intro; but give the vote here to the gospel.
Stay safe and sane, Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and any other holiday greeting that suits you :)
Dolorah, thank you and I understand what you're saying.
DeleteA vote for Rose Stone
Lee
I read some of the comments before listening to either version. I can do that because the opinions of OTHER FOLKS, and the video visuals, NEVER affect the ability of my ears to simply hear the music and judge on that... ALONE.
ReplyDeleteSo, after reading so many comments, I was pretty sure that I'd be voting for "The First One", also. But I waited to see what my ears had to say.
Well, as I expected, I HATED the second recording.
But what I didn't expect was that I would HATE the first recording, also.
In my worthless opinion, these are both HORRIBLE versions of this song. Damn-it, man! Did ANY of these singers consider the lyrics BEFORE singing them?
"TROUBLE OF THE WORLD"! Shit! These singers! NONE of them have known any "trouble" in "this world"? ["This world", a very, Very, VERY important phrase in the Bible!]
They've lost NONE of their loved ones? They can sing and dance through the wars and the starvation and the drug abuse and the beatings and the raping and the suicides and the abortions... because they KNOW how the story ends... because "THE BIBLE TELLS" them "SO"?
Well, The Bible tells me so, too, and I believe it as much as anyone else in "this world" does. But until the "thousand years of peace" arrive with the return of our "Holy King and Savior", I still deeply feel the evil, and I cannot dance, simply knowing - KNOWING, without doubt - that it will end well.
Right now it is NOT well! And I can't sing and dance my way past that fact. It's too real to pretend I don't feel it.
Sorry, Lee, my man, I don't really wish to rant on a BOTB installment, but this one just really struck a nerve with me.
I'm not voting for EITHER of these contestants (no matter how much I love a high-energy, toe-tapping Gospel song... and I DO love plenty of them!)
I voted for MAHALIA JACKSON's version last time. And of the 4 contestants you've offered for this song, IMO, she is the ONLY performer who really "gets" the lyrics and the feeling of the song. Therefore, for a 2nd (Coming) time, I cast my vote for the (correctly nicknamed) "QUEEN OF GOSPEL"...
MAHALIA JACKSON!
Compared to her, these other 3 performers are fakers! Do you want my HONEST opinions? Well, you just received one, Lee, my friend.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
STMcC, all I can say is to quote Goofy, "Well Gosh".
DeleteThanks for letting your thoughts be known.
Lee
BOIDMAN ~
Delete"Gworsh!" I want to be clear. Not sure if I was.
In my opinion, the second recording is an absolute abomination. I've nuttin' else to say about that one. "Different" doesn't automatically mean "better" or even "good".
The first - the ROSE STONE Singers are excellent! I love their energy and harmonizing. But in music, particularly "songs" (i.e., lyrics) content must be taken into consideration when creating an arrangement. You can't just do any song any old way.
I am NOT objecting to the quality of the vocalists, as they are fine Gospel singers. I am objecting to their INTERPRETATION, which I feel makes a mockery of the song. Mahalia understood it and interpreted it correctly, but then that's why she was Mahalia - a Gospel genius and the Queen.
I would love to hear the ROSE STONE Singers applying that style to, say, 'Walk In Jerusalem', 'What A Friend We Have In Jesus', 'How I Got Over', 'Come On Up To Bright Glory', 'I Will Move On Up A Little Higher', and so many more.
I LOVE "The Angels Of Mercy" in the Steve Martin movie 'Leap Of Faith'. Similar style of Gospel Choir shouting and rejoicing. BUT... first, one must consider the context and get the interpretation of the words correct before deciding how to stylize or arrange it.
So... that's my take on it. If you want the vote, I'd say give mine to the ROSE STONE Singers. Even though they do this particular song all wrong in my opinion (let us not joyfully shout about "trouble of the world"), at least the singing was good. Putting them up against that silly "skankin" abomination by Mahom, they naturally win my vote by default.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC, I appreciate the clarification. I was thinking that your reaction was more about me or something in your own life that had brought you to some darker angry place that had nothing to actually do with my song pick.
DeleteI see what you're saying about this, but I disagree big time. Some songs demand a particular voice depicting the mood and tone of the lyrics. I can see this going either way--somber or joyous.
Look at the condensed version of the lyrics:
Soon I will be done
With the troubles of the world
I'm going home to live with God
No more weepin' and wailin'
I'm going home to live my Lord
Soon I will be done
With the troubles of the world
I'm going home to live with my Lord
I want to see my mother
I'm going home to live with God
Soon I will be done
With the troubles of the world
Troubles of the world
Troubles of the world
I'm going home to live with God
Now if this ain't a cause for rejoicing and upbeat celebrating I don't know what is. The sadder version certain exudes a lot of emotion, but it doesn't necessarily show a confidence and optimistic vision of joining God in Heaven.
So I think one might argue that the Mahalia Jackson style lament is less appropriate than a happier version. Personally I like both a great deal. "To everything there is a season...a time to laugh...mourn...and dance."
It's a matter of frame of mind and of late yours has been a bit downcast I think. I believe you are perceiving things around you with that darker vision, but that's my perception based on what I've been reading--not making any absolute judgement.
Thinking about appropriateness of songs, I'm sure there are those who would be turned off by a boogie rock version of "Amazing Grace" which lyrically might call for awe and reverence for what Jesus Christ did for us. Then again others might see it another way.
Bottom line to me asks, isn't this what Battle of the Bands is all about? Versions? Styles? Interpretations? Etc. And fun--to me that's the main thing. Fun, sharing what we enjoy or what might interest us.
I'll cast your vote for Rose Stone and I hope you have a decent if not uproariously merry Christmas as well as a sane and sensible New Years. Be happy and look up. The trouble of this world will be up before we all know it and that's something to rejoice about.
Lee
LEE ~
DeleteI'm exceedingly glad I decided to extend the conversation. Had I not, I NEVER would have known that you misinterpreted my initial comment as a personal attack on you, or something else equally incorrect.
I understand the point you are making, and it's well articulated. This is probably one of those things where we will just have to agree to disagree. But I'll add a couple more insights to further promote my view...
Having been a professionally-trained actor, "interpreting" words was essential to my craft. Yes, sometimes there is some "slop" (or, "looseness" in the written word, in which multiple interpretations might be equally valid).
I don't see that here though. The title alone tells the listener what the primary theme of the song is: "Trouble Of The World". And the lyrics more than hint at the fact that the singer feels a "LONGING" for the peace of God that surpasses "this world", but which hasn't arrived yet.
For now, the singer is stuck experiencing the "troubles" of "this world". Yes, she KNOWS that she will eventually transcend these troubles, because God has promised that, and Jesus has paid the Price for that ticket.
However, for now, the troubles of this world press upon her and she FEELS them, just like she longs to be with her mother in Heaven.
In my opinion, to sing those words as if the troubles have already passed, or are NOT FULLY FELT, because of the faith that they will eventually be left behind, is to sell the song's theme very, very short. Mahalia got it right, and that's why her version is the one we first think of when the song gets mentioned. Mahalia rarely (if ever) misinterpreted a song, because Jesus Himself told her when she was a young girl that He wanted her to open her mouth in song as service to Him. Her gift was a GENUINE DIVINE GIFT. It transcended "talented singing".
About 'AMAZING GRACE'... one of the reasons I like the version by "Some White Woman" as much as I do is because I feel the lyrics are truly OPEN to a celebratory, rockin' interpretation. That song is NOT about a "longing" for a promise that has not yet been fulfilled, but about the joy of knowing you are "Saved" by Grace. And I've often felt the slow, too-somber interpretations have missed the underlying celebration of the theme.
Well, you and I agree on several things, but when it comes to music, our BOTB votes prove that we disagree 95%-97% of the time. Why should "Trouble Of The World" be any different? But it's not all that important.
>>... "Bottom line to me asks, isn't this what Battle of the Bands is all about? Versions? Styles? Interpretations? Etc. And fun--to me that's the main thing. Fun, sharing what we enjoy or what might interest us."
Now, with THAT, I agree 100%. And please note that I never said I thought you shouldn't have posted these versions of the song. I only said that I disliked BOTH of them, for different reasons. But, YES, this project is about exposing people to music in its various forms, and we don't (and can't) always agree.
I have strong, objective (and subjective) ideas about music, and that's one reason BOTB appeals so much to me.
And I'm also pleased that we've had this ongoing discussion about the interpretations of this song. I sometimes feel that the true potential of BOTB goes unrealized when people just post a short comment and vote without more extensive analysis of the music. This COULD be a much more informative and enlightening Blogfest if people spent more time really analyzing the recordings and engaged in more ongoing dialogue about what works or doesn't, why and why not.
I've enjoyed this discussion, and I'm really pleased that it didn't end too soon before we each had a chance to fully explain our positions.
~ D-FensDogG
You make good points about the song but I'm not convinced that the song "Trouble of the World" only works well with one interpretation. On that we'll have to leave it with agree to disagree.
ReplyDeleteThe reason why this song captivated me so much is that there are so many different interpretations and I think they almost all work well. It's a great song and I can see a lament or an exultation with either way working for me.
Lee
Don't close the polls! I'm late but still here! Sorry, I missed the bus and took the wrong cab to the other side of the blogosphere.
ReplyDeleteI'll admit I'm not crazy about each version. Something about the Ross version sounds a little underwhelming. It's okay, but I'm just not crazy about it. And the Mahom one is just odd. Not pleasing to my ears. I'll give it to Ross, though, because I still prefer it to Mahom.
Beer, your vote doesn't change the current outcome, but it it appreciated nevertheless.
DeleteLee