Battle of the Bands
The Future Is Coming
In an election year many will be thinking of the future. Of course we all can't help but think of the future in our own lives. The future is serious stuff, but it can be fun too. Before we get to the song let me mention one future topic that a number of bloggers are thinking of--Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.
There's likely not a reader of this blog who doesn't know about the A to Z Challenge that has been occurring every April for the past 6 years. Yes, can you believe it! This year will be the seventh year of the Challenge and I'm hoping that you will be joining us again.
My post today is a lead-in to this year's Challenge. The song I've chosen provides a hint about one of my song picks for April. Thinking about the future I'll say now that my next Battle of the Bands post on March 15th will be the announcement for my April A to Z theme. I think my next three Battles are special as one post will lead to another. If you want to join in the April fun then please visit Blogging from A to Z April Challenge.
"The Future"
I first heard the Leonard Cohen song "The Future" during the closing credits of the 1994 Oliver Stone film Natural Born Killers. With prophetic lyrics sung over a driving rock beat the song captured my attention. In my opinion it's rock and roll Cohen at his best. The song has been covered by a number of artists. If you'd like to hear the original version by Leonard Cohen you can click this link. I've chosen not to embed the video here to discourage anyone from voting on Cohen's version.
And now for the contestants:
Beggars "The Future" (2008)
Not too much that I could find about this group other than they released their cover of "The Future" on the London based Heavenly Recordings label. I like the drive of this version.
Glittering Kingdom "The Future" (2014)
I didn't find too much specific information about the group, but it seems it is a sort of super group comprised of artists who are active in the Vancouver, BC music scene. A very talented group of ladies from whom I'd like to hear more. I found this version to be innovative with a unique video to go with it.
Time to Vote!
The future holds the winner of this Battle, but the choosing is in your hands. Let us know what you think about these versions. There must be one that you prefer over the other. For me it's a tough choice. If you're visiting a Battle of the Bands post for the first time then let me briefly explain. Please give each song version a fair listen to decide which one you prefer over the other. If you don't like either then at least tell us which recording was least innocuous to you. This comes down to your preference and it's as easy as that.
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.
J. A. Scott
Quiet Laughter
Holli's Hoots and Hollers
NovelBrews
Be ReInVintaged
Results on Monday March 7th
Cast your vote now so you don't forget! Maybe another post or two will appear between then and now, but I'll definitely be back on the 7th with the voting results. My blogging has become a bit unpredictable of late so be ready for some surprises. My brain can end up in some strange places sometimes. But you probably know that already.
Do you plan much for your future? Do you think about your future? Do you care about your future?
The second one was just a bit too odd for my tastes. Beggars gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteAlex, I understand. We'll see how this vote goes.
DeleteWe start with a vote for Beggars
Lee
Love the song choice; I'm a huge Leonard Cohen fan.
ReplyDeleteWhile the ladies were interesting and had lovely harmonies, I prefer the rock vibe of Beggars. Put me down for them.
Debbie D, the ladies might be up against a tough challenger here, but the game is just starting.
DeleteA vote for Beggars
Lee
Hi, Lee!
ReplyDeleteThe song "The Future" doesn't pull any punches, does it? There's a heck of a lot going on in it and it's intense. No wonder it was used in the soundtrack of Natural Born Killers. I love female vocals and girl groups but I couldn't get into Glittering Kingdom. The squeeze box is not my favorite instrument and I needed to knock off points from their version because they changed the words of the song to soften its impact. If the lyrics were written as "Give me crack and anal sex" then the artist should be willing to sing those lyrics. Otherwise, what's the point of performing the song? Are they implying that we can't handle the truth? Beggars don't shy away from the song and render it in a credible style. I liked it and I am voting for Beggars in your contest.
Thanks, Lee!
Shady, I hadn't even noticed that lyric change but it doesn't really impact. I think they conveyed essentially the same idea so I didn't see anything lost with a relative small alteration in the song.
DeleteA vote for Beggars.
Lee
I try not to think about the future too much cause every time I have, things went sideways. I can barely think ahead to this weekend.
ReplyDeleteJoJo, in some ways I feel like that, but I do have to have some plans somewhere in my mind or I'd probably just sleep a lot of the time, eat when I'm hungry, and meander aimlessly through my life. Maybe that wouldn't be all that bad of a way to live.
DeleteLee
With the present political frontrunners, I'm definitely worrying about the future. And wondering how hard it is to get Canadian citizenship.
ReplyDeleteNo offense intended, but Glittering Kingdom's performance seems like something I'd see while waiting to get onto the subway, and they'd make awkward eye contact with me, so I'd feel pressured to give them a dollar. In this case, though, I am not pressured to give them a vote. Beggars have a great sound, and are way more polished, and they're the easy choice for me.
Beer, seems like every election people talk about leaving the country if a certain candidate gets elected. I wonder if anybody ever actually does leave?
DeleteAn easy vote for Beggars
Lee
My mom watches House Hunters International on HGTV. People don't leave the US (near as I can tell) because of politics, but because economic opportunity is now better in other countries (which really screams something about what is happening here). I'm constantly amazed at the beauty of the world we live in. BUT, if I were going I wouldn't choose Canada. South America has some really amazing places!
DeleteI'm always thinking about the future, but I should probably do more to plan for the future as well. But I'm a procrastinator and dreamer to my very core.
ReplyDeleteAs for the future song, please place my vote for the Glittering Kingdom. I enjoyed their version. They performed and sang well together. It was fun and entertaining.
Jeffrey, I do plenty of procrastinating and dreaming, but I've done that all of my life and now here I am--still procrastinating and dreaming.
DeleteAt last! A vote for Glittering Kingdom.
Lee
Lee, I do think about the future and where I'd like to see myself. Leonard Cohen is very unique in his sound. There aren't many who can rival his level, but his style doesn't always set right with me. It only took a few seconds of each to know which cover suited my music style best. Glittering Kingdom was too screechy and their musical arrangement didn't do much for me. They had good harmony is about all I can say positive about them. Maybe, if they recorded this song in the studio then it would be better. However, I loved the whole rock vibe with Beggars and I preferred the vocals over Leonard Cohen even. I know, right? But, you're probably aren't totally surprised by that with lead in comments. Please give my vote to Beggars. Nice battle. It'll be interesting to see which one wins this go around.
ReplyDeleteCathy, I think I'm with you on preferring the Beggars over Leonard Cohen, but it would be close.
DeleteI'll give your vote to Beggars.
Lee
I really appreciate the unique sound of Glittering Kingdom -- I liked their innovation with the instrumentation for sure but from a pure listening standpoint, I prefer the Beggars. Please give my vote to the Beggars.
ReplyDeleteGood battle! I don't remember hearing the song before but will have to go back to watch Natural Born Killers and catch it there...
Michele at Angels Bark
Michele, if you didn't sit through the credits of the movie you would have missed it as I'm pretty sure it wasn't played during the film at all. I tend to always watch a film all the way through the credits. I'm kind of weird like that I guess--I mainly like to see the music credits and where the movie was filmed and those things seem to always come last.
DeleteAnother vote for Beggars.
Lee
I didn't see the movie "Natural Born Killers" because I avoid seeing that sort of film. I'd not heard the song before.
ReplyDeleteI am no fan of Leonard Cohen, and remain firmly entrenched in that view. I'd not vote for him on his own song with this Battle. Neither would I vote for the weird girls in the second version.
So, what are we left with? The Beggars will not go begging for votes in this BOTB. They will win going away, with a song that would itself lose most battles!
SBB6, it's been awhile since I saw Natural Born Killers but I'll admit that I was shocked by its violence. The film did present a chilling vision of a world that is getting more like things are today. But it's a rough film that's not for everybody.
DeleteThis Battle was a bitter pill for you to swallow I guess, but I liked it.
So it's another one for Beggars
Lee
The future - I sometimes think I maybe think about it a little too much, especially lately.
ReplyDeleteI prefer the sound of the Beggars. Please give my vote to them.
Looking forward to A to Z!
Mary, this is looking like a runaway contest as I feared it might.
DeleteBeggars again!
Lee
I preferred The Beggars' version, since it had a faster pace and more going on musically.
ReplyDeleteAt my age, I just hope my future eventually includes at least one child, whether or not I have to go to a lab or have the chance to have it the old-fashioned way. If a husband comes later, that's even better.
Carrie-Anne, hopefully you'll find the ideal husband first and then be blessed with a child or children. Children have been one of the biggest blessings of my life (though they can also offer tremendous challenges).
DeleteA Vote for Beggars
Lee
Am I the only one for the Glittering Kingdom?? Maybe it is the simplicity and harmonies that appeal to me?
ReplyDeleteSadly, I cannot participate in A to Z this year. Health issues.
Susan K, sorry about the health issues. I hope it all gets better soon.
DeleteYou are among the few with a vote for Glittering Kingdom--so far at least.
Lee
Lee - this is an interesting song choice. I think of the future and wonder about many things. I've often found Cohen's music to be enlightening. I am a fan.
ReplyDeleteI could listen to the Beggars many times... so my vote goes to them!
Dixie, glad to hear from another fan of Cohen's music. I think he's pretty much a like him or not kind of artist. When he first came on the scene I didn't care for him much, but then I came to appreciate his work.
DeleteAnother Beggars vote.
Lee
Certainly I'm always thinking about the future, for my kids and for my country. Seems like those who forsake the lessons of yesterday so too, do they miss the fruits of tomorrow even as those who dwell on wretchedness past just can't envision the future. I'm grateful for every day and try to not fret too much about that which I cannot change or fix.
ReplyDeleteI really don't like that song at all but the more upbeat, brighter sound of Glittering Kingdom lessened the harshness.
Diedre, I know so many people who barely think about the future and don't seem to care much. For some life is such a struggle that I guess they're just trying to cope with today and don't have time for the future.
DeleteI agree that the song is rather bleak, but there is also some serious truth in it to contemplate.
A vote for Glittering Kingdom
Lee
Voting for Glittering Kingdom.
ReplyDeleteI like the originality.
I prefer the softer sound.
E-man, looks like we're taking a turn in the voting which is a good thing I think.
DeleteAnother vote for Glittering Kingdom
Lee
Got to go with the glittering girls from Vancouver BC. I like their harmonies.
ReplyDeleteMarc, I like their harmonies as well.
DeleteA vote for Glittering Kingdom
Lee
Glittering Kingdom for sure. I noticed the lyric change too but if you think about the original meaning for Cohen you'll realize that women have to sing what they did, logically. I like the slightly discordant voice of the lead singer and can't resist a button box. Plus, they're Canucks. Yay!
ReplyDeleteJan, I hadn't paid any attention to the lyric changes, but noticed a couple when I listened more carefully. Your point about the singers being women does make for a reasoning to change lyrics as well as a possible differing in opinion from the politics related in the original lyrics.
DeleteI like that "button box" as well. I think the ladies have a lot of talent.
A vote for Glittering Kingdom
Lee
Cool song, I liked the Beggars version best, the rock vibe did it.
ReplyDeleteMike, long live rock and roll!
DeleteIt's the Beggars
Lee
Funny thing: I liked Glittering Kingdom better when I wasn't watching the video. I was about halfway through when I thought, "What's going on in the video?" Boy, that was a bad idea. A few seconds of that, and I didn't like them as well. So, I scrolled back down.
ReplyDeleteI really like both of these and don't find the vote easy. (I really wish I hadn't looked at the second video... sigh.) I didn't look at the first one, and I'm glad. I'm currently listening to both again (no looksies).
Okay, I now feel like I've listened to both without any visual cues interfering with my brain function. Give my vote to The Beggars. The more I listened to the girls the less I liked their harmonies and the lead singer's voice. Plus, not a big fan of the accordion.
Robin, not sure what is was that you saw that turned you off about the visuals, but I've been listening to the recording without looking and I think it holds up well for my ears. Videos can be pretty distracting.
DeleteA vote for Beggars
Lee
Hi Lee - now I love Leonard Cohen ... but I rather enjoy Glittering Kingdom's version - an interesting take.
ReplyDeleteI'm gearing up for the A-Z .. cheers Hilary
Hilary, I'm sure you'll have something very interesting in store for us in April.
DeleteA vote for Glittering Kingdom
Lee
Well, I'm going with Beggars on this one. There was something off about Glittering Kingdom as if they were singing just under the right key. Maybe it's my elderly ears!
ReplyDeleteC.Lee, maybe Glittering Kingdom didn't sound quite precise because they were performing live outside?
DeleteA vote for Beggars
Lee
I'll go with The Beggars here. The harmonies were nicve, but this song just called for a bunch of guys banging on Telecasters.
ReplyDeleteJohn, okay...
DeleteIt's Beggars
Lee
I vote for Beggars. They take me back to my rockin' black-and-white childhood. I care very much about my future, but I rest assured in the knowledge that I will be in the arms of an angel.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Janie, your future vision is the one we should all be most concerned about.
DeleteA vote for Beggars
Lee
OK, I had about a three paragraph comment going here then I did something strange on my keyboard and it erased the whole thing and would not let me retrieve it. Nice 'save' Dell. I would only have been aggravated by one of two things happening, either there would have been some trite reply or someone would have really jumped in my sh*t. So, I revert to the best Internet advice I read recently over at ABFTS 'shut the duck (sp?) up' (OK, that's not really a spelling error, but me trying to be polite).
ReplyDeleteGive my vote to The Beggars. The song is weird and pessimistic to the extreme, but those girls were even weirder.
FAE, you've got me curious about the original comment, but I guess I can kind of imagine. I think the song is meant to be somewhat pessimistic and most of Cohen's songs are kind of weird in my opinion but I also think that's why he has a certain fan base.
DeleteA vote for Beggars
Lee
This song just speaks folk to me so I give it to the Glittering Kingdom. These words and the style seems folk artist to me so I go with these gals and their live style. You can tell it was cold when they made this video because you can see their breath. I like where the tambourine was. Anyhow, they get my vote.
ReplyDeleteBirgit, I think Cohen typically would be thought of as folk in the same way that Bob Dylan is folk. Modern folk maybe? I love the tambourine.
DeleteA vote for Glittering Kingdom
Lee
I'm digging the iconic rockin sound of the Beggars' version!
ReplyDeleteSamatha, I get it!
DeleteBeggars
Lee
I like them both, but the first one sustains the mood though the whole piece.
ReplyDeleteHR, the second one does vary for dramatic emphasis I guess.
DeleteAnother vote for Beggars
Lee
The GK girls were interesting... and I'm glad I listened to the whole thing- but the first one is a little more to my wheelhouse. Great tune!
ReplyDeleteCW, glad you enjoyed the tune and one for the wheelhouse...
DeleteBeggars
Lee
I've always tried to plan for the future, Lee. However, life tends to upset plans on a regular basis. I'm finally learning how to swim along with the tide instead of fighting it so hard.
ReplyDeletePatricia, I think there comes a point where the future becomes a day by day thing. I think way ahead while being thankful for making it another day. I want to enjoy this ride of life for as long as I can.
DeleteLee
I vote for the Beggars! It's catchy and I could dance to it~ Now, I feel like I am on Bandstand and you are Dick Clark ;D
ReplyDeleteIf I can tame my puppy this month-I might dive into the A-Z Challenge! I miss blogging~
Ella, we hope you do join us on the alphabet ride through April.
DeleteIt's the Beggars
Lee
Beggars, all the way!! Great battle, Lee.
ReplyDeleteCherdo, no question here...
DeleteIt's the Beggars
Lee
Well, BOTB votes don't get much easier for me than this one was.
ReplyDeleteThe Beggars did not present one, single, solitary unique or original idea in that entire 3:49 recording. Well, actually, maybe they came up with something in the final 19 seconds (I shut it off at 3:30) but I sincerely doubt it.
At one point a bloke picked up a harmonica and played a few notes, and right at that point where they actually threatened to do something a little bit interesting, he put the harmonica down again.
What a bunch of recycled sounds that are as old as 1966. If all their stuffs sounds like that, I don't even know why The Beggars bother. We heard all that stuff before any one of those band members were even born.
GLITTERING KINGDOM gets my vote. IMO, one of those girls really can't sing and should be gotten rid of because she adds an annoying discordant sound to the group. But otherwise, I thought they were pretty good.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
STMcC, not much info to be found about Beggars on line--or at least I couldn't find it--so maybe that's why they didn't record much else for their original label. I liked them better than you did, but I like REM as well and that's who these guys made me think of.
DeleteAs for the girls, I think they are primarily independent artists who work solo or with a number of different projects. From what I found it doesn't appear that they are together as a group now so I guess whoever the lady to whom you refer is she is not with this group anymore.
A vote for Glittering Kingdom
Lee
LEE ~
DeleteOh, I think they stole their entire bag of tricks from groups that existed long before REM did.
Listening to them, I hear just a bunch of recycled riffs from Garage Rock songs and bands like The Troggs, The Standells, Psychotic Reaction, The Kingsmen, etc., etc. And with a little early keyboardless Doors thrown in.
Their sound and their look is just so old and tired. Even the video seemed like something reaching back to "punk basics". But the thing is, we already HAVE the "basics" - and have had them since the mid-'60s. If I want to hear that, I'll go to Spotify and bring up some old Electric Prunes album. BAH!
~ D-FensDogG
POSTSCRIPT:
DeleteOh, just listened again and I guess they DO have an organ in there. Oh well. I stopped paying attention long before that could make its presence known to my mind.
~ D-FensDogG
Hey Lee,
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to know that I've passed on the Music & Words Award nomination onto you. You may already be participating. Mary from Jingle Jangle Jungle nominated me and I just finished my post. It was fun. But as with all awards, don't feel obligated to participate. Here's the link to my post with the details:
https://angelsbark.wordpress.com/2016/03/04/music-and-words-award-mwa/
Michele at Angels Bark
Michele, thanks for that nomination! I'll do something soon on my site.
DeleteLee
I like unique performances in general and I really enjoyed glittering Kingdom, very creative. 2 very different choices, thanks for showing them to us!
ReplyDeleteAndi, thank you for voting!
DeleteGlittering Kingdom
Lee
The lady on the accordion has quite a resemblance to Tina Fey. Weird. Anyway, I liked Glittering Kingdom better. Really interesting take on the song!
ReplyDeleteMy future? I try to plan and we have plans, but more often then not the tide just takes us where it wants.
Madilyn, I see the Tina Fey resemblance.
DeleteA vote for Glittering Kingdom
Lee
Glittering Kingdom gets points for their whimsical and unique rendition, but I like the rock and roll sound of Beggars a lot better. Give my vote to Beggars, please!
ReplyDeleteRG, got you for the rock.
DeleteBeggars
Lee
While The Beggars did sound more polished, it also sounded mass-produced, without the heart of it. Glittering Kingdom has a cool folk vibe which, to me, enhances the song.
ReplyDeleteJennifer, I hear what you're saying...
Deletea vote for Glittering Kingdom
Lee
I prefer the Glittering Kingdom - somehow it was a little more recognisable to Leonard Cohen's one (which is the best of course) -
ReplyDeleteSusan, thank you for your late vote. I'll add it to the tally.
DeleteGlittering Kingdom
Lee