This Is Me--2024 A to Z Theme

My A to Z Themes in the past have covered a range of topics and for 2024 the theme is a personal retrospective that I call "I Coulda Been" which is in reference to my job and career arc over my lifetime. I'll be looking at all sorts of occupations that I have done or could have done. Maybe you've done some of these too!

Friday, April 1, 2016

Attack! First We Take Manhattan (#BOTB)(#atozchallenge)




Attack on Manhattan

September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City: V...
September 11, 2001 attacks in New York City: View of the World Trade Center and the Statue of Liberty. (Image: US National Park Service ) (Photo credit: Wikipedia)


        When asked what Manhattan brings to mind, just about any adult in the United States will at some point think about the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.  This terrible event is one of those things most of us will remember where we were and what we were doing when we heard what had happened in New York City on that fated morning.  In my case, I was fixated by the television images and the reports on the radio.  My business came to a near standstill on that day and for a couple days to follow.   We had never witnessed anything quite like that event and hopefully never will again, but I'm sure more is yet to come.

        Now the years have passed and the world has changed in many ways as a result of the catastrophic attack on Manhattan.  The current generation can certainly never forget what happened on that fateful day.  It's likely to be remembered long after all of us are dead and gone.

         The attack on Manhattan was horrible and yet Manhattan remains an extraordinarily wondrous place.  It is a lure to dream seekers.  With so much to see and do, the island city attracts millions of visitors from around the world.  Perhaps you are planning a visit to the city sometime in the future.  During the month of April this blog will be exploring the city and contemplating some of the things the city and what the name "Manhattan" evokes in our minds.

           Manhattan is a city of sights and sounds; people, cars, and buildings.  More than anyone can take in over the span of a day, a week, a year, or even a lifetime.  Manhattan is more than a city in New York.  Manhattan is also a concept and a descriptive term.  We'll take on Manhattan during A to Z Challenge and we'll barely even scratch the surface.




        Battle of the Bands is the blogging event hosted by Far Away Series and  StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands.   This event happens twice each month on the 1st and 15th.   The premise is simple:  Listen to the songs 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 Battle action.



First We Take Manhattan

        Written by Leonard Cohen, "First We Take Manhattan" was first recorded by Jennifer Warnes for her 1987 Famous Blue Raincoat album which consisted of all Cohen songs.  The song is prescient in its near prediction of Manhattan attacks that were to come later.  Concerning the meaning of the song, Cohen admits that it is about terrorism, but he suggests that it relates also in a metaphorical way to psychic or intellectual terrorism (1).

        After the release of the recording by Jennifer Warnes, Leonard Cohen released his own version in 1988.  Cohen gives the song a unique synth-pop treatment that is uncharacteristic of his typical style and quite different from the two versions I'm presenting in my Battle to be found below.  Don't vote on Cohen's version but if you're interested in hearing it you can click here.

        I first purchased Warnes' Cohen tribute album when it came out in 1987.  In the front of a large record store in a mall in Toronto there was a promotional display advertising the release of the album.  Since I always spent a lot of the money I made in Canada so I wouldn't have to exchange it going back across the border, I always bought a lot of cassettes while I was there.  Though I wasn't overly familiar with the work of Jennifer Warnes, this album was receiving a lot of hype while I was in Canada so I figured it would be worth buying.  I was glad that I did.  It's a fine album with several good Cohen songs capably performed by Ms. Warnes.

       When I hear this song by any artist my eyes can't help but water up as I feel a creeping chill beneath my skin.  It's probably mostly due to what happened on 9/11, but even before then there was an eerie aspect to the song that made me consider the implications of what the song says.  Now that we've seen 9/11 and in more recent times the influx of refugees into Germany and the rest of Europe, the concept of Berlin being the next take down seems far more a possibility than back when the song was first released.

        Here are two very fine versions of "First We Take Manhattan":

   
Jennifer Warnes "First We Take Manhattan"  (1987)

        This version includes some outstanding guitar work by Stevie Ray Vaughn who is also seen in the original music video which I am using here.  Also making a brief appearance in the video is Leonard Cohen, the composer of the song. (2)






Joe Cocker "First We Take Manhattan"  (1999)

       This version of the Cohen song comes from Cocker's album No Ordinary World.  The video I'm using is not an "Official Video" as it is wrongly labeled, but the images depict the terrible events on 9/11.







Time to Vote!

        This is one of the tougher Battle picks for me, but the choosing is in your hands.  I like both of these versions a great deal.  What about you?  Let us know what you think about these versions. There must be one that you prefer over the other.  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

Be ReInVintaged



Results on Friday April 8th

       I'll be announcing the results of the voting on this Battle next Friday April 8th. Since we are embarking on the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge, there will posts every day except Sunday on Tossing It Out. I hope you'll stop in to check some of my posts about Manhattan--you might even see yourself featured in some of them since many of the posts are based on comments left on my January post What Does "Manhattan" Say to You?.

       Next Battle of the Bands post will be on April 15th with another song about Manhattan.
      
         What you doing when you heard about the events of 9/11?   How did 9/11 affect you at the time that it happened?   How did the event affect you in the years afterwards?  














135 comments:

  1. I remember exactly where I was and still feel the shock of the attack. I was at work in Worcestershire, England, walking from one building to another after break and bumped into a colleague who told me.

    Have a great April!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nicola, I guess you would have been well into your work day--I was getting ready for work after the first plane hit.

      Lee

      Delete
  2. I am not a US citizen, but even I remember where I was and what I did for the rest of that day (the attacks happened pm in my time zone)...Leonard Cohen is a favourite!

    Best wishes
    Nilanjana
    Madly-in-Verse

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nila, 9/11 was such a world even that it impacted all of us.

      Lee

      Delete
  3. When in New York I visited Ground Zero and it was a most moving experience. My husband passed away on a 09/11 but three years before the events in Manhatten. I loved the Joe Croker version thought it was excellent.
    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yvonne, we didn't manage to see Ground Zero when we were last in Manhattan. You were already mourning a sad event on that day.

      First vote is for Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  4. Any attack anywhere affects me, because it's drven by hate.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Teresa, there's a lot of hate in our world.

      Lee

      Delete
  5. I'll never forget that day. I was getting ready for work when I heard the news on TV. It was devastating. I was working as an advertising sales executive at Time Warner at the time and the Sales Manager (his name was Ross Newsome) was a real asshole. This just proves how much: we had a Sales Meeting that morning and he came strolling in and the only thing he said was this: "Has anyone received any (ad) cancellations because of the attack?" Us sales folks just looked at each other and we couldn't believe how callous he was during such a major tragedy. Can you imagine that kind of reaction? What a way to lead...

    As for your battle: wow, tough one. First, I kinda can't resist the Stevie Ray Vaughan guitar work and I like Jennifer's voice, but in the end Joe Cocker's voice gets me every time. My vote has to go with Joe.

    Great battle! And your theme is fantastic. I can't wait to see what you offer us. I'm sure it's going to be a great journey of the city. Happy A-Z Lee!

    Michele at Angels Bark

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michele, the first reports I heard made were sketchy like it might not be so serious, but then the news kept coming all morning. That day I think our office phone only rang 3 times and only one order came in by phone--a few came online from our NC office, but it was quiet for a few days.

      Another vote for Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  6. On that day I was at home (in Britain) with a few family members round for lunch. Afterwards we switched on the TV and watched in horror as everything unfolded.
    I think I prefer the Joe Cocker version of Manhattan, although Jennifer Warnes is excellent too. Cocker's voice is a bit more "gritty" and more suited to the song, I think.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Purrfect, it was riveting tv.

      A vote for Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  7. I had been collecting my weges in Verona. When I got home, my mum was watching the tv. I saw the Twin Towers with smoke bellowing aroudn them. I asked my mum, "What show are you watching?" because it didn't look like her kind of stuff.
    She told me, "It's no show. It's news."

    ReplyDelete
  8. Spent a whirlwind five days seeking Manhattan, including the Battery and Harlem where my niece lived at the time. Now I look forward to reading about what I actually saw.
    For the Battle of the Bands, I chose Joe Cocker, probably because his voice gives the song so much urgency; but the video put me over the edge so maybe that isn't being fair to Jennifer Warnes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gail, I don't know how much my posts will fill the memory gaps, but I'll try

      Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  9. All the bad things that were happening in my life at time changed in a moment, I had seen real tragedy that day.

    Welcome in the letter "A"... thank you!
    Jeremy [Retro]
    AtoZ Challenge Co-Host [2016]

    Stop over and find a free "SIX STRINGS: BLOGGING AtoZ CHALLENGE" Here: http://www.jmhdigital.com/

    HOLLYWOOD NUTS!
    Come Visit: You know you want to know if me or Hollywood... is Nuts?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jeremy, tragedy is one word, but it seems like there was so much more to it all.

      Lee

      Delete
  10. Congratulations on another successful and rather dramatic start to AtoZ. And your right, we call all remember where we were. As for the bands, I vote for first one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rhonda, thanks!

      First vote for Jennifer Warnes

      Lee

      Delete
  11. Yes I remember.
    As to the battle this is very tough. Love Jennifer Warrens but Cocker's rendition is so very soulful. I wish, in retrospect, l hadn't watched the videos as they have a strong influence no matter what l tell myself. Okay, l checked the still small voice within and it said Cocker!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jan, I also think it's a difficult choice. I agree that the videos might be persuasive, but maybe in different ways for different people.

      Got you for Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  12. I remember that day well. I was in my 8th grade English class. We were reading a book for class at the time. Are principal told all the teacheres to turn on the t.v. to let us see what was happening. Such a scary sad day that was.
    For battle of the bands I like the first one.
    Great post. Hope you have a wonderful weekend. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stacey, when I was in school we didn't have TV's in classrooms. Now I guess most have TV.

      A vote for Jennifer Warnes

      Lee

      Delete
  13. Hi Arlee, though not an American, the attack was one that shook the entire world. We in India felt the effects of the ghastly attack as well! I'd like to choose Joe Cocker's rendition! All the best and cheers :)
    @KalaRavi16 from
    Relax-N-Rave

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kala, I don't anybody that day missed the news.

      Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  14. I will listen to the BOTB later but I think this is a nice tribute to Manhatten considering the devastation that happened. I was at work and heard about it on the radio. At first I thought it was a small plant that got "lost" like what happened with the Empire State Building got hit by the plane but soon found out it wasn't. I was glued to the tv.

    ReplyDelete
  15. My vote is for the Jennifer Warnes. Taking out the emotion of 9/11, I think hers is more artistic.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Em, the videos are distracting.

      A vote for Jennifer Warnes

      Lee

      Delete
  16. Great theme. We just moved south from the NJ suburbs but Manhattan is a city I love. Great theme! Looking forward to following along. I vote for Joe Cocker's version. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joyce, I'd like to have more direct experience with Manhattan.

      Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  17. Great post. I too remember where I was that day. I was teaching and the prinicpal made an announcement. Back then phones with wifi were unheard of, but he managed to tap into the local radio station. When I got home, I was glued to the television set. Seeing those towers collapse is engraved in my memory. I've had the opportunity to visit Manhattan twice since that fateful day--the first time only a year later when Ground Zero was a sacred place and St Paul's across the street a shrine to those who'd died. https://mhsusannematthews.wordpress.com/

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  18. We'll always remember where we were when we heard the news.
    I'm going with Cocker's version. The first is too fluffy and his adds depth and gravity.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex, hard to forget. I figured you'd be seduced by Stevie Ray's guitar.

      Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  19. My vote is for Joe Cocker I liked the composition of the song better

    ReplyDelete
  20. I was at work in the warehouse in England when news came over the radio. Everybody stopped what they were doing and silently listened. It was surreal. It hasn't really affected me except for when I travelled to America several months after 9/11 and I was eyed with huge suspicion throughout every airport en route to SLC. A horrible feeling but I understood.

    Open Minded Mormon A-Z

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  21. I remember seeing the news about 9/11 when sitting in the office and it was as if we were watching a movie on the PC, not reality.

    I like the Jennifer Warnes version of First We Take Manhattan because it feels more melodic for me. I've always had a bit of an aversion to Joe Cocker's voice I'm afraid.
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

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    Replies
    1. Natasha, it really was unreal like a movie. Understand what you're saying about Cocker's voice.

      Jennifer Warnes

      Lee

      Delete
  22. I was living in WA and had turned on the TV when my alarm went off at 6. My now ex was still asleep in his room and I called to him to get up, the WTC was on fire. He came into my room just as the 2nd plane hit. I was stunned. I yelled, 'OH MY GOD THAT WAS ON PURPOSE!' The rest of the day was just awful. Before I left for work, the 3rd plane hit the pentagon. On the way to work I heard about the 4th one crashing in PA and I remember sobbing and yelling 'MAKE IT STOP MAKE IT STOP.' I cried off and on at work, listening to radio coverage. I had nightmares for weeks.

    ReplyDelete
  23. A great start to the A-Z challenge #memories
    @CazsBooks http://cazgreenham.blogspot.com Welcome Aboard Greenham's Yacht dropped by

    ReplyDelete
  24. I was exercising and came home to find all kinds of messages on my house phone. I turned on the TV and felt ill. I couldn't stop watching-I was glued to the couch. My son's birthday was the next day and I was trying to prepare for the celebration-while reeling from the shock n' horror, that looped in my mind.

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  25. I was just a little girl when 9/11 happened, but I remember it very clearly, also. Such a sad day.

    Having the theme be a city is a cool idea, I hadn't even thought of that! I hope you have a great month doing the challenge!

    Aidyl from Noveltea

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  26. I was only a teenager when 9/11 happened and i still find the events leading upto it and after it all, very painful

    Well done for such a good post for the letter A.

    Tyler

    ReplyDelete
  27. Congratulations on a great start to your A to Z extravaganza!

    I worked from home at the time but immediately got in the car and drove to the office. I didn't want to be alone. It was beyond devastating.

    My vote's for Joe!

    Enjoy your day!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Yolanda, I didn't have that many people working at my place so it was almost like being alone. And with no customers calling it was downright eerie.

      Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  28. 9/11 floored me. I live in the Ohio Valley and the rumor at the time was that the plane that went down in PA was headed to our area to hit the industry along the Ohio River. There were so many police and fire posted at these sites, it was surreal. I can only imagine what the people of NY felt. Ours was an iota of the threat. Brave people. I must give them all credit for how wonderfully they handled themselves in Manhattan. Nothing like the mayhem you see in movies. They are special people, for sure.

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    1. I forgot to add our A2Z link! I must because Tara Tyler worked so hard to have us set up.

      The Really Real Housewives

      Delete
  29. I love that you've centered your posts around one city, but as you said, that one city holds so much! I was there 20 years ago and remember being floored by how HUGE it was!!

    9/11 seemed like a bad joke at first. I was working in a retirement home and my boss came bursting through the doors asking if we'd see what just happened in New York. We weren't that concerned until he herded us all into the nearest resident's room to watch was was unfolding. I walked in just after the second plane hit. I honestly thought it was a bad joke. Then I called my mom and emailed my friends. It was earth shattering.

    Great start to the Challenge!
    ~Jen

    ReplyDelete
  30. Arlee:
    Thanks for doing this challenge again I know it is a labor of love.
    I think about my husband when I think about 9/11. He is a survivor of that day and a hero as were so many.
    Happy A to Zing.
    I actually contemplated writing a similar post for A to Z this year. But I needed to make it easy as I am packing, remodeling and moving.
    Hope you enjoy the challenge and keep up the great writing.
    Im A to Zing this year from Moondustwriter's Blog and Fill the Cracks

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi from Spain!

    Well, since I am Spanish, 9/11 was a very sad and scary thing to happen in the States, and I learnt about it when I came back home from college and my parents were watching it on TV. As I said, I am Spanish, so we are kind of used to terrorism since we used to have terrorist attacks almost weekly. It is sad, it is scary, it makes you wonder about everything, but we move on. We got our own Al-Qaeda terrorist attack months later than 9/11; only that for us it was 3/11. It was terrible, lots of people died, even more got injured, but we move on. When that kind of horrible things happen, it is not good to dwell in the sorrow. It is better to raise our heads, and move on.

    @CintaEscribe de
    El RincĂ³n de Cinta

    ReplyDelete
  32. I live an hour from the city. The repercussions still ripple through our community. The health issues have been devastating.

    I have to go with Joe Cocker.

    Lee, thank you for trusting in me. I hope I did right by you. My personal goal was 2000, but we hit 1800. We can only go up from here.
    Thank you,
    Heather

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    Replies
    1. Heather, you have been doing an amazing job keeping things going with A to Z. Thank you so much! I think we are at a comfortable number this year.

      Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  33. Great idea, Manhattan, from A-Z!

    I just recently "discovered" the source of my trouble sleeping: the attacks of 9/11:

    http://thethreegerbers.blogspot.in/2016/01/my-journey-to-deep-sleep-sequel.html

    So I only listened to the videos and didn't actually watch. I like both versions, with a slight advantage for Mr Joe Cocker.

    Have a great stay in (Sex and) the City, I will be back to check out your posts!

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    Replies
    1. Tamara, better to judge the songs by the sound and not the visual. I'd say more than a few people have had sleep disruptions due to 9/11.

      Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  34. 9/11 was a world-shattering event and one we will never forget. Watching it unfold on TV was completely surreal. I can only imagine the horror and have great empathy for all who suffered and died.

    As for the battle, I liked both versions, but Joe Cocker put more feeling into it and I liked his vocals better. Please give him my vote.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie, It was a weird day and the days that followed were so strange. We were all stunned and the country has never been quite the same.

      Joe Cocker has your vote.

      Lee

      Delete
  35. Jennifer Warnes with the great guitar work by SRV, in a NY minute.

    ReplyDelete
  36. We will see another attack like 9/11 in the US. I'm certain of it. Times have changed, and we are no longer safe.

    A is for Anthology: Blogging for A to Z Challenge

    ReplyDelete
  37. We were sitting at the breakfast table watching the news when the second plane hit. It was all just so surreal... You're right. It is one of those defining moments in people's lives, like when Kennedy was shot or Armstrong walked on the moon. Sad...

    ReplyDelete
  38. I had to listen to the Joe Cocker version twice. The first time I watched the video, and I think it impacted me. So, I listened to most of Jennifer Warnes again, then Joe Cocker (sans video). Turns out I still like Joe Cocker better. This is an ominous song and his version is more gripping with that feeling. His growly voice is not suited for many songs, but this one... well, it definitely is.

    Like everyone else, I remember the day vividly. Frankly, it felt dream-like (or nightmare-like). Watching that plane go into the tower felt unreal... like a movie. I think the worst footage for me was the people jumping off the buildings to their deaths. It was the last choice they had: burn to death or jump. I guess I'd jump, too. But it made me ill to watch it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Robin, watching the event unfold was indeed like watching something unreal. It still seems unreal in a way.

      A vote for Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  39. Was at work in Budapest when the towers were hit. A day that changed the world.

    RIP all those poor victims of terrorism everywhere.

    Good song choice! I like both versions, but would have to go for Mr Cocker. Good luck in the challenge!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stuart, 9/11 really did change the world.

      Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  40. LEE ~
    As you know, I'm really not a fan of Joe Cocker's singing, although I admit I like him pretty well doing this song. He oversings it at times but for Joe Cocker, it's actually pretty good.

    But not good enough...

    Vote: JENNIFER WARNES. (And, yes, the guitar work had a lot to do with my vote.)

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. STMcC, I was surprised at how well Cocker did this song since my opinion of him is essentially like yours.

      But still it's a vote for Jennifer Warnes

      Lee

      Delete
  41. On 11 September 2001, my husband and I were the parents of 7 children. At the time of the attacks, our 7 year old son was in surgery. I was worrying about him and grieving the death of the 10 year old daughter of a friend of mine. 11 September was her first birthday in Heaven. She was taken just a month before by a cancerous brain tumor.

    The events in New York that day were horrible, but I was dealing with heartache much closer to home and just couldn't handle any more.

    One thing that impressed me very much afterwards, after our son made it safely through surgery, was how it seemed the whole country came together. It was like people really cared what happened to others and everything was red, white, and blue, and God Bless America...It was great how it all came together.

    If only that momentum had been maintained, if everyone still had the idea of looking out for each other and pride in their country, and faith in God.

    I've never been to Manhattan. I think that it is a scary, but awesome place. It is the north's symbol of success, I think. Here in the South, we have Atlanta. The North has Manhattan. :)

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    Replies
    1. Suzanne, I can certainly understand how your attentions would have been diverted to issues closer to home. I was nice to see the country come together for a while, but bad circumstances for it to be under.

      Lee

      Delete
  42. Lee, I'll never forget the attack on Manhattan as long as I live. It was a beautiful September morning ~ rich blue skies, fluffy white clouds, birds singing, and an unusual quietness lingered as I settled into the living room to have my morning coffee somewhere shortly after the first plane hit the towers. I knew nothing prior to this so seeing that on the TV literally caused my eyes to pop wide and my jaw fell. It was the most horrible feeling ever! There is trouble in the world and the evil ones need to be stopped. I won't go any further on that because it really ruffles my feathers. Let me move on to the choosing my favorite artist for today's BoTB pick.

    It's interesting I don't remember First We Take Manhattan. I really like Joe Cocker and felt he would get my vote. I like the original. His vocals add drama to the words. However, oddly enough I preferred Jennifer Warnes. Her voice and music arrangement grabbed me in a different way, plus I loved Stevie Ray Vaughn's guitar playing! So, give my vote to Jennifer Warnes, please. Nice battle and reminder so we'll NEVER forget the Attack on Manhattan.

    Curious as a Cathy
    All Things Vintage: Artists #AprilA2Z #BoTB

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cathy, it was a really weird and very sad day in U.S. history.

      I can understand your reasoning for voting the way you did.

      Jennifer Warnes

      Lee

      Delete
  43. Now, I have all sorts of weird things in my head... Okay, I always have all sorts of weird things in my head, but I have new ones, now.
    Like:
    Man hat on.
    As opposed to a lady hat on, I guess.

    ReplyDelete
  44. The despicable event forever changed how I view mankind in general, having never before believed that evil that dark could exist. For days following 9/11 I looked toward the skies as if pieces of shattered serenity might fall at any moment.
    Joe Cocker's version was good, but Jennifer Warnes really resonated with me and she gets my vote. I imagine it's truly a personal thing for everyone.
    Way to bust out of the chute, Arlee :-)

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    Replies
    1. Diedre, our house sits in on of the flight paths heading to L.A. Airport. It was weird when they grounded the planes for a few days and there were no planes in the sky. So different.

      Another vote for Jennifer Warnes

      Lee

      Delete
  45. I was not prepared for this thought today. This day is etched in my memory because we were dressing for my father's funeral and just happened to have the tv on. Two emotions run through me when I remember that day. My father was higher on my list, and trying to get my daughter back to college with flight shut downs. We ended up driving her back 1500 miles each way non-stop the day after. It is a muddied day and will always remain in my heart with mixed up feelings.

    ReplyDelete
  46. I vote Jennifer Warnes, mainly because she seems to echo Cohen's style and she has Cohen in the video (Leonard Cohen is a long-time fave of mine -I love the Famous Blue Raincoat song. . . I like Joe Cocker, but not on this one. That image of the towers will be remembered for a long time. . .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. DG, Warnes has a lot Cohen's influence in her career and style.

      A vote for Jennifer Warnes

      Lee

      Delete
  47. Attack on Manhattan, but can't keep it down. I look forward to your blog - all things Manhattan. I shall eat a bagel and take notes

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  48. Lee, great battle! I'm struggling to make a choice. Actually I never thought I'd hear any version as much as I like Leonard Cohen's.... Wow... I have changed my mind today. Both versions are typical of the particular era that were recorded in, Jennifer in the '80's and Joe in the '90's.

    I loved the eighties' sound, (great guitar). My vote is for Jennifer. I'm probably the minority here. Oh well.

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    1. Dixie, starting out you would have been in the minority but now I think the vote is pretty even.

      Jennifer Warnes

      Lee

      Delete
  49. Neat! Two birds with one stone! I like how you brought them both together with one single post. It would be interesting to see how they go all the way to Z! I can barely do one per alphabet, you're doing two! Salute! Good luck with the A-Z!
    Cheers,
    Deepa
    Deepa’s Kaleidoscope

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  50. Manhattan is symbolic of our resilience, isn't it? Glad you're featuring it on the #atozchallenge this year.

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  51. Thanks for another year of the A to Z, Arlee. I'm voting for Joe Cocker this time. I will never forget 9/11. I was teaching high school at the time. The students were so shaken and I was so angry. That anger returns every time I see those pictures again. Our local firemen went to help and we had repeated 'scares' of more attacks since TMI is in our school district. Fighter jets flying over at all times of the day and night.

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    1. Susan GK, now I guess I get more sad than scared. Those buildings had become such an iconic image in American culture.

      A vote for Joe Cocker

      lee

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  52. My vote is for Joe Cocker. He has a great style!

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  53. Great start to the A-Z challenge. I was in 8th grade on 9/11. They brought a TV into our classroom to watch the news. When everyone went to recess, I stayed behind in the classroom alone. I watched the second plane hit by myself.

    -Katy Walker@thekatyblog (http://www.thekatyblog.com

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  54. I love that you're exploring Manhattan. I'm from Long Island so it's near and dear to me. I have family that volunteered on that fateful day and still have haunting memories to painful to talk about. Look forward to your posts.

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  55. Okay. A lot of stuff to respond to: The terrorism that inspired the song was supposedly the Baader - Meinhof Gang and their preference for publicity over effective acts.

    SRV was a beast. Definitely one of the all-time guitar greats.

    I think Cohen's version is the best. But I'll vote for Warnes in this match-up.

    Warnes and Cocker collaborated on "Up Where We Belong".

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    1. EMan, Cohen stated that the song mostly refers to a more intellectual terrorism than actual violence. The connections we can make now with the song seem ironic and a bit foreboding.

      I'll give your vote to Jennifer Warnes

      Lee

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  56. I'm giving my vote to Joe Cocker. He does the song justice. I can feel the emotion he sings with. Great job.

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  57. Joe Cocker definitely.

    I was at work wehn the activitiees of 9/11 occurred. My wifes birthday is 9/10 and I took the day off and I planned a wonderful day for her, some with me, some with her friends and some with me her and our daughter. It was a lot of fun. I was looking forward to telling all my friends at work about it and I never got a chance.

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    1. Dad, 9/11 was a real spoiler for you and so many other people.

      Joe Cocker

      Lee

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  58. Very true Lee, I am another who won't forget what I was doing when this happened. Same with the Kennedy assassination. But no, I have no desire, whatsoever, to visit Manhattan.

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  59. I am another non-fan of Cocker...usually. But damn, this is the best song I ever heard from him! I would have to normally call it a draw, but I'll give it to Joe since any song of his I like is a major moral victory.

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    Replies
    1. BTW, listening to REM's version now... not bad, but still have to go with Joe...

      Delete
    2. CW, originally I had this Battle with REM up against Cohen. I was going to use the same song twice but changed my mind.

      Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  60. I'm voting for the Jennifer Warnes version (I'd never heard the Joe Cocker version until today.) In 1987 I had just moved to Toronto the previous year from Nova Scotia on Canada's east coast (and I'm back here in NS now.) It would be funny if we had passed each other along Yonge Street at some point.

    The attack on Manhattan was a horrifying day for everyone. Here in Halifax, Transport Canada enacted emergency measures and diverted incoming flights from Europe, originally scheduled for US airports, to land in Atlantic Canadian airports. The Halifax airport took in 40 flights that morning.

    As someone who had always longed to go to Manhattan, my dream finally came true in July of 2011, when I attended a writers' conference there. I also had one of my truly dearest wishes come true when I saw the American Ballet Theatre's version of Swan Lake at Lincoln Center. I actually managed to return to Manhattan the following year for a birthday surprise, when I saw The Rockettes at Radio City. Really hoping to make future trips to that beautiful city.

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    1. Julia, during the 80's I was in Toronto around April every year--usually around Easter. Yonge street was like a pilgrimage to me when I was there.

      A vote for Jennifer Warnes

      Lee

      Delete
  61. My first visit to New York was October 1989. First time to a big city from small town Idaho. I was visiting my brother who happened to be living in Queens at the time. Ironically, the very first place he and his wife took me on our sight-seeing tour was the Twin Towers.

    One of my dear friends was working at the Twin Towers the first time terrorists attacked in 1993. He often tells about how he defied his supervisor when they were instructed to stay in the building until further notice. He was one of the first people out of the building that time.

    I was at home in Oregon, on that fateful day, Sept 11. My cousin was working at the federal building in Portland and called me early to tell me to turn on the news. She was being sent home from work. The memory of that day is burned in my brain. My brother had since moved to Staten Island, but was working in Manhatten at the time. My friend that was working at the Twin Towers, had previously had a medical retirement, so he wasnt there that day. He currently lives in Brooklyn and to this day refuses to cross the bridge into Manhatten.

    Alright.. now let's talk about this battle :)
    I really like the sound of Joe Cocker for this tune. I think he nails the essence of the song and really brings it home for me.

    Mary
    Twitter: @KnottyMarie
    Literary Gold
    Jingle Jangle Jungle

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    Replies
    1. Mary, Thanks for sharing those memories. Going to the big city the first time must have been some culture shock.

      For the Battle vote it's Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  62. I live in Ct., so it felt very close to me and scary. I'll never forget that day, as I just wanted my husband and kids to hurry home to have everyone under my roof. We watched CNN for weeks, watching the same scenes over and over - we couldn't stop.It took a long time to start trying to live again, knowing that life would never be the same again.

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  63. Both of these are excellent. Both Cocker and Warnes are in great voice, as they were when they did "Up Where We Belong" for "An Officer and a Gentleman," one of the truly great movies of the 1980's. So this isn't going to be easy. Jennifer's version has Stevie Ray Vaughn, and what more can we sy about that? Nevertheless, Joe's voice is much stronger than Jennifer's and this song calls for that, so I'll go with Joe on this one.

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    1. John, you're voting against that blistering guitar work?

      Okay so its Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  64. On the morning of the 9/11 attacks, Hubzam called me from the office and told me to turn on the television:"Something is happening!"

    Only one plane had hit at that time. As I sat glued to the tube, I called my mother and told her to turn the TV on. I'll never forget her response.

    "That's not really happening, right? It is a movie, isn't it - like War of the Worlds?"

    She couldn't wrap her head around it and as we both watched, the second plane hit. No question then; it was all too real.

    Great A-to-Z jumpstart, Lee!

    As for the battle: I gotta go with JENNIFER WARNES.

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    1. Cherdo, I totally get your reaction. It was all so like a movie or something.

      A vote for Jennifer Warnes

      Lee

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  65. Joe Cocker's version has a quick urgent tempo that I like. 9/11 is seared into memories world wide. One day I too would like to visit Manhattan, New York.

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    1. Sheena-kay, you'll make it one day to Manhattan. Maybe on a book tour.

      A vote for Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  66. I had just finished feeding little Hannah Bug breakfast and turned on the TV. Within 30 minutes I saw the story unraveling before my eyes! I phoned my husband at the cabinet shop. They were watching too. We discussed briefly if we should all get together, then decided to finish out our day unless something started happening closer to home.

    Revisit the Tender Years with me during the #AtoZChallenge at Life & Faith in Caneyhead!

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  67. I was in a 2nd period high school class when it happened. The TV was on the rest of the day in all my classes, and I can just remember the somber feeling and wondering if the world was going to change completely. And in some ways it did, I watched people from my generation become veterans of war.
    I like Joe Cocker's version of the song better.

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    Replies
    1. Elizabeth, the world changed a great deal since 9/11 and I'm not too pleased with the changes.

      A vote for Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  68. Fateful day indeed. I was at work and my Dad called me to turn on the TV if we had one. He had said we had been attacked-just as I did, I saw the 2nd plane hit.
    Our office essentially shut down that day and was eerily quiet. It seemed the whole world was quiet for days.

    Coming by from A-Z.
    Naila Moon of:
    Reading Authors-http://readingauthors.blogspot.com/
    &
    Just the Stuff Ya Know-http://yaknowstuff.blogspot.com/

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    Replies
    1. Nalia, I know what you are saying. The standstill and silence in Los Angeles was eerie indeed. My place of work seemed like we were on holiday even though it was during our peak season.

      Lee

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  69. That was such a devastating tragedy. It affected Canadians as well. I'll never forget my fiancé calling me and telling me the world was ending.

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  70. I remember it as it was yesterday... I was at work, in the office when my husband called to inform me what happened... The Truck Traveller

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  71. I am an American ExPat living in Europe but I remember exactly where I was. I was in my office trying to write a article and my mother called me and told me what was happening. From then on, my computer stayed on CNN and I sat there in shock. Needless to say, my article fell my the wayside.

    My choice for the music: First We Take Manhattan by Joe Crocker.

    Shalom,
    Patricia @ EverythingMustChange

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    Replies
    1. Pat, a lot of life fell by the wayside on 9/11.

      Got your vote for Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  72. Joe Cocker for me because his voice is so raw and heartfelt to me that it seems to work better with the song. I tried to not watch the video

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    Replies
    1. Birgit, I can understand your reasoning.

      A vote for Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  73. Good post, Lee. Would bring either an essay or nothing from me, so it's nothing, today.
    Jemima Pett

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  74. I was in college when it happened and vividly remember going outside and hearing silence. It was like the world just stopped and held its breath.

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  75. John Holton is right: the song calls for the raw emotion of Joe Cocker in preference to the gentle downtempo tone of JenWarnes. It ALSO calls for the SRV guitar work. So, I want SRV to rise up from the great beyond (come to think of it, along with Joe Cocker) and appear on HIS video with HIS voice. Short of that, the scale tips to Joe even without the SRV GEEtar.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Lee -

      I think my phrasing may have been too obtuse. I am voting for Joe Cocker this time. Thanks again for an interesting matchup!

      Delete
    2. Six, no you phrased it right, I just recorded it wrong.

      Amended vote is for Joe Cocker

      Lee

      Delete
  76. I remember watching the horror of 9/11 as it unfolded on the TV in London, not believing what was happening. Some time later, it was London's turn.

    BOTB: Bought Famous Blue Raincoat album when it came out, and a staunch Leonard Cohen fan. Also devoted follower of Joe Cocker, whose version I prefer over Jennifer Warme's (just).

    Vote for Cocker.

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    1. Roland, that Warnes album got a lot of play after I bought it. Haven't heard it in years now.

      A vote for Joe Cocker.

      Lee

      Delete
  77. I was at uni when 9/11 happened; I still remember where I was. It's definitely been a different world since then. :-) #AtoZChallenge

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    1. Mum, for most people I think the world kind of stood still for a while as the events of 9/11 unfolded.

      Lee

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  78. Jennifer Warnes for me - her voice doesn't really wow me the way Joe's does, but it's really, really hard to beat Stevie Ray's guitar. He gives that song life!

    Kim (ReInVintaged)

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    Replies
    1. Kim, the guitar is good.

      A vote for Jennifer Warnes

      Lee

      Delete
  79. I'm glad I made it in time to vote, Lee. (And I hate-hate-hate that Manhattan has this tragedy in its history. They attacked not just the US but the collective psyche of the world.) I'm going with Joe Cocker... Maybe because his voice feels 'righter' in a Cohen song :) (Very much a fan of Leonard here.)

    Great battle, Lee!
    Guilie @ Quiet Laughter

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    Replies
    1. Guilie, just made it though your vote just increases Cocker's overwhelming win in this contest.

      Lee

      Delete
  80. I still remember the missionary who showed up on my campus the day of the attack, who drew quite a crowd of hecklers for saying, among many other offensive things, that many of the people (not the terrorists) who'd died that morning were now in Hell because of various sins. He claimed he'd been scheduled to visit our campus that day anyway, though if he didn't want to cancel, he at least could've tailored his talk given the events of the day!

    I also remember my mortification on realizing I didn't take off the tape strip broadcasting my newfound size 14 on my jeans, and walking around campus (what little of it was in session) that day, but I quickly realized no one must've cared if they saw that. Everyone should've had more important priorities and concerns than looking at a piece of tape on someone's clothes.

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    Replies
    1. Carrie-Anne, unexpected events sometimes over shadow the more mundane aspects of what we normally do or have scheduled leaving us in a bit of a mind fog. As for the missionary, at least he was expressing himself in words regarding his own convictions and not actions which killed people and impacted society in horrific ways.

      Lee

      Delete

Go ahead and say something. Don't be afraid to speak your mind.
I normally try to respond to all comments in the comment section so please remember to check the "Email follow-up comments" box if you want to participate in the comment conversation.

For Battle of the Bands voting the "Anonymous" commenting option has been made available though this version is the least preferred. If voting using "anonymous" please include in your comment your name (first only is okay) and city you are voting from and the reason you chose the artist you did.

If you know me and want to comment but don't want to do it here, then you can send me an email @ jacksonlee51 at aol dot com.

Lee