April 1st is a time for us bloggers and for all who enjoy reading blogs. This date begins what has become the greatest blog challenge of them all: The Blogging from A to Z April Challenge! Let the 2017 Challenge begin!
Welcome Blogging Friends and Friends of Blogging!
Here we are again at the start of another Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. This will be the 8th year of the Challenge and still going strong. For the month of April Tossing It Out will be joining hundreds of other blogs from around the world as we deliver 26 daily posts (except on Sundays aside from the last Sunday of this month) using the letters of the alphabet as our inspiration. As many others will do, I have decided to blog with a theme in mind. My posts for this Challenge month will explore time and the various aspects related to time.
In my first April post I will be dealing with a song about time...
Battle of the Bands
"A Time for Us"
This is the theme song from the popular 1968 film interpretation of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. Directed by Franco Zeffirelli, the film was one of the hits of 1968. The instrumental score for the love theme from the film was composed by Nino Rota who also penned much of the music behind the films of Fellini--it is a hauntingly beautiful melody. Either instrumentally or with vocals, there are numerous cover versions of this song. I settled for two that I found particularly interesting in one way or another. They certainly are a contrast.
Gomer Pyle "A Time for Us" (1980)
Gomer Pyle of Mayberry shocked the hometown folks and the U.S. Marine Corps as well as the television audiences when he unleashed the dulcet tones of his baritone voice. Go-o-lly, who'd have ever thunk it? Gomer (actually actor/singer Jim Nabors from Sylacauga, Alabama) endeared himself to America with his portrayal of the goofy Mayberry gas station attendent on The Andy Griffith Show and later on his own show Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. During his lengthy career, Nabors recorded a number of albums as well as appearing in many movies and television shows. For our first Battle performance, Nabors presents a straight-forward rendering of "A Time for Us".
The Match "A Time for Us" (1969)
If The Lettermen had dropped some acid before recording "A Time for Us", the result might have sounded like this next Battle contestant. Bordering on psychedelia, this is one of those many strange vocal groups that appeared on the scene in the late sixties. This arrangement of "A Time for Us" contains lush strings and some nice harmonies. Who are the singers? That I could not find. And that is about is much as I did find about this group other than they recorded this song.
A Time To Vote!
I hope you have time to vote! And hopefully you have an opinion of some kind. Which version do you like the best? Did Gomer meet his Match? You don't have to know about music to have an opinion since it all comes down to your own personal taste.
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:
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands
‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’
'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'
'Curious as a Cathy'
Sound of One Hand Typing
The Doglady's Den
Angel's Bark
Cherdo on the Flipside
Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
Winner Announced on Friday April 7th
Excepting tomorrow (Sunday the 2nd) there will be posts every day this week. Voting will be open until Thursday the 6th and the winner of this match will be announced on Friday the 7th. I hope you can stop in to visit as many of my "Time" posts as you are able, but be sure to be back on Friday to see which song version was voted as the favorite. Shazam!
I remember the movie and the music so well! It's funny to compare Jim Nabors' speaking voice as Gomer to his singing voice. I wonder how he spoke in real life?
ReplyDeleteI like his version a bit better. Has more drama. Your description of "The Lettermen on acid" was apt for The Match. They did have nice harmonies, but I'm sticking with Gomer. Interesting start to your A to Z theme, Lee.
Debbie D, I'm guessing that Jim Nabors did have a Southern accent where in real life he likely sounded like a less exaggerated version of Gomer.
DeleteVoting starts out with Gomer Pyle.
Lee
Congrats Lee on this the eighth Challenge which was your idea some eight years ago: Who'd had thought we would still be doing it today?
ReplyDeleteA great theme and some good songs for the BOTB.
I choose The Match:
Yvonne.
Yvonne, A to Z has taken on a life of its own. Kind of cool.
DeleteTo balance the voting comes the first for The Match
Lee
Ooh, I like the second version by The Match best - it has a Simon and Garfunkle vibe going on.
ReplyDeleteHappy AtoZ :D
Tasha
Tasha's Thinkings - Shapeshifters and Werewolves
Natasha, I imagine the success of Simon and Garfunkle influenced the creation of a lot of groups like these.
DeleteA vote for The Match
Lee
Amazingly Apt choice of title for the A-Z!
ReplyDeleteI liked both, beautiful melody and each a very different rendition. But for me personally The Match has the edge.
Happy A-Zing!
Nilanjana.
Madly-in-Verse
Theme : Arabiana
Nilanjana, it had been years since I listened to this song and it was far less schlocky than I remembered. I does have a beautiful melody.
DeleteA vote for The Match
Lee
I loved 'The Match' for the happy ring it has to it. But I loved Gomer's deep voice! But between the both I definitely prefer the first one.
ReplyDelete----------
DeleteVinodini
http://ifsbutsandsetcs.com
Vinodini, Thanks for your vote for...
DeleteGomer Pyle.
Lee
I love comparing versions of songs! I liked the first versions better and as I have often found it always depend on my mood. So for my current mood, I think the first version has more nuance to notes and melody.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this beautiful song!
Best wishes!
Karnika, mood is always the key to my listening pleasure as well.
DeleteA vote for Gomer Pyle
Lee
It probably sounds geeky but I like Jim Nabors version. Thanks for sharing the two versions. I haven't heard that song in awhile. Hope you have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteGossip Girl, not geeky at all!
DeleteIt's Gomer Pyle
Lee
Hi Lee - the time has definitely come ... no April Fools here ... Good choice of song ... I prefer the Match version ... but I'm sure because the Nabors version takes me back to early days ... cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteA for Aurochs
Today’s A - Z Challenge 2017 post
Hilary, this song title just seemed like a good one for the Challenge kick-off. And it's a beautiful song as well.
DeleteA vote for The Match
Lee
The second one is just too floatly. Jim Nabors does a much better job.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy day one!
Alex, but the second version came out during the "floaty" sixties--everyone was floating about then.
DeleteThanks for the vote for Gomer Pyle.
Lee
Time is upon us indeed as it takes seed. The second's vibe I liked more so #2 gets the vote at our shore.
ReplyDeletePat, as the alphabet takes seed soon we'll be covered by weeds.
DeleteA vote for The Match.
Lee
Gomer sang? Now there's some interesting trivia.
ReplyDeleteTamara, his singing was so out of character with audience expectations that it always was a big hit when he let loose. Releasing albums after this was known was the natural marketing move to make.
DeleteLee
I vote for the instrumental version that plays so beautifully in my mind. I loved that movie. And didn't Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle) surprise us with his rich baritone? My Virtual Vineyard
ReplyDeleteVal, there are many lovely instrumental versions of this song ranging from solo to orchestral. The melody is so beautiful.
DeleteLee
I liked " April 1st is a time for us bloggers and for all who enjoy reading blogs." Better still " April is the time for us bloggers and for all who enjoy reading blogs." May be next year you can repeat the theme with bloggers in mind and write about it in all 26 posts.
ReplyDeleteProf. K.V.S.S. Narayana Rao
Prof, So many things can be done with themes and variations. I guess that's why A to Z has become so popular.
DeleteLee
Welcome to the Challenge. Fortunately I won't be dealing with the subject matter you'll be writing on, but I'll check out your blog.
ReplyDeleteLee
Love the comparison and I vote for the original version! :)
ReplyDeleteThailand Travel Stories at Kohl Eyed Me
26 Indian Dishes at Something's Cooking
Shalzzz, not sure which original version you mean. I think maybe Henry Mancini had an orchestral version that hit the charts in 1969.
DeleteLee
Thanks for the AtoZ Challenge, Arlee! This is my fifth year and each year, I've added more blogs to the challenge, and love it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen the movie but have heard the song. I'd go with the original version!
Hugs!
Aunts aren't gentlemen
Aware
Always
Vidya, you are indeed a seasoned A to Z veteran.
DeleteIf by original you mean the first of the two I've presented then by default I'll give your vote to...
Gomer Pyle
Lee
I remember Gomer Pyle from my early TV days so he has to get my vote - just because I never knew he could sing as well as act!
ReplyDeleteLeanne | cresting the hill
Leanne, Jim Nabors appeared on a number of TV shows with his sings in addition to releasing several albums of his music.
DeleteA vote for Gomer Pyle.
Lee
I remember the shock when Gomer showed off his vocal prowess. I have to vote for him, but I do like the other version a lot. It's very gentle and sweet. Happy A to Z.
ReplyDeleteC.Lee, those "singing debuts" in Mayberry and in the Marine talent show were classic TV moments.
DeleteA vote for Gomer Pyle.
Lee
I like the Match version, but agree that Nabors had a wonderful voice and I liked his version, too. I do remember this song but didn't see the movie as I was only 11 in 68.
ReplyDeletehttp://sagecoveredhills.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-letter-andromeda.html
Sage, not sure how that vote would translate exactly. Reading between the lines and using a grammatical approach I would declare your vote to be a vote for...
DeleteThe Match
Lee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteJim Nabors has a fabulous voice but going against a the more contemporary sound of The Lettermen is more about preference than vocals, which means I'm more into The Lettermen than Nabors. Great post and thanks for hosting the April fun!
Curious as a Cathy joining the April madness doing something a little more personal this 4th year of the #atozchallenge in which I rekindled a lost passion for doodling sharing with you each day Art Sketching Through the Alphabet. Come by to check out today’s alpha-prompt!
Cathy, you might have misread what I said--the second version wasn't really the Lettermen on acid. But I get what you're saying.
DeleteA vote for The Match.
Lee
Both of these versions not only sing about the subject of TIME, but take us back in time; one to Mayberry about 1962, and one to a couple of years later (probably in the Bay area!)
ReplyDeleteThe covers of the song are truly at opposite ends of the spectrum. Jim Nabors has a deep, manly voice, while The Match provide a high-pitched, "castrato" sound that I really dislike! Not a voice below soprano in the bunch.
Needless to say, I vote for Nabors.
SBB6, your comment takes me further back in time to bring to mind Nelson Eddy singing "Stout-Hearted Men. I get what you're saying though I do like that higher singing sound. Puts me in mind of those groups like The Association and CSN&Y.
DeleteA vote for Gomer Pyle.
Lee
Loved the movie and had forgotten about this song. Reminds me of high school. Count me for the Match. Don't you wish you had a penny for every post made through the last eight years of the A to Z? Great work Arlee, so glad I found out about it last year.
ReplyDeleteJanet
A is for Adele
Janet, it was in my senior year when the film came out. We were reading Romeo and Juliet in English class and our teacher gave us extra credit if we'd go see the movie which I did. I've put it on my Netflix queue since it's been so long since I've seen this version and my wife has never seen it.
DeleteOnly a penny? I'd take it, but it probably wouldn't be enough to buy a good lunch with. Even a dollar per post would be a nice bonus, but I'd run through that pretty quickly.
A vote for The Match.
Lee
You're right, Lee, a dollar a post would have been more like it. I wrote that this morning fresh after spending two hours reading and responding to other AtoZ'ers and it seemed like a lot at the time :)
DeleteA whole lot of time can be spent with blogging activities. Sometimes I have to force myself to get up to take a break and do something else.
DeleteLee
What a great choice to head us into April and the challenge. My vote goes to the Match - airy uplifting energy suits me.
ReplyDeleteDeborah, I think this song makes for a nice A to Z anthem.
DeleteAnother vote for The Match.
Lee
I vote THE MATCH. I couldn't tolerate Jim's over wrought rendition. Couldn't listen to the entire clip. The Match weren't that great either. But they get my vote. Marginally better.
ReplyDeleteShoes A-Z: http://repeatsamb.blogspot.com/2017/04/atozchallenge-vogarbus.html
Trucks A-Z:
https://annembray.wordpress.com/2017/04/01/atozchallenge-a/
Anne, your initial reaction to Nabors was similar to mine, but then as I listened his singing really started to appeal to me. Both versions probably require some acclimation if you're not used to the styles.
DeleteA vote for The Match
Lee
I put a query out on Facebook for The Match. My pal Barry Holdship (a great musician himself) found this: http://allmusic-wingsofdream.blogspot.com/2015/02/the-match-new-light-1969_79.html
DeleteExcellent! That was a helpful article. Guess I didn't look hard enough.
DeleteLee
Interesting pairing. I, too, tried to find more information about 'The Match' group, but came up empty handed.
ReplyDeleteWhile I quite liked their harmonies, Jim Nabors delivers a beautifully smooth performance on his own. My vote is for Jim Nabors.
~Mary
#AtoZChallenge #BOTB 1970's Billboard Hits - A is for...
Mary, The Match is apparently one of those groups lost to pop history. Someone must know something though.
DeleteA vote for Gomer Pyle
Lee
Really excellent Battle, LEE! I love the contrast in styles and I love BOTH renditions because I think this song has one of the most gorgeous melodies ever composed.
ReplyDeleteI knew this song since about the time I was in 3rd or 4th grade because there was an instrumental version of it on an old Lawrence Welk album that my parents played. So, I have always known and loved it, and it's one of those songs that I think so beautiful that almost anyone could do it and it would meet with my approval.
Although I don't believe I've heard this version by Jim Nabors before, I have always known he was a great singer because -- also since a very young age -- 'The Andy Griffith Show' has always been my favorite TV series, I've seen every black and white episode countless times, and in 2 or 3 episodes, they featured Jim Nabors (Gomer Pyle) singing.
Gonna have to "GO WITH GOMER" in this Battle, but I liked the other version so much as well that I'm giving it a second listen just for the enjoyment of it.
Great match-up, Lee. Enjoy 'A 2 Z'.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
STMcC, The melody for this song is exquisite and I was pleasantly surprised to find that it had been composed by Nino Rota because I've always liked his music from the Fellini films. There are some fantastic instrumental versions of the Theme to be found on YouTube.
DeleteGonna go with Gomer Pyle
Lee
I still remember how shocked I was to hear the amazing voice come out of Gomer Pyle's mouth. Excellent song, Arlee
ReplyDeleteJacqui, Gomer's singing voice was one of those fun incongruities that surprised many fans of Jim Nabors.
DeleteLee
Dunmbbutt that I am I went straight to video and spent a bunch of time wondering what movie theme that sounded like! Jim's got the vocals all over- but for which one i'll be looking into later, give me the Match.
ReplyDeleteCW, I'm not sure how this translates into a vote, but I'm interpreting it as...
DeleteA vote for The Match.
Lee
I am going to love these blog posts. It has to be Gomer Pyle for me though ... but only barely.
ReplyDeleteGeraint, just barely...
DeleteA vote for Gomer Pyle
Lee
A new song to me but I'll go for The Match. It has a bit more going on.
ReplyDeleteNick, This was a hugely popular song that has been recorded so many times. I don't hear it played much anymore.
DeleteA vote for The Match.
Lee
Thanks for your diligence and keeping the A to Z Challenge alive, fresh and growing. My vote: The Match.
ReplyDeleteShari, So many people love A to Z that I feel it must go on.
DeleteA vote for The Match
Lee
I vote Gomer. Had some brothers in my daycare who loved The Andy Griffith Show. This ones for them :)
ReplyDeleteStephanie Finnell
@randallbychance from
Katy Trail Creations
Stephanies Stuff
Stephanie, for the brothers...
DeleteA vote for Gomer Pyle
Lee
I like the second version better. It creates an atmosphere that I really like and makes me really envision those two young lovers and their hope for the future.
ReplyDelete@JazzFeathers
The Old Shelter - 1940s Film Noir
Sarah, I get what you're saying...
DeleteA vote for The Match
Lee
We've got Lord of the Rings on at the moment, so I can't listen to the songs just now (I'm not sure how well they'd work as a soundtrack!) but I will come back to have a listen later. ;-)
ReplyDeleteCait @ Click's Clan
Click, the vocal versions might not fit in well with Lord of the Rings but instrumental versions would probably work fine.
DeleteLee
I don't know those songs Uncle Lee. Thanks for visiting our blog though.
ReplyDeleteOur Favourite Things from A to Z
Kevin xxx
Kevin, trying to make my rounds, but there are a lot of blogs out there to visit.
DeleteLee
Hello from Marshville, good Sir Arlee...
ReplyDeletehope that you and yours are well...
We did not get to sign up for the April A to Z... but will be doing so with A-Z Posts at our "Crypt" as well.... Have a pleasant weekend...
Stacy, there is no signing up other than leaving links to whatever your current A to Z post is. The networking this year is all about social media.
DeleteLee
Do not really know how to create "links", good Sir... (we would post more of them... as well as needing a "Windows 7" scanner)
DeleteWe are moving things around and cleaning... (teeth extractions (again) on Monday... and CT-scan of chest had been re-scheduled...Still trying, good Sir.
We do not really do any "social media (a seldom used Facebook) so we can post a "share" there... Thank you
DeleteI like the start of your A to Z:) my hubby and I listened to both and when my hubby heard the second one, all he said was..."Fired!" Hahahaaaa....they were not for me either so my vote goes to Jim Nabors who had a very strong and deep baritone.
ReplyDeleteBirgit, a definitive call made and...
DeleteAnother vote for Gomer Pyle
Lee
Time .. I could do with more of that. . .
ReplyDeleteAnd yes I am doing the A to Z AGAIN I must be mad although I am being a bit sneaky and cheating a bit.
Rob Z Tobor
Rob, precious time. never enough of it. But at least you've pulled yourself away from all your work to join us for another Challenge. You might "cheat", but there will be no list to contend with.
DeleteLee
Boy your comment list is as long as the A_Z comment list. :-) I never cared for Jim Nabors singing voice. To me, he was Gomer Pyle and that was that.My husband likes his voice - UGH.
ReplyDeleteI VOTE for the Lettermen's version since I have heard that before and liked it. It brings me back....
My theme is all about baby boomers and those years we grew up. Grab some cookies and milk and come on over. Atomic Bombs
Debby, since Gomer is on the rubbish pile for you. I guess your vote will be "Lettermen on acid" or...
DeleteThe Match
Lee
Jim Nabors booming voice has gusto gets my vote, its a wonder he doesn't burst a vocal chord singing like that. The other dreamy, rock a bye bye baby puts me to sleep.
ReplyDeleteGuy, I guess maybe Nabors was operatically trained. He has that kind of control.
DeleteA vote for Gomer Pyle
Lee
I can't believe I'm saying this, but I'm voting for Jim Nabors version. It just seems to make more meat of the lyrics.
ReplyDeleteIf Nabor's vocals had been atop the Match music, I would have voted for that. Alas, it's too late now.
Harry, anything is possible--and acceptable--with BOTB.
DeleteAnother vote for Gomer Pyle
Lee
Hey Arlee, I'm back for this years A-Z again. Besides enjoying your Blog(s) I'm reminded by your site how in-depth,immense and cool the blogging world really is. Looking at your site is like walking into one of those really cool places like The Last Bookstore in L.A and not being able to decide which directions to run to first! Good Luck and enjoy. Zulu Delta
ReplyDeleteZulu, aw, I love that description! Indeed, during A to Z especially we see a lot of very cool blogs.
DeleteLee
Hey :) I love the second version tbh. Its sound more good to my ears. Cheers
ReplyDeleteKiran, I hear ya!
DeleteA vote for The Match
Lee
I was very torn but will go for Jim Nabors. I well remember the first time he sang on Gomer Pyle. My mum and I were astonished. I appreciate his voice more now than I did as a teenager. BTW I love the song.
ReplyDeleteLinda, I'm still taken aback at first when he sings but then I start getting into whatever song he's doing.
DeleteA vote for Gomer Pyle
Lee
Nabors for sure! Great post, and loved being able to hear the choices! Looking forward to reading your blog posts this month! Thanks for stopping by mine!
ReplyDeletehttp://authenticallylivinglife.blogspot.com/2017/04/a-is-for-authenticity-atozchallenge.html
Tawnya, I'm going to try to keep up the pace, but I start falling behind at times.
DeleteAnother vote for Gomer Pyle.
Lee
I vote for The Match but did like the drama of Jim Nabors a lot. I think this is my seventh year with A to Z. Always look forward to the challenge.
ReplyDeletePatricia, you're a vet! Glad to have you join us again. I like way you describe Jim Nabors style as dramatic. Almost operatic to my ears.
DeleteA vote for The Match
Lee
Well, my vote ... I'm sorry it's a tie for me. I liked them both just the same. It's my second year with the A to Z... Although I was late today, but I did make it. Hopefully I won't be late again... LOL I was born late.... hahahaha a whole week my mother says!!! Have a wonderful weekend my friend & thanks for havin' me!
ReplyDeleteMarie, glad you made it back for another round of April from A to Z. What is late? I almost always feel like I'm running late.
DeleteA tie washes out that vote, but I can understand because I really like them both too.
Lee
The Match gets my vote
ReplyDeleteMike, Thanks for the vote!
DeleteThe Match
Lee
A Facebook vote came in from my cousin Tom for...
ReplyDeleteThe Match
Lee
Oh wow! I LOVE the film and don't remember ever hearing the song with vocals. Have to vote for Jim Nabors - it's closer to what I remember from the film. The other seems a little too far from the emotion of the film for me.
ReplyDeleteStephanie, it's been so long since I've seen this version of Romeo and Julietl that I can't recall hearing the vocal version sung in the film. I doubt it. I think lyrics were added after the instrumental version became a hit.
DeleteA vote for Gomer Pyle
Lee
Oh geez! This is a no brainer for me. Gomer wins hands down! I have loved him forever. The group's voices were too high for me. Give me something mellow. My absolute favorite by him is "The Impossible Dream" (which is probably my absolute favorite by pert near anyone... :D ).
ReplyDeleteCalen~
A to Z Challenge Letter A
Calen, "Impossible Dream" is a powerful song that would suit Nabors well.
DeleteA vote for Gomer Pyle.
Lee
The second version. What a beautiful song it was. And that movie. Thanks for taking me back in time to it. Hahaha.
ReplyDeleteAnger #Lexicon of Leaving
Kalpananaa, yes that was a trip back in time.
DeleteA vote for The Match.
Lee
Good start to your challenge. I envy your reach though. Lots to learn from you.
ReplyDeleteRead my post on A at http://charandeepsblog.blogspot.in/2017/04/a-away.html?m=1
Charan, hopefully I've learned some things about blogging in the years I've done it. Well, I guess I have.
DeleteLee
With all due respect to Jim Nabors and his beautiful voice, I vote for The Match. I loved the harmony, the strings, and the "return to the 60's" feel! Love your theme! Celebrating having found your blog on a Challenge years ago - I think I'm forever hooked! Thanks. :)
ReplyDeleteElaine, hope you'll keep coming back!
DeleteA vote for The Match.
Lee
We were shown that Romeo & Juliet movie when I was in high school but the teachers put a piece of paper over the lens during the sex scene. hahahaha I remember everyone in the auditorium yelling, 'Aw Come on!' and catcalling.
ReplyDeleteJoJo, the "sex" scene was very mild by even what we see in TV shows today.
DeleteLee
I have no idea about these songs or this time in music! I am blown away with Jim Nabors voice.
ReplyDeleteRgds,
"*Ishieta @ Isheeria's*
AtoZofHealing - A is for Affirmations"
Isheeria, if you weren't living in that era you would likely have missed much of what the culture was like.
DeleteA vote for Gomer Pyle
Lee
Jim Nabors!!
ReplyDeletePatricia, a decisive vote...
Deletefor Gomer Pyle
Lee
Debs, there is something special about that era of music and not just that I was younger then.
ReplyDeleteA vote for The Match
Lee
Crazy to think the challenge has been going on for 8 years. When we hit ten, should do something special. =)
ReplyDelete~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
Story Dam
Patricia Lynne, Indie Author
Patricia, I've thought the same thing. 10 years would be quite a milestone.
DeleteLee
Damn! You've got a FANTASTIC Battle going here, LEE. Of course, getting so many extra votes due to A2Z makes it more interesting. And it just seems to swing back and forth.
ReplyDeleteDo you have ANY IDEA who's winning at this point? Because just scrolling through quickly and trying to see the scale in my mind, I really can't tell at all.
~ D-FensDogG
Check out my new blog @
(Link:] Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
STMcC, I haven't been keeping track, but it does seem like a pretty even count so far. Much better than I expected. First day of April I can usually count on a better turnout than later in the month. It's helpful to have the off Sunday to get some extra votes.
DeleteLee
The poetry in this song is lovely, and I don't know that I've heard it before (I was born in 1969).
ReplyDeleteI'd forgotten about Jim Nabors being a singer. I love the richness, precision, and command of his performance....
But The Match have great instrumentation and lovely chorals that suit this song in a whole different way...
So I'm hereby marking my ballot for an imaginary third party vote - these two versions, woven together! If I had the skills, I might try to do that myself. =)
I'll be back, at least a few times to see what else you're going to do with time!
Slices of an Unschooling Life
@shanjeniah
Indie Writer, Mom-in-Chief, and Joyful Learning Facilitator
Shan Jeniah's Lovely Chaos
Shan, oddly I don't recall this song getting much play since when it first came out. Third party is a graceful of not showing too much favoritism. A mash-up of the two versions would be nice to hear.
DeleteLee
I really liked both of these. Plus they are so different. I think this may be one of the best battles you've put together. Really outstanding. Congrats!
ReplyDeleteI am voting for The Match. I really liked the harmonies and that ethereal quality is very appealing in this song.
Excellent start for your A to Z!
Robin, glad you liked this Battle. I do too!
DeleteA vote for The Match
Lee
Time is a fascinating theme. I find calendars and calendar reform very interesting subjects, so maybe they will show up in one or two of your posts.
ReplyDeletePhillip, maybe not calendar reform, but calendars will soon make an appearance.
DeleteLee
Oh, and my vote is for The Match.
ReplyDeletePhillip | B is for banana
Phillip, thanks for the vote...
DeleteThe Match
Lee
Ack, I'm bloghopping clandestine-like from work and can't watch the videos, I'm sorry to say, but I think it's a solid start to AtoZ!
ReplyDeleteJamie Lyn Weigt | Writing Dragons Blog | AtoZ 2017 - Dragons in Our Fandoms
Jamie, I'm pleased to see the way things have been going thus far.
DeleteLee
I had no idea Gomer could sing so well but The Match wins for me.
ReplyDeleteEmily | My Life In Ecuador
Emily, yes, Jim Nabors was quite a hit for a while in his day.
DeleteAnother vote for The Match
Lee
What a terrific song choice! At first sight I was sure I'd choose "Gomer" for his magnificent voice, but by golly, I was absolutely swayed by the resplendent harmony of the Match!
ReplyDeleteDiedre, I thought this song would be a nice start to the A to Z Challenge 2017.
DeleteAnother vote for The Match
Lee
Both versions have their own kind of appeal, though I liked The Match version better. That Sixties sound is more familiar to me, given my tastes in music.
ReplyDeleteCarrie-Anne, I've noticed that you like this musical era. Me too.
DeleteAgain it's The Match
Lee
I am out of data and can't listen. Will try to remember to stop by after tomorrow when it re-ups. I have Donny Osmond doing the song on an album. He did alright.
ReplyDeletePerspectives at Life & Faith in Caneyhead
Barbara, I considered using Donny's version. He was pretty young when he performed the version that I heard.
DeleteLee
The Match. Harmonies are nice.
ReplyDeleteSue, thank you for the vote.
DeleteFor The Match.
Lee
I know I'm too late to vote, but my vote still goes to Jim. I think his version fits the play better. The R&J stage musical does not have this song, though.
ReplyDeleteI worked down to your A post, he he...This is mine: How to Spell the Ancient Filipino Way.
I'll have to do my next posts already. It's Holy Week, so no work this Thursday and Friday. That means I'll be left with my own very sloooow, unreliable laptop!
JGIF, your vote would have give Nabors a boost, but not a win. Happy holidays!
DeleteLee