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!

Saturday, April 1, 2017

A Time for Us (#AtoZChallenge) (#BOTB)


       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

Battle of the Bands is the blogging event started by Far Away Series and now hosted by 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.


"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!


146 comments:

  1. 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?
    I 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Voting starts out with Gomer Pyle.

      Lee

      Delete
  2. 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?
    A great theme and some good songs for the BOTB.
    I choose The Match:

    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yvonne, A to Z has taken on a life of its own. Kind of cool.

      To balance the voting comes the first for The Match

      Lee

      Delete
  3. Ooh, I like the second version by The Match best - it has a Simon and Garfunkle vibe going on.
    Happy AtoZ :D
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings - Shapeshifters and Werewolves

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Natasha, I imagine the success of Simon and Garfunkle influenced the creation of a lot of groups like these.

      A vote for The Match

      Lee

      Delete
  4. Amazingly Apt choice of title for the A-Z!

    I 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      A vote for The Match

      Lee

      Delete
  5. 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
  6. 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.
    Thanks for sharing this beautiful song!
    Best wishes!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Karnika, mood is always the key to my listening pleasure as well.

      A vote for Gomer Pyle

      Lee

      Delete
  7. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gossip Girl, not geeky at all!

      It's Gomer Pyle

      Lee

      Delete
  8. 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

    A for Aurochs
    Today’s A - Z Challenge 2017 post

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hilary, this song title just seemed like a good one for the Challenge kick-off. And it's a beautiful song as well.

      A vote for The Match

      Lee

      Delete
  9. The second one is just too floatly. Jim Nabors does a much better job.
    Enjoy day one!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Alex, but the second version came out during the "floaty" sixties--everyone was floating about then.

      Thanks for the vote for Gomer Pyle.

      Lee

      Delete
  10. Time is upon us indeed as it takes seed. The second's vibe I liked more so #2 gets the vote at our shore.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat, as the alphabet takes seed soon we'll be covered by weeds.

      A vote for The Match.

      Lee

      Delete
  11. Gomer sang? Now there's some interesting trivia.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tamara, 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.

      Lee

      Delete
  12. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Val, there are many lovely instrumental versions of this song ranging from solo to orchestral. The melody is so beautiful.

      Lee

      Delete
  13. 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.
    Prof. K.V.S.S. Narayana Rao

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Prof, So many things can be done with themes and variations. I guess that's why A to Z has become so popular.

      Lee

      Delete
  14. 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.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  15. Replies
    1. Shalzzz, not sure which original version you mean. I think maybe Henry Mancini had an orchestral version that hit the charts in 1969.

      Lee

      Delete
  16. 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.

    I haven't seen the movie but have heard the song. I'd go with the original version!

    Hugs!

    Aunts aren't gentlemen

    Aware

    Always

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Vidya, you are indeed a seasoned A to Z veteran.

      If by original you mean the first of the two I've presented then by default I'll give your vote to...

      Gomer Pyle

      Lee

      Delete
  17. 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!
    Leanne | cresting the hill

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Leanne, Jim Nabors appeared on a number of TV shows with his sings in addition to releasing several albums of his music.

      A vote for Gomer Pyle.

      Lee

      Delete
  18. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. C.Lee, those "singing debuts" in Mayberry and in the Marine talent show were classic TV moments.

      A vote for Gomer Pyle.

      Lee

      Delete
  19. 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.

    http://sagecoveredhills.blogspot.com/2017/04/the-letter-andromeda.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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...

      The Match

      Lee

      Delete
  20. Lee,

    Jim 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      A vote for The Match.

      Lee

      Delete
  21. 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!)

    The 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      A vote for Gomer Pyle.

      Lee

      Delete
  22. 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.
    Janet
    A is for Adele

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Only 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

      Delete
    2. 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 :)

      Delete
    3. A 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.

      Lee

      Delete
  23. What a great choice to head us into April and the challenge. My vote goes to the Match - airy uplifting energy suits me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Deborah, I think this song makes for a nice A to Z anthem.

      Another vote for The Match.

      Lee

      Delete
  24. 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.
    Shoes A-Z: http://repeatsamb.blogspot.com/2017/04/atozchallenge-vogarbus.html
    Trucks A-Z:
    https://annembray.wordpress.com/2017/04/01/atozchallenge-a/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      A vote for The Match

      Lee

      Delete
    2. 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

      Delete
    3. Excellent! That was a helpful article. Guess I didn't look hard enough.

      Lee

      Delete
  25. Interesting pairing. I, too, tried to find more information about 'The Match' group, but came up empty handed.

    While 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...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary, The Match is apparently one of those groups lost to pop history. Someone must know something though.

      A vote for Gomer Pyle

      Lee

      Delete
  26. 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.

    I 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...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Gonna go with Gomer Pyle

      Lee

      Delete
  27. I still remember how shocked I was to hear the amazing voice come out of Gomer Pyle's mouth. Excellent song, Arlee

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jacqui, Gomer's singing voice was one of those fun incongruities that surprised many fans of Jim Nabors.

      Lee

      Delete
  28. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CW, I'm not sure how this translates into a vote, but I'm interpreting it as...

      A vote for The Match.

      Lee

      Delete
  29. I am going to love these blog posts. It has to be Gomer Pyle for me though ... but only barely.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Geraint, just barely...

      A vote for Gomer Pyle

      Lee

      Delete
  30. A new song to me but I'll go for The Match. It has a bit more going on.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Nick, This was a hugely popular song that has been recorded so many times. I don't hear it played much anymore.

      A vote for The Match.

      Lee

      Delete
  31. Thanks for your diligence and keeping the A to Z Challenge alive, fresh and growing. My vote: The Match.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Shari, So many people love A to Z that I feel it must go on.

      A vote for The Match

      Lee

      Delete
  32. I vote Gomer. Had some brothers in my daycare who loved The Andy Griffith Show. This ones for them :)
    Stephanie Finnell
    @randallbychance from
    Katy Trail Creations
    Stephanies Stuff

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephanie, for the brothers...

      A vote for Gomer Pyle

      Lee

      Delete
  33. 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.

    @JazzFeathers
    The Old Shelter - 1940s Film Noir

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sarah, I get what you're saying...

      A vote for The Match

      Lee

      Delete
  34. 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. ;-)

    Cait @ Click's Clan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Click, the vocal versions might not fit in well with Lord of the Rings but instrumental versions would probably work fine.

      Lee

      Delete
  35. I don't know those songs Uncle Lee. Thanks for visiting our blog though.
    Our Favourite Things from A to Z
    Kevin xxx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kevin, trying to make my rounds, but there are a lot of blogs out there to visit.

      Lee

      Delete
  36. Hello from Marshville, good Sir Arlee...
    hope 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...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Lee

      Delete
    2. Do not really know how to create "links", good Sir... (we would post more of them... as well as needing a "Windows 7" scanner)
      We are moving things around and cleaning... (teeth extractions (again) on Monday... and CT-scan of chest had been re-scheduled...Still trying, good Sir.

      Delete
    3. We do not really do any "social media (a seldom used Facebook) so we can post a "share" there... Thank you

      Delete
  37. I 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Birgit, a definitive call made and...

      Another vote for Gomer Pyle

      Lee

      Delete
  38. Time .. I could do with more of that. . .
    And 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Lee

      Delete
  39. 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.

    I 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debby, since Gomer is on the rubbish pile for you. I guess your vote will be "Lettermen on acid" or...

      The Match

      Lee

      Delete
  40. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Guy, I guess maybe Nabors was operatically trained. He has that kind of control.

      A vote for Gomer Pyle

      Lee

      Delete
  41. 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.

    If Nabor's vocals had been atop the Match music, I would have voted for that. Alas, it's too late now.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Harry, anything is possible--and acceptable--with BOTB.

      Another vote for Gomer Pyle

      Lee

      Delete
  42. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Zulu, aw, I love that description! Indeed, during A to Z especially we see a lot of very cool blogs.

      Lee

      Delete
  43. Hey :) I love the second version tbh. Its sound more good to my ears. Cheers

    ReplyDelete
  44. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda, I'm still taken aback at first when he sings but then I start getting into whatever song he's doing.

      A vote for Gomer Pyle

      Lee

      Delete
  45. 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!

    http://authenticallylivinglife.blogspot.com/2017/04/a-is-for-authenticity-atozchallenge.html

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tawnya, I'm going to try to keep up the pace, but I start falling behind at times.

      Another vote for Gomer Pyle.

      Lee

      Delete
  46. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Patricia, 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.

      A vote for The Match

      Lee

      Delete
  47. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Marie, 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.

      A tie washes out that vote, but I can understand because I really like them both too.

      Lee

      Delete
  48. A Facebook vote came in from my cousin Tom for...

    The Match

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  49. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Stephanie, 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.

      A vote for Gomer Pyle

      Lee

      Delete
  50. 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 ).

    Calen~
    A to Z Challenge Letter A

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Calen, "Impossible Dream" is a powerful song that would suit Nabors well.

      A vote for Gomer Pyle.

      Lee

      Delete
  51. The second version. What a beautiful song it was. And that movie. Thanks for taking me back in time to it. Hahaha.
    Anger #Lexicon of Leaving

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kalpananaa, yes that was a trip back in time.

      A vote for The Match.

      Lee

      Delete
  52. Good start to your challenge. I envy your reach though. Lots to learn from you.

    Read my post on A at http://charandeepsblog.blogspot.in/2017/04/a-away.html?m=1

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Charan, hopefully I've learned some things about blogging in the years I've done it. Well, I guess I have.

      Lee

      Delete
  53. 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. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Elaine, hope you'll keep coming back!

      A vote for The Match.

      Lee

      Delete
  54. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JoJo, the "sex" scene was very mild by even what we see in TV shows today.

      Lee

      Delete
  55. I have no idea about these songs or this time in music! I am blown away with Jim Nabors voice.
    Rgds,
    "*Ishieta @ Isheeria's*

    AtoZofHealing - A is for Affirmations"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Isheeria, if you weren't living in that era you would likely have missed much of what the culture was like.

      A vote for Gomer Pyle

      Lee

      Delete
  56. Replies
    1. Patricia, a decisive vote...

      for Gomer Pyle

      Lee

      Delete
  57. Debs, there is something special about that era of music and not just that I was younger then.

    A vote for The Match

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  58. Crazy to think the challenge has been going on for 8 years. When we hit ten, should do something special. =)

    ~Patricia Lynne aka Patricia Josephine~
    Story Dam
    Patricia Lynne, Indie Author

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Patricia, I've thought the same thing. 10 years would be quite a milestone.

      Lee

      Delete
  59. 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.

    Do 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...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Lee

      Delete
  60. The poetry in this song is lovely, and I don't know that I've heard it before (I was born in 1969).

    I'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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 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.

      Lee

      Delete
  61. 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!

    I 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Robin, glad you liked this Battle. I do too!

      A vote for The Match

      Lee

      Delete
  62. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Phillip, maybe not calendar reform, but calendars will soon make an appearance.

      Lee

      Delete
  63. Oh, and my vote is for The Match.

    Phillip | B is for banana

    ReplyDelete
  64. 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!
    Jamie Lyn Weigt | Writing Dragons Blog | AtoZ 2017 - Dragons in Our Fandoms

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jamie, I'm pleased to see the way things have been going thus far.

      Lee

      Delete
  65. I had no idea Gomer could sing so well but The Match wins for me.

    Emily | My Life In Ecuador

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Emily, yes, Jim Nabors was quite a hit for a while in his day.

      Another vote for The Match

      Lee

      Delete
  66. 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diedre, I thought this song would be a nice start to the A to Z Challenge 2017.

      Another vote for The Match

      Lee

      Delete
  67. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Carrie-Anne, I've noticed that you like this musical era. Me too.

      Again it's The Match

      Lee

      Delete
  68. 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.
    Perspectives at Life & Faith in Caneyhead

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Barbara, I considered using Donny's version. He was pretty young when he performed the version that I heard.

      Lee

      Delete
  69. The Match. Harmonies are nice.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sue, thank you for the vote.

      For The Match.

      Lee

      Delete
  70. 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.

    I 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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JGIF, your vote would have give Nabors a boost, but not a win. Happy holidays!

      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