I guess it might be better to not be in church and be thinking about God than to be sitting in church thinking about where you want to go for lunch...
Battle of the Bands
Maren Morris "My Church" (2016)
When our church worship leader first sang this in Sunday service it was a bit of a jolt to most of the congregation I'd guess. After a few Sundays, most of us seemed to have gotten used to it and were getting more into it. My wife still doesn't care much for the song, but I guess it's a popular song that a lot of people enjoy. I'm going to go ahead and use this original version by Maren Morris as the first on the BOTB stage...
Home Free "My Church" (2016)
I figured this group's version is worthy of going up against Maren's original version. But you get to decide which version is best by your estimation. Give Home Free a listen...
Time to Vote!
What d'ya think? What's your favorite between these two choices? Which song version do you like best? 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
'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'
'Curious as a Cathy'
Sound of One Hand Typing
Angel's Bark
Debbie Doglady's Den
Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
Cherdo on the Flipside
Winner of this Battle Announced on Monday July 9th
Yes, that post is my intent. I'll be in transit at the time so hopefully I'll swing this okay.
Not crazy about either version. I'll pick Maren.
ReplyDeleteThe quote you opened up with is very true.
Alex, both versions have a country sound so I'd figure you wouldn't much like them.
DeleteStill a vote for Maren
Lee
I remember when my son introed me to Maren's version. First reaction is to think 'sacriledge'. But then I thought about a buddy of mine teaching me that you can worship God just as much from a boat with a fishing pole as in a pew with a hymnal. Its not the place, it's the attitude. Voting for Maren on priciple, lol.
ReplyDeleteCW, the real place of worship is in the heart and mind--geography is incidental.
DeleteAnother vote for Maren
Lee
Maren Morris' version was prettier.
ReplyDeleteL.Diane, got it!
DeleteA vote for Maren.
Lee
Hokey-Smoke, LEE!
ReplyDeleteI think you may be becoming the King of BOTB!
This is two in a row you've done that I've been wild about!
I'd never heard this song before, but I love it!
I listened to Maren Morris (whom I think might be Janis Joplin reincarnated) and I thought: Wow! That's gonna be real hard to beat.
Then I listened to HOME FREE and thought: They did it! They beat her with her own song.
Both are terrific recordings, but as soon as Home Free started out with that harmonizing, I figured Maren was going to have her hands full in this Battle.
I liked that I could hear the lyrics much better in the HOME FREE version. Plus, all that fantastic harmonizing reminded me of The Statler Brothers (and that's a great thing!)
IMO, you are seriously on a terrific BOTB roll, Lee! Keep 'em coming!...
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents 'Battle Of The Bands'
STMcC, Dang! What a compliment! And I was just passing this Battle off as a summer fling that I didn't think would get much recognition. Your comment made it worth it.
DeleteFinally a vote for Home Free.
Lee
Hi Lee - my vote goes to Maren ... interesting to hear both versions - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary, thank you for voting!
DeleteMaren again.
Lee
Hi Lee
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I have ever heard this song before. I think it's one that can grow on an individual.
I'm a big fan of Home Free and their harmonizing. They get my vote here as well.
~Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle - McCartney v McCartney
Mary, the song has grown on me, but my wife is still not particularly fond of it.
DeleteA vote for Home Free.
Lee
I think I'll go with Maren's original.
ReplyDeleteHarry, simply stated, another vote for...
DeleteMaren.
Lee
I've liked this song for a while now (Maren's version, of course,) and - although both versions are good - I liked Maren's quite a bit more. I'm not a big fan of "pretty-voice-a-capella-doo-wap" sort of stuff. Pentatonix, the Coats, etc. have me diving for the off button - EVERY TIME. And the only instrument I can detect on the Home Free version is drums plus maybe a tambourine. Not enough. Too many pretty boy voices - heck, just too many voices period. A vote for Maren.
ReplyDelete6-Gun, I was under the impression that all sounds were vocalized on the Home Free version, but some of that percussion does sound real.
DeleteAnother vote for Maren.
Lee
I also am not overjoyed with the song but out of the two I choose Marlen.
ReplyDeleteHave a good month Lee.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, this song probably doesn't overjoy a lot of those who might hear it, but it does have its fans.
DeleteA vote for Maren.
Lee
This song sounds familiar. I thinking someone performed it on American Idol. Maren has a lovely voice and I preferred her version. Happy 4th of July to you!
ReplyDeleteDebbie D, I'm pretty sure you're correct about hearing this on A.I.. I've also heard a version that was performed on The Voice.
DeleteA vote for Maren.
Lee
Love the quote at the opening.
ReplyDeleteI think I'll vote for the first one.
In Philly there is a place called "The Church." (First Unitarian Church) They have a lot of Emo and Punk bands. Bright Eyes played there.
J, even as musically open-minded as I am, I might have some reservations about Emo and Punk for worship music. It might also be a matter of getting older.
DeleteA vote for Maren.
Lee
I've never heard this song! Absolutely loved it. Like the original version the best. :D
ReplyDeleteCalensariel, glad you enjoyed the song.
DeleteAnother vote for Maren.
Lee
The second was a good attempt just not my style, my vote goes with Maren
ReplyDeleteMike, style has a lot to do with personal preference.
DeleteMaren again!
Lee
Home Free sounded sweetest to me! I might have been negatively affected by the fact Maren left her cigarette butt on the ground. Grrr...
ReplyDeleteJan, I missed that cigarette butt, but I know what you mean. Yuk!
DeleteA needed vote for Home Free.
Lee
I liked the church quote, lol.
ReplyDeleteI don't like organized religion. I'm agnostic. I've been to "church" enough to see that sitting in the seat, listening to someone yell at me that I'm an unworthy sinner, and living my life according to someone's interpretation of a 2000 year old book doesn't make a person "spiritually good." Just me.
I like Gospel music, and even some Christian rock/country. I don't like when a "romantic" song is reworded to specify God or Jesus. Too phony to me.
As for the car as My Church; I can see something like that making a person feel spiritual, the way Church is supposed to. I've had that feeling many times in different ways. Some things just make a person appreciate life, the wonders all around, to see beauty, and occasionally, the potential of God.
I like this song, but I don't think I've heard any other songs Maren sings. When I hear this song on the radio in my car, I too sit back and enjoy the drive. I also like the Stattler Brothers' vibe from Home Free, but they just don't have the easy going, natural sound that Maren has. My vote goes to Maren.
Dolorah, I hear you about the church. Sometimes you need to shop around to become a part of a community that suits you. I've found a church that I like pretty much.
DeleteAnother vote for Maren.
Lee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteI've heard this song before. I didn't know that Maren did it first, though. I like Home Free. Normally, I do not like female vocalists over the rich, warm male vocals but in this case I actually prefer the female in this round. Give my vote to Maren! Have a happy & safe Independence Day!
Cathy, Home Free is being sent home by Maren I guess.
DeleteMaren.
Lee
I'm not much of a fan of either, but Maren is more appealing to me.
ReplyDeleteLoni, the song might grow on you if you listened enough.
DeleteA vote for Maren.
Lee
I almost snickered because I am such a Maren fan but oh my those guys are amazing. I think I'm in love:)
ReplyDeleteDoreen, reading between the lines I'm going to cast a needed vote for the guys.
DeleteHome Free.
Lee
Ooh, I really like this song. I like both versions and really dig the harmonies of Home Free but I like Maren's original better.
ReplyDeleteIt's a great song. I'm sure it would be a good song for my church too. We have an amazing music team and the band and the singers are all phenomenal. I'm going to recommend this song to them. I'm sure they're probably already aware of it...
Excellent battle. And you have a good one on your hands, and it's almost always a risk using
the original.
Happy 4th!
Michele at Angels Bark
Michele, I don't think this Battle is anywhere near close, but it's good.
DeleteA vote for Maren.
Lee
They're both very good, and I feel badly for Home Free, but not badly enough that I'm going to vote for them. Another vote for Maren from me.
ReplyDeleteJohn, there has to be a winner and you've voted for it.
DeleteMaren.
Lee