Wishing a Merry Christmas to my NJ grandkids Dilly, Lillie, Marley, Gracie, and Tommy! I'm going to miss this holiday season with you, but look for me in the summer...
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| Dilly ready to rock! |
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| Dilly as Chucky for Halloween |
My youngest grandchild in New Jersey recently celebrated her first birthday. She somehow acquired the nickname of "Dilly" though her real name is Logan (inspired by the 2017 superhero film of the same name). Everyone says that she is the happiest baby they've ever seen and every time I've been around her she has had such a sweet disposition, smiling away at everyone she sees. When I heard my daughter calling her "Dilly" the first thing that came to my mind was the old song "Lavender Blue". In honor of her recent first birthday I've dedicated this round of Battle of the Bands to Dilly...
Battle of the Bands
Lavender Blue
Originally an English folk song dating back to the 17th century, this tune was reworked in 1949 for the Disney film So Dear To My Heart in which a version sung by Burl Ives was featured. The song was nominated for a "Best Song" Academy award, but lost out to the now controversial song "Baby, It's Cold Outside".
Since the song's revival by Ives, many versions have been recorded over the years. In 2015 Disney used an updated version of the song for the live action film version of Cinderella. With so many wonderful versions of "Lavender Blue" from which to choose, I thought it most appropriate during the festive season of Christmas and in honor of granddaughter Logan to use these two versions from Disney films released some 66 or so years apart...
Burl Ives "Lavender Blue" (1949)
This is not the movie version. There are a few versions by Ives to be found on YouTube, but I liked this one best since it's the version I know best. At least I think it is...
Muffin Songs "Lavender's Blue" (2015)
Everywhere I looked I saw this version attributed to "Muffin Songs". Since I don't feel like doing any more research that I've done then I'm going to stick with Muffin Songs as the artist...
Time to Vote!
Don't be silly, this Battle's for Dilly! Vote! Don't let this cute kid down. What's your favorite between these two choices? Do you prefer the old or the new? 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
A I Love Music
Winner of this Battle Announced on Friday December 21st
I'm going to announce the winner of this Battle on Friday since Monday will be Christmas Eve and that doesn't seem like a great time to do that post. I'll be home for Christmas this year which means I'll likely be taking it easy with no travelling in store. It's hard to believe that another year is coming to a close.
Have you seen either of the films mentioned in this post? Are you familiar with the traditional folk song from which "Lavender Blue" was derived? What will you be doing for Christmas?
Lovely photo's Lee, they look adorable grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteMy vote for Lvendar Blue goes way back to Burl Ives.
I'd forgotten all about hime.
Have a good weekend.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, starting off with tradition...
DeleteFirst vote goes to Burl Ives.
Lee
A rhyme is a win too haha we have to go with #1. Just sat with us better at our sea.
ReplyDeletePat, no particular rhyme or reason
DeleteA vote comes in time for the season.
Just "sitting better" with no high fives
Comes another vote for Burl Ives.
Lee
The young woman who sang the second version (The "Muffin Songs" one) has a lovely voice, but, you know, no one brings to a song what Burl Ives did. He gets my vote. And your granddaughter is adorable!
ReplyDeleteJohn, the Muffin folks like so many modern artists are filtered and processed to near perfection...
DeleteAgain a vote for Burl Ives.
Lee
Your grand-kids are adorable,Lee! ☺ So sorry you weren't able to visit them for Christmas. My vote goes to Burl Ives, hands down. The "Muffin Songs" vocalist set my teeth on edge.
ReplyDeleteDebbie D, summer will be here before we know, but still it's a long wait to see my grandkids.
DeleteI just got back from an ordeal with my dentist so I'd rather not think on the subject of teeth right now.
A vote for Burl Ives.
Lee
Definately Burl. FWIW, Laurie agrees. And Dilly is absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteCW, I guess that should count as 2 votes...
DeleteBurl Ives and Burl Ives.
Lee
They named her Logan after Wolverine - now that is too cool.
ReplyDeleteThe second version is really pretty but have to give it up for Burl Ives.
Alex, my youngest daughter and her other half are pretty edgy and pop-connected. They named their first daughter after Bob Marley.
DeleteAnother vote for Burl Ives.
Lee
I really dig this song, LEE. And it was a terrific tribute to your granddaughter, "Dilly"! (Do you know how she came by that nickname?)
ReplyDeleteI am a big fan of the early Disney movies and I even own 'So Dear To My Heart' on VHS.
I also really like Burl Ives. I don't think I've ever heard a Burl Ives recording that I disliked. Somehow, he managed to really express the meaning of a song in a seemingly very genuine way. He's one of those few singers who, when you hear them, it feels like they are singing the song for you, personally.
Vote: BURL
~ D-FensDogG @ STMcC Presents 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'
STMcC, I can't remember So Dear to my Heart but I'm pretty sure I saw it when I was a kid. Heard the Burl Ives version of this song all my life. Old Burl did have his unique style.
DeleteI think my daughter told me about the "Dilly" nickname, but now I don't remember why they started calling Logan that. I'll have to ask again. It might have something to do with Dilly rhyming with silly, but that's kind of a guess.
Another vote for Burl Ives.
Lee
I talked to my daughter just now and she told me the story--a story I didn't know and wouldn't have guessed. She said the inspiration came from a Budweiser commercial where someone says "Dilly dilly" whenever a Bud is presented.
DeleteYou'd probably enjoy it. If you haven't seen this then here is the commercial link: Dilly DillyL.
Lee
Looks like that link didn't take so here it is in non-clickable format: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D8Cb5Wk2t-8
DeleteYeah, my daughter and her husband can be pretty wacky, but they are fun. Their kids are sure turning out nice.
Ha! Never saw that commercial before, Lee. But then I haven't had television service in, like, eight dogs' years.
DeleteNicknames-R-Fun, and they often come from unlikely sources.
Can I get a "Dilly Dilly" on that?
~ Stephen @ STMcC Presents 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'
What an adorable nickname! She's so cute! Merry Christmas Lee! Hope you and your family have a great one.
ReplyDeleteJoJo, I hope all of our days are great with each one greater than the last. Or so I can dream.
DeleteLee
Happy Belated Birthday to Dilly! What a great tribute to her.
ReplyDeleteMy is definitely for Burl Ives.
Excellent battle, Lee.
Merry Christmas!
~Mary
#BattleOfTheBands : Christmas Edition
Mary, Dilly might not appreciate this Battle, but I've been thinking about her and all my family in NJ.
DeleteA vote for Burl Ives.
Lee
Call the Cute Police! Your Dilly's plumb adorable! Definitely, I'm voting for Burl Ives.
ReplyDeleteMyra, she is so cute in person. I hope she keeps that nice disposition as she goes through life.
DeleteBurl Ives once more, dilly dilly.
Lee
Love the dedication to "Dilly." What a cutie!
ReplyDeleteThis song is familiar, but I couldn't have told you where it came from or where I had the opportunity to hear it. Why? Because I'm a geezer, Lee. That's the way my brain works lately. Perhaps I need a multi-vitamin...
That said, I liked both versions but I love BURL IVES. He's like the perenial grandpa for the world...and we need a grandpa. One who will patiently sing us songs in a steady, controlled, pitch perfect grandpa voice. Now, if he could only be a snowman...BAM! Christmas mind blown.
Cherdo, the perennial grandpa is a great description for Burl Ives. I've heard this song all my life which is why the Dilly nickname immediately conjured the song for me. I've had this song in my queue since I saw the kids this past summer.
DeleteA vote for Burl Ives
Lee
Dilly is really cute! Happy first birthday to her. Count my vote for Burl Ives. The other one hurt my ears :)
ReplyDeleteJanet, I wish I could give her a big hug right now!
DeleteAgain it's Burl Ives.
Lee
We have the added irony here, that Burl Ives is best known by many as Sam the Snowman, the narrator of the 1964 CBS Television Special, "Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer." That programs has also come under fire by some group that said they did not approve.
ReplyDeleteI approve of Burl Ives, in any and all capacities. However, in this instance, I prefer Lily James' rendition of this evergreen.
My vote is for Cinderella 2015.
Michael, maybe there is also a "War on Burl Ives"? There certainly is a push back on all things from the past where the newest generation is concerned.
DeleteFinally saved from a shut-out with a vote for...
Muffin Songs.
Lee
Burl Ives. He takes care in the way he sings it. The timing is right. The accordian in the beginning and the rest of the instrumental accompaniment is superior. The other is a slick hollywood remake :(
ReplyDeleteJade, I can't argue with that reasoning...
DeleteBurl Ives.
Lee
Those are cute kids! Got a Ramones T-shirt, too! I hope you get to see them soon. Perhaps it may work out that you get to see them more often in the future. Maybe relocating nearer the G-kids might be fun for you.
ReplyDeleteI'd love to help out the vote total by adding a Muffin vote... but no can do. I like the muffin top version, but Ives is just too strong to beat. Ives was great. I liked him in almost version thing he did. And his Christmas, folk, and traditional songs were really a lesser skill. His acting was tremendous, and my mother's favorite western was The Big Country in which he won an Oscar. For me, he was the most believable of the bunch in a stellar crew of fine actors.
Anyway: another vote for Burl-baby.
Oops! That comment above was by me: Sixgun McGoofyfinger
ReplyDelete6-Gun, I figured it was you but appreciate the verification.
DeleteBurl is like an institution. He's going to carry this match away.
Burl Ives.
Lee
I love the song Lavender Blue...and Burl Ives will forever be the best version I've heard. Of course, I loved anything Ives sang.
ReplyDeletePatricia, the song has grown on me though I can't say that I ever really disliked it.
DeleteAgain it's Burl Ives.
Lee
Gorgeous grandaughter. And a vote for Burl Ives.
ReplyDeleteRoland, thanks!
DeleteAnother Burl Ives vote.
Lee
From my cousin Tom on Facebook, a vote for...
Deletemight have known, Burl Ives.
Lee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteYour grandkids are precious. Too bad you can't see them at Christmas, though. I'm giving my vote to Burl Ives. His vocals are a classic and charming sound. Muffin Song is pretty but lacks the character of Ives. Great battle!
Cathy, Muffin Songs pretty well exemplify the state of much modern music for kids. I don't think it's too bad compared to some of the kids music I used to listen to.
DeleteA vote for Burl Ives.
Lee
Love the Ramones t-shirt. Classic!
ReplyDeleteStephen, Dilly's parents are crazy rockers with some really nice daughters. They're a fun family.
DeleteLee
A Facebook vote from my sister Joni for...
ReplyDeleteYeah, Burl Ives.
Lee
I liked both, but think I'm voting for the second one from Cinderella. It's been so long since I've heard Burl Ives! Your granddaughter is absolutely adorable and I thought of her the whole time I listened to the second one, so that's why I'm voting for it!
ReplyDeleteLisa, Cinderella dilly dilly needs some votes! Thanks for yours.
DeleteMuffin Songs.
Lee
I have to go with the Muffin Songs "Lavender's Blue". I really love this song and the Capella rendition featured in the new Cinderella (I really want that ballgown). Burt Ives' version isn't so bad, but as a girl raised on (Disney) princess, I feel the Muffin Songs' version appeals to me more as it sounds more magical.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas!
aisasami]
http://aisasami.wordpress.com
AI, I knew there had to be some who would prefer the newer style. So far those voters have been scarce...
DeleteA vote for Muffin Songs.
Lee
Other than spending time with family I'll mostly be cooking and eating over Christmas – but I'll make time for reading and writing too.
ReplyDeleteHave a good one!
Patsy, cooking and eating are popular Christmas pastimes for many. It's always good to have some relaxation time to oneself though.
DeleteLee
Hi Lee!
ReplyDeleteDilly is adorable!
Gosh, this was tough. I feel like I'm cheating on Burl, but I have to go with Muffin Songs for the crisp, waltz-like quality.
I've got a new book loaded on my Kindle, a couple of writing projects to finish, and more than a few butterflies as we head to snow country for the holiday! The kids swear they're going to drag this desert rat outside to play as I inwardly groan ;-)
Merry Christmas, Lee!
Diedre, sounds like you have a fun busy holiday ahead. It's difficult to drag me out into the cold for long.
DeleteA vote for Muffin Songs.
Lee
Lovely grandchild!
ReplyDeleteHmmm. I'm on the fence on the song. Muffin Songs has more appeal, but it also has that generic feel to it that I typically hear in "Kids Songs". Still, I'm going to have to go with them.
Loni, the group has a "modern" sound that is commercially appealing.
DeleteMuffin Songs.
Lee
Burl gets my vote. The second one might have been better musically but Burl's timing on his delivery was better.
ReplyDeleteMike, join the crowd...
DeleteAnother vote for Burl Ives.
Lee