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!

Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Pick a Paul on a Bland Song (#BOTB)


        We sometimes hear someone say how much they love this city or that.  Well, that feeling ain't mutual.  The city is a heartless place that doesn't play favorites...




 
The Mean Streets of Los Angeles
 
        Here I am on a rainy Monday morning in Los Angeles.  It's colder than I care for these days and that rain doesn't look very inviting.  The forecasters say that the rain will be here for the next four days.  Not common for L.A.  It might be the end of this world as we know it.  Or maybe just more flash floods in Malibu.  Oh well, I guess I'm okay where I live.  I'm just not going to go outside if I can avoid it.

          This morning, aside from watching the rain, I wasted another 45 minutes of my life watching a police pursuit through the streets around the Compton area.  These car chases are not particularly unusual in L.A. except when it's pouring rain like today.  The rain is unusual. The driver was navigating the streets cautiously under the circumstances, with emergency flashers on and stopping at most red lights while pursuers stayed at a distance so as not to provoke the driver.  Fortunately there were no mishaps during the pursuit.

           At the end of the chase, the driver compliantly exited the vehicle and began stripping down to underwear, something I had not seen in previous pursuits.  As the cameras zoomed closer it became obvious that the driver was a woman and a rather heavy woman at that.  The lady was put into a police vehicle as the television stations resumed with regular programming.

           Just another day in Los Angeles, albeit an unusual one because of so much rain.  Three more days of predicted rain. Might be interesting--or maybe not.  Hopefully you'll find this Battle of the Bands to be interesting...


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 each month on the 15th and on some blogs there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month.  My blog is one of those with a second Battle on the 1st of the month.   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.

Bobby Blue Bland

    A couple of years ago, Stephen T. McCarthy (our BOTB host) offered a Battle that featured Bobby Blue Bland.  In my comment I had mentioned that I wanted to find something by Bland with covers by other artists.  The best song choice that came to my attention was "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City" of which many excellent covers can be found on YouTube.  You might be most familiar with the cover as done by Whitesnake on their first album.

      I had a tough time narrowing this Battle down to just two so I went the gimmick route:  Two male artists from the UK who have been concurrently on the popular music scene for many years and both named Paul.  You might know their names and past affiliations so I won't delve into this.  You can always look them up if you want more info.  And if you want to hear the original version as done by Bobby Blue Bland then you can find that here.  Don't vote on it--I'm just offering this link to those who are curious.

      So, let us continue with the Battle combatants...


Paul Weller  "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City"  (1997)

         Injecting a lot of rock into some blue-eyed soul sound, Weller puts a rugged edge on things with his version.






Paul Carrack  "Ain't No Love in the Heart of the City"  (2009)

          More in keeping with the original version, this big brassy performance was recorded live at St. Albans, UK.






Time to Vote!

     Show some love and please vote in this Battle.  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

A I Love Music


Winner of this Battle Announced on Monday January 21st

     By the way, things have been stirring over the A to Z Blog so you might want to drop in to check things out.  Once again Jeremy Hawkins has come up with some neat graphics.  At the helm of things is the ever amazing J Lenni Dorner and again the team is rounded out by Jayden R Vincente, John Holton, and Zalka Csenge Virág.  Keep in mind that this will be the 10th annual Challenge so you might want to join us in the milestone year.   Watch the Challenge blog for updates.

        Do you ever get caught up in watching police pursuits on television?  Do you prefer country life or city living?   Does the future belong to the city or the rusticity?  










50 comments:

  1. It wasn't like that in L.A. when I was there and we met up those years ago Lee. I guess winter plays a part in what you're looking at now.

    I prefered the Paul Weller version of the BOTB.
    Hope the weather improves.
    Yvonne.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yvonne, you came to L.A. at a good time weather-wise. We're having winter though anyone like you from the type of climate where you live wouldn't think it much of winter.

      First vote goes to Paul Weller.

      Lee

      Delete
  2. I actually liked the Paul Weller version best. Seemed fresher.
    Now that's a goofy car chase.

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    Replies
    1. Alex, California is a goofy place. Car chases are the norm.

      Again it's Paul Weller.

      Lee

      Delete
  3. Lee,

    DH usually reads to me interesting headlights he discovers in his news feed in the evening and this scene you described happens to be one that he shared. I can't figure out why that lunatic felt the need to strip unless she was high or maybe she just wanted her 5 minutes of fame. What a strange, strange woman!

    Alright now to your battle. Your battle song is an introduction as well both cover artists, so I have no preconceived ideas about none of this. I'm giving my vote to Paul Carrack. I preferred his bluesy flavor. That being said, I might like the original since you said Carrack is more true to it.

    I can't say that I ever got enthralled by an automobile chase. Why I didn't even pay a lot of attention to the most famous one in recent history when the law were after OJ Simpson. Country life has its appeal at times but having grown up in a rural community then I know how difficult it is to be miles from everything. You have to keep in mind how hard it is as you get older. Are you close to hospitals and doctors? How easy is it to get any of shopping needs done? These things are easily 45+ minutes away from our childhood homes in southern WV and I often worried about my late in-laws. These trips were usually an all day event for them. I think they always tried to keep these things in line with when they received their pension checks, so they could get more than one thing doctor or shopping appointment done at the same time. So, to answer your question, I prefer living in the city but not a huge one. Knoxville is a good size. I don't think I'd like to live in L.A. or NYC or Chicago.

    Have a bandtastic day and thanks for dropping by earlier this morning to cast your vote in my BoTB!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Cathy, actually stripping down was apparently police orders. She was a suspect in an armed carjacking so they didn't know if she was armed or not. She seemed very cooperative with police instructions though anyone with a bunch of guns aimed at them would be foolish not to cooperate.

      I miss most of the televised chases (there are a lot compared to other cities), but when I turn on the TV and one is in progress I like to see how it ends up. It's like watching a movie.

      Life would be much different in the country: Inconvenient for many things, but a kind of paradise when all is well. Knoxville is an excellent locale as far as I'm concerned--everything one needs but close to the mountains and natural beauty.

      A vote for Paul Carrack.

      Lee

      Delete
  4. We've had way too much rain lately, although we're getting a break this week.

    I really liked Paul Weller's rendition.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. L.Diane, we never have too much rain as far as satisfying drought conditions. Bring on more rain--just keep me out of it!

      Again it's Paul Weller.

      Lee

      Delete
  5. Very interesting Battle, LEE!

    Ha! Your link to my old Battle sent me there to see what in the world I had presented and yakked on about it. It was kind of fun to read my tribute to Mexican food! I love it as much now as I did then. And I should get back to CARLILLO'S COCINA one more time before I leave this city.

    Surprisingly, I know who both of these singers are. And I dug BOTH recordings quite a bit. In fact, after listening to Paul Weller, I thought: Well, he's probably getting my vote. That would be difficult to beat.

    But guess what! Paul Carrack managed to accomplish the "difficult". Both are really good with cool things going on in them, but when push comes to shove, I think I gotta go with the more traditionally "soulful" sound of Paul Carrack. Plus, you know, that organ sound right away pulled me in.

    I listened to both recordings twice each just to make sure I was getting my vote correct and, yes, give mine to Paul #2, please.

    Really great Battle, Lee. I dig the theme and the two-Paul shtick. This one should be really close from the starting gun all the way to the finish line. Excellent!

    ~ D-FensDogG
    STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. STMcC, I really like both versions so it might be a difficult decision for me. I'll see where I am with it come the weekend.

      You explained your reasoning well. Another vote for Paul Carrack.

      Lee

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  6. Tough one, as I enjoyed both versions and had to listen to each, twice. In the end, I can't ignore the preference for rock and am going with Paul Weller.

    I hope all that rain doesn't lead to mudslides in Malibu! California never used to get enough of it. Seems like your weather is changing.

    The last police chase I remember watching is O.J. Simpson in the 90s. We don't get a lot of those around here.

    The country is too isolated for me and the city, while great to visit (and we do, frequently), has more crime, grime and traffic than my idyllic life out here in the suburbs. I'm staying right here. ☺

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie D, this morning they announced evacuations in parts of Malibu due to more rain that is due later today. Malibu might be scenically nice, but I'm happy in the working class area where I live. We are safe from fire and rain and probably from James Taylor as well.

      Not many places get the chases like we do here. After all L.A. is considered a big car culture place so it kind of makes sense.

      If you're happy where you are then it's probably where you need to be.

      A vote for Paul Weller.

      Lee

      Delete
    2. James Taylor would probably prefer Malibu. ☺ I'm familiar with the car culture of L.A., having driven through it, on the way to and from Santa Maria. Loved the scenic drive, but the city traffic was crazy, not unlike Toronto's.

      Delete
    3. I used to enjoy driving around Toronto in the 80's, but I'm not sure what it's like now.

      Lee

      Delete
  7. I like your battle:) I have to give it to Paul Weller even though I love the other Paul just as much but Paul Weller's voice did it for me. Green Acres is the place for me! I grew up on a sawmill not a farm but how I miss the country and wish i could move back. I love the scenery during a cold winter's night and the vivid sunsets one can see and not from a parking lot. I don't see any police chases in our neck of the woods but, on occasion, my hubby will watch "Cops" and we might see one on there. I like watching Heavy Rescue 401.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Birgit, Green Acres would suit me I think. Makes for an interesting fantasy at least. Beauty is subjective, but I think most can agree natural beauty is more appealing than man-made stuff.

      A vote for Paul Weller.

      Lee

      Delete
  8. Replies
    1. Mike, thanks for the vote for...

      Paul Weller.

      Lee

      Delete
  9. I'm going to go with Paul Carrack.

    At least no one got hurt in the chase! We don't get that many chases here in Boise, at least not that I'm aware of...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Loni, the driver had some close calls, but she should get some credit for overall safety during the chase.

      Paul Carrack.

      Lee

      Delete
  10. I prefer somewhere in the middle, as cities just suck. Too many people, crime, nastiness, etc. And super country is waaaaay too far away from everything. I go to such places regularly. Living like that, no way.

    #1 gets my vote.

    Weird chase indeed.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Pat, country living doesn't work for everyone. At my age I'd say it might be a novelty for a while that would wear off when I needed more of what a city can offer. But I'd give it a shot I guess.

      Paul Weller.

      Lee

      Delete
  11. My vote for Paul! Carrack, that is, mostly because I know his voice a bit better.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CW, staying with familiarity is often my own tactic in choosing.

      A vote for Paul Carrack.

      Lee

      Delete
  12. The battle of the Pauls! I love it.

    For me, this is a comparison of two great voices, so I have to go to the music to decide. The first one is all about the percussion, to me, and it has more of a rock vibe. The second - the backup singers and the organ stand out and make it a little bluesy/jazzy. Nice.

    You made it tough, Lee - I'm giving my one and only vote to PAUL CARRACK!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cherdo, great breakdown with a vote for...

      Paul Carrack.

      Lee

      Delete
  13. I'm with Paul Carrack. something about that voice and its origins wins me over.

    I am a country girl. We've traveled from here to there, and each time I see the countryside as true beauty.

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    Replies
    1. Susan K, there's beauty and so much more in the country though the city certainly can be interesting to visit--but I'd rather not live there. Though technically I guess I live in a city, but it's maybe more like suburban sprawl.

      A vote for Paul Carrack.

      Lee

      Delete
  14. Hi Lee! Admittedly, I'm not a fan of this genre - but Carrack has both of my thumbs up. Having escaped the Big City earlier this year, I expect it will be a snowy day in H*** before I'd go back.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Myra, Big city life has an advantage in some ways, but life in the country is probably healthier for mind and body I'd say.

      A vote for Paul Carrack.

      Lee

      Delete
  15. Paul Carrak gets my vote. I like the smooth, almost loving tone he gives it. I thought he was black till I saw the video! Voice deep and sensual. I live in a big city now for the first time in my life! So far so good, but I do miss the country. I like to look outside all the time, and I love trees. Here my windows are small, but I do have a lot of trees around, so I'm okay.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lisa, each kind of life offers certain advantages, but in the end life as well as where we live is what we make it.

      A vote for Paul Carrack.

      Lee

      Delete
  16. You guys need the rain though! And I vote for Paul Weller. I always loved him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. JoJo, we can always use the rain as well as a lot of snow in the mountains.

      A vote for Paul Weller.

      Lee

      Delete
  17. There has just been too much rain in my opinion. Thank you for sharing!

    www.ficklemillennial.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gina, rain has it good and bad aspects. In L.A. we take what rain we can get and hope for a little more.

      Lee

      Delete
  18. Rain adds atmosphere - even to car chases. But then I'm a Brit and weather is.......................... Okay, two Brit artists that I know well in all their appearances/affiliations. Paul Carrack would normally be my favourite but I'm going with Paul Weller as his energy wins for me.

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    1. Roland, rain made for an intriguing car chase and I was impressed by how all the newscopters were following so well. Every local channel seemed to be covering it.

      A vote for Paul Weller.

      Lee

      Delete
  19. My apologies for being late this week. At first, I thought I would be voting for Paul Weller, but then I listened to Paul Carrack, and was taken in by the laid back feeling. My vote goes to Paul Carrack today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary, you're not all that late!

      Another vote for Paul Carrack.

      Lee

      Delete
  20. Paul Carrack is so superior to Paul Weller. His band was better. His singers were dynamite. But, if I come back and listen to one of these tomorrow, I will choose Paul Weller.

    Reluctantly, I choose ... Paul Weller

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Michael, well, that was interesting, but I think I get it.

      A vote for Paul Weller.

      Lee

      Delete
  21. I like the Carrack version better - that gravelly voice and heavy feel of the song work for me :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jemi, thank you for your vote...

      Paul Carrack.

      Lee

      Delete
  22. Ha, I lived in Arcadia and Monrovia circa 1988-1992 watching crimes figuratively under palm trees, "Yeah, another one, yeah whatever."
    Paul Weller's has so much noise it sounds like 10 minutes.
    I knew Paul Carrack because of his song "I Need You" seemingly inadvertently in a new wave cd compilation .. it's not really new wave. Classic. If I never heard of him before he still gets my vote easy.

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    Replies
    1. G Dogg, L.A. is not only literally a big place, but also metaphorically and symbolically and otherwise. All the little crimes are looked past as we focus on the big glitzy gaudy stuff. Then there's always that morbid fascination of waiting for something spectacularly horrible to occur during a car chase. It's crazy like California.

      A vote for Paul Carrack.

      Lee

      Delete
  23. They were both good, but I liked Paul Carrack's better because of the horns.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John, you say the horns helped--sounds like a good reasoning to me.

      Paul Carrack.

      Lee

      Delete
  24. I like the Paul Carrack better as there is more of a variety with the instruments.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Aisasami, variety is the spice of life--and music!

      Paul Carrack.

      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