If I lived in a White House I would never paint it red. If I did, I'm sure my neighbors wouldn't like it and my neighborhood association would fine me big time....
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Battle of the Bands Results
My most recent Battle of the Bands featured Paul Robeson and Sam Cooke doing their versions of "The House I Live In" which was first popularized by Frank Sinatra. I was pretty sure going in that Robeson didn't stand much of a chance with his operatic baritone when put up against the more pop styling of the great Sam Cooke. And my hunch was correct with a big win going to Sam Cooke.
From the standpoint of listening pleasure (comfort?) I would prefer to hear Cooke's version for repeated listening. However, I'm going to give my vote in this match to Robeson. I agree with the voters who suggested that Robeson's version had a greater authenticity. In comparing the two versions, to my sense of hearing Cooke offered a slick pop sound that is smooth like honey. On the other hand, Robeson's version had a gravitas that made the song almost like a patriotic prayer. Listening to each version with eyes closed I could imagine Cooke professionally laying down his vocal in a studio where as I listened to Robeson I could picture walking along with him through his hometown as he proudly points out the places and people he is singing about.
My vote doesn't change anything in the outcome, but I thought it was a song worth sharing at this time. Even though I was very sure that Robeson would lose, I wanted to have this particular Battle at this particular time because it just seemed like a good time to do it. I hope you enjoyed the song.
Final Vote Tally
Paul Robeson 5
Sam Cooke 16
Next Battle on Friday February 15th
That's next Friday and this might be a Battle that I think most of you will enjoy. Since the music I'll be using relates to the Oscars (coming up soon!), I will also be including my rant against the Academy. I'm not a fan of those awards and something regarding my Battle music choice made me even more disgusted with them. Maybe you'll agree with me, but maybe you won't. We'll find out I guess.
Before that Friday post I might have a big announcement to make. That might come on Monday if I get motivated enough to compose that post. Then again, Friday's post might be my next one. I'll have to think on this a bit.
Are you looking forward to the Oscars? Any inkling about what my Oscar beef is about and what Oscar related song I'll be using? Want to dare a guess about my special announcement?
It's all about the style I guess.
ReplyDeleteAlex, style is everything and nothing.
DeleteLee
I think you are taking a risk asking people to guess about your announcement! Who knows what people might say?
ReplyDeleteI have not watched the oscars for years, though we always did when I was younger. My grandpa, a two time winner, got a ballot from the Academy every year to vote for the winners. Since he never went to movies any more at that point he gave my dad the ballot to cast. We'd have seen most of them and would discuss and vote for my grandfather.
These days the oscars are simply a political event run by liberals. It has become a platform for (the tragically misnamed) "social justice" and for libs to spew their thinly veiled hate about anything even traditional, let alone conservative.
There: I gifted you with a mini-rant of my own about the Oscars. They used to mean something. I guess they STILL mean "something" but it ain't good!
6-Gun, there probably will be no announcement. I had a crazy idea that now I don't think would be worth the waste of time and other things.
DeleteOscars were more fun when it was just movie glitz and no politics. Now the movies are like the awards and don't speak to me and I think a lot of others.
Lee
Sorry... by the phrase above: "vote for my grandfather," I mean to cast the ballot for other movies in his place. I hope that is a bit more clear.
ReplyDeleteGood deal. I am winner twice today. This is going to be a banner year for me. My time has come. Three in a row!
ReplyDeleteAs for the oscars, I have not seen a minute of this, in decades. I have zero interest in the people or the process.
Michael, may 2019 be a banner year for you and all of us in many ways!
DeleteI've been suckered into watching them for many years. I just don't enjoy them as much as I did when I was a kid.
Lee
Wow! New Battle next Friday already? Seems so soon! I'm glad I pre-wrote one so I don't have to try to come up with anything now - I'm just too tired to think about it.
ReplyDeleteThe Oscars... I couldn't possibly care less about them. I have about the same level of interest in them as I do in the NFL.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
STMcC, the Oscars to me are perversely magnetic. I'm drawn into this vortex of industry vanity and self-congratulations with a certain revulsion and wistful memories of those old awards shows hosted by the likes of Bob Hope who kept things in check.
DeleteHope you are soon revitalized for the next Battle.
Lee
I'm not too crazy about Oscars or Grammys or any of those trophy parties. Too political for my tastes, and if there is someone that I might enjoy, they typically have to go and open their mouths and ruin it for me. The best thing about about a Book boyfriend or Movie Boyfriend? You can close the book and turn off/walk out of the movie when you are done with them.
ReplyDelete~Nope. Not jaded at all.
Mary, the politics and opinionating have turned a lot of people against award shows. Hopefully the producers of those shows will start getting this message and making a change.
DeleteLee
Picked the winner this time. Look forward to the next BOTB.
ReplyDeleteTake care Lee.
Yvonne.
Yvonne, as always, thanks for voting.
DeleteLee
There has been so much drama over both the Grammy's and Oscars this year. I'll still watch both programs to see what's been going on. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletewww.ficklemillennial.blogspot.com
Gina, too much drama everywhere methinks.
DeleteLee
Can't wait to see the new band battle, and to hear about your news!
ReplyDeleteLisa, forget about that news at least for now. I had a dumb idea and the confluence of a lot of dumb ideas all around us gave me second thoughts about what I was thinking to announce. But who knows? I might change my mind again next week.
DeleteLee
I'm thinking you'll be talking about "Shallow?" Just a guess...
ReplyDeleteCherdo, I haven't seen any of the Oscar nominees for this year let alone most from last year. No, I'll be talking about last year's awards in keeping with my current state of unawareness about current pop culture.
DeleteLee