When the sharpest words wanna cut me down
I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out
I am brave, I am bruised
I am who I'm meant to be, this is me
---Songwriters: Justin Paul / Benj Pasek
The official A to Z Theme Reveal begins on March 18-28--that's when the sign up list opens.
My Theme: This Is Me
Since this will be the 10th annual Blogging from A to Z April Challenge I thought it might be appropriate to do a retrospective look at my life especially as it is related to my blogging. Also it will be a time to consider my dreams and my hopes for the next few years. There will be some memoir material as well as ruminations about what's been on my mind of late as well as whatever might pop into my mind as I write.
Over my years of blogging I've accumulated a number of ideas for the April Challenge, but those have been again put on hold in favor of the theme I have chosen for 2019--This Is Me. Some of you might recognize this title as the Oscar nominated song from the 2017 film The Greatest Showman. And that is exactly where my inspiration came from.
I first saw The Greatest Showman this past September after renting it from Netflix. The film blew me away to the extent that I purchased a copy for my home video library--something that I rarely do these days. Since that purchase I have watched the film numerous times--again something that I rarely do--and touted the merits of the film to anyone who lent me their ears. You might say that I've become Greatest Showman obsessed.
This movie has literally become a life-changing experience for me. Every time I watch it I feel exhilarated and uplifted. The film speaks to me in its message as well as its stylistic approach. The musical score has become ingrained in my mind not in an earworm way, but as a touchstone for my hopes and dreams for my future.
If you haven't seen the film yet, I urge you to see it. However, seeing the film is not a prerequisite to reading my A to Z posts. The movie is merely my personal inspiration and what I write will not specifically have anything to do with the movie. My April posts will not be the story of my life, but hopefully they will create an impression of who I am and where I am at this point of my life.
This is me...
Battle of the Bands
This Is Me
Just one of many great songs in The Greatest Showman "This Is Me" received an Oscar nomination for Best Song in 2018, but lost to the pretty ditty from Coco "Remember Me". That song is a nice tune to listen to, but I found it rather insipid and not particularly inspiring whereas I believe that "This Is Me" is one of the best movie songs of recent years. It's a powerful anthem of self-acceptance that would seem to be the type of song that Hollywood would embrace. I suspect there was something behind the Hollywood snub of Greatest Showman as a Best Picture nominee as well as not giving "This Is Me" the Best Song award.
Using "This Is Me" as my song for Battle this round is an obvious tie-in to my A to Z theme so it makes a lot of sense for me to use it. Perusing through YouTube I found so many fantastic versions of the song, but decided to go with a couple of contrasting interpretations that are different from the original movie version which you can hear HERE. Just don't vote on that one! Here are your voting choices...
Haley Klinkhammer "This Is Me" (2019)
This artist comes out of Wisconsin, but her name might have told us that. Looking at her tour schedule on her website her shows are mostly concentrated in the Wisconsin area so I guess I'll have to catch her performances on YouTube. I like her style. What do you think?
Mylou "This Is Me" (2018)
I didn't find much specific information about this band. Their Twitter account says they're from Jakarta Indonesia. My assessment is maybe they could use some better marketing or maybe they are staying low for a reason. Whatever the case, I listened to two of their YouTube videos--both to my liking--and this is one of them...
Time to Vote!
Though both very different, I think both are quite good. But I'm going to vote for one of these as my favorite. What about you?--Vote for your favorite version! Have some fun with us. What's your favorite between these two choices? 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 March 22nd
There will be no posts before then because of the Blogging from A to Z April Challenge. Oh, wait, that's the way I've been doing it, but seriously I'd better rest up and get ready for April. No matter what though, definitely come back to see who won this Battle. And be sure to vote in the comment section!
Have you ever seen a movie that you would consider to have been "life-changing" for you? Do you enjoy uplifting songs with a positive message? What song almost always makes you feel better when you hear it?
I appreciate a good acoustic, but I liked the fuller sound of Mylou better.
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've seen a life changing movie. Pivotal ones, like Star Wars and The Matrix, but those more for how they changed the way we experience movies. My life changing moment came when I accepted Jesus.
Alex, accepting Jesus is an ultimate life changing event.
DeleteLee
Oh, and first vote goes to...
DeleteMylou
Better music on the Indonesian group, better vocals on the first. Haley for me. And that sounds like a great a to z plan!
ReplyDeleteCW, I hope readers will enjoy my A to Z self-indulgence.
DeleteA vote for Haley.
Lee
I like the second one better.
ReplyDeleteHeavy Metal changed me in that I aspired to be Taarna for many years. I admired her sacrifice. Sometimes I feel I've obtained that with my publishing company. LOL
L.Diane, a movie probably influences us most when we find some kind of application to our own lives
DeleteA vote for Mylou.
Lee
I loved The Greatest Showman. My children showed me this movie. It's great. I liked Haley's rendition best. Enjoy your weekend, Lee!
ReplyDeleteVictoria, seeing some nieces enjoying the film captured my attention to the extent that I watched it later and loved it. I bought copies of the DVD for my kids so their families could enjoy it.
DeleteA vote for Haley.
Lee
First, I give my Vote to Haley who has a great voice and carried it well. The other group, they sounded like many other bands and I just didn't care for their rendition..it fell flat for me. Now, I hang my head low because I have it saved to watch the film and I have yet to see it but, you know what? I will watch it tonight! I love musicals and Hugh Jackman and I think, this movie was robbed and especially this song because it is much, much better than the whiny blahs who actually won. Of course, It's A Wonderful Life changed me...made me feel strong in the face of adversity. By the time I saw this film I was so bullied and beaten down that I believed what they said. This movie gave me strength. I will also state that musicals, Astaire and Rogers films and Gene Kelly made me forget the nastiness of the world and I could disappear and pretend I was dancing.
ReplyDeleteBirgit, please let me know what you think of the film. I've heard a number of responses good and bad, but I still want to hear more. Musicals uplift me a lot and those old films like Astaire's are fantastic. I watch musicals quite frequently these days.
DeleteAgain, Haley.
Lee
Howdy, LEE ~
ReplyDeleteWell, I would describe Haley's style as just "basic acoustic-guitar singer-songwriter Folk" music. Which has never really been my mug o' beer (unless it was Dylan with his trend-setting lyrics). I always feel that the music is too sparse. In other words, just a lone acoustic guitar doesn't usually cut it for me.
If this recording is a valid indication, then it would seem that MYLOU is essentially trying to be Indonesia's version of U2. However, I'd probably rather listen to them than to U2.
I'll go with MYLOU, for the bigger, punchier sound which leaves a stronger impression.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
STMcC, Haley is "basic acoustic-guitar singer songwriter" style music, but I think it is very well done. There are many in this genre who I enjoy hearing and many of those are far better singers than Dylan. But he's good so don't get me wrong about that.
DeleteMore impressive: Mylou.
Lee
"The Greatest Showman" is an excellent movie and definitely underrated. Your A to Z theme sounds interesting! I'll be sure to check in here and there. Congratulation on your 10th anniversary! ☺ As for the contest, my choice is Haley Klinkhammer. It was smoother and more pleasing to the ears.
ReplyDeleteDebbie D, I'll miss your A to Z posts. But if you visit now and then I'll be pleased.
DeleteHaley.
Lee
Thanks for that, Lee. I did it 4 years running but can't handle that daily blogging grind anymore.
DeleteNo contest ...my choice is Haley. 'Looking forward to your upcoming posts, Lee. I think it might be fitting to consider doing the same, albeit privately.
ReplyDeleteMyra, I'm hoping that if I write about certain things they will be clarified in my mind.
DeleteAnother vote for Haley.
Lee
I've not seen The Greatest Showman, but I have heard many good things about it.
ReplyDeleteMylou felt a little rushed and I enjoyed Haley's vocals. My vote is for Haley.
~Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
Literary Gold
Mary, I encourage you to see the film and then get back to us about your thoughts on it.
DeleteA vote for Haley.
Lee
Mylou was really impressive. Let's go with that for me, please, Sir.
ReplyDeleteBoth versions are quite enjoyable, and listening to each was time well spent.
Happy Ides of March, Lee.
Mike, Happy Ides to you as well.
DeleteA vote for Mylou.
Lee
Hayley gets my vote I liked her vocals better, Mylou did have an interesting take on it.
ReplyDeleteMike, I like Mylou's sound from the cuts I've heard.
DeleteHaley.
Lee
I think Haley has a very nice voice and her version is quite good, but I am voting for the Indonesian kids. I still have not seen The Greatest Showman, but in my defense I have only watched ONE movie of any kind in the last three months.
ReplyDelete6-Gun, I've watched considerably more movies than you of late but what I view doesn't seem to compare with others.
DeleteA vote for Mylou.
Lee
I preferred Mylou. loved the song and words.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Yvonne, you got it!
DeleteMylou.
Lee
Lee, your This is Me... theme for the A to Z challenge is a wonderful idea. If we all did that (even if in our secret journals instead of online), we might learn a lot about our own selves. You've given me food for thought.
ReplyDeletePatricia, businesses do inventory so we shouldn't we as individuals. Sorting out ourselves can be a very productive thing to do.
DeleteLee
This is going to be a hard challenge to vote on! I liked both of them. I liked her earnestness and the bands tight sound. Hmmm. I'm also trying to figure out how to do the blog theme announcement thing? Okay, I guess I'm going to vote for... Haley. Only because I think the band might get more votes for a more polished sound. I did like them both, and now I'm going to have to see the Greatest Showman!
ReplyDeleteLisa, I'm having a difficult time settling on a favorite as I like both. Please see Greatest Showman and then tell me what you thought.
DeleteAS far as the blog theme announcement, just put up your post telling about your theme and then when the list is made available on Monday (at the A to Z site) add your link to that announcement post. At least I'm thinking that's what's happening. The A to Z Team is handling everything and I'm kind of on the periphery this year. So far they're doing a far better job than I would have done.
A vote for Haley.
Lee
A vote for Mylou, I just wish the vocals were a little clearer. I haven't seen the Greatest Showman but I guess it's time. Looking forward to your A to Z theme, Arlee. Thanks for keeping it going for 10 years! I'll be there too, hopefully I can get it together in time!
ReplyDeleteJanet, you have to see it and then report back to me please. I've heard good and bad, but I really liked it.
DeleteYou'll make it! You can always wing it if you have to.
A vote for Mylou.
Lee
I liked both of them, but I liked the second one better. The first was kind of generic sounding, nothing unique. The second one I sensed more feeling in the singer's voice and I liked the backup band. My vote goes to #2.
ReplyDeleteJade Li, valid explanation I think. Style is also important.
DeleteA vote for Mylou
Lee
They were both good in their own way, but I'm going with Ms. Klinkhammer, because she has one hell of a voice.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I don't mind listening to either version because they are both good.
DeleteAgain it's Haley.
Lee
Mylou edged it for me as there were more layers - fuller Alex called it.
ReplyDeleteAs for movies that were 'life-changing' I'd have to start with 'A Matter of Life and Death'(1946) - released in the United States under the title 'Stairway to Heaven'. The film artfully blended themes, elements and realities in a way that was memorable and something every storyteller/film-maker should strive for. I had the VHS and now have the DVD as I try to watch it regularly. Great cast too.
Roland, I guess Mylou had more layers because they had more musicians. Though we can't see who is behind Haley.
DeleteI will have to watch for that film. Reading the synopsis it does sound kind of familiar, but I'm not sure that I've seen it. Sounds like something that would interest me.
A vote for Mylou.
Lee
A classic that I'd recommend, Lee as I suspect it will appeal to you.
DeleteHi Lee - enjoy the A-Z ... it's been a wonderful idea - sadly I won't be doing it this year ... just enjoy and I'll check in occasionally. Sounds like you'll be clearing your head a little via your posts.
ReplyDeleteI prefer Haley ... and I've yet to see the film - cheers Hilary
Hilary, I know your meticulously researched and highly educational posts will be missed this year. I can use some "head cleaning" or at least some sorting out.
DeleteA vote for Haley.
Lee
A Facebook vote from my cousin Tom...
ReplyDeleteHaley.
Lee
My vote would be to Mylou :) Thanks for the A to Z Challenge! Wishing you a happy A to Z 10th Anniversary and I can't wait to dig into your posts this April :)
ReplyDeleteShalini, and likewise with your posts. I hope I can keep up okay this year.
DeleteA vote for Mylou.
Lee
Tenth year is beyond epic. Thank you, and congratulations for creating the A-Z. I'm so looking forward to April.
ReplyDeleteI liked both, Haley for the simplicity of the rendition, Mylou for the more layered and polished music. My vote goes to Haley because I liked her vocals, the lyrics shine through, whereas in the other version the instruments overshadow the words.
Nilanjana, Thank you for being such a strong supporter of A to Z! Hope you enjoy this year's Challenge.
DeleteA vote for Haley.
Lee
I haven't seen Greatest Showman yet, but now I definitely have to! :) I have heard the song, though, and it's great. Happy Theme Reveal! :)
ReplyDeleteThe Multicolored Diary
Csenge, I think Greatest Showman is one of the most uplifting films I've seen. I'd like to hear your perspective after you see it. The music is outstanding and I think its popularity throughout the world attests to that.
DeleteLee
That movie was very empowering. And the song is amazing. I bet your A to Z this year is going to be amazing. I'm excited for it. Enjoy your journey to self discovery.
ReplyDeleteMy Pinterest blogging board has a bunch of stuff that might help you with this. https://www.pinterest.com/jlennidorner/blog-tips-and-such/ If you need it.
J, I perused through the blog tips but will have to go back to hone it. Excellent looking blogging board though.
DeleteLee
Great theme, looking forward to getting to know you better - even though we have been A-Z buddies for a couple of years.
ReplyDeleteAs for the music challenge, my vote goes to MYLOU's version!
https://thethreegerbers.blogspot.com/2019/03/2019-z-blogging-challenge-theme-reveal.html
Tamara, you have been a mainstay in the Blogging Challenge for the past many years. Good to have you back.
DeleteA vote for Mylou.
Lee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteBefore I jump in on today's post, I wanted you to know that you came to mind this weekend while we were in Maryville looking at (drive by only) properties. After viewing two homes on Riverview Drive, we decided to definitely include the Maryville/Alcoa areas in our search. :)
Your A2Z theme sounds furtastic and I can't wait to read your posts. I know they'll be pAwesome and I'll get to know you all the better with each daily share.
Now to your battle song which is a purrfect choice. My first thought going into this showdown is female vs male vocals and generally I prefer a man's voice to a woman's everytime. Contender #1 I thought was a bit sharp sounding at times which isn't all that uncommon for a woman's voice but the thing I loved about her cover is the simplisty of her delivery - just her and her guitar. #2 opening captured my attention right off the bat with their beautiful instruments playing. Unfortunately, the lead singer has a style that wasn't most appealing to my ears. I call it lazy singing because it sounds like like...well lazy as if the vocalist doesn't have much interest in enunciating the words fully. True he's not as bad as some but this drives me nuts. Please give HALEY KLINKHAMMER my vote!
BTW, my Theme Reveal is up and I joined the list this morning.
Cathy, Maryville is a nice place to live and I miss it. Hope you find your dream home.
DeleteI think Mylou's vocalist is singing in a language unfamiliar to him. I can hear an accent or mispronunciation of certain words, but I still like his sound. However the lyrics are not overly intelligible.
A vote for Haley.
Lee
There have been films which instantly made me passionate fans of the actors, directors, or screenwriters, and films which deeply moved me, but I'm not sure I've ever seen any which particularly changed my life. Maybe The Inner Circle (1991), based on the memoirs of Stalin's film projectionist. It was a huge inspiration when I was getting back to working on my first Russian historical in autumn 1996, and I watched it so many times, back when the History Channel still had Movies in Time. I taped it in spring '97 and proceeded to watch the VHS many times too.
ReplyDeleteI prefer Mylou's version.
Carrie-Anne, there have been a number of films that made me a big fan. Fellini's Roma is an example--after seeing it I started seeking out anything by the director I could find. Far easier to do now than it was back in the 1970's.
DeleteA vote for Mylou.
Lee
Can’t wait to follow your A to Z this April.
ReplyDeleteAlso, my vote is gonna go toward Mylou just because I liked the sound from the start.
Haley was amazing as well but it took a few cords for me to connect.
Thanks!
Dani, April always looks more intimidating to me from this time of year.
DeleteA vote for Mylou.
Lee
Nice battle, Lee! I have to give my ONE AND ONLY VOTE to MYLOU. Seriously though, I did like both...I'd have the two on a playlist, for sure.
ReplyDeleteMy life changing moment was when I met my husband. Not planned, didn't want to marry, if I had stopped by my friend's house two minutes earlier or later, our paths would have never crossed. But I'm one of those gals who thinks that their family is their life, and he is definitely the center of it. And that may be more about my belief in a merciful, benevolent God that in the luck of timing.
Thanks!
Cherdo
Cherdo, nice family story. Meeting all 3 of my spouses over the past 40 some years were all life changing moments for sure. Life has many moments.
DeleteA vote for Mylou.
Lee
I'm celebrating my 10th blogging anniversary in April of this year - what a coincidence that A to Z has its anniversary also. I'll love to learn more about you and your 10 years of A to Z. That's awesome!
ReplyDeleteAlana, so we started blogging about the same time. I'm a few months into my 10th year of blogging. What a road!
DeleteLee
Dude, sometimes you just gotta be you. You and I are not so far apart in age, but I think I am experiencing some of your "life change" right now. I also seem to be finally letting my true self experience life. Guess we all reach an age where we don't feel as self conscious as we used to - when we were younger and had so many people to impress, or be role models for.
ReplyDeleteI like your A-Z theme. Very nice, and I can't wait to read some of your posts. I'm not participating, as usual; but I remember when the A-Z got its start. Been that long ago?? Wow. It has sure grown and gotten out of control - as most love children do, lol.
I really do love Haley. She has a great voice. And MyLou also sounds really really good. Both songs are inspiring, well done.
I'm voting for Haley though; her voice and emotion carry this song, the background band is incidental to her singing. MyLou, however, has an awesome, loud band, and I'm not sure the singer would be able to carry the tune without them.
Good luck in April Lee.
Dolorah, I guess I'd still like to impress people, but not in the same way I used to feel about it. Now it's kind of a take me as I am or go your own way attitude. Might as well spend the declining years feeling positive about who I am which is how we all should be.
DeleteA vote for Haley.
Lee
I haven't seen the movie, but you make it sound like I should. Looking forward to your A-Z.
ReplyDeleteKristin, if you haven't seen Greatest Showman then I'd recommend it as long as you can at least tolerate musicals and don't have some kind of irrational fear or dislike of circuses. It's a fun positive film.
DeleteLee
Well, I hate to be negative but I didn't really like the vocals on either one so I'm voting based on the instrumental portion and on that I preferred Mylou.
ReplyDeleteLD, I wouldn't say it's being negative to say what you like and don't like--it's just your opinion and that's what BOTB is all about. I thank you for voting...
DeleteMylou.
Lee
Mylou has more energy and feels committed. But didn't really like either very much. It is hard to compete Keala Settle. She burst that song wide open.
ReplyDeleteWhat changed my life? God changed my life.
Susan K, the version from the movie is so great.
DeleteGod keeps changing my life and it's always for the good.
A vote for Mylou.
Lee
I haven't seen the movie but I know the song you mean and I love it. A great inspiration for a theme
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Debbie, the song's theme inspired my A to Z theme because I've been listening to that soundtrack a lot lately.
DeleteLee