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| Fall colors in Tennessee trees (photo by Arlee Bird) |
The last time I posted on this site I mentioned that my computer had died and I was looking for a new one. I'm still going to be looking, but--wonder of wonders--my Lenovo desktop that I've had for the past seven years decided to return to the world of the living (and the blogging). Not sure what happened, but I guess I've been granted a reprieve for the time being.
Maybe there's something symbolic or metaphorical here, but I'll just settle for stuff happening in the mysterious (to me) world of computers. I still want another computer though. For now there's no hurry. Instead, in this lull of computer concerns, I'll have another Battle of the Bands. What better way to pass time in this still of the night...
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.
In the Still of the Night
In the Still of the Night was written by Cole Porter for the 1937 film Rosalie. Originally sung in the film by Nelson Eddy, the song has been recorded by many artists since.
Tommy Dorsey Orchestra "In the Still of the Night" (1937)
Here's one of those BOTB candidates that might be a tough one to beat. I know there are more than a few big band fans out there. I dedicate this Battle to you. This recording first hit the pop charts on October 16, 1937--82 years ago! The recording eventually peaked at number 3 on the hit charts. Is it a hit with you?
Aaron Neville and the Neville Brothers "In the Still of the Night" (1990)
When I first heard this version it was on an ABC television special that coincided with the album release of Red Hot + Blue, which was to raise awareness and benefit AIDS. The songs on the album were versions of Cole Porter tunes done by several popular artists. The Neville Brothers blew me away with their version. I thought Aaron Neville had the voice of an angel. Still sounds good to me. How about you?
Time to Vote!
Okay, don't just sit there being still. Get busy and vote! Which version do you like best? Pick one and have some fun! 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 October 21st
In the meantime I'm going to be enjoying some visiting family in the upcoming week, but I'll try my best to make it for my results post. That is, computer willing. I'll still be a bit on edge with this computer thing. But that's okay. Things always seem to work out somehow.
Do you think a college education is a necessity in today's world? If you were (are) considering going (back) to college, what would you likely major in? Has fall weather come to your town yet?
I vote for the Tommy Dorsey version because I can imagine Fred Astaire dancing to it (with me as his partner -- yes, I have a vivid and wild imagination)
ReplyDeleteI had never heard of the Neville Brothers and enjoyed that version too.
No Thoughts, yes, I can imagine that Fred Astaire image.
DeleteFirst vote goes to Tommy Dorsey.
Lee
We, too, are experiencing computer woes. The obvious culprit turned out to be the monitor, but the tower is on borrowed time.
ReplyDeleteThis was a toughie! Love Aaron Neville, but could do without the vocal vibrato. My vote goes to Tommy Dorsey.
Myra, I get so befuddled by computer issues, but I'm befuddled about a lot of things.
DeleteAgain it's Tommy Dorsey.
Lee
Tommy Dorsey, there can be no other.
ReplyDeleteLost, then it's...
DeleteTommy Dorsey.
Lee
Good song choice, LEE!
ReplyDeleteAccording to my Ma, the Dorsey Brothers did not get along very well, which is a real shame. I don't know which of them I'd have liked better on a personal level, but musically, I prefer Jimmy.
I thought both of these recordings were pretty good. It took me awhile to get into the Neville Brothers version, but as it went along, I warmed up to it more.
Nevertheless, I gotta vote for TOMMY DORSEY. I like that "time capsule" sound that speaks of an older era - one I wish I could have experienced myself.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
STMcC, I never thought about the distinctions between the Dorsey styles, but I guess I wasn't listening that often and that closely.
DeleteGoing back to those past days would be pretty cool.
A vote for Tommy Dorsey.
Lee
Glad to know your computer is back up and running. Long may it last! As for the battle, I'm going with the Neville Brothers, for the vocals and sax.
ReplyDeleteI know that for white collar work, it's tough to get anything without a university degree these days. Been there, done that; which is why I've been self-employed for 25 years! There's a shortage of skilled labour in the workforce and more emphasis should be placed on teaching those skills, in my opinion.
Debbie D, the training depends on the job in many cases, but sadly I think universities are indoctrinating as much or more than they are teaching. We've gotta keep the skills and trades alive.
DeleteA vote for Neville Bros.
Lee
I used to love Aaron Neville's voice, guess i still do, and still have one CD of his.
ReplyDeleteOkay, my friend, I need to talk to you about computers. As you know my broke down big time. It too gave me a window of opportunity and I thought all was well. I considered waiting to back things up even though I know better. Being an ex-Techie, I did back up everything--almost. Anyhoo, I was so close to backing up my bookmarks but did not get to do it. I lost so many writing helps, quilt patterns I'd save. Even if you're computer is purring like a kitten, I promise you it's a ploy. :) Back up before you back out if you haven't. Just a friendly reminder.
Teresa
Teresa, I do have most everything backed up as far as I know and I guess what I don't know probably won't be missed. I've survived 68 years of losing things and dealing with it. Some things I still miss, but they are only things. I'm still looking for a new computer but I'll have to wait a week until my company is gone.
DeleteI'm kind of guessing that you made a vote here, but I'm going to use it anyway...
Neville Bros..
Lee
I go for Tommy Dorsey all the way. I really didn't care for The Neville Bros version and Aaron Neville's voice is not appealing to me at all....too drippy, as I call it, for me. University seems to be more for people who will continue on to become a teacher, professor or something higher. A B.A., In Canada, doesn't seem to carry much weight any more. I do believe in education, strongly, so I would say to go to college to become a nurse or something more practical but, if I had a child who wanted to go to University to become something more, i would help them. Now if we can just get the educational system to start teaching children cursive, etiquette lessons, how to speak properly (not through the nose like so many girls do) and teach them about world events especially history and not just American or Canadian history but the world, they may be more open and have more knowledge
ReplyDeleteBirgit, I'm beginning to see the system of academia as a sort of scam that merely perpetuates and grows itself. Kids are going to college and high prices paid and often they don't have much to show for it when they are out. I liked college and I appreciate the liberal arts knowledge and well-rounded education I received back then, but the socio-political indoctrination did not seem as obvious back then in the Seventies.
DeleteA vote for Tommy Dorsey.
Lee
Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, please...
ReplyDeleteI listen to a lot of music from that pioneer era. This track was okay, for then... The Neville version is just too calm. I kept waiting for it to build, but it never came.
Michael:
DeleteThe Neville version is just too calm. I kept waiting for it to build, but it never came.
Well, the song is called "Still of the Night"--maybe calmness and lack of building reflects the song subject matter?
A vote for Tommy Dorsey.
Lee
Great observation, Lee... It does not all have to be about crescendo. ;)
DeleteFrom Facebook, my Cousin Tom cast a vote for...
ReplyDeleteNeville Bros.
Lee
I like Aaron Neville and his brothers, but for this song, it's Tommy Dorsey and the Orchestra. Good battle!
ReplyDeleteMary B, someone has to get the vote and in this case it's...
DeleteTommy Dorsey.
Lee
I choose Tommy Dorsey Lee, excellent version.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Yvonne, thank you for the vote!
DeleteTommy Dorsey.
Lee
Well, I can see I'm in the minority here but I like Aaron Neville's version. As far as needing a college education, that is one of my pet peeves. I have 3 children and the first two wanted nothing to do with college. However, the high schools were in the shifting mode and did away with all programs such as shop, home economics, woodworking, etc., all things that would help prepare non-college kids to get a job and increased the College Prep classes that were required. As a result, both of them struggled to find non-retail jobs. Our youngest had college in her sights from the beginning and graduated with a psych degree. Maybe because there is a 10 year difference between the youngest and the oldest she was able to see the struggles the older ones were having. In any case, I think there is a definite need to teach trade skills.
ReplyDeleteJanet, none of my daughters went to college and they are doing okay in their lives so far. I'm glad that most of my own college was cheap way back when. I now feel the money I spent 15 years ago to complete my degree was a wasteful exercise in vanity that served me no practical purpose.
DeleteA knowledge of a trade is good to have even if only for ones own use.
A vote for Neville Bros.
Lee
Another vote for Tommy Dorsey. Somehow the Neville Brothers didn't sound right doing it.
ReplyDeleteJohn H., we all hear from a different perspective. Without that I guess there'd be no BOTB.
DeleteAnother vote for Tommy Dorsey.
Lee
I like Aaron Neville's version most. He's got a beautiful voice, and I like how the singing began sooner, for a more equal balance.
ReplyDeletePeople who want a certain profession (doctor, lawyer, teacher, engineer, psychologist) need university, but many people can be self-taught or enter a profession with "just" a certificate or associate's degree. Unfortunately, so many jobs these days demand advanced degrees, as though they've forgotten one can be quickly trained on the job and/or take relevant classes while employed to increase knowledge. Someone who's passionate about, e.g., working in a library, museum, or film archive doesn't necessarily need a specialized degree if the most important knowledge exists.
Carrie-Anne, certainly some professions require a college background. My beef is expensive college degrees required in jobs that don't need that training. Like you say, on the job training is more practical than time spent in a classroom. Some of the "dumbest" people I've known had advanced college degrees, while I've known folks with useful practical smarts who never had any college and didn't do all that well in regular school. Some of the most useful knowledge we gain is life knowledge that we get on our own or from other people.
DeleteA vote for Neville Bros.
Lee
My wife and I both prefer the Neville Brothers version: better beat, great vocals, and the whole package. Great for dancing too.
ReplyDeleteRoland, it's a more modern sound.
DeleteNeville Bros.
Lee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteFirst off, so glad your computer is giving you a reprieve. Whatever time it decides to hang around for ya I hope it allows you to make a new purchase before it goes kah-poot for a good.
What an interesting battle! I like big bands with their magical sounds of yesteryear. However, I really enjoyed the smooth contemporary spin the Neville Brothers brought to an old classic and am going with the Neville Brothers. BTW, fall is showing up in the area. We were on the Parkway this past Tuesday and it's looking good around between Boone and Asheville, North Carolina. There wasn't a lot of color in the foothills of the Smoky's when we were in Pigeon Forge on Thursday but we heard there's some at Clingmans Dome. Have a good evening and I'm sorry for the late visit, my friend!
Cathy, better late than never! Oh how I'd love to be able to go those places you went. At least we're having nice weather and all is well for now.
DeleteAnother vote for Neville Bros..
Lee
The Neville Brothers get my vote
ReplyDeleteMike, under the wire...
DeleteA vote for Neville Bros..
Lee