Here we are in the midst of another long holiday weekend. Who's reading this Labor Day season? I don't have any plans for the next few days at present, but who knows--spontaneity can be fun. And so can just sitting around the house dreaming about stuff. And since I'm in Los Angeles I guess I'll be California dreaming. Sounds like a cue for introduction to me...
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 there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month. My blog is one of of with a second Battle excepting over these summer months. 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 thfis post for more Battle action.
California Dreamin'
This is not a dream! Or maybe it is. Still, either way, listen to the songs then tell us which song version you like best? Hopefully you have an opinion of some kind. 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. I don't know if anyone else will be doing a Battle this time around, but you can still check out these sites.
Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts:
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands
'Curious as a Cathy'
Sound of One Hand Typing
Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
I had heard America's version before this. While I can understand needing dramatics for a movie, it doesn't pair well with my feels for the song. America for me.
ReplyDeleteCW, thanks for kicking things off here.
DeleteFirst vote goes to America.
Lee
VOTE = SIA
ReplyDeleteI feel like Sia's version is more interpretive - in a good way, in my opinion - modern and dramatic. Also, America's version... well, for one thing this was recorded after Dan Peek had left, and their sound and style just wasn't quite the same as previously. And their version of this sounds like it could have been recorded by a high school cover band. Anyway, yeah. Sia. ~Ed.
Ed, good explanation of your vote.
DeleteNext vote goes to Sia.
Lee
Tough one! I like them both for different reasons. That said, any song that elicits an emotional response appeals to me a bit more, so I'm voting for Sia.
ReplyDeleteDebbie D, I like them both too but that's why I picked them I guess.
DeleteA vote for Sia.
Lee
BOIDMAN ~
ReplyDeleteGreat song! And one of several things that makes it a great song is its simplicity. There's a plaintive quality - a feeling of longing - in its simplicity. And, unfortunately, that feeling gets lost for me in Sia's heavily produced rendition. All of those symphonic instruments, and her over-the-top vocalizing kind erases any solitary sense of the song. What happened to the "walk on a winter's day"?
Therefore, I prefer the much simpler version by AMERICA.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC, I guess the walk went down with the San Andreas earthquake.
DeleteA vote for America.
Lee
I didn't like either one, to be honest, but Sia's version was less annoying than America's, so I'll go with hers.
ReplyDeleteJohn, I've been there too.
DeleteA vote for Sia.
Lee
I'm going to vote for America. It was just more pleasing to my ears.
ReplyDelete-Mary
Mary B, I aim to please through music.
DeleteA vote for America
Lee
Interesting battle, not the least reason of which is that the voting is so mixed to this point. I agree with exactly what McCarthy said and Sia did zilch for me, yet Sia is getting votes. So, good battle! To reiterate: I vote for America.
ReplyDeleteSixgun McItchyfinger
6-Gun,
DeleteI do like the Sia version so I can see why she's getting some votes. I like them both actually.
A vote for America
Lee
Definitely America!
ReplyDeleteAlex, can't argue with that!
DeleteAmerica.
Lee
This is different and America's version seemed more in keeping with the original but I gave to admit I like Sia' rendition. It was different and she has a very good voice so I go with her
ReplyDeleteBirgit, I was trying to mix things up a bit.
DeleteAnother vote for Sia.
Lee
From my cousin Tom on Facebook is a vote for...
ReplyDeleteAmerica.
Lee
Gotta give it to America. The use of a saxophone during the well known break was a very pleasant surprise and cool addition. The one by Sia was a bit too dark for my tastes, plus the clips used reminded me of that apocalyptic film "2012" which was very depressing.
ReplyDeleteGB, the San Andreas film theme was pretty dark and depressing so the music fit appropriately. Yeah, it was like "2012" which I also enjoyed. I love disasters as long as they are on film.
DeleteA vote for America.
Lee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteI'm giving my vote to America. Their version makes you feel hopeful. Sia's very not so much. She did a good job but it doesn't give the kind of California Dreamin' imagery that we've all come to enjoy. Interesting battle!
Cathy, we need more hopefulness in this world.
DeleteAmerica
Lee
Before listening to the versions I probably would have voted for America in the absence of the original California Dreamers ;-) But that was before I heard the strident voice of Sia showing her feelings. Sia gets my vote, please.
ReplyDelete* This song was was perfect the first breath of fall in the desert - great choice, Lee!
Diedre, this song spoke to me at this time though I've had it waiting in my queue for a long time.
DeleteSia.
Lee
Got results if you want 'em...
ReplyDeletehttps://tossingitout.blogspot.com/2024/09/when-in-doubt-post-botb-results.html