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!

Sunday, September 1, 2024

California Dreamin' --Movie Versions (#BOTB)

            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'

      The song probably needs no introduction as I'd say everyone has heard this hit by the Mamas and Papas. In fact, I'm pretty certain this song has made a Battle of the Bands appearance more than a few times.  Since it's such a great song and it's been in my BOTB queue for years now I've decided to use it for this Battle of versions that came from movies.

America  "California Dreamin'"  (1979)

      This was used in the 1979 film called California Dreaming.  The song was a minor hit during that year.  I think I saw this film, but I couldn't say for sure right now...


'

Sia  "California Dreamin'"  (2015)

    This version comes from the 2015 disaster flick San Andreas.  You get some clips of the film in the song video.  You might have seen this one.  Being a fan of movies like this I did manage to see it not long after it came out. I enjoyed it.






Time to Vote!

         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 







Results on Monday September 9th
        
        Please vote so I can have results.  Without your participation this thing doesn't work so well.---Oh well...




26 comments:

  1. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. CW, thanks for kicking things off here.

      First vote goes to America.

      Lee

      Delete
  2. VOTE = SIA

    I 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ed, good explanation of your vote.

      Next vote goes to Sia.

      Lee

      Delete
  3. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Debbie D, I like them both too but that's why I picked them I guess.

      A vote for Sia.

      Lee

      Delete
  4. BOIDMAN ~

    Great 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. STMcC, I guess the walk went down with the San Andreas earthquake.

      A vote for America.

      Lee

      Delete
  5. 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.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I'm going to vote for America. It was just more pleasing to my ears.

    -Mary

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mary B, I aim to please through music.

      A vote for America

      Lee

      Delete
  7. 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.

    Sixgun McItchyfinger

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. 6-Gun,
      I 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

      Delete
  8. 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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Birgit, I was trying to mix things up a bit.

      Another vote for Sia.

      Lee

      Delete
  9. From my cousin Tom on Facebook is a vote for...

    America.

    Lee

    ReplyDelete
  10. 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.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. GB, 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.

      A vote for America.

      Lee

      Delete
  11. Lee,

    I'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!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cathy, we need more hopefulness in this world.

      America

      Lee

      Delete
  12. 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.
    * This song was was perfect the first breath of fall in the desert - great choice, Lee!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Diedre, this song spoke to me at this time though I've had it waiting in my queue for a long time.

      Sia.

      Lee

      Delete
  13. Got results if you want 'em...

    https://tossingitout.blogspot.com/2024/09/when-in-doubt-post-botb-results.html

    ReplyDelete

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