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!
Thursday, September 1, 2022
How Far Is Far Enough? ( #BOTB )
Maybe I'm stuck in a rut or maybe it's a major case of ennui? I haven't felt like blogging much lately or being online at all for that matter. Maybe it's just laziness on my part, but I just don't feel like thinking about it that much...
Truth is, I've been feeling this way for a while. The nonsensical COVID measures certainly didn't help much. These days I almost hate leaving the house. Here in Los Angeles gas is too expensive, there are still too many people wearing masks, and things just aren't as fun as they used to be. Television and books offer more reality of late than actually stepping out the door.
Taking all this into consideration, how wonderful it would be if someone would just do my blogging for me for a while. And just like that I get an email with a reader coming up with an idea for the following blog post...
Battle of the Bands
Battle of the Bandsisthe blogging event started byFar Away Seriesand now hosted byStMcC 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 those 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 this post for more Battle action.
How Far Could I Go?
After my previous Battle about Los Angeles, one of my friends and regular commenters known here as Sixgun McItchyfinger sent me the following email:
A BOTB idea you don't need to do, But you CAN if you happen to like it.
Hi Lee! I was thinking about your LA battle and about getting away from
there, and Vanessa Carlton's "1000 Miles" came on the radio. It hit me
that a fun battle MIGHT be, her, vs. The Pretenders "2000 Miles," vs.
The Proclaimers "500 Miles." Just how far should one want to get away
from LA?
Now, I know that isn't a battle you'd normally do because you like to
use relatively unknown performers doing well known songs. So maybe -
only if you liked the concept - you could find other people doing those
songs or ever totally different "miles" songs that did not immediately
come to my mind. I personally really like ALL those songs a lot, though.
I won't be offended if you pass on the idea. I had lots of fun just
thinking about it anyway!
********
Heck yeah! I like the idea! How far could I go to be where I'd really like to be? Right off the bat I'm going to dismiss 500 miles because that would just keep me in Crazy California or in some desert clime in Arizona or Nevada. Not far enough for me! And besides I think the Proclaimers song "500 Miles" would steal the show and run away with that Battle since it's so well known to so many out there. And the two song Battles take less time.
So I'll look no further than the other two suggestions I've been given. Thank you, Mr. Sixgun!
Time to Vote! You don't have to go far to just vote. Stay in your seat, listen, and cast your vote. Which song do you prefer? 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. Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts: StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands 'MIKE'SRAMBLINGS' 'Curious as a Cathy' Sound of One Hand Typing Jingle, Jangle, Jungle Winner of this Battle Announced on Thursday September 8th
There will be an Insecure Writer's Support Group post on Wednesday the 7th, but I'll save my results for the next day. I'm sure you'll want to see who came out ahead in this Battle match-up. Will your favorite be the one?
As reality gets darker and darker, it is difficult to be excited about anything these days. I didn't care for the first singer although never been crazy about the Pretenders. Think I'll have to give it to them though.
I'm know the first song. The second one somehow flew under my radar when it came out. Neither of the songs did much for me. A Thousands Miles isn't far enough from California but 2000 Miles puts back in Tennessee and while it's the western portion of the state it's still better than being in Los Angeles. For that reason along I'm going with The Pretenders. Have a bandtastic day!
>>... Just how far should one want to get away from LA?
I found that 437.6 miles is perfect. :-) It's a good place to live and die.
As for the Battle, I'd never heard 'A Thousand Miles' before. In fact, I'd never even heard of Vanessa Carlton before. The song did nothing for me; imo, it's that typical cookie-cutter Pop sound from the 21st Century and when I've heard one, I've heard 'em all.
I was never a real fan of THE PRETENDERS back in the day, but their '2,000 Miles' song wasn't bad at all. Not something I would have ever felt compelled to own, but I actually listened to it twice just now. It had a sense of joy & innocence to it, which is definitely NOT what I ever associated with The Pretenders. So, easy vote here for me, Brother.
Oh, and incidentally, I did finally find the time to watch that 1929 Russian movie you linked me to. Soon as I get a chance, I'll shoot you a brief E with my thoughts on it. Thanks!!
Birgit, the Russian film is Man with a Movie Camera. It's a "silent" experimental film that I found similar to Koyaanisqatsi which is one of Stephen's favorite films. If you enjoy such films several versions with different soundtracks are available on YouTube. I thought it was an interesting film since it was mostly filmed in Ukraine.
Hi Lee - Glad you liked the battle concept. As a non-blogger, I get a sense of vicarious pleasure with this botb. And I think you are right that The Proclaimers would have been proclaiming an early victory if you had put them in the contest.
I really love both these songs, although - so far - the comments above this one do not show much love for them. So... vicarious pleasure diminished. Both songs are songs of missing a love. The Pretenders "2000 Miles" is a very melancholy and plaintive song to my ears, though the video seems playful. It is a Christmas song. Both songs are repetitive, but neither is so in a bad way.
"1,000 Miles" is a much faster moving song, and I love the intro and the ending: the gentle semi-classical ramp up and down. I love the starts and stops thru the song. I think it is just 4/4 time, but it halts and goes in a most interesting way to me. It is also unusual to have such a piano-focused song. Frankly, modern pop almost never has real instruments these days! No guitars, no pianos. Lee Sklar plays bass on "1,000 Miles."
In a very difficult choice, and maybe just today but not tomorrow: I'll vote for Vanessa C.
I know both songs well. The first must have been played more here in Canadaville. I always liked the Pretenders and I like this Christmassy song so I will go with this one. Love the polar bear in the background.
It's great to have others offer battle suggestions. I find it helps pull us out of our ruts at times. This year has been such a ho-hum year that I was beginning to dread upcoming battles. Thank goodness Mr Stephen T bailed me out! I am a little more familiar with 1000 Miles, which is odd because The Pretenders name is more familiar to me than Vanessa Carlton. In this battle, I'm going to give my vote to Vanessa.
What a great idea! I'm surprised I don't recognize the Pretender's song. But I've always liked Vanessa Carlson's 1000 Miles. A vote for Vanessa, please. I'm glad for every small pleasure, since they are so few these days. These battles are a terrific reminders!
Diedre, I didn't know either song so I started with a mostly blank slate other than knowing the music of The Pretenders. I savor many small pleasures these days, but I always have.
Initially, I didn't like Vanessa Carlton's voice, the "teen with a stuffy nose" voice that was so popular early this century. The more I listened to The Pretenders, however, the more I realized that I liked Vanessa's voice better. Give my vote to her.
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.
As reality gets darker and darker, it is difficult to be excited about anything these days.
ReplyDeleteI didn't care for the first singer although never been crazy about the Pretenders. Think I'll have to give it to them though.
Alex, we are in strange times. I keep watching the heavens.
DeleteFirst vote goes to Pretenders
Lee
Lee,
ReplyDeleteI'm know the first song. The second one somehow flew under my radar when it came out. Neither of the songs did much for me. A Thousands Miles isn't far enough from California but 2000 Miles puts back in Tennessee and while it's the western portion of the state it's still better than being in Los Angeles. For that reason along I'm going with The Pretenders. Have a bandtastic day!
Cathy, I didn't know either song. At least I don't remember either.
DeleteI agree that 1000 miles still isn't far enough.
Another vote for Pretenders.
Lee
BOIDMAN ~
ReplyDelete>>... Just how far should one want to get away from LA?
I found that 437.6 miles is perfect. :-) It's a good place to live and die.
As for the Battle, I'd never heard 'A Thousand Miles' before. In fact, I'd never even heard of Vanessa Carlton before. The song did nothing for me; imo, it's that typical cookie-cutter Pop sound from the 21st Century and when I've heard one, I've heard 'em all.
I was never a real fan of THE PRETENDERS back in the day, but their '2,000 Miles' song wasn't bad at all. Not something I would have ever felt compelled to own, but I actually listened to it twice just now. It had a sense of joy & innocence to it, which is definitely NOT what I ever associated with The Pretenders. So, easy vote here for me, Brother.
Oh, and incidentally, I did finally find the time to watch that 1929 Russian movie you linked me to. Soon as I get a chance, I'll shoot you a brief E with my thoughts on it. Thanks!!
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
Which Russian film is this one?
DeleteBirgit, the Russian film is Man with a Movie Camera. It's a "silent" experimental film that I found similar to Koyaanisqatsi which is one of Stephen's favorite films. If you enjoy such films several versions with different soundtracks are available on YouTube. I thought it was an interesting film since it was mostly filmed in Ukraine.
DeleteLee
STMcC, I'd still rather be farther than where you are, but I've got relationships to think about on both coasts. Dilemma.
DeleteGot a trend in voting going here.
Pretenders.
Lee
Hi Lee -
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the battle concept. As a non-blogger, I get a sense of vicarious pleasure with this botb. And I think you are right that The Proclaimers would have been proclaiming an early victory if you had put them in the contest.
I really love both these songs, although - so far - the comments above this one do not show much love for them. So... vicarious pleasure diminished. Both songs are songs of missing a love. The Pretenders "2000 Miles" is a very melancholy and plaintive song to my ears, though the video seems playful. It is a Christmas song. Both songs are repetitive, but neither is so in a bad way.
"1,000 Miles" is a much faster moving song, and I love the intro and the ending: the gentle semi-classical ramp up and down. I love the starts and stops thru the song. I think it is just 4/4 time, but it halts and goes in a most interesting way to me. It is also unusual to have such a piano-focused song. Frankly, modern pop almost never has real instruments these days! No guitars, no pianos. Lee Sklar plays bass on "1,000 Miles."
In a very difficult choice, and maybe just today but not tomorrow: I'll vote for Vanessa C.
Sixgun McItchyfinger
6-Gun, thanks for pulling me out of this month's slump. We'll see where this Battle ends up.
DeleteA needed vote for Vanessa Carlton.
Lee
I know both songs well. The first must have been played more here in Canadaville. I always liked the Pretenders and I like this Christmassy song so I will go with this one. Love the polar bear in the background.
ReplyDeleteBirgit, both songs seemed to evaded my radar. Glad you know them.
DeletePretenders.
Lee
Yep, know both here, too! Easily Pretenders for me, though neither one is a 'change the station' song.
ReplyDeleteCW, a song has to be pretty bad or annoying for me to change the station.
DeleteA vote for Pretenders.
Lee
It's great to have others offer battle suggestions. I find it helps pull us out of our ruts at times. This year has been such a ho-hum year that I was beginning to dread upcoming battles. Thank goodness Mr Stephen T bailed me out!
ReplyDeleteI am a little more familiar with 1000 Miles, which is odd because The Pretenders name is more familiar to me than Vanessa Carlton.
In this battle, I'm going to give my vote to Vanessa.
~Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
Mary B, it's been a lot of ho-hum for me for a few years now. I've got a lot of Battles in the hopper, but they've been there for a long time now.
DeleteA vote for Vanessa Carlton.
Lee
What a great idea! I'm surprised I don't recognize the Pretender's song. But I've always liked Vanessa Carlson's 1000 Miles. A vote for Vanessa, please.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad for every small pleasure, since they are so few these days. These battles are a terrific reminders!
Diedre, I didn't know either song so I started with a mostly blank slate other than knowing the music of The Pretenders. I savor many small pleasures these days, but I always have.
DeleteVanessa Carlton.
Lee
Initially, I didn't like Vanessa Carlton's voice, the "teen with a stuffy nose" voice that was so popular early this century. The more I listened to The Pretenders, however, the more I realized that I liked Vanessa's voice better. Give my vote to her.
ReplyDeleteJohn H., that style you describe seems to be especially popular with younger females.
DeleteAnother vote for Vanessa Carlton.
Lee
Interesting idea for a battle! Both songs are new to me, but I MUCH preferred Chrissy Hinds' vocals, so my vote goes to the Pretenders.
ReplyDeleteDebbie D, yeah, 6-Gun ran with the theme of my previous Battle.
DeleteAnother vote for Pretenders.
Lee
I have always been a fan of one hit wonders; probably because they got under-produced.
ReplyDeleteI'll vote for Vanessa Carlton because it was a little raw
I loved Chrissy earlier in her career, when the pretenders were less produced.
Craig, I can appreciate big production as well as the rawer stuff. It comes down to the song itself.
DeleteA raw vote for Vanessa Carlton.
Lee