My A to Z Themes in the past have covered a range of topics and for 2025 the theme is a random assemblage of things that are on my mind--or that just pop into my mind. Whatever! Let's just say I'll be "Tossing It Out" for your entertainment or however it is you perceive these things.
Showing posts with label Folsom Prison Blues. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Folsom Prison Blues. Show all posts
I said I'd do it here so here I am doing it. I know you've been waiting so here it is!!!
Battle of the Bands Results
Folsom Prison Blues
This is not my favorite song by a long shot, but I do like it and I'm a long time fan of Johnny Cash. And again, he's not my favorite artist, but I recognize his place in music history and can appreciate his achievements in field of music.
My recent contest had three artists performing the well-known Cash hit in three varying styles. I liked all three versions--that's why I picked them--so I could go with any of them. But in order to prevent a tie and to give something to every contestant then I'm giving my vote to the oddly named group The Cripple and The Tramp. So that gives us a winner by a narrow margin.
Have there been times over the past couple years that you've almost felt like you were a prisoner? Lockdowns, mask downs, and all sorts of idiocy. Oh well-- as long as I've got my television, my computer, books to read, and other diversions I guess I'm okay. With all of the rising prices who can afford to go out?
Those of you who don't live in California or some other similar wacko world might not feel the way I feel these days. We've got $5 a gallon gas and all sorts of restrictions that make one want to stay home anyway. Yesterday I went to Aldi and paid $1.99 for a dozen eggs! Not that long ago they were somewhere around 89 cents a dozen. I guess we're paying the prices for having to move chickens from cramped coops into luxury chicken condos.
And forget about meat if you're on a shoestring budget. That's okay--I cut back eating meat a few years ago. And I rarely wear shoes with shoestrings anymore. Give me slip-on shoes to accompany my slip-on life. I'm okay. I hope you're okay.
And I hope you'll vote in this round of Battle of the Bands...
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.
Folsom Prison Blues
Most of you have probably heard the big Johnny Cash hit "Folsom Prison Blues" which hit the charts in 1968 after appearing on his live album recorded at Folsom Prison. He'd originally scored a place on the charts with the song in 1956. What you might not know is that Cash essentially ripped off the song from a 1953 album by Gordon Jenkins who recorded it as "Crescent City Blues" (go ahead and take a listen and you'll see). Cash later paid a settlement to Jenkins in the 1970's after the Folsom Prison version became a monster hit.
The song has become a standard over the years and many cover versions have since been recorded and performed. In this Battle I present three different recordings of varied styles Forget Cash since he'd likely run away with all the votes, but maybe one of these might capture your heart over the others. Take a listen and see what you think...
Slim Harpo is the stage name for James Isaac Moore who came from Louisiana. Renown as a harmonica or "harp" player, he used the name "Harpo" though he also sang and played guitar. Slim released his version of "Folsom Prison Blues" shortly after Cash turned the song into a big hit.
Erik Francis Schrody aka Whitey Ford aka Everlast is an eclectic musician who is most known as a rap/hip-hop artist. Originally from Los Angeles, Whoever-he-is recorded the Cash hit for his House of Pain album. Maybe his version will be a pain or a pleasure to you, but you will have to decide with your vote...
Thought I'd throw in this Americana folky sounding version just to mix things up. Maybe this style will be more to your liking. Or maybe you'd just rather watch it die...
Time to Vote! You are free to vote! It's not like you're a prisoner or something like that, unless you are thinking metaphorically. So please vote. Which artist do you enjoy the most? Of the three versions, which do you like better? I hope you'll at least give the versions a listen to discern your favorite. 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 Friday January 21st
I'm not sure there is much point in the results posts, but I suppose I should do them. Maybe I need to add more content other than results? Have any suggestions? Do you look to see the results of these Battles or do you tend to forget or just don't care?
