The Manhattan Project
My theme of The Manhattan Project is not about the development of the atomic bomb during World War 2, though I will include something about the atomic bomb story at sometime during the month. The theme title is in reference to the name "Manhattan" and what it might make us think of when we hear it. I will be using ideas that readers suggested in my post What Does "Manhattan" Say to You? as well as some of my own observations.
This theme came about after I had noticed that a number of songs that I was considering for future Battle of the Bands match-ups had to do with Manhattan. Suddenly it came to me that I could do a series of Battle posts with this theme and it might be interesting to center my entire A to Z theme on the topic of Manhattan and some of the things that come to mind when we think of the word.
During April I'll be presenting posts related to travel, people, history, food, and more. Then of course there will be two Battle of the Band posts with songs related to Manhattan. This theme reveal post is coming earlier than the official Theme Reveal day because I'm tying it in with my March 15th Battle of the Bands post. I hope you'll enjoy this post as a preview of some things to come--and I hope you'll be with me throughout the month of April for The Manhattan Project.
Battle of the Bands
Battle of the Bands is the blogging event hosted by Far Away Series and StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands. This event happens twice each month on the 1st and 15th. 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.Clinton Cerejo & Bianca Gomes "Manhattan" (2012)
Many songs can be found that are called "Manhattan" or that have the word "Manhattan" somewhere in the title. This one comes from the award-winning and highly popular Bollywood film English Vinglish. At times sounding almost like a litany of product placement, the song depicts the exuberance and wonderment of Indian visitors to the world famous city--a place of such diversity that even those from faraway places can feel like they belong. The video below provides a short version of the song with a clip from the film. If you'd like, you can hear the complete longer version of the song by clicking here. I think this upbeat techno song is a lot of fun and somewhat revealing in how visitors from other cultures see the city.
Prefab Sprout "Hey Manhattan!" (1988)
This song presents another view of a foreigner's first visit to the big city of Manhattan. "Hey Manhattan!" is based on British songwriter Paddy McAloon's initial visit to the Big Apple. Having received acclaim for his music and his band's recordings in Europe, McAloon came to Manhattan with big expectations of fame and fortune. At first, filled with hope and dreams, he is dazzled by the myth of Manhattan--the famous people who have walked the streets and the stories he has heard about the city. After a few days the glitter fades as he realizes the darker side of U.S. history and sees city streets where the rich, the poor, and everybody are all mingled in a complexity of dreams and reality. The Who's guitarist Pete Townshend plays acoustic guitar on this cut.
Time to Vote!
The vote is in your hands for this Battle. Let us know what you think about these versions. There must be one that you prefer over the other. Come on and play along! If you're visiting a Battle of the Bands post for the first time then let me briefly explain. Give each song version a fair listen to decide which one you prefer over the other. If you don't like either then at least tell us which recording was least innocuous to you. This comes down to your preference and it's as easy as that.
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:
‘FAR AWAY SERIES’
StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands
‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’
'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'
'Curious as a Cathy'
Sound of One Hand Typing
DC Relief Battle of the Bands
The Doglady's Den
Angel's Bark
Cherdo on the Flipside
Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
Janie Junebug Righting & Editing.
J. A. Scott
Quiet Laughter
Holli's Hoots and Hollers
NovelBrews
Be ReInVintaged
eViL pOp TaRt
Results on Monday March 21st
Vote today and then come back on Monday March 21st to see if your favorite won. Watch this blog between then and now to see if anything else is happening. I have a lot to say, but I am undecided whether or not to say it here. Many people get offended or upset if they hear something with which they disagree and I don't want to upset any snowflakes.
Do you have your A to Z Theme ready? Have you been to Manhattan? If so what were your expectations and were those expectations fulfilled?
