Tossing It Out

Showing posts with label Johnny Cash. Show all posts

Monday, December 8, 2014

Judy, Judy, Judy--Good Night John Boy

I'm still in a sort of blogging limbo for an indefinite period of time, but I've got my Battle of the Bands posts mostly already set up so the next one scheduled for December 15 should appear without a hitch. Likewise I'm going to make a point to get the winner announcements on my blog. That's what I'm here for today.

My most recent BOTB contest put up versions of the Christmas song "White Christmas" with versions by Johnny Cash and Judy Collins. Some readers readily made the connection between the "JC" initials and the "reason for the season", which was somewhat impressive, but not necessarily surprising knowing about many of my readers. My next BOTB post will again be Christmas themed and will continue the "JC" theme.

The Winner Is...

If Bing Crosby had been in the running, his version would have been the clear winner. A couple voters insisted in voting for Bing thus negating their votes. Neither of the recordings I used in this Battle were overwhelmingly popular so I thank voters for at least picking one of them.

My vote nearly went to Judy Collins due to her vocal and lovely instrumental backing. However, Johnny Cash receives my vote. Collins's version seemed a bit cold to me--maybe appropriate for a song about snow, but not so pleasing to my ears. Judy Collins does have a beautiful voice and the addition of the cello for the instrumental interlude nearly won me over. In the end though Johnny got my vote for the fun sound of the arrangement and the singing and playing. It's the version that would hold up best for me with repeated listenings.

Bottom line though is that my vote didn't really matter. Judy trounced Johnny with nearly twice as many votes.

The Final Count:

Johnny Cash 9 votes

Judy Collins 17 votes

Hope you'll be here on Monday December 15th for another Christmas themed Battle of the Bands. This next one will be kind of unique and I think you might have fun with it. It may even stir up a memory or two for some of you.

Have you got the Christmas spirit yet? Are you expecting a white Christmas this year? Do you prefer your Christmas songs to sound bouncy happy or melancholy peaceful?

Monday, December 1, 2014

Battle of the Bands: White Christmas

Yes, it's that time again! Christmas--can you believe another year is almost to its end? It's also time for Battle of the Bands, the blogging event first introduced by our friends at Far Away Series and StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands. This event happens twice each month on the 1st and 15th and conveniently these days fall on Mondays this December. 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 Since we are in the holiday season, I'm going to use a song with a holiday theme for this Battle.

Johnny Cash "White Christmas"

When I think of Christmas I think of someone with the initials J.C. Who could the singer be who has these initials? Johnny Cash? His name doesn't stand out for me as a Christmas icon, but his initials fit the bill. With a song of the season, from one of his Christmas albums, I offer Johnny Cash's rendition of "White Christmas".

Judy Collins "White Christmas" (1996)

Another J.C. could be Judy Collins. Again, she's not someone I would associate with Christmas, but she sings the songs of the season quite beautifully. Here she offers a version of "White Christmas" in a live performance at the amazing Biltmore Estates in Asheville, North Carolina.

Time to Vote!

Which do you prefer? Please vote on your favorite before heading outside to play in the snow. Let us know your choice in the comment section and tell us why you prefer the one 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.

‘FAR AWAY SERIES’

StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands

‘YOUR DAILY DOSE’

‘DISCCONNECTED’

‘CREATIVE OUTLET OF STRATPLAYER’

'MIKE'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

Alex J. Cavanaugh

The results of my Battle will be announced on Monday December 8th. I'm still dealing with my travels back east to tend to the affairs related to the passing of my mother so posting at Tossing It Out may remain a bit iffy on my blog as internet time has not been as easy to find as it is when I'm at home just living my normal life.