Everything's A-Okay

        My heartfelt thanks go out to all of you who left kind comments, emails, and even a phone call as I went through my little medical scare this past week.   Actually it was no small deal, so I'll have to commend the fine medical staff at Kaiser Permanente Hospital for seeing me through the ordeal.   The many prayers and wishes of good will that came from the blogging community also was a big help in keeping me optimistic throughout the week.  Most of all I praise God for giving me more time for blogging and living and everything that makes my life good

        The situation I faced was a pretty common one that some of you might have also dealt with in your own lives.  About twenty years ago I was diagnosed with a heart arrhythmia that likely was with me since birth.  As I grew older the situation became worse.   This was essentially addressed in 1998 and I've been doing well since.  However a blockage of one of my heart arteries worsened to the point that last week I had a bit of an incident.   Not a heart attack or stroke, but that would probably been coming if not for the procedure that opened the closing artery with a stent put in place.  I should now be good to go many more miles before my time is up.

         So that means more blogging for me and with more blogging comes more Battle of the Bands posts.  I hope everyone is still good with that after my last two Battles that featured songs of Justin Bieber.   As some who follow my blog might have noticed, I tend to carry on themes through my Battle series.  Remember how my "Manhattan" theme went on through four different Battle of the Bands post.   There is a method to my seeming madness at times.

       Some of you might recall that after "Manhattan" I began a theme of "Love and Ego", hence the Justin Bieber songs.   Also I use songs that I like a great deal or I have found particularly interesting.  So far I have not used any songs that I don't like.   Coming on Wednesday I'll be continuing the "Love and Ego" theme with a song that seems an appropriate continuation of my previous Battles.

        The last song, "Sorry", is an apology to a lost lover in hopes of winning that love back.  My next song will be of a similar theme--a plaintive appeal for a lover to return.   Very different style from the Bieber song which will make some of you happy, but it's a very old song that has remained relatively popular even in our era.

         This post is a tease for my Wednesday BOTB post, but more than anything it is a thank-you to some fine blogging friends.   We may disagree at times and we might poke a bit of fun at each other, but there is a bond among us that provides a lot of support and encouragement.   I have felt this more than ever over this past week.   Just keep loving and respecting each other for who we are and what our interests are.   It's all good.  Just different and sometimes even strange to us.  




       

Sorry I'm Late (#BOTB results)

     Sorry, I'm late posting, but I've got a good excuse.  I've been in the hospital since Tuesday right before I was getting ready to prepare this post.  They've been running tests with some consultation to come later and maybe more tests.  I'm not sure of the problem yet, but I do feel fine and would like nothing more than to be at home with all those comforts and taking time to make blog rounds, etc.

      I had a lot I wanted to say for this post, but I guess it was not meant for me to say so I'm keeping it very short.  (I can hear a collective sigh of "thanks!")

My Vote
      In my previous Battle using the Justin Bieber song "Sorry", I liked both versions a great deal.  Both are winners in my view as both versions have strong points in favor of picking either.

        My final decision came with listening to both versions in surround sound watching them on my home theater set up.  The intricacy and amazing talent of the Nor'easters inclined my vote toward them.  I listened to all versions many times and was increasingly drawn to the college group for my vote.

        The victory was overwhelmingly on the other side's favor which is fine too.


Final Vote Tally:

Nor'easters                   8 votes

Postmodern Jukebox     23 votes




Next Battle on Wednesday June 15th

         I won't say much about that now other than the post will be somewhat a continuation of my most recent theme, but I promise there will be no Justin Bieber songs involved but the song I'll be using uses (steals?) a musical phrase from a piece by Tchaikovsky.  It could be considered a worse offense than the musical "stealing" Bieber is accused with.  Personally I don't have a problem with this.  I might add that the next song I'll be using is old, a popular tune with many covers available, and somewhat of a jazz standard.  Be here to find out what I'm talking about. 

Sorry (#BOTB) (#IWSG)

     I guess figuring as how there was such controversy over my last BOTB round with my using the Justin Bieber song "The Feeling" that maybe I should apologize to those who don't like the Biebster.  Some may look at this blog post title and figure that's what I'm going to be doing in this post.  But should I really have to say I'm sorry for using a song that I happen to like?   Heck no!  Instead I'm going to use another Justin Bieber song...

The 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 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.


"Sorry"

          This catchy tune was the second single released from the Purpose album.  After its release in October of 2015, the song quickly secured places on numerous hit charts throughout the world reaching the number one position on many of them.  "Sorry" garnered much critical acclaim and appeared on several year end "best of" lists.  The song was written by Bieber about his ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez

         "Sorry" ranked at number nine on the Billboard Magazine Critic Picks list of the 25 Best Songs of 2015 along with this comment:

       Justin Bieber should try apologizing more often. From the bright opening notes to the manipulated vocal loop in the chorus, the Biebs brought EDM to his pop palette and made fans out of haters with an unforgivably good single.

      Think what you will of the young man, with songs like "Sorry" Bieber is establishing himself among the greats of pop song writing history.  

       Flash update:  Lest anyone argue about the current copyright dispute regarding "Sorry", please be sure of any argument you want to put forth about Bieber's creativity.  This is another absolutely ridiculous claim on behalf an essentially little-known artist wanting to cash in on another recording artist who "used" essentially 3 notes of her original recording.  A claim of sampling might be argued, but White Hinterland probably should be thankful that someone has brought some attention to her song release.  I don't know that much about the infringement claim so if you happen to have more information by all means let us know in the comment section.  "Sorry" is a far superior song to Hinterland's "Ring the Bell".   Just look at the negative clicks her song has gotten.  Then of course you can listen to it yourself and make your own call.   When arguments such as these are given credibility then all of the history of music comes into question.  Classical and jazz particularly use musical phrases that can be found elsewhere whether it be in contexts of variations on a theme or mere quotations of previously existing musical phrases.

       A dance video of "Sorry" was released on October 22, 2015 and became an immediate sensation becoming the 2nd fastest video to attain a billion views.  This video now ranks as the 7th most highly viewed YouTube music video of all time and still climbing.  When I first checked the list of most viewed YouTube videos in April the video ranked at #16.  It's climbed considerably in less than two months.

       Many people like this song as evidenced by the numerous cover versions available on YouTube.  I had a tough time deciding on the two covers I wanted to pit against each other.  Those versions can be found if you scroll past the Bieber dance video version which I offer below.  Please don't vote on this version as I offer it for reference purposes only.  If you haven't seen this video before I highly recommend that you watch it before going on to the Battle opponents

Please Do Not Vote for this Version!!!

Justin Bieber   "Sorry"  (2015) 

       This official video features the music of Bieber's "Sorry" as interpreted by the ReQuest Dance Crew from New Zealand.  This hip hop dance crew headed by Parris Goebel has performed world-wide and won many dance competitions.  Not only has this video amassed a phenomenal viewership on YouTube, dozens of other dance crews have emulated the moves as well as been inspired to choreograph their own dance routines to the song.   A YouTube search of "Sorry" will yield hours worth of dance and cover videos.   In my opinion, this is one of the most well choreographed and well edited popular dance videos that I've seen.  Some nice dance moves as well.   Take a look and see what opinion you come to after watching the video.   

Please vote for one of the following
The Nor'easters  "Sorry"  (2016)

        From Northeastern University in Boston, here is the premier co-ed acapella group the The Nor'easters with their version of "Sorry" as performed with special guests, Kinematix Dance Crew on March 21st at BONR4: Best of the Northeast Region Acapella Showcase. I'm always kind of amazed to hear this kind of acapella music with the beatbox effects. This version is a lot of fun.

Postmodern Jukebox  "Sorry" (2016)

       Postmodern Jukebox is one of the best cover bands around.  Actually PJ is more a musical project devised by Scott Bradlee and performed by a rotating assemblage of outstanding singers and musicians.   In the following performance featuring the incredible Shoshana Bean on vocals, Postmodern Jukebox asks the question, "What would Justin Bieber's "Sorry" sound like if it was written and recorded in the Motown era?"  I think this is an excellent interpretation of the song.   Hope you enjoy this one.






Time to Vote!

        Hope you don't let the Bieber connection turn you off.  Just try to feel the music.  Let us know what you think about these two versions. Is there one that you prefer over the other?    If you're visiting a Battle of the Bands post for the first time then let me briefly explain.  Please give each song version a fair listen to decide which one you enjoy the most.  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:

 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

Be ReInVintaged



Results on Wednesday June 8th

  
        One result of BOTB is that it results in some random posting. But that's fine. I'll post the results from this current match-up on Wednesday the 8th.   Don't forget to leave your vote in the comments.


Insecure Writer's Support Group

         Join us on the first Wednesday of each month in Alex J. Cavanaugh's Insecure Writer's Support Group--a forum of writers who gather to talk about writing and the writer's life. For a complete list of participants visit Alex's Blog. 




When Should You Apologize for Your Writing?
        
         There's not anything that I've written that I would apologize for having written.   Whatever I have written I had a reason to write at that place and time of my life.  There might be things that I wouldn't show to many people, but I wouldn't say I'm sorry.  Not sorry for writing what was within me and I felt needed to be said even if I was only saying it to myself.

            At least I hope I haven't written anything that I'd feel sorry for if someone found it...


             Do you enjoy watching dance?    Have you seen any of the videos inspired by Bieber's song "Sorry"?   Is there anything that you've written that you feel you would have to apologize for if it fell into the wrong hands?

Related articles

• Watch Justin Bieber's Vibrant Billboard Music Awards Performance
• Selena Gomez Made a Pretty Good Point When She Destroyed Her Fan's Sign
• Justin Bieber Disses Award Shows Like Billboard Music Awards Because He 'Can't Feel the Recognition'

Resistance to Change (#BOTB winner)

Changes are happening daily whether you like them or not.

Rhynchophorus ferrugineus larvae (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

       Recently I was watching a PBS documentary about exotic adventures.  In one segment, the featured adventurer was hunting with a group of indigenous people in Paraguay.  At one point the group came upon a cache of grub worm larvae which is considered a delicacy among those people and they started popping them live into their mouths and gobbling them down happily.  The lady who was hosting this segment (yes, the adventurer was female) warily held a squirming white larvae between her fingertips to display before the camera and then proceeded to pop it into her mouth and chew it up.  It was thoroughly disgusting to me, but she seemed to handle the experience well.

       Okay, so there are some things that I am reluctant to try and perhaps would probably not try.  I seriously doubt whether you'll ever find me eating brains out of a monkey skull or snake in some marketplace in China (though actually I have eaten rattlesnake meat).  I tend to be a fairly adventurous eater compared to many people, but certain preconceptions and cultural aversions put some things off limits.   Besides, if food is overly disgusting to us it's because you've got certain issues of taste and aftertaste, appearance, smell, texture, and even sound (like if something squeals when you bite into it).   Otherwise, if I'm not just totally turned off from the start and other people seem to be enjoying the food, then I'm likely to at least give it a try.

      Now music is very different than eating stuff.  I'll try music that is new to me, even when I'm pretty sure that I don't like the genre.  Especially if the music is popular, then there must be a reason for that popularity so I'm willing to give it a chance.  For example, as I write this I'm listening to Kanye West.   I've never paid attention to his music and I've tended to reject it based on the person doing it and the genre.  Actually, what I'm hearing now is not too bad.  Kind of catchy as they say.  I probably won't be listening to Kanye's music on a regular basis, but I will acknowledge his talent (yes, I would call it talent--I haven't created anything like he has and he's got millions of fans who appreciate what he does).

         Years ago I dismissed genres like jazz, country, gospel, and other styles as music that wasn't of interest to me because it sounded crappy.   Jazz was just a bunch a silly annoying noise produced by weird musicians who were probably heroin addicts or something.   Country was twangy garbage performed by a bunch of backwoods hicks and hillbillies.   Gospel was something that was screamed and moaned more than actually sang.   If I didn't like a genre I would dismiss it as something not worth my time to listen to.

         At some point I began to come to a realization that I was already listening to a lot of music in all of these genres and enjoying it.    Somehow certain music like recordings of Johnny Cash, Stan Getz, and the Staples Singers were charting and getting radio play mixed in with the Beatles, Beach Boys, and Simon & Garfunkel songs.  Then, once I realized that Johnny Cash, the Statler Brothers, Skeeter Davis, and the like were country I started exploring other artists like Merle Haggard, Willie Nelson, and the Stoneman Family.   I was missing out on tons of interesting music just based on my own resistance to changing what I was willing to listen to, but at the same time I realized that I had always had some innate curiosity about all types of music that opened my mind to new possibilities when I was willing to give it a chance.

          I guess I've always had a stubborn streak in me that made me resistant to change.   At times I still do show that stubborn side, but I also try to listen to what others have to say about what they like and be reasonable in my response to them.  It's not likely that I'm going to try any wiggling larvae and I'll probably never become a huge sports fan.  But I will consider the idea of anything that others enjoy and hopefully be nice in my response to them.   I enjoy sharing the music I like and hope that others enjoy it.  I'll listen to the music other people like and try to figure out what they see in that music and ask them to turn it down if it's playing to loud or turn it off if it contains too much language that offends me.  But I'm open to giving music I normally don't listen to a chance.   At least that's the way I like to see myself--less resistant to change than I used to be, but I know I'm not always successful at appearing so.


Battle of the Bands Results

        As I predicted, my recent Battle using covers of the Justin Bieber song "The Feeling" stirred some strong sentiments among some of the voters as well as with a few who absolutely refused to vote.   Personally I think it's a very good song and though it can't be proven, I think most voters would have had a far different opinion of the song had they not known about the Bieber connection.  In the final analysis, I suspect that many of the votes on this Battle were of the "a vote for the least obnoxious of the two" variety.

         Bieber obviously has some real haters out there who were unwilling to separate the music from the artist.    Arguments were posed as to what was wrong with the song or the delivery or whatever, but I wasn't convinced by those arguments and I still think "The Feeling" is an excellent song.  And by the way, if you noticed the Billboard Music Awards which were televised last night (Sunday May 22nd), Bieber didn't do too badly with 12 nominations and the award for Top Male Artist.

         One surprise in the comments was the appearance of Braden Hallman, one of the band members from Kingdoms.  This in turn opened up an exchange with Mary Burris from Jingle Jangle Jungle who may be featuring Kingdoms in an upcoming article so you might watch for that.   Keep us posted Mary.

          I had a tough time choosing between the two artists in the contest as I felt both were excellent.  To me the Kingdoms version was entertaining and innovative, but as many of you indicated the heavy metal growling was a bit of a tough listen.  However I also saw it as a bit of cheeky fun on behalf of the performers--and this video was indeed a performance.  The Mayven version is beautiful and over the long run a version that might hold up better for me under repeated listenings.   But in this Battle my vote is going to Kingdoms.  Doesn't help them with the win though.

Final Vote Tally:

Kingdoms       12

Mayven          26

         
Next Battle on Wednesday June 1st

        Seriously?  June already?    I guess so and I hope you'll be here for that Battle of the Bands installment.   After offending so many this time around maybe my next effort should be an offering of atonement.  Or maybe I should just continue with my typical adventures in music.    I don't have to give this much thought actually as I already have my next Battle in place.  What will it be?   Here's a clue:  It's a huge hit.  Also, be here on Friday as I participate in Flashback Friday (which will be another BOTB clue).

          Do you like to give new things a chance or do you tend to resist change?     Did my Bieber song Battle disturb you, annoy you, or affect you in any other negative way?    What do you think I should do for my next Battle?

The Feeling (#BOTB)

       Feelings are fickle things whereas true love should not be so.  There are those who let their lives be controlled by feelings and there are some who thrive on the feelings that feelings arouse.  Life and love might be metaphorized into a roller coaster, but that often can lead us down a reckless path that can devastate when the outcome is not what we had dreamed it might be.

         Using the trivialized meaning of love, some might love my song pick for this round of Battle of the Bands.  On the other hand this song might generate a range of reactions anywhere from disinterest to hate--some of this reaction might be based on the original artist.  We shall see.  This Battle as I indicated in my previous post might be a bit controversial.  But I hope you do enjoy it.    

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.

I'm a Belieber

         Maybe you might consider it a bit of A to Z Madness, but I won't put any blame there.  It's just that in March I became somewhat of a "Belieber".  That's what they call the hard core Justin Bieber fans.  I might not be quite as extreme as those fans, but it was in March when I discovered Bieber's most recent album Purpose and was very impressed by what I heard.  Granted that I was also greatly influenced by the videos made in conjunction with the album.  If you are willing to devote 42 minutes to watch an outstanding dance video, check out Justin Bieber--Purpose: The Movement.  It's innovative and I personally think the music is pretty darn good.

        I've never paid much attention to Bieber's music in the past, but I was aware that he was a very talented kid.  He has gained plenty of notoriety with his antics and dumb behavior and that is inexcusable.  With a current net worth of about two hundred million and rapidly growing, Bieber should try to straighten out before he totally crashes and burns.  He's only twenty two years old with access to just about anything he might desire.  Hopefully he'll find some common sense and take hold of his life.  If he plays his life right he could have a great future ahead.  I'll be interested to see where he goes with his future musical projects.

"The Feeling"

          The story of how I came across Bieber's album is one of those down the rabbit hole YouTube stories.   My brother had asked me to buy him a CD by the heavy metal group called Badlands.  He named off some selections he'd run across on the internet and said that he be most interested in the album called Halsey.   As it turns out, Halsey is a female artist whose premiere album is called Badlands.  My brother didn't care much for her album, but I was intrigued by her music and started researching more about her on YouTube.  That's when I came across her collaboration with Bieber on the song "The Feeling".  Well, it just went on from there and now I've been listening to Bieber and Halsey a great deal for about two months now.  I'm still not tired of either artist.

         "The Feeling" addresses Bieber's break-up with Selena Gomez as well as some of the crises in his personal life.  As with all of the other songs on the Purpose album, Bieber shares songwriting credits with a number of collaborators.

         There are so many good covers of "The Feeling" that I decided this was well worth using as a Battle of the Bands song.   I'll include the version by Bieber and Halsey here, but please don't vote on it.  I'm only including it for reference if you are interested in hearing the original version.

Don't Vote on this Version:




***************************

You Can Vote on the Following!

Kingdoms with Macy Urrutia  "The Feeling"  (2015)

        In this recording, Idaho metal band Kingdoms featuring star athlete and beauty contest contestant Macy Urrutia performs Bieber's song in the style of Fearless Records Punk Goes Pop series.  If you watch the video be sure to pay attention at about the 2:35 & 2:55 points when the male singer starts his heavy metal growling--the expressions on Macy's face are precious.  The whole band seems to be having a good time playing this song.






Mayven  "The Feeling"  (2016)

     Mayven is a songwriting duo made up of Josh Sudduth and Beth Current. Before changing their name to Mayven they recorded under Beth Current's name.   After a stint in Los Angeles, they now work out of their hometown Frankfort, KY.   Enjoy their soft romantic take on the Bieber tune.






Time to Vote!

        Hope you don't let the Bieber connection turn you off.  Just try to feel the music.  Let us know what you think about these two versions. Is there one that you prefer over the other?    If you're visiting a Battle of the Bands post for the first time then let me briefly explain.  Please give each song version a fair listen to decide which one you enjoy the most.  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

Be ReInVintaged



Results on Monday May 23rd

     On Monday May 23rd I'll let you know how this Battle of the Bands match turned out.  Between now and then I might squeeze in another post in my Love and Ego series.  

Related articles

• Researchers Find Out What Heavy Metal Music Does To Our Mental State And The Results Are Surprising
• Review: Justin Bieber plays with Purpose at The Palace
• Not Sorry: It's Time To Stop Apologizing For Liking Bieber
• There's a Justin Bieber activity book and it actually looks good