Taking a Chance on Love (#BOTB)

 

Step right up and play the game!   If you don't take a chance you don't win a prize...

Taking Chances

         Life is filled with opportunities which in themselves are filled with chances.  We don't know for sure what will happen unless we try to pursue our dreams.  Any dream has the potential of failure, but the reward of success should be the focus of our purpose in life. If we enjoy what we are doing and think that our endeavors can be fruitful then we should push forward.  We will have to take some chances.

         In my previous Battle I debuted "Let's Run"--a song that I had written and, with a lot of help from my friends, managed to get three different recordings made.  The response from my comment section was favorable to very nice so that gave me a better feeling about the risk I took in releasing these songs on YouTube.  Eventually I hope to get some even better recordings and do something with the song.

         Since childhood, music has been a bit of a passion for me.  Writing songs is something that inspires me and helps me to think more creatively.  Music has been something I've taken chances with before in other stages of my life.  Now that I'm being drawn back to music, I might as well be prepared to take some more chances...


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 each month on the 15th and on some blogs there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month.  My blog is one of those with a second Battle on the 1st of the month.   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.

Taking a Chance on Love

         The current Battle is actually a sort of a part two of my Battle from May 15th of this year.   In prefacing that Battle I told about how I'd seen an episode of The Jack Benny Show that featured Frankie Avalon singing a song mash-up that had initially confused me.  At first I thought it was one song, but I couldn't decide what the song was.  Then I realized that Avalon's rendition was a clever blending of "I'll Never Say 'Never Again' Again" (which I used in that May Battle) and "Taking a Chance on Love" (which is the song I am featuring today).

        "Taking a Chance on Love" first appeared in the all-black cast musical Cabin in the Sky.  The stage play was later turned into a film which is where the video clip below came from.  In fact, both video clips in this Battle are musical shorts that were shown between films shown in the theater.  These would be the predecessors of the music videos like we more frequently see today.

         The two videos present a rather stark contrast, but both are quite good in their own ways.  But you be the judge:   Which performance of the song do you like best?  and Which short film do you like the best?

         Take a listen and do tell...


June Christy   "Taking a Chance on Love"  (1950)

       Jazz singer June Christy started in the big band era and for a few decades was active in the cool jazz genre.  Though she had the chops as a singer, she never achieved the recognition that maybe she should have.  In her final stage appearance in 1988 she shared the stage with the legendary Chet Baker.  Here she is with a pretty decent band of players...





Ethel Waters    "Taking a Chance on Love"  (1943)

         You might have seen "Cabin in the Sky" on TCM as it is shown often.  The film has a great cast and wonderful musical numbers like "Taking a Chance on Love."  One of my favorites in the film is Eddie "Rochester" Anderson who was Jack Benny's sidekick for many years. By the way, if you are a fan of Jack Benny like I am, reruns of his show are often played on Jewish TV (it's some cable network that I get on Direct TV).  Just thought I'd drop that bit of info, but let's get on to the song...








Time to Vote!

       There's no right or wrong answers here so take a chance and vote.  What's your favorite between these two choices? Which song version do you like best? Which film clip do you prefer?  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'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

Angel's Bark  

Debbie Doglady's Den

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 

Cherdo on the Flipside



Winner of this Battle Announced on Monday September 24th

      That gives you an extra couple days to vote.  No excuses this time!  If I get anymore personal song updates I'll be dropping them here.  In the meantime, I'm waiting...

        What was the biggest chance you ever took?  When did you fully expect success only to be countered with not-so-successful outcomes?   How much do the outside voices hinder the inner voice of your dreams?  









     
     

The End of a Run (#BOTB Results)

        After one race has been run then the next thing is to start getting ready for the next race.   Never give up!  Keep running on...

The End of a Run

         If you haven't been following my past several posts, I wrote a song called "Let's Run" back in April/May.  Not being a runner, using the subject of running for a song seemed odd at first.  Still as I began writing my song the lyrics went from the actual act of running to the metaphorical marathon of life.  My song "Let's Run" was inspired by the metaphor more than the act.   You can find the lyrics to the song at this link.

        As fortune would have it, a couple of my neighbors helped me record a rough version of the song.  Schemer that I am, I asked for other covers of the song from anyone who might be interested. A friend of mine from Tennessee, Lonnie Carver, offered his version.  Then I came up with my own experimental version.

         Voila!   A Battle of the Bands was at hand.  If you need reference then here is that link.

        This past week the Battle has been running and votes have been decent.  Now it's the end of the run and time to announce the verdict...

Battle of the Bands Results

         The Battle of "Let's Run" was between versions by:   1)Arlee Bird, Ricardo Palma, & Nathan Lucero   2) Lonnie Carver  and 3)Arlee Bird/Take Too

           There were many nice things said about all participants and I do appreciate the many very nice and helpful comments.  Even my wacky experiment got a few votes and honorable mentions.  But the real horse race was between BPL and Lonnie Carver.  I'm not voting on this Battle because I just can't--I like all the versions for different reasons.   Thanks to everyone for one of the best voter turnouts I've had.


Final Vote Tally

Bird, Palma, & Lucero             22   

Lonnie Carver                          19

Take Too                                     5


Next Battle of the Bands post on Saturday September 15th

         I'd better get started putting this one together since I don't have my Battle picked yet.  I will keep everyone posted on anything that happens about "Let's Run".   If anyone wants to go give me likes on YouTube and maybe even share then I leave video links below.  And if you do go there, please subscribe to my YouTube channel.  I'm sure that would help some.


Let's Run   by BPL

Let's Run   by Lonnie Carver

Let's Run by Arlee Bird


I'm still accepting cover versions of "Let's Run" for anyone who'd like to be included in a future battle with that song.   I think a couple may be on their way to me soon!

Let's Run (#BOTB) (#IWSG)

In this post I will be debuting the song "Let's Run" which was written for my favorite singing star, Marley Lego.  You likely have not heard of her, but she's still a star in my eyes--she's my oldest granddaughter...

Marley posing with some fans.

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. 

The co-hosts for the September 5 posting of the IWSG are Toi Thomas, T. Powell Coltrin, M.J. Fifield, and Tara Tyler.

September 5 question - What publishing path are you considering/did you take, and why?

         As I have mentioned in most of my posts since May, I've begun to focus on songwriting.  I've been writing songs off and on since high school, but in April I became consumed with a song that I called "Let's Run" which I dedicated to my oldest granddaughter Marley whose singing performances had inspired my writing of the song.  Later in this post I will debut the song with three different recordings.

           I know very little about getting a song published.  I've seen movies and heard stories about songwriters trying to peddle songs to publishers or whoever would listen.  I've done minimal research though I know there is much information online about this topic.  Maybe I'll take this traditional approach in the weeks or months to come, but for now I'm going to just put the song out there as a sort of market test.   And to just have some fun putting something I've been talking about on my blog on actual display for public consumption. 

           The way I figure it, "Let's Run" is just one of many songs that I've written and new songs have been flooding my creative mind of late.  If I'm taking a bad route with this "putting-it-out-there approach then I'll do things differently the next time around.  For now I've had fun with this project and hope you listen and enjoy.  Then, once you've done that. please vote and leave your comments.

          I'm counting on you readers to help me with this project which might just lead me down a publishing path.   I've seen YouTube video break-outs before and I guess we just never know.  Especially when you're taking your first shot at doing something like I'm doing with my song.

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 each month on the 15th and on some blogs there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month.  My blog is one of those with a second Battle on the 1st of the month.   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.

Let's Run

       As the 2018 Blogging from A to Z April Challenge was winding down I began feeling a creative surge that began to focus on music.  Songs starting invading my brain space.  This was primarily due to video performances by Marley that were being put up on Facebook. 

         Then an odd melody began recurring in my thoughts.  It was a very peculiar simple melodic line which in actuality was not very melodic.  As these weird notes repeated themselves in my head, words began coming along with an expanded melody until I had a song.  I decided that this was Marley's song and maybe one day she might work up a version to sing.

          Why the lyrics were about running I can't really say since I've never been a runner and cannot run due to a heart arrhythmia.  But as I wrote I realized that the song was not so much about actual running as it was about persistence and staying in the race of life.  In the song life is a marathon and we need to keep on running in that race.  The message was as much for me as it is for any of us.

           Here are three versions that are very different in style and approach--keep in mind that all are very rough drafts.  I hope you listen, provide your feedback, and vote for the version you like the best...

Bird/Palma/Lucero   "Let's Run" (2018) 

            Toward the end of May after I had finished writing "Let's Run", I happened to catch my next door neighbor Ricardo Palma as I was picking up my mail.  I complimented him on his music website space at Bandcamp which I had recently discovered.  Richard is a friend of my youngest daughter (Marley's mother) so when I mentioned my song for Marley he immediately volunteered to help me record a version with his music software program and his own musical ability.  I gladly accepted since I didn't have much to work with on my own.

           Using his phone, Richard recorded me singing the song without accompaniment.  I know little about chords and writing music so it was in Richard's hands to figure out an arrangement.  Interestingly, his version was so different that what I had been hearing in my head and yet it worked very well.

            I like the way Ricardo imagined the song with a sixties surf vibe--or at least that's the way that I hear it.  Someone else said it reminded him of the group The Cars.  Beyond arranging this version, Ricardo also laid down 3 guitar tracks, one percussion track, and produced the entire sound.   Another neighbor, Nate Lucero, played bass guitar and I sang the vocals.  Ricardo used the Garageband app through his computer.

            If you're able to watch the video as you listen to the music you might note that I did a pretty decent job of matching the visuals to the lyric content.  All video is from my past summer's vacation. The road scenes were all shot by me while driving alone from New Jersey to Los Angeles (via Texas).   The journey segments shown start in Virginia, passing through East Tennessee and West Texas, and finally skirting a massive dust storm on I-10 just east of Phoenix.  The running kids are three of my grandkids.

            By the way, I often had the CD of "Let's Run" playing loudly as I drove on my trip.  As you might agree as you watch the road footage, this song version makes for a darn good driving song...   





Lonnie Carver   "Let's Run"  (2018)

           Some of you probably recall that I had put out a call for other musicians to contribute their own versions of the song (an offer still open).   I only got one taker so far and that comes from my friend of 50 years, Lonnie Carver.   This multi-talented performer has been involved with music since he was a kid and continues to this day.  He's been a great friend over the years and once again he's pulled through for me with his version of "Let's Run". 

            Using the Garageband app installed on his Ipad, Lonnie recorded his version with just him singing while backing himself on his guitar. He gives the song a nice laid back Tennessee vibe that takes me back to my roots.  After making his recording, Lonnie sent me the file which I added to a video I made.   Once again I've used my vacation driving footage from West Texas.

             Enjoy...





Arlee Bird   "Let's Run"  (2018)

          Are we ready to get weird?   As I was contemplating ideas for more cover versions of the song I remembered something I used to do back in the late seventies to make recordings of my songs.  Using two cassette decks, I would lay down a first track on one, then play that recording back while singing or playing something else over it and record that on the other tape deck.  I would record layers of sound back and forth between the decks until the sound quality was too diminished to continue.

           I decided to use this approach using my video camera in my living room.  This was an exercise in ineptitude and figuring things out by trial and error.  The video took over a week to make with numerous reshoots in an attempt to come up with an acceptable product.  Eventually I settled for the version seen here.  I was tired and wanted to get this done.

         During the shooting process  I did two different takes of me playing the violin and a final one with me singing in front of the big screen TV which is displaying the previously recorded layered video.  In all there are five layers of video and audio.  The percussion mostly got lost in the mix, but considering my lack of equipment the sound is not too badly balanced.

          It's a bit of a mess I'll admit, but I don't think it's a total disaster.  Perhaps we can call it an interesting experiment.   See what you think...







Time to Vote!

       Don't worry about hurting my feelings with your vote.  After all the song is mine and whichever version wins your vote still makes me a winner.  I just want people to listen and vote.   What's your favorite between these two choices? Which song version do you like best? 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'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

Angel's Bark  

Debbie Doglady's Den

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 




Winner of this Battle Announced on Monday September 10th

       
           I'll be giving this Battle some extra time for voting to come in--at least I'm hoping to get more votes than I usually get on these Battles.  Please help me out with this and share the post and encourage others to participate.

           Are you hesitant to post excerpts of your work on your blog or elsewhere online?   Have you ever tried to get a song published?   What is the most number of times you've submitted the same work before getting an acceptance to publish? 

The Roadway Ahead.... (A Look at Things to Come)

I don't need anyone to make a fool of me--I'm perfectly capable of doing that myself...

Arlee Bird posing with violin.

        We can all relate to putting ourselves in the spotlight with trepidation of looking foolish.  It could have been at school, work, or some other social setting.  You writers especially know that apprehension of putting our work out for the scrutiny of others.   Honest opinions are best for us even though they can seem brutal.   Feedback is important for personal growth and improvement.

        For example, blogging for me has been a strange journey that has been eye-opening in many ways.  The platform has provided me with great opportunity for written expression and allowed me to interact with all sorts of people whom I would have been unlikely to ever have encountered otherwise.  And though my earlier fervor for blogging has diminished to a great extent (as I've seen with other bloggers as well), I will likely continue to have a blog for sometime into the future. 

        However, as I have mentioned in some previous posts, my writing focus has currently turned to songwriting.  I've been writing songs since high school, but for long stretches over the years I would be less interested in that endeavor.  The songs came and went.  Now, again it seems, I'm back with a flurry of songwriting inspiration.

        And there is that one song that I've been referring to all summer--"Let's Run."   All summer I've been obsessing on getting some recorded versions of the song so it could be heard by my readers.  Since I had mentioned it back in May I wanted the readers to know that I really did write this song that I had mentioned.  It's a song that was inspired by my granddaughter Marley so I think of it as "Marley's Song" even though the message of the song is one for me and for everyone for that matter. 

     This coming Saturday September 1st, as a Battle of the Bands post, I will be debuting three versions of "Let's Run".   These will all be rather rough recordings so I hope listeners will be kind, but helpfully honest with their comments.  Please--I do want comments about what I'll be doing because I'm putting myself out there.

          If we never take chances then we never have a chance at success.  I'm going to try something with music and who knows?  Maybe something will come of it all or maybe it will be one more crazy post on my blog and a few obscure videos lost in the infinite YouTube universe.

            As a preview of my song recordings coming up on Saturday, here are the lyrics for your consideration:

Let’s Run

The beat of my feet upon the street as I am running;

The feel of the wind against my face;

My body is straining as my heart keeps beating faster.

The rhythm of life is setting my pace.

(chorus)

Look at me—I’m on a runner’s high.

Watch me run—see me fly!

Run with me—Life is a marathon.

Don’t give up!  Keep moving on!

Let’s run!

Hurtling through the universe on this rock we call Earth

Making our laps around the Sun,

I still feel a need for speed.  I’ve got to get away.  I’ve got to get outside.

I’m feeling that urge to break out and run.

Look at me—I’m on a runner’s high.

Watch me run—see me fly!

Run with me—Life is a marathon.

Don’t give up!  Keep running on!

Let’s run!

Miles disappear behind me like forgotten memories.

The roadway ahead is all I see.

And even in sleep my inner compass draws me further on,

As in my dreams I’m running free.

Look at me!  I’m on a runner’s high!

Watch me run, see me fly.

Run with me—Life is a marathon.

Don’t ever give up.  Keep running on…

Let’s run!

by Arlee Bird (2018)

        Please visit my next post and vote for your favorite song performance.  Then if you will be so kind,  share the videos and like wherever you can.  Spread the word.  It would be nice to get considerable feedback.  I thank you in advance.

        I am still welcoming more cover versions.  Even if they come after my Saturday Battle I can still consider them for a future run-off. 

          Does any melody come to your head as you read through the lyrics?   How do you think the song should sound based on your reading?   Have you heard any versions of my song yet (it's possible)? 

         

       

I've Got the Music in Me (#BOTB Results)

      They say that practice makes perfect.  They also say that no one is perfect.  I'm not sure who "they" are, but the contradiction between these statements is perfectly absurd...  


Focusing on Music

Marley at a recent performance
(she's my granddaughter!)

         This year I've become more focused on creating music, this mostly due to being inspired by my oldest granddaughter Marley.  She won't be 10 until September so she's still mostly a kid, but she's become pretty serious about her music.  When I was visiting her this summer she proudly showed off her very neatly organized room and her collection of musical instruments.  She's been taking lessons in instruments and vocals.  There's definitely talent in that girl.

          My biggest inspiration came toward the end of April as the Blogging from A to Z Challenge was winding down.  A song came to me and I recognized it as my song for Marley.  Hopefully she'll be singing it soon as part of her repertoire.  During my summer visit I watched her do a five song set at an open mike night in a New Jersey coffee bar.  Though all the other performers were adults, Marley held her own and impressed the crowd.  The young lady has some guts that I never had even at twice her age.

          I've been rather preoccupied by my song (that is, Marley's song) of late so between that and the stuff of my life I've not been keeping up with blogging to the extent that I probably should.  Consequently I may have not been visiting blogs like I've done in the past.  Sorry, but for now my priority is working with my song--but more of that later in this post.   First though, let's get to the results of my previous Battle of the Bands...

Battle of the Bands Results

        My Battle between Jane Olivor and Alice Cooper was a somewhat odd pairing that I had no idea how it would turn out.  For my part, I went into this favoring Jane Olivor's version and that's where my vote ended up.  I've been a long time fan of Alice Cooper, but I was not overly thrilled with his rendition of "Always Chasing Rainbows." 

          Once again I was in a minority.  Alice pretty well ran away with this contest, but all things considered, Jane Olivor did not do terribly.

Final Vote Tally

Jane Olivor            6

Alice Cooper        11




Next Battle on Saturday September 1st!!!

          As for my song "Let's Run"--a song I've been mentioning since May--I now have two versions ready for Battle in my next round.   This Battle will be a sort of West Coast versus East Coast--or more precisely East Tennessee Coast.  I'll likely have another version by the end of the week which could give me a three-way.   Better yet, I'd still like to get some more covers for future Battles.

            I'm thinking big as usual--and chasing rainbows. 

            If I didn't dream big then I'd likely forget those dreams and try to just get through each day without accomplishing much.   With that, I'm outta here.

            How often have your dreams been accomplished as big as you first dreamed them?    Have you ever been taken by surprise at the outcome of a dream?   Does perfectionism sometimes hinder your progress?







       

I'm Always Chasing Rainbows (#BOTB)

It's often the little things that bring us the biggest joys in life.   On the other hand, little things can sometimes turn into one big pain in the ass...

Update on My Song

          Obviously the title of this post indicates that I won't be presenting a debut of the song I wrote earlier this year in this current post.  My plan had been to use two different versions of my song "Let's Run" as a Battle of the Bands.  So far I still have only one version and one "maybe, I'll see if I can come up with something." 

         This past week-end I came up with a wacky idea that just might work to create another "Let's Run" video to use in a future batte (September 1st?)   It's going to be a variation on an old school idea I used many years ago to record some original songs.  That experiment worked, but not so well.

         This time I have more and better equipment to work with so maybe, just maybe, I can create something interesting.  If it works I'll explain the process.  I'll start working on it this week.  It's somewhat labor intensive so I'll have to see where it all goes.  I'm probably totally on my own in this next experiment.

           In a way that's been the story of my life.  Maybe yours too.  Not everyone sees the urgency of my dreams to the extent that I do.  But that makes sense.  We are all dreamers pursuing sometimes elusive butterflies of our own.  We just have to keep on chasing down our dreams.  In fact, that's what my song is all about:  Don't give up and just keep pressing onward.  That's how things get done.

          Still, I figure that I'm always chasing rainbows and I'll probably keep on doing it.  I'd hate to think that I'd ever stop as long as I have breath.   And that is my lead in to the song I've chosen for this post...




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 each month on the 15th and on some blogs there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month.  My blog is one of those with a second Battle on the 1st of the month.   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 Always Chasing Rainbows

          This is one of those vaudevillian standards that I've heard all my life.  Though I wouldn't rank this high on my list of favorite songs, it's still a pleasant enough tune that I enjoy hearing.  You've most likely heard this song since it has appeared numerous times in movies, television, and recordings.

          "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" was published in 1917 and since then there has been no looking back.    The song is about failure so it's somewhat surprising that a song with such a depressing message would gain so much popularity.   However, since failure is something in which all of us have shared at some point in our lives then it is an idea to which we can all relate.

           Like a number of popular songs of the past, this song has roots in classical music-- Fantaisie-Impromptu by Frédéric Chopin.   In the video embedded below you can go to the 1:07 mark to hear the melody that later became the hit song.  Don't vote on this version--but I guarantee you that at least someone will ignore this instruction.   If you're interested then please take a listen.




        And now on to the first Battle contestant...

Jane Olivor  "I'm Always Chasing Rainbows" (1977)

          The first time I heard Olivor's version of this was somewhere around 1985.  Our touring show had a brief layover in Seattle during which I visited a number of people's homes.  In all of the homes I saw a copy of Jane Olivor's album Chasing Rainbows .   Since I'd never heard of Jane Olivor I figured this was some kind of pop cult artist whom I'd missed.  Still, I bought a few of her albums on cassette.  It was nice music, but I didn't listen to them very much.   The music is not good for driving.  Good for bedtime, not for driving.  Enjoy...
           





Alice Cooper  "Chasing Rainbows"  (1976)

           Most anyone who was over 13 by 1969 probably saw an Alice Cooper show at some point in their lives.  If you haven't then they are still on tour and perhaps playing in a town near you.  I saw the show (I think of it all as more of a stage production than an actual band) in the early seventies.  That concert was something like seven dollars to see Alice, The Hello People with Todd Rundgren, and Free (of "All Night Long" fame).   Big concerts really were bargains back then.

            I couldn't resist using Cooper's version of "Chasing Rainbows."    Don't let the schmaltzy song intro fool you.  This is Alice Cooper...







Time to Vote!

       Take a break from chasing rainbows and let's vote.    What's your favorite between these two choices? Which song version do you like best? 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'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

Angel's Bark  

Debbie Doglady's Den

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 




Winner of this Battle Announced on Wednesday August 22

         Maybe I'll have a song update for "Let's Run"--I'm shooting for September 1st now.  In any case we should have a clear winner of this Battle next Wednesday.   I have a feeling I'll get a lot of commenters saying they don't like either version.   Then again maybe I'll be surprised this time.

          Have you gone to any Alice Cooper concerts?   Do you have a tendency to pursue wild-seeming fantasies?   Do you dwell on past failures more than the many small successes along the way?

Wait Until Tomorrow ( #BOTB & #IWSG )

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. 

The co-hosts for the August 1 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, Sandra Hoover, Susan Gourley, and Lee Lowery.

August 1 question - What pitfalls would you warn other writers to avoid on their publication journey?

      Since my publication journey has not seen any significant achievement there isn't much I can say about this topic that relates to my experience or anything I've heard from someone I know. One thing I suggest to avoid is old fashioned typewriters.   Oh, I know some folks love them and that's fine, but for me the computer keyboard made my writing life so much easier.

        This month's question does however relate to something on my mind of late.  To give some background, songwriting has been a passion of mine since high school.  This past April in the midst of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge a song pervaded my mind.  Much of my inspiration had come watching some of my granddaughter's singing performances.  My song "Let's Run" was written for her.

        Since I had mentioned the song in previous posts on my blog and even shared the copy that I recorded with neighbors who further shared with their circles, the thought crossed my mind that someone might "steal" the song. I guess I'm not particularly concerned since I don't think my creative range is limited to one thing.

          Like Jimmy Durante (some might remember him) used to say, "I've got a million of 'em!"  Even if a song (or some other creation) was used by someone else for gain I think it becomes an affirmation that other stuff I do is worthy. 

            Do you think I'm taking a big risk by just putting original songs on places like YouTube?  Have you ever been wary of sharing you creative work without getting the proper documentation that says that work is yours?   Are you ready for another Challenge--a musical Challenge?

           Sure, I have a Battle of the Bands coming up below which I hope you'll vote on, but there is also another challenge addressed to any musicians, singers, or who knows anyone who might be interested in a musical challenge.   I'll explain further after this...



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 each month on the 15th and on some blogs there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month.  My blog is one of those with a second Battle on the 1st of the month.   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.


Wait Until Tomorrow

          Jimi Hendrix fans will probably know this song well.  For me a sense of impatience I've been feeling of late rings with the reminder that I have to wait until tomorrow for some things.  Tomorrow should be a good thing so I hope they keep rolling in for all of us.

          The Hendrix song lyrics are less optimistic.   The song is about a couple who are going to elope.  The father puts an end to it all with a shotgun.  I'd much rather wait for good things to come.  No need to wait for the Battle because here it is...

John Mayer Trio  "Wait Until Tomorrow"  (2008)






Gilberto Gil and Caetano Veloso  "Wait Until Tomorrow"  (1994)








Time to Vote!

       Don't wait until tomorrow to vote lest you forget to come back!  What's your favorite between these two choices? Which song version do you like best? 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'S RAMBLINGS'

'Curious as a Cathy'

Sound of One Hand Typing

Angel's Bark  

Debbie Doglady's Den

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 




Winner of this Battle Announced Wednesday August 8th

       In addition to announcing the winner of the above Battle of the Bands, I will provide an update on my Cover Version Challenge of the original song "Let's Run"--hopefully I can debut in some form or fashion for my next Battle of the Bands on August 15th.

Did you catch what I just said?

         This is a call to singers and/or musicians who have access to recording equipment (heck, your phone might work just fine).   If you are involved in music or know someone else who is and would like to share their talents, please spread the word.  I'd love to get some YouTube covers using my song "Let's Run" so I could use them in some upcoming Battle of the Bands segments.

          Currently my plan is to use the version I've recorded with some friends put up against another version we were planning to record with a different vocalist.  However, due to life stuff we may not be able to pull this off.  I'm hopeful, but not certain.  It didn't take too long to whip the first version together, but the next one might not come together so quickly for us.   That's where some of you might be able to come to our rescue with a cover of "Let's Run". 

           If you're interested in doing something then please let me know.  I'll send a very bad rudimentary recording of the melody line and a couple of choruses sung acapella--enough to give a rough idea of what you are working with without my influencing your style.

           The song can be performed in any style you wish in any form that you want to work with including instrumental versions.  To illustrate, I had my mind's version of how the song might sound and when I passed the melody and vocal to my collaborator his vision of the song was completely different and totally cool.  His rock vision of the song that went on to become the sole recording version we have so far became the theme song of my recent road trip--it's now my favorite driving song.

            What kind of sound could some of you come up with for this song?  I'd like to hear some other covers to see what else can be done with the song.  This is a Creative Challenge that will only work if some of you get into it right away.  I'm counting on at least a few of you to come through on this.  It seems like it could be a lot of fun and possibly useful to the participants.

           There's no official prize involved other than the satisfaction of achievement and who knows what could come of it all.  If you're interested then send me an email at arleebird@gmail.com and I will send you your working recording, lyrics, and some additional information.  

           Wouldn't it be cool to put together something epic with this?   Or even a contender for our neighborhood band.  I want to debut the song I wrote, but I just want to do something a little bigger than just providing my video.

             I hope some of you can help with this.  Please spread the word!