Not the Red House (#BOTB Results)

      If I lived in a White House I would never paint it red.  If I did, I'm sure my neighbors wouldn't like it and my neighborhood association would fine me big time....

The Red House:  Wikipedia Commons

Battle of the Bands Results

     
          My most recent Battle of the Bands featured Paul Robeson and Sam Cooke doing their versions of "The House I Live In" which was first popularized by Frank Sinatra.  I was pretty sure going in that Robeson didn't stand much of a chance with his operatic baritone when put up against the more pop styling of the great Sam Cooke.  And my hunch was correct with a big win going to Sam Cooke.

           From the standpoint of listening pleasure (comfort?) I would prefer to hear Cooke's version for repeated listening.  However, I'm going to give my vote in this match to Robeson.  I agree with the voters who suggested that Robeson's version had a greater authenticity.  In comparing the two versions, to my sense of  hearing Cooke offered a slick pop sound that is smooth like honey.  On the other hand, Robeson's version had a gravitas that made the song almost like a patriotic prayer.  Listening to each version with eyes closed I could imagine Cooke professionally laying down his vocal in a studio where as I listened to Robeson I could picture walking along with him through his hometown as he proudly points out the places and people he is singing about.

           My vote doesn't change anything in the outcome, but I thought it was a song worth sharing at this time.  Even though I was very sure that Robeson would lose, I wanted to have this particular Battle at this particular time because it just seemed like a good time to do it.  I hope you enjoyed the song.

Final Vote Tally

Paul Robeson        5

Sam Cooke          16




Next Battle on Friday February 15th

          That's next Friday and this might be a Battle that I think most of you will enjoy.  Since the music I'll be using relates to the Oscars (coming up soon!), I will also be including my rant against the Academy.  I'm not a fan of those awards and something regarding my Battle music choice made me even more disgusted with them.  Maybe you'll agree with me, but maybe you won't.  We'll find out I guess.

           Before that Friday post I might have a big announcement to make.  That might come on Monday if I get motivated enough to compose that post.   Then again, Friday's post might be my next one.  I'll have to think on this a bit.

           Are you looking forward to the Oscars?   Any inkling about what my Oscar beef is about and what Oscar related song I'll be using?    Want to dare a guess about my special announcement?

The House I Live In (#BOTB)

 “Hate is too great a burden to bear. It injures the hater more than it injures the hated.”
—Coretta Scott King

“Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken winged bird that cannot fly.”
—Langston Hughes

       These quotes state truths that more people in our time need to hear and think about.   At times I get so cynical  about the way things are, but that is likely because we get bombarded every day with negativity and dishonesty. 

      In honor of Black History month I offer for my Battle of the Bands two notable black male vocalists with their renditions of a song first made popular by Frank Sinatra...



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.



The House I Live In

          To some these days this song might sound rather mushy and maudlin, but it does express a sense of tradition and love for country of which many might approve. Though the song first appeared in a stage musical review in 1942, it was embraced by the public in 1945 when it was used as the centerpiece of the opposition to anti-Semiticism film The House I Live In.

         Ironically the music was written by Earl Robinson, a member of the Communist party who was blacklisted during the McCarthy hearings, with lyrics by Abel Meeropol, a liberal activist who had also at one time been a member of the Communist party.

          I'm sure this music won't be everyone's cup of tea, but maybe if you don't care for it you can chill a bit and pretend it's a big glass of ice cold sweet tea on a sweltering hot summer day.   If you'd like to hear how Sinatra did the song you can go here or this link will take you to the entire Oscar winning short film it came from (it's only about 10 minutes long, but it carries a worthy message).  Please don't vote on this version--save your vote for one of the two artists featured below....


Paul Robeson  "The House I Live In"   (1947)




Sam Cooke   "The House I Live In"   (1960)





Time to Vote!

     Let's join together 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 

Cherdo on the Flipside

A I Love Music


Winner of this Battle Announced on Friday February 8th
   
            Next Wednesday I'll have an Insecure Writer's Support Group post so I do hope you'll drop in before then.  But definitely come back to see if your favorite song version came out with the most votes.  I think I can predict this outcome pretty easily, but we've all been surprised by these Battle outcomes in the past.   We'll see!

             Do you think the USA has changed for the better or worse since World War 2?  What do you think is better?  What do you think is worse?