How Far Was Far Enough? ( #BOTB Results )

 Miles and miles before I sleep and then wake up and keep going.  That's how far away from L.A. I should go to stay....

Battle of the Bands Results

           In my previous Battle of the Bands post I pondered the question in song of how far would I like to get from Los Angeles (staying within the confines of the United States).   My musical options were 1000 miles represented by artist Vanessa Carlton or 2000 miles represented by The Pretenders.  I do not recall ever having heard either song before so I went into this Battle with mostly unbiased ears.

           Regarding the question posed, 1000 miles is not enough for me.  I'd much rather go 2000 miles from L.A.  But that didn't win my vote for Chrissie Hynde and company.  The song by the Pretenders is just fine--good vocals and production presenting a pleasant piece of Christmas pop music.  I liked it.  However, they did not get my vote.

      My preference in this match is the youthful exuberance of Vanessa Carlton. Neither song epitomized originality, but I was more drawn to Vanessa's sound.  I liked the rippling piano, the punch of the percussion, and the string background.  It's a bright song that uplifted me.  And with my vote that leaves us with a tie!

Final Vote Tally

Vanessa Carlton     6 votes

Pretenders              6 votes

Next Battle on Thursday September 15th

       Yes, I will try to do another midmonth Battle of the Bands post.  I've got so many waiting in my line up that I need to clean house a bit.   So many Battles await that I need to get them out of my way.  

How Far Is Far Enough? ( #BOTB )

        Maybe I'm stuck in a rut or maybe it's a major case of ennui?  I haven't felt like blogging much lately or being online at all for that matter.  Maybe it's just laziness on my part, but I just don't feel like thinking about it that much...

        Truth is, I've been feeling this way for a while.  The nonsensical COVID measures certainly didn't help much.  These days I almost hate leaving the house.  Here in Los Angeles gas is too expensive, there are still too many people wearing masks, and things just aren't as fun as they used to be.  Television and books offer more reality of late than actually stepping out the door.

         Taking all this into consideration, how wonderful it would be if someone would just do my blogging for me for a while.  And just like that I get an email with a reader coming up with an idea for the following blog 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 there is also a Battle on the 1st of the month.  My blog is one of those with a second Battle excepting over these summer months.   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.

How Far Could I Go?

        After my previous Battle about Los Angeles, one of my friends and regular commenters known here as Sixgun McItchyfinger sent me the following email:

A BOTB idea you don't need to do, But you CAN if you happen to like it.

Hi Lee!  I was thinking about your LA battle and about getting away from

there, and Vanessa Carlton's "1000 Miles" came on the radio.  It hit me

that a fun battle MIGHT be, her, vs. The Pretenders "2000 Miles," vs.

The Proclaimers "500 Miles."  Just how far should one want to get away

from LA?

Now, I know that isn't a battle you'd normally do because you like to

use relatively unknown performers doing well known songs. So maybe -

only if you liked the concept - you could find other people doing those

songs or ever totally different "miles" songs that did not immediately

come to my mind.  I personally really like ALL those songs a lot, though.

I won't be offended if you pass on the idea.  I had lots of fun just

thinking about it anyway!

********

      Heck yeah!  I like the idea!  How far could I go to be where I'd really like to be?  Right off the bat I'm going to dismiss 500 miles because that would just keep me in Crazy California or in some desert clime in Arizona or Nevada.  Not far enough for me!  And besides I think the Proclaimers song "500 Miles" would steal the show and run away with that Battle since it's so well known to so many out there.  And the two song Battles take less time. 

       So I'll look no further than the other two suggestions I've been given.  Thank you, Mr. Sixgun!

Vanessa Carlton    "A Thousand Miles"  (2002)

The Pretenders   "2000 Miles"   (1983)

Time to Vote!

         You don't have to go far to just vote.  Stay in your seat, listen, and cast your vote.   Which song do you prefer?   Hopefully you have an opinion of some kind.  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

Jingle, Jangle, Jungle 



Winner of this Battle Announced on Thursday September 8th

     

        There will be an Insecure Writer's Support Group post on Wednesday the 7th, but I'll save my results for the next day.   I'm sure you'll want to see who came out ahead in this Battle match-up.  Will your favorite be the one?