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| Pensioners Cottage, Ballygowan. This quaint old cottage in original condition is located near Lammy crossroads. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) |
Home Sweet Home
Settled in for a few days, it's almost like we never left. The miles behind us, the places we've been and people we spent time with almost seem like a dream now that I'm nestled back into the familiarity of the house we've lived in for the past nineteen years. A vacation is nice, but in some ways being home in familiar surroundings is equally so. In many ways it's better.
From the vantage point of this modest place we call home, we've seen our girls finish school, leave home, and start families and careers as I've settled into retirement and my wife will soon follow. Will we stay in this dwelling in the years to come? We have been pondering that decision in recent years and the decision is one that will likely be made within the next few years. I have some dreams in mind, but the act of moving is not something I particularly relish.
For now I'll keep this decision of relocation in the back of my mind. The thought will creep frequently into the forefront of my thinking as the quandary looms ever larger over my shoulder. I love this place I call home, but it is a mere physical abode. This is the place my wife and I think of as home, but this place can be replaced in my worldview. I don't have to be here forever and come to think of it I won't.
The structure where I keep my stuff is merely a storage room and a shelter for my physical being. Eventually this situation will pass and my spirit will move on. But until that time comes, I hope I can find that near perfect structure in that near perfect geographical location where life can be lived in peace, comfort, and as much happiness as circumstances will allow.
Battle of the Bands
"You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To"
This 1943 song by Cole Porter has been in my BOTB song queue for a couple of years and coming home from vacation seemed like the ideal time to unleash it. Though I've heard this song many times since childhood, I was first drawn to it several years ago when I bought the CD Sinatra Sings Cole Porter. The haunting version on this album came from The Frank Sinatra Show which was broadcast on television on February 3, 1951--four days after I was born. I had planned on using his duet with June Hutton for my battle, but I could not find a video that was unrestricted in all countries. However I offer it here for anyone who is interested in hearing it (but please don't vote on this version).
The song has been recorded by numerous artists since first appearing in the film Something to Shout About where it was introduced by Don Ameche and Janet Blair. For my battle I have chosen two very short recordings which came from live performances in the 1960's, both done in Japan.
Anita O'Day "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" (1963)
Internationally proclaimed for her jazz singing style, Anita O'Day was nicknamed "The Jezebel of Jazz." Throughout her life she struggled with drug addiction though she lived until age 87 still recording until near the time of her death. Her smooth song styling is showcased in this following performance with some fine Japanese jazz musicians.
Julie London "You'd Be So Nice to Come Home To" (1964)
The prolific Julie London had a popular career as a singer, actress, and television personality through four decades starting with her first film role in 1944 and up to her recurring role on the television show Emergency! which ended in 1978 after six seasons. Her sultry singing style led to the recording of 29 studio albums with 29 singles hitting the charts. Her version of this battle's song by Cole Porter is from the laser disc "Julie London Show", with the Bobby Troup Quintet, recorded on May 28, 1964 in Japan.
Time to Vote!
Hope you've enjoyed this trip back in time with a Cole Porter classic. Maybe it's not your style of music, but hopefully you'll keep a musically open mind in assessing the two versions. Let us know what you think about these two recordings. 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
Winner Announced on Monday August 22nd
I don't plan to post on this blog until next Monday, but who knows what wild things might come to my mind that will lead to another post this week. I'm just saying that another post this week is not in my plans for the time being. That's the way it is. And actually I need to do some recouping after our long trip away from home. See you when I see you.
Are you happy with where you currently live? Do you think you will ever move to another home? What is your dream location for a home and what would you like to see in another home if you were to move?
