My A to Z Themes in the past have covered a range of topics and for 2025 the theme is a random assemblage of things that are on my mind--or that just pop into my mind. Whatever! Let's just say I'll be "Tossing It Out" for your entertainment or however it is you perceive these things.
Still looking for my fix of cherry flavors. I've been having to settle for cherry coke, but that's fine. While I search for some cherry for me, here's some cherry results for you...
Battle of the Bands Results
My most recent Battle was a showdown between Tommy James and the Shondells (which most of you knew) and The Good Rats (which is a much lesser known band), each with their own "cherry" flavored song. I like TJ's "Sweet Cherry Wine" much better now than when it originally came out--especially knowing what the song is about. I always liked the song, but it struck me as light pop and not as edgy as what I was mostly listening to back then. And even though I like the James song better now, this was not my vote.
The Good Rats have long been a favorite band of mine and to me the song "Cherry River" is one of their best. I can remember so many late night drives when I'd have this song cranked up on my van stereo. Seems like the appropriate kind of song on occasions such as that. So, as I'm sure you can guess, my vote goes to The Good Rats, who in this case were good, but not good enough for the win.
Final Vote Tally
Tommy James 8 votes
Good Rats 4 votes
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Next Battle ????
Since I've got an especially busy schedule over the next few weeks I'm not going to commit to any Battle until July 1st. If I can manage, I'll try to visit everyone else's Battles. I'll probably have very little access to being on line for most of June. So, see you when things get back to normal. Or kind of normal...
Cherries! I love cherry flavor. Don't know about cherry wine or other cherry alcoholic drinks since I don't think I've had any. But it does sound good to me!
Battle of the Bands
Battle of the Bandsisthe blogging event started byFar Away Seriesand now hosted byStMcC 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.
Cherry Booze Battle
I'm jumping back onto the Battle of the Booze theme. I had to think about the song possibilities for awhile but then the song "Cherry River" started chugging through my brain which made me start thinking about "Cherry Wine". I'll take some of what both these songs' singers are talking about. And if it's cherry flavored then what's not to love? Which of these songs do you enjoy the most?
This song came out during my senior year of high school. I had enjoyed Tommy James and his band for several years, but in 1968 Tommy started turning out some Jesus related music that was excellent. He was like one of the earliest Christian rock artists I guess. It's not hard to figure out what this song is about. It was a pretty big hit back in it's day.
I discovered The Good Rats in 1970 when I was in college at the University of Tennessee. I read a review of the band in a classical music magazine then went and bought the album, which I thought was pretty good. Then the band disappeared from my radar after that. Over a decade later I started finding several of their albums in cut-out bins so I started buying them up. The later albums were even better than the one I already had. The song "Cherry River" is one of my favorite songs that the band did. I don't know what's in that river they're singing about, but I think I'd like some of it. Now if someone can just find that river again...
Time to Vote! Come on and vote--please! If you don't then go jump in a river. But I don't want you to do that. Just take a listen to the songs then tell us which song version you like best? 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. I don't know if anyone else will be doing a Battle this time around, but you can still check out these sites. Here are some other places where you might find BOTB posts: StMcC Presents Battle of the Bands 'Curious as a Cathy' Sound of One Hand Typing Jingle, Jangle, Jungle
I guess today is that day--or whatever day I post this.
I'll try for Wednesday....
Battle of the Bands Results
Okay, I'll make this quick. I've got things to do. Never mind what.
My most recent Battle was the song "Under Paris Skies" as performed by Jane Morgan and Nicki Parrott. I've been a fan of Jane Morgan since I can't recall when so I'm giving her my vote. Loved the arrangement of NIcki's version with the accordion and mandolin and all, but Morgan's version had so much class. But here's how it all tallied up in the end...
Final Vote Tally
Jane Morgan 5 votes
NIcki Parrott 11 votes
See ya later! Maybe I'll do a midmonth Battle, but I'll decide that later. Bye..
