I’m getting really good at this Battle of the Bands thing: this is the second time in a row this has happened.
The Shadows: 6
Jørgen Ingmann: 6
Well, congratulations, then, to both contestants. I know I can cast a deciding vote, but I usually don’t do that, and if I did, I’d have to split it, because both versions are excellent.
Anyway, our next battle will be next Friday, March 1, so be sure and join us then!
I’m writing this on January 21, because Alana gave me a great idea for a Battle and, you know me, brain like sieve, if I don’t get it down now, I’ll forget.
“Apache” was composed by Jerry Lordan in 1958, and originally recorded by guitarist Bert Weedon, but Lordan didn’t like the recording and it was never released. He showed it to Jet Harris, bass player for The Shadows, by picking it out on the ukulele. Harris showed it to the rest of The Shadows, who agreeed to record it. It was released in July 1960 and by August reached #1 in the UK, topping the chart for five weeks, and it was voted the best song of 1960 by the readers of New Music Express magazine.
In 1961, Danish guitarist Jørgen Ingmann recorded his version of “Apache.” His reached #2 on the Hot 100.
Since the two versions never met head-to-head anywhere (indeed, The Shadows received very little, if any, airplay in the US), let’s do that here. Your to-do list is as follows:
Remember, you need not be a Battle of the Bands participant to vote in the battles. Although, if you would like to join us and conduct a Battle of the Bands yourself on the 1st and 15th of every month, let Stephen know in the comments on his page. The more the merrier, I say. I’ll announce the winner of this Battle next Friday, February 22, so be sure and have your votes in to me by then.
The lines are now open. Good luck to The Shadows and Jørgen Ingmann!
My last battle was between two Ladies of the Blues, Koko Taylor and Janiva Magness, to see who did a better rendition of Magic Sam’s “That’s Why I’m Cryin’.” After all the votes have been counted, we have a tie!
Koko Taylor: 5
Janiva Magness: 5
As has become my custom, rather than casting a vote, I’ll let the result stand rather than casting a tie-breaking vote. Besides, I wouldn’t know who to give it to: both versions are superb, as are both singers. I might be tempted to give it to Koko, since I have fond memories of her, but Janiva is just too good. So, congratulations to both ladies.
I have next Friday’s battle sitting in the queue, so be sure and join us then!
“That’s Why I’m Cryin'” is as close to a blues standard as you’re going to get. It was written by Sam Maghett, better known as Magic Sam, and covered by lots of blues singers over the years. Today you’ll have the opportunity to listen to it sung by two lovely ladies of the blues. Then I’m going to ask which you like better.
Koko Taylor I spent many evenings when I was in college at Biddy Mulligan’s in Chicago drinking Old Chicago Dark and listening to Koko Taylor. This first appeared on Koko’s 1975 album I Got What It Takes.
Janiva Magness I hadn’t heard of Janiva before now, and I’m sorry I hadn’t. Read her bio on Wikipedia, this woman has lived a life of the blues. This is from her 2003 album Use What You Got.
All right, then, you know what to do: listen to both, decide which you like better, and vote by leaving a comment below, and maybe a few words as to why you liked it better. Remember, you don’t have to be a Battle of the Bands participant to have a vote. Then, go visit Stephen over at his Battle of the Bands blog and vote in his battle, then find the list of participants he has in the right-hand column of his blog, visit them, and vote in their battles, too. And, if you’re interested in running a Battle of the Bands yourelf, tell Stephen, and he’ll add you to the list. I’ll announce the winner of this Battle next Friday, February 8, so be sure and have your vote to me by then.
The lines are now open. Good luck to Ms. Taylor and Ms. Magness!
Here are the results of my latest Battle of the Bands:
Blood Sweat & Tears: 5
The Free Movement: 8
Congratulations to The Free Movement, and a pat on the back to BS&T for making it close.
Our next battle will be a matchup between two great ladies of the blues, so be sure and join us on February 1 (a week from Friday) over most of these stations. See you then!
