Battle of the Bands: Gov't Mule vs Shinedown #BOTB
It’s time again for another Battle of the Bands! I’m showcasing a Southern rock song this time.
The Song: Simple Man
Wikipedia tells us: The song is one of Lynyrd Skynyrd's most popular songs. Since the song became available for digital download, it has become Lynyrd Skynyrd's third best-selling digital song after "Sweet Home Alabama" and "Free Bird".
Contender # 1 Gov’t Mule
Contender #2 Shinedown
Please vote for either Gov’t Mule or Shinedown in the comments. Voting will end on June 21, 2017 at 6pm EST with results being posts on June 22.
I’d like to encourage you to visit the other bloggers participating in the battle of the bands as well. You can find a current list HERE, or on Stephen’s blog (you can also request to join the battle of the bands blog hop on his blog).
Both groups do a fine job of recreating this song. Shinedown did a simple kind of version of the song. It's nice, but not the winner for me.
ReplyDeleteI like the work I've heard by Government Mule. They stay very true to the original and I think there is a certain quality that makes it a tad better than Skynrd's version. I vote for Government Mule.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Thanks, Lee!
DeleteFirst vote in, a vote for the Mule. I think it will be interesting to see how this one plays out.
~Mary
MARY, MARY, QUITE EXTRAORDINARY ~
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I'm not a fan of Southern Rock. Meaning, of course, that I'm also not partial to most Lynyrd Skynyrd songs (with a few exceptions, such as 'That Smell' and a couple more).
Both versions here remain pretty true to the Skynyrd original. I would be very interested in hearing this song done in some very different style with different instrumentation. For example... I wonder what someone like Booker T. And The MGs might have done with this. Or Albert King. Or... (dare I say it?)... Tiny Tim. ...OK, maybe not Tiny on this one. [;^)}
The second recording was simpler (in keeping with the theme of the lyrics) but the singer's voice grated on me at times when he got loud and seemed to be pushing. So, I'm going to vote for GOVT. MULE. And like Lee said, I too think their version is better'n the Skynyrd original.
~ D-FensDogG
[Link:) Stephen T. McCarthy Reviews...
Stephen darlin'
DeleteSouthern Rock is one of those sounds that I take in smaller doses, but I still have a good appreciation for them. I seriously considered the Etta James song they covered, but thought everyone would lose interest after 5 minutes - although they did a very good job on their cover. I'll try to come up with something better for next battle - but know that I've got a real treat for you lined up for December!
So far it's 2 for 2 for Gov't Mule.
~Mary
Hmmm.... A BOTB treat for December? Tiny Tim versus The Brothers Gibb versus The Jingle Dogs on 'Grandma Got Run Over By The Hippopotamus I Got For Christmas' maybe?
DeleteTiny Tim actually DOES have a Christmas album and YOU KNOW I own it. One of these times I will use one of those recordings in an Xmas BOTB.
~ Stephen
Yes, they both did a great job, but I have to go with the first one. Great song!!! My husband's band plays this tune!
ReplyDeleteThanks Marie
DeleteI bet your husband's band does a great rendition! A great song. Thanks for stopping by to cast your vote.
~Mary
Gov't Mule gets my vote. Lynyrd Skynyrd's version is better. Love the song.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike!
DeleteI've always liked the song as well.
~Mary
Shinedown. :) Love the Shinedown version, of course it was actually the first ever version I heard of it so it's just what sounds "right" to me.
ReplyDeleteAwesome! First vote for Shinedown!
DeleteThanks for stopping by and preventing a shutout.
~Mary
Govt Mule
ReplyDeleteThanks for the vote, Hope!
Delete~Mary
I give it to Gov't Mule who sound like a true rock band and love the guitar in that. The second are ok but the voice is typical now and reminds me of that Dougherty guy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Birgit
DeleteI think what you are hearing is the difference between Southern Rock and just plain ol' regular Rock. I've got your vote for Gov't Mule counted.
~Mary
Hi Mary!
ReplyDeleteGirl, you picked one of my very favorite songs for your battle! I love Skynyrd. Besides Gimme Back My Bullets, Simple Man is probably my fav Skynyrd song.
I liked Gov't Mule's version but Shinedown's version actually made me tear up because it was one of the songs played at a friend's funeral who tragically died after getting hit by a train a few years ago. Every time I hear the song now I think of Ben. I liked the emotion that Shinedown put into their version so they get my vote.
Excellent battle!
Michele at Angels Bark
Thanks, Michele!
DeleteI like this song as well. Sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. It's amazing how music can bring back memories of specific people and events in our lives.
Another vote for Shinedown
~Mary
Mary,
ReplyDeleteOh this is actually a tough decision for me. I think both artists bring something to the Lynyrd Skynyrd classic. I enjoy southern rock more now than I did years ago. Okay back to the contenders. The lead singer of Govt Mule has a fabulous voice with just the right edge that suits the style. I enjoyed Shinedown's simpler version of the song and the lead singer's voice is nice, but like Stephen pointed out when the artist raises his voice in places it's like shouting and that bothered me. Shinedown could've taken my vote had it not been for this fact. With that, I'm casting my vote for Govt Mule. Great battle! Thanks for popping in to vote in my BoTB and I apologize for the late return visit, dear friend! ;)
Thanks, Cathy!
DeleteI have a very strong feeling about Gov't Mule. Shinedown is trailing by a few...
Appreciate you taking the time to stop in to cast your vote!
~Mary