Battle of the Bands - Feral Cat Edition
Time for the next installment of Battle of the Bands!
A Big welcome to the new readers and a hearty welcome back to those of you who are not so new to this blog.
As a regular participant of Mondays Music Moves Me - I’ve noticed an influx of participants. I’m guessing Cathy over at Curious as a Cathy played a big role in bringing in the new bloghoppers.
Today’s battle is inspired by them. I hope they’ll have fun and want to join in the Battle of the Bands blog hops as well.
For those of you who may be interested - The battles take place twice a month. Once on the 1st, and again on the 15th. Some participants have chosen to participate only once a month - and that’s okay - we’re just happy to have you join us! Your battle can consist of covers of the same song, different songs with the same title, or even a themed type battle. We’re not going to withhold your tuna and salmon treats if you don’t do as everyone else does. Catch the link later in this post to Stephen’s blog to join in the fun - all you need to do is drop him a comment on his blog and he’ll add you to the roster of participants. Don’t worry, he won’t bite or scratch (unless you ask him nicely!) He's a real cool cat.
As a reminder for you seasoned readers and to help out those of you who may be new here
Here is how a battle works:
Step One - Listen to each of the contenders. TRY not to be persuaded by the videos (unless specifically requested - in the case of today’s battle, listening is more important than watching)
StepTwo - Pick the contender that you prefer the most
Step Three - Comment with your selection. (Yes, I know my blog can be pretty sometimes. Yes, I know you may not be familiar with the song(s) or artist(s). Don’t tell me about that. Instead, give me your opinion on which is the better contender.)
Step Four - Visit Stephen’s blog to check out his battle and for a list of other bloggers that have have battles going on. We each have different battles, so please be sure to visit everyone. I'll provide a link below the videos to Stephen's blog for your convenience.
Alright - I’ll make this next part quick because I know some of you want to get on to the next cat fight, or mouse chase, or maybe even a good nap.
The song I chose for today was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. It was released by The Rolling Stones in December 1968. According to Mick Jagger, the song was inspired by "Heroin" by the Velvet Underground. The intro of Stray Cat and Heroin are similar. The song is told from the perspective of a man lusting after having illegal sex with a 15-year-old groupie, reasoning that "it's no hanging matter, it's no capital crime."
Contender #1 - Smashing Pumpkins
The Smashing Pumpkins are an American alternative rock band from Chicago, Illinois. Formed in 1988 by frontman Billy Corgan and James Iha, the band included D'arcy Wretzky and Jimmy Chamberlin in its original incarnation. It has undergone many line-up changes over the course of its existence, with the current lineup being Corgan, Chamberlin, Iha and guitarist Jeff Schroeder.
Contender #2 - Soundgarden
Soundgarden is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington, in 1984 by singer and rhythm guitarist Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto. Matt Cameron became the band's full-time drummer in 1986, while bassist Ben Shepherd became a permanent replacement for Yamamoto in 1990. The band dissolved in 1997 and re-formed in 2010. Cornell remained in Soundgarden until his death in May 2017, putting the band's future in doubt and leaving Thayil as the only remaining original member of the band.
Dog Lovers... your turn is coming soon! Stay tuned!
YOU DON’T NEED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH AN ARTIST OR A SONG TO KNOW WHICH ONE YOU PREFER. There are no right or wrong votes, unless you vote for someone not listed as a contender or don’t vote at all.
I’ll keep the voting open until Sunday, June 10 @ 3pm EST with results posted on Monday, June 11.
I’d like to encourage you to visit the other bloggers participating in the battle of the bands as well. We’ve put a lot of time and effort into putting together these battles and they are a lot of fun. Each blogger has a different battle taking place. You can find a current list on Stephen’s blog (don't forget you can also request to join the battle of the bands blog hop by simply commenting on his blog that you'd like to join us).
Mary,
ReplyDeleteI don't know that I've done anything special to get others boogieing on the Monday's Mewsic Moves Me dance floor. I think it's a collective effort by everyone doin' their thang sparking interest from each person's blog circle. :)
Today's battle song is not familiar to me but I do know both bands, not well, but I know them. Smashing Pumpkins seemed too rackety for my ears this morning. I'm sure that's my headache talking. Soundgarden sounded more pleasing to me and earns my vote.
I liked this battle - very fun! Now, I'm hopping off to see what others are sharing. I'll see you on the dance floor Monday, my friend. Have a good weekend! ;)
~Curious as a Cathy
"Your Song" #BoTB Showdown
Thanks, Cathy!
DeleteIt was a new to me song as well, Thanks for the vote, and I'll see you around on Monday.
~Mary
I remember sitting in front of a phonograph listening to this song repeatedly to copy the lyrics (as I could hear them) for some friends of mine who were working it up for their band. Oh for the internet and music lyrics that are easily accessible. I really like the Stones version and much prefer it to either of these. But that's no vote.
ReplyDeleteThe Smashing Pumpkins version is too slow, but I can hear the "Heroin" influence in this one. Give me the Soundgarden for the added pep. Not the Stones, but they get my vote.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
You got it, Lee!
DeleteToday's generation has it far too easy these days when it comes to gathering information. Oh, you want a copy of the song? Here's a fresh, clean copy - and no DJ talking over the intro or outro!
Thanks for stopping by with a vote!
~Mary
Cool theme, Mary! ☺ Looking forward to the "dog" one as well. This is a Rolling Stones song you don't hear too often. Both of these covers sounded good to me and it was a tough choice. After listening a few more times, I'm going with Soundgarden. Their slower pace and "grungier" sound appealed just a little more.
ReplyDeleteHey there Debbie!
DeleteI'm still working out the kinks of my 'Dog' fight but it will be a good one as well (I hope). I liked how this went from a blues tune to alternative rock.
Appreciate you stopping by! See you again next time.
~Mary
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteLoved your cat references in your lines. I got a good giggle from your "We're not going to withhold your tuna and salmon treats..." Lol. Fun! Looking forward to your dog themed one too... (And girl, you're always one jump ahead of me! I'm doing the October 4M and one of my themes was going to be songs with animals in the titles...and then I saw Marie's sidebar with all the upcoming themes and there it was. Drats! But it will be a fun theme and glad that it will happen sooner than later...)
As for your battle today: I wasn't familiar with Stray Cat Blues at all. Never noticed it on any Stones albums so it was all new to me. I didn't really care for the Smashing Pumpkins (although I adore the band name). It just sounded...umm...old...and unfinished. I just didn't like their sound.
Thankfully I did enjoy Soundgarden's version so my vote goes to them.
Have a fabulous weekend!
Michele at Angels Bark
Hey There Michele!
DeleteWe must certainly be on the same wave length when it comes to themes. Need some suggestions? I keep a list of theme ideas on a spreadsheet that I can refer back to whenever I am drawing a blank. Am happy to help ya out if ya need.
Yikes. I hope this isn't going to be a shutout battle for me. Will have to see what happens when all those kitties come to visit in the next day or two.
This was a fun one to write. Working out the kinks of the dog battle, but I should have it all put together in time for the 15th.
And I truly do hope some of the kitty bloggers join us for our battles as well.
Hope to see you around on Monday :)
~Mary
MMQE ~
ReplyDeleteHokey-Smoke! I had the day from hell yesterday! An extra shift I don't normally do -- 12 hours -- at a site I don't normally work -- a place we all call "The Dark Side" (as opposed to "The Pasture", where I normally work). I slept 10 hours but I'm still not recovered.
Saw the mention of your spreadsheet above and it reminded me to thank you again for the BOTB spreadsheet of past Battles that you've shared with me. That's come in pretty handy over the last month. I check on it more and more these days as my memory diminishes more and more with every Mojito I drink.
Wow! I'm so tired right now -- and still doped-up on prescription sleeping pills.
>>... Don’t worry, he won’t bite or scratch (unless you ask him nicely!) He's a real cool cat.
Ha!-Ha! I like to think of myself more as a "hot dog", but then I've always been self-deluded.
That made me laugh-out-loud. I think that when the lights go out, everyone is a "freak" in one way or another. But not being celebrities, most of us have the good sense not to yak about it in public. ;-) (BTW, for the record, I have NO foot fetish. I can't understand such a thing! ...But I'm a freak in my own way. DOH!)
BOTB: I think Michele described the Smashing Pumpkins version precisely: "Unfinished". It just sounds raw to me, like they were fooling around in someone's garage and just playing so they'd have something to do while drinking beer.
I sincerely wish I could bust up this (temporary?) shutout for ya, but I gotta vote for SOUNDGARDEN, too.
If John shows up, maybe he can help you. He sometimes has a tendency, I think, to "End" shutouts. ("End" being a wink and nod to the sign in the Smashing Pumpkins picture.)
Good luck! I've currently got a shutout brewing at my place, too, but I'm positive mine won't end that way.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents 'Battle Of The Bands'
Good Mornin' Stephen! (no matter the time o'day it really is)
DeleteI'm not too worried if it's a shutout this time. I've had some pretty good runs the past few battles, so I figure I'm due.
Like you, I also rely on that spreadsheet quite a bit. It sure does come in handy when choosing songs or deciding if particular battles need re-visited.
Glad that I could bring a little bit of happiness to you in your crazy week.
~Mary
To be honest...I don't like either and I was going to go with Soundgarden until they started yelling the song (in my opinion) and started going more punkish so I am going for Smashing Pumpkins. They don't sound as finished as the other band but I like their sound a bit better
ReplyDeleteThanks, Birgit!
DeleteIf nothing else, you have prevented a shutout. Thanks for sharing your opinion and vote.
~Mary
Not only are The Smashing Pumpkins from Chicago, they formed at Loyola University, my alma mater (BBA '78).
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I'm going to vote for Soundgarden, because I didn't really care for the sound of the Pumpkins.
Thanks, John!
DeleteYou had me going for a moment, thinking you would be voting for the pumpkins. Soundgarden is running away with this one.
~Mary
I have to say I never heard this song before--but then I was never a fan of LOUD music!! If I have to choose which I know I do I guess I have to go with Soundgarden--at least I could understand a couple of the words!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Miki!
DeleteAppreciate you stopping in to cast your vote.
~Mary
Soundgarden gets my vote on this one
ReplyDeleteHey Mike!
DeleteThanks for the vote!
~Mary