#BattleOfTheBands : The Caffeine Battle
Here we go again! Did anyone else besides Stephen catch my big faux pas in the last battle results? I declared someone a winner who wasn’t even in the battle. OOPS! Thank goodness for
I had thought perhaps it was a subliminal message that I should use this other person in today’s battle. But nothing of their discography jumped out at me as something I should use.
So then I thought I should use poor Ms Tyler, who didn’t get proper credit for winning the title when my post went live. Again, nothing in her discography screamed for attention.
But, do you know what I did seem to need? Caffeine…. and lots of it!
And that, my friends, is how today’s battle came to be.
Of course, I couldn’t find anything about a backstory for this tune, but I do know that it was originally written and released in 1953 by Danny Overbea I’ve got two fairly strong contenders today. So, sit back and grab a cup of your favorite caffeinated beverage and give these two a listen!.
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)
Step Two - Pick the contender that you prefer the most
Step Three - Comment with your selection. The comment section has been set up so that anyone can leave a comment. I do ask that you please include your name, should you use the anonymous feature. Today’s contenders are Bill Haley and Ella Mae Morse. These are the only contenders that will receive votes today in this battle. I know some of you get excited about the graphics when you see a name or song you recognize - but please, for the love of all things good and holy, ONLY VOTE FOR BILL HALEY or ELLA MAE MORSE.
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.
Contender #1 - Bill Haley & His Comets
Contender #2 - Ella Mae Morse with David Cavanaugh’s Music
YOU DON’T NEED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH AN ARTIST OR A SONG TO KNOW WHICH ONE YOU PREFER. You only need to listen to the videos and choose which one sounds better to you. There are no right or wrong votes, unless you vote for someone not listed as a contender or don’t vote at all.
Voting closes
UPDATE: Due to a last minute excursion out of town for Thanksgiving, I'm keeping the battle open a little bit longer. Votes will still count through Friday, November 23. Results will be posted Saturday November 24. Thank you everyone that has voted so far! It's a real tight race!
For you bloggers who may be interested in joining in our fun - 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 just want you to join in the fun! Catch the link to Stephen’s blog to join in - all you need to do is drop him a comment on his blog stating you’d like to participate and he’ll add you to the roster of participants. He doesn't bite - unless you ask him nicely.
I’d like to encourage you to visit the other bloggers participating in the battle of the bands blog hop as well. We’ve all 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 of participants 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).
I'll skip the caffeinated beverage since right now it's too late for me. Though I'm getting more convinced that coffee actually makes me sleepy--or maybe it's the sugar I put in it.
ReplyDeleteElla Mae certainly had a big sound, but I think I prefer the rockin' simplicity of Bill Haley and his Comets.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Hi Lee
DeleteSometimes I wonder if caffeine has the same effect on me. It's probably the warmth of the liquid that brings on the drowsiness.
First vote goes to Bill Haley. Thanks for stopping by!
~Mary
Well, Bonnie Raitt and Bonnie Tyler both have great voices, so, it's an understandable mix up. ☺ This is an interesting battle! Rock n Roll vs Big Band. I like them both, but Ella Mae's earthy vocals captured my attention a wee bit more. Please give my vote to her.
ReplyDeleteI agree, Debbie!
DeleteThey do have great voices, but it was egg on my face for the mix up! Glad I got it corrected before too long.
A vote for Ella Mae. Thanks!
~Mary
MMQE ~
ReplyDeleteI'm sitting here sipping my fourth cuppa joe. Only 36 more to go.
This was a terrific Battle. And to think that just a few days ago you still didn't know what you'd be putting together! Sometimes the 11th Hour spontaneity pays off.
I had to listen to BOTH songs TWICE, because I really liked them and needed more time to think about it. Loved the idea of putting Old School Rock 'N' Roll with a male voice up against a female-fronted Big Band. Nice way to mix it up!
I'm not sure I've heard of Ella Mae Morse before, but she gave Bill Haley & his Comets a good run for their money. Initially, I thought I'd vote for Ella, but then when I gave both songs a second playing, I decided that what cinched my vote for BILL HALEY was actually his band echoing the line "forty cups of coffee". Bill would sing it, his band would repeat it, and suddenly the line seemed adequately caffeinated. Funny how one little added touch like that can swing a BOTB bote. Had they not arranged the song with the band echoing that line, I'd have probably voted for Ella.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents 'BATTLE OF THE BANDS'
Thanks Stephen!
DeleteI was playing roulette with that website we talked about recently. and this song came up. It was a different vocalist, of course. She had a definite New Yawk accent and every time she sang the words came out as CAW-fee. Somehow, it hooked me. But I didn't choose her vocals, because while I was hooked, it was mildly annoying at the same time.
Much like a train wreck, I was intrigued, worried, and still couldn't look away.
I got lucky with a RNR v BB sound. And I believe you are correct, that is what makes this battle interesting. It's still early on, you'll have to tune in next week to see if Bonnie Raitt takes the win again :)
Enjoy your time away from the keyboard.
~Mary
As you know I am not doing well so I would love caffeine. However I, over here from both these contenders do not support any because both are great....
ReplyDeleteDang it all!
DeleteThe first NON-vote of the battle. Let's hope it's the last, as I specifically stated there is no wrong vote, unless it's a No-vote. For someone who posts a lot and comments often, you should be able to form some kind of opinion.
~Mary
Ella did a nice job of it, but there was something just plain wrong about the Big Band arrangement. Can't say if it was too slow or too much. This song is like Chuck Berry's "Reelin', Rockin' and Rollin'," so it felt more comfortable hearing Bill Haley and The Comets doing it, so that's who I'll go with.
ReplyDeleteI understand what you are saying, John.
DeleteI ran across another version by another big band. It sounded nice and smooth, yet it also seemed over-produced. So I skipped that one.
Thanks for voting!
~Mary
I love coffee, so I will take coffee any time, any day! My vote goes to Bill Haley and His Comets though, I listened to both songs, but Bill Haley made me feel like getting up and dance :-D
ReplyDeleteHe does have that effect! I actually enjoy both versions. The lyrics are stuck in my head like an earworm that just wont go away. I'm sure I'll be up all night humming 40 cups of caw-fee in my head!
DeleteThanks for stopping by with your vote :)
~Mary
For me it's got to be Bill Haley and the comets as this era of music is what my nan played to me when I grew up. I'm actually not a fan of coffee to be honest x
ReplyDeleteI'm not much of a fan of coffee, either. I prefer crappuccinos. Thanks so much for stopping in with a vote!
Delete~Mary
I don't love coffee since I prefer tea. But on to the votes! I'll give mine to Bill Haley and his comets! I've heard the song on throwback a couple of times so it wins for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dalene!
DeleteI hadn't heard the song before just the other day. Good to learn that it still gets played on the air.
~Mary
Mary,
ReplyDeleteWell....no I didn't catch your goof in your results post last time but you know what I remember voting in that battle and when I checked I don't see it. *smack forehead* I think that must have been around the time I was experiencing some commenting issues. Gee, I'm really sorry about that but I went with Lady Antebellum so it doesn't matter.
'Forty Cups of Coffee' will either get me going or cause DH to have me locked up. lol
Both covers are great but I think I prefer Ella Mae Morse. I really like her jazz vibes! Fun battle! Have a good weekend, dearie!
I think we've all had issues of some sort lately. It must be that time of year what it all goes south.
DeleteHaving accidentally overslept this morning, I could use an IV of caffeine to get me going!
Thanks for voting for Ella Mae Morse. She's a bit of a dark horse in this battle, but still a strong contender.
These are the kinds of tunes I grew up with. Have to say that I definitely preferred the version that Bill Haley and his Comets did. It was so upbeat!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mama!
DeleteDespite how the battle came about, it is turning out to be a pretty good one.
Thanks for stopping in with your vote.
~Mary
What a fun song! By 40 cups I'd be swinging across the rafters, but I do require a daily dose of 3 or so.
ReplyDeleteFor some reason, Miss Ella made me think of the movie "Roadhouse"...
I enjoyed the Bill Haley version much more and feel like I could do up a mean sink of dishes just now - thanks for the inspiration!
Hey there Diedre!
DeleteI sure do appreciate you taking the time to drop in with your vote. I'm like you, I need my daily dose of 3. Of course, I do it all in one big swoop, putting it in my 30oz steel drinking cup. That way I can savor my way through that caffeine and it will still stay warm.
~Mary
Okay hands down it is Bill Haley and the Comets. I remember my mother play his music.
ReplyDeleteThey do put a fun spin on the song, don't they?
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
~Mary
I went by your instructions for choosing and my winner is Bill Haley and the Comets.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Chichi!
DeleteResults will be posted later this week.
~Mary
No coffee for me! I think I have naturally high energy; not sure what coffee would do to this! Loved both songs, but Bill Haley & The Comets would have my vote! Thanks for a fun post!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteThis was a fun post to put together. Thanks for stopping by with a vote :)
~Mary
Both songs are really lovely, but I personally prefer Ella Mae Morse. I just really love her style and voice.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
DeleteI think she does a great job adding to the big band sound. Appreciate you casting a vote.
~Mary
Never heard of either but just Googled Ella Mae and found out that she was thought to be African-American because of her hip sound and vocal style. Funny that because I thought she was too...till I Googled her lol. I prefer her sound.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kemi
DeleteLooks like Ella Mae is making her presence known here in this battle. Thanks for the vote!
~Mary
I haven't had coffee in quite a while. My ex is a coffee freak and he got me hooked on French Press style and I have a great French Press but I just got tired of all that cleaning of the grounds. My folks always drank instant coffee and my Mom still has her cup of instant coffee each morning. That's more my style from a convenience standpoint but I guess I feel about coffee like I feel about beer: I just lost my taste for it.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I do love this song! When I first heard Bill Haley 7 the Comets doin' it right, I figured I'd be voting for their version. (I also really enjoyed the video).
But then I started Ella Mae's version and it grabbed me right away. THAT version is my favorite so Miss Ella gets my vote.
Have a good week and a great Thanksgiving. What are you doing for the holiday??
talk soon,
Michele at Angels Bark
Yeah
DeleteI'm more of an instant crappuccino person myself. But when I have it, it's a minimum of 3 cups. LOL I never did develop a taste for beer. I prefer the harder sweeter stuff :)
Ella Mae has a knack for catching us all by surprise, doesn't she?
Hope you have a great Holiday. I'm headed north (only about 25 miles) to spend a day or two with my cousin. Hope you're doing well.
We do need to chat soon!
~Mary
The coffee lover that I am will take coffee at any time. The battle is very hard, I will go with Bill Haley and His Comets.
ReplyDeleteI'll put a fresh pot on, just for you!
DeleteThanks for casting a vote. The results are going to be interesting.
~Mary
I loved Bill Haley, has such a good beat going that makes me dance a little while listening, and the vocals are great. That's my vote!
ReplyDelete- Jackie
Hi Jackie!
DeleteYes, he does have that effect on people. I was really surprised at how well he did translating the Big Band sound to Rock and Roll.
Thanks for stopping by!
~Mary
Not in the need of caffiene at the moment. I havent heard of these, but thanks to your post, did some google-ing! After listening to both the songs I think I'd go with Bill Haley and the Comets! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Aditi!
DeleteHope you found some good stuff on google ;)
~Mary
Though one, but I think I'll give my vote to Ella Mae Morse!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chloe!
DeleteShe does do a fantastic job, doesn't she? Thanks for the vote!
~Mary
Oh I have to give my vote to Ella Mae who sang this with such sultry style that I picture most people not only having coffee but a cigarette after. My vote goes to her because it sounds unique. I am not a coffee drinker at all...I know, my hubby wonders how i can start the day without caffeine but I am aok
ReplyDeleteHi Birgit!
DeleteI used to be able to get my day going without that caffeine kick, but lately it seems I need that jolt to wake me up and keep me going.
Thanks so much for another vote for Ella Mae :)
~Mary
I love this feature. It is really fun. Voting for Ella Mae this time. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd yes for coffee too! I also need one. :)
Hi Clarice
DeleteThis is one of the longest running features of my blog so far. I've had a lot of fun with it, and met some really awesome people along the way.
Thanks for stopping by with a vote.
~Mary
I have my first cup of coffee at 3:30 am every single day. I don't know why but it seems my body cannot sleep any more after 3 am. Anyway, listening to both songs, I would give my vote to Bill Haley and His Comets. Although Ella Mae did a good job too, but I prefer Bill Haley's version. It made me remember Saturday nights and my grandparents "chilling out" on the porch.
ReplyDeleteThose are the best kinds of memories, Kristine!
DeleteDo you go to bed early? Or are you a night owl as well? Hope you have a good Thanksgiving :)
~Mary
I will never refuse a cup of coffee. And somehow both videos got me entertained while wondering what should I blog about next.
ReplyDeleteI will vote for Ella Mae. I simply love her voice.
Hey there Karen Monica!
DeleteGlad that I could entertain you for a few moments. Hope that you were able to come up with something to blog about.
Thanks for stopping in with a vote.
~Mary
Mary, Mary...you made me flip my vote! I was all poised to vote for my old pal, Bill Haley, but I found myself really loving Ella's big band sounding version. She gets my vote!
ReplyDeleteHappy Turkey Day!
Hugs,
Cherdo
Ha Ha! I'm sneaky like that!
DeleteI think I found 2 really good contenders here, and this battle is proving to be a pretty darn good one!
Hope your turkey day goes off without a hitch.
~Mary
Easy to vote but I will go with Ella. Her voice makes me jump out of the bed and sing ! Such a good mood. Not too much a coffee lover, I prefer tea to be honest. But nothing compares with smelling the coffee.
ReplyDeleteHi, Cat!
DeleteShe sure does do a good job with this song. I'm surprised I hadn't heard more of her (or if I have, it isn't registering in my brain)
Thanks for stopping by!
~Mary
I enjoyed listening to both performers. These are from the days of the big band sounds and I sure love them both. That said, I am going to show my female bias and just go for Ella Mae Morse... she was ahead of her time!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Elizabeth!
DeleteI like how the big band sound compares against the early rock and roll sound. Your vote narrows the gap between the two contenders. It's going to be a real nail biter!
~Mary
Never heard this artist before but they are both great! as a music fan If I choose this two artist I choose Ella Mae Morse. she's a good and I like her voice :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteOh, this battle is definitely still too close to call. I really like it when it comes right down to the last minute. A sign of a good battle!
~Mary
UPDATE:
ReplyDeleteDue to an unexpected excursion out of town for Thanksgiving, I'm keeping the battle open for a few more days. Votes received through Friday, November 23 will be counted, and results posted on Saturday, November 24.
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
~Mary
Ohhh goodness Mary, the battle just keeps on getting more difficult. The last time, I had a hard time choosing who to vote for due to the fact that I loved both bands. Unfortunately, in this battle I do not know who to choose. Mainly because I do not know both of them. I am tempted to say NO VOTE however, as you always point out - there's no wrong vote so my verdict would be (drum rolling now) Ella Mae.
ReplyDeleteHi Sheena!
DeleteThat's the beauty of not being familiar with the artists, you get to listen to both versions without any preconceptions. You get to choose based solely on which one appeals to you more.
Thanks for stopping in with your vote! Happy Thanksgiving!
~Mary
Bill Haley gets my vote! I think some might get the gitters with 40 cups!
ReplyDeleteThanks Mike!
DeleteYeah, I think 40 cups is quite a bit of caffeine!
~Mary
This was a tough one. Both have great singing voices, but I think I prefer the first one more. The second one had more of a strip tease like vibe to it musically that seemed a bit off for the song.
ReplyDeleteHey there!
DeleteNot quite sure how you're getting a strip tease vibe from the Big Band Swing Band. Maybe it was the 40 cups of coffee that was making her sound a little 'off' to you.
Thanks for stopping in with your vote!
~Mary