#BattleOfTheBands Results : Ain't That A Shame
Wow! This week went by so quickly, I *ALMOST* forgot to do this post. I mean, I would have still posted the results, but they would have been a day or two late.
Before we get started with the results, though, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to my good friend, Michele of Angels Bark. Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she goes through the grieving process. Michele, if you ever want to just talk, or scream and yell… you have my number. I’m here for you.
Okay, let’s think about something a bit more happier.
This past week was a showdown of Fats Domino’s ‘Ain’t That A Shame’.
While researching the song, I learned that Cheap Trick had done a cover, and their cover did very well on the charts. They reached #35 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and #10 on the Canadian RPM Top Singles Chart. Call it a hunch, but I suspect the intro was cut from radio airplay - and that is the secret to their chart success. (there are no facts to back this theory up, it’s just my theory)
I also learned that John Lennon had done a cover of the song. According to Wikipedia, ‘Ain’t That A Shame’ was the very first song the Lennon learned to play.
While searching for the John Lennon cover, I found covers done by Paul McCartney. I *ALMOST* left my battles as a John vs Paul battle - but I knew Paul’s version was rather weak. To quote Stephen T McCarthy, “I don't know what Paul was doing here but it was... not good. First, his voice didn't sound right. Ragged, off-note, off-key? I don't know, but he didn't sound to me like a professional singer. More like some dude who's had 3 too many Martinis on Karaoke night at the local dive. “ The more I listened to his version, it just sounded like he usually does. And now I question whether Paul was ever a good vocalist.
So how did this battle shake out?
Well, it ended up pretty much as I had thought it would. There was a tie between Cheap Trick and John Lennon, and that left me to break the tie with a vote. I was a little put off by the lengthy intro that Cheap Trick gave, but after the intro, I really enjoyed their version. However, John Lennon did a smashing job from the get-go and the keys and sax won me over.
The Final Tally, including my vote:
Paul McCartney with 1 vote
John Lennon with 5 votes
Cheap Trick with 4 votes
I found a mashup of Lennon and McCartney doing the song, but quite honestly - it sounded like a trainwreck. But I will leave you with another find.
Be sure to come back on the 15tht for a brand new battle! But before you go… tell me, what did you think of this battle? Did you hate it? Did you enjoy it? What should I battle next?
Funny, but the intro of the Cheap Trick version is what really sold me to draw my vote. I like some flashy playing sometimes and I thought the intro was fun.
ReplyDeleteInteresting outcome, but I guess would probably hold those similar odds even if there had been a thousand votes.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Interesting. I wonder if Cheap Trick would have won if their intro wasn't so long, although I see Arlee liked that, so maybe we would have lost his vote? Great fun. Sorry to hear about Michele's loss.
ReplyDeleteJanet’s Smiles
Nice to know I backed the winner, here. I'm so sad for Michele. Hope she's doing okay and has people around her for support. ♥
ReplyDelete>... The more I listened to his version, it just sounded like he usually does. And now I question whether Paul was ever a good vocalist.
ReplyDeleteMMQE ~
I actually like a lot of Paul's vocals - especially stuffs he did in his post-Beatles solo / Wings career. I don't think he was a poor vocalist. At least certainly not by Rock standards. In all seriousness, I would bet a pretty penny that Paul had tilted back a few at the pub (or in the studio) before he recorded that version of 'Ain't That A Shame'. He truly did sound to me like he was a bit juiced.
Excellent take on the song by Hank "Bocephus" Williams Jr. I'd never heard that before, but I can assure you that had you included it in the Battle, I'd have voted for Bocephus in a heartbeat over Lenin, Cheap Trick, or Paul McBuzzed. In fact, had your Battle been Fats Domino versus Bocephus, I think I'd still have been "boting" Bocephus.
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS