As soon as I remember how I placed them, I'll remove them.
I am dcrelief ~ and this is BATTLE OF THE BANDS!! [BOTB] The blogging event first introduced by our friends:
BOTB ~ where you listen to different recordings of the same song, and vote for the song version you like. There are two "Battles" per month, on the 1st and 15th. Feel free to leave us a comment, along with your vote.
The results come six days later, (on the 7th and 21st). That's when I return, add all of the votes, including mine, and announce the winner. Please stop back in, to see if your choice won!
If you would like to listen and vote in other battles, I have a blog list in the right margin > > > BATTLE BAND PARTICIPANTS... click on one to take you there.
If you would like to join this blog hop see (STMcC) Stephen T. McCarthy's link above; leave him a message, and your blog address.
Today's battle is between two versions of "Look Through Any Window."
# 1 - The Hollies are the original artists from the United Kingdom ~ brief background.
With youthful exuberance, Tony Hicks' guitar work, Bobby Elliott's great drumming, and harmonious vocal, "Look Through Any Window" is one of the Hollies' best early hits. Written by Graham Gouldman and Charles Silverman, it was recorded by the Hollies on June, 30, 1965 at the Abbey Road Studios. It was released on the Parlophone label in the UK on August 27, reaching #4, and in the US in September on Imperial Records, reaching #32, becoming their 1st big American hit. It was included in their American album, Hear! Here! and can be found on the CDs Best of the Hollies: Air That I Breathe and The Hollies' Greatest Hits on EMI.
# 2 - The challenging artists are: Michael Carpenter & Rob Smith from Australia ~ brief background.
Michael is a man of many talents. In addition to being a sessional lecturer at JMC Academy Sydney (teaching music production & spatial recording techniques), he is a published writer, songwriter, musician, mastering guy and owner and producer at Love Hz Studios. Projects throughout his successful career have earned both ARIA and Golden Guitar Award nominations. This song performed by Michael Carpenter & Rob Smith. Produced and mixed by Michael Carpenter. Engineered by Kylie Whitney and Michael Carpenter. Video filmed on a Canon 550d and edited in Sony Vegas Pro 11 by Kylie Whitney and MC.
Michael is a man of many talents. In addition to being a sessional lecturer at JMC Academy Sydney (teaching music production & spatial recording techniques), he is a published writer, songwriter, musician, mastering guy and owner and producer at Love Hz Studios. Projects throughout his successful career have earned both ARIA and Golden Guitar Award nominations. This song performed by Michael Carpenter & Rob Smith. Produced and mixed by Michael Carpenter. Engineered by Kylie Whitney and Michael Carpenter. Video filmed on a Canon 550d and edited in Sony Vegas Pro 11 by Kylie Whitney and MC.
I liked the Hollies from the first they came on the music scene. They did so many great songs with a sound that was so catchy.
ReplyDeleteBoth versions are pretty close in the delivery. The version by Michael Carpenter and Rob Smith is very well executed and they add some neat things to the song, but in my opinion they don't add enough that's really new.
I much prefer the Hollies jangly more upbeat take of this song. It's the one that stirs the most memories and feels better for me to hear.
I vote for the Hollies.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Hi Lee.
DeleteI understand your statement, ["...but in my opinion they don't add enough that's really new."] I had another group but their embedded link wouldn't work. It was a little disappointing, so I went this route. Thank you for your vote!
The Hollies.
I really like the second one. I think they updated the song nicely.
ReplyDeleteYeah me too. A little slower, fuller sound; nice guitar riff.
DeleteMichael & Ron for you.
DIXIE POLKA ~
ReplyDeleteIn general, I am not really a fan of The Hollies. That having been said, however, I really, REALLY like 'LONG, COOL WOMAN IN A BLACK DRESS' (that song seriously rocks and turns my car's dashboard into a drum kit!). And I flat-out LOVE 'HE AIN'T HEAVY, HE'S MY BROTHER'. The latter is one of my favorite songs of all time.
So, although most of what The Hollies recorded doesn't do much for me, when they hit "IT", they hit it "BIG" for me.
Unfortunately, THIS song by The Hollies embodies the elements of their sound that DO NOT appeal to my ears: that early '60s Rock simplicity and the high-pitched jangly sound that simply bothers my ears (and is the primary reason I NEVER liked The Byrds and never bought a single single or a single album by them).
The Carpenter / Smith cover was still a little too jangly for me, but it was toned down from the irritating level of the original. Plus, it sounded richer; instrumentally a bit more complex and interesting and probably indicates better musicians overall.
This time, I'll take the cover over the original.
~ D-FensDogg
'Loyal American Underground'
["...turns my car's dashboard into a drum kit!] Yeah, I can understand. My glove box ate it over a Santana run. Two words: super glue.
DeleteI'd never heard this song until three weeks ago. Then I never paid much attention to the Hollies.I was going for two covers. However, I agree with the two songs you've pointed out.
Thanks for voting... time to get busy.
Michael and Ron for you.
I was fully expecting to like The Hollies better as I like them as a band but I prefer the 2nd version. It seems more refined even though it has more of an edge (does that make sense?). I had to laugh about the hearts-I have done things before and had no idea what I did-I had to get my niece to help me
ReplyDeleteI understand, Birgit. I often wonder if the way they recorded songs back then, as compared to today's improved equipment affects the newer quality we've come to enjoy. Nah!
DeleteMichael and Ron for you. Thank you for voting!
The hearts are on all three of my blogs. I'll find the link instructions soon, promise. :)
Ooh, McCarthy had a good word there - 'richer'. I liked both versions, but the instrumentals in the second were a lot richer, so that earns our vote.
ReplyDeleteHowever, if The Hollies want to earn our vote last minute, we DO openly accept bribes.
You guys - always the humanitarians. I feel richer for knowing you and you. BTW - do you get one vote or two? After all there are two of you.
DeleteMichael & Ron for you (but not you).
Good question! That usually depends on who's answering. If both of us are there, then that would be two. Otherwise, it's just one of us. If you'd like two votes, I can ask my cohort what he would pick and he can chime in. We do that for Mr. McCarthy as a little game to see if he can guess who will pick what. Like with this particular BOTB, I feel like my cohort would also like both songs, but ultimately I'm not certain which he would pick.
DeleteI say, the more the merrier! I'm also guessing that the 'you' who hasn't voted will like Michael and Ron too.
DeleteThen again, we might want to ask him if he'd like to vote. He could be out ghostbusting,
As things would have it, the unvoted one is a very big 60s British rock fan... so you should be surprised to hear I'm actually voting for The Hollies.
DeleteAnd for the record, I can always take off a day of ghostbusting in the interest of good classic British rock. Helps keep you calm after all of that ectoplasm getting everywhere. I mean, everywhere.
Ah, yes, BP Goo Gone - I've heard of that.
DeleteSo... ABftS # 2 is for the Hollies. Delightful!
I really like the original. It does have that jangly, Byrdsy feel to it, but unlike the esteemed StMc, I do like that sound (although later versions of the Byrds with Clarence White were better).
ReplyDeleteBut I was surprised by how much I liked the remake -- slowing it down just a trifle gave it more of a groove, and of course modern recording allows for a much cleaner, fuller, richer sound quality. And this song actually evoked something in me that you'll rarely hear me say: "The guitar wasn't needed." At 1:50, the weird feedback-y guitar added nothing, and while the following solo was decent, it really wasn't needed.
But definitely overall, Carpenter & Smith take it in this battle, I think.
Chris - Most bands, be it Byrds, Hollies, DC-5, Turtles, Association - depended on the song for me. I didn't discount any band completely. Heck, I even listened to some Paul Revere & the Raiders.
DeleteI think you nailed some details there. I listened to Hollies, and at 1:39, they have a similar guitar piece going on. I think since it's faster paced, one takes less notice. Either way, I understand what you're saying. Works for me!
Michael and Ron for you. Thank you for voting.
For me it's EASILY the second one.
ReplyDeleteGood - that's EASILY enough added to the list!
DeleteThank you for your vote. Michael and Ron for you, as well.
I remember seeing The Hollies do this on some show back in the 1960's, and it's still one of my faves. Carpenter and Smith's version was exactly one minute longer, and the extra minute didn't make it any better. The Hollies!
ReplyDeleteJohn - you know I thought the same thing about that minute, but I do love the slower pace.
DeleteI appreciate your vote. Hollies or the man!
Sorry I'm so late to this party, but then you know me.
ReplyDeleteI'll take door #2 That Carpenter/Smith cover lacks the tinny sound of the original. It seems fuller and the vocals don't seem as whiny to my way of thinking.
Good BATTLE, enjoyed both versions (a real blast from the past), but the cover (BTW what year was that done? Do you know?) beat out the original more familiar version. somewhat unusual, I would say. Be interesting to see who wins this one.
Hi Farawayeyes. No problem here. I thought to shut it down, the battle is so one-sided. Poor Hollies.
DeleteMichael Carpenter released an album called, 'SCOOP # 5' in June 2012. He does 14 covers of other artists' music, on it. I can't remember the name of his latest album. He also produces and offers pricing if you'd like to try a new career. (smile)
Thanks so much for voting. Carpenter / Smith for the lady!
The Hollies get my voice. Carpenter/Smith do a good job but I guess I am in a retro mood.
ReplyDeleteHi Mike, I'm glad someone is feeling retro. I'm stuck here in an ice storm... maybe some Iron Butterfly to warm the mood.
DeleteI'm glad you could vote this one. 'Hollies,' said the man!
Even though the second one isn't that much different than the first... or maybe because the second one isn't that much different than the first... makes this a difficult battle. I listened to both all the way through. Then began the first again. Stopped it. Started the second. It's still playing as I type this.
ReplyDeleteI noted Chris Fries' comment that the second version is slower. It's also louder (just better sound, I guess, being more modern) and the guy doing the singing sounds like the lead singer of the Gin Blossoms. Did you notice that? He also does the slow slides from note to note much like the Gin Blossoms. (Very similar sound) Now I stopped the second and the first is playing again.
The Hollies have a very typical 60s sound. Whereas the second recording sounds 90s to me. I'll have to scroll back up to check when they recorded it. Hold on. Doesn't say. Now, I have to look it up. The internet is saying 2012. However, it still sounds 90s to me.
I guess this comes down to which sound and style appeals more to me. I'm feeling very torn about it. I like them both. With a sigh, I vote for the second one (tough call!): Carpenter and Smith.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1qB6XdAkkAo
This comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteGin Blossoms has quite a few similarities. Maybe I could have checked to see if Carpenter produced their album. He's been around a while. Thanks for the link to their song.
ReplyDeleteRobin, you raise what I think to be a valid point, that has me stumped every battle. What to include in the write up? I haven't found an example of what needs to be included. Of course the year it was recorded should be simple enough for anyone to think to add. But I didn't. I looked it up for Fae, and left the information in response to her comment. Of course I understand not reading other's comments, so as not to be influenced. Let's just agree that I screwed up.(smile)
Thank you so much for voting. carpenter and Smith for the lady!
Sound quality aside, I think I prefer The Hollies' version....I like that it has just a hint of that psychedelic sound I love so much about 60s music.
ReplyDeleteKim - I know exactly what you mean. Sounds good to me.
DeleteHollies for this lady!
We're looking Hollies 5 / Carpenter & Smith 8 - still going.
a little bit too similar for me.. great song I remember it well. I'll go with the Hollies only because I know them. Not the best criterion I know ..
ReplyDeleteHi Susan - very nice to meet you. (smile)
DeleteI think the only criterion is to decide which version you like. That said, I think you've succeeded! Thank you for voting in my battle!
Hollies for Susan!
Usually, I would go for the older band. I'm a sucker for an original. But these "battle of the bands" posts are opening my eyes a bit.
ReplyDeleteMy vote is for the Carpenter/Smith version (both song and video).
Cherdo - I understand.The newer artist interpretation may have a quality, or a sound I find more appealing or adaptive to the words or melody than the original. Yet it does not mean I let go of the old. Even now, with these two, I hear both no matter which one I play. (Yes, I think I'm that strange. smile)
DeleteCherdo wants Carpenter /Smith. I'm glad you voted!
Current status: Voting is still open!!
ReplyDeleteHollies @ 6 votes
Carpenter /Smith @ 9 votes
I'll return Friday at midnight to add the votes, and post the results. Thank you to everyone who has voted so far (smile).
Dixie, I'm not familiar with this song by The Hollies. But, that's ok. Both are excellent ~ very similiar in sound, but I think Carpenter/Smith edges out The Hollies with their vocals. They just seemed a bit more pleasant to my ears over the original. Give another vote to Carpenter/Smith!
ReplyDeleteCathy, I didn't know it either. Things tumbled in this direction, though. I agree on the vocals. Thank you for voting. Looking forward to your Saturdaysuasion!
DeleteCarpenter /Smith for the lady!