Sunday, March 1, 2015

Battle of the Bands ~ "All Along the Watchtower"

WELCOME TO BATTLE OF THE BANDS!!

 **BOTB ~ where you listen to different recordings of the same song, and vote for the song version you like.  Feel free to leave us a comment, along with your vote.** There are two "Battles" per month, on the 1st and 15th.  

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. Feel free to return and see if your choice won!

The blogging event first introduced by our friends: 

If you would like to listen, and vote in other battles, please see the participant list in the right margin. If you would like to join this blog-hop contact Stephen T. McCarthy; leave him a message, and your blog address. We would love to have you participate.

Okay - here's the post I originally planned to use, but hadn't polished it up yet. I was going for a personal connection to create more interest.

Parents working at the coliseum. Babysitter unavailable; big brother stuck with taking me to Jimi Hendrix concert. On the floor at the sixth row, I stood there,  jaw dropped, watching this man play guitar with his teeth. Looked to brother to help me understand; he's standing there in a time zone or something.

I decided to make a battle on Jimi Hendrix. I certainly had a nice personal story to connect here. I listened to covers, interviews, and wiki-stuff. Guess what? Bob Dylan wrote and composed the original song I'd chosen. Not Hendrix? Not even!  So my personal story went by the way. What did I know about Dylan? Squat. ~ 

The non-personal connection post:
If you please,... a brief background on Bob Dylan's, "All Along The Watchtower." 
July, 1966, singer/song writer Bob Dylan recuperates in his Woodstock home. A motorcycle accident provides 18 months for Dylan to complete lyrics and music for his album, "John Wesley Harding." Among those tunes, "All Along The Watchtower" emerges, and he records it in November 1967.

Dylan's song is described as, "... a dark, sparse work that stands alone...". It's like nothing Dylan has ever written.

Later, Michael Goldstein, who worked for Dylan’s manager Albert Grossman, took tapes of Dylan's songs to London for the singer, songwriter, guitarist, Jimi Hendrix to hear, who recorded and released a cover of "All Along the Watchtower," in September 1968. Hendrix's version is what most people think to be the original. ( I did.) Wrong!

Here's some irony. Hendrix died in 1970, and Dylan said: "I liked Jimi Hendrix's record of this, and ever since he died I've been doing it that way... strange how when I sing it, I always feel it's a tribute to him in some kind of way." The end.

Neither one is included in this battle. Sorry!

Here's the Battle:: ~ Bryan Ferry versus Taj Mahal ~  

# 1 - Bryan Ferry has probably made a cover of every song you can think of... but he's also quite talented with his original lyrics and songs. Bryan Ferry, CBE (born 26 September 1945) is an English singer-songwriter and musician.  When his sales as a solo artist, and as a member of Roxy Music are combined, Ferry has sold over 30 million albums worldwide.   

#2 - Taj Mahal, stage name for Henry Saint Clair Fredericks (born May 17, 1942), is an American Grammy Award-winning blues musician. He often incorporates elements of world music into his works. A self-taught singer-songwriter and film composer who plays the guitar, piano, banjo and harmonica (among many other instruments). Mahal has done much to reshape the definition and scope of blues music over the course of his almost 50-year career by fusing it with nontraditional forms, including sounds from the Caribbean, Africa and the South Pacific.

Dylan's Lyrics:
"There must be some way out of here" said the joker to the thief
"There's too much confusion," I can't get no relief
Businessmen, they drink my wine, plowmen dig my earth
None of them along the line know what any of it is worth.

"No reason to get excited", the thief he kindly spoke
"There are many here among us who feel that life is but a joke
But you and I, we've been through that, and this is not our fate
So let us not talk falsely now, the hour is getting late".

All along the watchtower, princes kept the view
While all the women came and went, barefoot servants, too.

Outside in the distance a wildcat did growl
Two riders were approaching, the wind began to howl.

50 comments:

  1. I've always like Ferry's voice. While the piece is almost over-produced, it has a rich quality to it. His version gets my vote.

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    1. Alex, thank you for voting. Bryan has a very young lead guitarist on this tour, and I think he's good.

      I've got you for Bryan Ferry.

      Delete
  2. This song has been used a couple times now and you've brought in two completely new versions that I'd never heard before--both very good. And I like the personal story connected here.

    Taj Mahal's version has a nice groove to it and the sax is a fine addition.

    I've long enjoyed Bryan Ferry's style. I prefer the style his band plays in for this song version. It's a good version. This one is my favorite of the two you've presented here.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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    1. Lee,
      First of all, thank you for your help this past week, (smile).

      I thought to pit Ferry against Hendrix... after all, I had the little personal tidbit to connect. Ferry in an interview, says Dylan is the original artist. (WHAT?) I listened to Dylan's original version but thought, "no way" am I pitting that against Ferry. Also, I had no little personal connection (with Dylan), so I went on a hunt for someone to challenge Ferry, eliminating Dylan and Hendrix... enter Taj Mahal.

      Thank you for voting, and your comment made my day!

      Another vote for Bryan Ferry!

      Delete
  3. DIXIE POLKA ~
    WHOA! WOW! WOO-HOO!

    Yes, now I get why you were so surprised by my timely mention of Bob Dylan and 'Subterranean Homesick Blues' as POSSIBLY being the first Rap song.

    And, yes, as Lee mentioned, 'ALL ALONG THE WATCHTOWER' has been used in two previous BOTBs. After a year and a half of Graveyard Shi(f)ts my memory is shot all to hell. But if my memory is lucid momentarily, I would guess it was Chris Fries and Mike who used the song before.

    But this is the first time that anyone has used (and I have ever heard) the Bryan Ferry and Taj Mahal versions.

    When it comes to music, I am ENTIRELY objective. When it comes to BOTB voting, I am TOTALLY honest. You will never see me write, "I vote for the ABC version because I am more familiar with it". I OBJECTIVELY listen to both versions, and regardless of which version I know better or which one is done by the performer I generally prefer, I vote for the version I like best right then and there. PERIOD.

    I am a HUGE Bob Dylan fan, and like only two songs Jimi Hendrix ever recorded, one of those two is 'All Along The Watchtower'. I own maybe ten Dylan albums and zero Hendrix albums, but I openly admit that the Hendrix cover of '...Watchtower' is better than the Dylan original (and is one of the two Hendrix songs I genuinely like).

    Bob Dylan revolutionized songwriting and is probably the second most influential person in American music, after Louis Armstrong (and, yes, he was objectively a more revolutionary, influential, and better songwriter "than Roky Erickson, Neil Young, or Bruce Cockburn"). But Hendrix took a Dylan song and made it BETTER. Hendrix added the power that the lyrics called for. Dylan - to his credit - recognized that fact, and THAT is why Dylan has played his own song more like Hendrix did, than the way he originally recorded it, ever since then.

    BOTH covers you presented here were EXCELLENT. I've never really been a big Bryan Ferry fan (although the cover of Roxy Music's 'Country Life' album is rather eye-catching in a heterosexual male way). And I once saw Taj Mahal headline the Watts Blues Festival in Los Angeles (circa 1983 or '84, I think).

    Yeah, I had gotten big into the Blues and dragged my White buddies to Watts for the festival. I was pretty "cool" then and knew the Black folk wouldn't give me no trouble. (The Watts section of L.A., if you don't know, was the home of America's worst riot until The Rodney King Riot in the '90s. How could the home of The Beach Boys also be the home of America's worst riots?!)

    The Taj Mahal cover of '...Watchtower' is fantastic. But, damn, the Bryan Ferry version is even better. I think I like it even better'n the Hendrix cover. Those are some stellar musicians on that stage!!!

    Alex called it "almost over-produced". Uh... yeah... well, the only problem with that is... it's NOT being "produced" (in a recording studio); it's being played LIVE! But the musicianship is so outstanding that it sounds like it was produced in a studio. (Unless someone is B.S.-ing us and this was a studio recording used in conjunction with live footage. But I don't think so.)

    [OK, I've watched/heard it 3 times now, and that is THE BEST version of 'Along The Watchtower' EVER! Yes, better'n Hendrix's famous cover. To steal a line from the movie 'Butch Cassidy And The Sundance Kid'... "Who ARE those guys?!" The lead guitarist looks like a gal, but I ain't buying that.]

    Bryan Ferry earns my vote, and knocked Hendrix off his throne.

    HOKEY-SMOKE! FANTASTIC BOTB, DIXIE POLKA. One of my favorites ever. (And you almost quit BOTB? Sheesh! Talk about a "comeback".)

    ~ D-FensDogg
    'Loyal American Underground'

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    1. ~ D-FensDogg -
      ["Yes, now I get why you were so surprised by my timely mention of Bob Dylan and 'Subterranean Homesick Blues' as POSSIBLY being the first Rap song."]

      Surprised is not the word... shocked is! You might remember the following quote from you:

      ["If you have any trouble stamping your BOTB blog bits with your own personality, just Email what you have to me and I will edit it and make it your own. Am I funny or what?"]

      Or what!?? And who needs Email? (Say a prayer, like I did.) Of all the artists you could have thrown my way... you send Dylan, who just happens to be the very artist I have NO personal connection with... BUT he's a big part of my battle? Do you "Psychic Hotline" or wiretap laptops? (Don't answer.) Quasars and universe debris... this is out of my league. Either way, "this possible rap song" gives new meaning to... um, having that 'personal connection' with Dylan. Thanks ~ D-FensDogg. Back to the battle...

      In this particular video, I don't know if that's "Roxy Music" backing him. Certainly not the young man playing lead; he could very well be Ferry's son, for all I know. Ferry is on tour right now... he's known for using different back up bands. This version is incredible, and I wondered if it might become a shut out... but I'm ready for the risk!

      You saw Taj Mahal in concert? Sheesh, what are the chances of hearing that? He's been around a while - but to find someone who has seen him? No problem - he's still my wild card. I'm enjoying both versions!

      Hmm? Do I know California, LA, Watts, riots, Beach Boys? Well, I'll think about it, send you the top vibes, and maybe you'll come up with another "possible rap song"? (Geez, is Dionne Warwick on the line again?) [It's that universe debris... I know it.] [Then there's Carnac... doesn't he sell cars?]

      I'm glad you are funny, (and what), but more importantly, I'm glad you can take a joke. Next to FAE, you're the best 'BOTB BOSS' I have, (smile). [Did you hear the cymbals?]

      Thank you for your vote: Bryan Ferry takes on a third one.

      ~dcrelief
      'Quasar Patrol'

      Delete
    2. Well, I have definitely had my share of "psychic" experiences. I'm a pretty Spiritual bloke, so, yeah, I've had my dreams and heard my Voices, premonitions and stuffs. Ha!

      In a way, the Bryan Ferry version combines both the Dylan original and the famous Hendrix cover...

      Vocally, it is more subdued, like Dylan's original, but musically it is more powerful, with that guitarist's special, haunting tone.

      I love the Hendrix cover, but it was a bit manic, combining his electric guitar workout with the shouted "singing".

      The Ferry version combines both elements and makes it his own in the process. (He better hang on to that guitarist though. Pay that boy well!)

      ~ D-FensDogg

      Delete
    3. You know - I really set no expectations with this battle. I just wanted to recapture the fun of music.

      Your comments and compliment on this battle are greatly appreciated, but I didn't expect that either. I just wanted to have fun... and be a facilitator of fun to everyone else who stopped by. I think I may have achieved that.

      And while I'm in an appreciative mood, thanks for the "Subterranean Homesick Blues" link. I didn't realize at first that it was a song title. Actually left here, but came back later and decided to paste it in the browser bar or I'd never known. It really gave me an extra boost to keep going. Yeah well, that said, I'm checking off a while.

      Take care Dogg.

      Delete
  4. I never knew Dylan created this song and knew of no other version but Hendrix. I surprise myself and like Ferry's version. I thought he might be too...white:) (I am ghostly pale so this is funny) but I like what he did with the song and he really got into it. The kid with the guitar amazed me. He gets my vote over Taj Mahal

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    1. Birgit ~ I had no idea either. It was going to be a 'easy-peasy' battle between the "original," Hendrix, and Bryan Perry, coupled with a cutesy story of me seeing Hendrix in concert... BUT NO! Along came Dylan.

      ["I surprise myself and like Ferry's version. I thought he might be too...white:)"]

      That's funny! I know exactly where you're coming from. I wondered, how could Dylan have written this "soulful song"? Interpretation is everything. Color never entered into my thoughts of Hendrix doing this song. My concern as a kid was that Hendrix, playing guitar with his teeth, might be electrocuted by his guitar. Wow!

      Yeah - that kid is VERY impressive; his interpretation/execution is quite nice.

      I'm very glad you voted, and left a comment. You're witty as well!!

      The lady takes Bryan Ferry... and his awesome guitarist!

      Delete
  5. Ah man, I thought we were getting to hear a Hendrix/Dylan battle. Too tough anyway . .

    These two artists are closely matched. I liked the sort of bluesy sound to Taj Mahal. But I really enjoyed Ferry. Brought something to the song, I don't know, it was just very good. Dang, can that blond boy play guitar. Such nimble fingers. he will go far as a guitarist I think.

    Give my vote to Bryan Ferry.

    Loved your personal story beginning too Dixie :) What a way to kid-sit. Hope the brother did not get into trouble with your parents.

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    1. Hey Dolorah.
      Maybe I shoulda pit Hendrix and Ferry- another time, another tune. And yes, the little guitarist is amazing. He looks like he's kind of nervous.

      Taj Mahal is nice and bluesy - yeah.

      Well, no chance of a tie here? Ha-ha! I'm having fun anyway.

      Bryan Ferry for you! Thank you very much for voting, and the comment!

      Oh, and no, the brother got extra points for fending off the funny little cigarettes making the rounds!

      Delete
  6. I like Ferry's version better. Just had more feel to it for me.

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    1. Well said, and I appreciate your visit, vote and comment, Pat!

      Bryan Ferry takes another vote.

      Delete
  7. You want me to be perfectly honest here don't you? OK, then I will be!

    When I first read your BATTLE early this morning, I actually groaned (well, inwardly anyway). I thought; 'not 'Watchtower AGAIN". BUT, I have to admit you managed to pull it off with two versions that are not very well known or common and both quite good.

    I DID know Dylan wrote this song, but then I acquired my taste for Mr. Zimmerman long ago. I do like his version even if Jimi's has become iconic.

    I like Bryan Ferry's version quite well. He sure has a eclectic band backing him up. A lot of 'snow' on the rooftops and then there is that 'kid'. Wowee! He sure can play that guitar.

    I love Taj Mahal and when that tenor sax (I think) starts up, I'm done. I also think maybe I associate this song with more rough-cut vocals (think both Hendrix and Dylan) like Taj, than the smoother Bryan Ferry.

    SO, consider yourself saved from the dreaded shut-out (I didn't actually count, or read the other comments all the way through, but I think I'm the first vote for Taj Mahal.

    Also, I'm somewhat envious that you saw JImi in person, even if you were more concerned about him being electrocuted than being into the music.

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    1. FAE. Honesty is the only policy! You know the fact that I can solicit an early morning groan from a human, is impressive. Thanks for sharing, I think.

      ["I DID know Dylan wrote this song, but then I acquired my taste for Mr. Zimmerman long ago. I do like his version even if Jimi's has become iconic."]

      The one I have here of Dylan's, has the harmonica, as opposed to the guitar or saxophone alternatives. I'm guessing that's the one you refer to?

      ["I love Taj Mahal and when that tenor sax (I think) starts up, I'm done. I also think maybe I associate this song with more rough-cut vocals (think both Hendrix and Dylan) like Taj, than the smoother Bryan Ferry."]

      I totally agree! And YES - you have saved the day! With your vote for Taj Mahal, I get to keep my dozen Krispy Kreme donuts. (Psych)

      ["Also, I'm somewhat envious that you saw JImi in person, even if you were more concerned about him being electrocuted than being into the music."]

      Yeah - funny thing, he came with an unknown group named, "Chicago Transit Authority." After they were sued by their city, they went by the name, "Chicago." God they were incredible... all those horns!!! Then Billy Preston came out with a (I promise it's true), 18" afro hair style... woo.... It was all overkill for me. So the guitar teeth stunt was icing on the cake. I was too young to appreciate it all. But big brother... was all over it (smile).

      Taj Mahal for MY favorite BOTB person!! No shut out this time peeps... move along!

      Delete
  8. Oh, my, Dixie! I don't know who to vote for. My first instinct is to vote for Bryan Ferry, but then....Taj's lively blues version edges ever so slightly ahead. So give my vote to Taj Mahal!

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    1. Kim - my favorite belle that rocks! I wondered if you would find Taj Mahal pleasing. I found that cover and said, "hey, I know someone who might like this, besides me." Doesn't the saxophone kick?

      Thank you for voting and your comment.

      This Belle takes Taj Mahal!

      Delete
    2. And you were correct, milady! I figured I would be the weirdo who always posted and/or liked songs that others might not, but this whole Battle thing has really surprised me in general. But I'm glad I've made enough of a mark that at least one other participant will sometimes think of me when they hear certain tunes :)

      The sax is the driving force, I think.....it always gives any song either a more rousing effect, or a more somber effect if the song is slow.

      Delete
    3. Mmm, catching it, huh? Sometimes I feel crazy-what am I doing here? I gotz to say, I like your battle. That was tough for me, cause I could have gone either way, depending on which day I listened.

      I do find I'm liking a lot more music genres than before. Maybe it's all about finding the right song... and it acts as a catapult to listen to others.

      Like Arlee's on heavy metal. Dang, Kim, I loved that Orion's Reign version of Fur Elise... who knew?? I've never liked heavy metal. Shoot, in my right margin that cartoon now has to be changed or modified.

      You definitely make a mark... and I know some are really impressed with what you post up!! I'm just beginning to explore...there is so much music and so little time.

      I love saxophone. Used to play Bruce Springsteen, "Born to Run" all the time just to hear Clarence wail on his sax. Posted the song to my regular blog late one night and got zip response... oh well... I listened to it all week until it archived over.

      Kim, hear this: every BOTB-er is a damn weirdo. I don't know a one that isn't. Each of us have a measure of pure quirkiness. Ain't that something or, as the song goes, "Ain't that a shame?"

      Either way, we all have the blessings of saint mac (stmcc)!
      Glad you stopped back by. Gets boring over here, late at night. (smile)

      Delete
  9. Oh, and I would love to hear your personal Hendrix/connection/story. Please share with me sometime!

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    1. Oh yeah, it was hysterical. He threw a bandanna from the stage that had been tied to his leg, below the knee. Brother caught it, little sister ended up with it.(big smile). Tied around my favorite stuffed bear! I need a new camera... that would have been great to have posted a photo of the bear.

      More later kiddo.

      Delete
  10. Hey, ladybug! The song and the artists are new-to-me. I swear, I DO live in a cave. Okay in my own self defense, I grew up loving music, but NEVER drawn into the bands and songs that were out of my music zone bounced off my ears. I guess I was kinda strange. I set out to redeem myself in recent years to be more open-minded with various artists and styles. This is one reason why I love these sorts of blog hops. It really challenges and helps me to grow.

    Getting back to the BoTB and who gets my vote. I really like both bands a lot. They have different sound - vocally and instrumentally. I had to listen to both versions at least three times and still I was left scratching my head. I have to agree with Stephens line of a logic. I tend to vote the way the music sways me at the moment regardless of the artists/style. Ferry has some stellar musicians on stage ~ I love 'em! His vocals really didn't capture my heart. I love the sax intro and how the sax followed throughout Taj Mahal's cover and his somewhat unpolished bluesy vocals went hand-in-hand with his music arrangement. Maybe on a different day, I'd pick Berry Ferry, but not today. My vote goes straight to Taj Mahal! Great BoTB, Dixie!!

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    1. No Cathy! Don't say you're living in a cave... I've been reading your site, taking music 101. I've learned quite a bit. You just don't know how many times I sit there, listening, amazed at the knowledge you have. I especially love the concerts, or long play days. You often accompany me doing laundry! I played, "Civil War" twice to get the ironing finished. Lovely duo - sorry they broke up. (smile)

      "Berry Ferry" has a kick-butt band... that kid! But yeah - the vocals... I was thinking borderline lounge lizard. (Shh, let's not say that too loud. StmcC lurks. Ha!)

      So curious Cathy... I am grateful for your vote, spicy comment, and the music lessons. (I hope you don't start charging.) I also adored your battle - I hope you got that!!!

      Taj (saxophone rocks) Mahal for Curious as a Cathy!!!

      Delete
    2. Yes, I does lurk.
      And that's "Saint Lounge Lizard" to YOU!

      I has a Brother and a Sister,
      but my REAL family
      are lounge lizards.

      ~ D-FensLizardDogg

      Delete
    3. Yeah, Saint Lounge Liz, you sharing dat Acme Gin wid dem?

      Delete
    4. Dixie, you're just too sweet. It looks like Saint Lounge Lizard heard you. lol You guys are hilarious with your back and forth comments! :D

      Delete
    5. Oh Cathy - if I'd known you were enjoying read them, I'd have kicked it up a notch. I'm guessing the ol' lizard would have too (smile). He's slick with that keyboard - no doubt!

      Have you ever been to a sanctimonious lounge? Me either, but I haz a pet lizard, named 'Rufus.' He's somewhere in this house. Ever so often I catch a glimpse of his cute, green-turquoise, slimy-self hauling azz down the hall. Then again, I haz this fear that if I catch him - I'll have to start feeding him, clothing him, pet him and change his name to George. So, yeah - Rufus remains a lurker. (Oh - hello Stephen.)

      Delete
  11. I am going with Ferry. It seems upbeat and makes me want to dance. I have never been a big fan of the bluesy sound, so Ferry leaves Taj Mahal in the dust in my opinion.

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    1. Madame T, I am so happy to have your visit, comment and vote. I'm guessing this is a first time for you at 'Battle of the Bands.' I hope my battle doesn't discourage you from visiting others... I'm the newbie with no experience. Ha!

      So Taj is in the dust and you caught the Ferry? Have a safe trip! Thanks, Theresa (smile).

      Bryan Ferry for the lady!!

      Delete
  12. I think I enjoy reading the comments on these things as much as listening to the songs. :)

    Like FAE, when I saw your song choice, my first thought, "Oh Lord, not again." BUT, I was pleasantly surprised that you found two completely different challengers... making this an excellent battle. (Good job, girl!)

    I'm going to just say up front that I preferred the Bryan Ferry version (though Taj Mahal was pretty darn good). Unlike StMc, I didn't watch it three times (just twice). Is it just me or does the lead guitar player look like he could be 13 years old? If so, what a talent for someone so young!

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    1. ["I think I enjoy reading the comments on these things as much as listening to the songs. :)"]

      I understand - I left your battle crying, I was laughing so hard. What a challenge!! What a battle!!

      This one is tough for me. I'm not sure which way I'll go at this point. I like both. And yes, I wondered the same about the kid being 13. He could be a band member's grandson, even.

      I guess saint mac is older, and needs to hear it more than us pip-squeaks? (Shh, you never read that here.)

      Thank you for voting, reading(!) and leaving a comment. It's hard work, but someone has to do this thing.

      Robin takes Bryan Ferry!

      Delete
  13. What the hell did you call me? (That's a "Bryan Ferry" joke)

    I've gotta stick with the "Brian With a Y". Great sound. 5 out of 5 stars. Would mash replay button.

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    1. Don't listen to that big of dicks. He doesn't know what he's talking about.

      Gotta keep it blues. Add one vote for Taj Mahal. And, because of us disagreeing and canceling each other out, essentially not contributing to the vote at all. But hey, the totals will look nice, yeah?

      Delete
    2. Brian, Y, I'm astounded that you gave it 5 out of 5 stars, especially since I only have three left! Wait, I have Ferry dust and will muster more up... poof!

      Brain, oops, Brian takes Bryan Ferry.

      Delete
    3. Brandon - you just got placed on my "other-worldly big of d*cks list." (Really - "big" not bag?) Ha!

      Ironically, some may think "I'm all about the Bass," but no - numbers really matter! (and they lied - size counts.)

      Thank you, gentle men, for voting, leaving bodacious comments, which I'll need therapy for, and stars.

      Brandon owns the Taj Mahal!

      Delete
    4. You joke, but you don't know how many times teachers wrote my name Brain. Or Byron.

      Also, Brandon can't type, especially when we've been drinking (uh, I mean during business meetings) so you'll have to excuse him. I think he meant "big bag" of dicks... which I totally am.

      You know, we have a close friend who wrote a love story about the Taj Mahal. I thought it was a unique setting for a romance novel. But maybe he's just really in love with a 70 year old blues musician.

      Also brings some damn fine meaning to "Brandon owns the Taj Mahal!"

      Delete
    5. 'Lord Brain', and 'Sir Brandon Iron', have returned to bestow more mystical sayings.

      No matter, I still offer a Ferry Ride or Taj Haul. (Business bribes are welcome.) Ha!

      Have you ever revealed who this friend is, that wrote the romance novel? (Does St. MacC know?)

      [" Also brings some damn fine meaning to "Brandon owns the Taj Mahal!" "] Oh... oh!

      Delete
  14. It must've been pretty exciting going to a Jimi Hendrix concert! Great bandana story! I liked the sax in Taj Mahal's blues rendition. I'm surprised he's lagging so far behind.

    Julie

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    1. Hi Julie - it was more of a shock. At the time I'd rather have stayed home and played. That bear has been linen closet for decades. I almost pitched it out when I inherited my parents' home.

      I'm happy you voted, and left a comment. I agree about that saxophone! (smile)

      Taj Mahal for the Lady Julie!

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  15. Taj Mahal ..but I might be a bit biased.

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    1. I figure you for Taj. I already planned to write your vote in, in case you showed up late. Ha! Glad you could make it; I hate cheating.(smile). Oh? All biased and bribed votes accepted here. Thank you.

      Taj Mahal for Mr. Spain.

      Delete
  16. This one's hard. I like Bryan Ferry's voice better, but I like the arrangement for Taj Mahal more. I'll go with Taj.

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    1. Hi Michael. Your place has been rocking lately. Great posts! I'm learning stuff from there I probably shouldn't know (smile).
      I'm glad you could hop over and vote. Should you change your mind...return, and lemme know. I close out this Saturday at midnight :) Until then....

      Taj Mahal scores again!

      Delete
  17. I'm sure I voted in this one... something must have happened to my vote.

    I've followed both of these artists for a while: Ferry, since his early days with Roxy Music, and Taj since the late 1960's, when he worked with Jesse Ed Davis. I've also seen Taj in concert, Valentine's Day 1975 (it was my first big date with my girlfriend at the time).

    I liked both versions well enough, but while I would expect Taj Mahal to do this one, I never would have expected Bryan Ferry to do it. And Bryan does a bang-up job. Give my vote to him.

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    1. John, it's quite possible. Blogger had nationwide issues from Sun -Tues. I have three blogs, and had loading issues on all. I finally gave up until late Tuesday evening. I always record a voter's name in a spiral notebook, when I see the comment. I'm sorry your name is not listed. You're usually one of the first to vote here. I hope I didn't lose anyone else. Either way, thank you for doing this again.! (smile)

      You saw Taj in concert too? Wow! I'll bet that was interesting. Got you this time.

      Bryan Ferry for the man!

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  18. Oh boy...although this was an original Dylan song, it was Jimi that made this song what it is. Nothing compares to Jimi's version...even Dylan agreed! So I kind of hated both covers LOL If I had to pick, I guess it would be the first one, only because I found the sax in the second one really annoying. I couldn't listen to either of them all the way through...but the first one I listened to longer. I think if the sax was taken out of the second one that I'd like that one better. Now I must go listen to the Jimi version to clean out my ears ;) :)

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    1. Hi Katie! I am so glad you voted. Big surprise for me. I too loved Jimi's version, and it's always my 'go to'. Thank you.

      Bryan Ferry for our favorite Cyborg Mom!!!

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