Wednesday, April 15, 2015

Battle 8: 'Run' for your life - for a cause - for what?




















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: 
Far Away Eyes

Stephen T. McCarthy presents Battle of the Bands

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.

Today's song: "Run"

Today's Battle: Snow Patrol versus Leona Lewis. 

Background noise:

This was Snow Patrol's breakthrough British single. Lead singer Gary Lightbody said of the song in Q Magazine April 2007: "I've never told anyone before and I don't want to spoil it for people because it has its own meaning for them. But in 2000 I was on a massive bender and one night I was drinking in the bar of the Glasgow School Of Art. I fell down a full flight of stairs. Jonny Quinn (Snow Patrol's drummer) found me in the stairwell with blood coming out of my head. He said I looked like a police chalk line and he thought I was dead.

I was very lucky. A fall like that could easily finish you off. I split my head open and my eye was closed and I lost a few teeth. I was put on a plane to see my mum and dad and they were terrified when they saw me. I wrote Run soon after in this little guitar I'd tried to smash up in my S--t little room near Hillhead. The words 'Light up, light up' gave this sense of a beacon. There had to be a light at the end of a tunnel."

Postscript: In recent years the band has supported the search and safe removal of landmines from many countries. Many people consider this song as a symbolism of a peaceful future.

Background noise:

In 2008 a cover by Leona Lewis was included on the deluxe version of her Spirit album. After a show-stopping rendering by the singer on the X-Factor TV program provoked an ecstatic public reaction, Snow Patrol's original returned to the Top 30 of the UK charts. Such was the sudden demand for this song that in the same week an instrumental remake by karaoke specialists Ameritz also entered the UK Top 75. A couple of week's later Lewis' version was issued as a download only release and it went straight in at #1 on the UK singles chart.

Postscript: In recent years, Leona Lewis has supported the research for cures to cancer. Many people consider this song to be their anthem of a hopeful remission and eventual cure.

Thank you in advance for your visit and your vote. Feel free to add any comments. I'll be back on April 21st to announce the results of this battle! Feel free to return at that time, and comment on the result.

Lyrics:

I'll sing it one last time for you
Then we really have to go
You've been the only thing that's right
In all I've done.

And I can barely look at you
But every single time I do
I know we'll make it anywhere
Away from here

[Chorus]
Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you dear
Louder, louder
And we'll run for our lives
I can hardly speak I understand
Why you can't raise your voice to say

To think I might not see those eyes
It makes it so hard not to cry
And as we say our long goodbyes
I nearly do.

[Chorus]

Slower, slower
We don't have time for that
All I want is to find an easier way
To get out of our little heads

Have heart my dear
We're bound to be afraid
Even if it's just for a few days
Making up for all this mess.

Light up, light up
As if you have a choice
Even if you cannot hear my voice
I'll be right beside you dear

Songwriters: Archer, Iain / Lightbody, Gary / McClelland, Mark / Quinn, Jonathan Graham / Connolly, Nathan.

Final thoughts: Did you know this is the number 1 sing along song in bars, and karaoke lounges around the world? Now you know!  Is there a cause or event to which you'd apply this song of hope?  Do videos influence you, or was the music the big draw for your vote, today? 


40 comments:

  1. After I got a copy of the Snow Patrol album I listened to it repeatedly. I think this video is also included in the album package because I can recall watching it many times. This is such a great song.

    Lewis sings it very pretty, but her version is too slow and a bit overly dramatic or something. Just doesn't do it for me.

    Snow Patrol by far the winner here for me. Great great song done very well by a fine group.

    Nice pairing.

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

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Lee, for the detailed comment and vote. It is a very lovely song, indeed!

      I've got you for Snow Patrol.

      Delete
  2. DIXIE POLKA ~
    That's a cool image you're now using as your header. Not sure why but something about it makes me think of my last flight to Frostbite Falls. (It also makes me think of Glenn Frey and Don Henley. Again, no idea why.)

    >>... "Final thoughts: Did you know this is the number 1 sing along song in bars, and karaoke lounges around the world?"

    No, but then again, when I drink alone, I prefer to be by myself... and singing 'The Battle Of New Orleans'.

    >>... "Is there a cause or event to which you'd apply this song of hope?"

    No.

    >>... "Do videos influence you, or was the music the big draw for your vote, today?"

    No, videos don't influence my votes.

    Now I have a question for you: Did you know you're starting to sound a lot like Arlee Bird?

    I've heard of Snow Patrol, and that's as far as my knowledge of this band and this song went. I played both versions twice and I'm casting my vote for... Leona Lewis (whoever that is). I agree with Lee that she's overdoing the "dramatics" of it - doing her best Whitney Houston, I suppose. But I still preferred it.

    I'll tell you what pretty much determined the direction of my vote: I don't normally care for that sort of "whispered singing" the Snow Patrol bloke was doing. Leona was singing the whole time, but quietly in the beginning. By contrast, the Snow Patrol bloke was doing this "hushed" effect that irritates me a little whenever I hear it.

    And that reminds me, the Snow Patrol bloke also reminded me in some way(s) of Eddie Vedder, and something(s) about Eddie Vedder really get under my skin and grate on my nerves. For one thing, in my opinion, Vedder was NOT a real singer, and neither is Snow Patrol boy.

    Sorry, dp, but that's the best I can do in explaining my vote.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ~ D-FensDogG:

      The header is called, "The Eagle Cloud," a photo sent to me many years ago. I'm glad it withstood an increase of 200% for display. "Frostbite Falls"... where Rocket J. Squirrel wasn't born? I hope at least they were good memories for you. (smile)

      >> "Now I have a question for you: Did you know you're starting to sound a lot like Arlee Bird?"<<

      You know, when I posted those questions I did wonder if I might be stepping out of bounds. My curiosity got the best of me. I want, and still would like more answers to them. [And... thank you for your answers. I think I pretty much knew your answers in advance. You've always been forthcoming.] I think I mostly pose the questions to non-BOTBers... but I didn't specify. My mistake aside... I think Arlee Bird is brilliant!

      Someone on my other blog sent me a link to Leona Lewis, back before Christmas. I've been trying to get the most out of it to showcase it. Some of the videos have the 'embed' permits denied. I'm glad I got these two, and found out who did the original. I may have sacrificed Snow Patrol's vocal quality when a post I wanted was denied. Maybe that's a flag to change up the battle - save this one for another time - possibly when embedded links are released? Instead I went on with the battle. The same exact situation occurred with Leona Lewis - an X-Factor contestant. Oh well, right? But I do like both versions.

      Eddie Vedder? I don't know anything about him. I'd never heard him sing, until I visited Lee's blog this afternoon.

      I do appreciate your remarks. It helps me improve along the way. I'll log your vote for Leona Lewis.

      ~dcrelief

      Delete
    2. dp ~

      >>... The header is called, "The Eagle Cloud,"

      Ah-Ha! That's what it reminds me of. No wonder I was thinking Glenn Frey and Don Henley! (Ha!) ...Yeah, where Rocket J. Squirrel wasn't born: Frostbite Falls. You has a good memory.

      The picture is really cool. To tell you the truth, I thought it might even be a painting of yours.

      Oh, there isn't anything wrong with axing questions at the end. I was just giving you "the business" because that's what Lee's been doing for so long, and you even put the questions in bold the way Lee does. Just teasing ya.

      You heard Eddie Vedder on Lee's blog today? Vedder was the lead singer of some band called Pearl Jam that was very popular in the '90s (I think). I've seen him sing some songs on stage with Tom Petty and just keeping thinking: For crying out loud, CLEAR YOUR THROAT before you try singing! It's like he's got a frog in there. And then sometimes he seems to be straining so hard I think he's going take a dump right on the stage.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    3. Thank you, Dixie, for your kind acknowledgement. Keep asking the questions. They keep the conversation stimulated.

      And yes, Eddie Vedder is singing with The Strokes on the recording of "Mercy Mercy Me". I happen to enjoy his style. I enjoyed the stuff Pearl Jam did with that other great vocalist Neil Young.

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

      Delete
    4. ~ D-FensDogG :

      I would love to paint this... but I'd like to use the biggest canvas I could afford. Might end up building my own frame and purchasing raw canvas, yet. So glad you figured out the connection with your memories... Eagles. Hmm. As for Rocket J. Squirrel, you put a cartoon link (Ruby Yacht), in a comment recently... part 1 &2 were very funny. I got carried away and watched others. (smile)

      Does Arlee put his in bold print? Oh my, I guess I did mess up. Really I wouldn't want to step on his or anyone else's signature features. Maybe that's what I've done here. No - I thank you for bringing it to my attention. At times I get on here and I'm jamming with creativeness, and the brain disengages with others.

      Wait... Vedder sang for Pearl Jam? I do remember them. There's a couple of songs I really like. Yes, he sounds like he needs to clear his throat, but I thought the same thing about Joe Cocker... and I ended up loving him like somebody's mama. Oh goodness, I really should follow up on other BOTB posts by researching who gets played. Like I didn't know Brian Ferry used to head up Roxy Music... maybe still does at times.

      No problem. Thanks for letting me know. dp.

      Delete
    5. Hi Lee.

      As long as you know I would never try to steal anyone's feature. I do enjoy answering questions you pose on BOTB and other posts. They're always though provoking and I end up walking away with a lesson for the day... or one to hit me later!

      The name, Eddie Vedder tripped a nerve but I couldn't place him. I don't know the Strokes at all... but I will before the end of the week! Neil Young - I know from other songs... and Crosby, Stills, Nash... I guess he's the 'Young'.

      Thank you very much! (smile) I'll see you soon for the letter, 'N'.

      Delete
    6. Lee ~
      I had no idea that was Eddie V. singing for The Strokes. Sounded like he'd finally cleared his throat a little.

      I shoulda gone into Rock 'N' Roll too, because if Eddie V.'s a singer, then so am I... but I just never realized it.

      If you get a chance, see if you can track down the video recording of Vedder singing 'THE WAITING' with Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers. It's live from the Pepsi Center, Denver, CO. - July 3, 2006.

      It was a "Bonus Track" performance on the Tom Petty documentary 'Runnin' Down A Dream'.

      Every time I've watched that it's made me squirm in my seat because I am (literally! literally!) embarrassed for Eddie Vedder up there. He can't sing worth a damn, and he can't even move on the stage. He looks TOTALLY AWKWARD standing up there "trying" to make his body move to the music.

      And at one point he even mimics a little "air guitar" playing because he simply has NO IDEA what to do with himself on that stage while the band is in a musical break.

      One of the most thoroughly embarrassing, un-professional performances by a "professional" Rock star I have ever seen. But it's like a train wreck - I can't get myself to look away.

      And then I think: Shit! I spent my whole life working hard for a living when I could have faked being a Rock star AT LEAST as well as Eddie Vedder did.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    7. BOIDMAN ~
      I couldn't find the exact video I was looking for but they're all about the same, and this one is from the same city in the same time period:

      Link: EDDIE VEDDER PRETENDING TO SING AND DO THE "ROCK STAR" THING

      Look at that guy! What a TOTAL GOOFBALL! No stage presence whatsoever - he moves like Jerry Lewis (but without the flexibility) - hasn't got an ounce of rhythm in his body. Can't sing a lick - he's "flatter" than an eleven-year-old girl in a training bra - and he's reaching for notes that aren't even in his solar system, let alone his vocal range!

      He sings so flat that you can barely even find the melody in that song, and if he strains himself much more than that he's going to go #2 right there on the stage.

      It's a good thing Eddie Vedder hit the scene in the '90s, when the Rock music world was in tatters and disarray, because this guy would NEVER have made a name for himself in the 1970s when there really was a lot of talent out there, and Rock singers who could really sing. Eddie V. is a Rock star poseur, and this video should prove that conclusively.

      Lee McBuddy, if you don't find it embarrassing just watching Eddie V. try to "perform" in this video on that stage, then I guess we have an even larger musical disconnect than I already suspected.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
  3. Each one has a different feel to it. I think I like the way Lewis sang it best. Her voice was clear and beautiful

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Alex. I agree. I'll log you for Leona Lewis.

      Delete
  4. Hi, Dixie! I have seen you around our circle for quite some time and, at Stephen's urging, decided to participate in your Battle of the Bands.

    I admire both of these acts for the purity and simplicity of their performances. "Run" is the kind of song that commands reverence and respect and that's what I encountered in the videos made by Snow Patrol and Leona Lewis. In the last couple of years I have been listening to female vocalist more than at any other time in my life and Leona delivers a powerful performance that gives her a slight edge and earns my vote in this competition.

    I am now following your blog, Dixie, and I look forward to casting my vote in your next BOTB challenge.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi, Shady. I visited your blog earlier and am following you as well. It's like visiting a candy store! If I wasn't doing the A-Z challenge, I'd be over there, reading everything.

      I have to agree with your statement concerning these two performances. My original thought with the videos placed both in the woods, as if looking for each other. I decided not to include that in my write up. Instead I posed the questions regarding a video's influence. Seems you tuned into it all. Thank you for sharing your thoughts... and I so appreciate your vote.

      Also, thanks for listening to Stephen's urging. It's nice having voters for a BOTB event! (smile)

      Delete
  5. Oh, man. Leona's voice is beautiful, but I prefer Snow Patrol's version. Their music is just so otherworldly, spacy, but not too prog. Just "distant" enough. That'll do it for me!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hey Kim, I knew that version was gonna 'snow' ya'. Sure, and I was hoping you'd be patrolling this BOTBer site!

      Another vote for our "otherworldly, spacy, but not too prog"... Snow Patrol!

      Delete
  6. I usually close my eyes while listening to the video for fear it will influence my decision. All the little tid-bits I didn't know, but it was interesting to learn. When you told me Leona sings this song for a cure for cancer, I immediately thought of my 1st cousin who is under going breast cancer surgeries/treatment. Wouldn't it be grand, if a cure was found for this horrible disease?

    I listened to both version...well, I didn't get all the way through Snow Police before switching over to Leona's. In fact, I listened to Leona three times that's how much I like her's. I rather enjoyed her dramatic & Whitney Houston powerhouse version far better than Snow Police, so chalk one more up for Leona Lewis. Now, I'm off to buy it from iTunes. Fabulous BoTB!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cathy, I know what you mean. I cannot explain it but every time I hear her sing this, I get chills from the top of my head down the backs of legs. There's also a video where she sings this, backed up by a choir of recovered cancer patients. It is incredible! But too long for BOTB.

      Personally, I think Leona is better that Whitney, and I never thought I'd say that.

      I read bout your cousin... Love that she's recovering.

      I am so grateful for your comment and vote. A-Z really takes the energy huh?
      Logging you for Leona Lewis.

      Delete
  7. I've loved the Snow Patrol version of this song for a LONG time. I always try to set aside this sort of bias when I listen to BoTB, but I acknowledge today that a cover has to really blow the original out of the water for me to vote against something I love love love.

    And Leona Lewis sang this song just fine. I enjoyed it. I just didn't love it like I love Snow Patrol. Maybe if she'd decided to do something REALLY different with the song it would've made the difference. Or maybe not.

    So, thank you for using this song. I just love it. Snow Patrol please....

    ReplyDelete
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    1. I know what you mean. When I received this Leona Lewis link from overseas, I didn't realize anyone else had covered the song.

      And what about the back-story on why the song was written? Gary Lightbody really had an epiphany.

      Thank you, Robin, for your comment and vote! Snow Patrol receives more love!

      Delete
  8. I love Snow Patrol, so NO CONTEST here!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Fae, glad I could make it easy for you!

      More love for Snow Patrol!

      Delete
  9. I'll go with Leona Lewis' version, because I like her voice better than the vocalist for Snow Patrol.

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hey John! Halfway home A-Z; I know you're having fun! Thanks for taking time out to vote! Leona has an exceptional vocal range.

      I'll log you for Leona!

      Delete
  10. dp ~
    You remember we were yakking recently about songs that we can't play just once, but usually play it several times in a row?

    Well, I just thought of another one for me that's like that and I mentioned it on Robin's BOTB post. When you get a chance, please see what you think of it.

    It's linked to YouTube from Girl Wonder's blog bit, so you just gotta go there and click that mouse a few times. It's a particular live version of a Van Morrison song. You'll see which one when you get to Robin's place. Look for my mention of "peanuts" and "potato chips".

    ~ D-FensDogG
    'Loyal American Underground'

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ~D-FensDogG,

      I found the post at Robin's.

      >>..."Also, FYI, my favorite song (amongst the many great ones) is # 6 'I'VE BEEN WORKING'. That song... Hoo-Wee! Hoo-Wee! That rhythm, that drive, that band...! For me, trying to listen to 'I've Been Working' just once is like me trying to eat one peanut or one potato chip - it can't be done!"

      I understand what you mean. Lyrics aside, I found myself wanting to clean house. Don't laugh, that's a good sign for me! I listened to the entire album. I recognized a bunch of them. Besides, "I've Been Working," here's the ones I also liked:
      These Dreams of You.
      Help me.
      Wild Children.
      Domino.
      Bring it on Home to me.
      Listen to the Lion.
      Here Comes the Night.
      Gloria.
      Caravan.
      Cypress Avenue.

      I knew a lot more about Van than I first thought. Hey, great share -h hope your Battle is going well, (smile).

      dp ~

      Delete
    2. dp ~
      I'm glad you liked it. That band was un-freakin'-believable! And the ONLY song on this live album that I thought wasn't as good as the studio version was 'Listen To The Lion' (believe it or not, the original recording is even better, in my op). Actually, probably 'Saint Dominic's Preview', too.

      'Cypress Avenue' - what an ass-kicking show-stopper, eh? The album culled live recordings from three different venues: The Troubadour in Los Angeles; the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium in Santa Monica; and the Rainbow Theater in London.

      The album notes don't tell you which songs were recorded where, but I can tell you that the last one, 'Cypress Avenue', was recorded at The Troubadour. I know this because in my youth I used to go there to see Rock bands all the time. There were these long, wooden tables on the floor just below the stage (I sat at them many a-time). And right after 'Cypress Avenue' ends, I can hear the audience banging on the wooden tables.

      How cool is that? I was sitting at those very same wooden tables, like, 4 years later. Wish I had been at one of those tables the night Van played that version of 'Cypress Avenue' though! "Missed it by... that... much" (as Agent 86 used to say).

      My BOTB is going GREAT! It's so damn close that it might even be a tie right now.

      ~ D-FensDogG

      Delete
    3. ~ D-FensDogG,
      Interesting you mention the tables. I caught them in one of the many videos I watched; sure enough I saw tables in one and a bunch of people sitting at them and on them.

      I probably could list the entire album as a 'big like'... I got sidetracked between A-Z stuff and returning to Van. Also found other songs, not on this album that I played for the >
      h-e-c-k of it.

      This may sound strange, but he's kinda like a Dylan but he sings well. No offense to Dylan - it takes some steady listening to put my ears on hold... and seek lyrics and melodies. Ah geez, the guy is charming. You gotta overlook that scruffiness. But Van is allowed to pull home the little red wagon I got one Christmas...Yeah, I'd let him pull my wagon. (shh-don't tell.) He can put that *bleeping* band in the wagon and bring them over too.

      Shoot, you might one of those peoples at the table, in the video I watched. If that's the case you is real famous. More than already maybe. Not to be confused with infamous, Agent 86, eh? Yeah, famous by... that... much, DogG.

      BOTB is looking like a tie over here. I'd never have believed it, but... I get(z) surprised every battle.

      Hey, thanks, again for directions to the album. I think I've made a new house keeper buddy. Can't wait to crank him up in the basement - louder than *bleeping bleep*. Nice echo without distortion - makes me a happy camper. In fact there's couple of logs for a small fire in the fireplace. Oh yeah, and take my laptop so I play your BOTB with Hoey (who he?) down there. That would be great!! Major acoustics, really.

      See you soon. Don't forget to visit Shady's today!!

      dp~

      Delete
  11. Awesome choices this month! I did think they sounded awfully similar until the end where Lewis really stepped it up a notch. I'm voting for her :)

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hi Michael. I've so enjoyed your A-Z postings. Looking forward to your podcast!

      I'm glad you liked the choices. I quite agree on the similarities and such. I'm not sure I'd want to hear this in, say, Reggae, but you never know?

      Thank you for voting; I really appreciate you! I'll log a vote for Leona Lewis!

      Delete
  12. Sorry that it took me so long to get here. My vote is for Leona Lewis. I was very moved by her soulful rendition.

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm glad you could come by, listen and vote. You've got a full house with your A-Z, which rocks!! I've enjoyed it.

      I agree, Julie, Leona is soulful with this song. I'll log you in for a vote for Leona. Thank you (smile).

      Delete
  13. Sorry we're fashionably late. It's been a chaotic weekend. We both listened to this previously, but just didn't have a chance to make a comment. We've both always liked Snow Patrol, but with that said, the Leona Lewis version is still surprisingly good. One of us voted Snow Patrol, and one of us voted Leona Lewis. To this very day we argue about it like Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dee, just chirping our song choice back and forth at each other angrily.

    "Lewis!"
    "Snow Patrol!"
    "LEWIS!"
    "SNOW PATROL!"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So we're not likely to see any "Chip and Dale' from over your way, eh?

      You guys have your hands full with all the "ask me questions". What a hoot that's turning out to be. I can't wait for the next excavation - no - exploration - no - explanation for your stuff!

      I always appreciate 'fashionably late' votes!! Thanks Bryan and Brandon!

      B(1) for Lewis.
      B(2) for Snow Patrol

      Delete
  14. Snow Patrol x 10000000000000 !!
    Any time a rock song/ alternative/ whatever is covered by pop it loosing so much intensity and meaning!! Her performance was the same as every other song she's ever performed: slow, quiet start - growing louder and louder until she's screaming at the end. Barf!
    Undoubtedly she has an amazing voice, but this song isn't meant for the pop genre!
    PS// Glancing at the above comments, i see that Snow Patrol (sadly doesn't stand a chance, but I still wanted to rant my opinion). :P

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Hi Lena! Woo-hoo, big surprise having you visit. I know what you play at your home... love your music.
      This battle is pretty close actually.
      Now I thought surely you 'd go for the Brit over the Irish! No? I got it. No x 100000000000 !!
      Thanks for voting in my battle and leaving that great comment! I'll put you down for a vote for Snow Patrol (smile)

      Delete
  15. Darn it I am sorry I missed your battle.

    ReplyDelete