BOTB ~ where you listen to different versions of the same song. Vote for the song version you like. Leave us your vote and maybe a comment. We love comments!
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:
Fae @ farawayeyes
stmccpresentsbattleofthebands
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.
Final thoughts: We have new Battle of the Bands participants... see the margin on the right to visit other battles you'd like to listen to and vote.
Today's Battle: "Downtown Train"
Written, and first recorded by Tom Waits in 1985. His version is NOT included in today's battle. Tom Waits' version
Today's challengers:
1- Mary Chapin-Carpenter ~
Mary is known for her work in the genres of Americana, country, and soft rock. She recorded her version in 1987.
2- Patty Smythe ~
Patty is known for her work in the genres of Rock, pop rock, and new wave. She recorded her version also, in 1987.
Lyrics:
Outside another yellow moon
has punched a hole in the night time mist
I climb through the window and down to the street
I'm shining like a new dime
The downtown trains are full
full of all them Brooklyn girls
They try so hard to break out of their little worlds
You wave your hand and they scatter like crows
They have nothing that'll ever capture your heart
They're just thorns without the rose
Be careful of them in the dark
Oh if I was the one you chose to be your only one
Oh baby can't you hear me now, can't you hear me now
Will I see you tonight on a downtown train
Every night, every night its just the same
On a downtown train
I know your window and I know its late
I know your stairs and your doorway
I walk down your street and past your gate
I stand by the light of the four way
and watch them as they fall, oh baby
They all having their heart attacks
They stay at the carnival
But they'll never win you back
Will I see you tonight on a downtown train
Every night, every night its just the same
You leave me lonely
Will I see you tonight on a downtown train
All my dreams, all my dreams fall like rain
On a downtown train
Will I see you tonight on a downtown train
Every night, every night its just the same
Will I see you tonight on a downtown train
All my dreams, all my dreams fall like rain
On a downtown train
On a downtown train
All my dreams fall like rain
On a downtown train
Let's go... listen and vote >
I'd have to give it to Patty Smyth. Her version had a lot of energy to it. And I've always liked her voice. She was great in the band Scandal.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alex, I like her voice too :)
DeleteMuch though I love Mary Chapin Carpenter, I have to give this to Patty Smyth. She catches the crescendo of emotion after a rather rough beginning.
ReplyDeleteStrange beginning, and an unusual voice. Thank you for hoping over and voting, Diana.
DeleteHi, Dixie! Rod Stewart released an excellent version of "Downtown Train." When I worked at that MTV station in the 80s, Rod's was the video that we played most often. I enjoyed both versions presented in your battle. I give my vote to Patty because her recording breathes more life into the song. I appreciate the tempo, the arrangement and the images and editing style of the video clip, all reminiscent of those much loved 80s Brat Pack movies.
ReplyDeleteThank you, dear friend Dixie, and have a wonderful weekend!
Hi Shady. I really am too attached to Rod's version so I found Carpenter and our buddy, Bob Seger... it was almost between them. Decided to stay in the ladies battle zone this time.
DeleteI really liked your battle, Shady. I'll log you for Patty!
Dixie-chicka, great battle dual! This one was easy for me. Mary Chapin Carpenter's cover was too slow to suit my taste whereas Patty Smyth's upbeat tempo reminded me of Rod Stewart's cover and set my body to boogieing in my chair this morning. Give my vote to Patty, if you would! Nice show-down!
ReplyDeleteCurious darling! Yep, I saw Rod at your house and tried hard to bite my lip and not say anything. I love his version - you know.
DeleteAnother for Patty!
#2, as found hers had a better vibe to it
ReplyDeleteWell, sir Pat - if anyone knows vibe - that would be you :) All of that majoring purring at your bay.
DeletePatty for Pat!
Thank you for not using the Tom Waits version. Not that it's really bad, but I just don't need to hear him first thing in the morning.
ReplyDeleteThe Smyth version is very very good. I like her energy and vocal in this song.
However, I'm a big Mary Chapin fan and I totally prefer her style.
My vote is for Mary Chapin Carpenter.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Road trippin' with A to Z
Tossing It Out
You know Lee, I came so close to using Tom. The more I play it the more I get where he's coming from with this song and lyrics.
DeleteI have many fave Mary songs too. This is a great version - so different... but she sounded to close to Bob Seger, so I couldn't pit them. Great choice, Lee, and I'm saved from a shut out!!
I'll log you for Mary!
Dixie, this is a great pairing!
ReplyDeleteI've always thought Mary Chapin Carpenter was underrated. Her voice is excellent and I'm a sucker for acoustic pieces.
In spite of that, I vote for Patty Smyth! This was a version I'd never heard, but me likey.
You, Mr. Cherdo (yes, Mister) are so funny!! You had me fooled. I felt sure another Chapin vote was gonna happen! Ha!
DeleteI likey you likey, Patty Smyth!
I really thought I was going to vote for Patty Smyth because I'm much more of a rocker but I found that I liked Mary Chapin Carpenter's version better. So my vote goes to Mary. Great pairing!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the warm welcome! I'm excited to be a part of the BOTB and looking forward to getting to know you all.
Michele at Angels Bark
Hi Michele! Yes, you are most welcome. I've been off painting for the last four days, so excuse my lateness responding.
DeleteIt's fun watching how different members vote. Sometimes I'm so sure a person will go one way, but Ha! I get fooled!
I'm glad you enjoyed Mary - such a warm voice with great expression! I'll log your vote for her. Thank you!
Well, this one was an easy one for me. I love love love Mary Chapin Carpenter. Seriously love. I have the album she recorded Downtown Train on (I think it was her first) and very under-rated. She does very few covers since she writes most of her own music.
ReplyDeleteThe Patty Smyth version was good, but not good enough to make me vote against My Girl.
Chalk one for Mary Chapin Carpenter.
Well, Robin, you were my wildcard for the day. I wasn't sure which way you'd go on this battle - you like all kinds of music... I know.
DeleteMary has certainly earned out hearts' devotion. I'll log your vote for Mary. Thanks, Robin!
Thanks for the warm welcome, Dixie. ☺
ReplyDeleteTo be honest, Rod Stewart's version is my favourite, but since it's not included, I'm going with Mary Chapin Carpenter. She has a fantastic voice! I was surprised too, since I'm more into rock and the natural selection would have been Patty Smyth. Great post!
Hi Debbie! I'm so glad you joined up! I still have to get over to your place this evening... excuse my lateness in voting.
DeleteI wasn't sure if you'd go Mary or Patty either. Surprise, surprise. I'll log you for the fantastic voice of Mary Chapin Carpenter!!
Since listening to this earlier this song battle has been sticking in my head. Now I've figured out why. If you took the Tom Waits version and the Patti Smyth version and put them into a musical blender you'd have Bruce Springsteen doing this song. Sorry, I just had to make that observation. Now back to the voting.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Road trippin' with A to Z
Tossing It Out
Lee, you are so funny, and absolutely correct. You have won the secret prize!! It's so secret, the BOTB committee has not informed me of what this prize is.... Stay thirsty!
DeleteI laughed out loud at both of Arlee's comments. He summed up my reason for not wanting to hear Tom Waits, too. I don't mind Tom Waits... just not before I've had my coffee.
ReplyDeleteMary Chapin Carpenter's version is nice, but we both like the rockier version of Patty Smyth's and handily give her a vote each.
You know, we've agreed on every vote we've made so far for each BOTB this week. Must be something in this beer we're drinkin'...
Bryan and Brandon - I thought Lee hit the nail with Springsteen.
DeleteYou guys agreed on every battle so far? Must be the end of the world... or that showering together really works, huh?
Two, count them, two more for the rocker, Patty Smyth,
DIXIE POLKA ~
ReplyDeleteNice, semi-obscure song choice for BOTB.
Coming into this, I figured I'd be voting for Harry Chapin Carpenter because I've never really liked Patti Smith (who obviously isn't even smart enuf to spell her name correctly).
But as it turns out, I thought Harry's version was just too slow and draggy. And although I'm no fan of all that synthesizer stuffs, Patti's version had some life to it. It was a bit "overwrought", but it also had that short although punchy accordion break at the 3:05 mark, which I liked.
So, give my vote to Patti Jones, who licked the platter clean.
(Don't ask, 'cause I dunno. I'm jus' lettin' the dog run free here.;-)
~ Stephen
'Loyal American Underground'
Hi Stephen.
Delete>["Nice, semi-obscure song choice for BOTB."]
I'm thinking it appears obscure because I'm not adding details on the music and artists? So, I apologize for not putting more effort into the May BOTBs. Friday has been a killer with 60 participants in the other blog hop event. Maybe when BOTB happens on Fridays, I should bow out for that month. Ill keep that in mind.
I guess you made a funny - Harry ain't in this one, (smile). However, according to Arlee, Springsteen is!
There are two people associated with rocker music: Patti Smith, and Patty Smyth. (A third Patty Smith does gospel.) However, Smyth's family name is 'Smyth.' I haven't found a pronunciation key with her name.
That 'accordion' mark is a little short for me. I think a good minute would have sounded better. IMHO.
No problem, run free. I'm not always going to love everyone's battles.
I'll log you for #2.
I knew from the first strands of listening to Mary I would not vote for her. I usually like her, but not on this. Luckily, Patti's version was really good. The intro grabbed me, and I liked the song all the way through. So glad I did not have to vote for her just cuz she wasn't Mary, lol.
ReplyDeleteGive my vote to Patti.
Interesting, because she reminded me of Tom's version in tempo. Then again I don't think anyone would have voted for Tom... hmm, poor Tom!
DeleteThank you, Donna, logging one for Patty!
I'm also not a Tom Waits fan, so I really got a kick out of Lee's comments, especially the one about the blender! I really like how Patty Smyth put her own spin on the song, and gave it some real oomph. Patty Smyth gets my vote, Dixie!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Hey Julie! "Real oomph"... that works for me!!! Glad you could stop by and vote. I'll come see you real soon, (smile).
DeleteA vote for Patty Smyth.
Hi Dixie, please forgive my tardiness in getting over here to vote. with all the new participants I've had to devise a new plan for BOTB voting. I'm taking 3 a day so I can fully devote myself to listening to the selections and formulating a coherent vote/comment (and as you know, for me, sometimes that's more than a full time job).
ReplyDeleteAnyway...I did listen to both versions. coming in I thought this would be easy because I really, Really, REALLY like Mary Chapin Carpenter. But, her version just wasn't very interesting. Still, I enjoy her voice and thought she would most likely get my vote.
In fairness I thought I MUST give Patty Smyth (do you pronounce that Smyth or Smyth, or do you know?) a listen. I expected, well, I'm not sure what I expected but I was pleasantly surprised and a little sad. surprised because, I really like her version. It was a whole lot more upbeat and fun. Sad because, I realized MCC was not going to get my vote.
I'm sure you've figured it out by now, but I'll make it perfectly clear. Give my vote to Patty Smyth or is that Smyth. I never know how to pronounce it when they spell it crazy like that.
Great BATTLE. I like when I come away surprising myself!
Hi Fae! You are not the late one, I am! Too many things going on behind my scene... This battle 'snuck' up on me. I know I wrote something up but cannot locate the file... oh well, right?
DeleteI know what you mean about MCC. I first thought to pit her and Seger, but the versions are too close. And they're close to Tom's version. I needed a 'kick butt' version and viola, Patty and I think she's pronounced like 'Smith,' though I haven't found a pronunciation key in wikipedia or a bio page. (Short i sound... but I thought maybe she's English - 'Smythe' but, no).
I'm sorry it saddened you. I guess my favorite leans to Rod Stewart, but he's not here this time. I'll log you for Patty.
I actually prefer Mary Chapin Carpenter's version. She offered something unique while Patti Smith's version seemed the same like other music of that era. I think it was more the musical styling than her Smith's voice. Anyway I give it to Carpenter
ReplyDeleteHi Birgit. I think it's really strange that Mary and Patty recorded their different versions just a few months apart in 1987. Both really fir the description of their chosen genres.
DeleteI appreciate your vote. I'll log you for Mary Chapin Carpenter! Thank you, (smile).
Hey Dixie, Just dropping you a note to let you know I'm thinking of you. I expected you by BoTB before today, so I hope you're alright. (I know you've been busy... so many projects!)
ReplyDeleteHi Robin. I'm headed around tonight. Trying to get as battles as I can. I had a terrible day with the bird plaque getting accidentally destroyed!! I had just finished it and was going to photograph it when it dried. I put a post on it but it makes me sad.
DeleteThank you for your concern. that's very kind of you. Hope you had a good weekend. I think I've missed one of your soundtrack stories, but I'll get caught up this week.
My vote goes to Mary Chapin-Carpenter. Not sure why. Just prefer her version.
ReplyDeleteAnd I have news! The boss man has given me the blessing of being able to sit at the cool kids table. My first battle will be June 1. So, if you want to add my name to your list of participants - I'd like that.
Mary @ Jingle Jangle Jungle
www.jinglejanglejungle.net
Hi Mary! I am so excited to see you join! Your name and address are added on the right side there. I'll add you to the purple banner!!
DeleteI'll visit you soon!!! Hooray!! I'm logging you with Mary.
POLKA PRINCESS ~
ReplyDeleteA little late, but I just now replied to yer comment on my BOTB blog bit.
Still can't help wondering who you will vote for.
~ D-FensDogG
Oops! Uh-oh, and did I do that?
DeletePatty gets my vote. Her voice wasn't as husky on the song as the other one.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Mike. I enjoyed your King George Day tribute!
DeleteGot you for Patty. Thanks for voting.
Definitely Pattye Smythe. Mary Chapin Carpenters was like, "dunh, dunh duhn duhn duhn" over and over and it drove me bananas. I liked Pattye's reading of it.
ReplyDeleteJohn - you're so descriptive! Ha! (I'll be chuckling at this for the rest of the day.)
DeleteJohn votes for Patty Smyth!