WELCOME TO BATTLE OF THE BANDS!!
**BOTB ~ where you listen to two 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:
Fae @ Farwayeyes
Stephen T. McCarthy presents
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 featured song: Ghost Riders in the Sky
The song was written and originally recorded by Stan Jones in 1948. Jones was a forest ranger who wrote songs on the side. After recording his version of the song, artists like Burl Ives, in 1949, Bing Crosby, Gene Autry and Johnny Cash all recorded it, and the song became a cowboy standard.
Today's Battle: Judy Collins vs The Sawtooth Mountain Boys
1 - Judith Marjorie "Judy" Collins (born May 1, 1939) is an American singer and songwriter known for her eclectic tastes in the material she records (which has included folk, show tunes, pop, rock and roll and standards). Her version of Ghost Riders in the Sky was recorded in 2010.
2 - The Sawtooth Mountain Boys hail from Monmouth/Portland, OR. with a genre in Bluegrass music. Band members: Steve Waller - mandolin, Rollie Champe - guitar, Chuck Davidshofer - bass fiddle, John Van Brocklin - 5 string banjo. They often warmed up for Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs - a very popular Bluegrass duo. Their version was recorded in 1976.
Thank you in advance for your visit and your vote. Feel free to add any comments. I'll be back on June 7th to announce the results of this battle! Feel free to return at that time, and comment on the result.
DIXIE POLKA ~
ReplyDeleteGREAT song choice!!!
[I believe my Pa used this song to supernaturally tell me he was nearby after my recent move to Reno.]
I love this song. I am particularly partial to the SONS OF THE PIONEERS version, but this is one of those songs that is so good that I think it's nearly impossible to screw up.
Having said that, I also think it's mostly, a "male-voiced" song, So my vote is an easy one to cast for 'The Sawtooth Mountain Boys'.
The only female vocalist who immediately comes to mind whom I think might have had a chance of stealing my vote away from male vocalists on this song, is the very unknown 'PAT BERRINGTON', whose equally unknown Country-Western album 'ALLEN STREET ROSE', really knocked me for a loop some years ago.
Excellent 'BOTB' installment, as usual!
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
~ D-FensDogG -
DeleteThank you for the compliment! I wasn't sure if the SONS OF THE PIONEERS had been used in a previous battle. Still something strange seems to pursue me with these battles! I need to stay away from the sky, I suppose.
I'll look up PAT BERRINGTON - I don't know her as an artist.
I thought The Sawtooth Mountain Boys was a real toe-tapper! I'll log your vote for them. Thank you very much.
dp ~
DeleteNo, I'm pretty sure no one has used the SONS OF THE PIONEERS before. In fact, I think I'm likely the ONLY BOTBer who would, and I haven't... yet.
You probably won't be able to find that album by Pat Berrington anywhere. It was independently produced and they used to sell it at THE BIRD CAGE THEATRE in Tombstone, AZ., but that was years ago. Long out of print, I'm sure. (Although I still play my CD copy occasionally.)
~ D-FensDogG
~ DFensDogG...
DeleteThanks for the information, (smile).
Very interesting match up. When I saw Judy Collins as one version I wasn't sure how she'd pull it off. Surprisingly not bad--her version is very nice to listen to.
ReplyDeleteI like bluegrass music and figured that version would be the better.
After listening to both, I feel there is an appropriateness to the version by The Sawtooth Mountain Boys, but the vocals do get a bit piercing. Judy is much easier on my ears.
I'm going with the version by Judy Collins.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Hi Lee.
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the match up. I know you're also a big fan of Judy Collins, and thought this might interest you! By all means, please take care of those ears, (smile).
I'll log you for Judy Collins. Thank you or voting.
This song reminds me so much of my dad. It was one of his favorites. Like, Stephen, I am more familiarized with the Sons of the Pioneers version. I thought Judy sang it well, but the Sawtooth Mountain Boys reeled me in with their harmonies. Plus, it doesnt hurt that they live somewhat local to me. My vote goes to Sawtooth Mountain Boys. Stop by my battle and vote!
ReplyDeleteHi Mary.
DeleteI enjoyed your battle - Sorry I'm late responding here. I haven't felt well for a couple of days. By them being 'local,' I hope you've had a chance to see a concert!!
I'll log your vote for The Sawtooth Mountain Boys. Thank you for your comment and vote. Best wishes for your battle.
Good morning, dear Dixie! This is an inspired song selection. "Ghost Riders in the Sky" brings back fond memories of early childhood. My parents owned a 45 of "Ghost Riders," I think it was the Gene Autry version, and I played it often on my tiny tinny turntable in the subterranean game room of our house. I haven't heard the song in nearly 60 years and thank you for posting these two superb renditions of it today.
ReplyDeleteAfter listening to both clips I guess you could say that I've looked at "Ghost Riders" from "both sides now" :) I enjoy Judy Collins' pure vocal quality and her folk interpretation works. It has validity. In the end, however, I have to give my vote to The Sawtooth Mountain Boys because their bluegrass style is a little better suited for the material.
Thank you for the music and the memories, dear friend Dixie, and enjoy your week!
Hi Shady. I almost posted a link for Gene Autry's version. Sometimes I think it can get confusing to post too many of the same song - so I offered Stan Jones and Burl Ives only - as being the first two, listed as having recorded it. Wow - 60 years since you've heard the song! I'm impressed, (smile). Thank you for voting. I got a big chuckle from your non-battle post!
DeleteI found Judy to be a very interesting challenger. However I'll log your vote: The Sawtooth Mountain Boys
Interesting mix. The song has been recorded by so many. Would have to give it to Collins for the smoothness.
ReplyDeleteOh Alex, I felt certain you would enjoy the colorful, flashing banjo of The Sawtooth Mountain Boys?!! But you'd probably have to mute the sound, (smile).
DeleteJudy Collins for smoothness - will do!
Dixie-chick, great match up! I used this song one BoTB edition last year. Judy Collins and The Sawtooth Mountain Boys are like night and day. I like both in their own right. TSMB bluegrass flavor stirs my Appalachian side, but I love the haunting vocals of Judy Collins. So, I'm giving my vote to Collins! I'm considering buying her cover, too!
ReplyDeleteMad World #BOTB
Cathy - those tune-changing moments when you hear a version that makes your day, I know! Btw, loved 'Mad World.'
DeleteI'll log your vote for Judy! Thank you for voting.
Interesting battle and two completely different versions. Hard to decide, but I'll have to vote for Judy Collins on this, mostly because I preferred her vocal stylings.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie. I definitely picked two different versions - I like both. I'm glad you liked it. Thank you for voting.
DeleteAnother for Judy Collins!
Wow, this was a great pairing! Two polar opposites in style on the same iconic song. I could learn a thing or two from you.
ReplyDeleteAfter a careful listen ...or two, I have to give it to THE SAWTOOTH MOUNTAIN BOYS!
Cherdo - dear heart - thank you for the compliment! I'm 'polar' on a lot of things, (smile).
DeleteI'll put you down for The Sawtooth Mountain Boys!
Great battle! When I saw the song that was being featured, I almost immediately thought that I'd pick the male version but after listening to both I really like Judy Collins so much better than the Sawtooth Mountain Boys. Her voice is beautiful and she really does a nice job with the song. My vote is for Judy Collins.
ReplyDeleteMichele at Angels Bark
Hi Michele - I know exactly what you mean. I thought it might be interesting to feature a female version. So far, the battle seems neck and neck!
DeleteI'll log you for Judy. Thank you for voting.
This is tough for me! While I like Judy Collins voice, I have a weird soft spot for bluegrass. The Sawtooth Mountain Boys for me!
ReplyDeleteHi Madilyn! I'm so glad you could visit, and vote for my battle. I too, know that weird soft spot, (smile) Thank you so much and I hope you'll visit again.
DeleteI'll log your vote: The Sawtooth Mountain Boys
#2 takes it for my zoo
ReplyDeleteHi Pat - you toe tapping too, at your zoo!? LOL
DeleteThank you for voting!
Got you logged for the Boys!
Soon as I saw the title I was in cowboy heaven. YipeekaiYeah!! I too listened to this on a 45 with the Pioneers. But I think Johnny Cash would have gotten my vote - not sure though. I fell in love with the song by SoP so, who knows. This was a fabulous battle. I loved Judy Collins ethereal voice in this - and I really didn't think I'd like a female singing it. But . . .
ReplyDeleteThose Sawtooth boys, with their banjo, had me wishing for my long lost cowboy boots and hat and a 10-Step partner. YeeHaw. Mountain Boys get my vote, and possibly a second listen to.
Later Polka Dot.
'Polka Dot' at your service, ma'am! We got spurs that jingle, jangle, jingle, as we go Ghost Riding merrily along! Donna, what a sense of humor! Lady, I hope all your wishes come along, and soon.
DeleteI'll log you for those Mountain Boys
i think i'll vote for option #3. the highwaymen.
ReplyDeleteI second that vote!! But out of the two I will go with the Sawtooth Boys
DeleteBilly, my friend, there is no #3, but I get the message! LOL. Thank you for coming over and having a listen. If you decide to go for #1 or #2... lemme hear back from ya!
DeleteHolli - seconds are great, especially ice cream! I am very glad you chose from the two presented artists, (smile).
DeleteI'll log your vote for The Sawtooth Boys!!
Both very good versions. I'm surprised I liked Judy Collins's version as well as I did, but the Sawtooth Mountain Boys take this one. If you get a chance, listen to the original by Burl Ives. That's my favorite.
ReplyDeletehey John. I posted a link to Burl Ives up top. He does a great version, but I wanted a wee bit of spice. I'm glad you liked both versions - I do too. Thank you for voting.
DeleteAnother vote for The Sawtooth Mountain Boys.
I confess that I read the comments before I listened to the songs. I'm just so darn nosy and curious about what people think! (And they are quick to tell you in these battles!!!!!)
ReplyDeleteSo, I expected going in to prefer The Sawtooth Mountain Boys. However, I really liked Judy Collins take on this song. I mean really liked it. So chalk one for Judy Collins.
Hey Robin. BOTB has some of the very best people to comment. Don't plan on ME being non-biased, (smile). Mostly I sit back and laugh my head off. (Hope you saw Donna's comment.)
DeleteI knew you liked country; wasn't so sure about your bluegrass roots. Ha! maybe next time - thank you.
I'll log Judy Collins for you!
Dixie, I have to vote for Judy Collins because she's Judy Collins, and the other version is too bluegrassy for me.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Hi Janie! Okay, and I completely understand! Judy Collins for you.
DeleteBy the way - welcome to BOTB! Your battle cracked me up. I voted earlier, but will go back and read the comments on it. I know they're going to be good, (smile).
I was all prepared to vote for the bluegrass version until I heard the vocals. Too cornponey for me. I'll vote for Judy Collins instead. Her high voice usually goes through my head like a nail, but this song's in a low enough key I can stand it.
ReplyDeleteP.S. -- Love that fiery header at the top of your blog! Yowza!
DeleteThank you, Debra!!! 'Cornponey' is an excellent description. I also like that comment about the nail through the head, I can tell you're a music fan. LOL
DeleteThank you for traveling over here to listen and vote. I really appreciate you. Judy Collins gets another vote!!
Thank you. I wish that rider had on a cowboy hat - what was I thinking??
DeleteWhat an eclectic battle you have. I like the instrumentation of The Sawtooth Mountain Boys. I can picture the galloping horses in the sky. I wasn't a fan of the vocals. So my vote will go to Judy. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWell, Mike... you pictured the galloping horses in the sky? I'm impressed! 'Eclectic' is the word - thanks for that, and your vote for Judy Collins!!
DeleteI have to go with Judy Collins on this one. I love this song and the original style of it more. Judy gave it quality for me while the other was good but I was picturing the movie "Deliverance" and that is not good so Judy gets my vote
ReplyDeleteGeez, Birgit. When I read your comment on "Deliverance" it cracked me up. I'll be laughing about this all day! Thank you.
DeleteJudy takes another vote!
I've been going back and forth with both songs. Though Judy Collins does a fine job, her "yippy i- o's" just don't seem convincing to me. Yes. The Sawtooth Mountain Boys sound like The Darlings on The Andy Griffith Show, but I think they capture the spirit of the song. The Sawtooth Mountain Boys get my vote. Love your wild header, Dixie!
ReplyDeleteJulie
Oh, Julie, just when I got over Birgit's comment - oh my goodness! You hit me with Andy and the Darlings?!! I wonder if they ever did a version? Yes, Judy's yippys did me in too. Thanks for your vote.
DeleteThe Sawtooth Mountain Boys got better yips and another vote!
Judy Collins has such a smooth voice, but The Sawtooth Mountain Boys really get goin' and give this song the treatment it properly deserves. Consider two very easy votes from both of us for the Mountain Boys. Now pass the moonshine, will you? No bluegrass is complete without a little bit of moonshine to get those dancin' feet going.
ReplyDeleteBryan and Brandon - I'm late responding to your vote, my apologies. Moonshine? Does anyone still make it?
DeleteGot you for two votes Mountain Boys!