First off ~ thank you to our event blog hosts:
Far Away Eyes, aka, FAE
How we play:
We feature two different recordings of the same song. Listen to both, and then vote for the song version you like the best. Feel free to leave a comment, along with your vote.
Our battles take place twice a 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!
If you would like to listen, and vote in other battles, please see the participant list in the right hand margin. If you would like to join this bi-monthly blog-event, visit the blog host, Stephen T. McCarthy. Leave him a message, and your blog address. We would love to have you participate!!
Today's song choice, "Never Tear Us Apart," is from the band INXS. If you want to hear their original version Go here for INXS version. They are NOT in the competition today. You cannot vote for them. But hold on... I've got two versions, and one might suit you!!!
Today;s Challengers: Joe Cocker versus Paloma Faith
1- John Robert "Joe" Cocker, OBE (20 May 1944 – 22 December 2014) was an English singer and musician. He was known for his gritty voice, spasmodic body movement in performance, and definitive versions of popular songs. The song was also covered by Joe Cocker for his 2002 album Respect Yourself. Joe does a fine job! But wait...
2- Paloma Faith (born Paloma Faith Blomfield, 21 July 1981[1][2]) is a British singer, songwriter and actress, known for her retro and eccentric style. Paloma Faith covered the song for a John Lewis TV advert, aired from 15 September 2012, and released it as the third single from her Brit Award nominated album Fall To Grace. Ten years after Joe's version.
I'm throwing in the Lyrics for ya! You'll be singing along in no time (smile). Never mind the "thanks," send M&Ms, please (grin). My work ends, as your's begins... crank it up!
Don't ask me
What you know is true
Don't have to tell you
I love your precious heart
I, I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided
And they could never tear us apart
We could live for a thousand years
But if I hurt you
I'd make wine from your tears
I told you
That we could fly
'Cause we all have wings
But some of us don't know why
I was standing
You were there
Two worlds collided
And they could never ever tear us apart
I, I was standing
(Don't ask me)
I was standing
(You know it's true)
You were there
(Worlds collided)
Two worlds collided
(We're shining through)
And they could never tear us apart
You, you were standing
(Don't ask me)
(You know it's true)
I was there
(Worlds collided)
Two worlds collided
(We're shining through)
And they could never tear us apart
I, I was standing.
Please note: Joe Cocker stops singing at the 3:45 mark, even though that video continues. I'm not sure why, but there's no more sound after that.
DIXIE POLKA ~
ReplyDeleteI never, ever let the videos influence my votes. I can watch them but still separate the images from the sounds, so that what I'm seeing doesn't change my mind about what I'm hearing.
Having said that... Hokey-Smoke! These were two tough performers to watch.
JOE COCKER is known for his "spastic-like" stage mannerisms. But in this case he toned that down... only to replace most of it with "Air Guitar" playing. That looks so silly to see a professional singer playing Air Guitar. And could he get those pants much higher up? Sheesh! His belt is buckled at his prodigious belly. Hard bloke to watch.
And then there's PALOMA FAITH. Where'd she get those eyebrows? At the Dollar Store?
I liked the music in BOTH of these versions, and I had to listen to both of 'em twice to make my decision.
Putting aside how they both look... I'll cast my vote for... PALOMA FAITH. (Yeah, surprises me too, but for some reason which I can't fully 'splain, I have never really enjoyed Joe Cocker's covers.) Paloma's vocal is a bit harsh, and yet it works for lyrics such as these.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
~D-FensDogG....
DeleteSo I was wondering if you would liked spandex fingers, with a high cotton crotch? Or door # 2 with shiny black vinyl, and the gauze gear top.?
(I basically closed my eyes to watch.)
>>...And then there's PALOMA FAITH. Where'd she get those eyebrows? At the Dollar Store?
Good guess, but I was thinking Petsmart!
You went with Paloma, hair rollers and all? Amazing - nope I didn't see THAT coming. What the heck... at least I scored a "Hokey Smoke" outta yuz.
Thanks for the vote and descriptive comment. Paloma!
Ha! Yeah, 'PETSMART' it probably was. Although I don't think it was such a "smart" purchase.
Delete~ D-FensDogG
Ha! is right. I've seen better brows on a Doberman.
Delete~ dp ~
Have to be in the right mood for Cocker's voice. Paloma Faith's version was so smooth. She gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteAnd was it just me, or did her makeup and hairstyle look downright creepy?
Thanks, Alex. She was definitely creepy! There was no version of her without a visual. Glad you could stop by and vote. I'll log you for Paloma.
DeleteNo contest for me. I'm not a Joe Cocker fan and his version sounded like it was sung to a karaoke track.
ReplyDeletePaloma on the other hand put a special spin to the song which turned it into an interpretation and a fine one at that. I like the Paloma version a lot and that's what I vote for.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Lee,
DeleteYes, I agree Paloma had her own interpretation! I glad you enjoyed it (smile).
I listened to these on my phone before I got out of bed. I was awash in a bit of nostalgia when I saw that the song was Never Tear Us Apart. Way back when I began blogging I did a Saturday feature of 80s music that rocked MTV (and my world) along with an inspirational song for the day (any period). One of my all-time favorite bands was INXS. I just loved them. So, like I said, this post brought on a bit of nostalgia for me.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to read my way back post featuring INXS, you can find it here:
http://yourdailydose-robin.blogspot.com/2010/10/need-you-stronger-dont-change.html
There is only one song that Joe Cocker sings that I can honestly say I really like. This ain't it. However, it wasn't as awful as I thought it might be. I did myself the service of NOT watching him sing. I didn't watch Paloma either, though I did take a quick peek at her. She's an odd looking person.
I wasn't crazy about Paloma's enunciation. I don't know yet why it bugged me, but it was still better than Cocker's version. So, another vote for Paloma.
Thanks for that little trip back to the 80s. It was quite lovely.
Hi Robin,
DeleteYou're right - INXS can't be beat on this song. Paloma drove me nuts dropping the T's off of the word, 'apart.' Still you liked her version better... got your vote for her. Thank you (smile).
Hmm, shut out alert!
Oh I just love this song. INXS does it best, no question! I really thought I'd be picking Joe Cocker because I really like him but his version just didn't do it for me. On the other hand, Paloma: wow! She did a great job with this song so she gets my vote.
ReplyDeleteGreat battle Dixie!
Michele at Angels Bark
Hi Michele - another INXS fan!! Looks like poor Joe needs to stop performing this tune, right?
DeleteI'll log you for Paloma! (smile)
Not a big fan of either version and both of these performers are hard to watch, to say the least. For some reason these two versions both seem very harsh, is it me, or the instrumentation, or vocals. No sure, but I'm having a real hard time deciding which is the lesser of two weevils, to my ears.
ReplyDeleteOK, I'm gonna go with Paloma. Can't say that I would listen to her a second time, but Ole Joe really seemed to be struggling through this one, much more than normal. It actually pained me to watch AND listen.
Sorry, if that came across negative. It might just be me today. I have a terrible headache that keeps backing off and coming back with a vengence.
Fae, when you're not feeling well - stop, and take care of you. The battles are not a necessary thing, like enjoying good health. Would a warm compress relieve some pain? (I'll stop right now and say a prayer for you.)
DeleteAs for the battle - I'm not a fan of either song version. Pulled from the back burner, I thought I was ready to showcase them. Seems I broke my own rule to "avoid video images." I prefer them displaying a single photo or lyrics.
Your remarks aren't negative towards me. Besides I can use the negative to help me make better battles.
Please know that any time, for any reason, you find that you're uncomfortable voting on one of my battles... it's really okay to skip it. Only you know what it takes to take care of you. Okay?
I'll log you for Paloma. If you change your mind, or would rather, "withdraw," no problems here. Rest now.
Dixie
Oh, WOW! I loooooove this song!!! Memories aside (first kiss, etc. etc.), it's a GREAT song — and someone would have to do way better than any cover I'd heard UNTIL RIGHT THIS MINUTE. Joe Cocker, RIP, was a great interpreter in many ways (I think I've even voted for him in some BoTB or another), but this song is really not his best. Not even close. Paloma, though, whom I'd never heard of before, does an excellent job — she sticks to the original in every way that matters (to us INXS fans) and at the same time she manages to revamp the music to give it a modern feel. Great, great job. And great battle, Dixie!
ReplyDeleteGuilie @ Quiet Laughter
P.S. - In case it wasn't clear, my vote goes to Paloma :D
Guilie! You have no idea - you've made my day! Heck, you've made my battle! Even if it's a shutout - I do not care. It's just fun to see what versions people come up with. Paloma, to me, has a burlesque edge. Cocker is on a slower roll grabbing a commitment. can you "see" it? They are different and colliding!
DeleteYou're an INXS fan? Cool. I never saw them in concert, but I'm guessing other battle members have. 'Revamp' is the perfect word - thanks for that.
Just when I was staring at the screen, wondering if I should continue BOTB? I'm so out of my league with this group.
I enjoyed your battle immensely. I hated voting for one, because I liked both versions you had.
First kiss (ha haha). I thought Arlee might be playing my song.. but it wasn't the Association's, 'Cherish.'
Well, Lady - thanks for the compliments!! I'll log you for Paloma!
Dixie
First, I really LOVE this song and the music of INXS. It makes me think of when I first moved to Atlanta and heard it on the radio when I was stuck in traffic, which was practically EVERY DAMN DAY. They are a fantastic band.
ReplyDeleteAs for which version I like better: Definitely Joe Cocker. Paloma's version annoyed me, and I even tried not watching the video. Cocker wa a master.
Good battle!
Atlanta! Goodness, John, I'm so glad I've lost nothing in Atlanta; hate the traffic there!
DeleteINXS does it best, and HOORAY! you just saved me from a shutout! I'll log Joe Cocker for you.
Thanks, John (smile).
Great song and I thought both covers were good. Tried not to look, but I had a peak and Paloma appears rather clownish. Joe, on the other hand, always looks like he's going to have a stroke, but I just love his raspy voice and also preferred the musical arrangement. Please put me down for Joe Cocker.
ReplyDeleteHey Miss Double ~D! I enjoy this song the more I play it. I'm glad you had good things to say about Joe! Plus he could use a couple of more votes, thanks for yours (smile).
DeleteDixie
Holy Dick Tracy character Batman! Paloma is one freaky, creepy chicky-bird! She also has a cool voice with an edge and she is clearly loving the 40's singer style. I enjoy Joe Cocker but not for this song. Of course I love the original but I like the spin she did so Paloma gets my vote
ReplyDeleteBirgit - I think you've just topped Stephen's description of Paloma! Maybe (smile). I'm was thinking 40's style but the skirt threw me. I 'll put you down for Paloma, and thnka you very much for voting. (smile).
DeletePaloma Faith has a hornet's nest on her head, her eyebrows look like they were drawn on by someone who's never seen real human eyebrows before, and her lipstick looks like she just went bobbing for raspberries and took second place. Looks aside, she wins this battle for both of us easily. Cocker's voice just doesn't really fit the song the way hers does.
ReplyDeleteOh my, Guys! I'm glad you don't charge for comedic content left on other blogs.
Delete>>... "bobbing for raspberries..." NICE TOUCH!
Thanks for the skinny on Paloma. I thinking we could do a battle of the comments! Aw, come on.
Logging two for the "Hornet's nest head." Wow!
DC
Fortunately we are not judging by the video's. I do like Joe Cocker, but not overly fond of his rendition of this song. I like Paloma Faith version, it was more appealing to me and I think flowed better. If this were another day, perhaps I'd enjoy Cocker's version more, but not today. Give my vote for Paloma Faith singing, despite a negative point received from me for the video.
ReplyDeleteJeffrey, honest man, I tried to get her to wear a bag or two. Ha! I'm not worried about the 99% vote, there! Getting one is nice; I appreciate it.
DeleteWait! if I do this same battle in October, you might vote for Joe. REALLY? (smile).
Paloma your way - this time.
Both are excellent, but I have an old prejudice that likes Joe Cocker just a little more. The instrumentation is more to my liking in the Cocker version, too. That said I really do like Paloma's voice.
ReplyDeleteJono - I logging you for Joe Cocker. I get the impression you prefer him, right?
DeleteI'll visit you this weekend. I'm behind on your writings. (smile)
I really, really love the original. That being said... I think for this, Joe Crocker just sounds too similar. I'm giving my vote to Paloma Faith. She just had a voice that worked so well with this song and even though something about her gave me the heebie-jeebies..
ReplyDelete- Madilyn Quinn @ NovelBrews
>>... 'heebie-jeebies,' noted, Madilyn. Yep, sh'e strange material. I'll log your vote for Paloma
DeleteJoe Cocker does a super version of the song. However, Paloma Faith does a great job with the song as well. I vote for her, the female voice does make it a lil different.
ReplyDeleteOh Mike, that's exactly the answer I want to hear!
Delete>>... 'lil different.' (yes, somewhat. Ha!) Got you for Paloma. Thanks, Mike.
Dixie-Chick-a, fabulous battle, my friend. I'm a huge fan of Cocker's and predicted he would be my pick, but (you were expecting that but, right?) the new-to-me voice of Palmona bowled me over. Her cover was totally sexier and I loved the music arrangement. Casting my vote for Paloma Faith!
ReplyDeleteGosh darn, Miss Curious! So much for my 'predicto-meter'!!
DeleteBut lemme axe you this... did you feel like a strip tease scene was coming? LOL. Hard to believe, but I was almost, (well...) too embarrassed to play this video. I kept thinking, "swanky." is that still a word?
I'll log you for Paloma - that swanky woman! Thank you. (smile)
Somebody needed to give Joe a guitar :) or a Sax. He didn't know what to do with his hands. I love his gritty voice, and he did this very well. I knew my vote was for him . . .
ReplyDeleteRight up to the first few strands of music in Paloma's. And then, she started to sing. Sultry. Evocative. Damn, could I write an erotic scene to this! Paloma singiing, a deep male POV, seduction. Ummmm ..
Yeah. against anyone else Joe likely would have my vote. But give it to the seductress this time. I think I'll go listen again to Paloma, then visit Saint Mac. Hubba hubba :)
Ooh, Dolorah! Wow!
Delete>>"...Sultry. Evocative. Damn, could I write an erotic scene to this! Paloma singiing, a deep male POV, seduction. Ummmm .."
Now there's a review 'MUST HAVE'! Don't forget to share it later, hmm?! You're definitely the one to write it. I love your writing - such talent (smile).
I keep listening to Joe, thinking he's coming from a more serious point of view. If not, wouldn't we have seen far more twitching and such? Well, either way... it didn't stir the soup pot like Paloma!
I'll log you for Paloma. Thank you for voting and that uumph! comment. Go and spread joy...
DC
It is a fantastic post – immense clear and easy to understand. I am also holding out for the sharks too that made me laugh. battle axe
ReplyDelete