Sunday, September 15, 2024

BOTB September 15, 2024 Full Moon Rising

 


I may have mentioned I’m somewhat of a lunatic when it comes to lunar events. We’re due for a full Harvest moon (my favorite!) this coming Tuesday! The event is also called a Corn moon because farmers (including Indians) take full advantage of all that extra light to harvest their crops ahead of the Autumn equinox. I’m so excited (you’d think I’d grown out of this by now – ha!) I’ve decided to do this second Battle of The Bands with the moon in mind. I bet at least two, maybe three moon songs just went through your thoughts ;-) I’ll also bet it wasn’t either of the songs I’ve chosen for your keen consideration today.

Just a note: We’re also due for a partial eclipse – wouldn’t ya just know it? – on Wednesday, so get your moon gazing in early, just in case.

On this day in 1965 Ford Motor Company began offering factory-installed  8-Track Tape Players in Thunderbirds, Mustangs and Lincolns. You could purchase your favorite music tapes at your local Auto Parts store! However, later that year 8-track tape roadkill became an issue when the players had a tendency to chew up the tapes causing frustrated music lovers to toss the tangled ribbons out of their car windows. Home 8-track equipment was still a year away.

Getting back to the moon…Doesn’t it seem like everyone’s going?

Once upon a time, long-time lead singer of Styx, Dennis DeYoung may have read my mind and tossed my thoughts right into some of his awesome songwriting.  Especially with this 1984 chart-topper set in my neck of the woods:   Desert Moon

Ten years later, Concrete Blonde seemed to be on the same wavelength in a different locale: under a Mexican Moon

So, which one suits your fancy? Right now, I am firmly on the proverbial fence!  

See you on or about the first day of Autumn ;-)

Monday, September 9, 2024

BOTB September 2024 - Results

 


Thanks to everyone who stopped by to listen and cast a vote on my latest Battle of the Bands! Since the song was practically written for Frank Sinatra, the outcome could have been a no-brainer had I used anyone sounding closer to the famous crooner than the contender I chose. Funny how those things go…I’m learning ;-)  And while Curtis Stigers wasn’t half bad, it seems Emmy had just the right touch to gently bend a slightly leaning lead into an astonishing draw. No losers here - I’m jazzed!    

Contenders                                                      Song(s)                         Votes

Emmy Rossum                                  The Summer Wind                       5  (Including mine)

Curtis Stigers                                    The Summer Wind                       5

 

Recorded in 1966, this signature song by Frank Sinatra charted at #1 on the Easy Listening Chart that same year and was still being played as part of his regular concert performances in 1986. He and Julio Iglesias performed an impressive duet of the song in 1993.

Since the full Harvest Moon this month is only two days after, I’ll be back on the 15th with a couple of songs about one of my very favorite occasions ;-) Care to join me?

 


 

Sunday, September 1, 2024

BOTB September 2024 The Summer Wind

 


Hey, hi! Glad you stopped by ;-)

The Battle of The Bands (BOTB) is your basic Which-do-you-like-best contest where the one that gets the most votes wins. All you have to do is show up (the 1st of every month) give a listen and cast your vote in the comment section. Votes will be tallied and the winner revealed on or about the 8th day of the month.

Can you believe we’re into the month of September already?  For me, it’s the time of year when the sighs of Back to School blues are blown asunder and out from under the stay-with-me tugs of yesterday’s fun, just out of reach of tomorrow’s promise with passage provided most assuredly by The Summer Wind. The song I’ve chosen for this month’s Battle of The Bands was composed by Heinz Meier, lyrics by Johnny Mercer, and first recorded by Wayne Newton in 1965, followed by Bobby Vinton and Perry Como. However, the most popular version was recorded by Frank Sinatra in 1966.  Here’s a reminder if you need it:

The Summer Wind ~Frank Sinatra

And here are the contenders:  Emmy Rossum and Curtis Stigers

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There you have it folks! Enjoy the festivities! I appreciate everyone coming by to give a listen and cast a vote in the comment section. Stop by the links of other participants (located in righthand sidebar) if ya would 😉

 

 

 

BOTB September 15, 2024 Full Moon Rising

  I may have mentioned I’m somewhat of a lunatic when it comes to lunar events. We’re due for a full Harvest moon (my favorite!) this coming...