Hello, kittens & dawgs! Music is what makes my heart beat, but then you already know this with two weekly posts dedicated to tunes. That being said, I’m happy to share with you my participation in the BATTLE OF THE BANDS (BOTB).
A few weeks ago when I got started, I learned the obvious winner (or at least the winner in my book) should not be included in the spin-off to make things more interesting. I had no clue, really that my first installment of BOTB this month would be a runaway victory for The Outlaws doing Ghost Rider in the Sky. That being said, today I’m taking a new approach by presenting artists who are not commonly thought or heard of doing the same song fingers crossed.
In 1966, saxophonist Mike Sharpe listed #57 on the US Pop Chart with this familiar song, but it wasn’t until 1968 the song was given life with words and later popularized by a 70s rock band. I said I was changing things up a bit, didn’t I? Leap of faith Okay, I’m presenting a gender-reverse version of ARS 1979 hit, Spooky. Are you ready? Let the chick fight begin!
In keeping with my promise (fewer & unusual artists), my first selection in the showdown is The Puppini Sisters. This close harmonizing trio from Europe (Italy & UK) are not really sisters. The jazzy, a cappella singing trio is a breath of fresh air to hear and if you’re an Andrew Sisters’ fan then you will like them. I invite you to shut your eyes to block out the theatrics of the video and give their rendition a listen.
Different? Yep, but I kinda like it. I wouldn’t go so far to say it’s my favorite, but it’s enjoyable in its own right and with this introduction I want to hear more by The Puppini Sisters.
Next up is Imogen Heap, singer/songwriter/composure, is a new-to-me indie rock/synthpop artist from across the great pond. I was vacillating over if this style appeals to me or not. I equate synthesizers with artificial music…ah…that’s not what I’m looking for exactly, but the bottom line is I think of noise with no sound substance. Does that make sense? However, I was surprised to find that Heap doesn’t fall completely in my original perception with at least this song…
A familiar tune, yet distinctive. I’m curious to hear more by Imogen Heap. Who knows, maybe I will discover I have a taste for electro house music after all.
There’s one more chick who did this cover. She is my favorite pick and I’m certain, if I included it in today’s battle then it would be a colossal vote stealer. Where’s the fun in that? I’m trying to learn my lesson. Another thing, I know it’s difficult to absorb and comment on more than two selections so I’m keeping things simple, but if you’re interested then check out Dusty Springfield’s recording.
Okay, here’s what you do to vote. In my comments section, tell me which band you like the best and why. After you’re done, visit other BOTB contributors below:
STMcC Presents ‘Battle of the Bands’, host
Creative Outlet of Stratplayer
Visit Stephen for details on BOTB. I will share the winning outcome on Monday’s Music Moves Me post on the 27th, so I hope you’ll stop by to learn the results. Until then, have a tunetastic day and thank you for rockin’ my world on Battle of the Bands!
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Imogen Heap gets my vote
I wanted to like The Puppini Sisters. I am a sucker for harmony. It just didn’t work all that well in this song. I think the bridge with the dancing skeletons was where they utterly lost it for me. They were making doot doot noises (or something like that)… I can’t recall any longer.
I really liked Heap’s version of this song (not as much as Dusty Springfield)… but really liked it. I would listen to more of her songs. So, Heap for me.
And thank you! thank you! thank you! for only putting two versions up for us to choose from in this BOTB. It made it so much easier to listen all the way through and give a well-informed vote.
Yep, spooky how two bloggers picked the same song. But at least two different versions. I voted for ARS at Mr Sexy’s; but I think Imogene would have won there if he’d posted her. I love her jazzy sound and she has an awesome voice.
The second one gets my vote. I love the jazzier version and the dreamy quality to her voice which reaches quite strong at the end. The Puppini gals have great voices but I didn’t care for the rendition of that song. It seemed to miss the essence of the song.
I participated in BOTB today!
There really are a million versions of that song.
First one was just too different. And I’m not into the old-style sound.
Second one sounds like Atlanta Rhythm Section’s version only with a very smooth female voice. That one gets my vote.
I found the Puppini Sisters’ version of “Mr. Sandman” on YouTube about a week ago, and was utterly enchanted by them. This video, with the dancing skeletons, reminds me of a Betty Boop cartoon.
I liked Imogen Heap’s version; it held more closely to the Classics IV version than the Sisters did. Still, I’m going with the Puppinis.
Wow — you picked the same song as StevieMac! Spooky!!! And I really liked the Dusty Springfield version and would vote for it over either of these two, but (narrowly) chose the ARS version on his blog.
There are some things to like about the Puppini Sisters. The bass and drums are excellent, they do have smooth harmonies, and if we were using cleavage as a voting criteria, they’d clearly be winners over Imogen Heap. But overall, the song seems disjointed and the vocals are just a little too slick and the arrangement ends up being as effective as the visible fishing line lifting the phone receiver off the hook in the video — An attempt to create an effect that ends up being cheesy and failing.
I’ve never heard of Imogen Heap. Parts of it reminds me of Laurie Anderson with better production technology, but I guess any female singer using trancy electronica is going to be saddled with that comparison at some level. I wonder how much of the instrument sounds are created organically, but I do like how they’re mixed and manipulated. And her voice and harmonies and the familiarity of the song make for a great counterpoint for the electronic parts. Although no cleavage at all in the video, so she loses a few points for that…
Still, I definitely prefer Imogen’s version with her singing and clever intertwining of the sounds and harmonies. The song actually felt a little too short to me — I was hoping for more instrumental ‘solo’ parts. But it was still very enjoyable.
I don’t have to click on the Springfield link since I just listened to it on McCarthy’s site. Cool how the two of you picked the same song with completely different versions.
The Puppini’s opening instrumental vamp holds promise, but they lost me at the vocals. They are good, but the delivery seemed out of context with the song topic. Too showy–almost like a parody.
On the other hand Imogen Heap does the song like it should be. The laid back jazzy instrumental backing gives the song the spirit of the original. Heap’s vocals are very appealing and I really liked the backing vocal touches–very nifty.
I predict a landslide victory for Imogen Heap and that’s where my vote goes.
Lee
Tossing It Out