Leon Russell wrote this song and originally released it as the B-side of his 1972 hit “Tight Rope.” The song is about a couple who are going through a masquerade, pretending that they are still in love, when in fact they are both unhappy with the relationship. It’s a lonely game they play.

The original release was more than 8 minutes long. Radio stations shied away from the lengthy recording for artist not well known. After the song edits, it was shortened to the above track and it was a Top 10 hit and Benson earned a Grammy Award for the record in 1977.

Up first today is a musician who I featured a couple times over the years. Let’s welcome once again to center stage the Argentinian jazz and bossa nova singer, songwriter, and producer…Karen Souza!

The next musician is a new discovery, an Armenian singer, songwriter, musician and record producer…Arpi Alto!

Polls close at noon (ET) on Oct. 21!

That concludes another segment of Battle of the Bands.  We’re still on vacation.  I’ll do my best to make my rounds and to publish the results next week. Don’t forget to leave your vote for your favorite artist in comments.

Please check out the other battles underway today. Participants are listed in my side bar beneath the BOTB banner. Please consider joining me tomorrow morning for Monday’s Music Moves Me.  This is CAAC signing off, have a bandtastic day!  XX, Cathy