Hello, kittens & dawgs! I’m back feeling refreshed after my little blog break and ready to go. Well…I’m almost ready to go. I’ll explain a little later, but first let me say, I can’t believe it’s November already, can you? Usually, I feature a group or artist on Saturdays, but it’s the first of a new month. What’s that got to do with anything, you say. If that’s why you’re here this morning, then you’re know it’s time for BATTLE OF THE BANDS, but if not and you’re not familiar with BOTB, then hop over to STM’s website to get the 411!
I said I’m almost ready to get back into blogging. DH has a week of vacation he needs to use or lose before the year ends, and since there is no better time than the present, we decided to kick back for a little extra fun next week. Actually, it started last night if you want to get technical about it. Cyberville gets neglected, but do you blame me when faced with a wonderful opportunity?
That being said, if you’re here for Monday’s Music Moves Me and looking to boogie with me, then I’m sorry. I promise to be back next week in full dancing mode! Sometimes life hands you unexpected treasures that are too good to pass and knowing life is too short I want to enjoy these precious moments with the one I love!
Are you ready for the battle? Let’s get started!
In 1956, Screamin’ Jay Hawkins wrote I Put a Spell on You. According to Wikipedia, Hawkins intended to make it a refined bluesy, love ballad. However, something went terribly wrong in a good sorta way. He divulges this little snippet about that day. “The producer brought in ribs and chicken and got everybody drunk, and we came out with this weird version….I don’t even remember making the record. Before, I was just a normal blues singer. I was just Jay Hawkins. It all sort of just fell in place. I found out I could do more destroying a song and screaming it to death.”
Many artists over the years have done this song as a cover and I listened to a lot of the versions preparing for today’s challenge. I’m quite fond of Bette Milder doing this song in Hocus Pocus and it’s perhaps one of the most popularly played videos. However, I grew up listening to CCR and its this version I remember most and love. There are other excellent choices to considered, but thought it would be interesting to pit Casey Abrams against Queen Latifah.
I’m not ashamed to admit it, I’m an AI fan…or at least I used to be. Last season wore me just a bit thin and I sorta fell out of love with the show because the contestants were NOT the cream of the crop despite the judges boosting that they were. Please, don’t insult me! Anywho, there was a time when rare talent popped up and Season 10 was just one of those special times when Casey Abrams was introduced to America! I love Casey! Well… his voice and style, I love. He’s an energetic, wild rocker, but the way he ended this song grabbed me. How about you?
I’m gonna tell you this, I was not prepared to like Queen Latifah, but I was a bit smitten with her rendition. Unlike many of the female artists I listened to, Latifah kept the vocals simple and that I liked…a lot. Listen!
Which artist put a spell on you ~ Abrams or Latifah?
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, then why not see what other BOTB participants (see below) are sharing.
STMcC Presents ‘Battle of the Bands’
Creative Outlet of Stratplayer
You probably thought I forgot, but I didn’t. The #BOTB: Chick Fight winner is Imogen Heap. She stole every single person’s vote, including mine with her rendition of Spooky.
Thanks for stopping by. I’ll hop over to see you soon. Be sure to come back on the 15th to see who wins #BOTB this go around. Have a tunetastic week!
