Good morning, Kittens and Dawgs!  What happened to June? I mean, one minute it was here and the next POOF! Alrighty, it’s a brand new month.  How was your weekend?  Ours was nice, really nice because DH took much of Friday off because he had some comp time that he needed to use before June 30th.  There’s nothing like cutting things close, eh?   We went to Highlands, North Carolina and had a lovely time. There was already a sense of patriotism in the air with American flags and banners like here at the Old Edwards Inn & Spa established as a boarding house in 1878 and now is a famous posh hotel to greet us!

Does that you in the mood to celebrate America’s 242nd birthday?  It’s purrrfectly fitting that this week’s 4M theme is “PATRIOTIC” mewsic thanks to this month’s honorary co-host, Musings and Merriment with Michelle.  It’s great having you with us for July, my friend!  In my 8 years of blogging I’ve composed a handful of ‘patriotic’ posts, two of which I invite you to check out are  Patriotic Rock N’ Roll America and Treasures in History!  I don’t know if all of my song selections are patriotic as much as tunes about America, preserving freedom, and those who fight/fought for our country but here’s my Stars and Stripes America playlist.

1. Suite Madam Blue by Styx
2. Born Free by Kid Rock
3. Remember the Heroes by Sammy Hagar
4. Miss America by Saving Abel
5. Where The Stars & Stripes & The Eagle Fly by Aaron Tippin
6. The Star Spangled Banner by Spirit

I’m sorry for not offering any interesting tidbits or the back story of today’s mewsic.  The list is mostly for my record for whenever a  YT video shuts down I can easily replace it.

Colette is experiencing eye problems and isn’t actively co-hosting but you might find her boogieing with us occasionally. I asked that you continue to keep her in prayer.  Right now, I want you join fellow co-hosts: XmasDolly (Party Coordinator), Stacy,  Alana, and this month’s co-host, Michelle on  the dance floor (ONLY link mewsic posts).  Let’s get this party started!

Take to heart these wise words from our country’s 3rd president and stand fast in our nation’s pride to preserve the liberties we love!

I’m starting my posts a little later in the day than usual.  You know to give me more of that lazy, summery kind of feel to make my semi-hiatus feel more like a break feeling.  Thanks for joining me today.  Keep those tunes playing, your body swaying, and I’ll be dancing with you soon!

XX , Cathy

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This version of the Star Spangled Banner is not to be considered in today’s showdown. I simply wanted to share it with you because of the swell of pride I felt listening to the story of the spirit of the American people and Francis Scott Key inspiration behind our national anthem.

I’m a traditionalist, especially when it comes to the national anthem. However, I decided to go against the natural order of things by picking two rock versions for this #BOTB Star Spangled Banner showdown ~ Spirit VS Madison Rising!

I vaguely remember Spirit a.k.a Spirit of ’76 from my teen years and this cover of Star Spangled Banner.

Madison Rising is a new-to-me group and their cover of Star Spangled Banner strays a bit from Francis Scott Key’s lyrics, but I liked it and wanted to share it with you.

Like I said before I normally like traditional covers of the Star Spangled Banner, but these rock versions are awesome. It’s gonna be difficult to decide who will get my vote. Which do you prefer a more traditional or rock version of this national treasure?

My battle showdown isn’t limited to only participants. It’s open to everyone across the net. There is no right or wrong way to vote, except those who do not vote.  So, what’s standing in your way? VOTE!!!

[wwm_survey id=”6950″]

Oh yeah, don’t forget to tell me in comments what you liked/disliked about today’s artists and which version moved you the most. I invite you to hop over to STMcC to learn how this all works and to visit more epic #BoTB performances. I’ll have the results next week this time, so I please come back to see if your pick gets named the winner. Until next time, have bandtastic day!