Urgent #BOTB showdown
Good-day, kitten and dawgs! I cut my blog visits and skipped doing one of my Saturday posts yesterday so DH and I could spend the beautiful afternoon with DS. I love blogging, but there’s more to life than sitting in front of the computer all day. This is when I realize I may have to settle with doing my Saturday Songsuasion every other week. On the upside, I did have my May round two of BoTB prepared ahead and with it falling on Sunday I decided to bring it to you a day early. I generally like having the weekend off, but at the bare minimum Sunday for a total blog shut down. God rested on the seventh day and so should I!
Today’s song is an inspired choice of DH. One night he was listening to various songs on iTunes when he came across a different artist doing Urgent.
The group, DH listened to calling to my attention to was Junior Walker & the Allstars (JWTA). Their sound has a retro flavor to it and we were certain that JRTA was the original band to do the popular 80s track. However, my first thoughts were not correct at all. In fact, Motown great Junior Walker played sax on Foreigner’s original. Now, put your ear to the speaker to listen the 1983 cover!
I really dig JWTA’s snazzy, jazzy saxophone intro making the track more their own over Foreigner’s thumping synthesizer opening. Not that the original is bad because it is my favorite. However, that’s because that’s what I’m use to. Who knows what I’d say had I heard JWTA’s version first.
Urgent is one of those songs with a limited number of artists covering it. I’m not sure why that is. Could it be other bands don’t think they can go against Foreigner by recording their own rendition? I don’t know. SecondHandSongs lists four cover artists recording this song, but I could only find one on YouTube. DVAS (Dietzche V. & the Abominable Snowman) is a Canadian band with more of disco flavor covered Foreigner’s song Urgent in 2009. Now listen to DVAS!
It’s kinda cool DVAS pulled the 80s vibes into their cut of Urgent and I like the softness of their vocals which suits their style perfectly.
I decided to use the same WP plugin that Debbie @The DogLady’s Den features on her site. Hopefully, I did things right. Give it a try!
Who gets your vote Junior Walker and the Allstars or DVAS? There’s no right or wrong vote, except for a no vote. If for some reason the plugin flops, then please cast your vote for your favorite artist in comments and if you have time feel free to tell me why your pick is the best.
I want to thank the brain child of this cool, bi-monthly meme, Fae. The fun continues with more epic battles underway; I invite you to visit, Stephen, who manages the ever-growing list of BoTB players.
I will share the results, including my vote, tp this competition a week from day, so mark your calendar and stop by to see if your pick gets named! Thanks for joining in on the fun and I hope you’ll dance by tomorrow for Mewsic Moves Me.
Thanks for joining in on the fun. This is Curious as a Cathy signing off with have a bandtastic day!
44 Comments
Robin
I knew before reading the comments I’d be in the minority here, but I really liked DVAS better. (And I was right… I’m in the minority! But, I don’t care!!!) Great battle, Cathy.
mike spain
Junior Walker gets my vote
dolorah
Good battle; both were pretty good in their separate styles. Junior was awesome though, so he gets my vote.
If it was a hair-battle though, I definitely go with DVAS, lol
Far Away Eyes
What a BATTLE this one is. Who woulda thunk that anyone would cover this song. Jr. Walker and that screamin sax did it for me. Give them my vote. But, I do have to admit the other version isn’t too bad.
Jeffrey__Scott
I really like JWTA’s version of the song. I even went back and listened to it again as I prepared my comments. AS for the other version, it was okay but I got tired of it about three minutes into it. I’m not the biggest fan of remixes. Sometimes they take a good song and mix it to death, then draw it out longer. Not saying that was done with THIS song, but explaining why I’m not generally a fan of remixes. Please give my vote for the first.
Cathy Kennedy
Jeffrey, JWTA are running away with this battle. I’m actually somewhat surprised. I thought there would be more who liked their contender, but it looks like I was wrong. Thanks for voting, my friend!
XmasDolly
Well, I saw Foreigner at the Arcada Theater in St. Charles, IL which is only 10/15 minutes away. I know I live in Batavia, but we call ourselves the Tri-Cities because first you’re in Batavia and driving north blink and then you’re in Geneva and blink again you’re in St. Charles as the crow flies as they say. Oh we loved it… but the only original guy from Foreigner was the keyboard/guitar player. Oh well, go figure and he was pretty up there in years. I have a video if I can I shall post it for you a week from this Monday because I don’t quite know what the theme is going to be yet. Michael Dolch is our Spotlight Dancer and he hasn’t wrote in yet. They played Juke Box hero that night and with the light show and the different levels on the stage and the singer hopping all over the place it was awesome. He’s not the first singer, but he sure does sound like him.
Cathy Kennedy
Marie, sounds like an awesome night. It would be cool to see the video. I’ll watch for it to go live on your site. Thanks for stopping in, did you vote for your favorite pick?
Cherdo
Like Stephen M, I usually don’t gravitate towards the synch-n-roll songs — but I don’t rule ’em out, either. Maybe I’ve just heard too many whalin’ saxophones lately but I gotta give my one and only, lonely vote to DVAS. Even as I’m writing this, I have a sneaking suspicion that I will be listed with the losing voters, ha ha.
Still a rebel!
Cherdo
PS: What’s up with our town? Biscuit Fest was a freeze out, lol. Brrrr….
Cathy Kennedy
Cherdo, You went the way the artist moved you; winner or loser you voted! It’s not uncommon for early to mid May to get chilly like it did for the Biscuit Fest, which I totally forgot about. Every time we get a cold snap in May it makes me think of 26 years ago when DD#2 was born. The weather was very much the same way ~ cold, gray, and rainy. I recall in early May 1994 after DS was born we got a cool snap. It makes it difficult to know how to dress ~ long sleeves? Coat? No Coat? It’s just crazy! Thanks for hopping over!
D-FensDogG
HiYa, CATHY ~
We’ll see if your computer likes my computer this time.
Without a shred of doubt I preferred the JUNIOR WALKER cover to the second version.
And equally without a shred of doubt, I prefer the JUNIOR WALKER cover to the Foreigner original. I am NOT a big fan of synthesizers, but the saxophone rocks!
Hmmm…. Will this comment take? We’re only seconds away from finding out—
~ D-FensDogG
‘Loyal American Underground’
Cathy Kennedy
Stephen, it looks like everything in the cyber universe lined up perfectly this time and your comment accepted. I’ve had trouble visiting Janie Junebug using Firefox lately. The way I get around it by using Safari. I think some of these strange problems occur either on the ISP or host site side leaving the blog author ignorant until someone says something. Oh well, I’m just happy everything went without a hitch…this time. 😀 Thanks for voting for JWTA.
Guilie Castillo
Looks like I’m in the minority here… I’m going with DVAS (which, as a funny aside, when I first saw the name, I thought it was DIVAS… and the photo, paired with the name, made me laugh out loud). Somehow that 80’s vibe really had me swingin’ 🙂
Nice battle, Cathy! (It’s good to be back…)
Guilie @ Quiet Laughter
Cathy Kennedy
Guilie, glad to see you back! Sometimes my mind plays tricks on me. I either laugh or get this weird expression that says, “That doesn’t make sense”. Yep, you’re in the minority. I think DVAS has an interesting sound, but I’m not sure it’s enough to get my vote yet. I’ll share that next week. Thanks for including me in your Sunday afternoon. Now to hop over to your place. 😉
greyzoned/angelsbark
I’m definitely going for Jr. Walker on this one. I think I may like that version better than Foreigner’s but can I really say that?? I don’t know. Foreigner’s version is pretty good and I’m so familiar with it but Jr. Walker’s version really got me.
I liked the Canadian band’s version but just not enough to sway a vote. Jr. Walker all the way on this one.
Enjoy your weekend off! You deserve it…
Michele at Angels Bark
Cathy Kennedy
Michele, you and Lee liked JWTS version better, I believe. That’s a rare thing when the contender is liked more than the original. Thanks for taking a break in your Sunday to visit and vote. Next stop, your place! 😉
John Holton
No one’s version of this compares to Foreigner’s original, but in this battle, Junior Walker gets the vote.
Cathy Kennedy
John, I agree no one compares with Foreigner, but Junior Walker is awfully close. Thanks for voting, my friend!
Debbie D.
I couldn’t access the first video – said “not available”. Here’s an alternative if anybody else has a problem: Glad I found it, because they get my vote. That’s a cool app, isn’t it? I should try it with the sharing functions attached as well.
Cathy Kennedy
Thanks for the alternate video. I failed to check it for any hiccups. Yes, the polling app is cool. I’m using the basic version for now. It’s limited features seem to work fine for me. I’ll be by soon to listen to your dueling artists. Have s lovely afternoon.
Birgit
I couldn’t listen to the first one and even the one Debbie placed here I couldn’t listen to it so what a hummer
Debbie D.
Try this one, Birgit:
Cathy Kennedy
Debbie, thanks for sharing a different vid for Birgit. Friends helping friends, now that’s a nice feeling. 😉
Debbie D.
My pleasure. 🙂 Hope she saw it!
Cathy Kennedy
Birgit, sorry you weren’t able to hear the first video. What a bummer, my friend! It looks like Debbie found one for you to try. Hopefully it will work.
Arlee Bird
Not a song that I would have thought that anyone else would have covered. Both of these are kind of cool, but I’ve got to give my vote to Jr. Walker & his Allstars. I actually like their version better than the original.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
Cathy Kennedy
Lee, you’re the first to admit you like JWTA better than Foreigner. I’m really sitting on a fence on which artist does it better. I like both Foreigner and JWTS styles a lot; like I said had I heard Junior’s version first then it might be saying it’s my favorite. Thanks for taking time out of your Sunday to popping in to vote. Now, I’m off to see what you are sharing today. 🙂
Thomas Anderson
Hi, Cathy!
It looks like the votes are pouring in for your early bird BOTB. I didn’t read any of the comments yet because I want to make up my own mind and not let other opinions influence me. You have a knack for finding BOTB recordings that I like and you found two more this time, resulting in another tough decision. Foreigner was one of my favorite bands of the 70s and 80s and “Urgent” is one of my Foreigner faves. I didn’t mind the synthrock treatment given the song by DVAS, but I wasn’t completely won over by the Canadian band’s vocals. In addition, the long running time of the track, a full minute longer than the Jr. Walker version, became too much of a good (not great) thing and I grew tired of it. Two of Jr. Walker’s sides were major jukebox hits at the Shady Dell in 1966 when I hung out there as a teenager – “(I’m a) Road Runner” and the killer bee of that single, “Shoot Your Shot.” I was very pleasantly surprised to hear the rendition of “Urgent” waxed by Jr. and his band. It’s fresh, lively and loaded with soul and sax appeal. Give my vote to Jr. Walker and the All Stars!
Thanks, Cathy!
Cathy Kennedy
Tom, like many older artists I never knew their names to fit their music. Of course, I think Junior Walker totally escapes my memory. I found both songs you mentioned on YouTube, but they don’t ring a bell with me. I’d say the reason is they were not preferred musicians my aunties and uncles listened to when I was a kid. I don’t recall my folks listening to a lot of “young” people music when I was little. However, I really do dig the Motown sound. Thanks for sharing your say-so and casting your vote, my friend! Have a groovy Sunday afternoon.
Lori L MacLaughlin
Both versions were okay music-wise, but I couldn’t get into the vocals. Foreigner will always be tops for me. They nailed it. Love their music.
Tonja Drecker
What a fun post! I’m not sure which I like better. I’m just going to listen to all again and again and again. . . 🙂
Cathy Kennedy
Tonja, it takes me a few listens sometimes when I’m doing these BoTB to know which I like the best. Feel free to come back to cast your vote. The polls are open for a week, so you have time. Thanks for popping in for a visit!
blogoratti
Junior Walker it is…have a nice weekend. Greetings!
Cathy Kennedy
Thank you for playing along! It’s always nice to see a new face joining in on the fun.
dcrelief
Cathy, I really enjoyed both versions. Great battle challenge! Ironically I’m no into Foreigner or this song… BUT… Junior Walker did a fine job.Like Janie, I too loved the sax,, and wanted to dance!
Cathy Kennedy
Dixie, Did you get to use the poll system I set up? I accidentally closed it while looking at about the time I noticed your comment coming in, but opened the poll up again. Silly me! Oh well, thanks for stopping in this morning. I’ll be by your place soon!
Janie Junebug
I voted for Junior Walker because I wanted to dance as soon as I heard that sax.
Love,
Janie
Cathy Kennedy
Janie, that sax definitely is a toe tapper and body mover. Thanks for dropping by to vote.
lexacain
If there’s more to life than being on the computer, I’ve forgotten it. LOL! I’m a HUGE Foreigner fan, so nothing could compare with their original ever! Have a good weekend!
Cathy Kennedy
Lexa, doing anything other than one’s computer is a bit of mystery, but when you open your mind to the idea you’ll be amazed and delighted. lol Foreigner is a wonderful group. I love just about everything they did. Like I was telling Tania, the original artists are usually the best. That’s why I rarely include them in the showdown, but on rare occasions you might find a cover artist/band that you like better. This is part of the fun of BoTB, listening to two groups to decide which you like the best without being disloyal to your favorite. Feel free to join in on the fun with a lot of emphasis on the word “fun”. 😉 In case you missed it, I did share a CTST post yesterday, if you’re interested in reading it. Have a funtastic weekend!
Mary B
Here’s a fun fact. Foreigner was the first concert I ever saw.
I had to listen to the challengers twice before making this difficult decision. I really dig Junior Walker’s sax, but am also really enjoying the DVAS vocals. But after listening to both versions twice, my final vote goes to Junior Walker.
Great battle!
Mary
Jingle Jangle Jungle
Cathy Kennedy
Mary, you saw Foreigner in concert? Oh, that’s so cool! I’m not a concert goer, but I would really like to see them. I love their music. JWTA’s sax intro does make you want to dance, but like you DVAS vocals are fabulous. Thanks for voting for JWTA. Coming your way real soon!
T.F.Walsh
Oh I can’t go past Foreigner :)What a great showdown:) Wonderful to meet you.
Cathy Kennedy
Tania, it’s hard to choice a cover artist when one favors an original like Foreigner. I’m a huge fan of theirs, too. Part of the fun with BoTB is trying to pick the better choice between opposing artists/bands. Often times these singers can’t match the original, but on rare occasion you find one that does it better. Feel free to let your hair down and enjoy the music for what it is by choosing your favorite. Thanks for visiting and please come back again, and again, and again! 😉 PS: You might want to consider including your website URL on your WordPress profile for others to find you easier or to include a link as part of your signature back to your site when you leave a comment.