#BattleOfTheBands : Soul Man
Welcome to the third month of the year! Being that it is the first of the month, that means it’s time for another Battle of the Bands. The idea for this particular battle came from a Song Lyric Sunday theme a few weeks back. The theme for that week was ‘Soul’.
I’ve got two well-known duos battling it out this week. In my opinion, they are equally matched, but I’m curious to know what your thoughts are. And added bonus - both are ‘Live’ tracks - because I think that adds to this particular song.
As a reminder for you seasoned readers and to help out those of you who may be new here
Here is how a battle works:
Step One - Listen to each of the contenders. TRY not to be persuaded by the videos (unless specifically requested - in the case of today’s battle, listening is more important than watching)
Step Two - Pick the contender that you prefer the most (not just the one who’s name you are familiar with)
Step Three - Comment with your selection. The comment section has been set up so that anyone can leave a comment. I do ask that you please include your name, should you use the anonymous feature.
Step Four - Visit Stephen’s blog to check out his battle and for a list of other bloggers that have have battles going on. We each have different battles, so please be sure to visit everyone. I'll provide a link below the videos to Stephen's blog for your convenience.
Wikipedia tells us this about Soul Man:
Co-author Isaac Hayes found the inspiration for "Soul Man" in the turmoil of the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. In July 1967, watching a television newscast of the aftermath of the 12th Street riot in Detroit, Michigan, Hayes noted that black residents had marked buildings that had not been destroyed during the riots – mostly African-American owned and operated institutions – with the word "soul". Relating this occurrence to the biblical story of the Passover, Hayes and songwriting partner David Porter came up with the idea, in Hayes's words, of "a story about one's struggle to rise above his present conditions. It's almost a tune kind of like boasting, 'I'm a soul man.' It's a pride thing."
Contender #1 - Sam & Dave (Samuel Moore & David Prater)
Contender #2 - The Blues Brothers (Dan Aykroyd & John Belushi)
Now, to repeat myself again:
YOU DON’T NEED TO BE FAMILIAR WITH AN ARTIST OR A SONG TO KNOW WHICH ONE YOU PREFER. You only need to listen to the videos and choose which one sounds better to you. There are no right or wrong votes, unless you vote for someone not listed as a contender or don’t vote at all.
For those of you who may be interested in joining in our fun - The battles take place twice a month. Once on the 1st, and again on the 15th. Some participants have chosen to participate only once a month - and that’s okay - we’re just happy to have you join us! Your battle can consist of covers of the same song, different songs with the same title, or even a themed type battle. We just want you to join in the fun! Catch the link to Stephen’s blog to join in - all you need to do is drop him a comment on his blog stating you’d like to participate and he’ll add you to the roster of participants.
I’d like to encourage you to visit the other bloggers participating in the battle of the bands blog hop as well. We’ve all put a lot of time and effort into putting together these battles and they are a lot of fun. Each blogger has a different battle taking place. You can find a current list of participants on Stephen’s blog (don't forget you can also request to join the battle of the bands blog hop by simply commenting on his blog that you'd like to join us).
Alright now…Time to Cast your votes for either Sam & Dave or The Blues Brothers!
Voting will end on Thursday, March 7 with results being posted on Friday, March 8.
I remember this song well. The Blues Brothers have some great back-up, but they are lacking in the vocals.
ReplyDeleteI vote for Sam and Dave. I remember when they used to play Knoxville. I had some friends that played back-up for them on some of those gigs.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Very cool!
DeleteA Vote for Sam & Dave
I vote for sam and dave for sure! My parents used to love this song!
ReplyDeleteThank you Neely!
DeleteA vote for Same & Dave
MMQE ~
ReplyDeleteHokey-Smoke! This is EXTRAORDINARY! You went and done it - the very thing you and I were discussing about a week or so ago. You know, how you don't want to put a hit song up against a cover in BOTB (unless you're begging for a shutout).
Sam & Dave had the #2 Billboard hit with this song. Now, granted, you used a Sam & Dave live version rather than their massive hit studio recording, but still...
I guess you like to play with fire, eh, Mary? Maybe I'll start calling you "Mary the Arsonist" instead of MMQE.
>>... black residents had marked buildings that had not been destroyed during the riots – mostly African-American owned and operated institutions – with the word "soul". Relating this occurrence to the biblical story of the Passover
Wow! That's very interesting! And, sadly, I'd be willing to bet that even a majority of Christians wouldn't understand that reference. Why not? Because that's in the Old Testament, and you can't hardly get them to even read the New Testament, let alone the Old.
I also found it interesting that both groups had Steve Cropper (guitar) and Donald "Duck" Dunn (bass) of 'Booker T & The MGs' fame backing them up.
But, really, this is a no-brainer for me. I actually like this live version by Sam & Dave better'n their #2 hit studio recording of the song. And, to be blunt (as I often tend to be), I didn't think Dan Aykroyd & John Belushi were funny comedians, and I'm even less impressed with their singing.
Mary, I fear for ya in this Battle, you little arsonist you! ;-)
~ D-FensDogG
STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS
>>...I guess you like to play with fire, eh, Mary? Maybe I'll start calling you "Mary the Arsonist"
DeleteThat's me.. setting the internet ablaze! Oh wait - -
Did you just call me a 'Hottie'?!?
Is life really worth living, if you can't live on the edge... even for just a little bit?
I've always liked the live version of this song. I think the performance gives it that something a little 'extra'.
I'm curious to see how this one shakes out. I ain't afraid of no shutout!
A vote for Same & Dave
I don't htink I have ever listened to both versions of that song before but I like the first one better. It just had more "Soul" to it!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Becky!
DeleteA vote for Same & Dave
I've never heard either of these before, so not biased on song or artist. That being said, I think I like the second better. They are both really good, just not my typical choice in music.
ReplyDeleteThanks Stephanie
DeleteIt's not my typical choice, either. But sometimes ya just gotta switch it up every now and then :)
A Vote for Blues Brothers
Blues Brothers all the way, but I'm biased because my dad has always been obsessed with them. Sorry!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Krysten!
DeleteA Vote for Blues Brothers
I don't know either of these bands. It's interesting piting two bands against each other as they both bring in different things.
ReplyDeleteHi Angela!
DeleteThat's what we do here. Twice a month. And yes, each brings something a little bit different. Does one speak to you more than the other?
Hey, Mary, happy March to you too! I hope you are doing well. I see that you are successful by busy at your book blogging.
ReplyDeleteI picked The Blues Brothers because that is the only version I really knew. And, I really love Blue Brothes the movie.
Thanks, Amy!
DeleteA Vote for Blues Brothers
Hmmmm decisions decisions. I think this is and easy one. Sam and Dave seem to do it much better in my opinion!!! :-)
ReplyDeleteHey Mel! Fancy seeing you here :)
DeleteThanks for stopping by!
A vote for Same & Dave
The Blues Brothers! That was an easy one. My pop loved them so I grew up listening to that song and it just stuck with me.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Wendy!
DeleteA Vote for Blues Brothers
I love both of these versions for totally different reasons, of course.
ReplyDeleteBut, to me, the Blues Brothers were a comic act with their stage show floating the boat. As singers, I don't think they can carry this.
But, SAM & DAVE sure can! Any day of the week. Love that one.
Thanks, Mary!
Thanks Cherdo!
DeleteI think that's probably why I went with the Live versions of this. If I just went with studio versions, it wouldn't be much of a battle.
A vote for Sam & Dave
Oh wow what a fun post for sure. Ooo this is a tough one, I do like a good bit of soul. I am going to fence sit and say both!! xx
ReplyDeleteLOL alright... Splitting the vote :)
DeleteA half vote for Same & Dave
A half vote for Blues Brotheres
I definitely have to go with Sam and Dave as the better performance of the song if I was just wanting to appreciate the song. But if you take the video into consideration, Blues brothers are just so fun. I like their performance more although they obviously aren't as good singers.
ReplyDeleteThanks, David!
DeleteA Vote for Sam & Dave
Sam & Dave all the way. Although the song is so great, I love any version.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteA vote for Sam & Dave
Ooooo what a fun post!!!! I just love discovering new music. One of my passions is music so discovinv new artists is always excited
ReplyDeleteThanks courtneyLynne!
DeleteWhich of the two did you like better?
Mary,
ReplyDeleteYeah, I think Stephen was calling you a 'Hottie'. Do you sue for him sexual harrassement now? lol Oh, he's gonna love that remark, eh? Hey, there's nothing wrong with a red-blooded American boy giving a gal a compliment, imo. :) That being said, I do disagree with him on Ankroyd & Blushi not being funny. I always enjoyed them in the movies. I rarely watched SNL so I can't attest to their comic relief from those days.
Alright now to the battle. I'm with Lee on this score. The Blues Brothers have some pAwesome mewsicians and backup but vocally they fell short. This wasn't a song for them. Maybe had it not been a live purrformance and a bit of studio magic then things would be different but Sam & Dave vocally blew the TBB out of the water. Their vocals were far superior! Have a bandtastic week, my friend!
Thanks, Cathy!
DeleteI'm not gonna #MeToo this one. When you reach my age, those kinds of compliments go a long way. LOL
A Vote for Sam & Dave
Mary,
DeleteI agree, girlfriend! I take a compliment no matter what form it comes in. ;) lol
I'm a huge Blues Brothers fan, but their vocals really aren't that good here, even though the band is killer. Sam and Dave's weren't that great either, in this live version, but still better, so they get my vote.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Debbie!
DeleteI think quite a few of the votes for Blues Brothers are nostalgia related, but they are still holding their own here.
A vote for Sam & Dave
Take away the sight of Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi dancing, and you're left with a pretty good imitation of Sam and Dave, but ain't nothin' like the real thing, baby. Sam & Dave for me.
ReplyDeleteHi John!
DeleteThanks for stopping by with your vote.
A Vote for Sam & Dave
Ha! The only thing better than this rousing battle is the back-and-forth between you and Stephen T! The interesting background info would surely have swayed my vote had The Blues Brothers not been so (exhaustingly) popular around these parts ;-) What they truly don't have in vocals, they make up for in enthusiasm.
ReplyDeleteHappy March!
Ha! Right back at ya!
DeleteSo I'm a bit confused (It's monday - what can I say?) Is you or is you not voting for the Blues Brothers? Imma gonna put you down as voting for them, but please correct me if I'm incorrect.
A Vote (I think) for Blues Brothers
I is, I did, I yam ;-) voting (voted) for the Blues Brothers. Sorry for the confusion. Thanks!
DeleteI remember that sound well and yes,even saw the The Blues Brothers movie. Sam and Dave did the original, I believe... so, I can't vote against them. Ha!
ReplyDeleteElizabeth O
Thanks, Elizabeth!
DeleteA vote for Sam & Dave
So interesting. I love a good battle of the bands. Very entertaining.
ReplyDeleteHi Jenn
Deletewhich one did you want to vote for? No vote? must not be love... lol
This is a great way to learn about new bands and to have fun with friends at the same time! I have heard of battles before but I can't believe that I have never been to one!
ReplyDeleteHi Fran
DeleteI'm glad that you enjoyed this. It would be even better if you voted :)
I always liked Sam and Dave’s version better and love the horns with this so much. Today it seems to be all synthesized.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Birgit!
DeleteA vote for Sam & Dave