Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Band vs. Band #10: Alanis Morissette vs. Sheryl Crow

Going a bit more modern, let's turn to solo female singer-songwriters of the late-20th / early- 21st century. Which artist do YOU like best?

Alanis Morissette
(Some of her biggest hits include: "Hand in My Pocket," "Ironic," "You Learn," "Head Over Feet," and "Thank U." To refreshen your memory regarding these or any of Ms. Morissette's other hits, click here to see a "greatest hits" compilation complete with song samples.)

or

Sheryl Crow
(Some of her biggest hits include: "All I Wanna Do," "Strong Enough," "If It Makes You Happy," "Everyday is a Winding Road," and "Soak Up the Sun." To refreshen your memory regarding these or any of Ms. Crow's other hits, click here to see a "greatest hits" compilation complete with song samples.)

Benny K says...

Even though I like a decent amount of Sheryl Crow's material, I have to agree with Khrystine's remark that her remakes are abysmal. She may deserve the death penalty based on her rendition of Led Zeppelin's "D'Yer Mak'er" alone. But that's not the only reason I give the nod to Alanis Morissette, which, for the record, is where my final vote lies. Again, like other opinions expressed here, I found Morissette rather agitating at first, but I've since come to like her music quite well. Her last couple of studio albums have only been so-so, but her first three studio albums are all gems in their own right. I could definitely keep Morissette's CDs in more constant rotation in my CD player than Crowe's. Thanks to Canada for producing yet another quality musician!

Wednesday, November 01, 2006

Song vs. Song #10: Aerosmith vs. Queen

The basic recipe: start slow and pretty, gradually build things up, and then smack your audience with a dramatic powerhouse chorus. Who wouldn't love it? But, the question always remains, which epic arena rock song of the 1970s is your favorite?

Dream On - Aerosmith

or

We are the Champions - Queen

This is rock-n-roll anthem territory, folks, so make your vote count now!

Benny K says...

I claim Queen as one of my favorite bands. In my opinion, "We Are the Champions," despite its popularity, is far from their best work. My vote easily goes to "Dream On" by Aerosmith.

Monday, July 03, 2006

Band vs. Band #9: The Cars vs. Talking Heads

Both bands may be described as quirky, yet catchy. One band was in the mainstream, with several appearances on the pop charts, including four top-ten hits. The other band was a forerunner of alternative new wave, with one unforgettable top-ten hit and a small barrage of modest chart appearances. But which do you like best?

The Cars
(Best known for "Drive," "Shake It Up," "You Might Think," "Tonight She Comes," and "Magic." To refreshen your memory regarding these or any of The Cars' other hits, click here to see a "greatest hits" compilation complete with song samples.)

or

Talking Heads
(Best known for "Burning Down the House," "Once in a Lifetime," "And She Was," "Wild, Wild Life," and "Take Me to the River." To refreshen your memory regarding these or any of Talking Heads' other hits, click here to see a "greatest hits" compilation complete with song samples.)

Stop making sense and let the good times roll by casting your vote now!

Benny K says...


My favorite songs by Talking Heads easily outdo my favorite songs by The Cars. If I were merely listening to a greatest hits collection, I could go for either band, depending on my mood. Overall, though, I think I'll have to give a slight win to The Cars. The Heads' studio albums feature enough avant-garde crap to lose my interest at times. And while The Cars may have their own mediocre material, their consistently blatant and cheesy 80s sounds will probably always, if nothing else, amuse me.

Monday, June 12, 2006

Song vs. Song #9: Gaye and Ready for Action...

Hating to pit a man against himself, which of Marvin Gaye's pining odes to pent-up sexual frustration is your favorite?

Let's Get it On

or

Sexual Healing

Samples of both songs can be found on this box set anthology.
The mood has been set, so dim the lights and start voting now!

Benny K says...

Either the three or four people that once read this blog have forsaken me or no one has an opinion on the matter. Well, I'm not indifferent. I'm all for "Let's Get It On". Case closed.

Monday, May 08, 2006

Band vs. Band #8: Nirvana vs. Pearl Jam

Shifting gears a bit, let's jump a decade ahead and add some distortion to our guitars. As the forerunners of the 1990s "Grunge" movement, which of these bands do you like best?

Nirvana

or

Pearl Jam

These aren't exactly the bands that everyone would be familiar with, so pointing to their compilation albums seems a bit pointless. Nevertheless, feel free to look them up should you want to (re-)familiarize yourself with their work.

Don't be all apologies, get into a state of love and trust and cast your vote now!

Benny K says...


Pearl Jam certainly has a larger volume of music, and they're definitely the more sophisticated talent, but I have a fondness for Nirvana that can't be denied. In fact, I've learned that I like them more than I ever realize I do. When I've gone months without listening to them, I tend to start thinking they're just "really good." But when I finally put on a CD, I'm blown away by how much I love their stuff. Perhaps it is the simplicity that makes them so enduring. And, being completely honest, Pearl Jam seemed to peak with Vitalogy (though, admittedly, I've yet to listen to their most recent album). Nirvana may also have lost their momentum had Cobain stuck around, but it's the most recent impressions that last and, in this regard, Pearl Jam's longevity is not earning them any bonus points in my book. My vote goes to Nirvana.

Monday, May 01, 2006

Band vs. Band #7: Bryan Adams vs. John Mellencamp

While I'm all for giving peace a chance, it's time to pit the U.S.A. against Canada and ask which 1980s pop-rock singer-songwriter is your favorite?

Bryan Adams
(Best known for: "Summer of '69," "Heaven," "Run to You," "Can't Stop This Thing We Started," and "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You." To refreshen your memory regarding these or any of Bryan's other hits, click here to see a "greatest hits" compilation complete with song samples. You may also want to check out this album, which has a couple of songs not included on the former compilation.)

or

John Mellencamp
(This includes John in all his many varities: Johnny Cougar, John Cougar, John Cougar Mellencamp, and John Mellencamp. Best known for: "Jack and Diane," "Hurts so Good," "Small Town," "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A." and "Pink Houses." To refreshen your memory regarding these or any of John's other hits, click here to see a "greatest hits" compilation complete with song samples.)

Tell it "straight from the heart" and let the votes start "crumblin' down" now!

Benny K says...

Like Jennifer I wouldn't consider myseslf a true fan of either artist, and I agree that "Everything I Do" was drastically overplayed. However, I have a weakness for greatest hits compilations, and thus both musicians hold a spot in my CD catalog. Based purely on the radio hits showcased by these compilations, I'm joining with the slight majority here and giving my vote to John Mellencamp. I'd shamlessly engage in a top-o'-the-lungs sing-along with most of his tunes. Bryan Adams, on the other hand, leans just a tad bit too much toward full-blown "adult contemporary."

Monday, April 10, 2006

Song vs. Song #8: Night Fever

While KISS prompted us to rock 'n' roll all night in the 70s, those who shunned heavy metal had to wait for the kindler, gentler persuasion of 80s pop icons before embracing all-night celebrations. Once they did, however, it prompted the #1 and #3 hit singles that respectively follow. But which song do YOU like best?

All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie

or

Rhythm of the Night - DeBarge

Don't go to bed until you've put your vote to rest!

Benny K says...

Looks like I'm the tiebreaker for once! Truth be told, I don't know how strong of an opinion I have on this one. But, my inclination is to cast my vote for Lionel Richie. I have recollections of listening to Lionel as a young boy, so his song is a bit more nostalgic for me. Also, you have to admit it's the more sultry of the two -- that's something...

Monday, April 03, 2006

Band vs. Band #6: Piano Men

The 1970s saw the rise of two pop pianists whose hits continued well through the 80s and 90s. Given the longevity of their careers, you've undoubtedly gotten jiggy with at least one or two songs by each artist. Put them side by side, however, and the question remains: which is the honky cat of your choice?

Billy Joel

or

Elton John

Leave a tender moment alone and start voting now!

Benny K says...

Both artists have their fair share of blasé material, but I'm keeping the vote unanimous: I prefer Billy Joel. In fact, the later in their careers you go, the more I prefer Billy. If we had judged only their 70s careers, I would have been much more torn. By the 80s the vote becomes obvious. Elton had some decent tunes during this decade (the best likely being "I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues"), but nothing comes close to rivaling almost anything on Billy's An Innocent Man. And when it comes to the 90s and beyond, Elton's musical circle of life has completely died.

Tuesday, March 28, 2006

Song vs. Song #7: Corey Hart vs. The Romantics

The 80's made it clear: if it's nighttime and your fashions and/or behavior doesn't follow suit, you may end up with strange looks, but you may also end up with a hit record. So, which song promoting a nocturnal anomaly do you like best?

Sunglasses at Night - Corey Hart

or

Talking in Your Sleep - The Romantics

Turn on the lights and cast your vote now!

Benny K says...

It looks like we're going to be split right down the middle on this one. I enjoy both songs, but I'm partial to the punk-rock-esque flavor of The Romantics. Ergo, my vote goes to "Talking in Your Sleep". To anyone who's yet to vote, here's your chance to be the tiebreaker!

Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Song vs. Song #6: Otis Redding vs. The Drifters

Though summer feels all too far away, spring break (which either has or is currently playing in a city near you) is certain to get us itchin' for some sun and relaxation. In honor of such yearnings, cast your vote now for which lackadaisical summer 60's song is best:

Under the Boardwalk - The Drifters

or

(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay - Otis Redding

And nevermind the fact that the latter song has slightly depressing overtones. Summer's all about living in oblivion!

Benny K says...

"Under the Boardwalk" is a fine little diddy, but Otis' tune has an undeniable soulful maturity. My vote easily goes to "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay".

Friday, February 10, 2006

Band vs. Band #5: ABBA vs Bee Gees

Say what you want about disco, you've gotta like something by one of these two superbands. But which band do you like best overall?

ABBA

or

Bee Gees

Step right up and say "Thank you for the music!" to the one you prefer!

Benny K says...

While I am admittedly more likely to listen to ABBA, I recognize the fact that the Bee Gees are the most sophisticated songwriters. But, as I'm always quick to point out, "favorites" and "bests" are not necessarily one and the same. Though I find many of their songs only so-so, I have to concede that I favor ABBA over the Bee Gees.