For those who might view it as irreverent, I suggested that you regard an edgy poem by John Donne: "Batter My Heart."
Anyway, for this try at Battle of the Bands, I give you a trio of performers who did covers of the original Bobby Bare song. Here's Jesse and the James Boys:
And here's George Possley doing his version:
I might mention that he described it as "the corniest country song ever written." That's his opinion.
Finally, here's Blackwood Creek doing their thing with "Drop Kick Me, Jesus:
There you have early July's BOTB. Please give them a listen, as vote your preference among these pretenders to Bobby Bare's starry crown, with comments on the strengths and weaknesses:
Jesse and the James Boys _____
George Possley ______
Blackwood Creek ______
Do any of them approximate Bobby Bare's version?
I hope I didn't offend anyone's religious sensibiities with this one.
And please go to other BOTB sites to enjoy and participate in great competitions"
19 comments:
Well, this is a clever concept with references that would appeal to a certain crowd, but I'm no football fan so it doesn't grab me. I'll take old hymns any day and there is plenty of Christian music that I far prefer.
The first two version pretty well approximate Bare's original--they didn't add much new. The bluegrass version is a bit more novel and a bit more fitting from my perspective. I won't be putting this song on my regular rotation--doubt whether I'll be voluntarily listening to the song again since I've never much cared for it.
In this match I'll go for the bluegrass of Blackwood Creek. I was a bit disappointed that they didn't tear into some fast-paced bluegrass instrumental breaks, but they managed the song well.
Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out
Tough call but I'll go with the harmony and instruments of the Blackwood Creek.
Yikes! Three songs again. ;) :p
Of the three provided I'm giving my vote to Jesse and the James Boys.
Interesting battle! I do remember the original by Bobby Bare. Jesse and the James Boys countrified it even more and increased the waltz tempo. The bluegrass version by Blackwood Creek sounded better to my ears, but, I'm voting for George Possley. I like his baritone voice and he gives it a Mexican Mariachi flavour.
Hope you get a chance to check out my BOTB post! Click HERE to view.
Thanks!
I remember this song but I don't know if I ever listened to it all the way to the end. I still haven't done that. I'm going with Blackwood Creek. Why? Because they have a girl in their group. Sorry, but that's the best reason I could come up with.
I never thought I would be listening to this song but you never know what life throws at you:) I listened to it 3 times too! I'm giving it to the middle guy( his name escapes me now) because he has a strong voice and I like what he said at the end
Blackwood Creek sounded best to me. Then Jesse and the James Boys. I just like bluegrass.
I like Jesse and the James Boys version best of all three of them so please give my vote to them. I love the title! I liked the other two as well but just not as much as Jesse and those James Boys...
Stop on over to my battle when you get a chance. It's one of my favorite songs...
Michele at Angels Bark
if there's a contender, it has to be blackwood creek for me. that ol' timey plucking and harmony gets me no matter what is sung about. :)
I love that song, especially the Blackwood Creek version. It was the most original take on it.
Well, this was a bit much, and as a believer, I found it denigrating to my religion and in bad taste. BOTB is supposed to be fun for all, not a place for social commentary and divisive tactics that demean the political and/or religious views of others. I am calling for jihad against this blog.
I'm also being 100% facetious. I'd heard this song before and I like it. My favorite line is: "I've got the will, Lord, if You've got the toe." HA!-HA! That's a classic.
Here's the thing: It was God who created the capacity for humor, so it stands to reason that His own Special Son would have a tremendous sense of humor. And He DOES! Anyone who doesn't believe Jesus has a sense of humor, that person, no matter what they may think, does NOT have a "reAlationship" with Jesus. They also need to read John Eldredge's masterpiece 'BEAUTIFUL OUTLAW: Experiencing The Playful, Disruptive, Extravagant Personality Of Jesus'.
OK, I'm coming down from the pulpit now to cast my vote...
I too have to go with BLACKWOOD CREEK. I just like that Bluegrass instrumentation they give to the song.
~ D-FensDogG
'Loyal American Underground'
POSTSCRIPT:
I got to wondering, if Jesus were a football fan, WTWJC (What Team Would Jesus Choose?) I think we gotta conclude that it would be the New Orleans Saints. And I find it so interesting that the Saints were established in 1966 on "All Saints Day" -- Nov. 1st. What a Fun Fact.
~ D-FensDogG
Oh me, Blackwood Creek did it best/
This is a new one on me. I loved it, too! Like Stephen, I think God has a good sense of humor. He did create mankind, didn't He? Need I say more? lol Of three contenders, I'm giving my vote to George Possley. I liked his vocals the best. The other two had more of the bluegrass flavor to go with this type of song, though. Any other day, I might pick one of these, but not today. Interesting battle! ;) Have a safe, funtastic 4th!
American Girl #BoTB showdown
Did Bobby Bare do the Basketball Song? You know the one... "Lord, I might be dribbling but I'm coming home to you"? Aw heck,maybe Roger Miller did that one.
My vote is for Blackwood Creek. Love me a little Bluegrass!
Jesus must know somethin' about football, I see the coaches talking to him on the field all the time.
Here's the rundown: James...okay. Possley made me think I yodel was coming in somewhere (ala Slim Whitman), ha ha. I was sure it would happen, but he let me down. Blackwood Creek, you get my vote today!
Sorry I'm late! :-)
Sorry for the late comment ... I'm just catching up after returning from vacation. I say George Possley all the way! I first heard this song on a weak AM station as I was driving across Pennsylvania on Interstate 80, and I thought it was a joke! But that said, you've just gotta love any song that includes the line, "I've got the will, Lord, if you've got the toe."
I have to go with Jesse and The James Boys on this one. George Possley and whoever was doing harmony with him sounded like Archie Campbell singing "Pfffft! You Was Gone" on Hee Haw, and while Blackwood Creek sounded good, it was a little too serious for me.
Jesse and the James Boys get my vote they were the best of the three
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