#BattleOfTheBands : Ray Coniff vs The New Seekers



Here it is the middle of January! Where does the time go? I know I’ve been rather busy lately, so the time just flies right by.

Today I am revisiting a song that one of our former participants used about 3 ½ years ago. In her battle, she used the original artist and a newer artist. The original artist blew the other away with results of 21-6.  Today, I’ve got two different artists covering the 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. Today’s contenders are The New Seekers and Ray Coniff. These are the only contenders that will receive votes today in this battle.

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.


In 1970, Melanie Safka recorded this song. It was the B side to her ‘Ruby Tuesday’ single and was on the album Candles In The Rain. It was in the top 10 for 3 weeks on the UK Singles Charts.

The has been used in various commercials in the 1970’s and 1980’s.


Contender #1 - The New Seekers





Contender #2 - Ray Coniff





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… Cast your votes for either Ray Coniff or The New Seekers!

Voting will end on Monday, January 21 with results being posted on Tuesday, January 22. 











Comments

  1. My mother used to listen to a lot of Ray Coniff so his music is pretty well ingrained with me. The folkie folks are fine, but my vote goes to Ray Coniff. I'm guessing I"ll be in a minority, but I might save you from a shut out. We'll see what happens.

    Arlee Bird
    Tossing It Out

    ReplyDelete
  2. MARY, MARY, QUITE EXTRAORDINARY ~
    This is a tough Battle. So tough that... I don't think I can decide. I vote for BOTH groups.

    ... [;-)}

    No, really, it IS a tough Battle. I saw the contestants and was all prepared to "bote" for The Ray Conniff Singers. I dig The Conniff Singers. They do great versions of Christmas songs, and they also performed what I think was my all-time favorite vocal version of 'The Star-Spangled Banner'. They were in center field at Dodger Stadium in (I believe) 1989. They had an amazing 4 or 5 part harmony going on and it blew my mind! I wish someone had a recording of that to share, but it was "just another game at Dodger Stadium" in 1989 (methinks).

    Yeah, this is a tough Battle!

    I like the levity that The Conniff Singers approach the song with. (Any time you have a tuba playing, it spells "l-e-v-i-t-y".)

    I had to listen to both versions three times each. And in the final analysis... I think I have to go with the more melodically-lyrical and less "staccato" version by THE NEW SEEKERS.

    I really HATE to vote against The Ray Conniff Singers, but if I'm going to be entirely intellectually honest with myself, I must admit that I slightly liked The Nuevo Seekers a wee little bit better.

    ~ D-FensDogG
    STMcC Presents BATTLE OF THE BANDS

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Keeping my response short and sweet, as I'm so danged busy!

      A vote for The New Seekers

      Delete
  3. Mary,

    This wasn't too tough for me. I instantly was drawn to The New Seekers version. Ray Conniff's rendition belongs in a mewsical. Cool battle.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi Mary; Melanie's music is firmly ingrained in the old memory banks and I just have to vote for The New Seekers. Their version sounds similar to the original and I liked it much better. The Ray Conniff Singers were just too "Broadway Musical" for my taste.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Whenever I hear Melanie, I instantly think of 'Brand New Key'. Have loved that song since the very first time I heard it in the 70s.

      A vote for The New Seekers

      Delete
  5. Lovely battle, dear Mary! Ray Coniff had the potential to nab my vote but I must say that I like The New Seekers version better.

    PS: I loved the orginal Seekers...when I was just a pipsqueak, I wore out a 45 of "Georgy Girl."

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. oh! I loved Georgy Girl as well!

      A vote for The New Seekers

      Delete
  6. Until today, I'd only heard the New Seekers' version - and loved it! Ray Coniff did a respectable rendition - the tuba was interesting, though in a Circus sort of way that didn't give enough credence to the lyrics. It's the New Seekers for me (I'm such a stickler!),and perhaps a cakewalk for Melanie ;-)
    Have a terrific week!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Ray Coniff right off the bat gets my vote, fantastic song. People say "I listened to each song three times to figure it out." I listened to Ray Coniff three times naturally high as a kite and the New Seekers once (shh pretentious as all get up, gaudy). Ray Coniff big time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ray Coniff is a lot of fun to listen to, that's for sure.

      A vote for Ray Coniff

      Delete
  8. The New Seekers' version wasn't really tat much different from Melanie's and I liked Melanie's the best, so I'm voting for Ray Conniff for no other reason than it has TUBA!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ray's got some work to do to catch up with The New Seekers, but at least he won't go down with egg on his face.

      Another vote for Ray Coniff

      Delete
  9. I never heard of the song neither the bands. But listening each version carefully, I pick The New Seekers' version. I like he Stevie Nicks-like vocals of the female singer and the folk take on the song!

    ReplyDelete

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