Thursday, February 5, 2015

BotB winner and a few favorite things

Well, that was interesting! In my first Battle of the Bands of February, I pitted not two but FOUR covers of Gordon Lightfoot's "Sundown" against one another. Aside from the rookie (well, I'm blaming it on being a rookie, anyway) mistake of throwing so many choices up - or maybe because of it - it's been the most controversial battle I've posted. I chose covers by Claw Hammer, Elwood, Dwight Yoakam and Toby Keith because I thought they all brought something worthwhile and something different from one another to the table. Even though Dwight and Toby are both country artists, their stylizing of this song couldn't be more different to my ears.

So my votes are Elwood for "rock" and Dwight for country. Elwood all around. Let me say that I am definitely NOT a fan of much rap, but I like what the hip-hop/rock duo did with the song. I'm also not a huge fan of Gordon Lightfoot to begin with, so that probably explains why it's my favorite version, cover or no. Not that it matters, because...SURPRISE!!!...Toby Keith's version whooped every cover I tossed into the proverbial ring!

Moving on.....I think Friday is a good day to post some weekly favorites. Not necessarily things seen/heard this week, but some definitely will be:

Sweet Kisses Honey & Hibiscus Hand Cream
This surprisingly luxe hand cream was only $1 in the OneSpot at Target. Sorry for the cryptkeeper hands (trying to get rid of cryptkeeper hands was the reason behind buying the hand cream!), but as you can see, the size is generous. I've been using it for a few days now, and it doesn't take much at all to thoroughly moisturize your hands. It smells heavenly. And best of all (besides the price)? It is not tested on animals. It is very important for me to be as cruelty-free as I can reasonably be on my budget, so this little hand cream ticks off so many boxes in the "yes" column.

Method Gel Hand Wash in Fig & Rhubarb
Also found at my local Target, and clearanced out at $2.54. It doesn't smell like vegetables or fruit, but it is a creamy floral. I love it! And I know it's hand wash, but I am totally using it as a body wash/bubble bath.

Ellen's Design Challenge
Being a hobby furniture rescuer/repurposer (among other things), I have really enjoyed watching Ellen's Design Challenge,now coming up on its third week. It's no HGTV Star, but I like that this show is geared specifically for furniture design & construction. I'm like a sponge, and I am ready to soak up anything I can learn from this show as well as be inspired by what these competitors are doing.

What are some of your favorite things this week?

8 comments:

  1. Not surprised about the preference for Toby's version. Maybe Dwight would have done better if his version had been a cleaner recording. Agree with you about Elwood though. I'm a long time fan of Gordon Lightfoot--he's written and recorded some fine songs.

    I look forward to your next Battle between 2 song versions. I'll only have two versions on my next one as well.

    Arlee Bird
    A to Z Challenge Co-host
    Tossing It Out

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    1. LOL, I have learned my lesson. Only two from here on out! Can't wait to see your next two, either.

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  2. I think it's interesting what each band can bring to an individual song.

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    1. Same here. I think that's why I actually enjoy covers, whereas many people either just don't like, or seem almost offended by a remake. Movies are a different story, though. I have found that even though I try, I don't like remade movies as much.

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  3. Kim, I thought your battle was a lot of fun. I could not imagine so many covers on this song, much less the diversity of them. I don't know, reminded me trying to find your favorite version of Jingle Bells.(smile) I'm surprised Toby took it too - but somebody's gotta take it, right? When I left I thought Yoakam had it in the bag.(smile)
    Oh and I'm not crazy about remade movies either.

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  4. I really enjoyed that Battle of the Bands.... it was great to hear so many different versions.
    Good hand cream is hard to find! I hate my hands feeling all greasy and .... thick with lotion. And cruelty free and as natural as possible is big with me too. I normally just use aloe vera gel.
    I LOVE home decorating shows!!! I had to stop watching them so much because I drive my hubby crazy with all these ideas I suddenly spring on him at 3 am. LOL

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