Thursday, December 15, 2016

Battle of the Bands: I Believe in Father Christmas

You know I couldn't let the Holidays go without at least one themed Battle of the Band. My first Christmas season I did "Run, Rudolph, Run" and "Happy Xmas The War is Over."  Last year it was The Grinch and "Christmas Cookies".  What will it be this year?



Earlier this month Greg Lake passed away. I paid tribute to him here. His song "I Believe in Father Christmas" feels like it would  fit tonight.


I will pick to covers of the song, You my readers decide the winner by voting in the comments and sometime around the Winter Solstice I will count up the votes and declare the winner in another post. If you like this battle check out the other ones. Stephen has the best list of participants at his site.


Contestant One: U2


Contestant Two:  Vertical Horizon



U2 or Vertical Horizon? Who gets your vote? Vote in the comments and we will have a winner soon! Happy Holidays!

10 comments:

Mary B said...

This was a tough one. The vocals for Vertical Horizon seemed richer, but U2 had the better musical backing. After deliberation with my partner in crime, we have come to the decision that U2 gets the vote. RIP Greg Lake.

Merry Christmas, Mike!

~Mary (and Joseph in the background)

Robin said...

Unlike some people (who shall not be named;), I like U2 much of the time. But I didn't care for Bono on this song. His voice really grated my ears. Not sure what that was about, but Vertical Horizon was much more appealing today.

Merry Christmas Mike!

John Holton said...

Vertical Horizon. I don't like U2.

Stephen T. McCarthy said...

Vertical Horizon. I don't like U2 too.

~ D-FensDogG

Arlee Bird said...

The U2 version seemed rather lackluster to me--as though they were fulfilling an obligation to do a Christmas song.

Vertical Horizon kicked in from the first notes and carried through in fine form. I like Vertical Horizon's music anyway.

My vote goes to Vertical Horizon.

Arlee Bird
Tossing It Out

Debbie D. said...

Another shocking death in the music world! It sure has been a bad year. :(
I love Greg Lake's Christmas song and you're right. It is absolutely fitting. here. Never liked U2 all that much and my opinion hasn't changed now. Something about Bono's vocals put me off. Vertical Horizon's version sounded much better to me. Please give my vote to them.

Michele at Angels Bark said...

I thought for sure I'd be voting for U2. I love that band and especially Bono. But I'm giving my vote to Vertical Horizon. Their sound was so rich and fulfilling.

Merry Christmas Mike!

Michele at Angels Bark

Birgit said...

Holy Moly, another musical death!? It has been a sad year for this. I like U2 but this version was...not appealing at all. I much prefer Vertical Horizon so they get my vote...richer voice and I like how they put other Christmas carols into the song.

Shady Del Knight said...

Hi, Mike!

All three versions were new to me and I enjoyed all three. Of the two contestants, I'm going with Vertical Horizon for several reasons. I preferred the diction on the lead vocal and I liked the group harmony. Most of all I thought the band delivered the song with more snap, more prog punch, more alt rock energy. It was sensational!

Give my vote to VH, good buddy!

Cathy Kennedy said...

Mike, I'm so glad you stopped in to vote because I forgot to get back over to check on your BoTB post. I forgot about this Christmas song. After listening to both contenders I'm giving my vote to Vertical Horizon. I preferred the vocals is the main the reason and I reckon the overall arrangement just resonated with me a little better, too. Good battle, my friend. Have a very Merry Christmas! I'll be looking forward to another year of continued friendship with you. May God bless!