Gentle Readers . . . and Maxwell,
I'm shocked! Shocked, I tell you! In awe of the results! Where we're going, we don't need roads.
My October 1, 2015, Battle of the Bands countered Miley Cyrus against The White Stripes on Dolly Parton's song Jolene. I thought Miley would win easily, even though she's so annoying. I felt that way because I realize Jack White, although he is one of the loves of my life, is a little strange.
The score is much closer than I thought it would be. Miley wins, but not by much. It's
Miley Cyrus 13
The White Stripes 11
Because we all prefer to hear Dolly Parton on Jolene, I promised she would sing for you today. But first, we need a little background information.
Dolly Parton tells us: "One night, I was on stage, and there was this beautiful little girl — she was probably 8 years old at the time," Parton says. "And she had this beautiful red hair, this beautiful skin, these beautiful green eyes, and she was looking up at me, holding, you know, for an autograph. I said, 'Well, you're the prettiest little thing I ever saw. So what is your name?' And she said, 'Jolene.' And I said, 'Jolene. Jolene. Jolene. Jolene.' I said, 'That is pretty. That sounds like a song. I'm going to write a song about that.'" Parton says that she got the story for her song from another redhead in her life at the time — a bank teller who was giving Parton's new husband a little more interest than he had coming. (SOURCE)
Infinities of love,
Janie Junebug
My motto as an editor: Authors are the authority on their work. I'm a full-service editor. For a reasonable fee, I'm your writing coach from the first suggested revision to the correction of the final typo.
But it shouldn't be that close, I gave Miley all of my votes. Did you forget to count my other votes, all of them? I do still get 11 votes per vote should I choose to exercise them, right? I think most people who voted for Jack were really casting a spite vote against She With The Ever-Protruding Tongue.
ReplyDeleteSweetie, I love you, but you only get one vote. Them's the breaks.
DeleteHearing the song Jolene after a long time.
ReplyDeleteThe video is 27 years old but still so pleasant to watch.
Older videos of her singing it and playing the guitar are on YouTube. The oldest one I've seen is more pure and plaintive, but I've seen it on many blogs so I decided to use something different.
DeleteJanie, thank you for your comment re critiques today. I must look into you for editing. I love Dolly Parton and her story about Joelene was awesome. Don't much like that song though! Never heard Miley's version. :-)
ReplyDeleteYou're welcome. I have firm ideas about the relationship between the editor and the author; that is, the author is the authority on her work.
DeleteClose one! I voted for the White Stripes, but Miley's version was good too. Of course, Dolly does it best. Thanks for the video. ☺
ReplyDeleteI voted for White Stripes.
DeleteJanie, what a tight race! Miley did a fab job on the song and I"m with you, I wish she'd cut out the junk. I know she's gotta find herself, but frankly I liked the way she was when she was younger than the way she is now. I can't imagine anyone liking this new Miley over the old Miley. Nice battle!
ReplyDeleteI've seen photos of her when she was younger. She was a pretty girl. I notice that the "strength" of her southern accent comes and goes. She needs to learn who she is.
DeleteHi, Janie! FYI - this post still hasn't appeared in my reader.
ReplyDeleteI am surprised and very pleased that Miley Cyrus won the battle. She did a fine job of channeling Dolly and performing an authentic countrified rendition of Jolene. I don't mind people voting FOR the White Stripes, but it isn't fair to vote AGAINST Miley, Sid Vicious or any other artist because of the way they choose to dress and/or behave. That is a separate issue that should not be allowed to cloud judgement. Congratulations on pulling off an exciting and very close band battle, dear Janie!
Thank you for joining us, Sir Shady. My real problem with Miley's rendition is that her style is too peppy. Jolene is a plea. Jack White captures the song of the begging lover.
DeleteI'm glad Miley won (I can't believe I am saying that) and I like the background on the title of this song-very interesting
ReplyDeleteI'm pleased because it was so close.
DeleteI agree with Debbie. While I'm not a fan of Miley's voice, she didn't do a bad job covering "Jolene" - she actually surprised me. I still prefer the White Stripes. :)
ReplyDeleteI don't think I've ever listened to the full version of Dolly Parton's version - I might have to YouTube it. That's an interesting backstory, though!
The one you should watch is from an old TV show. She plays the guitar and sings so sincerely. She wasn't a big "star" yet, though she was becoming popular. I'll try to find the link for you.
DeleteI was wrong. She doesn't play the guitar, but I found it and emailed the link to you.
DeleteI'm surprised that Miley didn't win by a wider margin, but not surprised that her more traditional take won in the end. That was a good match up.
ReplyDeleteArlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Tossing It Out
I'm excited that it was so close. I didn't know I'd find some fellow White Stripes fans.
DeleteI voted for Miley, however I'm surprised she won! Great battle - nice and tight!
ReplyDeleteI love anything Dolly! Thanks or the video, Janie.
Smile.
Dixie
Thank you for joining us, Dixie. I live for your smiles.
DeleteI've seen Dolly perform live and she puts on one hell of a show.
ReplyDeleteI bet she does. She's a real star.
DeleteWow. Closer than I would have thought.
ReplyDeleteI know. Who'd a thunk it?
DeleteI can't believe it was so close!!
ReplyDeleteDolly is in town this week; call her up and ask her to give her two cents on the battle. Come on, it will be fun. I guess you could call Dollywood and ask to be connected?
It would be better if you call her. She'll want the one who calls to come by for a glass of sweet tea. You're right there. She'll welcome you with open arms.
DeleteSuper close indeed—the mark of a good battle, right? I'm bummed Jack didn't win this one, but... Ah, well. Let us breathe and pray for tolerance, shall we? ;) Looking forward to the next one!
ReplyDeleteGuilie @ Quiet Laughter
I'll figure out a way for Jack to win something.
DeleteI wonder how many bank tellers named Jolene probably think this song is about them. How vain would that be?
ReplyDeleteJolene was the name of the little girl who wanted an autograph. The bank teller was named Janie, and I beat the crap out of Dolly and stole her husband. I tossed him aside when I didn't want him anymore.
DeleteI stand corrected Janie. ;)
DeleteThank you for being so polite about my ridiculous lie.
Delete