Round 3 votes due by Friday night at 11 PM: Game 2 results are in, and at this point I think Coaches Adrock and Jacob should be looking down the ladder in anticipation of the next Contender while evaluating their song stable accordingly. Something should be said for AC/DC, who are now 6-2 for the tournament and show no signs of losing electricity. In Game 2 of the Challenger Final, “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” powers past the Velvet Underground’s “Pale Blue Eyes,” 88.3-75.1. Coach Pete strategically turns to a more delicate selection for Game 3.
Marton(Beach Boys) v. Marton(The Band): This round easily goes to the elder, with “Sloop John B” over “Down South In New Orleans,” 102.3-84.8. It remains to be seen whether the unfortunate recent news on Levon Helm’s failing health sways voters. Game 3 is a radio-play showdown.
Zeppelin-Wonder was a well-played match, as both songs were top 3 in average score across the whole group. In the end, Stevie rainmakes “Dyermaker” and “Uptight (Everything’s Alright)” comes out on top, 106.75-104.
Coach Greg and Atmosphere continue their unlikely advance as “You” defeats “Freewill,” 79-73.6. Salem still looking for a win- I’m not that familiar with either Rush (with the exception of “Tom Sawyer” which is likely the Rush Emergency Red Lever of sorts) or Atmosphere, but its been good getting to hear new tunes.
After a close loss in Game 1, Coach Dan and U2 went hard for Game 2 and it worked out. “Where The Streets Have No Name” knocks “Spoonman” back into the kitchen drawer, 100.2-71.5. For Round 3, Dan goes straight through from Track 1 to Track 2 of Joshua Tree without flinching. Similarly, Tats goes for his third straight from Superunknown.
George+George’s Wife evens up the Petty series as “Ramblin’ Man” takes “Mary Jane’s Last Dance,” 97.6-86.1 and racks an impressive 7.69 average. I’m thoroughly enjoying this match-up, and there’s more fun to come.
Round 3 Matches below. The Grooveshark list is here, and votes are due by 11 PM on Friday night.
Round 3 Matches
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin) vs. I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder)
Big Balls (AC/DC) vs. I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground)
Spirit of the Radio (Rush) vs. Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere)
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band) vs. Kokomo (Beach Boys)
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) vs. Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden)
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) vs. Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers)
Living the Dream 
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin) vs. I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder) 7 – 6.5
Big Balls (AC/DC) vs. I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground) 3 -2
Spirit of the Radio (Rush) vs. Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere) N/A
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band) vs. Kokomo (Beach Boys) 5.5 – 4
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) vs. Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden) 5 -6
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) vs. Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers) 7.5 – 6
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin) vs. I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder) 7.2 – 7.0
Jeez. Very different songs. It’s hard to get around Page and Bonham together in this song and that’s where I give Zeppelin the edge. But man, can Stevie wail with the best of them.
Big Balls (AC/DC) vs. I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground) 3.2 – 3.0
I honestly don’t know what to do here. I do enjoy goofy songs like these. But they are impossible to compare. I guess I have to say I enjoy AC/DC’s composition more. The lyric, “He’s got big balls. She’s got big balls” also makes me giggle.
Spirit of the Radio (Rush) vs. Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere) 7.8 – 5.5
I’ve appreciated Atmosphere heretofore. I’m just not big into typical hip hop (which is what this is for me) and the droning beat machine gets boring for me. As an accountant I need almost constant stimulation to keep me from slipping into a coma. And I’ll be damned if the intro alone to Spirit isn’t pure gnar with Lifeson. Peart’s monstrous drumkit on full display. OH SALESMEN!
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band) vs. Kokomo (Beach Boys) 5.2 – 4
Honestly, Kokomo has always been creepy to me for some reason. Specifically when he says ,”tropical contact.” I don’t know. The timbre just drives me insane. The Band is solid here.
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) vs. Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden) 5 – 5.4
This is a good match-up because I think I still have a hangover from how often both of these songs were played on the radio throughout the 90’s. I have to follow my grunge roots here, though. “Lyrically it’s probably the closest to me just playing with words for words’ sake…I have no idea how you’d begin to take that one literally.” Chris Cornell said that. I know some people would scoff at that, but I think using words simply as another instrument that sounds cool is refreshing sometimes (not in the case of Scatman John). It’s at least a departure from U2’s constant political under/overtones.
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) vs. Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers) N/A
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin) vs. I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder)
Big Balls (AC/DC) 5
vs. I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground) 4
Spirit of the Radio (Rush) 5
vs. Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere) 6
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band) 9 Such great high harmonies.
vs. Kokomo (Beach Boys) 4 Nice throw away. Mike Love is an ass.
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) 7
vs. Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden) 6
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) 5
vs. Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers) 6
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin) vs. I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder)
7: 8.8
I think Zeppelin is in danger of going down 3-1 here…has Press used Superstition yet?
Big Balls (AC/DC) vs. I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground)
6 : 7
Hat tip to Adrock for turning me on to “Big Balls” freshman year of college. It’s an amusing song. Sticking with you is sweet and fun.
Spirit of the Radio (Rush) vs. Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere)
7.5 : 5.5
My first vote for Rush.
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band) vs. Kokomo (Beach Boys)
N/A Tough to compete with Dixie Down, especially on the heels of the tragic Levon Helm news.
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) vs. Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden)
7 : 7.6
My first vote for Soundgarden, too.
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) vs. Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers)
7.8 : 5.5
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin) vs. I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder)
5 – 6
When I finished listening to Stevie and went to give my scores, I realized I didn’t even remember what Zepp song I had heard. Doesn’t say as much about “I Was Made To Lover Her” as it does about “Wanton Song.”
Big Balls (AC/DC) vs. I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground)
3 – 2
Two ridiculous songs. Oddly enough, “Big Balls” rang truer.
Spirit of the Radio (Rush) vs. Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere)
4.1 – 4
The noises my untrained ear heard in “Spirit of the Radio”: triangle, distortion, synthesizer, organs, steel drum, piano, and fake applause. However, “Lift Her Pull Her” got a little monotonous after the first minute or so. I like simple, but not this time.
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band) vs. Kokomo (Beach Boys)
9 – 2
This might be my favorite song by the Band. With folksy instrumentals backing up Levon’s emotive vocals, the song draws you in from the first chord. As for Kokomo, does anyone remember the version performed by the Muppets?
Just read the bad news about Levon. RIP.
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) vs. Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden)
5.75 – 5
I love me some U2, but this one isn’t a fav. Then again, neither is Black Hole Sun. Yes, it may be because both were played on the radio ad nauseum, but at least it was a level playing field.
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) vs. Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers)
N/A
Gotta say, some awesome guitar riffs on both.
Hey!!! Dumb question…does a team win the entire 7 game series on points or wins?
Hey George’s Wife- it is based on wins, like an NHL series or equivalent. More complete rules are at https://livingthedream.org/music-and-music-tournaments/last-band-standing/
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin) 8
I Was Made to Love Her (Stevie Wonder) 6.5
Oh man I love this song. The time changes, the chords. I love the filter on Robert Plant’s voice. Stevie can sing and scream with the best of them, but I love this Zeppelin album.
Big Balls (AC/DC) XX
I’m Sticking With You (The Velvet Underground) XX
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) 8.5
Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden) 5
I love this U2 song. Yes the radio killed it. I actually needed a decade long break from this song. That said, it’s such a powerful spiritual song. I love that the band actually once did a version with a gospel choir.
Black Hole Sun is Soundgarden at it’s most boring to me. Maybe it’s the metal head in me. I love Chris Cornell at his howling best, and yes I know I’m in the minority here.
Spirit of the Radio (Rush) 8.5
Lift Her, Pull Her (Atmosphere) 8.6
WOW! Team Rush is pulling out a heavy. I love love love this song. Yes the guitar dork in me is coming out. This song has great dynamics, a push and pull.
Atmosphere makes my wife dance.
Sorry Rush sex wins. Every time.
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band) 9
Kokomo (The Beach Boys) 4
I love the Band, and love this song. It’s the historian in me. This might be the only song from a Southern point of view I actually respect.
This Beach Boys song is nails on a chalkboard. Again I know I’m in the minority opinion here. Sorry Janos, to me there is nothing about this song I like.
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) 6
Don’t Keep Me Wondering (The Allman Brothers) 8
Tom is mailing this one in to me. Music is so wonderfully subjective. It’s such a beautiful and frustrating thing to me. Tom Petty has always been three chords and a story, and most of the time it works perfectly. This time it doesn’t.
The Allman’s are awesome on this song. A song about a dude and his woman. How the woman keeps dogging him. Again Duane and his slide playing is amazing.
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin): 6
I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder): 5.5
Big Balls (AC/DC): 6.5
I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground): 4
Spirit of the Radio (Rush): 7
Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere): 3.5 … Just not a fan.
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band) 5
Kokomo (Beach Boys): 6.2
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) vs. Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden)
NA
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty): 7
Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers):6.4
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin) 2.3
I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder) 8.3
LZ is too repetitive for me on this one. Stevie + love + soaring harmonies + soaring to vocal heights = a winner.
Big Balls (AC/DC) 3.2
I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground) 6.1
I’ll admit, I smiled a bit upon hearing the AC/DC track, but it’s too gimmicky for my taste. On the Velvet track, I like the simplicity of the piano and its nursery school playfulness, tempered with emotional seriousness. Advantage to Lou Reed and co.
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) 7
Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden) 7
U2 doing what it does best. I am sorry for the Soundgarden supporter behind this matchup because while I can appreciate the band’s technical skills, I am just not into their sound. This track is probably their high watermark for me, with the Hendrix-like guitar and Cornell’s controlled wail. A pretty even matchup for me here.
Spirit of the Radio (Rush) 5.1
Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere) 6.8
I am actually a Rush detractor, but the intro really sold me here. I just can’t get over how irritating I find Geddy Lee’s voice. I kind of like everything else that’s going on here, but the voice just kills it for me. I enjoy the Atmosphere track, dig its dark moodiness–it’s reminiscent of DJ Shadow to me.
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band)
Kokomo (Beach Boys)
Janos, you made this one easy. I love all of the Band’s self-titled album, the whole damn southern gothic tapestry. I also love the Beach Boys, so this is going to be a tough matchup overall. But this track, while it conjures sweet nostalgia of hitting the juke box with my dad as a kid, will also forever be known as the Cocktail song, meaning there’s a macabre undertone to all the talk of the tropics. Win for The Band (RIP Levon).
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) vs. Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers)
In my high school years, I saw the Allman Brothers at least ten times at Great Woods, an outdoor concert venue in Mansfield, Massachusetts. This was also the site of my very first concert; the summer after fifth grade, my sister took me to see Tom Petty. I got to see the entire second half of the show from atop a friendly stranger’s shoulders. So this, like the last matchup I participated in, is a battle that will tweak at the heartstrings. Best of luck to my competitors.
Forgot to include scores for the Band/Beach Boys matchup. 9 to 4.1
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin): 7
I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder):5
I’ve been in a rock mood recently, not to say that I Was Made To Love Her is a less than stellar song, but Wanton Song has got me vibing (if I can use that as a word) right now. Jimmy just hits some great distorted guitar riffs, I need a Tangerine or maybe some Cantaloupe.
Big Balls (AC/DC): 7
I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground): 6.5
Bon Scott is crazy, just plain old crazy. I’m Sticking With You is a sweet song, this is one of the more fun song for songs this round good punch/counter-punch. I’ve just gotta go with Big Balls. Neither song is really all that musically impressive they’re just fun. Props to both you guys.
Spirit of the Radio (Rush): X
Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere): X
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band): 4
Kokomo (Beach Boys): 2
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down wins solely because of just how poor of a comeback song Kokomo is. I loved Kokomo as a child and I’m not afraid to admit I still own Still Cruisin’, but as years go on tastes change and you learn what good music is. Kokomo is catchy and I can see why it was popular in the 80’s, it just can’t stack up to the Beach Boys older catalogue. The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down is not my cup of tea either, it’s slow and trods along. There is nothing that stands out and catches me, maybe I’m just not in the mood right now for folk-rock
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2): 8.5
Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden): 3
Both songs are completely overplayed and heard ad nauseum, yet I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For remains my favorite U2 song. It just speaks volumes. Bono has beaten the topic of religion into the ground over his long career, but he hit the nail on the head here and I thoroughly enjoy it’s catchyness. Black Hole Sun is slow, monotonous and boring. Sorry.
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty): 6.5
Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers): 9
You Wreck Me is a fun Tom Petty song that doesn’t make me want to scream and punch things, good pick. Damn though, the Allman Brothers decided to get funky on Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’, I have got to go with Duane Allman here, that man is going nuts-o on that slide guitar.
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin) vs. I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder) = 4 to 8
Big Balls (AC/DC) vs. I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground) = 2.5 to 2.5
Spirit of the Radio (Rush) vs. Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere) = 8.5 to 3
The locked-in-ness of the bass n’ drums in undeniable.
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band) vs. Kokomo (Beach Boys) = 8 to 3.5
RIP Levon.
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) vs. Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden) = 9 to 6
Also still waiting for the heavy stuff.
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) vs. Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers) = 3 to 2.5
I’m entering some coworker’s scores just get more votes. If this is a problem, please let me know. I’m not trying to garner votes in my favor, just trying to get more people to play.
Claudia, and Cristin: Their votes for each song are next to the song title. Claudia always being first.
Wanton Song 7.3 / 7.9
I Was Made To Love Her 6.6/ 5.5
Big Balls 7/ 5
I’m Sticking With You 6/ 4
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For 8.5/ 8.5
Black Hole Sun 5.8/ 7
Spirit of The Radio 8/8
Lift Her, Pull Her 6/6
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down 9.3/ 9.3
Kokomo 9.2/ 9.5
You Wreck Me 7.8/ 8
Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ 7.3/ 8
Dude- we welcome new voters with open arms, don’t sweat it.
Reporting from a Qdoba in Cleveland,
G-mo
P.S. For all interested parties, THE LAST WALTZ is playing the Zigfield this weekend. The only two times left are Saturday 28th at 5, and Tuesday May 1 at 8. I am going on Tuesday if you want to join! You can buy tickets online.
Wanton Song (4) I Was Made to Love Her (6) Another great Stevie Wonder song vs. mediocre Zeppelin
Big Balls (2) I’m Sticking with You (1) Two ridiculous songs. Surprisingly,(or not) Big Balls ARE better!
Spirit of the Radio (4) Lift Her, Pull Her (3.5) I hate Rush but, Spirit of The Radio is just a better song
The Night they Drove Old Dixie Down (5) Kokomo (2) Classic vocals by Levon Helm- vs. a song that will forever remind me of John Stamos and Full House. R.I.P. Levon Helm
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (7) Black Hole Sun (6) Two very good songs – the “Edge” has to go to U2
You Wreck Me (5) Don’t Keep Me Wondering (6)
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin) vs. I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder) 7.0 to 8.0
Big Balls (AC/DC) vs. I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground) 6.8 to 5.0
Spirit of the Radio (Rush) vs. Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere) 5.5 to 4.5
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band) vs. Kokomo (Beach Boys) 7.0 to 9.0
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) vs. Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden) 8.5 to 7.0
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) vs. Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers) 7.5 to 7.0
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin) vs. I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder) 7.0 to 5.0
Big Balls (AC/DC) vs. I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground) 9.0 to 6.0 Very cute! 2 points for the Chutzpah.
Spirit of the Radio (Rush) vs. Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere) 6.0 to 4.0
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band) vs. Kokomo (Beach Boys) 8.5 to 5.0 Minus 1.0 for the Beach Boys for reminding me of the short, non-actor in Cocktail.
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) vs. Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden) 8.5 to 7.0
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) vs. Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers) 6.0 to 5.0
Thanks Progenitor!
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin) vs. I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder)
Pass. I just can’t listen to any more Zeppelin.
Big Balls (AC/DC) vs. I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground) 2/4.8
Big Balls sounds like it belongs in the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Not in the mood for camp tonight. I’m giving a few extra points to the VU because of how ahead of its time this song sounds. Unfortunately what it anticipates is early 2000s twee rock, which is a genre that, though it forever has a place in my heart for corresponding with my early college years, I am also not in the mood for.
Spirit of the Radio (Rush) vs. Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere) 6/7
The guy from Rush always sounds a little like his vocal tracks are sped up… like the Chipmunks. But I can’t deny it’s impressive music. Man, I just realized that Atmosphere has been on the periphery of my attention for like… 10 years? Where does the time go. He’s gotten real smooth. It’s good.
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band) vs. Kokomo (Beach Boys) 8/8.5
I think the excellence of the Beach Boys will be forever largely underrated because of their perennially juvenile name. I’ve been listening to “Holland” and it just kills; totally my spring 2k12 jam. More maturity and depth than the early stuff. At the same time, there’s a lot of musical nuance to the early stuff. It’s just the lyrical content is, uh… mostly fluff.
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) vs. Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden) Pass
If I listened to these songs tonight, I would probably rank them 6.8/5.5. But I’ve heard them a billion times and tonight doesn’t need to be the billionth and first.
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) vs. Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers) 5/3
Tom Petty does little for me, but apparently the allman brothers do even less.
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin)
I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder)
Grr this makes me mad to lose…
Big Balls (AC/DC) 8
I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground) 4
Spirit of the Radio (Rush) 5.8
Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere) 6.5
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band) 7.5
Kokomo (Beach Boys) 7
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) 8.5
Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden) 6.3
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) 4.5
Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers) 6.1
Wanton Song (Led Zeppelin) 8
I Was Made To Love Her (Stevie Wonder) 5.5
Big Balls (AC/DC) 9
I’m Sticking With You (Velvet Underground) 4
I absolutely loved the Juno soundtrack and listened to it over and over again and then I broke up with my ex boyfriend while Juno was on in the background and I can’t listen to it anymore. I think the overlistening and bad memories is a deadly combo.
Spirit of the Radio (Rush) 5
Lift Her Pull Her (Atmosphere) 4
Atmosphere lost points for length. This many match ups is hard to do cus it takes a while to get through them all…
The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down (The Band) 7
Kokomo (Beach Boys) 6.5
I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For (U2) 8.5
Black Hole Sun (Soundgarden) 7.5
You Wreck Me (Tom Petty) 6
Don’t Keep Me Wonderin’ (Live at Fillmore East) (Allman Brothers) 6.5