Welcome to Shift, where Tom Allen takes you on a daily musical journey from the stalwarts of Classical music to the cutting edge of Contemporary tunes. Join us here on CBC music for a round-up of the stories of the day, some videos of music (or maybe just videos interesting to music fans) and a place to speak your voice.
Friday October 12th
Today marks the fifth edition of the Rainbow Battle. That means it's time for you to help decide the finest rendition of "Over the Rainbow" of all time. Each week, we'll give you two options. You vote which version rang truest to you, and we'll announce the winner. Each week, that winner will continue on to battle another version of "Over the Rainbow" until the ultimate showdown against the original: Judy Garland.
We don't need to tell you why this song has become so iconic. But, we decided to invite journalist and music expert Robert Harris in to highlight those aspects of the song that have made it one of the best songs in pop music history. Part one aired last week. In the second of five parts, the conversation turns to the song lyrics:
Last week, Ian Tyson effortlessly got by Melody Gardot. Truly, the battle was not close. That makes 4 consecutive wins for Mr. Tyson. Could anybody possibly dethrone the champion?
We let YOU decide the next competitor with a vote on yesterday's program. It turns out you want Ella Fitzgerald to test Ian next. Will she be the voice that can vanquish the 4-time champion?
Take a listen below and decide your favourite before voting. Voting will be open until Sunday night at midnight. And please, leave a comment as to why you voted that way. We've heard the song hundreds of times, but what makes one performance that much better? If we like your comment, we'll read it on air Monday as we announce the winners.
h Here is Ian Tyson's acoustic guitar version, as played on air. Below, find video of him accompanied by the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra.
And Ella Fitzgerald's version of "Over the Rainbow":
Related:
Rainbow Battle Week 1: Ian Tyson vs. Maynard Ferguson Sextet
Rainbow Battle Week 2: Ian Tyson vs. Ray Charles
Rainbow Battle Week 3: Ian Tyson vs. Keith Jarrett
Rainbow Battle Week 4: Ian Tyson vs. Melody Gardot
Daryn Jones, host of Over the Rainbow, in praise of the musical
Why is 'Over the Rainbow' great? Sam Roberts, Jill Barber, Susie Arioli and others weigh in
You can contact us at SHIFT with your ideas, questions, or anything else by sending us a message on our Facebook page. Through email, you can reach show producers Alison Howard ( alison.howard@cbc.ca ) or Alex Redekop ( alex.redekop@cbc.ca ).