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 19th
Today marks the sixth 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. In the third of five parts, the conversation turns to how difficult the song is to accurately sing.
Last week, Ella Fitzgerald stormed in and finally dethroned Ian Tyson. After four consecutive winning weeks, we have a new champion. But will Ella be able to hold her spot? Right away, she's up against the big guns. This week, she'll have to find a way by Eva Cassidy. Cassidy's tale is truly tragic, and forever linked to her version of "Over the Rainbow".
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.
Ella Fitzgerald's rendition:
And the challenger, Eva Cassidy:
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
Rainbow Battle Week 5: Ian Tyson vs. Ella Fitzgerald
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 ).