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 November 2nd
Today marks the eighth and final 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 gave you two options. You voted which version rang truest to you, and we announced the winners. Now is time for the final vote.
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 final part of Tom Allen's conversation with Robert Harris, the two gentlemen bring all the facts together for a final assessment.
Don't forget to take a look at all five videos breaking down the greatness of "Over the Rainbow". A big thanks to Robert Harris for helping highlight the musical aspects that make this composition timeless.
Last week, Eva Cassidy went up against the EASILY most requested version of the song. Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole as challenger laid the groundwork for an incredibly intriguing Rainbow Battle.
In the end, the massive man with a tiny ukelele came out victorious. That places him into the finals of Rainbow Battle.
This week is the end. The Rainbow Battle of all Battles. And the only way to best determine the most important rendition of "Over the Rainbow" ever is to put it up against the original. Judy Garland sang "Over the Rainbow" in The Wizard of Oz. That is the reason we're still listening to the song today. Could any version after possibly compete?
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.
Israel "IZ" Kamakawiwoʻole's:
and Judy Garland's:
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Not sure if those mushrooms are safe to eat? This is a lesson you can learn by asking Classical Music. In this installment of "Dear Classical Music," if you should eat those mushrooms.
When the going gets lonely, all you need is somebody to talk to. For elephants, that proves more difficult. But not impossible.
Related:
VIDEO: Tom Allen and Robert Harris discuss the Greatness of "Over the Rainbow"
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
Rainbow Battle Week 6: Ella Fitzgerald vs. Eva Cassidy
Rainbow Battle Week 7: Eva Cassidy vs. Israel Kamakawiwo'ole
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 ).