More fun from the Weather Channel’s Weather Song Tournament! Okay, music nerds, we’ve covered the Sun Region, and now it’s time to brave the Elements!
First Round Matchups: Elements Region
Also check out the other regions:
Sun
Rain
Seasons
- Dean Martin: “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” vs. Vanilla Ice “Ice Ice Baby“
MMN’s pick: Dean Martin: “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow”
- Elton John: “Candle In The Wind” vs. Lena Horne: “Stormy Weather“
I have to go with the classic on this one. I don’t really have anything against Sir Elton… but Lena’s song takes the weather metaphor more literally, it seems to me.
MMN’s pick: Lena Horne: “Stormy Weather”
- Bob Dylan: “Blowin’ In The Wind” vs. AC/DC: “Thunderstruck“
I’ve never taken AC/DC all that seriously as musicians, but… well, I’m not going to start now, either. However, the contrapuntal guitar line in this is pretty awesome — like Bach on speed. In fact, I think it needs to be arranged for organ!
MMN’s pick: AC/DC: “Thunderstruck”
- Bruce Springsteen: “Thunder Road” vs. Gordon Lightfoot: “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald“
Nine times out of ten, I would probably rather listen to the Springsteen, but I have to give the nod to Lightfoot in this context, as the song is weather-inspired to the core.
MMN’s pick: Gordon Lightfoot: “Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald”
- Judy Garland: “Over the Rainbow” vs. U2: “Beautiful Day“
Same as above — I love the U2 song, but “Over the Rainbow” fits the theme better; let’s not forget the tornado association, even if the song doesn’t mention it directly!
MMN’s pick: Judy Garland: “Over the Rainbow”
- Foreigner: “Cold as Ice” vs. Bob Seger “Against the Wind“
I’m fairly noncommittal on this one, as both songs stir up the kind of nostalgia that makes me feel a little queasy. You know, like when you contemplate your clothing and hairstyle choices from junior high?
Speaking of which, I’ll give the nod to Bob Seger, because according to him, the song was inspired by his memories of running cross country in high school.
MMN’s pick: Bob Seger “Against the Wind”
- Martha and the Vandellas: “(Love is Like a) Heatwave” vs. The Doors: “Riders On The Storm“
No contest — all hail (heh) to the girl groups!
MMN’s pick: Martha and the Vandellas: “(Love is Like a) Heatwave”
- The Scorpions: “Rock You Like A Hurricane” vs. The Rolling Stones: “Get Off Of My Cloud“
The Stones win this one. I’m a sucker for anything antiphonal: “Hey!” “HEY!” “You!” “YOU!” etc. Good times!
MMN’s pick: The Rolling Stones: “Get Off Of My Cloud”
Stay tuned for the second round, where we’ll consider songs about Rain and the Seasons. Think Vivaldi will show up in there?
What are your picks, music nerds?
Next up: Elements Region!
Let’s keep in touch!
Follow MMN on Twitter!
Like MMN on Facebook!
