The National Anthem: Two Versions.
I typically cringe when I hear some knucklehead do stylistic vocal tricks with the National Anthem. I prefer it sung the way it was written. I also have no patience with those who complain that the National Anthem is “… like toooo violent, with all those splodey bombs and stuff.†Here are two examples, each of which appeal to me for different reasons.
Version 1: Pure, beautiful simplicity – sung, unaccompanied, by three young siblings in their living room.
Version 2: The precise opposite of Version 1. It’s Madison Rising rockin’ the National Anthem. Yes, they do not perform the Anthem as written, but I like that their version goes straight into the face of the “toooo violent, splodey bomb†crowd. I understand that the lead singer is a Navy Vet. I like it.
Thanks to da Chef of da Future for Version 1
Thanks to my buddy Brian, the Air Force Vet for Version 2
Those beautiful children can’t be from Chicago .They don’t sing the anthem or say the pledge there .Obama ,Ayres and Axelrod would be insulted . As I am a supporter of the clean cut look ,Madison Rising shows me you can’t always judge a book by its cover .
Comment by john — September 2, 2012 @ 9:50 pm
To me there is no purer or more emotionally stirring version of the anthem than the one Whitney Houston sang. It always makes my eyes a little moist.
Comment by Erica — September 3, 2012 @ 7:10 am
I like both versions.
Compare the Madison Rising version with the crap version by drug addled Jimi Hendrix
Comment by Joe — September 3, 2012 @ 8:01 am
I liked both, the kids did a beautiful rendition, but w/no disrespect children singing an amazing version Star Spangled Banner is a dime a dozen. I loved the Madison Rising version. Refreshingly unique but yet done w/respect, taste, and style. I am surprised they have not reached the goal. I saw this a while back and thought by now they would have made their mark. I will pass it around again!
Comment by Elizabeth — September 3, 2012 @ 12:33 pm