Big Big Train: Proper Jack Froster REACTION/ANALYSIS | The Daily Doug (Episode 326)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.พ. 2025
- #BigBigTrain #BBT #ProperJackFroster
In this episode of #TheDailyDoug, I'm listening to music from the brand new album, Welcome to the Planet, by Big Big Train. The Song, Proper Jack Froster, is a heartwarming tale of childhood memories...and how they can flood back to us. Big Big Train is one of my favorite bands that I've 'discovered' while recording these reaction videos. This one doesn't disappoint! I hoe you enjoy.
Reference Video: • Proper Jack Froster: a...
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Thank you for this Doug, we liked the way you talked about both the song and the accompanying animation.
You folks just cannot get enough exposure. Every ounce of love and praise is so thoroughly deserved. ❤
Man, I love this band - "East Coast Racer" really deserves an analysis, it's incredibly orchestrated, with rich texture and a beautiful lyricism to the melody-lines... or, alternatively, "English Electric - Pt. I" would be a good choice for a full-album review.
I keep nagging Doug to do EAST COAST RACER - the live version. I think MASTERS OF LIGHT is a wonderful collection of the best of BBT
I've only recently discovered Big Big Train (thank you Spotify recommendations) and I love English Electric Pt 1.
Another recent discovery was IQ's "Road of Bones", which I recommend.
Amen. Couldn't agree more
I had heard this song as a casual BBT fan but I really didn't understand it and was too lazy to look up the meaning. Your analysis and upfront explaining of the meaning of the song caused me to have a deeper emotional connection to it. Thanks for what you do!! Got goosebumps watching the animation.
Man... That hit harder than could have anticipated... Lovely
Hahahahahaha, Greg is absolutely spot on,I was brought up in the 60's and 70's in the north-east of England,it did indeed snow a few times during the winter months,and yes, we had ice on inside of windows and on sills,bed sheets were like 'sheets of ice' when you went to bed,happy happy days,no really, miss Greg has captured those times marvellously,still find it difficult to think that David has passed,how in the world can he be replaced??rest easy david!!
This song makes me weep, especially with the animation. When the entire group comes in on that beautiful harmony, I can feel it in my heart. Fun to walk through this with you.
The video is really emotive, evocative of times past and your reaction was priceless.
I have tears in my eyes after this first listen (still waiting for UPS to deliver my copy up here in Canada...) Tears for David, the lyrics and for the beautiful song. Doug, so glad you are a fan- BBT's brilliant music is so epic and heartwarming at the same time. Thanks for doing this one- I am really enjoying your channel! Would much appreciate a review of East Coast Racer and The Underfall Yard (the new remastered version) at some point. Cheers!
What a great voice from Davis Longdon, it has a Peter Gabriel sound!!, just fantastic!!, loved his voice, he will be missed!!!
Thank you Doug, for such a lovely interpretation and reaction video. BBT really have so many stories in their songs.
Haven't been able to listen much to BBT since the tragic passing of David Longdon, but I've been a fan since the "The Difference Machine" album and have followed them through the change of singer and the deeper dive into, Englishness, for lack of a better term with the addition of Mr. Longdon. I'd love to hear your take on one of my BBT favorites, "The Transit of Venus Across the Sun".
Enjoy your channel immensely, thank you for the work you put into the videos.
A lovely reaction video, Doug - great to hear your memories too! It does feel like the era of long winters has gone (Marillion's "Season's End" anyone?). According to the Oxford English Dictionary, a sled is just the American term for a sledge - there we are, separated by a common language again! Interesting that TH-cam has made a misattribution error and says that the song was taken from the album "Bats in the Belfry". Bats in the Belfry is another track from the album which is, as you said, "Welcome to the Planet"!
Totally agree, by the way, that an analysis of the title track would be very interesting!
Tears in my eyes Doug-thanks for this.
Loved this song Thank you for introducing them to me! Very sad about the gentleman passing away! Will buy the album if I can here and listen xx
Remember those good times of sledding in the snow as a child too Doug. Took it for granted as many of us do.
I've been also on a roll listening to every BBT album I own since David passed. I think it has affected me more than any other great artist I admire (I even remember Freddie Mercury's death) because BBT has this melancholic but, as you say Dough, happy feeling that... they are amazing. Also: the ambience they create is so full and warm... It's an harmonic delight.
So pleased that you have done this! The album doesn’t have a duff track - one of the best they have done. This is a personal story from Greg Spawton. Moving and beautiful. The band are so good at evoking British life from the personal - songs about working in shipyards, songs about the artist Turner, even a war hero pigeon. I’m still going to nag you to do EAST COAST RACER live - complex and stunning. They use brass a lot - those guys had been in a military band I gather - the Coldstream Guards. Do listen to the new album also as it shows them exploring new avenues and giving band members space to compose. Newcomer Carly Bryant composed the title track. Nick D’Virgilio does BATS IN THE BELFRY a kind of MISSION IMPOSSIBLE sound a like. You should reach out and talk to Nick and Greg! I’m sure they’d love to come on.
Thank you very much. I have been a big fan since the Underfall Yard album. RIP Daivid, that listening really hit me in the heart. God bless all.💜
A band that moves from strength to strength. I can't watch the video of this song without tearing up -- it's that good.
Makes me remember winter days in Cheyenne, Wy. when I was a kid. I was Blessed to grow up in a close family of 7. Thankyou for turning me onto Big BIG TRAIN.
WHOA!
Cool to see another Wyomingite here! I moved to Casper at the start of 9th grade, and then went to college in Laramie. I was from southeast Texas, and was pretty sure I was going to freeze to death that first year!
Live in LVNV now.
Thank you, Doug for another great analysis of a totally wonderful song! You chose the right one! 🤗 Hope you enjoyed the rest of the album!
BBT is one of my favorites too. Too bad David Longdon passed away last year.
I was born in the “Midlands”- West Midlands to be exact (think Birmingham, Staffordshire, the so-called Black Country.)
I came to BBT a couple of years back via recommendations from Genesis fans, and there are undoubted Genesis influences. (I believe dear David Longdon was considered as a replacement lead vocal when Phil Collins left.)
BBT are phenomenally talented- a sadly underexposed group- so thrilled to see you giving them attention and love.
Now plz pass the Kleenex: this video gets me every time ❤️❤️❤️
Thanks Doug - great review! Passengers love you too. It’s a fantastic album. RIP David.
Weird Wednesday! "King's lead hat" which is an anagram for "talking heads" a great starting point for Brian Eno music. Brian Eno the non-musician who produced Talking Heads, Devo, U2 and a list of many other accomplishments. The album This song is from it's called "Before and After Science" released 1977. Each side of this album could be examined on a Friday as well.
Wonderful, Doug. You aced the nostalgia, despite the sadness, as well, of his childhood. And it all came out all right, after all, he created a better place for his family to experience.
Just beautiful. This band evoke so many memories of the country I spent the first 13 years of my life. They are such wonderful story tellers and I'm hoping that the band goes on; though David's shoes will take some filling.
I remember too man! Michigan! Love to you,,
Love BBT… thank you for doing this
Excellent storytelling by Doug with excellent songwriting and musicianship by the band. Fantastic animation really delivered the storyline..
Great song and nice reaction piece, Doug. Enjoying your channel immensely.
I don't know what it is, but this made me tear up quite a bit. Lovely music and animations.
this sounds beautiful, thank you Doug
Lovely episode and song today, Dr. Doug. Regarding the brass arrangement; the description for the animated version on English Electric Recordings TH-cam channel lists everyone:
Dave Desmond: brass arrangement and trombone
Ben Godfrey: trumpet
Nick Stones: French horn
John Storey: euphonium
Jon Truscott: tuba
Great choice. My favourite contemporary band alongside Wobbler. These bands are among the best bands in the symphonic tradition today.
I didn’t know there is an animated video for this song. Thank you! 🙏
I'm not crying, *you're* crying. 😭❤
Loved this piece.
As a kid in Nottingham we called them sledges too.
Who's up for a snowball fight. No rocks please. Wonderful song. Rest in Peace David.
Yep, love their use of brasses, especially my one-time instrument, the euphonium.
First time I’ve ever heard this band I’m going to have to dig again really enjoyed that
Start to listen The Underfall Yard... then other albuns... You will like this band very much. And yes, they have elements of Genesis.
For me, it's start with English Electric Parts 1 and 2. Classic.
@@julianholdsworth5875 Yape. My favorite album. Your recommendation is probably better. I hesitated between these and The Underfall Yard.
This every day story of the song is so beautiful, but at the same so sad cause so many ppl won't reenter those childhood memories as adults ever again... ntl thumbs up BBT... 👍
Very nice song! Lots of great ideas with instrumentation and vocals.Their lead singer (RIP) reminds me of Peter Gabriel, more like earlier 'trespass' era genesis. I'll have to check-out more of their music.
My vinyl came today!! Best band ever!
Doug I have a suggestion, the band is Pablo Cruise & the piece is called Runnin'.
You won't regret it.
Omaha, you say. Have you heard Counting Crows "Omaha". Beautiful little song.
About sleighing in youth: I was born in 1960 Helsinki, Finland. The day I was able to sleigh there were city build sleigh ways in every neighbour in Helsinki. Safe and sound for all children. They do them even today just that children and childern minded can have safe fun in winter time in Helsinki.
It's Really Amazing ...That since I mentioned...the Holy words: Neal Morse...Doug is really happy... even shall I say.. Glowing.. 😂..now he's doing a reaction of big big train...with Drum God ( right behind Portnoy) Sir Nick..of Spock's Beard Fame...I just wanted to point it out...Lol
I'm not crying!
Is it rude for me to say that I heard elements of Genesis… Really nice progression key changes excellent musicianship voice reminds me of Peter Gabriel… Love the show keep up the good work find so much joy
I hear a connection to 70's Genesis, too...especially if you substitute flute for the violin.
@@Doug.Helvering No it’s not rude? Lol
@@davidfisher7978 I don't think so.
The band are huge Genesis fans, they do not avoid their influences but embrace them without copying too much. It is just in the DNA of Big Big Train.
Nick D'Virgilio played drums on some tracks of final Genesis album (Calling all Stations). Also David Longdon (RIP) was short listed as the (new) vocalist for that album.
Lovely choice of song, the sound reminds me a bit of Genesis. I had missed this band up until now 🙂
Outstanding song and movie.
I LOVE BBT So gutted about David, Except for now have not listened to them since he died. I need to get past that. Had the same feeling with ELP.
Very nice, I didn't know this band. The voice sounds a lot like Peter Gabriel, wow!
Hi Doug.
Please react to Cardiacs. Mind bending chord progressions and compositions... prog chops with punk energy. Like Frank Zappa conducting the Sex Pistols on speed. Many of your favorite artists are huge fans, Devin Townsend, Mike Patton, Steven Wilson etc. Unfortunately frontman Tim Smith passed away last year but left us a fascinating back catalogue.
You'll love them I Promise! I'd recommend The Everso Closely Guarded Line as an entry point.
Love the channel.
Cheers!
What a wonderful track, if the rest of the album is half as good as this then I will buying it and play it until I wear the groves out!
I have the album and every track is tremendous
It is and you should! 😉
Great play-through on this Doug. We all will miss David. May he Rest in Peace. I hope BBT can carry on without him. It won't be the same, obviously, but they are such a special band, it would be a shame. I think Nick could carry them. He's got such a great voice IMHO.
The Midlands is in the middle, more or less, of England. I grew up in the West Midlands and lived in the East Midlands for some years. On a map, it's a large area around Birmingham.
Nottingham is not in "a large area around Birmingham."
There are loads more tracks by the band that could use some analysis, many from the early Longdon days, and also from the pre-Longdon albums. Given how the quality of their music has deteriorated so much after EE:II, it'd probably be best to not worry about much between Folklore and Welcome to the Planet. The Wide Open Sea is probably one that should be at the top of the list.
I think it would awesome if you were able to interview Greg Spawton as you have done with some other musicians, I appreciate it might not be a good time for it given the sad loss of David, but maybe in time.
Hi Doug. I would like to recommend Frank Zappa's "Alien Orifice" for either weird Wednesday or masterpiece Friday. Both are equally applicable.
Thank you very much dear man, I really enjoy your content, I'm new here and trying to keep up with the rhythm, I do not know if this is acceptable but I would be very happy if you analyze the song of Purple Deep Child of Time. Thank you very much
You should really listen to "The Call" by Neal Morse. I know you are going to love the voice harmonies!
I need to check this band out after hearing this song. Reminds me of Genesis especially that solo section. Where do I start?
David sounds like Peter Gabriel, great voice.
Lol, so Proper Jack Froster is his Rosebud
Love your channel!
Try some ANATHEMA songs:
Untouchable 1&2 (live)
Judgment
Flying (live)
One last goodbye
Welcome aboard (the train)
Better rusty rails(they all get that way) than rusty nails. That's My childhood recollection.
It would be interesting to see your reaction to 8bit music of c64 or Amiga
well the cars packed the snow...so it made it sled worthy..
You should listen to triumph.Pick any song,they are all good
"Rosebud"
Will really miss David
Loved your commentary, mispronunciations and all! Please explain why American prog rockers cannot write songs like this?
Doug please please review "avantasia - raven child". It's an amazing song.
Manowar-Heart of steel (with orchestra or not)
Sorry nerd question. Just watching the video. Are those HD600's you are using to listen to the is track on?
I was going to make some lame comment, but I deleted it because this is cool stuff.
Hi Doug, love the video as always, jsut one thing: maybe you should put up the lyrics for us viewers.
looking forward to next one, keep it up ;)
Could you react to Paranoid Android by Radiohead ?? Id love to see that
When he says the midlands, he refers to the central region of England not Britain. Sorry
hi Doug, could you please react to MUSE?
Please react to RPWL
I think it’s close to REM and Genesis and it’s not so powerful as a composition. The brass is well played but it’s not adding up to the song.
This channel is a musician's nightmare. All the hard work that is put into your craft and someone first listen is full of commentary, pauses, music theory analysis and narration. Can't we just listen to the music then respond? As an musician I've unfortunately have experienced this kind of behavior in real time before. Showing people recordings of my music with them talking all the way through it. Quite disrespectfully annoying. It's as if a band was performing on stage with someone allowed to to have a microphone through the PA system turned up to ten jabbering all throughout the concert then pulling the plug on the group from time to time to stop the music to make observations on the chord structure.
Dear Doug, please give another chance to Pain os Salvation, i suggest "People Passing By" its awesome.