I had this record . . . . its funny how you can hear a song that you haven't heard for over 40 years but the words come back to you and you can sing along like you just heard it yesterday.
Just another great tune from the 70's. After their big hit, Grazing in the Grass went to Number 3, their 2 releases didn't do as well. Then, Love or Let Me Be Lonely, was released. Such a wonderful tune, delightful vocals, with a magical bass and fabulous horns. The magical idea to speed up and slow down the tempo of the melody was so pleasing to the ears. Reached Number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100's and Number 2 in Canada. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Brandon. 👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
@brandonious7732 You're so welcome Brandon. Thank you for reminding my aging brain of the treasures than molded my love for music. Stay well my friend. ✌️🎶🇨🇦❤️🇺🇲🤗
ABSOLUTELY LOVED this one, then, and NOW! The tempo change is KILLER, it goes from a walking, almost plodding tempo to a high stepping "ass kicking" chorus and the transitions are pop music magic to me. I can't think of another song that does this in such a stark contrast, and the way the track progresses-just a spectacular arrangement to my ear. I always love hearing this one.
I've loved this song since I was a lil gyurl down in "Trinbago." Today I shared it on a young musician's FB page as an example of music that is timeless, melodic, well-orchestrated and vocalized by singers with natural harmonic abilities. Then suddenly, out of my little Bose blue-tooth, comes this bass line I never fully paid attention to before...and it has me rockin' like a spastic son! Now, more than 50 years later, I've found yet another reason to love this song. 💙
I love the "Friends of Distinction". While some similarity to the "The Fifth Dimension", really quite different. More Soulful, less Cross-Over, and great writing. This group, in my opinion, speaking as "Baby-Boomer" of the early 1970's, is very underrated, especially when you look at the substance of their song's!
Yes, the lead singer was Jessica Cleaves who was very much a lady. Jessica became a member of Earth, Wind & Fire for two of their albums. She also sang with Parliament- Funkadelic for a time.
Jessica was not signing lead on this one. It was Charlene Gibson who was temporarily replacing regular Barbra Jean Love who was off because of pregnancy.
@@bradsense7431 Thanks for that clarification . In the videos I've watched she was the front woman but obviously lip synching. She did a very convincing job.
Harri so happy you reacted to this one and big thanks to Brandon for requesting. I LOVE this song. To start of it is such a great arrangement. But add those vocals, great bass line, the horns etc then top it with the vocals really taking off during the outro and it is magic. I believe this song more than any other captures it’s time- spring of 1970.
Haven't heard this song probably since the 1970's. I remember how happy it made me feel to hear it when it came on the radio. There's just a joyfulness to it. Fantastic vocals. They remind me a lot of the Fifth Dimension.
It comes in waves, with that beautiful lead singer’s voice alternating with the chorus. And then there’s the nostalgia. I remember this song so well. A true classic. Thanks Harri
Harri, it's funny you mentioned a live version. YES, they do have a live version available, and it's incredible. The second female singer went on to sing with Earth Wind and Fire (listen to, Keep Your Head To The Sky...absolutely awesome) Unfortunately, this singer passed away young.
Two things not mentioned but should have been. THE DRUMS!!!! Especially in the second half were off the charts and the harmonies of this group especially while singing such a sped up tempo supreme.
Harri!! I love good music!! Your commentary here made me smile BIGLY...especially when you described the bass line. So you have a new subscriber son....BLESS-UP!!🥰
I stumbled across your video and clicked immediately when I saw it was a tune by Friends of Distinction as I was into them when I was younger. Their songs were always solid and the arrangements superb. To this day I 'm not sure I've ever heard a drum break as dynamic and exciting as the one in "Grazing in the Grass". I also love "Going in Circles" and "Love or Let Me Be Lonely". Nothing against The Fifth Dimension" who were somewhat more pop than R+B to my ears, but Friends of Distinction found a middle ground that included SOULFUL vocals (even jazz-like at times! There's a little scat-sing on this one in fact) and yet a pop sheen. They were highly "crossover" in their presentation and had a nice run back in the day. Had they found their Holland/Dozier/Holland or Jimmy Webb they would've been bigger but they were an extraordinary group and gave us some classic singles and albums. I bought their singles. Now I have to check out their greatest hits collection. Quality like theirs does not diminish over time and their sound does not sound dated in the least, I love them!
Brandon - I like this submission choice for a few reasons. First and foremost I finally know the name of the artists who sang this nearly one-hit wonder. Although I am not completely certain of this I do believe that this was the soundtrack for an American show and possibly used as well in a movie. Thank you Brandon and Harri for this one.
They definitely have the perfect name for their band; The Friends of Distinction, because I distinctly remember this song. There's another song I remember that changes tempo, "Sweet Blindness" by The 5th Dimension and written by Laura Nyro. The 5th Dimension and a song written by Laura Nyro is a wonderful combination. Laura Nyro is a musical savant. Here are just a sample of the songs she wrote: "Stoney End" by Barbra Streisand "Wedding Bell Blues", "Save The Country", "Stone Soul Picnic" by The 5th Dimension "And When I Die" by Blood, Sweat & Tears I guarantee that every one of those songs will 'move' you. Laura Nyro is a song writer that deserves more attention.
Love the FOD. Their stuff always sounded subtly sophisticated and soulful. Not raw, immediate soul like, say, Otis Redding, but rather a song that had been buffed and shined by the writers/producers, the way a jeweler romances an uncut diamond.
I’m a big fan of you and Gary Clark jr and Just watched your reaction to him today. He has an insane catalogue you should react to Bright lights or this land by him, he’s truly one of the best artists around.
I always preferred their version of "Grazing In the Grass" over the often-cited instrumental version by Hugh Masekala. Check it out. Both of their hits are from 1969. I was always surprised they didn't have more staying power. Another couple of songs from this same era (1969) that I know you'd like are "Black Pearl" by Sonny Charles and the Checkmates, and "Isrealites" by Desmond Dekker and the Aces. th-cam.com/video/0wSXTN2EfRo/w-d-xo.html
Please do a song that came out about three months ago. Greta Van Fleet - Meeting the Master. Its great. the forest vid is much better than the desert one if you pic one
Sages from India have no place to play in our love for God. What they meany is that our ove for human being (Venus) if it 8s not propelled by our love for thaprrson as a spiritual being (Juiter/ then it cannot be sustained. That is why being a spiritual person is very important.
Double-time sections are relatively common in music. Maybe not so much in today's pop/hip-hop context, but not rare at all. So actually, "It's Not Unusual".
![This is VIBEY! | The Friends Of Distinction - Grazing In The Grass (The Ed Sullivan Show) [REACTION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/q_Labj2lnrk/mqdefault.jpg)
![This is VIBEY! | The Friends Of Distinction - Grazing In The Grass (The Ed Sullivan Show) [REACTION]](/img/tr.png)
When talent ruled the day
our AM radio in 70s, was better than todays FM or Sirius.....
When this first came out, I fell in love with it immediately!
what a great song! wish they had songs like this these days!
They have always made me think of the Fifth Dimensions. All of the members have sang lead on many of their songs.
Thanks for bringing back these beautiful tunes from my childhood 😊 harri,your the best
I had this record . . . . its funny how you can hear a song that you haven't heard for over 40 years but the words come back to you and you can sing along like you just heard it yesterday.
Just another great tune from the 70's. After their big hit, Grazing in the Grass went to Number 3, their 2 releases didn't do as well.
Then, Love or Let Me Be Lonely, was released. Such a wonderful tune, delightful vocals, with a magical bass and fabulous horns. The magical idea to speed up and slow down the tempo of the melody was so pleasing to the ears. Reached Number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100's and Number 2 in Canada. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Brandon. 👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
I so appreciate the insight you give me on some of my favorite songs. Cheers to you and Canada!!!
@brandonious7732 You're so welcome Brandon. Thank you for reminding my aging brain of the treasures than molded my love for music. Stay well my friend. ✌️🎶🇨🇦❤️🇺🇲🤗
Thank you for sharing. Grazing in the Grass and Love or Let Me Be Lonely by THE FRIENDS OF DISTINCTION charted on MY ALL-TIME TOP TEN.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED this one, then, and NOW! The tempo change is KILLER, it goes from a walking, almost plodding tempo to a high stepping "ass kicking" chorus and the transitions are pop music magic to me. I can't think of another song that does this in such a stark contrast, and the way the track progresses-just a spectacular arrangement to my ear. I always love hearing this one.
I've loved this song since I was a lil gyurl down in "Trinbago." Today I shared it on a young musician's FB page as an example of music that is timeless, melodic, well-orchestrated and vocalized by singers with natural harmonic abilities.
Then suddenly, out of my little Bose blue-tooth, comes this bass line I never fully paid attention to before...and it has me rockin' like a spastic son! Now, more than 50 years later, I've found yet another reason to love this song. 💙
I love the "Friends of Distinction". While some similarity to the "The Fifth Dimension", really quite different. More Soulful, less Cross-Over, and great writing. This group, in my opinion, speaking as "Baby-Boomer" of the early 1970's, is very underrated, especially when you look at the substance of their song's!
Yes! I'd forgotten about this song. The chorus is so catchy and was fun to sing😊
Great tune! This bring back a lot of young teen age memories for me. Thanks for bringing back the memories!
Simply a great song that takes me back to that period in my life, friends i hung with, music was a calendar of my life
Yeah a great arrangement. Very great 👍.
Great song and The Friends of Distinction are so very good. Thanks Brandon and Harri.
Thank you Harri, this songs is so smooth! Easy to sing and move with, or at least that's what we did back in the day! Same with the 5th Demension!
Yes, the lead singer was Jessica Cleaves who was very much a lady. Jessica became a member of Earth, Wind & Fire for two of their albums. She also sang with Parliament- Funkadelic for a time.
Jessica was not signing lead on this one. It was Charlene Gibson who was temporarily replacing regular Barbra Jean Love who was off because of pregnancy.
@@bradsense7431 Thanks for that clarification . In the videos I've watched she was the front woman but obviously lip synching. She did a very convincing job.
Harri so happy you reacted to this one and big thanks to Brandon for requesting. I LOVE this song. To start of it is such a great arrangement. But add those vocals, great bass line, the horns etc then top it with the vocals really taking off during the outro and it is magic. I believe this song more than any other captures it’s time- spring of 1970.
Love this song.
Haven't heard this song probably since the 1970's. I remember how happy it made me feel to hear it when it came on the radio. There's just a joyfulness to it. Fantastic vocals. They remind me a lot of the Fifth Dimension.
I love this song so much ❤❤❤
Was 12 then and fell in love with this group instantly. Thanks to Brandon for request and your reaction! Play more of their tunes
My Fav tune from FOD!
Fabulous music.
Brandon, what a great request. This is a wonderful song that I had forgotten. Thanks for bringing it back to us. Harri enjoyed it too 🌺✌️
It comes in waves, with that beautiful lead singer’s voice alternating with the chorus. And then there’s the nostalgia. I remember this song so well. A true classic. Thanks Harri
March 1970...I lived in Hawaii.
When you play these guys you have to play their 2 biggest hits in "Grazing in the Grass" and "You Got Me Going in Circles"
He has reacted to those in the prior two months. Check them out
Harri, it's funny you mentioned a live version. YES, they do have a live version available, and it's incredible. The second female singer went on to sing with Earth Wind and Fire (listen to, Keep Your Head To The Sky...absolutely awesome) Unfortunately, this singer passed away young.
Still have my 45 of this song from many years ago. One of my favorites.
awesome song!!!!
One of my all time favorites and I am glad you enjoyed it so much!
Two things not mentioned but should have been. THE DRUMS!!!! Especially in the second half were off the charts and the harmonies of this group especially while singing such a sped up tempo supreme.
Harri!! I love good music!! Your commentary here made me smile BIGLY...especially when you described the bass line. So you have a new subscriber son....BLESS-UP!!🥰
One of my all time favorites groups one of thier great lead singers,😊/essence of Jamal of DC.
Beautifully euphoric isn't it. One of those you put on repeat. :)
I stumbled across your video and clicked immediately when I saw it was a tune by Friends of Distinction as I was into them when I was younger. Their songs were always solid and the arrangements superb. To this day I 'm not sure I've ever heard a drum break as dynamic and exciting as the one in "Grazing in the Grass". I also love "Going in Circles" and "Love or Let Me Be Lonely". Nothing against The Fifth Dimension" who were somewhat more pop than R+B to my ears, but Friends of Distinction found a middle ground that included SOULFUL vocals (even jazz-like at times! There's a little scat-sing on this one in fact) and yet a pop sheen. They were highly "crossover" in their presentation and had a nice run back in the day. Had they found their Holland/Dozier/Holland or Jimmy Webb they would've been bigger but they were an extraordinary group and gave us some classic singles and albums. I bought their singles. Now I have to check out their greatest hits collection. Quality like theirs does not diminish over time and their sound does not sound dated in the least, I love them!
great song and harmonies
Good old tune ❤
Pretty sing💕
Brandon - I like this submission choice for a few reasons. First and foremost I finally know the name of the artists who sang this nearly one-hit wonder. Although I am not completely certain of this I do believe that this was the soundtrack for an American show and possibly used as well in a movie. Thank you Brandon and Harri for this one.
I remember buying the 45 when i was around 12. So groovy
Good song by The Friends of Distinction. Cheers me up! They broke up in 1976. Perry Botkin Jr. arranged the music.
Harri, please review Sonny & Cher “ Baby don’t go “
They definitely have the perfect name for their band; The Friends of Distinction, because I distinctly remember this song.
There's another song I remember that changes tempo, "Sweet Blindness" by The 5th Dimension and written by Laura Nyro.
The 5th Dimension and a song written by Laura Nyro is a wonderful combination.
Laura Nyro is a musical savant. Here are just a sample of the songs she wrote:
"Stoney End" by Barbra Streisand
"Wedding Bell Blues",
"Save The Country",
"Stone Soul Picnic" by The 5th Dimension
"And When I Die" by Blood, Sweat & Tears
I guarantee that every one of those songs will 'move' you.
Laura Nyro is a song writer that deserves more attention.
One of the all time great underrated groups in soul music/from Jamal of essence of Jamal of DC.
Love the FOD. Their stuff always sounded subtly sophisticated and soulful. Not raw, immediate soul like, say, Otis Redding, but rather a song that had been buffed and shined by the writers/producers, the way a jeweler romances an uncut diamond.
I’m a big fan of you and Gary Clark jr and Just watched your reaction to him today. He has an insane catalogue you should react to Bright lights or this land by him, he’s truly one of the best artists around.
Charlene Gibson was so beautiful, the lead singer on this song
I always felt like the singer has a Mavis Staples flavor in this song.
Mowtown Classic
I always preferred their version of "Grazing In the Grass" over the often-cited instrumental version by Hugh Masekala. Check it out. Both of their hits are from 1969. I was always surprised they didn't have more staying power. Another couple of songs from this same era (1969) that I know you'd like are "Black Pearl" by Sonny Charles and the Checkmates, and "Isrealites" by Desmond Dekker and the Aces. th-cam.com/video/0wSXTN2EfRo/w-d-xo.html
Released 1969
What the heck has happened to R&B??? JUST ASKING...
I have the same question. I asked my wife how many of those songs centers around or even mentions love. it's all anger, pain or sex.
Please do a song that came out about three months ago. Greta Van Fleet - Meeting the Master. Its great. the forest vid is much better than the desert one if you pic one
Sages from India have no place to play in our love for God.
What they meany is that our ove for human being (Venus) if it 8s not propelled by our love for thaprrson as a spiritual being (Juiter/ then it cannot be sustained. That is why being a spiritual person is very important.
Double-time sections are relatively common in music. Maybe not so much in today's pop/hip-hop context, but not rare at all. So actually, "It's Not Unusual".