Addict in recovery here, 8 years. Your analogy with the tonal aspects is perfect.. addiction starts in a bright happy place, it starts with use and fun and lightness. It grows darker and ends in agony and shame and a wish for death. That wish is only to end the pain, and not just the existential pain, but the pain you are acutely aware you are causing those who love you. For anyone on here reading this and struggling, it gets better, there is hope - but you must seek it, it won't seek you. You are worthy, I love you and am hopeful you will find the light. Peace - Dan
I'm coming on 14 years next week. You have to do it for yourself, not for anyone else. To me now it feels like it was a different me, and It gets easier the further the distance
@@Guitargate I'm a recovered pill addict 7 years clean and I just want to clarify one thing that you said - and I'm not sure you even intended it. But, you said that addicts aren't willing to put in the work to live. That's not really fair because that makes it sound like laziness is a factor. Laziness isn't the problem. I can't speak for everyone, but a lot of people who become addicted are self-medicating severe trauma at some point in their life (usually childhood) or an underlying mental illness and don't know how to live. They don't have the tools that most people have in their toolbox. And, worse, many don't even know that's why they do what they do. A problem with 12-step treatment is that they zero in on the use and absitence doesn't solve the problem - it takes more than that because you need to figure out what is wrong and work on that, THEN the addiction is no longer a problem. Getting clean alone isn't enough. I know you've been close to this and probably didn't mean it that way, but it's important people know that laziness or lack of desire isn't the problem and staying clean for x amount of months isn't the solution.
@@djsjjd15 You may not have had a proper introduction to 12 step programs. In fact, only the first step has anything to do with drugs, alcohol, etc. The other 11 are about repairing the underlying problems and living a completely different way of life. Unfortunately, many people in these programs don't actually do the steps, and therefore can't offer any advice other than to not pick up a drink or drug. To be fair, if you want to really experience a 12 step program, you would need to actually work the steps with someone who is experienced with them and lives those principles regularly. Just putting down the substance without doing anything else only makes the pain worse. I apologize that nobody in a 12 step group ever communicated that to you. Unfortunately, there are plenty of meetings out there where people just put the substance down and show up to complain about their lives at meetings. As a result, they give a poor representation of what a 12 step program is supposed to look like. Depending on the area you live, these "meetings with no solution" can be a very small percentage or a very large percentage.
@@michaelshawusa1 There are few that can break down all aspects of a song like he can. Who cares if people have heard of him? I've never heard of Arlo McKinney before, but now I'm really glad I have. By your same standard, who cares about your opinion of Michael?
@@Guitargate This song says a lot, with few words, about the loneliness and accompanying despair associated with addition. For me, this is emphasized in the verses referring to Jesus which (again, for me personally) hit close to home. The lyrics speak to some misconceptions that are not uncommon which (for a believer) tells an even more tragic story of one looking in the right place but overlooking the help that was 'right there'. Please bear with me... Looking for Jesus to save him, but thinking He's too busy -- as you so rightly pointed out elsewhere, perhaps due to a lack of self-worth/love, or more to the point here, lack of perceived worth in the eyes of the God that created him to the point that even He could just be too busy to help him. Couple this with the following line about remembering being told you'd never be lonely -- so it must have been a lie. Sadly, the promise is that he'd never be alone, not the same as lonely, and there's a real, tangible, important difference that misleads him. These misunderstandings are monumental and perhaps robbed him of what might have been an available rescue. Imagine being on the very doorstep of someone who could help you. Standing outside yet the door never opened for you. Misremembering a promise they'd given and then counting it as a lie. In then end perhaps walking away crushed, feeling even more isolated than before, returning to the loneliness and despair. This is added tragedy to an already tragic story. It's a layer that could be easily overlooked. I'm not suggesting one must believe as I do in order to grasp that subtlety, only that it's in there and it adds an extra dimension to the story that rings true and reinforces the sense of being on that lonely path. As you said (paraphrased) in your analysis... 'layers' can be there when you look more closely. I may never have bumped into Arlo were it not for your channel and that would have been a shame. Thanks for sharing this! Love your channel, your analysis, and how you always tie things back to some basic music theory. It's like putting the aspirin in the applesauce for those of us who don't light up at the talk of music theory but can certainly accept, digest, and appreciate it when it's relatable and broken down into basic concepts coupled with the practical application.
Not relating to addiction, but rather death or dying itself. My brother and his family live an old farmhouse, it has a barn and everything. Two weeks ago his daughter, my 6 year old niece, fell and hit her head on an ironspike. A total freak accident. She was immediately brought to intensive care and cranalsurgery was done rightaway. Luckily she is somewhat stable now, but still has a ways to go. Anyway, the line in the song "Dying is easy" is such a bizarre truth. Death is incredibly casual. It just happens. Whatever people think of themselves, that we are so important in the lives we live, while true, can still be taken away at a moments notice. In these trying times, be sure to stay safe my friends. While the world is an unforgiving place, its still quite beautiful.
Man I was already a fan and you’ve covered a lot of my favorites. But, this seals the deal for me. Arlo is one of my absolute favorite artists. Thank you for doing this 🙏🏼
Danny Borne This channel makes me a better musician, a better man and it also helps with my song writing because I’m exposed to new music and Michael’s wisdom and take on the world and life.
Hey thanks for taking this on, Arlo is having a well deserved moment right now. Just heard him interviewed on NPR last weekend. He is speaking a truth about what’s going down in middle America, and it resonates. Die Midwestern is a great song of his also from the new album. I really appreciate how you (like many of us) love these quiet songs along with the other more guitar technique heavy songs. It’s all so good, we need many channels braided in our stream.
Been listening to Arlo for a few years now. He has yet to write a bad song. So much pain and emotion in his songs that you can feel it. Two amazing albums.
Sorry about your brother Michael. I've had my struggles with the loss of my older brother and the very bad addiction of my younger brother, all at the age of 23 myself. I am now in my 30's. It's been hard, but hardest on my mother, though she is incredibly strong. Love the authenticity of you and your videos. Thanks
MP I can’t thank you enough for this and it hits home for this guy too, personally. I love Arlo. New fan boy here. The points you make about the chordal relationship to the words are spot on. I really love that you are able to put into words why I love songs. I also really dig that you cover so many genres. Thanks man!
I’m just happy to see somebody singing from the Midwest. I’m from Indiana I feel like the Midwest is severally lacking when it comes to the singer/songwriter or folk/country type. The Midwest had seen tons of hardship in the way of opioid addictions and rust belt factories closures destroying whole communities and towns. You’d think more music would come out of that. Sturgill and Tyler both sing about the coal mining towns and Appalachia I feel like there is plenty of song material in the rust belt. Maybe I’m just not looking hard enough.
Do you know about Ian Noe? He's a great country/folk guy. "Methhead" "Dead on the River" and "Letter to Madeline" are great starts. A sound where you can definitely hear his influences but he is truly his own.
Ian is amazing. I actually served with his cousin in Iraq and I have an cd of his from 2007 that is nowhere on the internet. I love his new stuff but the album I have is amazing.
At 3:30 when you said "my little thing I have going on here", what you're doing isn't little Michael you've got over 150k different people subscribed to you you're pushing music forward, helping artists obtain new fans, helping people understand the music they're hearing. You're doing an incredible thing way beyond just yourself. Love the videos, please never stop making them.
Really nice job reacting to the song and breaking down the artistry and humanity of what seems to be a very simple song musically. One of the reasons your channel is so fascinating is that it's not just about chops, technique and musical theory, or rather that you explain how those tools are used in the service of the art of personal expression. 👍 Off the wall suggestion: the live "cover" of Tom Jones' Delilah by Korean girl group Mamamoo on a Korean tv show called Immortal Songs 2. My guess is you'll be the first reactor to notice the musical quote by the guitarist just before Mamamoo blows up the song. If you do watch the video please remember that the song isn't over until MMM says it is.
I love watching and listening to your breakdowns! I feel like this one struck a different chord because of the emotions you are familiar with! Your brothers an addict; so you get it! Raw emotion that real musicians bring are unbelievably genuine! I’ve been a fan of Arlo for a while now! Hadn’t listened recently! But watching this video.... man he’s come a long way musically, and clearly he’s been through a lot! I’m praying that he gets it together for himself! What a true artist! Thank you Michael for playing this one!
Just found your channel today. So glad that you reacted to one of Arlo's songs. He's sooo good. So thanks. Anyway, just subscribed and excited to dig into your channel. Cheers.
Michael thank you not just for some fabulous guitar knowledge and enthusiasm but for your openness, vulnerability and truth speaking. Tears again watching you today. Such a powerful connection rarely felt from someone on TH-cam. Bless you.
I've been sober for 5 years and you hit it on the head when you said those in addiction have a difficult time loving themselves. For the longest time while I was in active addiction, loving myself seemed impossible considering all the horrible things I had done and all the pain I caused the people who for some reason still cared about me. I'm incredibly grateful that there was a point where I physically and emotionally couldn't keep living the way I was. I can't imagine how much it hurts to be on the other side knowing you can't love someone out of their addiction. Shit sucks, man. Great song, though!
I met Arlo a little after his first album was released at a small club. He hung out for probably half an hour with my family, just shooting the shit. Very cool guy.
You have been so great in the Benjamin Tod video and this video about getting the guitar quiet and letting the song be the song. Here in New England a lot of us miss Brown Bird, a couple out of Providence, RI. Sadly David Lamb passed some years ago, but she is playing now with The Devil Makes three. Maybe you could do a brown bird or a DM3 song.
I've been sober just over a year I sung this song in tears almost everyday in the end of my addiction .....cried again just niw.there needs to be more songs like this regardless of the genre btw you don't know how right you are about not loving yourself in that place
This is such a thought-provoking and heartfelt video... love Arlo’s song and how you don’t just break the music down but the whole story. Keeping loving yourselves folks... always a brighter day around the corner... when you can’t see it, just remember that’s why they’re called corners... take a peek, take a step, see you round the other side 😊
Michael I love your videos. One thing on this one, though: Listen again. The refrain is: “And life, I don’t want it If it’s so easy to die And life, I don’t want it If it’s so easy to die”
I loved that you got lost in the song for the first listen through. Also I really love hearing these artists that aren't so well known. Been introduced to a few awesome artists and bands through this channel
Why am I just now seeing this guy?? I always appreciate how you can see the small things in these songs. I appreciate music so much more since I found this channel.
Arlo is the man, people! So raw and humble, he invites you into his soul. No flash. Straight purity! No wonder Mr. Prine signed him. Hope your brother will get though Michael.
I just love your videos men, go full nerd, not everyone watching knows that much about music theory (myself included) but its awesome to watch someone that knows. its like watching mma or basketball, they know what they are doing, you dont, but you love it.
The line is life I don't want it. It's too easy to die. A lifetime of disapointments eats at your soul. Robs you of your joy and worst of all it robs you of your faith. We hurt ourselves and blame everyone including God and we beg the lord to fix us. Because we're too damn weak to fix ourselves. Addiction is a bitter bitch. Thanks for the video brother. Great song
When he says it’s easy to just die is a very real feeling when you’re an addict, I’ve been struggling my whole adult life and there’s been plenty of times where death was a much easier option than struggling on further. Over time it gets slightly easier
All of us here come back for you - the tunes are great, the guitars are beautiful, but we are here for you. So, moments of transparency and honesty make it feel so much more real. You're the best thing to happy to youtube in a long time, by far the highlight of my social media based day when you post.
Thank you for posting this song... I'm always touched and impressed by your passion and interpretations of music... I appreciate your honesty, and some of your reviews and some of these songs have brought me to tears.. I'm recovered alcoholic of 28 years. I personally drank and use drugs because I like the effects that they produced... That was the bottom line, had nothing to do with loving or not loving myself.. I was just a self-centered shit.. I used to romance the disease for probably the first 5 to 10 years thinking that we were something special... Paradoxically, I do think that we're chosen, but I digress Over the years I've lost count and of how many friends and acquaintances that I've lost to addiction or alcoholism I think after a while those of us that are still around and become those crusty old timers do so because we have to put a guard around our heart, otherwise it becomes too overwhelming.. Some die, some go to jail, some go to the insane asylum... Some people find a solution... That's just the way it seems to be. One of the oldest pieces of literature is the book of Job.. and whether one looks at it from a secular standpoint or from a spiritual standpoint the question it asks still remains after all these thousands of years.. "Why do bad things happen to good people?" And perhaps that's one of the great struggles of humanity is that each of us must come to peace with the answers to that question... And just accept the universe the way it is The greatest gift I have, besides my sobriety is my level of self acceptance.. I do not worry about loving myself, that's not my business But I do know that I am loved and that's much more important to me.. and it was not until I took accountability for the consequences of my actions and began to make restitution for the harm that I had done did I realize that I had always been loved but my actions were horrible.. and certainly not lovable It wasn't that people didn't love me, it's just my actions unacceptable.. I was not a thief because I stole I stole because I was a thief... And then wonder why people didn't want me around.. So until I got brutally honest with myself about who I was and what I am there was no solution for my addiction and alcoholism It was once said the truth shall set you free.. and today I get a glimpse of that, when I was honest about who I was and who I am then I got free of my addiction and alcoholism And this is one of the things that I truly enjoy about this channel... Is your integrity and your honesty and your passion... I have rambled way too long... But thank you And the good news is there is a solution.. me personally I'm not that spiritual I love everybody, but there's not that many people I like.. lol.. but I do like this channel
Man I just listened to Mr. Arlo, I too went through some issues very similar, Arlo, you wrote a great song that I understood. My motivation was my 4 kids who I openly told them I was so sorry and that I will be a better role model and father. Music can heal !! So thank you Michael and Arlo!!
This reminds me of the Mountain Goats. Very empty with so much power behind the voice. So much life lived by the singer it comes through the camera. Great song writing to though very different. You should definitely reveiw something from them.
I never comment on youtube videos but I am happy that my first one will be on this video. I just discovered your channel yesterday and even though I don't play guitar I can't stop watching. I love your genuine love and passion for the songs you are listening to and discovering. You also aren't afraid to get real honest when you feel the need to and I can't recall a video where I've had someone else's viewpoints on addiction and depression hit so close to home. You are spot on about the message of this song and I am somewhat disappointed in myself for not discovering this song sooner. Thank you so much for exposing this to me. It could not have come at a more relevant time in my life. Congratulations, you just earned my first ever sub. Thank you.
Beautiful, beautiful episode...your first remarks on making a 'mistake' and accepting it in the moment and then this song.... Your honesty is rare. Keep it up. Stay naked....
I just found your stuff a few days ago and have been binging some vids. This one hits home, because my family has addicts. Gonna play the hell out of this one.
Also my friend Adam lee from Sundae Drives. His guitar playing is neat! And a fantastic local Cincinnati band is See You In The Funnies, lying whispers is one of my favorites from jimmy. ✌🏻🤟🏻🤘🏻
I love how quickly you're able to put on your English Major hat when the music theory is straight forward. Also appreciate the way you handle the subject. Little catches like, "when they're at the end- no, when they're in the thick of it." Very important re-framing (on the fly!) and shows a lot of empathy.
I have a lot of addictions. Legal and otherwise. I agree, the person I hate the most is me. Shit gets rough. We all just trying to get threw the day. It gets to be too much to even think about the next. That's tomorrow's fight, worry about that then. Such a great song. Music is the most powerful, and positive thing in my life. I love how you analyze the music and the lyrics. Im a lyrics guy. So, thank you, and keep it up! Glad I found your channel.
Opiate addiction is not like any other I’ve been on opiates for twenty years now . The worse thing you can tell someone that’s dependent on them is just quit like they never thought of that the problem is your so sick for so long that you just go back to feel better the fun of it is long gone it’s just so you can feel normal. I’ve been on them over a back problem I shave had surgeries to fix my back . No body was growing up and said I know what I’m going to do I’m going to get hooked on opiates. Have compassion on people that have a addiction they know they need too quit
I cry everytime I hear this. Your expression shows conviction brother. I to wear my conviction with my heart on my sleeve. There's a bigger emptiness without the pills and chemical deficiency. To hell with metronomes and theory🤣🎼❤️
This channel makes me so happy for real, I feel like I’m just hanging out learning and it’s the best. If there’s any way we can support in the future like Patreon I’d be really interested
I love this channel so much. I’ve been playing for almost 29 year now, and still learn so much watching your videos. I have a ton of lesser known bands/musicians , and wish I knew how to send a video, but I believe it’s part of your Patreon? I also have noticed how many gorgeous PRS guitars you have, and as I’m a die hard Strat/Tele , and Martin acoustic guy, I love your guitars, but wonder what you prefer about them over say, Fender Custom Shop guitars, older Gibson, Martin or Taylor? It’s just rare that I see a phenomenal guitarist play guitars made by the same company (luthier) with both their electric and acoustic guitars. Beautiful guitars nonetheless , I was just curious. I’m going to look into your Patreon, as I a really would like to send a few videos that I’d think you’d love, and have a fun time playing the songs.
So good to see Arlo getting the push he deserves. Been fortunate to photograph him at 2 separate shows, just an amazing artist and person. Another artist in the genre that you should check out is Walter DeBarr. Watch/listen to Walter's Red Barn Radio session on youtube
Dude now this ooouuu !!SRV Whole.mov!! His stutter strumming in this is wild he rarely does it but this is the best of his "stutter" "strumming" by far.
Please please please try GHOST OF MY BEST FRIEND by this guy. Amazingly beautiful story . I promise you it will be on your top ten list for the rest of your life.
Another friend of mine that I didn’t get too long with here in Ohio was Taylor Shannon. He passed away just as he was getting a big following, look up Sweet September. Been thinkin about him a lot and listening to that song a lot. He was doing some great things in the county rock genre and left a big hole here in Cincinnati. ✌🏻🤟🏻🤘🏻 love your videos, keep the awesome content comin!
Great reaction video Michael. Really felt your raw emotion to the raw emotion that Arlo so beautifully, hauntingly displays. ?, do you have to get the artists permission to play the songs in your videos?
Well Michael, I hate bringing everything back to Umphrey’s, but......... He sat in with them last year at Summer Camp Music Festival where he did vocals for a cover of Tyler Childers’ Whitehouse Road. He did a fantastic job at it.
HOLY SHIT YOU KNOW THE BROTHERS LANDRETH? I grew up in the same neighborhood as Joey Landreth in Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada! He was my guitar teacher growing up. That's amazing you mentioned them.
Addict in recovery here, 8 years. Your analogy with the tonal aspects is perfect.. addiction starts in a bright happy place, it starts with use and fun and lightness. It grows darker and ends in agony and shame and a wish for death. That wish is only to end the pain, and not just the existential pain, but the pain you are acutely aware you are causing those who love you. For anyone on here reading this and struggling, it gets better, there is hope - but you must seek it, it won't seek you. You are worthy, I love you and am hopeful you will find the light. Peace - Dan
I'm coming on 14 years next week. You have to do it for yourself, not for anyone else. To me now it feels like it was a different me, and It gets easier the further the distance
Dan. I can’t thank you enough for sharing this. It’s hard out there. We’re all in it together. And it’s true. Pick up the phone and call.
So much fucking shame....
@@Guitargate I'm a recovered pill addict 7 years clean and I just want to clarify one thing that you said - and I'm not sure you even intended it. But, you said that addicts aren't willing to put in the work to live. That's not really fair because that makes it sound like laziness is a factor. Laziness isn't the problem. I can't speak for everyone, but a lot of people who become addicted are self-medicating severe trauma at some point in their life (usually childhood) or an underlying mental illness and don't know how to live. They don't have the tools that most people have in their toolbox. And, worse, many don't even know that's why they do what they do. A problem with 12-step treatment is that they zero in on the use and absitence doesn't solve the problem - it takes more than that because you need to figure out what is wrong and work on that, THEN the addiction is no longer a problem. Getting clean alone isn't enough. I know you've been close to this and probably didn't mean it that way, but it's important people know that laziness or lack of desire isn't the problem and staying clean for x amount of months isn't the solution.
@@djsjjd15 You may not have had a proper introduction to 12 step programs. In fact, only the first step has anything to do with drugs, alcohol, etc. The other 11 are about repairing the underlying problems and living a completely different way of life. Unfortunately, many people in these programs don't actually do the steps, and therefore can't offer any advice other than to not pick up a drink or drug. To be fair, if you want to really experience a 12 step program, you would need to actually work the steps with someone who is experienced with them and lives those principles regularly. Just putting down the substance without doing anything else only makes the pain worse. I apologize that nobody in a 12 step group ever communicated that to you. Unfortunately, there are plenty of meetings out there where people just put the substance down and show up to complain about their lives at meetings. As a result, they give a poor representation of what a 12 step program is supposed to look like. Depending on the area you live, these "meetings with no solution" can be a very small percentage or a very large percentage.
“Jesus, can you save me, didn’t think so guess that you’re busy.......I guess we’re all busy.” That line hits.
Totally
Michael Palmisano who are you to judge professional musicians? No one has ever heard of you. What makes your opinion matter?
@ Michael Shaw samesies to you bub
@@michaelshawusa1 There are few that can break down all aspects of a song like he can. Who cares if people have heard of him? I've never heard of Arlo McKinney before, but now I'm really glad I have. By your same standard, who cares about your opinion of Michael?
@@Guitargate This song says a lot, with few words, about the loneliness and accompanying despair associated with addition. For me, this is emphasized in the verses referring to Jesus which (again, for me personally) hit close to home. The lyrics speak to some misconceptions that are not uncommon which (for a believer) tells an even more tragic story of one looking in the right place but overlooking the help that was 'right there'.
Please bear with me...
Looking for Jesus to save him, but thinking He's too busy -- as you so rightly pointed out elsewhere, perhaps due to a lack of self-worth/love, or more to the point here, lack of perceived worth in the eyes of the God that created him to the point that even He could just be too busy to help him. Couple this with the following line about remembering being told you'd never be lonely -- so it must have been a lie. Sadly, the promise is that he'd never be alone, not the same as lonely, and there's a real, tangible, important difference that misleads him. These misunderstandings are monumental and perhaps robbed him of what might have been an available rescue. Imagine being on the very doorstep of someone who could help you. Standing outside yet the door never opened for you. Misremembering a promise they'd given and then counting it as a lie. In then end perhaps walking away crushed, feeling even more isolated than before, returning to the loneliness and despair.
This is added tragedy to an already tragic story.
It's a layer that could be easily overlooked. I'm not suggesting one must believe as I do in order to grasp that subtlety, only that it's in there and it adds an extra dimension to the story that rings true and reinforces the sense of being on that lonely path. As you said (paraphrased) in your analysis... 'layers' can be there when you look more closely.
I may never have bumped into Arlo were it not for your channel and that would have been a shame. Thanks for sharing this! Love your channel, your analysis, and how you always tie things back to some basic music theory. It's like putting the aspirin in the applesauce for those of us who don't light up at the talk of music theory but can certainly accept, digest, and appreciate it when it's relatable and broken down into basic concepts coupled with the practical application.
Not relating to addiction, but rather death or dying itself. My brother and his family live an old farmhouse, it has a barn and everything. Two weeks ago his daughter, my 6 year old niece, fell and hit her head on an ironspike. A total freak accident. She was immediately brought to intensive care and cranalsurgery was done rightaway. Luckily she is somewhat stable now, but still has a ways to go.
Anyway, the line in the song "Dying is easy" is such a bizarre truth. Death is incredibly casual. It just happens. Whatever people think of themselves, that we are so important in the lives we live, while true, can still be taken away at a moments notice.
In these trying times, be sure to stay safe my friends. While the world is an unforgiving place, its still quite beautiful.
Man I was already a fan and you’ve covered a lot of my favorites. But, this seals the deal for me. Arlo is one of my absolute favorite artists. Thank you for doing this 🙏🏼
What a confirmation to have record label reaching out to you. New paths, keep going !!!
Love it that you’re listening to Arlo. You should check out his songs “waiting for wild horses” and “just like the rest”
This channel makes me want to be a better musician.
Seconded
Any imagine a better compliment for mike
Totally back that up as well!
This channel makes me a better man lmao my guy could be a life coach
Danny Borne This channel makes me a better musician, a better man and it also helps with my song writing because I’m exposed to new music and Michael’s wisdom and take on the world and life.
Makes me want to be a better human
Hey thanks for taking this on, Arlo is having a well deserved moment right now. Just heard him interviewed on NPR last weekend. He is speaking a truth about what’s going down in middle America, and it resonates. Die Midwestern is a great song of his also from the new album. I really appreciate how you (like many of us) love these quiet songs along with the other more guitar technique heavy songs. It’s all so good, we need many channels braided in our stream.
Been listening to Arlo for a few years now. He has yet to write a bad song. So much pain and emotion in his songs that you can feel it. Two amazing albums.
I personally didn’t get it when John prine bet on him. it hit me like a train 1 year or so later 😂 every.. single.. song
Sorry about your brother Michael. I've had my struggles with the loss of my older brother and the very bad addiction of my younger brother, all at the age of 23 myself. I am now in my 30's. It's been hard, but hardest on my mother, though she is incredibly strong. Love the authenticity of you and your videos. Thanks
MP I can’t thank you enough for this and it hits home for this guy too, personally. I love Arlo. New fan boy here. The points you make about the chordal relationship to the words are spot on. I really love that you are able to put into words why I love songs. I also really dig that you cover so many genres. Thanks man!
Arlo The Big Daddy from Cincinnati. He plays alot around me. Tyler plays a event called Healing Appalachia . So glad to see these fellas doing well.
I’m just happy to see somebody singing from the Midwest. I’m from Indiana I feel like the Midwest is severally lacking when it comes to the singer/songwriter or folk/country type. The Midwest had seen tons of hardship in the way of opioid addictions and rust belt factories closures destroying whole communities and towns. You’d think more music would come out of that. Sturgill and Tyler both sing about the coal mining towns and Appalachia I feel like there is plenty of song material in the rust belt.
Maybe I’m just not looking hard enough.
Do you know about Ian Noe? He's a great country/folk guy. "Methhead" "Dead on the River" and "Letter to Madeline" are great starts. A sound where you can definitely hear his influences but he is truly his own.
I second this. Ian Noe is a gem with one of the most unique voices
So many musicians from Kentucky putting out great music.
Ian is amazing. I actually served with his cousin in Iraq and I have an cd of his from 2007 that is nowhere on the internet. I love his new stuff but the album I have is amazing.
@@Leppify that's awesome, and thank you for your service
Agree, Ian Noe is great, would love to see this channel review one of his songs... Methhead!
At 3:30 when you said "my little thing I have going on here", what you're doing isn't little Michael you've got over 150k different people subscribed to you you're pushing music forward, helping artists obtain new fans, helping people understand the music they're hearing. You're doing an incredible thing way beyond just yourself. Love the videos, please never stop making them.
I love that you did this one, first song I ever heard by him and now I listen to him almost every day. Your channel is great, I love it.
Thank you sir!
Really nice job reacting to the song and breaking down the artistry and humanity of what seems to be a very simple song musically. One of the reasons your channel is so fascinating is that it's not just about chops, technique and musical theory, or rather that you explain how those tools are used in the service of the art of personal expression. 👍
Off the wall suggestion: the live "cover" of Tom Jones' Delilah by Korean girl group Mamamoo on a Korean tv show called Immortal Songs 2. My guess is you'll be the first reactor to notice the musical quote by the guitarist just before Mamamoo blows up the song. If you do watch the video please remember that the song isn't over until MMM says it is.
Thanks brother. Will check it out :)
I love watching and listening to your breakdowns! I feel like this one struck a different chord because of the emotions you are familiar with! Your brothers an addict; so you get it! Raw emotion that real musicians bring are unbelievably genuine! I’ve been a fan of Arlo for a while now! Hadn’t listened recently! But watching this video.... man he’s come a long way musically, and clearly he’s been through a lot! I’m praying that he gets it together for himself! What a true artist! Thank you Michael for playing this one!
We can see clearly how much you love the art. Your perception of how much weight a song can carry is really appreciated!!
There are no mistakes, just happy clouds and tree's.
~Bob Ross~
Bobs dead
@@ronfrey6639, honors his memory my dude.
@@juicebassmusic Bob Ross was the man. Such a good guy
Just found your channel today. So glad that you reacted to one of Arlo's songs. He's sooo good. So thanks.
Anyway, just subscribed and excited to dig into your channel. Cheers.
Michael thank you not just for some fabulous guitar knowledge and enthusiasm but for your openness, vulnerability and truth speaking. Tears again watching you today. Such a powerful connection rarely felt from someone on TH-cam. Bless you.
The studio is phuckin killah. They did a real nice job with the arrangement and preened every bit of emotion from the vocal. Its really stunning.
I've been sober for 5 years and you hit it on the head when you said those in addiction have a difficult time loving themselves. For the longest time while I was in active addiction, loving myself seemed impossible considering all the horrible things I had done and all the pain I caused the people who for some reason still cared about me. I'm incredibly grateful that there was a point where I physically and emotionally couldn't keep living the way I was. I can't imagine how much it hurts to be on the other side knowing you can't love someone out of their addiction. Shit sucks, man. Great song, though!
r
That is the thing isnt it?? You cant love some one into change... grest way to put it...
You’d be surprised how much the title freaked me out because that’s my great great grandpas name
Arlo is the real deal, make sure you pick up his newest album Die Midwestern. You won’t be disappointed.
I met Arlo a little after his first album was released at a small club. He hung out for probably half an hour with my family, just shooting the shit. Very cool guy.
You have been so great in the Benjamin Tod video and this video about getting the guitar quiet and letting the song be the song. Here in New England a lot of us miss Brown Bird, a couple out of Providence, RI. Sadly David Lamb passed some years ago, but she is playing now with The Devil Makes three. Maybe you could do a brown bird or a DM3 song.
Got to see Arlo live in Huntington. Clear and crisp great show.
"This damn town" is the jam as well.
Arlo is the real deal. A friend of a friend I am happy to say played at my house for my 40th birthday.
I've been sober just over a year I sung this song in tears almost everyday in the end of my addiction .....cried again just niw.there needs to be more songs like this regardless of the genre btw you don't know how right you are about not loving yourself in that place
This is such a thought-provoking and heartfelt video... love Arlo’s song and how you don’t just break the music down but the whole story. Keeping loving yourselves folks... always a brighter day around the corner... when you can’t see it, just remember that’s why they’re called corners... take a peek, take a step, see you round the other side 😊
Another fantastic pick. I prefer his song “This Damn Town” but this a good one. Great artist.
Michael
I love your videos. One thing on this one, though:
Listen again.
The refrain is:
“And life, I don’t want it
If it’s so easy to die
And life, I don’t want it
If it’s so easy to die”
This was originally a great depression song. Him and Jeremy Purnell from Cincinnati. They were frigging great!
Both great musicians. I'm from Cincy too and know Tim personally.
beautiful philosophical begining. Much needed that! thankyou for this vid
I loved that you got lost in the song for the first listen through. Also I really love hearing these artists that aren't so well known. Been introduced to a few awesome artists and bands through this channel
Why am I just now seeing this guy?? I always appreciate how you can see the small things in these songs. I appreciate music so much more since I found this channel.
I call us "The Broken Ones".
48 days sober today.
The first 48 days of the rest of my life.
Man, I've thought about requesting this on Tuesday several times. Arlo is awesome.
Listening again, perfect, hear the real life...wow
Love your sentiment and it even has a punn : ). Hear and here both kind of work!!!
Mmm hmmmmmm
I was literally gonna bring Arlo to the Live traction this week but wasn't able to make it. Glad you are helping put people on him.
I have learned about so many new artists in the last 3 months because of this one channel thank you so much these stories need to be told
Arlo is the man, people! So raw and humble, he invites you into his soul. No flash. Straight purity! No wonder Mr. Prine signed him.
Hope your brother will get though Michael.
I just love your videos men, go full nerd, not everyone watching knows that much about music theory (myself included) but its awesome to watch someone that knows. its like watching mma or basketball, they know what they are doing, you dont, but you love it.
The line is life I don't want it. It's too easy to die. A lifetime of disapointments eats at your soul. Robs you of your joy and worst of all it robs you of your faith. We hurt ourselves and blame everyone including God and we beg the lord to fix us. Because we're too damn weak to fix ourselves. Addiction is a bitter bitch. Thanks for the video brother. Great song
Conference call in 34 minutes, new video from Michael, 24:57, *"PERFECT!"*
Especially when you end up crying in the conference call and telling your coworkers they're worthy of love
Great song and a GREAT performance. Once the song starts, he never raises his eyes to make eye contact. Total despair. Wow.
When he says it’s easy to just die is a very real feeling when you’re an addict, I’ve been struggling my whole adult life and there’s been plenty of times where death was a much easier option than struggling on further. Over time it gets slightly easier
All of us here come back for you - the tunes are great, the guitars are beautiful, but we are here for you. So, moments of transparency and honesty make it feel so much more real. You're the best thing to happy to youtube in a long time, by far the highlight of my social media based day when you post.
Thank you for posting this song... I'm always touched and impressed by your passion and interpretations of music... I appreciate your honesty, and some of your reviews and some of these songs have brought me to tears..
I'm recovered alcoholic of 28 years. I personally drank and use drugs because I like the effects that they produced... That was the bottom line, had nothing to do with loving or not loving myself.. I was just a self-centered shit..
I used to romance the disease for probably the first 5 to 10 years thinking that we were something special... Paradoxically, I do think that we're chosen, but I digress
Over the years I've lost count and of how many friends and acquaintances that I've lost to addiction or alcoholism
I think after a while those of us that are still around and become those crusty old timers do so because we have to put a guard around our heart, otherwise it becomes too overwhelming..
Some die, some go to jail, some go to the insane asylum... Some people find a solution... That's just the way it seems to be.
One of the oldest pieces of literature is the book of Job.. and whether one looks at it from a secular standpoint or from a spiritual standpoint the question it asks still remains after all these thousands of years..
"Why do bad things happen to good people?"
And perhaps that's one of the great struggles of humanity is that each of us must come to peace with the answers to that question... And just accept the universe the way it is
The greatest gift I have, besides my sobriety is my level of self acceptance.. I do not worry about loving myself, that's not my business
But I do know that I am loved and that's much more important to me.. and it was not until I took accountability for the consequences of my actions and began to make restitution for the harm that I had done did I realize that I had always been loved but my actions were horrible.. and certainly not lovable
It wasn't that people didn't love me, it's just my actions unacceptable.. I was not a thief because I stole I stole because I was a thief... And then wonder why people didn't want me around..
So until I got brutally honest with myself about who I was and what I am there was no solution for my addiction and alcoholism
It was once said the truth shall set you free.. and today I get a glimpse of that, when I was honest about who I was and who I am then I got free of my addiction and alcoholism
And this is one of the things that I truly enjoy about this channel... Is your integrity and your honesty and your passion... I have rambled way too long... But thank you
And the good news is there is a solution.. me personally I'm not that spiritual I love everybody, but there's not that many people I like.. lol.. but I do like this channel
Man I just listened to Mr. Arlo, I too went through some issues very similar, Arlo, you wrote a great song that I understood.
My motivation was my 4 kids who I openly told them I was so sorry and that I will be a better role model and father. Music can heal !! So thank you Michael and Arlo!!
See. That’s what it’s all about. I have 4 kids. I hear you brother.
Thanks for doing this. He doesn't say love though-he says life. "Life. I don't want it. It's so easy to die."
You should do a Chris Knight reaction video. Down the river is a good one.
Love Chris Knight. From Kentucky but largely part of the western-country scene. He’s got great stuff
I second this :) great story song
Fantastic song, like all of Knight's songs.
It is so crazy that I’m seeing reactions of this song on TH-cam now. Used to sing along at the mad hatter back 2006-2007
This reminds me of the Mountain Goats. Very empty with so much power behind the voice. So much life lived by the singer it comes through the camera. Great song writing to though very different. You should definitely reveiw something from them.
I never comment on youtube videos but I am happy that my first one will be on this video.
I just discovered your channel yesterday and even though I don't play guitar I can't stop watching. I love your genuine love and passion for the songs you are listening to and discovering. You also aren't afraid to get real honest when you feel the need to and I can't recall a video where I've had someone else's viewpoints on addiction and depression hit so close to home. You are spot on about the message of this song and I am somewhat disappointed in myself for not discovering this song sooner. Thank you so much for exposing this to me. It could not have come at a more relevant time in my life. Congratulations, you just earned my first ever sub. Thank you.
Charlie. Thanks for this brother. You made my day!
Beautiful, beautiful episode...your first remarks on making a 'mistake' and accepting it in the moment and then this song....
Your honesty is rare. Keep it up. Stay naked....
I just found your stuff a few days ago and have been binging some vids. This one hits home, because my family has addicts. Gonna play the hell out of this one.
You could see that you were reflective while listening to the song rather than analyzing the intricacies. That's what music is all about...
You have great insight for someone who has never been addicted...
Also my friend Adam lee from Sundae Drives. His guitar playing is neat! And a fantastic local Cincinnati band is See You In The Funnies, lying whispers is one of my favorites from jimmy. ✌🏻🤟🏻🤘🏻
I love how quickly you're able to put on your English Major hat when the music theory is straight forward.
Also appreciate the way you handle the subject. Little catches like, "when they're at the end- no, when they're in the thick of it." Very important re-framing (on the fly!) and shows a lot of empathy.
Thank you brother. I'm glad that shines through :)
You know exactly what your talking about. Music is all about realism heart and and soul
I can see why John Prine’s label likes this guy. He has a soulful way with a story John would’ve liked. Very cool that they wanted your take on him!
Nice. This was going to be my pick for next Tuesday cause I hadn’t seen him come up. My favorite song of his.
"Guess he was busy...We're all busy" that stings when it's about the people you love.
Really enjoying these You're Welcome videos!
Loved the video. Thanks for breaking it down so well, it gave me something to think about.
I have a lot of addictions. Legal and otherwise. I agree, the person I hate the most is me. Shit gets rough. We all just trying to get threw the day. It gets to be too much to even think about the next. That's tomorrow's fight, worry about that then. Such a great song. Music is the most powerful, and positive thing in my life. I love how you analyze the music and the lyrics. Im a lyrics guy. So, thank you, and keep it up! Glad I found your channel.
Beautiful song glad you went over it, gonna spend today learning it.
Different...heartfelt bro. You should have a million subscribers.
Thank you my friend :)
This one had me crying. So heavy. So good
What did the other songs on the album do for you? There's a lot of sad ones there.
Opiate addiction is not like any other I’ve been on opiates for twenty years now . The worse thing you can tell someone that’s dependent on them is just quit like they never thought of that the problem is your so sick for so long that you just go back to feel better the fun of it is long gone it’s just so you can feel normal. I’ve been on them over a back problem I shave had surgeries to fix my back . No body was growing up and said I know what I’m going to do I’m going to get hooked on opiates. Have compassion on people that have a addiction they know they need too quit
I don't even play an instrument but I absolutely love your channel
Wow, "You are welcome" no shit. Good work, Arlo and you as well Michael.
I cry everytime I hear this. Your expression shows conviction brother. I to wear my conviction with my heart on my sleeve.
There's a bigger emptiness without the pills and chemical deficiency.
To hell with metronomes and theory🤣🎼❤️
Listening to Joey Landreth and Arlo? Two of my favs. Joey's song " Whiskey" a little on the same vein.
This channel makes me so happy for real, I feel like I’m just hanging out learning and it’s the best. If there’s any way we can support in the future like Patreon I’d be really interested
I love this channel so much. I’ve been playing for almost 29 year now, and still learn so much watching your videos. I have a ton of lesser known bands/musicians , and wish I knew how to send a video, but I believe it’s part of your Patreon? I also have noticed how many gorgeous PRS guitars you have, and as I’m a die hard Strat/Tele , and Martin acoustic guy, I love your guitars, but wonder what you prefer about them over say, Fender Custom Shop guitars, older Gibson, Martin or Taylor? It’s just rare that I see a phenomenal guitarist play guitars made by the same company (luthier) with both their electric and acoustic guitars. Beautiful guitars nonetheless , I was just curious. I’m going to look into your Patreon, as I a really would like to send a few videos that I’d think you’d love, and have a fun time playing the songs.
This intro just changed my perspective on alot of things...
So good to see Arlo getting the push he deserves. Been fortunate to photograph him at 2 separate shows, just an amazing artist and person. Another artist in the genre that you should check out is Walter DeBarr. Watch/listen to Walter's Red Barn Radio session on youtube
Love the way you explained this. I love just about every artist on Gems.
You keep doing all my jams. Awesome stuff. The studio version of this song is no joke.
Brother, I love you you break everything down musically, and emotionally. I was already a subscriber but if I could hit that button again I would.
Arlo is the best. His last album is amazing as well.
I like that acoustic you have there!! I've played a PRS acoustic only once but it sounded awesome! That one looks as pretty as it sounds!
This is his best version in my opinion. His open air vocals suit the guitar rythm tone perfectly
Choked up...familiar story. Thanks Michael!
Dude now this ooouuu !!SRV Whole.mov!! His stutter strumming in this is wild he rarely does it but this is the best of his "stutter" "strumming" by far.
Please please please try GHOST OF MY BEST FRIEND by this guy. Amazingly beautiful story . I promise you it will be on your top ten list for the rest of your life.
If this song doesn't hit you in the heart, you don't have one.
Another friend of mine that I didn’t get too long with here in Ohio was Taylor Shannon. He passed away just as he was getting a big following, look up Sweet September. Been thinkin about him a lot and listening to that song a lot. He was doing some great things in the county rock genre and left a big hole here in Cincinnati. ✌🏻🤟🏻🤘🏻 love your videos, keep the awesome content comin!
Great reaction video Michael. Really felt your raw emotion to the raw emotion that Arlo so beautifully, hauntingly displays. ?, do you have to get the artists permission to play the songs in your videos?
Great stuff as always. Please continue to throw more acoustic reactions into the mix please.
Another great artist you've introduced me to, and I only dabble in guitar. I'm just a fan of music, as are you sir. Thank you
Well Michael, I hate bringing everything back to Umphrey’s, but.........
He sat in with them last year at Summer Camp Music Festival where he did vocals for a cover of Tyler Childers’ Whitehouse Road. He did a fantastic job at it.
NO WAY!?!
@@Guitargate they know what's up
Ya you gave a incredible description of this tune. You went to a deeper well, good on you.
HOLY SHIT YOU KNOW THE BROTHERS LANDRETH?
I grew up in the same neighborhood as Joey Landreth in Winnipeg Manitoba, Canada!
He was my guitar teacher growing up. That's amazing you mentioned them.
Dang! Thanks so much for this. What a voice
Glad you found him. Love this dude..and you of course ;)