This, even more so than Jinjer Pisces should be listened to along with the video the first time through (which you can no longer do for either). I understand it being a music analysis/reaction channel but some songs just have so much more impact with the video for some context.
@@pointlessmanatee calling for someone's death is being a self-righteous ass. I suppose it can be done in a silly guise, as some form of dark humor, but the critical thing about dark humor is it has to be obviously non serious or ironic through some kind of context. If there's legit anger at someone, it becomes significantly less comedic and more political. Most of their songs, such as Tribute, are silly.
@@pointlessmanatee Given that Trump's main plan is to completely overturn democracy, I don't really see your point. Project 2025 is legitimately dystopian.
I think they take music very seriously. It’s just the story (a sort of riff on the Robert Johnson myth mixed with The Seventh Seal) is told in a humorous way, alluding to certain stereotypes in rock music.
@@garymaidman625 Some critics have noted the similarities to that song-but from what I can gather Tenacious D have never mentioned it as an influence. It’s just the classic “deal with the devil” trope.
The crossroads myth existed for a long while before "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" its worked into plenty of dust bowl-era bluegrass and jazz. But of course devil went down to Georgia definitely popularized it, especially Tool's version which would have been a fairly recent song during this song's release. But I always made the assumption that *AFTER* Pick of Destiny's release they retconned "the greatest song in the world" to be Beelzeboss, but of course they weren't really on a long windy road, rather behind a seedy bar. But it seems to fit most of the rest of the narrative, and if its half remembered like Jables says in the song.. perhaps he forgot the setting of their duel?
@@OldManRiv3r The Robert Johnson crossroads myth goes back to the various stories of Faust (Folklore->Marlowe->Goethe) and even beyond that. Every step adds new characteristics, of course.
The video for this song is just as funny as the song itself is. Take a moment and watch their Movie. The Pick Of Destiny. You will really get a good laugh out of it.
@@s15240drifter69 Nah, is lust a tribute to tributes... Means not even a tribute, as they can't remember the original So its kinda tribute, but not in Real reality Just a fun thing.. ha for you tears to run from yr eyes, until its 3 itm and they dry out. Goodnight Dont forget to try a tribute to the tribute to the greatest song ever. Bye yall
This song also plays in to rock mythology with the great blues musician Robert Johnson supposedly selling his soul to the devil when he appeared to him on a road. For this he was given the gift of musical prowess. Other great mockrock are Flight of Conchords and Spinal Tap. Like this track best appreciated with accompanying videos which give a greater feel, context and of course comedy.
@@grilledspaghettipeople are saying the greatest song Tenacious D are singing about is Stairway To Heaven, I fully believe it's Devil Went Down To Georgia.
This song was great in heavy metal clubs back in the day. When the gobbledeegoook part came, you had a whole dancefloor of scary looking metal heads doing the weirdest dance moves they could think of. It was a sight to behold.
Yeah, I'd already liked this comment, but when I got to 14:04, I had to come back and add to it. I consider this a must-see now for Amy, to feed the mentioned curiosity. :)
You may find it interesting to know that the original demo of this song, they do a lick from Stairway to Heaven, suggesting that song was the one they played.
I still hear a little Stairway to Heaven in the outtro. And I'm convinced that Stairway is that greatest song in the world they’re singing a tribute to.
@@boesvig2258 I think that was true when they originally came up with "Tribute" but, since then, the song has evolved to be more about an unnamed song that they came up with in the moment and then forgot (which is funnier than it being about "Stairway"). As a person who's been in a number of bands over the years, I know I've had that experience enough times. Some late night inspiration strikes and I come up with a melody and/or lyrics that I think are really great but I don't have time in the moment to write something down and I think, "I'll remember that and write it down tomorrow," only to wake up the next day to find the entire thing is gone from my brain. "Tribute," imo, is a combination of the "devil at the crossroads" trope and that common experience of musicians forgetting some "amazing" song they came up with the night before (especially stoner musicians, like the D). Either way, the narrative of "Tribute" makes a lot less sense if the song is "Stairway to Heaven" because why wouldn't they be able to remember "Stairway" later? I imagine that's why they evolved the song to what it is now. Basically, the original joke didn't quite make sense.
@@johnplaysgames3120 No no. Your interpretation is far too simplistic. It is possible for song lyrics (or any text) to hold multiple, even contradictory, meanings at the same time. Obviously _Tribute_ is about this forgotten, mythical greatest song - that’s the focus of the narrative. But there’s also a meta-narrative where that song is _Stairway_. Both meanings or interpretations are true at the same time, there’s no need for your reductive thinking.
So great that you've covered this, you really are willing to check out a great variety of music. And I happen to love this song. It's kind of like a parody of songs like The Devil Went Down to Georgia. I like your channel.
In a way, Tenacious D remind me of the Blues Brothers. They're actors and comedians, the music has a certain comedy thrown in...but they're also serious musicians that know how to make a song work.
It's kind of a riff on, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia", by The Charlie Daniel's Band, which would be a great song to react to btw. Or another song that reminds me of TDWDTG, is an awesome song called "The Most Cursed of Hands", by The Dear Hunter.
I was going to say this, too. The energy of this song feels like a spiritual parody of The Devil Went Down to Georgia. Riffing on the idea of someone playing a song that "beats" the devil and the over-blown story that goes along with it.
This song is inspired by tartini devil's trill. "The Devil's Trill is his best-known work. Tartini himself gave the work its byname, explaining that he had written down the piece after waking from a particularly vivid dream of the Devil playing a violin with ferocious virtuosity." "One night, in the year 1713 I dreamed I had made a pact with the devil for my soul. Everything went as I wished: my new servant anticipated my every desire. Among other things, I gave him my violin to see if he could play. How great was my astonishment on hearing a sonata so wonderful and so beautiful, played with such great art and intelligence, as I had never even conceived in my boldest flights of fantasy. I felt enraptured, transported, enchanted: my breath failed me, and I awoke. I immediately grasped my violin in order to retain, in part at least, the impression of my dream. In vain! The music which I at this time composed is indeed the best that I ever wrote, and I still call it the "Devil's Trill", but the difference between it and that which so moved me is so great that I would have destroyed my instrument and have said farewell to music forever if it had been possible for me to live without the enjoyment it affords me"
That's awesome. I'd heard a bit of that story but the actual quote adds so much to it. What's funny about it, to me, is that I've had that experience of dreaming some amazing idea, waking up to write it down, but having it completely vanish from my brain before I can. A few times, though, I've managed to actually remember the "amazing" thing from the dream and get it recorded, only to realize that it was actually hot garbage and the only reason I thought it was so great was because I was in a dream and, in the dream, it was great. Outside of the dream world's logic, it was nonsense. I wouldn't be surprised if what Tartini actually wrote was 1000x better than what he couldn't remember from the dream.
Hahaha I was smiling the whole way through to see you listen to this for the first time. This song is epic, when it first came out we'd all really get into it and dramatic 😆
It is like the fish that got away, but it's also about: you had to be there. And my guess is musicians also talk among each other about the amazing live performances they had in the same way: you had to be there, the atmosphere we created with the audience, etc.
Lovely stuff! The D are one of my favourites. At first they might not seem like much, but when you scratch the surface you find a whole lot more. I also recommend watching their videos since they can provide more context, it's especially true for this one. Songs I suggest for continued listening are Wonderboy, Kickapoo and Beelzeboss.
In case no one has recommended them, Flight of the Conchords (note the spelling) is another comedy band but they're a little more loose with the genre. They are fabulous and also highly recommended.
Tongue's are firmly in cheek here, as expected for Tenacious D. This is analogous to the old joke "this morning I discovered the meaning of life, but I didn't have anything to write it down on and now I can't remember it."
You gotta check out Tim Minchin's video and song Play it safe. Tim was commissioned to write a song to celebrate the Sydney opera house's 50th birthday. The man is a lyrical genius.
Awesome. Glad you liked it, and were all in for the comedy aspect of it and not taking everything too seriously. Please do watch the video of *_Tenacious D - Tribute_* (and all of their other songs with accompanying video clips, that you might end up reacting to) so you can better appreciate the comedy of Tenacious D a little bit more. xD It's up to you, of course, but personally I'd like for you to react to more of Tenacious D's repertoire like: - *_Kickapoo_* - *_Classico_* - *_Master Exploder_* - *_The Metal_* - *_Beelzeboss (The Final Showdown)_*
I think it's very reductive to define Tenacious D as "mock rock". They way I see them is a couple of kids who grew up listening to all those legendary and "mythological" rock musicians like Dio, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper and so on, that had this lore and myths attached to them, an aura of mystery and occult, it was fun, interesting and imaginative, but then it waned, it fell out of pop culture and was relegated to mostly niche bands, and they were having none of it, they still wanted to have fun with that and lean into it, they're not mock rock, they're a tribute band, but a tribute to a whole era and genre instead of a band, no different than someone like Blues Pills or Church of the Cosmic Skull, I've never heard of Blues Pills being defined as "mock blues". I think it's the comedic tones that earned them that label, but I think it's wrong.
I don't hate the label of "mock rock" for them, but this shouldn't confuse people into thinking they don't absolutely love and venerate the legends of rock.
Yeah, i tend to agree. Weird al does mocks, and great ones, but tenacious doesnt mock anything. Perhaps a bit the rockstar lifestyle in general, but not songs or artists in particular. They just combine music with comedy.
@@seimen4348 Yes, Weird Al is a perfect example of someone who is mocking this or that artist. As I said in my original comment, despite the comedic tone and the fact they're clearly not taking themselves seriously, I don't really see Tenacious D as mocking the genre but rather as two people who use comedy as an excuse to still do those things even if it's no longer "cool" in the mainstream. A good example of their cinematographic counterpart is Tarantino, the guy isn't mocking this or that genre, he is enamoured with each genre he ventures in and pays omage to the classics, and he's fully leaning on the tropes just like Tenacious D does, because that's absolutely a big part of the fun he's having and what captivated him in the first place, and of course that means being self-aware and making sure the audience knows he's self aware about what he's doing: Pai Mei is a cartoon character just like those in Hong Kong movies from the 70s and we are all in on it and for it.
I agree. Their lyrics are funny but the music is serious. I've watched a lot of reactions to Tenacious D and people always go into it with the idea that "these are comedians, this is going to be funny" and then start laughing at the parts that aren't jokes. It's like, "Oh, listen to that acoustic guitar part... haha... Omg, he's singing a melody line... that's so funny!" and I'm just thinking, "No, it's not. It's just a well-played acoustic guitar pattern and Jack singing a normal part of what, with any other band, you'd think of as a great song. The jokes haven't happened yet." It really makes you understand how affected by labels people really are. The worst is when you see Tenacious D live and Jack Black is singing some non-joke part of a song -- and singing it well -- and people start laughing because "it's Jack Black, he's a comedian, so his singing must be a joke." Tbh, I feel the same thing with Lil' Dicky (a rapper, for those of you who don't know him). That guy can RAP rap, and yet rap fans don't take him seriously because his lyrics are funny and have clever punchlines. He can rap circles around a lot of rappers who are taken way more seriously but, because he's introduced to people as a comedy rapper, he gets immediately put into this box of "joke music" that you don't actually listen to, because it's a joke and not "real music." I feel like if musicians like Tenacious D and Lil' Dicky weren't presented as "comedy musicians" they'd be respected more as "real musicians." Yes, people would still hear the funny lyrics, but then it would be considered clever writing rather than just "a joke" to be dismissed as "not a real song." "Funny lyrics" don't equal "joke music." I'm not sure why so many people have so much trouble separating the two concepts and end up dismissing some great musicians just because they're good enough at music to also make the lyrics clever.
Comedy metal is very popular right now. Alestorm is a pirate theme band from Scotland. Wind Rose is a dwarf metal band from Italy that has 4 albums and sing about prospecting and hobbits. Glory Hammer is a mock power metal band from Germany. I listen to them often during the summer, it's fun and I always have a smile on my face.
@@kevinsizemore2053 Have you heard Victorious yet? They made a few concept albums about the great galactic Samari/Dinosaur wars. Check out the track "Dinosaur Warfare". I also found one recently that's a Stonner band called "Okilly Dokilly" and they just sing about Ned Flanders from The Simpsons.
@@kevinsizemore2053 Have you heard of Victorious? Check out the track "Dinosaur Warfare" RIP all the poor souls that died during the great galactic Samari/dinosaur wars.
Mixing music and comedy is quite a challenge, writing a good song and making it funny. A few of my favourites include Bill Bailey (a hugely talented multi-instrumentalist but doesn’t really include full length songs), Tim Minchin (a self-taught pianist and a wicked way with words, now a much in demand composer and lyricist for musicals such as “Matilda” and “Groundhog Day”, and Flo & Joan (sisters who combine musical skills, witty lyrics and excellent vocal dexterity on songs like “Carol, the cracker packer” which are a real test for the audience to join in).
amazing channel, really loved comfortably numb analysis. would you break down classical pieces or opera sometime? I know that isnt the main idea here but I love hearing your thoughts, so it would be cool to hear you talk about things you know very well and have played!
Originally, it was inspired by Jack telling Kyle that “One” by Metallica was the greatest song. However, they later used the intro to Stairway as an intro on the tv show. Otherwise, the song was inspired by all the musician deals/duels the devil myths. Whether it be the rumors of Robert Johnson or Charlie Daniels’ “Devil Went Down to Georgia”.
Its probably a combination, on the spot and Stairway to heaven (STH). The nonsensical singing in the middle I think a nod to the witch hunt of rock music in the late sixties, STH i think was used in court as an argument that satan is spreading his word in rock music (when you play it backwards). I you play STH backwards at a particular pace you can "clearly" hear the lyrics saying satan several times and allegedly Charles Manson was doing this on repeat before the Tate murders. Live they also used to play the solo from STH but on the record they were denied because they could not get the rights for using them, because Led Zeppelin almost never approves of use of their songs in anything.
The drums in this song 'Tribute' were played by Dave Grohl, the singer and guitarist of the Foo Fighters. Dave was the drummer for the grunge band Nirvana. Greetings from northern Germany 🇩🇪♥️
I would be super interested in you checking out the Axis of Awesome - Four Chord Song that pokes fun at the types of songs that make it onto the popular charts! I think it could be super interesting to hear your opinion because it goes into a bit of how music is made
There is a “big fish” kind of theme to it, but there are other blues/rock/country music folklores being alluded to here as well. Meeting a demon and playing music for him to save your soul is reminiscent of southern rock/country violinist Charlie Daniels’ song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”, and the old blues legend of “The Crossroads”, which is the old rumor that blues guitarist Robert Johnson met the devil at a crossroads to make a deal to sell his soul to be the best guitar player in the world…a story that gets referenced in a lot of blues/rock. Tenacious D are also implying that “Stairway to Heaven” is the greatest song in the world with the memorable Am, G, F progression repeating at roughly the same tempo…and with the same rhythm.
For a while after this came out, I remember people saying that the fabled "best song in the world" was a reference to Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. Later on when more Tenacious D albums came out, it was revealed to be "Beelzeboss" by Tenacious D. Tenacious D is just a fun band if you're looking for something that doesn't take itself too seriously. I saw them live in Las Vegas a few years ago, and they put on a good show.
Hi Amy. For brilliant, genius, poignant, albeit non rock (but still worth a listen) extremely funny music, I suggest almost anything from Tim Minchin. But perhaps Prejudice is the ideal starting point. He is often back by various orchestras. jimbo
Noone knows what the greatest song really is, as the stories of what inspired the song differ themselves a lot. Although there is a version of this song out there where they play the opening chords of Stairway to Heaven 1:1 during the song. Another good comedy Rock Band is "Ninja Sex Party", their songs "Danny, don't you know" and "Welcome to My Parents House" are great.
Very good, you are a bard. Indeed, it's a fisherman's tale meets the "Devil Came Down to Georga", from which portrays the devil having a habit of challenging musicians, lore from Ezekial 28's Fallen Cherub with golden pipes that's given Western folklore that the devil is a great musician, and Evangelicals that rock music is demonically inspired.
The thing about these guys is it really comes from a place where you can tell they genuinely love music. They've had actual rock musicians in their music videos, like Meatloaf and Dave Grohl. I can understand why it might be called mock rock, but they're not sneering at rock or putting it down. They're approaching rock music their way.
There's classical music precedent for this "Tribute"-type situation. I recommend Violin Sonata in G minor, GT 2.g05; B.g5, more familiarly known as the Devil's Trill Sonata by Giuseppe Tartini. Came in a dream, etc.
Tenacious D is a comedy band with some incredible musical chops, their compositions are incredible. To me they could stand with the giants of rock easily.
Not quite rock, but “Flight of the Conchords” - they had a TV series. They did lots of things that referenced other tunes and artists. E.g. “Inner city pressure” references “west end girls” by Pet Shop Boys “Robots” is just funny. “Ladies of the world”, “the most beautiful girl in the room” and “business time” are referencing whole genres, and “Bowie” is self explanatory if you’re familiar with David Bowie. “Leggy Blonde” is a sweet song, performed by a co star on their (excellent) TV series
The fun thing is that they later made a complete movie, The Pick of Destiny, which ends with said demonic confrontation, and song that they then forget. So the song they're referring to here is actually called "Beelzeboss", the big showdown number from that movie. Quite fun to do it that way.
The thing I can’t fathom is how one can hear this song for the first time and keep pausing it. I know that’s part of the show but….man this song is so great the first time I heard it I just listened and laughed in amazement at what I was hearing.
There's a Scottish symphonic power metal band called "Gloryhammer" and I think the song that I can say gets most people into them is "Apocalypse 1992". It's around 10 minutes long, and it's got narration as lyrics.
I'm wondering if they were inspired by the way Giuseppe Tartini recounted writing the 'Devil's Trill' sonata. (It's one of the most famous, and beautiful, sonatas ever written so I'm thinking you may have heard of it.) Here's a quote from Tartini, himself: "One night, in the year 1713, I dreamed I had made a pact with the devil for my soul. Everything went as I wished: my new servant anticipated my every desire. Among other things, I gave him my violin to see if he could play. How great was my astonishment on hearing a sonata so wonderful and so beautiful, played with such great art and intelligence, as I had never even conceived in my boldest flights of fantasy. I felt enraptured, transported, enchanted: my breath failed me, and I awoke.” Tartini continues, “I immediately grasped my violin in order to retain, in part at least, the impression of my dream. In vain! The music which I at this time composed is indeed the best that I ever wrote, and I still call it the “Devil’s Trill,” but the difference between it and that which so moved me is so great that I would have destroyed my instrument and have said farewell to music forever if it had been possible for me to live without the enjoyment it affords me.” This is a very well known story in classical music, and the parallels between it and the Tenacious D song's promise are pretty significant. Just changed a little.
Two other great comedy rock bands are Electric Six and Nanowar Of Steel. Electric Six songs: - "Down At McDonnelzzz" - "Infected Girls" - "Rubber Rocket" - "Improper Dancing" Nanowar Of Steel songs: - "Uranus" - "Norwegian Reggaeton" - "Valhalleluja"
This song is about weed and psychedelics and the sense of ultimate revelation they sometimes give and then "daaang i had it on the tips of my fingers! The ultimate secret of the universe" and then it fades away... Kyle and Jack were inspired with the best song in the world thousands of times and they forgot it suddnly in seconds every time.
Their albums are a great comedy. They also released a movie called Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny. The greatest song is in the movie, it's the climatic song. I really would love to hear Amy's thoughts on it on her movie channel.
One other comedic musical act you definitely should check out ( on your own if not for the channel) is the two man group named Flight of the Conchords. One element to their work that I love is the way that they undersell their musical talents with an unassuming naivety in their character and demeanor.
Although not 'comedy bands', a couple that I love for their very clever lyrics as well as great tunes are The Monochrome Set (the first 3 albums are rich pickings) and Shoes For Industry ("Fear of Wages" and "Sheepdog Trial In A Babylon" are typically twisted).
For other comedic rock bands, one famous in my country is Massacration, that uses fake or "broken" English in their songs to mimic how people who doesn't understand English may rock and sing lyrics they don't understand. The beautiful of the group is that the music is really well thought, and with a more "serious" lyric they leave nothing behind to good rock bands.
You need to see the video.
Yeah... Bands like Tool and Tenacious D are kind of "must watch the video" bands
This, even more so than Jinjer Pisces should be listened to along with the video the first time through (which you can no longer do for either). I understand it being a music analysis/reaction channel but some songs just have so much more impact with the video for some context.
Yeah, this song really losing some meaning without the video
@@markparker5585 That, and the fact that Dave Grohl's shiny demon is just freaking hilarious
Yes.
Amy's rock education is complete. She listened to Tribute by Tenacious D and got the jokes. Exam passed.
@@DerekHarkness the funniest one was, "don't miss Trump next time". That was f'n HILARIOUS.
@@gregvergara7596 the fallout and impact of that comment wasn't funny though - rest of the tour got canned and maybe Tenacious D is finished.
@@gregvergara7596You’re a sick human being.
@@gregvergara7596 I mean, yeah, social and financial suicide on a pariah level could be funny... if it wasn't so lame.
@@nelanncal hopefully.
Tenacious D's Kickapoo is a must for you to listen to!
...and watch!!!
…and “F**k her gently” 😂
Meat loaf and DIO
Low hanging fruits!!
@@sthenzel absolutely, needs the video 100%
They're legitimately solid musicians, being silly from the bottom of their hearts.
is it "silly" to call for the death of donald trump? teehee just helping the oligarchy keep democracy dead just silly things
@@pointlessmanatee calling for someone's death is being a self-righteous ass. I suppose it can be done in a silly guise, as some form of dark humor, but the critical thing about dark humor is it has to be obviously non serious or ironic through some kind of context. If there's legit anger at someone, it becomes significantly less comedic and more political.
Most of their songs, such as Tribute, are silly.
@@pointlessmanatee Wipe your tears and get over it
@@pointlessmanatee Given that Trump's main plan is to completely overturn democracy, I don't really see your point. Project 2025 is legitimately dystopian.
@@pointlessmanatee noone is perfect. we are all multi faceted. lets keep tings seperate here. There is plenty of places for political discussions, :)
As a classical musician myself and huge Tenacious D fan, I’m surprised no one has suggested their song “Classico”
Yeah? I was thinking the same thing. Classico!
I think they take music very seriously. It’s just the story (a sort of riff on the Robert Johnson myth mixed with The Seventh Seal) is told in a humorous way, alluding to certain stereotypes in rock music.
The song it's tributing is The Devil Went Down To Georgia.
@@garymaidman625 Some critics have noted the similarities to that song-but from what I can gather Tenacious D have never mentioned it as an influence. It’s just the classic “deal with the devil” trope.
The crossroads myth existed for a long while before "The Devil Went Down to Georgia" its worked into plenty of dust bowl-era bluegrass and jazz. But of course devil went down to Georgia definitely popularized it, especially Tool's version which would have been a fairly recent song during this song's release. But I always made the assumption that *AFTER* Pick of Destiny's release they retconned "the greatest song in the world" to be Beelzeboss, but of course they weren't really on a long windy road, rather behind a seedy bar. But it seems to fit most of the rest of the narrative, and if its half remembered like Jables says in the song.. perhaps he forgot the setting of their duel?
@@OldManRiv3r The Robert Johnson crossroads myth goes back to the various stories of Faust (Folklore->Marlowe->Goethe) and even beyond that. Every step adds new characteristics, of course.
@@garymaidman625 The two songs both reference the same trope that predated both of them.
The video for this song is just as funny as the song itself is. Take a moment and watch their Movie. The Pick Of Destiny. You will really get a good laugh out of it.
This really is the greatest song in the world, tribute.
No, it's just a tribute.
@@s15240drifter69 Nah, is lust a tribute to tributes...
Means not even a tribute, as they can't remember the original
So its kinda tribute, but not in Real reality
Just a fun thing.. ha
for you tears to run from yr eyes, until its 3 itm and they dry out. Goodnight
Dont forget to try a tribute to the tribute to the greatest song ever. Bye yall
If your looking for another Tenacious D song I would suggest checking out "Wonderboy", which pokes fun at Wagner in my opinion.
So glad someone else mentioned this request. Such a great song and often overlooked from Tenacious D
It's a freaking masterpiece, for sure.
Wonderboy is so good~!!
you always put a smile on my face when you react, thanks!
You truly must watch the movie “School of Rock”
And "High Fidelity," also with Jack Black.
@@apseudonym488 Definitely this one!
This song also plays in to rock mythology with the great blues musician Robert Johnson supposedly selling his soul to the devil when he appeared to him on a road. For this he was given the gift of musical prowess. Other great mockrock are Flight of Conchords and Spinal Tap. Like this track best appreciated with accompanying videos which give a greater feel, context and of course comedy.
Don't forget The Devil Went Down to Georgia.
@@grilledspaghettipeople are saying the greatest song Tenacious D are singing about is Stairway To Heaven, I fully believe it's Devil Went Down To Georgia.
@@garymaidman625 They ape Bohemian Rhapsody in there as well.
I definitely feel that that song is somehow adjacent to this one
@@grilledspaghettiDon’t forget the Ghostrider movie.
Dave Grohl of the Foo Fighters played the Demon in the video
… and the drums and electric guitar on the track.
He looks oddly like the drummer from Nirvana, too
@@glendowning4055 he's the ex drummer of Nirvana 😊
That’s the joke 👍🏻
@@JTQA_Testerwhoosh
Im glad you had fun with this song.
There was a rock club that used to play this at closing in my late teens. Fun memories.
This song was great in heavy metal clubs back in the day. When the gobbledeegoook part came, you had a whole dancefloor of scary looking metal heads doing the weirdest dance moves they could think of. It was a sight to behold.
You picked out my favorite line. Rock!
Time for “This Is Spinal Tap” on Amy’s Cut
"Stonehenge, t'is a magic place, where the moon doth rise with a dragon's face"
One of the top five funniest movies I've ever seen.
well it goes to eleven....
Yeah, I'd already liked this comment, but when I got to 14:04, I had to come back and add to it. I consider this a must-see now for Amy, to feed the mentioned curiosity. :)
Also, School of Rock.
What an enjoyable reaction! So much fun!
You may find it interesting to know that the original demo of this song, they do a lick from Stairway to Heaven, suggesting that song was the one they played.
I still hear a little Stairway to Heaven in the outtro. And I'm convinced that Stairway is that greatest song in the world they’re singing a tribute to.
Well, Stairway is, of course, the greatest and best song in the world, right?
@@nigeldepledge3790 absolutely
@@boesvig2258 I think that was true when they originally came up with "Tribute" but, since then, the song has evolved to be more about an unnamed song that they came up with in the moment and then forgot (which is funnier than it being about "Stairway"). As a person who's been in a number of bands over the years, I know I've had that experience enough times. Some late night inspiration strikes and I come up with a melody and/or lyrics that I think are really great but I don't have time in the moment to write something down and I think, "I'll remember that and write it down tomorrow," only to wake up the next day to find the entire thing is gone from my brain. "Tribute," imo, is a combination of the "devil at the crossroads" trope and that common experience of musicians forgetting some "amazing" song they came up with the night before (especially stoner musicians, like the D).
Either way, the narrative of "Tribute" makes a lot less sense if the song is "Stairway to Heaven" because why wouldn't they be able to remember "Stairway" later? I imagine that's why they evolved the song to what it is now. Basically, the original joke didn't quite make sense.
@@johnplaysgames3120 No no. Your interpretation is far too simplistic. It is possible for song lyrics (or any text) to hold multiple, even contradictory, meanings at the same time.
Obviously _Tribute_ is about this forgotten, mythical greatest song - that’s the focus of the narrative. But there’s also a meta-narrative where that song is _Stairway_. Both meanings or interpretations are true at the same time, there’s no need for your reductive thinking.
So great that you've covered this, you really are willing to check out a great variety of music. And I happen to love this song. It's kind of like a parody of songs like The Devil Went Down to Georgia. I like your channel.
In a way, Tenacious D remind me of the Blues Brothers. They're actors and comedians, the music has a certain comedy thrown in...but they're also serious musicians that know how to make a song work.
So amazing to see you experience this for the first time and analyze it. Makes me so happy, you and the song.
It's kind of a riff on, "The Devil Went Down to Georgia", by The Charlie Daniel's Band, which would be a great song to react to btw. Or another song that reminds me of TDWDTG, is an awesome song called "The Most Cursed of Hands", by The Dear Hunter.
I was going to say this, too. The energy of this song feels like a spiritual parody of The Devil Went Down to Georgia. Riffing on the idea of someone playing a song that "beats" the devil and the over-blown story that goes along with it.
This song is inspired by tartini devil's trill. "The Devil's Trill is his best-known work. Tartini himself gave the work its byname, explaining that he had written down the piece after waking from a particularly vivid dream of the Devil playing a violin with ferocious virtuosity."
"One night, in the year 1713 I dreamed I had made a pact with the devil for my soul. Everything went as I wished: my new servant anticipated my every desire. Among other things, I gave him my violin to see if he could play. How great was my astonishment on hearing a sonata so wonderful and so beautiful, played with such great art and intelligence, as I had never even conceived in my boldest flights of fantasy. I felt enraptured, transported, enchanted: my breath failed me, and I awoke. I immediately grasped my violin in order to retain, in part at least, the impression of my dream. In vain! The music which I at this time composed is indeed the best that I ever wrote, and I still call it the "Devil's Trill", but the difference between it and that which so moved me is so great that I would have destroyed my instrument and have said farewell to music forever if it had been possible for me to live without the enjoyment it affords me"
That's awesome. I'd heard a bit of that story but the actual quote adds so much to it. What's funny about it, to me, is that I've had that experience of dreaming some amazing idea, waking up to write it down, but having it completely vanish from my brain before I can. A few times, though, I've managed to actually remember the "amazing" thing from the dream and get it recorded, only to realize that it was actually hot garbage and the only reason I thought it was so great was because I was in a dream and, in the dream, it was great. Outside of the dream world's logic, it was nonsense.
I wouldn't be surprised if what Tartini actually wrote was 1000x better than what he couldn't remember from the dream.
The devil went down to Georgia song itself was likely a big inspiration for this song but also itself from tartini above
My favourite part is:
"Be ye angels?"
And we said "Nay! We are but men! ROCK!"
tearing his vest open.. ROCK!
hard rockin' amigo style.
Hahaha I was smiling the whole way through to see you listen to this for the first time. This song is epic, when it first came out we'd all really get into it and dramatic 😆
I love that Tenacious D's humor and music tickles your fancy! 😁
You really should check out Flight of The Conchords, a musical comedy duo from New Zealand.
Definitely
100%
It's Business Time!
@@nelanncal That's why they're called business socks!
Came here to say this
This is not the greatest song in the world...this is just a tribute
The very last tones are a stairway to heaven..
They Might Be Giants are another, slightly more serious band, I'd love to see featured after hearing your thoughts on Tenacious D!
I just wore my Dr. Worm Venn diagram shirt yesterday!
Their cover of Instanbul (Not Constantinople) is boss!
It would be lovely to see her try to decipher the lyrics of Birdhouse in Your Soul, only to finally find it's about being a night light.
You should really do "School of Rock" on Amy's Cut. It's about rock and teaching music! Perfect combo for your channels :)
Time for the ' Wicked Games ' cover and its video.
Let's do the original first
Tenacious D Wicked Game cover is $$!
It's a joy to hear you dissect these, thank you for taking the music of my formative years seriously. Jack Black's silliness was liberating.
It is like the fish that got away, but it's also about: you had to be there.
And my guess is musicians also talk among each other about the amazing live performances they had in the same way: you had to be there, the atmosphere we created with the audience, etc.
100% musicians do this. Sometimes, you just get in the zone and magic happens.
Love this interpretation. Thank you!
Lovely stuff! The D are one of my favourites. At first they might not seem like much, but when you scratch the surface you find a whole lot more. I also recommend watching their videos since they can provide more context, it's especially true for this one. Songs I suggest for continued listening are Wonderboy, Kickapoo and Beelzeboss.
Wonderboy is great
I'm glad you "got it" and enjoyed this.
Tribute is one of my all time favorite songs for all the reasons you enjoyed it as well.
You are amazing. Never stop never stopping
In case no one has recommended them, Flight of the Conchords (note the spelling) is another comedy band but they're a little more loose with the genre.
They are fabulous and also highly recommended.
I love this so much
ow friend, your channel is great, glad i found it ^^ thanks for you and your amazing content!!
Tongue's are firmly in cheek here, as expected for Tenacious D. This is analogous to the old joke "this morning I discovered the meaning of life, but I didn't have anything to write it down on and now I can't remember it."
Frank Zappa and the mothers. The muffin man. Cheapness. The apostrophe album and so much more
Sometimes you've just gotta ask, Does Humor Belong In Music? 😆
You gotta check out Tim Minchin's video and song Play it safe. Tim was commissioned to write a song to celebrate the Sydney opera house's 50th birthday. The man is a lyrical genius.
She'd get a big kick out of Minchin, I think. Dark Side would be another great choice from him.
Surprised that you didn't catch that the chord progression is basically....
Stairway to Heaven
This is made much more explicit in other versions
When they sing counterpoint to the melody , it's the notes to stairway.
This song, which I love, is a sendup of Hard Rock/Prog Rock ballads of the 70s and 80s. It's comic genius if you grew up with that music.
Awesome.
Glad you liked it, and were all in for the comedy aspect of it and not taking everything too seriously.
Please do watch the video of *_Tenacious D - Tribute_* (and all of their other songs with accompanying video clips, that you might end up reacting to) so you can better appreciate the comedy of Tenacious D a little bit more. xD
It's up to you, of course, but personally I'd like for you to react to more of Tenacious D's repertoire like:
- *_Kickapoo_*
- *_Classico_*
- *_Master Exploder_*
- *_The Metal_*
- *_Beelzeboss (The Final Showdown)_*
I think it's very reductive to define Tenacious D as "mock rock".
They way I see them is a couple of kids who grew up listening to all those legendary and "mythological" rock musicians like Dio, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper and so on, that had this lore and myths attached to them, an aura of mystery and occult, it was fun, interesting and imaginative, but then it waned, it fell out of pop culture and was relegated to mostly niche bands, and they were having none of it, they still wanted to have fun with that and lean into it, they're not mock rock, they're a tribute band, but a tribute to a whole era and genre instead of a band, no different than someone like Blues Pills or Church of the Cosmic Skull, I've never heard of Blues Pills being defined as "mock blues".
I think it's the comedic tones that earned them that label, but I think it's wrong.
I don't hate the label of "mock rock" for them, but this shouldn't confuse people into thinking they don't absolutely love and venerate the legends of rock.
@@ogrejehosephatt37 It's not like I'm offended on their behalf, mind you, it's just that I find it misleading.
Yeah, i tend to agree.
Weird al does mocks, and great ones, but tenacious doesnt mock anything.
Perhaps a bit the rockstar lifestyle in general, but not songs or artists in particular.
They just combine music with comedy.
@@seimen4348 Yes, Weird Al is a perfect example of someone who is mocking this or that artist. As I said in my original comment, despite the comedic tone and the fact they're clearly not taking themselves seriously, I don't really see Tenacious D as mocking the genre but rather as two people who use comedy as an excuse to still do those things even if it's no longer "cool" in the mainstream. A good example of their cinematographic counterpart is Tarantino, the guy isn't mocking this or that genre, he is enamoured with each genre he ventures in and pays omage to the classics, and he's fully leaning on the tropes just like Tenacious D does, because that's absolutely a big part of the fun he's having and what captivated him in the first place, and of course that means being self-aware and making sure the audience knows he's self aware about what he's doing: Pai Mei is a cartoon character just like those in Hong Kong movies from the 70s and we are all in on it and for it.
I agree. Their lyrics are funny but the music is serious. I've watched a lot of reactions to Tenacious D and people always go into it with the idea that "these are comedians, this is going to be funny" and then start laughing at the parts that aren't jokes. It's like, "Oh, listen to that acoustic guitar part... haha... Omg, he's singing a melody line... that's so funny!" and I'm just thinking, "No, it's not. It's just a well-played acoustic guitar pattern and Jack singing a normal part of what, with any other band, you'd think of as a great song. The jokes haven't happened yet." It really makes you understand how affected by labels people really are.
The worst is when you see Tenacious D live and Jack Black is singing some non-joke part of a song -- and singing it well -- and people start laughing because "it's Jack Black, he's a comedian, so his singing must be a joke."
Tbh, I feel the same thing with Lil' Dicky (a rapper, for those of you who don't know him). That guy can RAP rap, and yet rap fans don't take him seriously because his lyrics are funny and have clever punchlines. He can rap circles around a lot of rappers who are taken way more seriously but, because he's introduced to people as a comedy rapper, he gets immediately put into this box of "joke music" that you don't actually listen to, because it's a joke and not "real music."
I feel like if musicians like Tenacious D and Lil' Dicky weren't presented as "comedy musicians" they'd be respected more as "real musicians." Yes, people would still hear the funny lyrics, but then it would be considered clever writing rather than just "a joke" to be dismissed as "not a real song."
"Funny lyrics" don't equal "joke music." I'm not sure why so many people have so much trouble separating the two concepts and end up dismissing some great musicians just because they're good enough at music to also make the lyrics clever.
Amy, for a classical musician, the best Tenacious D song you could experience is "Wonderboy"
surprised you didn't talk about that power note jack hits when he sings "we are but men, rock OOOOOOOOOONNNNN!"
Comedy metal is very popular right now. Alestorm is a pirate theme band from Scotland. Wind Rose is a dwarf metal band from Italy that has 4 albums and sing about prospecting and hobbits. Glory Hammer is a mock power metal band from Germany. I listen to them often during the summer, it's fun and I always have a smile on my face.
Love all three of these bands
@@kevinsizemore2053 Have you heard Victorious yet? They made a few concept albums about the great galactic Samari/Dinosaur wars. Check out the track "Dinosaur Warfare". I also found one recently that's a Stonner band called "Okilly Dokilly" and they just sing about Ned Flanders from The Simpsons.
@@kevinsizemore2053 Have you heard of Victorious? Check out the track "Dinosaur Warfare" RIP all the poor souls that died during the great galactic Samari/dinosaur wars.
@@kevinsizemore2053 Have you heard the band Victorious yet? Check out Dinosaur Warfare.
Also Nanowar Of Steel especially their song Valhalleluja
I loved your breakdown of the song.
"if you take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive." - Van Wilder (2002)
100% spot on
This is the greatest comment to the greatest review to the tribute to the greatest song in the world!
This is the greatest response...
Mixing music and comedy is quite a challenge, writing a good song and making it funny. A few of my favourites include Bill Bailey (a hugely talented multi-instrumentalist but doesn’t really include full length songs), Tim Minchin (a self-taught pianist and a wicked way with words, now a much in demand composer and lyricist for musicals such as “Matilda” and “Groundhog Day”, and Flo & Joan (sisters who combine musical skills, witty lyrics and excellent vocal dexterity on songs like “Carol, the cracker packer” which are a real test for the audience to join in).
amazing channel, really loved comfortably numb analysis.
would you break down classical pieces or opera sometime? I know that isnt the main idea here but I love hearing your thoughts, so it would be cool to hear you talk about things you know very well and have played!
i feel the music video is needed for this one :D
You definitely need to see the entire film!)))
I feel the song they mean is Stairway to Heaven, because of the chords while also being a joke of never being knowable
No, the song is in fact The Devil Went Down To Georgia. The story of this song is reminiscent of Devil Went Down To Georgia.
Originally, it was inspired by Jack telling Kyle that “One” by Metallica was the greatest song.
However, they later used the intro to Stairway as an intro on the tv show.
Otherwise, the song was inspired by all the musician deals/duels the devil myths. Whether it be the rumors of Robert Johnson or Charlie Daniels’ “Devil Went Down to Georgia”.
the song they mean is one they made up on the spot, theyve said this in interviews before
It's structured very similarly to STH.
Its probably a combination, on the spot and Stairway to heaven (STH). The nonsensical singing in the middle I think a nod to the witch hunt of rock music in the late sixties, STH i think was used in court as an argument that satan is spreading his word in rock music (when you play it backwards). I you play STH backwards at a particular pace you can "clearly" hear the lyrics saying satan several times and allegedly Charles Manson was doing this on repeat before the Tate murders. Live they also used to play the solo from STH but on the record they were denied because they could not get the rights for using them, because Led Zeppelin almost never approves of use of their songs in anything.
Why do I feel like Lady Grantham has called through a wormhole and is doing her best to learn about modern culture?
I absolutely loved this.
I love how you pick up on the sarcasm so early. It is a ‘piss take’ and fun!
The drums in this song 'Tribute' were played by Dave Grohl, the singer and guitarist of the Foo Fighters. Dave was the drummer for the grunge band Nirvana.
Greetings from northern Germany 🇩🇪♥️
Dave also played the devil in the video
I would be super interested in you checking out the Axis of Awesome - Four Chord Song that pokes fun at the types of songs that make it onto the popular charts! I think it could be super interesting to hear your opinion because it goes into a bit of how music is made
New to your channel, absolutely love it.
There is a “big fish” kind of theme to it, but there are other blues/rock/country music folklores being alluded to here as well.
Meeting a demon and playing music for him to save your soul is reminiscent of southern rock/country violinist Charlie Daniels’ song “The Devil Went Down to Georgia”, and the old blues legend of “The Crossroads”, which is the old rumor that blues guitarist Robert Johnson met the devil at a crossroads to make a deal to sell his soul to be the best guitar player in the world…a story that gets referenced in a lot of blues/rock.
Tenacious D are also implying that “Stairway to Heaven” is the greatest song in the world with the memorable Am, G, F progression repeating at roughly the same tempo…and with the same rhythm.
the best. MUST watch wit accompanying Video. Tenacious D - Kickapoo with video
You should listen to Kickapoo and Wonderboy.
I like that he added that “it’s a matter of opinion”, so the best song in the world could literally be anything.
For a while after this came out, I remember people saying that the fabled "best song in the world" was a reference to Stairway to Heaven by Led Zeppelin. Later on when more Tenacious D albums came out, it was revealed to be "Beelzeboss" by Tenacious D. Tenacious D is just a fun band if you're looking for something that doesn't take itself too seriously. I saw them live in Las Vegas a few years ago, and they put on a good show.
It’s “the biggest fish that got away” meets “the devil went down to Georgia”
Hi Amy.
For brilliant, genius, poignant, albeit non rock (but still worth a listen) extremely funny music, I suggest almost anything from Tim Minchin. But perhaps Prejudice is the ideal starting point. He is often back by various orchestras.
jimbo
Noone knows what the greatest song really is, as the stories of what inspired the song differ themselves a lot.
Although there is a version of this song out there where they play the opening chords of Stairway to Heaven 1:1 during the song.
Another good comedy Rock Band is "Ninja Sex Party", their songs "Danny, don't you know" and "Welcome to My Parents House" are great.
Very good, you are a bard. Indeed, it's a fisherman's tale meets the "Devil Came Down to Georga", from which portrays the devil having a habit of challenging musicians, lore from Ezekial 28's Fallen Cherub with golden pipes that's given Western folklore that the devil is a great musician, and Evangelicals that rock music is demonically inspired.
The thing about these guys is it really comes from a place where you can tell they genuinely love music. They've had actual rock musicians in their music videos, like Meatloaf and Dave Grohl. I can understand why it might be called mock rock, but they're not sneering at rock or putting it down. They're approaching rock music their way.
There's classical music precedent for this "Tribute"-type situation. I recommend Violin Sonata in G minor, GT 2.g05; B.g5, more familiarly known as the Devil's Trill Sonata by Giuseppe Tartini. Came in a dream, etc.
Spinal Tap is a great comedic rock band. I would love to see some They Might Be Giants. They are often funny, but not strictly a comedy band.
Such a great reaction you didn't even need the greatest video in the world!
You’re the best Amy
Sometimes if you play in an improv band, you do play the best song ever, all of a sudden, out of nowhere!!!
Tenacious D is a comedy band with some incredible musical chops, their compositions are incredible.
To me they could stand with the giants of rock easily.
Not quite rock, but “Flight of the Conchords” - they had a TV series. They did lots of things that referenced other tunes and artists.
E.g. “Inner city pressure” references “west end girls” by Pet Shop Boys
“Robots” is just funny.
“Ladies of the world”, “the most beautiful girl in the room” and “business time” are referencing whole genres, and “Bowie” is self explanatory if you’re familiar with David Bowie.
“Leggy Blonde” is a sweet song, performed by a co star on their (excellent) TV series
The fun thing is that they later made a complete movie, The Pick of Destiny, which ends with said demonic confrontation, and song that they then forget. So the song they're referring to here is actually called "Beelzeboss", the big showdown number from that movie. Quite fun to do it that way.
The thing I can’t fathom is how one can hear this song for the first time and keep pausing it. I know that’s part of the show but….man this song is so great the first time I heard it I just listened and laughed in amazement at what I was hearing.
Some of my favorite musicians with a comedic tinge:
Ween
Frank Zappa
Ben Folds Five
Weird Al
Phish
This has to be heard with the video. Its a delicious bit of music and comedy.
There's a Scottish symphonic power metal band called "Gloryhammer" and I think the song that I can say gets most people into them is "Apocalypse 1992". It's around 10 minutes long, and it's got narration as lyrics.
Jack is fabulous!!!
I'm wondering if they were inspired by the way Giuseppe Tartini recounted writing the 'Devil's Trill' sonata. (It's one of the most famous, and beautiful, sonatas ever written so I'm thinking you may have heard of it.)
Here's a quote from Tartini, himself:
"One night, in the year 1713, I dreamed I had made a pact with the devil for my soul. Everything went as I wished: my new servant anticipated my every desire. Among other things, I gave him my violin to see if he could play. How great was my astonishment on hearing a sonata so wonderful and so beautiful, played with such great art and intelligence, as I had never even conceived in my boldest flights of fantasy. I felt enraptured, transported, enchanted: my breath failed me, and I awoke.”
Tartini continues, “I immediately grasped my violin in order to retain, in part at least, the impression of my dream. In vain! The music which I at this time composed is indeed the best that I ever wrote, and I still call it the “Devil’s Trill,” but the difference between it and that which so moved me is so great that I would have destroyed my instrument and have said farewell to music forever if it had been possible for me to live without the enjoyment it affords me.”
This is a very well known story in classical music, and the parallels between it and the Tenacious D song's promise are pretty significant. Just changed a little.
At the end there, it's the very start of (Led Zeppelin's) Stairway To Heaven, which is, arguably, the best song in the world.
Two other great comedy rock bands are Electric Six and Nanowar Of Steel.
Electric Six songs:
- "Down At McDonnelzzz"
- "Infected Girls"
- "Rubber Rocket"
- "Improper Dancing"
Nanowar Of Steel songs:
- "Uranus"
- "Norwegian Reggaeton"
- "Valhalleluja"
Any tenacious d song that has a vid should be watch as well as listened to.
This song is about weed and psychedelics and the sense of ultimate revelation they sometimes give and then "daaang i had it on the tips of my fingers! The ultimate secret of the universe" and then it fades away... Kyle and Jack were inspired with the best song in the world thousands of times and they forgot it suddnly in seconds every time.
Other funny bands: Spinal Tap, Steel Panther, Flight of the Conchords
Also Electric Six and Nanowar Of Steel.
Oh, now I reaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaally want (and dread) having her react to Steel Panther lol
Garfunkel and Oats
Their albums are a great comedy. They also released a movie called Tenacious D and the Pick of Destiny. The greatest song is in the movie, it's the climatic song. I really would love to hear Amy's thoughts on it on her movie channel.
Actually one of the absolute best songs released that year, commercially. Not a huge hit on Billboard but #1 on UK Rock & Metal 2001.
One other comedic musical act you definitely should check out ( on your own if not for the channel) is the two man group named Flight of the Conchords. One element to their work that I love is the way that they undersell their musical talents with an unassuming naivety in their character and demeanor.
Although not 'comedy bands', a couple that I love for their very clever lyrics as well as great tunes are The Monochrome Set (the first 3 albums are rich pickings) and Shoes For Industry ("Fear of Wages" and "Sheepdog Trial In A Babylon" are typically twisted).
For other comedic rock bands, one famous in my country is Massacration, that uses fake or "broken" English in their songs to mimic how people who doesn't understand English may rock and sing lyrics they don't understand. The beautiful of the group is that the music is really well thought, and with a more "serious" lyric they leave nothing behind to good rock bands.
To this day I'm bummed out about not getting to hear the greatest song in the world... at least we have the tribute