It's a SHOCKING 60's classic that's simplistically... complicated!
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 ก.ค. 2024
- Tonight we're going back to the very late 60's to take a lok at a live performance of 'Venus' by Shocking Blue!
PERFORMANCE VIDEO - • Shocking Blue - Venus ...
TIME STAMPS -
0:00 Intro
1:05 Song
4:13 Analysis
6:15 No Foldback!
7:04 Vocal Range & Guitar
13:56 Solo
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I remember hearing this the first time... I was walking to high school, crossing over an overpass, listening on my (new) pocket transistor, on a very blustery winter morning. This song came on, it stopped me in my tracks. I stood transfixed through the full song. The rest of the day was completely gone after that. What a song!!!!
I thought I'd never live to see the day where a live recording of Shocking Blue playing Venus would see the light of day. Fabulous!
yep , cream rises to the top , sooner or later
Nirvana’s first single was a cover of Shocking Blue’s ‘Love Buzz’.
Krist Novoselic rated SB’s bassist Klaasje van der Wal a bass god.
Henry Mancinis Peter Gunn theme twist. It was the rage to play back in the 60s folks.
I remember this group. Shocking Blue was a Dutch rock band formed in 1967. Their 2 biggest hits were "Venus" & "Send Me A Postcard". They had some other songs such as "Long & Lonesome Road", "Mighty Joe", "Never Marry A Railroad Man" etc. The lead singer had a very powerful voice. Another famous Dutch group from that era was Golden Earring.
Saw Golden Earring live when I was 14. They were great
And The TEA SET...
I remember those 60s bands well !
Golden Earing were great.
They could be surprisingly heavy at times. "Send Me A Postcard" stands easily to Black Sabbath - riffs of the era.
This is a terrific pop single. It catches you attention right off the bat and keeps you interested thoughout. Very good live performance.
The singer’s voice reminds me of Grace Slick.
With Fil’s talent and his hair he’d have fit right in with a rock oriented 60s band.
Yeah, Fil would have enjoyed going through the 60s and 70s. He would have fit in perfectly! 💜💚
As a 64 year old, I love Fils hair style, always did. I love others too though! And, some guys look great bald! But, Fil is a beautiful guy, inside and out! Ah all you youngsters, live it up, it goes so fast! And truly, youth really is wasted on the young. I think Mark Twain said that. But one of his better ones was 'humans are the only animals that can blush. Or need to!' Love that!🥰✌
@@suemilkbone4868 Maybe he did! -- He is young enough to be reborn.
@@r1p2m32 That explains everything! 😊
Absolutely! Fil can play anything!
I like the older version better than the Bananarama version and I loved learning gthe chords, thanks!
When this first came out I thought this was the heaviest coolest song ever
This was a massive hit worldwide back then and years later it still makes you feel happy. As a very young boy, the opening chords coming over the radio would make me perk up. Later, when I picked up the guitar this along with House of the Rising Sunn (of course!) were the first two songs I learned to play. It's not a complex song by any means and quite easy to play, but it's very catchy and has instant recognition. Mariska had a sultry look about her and her voice was on the same lines. This is truly among the evergreens. Happy to have grown up in those times.
A lovely voice, and sang with real verve. She's also lovely. The guitars had great rhythm.
This is one of those songs you recognize less than one second in. The moment he starts strumming that B7sus4 it is unmistakable.
The guitar riff in this song was heavily inspired by a version of Tim Rose's "The Banjo Song" by The Big Three (The American group with this name featuring Mama Cass, not the British band with the same name).
I received my BACHELOR of SCIENCE degree from the UNIVERSITY of ILLINOIS in the twin towns of URBANA-CHAMPAIGN, IL. My sister also lived in Champaign, while she was the NEWS broadcaster of a radio station in Paxton, IL, nearby.
There was a 175 yo. three (3) story mansion on the corner of Church St. & University Ave. It was divided up into apartments in the 1980's, and my sister lived in the attic apartment.
In the 1970's, the rock band REO Speedwagon lived there. At that time, the spacious living, dining and parlor rooms on the first floor, provided plenty of rehearsal space. It was fun to be in that space, imagining the band working on classics like: ROLL WITH THE CHANGES, GOLDEN COUNTRY & TIME FOR ME TO FLY.
Peace! 😎
The original recording absolutely wasn't done on 2-track, but in the Soundpush Studio in the Netherlands, an at the time very professional studio, where I have done some recording and mixing as well. And Cees Schrama, a famous Dutch keyboardplayer, didn't play organ, but in the studio he found a Hohner Pianet that he used.
Robbie van Leeuwen uses chickenpicking in the solo, so both with a plectum and fingers. No muted notes.
AH HA! Hohner Pianet...( Who knew?..lol) I played HELL combinin waveforms on my ole trusty SQ1 when I tracked this..LOL I FINALLY got that unique timbre/texture after 3 days of messin with it. Its CLOSE to my Mellotron settings.😎 Thanks for the info!
It looks like straightforward fingerstyle without a plectrum, certainly sounds like it.
Love the rawness of this cut.
So glad you are doing Shocking Blue reaction, they are all good musicians and Mariska,wow, what a voice, and very beautiful ❤️ more Shocking Blue please 😎 thanks 👍
This song is an iconic, yet quirky, heavy representation of the 60's.
The most extraordinary thing about this, Fil, as you picked up, is … no foldback. You’re 100% right to pick up on this, never mind the other important points.
This is a huge subject: it’s not to do with the vocal ability or the expertise: it’s about being able to HEAR.
I was chatting to the most decent rock musician of all time, Tich Amey, of Dave Dee, Dozy, etc., yesterday, and he was describing how he and the boys always used a four or five-part vocal harmony.
The those extraordinary harmonies in their… heads. There’s a whole series here, Fil, with bands like these guys and the Tremeloes who could play a full set of the most exquisite harmonies - and they were unbelievable musicians too: Albert Lee always says that Rick Westwood of the Trems was his idol - and get it right, somehow.
My old mate Chris Wynn, who did PA for countless bands and groups, including Diana Ross and the Motown bands, had always said that those bands who could hear the harmonies “in their heads” were the best, and he’s always spoken highly of Dave Dee, The Tremeloes, Marmalade, The Hollies, 10cc and Decameron, whom he calls the most talented and underrated band the UK has ever produced. Bass, cellist, guitarist and top tenor harmony Dik Cadbury went on to play with the unsurpassed Steve Hackett, again, using extraordinary harmonies and pinpoint foldback.
Your channel is the best thing on TH-cam, Fil: there are so many people, even worn-out old lags like me, who really enjoy your excellent and non-judgmental analyses of so many different types of music. It’s a breath of real fresh air, and your personal contributions are very helpful.
If you have time or the opportunity, please listen to “Wings” by Isobel Thatcher on TH-cam, or “Walking Down the Tracks.” Izzie has always refused to have pitch correction or autotune when recording, sometimes defiantly, and her vocals are all first take or, in extremis, second, even when working with Mike Wedgwood of Curved Air. She hasn’t two h’appenies to rub together but she has her pride of 700 live gigs and the now-defunct VocalTech, a huge mistake. “At the Hotel” live does demonstrate the essential nature of good slave amps: I can’t believe you’re the only one who’s picked up on it.
So many of my friends now picking up on your page now, because you understand. It means a lot to the kids: you should be very proud.
Anyway, very important and helpful, as always. Sorry I’ve been a bit quiet: unexpected spinal surgery but all ok. Very best Tom T
Hope your be recovering well there. Warm water dipping must be invigorating they say. 🤽♀️🙏
Hi Fil! For me one of the best songs from the late 1960s. There are songs you can hear almost any
number of times, and is still as good. "Shocking Blue - Venus" is one of those songs. Thanks Fil for
an interesting analysis of this masterpiece. 🎸🎤 🙂
Always loved this song. So nice hearing it again. I've never seen its performers! Another song I love: Roll to Me, by Del Amitri. In an unpleasant long-term relationship, I have never heard such understanding and compassion for a woman in distress as I've heard in this song. Thank you for your channel. God bless you.❤
Venus was a monsterhit.
Later she had a few minor hits.
When Robbie van Leeuwen left the band, she quit too and went to Germany singin in German.
Her father was Hungarian violist.
She had a 'gypsy heart'.
💖💜
Oh I knew a couple girls like that who broke my heart! Beware of gypsy girls!
It has one of the classic, Top Ten level, bass rifts in modern music. Used to be required for all bass players to master.
Simple but definitely inviting with a killer voice (not quite Grace Slick's style) but she holds her own. A fave of mine in highschool.
Robbie van Leeuwen is a highly underrated pop genius. He wrote almost all of their songs. They never had another hit as big as this one, but there are several other gems in their catalog.
One of the grooviest pop songs ever! The ahead of beat rhythm guitar upstrokes on the studio version are killer.
‘Sir Fil’, I loved this song. I think my older sisters used to listen to it and I learned the lyrics. What a voice Mariska had and the band-all in sync! It was ‘ a hooky riff’! Thanks for another great great analysis and your/everyone’s positivity. It’s helping me so much right now. God bless, Marianne aka Celtic Gal ❤ 7:40
You can't tell how good her voice is from this song you can tell from long and lonesome road and Harley Davidson and I'm a woman etc....
Cool to see you you reviewing a song from my high school years.
Edit to add that I heard Mariska spoke little or no English when they recorded the original version. If that's true, she did an amazing job of sounding like a native English speaker.
True - that 's why on the single recording she says godness (instead of 'goddess'). She was doing it phonetically.
Yep, gas wars where every station on a corner was trying to undercut the other - sometimes as low a 19 cents per gallon, driving around aimlessly in our VW Beetle listening to AM radio - this was one of the fun songs to sing.
Thanks for this! One of my favorite bands. As an American, I sometimes feel I'm the only one in this country who even knows who Shocking Blue is, outside of Venus, so it's nice to see them getting some recognition in current times. They have many great songs beyond Venus, too.
I grew up late 70s-80s but my main music was 50s-60s stuff that was already considered "oldies" by the time I learned it from the radio. I've heard this song many times but had never seen the group/singer. I wish I could've been cool like this girl. And how refreshing to hear real music for a change!
Fil,
It was before your time, but I recall that BANANARAMA had a big hit with this in the '80s. None of us teeny-boppers at the time had ANY idea that it was a "cover." Even @ 54 y.o. I still learn something new EVERY DAY.
Thanks, my man!
Benjamin
I was a middle school kid of around 13 or 14 yrs. old when this song came out. In fact, I had a little "Garage Band" with a couple friends and
did this song at a school dance.
Those were the good ole days of my youth, and the music was the best as well.
Thanks Fil
The hard-rocking, bass-heavy sound in this performance is reminiscent of the Peter Gunn theme song. I *LIKE* it!
pete dude i never thougt about that just yesterday i replaced the sleeve on mancinis original crown vinly think is 63 sometimes oldies channel will play and of course everyone knows art of noise friend dj played clubgoers loved it s.c.o.t.s. venerable n.c. band has played in club shows for years rick miller puts his own guitar style on the classic mary huff crunching bass dave hartmam drums crushing it may not be familiar with skids but always one the highlights of there club shows probably on youtube somewhere
I’ve never heard this live before.I like this better than the studio version!
One of my favorite all time songs. ...and she was just so mysteriously beautiful. Probably watched the OG video over 50 times!! Thanks for covering this one Phil!! ❤️🇺🇸
I love that you recognized that not only was she overcome by the loud band, but her voice was probably shot from doing a lot these appearances. I always have to defend singers because they couldn’t hear themselves or are just road weary. Cool Danelectro guitar too!
Great song, review and analysis. Mariska was a beauty.
I did not like this song whan it came out.
I LOVED it.
What a great analysis, as usual, Fil. Merci.
Danelectro Longhorn Bass-the first bass that I ever bought. It was advertised in the newspaper as a “Norelco” and costs $80. It was strung with round wound strings which was rare in 1966.
Very cool! I played a late 90s re-issue, but it sure was sweet and fun to play.
@@ghiaman65 Do you remember Jerry Jones guitars and basses? The bassist for NRBQ played a Jerry Jones bass. They looked just like Danelectro instruments but were made with better materials and were constructed better. He has since gone out of business.
I listened to this song so many times and didn't realize the lead singer was a lady! What a great voice! There isn't anything better than live music. Thanks, Fil.
I love watching Fil watch the video. It's obvious he loves it. His expressions say it all! And his analysis is always sooooooo interesting. He really knows his stuff!
This band is from the Netherlands and IIRC the singer did not speak English and had to sing phonetically. In any case I love it. Another great Dutch band from that era is Golden Earring and the song "Radar Love."
ha ha yes! I mentioned radar love by Golden Earring in my comment too. Lol.
Great song.
@@daisywrabbit It really is.
The Number of great Dutch bands is simply legion. Shocking Blue, Golden Earring, Focus, Ekseption, Pussycat (with a terrific singer, Toni Willé), ...
@@klausschneider1045 I have not heard of the others but will definitely check them out. Thank you!
@@klausschneider1045 and, though a Dutch pop duo vs a band, Mouth and MacNeal. Their 1972 hit "How Do You Do" is simply great. Both of their voices are really beautiful.
Fil your knack for picking out songs is unreal. Mariska Veres died in 2006 . However this song will live on forever. She kind of has the female version of Rod Stewart vocal to my ears. Very Husky voice . Thanks Fil
"Send Me A Postcard" was a lesser-known, but a great fuzzed-up 60s rocker by The Shocking Blue. Thanks, FIL!
What a surprise to hear this live. Loved it! It was driving, heavy and had a totally different feel from the studio version. Both are great…
Here in the USA the Shocking Blue were consider as a one hit wounder with Venus in their hay day in the 1960's and 70's thanks to TH-cam I have discovered more of their catalogs of songs. in my opinion Mariska Veres vocals are one of Rocks female vocalist that are over look at times.
I concur 😎
They had many great songs.
Do you know the German group "Frumpy" with Inga Rumpf as their lead singer..?
Search for "Rosalie" or "Indian Rope Man" here on YT and you will see (hear)..!
Marvelous song and singer. Thanks for bringing this live version.
Nice choice here, Fil. I’d never seen the actual live version (faux live only). It’s also understated sexy 😍
EDIT: You play that SO well 👏🏻
I was 14 when this song came out, there were several great female singers around this time. My favourites were Carole King, Patti Smith and Joni Mitchell, I could probably have a list miles long. Thanks Fil, now I am reminiscing about a fantastic time 8n my life with all the songs I so enjoyed. Spotify here I come. Your ch{ice 9f song was great Fil, thanks again. Be well and safe 🤟
This is a fantastic version of this song. It’s got a sort of rough-edged punk-rock swagger to it.
Many thanks Fil and you did it again! 'Venus' ... unique vocals ... effortless vivacity ... eternal magic ... one of the great iconic songs of the late 1960s!
I only remember the cover of this song from when I was a teen. It was a massive hit in 1986. This version is way groovier. Her voice gives me Grace Slick vibes too. Thanks for shining a light on this classic. Congrats on 301k🖤🤘!
Thanks!
I love the music from that era.❤
Thank you for featuring this underappreciated act ( at least in the U.S.) Mariska's voice reminded me of Grace Slick's. The flip side of the 45 called Hot Sand was great too
1970 was a great year.😁
🤘🎸 👍👍
I was 12 years old and lived in Southern California and had this song on a 45 and loved it.
Love this song! Reminds me of roller skating at the rink in 1970. I always thought it was a guy singing it. We had lots of bubble gum music back then where the male singers had high voices. You can make out the Dutch accent.
This is a great dance tune. A band called QUEEN CITY PUNX played it at my HS Spring Dance. They were a psuedo-glitter act from Springfield Mo early/mid 1970s.
Man, they killed this without the keys... nice. Used to do this tune back in the day (with keys! Lol) Always loved her voice too, even though it was many years till I found out it was a girl singing!
Oh man. My age is showing here. When I saw the title Venus, I was all happy that it was going to be Frankie Avalon's romantic version in the 50's. But I remember this well too. But oh the romantic ballad is so sweet! 😊
I thought it was going to be about the Frankie Avalon hit as well, LOL
We must be about the same age@@RosaKay55! I'm 75. So fun remembering those days! 😊💜
I'm with you in remembering that song
Great singer and great song...I listened to the more modern version now on YTube....wonderful analysis as always..😊😊😊
That was awesome, but you didn't didn't cover the COMPLICATED VERY BEGINNING PART! What was that? 😂😅❤! I WAS FOOLED! This was a great video. She has a great voice. It kinda reminds me of a low Any Winehouse voice. The song is fantastic and one of the members wrote it? It became iconic. It's still played on a razor commercial in the US for a lady razor/shaver called VENUS ironically. So it has STAYING POWER. I give it two thumbs up! 😂
I graduated from high school in 1967 and this was a big hit, definitely brings back wonderful memories
I was in JR High
Loved this song back in ‘69-‘70 when it first came out. Still love it.
The groove created by the guitars, bass and organ is utterly compelling - genius. This track never gets old. Thanks Fil.
Interesting points there, Fil. I was about 9 when this came out. I liked it even then.😁
The guitar solo in this song is amazing! Clear and bluesy.
Thank you for explaining.
Thought about it only a couple of days ago.
Even though I was only 8 years old at the time, and had no idea what she looked like, or even what her name was, I had a huge crush on Mariska.
She had a great voice. Seeing that voice come out of that tiny woman was a treat. This is a legendary song.
I remember this song from the 80's but also great to hear the live original version. Great analysis Fil!
Bananarama covered it in the 80s.
I love the "Venus" ❤
Yes, of course, and Mariskas unique voice
The songwriter, Robbie van Leeuwen, a very nice guy by the way, could live just of the royalty's of this 1 song! he did make some interesting songs in the 70,s along with Dutch keyboard superstar Rick van der Linden
I remember listening to that on my tiny transistor radio as a little kid. Loved it!
Shocking blue is one of my favourite bands, hidden gem i say
Thanks for mentioning the opening lyric being "A godness"...had a tough time with that one for years! lol 😁♥
Instantly recognisable riff that must be a guitar player’s fave to practice. Singer reminds me of Grace Slick but raspier. Great analysis and jam.
There's something compelling and wonderful about this hooky song
I've remembered since I was q little kid bit its one of those cool songs that seems even better after time
Great Song to analyze
One of those great songs that stays fresh
Great song. Well before Fil’s time. Thanks as always for the analysis.
I’m here for the bassist Klaasje van der Wal & would love to hear him speak in the interview (too bad I don’t speak Dutch) he’s so darn sexy 🥵!! He came up with the band’s name, Love this song. Thanks Fil!
Great video, Fil! This was one of my favorite songs when I was a kid. I played the 45 over and over again on my mom's portable record player. I didn't know until today that the lead singer was female! I see by other comments that I'm not alone. 😂
The missing instrument is not an organ but an electric piano, or according to the Dutch Wikipedia, a special sounding Clavinet that was found in the studio.
And it was played by Cees Schrama (Casey) who was an important session musician at that time.
mariSHka vereSH , she's Hungarian , knew about twenty five English words ; that vibrato in her voice is that she sings Magyar songs in English with a three piece behind , no fiddle ; love your videos , love more your erudition , cheers !
Mariska Veres was born in The Hague, The Netherlands. Although her father was born in Hungary and was also a musician. You can say that she had more a gipsy background because of her family.
Hi Fil,
This was SO Groovy!! I loved this analysis. Mariska had a very unique vocal ability and sound and it really is epic in this performance. Now she was a really cool cat! Thank you so much for the guitar technique demonstration… and I even know those chords. Very exciting as I am relearning to play guitar. I love these simple yet complex songs, reminds me of White Rabbit (which I Love). This was an awesome analysis! Absolutely one of your BEST and they are all good. Have a great night… Debbie☮️
I'm very proud of this band, originating from my home country.
Yeah, baby, she’s got it! Fantastic to hear this song, again. The guitar and vocals are both so good! She’s got a strong voice. You’re so right, Fil, it’s so CATCHY!! I enjoyed you playing, too, to demonstrate the guitar sounds we’re hearing. You’re very kind and positive in all your videos, which is always appreciated.
My daughter, cousin and I were sitting around one Thanksgiving after dinner trying to figure out how to play this one. You've showed us some things that may help us revive our attempts to play this awesome song!
Fil, your attention to detail and precision is equal to your enthusiasm. A joy to watch and listen. . . For what seems like a fairly simple song, there's a lot of sweet n subtle stuff going on in there. A cake with lots of cherries on top. . . Unique song and delivery. . . Blessings. . .
Oh, that was my favorite song at the time!
Fantastic song and band. Thanks for the analysis, Fil 🖤🤘🏽
I live in Illinois, which has quite a rich history of ROCK MUSIC. When I get out of this REHABILITATION CENTER, that I have been living in for nearly five (5) years, I am moving to my "FOREVER HOME" in Mount Prospect, IL.
In the 1960's the Mount Prospect band, THE SHADOWS OF KNIGHT, had a hit with a cover-version of Van Morrison's (THEM) song, G-L-O-R-I-A. You may have heard of the 70's Rock Band CHEAP TRICK. I don't know if you have any way of watching American Television, but if you are able to watch an episode of THAT 70'S SHOW somewhere, they took one of CHEAP TRICK's songs, to use for the theme.
I simply adore Dennis DeYoung's, lead vocalist of STYX, voice. STYX is another "Chicago Band."
Best Dutch band ever. Must have been 8-9 years old. Mariska only Dutch singer singing English without an accent. Every boy was in love with her. RIP. Robbie van Leeuwen was an incredible songwriter, such great popsongs and the famous Dm6 wasn’t it? But other songs also great ink in the ink pot, never marry a railroad man. Memories..
B7sus4 was the chord
Let's not forget Pussycat. They were great, and the lead singer was superb. 👌
My 1st time hearing this without organ and really enjoyed the bass standing out 👍
Always loved this song as a young kid in the 60s. It was AM radio transistor days and listening to it under the covers at night. Great days of the Beatles, Motown etc getting my mind started. Great song and they Kicked butt on this tune.
Oh yes! Memories of those little transistor radios and listening in bed on school nights. To Radio Caroline and Johnnie Walker doing his good night slow song and sounding all smoochie at 11 o'clock! Gosh those few words of yours instantly took me right back to 14yo awkward adolescence, DJ and pop star crushes and the pirate radio stations. Thanks for the memory!
I always loved the strident rhythm guitar, and the double stops, distinctive sound!
And Mariska Veres' stoic beauty really sealed the delivery. Oh the years of white lipstick!
Loved every aspect of the analysis you did on this. I really liked this song when it came out back in the day. Thank you again Fil.
I love this song i grow up in the 60,s and 70,s
I've probably seen/heard this video or film before, but I'm reminded now of how good this song was for then, especially on 2 track. I'm still listening... it's great! I've always loved it. And as usual the way Fil explains what all is good about it, especially the beautiful overall simplicity, (he explains it perfectly), was very wise! It's actually diametrically opposite to what I've heard others say (that songs from back then or from today are too simple). It depends, obviously. Also, I was always curious about what turned out to be a misprint/mis-pronunciation he also pointed out... very interesting! Fil really covers everything about a song release; about the band, everything! It's so interesting!
Yay!! Shocking Blue is so underrated, imo!
Thank you Fil for doing this one. You fit right in. I remember this song first from Jr. High, then forgot it many years till a couple months ago Professor of Rock I believe did a piece on it in his series "Lightning In A Bottle." Love the driving rhythm, rhythm guitar Who-like, Mariska's singing. I learned Mariska was Hungarian-Gypsy Dutch. She is wearing a wig. And she knew, or was taught Egyptian style eye-makeup. The rhythm guitarist writer (only one who's still alive, sadly) had the song and band but hadn't settled on a singer --then they saw Mariska.