Midnight oil was one of the first songs that I remember from my childhood that I recognized the significance of the message of the song. It is about the native peoples of Australia and how they have been treated historically. Lots of parallels to how things have been in Canada too. It really gave me the idea that music could have a social conscience. This song, and Genesis's Land of confusion are some of my favourite songs from the 80's.
I was 25 when this song came out, I'd just given birth to my son. I saw them live in 84 in Adelaide...Peter Garrett's stage presence and energy are like nothing you've experienced before ... much like his dancing which is intense! He's about 7 feet tall too, yeah I get you, his voice is unique and an acquired taste for sure but it does grow on you. They have so many songs with powerful messages, well worth checking out some more songs.
Love love love Midnight Oil. They were huge back then. 1987, my first full year in Toronto and in my own place, new career. This band out of Australia hits with this great sound & singing about aboriginal land rights - just amazing. Great memories. Thanks Ash (& Doug!) - As a follow-up, Dreamworld is fantastic!
Such a blast from the past! I remember this playing on MTV. And that concert was such a jam! It brought tears to my eyes. I can only imagine what it would have been like to be there!
The song had a socio-political message that is significant . About Aboriginals land rights and culture in Australia, a life situation that is still an issue today. The song appealed to me then not so much for the musical abilities but as he was willing to raise awareness through music. The lead singer Peter Garrett became the Minister of Environment in Australia.
Oh my god! I was 19 then... it was played in the clubs. My English was so poor, I didn't understand anything but beds are burning 😂 the old times... thank you for bringing back those memories ❤
gr8 reaction ash ... i was 26 when this album came out, i was in germany, i think the main reason i loved it was because of the lyrics, and the sound was so unique at the time ... still one of my favorite albums ... namaste my friend ... r0ck 0n ... \m/
OK, that song it reminded you and you wondered which same earlier is Smoke On The Water by Deep Purple, and it´s on their Album Machine Head from 1971. Since you love songs with meaning you should definitely check out the history behind this song, it is about a fire in Montreux, when at a Frank Zappa concert someone fired a flare gun and the whole casino burned down. The band was witness of it and wrote a song about it.
Like the Warning , MO is incredible live. Only band I have ever seen that creates an insane live energy and directs it outwards from the crowd, not inwards. Quite a strange feeling. Like The Warning most of their songs sound really easy to play and just plain aren't! Re the singing: Remember this is primarily a "punk" band.
As an Aussie and an "Oils fan" I found your review very brave and generous '- an acquired taste more suited to young urban males judging by the concert's I've been. Thanks again - glad you warmed up knowing their background. Garrett was a lawyer by the way
I completely forgot about this song and now the chorus will be stuck in my head for days! Also that is my favorite Good Charlotte album. I won't skip any song on it. So Good! Been waiting for them to make a comeback like Simple Plan and Sum 41.
Midnight Oil are one of very few bands who managed to be hugely popular with material that deals with a range of important social issues. They have not compromised on their principles for 46 years. The singer, Peter Garett, is a true Renaissance man, musician, lawyer, activist, president of the Australian Conservation Foundation (twice), board member of Greenpeace International, member of the Australian parliament, government minister (two different portfolios) and author.
Is strong meaning behind the song it's about taking Australia from the first Australian people such a powerful meaning to the song hope you caught that if not take another listen
Several Australian rock bands released songs regarding the plight of Australia's Aborigines. A band you might like to listen to is an indigenous band called Yothu Yindi, and their biggest hit is titled Treaty. Aboriginal rights is currently a hot topic in Australia at the moment. Aboriginal culture is the oldest, continuous culture in the world, and has been dated back 70,000 years; to the time Neanderthals were still roaming Europe. Western culture was established in Australia from around 1788, with British colonization through both convict transportation and free settlers; only a moment in time.
It's like if Space Jam were a musical. Seriously though, this song was iconic back then, for quite a few years. It has something that just grows on you. And it's not every day you see a master of kaminoan dance moves.
When was the last time you heard a rock song with a didgeridoo? I loved this song when it came out but I have never heard another song from them. I'm with you on his voice. I find it interesting, but I don't think I could listen to a whole album of that (assuming he always sings that way). Now, having heard the live version I can tell he has a decent voice. I look forward to hearing some more songs from the album. Yeah, it extended the song, but I love how he brought people up on stage. How often do we see that these days? It was also likely the finale since this is their best-known song.
@@ashlenamusic Didgeridoo is actually an English word. * Yidaki is the Aboriginal word for didgeridoo in eastern Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia, among the Yolngu Matha-speaking people who call themselves Yolngu.
Midnight Oil are on a another level live - watch some of their stuff like I dont want to be the One from Wanda Beach when they are full on Punk or the Oils on the Water concert and you'll see how amazing they were live.
Oh my middle school/Jr. High days, used to rock this while summer training for upcoming Sports. Great Song! Find some INXS! That is a band I guarantee you'll Like! Rock On!⚡✌️🤟⚠️⚡
@@ashlenamusic Michael Hutchins is a great vocalist, was, unfortunately he passed in '97/’98 I think. I was in Banff AB running my Ski Bizz at the time is why I kinda remember. Anyway, they have a good half dozen or more really Great songs and videos to react to. What you Need and Need you Tonight, either would be a good start. There are more and if ya do like em you'll have multiple reactions to post. Either way, enjoy your reactions. Take care..✌️🤟 Rock On TW Army!⚡✌️🤟⚠️⚡
Fun fact: this song was covered in a special covers album by AWOLNation in collaboration with other artists. In the same album, there is this cover of "Maniac" by AWOLNation with none other than Conor Mason 😁
@ashlinamusic you should check out the metal cover of this song by a guy called Leo Moracchioli. He's a multi-instrumentalist from Norway who reworks ALL kinds of songs. He's got a massive catalogue to peruse.
Lead singer Peter Garrett is Australian Civil Rights Royalty. Did you understand the message ??? Much like the Native American Indian, The Australian Aborigine were on the verge of extinction from British settlers/invaders.
This will be interesting if you actually do spin the full record because this is a band that grows on you the more you listen. The font (I still have my first edition vinyl) makes me think of the way Aborigines blow paint on the rock walls. They are a band that holds Indigenous value for their country and makes music about it. The more you watch old MTV from the 80's and 90's, the more you can appreciate the artistic value in their video. Most of them videos at that time were of the utmost poor quality. It was a hit back in its day. They aren't my favorite band, not even close, but they stood out enough for me to use my earned allowance money as a kid to buy it. I would think a full listen would turn you into a fan, it would be interesting to see. I'm groovin' on your first listen honesty. New sub.
Maybe if you looked into the meaning of this song, you might have a different view. The lead singer is emoting frustration and urgency in the way he delivers the vocals. As I’m sure many others posting comments have explained, this is a very powerful song rooted in the history of the treatment of the Aboriginal people who are native to Australia and were systematically robbed of their identity, their land, their rights, their freedom by the White Europeans who colonized Australia and removed the native Aboriginal peoples from their own lands. The song is a powerful and moving statement.
He sings with a very pronounced Aussie accent, unlike some other well-known Australian singers (think Olivia Newton-John, Sia, or Kieth Urban), which given that you didn’t recognize the accent, is perhaps partly why his voice didn’t appeal to you. 😎👍
If you. Have a chance. To. Go see a band. Before they pass. . Dump it n spend. Go see em. Only fuew Tripps around 🌎 earth. I burn up all my credit cards. To see my bands. I. Love music to. Thanx ashlena. Say a prayer for Toby Keith.
So. Next week. I'm going to see a friend. And when I get to deitrot. I will. Stop at best record shosp ever. Jack to. White stripes. His record shop. He has record presses. I've always wanted to see. I do my best. Jack white. Deitrot Michigan.
Obviously Australians. The lead singer ran for office and won a seat in, I believe, the Australian Parliament. The group disbanded and I have no idea if they ever got back together.
The thing you have to understand about Midnight Oil is that they were a political band and music & voice was absolutely secondary to the message they were getting across.
Yeah, because I’m sure everyone who’s ever heard this song for the first time without knowing who this band is and what they’re about would know exactly what this song is about…
Are you kidding? Peter Garret is a great lead singer. Beds are burning is the song the record companies chose for the US. They had many hits outside of the US. Don’t judge them on one song. Check out any version of The power and the passion live. The fact that you are saying “this is so random” during the live performance shows you don’t really get them. I suspect Americans are too conventional and prefer boring performances.
I literally said I don’t judge bands on one song and obviously if this is my first time ever listening to them or watching them I’m not going to know what they’re about it’s understandable.
Why do Americans miss the point of the song? It’s about social injustice to the indigenous peoples of Australia. Some times a bit of research prior to listening to a record.
Very politically motivated song so it tends to polarize people - the song is pretty catchy so it does sweep you in but often people hear the lyrics and then just think it is too preachy. I don’t want a political message when I want entertainment
@@ashlenamusicI think it makes them even more amazing. Most of their songs throughput their entire career have meaningful messages about indigenous people, the environment, corporate greed etc…you won’t hear a love song. They are great musicians and very entertaining in my opinion. They are easily in top 5 Aussie acts of all time. Most Americans have not heard about them apart from this one song I guess but they have 13 or 14 albums.
This song was decades ahead of its time.
Or decades to late . . .
Great song . .
Midnight oil was one of the first songs that I remember from my childhood that I recognized the significance of the message of the song. It is about the native peoples of Australia and how they have been treated historically. Lots of parallels to how things have been in Canada too. It really gave me the idea that music could have a social conscience. This song, and Genesis's Land of confusion are some of my favourite songs from the 80's.
This song was so big when it came out and the video was on heavy to on mtv .
I remember the MTV video😊
Great song. The lead singer Peter Garrett, later became a member of parliament. and was a minister for school and for the environment.
Wow! Thats fitting
I remember them being played on MTV in 80.s when I was in high school. Good song. Hv good weekend ashlena.
You too Scott!
@@ashlenamusicTake care of your records Ashlena, get some clear record covers for them.
@@ashlenamusicThis songs kicks but!😊
I was 25 when this song came out, I'd just given birth to my son. I saw them live in 84 in Adelaide...Peter Garrett's stage presence and energy are like nothing you've experienced before ... much like his dancing which is intense! He's about 7 feet tall too, yeah I get you, his voice is unique and an acquired taste for sure but it does grow on you. They have so many songs with powerful messages, well worth checking out some more songs.
I definitely will!!
I was there too in 84 memorial drive I was 17
Love love love Midnight Oil. They were huge back then. 1987, my first full year in Toronto and in my own place, new career. This band out of Australia hits with this great sound & singing about aboriginal land rights - just amazing. Great memories. Thanks Ash (& Doug!) - As a follow-up, Dreamworld is fantastic!
That’s awesome! Everyone loves a throwback!
Such a blast from the past! I remember this playing on MTV. And that concert was such a jam! It brought tears to my eyes. I can only imagine what it would have been like to be there!
The song had a socio-political message that is significant . About Aboriginals land rights and culture in Australia, a life situation that is still an issue today. The song appealed to me then not so much for the musical abilities but as he was willing to raise awareness through music. The lead singer Peter Garrett became the Minister of Environment in Australia.
Yes, everybody knows this, smart ass.
Oh my god! I was 19 then... it was played in the clubs. My English was so poor, I didn't understand anything but beds are burning 😂 the old times... thank you for bringing back those memories ❤
Hahahaha awww glad I could bring back some memories for you!
@@ashlenamusicThat's the crowds I want to see at a Warning concert all singing their songs.
Classic song still sounds good
gr8 reaction ash ... i was 26 when this album came out, i was in germany, i think the main reason i loved it was because of the lyrics, and the sound was so unique at the time ... still one of my favorite albums ... namaste my friend ... r0ck 0n ... \m/
Oh wow! I definitely need to spin this record and hear it all
I was 23 when this album came out in France, and I even not remember the hundred times I've listen this song. Thanks Ashlena for this souvenir.
Aww no problem!
OK, that song it reminded you and you wondered which same earlier is Smoke On The Water by Deep Purple, and it´s on their Album Machine Head from 1971. Since you love songs with meaning you should definitely check out the history behind this song, it is about a fire in Montreux, when at a Frank Zappa concert someone fired a flare gun and the whole casino burned down. The band was witness of it and wrote a song about it.
They are using one of those native music instruments i forget the name. Cool!
The Didgeridoo
Like the Warning , MO is incredible live. Only band I have ever seen that creates an insane live energy and directs it outwards from the crowd, not inwards. Quite a strange feeling. Like The Warning most of their songs sound really easy to play and just plain aren't!
Re the singing: Remember this is primarily a "punk" band.
Yeah I have to keep that in mind
As an Aussie and an "Oils fan" I found your review very brave and generous '- an acquired taste more suited to young urban males judging by the concert's I've been. Thanks again - glad you warmed up knowing their background. Garrett was a lawyer by the way
Appreciate it
The stone house is just outside an old mining town called Burra in South Australia
Pretty good. I have lots of vinyl but most are older.
Nothing wrong with a good old vinyl!
I completely forgot about this song and now the chorus will be stuck in my head for days! Also that is my favorite Good Charlotte album. I won't skip any song on it. So Good! Been waiting for them to make a comeback like Simple Plan and Sum 41.
Right!! It’s a classic. I don’t care for a comeback but I do love this album haha
Midnight Oil are one of very few bands who managed to be hugely popular with material that deals with a range of important social issues. They have not compromised on their principles for 46 years. The singer, Peter Garett, is a true Renaissance man, musician, lawyer, activist, president of the Australian Conservation Foundation (twice), board member of Greenpeace International, member of the Australian parliament, government minister (two different portfolios) and author.
Is strong meaning behind the song it's about taking Australia from the first Australian people such a powerful meaning to the song hope you caught that if not take another listen
I saw the Oil at Seabird Island, Agassiz, BC in July 1993.
I was 14 when I got this cassette for Christmas along with the Cure. Post punk music was my life! This brings back so many memories
Awww glad this could be nostalgic for you
Golden age of shows when people experienced with eyes and ears instead of phones.
The album's called Diesel and Dust but in fact, it's Gold.
Love that
Smoke on the water by Deep Purple was what you were thinking of. That came before this.
That’s right!
I love vocalist that have their own style and particular sound......Midnight Oil are the best!!!
Several Australian rock bands released songs regarding the plight of Australia's Aborigines. A band you might like to listen to is an indigenous band called Yothu Yindi, and their biggest hit is titled Treaty. Aboriginal rights is currently a hot topic in Australia at the moment. Aboriginal culture is the oldest, continuous culture in the world, and has been dated back 70,000 years; to the time Neanderthals were still roaming Europe. Western culture was established in Australia from around 1788, with British colonization through both convict transportation and free settlers; only a moment in time.
Brilliant track from Aussie legends. You have to check out any live version of Power and the Passion
👍🏽
It's like if Space Jam were a musical. Seriously though, this song was iconic back then, for quite a few years. It has something that just grows on you. And it's not every day you see a master of kaminoan dance moves.
He is in my opinion a great lead singer. The band is a great live experience.
Great band. The drummer is amazing live. Also check out Aussie legends Cold Chisel if you haven’t done so yet.
When was the last time you heard a rock song with a didgeridoo? I loved this song when it came out but I have never heard another song from them. I'm with you on his voice. I find it interesting, but I don't think I could listen to a whole album of that (assuming he always sings that way). Now, having heard the live version I can tell he has a decent voice. I look forward to hearing some more songs from the album.
Yeah, it extended the song, but I love how he brought people up on stage. How often do we see that these days? It was also likely the finale since this is their best-known song.
lol a didgeridoo I can’t believe That’s what it’s called
😂 You hadn't heard of those?
Haha I have the name just kills me
@@ashlenamusic 🤣
@@ashlenamusic
Didgeridoo is actually an English word.
* Yidaki is the Aboriginal word for didgeridoo in eastern Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory of Australia, among the Yolngu Matha-speaking people who call themselves Yolngu.
Midnight Oil are on a another level live - watch some of their stuff like I dont want to be the One from Wanda Beach when they are full on Punk or the Oils on the Water concert and you'll see how amazing they were live.
❤
Oh my middle school/Jr. High days, used to rock this while summer training for upcoming Sports. Great Song! Find some INXS! That is a band I guarantee you'll Like! Rock On!⚡✌️🤟⚠️⚡
haha I know of INXS but never dived into their music... something to definitely check out.
@@ashlenamusic Michael Hutchins is a great vocalist, was, unfortunately he passed in '97/’98 I think. I was in Banff AB running my Ski Bizz at the time is why I kinda remember. Anyway, they have a good half dozen or more really Great songs and videos to react to. What you Need and Need you Tonight, either would be a good start. There are more and if ya do like em you'll have multiple reactions to post. Either way, enjoy your reactions. Take care..✌️🤟
Rock On TW Army!⚡✌️🤟⚠️⚡
@@ashlenamusicINXS has some great music! Specially their live concert!
Great song! 👍
You should listen to "Outbreak of Love" and see of that changes your mind
Peter Garrett was one the greatest live performers ive ever seen. Right after Joe Strummer
Waiting with much anticipation for your sleep token “this place will become your tomb” reaction.
Hopefully next week. Had to get through spiritbox’s eternal blue. Then I got sick :(
@@ashlenamusic wishing you a speedy recovery :)
Appreciate it
Smoke On The Water - Band's name: Deep Purple... it came out first.
I know that song well xx
Fun fact: this song was covered in a special covers album by AWOLNation in collaboration with other artists. In the same album, there is this cover of "Maniac" by AWOLNation with none other than Conor Mason 😁
SHUT UP
@ashlinamusic you should check out the metal cover of this song by a guy called Leo Moracchioli. He's a multi-instrumentalist from Norway who reworks ALL kinds of songs. He's got a massive catalogue to peruse.
Peter i do think with his strange dancing skills, does give hope to us all drunk uncles at parties..........
Hahahaha
Peter Garrett was elected to the Australian senate
This song was instrumental is Austrailia granting lands to Native Austrailians.
Amazing
Lead singer Peter Garrett is Australian Civil Rights Royalty. Did you understand the message ??? Much like the Native American Indian, The Australian Aborigine were on the verge of extinction from British settlers/invaders.
As a first listen I might’ve not gotten it but I get it doesn’t mean I have to love the song but the meaning is beautiful
Amazing band always with a political stand. His voice can be an acquired taste but a fantastic front man.❤🇦🇺
If you don’t like this (Beds are Burning, Midnight Oil), I can only imagine what you do llike🤷🏼♂️. Good Grief
Other music 🤷🏽♀️
This will be interesting if you actually do spin the full record because this is a band that grows on you the more you listen. The font (I still have my first edition vinyl) makes me think of the way Aborigines blow paint on the rock walls. They are a band that holds Indigenous value for their country and makes music about it. The more you watch old MTV from the 80's and 90's, the more you can appreciate the artistic value in their video. Most of them videos at that time were of the utmost poor quality. It was a hit back in its day. They aren't my favorite band, not even close, but they stood out enough for me to use my earned allowance money as a kid to buy it. I would think a full listen would turn you into a fan, it would be interesting to see. I'm groovin' on your first listen honesty. New sub.
awww welcome to my channel :)
Maybe if you looked into the meaning of this song, you might have a different view. The lead singer is emoting frustration and urgency in the way he delivers the vocals. As I’m sure many others posting comments have explained, this is a very powerful song rooted in the history of the treatment of the Aboriginal people who are native to Australia and were systematically robbed of their identity, their land, their rights, their freedom by the White Europeans who colonized Australia and removed the native Aboriginal peoples from their own lands. The song is a powerful and moving statement.
Thanks for sharing!
He sings with a very pronounced Aussie accent, unlike some other well-known Australian singers (think Olivia Newton-John, Sia, or Kieth Urban), which given that you didn’t recognize the accent, is perhaps partly why his voice didn’t appeal to you. 😎👍
Oh hell to the no. I LOVE me an aussie accent. I actually prefer when people sing with their accents than without.
If you. Have a chance. To. Go see a band. Before they pass. . Dump it n spend. Go see em. Only fuew Tripps around 🌎 earth. I burn up all my credit cards. To see my bands. I. Love music to. Thanx ashlena. Say a prayer for Toby Keith.
Amazing!! Good on you for seeing your favorite band
So. Next week. I'm going to see a friend. And when I get to deitrot. I will. Stop at best record shosp ever. Jack to. White stripes. His record shop. He has record presses. I've always wanted to see. I do my best. Jack white. Deitrot Michigan.
No way that’s amazing
You have no idea what this is about , and that is understandable . If it wasn't for the internet you Americans wouldn't even know we here !
I’m not American.
@@ashlenamusic My apologies . I should not have assumed .
Appreciate the apology
@@ashlenamusic fkn clueless
Obviously Australians. The lead singer ran for office and won a seat in, I believe, the Australian Parliament. The group disbanded and I have no idea if they ever got back together.
The singer was a senator in the Australian Senate.
@@gregjetnikoff7124 Thanks!!
No. The Oils are still together and performing. Legends.
I hope you react to some Polaris at some point 😊
The thing you have to understand about Midnight Oil is that they were a political band and music & voice was absolutely secondary to the message they were getting across.
Makes sense. I tend to focus on music and voices so that’s probably why I don’t resonate with them much
Straight over the top of her head.
Yeah, because I’m sure everyone who’s ever heard this song for the first time without knowing who this band is and what they’re about would know exactly what this song is about…
@@ashlenamusic I'm glad we agree, you'd have to miss every single lyric and miss every first nation person in the video, half assed attempt
Thanks for watching
@@ashlenamusic If only you had watched it... bwahahahaaaaa 🤣🤣🤣
Are you kidding? Peter Garret is a great lead singer. Beds are burning is the song the record companies chose for the US. They had many hits outside of the US. Don’t judge them on one song. Check out any version of The power and the passion live. The fact that you are saying “this is so random” during the live performance shows you don’t really get them. I suspect Americans are too conventional and prefer boring performances.
I literally said I don’t judge bands on one song and obviously if this is my first time ever listening to them or watching them I’m not going to know what they’re about it’s understandable.
Also I am not American.
Also you have a trump photo and a trump username… so….
@@ashlenamusic ha ha.. sorry! I love making fun of the old Trumpsta.
I don’t like the live version where the backup singer is louder than he is.
Why do Americans miss the point of the song? It’s about social injustice to the indigenous peoples of Australia. Some times a bit of research prior to listening to a record.
I’m not American and I checked out the point of the song at the end
Too negative, analyse the lyrics and the music.
Not all reactions are positive
Wow. Somehow missed the point of the song entirely despite listening to it twice.
Well if you finished the video I did find out the reason it was written so...
Very politically motivated song so it tends to polarize people - the song is pretty catchy so it does sweep you in but often people hear the lyrics and then just think it is too preachy. I don’t want a political message when I want entertainment
Yeah and that’s probably one reason why I don’t care for it
@@ashlenamusicI think it makes them even more amazing. Most of their songs throughput their entire career have meaningful messages about indigenous people, the environment, corporate greed etc…you won’t hear a love song. They are great musicians and very entertaining in my opinion. They are easily in top 5 Aussie acts of all time. Most Americans have not heard about them apart from this one song I guess but they have 13 or 14 albums.
Do you not understand the meaning behind the song?
Yeah I read afterwards what it was about
So u dont like his voice but the friggin message is what its all about...disappointed...About the Aboriginals in Australia...
Just because it’s a good message doesn’t mean you automatically have to love the song
midnight oil [- dead heart