I think Nik Kershaw is one of the most underrated musicians in Europe. It's sad that many people think that he was just a pretty teenage idol in the eighties. I've listened to him since I was a child, and it's only now as an adult that I realise how fantastic he is. Lyrics, melodies, harmonies, and a really good singer & guitar player. His latest album is also really good.
I think that when I met him some 4 years ago, I was so overwhelmed meeting someone I so appreciated for so many years that I forgot to tell how much I really appreciate him.
I LOVE Nik Kershaw!! Great 80's memories!! Voice of my youth too!! I can close my eyes & still see him in the white TV screen suit in the video!!..MTV was so powerful!!..Well done, maybe you should cover this track, Fil!!...✌️❤️🤘😎
Great analysis Fil . You have managed to highlight all the reasons why Nik Kershaw is such a great talent and , in my opinion, stands head and shoulders above so many of his contempories. He has it all - great singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer. Always produced interesting songs with unpredictable chord changes, exceptional lyrics, different guitar sounds and textures and great hooks. Unlike so many artists you couldn't just pick up a guitar and play one of his songs. You needed to sit down and work out exactly what it was that he was playing and it was never easy ! He deserved to achieve more success than he actually did and it is sad that so many lesser talents captured the publics imagination more than Nik. Thanks Fil for spending time on this and drawing attention to the unique skill and ability of this great artist.
Nik is one of my favorites....I got hip to him late as he wasn't big in the states...I knew this song but wasn't aware of the vast catalogue he has recorded. He is often overlooked for the incredible guitarist that he is....He is killer! Check out the live versions of his hits on youtube and the recent ones with Go West. The guy is insanely great in so many ways....wide boy is great...and I won't let the sun go down on me...the live ones he cuts loose...thanks for giving Nik his propers! Love him!
Yes! I know this is a late reply, but I discovered him much the same way! I had his first album and played the hell out of it. Then in the 90s I made a friend who had all the UK stuff and 12” singles that I didn’t know existed!
Irresistible!!! It's as much fun to hear an artist I don't know as one that I already love. Of course, a guitar demo of the fine points made me love him even more. Bravo!
@@mevrammcoyoteV8f150 It IS a cool song! I am always wheeling my grocery cart to get right under the overhead speakers at the store when there's a song I like. Well, when I used to go to the store *sigh*.
Excellent. Nik is brilliant, and that solo remains one of my favourites. The way it is doubled with the brass (which was apparently a spur of the moment thing) makes it an absolute classic. Nicely detailed analysis, Fil, as always :)
Just to say how much I'm a Kershaw fan : back in the eighties "Wouldn't it be good" and "The Riddle" were my absolute favourite songs, BUT I didn't know it was from the same artist. That's to say how much musical genius Nik is. And most of his other songs are at the same level, hit-single or just album tracks. To me that's simple : On one side there's all the pop scene, and on the other side, there's Nik Kershaw : totally above the others, musically.
Such a great trip down memory lane. I had forgotten about Nick Kershaw and it was so good to re-visit this song. Thanks for an excellent analysis, Fil.
I had heard this song in the 80s but it was not until 2019 that I really dug into his music and now he is one of my favourite artists along with Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce and Al Stewart.
Nik was such a big influence on my music. His chord progressions and the quality of his studio production always sent chills down my back. Amazing artist! Cloak and Dagger was a great track and really showcased his lead guitar and talent in incredible lead melodies. This is the live version. So good: th-cam.com/video/0cCTlWKt7Aw/w-d-xo.html From about 4.20 you can see the band is loving it too. One of those very special moments when the music is tight, flowing and incredible.
Oh, such great memories this song brings! I have been a huge fan since forever. Was in London as an exchange student back in 1984 and was in Harrod’s when “I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” came on. The Voice of my young adulthood :)
Great analysis. as always. Nik has always written and performed songs with interesting chord changes and strong melodies and lyrics. He can pull on your heart strings in a single line. His voice has that unique and identifiable tone across the whole range. His guitar playing is hugely understated. His songs stand up to being played on a single guitar, which is always an indicator of a great composition. He has consistently produced great music throughout his career. I particularly love the Eight album.
Thanks for the memories I love this song and I dig it when you get your guitar out. Teacher/Professor Thank you for the lesson and btw you nailed it, spot on! Awesome!!!
Hi Fil! Since I don’t know this artist I just wanted to say hello, and I did take a listen to a new to me musician! I can’t figure out why I never heard of him...he would have been around when my daughter was graduating high school, and going to college. I think she probably liked his sound! He reminded me of Bono...is that weird? Have a good evening! ✌️. BTW...U2 is my daughter’s favorite band, so maybe why I thought that!
I had the joy of watching Nik's solo show pre-pandemic. Phenomenal performance. I remember George Martin saying that the most important ingredient in making a great record is having a great song to start with and Nik has amassed a treasury of them.
I was 14 when that song was a hit, in '84, and both my Sisters had the hots for him 😄 That whole 'Human Racing' album was pretty good, I reckon; His voice sounds quite a bit like Stevie Wonder's in the title track 🙂 And 'The Riddle' was playing at the local supermarket recently 😀 Thank you for the video, Fil! 😀
Totally loved Nik Kershaw’s musical style! Great lyrics coupled with his brilliant voice and his amazing guitar playing.....just awesome! Excellent Fil! Cheers Mario! 😎🤘👌
Music DEFINITELY helps me keep my sanity, and I'm enjoying these analysis videos. 👍💟 I don't think we appreciated our "normal" pre-virus lives as much as we do now. I'm quite nostalgic about those days, staying optimistic, looking forward to a vacation this summer, hopefully. Stay healthy, and KEEP THE MUSIC ROLLING!! 🥳💜
Yeah...I wanted to catch Eric Johnson a month and a half ago but the location of the venue and this cootie floating around deterred me..outside venues only for how long..🤔😐
I love Nik , I'd know your voice in a thousand , I'd know your guitar in a thousand , I'd know your music in a thousand ... unique and unmistakable NIK
Great performance from Nik and his band here. For a greater appreciation of his guitar playing check out his album "No Frills", from 2010, on which he plays acoustic versions of his hits.
I remember the early 80s being a pretty dark period in music, but every now and then a song came out that was so bold or original that it just shattered it. This was one of those songs for me. Still love it today. Re Nik's progressiveness, Rick Wakeman of Yes puts Nik Kershaw up with David Bowie as having an almost unique ability to make an unexpected continuation of a - what he (Rick) thought was a contained - melody line and take it to a completely new place. Agree, Fil, that it's so hard to come up with really original stuff and make it in the charts. But, unfortunately, Nik was only big for about 2 years. He's done some interesting collaborations too - with The Hollies, Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, Howard Jones and others.
I was only a third of the way through when I said the above. Now I'm at the midpoint I can attest that this video is, in fact, a fvxking spectacular piece of fvxking work
Yes, I remember Nik's famous mullet. I was fortunate to see him open for Paul Young during the mid 1980s. As Fil mentioned, "Wouldn't it Be Good" had some success in the States where I live. Additionally, the song's video was played on MTV which, at the time, gave Nik and other talents much needed promotion. Honestly, I never knew why Nik didn't have more US success than he did for he proved and still proves himself to have utmost talent...mullet or no mullet.
Take a look at his 1988 video for the excellent "One Step Ahead". He looks somewhat like a Steven Segal. Anyway, the industrial mix is the best version of that song.
Also I really appreciate you putting on John Prine because he is a great male country singer and definitely he Performed collaboration with Iris is pretty cool 👌 though absolutely incredible
I really going to request Analyses video of Aretha Franklin song respect because is very amazing part ever 😉 she is also incredible Female singer that is 👸 of Soul and so on I hope you can reply to me soon
Yeah that will have you reaching for the radio dial. That'll make Steel Panther look good. As long as there are bands like this around other bands will always have a job. This is what you want to hire for an opening band. This will make the crowd grateful. If for no other reason you can be remembered for being loud. Turn it up to 11.
I had to listen twice to jog my memory; barely rattled it out of the fog of my misspent youth. I don't think they were big in the US, but Fil could 'analyze' a weather report: I'd likely learn something, and I'd still upvote it, lol. You 'rawk' Fil.
@@wingsofpegasus I would love you to react to more Kershaw content if possible. The song 'Dancing Girls' which is awesome techno synth-pop from 1984 - he did a version few years ago which is like a Waltz 'Ballroom' type on acoustic which is wonderful, see what you think and hopefully make a video in relation to it. ;) th-cam.com/video/victZxurZPk/w-d-xo.html
Songsmith pretty well sums up Nik. His Human Racing album is really complex. Thanks Fil. How about his contempories Go West live at Hammersmith with the great Alan Murphy.
Hi fil. Just wondered if there was any chance of you analysing a fantastic yes in my eyes a very underrated guitarist, Steve lukather of toto. Not sure if you have done any analysis on him before. If so and you would like to do an analysis video of a relative unknown yet a fantastic guitar player and like you a multi instrumentalist, michel st pere of Canadian melodic prog rockers MYSTERY. Also could you do an analysis video of ex magnum keyboards player and a generally good and nice guy that is mark Stanway PLEASE
Good one that, have you heard of a band called firekind? They're from Devon. The lead singer/guitarist is called Jason Morris. You can find their videos on TH-cam or firekind.com. I would like you to review one of their videos. Cheers. K
I bought this album (The Riddle) when it came out based upon the strength of this song. The rest of it was sorta forgettable... shoulda bought the 45 haha
I think Al Di Meola would stretch your superlatives. He is one of the few who can create something beautiful, a master of acoustic and electric, a writing history to envy for it's quality and integrity. What more can I say ? What do you think ?
Fil-probably a stupid question, but just before the horns start, Nik pushes something with his foot. He actually misses the first time and hits it again. What is that?
Hello my friend..love your channel. Happy Subscriber here! When you get the chance check out The Rolling Stones Sympathy for The Devil Live at the Tokyo Dome 1990. Keith is on fire here
Why are all these great songwriters under 5 feet tall? (LOL) (But seriously come on!) Kershaw, Neil Finn, Noel Gallagher...etc...etc...why are they always less than 5 feet tall? Why is such great music created by these little Hobbits? Can't tall people like myself write good stuff? (LOL!)...I guess not....(LOL!!!!!)
Hey Wings, let us not forget that Nik was drop dead gorgeous back then. I'm not even gay but when the cassette came out I took a step back and cursed him.
MTV and TBS here in the US played "Wouldn't It Be Good" a lot, but such a shame it didn't crack the top 40 here. It's my 2nd favorite song of all time. Nik said that the major 7 feel in the chords of this song were not "express-able" enough on the guitar by strumming....so, on the studio version he did the old Brian May thing of recording the guitar chords one note at a time and multi-tracking them. Also, Fil...great job of copping Nik's vocal vibrato...you pretty much sounded just like him!
Man, thank you. I feel so vindicated. Grew up in the eighties and always had fairly esoteric, some would say pretentious taste. Always loved this song tho and my friends at the time thought he was just a teen idol pretty boy. So great to see it getting some love from real musos. Love your work fil.
Are all of his songs so fun to listen to?? You can never predict where the melody will go next. Goddamn. Love it. Would like to hear a rendition of The Riddle that chooses a key and stays consistent with it, just to hear how radically different it’d be.
Always loved this song, especially the horn segment. Maybe you could consider doing another band from this era, Echo & the Bunnymen. Lips Like Sugar has some great guitar riffs.
I had never heard of Nik or this song. But, in this time of being quarantined at home, I have listened to about five versions of this song (on TH-cam) and bought the same on iTunes! Thanks for introducing him to me!
Well, The Riddle will always be my favourite song by NK. Didn't know that he was such a refined guitarist. So thanks for enlightening me once again, Fil. :)
Why does this song always make me think of Pretty in Pink?! 🦆 I've always loved what a unique sounding song this is! (And the horns!!) I can honestly say I've never heard another song by Nik, but now seems like a good excuse to do some exploring. I know I already said it once, but I'm SO glad you keep putting breakdowns of the songs in your videos! Not only do I just enjoy it, it helps things click for me musically, and motivates me. Ha! "Nik" played on "Nik"ita!
I saw the name (I recognized it) then the song title, I could not place it. As soon as the 'second" keyboard line hit, then I knew the song. I do not mind at all if Fil hangs out in the 80's for a good long while. It will be May 1st at the earliest before my new acoustic guitar starts its journey to me (store in Texas says they will start shipping again in May). I am not crying too hard as I understand there are more important things going on (corona is messing with the delivery of just about everything) Oh, "Live Aid". The story of how Live Aid came to be,who played,who wanted to play,who at first did not want to play, really just about everything dealing with Live Aid is a great story. Live Aid was such an event it would not be to far fetched to say 'was that before or after Live Aid"? Thanks Fil.
NK was a highly regarded 'local' fusion guitarist around Essex pre-fame (see Giles Smith's Lost in Music book). He had chops in abundance allied to great songwriting.
A childhood hero..thanks for this analysts Fil. This was like nothing I ever heard before when.it came out..like the Phoenix rising from the ashes of the 1970s..p s it was MCA records not RCA.
Yeah, every cord flows logically from the one before it. But if you try to chart it . . . WTF what key am I even in? Billy Joel is also underappreciated for this. But the best example of this writing from him is Human racing
Excellent video and analysis, not just because I agree but it's the range of music chosen to analyze which are worth noting as they are a credit to the analyst. Thank you!
Nik Kershaw is the "Mozart" of pop rock! The melody and lyrics always bring me to tears... Very powerful stuff!
More like a Richard Strauss.
I think Nik Kershaw is one of the most underrated musicians in Europe. It's sad that many people think that he was just a pretty teenage idol in the eighties.
I've listened to him since I was a child, and it's only now as an adult that I realise how fantastic he is. Lyrics, melodies, harmonies, and a really good singer & guitar player. His latest album is also really good.
I think that when I met him some 4 years ago, I was so overwhelmed meeting someone I so appreciated for so many years that I forgot to tell how much I really appreciate him.
Oxymoron is excellent.
I LOVE Nik Kershaw!! Great 80's memories!! Voice of my youth too!! I can close my eyes & still see him in the white TV screen suit in the video!!..MTV was so powerful!!..Well done, maybe you should cover this track, Fil!!...✌️❤️🤘😎
Agreed! It seems to suit him
I miss MTV's Unplugged and VH1's Storytellers...great stuff..👍 Fil's voice might lend itself to this quite nicely..😳👍
Great analysis Fil . You have managed to highlight all the reasons why Nik Kershaw is such a great talent and , in my opinion, stands head and shoulders above so many of his contempories. He has it all - great singer, guitarist, songwriter, producer. Always produced interesting songs with unpredictable chord changes, exceptional lyrics, different guitar sounds and textures and great hooks. Unlike so many artists you couldn't just pick up a guitar and play one of his songs. You needed to sit down and work out exactly what it was that he was playing and it was never easy ! He deserved to achieve more success than he actually did and it is sad that so many lesser talents captured the publics imagination more than Nik. Thanks Fil for spending time on this and drawing attention to the unique skill and ability of this great artist.
I was in high school when this song came out. Loved it then. Love it now. Thanks for the fond memories this song gives me.
Nik is one of my favorites....I got hip to him late as he wasn't big in the states...I knew this song but wasn't aware of the vast catalogue he has recorded. He is often overlooked for the incredible guitarist that he is....He is killer! Check out the live versions of his hits on youtube and the recent ones with Go West. The guy is insanely great in so many ways....wide boy is great...and I won't let the sun go down on me...the live ones he cuts loose...thanks for giving Nik his propers! Love him!
Yes! I know this is a late reply, but I discovered him much the same way! I had his first album and played the hell out of it. Then in the 90s I made a friend who had all the UK stuff and 12” singles that I didn’t know existed!
Irresistible!!! It's as much fun to hear an artist I don't know as one that I already love. Of course, a guitar demo of the fine points made me love him even more. Bravo!
Hello Lynn..they play this song all the time on the overhead speakers at the place I work..didn't know Nick did this cool tune
@@mevrammcoyoteV8f150 It IS a cool song! I am always wheeling my grocery cart to get right under the overhead speakers at the store when there's a song I like. Well, when I used to go to the store *sigh*.
Excellent. Nik is brilliant, and that solo remains one of my favourites. The way it is doubled with the brass (which was apparently a spur of the moment thing) makes it an absolute classic. Nicely detailed analysis, Fil, as always :)
Fantastic! That initial power chord drop is still deliciously unsettling, LOL [EDIT: Love seeing you bring out your guitar to demo for us! ]
I like this classic 80's type tune..didn't know Nick performed this song..thanks Fil
Just to say how much I'm a Kershaw fan : back in the eighties "Wouldn't it be good" and "The Riddle" were my absolute favourite songs, BUT I didn't know it was from the same artist. That's to say how much musical genius Nik is. And most of his other songs are at the same level, hit-single or just album tracks. To me that's simple : On one side there's all the pop scene, and on the other side, there's Nik Kershaw : totally above the others, musically.
Such a great trip down memory lane. I had forgotten about Nick Kershaw and it was so good to re-visit this song. Thanks for an excellent analysis, Fil.
ONE OF THE GREATEST SONGS OF ALL TIME
You What ??
have I been missing something here or are you from a desert island : )
I had heard this song in the 80s but it was not until 2019 that I really dug into his music and now he is one of my favourite artists along with Gordon Lightfoot, Jim Croce and Al Stewart.
Nik was such a big influence on my music. His chord progressions and the quality of his studio production always sent chills down my back. Amazing artist! Cloak and Dagger was a great track and really showcased his lead guitar and talent in incredible lead melodies. This is the live version. So good: th-cam.com/video/0cCTlWKt7Aw/w-d-xo.html
From about 4.20 you can see the band is loving it too. One of those very special moments when the music is tight, flowing and incredible.
Thanks for the suggestion, Steve! Just watched performance of Cloak and Dagger...loved it!!
Oh, such great memories this song brings! I have been a huge fan since forever. Was in London as an exchange student back in 1984 and was in Harrod’s when “I Won’t Let the Sun Go Down On Me” came on. The Voice of my young adulthood :)
Love Nik Kershaw. Thanks heaps for another excellent analysis, Fil!
Great analysis. as always. Nik has always written and performed songs with interesting chord changes and strong melodies and lyrics. He can pull on your heart strings in a single line. His voice has that unique and identifiable tone across the whole range. His guitar playing is hugely understated. His songs stand up to being played on a single guitar, which is always an indicator of a great composition. He has consistently produced great music throughout his career. I particularly love the Eight album.
Also Nik was described by Elton John
"The greatest songwriter of a generation" you can see WHY!
I remember hearing Nik for the first time on a train on my way to high school. I love his sound. His Live show in Germany was unreal.
Thanks for the memories I love this song and I dig it when you get your guitar out. Teacher/Professor Thank you for the lesson and btw you nailed it, spot on! Awesome!!!
Yes. I dig it when the t/p gets out his guitar too. 🎸👏
So happy you covered this song - it is so well constructed and Nik's solo is superb, the Fusion album is great too, worth checking that out.
Hi Fil! Since I don’t know this artist I just wanted to say hello, and I did take a listen to a new to me musician! I can’t figure out why I never heard of him...he would have been around when my daughter was graduating high school, and going to college. I think she probably liked his sound! He reminded me of Bono...is that weird? Have a good evening! ✌️. BTW...U2 is my daughter’s favorite band, so maybe why I thought that!
Really pleased to see you pay such respect to Mr Kershaw. You are a man with impeccable taste!😀👍
I had the joy of watching Nik's solo show pre-pandemic. Phenomenal performance. I remember George Martin saying that the most important ingredient in making a great record is having a great song to start with and Nik has amassed a treasury of them.
Saw him in Manchester last month. Amazing gig. Great vocals and superb chord progressions. Not your usual 4 chord repeated generic songs.
Nik Kershaw, Thomas Dolby and Howard Jones, three of my heroes from around 1983/84 : Thank you for the "Old Friend" reference.
Liked this song, Fil.. have not heard his music before. Thank you for a great analysis.
Nice explanation, Nik Kershaw was/is a huge talent.
I was 14 when that song was a hit, in '84, and both my Sisters had the hots for him 😄 That whole 'Human Racing' album was pretty good, I reckon; His voice sounds quite a bit like Stevie Wonder's in the title track 🙂 And 'The Riddle' was playing at the local supermarket recently 😀 Thank you for the video, Fil! 😀
Low guitar in the mix lets his voice shine. And kudos for using live horns.
This was new to me. Very cool.
Nik what a great composer and player i love him i still learning from all his songs :)
Totally loved Nik Kershaw’s musical style! Great lyrics coupled with his brilliant voice and his amazing guitar playing.....just awesome! Excellent Fil! Cheers Mario! 😎🤘👌
Always loved this song!! 💛💕💛
Rock Wingers, It doesn't seem likely that people will go to any shows for at least a couple months. I hope we get back to normal soon.
Music DEFINITELY helps me keep my sanity, and I'm enjoying these analysis videos. 👍💟 I don't think we appreciated our "normal" pre-virus lives as much as we do now. I'm quite nostalgic about those days, staying optimistic, looking forward to a vacation this summer, hopefully. Stay healthy, and KEEP THE MUSIC ROLLING!! 🥳💜
Yeah...I wanted to catch Eric Johnson a month and a half ago but the location of the venue and this cootie floating around deterred me..outside venues only for how long..🤔😐
I love Nik , I'd know your voice in a thousand , I'd know your guitar in a thousand , I'd know your music in a thousand ... unique and unmistakable NIK
I used to like this song/ now I'm analysing it.
Good analysis of a great player and songwriter - Fusion was a great band also :-)
The song of my childhood !!!
I have the sheet music for this somewhere. That very first chord is a 9th, if I recall. Must look it out
I'm wrong, it's a major 7th.
👍Didn't know him but like the sound. 🤘
Spot on analysis, Fil! Love your breakdown of the chord movements. Dang, tho, the horn section really bullied Nick's solo out of the mix. Cheers!
14:39 Where can I actually find the mentioned video featuring Mark King from Level 42?
Great performance from Nik and his band here. For a greater appreciation of his guitar playing check out his album "No Frills", from 2010, on which he plays acoustic versions of his hits.
Good sound, I enjoyed listening to this. Have a good day.
Thank you Fil! I never heard of this fellow. I'd moved back to the States by the time he was big in the UK. Definitely gonna check out more of him...😊
The intro sounded kind of like a Clapton song. I liked that song. Nice job Fil.🤘
You should do The Riddle - it's such a complex piece of writing.
I remember the early 80s being a pretty dark period in music, but every now and then a song came out that was so bold or original that it just shattered it. This was one of those songs for me. Still love it today.
Re Nik's progressiveness, Rick Wakeman of Yes puts Nik Kershaw up with David Bowie as having an almost unique ability to make an unexpected continuation of a - what he (Rick) thought was a contained - melody line and take it to a completely new place.
Agree, Fil, that it's so hard to come up with really original stuff and make it in the charts. But, unfortunately, Nik was only big for about 2 years. He's done some interesting collaborations too - with The Hollies, Tony Banks, Steve Hackett, Howard Jones and others.
This is fvxking excellent. Thank you
I was only a third of the way through when I said the above. Now I'm at the midpoint I can attest that this video is, in fact, a fvxking spectacular piece of fvxking work
Yeah you've smashed this
He looks different without his mullet.
Squizzy Bollocks don’t they all😂😂😂
Business in the front..party in the back..is that right..about Da Mullets
Yes, I remember Nik's famous mullet. I was fortunate to see him open for Paul Young during the mid 1980s. As Fil mentioned, "Wouldn't it Be Good" had some success in the States where I live. Additionally, the song's video was played on MTV which, at the time, gave Nik and other talents much needed promotion. Honestly, I never knew why Nik didn't have more US success than he did for he proved and still proves himself to have utmost talent...mullet or no mullet.
Take a look at his 1988 video for the excellent "One Step Ahead". He looks somewhat like a Steven Segal.
Anyway, the industrial mix is the best version of that song.
Of all the singers you have shown us, which one is your all time favourite ?
Impossible to choose!
@@wingsofpegasus
Fare enough Fil. Thanks for your tapes
Hi Phil Hinley is your favorite fan Christina and I want to say that Chris is very awesome though he was Talented 😊 definitely wonderful
Also I really appreciate you putting on John Prine because he is a great male country singer and definitely he Performed collaboration with Iris is pretty cool 👌 though absolutely incredible
I really going to request Analyses video of Aretha Franklin song respect because is very amazing part ever 😉 she is also incredible Female singer that is 👸 of Soul and so on I hope you can reply to me soon
Hi Christina, thanks but my name is Fil Henley not Phil Hinley!🙂
Fil I am so sorry I didn't say your full name right 😔 do you forgive me?
Yeah that will have you reaching for the radio dial. That'll make Steel Panther look good. As long as there are bands like this around other bands will always have a job. This is what you want to hire for an opening band. This will make the crowd grateful. If for no other reason you can be remembered for being loud.
Turn it up to 11.
eric heine, nothing makes Steel Panther sound good.
@@beachgirl4583 My favorite band has always been the Rolling Stones.
Always nice to hear from you beach girl. Mahalo
Pretty good.
I had to listen twice to jog my memory; barely rattled it out of the fog of my misspent youth. I don't think they were big in the US, but Fil could 'analyze' a weather report: I'd likely learn something, and I'd still upvote it, lol. You 'rawk' Fil.
Thanks!
@@wingsofpegasus I would love you to react to more Kershaw content if possible. The song 'Dancing Girls' which is awesome techno synth-pop from 1984 - he did a version few years ago which is like a Waltz 'Ballroom' type on acoustic which is wonderful, see what you think and hopefully make a video in relation to it. ;)
th-cam.com/video/victZxurZPk/w-d-xo.html
I would love to see you do a cover of this song .I bet it would be lit!🔥
Phone home Nick.
Rock!
:-)
Songsmith pretty well sums up Nik.
His Human Racing album is really complex. Thanks Fil.
How about his contempories Go West live at Hammersmith with the great Alan Murphy.
I did the sound for the Sex Pistols on Hastings pier, a girl, Polly Styrene, came to the gig, and said I can do that : )
Love this Song as much as the Video version with Chroma Key
Great Fil.Maybe Howard Jones next.
Fil, can you analyse billy jones and Hughes Tomassen from the outlaws playing high tides? Brilliant guitar players, different styles?
He did not get much exposure in the NE USA
Hi fil. Just wondered if there was any chance of you analysing a fantastic yes in my eyes a very underrated guitarist, Steve lukather of toto. Not sure if you have done any analysis on him before. If so and you would like to do an analysis video of a relative unknown yet a fantastic guitar player and like you a multi instrumentalist, michel st pere of Canadian melodic prog rockers MYSTERY. Also could you do an analysis video of ex magnum keyboards player and a generally good and nice guy that is mark Stanway PLEASE
Already done one on Steve Lukathers!
Good one that, have you heard of a band called firekind? They're from Devon. The lead singer/guitarist is called Jason Morris. You can find their videos on TH-cam or firekind.com. I would like you to review one of their videos. Cheers. K
I bought this album (The Riddle) when it came out based upon the strength of this song. The rest of it was sorta forgettable... shoulda bought the 45 haha
NM, loves
I think Al Di Meola would stretch your superlatives. He is one of the few who can create something beautiful, a master of acoustic and electric, a writing history to envy for it's quality and integrity. What more can I say ? What do you think ?
Already done!
Fil-probably a stupid question, but just before the horns start, Nik pushes something with his foot. He actually misses the first time and hits it again. What is that?
An effects pedal probably to change the guitar sound/volume!
Could you do some Tears for fears?
Can you look at Jon Wayne and the Pain
That is a new one?🙏
Hello my friend..love your channel. Happy Subscriber here! When you get the chance check out The Rolling Stones Sympathy for The Devil Live at the Tokyo Dome 1990. Keith is on fire here
Thank you for this. Nik isn’t musical hero.
That’s IS MY MUSICAL HERO
Why are all these great songwriters under 5 feet tall? (LOL)
(But seriously come on!) Kershaw, Neil Finn, Noel Gallagher...etc...etc...why are they always less than 5 feet tall? Why is such great music created by these little Hobbits? Can't tall people like myself write good stuff? (LOL!)...I guess not....(LOL!!!!!)
He’s actually 5’4 xD
Nik, along with being a brilliant composer, is also a superb guitar player, with an instantly recognisable tone. Thanks for this, Fil.
Hey Wings, let us not forget that Nik was drop dead gorgeous back then. I'm not even gay but when the cassette came out I took a step back and cursed him.
MTV and TBS here in the US played "Wouldn't It Be Good" a lot, but such a shame it didn't crack the top 40 here. It's my 2nd favorite song of all time. Nik said that the major 7 feel in the chords of this song were not "express-able" enough on the guitar by strumming....so, on the studio version he did the old Brian May thing of recording the guitar chords one note at a time and multi-tracking them. Also, Fil...great job of copping Nik's vocal vibrato...you pretty much sounded just like him!
Man, thank you. I feel so vindicated. Grew up in the eighties and always had fairly esoteric, some would say pretentious taste. Always loved this song tho and my friends at the time thought he was just a teen idol pretty boy. So great to see it getting some love from real musos. Love your work fil.
Thanks!
This is live from Norwegian TV (NRK) with Norwegian musicians.
Are all of his songs so fun to listen to?? You can never predict where the melody will go next. Goddamn. Love it. Would like to hear a rendition of The Riddle that chooses a key and stays consistent with it, just to hear how radically different it’d be.
Always loved this song, especially the horn segment. Maybe you could consider doing another band from this era, Echo & the Bunnymen. Lips Like Sugar has some great guitar riffs.
Yes!
I had never heard of Nik or this song. But, in this time of being quarantined at home, I have listened to about five versions of this song (on TH-cam) and bought the same on iTunes! Thanks for introducing him to me!
Well, The Riddle will always be my favourite song by NK. Didn't know that he was such a refined guitarist. So thanks for enlightening me once again, Fil. :)
Nik is a genius writer.
Why does this song always make me think of Pretty in Pink?! 🦆
I've always loved what a unique sounding song this is! (And the horns!!) I can honestly say I've never heard another song by Nik, but now seems like a good excuse to do some exploring.
I know I already said it once, but I'm SO glad you keep putting breakdowns of the songs in your videos! Not only do I just enjoy it, it helps things click for me musically, and motivates me.
Ha! "Nik" played on "Nik"ita!
I saw the name (I recognized it) then the song title, I could not place it. As soon as the 'second" keyboard line hit, then I knew the song. I do not mind at all if Fil hangs out in the 80's for a good long while. It will be May 1st at the earliest before my new acoustic guitar starts its journey to me (store in Texas says they will start shipping again in May). I am not crying too hard as I understand there are more important things going on (corona is messing with the delivery of just about everything) Oh, "Live Aid". The story of how Live Aid came to be,who played,who wanted to play,who at first did not want to play, really just about everything dealing with Live Aid is a great story. Live Aid was such an event it would not be to far fetched to say 'was that before or after Live Aid"? Thanks Fil.
Thank you for featuring Mr. Nik Kershaw one of the masters of the key change. The song City Of Angels is proof of that.
NK was a highly regarded 'local' fusion guitarist around Essex pre-fame (see Giles Smith's Lost in Music book). He had chops in abundance allied to great songwriting.
The instrumental break in this song is NIk's greatest moment for me, so good, still sounds good to this day.....
A childhood hero..thanks for this analysts Fil. This was like nothing I ever heard before when.it came out..like the Phoenix rising from the ashes of the 1970s..p s it was MCA records not RCA.
FM7 | Bb | Dm/G | C | ..................... Em5b/A | Dm ... that s why the chords of the intro sounds so great !! ;)
Haven't heard this in awhile..always liked it.. maybe I just keep missing it on the Sirius 80's channel..lol...anyway..👍❤️
The first chord isn't C, it's xx3553 so Fmaj7add9
I actually watched this live performance as it aired back in '08. It's from an Norwegian game show that ran on Saturday evenings for a few years.
Yeah, every cord flows logically from the one before it. But if you try to chart it . . . WTF what key am I even in? Billy Joel is also underappreciated for this.
But the best example of this writing from him is Human racing
Excellent video and analysis, not just because I agree but it's the range of music chosen to analyze which are worth noting as they are a credit to the analyst. Thank you!
I believe he got a deal with MCA records (a sub-division of RCA).
Taking me back to 1984 and my Air Force years. Loved the video for this song. Since your on 80s music, how about The Fixx?