Yo I think the real story here is this. Its not about getting on the country train, or the metal train or the hip hop train. The reality is that good music is good music. Screw all that genre nonsense. Its good for the sake of narrowing things down, but wether its Pink Floyd, or the White Buffalo, or Ne Obliviscaris or Jason Isbell, if you love music and I mean really love music, you know the good shit when you hear it. Keep doing what you are doing guys.
This is one of the saddest songs ever written but also most beautiful. Jason Isbell in my opinion is the most talented songwriter alive today. Y'all should listen to more of his music. He's amazing
"There's one thing that's real clear to me, no one dies with dignity" - to me this is the single best quote I have ever heard in a song, maybe even anywhere. Jason isbell's lyrical abilities are beyond the borders of this world
I worked LtC for decades and this is tos true. We try to afford the dignity during postmortem --or last act of love-- but they're still dead Still. Vulnerable.
Y'all "hit the lottery" picking Isbell!! He's been called (and I BELIEVE him to be) the greatest American song writer of this age. Every one of his songs paints a VIVID picture.
@@chrissearcy3182 I would add Conor Oberst and his recording under "Bright Eyes" called "Im Wide Awake, It's Morning" in the Woody Guthrie tradition of Dylan.
Jason is one hell of an artist, singer, and song writer. He has 4 Grammy awards and numerous other awards. He and Chris Stapleton don't get much commercial air play but are the real deal. Thanks guys for playing this and all the other REACTIONS. Outstanding!
the real test would be to joyner lucas new song remixed from their favorite rapper who is really just fake and dancing around like a fake dude drake. drake the fakest dance around but these guys loved him because they are fake to. trust me the dude with glasses is not as smart as you think, go with you gut feeling.
I appreciate these reactions to "Elephant". What I love about this song is the depth of the story and characters. In the hands of a lesser writer, this would just be a song about cancer. But Isbell has created a song about *two people* effected by cancer and a reflection on death more broadly. The Andy "subplot" (if you will) is brilliant because Isbell doesn't waste the opportunity to add layers to the story. Again, lesser writers might have just used a neutral narrator, but Isbell gives us just enough to imagine a backstory - hence the opening line "she said Andy you're better than your past". I'm picturing Andy walking into a bar, trying to hook up with someone, but instead he gets talking to this woman and confesses his mistakes and burdens. I don't think Andy had more than this one night at the bar with the women - the rest is in his head - but he is changed by it and can't shake it ("I've buried her a thousand times"). I also like how "real" the female character is. Isbell doesn't make her into the stereotypical cancer patient - a saintly martyr, fundraising for a cure - she's a regular person dealing with her death the way many people might - by trying to forget about it for a while. It's true - no one dies with dignity - but there is such depth to these people. It's remarkable what a great writer can achieve in under 4 minutes.
I lost my wife in December to complications from Multiple Sclerosis. My wife knew she was dying and we would make jokes sometimes. This song hits close to home. Beautifully done.
I'm a cancer survivor and I love this comment. I know it was much harder on my wife than it was on me. I had to go through what I went through, she chose to go through it with me. She's the strongest person I've ever met.
I am a metal guy and always have been. Your metal reactions are what brought me to this party in the first place. But Jason Isbell is a master and is one of my all-time favorite songwriters. He is a true lyrical craftsman. I practically squealed with joy when I saw you guys reacted to my favorite song of his. Thanks for the video and as always, keep them coming.
A lot of Isbells songs get to the heart, If We Were Vampires, Cover Me Up, Goddamn Lonely Love, Decoration Day. His songs always seem to paint a vivid picture. I mean lines like 'Girl leave your boots by the bed, we aint leaving this room til someone needs medical help or the Magnolias bloom' that just draw a picture and set the mood.
"The elephant" is so real. Seven years ago I watched as cancer took my 11 year old cousin. It was so hard to fake a normal conversation when all I wanted to do was hold him and cry. The last time I saw him I fought back tears because I knew it was going to be the last time, and shortly after I balled my eyes out at the thought that he might have seen me crying when we're all supposed to be ignoring "the elephant."
I’m a 38-year-old hardscrabble masculine white southern male. 10 years Army, cavalry scout in Rusafa during the surge. There’s one song I can’t sing along to without my voice eventually cracking. That song is called Elephant. I first found you guys when you covered 46 and 2 by Tool. I’ve been a hardcore Tool fan for more than two decades, and it hurts to admit it, but it took my basic ass 20 times of hearing that song before I understood it at the level you guys picked it up on the fly. Since then, you’ve run down a list of my favorite songs, expertly digesting each as you took it in its own terms. Lateralus. Rooster. Living the Dream. Tennessee Whiskey. Elephant. Metallica and Coheed and Pantera. The reason Lateralus is my favorite song ever is because it talks about reaching out for the random. My tagline on my Twitter is “Spiral out. Keep going.” There is nothing material I love more than music. I have it playing at every moment of every day, and have for almost 40 years. You guys are at the place where my love of music intersects with my love of seeking new experiences and perspectives and understanding and knowledge. I stick it out with you through videos of music that you politely seem uncomfortable with, and I wonder how the fuck people can listen to, because I know you’re going to sit in the pocket and experience it honestly. I might not see the value in a song, but I don’t know everything or get everything, and the important thing is to be willing to listen. I don’t know how much you get told this, but you mean a lot of it to a lot of us. I love your shit. Keep rocking the motherfuck on. Oh, and if you ever get the chance, cover a Shawn James song. I know he’s not mainstream, probably nobody else is going to tell you his name, but if you get a wild hair up your ass, do that shit. Flow, Pendulum Swing or Through the Valley. Unbelievable voice, unbelievable talent.
That line both crushes me and makes the song for me. The obvious and popular interpretation of the song is about cancer but if you listen to the song with a different view it can open up so much more about life.
Jason Isbell is AMAZING. I'm not into country music but I've spent the last 2 years listening to his work and finally watched him live in the UK a few months back. His song-writing is PHENOMENAL, and you really get transported into a different world when you listen to his music. Its almost like watching a movie when you listen to all the different narratives in his songs.
Very powerful song! Very refreshing to hear from a current country artist. That’s a flashback to the old school “Outlaw” days in the 60-70’s where those artists talked about the hardships in life. I might have to download this guys music!!
You should definitely check out the rest of his stuff. This is about as sad as it gets, but there are also lots of good rockers and ballads, too, all with that 70's sort of shine to them.
Never heard of this guy before, actually I haven’t heard of pretty much every country song you guys have been reacting to haha but I think this guy has the perfect balance between blues/Country. I’m going to check out more of his music. Thanks!!
This song helped me allot. My cousin and his wife took me in after I turned every bridge with drugs and drinking. 4 years after they took me in. she got cancer and cancer won 7 months after. I watched cancer rip a family apart. I still struggle with this and want perfect. It really breaks my heart every time I hear this song. But I'm drug free and have full custody of my daughter. Thank you Nikki Lynch and Shaun. I will love you guys more than you can ever know. I think of Nikki almost everyday and try to be the best with your daughter every time I see her. I'm glad you guys listened to this song. Please listen to his newer stuff. He makes amazing ballads. If We Were Vampires, Flagship, Speed Trap Town. Amazing song writer and guitarist.
I have to take back my original comment saying "it was ok, not great".... I must have had junk in my ears because I came back to watch this again and I'm in love. Already bought 7 Jason Isbell songs. Definitely an amazing, original artist. Thank you again Ryan and George for showing me something that I can fall in love to. You guys never let us down
Jason Isbell is one of the great songwriters of our generation. He's brilliant, poignant, witty.... I'm glad you guys appreciated the song and I loved watching your reactions. Thanks for sharing this! Two new Jason Isbell fans? :-)
The best thing about this song is that as amazing as it is it isn't even the best song he has written....The whole Southeastern album is incredible, especially the first five songs. He's done two more albums since this one. Check out "It We Were Vampires" which might actually be sadder (though more bittersweet) than "Elephant."
Yes I know that, I mean the release of tension that comes straight after elephant when flying over water drops in. The whole album is a proper album it should be listened to as one thing.
I really enjoyed this. If you hadn't reacted to this I would have never heard this song. Ever. In my life. This kinda touched me in ways I can't still comprehend and it's saddened me, but I am grateful regardless.
Jason Isbell is the best. Its more considered Americana music than country. He gets little to no radio play on major country radio stations but he is one hell of a song writer!
DLane600 Yeah that's probably why he gets no air play cause most of those stations are so preprogrammed to play soulless horseshit. They can't handle the real stuff.
Jason Isbell's 'Speed Trap Town' is another one of his songs that hits hard. It's about realizing that it's time to move on when 'there's no one left to ask if I'm alright.' (Father's death)
As someone who almost lost their daughter to cancer, this song bought me to tears. This song perfectly describes a father trying to be strong for his daughter, knowing there was a good chance she might die. Thanks guys, got me crying at work and shit. Lol. Great job as always. Also- Mudvayne- Not Falling.
when my son was 3 he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Trying to act normal for him while simultaneously planning his funeral and dealing with chemo, surgery, and radiation was hard. Through the grace of God and great doctors he is still with us today and we pray " the elephant" never comes back. Sorry for your loss brother.
Really cool how you guys attentively listened to a song in a genre that probably isn’t your first and foremost. Going to have to check out more of your channel.
Great to hear Jason get some play been a big fan of his for years when he was with the Drive by truckers should check them out and I recommend the album the southern rock opera to anyone who wants to hear some more of him
Jason wasn't on southern rock opera. He didn't start with the truckers until decoration day. He was still a writer at FAME Studios when southern rock opera was released and not in the band yet.
W Sd I did not know that thank you but I still Recommend that album and now I learned more about them Again thanks for the correction it was never my intent to mislead
Ah man, you're all good! Didn't want to come off like a know-it-all. Hard to get inflection on a message board lol. Patterson, Cooley and Isbell are the holy Trinity!
its so honest and pure, music truly is the greatest conveyor of human emotion (in my opinion). listening to this song i couldn't help but think of the loved one's who are gone and even the one's who are still here but lost. thank you for this, an absolutely beautiful song which allows us to feel something real and remember where we are, amazing! peace, love and joy to you all!! xxx
Wow I am floored that you picked one of my suggestions! Great reaction I was waiting for you both to get deeper into the song where the story starts to come together. I don't have a chance to watch every video but I love what you're doing guys keep up the good work! Dive deeper into Jason Isbell if you get a chance, probably the best song writer out there in this genre. Southeastern is a 10/10 album!
Jason Isbell was the lead singer from the Drive-By Truckers. He is awesome. So I am going to recommend that you guys review my favorite song from them. Drive-By Truckers - Goddamn Lonely Love
DBT is killer. I think their three best albums were the ones with Isbell. They had three guys who write great songs, three guitars, and a dynamite rhythm section. They also had a common vision. It's good stuff.
WoW....Great song..never heard of this artist. I Luv Lost in Vegas for exposing us/me to different artist and different styles of music. Great people in this community. Different strokes but One Love❤
The song touched home so harshly and so gently, it became very personal. If you've ever experienced such things, it's one of those songs you feel you could have written yourself. After 25 years with a wonderful wife, the same elephant moved into our home. You can't just leave it behind, it follows everywhere you go. It rides with you in the car. Long after she had passed, the elephant remained. I'm not entirely certain when it went away and it still comes back to visit. Bittersweet.
1st time I've ever subscribed to anyone. Jason Isbell is top 3 favorite writers of all time and I'm glad you guys dug the song. You guys are informative and fun to watch!
@@walmartden6602 sadly Isbell is out for me. I just can't get into his last couple of projects. This track and album are phenomenal though. Check out John Mooreland if you haven't had the pleasure of that yet. Dude is unreal talented in song writing.
@@PolarHighRoller in the throes is actually one of my favorite albums of all time I love gospel blacklist your spell 3: 59 am so many great songs if you have not yet check out American aquariums burn flicker die album produced by isbell it has a lot of great songs
I am so glad you guys review country! This is one of my favorite songs of all time, and I love how thoughtfully you actually consider SONGWRITING. So few do that!
My oldest brother Doug passed of cancer this last February. He fought it like hell for over a year, and through it all, his was strong for all those around him. But, like the lyrics of the song say “He knew he was dying alone”. And I did too. My other brother was listening to this song and shared it with me when we left the hospital one day. This song will always have a special place in my many memories of this journey called life. It humbled my ass for sure. I think it got you guys as well. Get the stuff done on your bucket list guys... Because one day you’re going to be trying to avoid that damn elephant in the room. We all will.
Very deep story and writing in this one really didn't expect it to catch the feels man. Really well done performance from Jason Isbell he really captured the essence of the story he telling and not only that but did he do the main instruments as well because I know Country singers tend to be proficient at more than one instrument Im assuming but correct me if I'm wrong. Also it really got me to take a step back and take a better look at my surroundings. Well done from Jason and I enjoyed yall reaction on this Country record Lost In Vegas.
Hey man, Jason sings and plays lead guitar, but his full band the 400 Unit is backing him here. I hope I understood the question, and I hope that helps!
Y'all hit me with this one.. I just left the Hospital where my mom is. She had a lemon sized Tumor removed in November but they found more today... thank you for this Jamey Johnson High Cost of Living Explains me
During a time when marketing has taken over the music industry, this TH-cam channel is fantastic for helping people discover new artists. It's a shame that the majority of people out there don't have any idea that Jason Isbell exists and have no idea what they are missing. It's such a treat being able to sit alone in your car and listen to his albums front to back. It's a very emotional experience.
I'm so glad y'all finally did Jason Isbell! He's an incredibly poetic songwriter another really good one from him is Cumberland Gap. Or any of Myles Kennedy's (lead singer of Alter Bridge) solo stuff he's finally releasing!
This is really becoming one of my favorite channels. I love how you both give each song your whole attention. As a songwriter - this is the perfect situation. Thank you both. I love what you do. The amount of respect you give music is so unusual these days. So good. Thank you.
Great reaction! That song definitely hit very very close to home for me. For you next Country song, I would recommend one of the following: Jamey Johnson - In Color Jamey Johnson - Hight Cost of Living
As a country fan I'm surprised I haven't heard of this artist. Thanks for introducing me to him! I would love for you guys to do Chris LeDoux- This Cowboys Hat
You haven't heard of him because he doesn't play bro country and a lot of his stuff really isn't country. He is an Americana artist and was the grammy for best Americana album for both of his last 2 albums.
Da Realist the fact that you mentioned Chris LeDoux is why you haven’t heard of him lol. Great song, but country has moved in a different direction from back in he days of the greats like LeDoux.
So glad you did this song! I'm a huge Isbell fan. Saw him live last month in Durham, and I swear seeing him live is like a religious experience. He's one of the best song writers of our time. Absolutely captivating.
Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, and now Jason Isbell you guys are going to get spoiled listening to these amazing artists none of their “contemporaries” come close to the talent of these gentlemen. Isbell and Sturgill get virtually no love from Country radio bc they sing about some pretty taboo subjects for country...Or should I say for what passes for country these days. Y’all should check out Sturgill Simpson - turtles all the way down and Jason Isbell - cover me up.
Radio just sucks man, whether it's pop, rock, country or hiphop. I can't remember the last thing I heard on the radio that I really enjoyed. Damn near everything I really love from the past 15 or so years I got through word of mouth recommendations.
dio52 agreed but country is unique in that Nashville (music row, Dixie mafia etc) can and will blacklist artists that don’t conform to what they want and what they want are spins on the radio. Luckily I live in Texas and there are stations that only play Texas country (red dirt) like Aaron Watson Cody Jinks Cody Johnson etc. Texas country is a hell of a lot better than the crap coming out of Nashville.
"One of the reasons country radio sucks these days is they're afraid to play songs about killing people." -Steve Earle, playing with the Del McCroury Band on Austin City Limits back in the late nineties. I would add that there are MANY more reasons to hate modern country radio. Real SHIT for life.
TZeavet Mine too,I got to see all 3 play three years at Williie’s 4th of July picnic in Austin right before they started getting big. It was an amazing show
Great choice guys. knowing the song, it was awesome to know the big reveal coming after the pause in that first verse, that had you thinking it was headed in a completely different direction. Love you guys
Finally broke down and subscribed. I just love your breakdowns, your both highly intelligent, and always catch things in songs that go over my head. Thanks Guys. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cover Me Up is one of the best songs ever written in the history of music. If We Were Vampires is another one of Isbell's love songs that gets me all choked up too. But Cover Me Up, man...that's the song that every woman wishes her man wrote to/about her.
Every time I watch you guy's I'm just floored... (in a good way haha!). I never thought I would be this drawn to a reactions/review channel but I absolutely love you two! While you guys discover amazing new artists and music a lot of us discover and learn with you. My playlist is all over the place since I stumbled on your channel a while back. Thank you for what you all do. Also... I wouldn't be a true Free Thinker if I didn't throw in a shameless request. Maybe third times the charm! Parkway Drive - Dedicated. You guys won't be disapointed!
I had heard about Isbell and this reaction convinced me to take the plunge. Southeastern is a modern classic. When you do another Isbell reaction may I suggest "Live Oak" or "Yvette". Let's just say, they will leave you feeling some kind of way. Great reaction, again.
Jason Isbell. Very nice. Big fan of his music. His lyrics are sublime. Guys, If you liked Isbell, you should check out Jason Molina. Either Magnolia Electric Co, Don’t This Look Like The Dark or Songs: Ohia, Farewell Transmission. Molina helped me through some very dark times. Him opening his soul and sharing his demons through his music helped me fight my own. He made me a better man.
Wow, y'all got into Jason. One of the Best writers in this time. Also a great guitar player, and soulful vocalist. I've wanted to push so many of his (and Driveby Truckers) songs. So many good ones. He's the Real Deal! ❤️ I'm still sticking with one song I'd like to have y'all listen to though. "Finger On The Trigger", by Bleu Edmondson.😊❤️✌️
An Old Man Named dave everyone talks about Jason's newer stuff.. And I'm over here like the best was with DBT and the first two albums he did after. That's what everyone is missing.
Even that very first line - "Andy, you're better than your past" - says SO much. She's dying, but she's trying to let her friend know that he has to think better of himself, forgive himself and expect better for himself in the future. It's such a kind, meaningful, selfless gesture. I don't think any of that is by accident. I just think Isbell is one of the best songwriters alive right now.
You guys are brilliant. The way you break these songs down lyrically I believe has touched an incredible amount of people. It’s exactly how I listen and interpret songs. Your genuine and open thoughts on all your videos is what I need and I’m sure many many people out there watching you guys would agree. Thank you for what you do. Truly
I’m a new subscriber thanks to Jason Isbell posting the link to this video on his Twitter feed. Definitely went down the TH-cam rabbit hole and watched way too many of your videos over the weekend. I’d love to see you review “Paranoid Android” by Radiohead. IMHO, it’s the pinnacle of 90’s guitar rock.
So glad your chose Jason Isbell. I’ll be honest when i say i expected a flame session from this vehicle but could not be happier with your reactions. In my opinion, Jason Isbell is one of the best writers and composers of our generation and transcends so many genres. His personal stories of struggle and triumph rival any ever told. Great video!
![Jason Isbell - "Elephant" [Live @ SiriusXM] | Outlaw Country (Reaction)](/img/n.gif)
Yo I think the real story here is this. Its not about getting on the country train, or the metal train or the hip hop train. The reality is that good music is good music. Screw all that genre nonsense. Its good for the sake of narrowing things down, but wether its Pink Floyd, or the White Buffalo, or Ne Obliviscaris or Jason Isbell, if you love music and I mean really love music, you know the good shit when you hear it. Keep doing what you are doing guys.
amen
That's right!
Well said and Amen brother.
This. Well put my friend ✌✌
Well said!
This is one of the saddest songs ever written but also most beautiful. Jason Isbell in my opinion is the most talented songwriter alive today. Y'all should listen to more of his music. He's amazing
RT Shirley amen
Could not agree more. "24 Frames" is another one that you can tell was written from first hand regret or experience. Amazing lyricist.
RT Shirley listen to some John Moreland.
For me it's either him or John Prine.
Townes is long passed away, RIP. Check out Brent Cobb. Different style, but extremely talented writer and artist.
As a big fan of Jason Isbell, I watched this waiting to see The Moment when you realized what the song is about. Such a great song and a songwriter.
G Johns me too, gradually their expressions totally changed
The realization as it became clear to them. Love these guys!
Exact same thing here.. was awesome to watch someone else hear it for first time and relive that feeling of hearing it for the first time
G Johns same
Almost like hearing for the first time all over again.
"There's one thing that's real clear to me, no one dies with dignity" - to me this is the single best quote I have ever heard in a song, maybe even anywhere. Jason isbell's lyrical abilities are beyond the borders of this world
I worked LtC for decades and this is tos true. We try to afford the dignity during postmortem --or last act of love-- but they're still dead
Still. Vulnerable.
"There's one thing that's real clear to me: No one dies with dignity" - I cried
Y'all "hit the lottery" picking Isbell!! He's been called (and I BELIEVE him to be) the greatest American song writer of this age. Every one of his songs paints a VIVID picture.
Mike Gebora Yes they did!
He is his generations Bob Dylan...
No truer words have ever been spoken!!
I was just about to comment this. I'm glad to see they enjoyed it so much!
@@chrissearcy3182 I would add Conor Oberst and his recording under "Bright Eyes" called "Im Wide Awake, It's Morning" in the Woody Guthrie tradition of Dylan.
Jason is one hell of an artist, singer, and song writer. He has 4 Grammy awards and numerous other awards. He and Chris Stapleton don't get much commercial air play but are the real deal. Thanks guys for playing this and all the other REACTIONS. Outstanding!
Jason Isbell is the best song writer in the game right now. Paints really vivid pictures.
the real test would be to joyner lucas new song remixed from their favorite rapper who is really just fake and dancing around like a fake dude drake. drake the fakest dance around but these guys loved him because they are fake to. trust me the dude with glasses is not as smart as you think, go with you gut feeling.
Paints pictures every other country/pop artist paints. The lyrics are simple, country life and women/love
Trey Charles lol
Sad song but I don't think it's country at all try some Cody jinks or Jamey Johnson or whitey Morgan
justzanin one of our favorite songwriters.
Check our tunes and make fun of us
Listened to 99% hip-hop growing up and now listen to mostly country/folk because I love good storytelling.
I appreciate these reactions to "Elephant". What I love about this song is the depth of the story and characters. In the hands of a lesser writer, this would just be a song about cancer. But Isbell has created a song about *two people* effected by cancer and a reflection on death more broadly. The Andy "subplot" (if you will) is brilliant because Isbell doesn't waste the opportunity to add layers to the story. Again, lesser writers might have just used a neutral narrator, but Isbell gives us just enough to imagine a backstory - hence the opening line "she said Andy you're better than your past". I'm picturing Andy walking into a bar, trying to hook up with someone, but instead he gets talking to this woman and confesses his mistakes and burdens. I don't think Andy had more than this one night at the bar with the women - the rest is in his head - but he is changed by it and can't shake it ("I've buried her a thousand times").
I also like how "real" the female character is. Isbell doesn't make her into the stereotypical cancer patient - a saintly martyr, fundraising for a cure - she's a regular person dealing with her death the way many people might - by trying to forget about it for a while. It's true - no one dies with dignity - but there is such depth to these people. It's remarkable what a great writer can achieve in under 4 minutes.
I also love that it makes us question the story...and want more
Damn, good shit. Gave me a whole new way to look at it.
I lost my wife in December to complications from Multiple Sclerosis. My wife knew she was dying and we would make jokes sometimes. This song hits close to home. Beautifully done.
Great comment. I see this song with a backstory of lost love as well. They had a past that transcends the singular moment of cancer and dying.
I'm a cancer survivor and I love this comment. I know it was much harder on my wife than it was on me. I had to go through what I went through, she chose to go through it with me. She's the strongest person I've ever met.
I am a metal guy and always have been. Your metal reactions are what brought me to this party in the first place.
But Jason Isbell is a master and is one of my all-time favorite songwriters. He is a true lyrical craftsman. I practically squealed with joy when I saw you guys reacted to my favorite song of his. Thanks for the video and as always, keep them coming.
This reaction sums up Jason Isbell. The stories are unpredictable and touching. His writing is on another level
Yep. To steal your words "ANOTHER LEVEL".
A lot of Isbells songs get to the heart, If We Were Vampires, Cover Me Up, Goddamn Lonely Love, Decoration Day. His songs always seem to paint a vivid picture. I mean lines like 'Girl leave your boots by the bed, we aint leaving this room til someone needs medical help or the Magnolias bloom' that just draw a picture and set the mood.
Cover Me Up and Travelling Alone are also two excellent songs from Jason Isbell.
Richard Burdette
Cover me up, absolutely incredible
I love Travelling Alone. It never gets old.
Live Oak and Yvette are awesome too.
those are good ones! i also like if we were vampires and alabama pines
Codeine for me. He says it’s funny, then sad for a while, live longer and it becomes funny again. And now it’s just hilarious
Love JI
"The elephant" is so real. Seven years ago I watched as cancer took my 11 year old cousin. It was so hard to fake a normal conversation when all I wanted to do was hold him and cry. The last time I saw him I fought back tears because I knew it was going to be the last time, and shortly after I balled my eyes out at the thought that he might have seen me crying when we're all supposed to be ignoring "the elephant."
That's deep man. I'm sorry for your loss.
Jason is a 4 time Grammy winner & has many more great songs. You guys should check out "If We Were Vampires" too.
Oh god, that song. Yes
I’m a 38-year-old hardscrabble masculine white southern male. 10 years Army, cavalry scout in Rusafa during the surge. There’s one song I can’t sing along to without my voice eventually cracking. That song is called Elephant.
I first found you guys when you covered 46 and 2 by Tool. I’ve been a hardcore Tool fan for more than two decades, and it hurts to admit it, but it took my basic ass 20 times of hearing that song before I understood it at the level you guys picked it up on the fly.
Since then, you’ve run down a list of my favorite songs, expertly digesting each as you took it in its own terms. Lateralus. Rooster. Living the Dream. Tennessee Whiskey. Elephant. Metallica and Coheed and Pantera.
The reason Lateralus is my favorite song ever is because it talks about reaching out for the random. My tagline on my Twitter is “Spiral out. Keep going.”
There is nothing material I love more than music. I have it playing at every moment of every day, and have for almost 40 years. You guys are at the place where my love of music intersects with my love of seeking new experiences and perspectives and understanding and knowledge. I stick it out with you through videos of music that you politely seem uncomfortable with, and I wonder how the fuck people can listen to, because I know you’re going to sit in the pocket and experience it honestly. I might not see the value in a song, but I don’t know everything or get everything, and the important thing is to be willing to listen.
I don’t know how much you get told this, but you mean a lot of it to a lot of us. I love your shit. Keep rocking the motherfuck on.
Oh, and if you ever get the chance, cover a Shawn James song. I know he’s not mainstream, probably nobody else is going to tell you his name, but if you get a wild hair up your ass, do that shit. Flow, Pendulum Swing or Through the Valley. Unbelievable voice, unbelievable talent.
Jeremy Hurtt my Son, Jackson, was a 19D. 👍
19K... Thank you for joining us in service.
"If We Were Vampires" is one of the greatest Isbell songs. Fantastic storytelling.
"I've buried her a thousand times, given up my place in line" best line in that song guys. Also, Tyler childers - nose on the grindstone
Tyler Downey I can't wait until they do a Childers song.
Yes! Nose on the grindstone. Or follow you to virgie by Tyler childers
That line both crushes me and makes the song for me. The obvious and popular interpretation of the song is about cancer but if you listen to the song with a different view it can open up so much more about life.
Jason Isbell is AMAZING. I'm not into country music but I've spent the last 2 years listening to his work and finally watched him live in the UK a few months back. His song-writing is PHENOMENAL, and you really get transported into a different world when you listen to his music. Its almost like watching a movie when you listen to all the different narratives in his songs.
Very powerful song! Very refreshing to hear from a current country artist. That’s a flashback to the old school “Outlaw” days in the 60-70’s where those artists talked about the hardships in life. I might have to download this guys music!!
Guys, please play my request!! lol
You should definitely check out the rest of his stuff. This is about as sad as it gets, but there are also lots of good rockers and ballads, too, all with that 70's sort of shine to them.
Never heard of this guy before, actually I haven’t heard of pretty much every country song you guys have been reacting to haha but I think this guy has the perfect balance between blues/Country. I’m going to check out more of his music. Thanks!!
I can't listen to this song without crying. One of the most powerful song ever
Isbell is a whole new level in songwriting .... Not many can touch the depth of his lyrics and the pain in his voice.
This song helped me allot. My cousin and his wife took me in after I turned every bridge with drugs and drinking. 4 years after they took me in. she got cancer and cancer won 7 months after. I watched cancer rip a family apart. I still struggle with this and want perfect. It really breaks my heart every time I hear this song. But I'm drug free and have full custody of my daughter. Thank you Nikki Lynch and Shaun. I will love you guys more than you can ever know. I think of Nikki almost everyday and try to be the best with your daughter every time I see her. I'm glad you guys listened to this song. Please listen to his newer stuff. He makes amazing ballads. If We Were Vampires, Flagship, Speed Trap Town. Amazing song writer and guitarist.
MusicaenLivo God bless you brother.
In Color- Jamey Johnson. Just like that guy suggested. It's my favorite song of all time. You guys will love it
I have to take back my original comment saying "it was ok, not great".... I must have had junk in my ears because I came back to watch this again and I'm in love. Already bought 7 Jason Isbell songs. Definitely an amazing, original artist.
Thank you again Ryan and George for showing me something that I can fall in love to. You guys never let us down
Lyanna Targaryen cover me up? Alabama pines ? Codeine? If not buy or listen to those by him
That entire album is awesome
This guy is AMAZING!!!! I'm going see him for the 3rd time within a year.
Jason Isbell is one of the great songwriters of our generation. He's brilliant, poignant, witty.... I'm glad you guys appreciated the song and I loved watching your reactions. Thanks for sharing this! Two new Jason Isbell fans? :-)
The best thing about this song is that as amazing as it is it isn't even the best song he has written....The whole Southeastern album is incredible, especially the first five songs. He's done two more albums since this one. Check out "It We Were Vampires" which might actually be sadder (though more bittersweet) than "Elephant."
disagree, it is head and shoulders his best
I love the release straight after Elephant with Flying over water. It's glorious!
Flying Over Water is on the same Album as Elephant...Southeastern. It's his best album.
Yes I know that, I mean the release of tension that comes straight after elephant when flying over water drops in.
The whole album is a proper album it should be listened to as one thing.
ah, got it...I thought you meant "release" as in well "release" haha. And I agree the record is amazing, and especially the first side.
I really enjoyed this. If you hadn't reacted to this I would have never heard this song. Ever. In my life.
This kinda touched me in ways I can't still comprehend and it's saddened me, but I am grateful regardless.
His music is fantastic. This is truly the tip of the iceberg. You should check it all out.
Welcome to REAL country music. It just GRIPS you.
Listen to all of it and try Sturgill Simpson and Tyler Childers!
Check out his other songs, Cover Me Up, If We Were Vampires and Speed Trap Town.
That whole Southeastern album is amazing. A true masterpiece.
Jason Isbell is the best. Its more considered Americana music than country. He gets little to no radio play on major country radio stations but he is one hell of a song writer!
DLane600 Yeah that's probably why he gets no air play cause most of those stations are so preprogrammed to play soulless horseshit. They can't handle the real stuff.
Christian Walz 100 percent. He speaks about it in Nashville Sound
every Isbell song is gold
Jason Isbell is a fabulous songwriter. I had to take this song off the album for a while - because it makes me cry for days.
One of the greatest songwriters of our generation. Truly a gift to us all.
Jason Isbell's 'Speed Trap Town' is another one of his songs that hits hard. It's about realizing that it's time to move on when 'there's no one left to ask if I'm alright.' (Father's death)
When music makes you feel something... that's true, authentic artistry...
As someone who almost lost their daughter to cancer, this song bought me to tears. This song perfectly describes a father trying to be strong for his daughter, knowing there was a good chance she might die. Thanks guys, got me crying at work and shit. Lol. Great job as always. Also- Mudvayne- Not Falling.
when my son was 3 he was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. Trying to act normal for him while simultaneously planning his funeral and dealing with chemo, surgery, and radiation was hard. Through the grace of God and great doctors he is still with us today and we pray " the elephant" never comes back. Sorry for your loss brother.
Really cool how you guys attentively listened to a song in a genre that probably isn’t your first and foremost. Going to have to check out more of your channel.
This is wayyy better than “country”
Great vid guys. Don’t feel bad- I thought it was the same thing before I figured out it’s whole back story
Great to hear Jason get some play been a big fan of his for years when he was with the Drive by truckers should check them out and I recommend the album the southern rock opera to anyone who wants to hear some more of him
Decoration day for me
Panties In Your Purse.
Jason wasn't on southern rock opera. He didn't start with the truckers until decoration day. He was still a writer at FAME Studios when southern rock opera was released and not in the band yet.
W Sd I did not know that thank you but I still Recommend that album and now I learned more about them Again thanks for the correction it was never my intent to mislead
Ah man, you're all good! Didn't want to come off like a know-it-all. Hard to get inflection on a message board lol. Patterson, Cooley and Isbell are the holy Trinity!
Jason Isbell sure knows how to paint a picture with his lyrics...folk's like him seem to be more and more of a rarity now
Southeastern is a masterpiece.
Derrick Rowe 💯%
Yes it is...my fave album of the last decade..
Surrounded by her family, I saw that she was dying alone. That line hits hard! 😢
Devastating
One of my absolute favorite songs in the world. Jason Isbell is one of the best song writers of our generation.
its so honest and pure, music truly is the greatest conveyor of human emotion (in my opinion). listening to this song i couldn't help but think of the loved one's who are gone and even the one's who are still here but lost. thank you for this, an absolutely beautiful song which allows us to feel something real and remember where we are, amazing!
peace, love and joy to you all!! xxx
Well said!
Never heard this ever! Dude on a local sports radio station loves him and I’ve never given him a chance! What a great song and review
Wow I am floored that you picked one of my suggestions! Great reaction I was waiting for you both to get deeper into the song where the story starts to come together. I don't have a chance to watch every video but I love what you're doing guys keep up the good work!
Dive deeper into Jason Isbell if you get a chance, probably the best song writer out there in this genre. Southeastern is a 10/10 album!
Man so many great Isbell songs.... so so many. Cover Me Up, Travelin Alone, 24 Frames, Flying Over Water, Relatively Easy, Last of My Kind, TVA...
This song absolutely tears me up every time and so I couldnt wait to see how you guys reacted when you see the Elephant. Thanks guys...great review
You guys should check out Live Oak by Jason Isbell as well, one of the best story tellers out there!
Dylan Dickenson hell yeah I think he’s the best song writer out there right now.
justzanin Yeah in country anyways, I’m more into Metal and heavier music in general but I appreciate quality music of any genre.
Live Oak is one of my favorite Jason Isbell songs. I love the way he can tell a story through his songs. Not many others like him.
One of his many masterpieces...guy is a lyrical genius...and one of the best guitar players you will ever see..mteuly world class.
"Yvette" makes me emotional every time. I also like his work with the Drive-By-Truckers, especially "Goddamn Lonely Love" and "Decoration Day."
Jason Isbell was the lead singer from the Drive-By Truckers. He is awesome. So I am going to recommend that you guys review my favorite song from them. Drive-By Truckers - Goddamn Lonely Love
Special K He shared vox with Patterson Hood and Mike Cooley in the Truckers, another great band. Agreed, Isbell is a rare talent.
2nd any DBT song! My vote is for The Righteous Path, or What It Means. Or The Living Bubba!!
DBT is killer. I think their three best albums were the ones with Isbell. They had three guys who write great songs, three guitars, and a dynamite rhythm section. They also had a common vision. It's good stuff.
Bornagain Pagan and pizza deliverance and gangstabilly. Patterson is prolific.
and cooley really blossomed as a songwriter
WoW....Great song..never heard of this artist. I Luv Lost in Vegas for exposing us/me to different artist and different styles of music. Great people in this community. Different strokes but One Love❤
Jason Isbell is a fantastic song writer. All of his songs tell a story and there's very few that don't hit you in the feels.
He and his wife are awesome. If you like this go listen to "live oak".....wow.
\m/ MARI \m/
Also give John Moreland a listen. Very good stuff.
\m/ MARI \m/ Heard Live Oak and was hooked. I want to list all my favourites but just go find them it's better that way.
\m/ MARI \m/ try Songs That She Sang In The Shower,, Cigarettes And Wine,, Cover Me Up just for a start.😊
The song touched home so harshly and so gently, it became very personal. If you've ever experienced such things, it's one of those songs you feel you could have written yourself. After 25 years with a wonderful wife, the same elephant moved into our home. You can't just leave it behind, it follows everywhere you go. It rides with you in the car. Long after she had passed, the elephant remained. I'm not entirely certain when it went away and it still comes back to visit.
Bittersweet.
1st time I've ever subscribed to anyone.
Jason Isbell is top 3 favorite writers of all time and I'm glad you guys dug the song. You guys are informative and fun to watch!
Who is your other favorites
@@walmartden6602 sadly Isbell is out for me. I just can't get into his last couple of projects. This track and album are phenomenal though.
Check out John Mooreland if you haven't had the pleasure of that yet. Dude is unreal talented in song writing.
@@PolarHighRoller in the throes is actually one of my favorite albums of all time I love gospel blacklist your spell 3: 59 am so many great songs if you have not yet check out American aquariums burn flicker die album produced by isbell it has a lot of great songs
I am so glad you guys review country! This is one of my favorite songs of all time, and I love how thoughtfully you actually consider SONGWRITING. So few do that!
Yes!! You did Elephant!!!!
The craziest part is that almost every song on the whole album is this good.
He's my favorite songwriter ever. All of his music invokes such incredible emotion and thought!
My oldest brother Doug passed of cancer this last February.
He fought it like hell for over a year, and through it all, his was strong for all those around him.
But, like the lyrics of the song say “He knew he was dying alone”. And I did too.
My other brother was listening to this song and shared it with me when we left the hospital one day.
This song will always have a special place in my many memories of this journey called life.
It humbled my ass for sure.
I think it got you guys as well.
Get the stuff done on your bucket list guys... Because one day you’re going to be trying to avoid that damn elephant in the room.
We all will.
Very deep story and writing in this one really didn't expect it to catch the feels man. Really well done performance from Jason Isbell he really captured the essence of the story he telling and not only that but did he do the main instruments as well because I know Country singers tend to be proficient at more than one instrument Im assuming but correct me if I'm wrong. Also it really got me to take a step back and take a better look at my surroundings. Well done from Jason and I enjoyed yall reaction on this Country record Lost In Vegas.
Hey man, Jason sings and plays lead guitar, but his full band the 400 Unit is backing him here. I hope I understood the question, and I hope that helps!
Cody Jinks or Tyler Childers!!!! You have already done my other favorites. Isbell and Sturgill!
you have great taste in music stranger
My 4 faves too
Y'all hit me with this one.. I just left the Hospital where my mom is. She had a lemon sized Tumor removed in November but they found more today... thank you for this
Jamey Johnson
High Cost of Living
Explains me
praying for your mom!
user 116 thank you very much
Sending prayers
Fight like a warrior, mom! Prayers your way
Craig Morgan “this ain’t nothing”
Isbell's writing is AMAZING. Found you because of my love for him. Great reactions guys. Love it.
During a time when marketing has taken over the music industry, this TH-cam channel is fantastic for helping people discover new artists. It's a shame that the majority of people out there don't have any idea that Jason Isbell exists and have no idea what they are missing. It's such a treat being able to sit alone in your car and listen to his albums front to back. It's a very emotional experience.
I'm so glad y'all finally did Jason Isbell! He's an incredibly poetic songwriter another really good one from him is Cumberland Gap. Or any of Myles Kennedy's (lead singer of Alter Bridge) solo stuff he's finally releasing!
Jason Isbell - Cover Me Up or Traveling Alone
Get some Chris Stapleton bluegrass with steeldrivers blue side of the mountain or where rainbows never die
One of the greatest songwriters of our time. God Bless Jason Isbell.
This is really becoming one of my favorite channels. I love how you both give each song your whole attention. As a songwriter - this is the perfect situation. Thank you both. I love what you do. The amount of respect you give music is so unusual these days. So good. Thank you.
One of Isbell's best. Incredible.
Great reaction! That song definitely hit very very close to home for me. For you next Country song, I would recommend one of the following:
Jamey Johnson - In Color
Jamey Johnson - Hight Cost of Living
As a country fan I'm surprised I haven't heard of this artist. Thanks for introducing me to him! I would love for you guys to do Chris LeDoux- This Cowboys Hat
You haven't heard of him because he doesn't play bro country and a lot of his stuff really isn't country. He is an Americana artist and was the grammy for best Americana album for both of his last 2 albums.
Da Realist the fact that you mentioned Chris LeDoux is why you haven’t heard of him lol. Great song, but country has moved in a different direction from back in he days of the greats like LeDoux.
James Hare I guess so lol
Danny Berry bro country?
Da Realist Dude. Dig in. Isbell is the King right now. Also, a friend was LeDoux’s guitar player. Tragic story :(
Song makes me cry every time. Lost three close family members to cancer in a very short amount of time. Jason's writing cuts me to the bone.
So glad you did this song! I'm a huge Isbell fan. Saw him live last month in Durham, and I swear seeing him live is like a religious experience. He's one of the best song writers of our time. Absolutely captivating.
Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, and now Jason Isbell you guys are going to get spoiled listening to these amazing artists none of their “contemporaries” come close to the talent of these gentlemen. Isbell and Sturgill get virtually no love from Country radio bc they sing about some pretty taboo subjects for country...Or should I say for what passes for country these days. Y’all should check out Sturgill Simpson - turtles all the way down and Jason Isbell - cover me up.
Radio just sucks man, whether it's pop, rock, country or hiphop. I can't remember the last thing I heard on the radio that I really enjoyed. Damn near everything I really love from the past 15 or so years I got through word of mouth recommendations.
dio52 agreed but country is unique in that Nashville (music row, Dixie mafia etc) can and will blacklist artists that don’t conform to what they want and what they want are spins on the radio. Luckily I live in Texas and there are stations that only play Texas country (red dirt) like Aaron Watson Cody Jinks Cody Johnson etc. Texas country is a hell of a lot better than the crap coming out of Nashville.
"One of the reasons country radio sucks these days is they're afraid to play songs about killing people."
-Steve Earle, playing with the Del McCroury Band on Austin City Limits back in the late nineties.
I would add that there are MANY more reasons to hate modern country radio. Real SHIT for life.
Top 3 fave country singers
TZeavet Mine too,I got to see all 3 play three years at Williie’s 4th of July picnic in Austin right before they started getting big. It was an amazing show
Great choice guys. knowing the song, it was awesome to know the big reveal coming after the pause in that first verse, that had you thinking it was headed in a completely different direction. Love you guys
Am amazing choice. Great writer. Worth looking into his work. Nice job with this one.
Finally broke down and subscribed. I just love your breakdowns, your both highly intelligent, and always catch things in songs that go over my head. Thanks Guys. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It's so cool that you guys can sit there and enjoy this kind of music. It gives me hope for all of us!
Not usually my cup of tea, but good voice and heartfelt
No other genre of music can pull that song off. Appreciate what you have while you have it..... real talk.
every genre can, you just have to know where to look to find it.
Have a recommendation if you want to hear more Jason His solo song Cover me up.. it a modern classic and The drive by trucker song Decoration Day...
It is so a classic...Isbell is going to be a legend..
Cover Me Up is one of the best songs ever written in the history of music. If We Were Vampires is another one of Isbell's love songs that gets me all choked up too. But Cover Me Up, man...that's the song that every woman wishes her man wrote to/about her.
I love "cover me up , flagship, traveling alone, children of children..." the list goes on and on 😉 glad I saw him live two years ago.
I love these two guys. Salt of the earth. Thanks for keeping it real with one of my favorite songs.
I'm so glad you guys got to hear this by one of the best song writers around. Who else could write a song like that??
Every time I watch you guy's I'm just floored... (in a good way haha!). I never thought I would be this drawn to a reactions/review channel but I absolutely love you two! While you guys discover amazing new artists and music a lot of us discover and learn with you. My playlist is all over the place since I stumbled on your channel a while back. Thank you for what you all do.
Also... I wouldn't be a true Free Thinker if I didn't throw in a shameless request. Maybe third times the charm! Parkway Drive - Dedicated. You guys won't be disapointed!
We appreciate that Ryan! Great name by the way sir! lol
I had heard about Isbell and this reaction convinced me to take the plunge. Southeastern is a modern classic. When you do another Isbell reaction may I suggest "Live Oak" or "Yvette". Let's just say, they will leave you feeling some kind of way. Great reaction, again.
Jason Isbell. Very nice. Big fan of his music. His lyrics are sublime.
Guys, If you liked Isbell, you should check out Jason Molina. Either Magnolia Electric Co, Don’t This Look Like The Dark or Songs: Ohia, Farewell Transmission. Molina helped me through some very dark times. Him opening his soul and sharing his demons through his music helped me fight my own. He made me a better man.
I dare you guys to review Yvette by Jason Isbell. Absolutely one of the best songs written in the last 50 years.
I have the pleasure of seeing Isbell in in concert here in SA TX in May.. Looking forward to it even more now!
Wow, y'all got into Jason. One of the Best writers in this time. Also a great guitar player, and soulful vocalist. I've wanted to push so many of his (and Driveby Truckers) songs. So many good ones. He's the Real Deal! ❤️ I'm still sticking with one song I'd like to have y'all listen to though. "Finger On The Trigger", by Bleu Edmondson.😊❤️✌️
Brandon Jenkins wrote it and sang the original version. But it has been covered a bunch, as so many of his songs were.
An Old Man Named dave everyone talks about Jason's newer stuff.. And I'm over here like the best was with DBT and the first two albums he did after. That's what everyone is missing.
Even that very first line - "Andy, you're better than your past" - says SO much. She's dying, but she's trying to let her friend know that he has to think better of himself, forgive himself and expect better for himself in the future. It's such a kind, meaningful, selfless gesture. I don't think any of that is by accident. I just think Isbell is one of the best songwriters alive right now.
This is a great interpretation of that line, EdD5. Hadn't previously thought of it in that way.
I’ve never heard this artist before but I like him. Try Kenny Wayne Shepherd “blue on black”
He’s one of the best songwriters out there today. Loved watching along with you to you discover what the song was about.
You guys are brilliant. The way you break these songs down lyrically I believe has touched an incredible amount of people. It’s exactly how I listen and interpret songs. Your genuine and open thoughts on all your videos is what I need and I’m sure many many people out there watching you guys would agree. Thank you for what you do. Truly
Also you won't be disappointed with Jason Isbell - Live Oak
Yes! One of my faves!
I’m a new subscriber thanks to Jason Isbell posting the link to this video on his Twitter feed. Definitely went down the TH-cam rabbit hole and watched way too many of your videos over the weekend.
I’d love to see you review “Paranoid Android” by Radiohead. IMHO, it’s the pinnacle of 90’s guitar rock.
I second the Radiohead request. Would love to see their take.
So glad your chose Jason Isbell. I’ll be honest when i say i expected a flame session from this vehicle but could not be happier with your reactions. In my opinion, Jason Isbell is one of the best writers and composers of our generation and transcends so many genres. His personal stories of struggle and triumph rival any ever told. Great video!
Jason Isbell is one hell of a singer/songwriter - he is the real deal. I was so excited to hear your opinion.
TESSERACT - Of Matter (Live at Sphere Studios). I listen to this at least once a week, it never gets old!
@MelmothWanders DO IT!