I studied music technology at university and the first time I ever heard this was when my tutors had our whole class sit and listen to this in a studio playing through big speakers. It was an unbelievable experience. The clarity was awe-inspiring. I remember thinking, this is like nothing I've ever heard in my life. It gave me a new level of appreciation for the craft and in particular, the pure artistry of Massive Attack. Incredible.
Don't confuse sadness with melancholy, Ryan. When I go to a funeral, I'm sad, right (certainly not excited, who gets excited about a funeral ?). But when I listen to a song like this it puts me in a melancholic mood. It's not easy to explain why melancholic music is so appealing to me. It's cathartic in a way and it helps me to stay balanced. Maybe it also has to do with empathy and the feeling of being understood and relatable. That's why I highly enjoy music by Massive Attack, Portishead, but also Radiohead, Manic Street Preachers, The Smiths or The Cure (and loads of other bands who know how to make this kind of stuff). It speaks to my soul and it pulls all the right strings deep inside of me. And I know that I need that to stay healthy and sane. Does that make any sense ?
I feel they need to do a reaction to the movie Inside Out. Also: Art is meant to evoke emotions. Sure, if the emotion is sadness, I might not put the song on my workout playlist, but sometimes a song manages to make me tear up and will still instantly hit repeat because the song is so beautiful. Amanda Palmer: In My Mind would be one to sing along loudly and then choke on it, or most recently Wolf Alice: Last Man on the Earth
“Black flowers blossom” invokes in me a feeling of joy derived from realizing you are hurting from the pain of others when you thought you were broken and unable to care.
I've never actually heard the lyrics. I knew going in it was the theme song. Just never heard more than the first 30 or so seconds. This is forever the house theme song. Can't disassociate them lol
So great to see you guys react to this classic masterpiece. As many others have pointed out, Inertia Creeps and Risingson from this album are absolute bangers, and should be right up your alley! I think what makes this album special is the sound and mood. Ryan captured it pretty well. There's a very haunting and melancholic and dark aesthetic to it, which is just magical for those who dig that vibe. Its a perfect rainy day album for me! Edit: Shoutout to George for his interpretation! Elizabeth Fraser has one of the most unique voices of all time. At the time this song was written and performed, she was famously in a relationship with Jeff Buckley. Its rumored (basically a legend at this point), that while this song isn't about him, it was performed shortly after his sudden death due to drowning. I've always liked to believe that you can hear some of that emotion in her vocals. I had a chance to watch Massive Attack when they toured the US for the Mezzanine 20th anniversary. They played the album in its entirety, and Liz Fraser and Horace Andy toured and performed with them. To date, it was the greatest and most special night of my life!
@@KaushikSethunath_10 Boston, in my case. Yes, the whole show was amazing, and Liz Fraser genuinely angelic. I was strongly tempted to immediately splurge to go see them again in NYC two nights later, and rather regret that I didn't.
Also they have a song with Mos Def called "I Against I", he raps on it and it is absolutely amazing. No sadness on that one, neither on the other one I mentioned "Inertia Creeps", definitely do those 2 from them
"Lost in Vegas" praising Liz Fraser, is a highlight of my life. I never thought I'd see the day. Now, if they get into the Cocteau Twins hehe. Don't think they'd dig it, but ya never know. My other 'go to' vocalist is Alison Goldfrapp, who did some trip-hopish stuff. Would love to see them listen to Strict Machine, or Train.
I’d like to see Cocteau Twins reactions as well, one of my favorite bands of all time! They should do “Heaven or Las Vegas” and “Pearly Dewdrops” first
That's weird... I never thought about this song being sad. Melancholic, haunting, sombre... but also very hopeful and beautiful. I never felt anything sad about it, even if the lyrics are sad. That's something I would associate with ''Roads'' by Portishead, for example (which I also absolutely adore). It probably has something to do with the whole songs just using major chords, which makes it sound uplifting to me.
Regarding the analysis of the lyrics, I think George was spot on. A Massive Attack fan site published this: "Elizabeth Fraser wrote and sang the lyrics for Teardrop soon after famous singer/songwriter Jeff Buckley, her boyfriend at the time had perished in a drowning accident. Some speculate that the lyrics for Teardrop were reflective of her mood at the time and might even subtlety be about Jeff Buckley’s death."
Mezzanine is a favorite of audiophiles. Plenty of low bass, and full spectral range. This is such a hauntingly beautiful song, sometimes sad is beautiful.
I am not a native English speaker. And I doubt the people of Massive Attack is even aware of the region/country I grew up in. I was around 15 when I first heard this song. I remember getting goosebumps, hearing this on radio 1st time, woke up from a slumber of some yellow autumn afternoon. This is still one of my top 10 songs of all time, any region, language, genre, styles etc. To me this is a masterpiece, a top example of beauty in simplicity. This is the anthem of introverts. And yes, when I heard this as a title track for "House", I automatically got attracted to the show.
You guys should absolutely check out some early, Blue Lines-era Massive Attack. Their song "Unfinished Sympathy" is one of the greatest tracks of the 1990s. As for other trip-top, there's still a lot of great stuff out there, including DJ Shadow (tracks off of Endtroducing such as "Building Steam with a Grain of Salt") and more Portishead, particularly "Sour Times" and "Roads" (the version from their live in NYC album is iconic).
To continue down the Massive Attack journey, I think "Inertia Creeps" is going to be the next obvious song from this album, but I gotta say, I think "Girl I Love You" from their Heligoland album would make a huge impact with both of you. The bass guitar and drum work in that song is so up y'all's alleys, and it's got some cool layers and complexity built on top of a super smooth beat. I think "What Your Soul Sings" would be an interesting listen for both of you too. I have no doubt that George would shit his dick over that song, I'm way more interested in how Ryan would interpret it. Sinead O'Connor did the vocals on that track, and it's such a cool piece of music - thick bass with kind of a weird ethereal/dreamy vibe to it, but it still slaps, if that makes an ounce of sense? Mezzanine is a fantastic album, but try not to ignore some of the gems on their others.
Great reaction fellas. I’m 37 now, but the first time I heard this song I was 19. And it seriously had me contemplating my whole life. Still does. I been severely depressed for years now. I play this song in my lowest points and cry every damn time. But it’s truly beautiful.
It's so funny how people interpret music differently. I love watching George's face as Ryan explains not connecting with it. He's like damn, I knew it haha. From the first time I heard this track (listened to it many, many times) I never heard sadness. This shit is epic to me. Makes me feel like I could rule the world, limitless style. The chord progression of the piano over the harpsichord with the beat is straight motivation, like a warrior going into battle on a alien planet.
Side note: For any Massive Attack fans who were also fans Fox network original "House" starring Hugh Laurie will remember the opening theme to the show used an edited version of this track.
They only used it for the first season, rest of the seasons its not teardrop anymore. Its a song done by a house band that sounds close enough to teardrop that it sounds like it but without the need to pay licensing for the real song.
I think the best chance you have of replicating the feeling of "Angel" is "Risingson". Mezzanine opens with Angel, Risingson, Teardrop, and after the intensity of the first two, Teardrop is like the rainclouds clearing and letting a bit of light into the darkness.
This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music Ive heard in my life. I never tire of hearing it. Listen to it all the way through every time it plays. Sad with a hint of elation. Bitter sweet.
Mezzanine for me was one of the best albums of the 90's. Liz's vocal performance in this song is so hauntingly beautiful, accompanied by a wonderfully atmospheric and mysterious instrumental performance.
This is the nice, pretty song from Mezzanine, now you gotta hit the dark, menacing side of Trip-hop more (like Angel). Go for Tricky - Hell is around the corner; Massive Attack - Group Four; Portishead - Wandering star...
This is the song I usually play when I'm on the bus or train at night just watching life pass by... Everyone is doing something... going somewhere... I'm just sitting, waiting for the last stop... when it rains, it just clicks into place like an old wound that is finally healing...
Teardrop was used as the theme/intro/outro music for the TV series House MD (in the US, outside the US an original piece was composed that somewhat resembles this song because Teardrop was already used for another British TV show I believe. Can't remember which one though).
Massive Attack are one of the best bands ever for creating atmospheric work - you are right. Trip hop was really all about that, and there were other bands at that time around like Radiohead that also changed the game in this way. This is one of those songs that somehow has the essence of the UK woven into it. Iconic track - it was everywhere here when it came out and highly influential. I’d love to know what Ryan and George would make of Unfinished Sympathy - another classic Massive Attack song. It was the one that really broke the band and made them a massive name in the UK. Please react to Unfinished Sympathy, guys! 🙏
Guys check out Unfinished Sympathy. Probably the most upbeat & euphoric song they have. It’s the song that always closes the live show. Love to hear you review this ?
I adore that track, but I'm surprised you hear it as upbeat! I have always thought of it as yearning and melancholy. The lyrics are about lost love and betrayal.
I love how open you guys are. Massive Attack takes me back to so many memories. Sometimes it makes me happy and sometimes i listen to it when im sad. George, you do a great job with digging into the lyrics. Dig into Tricky !
Yo, the guy on the right nailed it, she wrote the song about jeff buckley, another songwriter in the 90's scene that had recently died, they were in a romantic relationship just before he drown at the age of 30. The reason the song sounds of loss is because that is what it is written about, and massive attack knew how to translate emotions into a song form, no matter the emotion, love to your channel, my friends. Also, the guy that died, buckley, popularized hallelujuh, which we have all heard, written originally by leonard cohen.
Massive Attack is a whole mood to me. Very atmospheric ✨ I associate it with chill, zen, world type music…. Late night cocktails and lounging with friends..
Man I just really love to see that even if you don't like something, you're putting the effort into meeting it where it's at and not just dismissing it outright. I wish more people would analyze stuff as deeply as y'all. Love from NC!
It’s not sad, it’s Melancholy Cool! Totally different haha. It’s just introverted music. It chills me out and makes me feel like the coolest dude in the world and turns my thoughts introspective. It makes me feel focused. I love music like that, but I totally understand why Ryan being super extroverted and upbeat doesn’t connect with it. I am upbeat a lot too, but my home base is this kind of chill melancholy cool type of mood. But I think Ryan is spot on and self aware about where he’s coming from and why it’s still great, just not for him, personally. This also explains why he doesn’t get Radiohead. But There are several more “joyful” feeling Radiohead songs that I think he would still like better. I wonder why Ryan loves the Deftones though… I love them too, but to me… their vibe is cool but also much more depressing. I wonder what it is about them, that doesn’t bring him down. Probably the heavy guitars haha. Heavy guitars can cure everything. Oh also… I am with Ryan on the Sade thing. I was just listening to some Trip Hop yesterday and thinking about how the singers sounded like they were influenced by Sade.
Ah, yes. The opening credits song for the show House. The medical drama that starred Hugh Laurie. Also, was sampled on the Krayzie Bone album Thug On Da Line. Track 18. "Kneight Riduz Wuz Here. " Kray's subgroup of "pirates" with members of Graveyard Shift and Lareece. That album also had Sade on it in the song "Hard Time Hustlin'."
If Sade is your thing, you should check out the Deftones cover of No Ordinary Love on the b-sides and rarities album. If you're trying to put folks in a pretzel, that's the one that gets it done. Ha. Keep up the great work!
Agreed. Another great Deftones cover is If Only Tonight we Could Sleep by The Cure. I'm a huge Cure fan so this is hard to say and feels blasphemous, BUUUUUT... their cover may be better than the original....
We have to put it in context (too). I remember 98, 23 years old. What a strange journey. Stevie vay Vaughan, Jeff Buckley, Kurt Cobain, Frank Zappa, etc.: all dead. The digital was about to replace analog, etc. 2000 was about to arrive with all the expectations we had (for random reasons). And expectations always come with fears. In History it always has been a weird moment due to religion(s)/various beliefs, myths & co. "End of times" at one point. So, yes, music was a "time mirror" of our fears, questions, doubts. When we listen to a piece it needs to put it back in context at one point to understand what was going on at the time. Like a painting, a photography, a poem, etc. Greetings from french Alps 🙏🌸
Your interpretation of "black flowers' blossom" of being death is accurate. Liz Fraser was in a relationship with Jeff Buckley, and this song was sung soon after she learned of his sudden death... Heartbreaking, really.
Was luckily enough to live in Bristol for a while. So, so much incredible music and art, and loved Massive Attack. Quite new to this channel, but look out for a band called Portishead. My favorite Massive Attack, 'Unfinished Sympathy'
Elizabeth Fraser, former lead singer of Cocteau Twins, who also wrote the lyrics. It was released on 27 April 1998 as the second single from the group's third studio album, Mezzanine (1998)...the genre of the song besides melancholy felt,it s a feeling from a woman pregnant..from what i know the video was almost nominated to receive an Oscar for the best video..btw..those drums on background that don't change the rithm is actually a heart that is beating..it's my favourite song from Massive Attack..but overall they are legendary status in hip-hop,trip hope elevtronic music .. PS-gents you should watch the video to understand the song! PEACE!
What Massive Attack does best, IMO, is to create an atmosphere and develop tension, & they do it masterfully. Might I suggest 'Protection.' Stunning track from them 🔥
Love that you guys are continuing Massive Attack. Would love to see you react to Paradise Circus next. It’s kind of a weird song that is oddly beautiful.
The trick to songs like this is to show empathy to how the other person is experiencing things without attaching yourself to it so that you are impacted emotionally. You can relate to how they are feeling and what they are going through but it doesn't mean you have to go through all that they are at the same time. The beauty in the song is how beautifully they illustrate their feelings regarding the very recent death of a person who the singer had a complicated experience with but who adored that person very much. If you can see what they are experiencing, the song pops to life and that's where the beauty is. Don't ever be afraid to go looking for that. You can understand people better and learn for yourself too. Amazing song and I love the band.
For real though, this entire album is flawless. Dissolved Girl is my favorite track, but I could and have listened to this from start to finish non-stop.
An instrumental version of this was used in Prison Break, in a montage scene right before they were about to make the escape. I get chills every time I hear this and recalling that specific scene.
For people carrying sadness with them, a song like this can help navigate that and unburden yourself of it. Totally understand how it can be confronting if you're not wanting to feel that, but if you're in the right place, it can be really comforting. Especially with the through beat that feels kind of like a muffled heartbeat, which I guess is the inspiration for the music video, like hearing a heartbeat in the womb, a very comforting sound. Definitely second all the calls for Inertia Creeps. Tell George it's pretzel time. And don't sleep on the other albums they put out, to get a bit of a different vibe. From Protection, Karmacoma is such a chill trip with a warm buzz to it, and the title track Protection is such a sweet thing. Unfinished Sympathy from Blue Lines is where their popularity began, seeing the seeds is always a good shout. And their later work, like 100th Window (with Sinead O'Connor providing vocals for What Your Soul Sings, and A Prayer For England), or Heligoland (LISTEN TO PARADISE CIRCUS, for the love of all that is holy!) it's all so effortlessly cool.
George was right. The lyrics are about the singer just finding out that her ex-boyfriend, musician Jeff Buckley, died in an accidental drowning. To me, the song represents life and death. The instrumental represents a heartbeat, the video of the fetus enhances that. It's the fragility of life and how it can end so suddenly when a heartbeat stops.
Fraser and Buckley were just really close friends. If you can find it there is an incredible duet with them. It is heavenly. The song isn't about Buckley but the mood is. She was actually recording the song at the time she learned of his disappearance/death. Buckley was an amazing artist, to say the least.
Ryan is on the mark about how this song is really sad, but still hopeful - this was the theme song for House MD and as the series progressed it became more and more fitting for the show. this song is haunting and melancholic and simultaneously full of love and heartbreak somehow, especially if you've seen the show.
Morecheeba! You guys need to check them out! "Trigger Hippie", or anything off their first two albums, 'Who Can I Trust' or 'Big Chill'. Fantastic after hours jams that aren't too depressing. Lol
If you like Elizabeth Fraser's voice you must listen to Cocteau Twins - in particular the guys of 'Lost in Vegas' should give 'Heaven or Las Vegas' by Cocteau Twins a heady listen. Poetic.
See I have great memories of this song both from seeing them live at the time but also my daughter was born to this track playing in the delivery suite.
Love this song, great reaction! Aurora does a lovely cover of it 'for like a version' which is shorter but magical! Oh and a great little convo about Banksy at the beginning :)
Thanks for reacting to Massive Attack again. There are some songs that I know Ryan will like. Please react to Karmacoma, 5 Man Army, Dead Editors or I Against I. All of them have rapping which flow nicely over Massive Attack’s ethereal beats.
This song was played sometimes towards the end of a party in my favorite rock club. And I LOVED it. After a crazy rock/metal night with everyone rocking & sweating this song was always super calming and nice in that early mornings. And ofc those beats also sounded way better over those speakers than just listening to it at home. But yeah, it's a unique and soft song, so not like other songs that you'd listen to all day. ;)
It's time to do Cocteau Twins, boys. My favourite band. This song is gorgeous. You were so spot on with your analysis, crazy. It's funny to hear you describe her as a unique vocalist because this is her at her most coherent. 🤣 I sincerely hope you check out, and love, Cocteau Twins. She's the vocalist for the band and her vocals are extraordinary. They'll take some getting used to but they're one of the most beautiful bands out there with a FULL catalog of great songs. EPS, compilations, singles, albums. They have a huge discography and it's all gold.
I studied music technology at university and the first time I ever heard this was when my tutors had our whole class sit and listen to this in a studio playing through big speakers. It was an unbelievable experience. The clarity was awe-inspiring. I remember thinking, this is like nothing I've ever heard in my life. It gave me a new level of appreciation for the craft and in particular, the pure artistry of Massive Attack. Incredible.
It's a mystery how that sub bass is so good in the mix.
You have to forgive these two here, they are from the black American community, they will never understand where you are coming from...
Awesome.
Those song never fails to move me.
The production studio as an instrument.
Liz Fraser is a scottish goddess. From the Cocteau Twins to This Mortal Coil......an amazing talent
Always loved the Cocteau Twins combination on heaviness with Liz Fraser’s beautiful voice.
I think she had two songs with This Mortal Coil which were great. Cocteau Twins are in another world musically. They have been a godsend in my life.
Totally agree 💜💜
TMC’s Song to the Siren -one of my favorites
And sang on Primitive Painters by Felt.
It's not about "to like being sad". Songs like this in fact helps when people feel sad, helps do deal with some internal buried pain and work it out.
It's like an emotional gym or something.
Seeing as this song is written about Jeff Buckley, I think it's high time for you guys to react to some Jeff Buckley. Grace is an absolute must.
Yes! Please react to Jeff Buckley. “Last Goodbye” gets me EVERY TIME
Grace, one of the most insane songs I've ever heard, as a fan primarily of progressive metal and various electronic genres. Please listen to Grace
Absolutely. Grace is a personal fave but is cover of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" gets me every time. But all Jeff's songs are fire imo.
Grace just gives me chills every time I heard it. Last goodbye and mojo pin are incredible too
Oh shit. Didn't know that. Love Jeff's stuff
Don't confuse sadness with melancholy, Ryan. When I go to a funeral, I'm sad, right (certainly not excited, who gets excited about a funeral ?). But when I listen to a song like this it puts me in a melancholic mood. It's not easy to explain why melancholic music is so appealing to me. It's cathartic in a way and it helps me to stay balanced. Maybe it also has to do with empathy and the feeling of being understood and relatable. That's why I highly enjoy music by Massive Attack, Portishead, but also Radiohead, Manic Street Preachers, The Smiths or The Cure (and loads of other bands who know how to make this kind of stuff). It speaks to my soul and it pulls all the right strings deep inside of me. And I know that I need that to stay healthy and sane. Does that make any sense ?
Totally with you 100%
I’d also add Low to that list for the same reasons. ;)
I feel they need to do a reaction to the movie Inside Out.
Also: Art is meant to evoke emotions. Sure, if the emotion is sadness, I might not put the song on my workout playlist, but sometimes a song manages to make me tear up and will still instantly hit repeat because the song is so beautiful. Amanda Palmer: In My Mind would be one to sing along loudly and then choke on it, or most recently Wolf Alice: Last Man on the Earth
Man this was really well put and explained exactly why I like this music too.
- "MONO NO AWARE"
- "WELTSCHMERZ"
- "این نیز بگذرد" (īn nīz bogzarad)
Exactly, it is a vehicle to let out and experience some of those emotions you don't normally bring to the front.
Ryan - if you run away from things that make you feel sad, you're closing yourself off to some of the most beautiful music out there!
“Black flowers blossom” invokes in me a feeling of joy derived from realizing you are hurting from the pain of others when you thought you were broken and unable to care.
Theme song for the show House!
Yeahhh... As I was listening I was why is so familiar.... Never heard this song before
The original by Jose Gonzalez is great too.
@@AppliedFool042Jose released his cover in 2007. Massive Attack is the original.
@@AppliedFool042 you trolling? Haha
I've never actually heard the lyrics. I knew going in it was the theme song. Just never heard more than the first 30 or so seconds. This is forever the house theme song. Can't disassociate them lol
So great to see you guys react to this classic masterpiece. As many others have pointed out, Inertia Creeps and Risingson from this album are absolute bangers, and should be right up your alley!
I think what makes this album special is the sound and mood. Ryan captured it pretty well. There's a very haunting and melancholic and dark aesthetic to it, which is just magical for those who dig that vibe. Its a perfect rainy day album for me!
Edit: Shoutout to George for his interpretation! Elizabeth Fraser has one of the most unique voices of all time. At the time this song was written and performed, she was famously in a relationship with Jeff Buckley. Its rumored (basically a legend at this point), that while this song isn't about him, it was performed shortly after his sudden death due to drowning. I've always liked to believe that you can hear some of that emotion in her vocals. I had a chance to watch Massive Attack when they toured the US for the Mezzanine 20th anniversary. They played the album in its entirety, and Liz Fraser and Horace Andy toured and performed with them. To date, it was the greatest and most special night of my life!
I was really hoping for Inertia Creeps. Teardrop is just aight.
inertia creeps is probably my fav massive song, im a long time fan. i like the 3d stuff mostly
That anniversary tour was the greatest show of my life as well.
@@Mannahnin Indeed my friend! Where did you get to see them? I saw them in Washington DC. The audiovisual sensations were just next level!
@@KaushikSethunath_10 Boston, in my case. Yes, the whole show was amazing, and Liz Fraser genuinely angelic. I was strongly tempted to immediately splurge to go see them again in NYC two nights later, and rather regret that I didn't.
Also they have a song with Mos Def called "I Against I", he raps on it and it is absolutely amazing. No sadness on that one, neither on the other one I mentioned "Inertia Creeps", definitely do those 2 from them
I Against I and Dissolved Girl would be my 2 goto's for these guys. I can almost guarantee they'd be into I Against I
Don't forget Karmakoma
I against I is the greatest tribute to Gary numan, who has absolutely nothing to do with it. it's one of my fave songs ever.
this entire album is a masterpiece
This was the opening song for the show House. And I didn't even know till you guys started playing it, lol.
Dr. House is the only series where I never skipped the intro, this song is amazing.
"Lost in Vegas" praising Liz Fraser, is a highlight of my life. I never thought I'd see the day.
Now, if they get into the Cocteau Twins hehe. Don't think they'd dig it, but ya never know.
My other 'go to' vocalist is Alison Goldfrapp, who did some trip-hopish stuff. Would love to see them listen to Strict Machine, or Train.
I’d like to see Cocteau Twins reactions as well, one of my favorite bands of all time! They should do “Heaven or Las Vegas” and “Pearly Dewdrops” first
I’m down to hear a Cocteau reaction….Bring it on!
That's weird... I never thought about this song being sad. Melancholic, haunting, sombre... but also very hopeful and beautiful. I never felt anything sad about it, even if the lyrics are sad. That's something I would associate with ''Roads'' by Portishead, for example (which I also absolutely adore). It probably has something to do with the whole songs just using major chords, which makes it sound uplifting to me.
roads should never be reacted too,,, unless they have lots of tissues,,,
Liz Fraser has one of the best voices that has blessed this Earth with its angelic qualities. All her work is amazing.
Regarding the analysis of the lyrics, I think George was spot on. A Massive Attack fan site published this:
"Elizabeth Fraser wrote and sang the lyrics for Teardrop soon after famous singer/songwriter Jeff Buckley, her boyfriend at the time had perished in a drowning accident. Some speculate that the lyrics for Teardrop were reflective of her mood at the time and might even subtlety be about Jeff Buckley’s death."
She was recording the song when she heard the news he'd disappeared
Mezzanine is a favorite of audiophiles. Plenty of low bass, and full spectral range. This is such a hauntingly beautiful song, sometimes sad is beautiful.
I am not a native English speaker. And I doubt the people of Massive Attack is even aware of the region/country I grew up in. I was around 15 when I first heard this song. I remember getting goosebumps, hearing this on radio 1st time, woke up from a slumber of some yellow autumn afternoon. This is still one of my top 10 songs of all time, any region, language, genre, styles etc. To me this is a masterpiece, a top example of beauty in simplicity. This is the anthem of introverts.
And yes, when I heard this as a title track for "House", I automatically got attracted to the show.
That's awesome! It's definitely a goosebump worthy track!
you can speak better english than half the country my man 🤣
I'm curious about the region you grew up in
Always felt this was the perfect song for the tv show House, MD....they see life and death every day....perfect fit
I always loved hearing this song in the intro for the tv show House back in the day.
You guys should absolutely check out some early, Blue Lines-era Massive Attack. Their song "Unfinished Sympathy" is one of the greatest tracks of the 1990s. As for other trip-top, there's still a lot of great stuff out there, including DJ Shadow (tracks off of Endtroducing such as "Building Steam with a Grain of Salt") and more Portishead, particularly "Sour Times" and "Roads" (the version from their live in NYC album is iconic).
DJ SHADOW!!!!!!🥰
Wasn't Lamb's Fear of 4's around the same time? Those are just as iconic to me.
To continue down the Massive Attack journey, I think "Inertia Creeps" is going to be the next obvious song from this album, but I gotta say, I think "Girl I Love You" from their Heligoland album would make a huge impact with both of you. The bass guitar and drum work in that song is so up y'all's alleys, and it's got some cool layers and complexity built on top of a super smooth beat. I think "What Your Soul Sings" would be an interesting listen for both of you too. I have no doubt that George would shit his dick over that song, I'm way more interested in how Ryan would interpret it. Sinead O'Connor did the vocals on that track, and it's such a cool piece of music - thick bass with kind of a weird ethereal/dreamy vibe to it, but it still slaps, if that makes an ounce of sense? Mezzanine is a fantastic album, but try not to ignore some of the gems on their others.
Black Milk, Five Man Army. Eurochild or Paradise Circus
Great reaction fellas. I’m 37 now, but the first time I heard this song I was 19. And it seriously had me contemplating my whole life. Still does. I been severely depressed for years now. I play this song in my lowest points and cry every damn time. But it’s truly beautiful.
I remember when it first came out, I loved it. The tv show House later made it famous again. Great song!
It's so funny how people interpret music differently. I love watching George's face as Ryan explains not connecting with it. He's like damn, I knew it haha. From the first time I heard this track (listened to it many, many times) I never heard sadness. This shit is epic to me. Makes me feel like I could rule the world, limitless style. The chord progression of the piano over the harpsichord with the beat is straight motivation, like a warrior going into battle on a alien planet.
Completely agree and incredibly articulated !!
Ditto bud
Side note: For any Massive Attack fans who were also fans Fox network original "House" starring Hugh Laurie will remember the opening theme to the show used an edited version of this track.
They only used it for the first season, rest of the seasons its not teardrop anymore. Its a song done by a house band that sounds close enough to teardrop that it sounds like it but without the need to pay licensing for the real song.
not the first season, i believe it was s3 here in UK@@tomaslongoria2449
Elizabeth Fraser, one of the best singers I’ve ever heard. She’s very chill on this song, but her range is amazing.
Liz Fraser is such a brilliant vocalist, top tier.
I think the best chance you have of replicating the feeling of "Angel" is "Risingson". Mezzanine opens with Angel, Risingson, Teardrop, and after the intensity of the first two, Teardrop is like the rainclouds clearing and letting a bit of light into the darkness.
+1 Risingson is straight fire.
This is one of the most beautiful pieces of music Ive heard in my life. I never tire of hearing it. Listen to it all the way through every time it plays. Sad with a hint of elation. Bitter sweet.
Ryan never fails to pause at the absolute WRONG time, and they both talked over the crescendo☺️
Cope
@@Silraps I'm not losing sleep over it, lighten up.
Mezzanine for me was one of the best albums of the 90's. Liz's vocal performance in this song is so hauntingly beautiful, accompanied by a wonderfully atmospheric and mysterious instrumental performance.
This is the nice, pretty song from Mezzanine, now you gotta hit the dark, menacing side of Trip-hop more (like Angel). Go for Tricky - Hell is around the corner; Massive Attack - Group Four; Portishead - Wandering star...
This is the song I usually play when I'm on the bus or train at night just watching life pass by...
Everyone is doing something... going somewhere... I'm just sitting, waiting for the last stop... when it rains, it just clicks into place like an old wound that is finally healing...
Should do Massive Attack - Unfinished Sympathy
Teardrop is the sun appearing through the clouds on a rainy day when listening in context compared to the rest of the album.
Teardrop was used as the theme/intro/outro music for the TV series House MD (in the US, outside the US an original piece was composed that somewhat resembles this song because Teardrop was already used for another British TV show I believe. Can't remember which one though).
Massive Attack are one of the best bands ever for creating atmospheric work - you are right. Trip hop was really all about that, and there were other bands at that time around like Radiohead that also changed the game in this way.
This is one of those songs that somehow has the essence of the UK woven into it. Iconic track - it was everywhere here when it came out and highly influential.
I’d love to know what Ryan and George would make of Unfinished Sympathy - another classic Massive Attack song. It was the one that really broke the band and made them a massive name in the UK. Please react to Unfinished Sympathy, guys! 🙏
This was also used as the theme song for "House". For season one anyway.
Every fan of House knows the main theme of this song!
Guys check out Unfinished Sympathy. Probably the most upbeat & euphoric song they have. It’s the song that always closes the live show. Love to hear you review this ?
I adore that track, but I'm surprised you hear it as upbeat! I have always thought of it as yearning and melancholy. The lyrics are about lost love and betrayal.
I'd love them to react to it though
I love how open you guys are. Massive Attack takes me back to so many memories. Sometimes it makes me happy and sometimes i listen to it when im sad. George, you do a great job with digging into the lyrics.
Dig into Tricky !
Yo, the guy on the right nailed it, she wrote the song about jeff buckley, another songwriter in the 90's scene that had recently died, they were in a romantic relationship just before he drown at the age of 30. The reason the song sounds of loss is because that is what it is written about, and massive attack knew how to translate emotions into a song form, no matter the emotion, love to your channel, my friends. Also, the guy that died, buckley, popularized hallelujuh, which we have all heard, written originally by leonard cohen.
Yeah I remember that this song was big (in Australia) because of that video. Man, for the 90s, that was something different!
Massive Attack is a whole mood to me. Very atmospheric ✨ I associate it with chill, zen, world type music…. Late night cocktails and lounging with friends..
Man I just really love to see that even if you don't like something, you're putting the effort into meeting it where it's at and not just dismissing it outright. I wish more people would analyze stuff as deeply as y'all. Love from NC!
Its one of a kind. I just feel empowered by the song. Its give me this urge to live a mindful living of finding beauty in difficult times.
Such a great moody broody song to have on an hourlong loop when you go on a drive, windows down, volume up.
It’s not sad, it’s Melancholy Cool! Totally different haha. It’s just introverted music. It chills me out and makes me feel like the coolest dude in the world and turns my thoughts introspective. It makes me feel focused. I love music like that, but I totally understand why Ryan being super extroverted and upbeat doesn’t connect with it. I am upbeat a lot too, but my home base is this kind of chill melancholy cool type of mood. But I think Ryan is spot on and self aware about where he’s coming from and why it’s still great, just not for him, personally. This also explains why he doesn’t get Radiohead. But There are several more “joyful” feeling Radiohead songs that I think he would still like better. I wonder why Ryan loves the Deftones though… I love them too, but to me… their vibe is cool but also much more depressing. I wonder what it is about them, that doesn’t bring him down. Probably the heavy guitars haha. Heavy guitars can cure everything.
Oh also… I am with Ryan on the Sade thing. I was just listening to some Trip Hop yesterday and thinking about how the singers sounded like they were influenced by Sade.
Impossible to not love this masterpiece of a song 😍😍😍
Ah, yes. The opening credits song for the show House. The medical drama that starred Hugh Laurie.
Also, was sampled on the Krayzie Bone album Thug On Da Line. Track 18. "Kneight Riduz Wuz Here. " Kray's subgroup of "pirates" with members of Graveyard Shift and Lareece. That album also had Sade on it in the song "Hard Time Hustlin'."
If Sade is your thing, you should check out the Deftones cover of No Ordinary Love on the b-sides and rarities album.
If you're trying to put folks in a pretzel, that's the one that gets it done. Ha. Keep up the great work!
Agreed. Another great Deftones cover is If Only Tonight we Could Sleep by The Cure. I'm a huge Cure fan so this is hard to say and feels blasphemous, BUUUUUT... their cover may be better than the original....
Absolutely...but their cover of the Cars' "Drive" might be the best cover of all time.
@@chicoclint It's a great cover. IMO, better than the original
We have to put it in context (too). I remember 98, 23 years old. What a strange journey.
Stevie vay Vaughan, Jeff Buckley, Kurt Cobain, Frank Zappa, etc.: all dead.
The digital was about to replace analog, etc. 2000 was about to arrive with all the expectations we had (for random reasons). And expectations always come with fears.
In History it always has been a weird moment due to religion(s)/various beliefs, myths & co. "End of times" at one point.
So, yes, music was a "time mirror" of our fears, questions, doubts.
When we listen to a piece it needs to put it back in context at one point to understand what was going on at the time. Like a painting, a photography, a poem, etc.
Greetings from french Alps 🙏🌸
the video for this song is cool. and groundbreaking for the time.
its been awhile since House M.D. was on tv but if you watched it youll always remember this as the theme song
She is the voice of Coucteau Twins.
She is a legend of dream pop
Your interpretation of "black flowers' blossom" of being death is accurate. Liz Fraser was in a relationship with Jeff Buckley, and this song was sung soon after she learned of his sudden death... Heartbreaking, really.
Was luckily enough to live in Bristol for a while. So, so much incredible music and art, and loved Massive Attack. Quite new to this channel, but look out for a band called Portishead. My favorite Massive Attack, 'Unfinished Sympathy'
Elizabeth Fraser, former lead singer of Cocteau Twins, who also wrote the lyrics. It was released on 27 April 1998 as the second single from the group's third studio album, Mezzanine (1998)...the genre of the song besides melancholy felt,it s a feeling from a woman pregnant..from what i know the video was almost nominated to receive an Oscar for the best video..btw..those drums on background that don't change the rithm is actually a heart that is beating..it's my favourite song from Massive Attack..but overall they are legendary status in hip-hop,trip hope elevtronic music ..
PS-gents you should watch the video to understand the song! PEACE!
What Massive Attack does best, IMO, is to create an atmosphere and develop tension, & they do it masterfully. Might I suggest 'Protection.' Stunning track from them 🔥
Love that you guys are continuing Massive Attack. Would love to see you react to Paradise Circus next. It’s kind of a weird song that is oddly beautiful.
I like Aurora's rendition of this song. She has an impressive voice and catalogue. I would check out The Seed and Runaway.
This entire album, Mezzanine, is absolutely amazing and legendary. One of my favorites.
One recommendation I would make, which for me perfectly describes what Trip Hop is all about, is the track "Midnight In A Perfect World" by DJ Shadow
The trick to songs like this is to show empathy to how the other person is experiencing things without attaching yourself to it so that you are impacted emotionally. You can relate to how they are feeling and what they are going through but it doesn't mean you have to go through all that they are at the same time. The beauty in the song is how beautifully they illustrate their feelings regarding the very recent death of a person who the singer had a complicated experience with but who adored that person very much. If you can see what they are experiencing, the song pops to life and that's where the beauty is. Don't ever be afraid to go looking for that. You can understand people better and learn for yourself too. Amazing song and I love the band.
For real though, this entire album is flawless. Dissolved Girl is my favorite track, but I could and have listened to this from start to finish non-stop.
when i saw that y'all were reacting to this i was instantly like "I don't think this checks off any of their boxes. They probably won't like it" lol
Also used as the theme for the TV series “House.” Liz Fraser is a legit legend.
An instrumental version of this was used in Prison Break, in a montage scene right before they were about to make the escape. I get chills every time I hear this and recalling that specific scene.
For people carrying sadness with them, a song like this can help navigate that and unburden yourself of it. Totally understand how it can be confronting if you're not wanting to feel that, but if you're in the right place, it can be really comforting. Especially with the through beat that feels kind of like a muffled heartbeat, which I guess is the inspiration for the music video, like hearing a heartbeat in the womb, a very comforting sound.
Definitely second all the calls for Inertia Creeps. Tell George it's pretzel time.
And don't sleep on the other albums they put out, to get a bit of a different vibe. From Protection, Karmacoma is such a chill trip with a warm buzz to it, and the title track Protection is such a sweet thing. Unfinished Sympathy from Blue Lines is where their popularity began, seeing the seeds is always a good shout.
And their later work, like 100th Window (with Sinead O'Connor providing vocals for What Your Soul Sings, and A Prayer For England), or Heligoland (LISTEN TO PARADISE CIRCUS, for the love of all that is holy!) it's all so effortlessly cool.
I know damn right that "Dissolved Girl" will go hard for these guys!0
George was right. The lyrics are about the singer just finding out that her ex-boyfriend, musician Jeff Buckley, died in an accidental drowning. To me, the song represents life and death. The instrumental represents a heartbeat, the video of the fetus enhances that. It's the fragility of life and how it can end so suddenly when a heartbeat stops.
Fraser and Buckley were just really close friends. If you can find it there is an incredible duet with them. It is heavenly. The song isn't about Buckley but the mood is. She was actually recording the song at the time she learned of his disappearance/death. Buckley was an amazing artist, to say the least.
This is in my Wife's top 5 Massive Attack tunes. Thanks guys. Peace~
Neo listened to one of the songs from this album in Matrix while lying on his bed in his appartment.
There was a version of the song that was used for the theme to the T.V. show House
This is one of my "go to sleep" albums.
Ryan is on the mark about how this song is really sad, but still hopeful - this was the theme song for House MD and as the series progressed it became more and more fitting for the show. this song is haunting and melancholic and simultaneously full of love and heartbreak somehow, especially if you've seen the show.
SO happy you guys are finally diving into Massive Attack. This band has meant so much to me since my early teenage years. 32 now. Cheers!
have heard this track in countless TV shows and adverts, stunning piece of music from local lads
Massive Attack! You guys are hitting everything that are in my head all the time. Your videos on Rush are awesome.
Melancholy is how Ryan was feeling during this song.
Just looking at George struggling not to laugh at Ryan😂
Never fails to amaze that amazing tunes I grew up with are fresh to a new audience. Welcome to Bristol.
Morecheeba! You guys need to check them out! "Trigger Hippie", or anything off their first two albums, 'Who Can I Trust' or 'Big Chill'. Fantastic after hours jams that aren't too depressing. Lol
I love it when you guys just take it all in and listen...
If you like Elizabeth Fraser's voice you must listen to Cocteau Twins - in particular the guys of 'Lost in Vegas' should give 'Heaven or Las Vegas' by Cocteau Twins a heady listen. Poetic.
Yes!
See I have great memories of this song both from seeing them live at the time but also my daughter was born to this track playing in the delivery suite.
Love this song, great reaction! Aurora does a lovely cover of it 'for like a version' which is shorter but magical! Oh and a great little convo about Banksy at the beginning :)
I grew up on this song. My mum was a huge fan of trip hop. Love to watch other people discovering it!
Thanks for reacting to Massive Attack again. There are some songs that I know Ryan will like. Please react to Karmacoma, 5 Man Army, Dead Editors or I Against I. All of them have rapping which flow nicely over Massive Attack’s ethereal beats.
I cannot listen to this song without immediately associating it with the theme song for House M.D.
This album is absolutely flawless.
Everywhen - Massive Attack is one of my favorites
Someone else mentioned below: Lamb - Gorecki is a brilliant track from this era too
This song was played sometimes towards the end of a party in my favorite rock club. And I LOVED it. After a crazy rock/metal night with everyone rocking & sweating this song was always super calming and nice in that early mornings. And ofc those beats also sounded way better over those speakers than just listening to it at home.
But yeah, it's a unique and soft song, so not like other songs that you'd listen to all day. ;)
This was a genuine and supremely articulated reaction. Thank you guys!
Sometime when you are feeling in a sad mood you listen to mellow music...you have your down days...not every day is a happy day. 😩😩😩
It's time to do Cocteau Twins, boys. My favourite band. This song is gorgeous. You were so spot on with your analysis, crazy.
It's funny to hear you describe her as a unique vocalist because this is her at her most coherent. 🤣 I sincerely hope you check out, and love, Cocteau Twins. She's the vocalist for the band and her vocals are extraordinary.
They'll take some getting used to but they're one of the most beautiful bands out there with a FULL catalog of great songs. EPS, compilations, singles, albums. They have a huge discography and it's all gold.
"Heaven And Los Vegas" If you want to hear more Elizabeth Fraser from the Cocteau twins!! One of the most beautiful songs ever!! 🔥🙏🔥
You guys really need to dive in Kruder & dorffmeister! It's a mix of electric lounge, trip hop/hip hop and drum and bass.