Great hippie anthem from back in the day. Another one that really captures the hippie spirit is "Share the Land" by The Guess Who..... I think you guys will love it! ✌🎶💜
I love that song right my Guess Who greatest hits album the one that has the band members wading in water underneath what looks like (to me anyways lol)a boat dock at low tide on a ocean somewheres on planet earth lol 😆
The band is from Ottawa Canada. The lead singer, Les Emerson passed away a couple of weeks ago. Saw them live many times. Brings back great memories from my youth.
I believe they were the Staccatos earlier on. There were other bands that came out of Ottawa such as Denim and the Cooper brothers. My older brother knew a couple of the Cooper brothers. They lived a couple of streets over from us.
This song takes me back to High School (Jr High??). I got a kick out of a FB meme recently that said "long haired freaky people can now apply" in answer to the labour shortage. I'm ashamed to say, I also had no idea they were a Canadian band.
Les Emmerson, who wrote this song, taught me how to play guitar! The Five Man Electrical Band were formed out of Ottawa (my home town) and after they retired, Les went on to open the Campbell Music School in Ottawa which, coincidentally, was located a few blocks away from my house. When I first started learning guitar, I had no idea who he was or wo the Five Man Electrical band were. My dad quickly filled me to their legendary status in Canada. Les passed a few years back and I always cherish the countless hours we had, one on one, while he was showing me the ropes of guitar playing. :)
The Five Man Electrical Band is a Canadian rock band from Ottawa, Ontario. They had many hits in Canada, including the top 10 entries "Half Past Midnight", "Absolutely Right" and "I'm a Stranger Here". Internationally, they are best known for their 1971 hit single "Signs". (Wikipedia)
If ya'll do listen to "I'm a Stranger Here", you might want to find the radio edit and the album version and compare. The album cut is longer, and was harder hitting. Also, look for their happy little number "Werewolf" - and that's what it's about!
@DeVerne Jones Cars came standard with AM Radio so AM radio was king and they had a 3 minute time limit so I am guessing that's what happened. I don't know the song you are talking about but with Chicago's Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon it was too long at 13 minutes and the band was surprised when the record company cut out the beginning and spliced it to the end to make a 3 minute song called Make Me Smile. In the middle of that missing 10 minutes was another cut out called Colour My World.
This was quite the socially conscious group back in the day. I don't know if this song and group ties in, but last night when I was just so frustrated with my car, coronavirus, change of life, whatever-I thought "I'm not going to let it bother me right now" and Atlanta Rythm Section's "I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight" jumped into mind. A great song from the '70's that has more meaning now than it ever did. Please react when you can, and thank you for bringing light into the world. You prove that the Internet is not all evil lol.
I remember that song was played alot on the radio my early years of highschool around 1977-1978 I thought the song was pretty cool, they had another song I'm not sure of the name something about I'm so into you something like that✌️☀️
Great song! ☺ Great reaction! Another great song with a message is "Indian reservation" by The Raiders from this same year(1971) Check it out when you get a chance 😁
So I got me a pen and a paper And I made up my own little sign I said, "Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' 'bout me I'm alive and doin' fine" Woo! Blessings to All !!!
If You Guys liked this you should also check out a Band from around the same time , early 70's , called The Stampeders with a song called Sweet City Woman.
That's so weird that you would post that today -- just last night I was thinking how much Jay & Amber would like that tune. It's an upbeat, feel-good tune with a strumming banjo throughout, that I think they'll really dig.
I have three reactors I thoroughly enjoy, Jay and Amber.. Jamel Aka Jamal and Brad and Lex.. all are terrific bc of their own sweet special personalities! Jamal did react to Sweet City Woman should any of you be interested. He's a lovely, funny and quite the socially conscious type of guy. cheers from another 'Canuck' couple.. (Victoria BC) hubby and I both enjoy seeing/ hearing younger people being interested in and reminding us of just how much amazing music we were 'All' so very lucky to have been privy to❣️😉✌️😁👍
Five-man electrical band's song Signs was covered by Tesla an 80s hair band who did an acoustic cover that isn't half-bad. Five Man Electrical Band is celebrated in Canada as being one of their own. April Wine is another Canadian band worth checking out
I was 12 years old when this song was released. I used to sing it everyday and every night at the top of my lungs. My parents absolutely hated it. I never figured out if it was the song itself or the fact that I could not sing a lick; I still can't but that doesn't stop me. God bless.
Your story sounds familiar. Takes me back to a 90 minute trip when my dad and I took my cousin home, and he was driving my dad nuts singing Signs Signs every time we passed a sign. (Just that one word.)
I've lived my whole live in Ottawa, Canada, where Five Man is from. I was lucky enough to meet some of the members and see them play live. This is the first time I've heard this song since the singer, Les Emmerson, passed away a couple of weeks ago. I'm sitting here in tears, loving the fact that more people will know how talented they were and hopefully more people will seek out their music. Thank you for spreading the word.
This was early 70's. Earlier 60's "hippy" songs were: "Get Together" by the Youngbloods, "HAIR" by the Cowsills, "Atlantis" by Donovan. These were Hippy Anthems, and were epic!
As a surviving child of the 60's. I'd be remiss in mentioning the contribution of Paul Revere and The Raiders to rock & roll. Despite that fact that this 60's group has yet to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, their catalogue is every bit as impressive as their contemporaries. The summer of 1969 is especially memorable in that so many outstanding releases made the Top 40 music charts. 'The Raiders' were right in the thick of things. Check out their rendition of "Let Me".
I graduated hs in 1970. This is exactly how it was back then. One of the monikers of the time was "Never trust anyone over 30!" 90% of Woodstock musicians and attendees were under 25!
Luv it ! Take ya back to 1971, the world was so different back then (seemed so innocent compare to today). Thanks guys for the great memories (that music brings). 😄
Big Yellow Taxi - Absolutely! I never knew the title until a few years ago and i would have never guessed had i not discovered TH-cam and called up Joni Mitchell songs.
Love this band. The Five Man Electrical Band (known as The Staccatos from 1963 to 1968) is a Canadian rock band from Ottawa, Ontario. They had some hits (as The Staccatos) including "Half Past Midnight" & "Small Town Girl" & then (as The Five Man Electrical Band) "Absolutely Right", "I'm A Stranger Here" & "Signs".
Actually, we still have all those signs, it's just that the "hippie era" was a time when people first started to rebel against certain people "owning everything". I'm not a communist, but I get where they were coming from... I've always enjoyed this song, but couldn't have told you who did it.
I love the fact that you're reacting to songs and artists that aren't necessarily "mainstream". Or the ones that everyone else is reacting to. You're exploring more of the tributaries rather than sticking to the main river of music. Nice.... and bringing back a LOT of memories for a lot of us. Well done!
I LOVE this song!! I related to this song so much. No signs but there may as well have been. My parents allowed me to go to church and school. Period. I Especially related to when the guy jumped on the fence. Not too long after is when I made my escape. Hitching across the country staying in communes along the way. I learned so much about everything. The things my parents hadn't allowed me to learn. Like how to do something as basic as talking to someone. So yes I love this song.
Every single word. In an era of great protest songs, this is one of the best. I love when they get to church he didn't have a penny to pay but says thank you Lord for thinking about me, I'm alive and doing fine!!!
Another great Canadian band from the 70s. From Ottawa, Ontario. The founder of the band, songwriter of Signs, guitarist and singer was Les Emmerson. Sadly, he passed away just one month ago: December 10, 2021.
Next up, and in the same vein is their "I'm A Stranger Here", telling it as it was, even in the 70's and so much more today. Then the fun "You Were Absolutely Right", said so far and in between now a days. RIP last month their Vocalist and dynamic guitarist Les Emmerson, COVID takes a great.
Gave me flash backs to when I was a young child. This song was out in the early 70's. But in the late 80's a band call Tesla remade this song and did it acoustically. You should check the version out sometime.
Robert Leslie Emmerson actually wrote that song signs as a metaphor for obstacles that blocked the path from them, breaking into the music scene and obstacles as in people giving them hard times
Yep. A nice tune. This line struck me... because here in NYS, we still "got to have a 'membership card' to get inside" certain public buildings. Society's rules. As much as things change...
Thank you Jay and Amber for taking me back to my childhood with this one. Signs proved to be Five Man Electrical Band's one and only top 40 songs, but it was powerful.
This is why I love listening to your channel. I haven't heard this song since I was a kid and haven't even thought about it in almost 50 years. When you put it on, I started singing to it word for word. Funny how your memory works like that. Several other songs you have played recently have hit me the same way. Thanks for doing this!
Love this song...takes me back to the 60's and 70's...Long haired hippy people need not apply. Love how he takes of his hat, and says Imagine that, huh me working for You! Cool Dude! 😎
I remember growing up in Oklahoma when this song came out and my good friends mom wouldn't let us listen to it! lol I guess she was afraid we would take to the streets protesting.
I lived in San Francisco in the 60s and some people were afraid of the long haired kids and you would see sign like "no long hairs" in restaurants and stores in general. We did sort of enjoy the fact that we had some influence, positive or negative. 😄 Love your reactions. ✌❤, PJ
My landlord in Ottawa was the bass player for this band. He would renovate these crazy houses and then rent them to low income people and charge ridiculously low rent, just enough to cover expenses and land tax. I think we paid $300 a month for a two bedroom. They were decorated like something out of a movie. All the kids in the neighborhood use to play in my yard because it looked like something out of a fairy tale. There was an ice storm in the late 90's and our power went out for like a week. His home still had power so he let me, my girlfriend and our two cats live with him for a week. Hippies are kind of cool.
@@jashley777 Oh my god, your father Brian was such a good man. It was such an honor to know him. We used to talk a lot and he instilled so many values in me that I still believe in at my core. Things like taking care of others and going that extra mile. I was a confused and impoverished kid when I met your father. Because of his kindness and advice I now work for Canada's second largest private sector union doing my best to make things better for people. My ex-girlfriend and I still talk about him all the time.
@@rik6696 That’s a wonderful memory. So glad he made an impact on you. So amazing. He was a great dad. I miss him, so seeing this comment makes me happy. Glad you are doing well.
When I attended Carleton University, Les Emmerson was part of a band called Cooper, King & Emmerson which frequently played on campus mostly covering 60's & 70's songs. R.I.P. Les Emmerson
The hippy generation was a big challenge to conservative culture. It was a threat. And long hair was the badge at the time.... resulted in lots of prejudice. I often laugh at people who class the Boomer generation as conservative. It was the hippy generation, prefering to be half naked/naked and shoeless. In the summertime I hardly ever wore shoes lol
@@roserollins9800 It’s cold hear too WV. But I’m still barefooted, still sit Indian style and my hair is long too ! Nice to know I’m not the only one 😃
So bizzare. Wandering around the house, singing "Signs". Couldn't remember who sung it. Turned on TH-cam, scrolled down 5 lines and there you were. Thank you.
They had a couple more hits in the US, at least from what I remember hearing on the radio back then. "Absolutely Right" is unbelievably catchy and "I'm a Stranger Here" is social commentary from the perspective of a visitor from another planet.
Oh I love this song!…this song always reminds me of 93.1 Arrow FM (before it became Jack FM 😒), for those in the L.A area. Nothing but good classic rock tunes.
When they got to the part where it says "You got to have a membership card to get inside" then goes into the guitar solo, my cousin used to say, "This where you have to write your own verse."
I always thought that lyric seemed like a somewhat unfinished verse - but figured it was intentional to contrast with the next line “Everybody welcome. Come in, kneel down and pray”. Then the line after that is the “gotcha” where they are pressured to BUY the so-called “membership card”
The Five Man ElectricAL band (previously known as The Staccatos) had a string of hits in the early 70s. "Signs" is arguably their biggest, but you should also check out "Absolutely Right", "I'm a Stranger Here", and (mark this down for Halloween) "Werewolf".
This is such a awesome song. Remember I first heard it as I was taping a "hippy movie"(can't remember name....could've been signs 🤷) but it have it stored away on VHS 😁
For the love of Joro! I haven't thought about Five Man Electic Band in years. One of the best Canadian bands! I was thumbing my way across Western Canada and the north Pacific coast of the USA when this song was being played everywhere. Great hippy-dippy thoughts for me. Thanks for the memories, my dears! You brought some happy tears to this old girl's eyes.
Brought the single in Australia back in the mid 70's..played it forever..lost track of it, but remember the words like my own name. Years later, with my own children, I used to burst out with those lyrics... so much so when my daughter was a grown-up teenager and heard the song.. She couldn't believe it was a real song..she thought it was something her strange father would belt out every so often..😅
Tesla (not the inventor) has a song about Thomas Edison, who ripped off Tesla (not the car). Ha, ha! But seriously, check it out. It's called "Edison's Medicine".
"Signs" was a fun song. But my FAVORITE from the Five Man Electric Band was "WEREWOLF," and I don't see any mention of it in the comments below. Does anyone else remember "Werewolf?" I still sing it in the shower. : )
I love you two very much. Amber, your hair is so beautiful. J, you are very handsome and have a great beard. You two are so wonderful with each other and so nice to see a couple enjoying your shared time together. Take care and Stay safe. ♥️
One of those rare instances of a Canadian act having a hit single outside of Canada. Makes me proud to be a Canadian. Had to laugh reading another comment saying that their Mom wouldn’t let them listen to the song! This was the ultimate ‘Screw the Man’ counter-culture anthem. Here’s another anthemic Canadian suggestion for Female Friday - “Rise Up” by Parachute Club.
Is that how your feel about your home country of Canada? To me you seem like you've sent a lot of talent down here to the US - Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, The Guess Who, Joni Mitchel, to name a few. Great songwriters. I actually didn't know that The Five Man Electric Band was Canadian, but I always liked the song.
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I CANNOT hear this song without being immediately transported back to High School and the message it sent! ❤
Now Amber, THIS IS HIPPIE! 🌼 😊🌼
Me, too! My boyfriend at the time LOVED this song.
Same here... I too was in High School 1971 when this was always on the radio! Great song with a great message 😉
I was in grade school at the time. Absolutely loved this song. One of the greatest one hit wonders!
I cannot hear this song without thinking about Tesla’s cover on there five man acoustical band album
Hey Missy, I just dug out the 45's I have left, and yes, I still have this one.
Great hippie anthem from back in the day.
Another one that really captures the hippie spirit is "Share the Land" by The Guess Who..... I think you guys will love it! ✌🎶💜
You read my mind. Just had to scroll through the comments to see if anyone suggested it first.
YES! YES! YES!
That is a great song.❤
I love that song right my Guess Who greatest hits album the one that has the band members wading in water underneath what looks like (to me anyways lol)a boat dock at low tide on a ocean somewheres on planet earth lol 😆
Canadian Hippies, LOL.
The band is from Ottawa Canada. The lead singer, Les Emerson passed away a couple of weeks ago. Saw them live many times. Brings back great memories from my youth.
I had no idea they were Canadian 💕 another proud moment for this Canadian lady 🙂
I believe they were the Staccatos earlier on. There were other bands that came out of Ottawa such as Denim and the Cooper brothers. My older brother knew a couple of the Cooper brothers. They lived a couple of streets over from us.
So sad, God Speed to Heaven Les! ➕💒❤
This song takes me back to High School (Jr High??). I got a kick out of a FB meme recently that said "long haired freaky people can now apply" in answer to the labour shortage. I'm ashamed to say, I also had no idea they were a Canadian band.
@@asticou yep they most definitely were the staccatos. Good for you for knowing that
Great protest song that calls out people that are prejudice and elitist. ✌
50 years later, still sounds great and unfortunately relevant!
Les Emmerson, who wrote this song, taught me how to play guitar! The Five Man Electrical Band were formed out of Ottawa (my home town) and after they retired, Les went on to open the Campbell Music School in Ottawa which, coincidentally, was located a few blocks away from my house. When I first started learning guitar, I had no idea who he was or wo the Five Man Electrical band were. My dad quickly filled me to their legendary status in Canada. Les passed a few years back and I always cherish the countless hours we had, one on one, while he was showing me the ropes of guitar playing. :)
The Five Man Electrical Band is a Canadian rock band from Ottawa, Ontario. They had many hits in Canada, including the top 10 entries "Half Past Midnight", "Absolutely Right" and "I'm a Stranger Here". Internationally, they are best known for their 1971 hit single "Signs". (Wikipedia)
Oh man, "I'm A Stranger Here" is such an incredible tune, haven't heard that one in a while. Off to go crank that up - cheers!
@@dbradx 👍🏼
If ya'll do listen to "I'm a Stranger Here", you might want to find the radio edit and the album version and compare. The album cut is longer, and was harder hitting.
Also, look for their happy little number "Werewolf" - and that's what it's about!
I really like Money Back Guarantee...
@DeVerne Jones Cars came standard with AM Radio so AM radio was king and they had a 3 minute time limit so I am guessing that's what happened. I don't know the song you are talking about but with Chicago's Ballet For A Girl In Buchannon it was too long at 13 minutes and the band was surprised when the record company cut out the beginning and spliced it to the end to make a 3 minute song called Make Me Smile. In the middle of that missing 10 minutes was another cut out called Colour My World.
We all loved this song when it came out and again when Tesla performed it on their five man acoustic jam.
Tesla did a great job on this song 🤘✌️🎸
@@Nonconformistwilderbeastman Tesla did an amazing job, unfortunately such a good job you don't hear the original enough
I can only say this so many times. You guys would love "Vehicle" by the Ides of March. A Hit from 1970 and it has HORNS
I agree totally ! Definitely worth a listen.
Without a doubt, the best song with horns that I have heard!!
I'll jump on this train as well. You guys should give it a listen.
Ohhhh. Most def!
@@timdavis8066 Tighter & Tighter from 1970 is another good one with horns! 👍✌️
This was quite the socially conscious group back in the day. I don't know if this song and group ties in, but last night when I was just so frustrated with my car, coronavirus, change of life, whatever-I thought "I'm not going to let it bother me right now" and Atlanta Rythm Section's "I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight" jumped into mind. A great song from the '70's that has more meaning now than it ever did. Please react when you can, and thank you for bringing light into the world. You prove that the Internet is not all evil lol.
ARS was a great band!
Nice request!
I remember that song was played alot on the radio my early years of highschool around 1977-1978 I thought the song was pretty cool, they had another song I'm not sure of the name something about I'm so into you something like that✌️☀️
Oh wow! Yes to ARS! 'Champagne Jam', 'Spooky', 'So into you', 'Imaginary Lover', so many good solid songs to dive into. Great suggestion!
@@jackndew2 There was a music festival called theChampagne Jam for a couple of years in Atlanta.
Great song! ☺ Great reaction! Another great song with a message is "Indian reservation" by The Raiders from this same year(1971) Check it out when you get a chance 😁
Their best song
I would much prefer Don Fardon's version myself
Great song….and Cher’s song half-breed
I can't believe I still remember all the words after 50 years!!!!! One of my favorites when I was 11
So I got me a pen and a paper
And I made up my own little sign
I said, "Thank you, Lord, for thinkin' 'bout me
I'm alive and doin' fine"
Woo! Blessings to All !!!
If You Guys liked this you should also check out a Band from around the same time , early 70's , called The Stampeders with a song called Sweet City Woman.
Oh man. I haven't thought about Sweet City Woman in a long long time. Thanks for the reminder. I'm going to go listen to it right now. 🤗
I had a boyfriend at that time that called me his "Sweet City Woman" since I lived in NYC.
That's so weird that you would post that today -- just last night I was thinking how much Jay & Amber would like that tune. It's an upbeat, feel-good tune with a strumming banjo throughout, that I think they'll really dig.
Such a good song! Rob Squad will love it.
I have three reactors I thoroughly enjoy, Jay and Amber.. Jamel Aka Jamal and Brad and Lex.. all are terrific bc of their own sweet special personalities! Jamal did react to Sweet City Woman should any of you be interested. He's a lovely, funny and quite the socially conscious type of guy. cheers from another 'Canuck' couple.. (Victoria BC) hubby and I both enjoy seeing/ hearing younger people being interested in and reminding us of just how much amazing music we were 'All' so very lucky to have been privy to❣️😉✌️😁👍
Five-man electrical band's song Signs was covered by Tesla an 80s hair band who did an acoustic cover that isn't half-bad.
Five Man Electrical Band is celebrated in Canada as being one of their own. April Wine is another Canadian band worth checking out
Five man ELECTRICAL band
Isn't half bad... wtf you mean. Teslas version shits on this God awful trash
@@waynecox3958 okay I corrected the name thank you
@@joshuablevins4340 I'm surprised half the chat hasn't brought up the tesla version which is waaaayyyy better.
Tesla is NOT a hair band. They are so much more than that.
This song was popular when I was in 4th grade, I am now 61. It's now more relevant than ever but the 70's was the best music ever! Love you guys!
I was 12 years old when this song was released. I used to sing it everyday and every night at the top of my lungs. My parents absolutely hated it. I never figured out if it was the song itself or the fact that I could not sing a lick; I still can't but that doesn't stop me. God bless.
Your story sounds familiar. Takes me back to a 90 minute trip when my dad and I took my cousin home, and he was driving my dad nuts singing Signs Signs every time we passed a sign. (Just that one word.)
Tesla did a really good cover of this song in 1989.
Thats my favorite version of the song.
You guys need to listen to Tesla's acoustic version if you liked the original version.
I love tesla
Also you should listen to Tesla love song
I prefer the origional of this song.
I've lived my whole live in Ottawa, Canada, where Five Man is from. I was lucky enough to meet some of the members and see them play live. This is the first time I've heard this song since the singer, Les Emmerson, passed away a couple of weeks ago. I'm sitting here in tears, loving the fact that more people will know how talented they were and hopefully more people will seek out their music. Thank you for spreading the word.
Without a doubt Anna, Right now *Les Emmerson* is in Heaven and he's better than he ever was ✝⛪💗
YES!! I have been hoping you would do this song! Thank you!
ABSOLUTE MUST HEAR CLASSICS,,
THE IDES OF MARCH "VEHICLE"
STEALERS WHEEL "STAR"
SMITH "BABY,, IT'S YOU"
PEOPLE "I LOVE YOU"
I vote for Smith's Baby It's You for Female Friday!
On the topic of musical history:Michael Lang, famed co-creator of the Woodstock music festival, died Saturday. He was 77 years old.
This was early 70's. Earlier 60's "hippy" songs were: "Get Together" by the Youngbloods, "HAIR" by the Cowsills, "Atlantis" by Donovan. These were Hippy Anthems, and were epic!
The hand raise on Amber. On perfect time .
A Canadian classic - I grew up listening to this song, and it's a life-long favourite. Great song choice as always, guys - peace and love from Canada!
As a surviving child of the 60's. I'd be remiss in mentioning the contribution of Paul Revere and The Raiders to rock & roll. Despite that fact that this 60's group has yet to be inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, their catalogue is every bit as impressive as their contemporaries. The summer of 1969 is especially memorable in that so many outstanding releases made the Top 40 music charts. 'The Raiders' were right in the thick of things. Check out their rendition of "Let Me".
Thank you Lord for thinking of me....I'm alive and doing fine.....💚💜🌹✌️
Oh yes. Great choice!
It's the Five Man ELECTRICAL Band!
Amber! Yes you are a hippy!!. Your smile is so infectious.
Amen!
This song always makes me think of the musical "Hair" *AMBER* you HAVE to watch HAIR
I graduated hs in 1970. This is exactly how it was back then. One of the monikers of the time was "Never trust anyone over 30!" 90% of Woodstock musicians and attendees were under 25!
I knew the Tesla version was a cover, but I never heard this one. Tesla does it justice.
This Was/Is A Classic Protest Song & A Huge Hit When Released.
I honestly think you guys were DEFINITELY hippies in your last life. You pick up on the groove almost immediately!!!
Love you guys...
Luv it ! Take ya back to 1971, the world was so different back then (seemed so innocent compare to today). Thanks guys for the great memories (that music brings). 😄
Signs are still here. Freedom has always been in Spirit. And we are all blessed.
Hey family, Pastor Fred here. Love the reaction. If you haven't, you should add Joni Mitchell to Female Friday!! Big Yellow Taxi is a great one!!
Big Yellow Taxi - Absolutely! I never knew the title until a few years ago and i would have never guessed had i not discovered TH-cam and called up Joni Mitchell songs.
Love this band. The Five Man Electrical Band (known as The Staccatos from 1963 to 1968) is a Canadian rock band from Ottawa, Ontario. They had some hits (as The Staccatos) including "Half Past Midnight" & "Small Town Girl" & then (as The Five Man Electrical Band) "Absolutely Right", "I'm A Stranger Here" & "Signs".
Also werewolf, played that song all the time
For some reason, this 1971 song makes me want to hear the Chambers Brothers' 1966 hit "Time Has Come Today."
Actually, we still have all those signs, it's just that the "hippie era" was a time when people first started to rebel against certain people "owning everything".
I'm not a communist, but I get where they were coming from...
I've always enjoyed this song, but couldn't have told you who did it.
Anthem of the 60's. This is how many youth felt.
I love the fact that you're reacting to songs and artists that aren't necessarily "mainstream". Or the ones that everyone else is reacting to. You're exploring more of the tributaries rather than sticking to the main river of music. Nice.... and bringing back a LOT of memories for a lot of us. Well done!
I LOVE this song!! I related to this song so much. No signs but there may as well have been. My parents allowed me to go to church and school. Period. I Especially related to when the guy jumped on the fence. Not too long after is when I made my escape. Hitching across the country staying in communes along the way. I learned so much about everything. The things my parents hadn't allowed me to learn. Like how to do something as basic as talking to someone. So yes I love this song.
You guys would love a lot of Guess Who songs. Also the Grass Roots.
Love the Grass Roots. ❤️💕❤️
I really don't know who. Just tell us.
@@RayfordRaySiegel funny guy. 🤣
Everybody knew this song…all the words.
Every single word. In an era of great protest songs, this is one of the best. I love when they get to church he didn't have a penny to pay but says thank you Lord for thinking about me, I'm alive and doing fine!!!
Isn't it true, do this, dont do that.
CAN'T YOU READ THE SIGNS.. Gosh darn, it!
Yup
Another great Canadian classic!!
One of my favorites from back in the day! 💥
Hope everyone is having a great New Year. 🤗
Another great Canadian band from the 70s. From Ottawa, Ontario. The founder of the band, songwriter of Signs, guitarist and singer was Les Emmerson. Sadly, he passed away just one month ago: December 10, 2021.
One of THE first singles that got my attention as a kid. Got my attention about social issues and social justice has been important to me ever since.
Five Man ElectriCAL Band. Love this song!
Tesla has a song called Signs and it's a cover of this. They did a great job
And they called the album 5 man accoustical jam.
I actually prefer the Tesla version to this one.
@@rick139208 coincidence?
@@bsanderfer I do too 😁
Next up, and in the same vein is their "I'm A Stranger Here", telling it as it was, even in the 70's and so much more today. Then the fun "You Were Absolutely Right", said so far and in between now a days. RIP last month their Vocalist and dynamic guitarist Les Emmerson, COVID takes a great.
"The Rain The Park And other Things " ....
Gave me flash backs to when I was a young child. This song was out in the early 70's. But in the late 80's a band call Tesla remade this song and did it acoustically. You should check the version out sometime.
Robert Leslie Emmerson actually wrote that song signs as a metaphor for obstacles that blocked the path from them, breaking into the music scene and obstacles as in people giving them hard times
Boy! Brings back alot of memories for my childhood. Always loved this song!
Believe you would Really enjoy.....Mr Bojangels by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
Yep. A nice tune. This line struck me... because here in NYS, we still "got to have a 'membership card' to get inside" certain public buildings. Society's rules. As much as things change...
Thank you Jay and Amber for taking me back to my childhood with this one. Signs proved to be Five Man Electrical Band's one and only top 40 songs, but it was powerful.
This is why I love listening to your channel. I haven't heard this song since I was a kid and haven't even thought about it in almost 50 years. When you put it on, I started singing to it word for word. Funny how your memory works like that. Several other songs you have played recently have hit me the same way. Thanks for doing this!
Love this song...takes me back to the 60's and 70's...Long haired hippy people need not apply. Love how he takes of his hat, and says Imagine that, huh me working for You! Cool Dude! 😎
I remember growing up in Oklahoma when this song came out and my good friends mom wouldn't let us listen to it! lol I guess she was afraid we would take to the streets protesting.
Signs are everywhere now!!! I'm 62 I remember this stuff. Hang on to your Independence!!!!
Cool song! Cool story! Always loved it!!🤘🔥
Saw them perform at Magic Mountain Cali in 1971 with my cousin. We were in mid teens. So fantastic!
Thank you Lord for thinkin bout me, I'm alive and doin fine!!! WOOOOO!
I lived in San Francisco in the 60s and some people were afraid of the long haired kids and you would see sign like "no long hairs" in restaurants and stores in general. We did sort of enjoy the fact that we had some influence, positive or negative. 😄 Love your reactions. ✌❤, PJ
My landlord in Ottawa was the bass player for this band. He would renovate these crazy houses and then rent them to low income people and charge ridiculously low rent, just enough to cover expenses and land tax. I think we paid $300 a month for a two bedroom. They were decorated like something out of a movie. All the kids in the neighborhood use to play in my yard because it looked like something out of a fairy tale. There was an ice storm in the late 90's and our power went out for like a week. His home still had power so he let me, my girlfriend and our two cats live with him for a week. Hippies are kind of cool.
Thank you for saying this, that was my dad. He did so many great things for so many people. Nice to see him being acknowledged. 💕
@@jashley777 Oh my god, your father Brian was such a good man. It was such an honor to know him. We used to talk a lot and he instilled so many values in me that I still believe in at my core. Things like taking care of others and going that extra mile. I was a confused and impoverished kid when I met your father. Because of his kindness and advice I now work for Canada's second largest private sector union doing my best to make things better for people. My ex-girlfriend and I still talk about him all the time.
@@rik6696 That’s a wonderful memory. So glad he made an impact on you. So amazing. He was a great dad. I miss him, so seeing this comment makes me happy. Glad you are doing well.
When I attended Carleton University, Les Emmerson was part of a band called Cooper, King & Emmerson which frequently played on campus mostly covering 60's & 70's songs.
R.I.P. Les Emmerson
The hippy generation was a big challenge to conservative culture. It was a threat. And long hair was the badge at the time.... resulted in lots of prejudice. I often laugh at people who class the Boomer generation as conservative. It was the hippy generation, prefering to be half naked/naked and shoeless. In the summertime I hardly ever wore shoes lol
I still run around barefoot at 59 I hate shoes hated bras too lol 😂
Oh I’m a barefoot girl to! But when the copperhead and rattle snakes were out we made sure to put something on 😂
I'm 64 and still have long hair to the middle of my back.
@@jeanstrickland2445 I burnt my bra back in the sixties and still run around barefoot but it's cold today so I have my socks on
@@roserollins9800 It’s cold hear too WV. But I’m still barefooted, still sit Indian style and my hair is long too ! Nice to know I’m not the only one 😃
So bizzare. Wandering around the house, singing "Signs". Couldn't remember who sung it. Turned on TH-cam, scrolled down 5 lines and there you were. Thank you.
They had a couple more hits in the US, at least from what I remember hearing on the radio back then. "Absolutely Right" is unbelievably catchy and "I'm a Stranger Here" is social commentary from the perspective of a visitor from another planet.
“I’m alive and doing fine!!”
Heck yeah!
This song is a classic one of the first songs our band use to play =)
This song is 50ish yrs old and it's still relevant in 2022. Thanks Guys.
Oh I love this song!…this song always reminds me of 93.1 Arrow FM (before it became Jack FM 😒), for those in the L.A area. Nothing but good classic rock tunes.
Reminds me of taking a trip across the country as a little boy in 1969 this was on the radio everywhere
When they got to the part where it says "You got to have a membership card to get inside" then goes into the guitar solo, my cousin used to say, "This where you have to write your own verse."
I always thought that lyric seemed like a somewhat unfinished verse - but figured it was intentional to contrast with the next line “Everybody welcome. Come in, kneel down and pray”. Then the line after that is the “gotcha” where they are pressured to BUY the so-called “membership card”
The singer is actually saying:
"To put up a fence to keep me out
But to keep Mother Nature in"
The Five Man ElectricAL band (previously known as The Staccatos) had a string of hits in the early 70s. "Signs" is arguably their biggest, but you should also check out "Absolutely Right", "I'm a Stranger Here", and (mark this down for Halloween) "Werewolf".
5 Man Electrical Band WEREWOLF
This is such a awesome song. Remember I first heard it as I was taping a "hippy movie"(can't remember name....could've been signs 🤷) but it have it stored away on VHS 😁
OMG! I haven't heard this song for 40 years anyway! Pretty big song on the radio back when I was a kid.
Classic ✌❤
Some songs travel through the ages. This is one of them. Just as important today as ever.
well since your exploring that era let's here "Eve of destruction" or "Abraham Martin and John" or War
This is one the great singalong songs from back then. When it came on the radio everybody would just start singing along with the radio.
Amber, you talked about fishing, you should check out "Fishing in the Dark" by Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
For the love of Joro! I haven't thought about Five Man Electic Band in years. One of the best Canadian bands! I was thumbing my way across Western Canada and the north Pacific coast of the USA when this song was being played everywhere. Great hippy-dippy thoughts for me. Thanks for the memories, my dears! You brought some happy tears to this old girl's eyes.
Nostalgia is cool! Might want to take a listen to "Absolutely Right" from the band.
Brought the single in Australia back in the mid 70's..played it forever..lost track of it, but remember the words like my own name. Years later, with my own children, I used to burst out with those lyrics... so much so when my daughter was a grown-up teenager and heard the song.. She couldn't believe it was a real song..she thought it was something her strange father would belt out every so often..😅
Tesla unplugged version bangs also
Tesla is not qualified to be roadies for the 5 Man Electrical Band.
When my Daughter was little we use to sing this on road trips! Love this song!
Tesla (not the car) did a great cover of this song in the 80s.
Thank you! I was trying to remember who it was!
Tesla (not the inventor) has a song about Thomas Edison, who ripped off Tesla (not the car). Ha, ha! But seriously, check it out. It's called "Edison's Medicine".
"Signs" was a fun song. But my FAVORITE from the Five Man Electric Band was "WEREWOLF," and I don't see any mention of it in the comments below. Does anyone else remember "Werewolf?" I still sing it in the shower. : )
Tesla did an amazing cover of this song on their CD 5 Man Acoustical Jam.
I love you two very much. Amber, your hair is so beautiful. J, you are very handsome and have a great beard. You two are so wonderful with each other and so nice to see a couple enjoying your shared time together. Take care and Stay safe. ♥️
200k subscribers coming soon!!
Another great Canadian band ! Cheers eh
One of those rare instances of a Canadian act having a hit single outside of Canada. Makes me proud to be a Canadian.
Had to laugh reading another comment saying that their Mom wouldn’t let them listen to the song! This was the ultimate ‘Screw the Man’ counter-culture anthem.
Here’s another anthemic Canadian suggestion for Female Friday - “Rise Up” by Parachute Club.
‘Rise Up’ is so great, brings back incredible memories!
Is that how your feel about your home country of Canada? To me you seem like you've sent a lot of talent down here to the US - Neil Young, Gordon Lightfoot, The Guess Who, Joni Mitchel, to name a few. Great songwriters. I actually didn't know that The Five Man Electric Band was Canadian, but I always liked the song.
@@NeutronDance huh?
@@NeutronDance this was way before Rush son
Luba had some hits
This song, folks , just says it all. Glad to have grown up with this🤘❤️extreme fine ass solo and outro