Yo JustJP! That was a fun watch. So so glad you liked that song. It is one of my absolute favorites. Playing that song live is why I became a musician. All the best to you!
Great song Nick, I'm a little disappointed Dave Gregory left the band, I've been a fan since XTC days. But I can't wait for the US tour, so sorry we missed it last year, something tho look forward to!
Thank you sir for all the enjoyment you’ve given me over the years. I’m a big Spock’s Beard fan and I’ve been slowly getting into BBT recently. Thanks again. Ps, Your drum duet with Jimmy Kegan on Falling for Forever was stunning. I just bought the live Snow dvd recently and this bonus track was icing on an already delicious cake.
I had no idea that modern Prog is still creating amazing beautiful music. I didn't want it to end, yet was shocked that it didn't end way earlier, but it just kept going and moving and I found myself caught in that flow. That's art. That's what music should do. That's how music should make you feel.
Welcome to the Big Big Train family. They are an amazing band of musicians. Nick D'Virgillio has played with Spock's Beard mostly but has also played with Genesis, Tears For Fears and toured with Cirque de Soleil. David Longdon nearly had the vocals job in Genesis after Phil left and Dave Gregory was in XTC. Greg the bass player formed the band back in 1990 and writes most of the music and words although now David and Nick are writing more. The band sound even better live so check out the live versions. Next track I would listen to is Victorian Brickwork, another masterpiece. The whole of English Electric is a classic album.
These guy are the undiscovered jewels of the prog world . Have loved them for a long time. Anything you listen to and the more you listen to will deepen the love affair. Tremendous guitar fiddle and a brass section with prog sensibilities. I mean c'mon , what else ya want?
This is a modern prog masterpiece and Justin your review is probably the best this song has ever got - you have delivered your own JustJP masterpiece! You have so understood who this band are and how they straddle the best of the old and neo prog worlds. This song so moves me at the she flies bit just as the music sounds like we’ve just entered the gates of heaven it’s that huge and powerful yet beautiful. So glad you live this song and manage to verbalise what I feel but am unable to say. Thank you so much
This song is an absolute masterpiece, easily in my top 10 progressive epics alongside Supper's Ready, Close to the Edge, Tarkus or Echoes. Big Big Train is my favorite modern prog band, there's so much to enjoy about this band, so much to immerse yourself into, to sink your teeth into, musically, conceptually, lyrically... I'm so glad I found this band. Each member kills it on their instruments : Dave Langdon, Greg Spawton, Nick D'Virgilio and Dave Gregory, which have been mentioned in other comments, but also Rikard Sjoblom, former leader of Beardfish, who joined the band after English Electric Pt2 and adds another layer to the riche palette of the band.
Yes I hear the Genesis influence but I hear Yes as well. In fact I think their sound on this album is a near perfect hybrid of Genesis, Yes and Barclay James Harvest.
Big Big Train is one of the best Modern Prog bands out there. Their last six albums have been pure perfection!!! And Dave Gregory (from XTC) on guitar. And Nick did play on the final Genesis album , Calling All Stations. So good!!!
I'm a passenger on this train! BBT are one of the best bands in the symphonic progressive genre active today. They have a large catalogue to explore,. I think they really started to hit their stride around The Underfall Yard release and have maintained a consistent standard of high quality to date. I have really enjoyed their DVD releases . Their live performances are exceptional. Unfortunately they have not ever toured the USA. I had tickets to see them twice in the spring of 2020 in the US. Sadly we all know what happened to all concerts. Let's hope they can tour again post Covid. Thanks for bringing this fine band to the attention many who may not have been aware of them. As always good in depth reaction JP! You are now a passenger too!
First listen of this song. I was going to see this band live in New Jersey but they canceled. Sometimes I like to see a band first live and then listen to their music.
A really interesting, and enjoyable piece of music. I'd heard of the band, but not listened to them before. And what an opener. Glancing at the sleeve notes, as well as the band there'a a dozen or more guest artists. And it sounded like everyone was in on this, strings, brass, the whole kit and kaboodle. And all used to great effect. Definitely a band I want to hear more of.
Hi Justin, one note about the drummer: Nick D'Virgilio from California is a monster of drumming, very dynamic and full of incredible ideas on fills, he recorded and toured with tons of bands (Tears for fears, Genesis on "Calling on stations", Fates warning, and he played drums on "The world is a game" from the Canadian band Mystery, but there are many other collaborations). His most recognizable work is with Spock's Beard from the beginning in the mid '90s, also taking the lead singer role after Neal Morse defection early in the '00s, leaving the band for quite a while, and then coming back recently only on drums, because on vocals there is Ted Leonard.
Spock's Beard is worth checking out not only because of Nick ;-) but it adds. Love the later albums with Ted on vocals a lot. And Pattern Seeking Animals too, also with Ted on vocals. Great albums (2 up to now) and a third on the way. Check them out!
@@mariobaert8346 Agree, Spock's beard is one of the best if not the best prog-rock band around, clearly the first albums up to Snow, NDV adds a lot, together with Dave Meros they are a talented rhythm section so pleasant to hear. The only albums a little weaker were the first 2 after Neal Morse, maybe they wanted to change direction but not knowing where to go, by the way with a good help in composing by John Boegehold who is in Pattern Seeking Animals, great album also for me.
Nick is one of (if not THE) the most musical drummers I've ever heard. He is more than just time signatures and bashing the skins. That entire band (BBT) is loaded to the gills with talent but they serve the tune first and foremost.
@@gianfrancoludovisi9539I'm sure, he was born in Whittier, California, and there he knew and worked with the talented Kevin Gilbert (RIP) and then with Spock's Beard. I guess only in the late '00s he moved to Canada but only because he signed for the worldwide known Cirque du soleil, based in Canada. Now I don't know where he lives but on TH-cam I see him often at Sweetwater music centre in Indiana (maybe he runs it). Yes,, is half italian blood, from Sicily he told me the only time I had the chance to chat with him before a SB gig in Pratteln 20 years ago.
O.K. I'm at the station,I have my ticket. I board and find a seat,as we depart beautiful music starts, suddenly I'm going into a gorgeous plush valley. Then climbing snow swept peaks,dropping down to cascading waterfalls- Mind-blowing! Think this train will become a regular commute! Peace and orchestration,Love and harmony. Later.
I started listening to prog in the early 70s when I was pre-teen (just); nearly 50 years on I am still listening to new music being made that is every bit as good as (and quite often better than) so-called 'classic-era' releases. I 'found' BBT in about 2007 as a result of hearing their album 'The Difference Machine' and have been a fan ever since. If there are listeners to Justin's channel that have missed out on 21st century prog then you have a lot of of catching up to do (Frost*, Cosmograf, Motorpsycho, Cheeto's Magazine, Southern Empire, I Am The Manic Whale, etc., etc., etc.). For more BBT check out their live performance of the song 'Victorian Brickwork' from Kings Place, London in 2015.
Frost* is really good, and every band has it's strengths. To me Frost* is technically excellent, but never achieves an emotional connection for me. There's technical excellence and melody. Consider the work of Procol Harum and FM, to me they both fall in the domain of progressive rock, but are very different. Procol Harum gives you melody, FM gives you technical proficiency. Occasionally a band combines them well.
Just beginning to listen to BBT. This song was amazing!!! Your term "breathtaking" was perfect. I was going to say thrilling. Some parts were thrilling!!! Just beautiful.
Great reaction JP. This is a truly incredible modern prog masterpiece. I love it for all the reasons you outline. For me the kicker is the moment when the bass pedals and the big old 'Tron choir light up and Dave sings "Into history..." with it. It's absolute ecstasy IMHO. Powerful, uplifting, poetic, majestic. It never fails to make the eyes water and the hair stand up on the back of my neck.
Also The Underfall Yard. Kingmaker (very Genesis), Victorian Brickwork, Judas Unrepentant, Folklore, Wassail And The Florentine plus loads more, top band.
Thanks for playing this Justin, It has been called a love song for a steam engine! Incidentally, A new 3 disc vinyl version of The Underfall Yard will be available soon. Check it out! (y)
Thanks, JP. I knew you’d like it. Victorian Brickwork, Judas Unrepentant, Voyager, Kingmaker are all worth listening to. Nice to see people enjoying it for the first time. When I first heard them I had the same reaction: prog is still alive and well, and BBT makes a nice change from prog/metal groups.
EE Pts 1 & 2 came out around the time I started to listen to BBT, and in those first listens this was NOT my favorite song. But, like BBT, it grew and grew on me, and now this is my favorite song by my favorite band. That you got so much of the effect of it on your first listen, I'm a little envious of that. I can only imagine where it will take you in future listens. (Nice touch wearing your cap in "racing style," just like "Joe and Tommy on the plate.")
There are musical themes that run through English Electric (both parts), BBT have done this a few times. English Electric were (amongst other things) Locomotive builders. They didn't build Mallard though - you can tell that because she flies....
I admit I know little about modern Prog rock, perhaps to my detriment. This was FANTASTIC! Yes, very Genesis like but taking Genesis to where it should have evolved into. The drumming was next level. Share your enthusiasm about this song and band. I guess I’ll have to go to I tunes now. You’re one of a kind Justin. 👌
Great stuff! Another English prog band that should be far better known along with Pendragon, Anathema and I.Q. to name a few. Great reaction JP, big thumbs.
Hmm. Not even on my modern prog radar, but I like! Very symphonic in places like some Renaissance. Overall, I feel this was a big pour of Genesis with a splash of Yes at the start, and something new and fresh that tastes yummy swirling through out. Thanks for the exposure. Heading over to YT Music to see if I can hop on that Big Big Train..
Only discovered your channel through the Big Big Train Facebook group and now subscribed. This song made me a huge fan of the band and motivated me to fly from Chicago to the UK three times to see them perform live.
Hi Justin. Big Big Train are an incredible ensemble of accomplished musicians delivering amazing quality content. May I also recommend Victorian Brickwork, Kingmaker, Judas Unrepentant, Swan Hunter, Transit of Venus Across The Sun. All those are amazing tracks. It's great that you have now discovered them. Many Prog fans love them because you can really feel the spirit of 70s Genesis in their music. Live, they produce an amazing sonic performance which is hard to find in many bands these days.
Went to see them in concert in November 2019, Excellent band, this song is a favourite live, Lockdown came at the wrong time for them as they were going to tour America. Working on a new album with a revised line up as 3 members have left. Try Hedgerow next lovely song
I typed up a long response and forgot to hit enter. Need more coffee. What a great song. Props to those who recommended this. It is like someone threw Genesis in a blender, filtered out any dreck and poured out a pure sweet glass of prog. Bottoms up! Great review.
Brilliant, JP!! Big Big Train sure are special and remarkable and your appreciation video is a great watch! Good job! Fantastic review of a fantastic song!!
@@JustJP I especially delight in the fact that you're giving Greg Spawton so much praise for his bass playing.... I've met him at a number of times in private and around gigs and he's one of the most humble human beings you'd com across and every time I compliment him for his playing he just shrugs, answering something in the line of "well Tobbe, I'm mainly a song writer and I don't see myself as a gifted musician, but it really helps having a drummer like NDV and just lock in on his playing...." :D
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@@JustJP And I also love that you're taking some time to really listen and appreciate the lyrics properly only to find that in Greg's and David's songs about engines, coal mines, flooded tunnels built by Victorian engineers and what not it's always the human beings, the individuals and their hopes, dreams and love that are at the core of the lyrical themes they write about....
Think you got the right word for it ‘breathtaking’ the music has a stunning atmospheric quality, as with many of Big Big Train’s, songs, the lyrics are beautifully constructed very poetic Men as giants, hammers falling Works' own heartbeat Furnace stacks with black smoke rising Steal the clean air For those of us that are old enough they hark back to time when Britain was great before the de-industrialisation of the Thatcher era.
Wow, how did I miss this until now??? Thanks for doing this and all your time and effort! I see my favorite Drummer Nick D'Virgilio chimed in as well! Great Band!
Woweee. Justin you did it again! Thank you to all those subscribers who suggested this song. I have heard of Big Big Train but never heard a lick of their music. What a musical ride. I most definitely have to check out their catalog. Plus... up there with Awaken is a pretty high bar and it was great seeing your joy of discovery. Thank you again.
Justin wanted to share 3 things... 1. I have no idea if you've noticed but I changed my profile to read from Frederick to Freddie. I go by Freddie really. 2. I'm gonna support you on patreon (is that spelled right?) 3. Valentine's day is around the corner...you should seriously consider playing... Song: My Sweetheart by Artist: Focus. Great, great instrumental! When I'm having to drive in the crazy traffic here in South Florida...this is the perfect tune. Please give this tune a thinking over. 🤔 Honorable mention in drive music... Artist: Bill Cobham Album: Spectrum Great modern jazz...love it!! 😎
I discovered the band in 2018 and have really enjoyed their back catalogue. East Coast Racer is a top notch song and they have several that are almost if not just as good. Their "Underfall Yard" record and the subsequent "Far Skies Deep Time" EP was the first with David Langdon on lead vocals. There are a string of records of a consistently high quality that are still being produced. There are many earlier albums with real gems on them as well and the band pays tribute to these in their live shows. Their first NA tour planned in 2020 was cancelled cuz of Covid but rosfest was a part of that tour and I think 2022 is the next likely set of dates.
I almost fell asleep. Not because it’s boring, it’s bombastic yet soothing and ok, I’m still drinking a little wine at 6 in the morning. Actually, took my nap from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am. Been painting towards a deadline. Beautiful lushness, production is enveloping. Well, I did just treat myself to new headphones, Status Audio CB-1s... very comfortable and sound great. Pete Thorn uses them. Very affordable. Shout out to Dave Gregory, ex-XTC, master guitarist. So glad he found another band family. Wish he would get more solos. Enjoyed this tremendously, more please, waiting patiently for Transformation (Speed of Love), remember 1976, not 2013. I just think it fell through the cracks. Take care everyone, pls mask up, enough sickness and death, let’s beat this, Peace and Big Big Music
or "The Bridge". I would be thrilled with "The Bridge". Houses, paintings or other? I dabbled a bit after retirement but found my drawing skills were deficient and am too lazy (distracted?) to put in the work (damn computer games).
@@maruad7577 Yes, of course, The Bridge too. Canvas painting. I made a Hall, Oats and Fripp playlist that included my choices from the H&O catalog and Hall solo stuff with Fripp Exposure and Hall’s Fripp produced Sacred Songs. I know this seems off course, but the first song was Lazyman. I’d never heard it, kind of a funny song , I know a guy... hey, retirement is retirement, if yer not having fun, yer doing it wrong. Hopefully, I can stop working soon so I can devote more time to art. Peace bro
Wow! I don’t say that often! Who are these guys? Love this! I truly don’t get excited very often, but need more of this! Thanks for sharing this first for me too.
Regarding Genesis: Dave Longdon actually auditioned for Genesis after Collins left. He was one of the final 2 considered. And drummer Nick D’Virgillio actually made on to the Calling All Stations sessions playing on a few songs. He has also played with Tears For Fears. Gregory Spawton is actually not a bassplayer originally but started out as a classical guitar player and was the original guitarplayer of BBT. The brass section has been playing with them for quite a few years on their albums and even on stage. To get the best English Electric experience you need to listen to the full 2 disc album which has had the songs in a slightly different running order (I vastly prefer this order then the separate discs running order) and has some additional material.
I have the opposite take of your last statement as I view the order and the number of songs in the separate discs as the most perfect of ANY album from the last decade and the extras from Full Power are just that, extras.
@@WillHsiung I never like the fact that EE2 was frontloaded with ECR, pretty much all songs following after it just felt like an anticlimax where as the position it is on the Full Power version makes the whole album building up to that moment and then with Curator Of Butterflies it gets the perfect send off. The fact that eventually the band decided that the 2cd edition is the definitive version of the album (splitting it up was more a practical thing cause they felt that the band hadn’t had an big enough following to release it as a two disc set) gives it even more gravitas.
@@ChrisEchoes I very much LOVE ECR leading the pack and found the rest of the songs on EE2 remain strong throughout the duration. Actually thought EE2 is the stronger of the separate discs and hence not only my favorite of the two, but my favorite BBT album. It’s what made me a huge fan of the band and got me to fly from the US three times to see them live.
After hearing this track I bought the CD. I come from a railway town in the UK, Darlington, which happens to be on the East Coast Main Line. My dad helped build the old steam engines here up until the 1960s. Only a few of those trains escaped the scrapyard. So I do feel a strong connection to this song. Thanks for sharing it.
This is probably my favorite EE-and-beyond era Big Big Train song. Several parts just produce chills - the piano! But album-wise, nothing is quite like The Underfall Yard. Master James of St. George, Victorian Brickwork, Winchester Diver and the eponymous track are *chef's kiss* (and that's something like 2/3 of the album)
prog will never die! prog is out mainstream system of music; but the prog lovers are a lot and still alive and kicking. And not only old people loves it
Saw this band live at the city Hall Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, oct/Nov, 2019,took the wife along, 1st real introduction to modern prog! They were sensational, and my Mr's liked the gig, job well done👏🎶👍
This is such a great song but I love the live version even more because of the slightly different end section with additional guitar solo by Dave Gregory (former XTC member).
I agree Chris. It is a shame that the studio version doesn't have that change in it. The key changes and chord modulations just take it to another level and offers Danny Manners an nice way to logically end the song without fading out. Just brilliant.
Have a listen to "London Plane" on their album "Folklore". It's an absolutely gorgeous piece of music, telling the tale of the growth and development of London from the viewpoint of a tree (the London Plane of the title). It does go off a bit in the middle with a Prog jazz fusion bit that, first time I listened to it, didn't seem to fit, but on reading the song notes on their website it made sense as a representation of what, to a tree, would have seemed like the astonishingly rapid growth of the city in the Industrial Revolution.
Excellent band and excellent comment. For me, a great discovery. The resemblance with Genesis (vocals and orchestration) is obvious, but it's not disturbing, cause, though, they have enough originality. The class and experience of the musicians are great. Their musical taste, perfect. The transitions are great, all seems natural and integrated. Slow quieter moments and epic ones with many instruments, both perfect.
I've had a lot of recommendations for BBT from the Marillion fanbase, but never looked them up. Out of all of the artists you've reacted to, JP, this song was by far the greatest song. Reacting to a never-before-heard song from a famous group is nice, but the mystery involved in spinning a great song from a band you've never listened to before is another level of entertainment. I haven't had this much enjoyment and surprise since the first time I watched some obscure band called "Porcupine Tree" performing " Anesthetize". Your comment about Dream Theatre echoes my thoughts perfectly, except you did not mention the singing is sub-standard.
Great to hear you listening to modern prog. I may have mentioned this before but you should try Swedish band Moon Safari especially their album Blomljud.
Thank you so much Justin. You have just brightened up a pretty bleak Saturday afternoon here in central England. Nick D'Virgillio was an integral part of putting together Kevin Gilbert's 'The Shaming Of The True', after Kevin's untimely death. All these years later he is still capable of blowing me away. I'm off now to download this. Again, many thanks!!!
Hello, Justin. Dave from Somewhere (only we know). Saw BBT at the Hackney Empire in London in 2019, and their performance of East Coast Racer, with accompanying video of the Mallard steam locomotive, will live long in the memory. BBT and Moon Safari are my two favourite modern prog outfits, mainly because they add something extra to 70s era prog: BBT, the brass band and songs about British industrial history (and more recently the countryside and European culture); Moon Safari, the Gene Puerling influenced jazz harmonies. This is a complex song but you are amazingly perceptive with your analysis. Evocative, euphoric, simply brilliant!
I was infected by BBT a couple of years back. Really disappointed that the last tour was cancelled...but I did get the T-shirt. The Difference Machine is currently en route to the Colonies (to join 8 of its colleagues).
The Difference Machine is one my favorite albums. BUT, it is very different from most of the other catalogue. This is the last album before the David Longdon era of BBT started with The Underfall Yard. This is the album that started Nick D'Virgilio's relationship with Greg Spawton and Andy Poole. This album had Sean Filkins on vocals on this one, and he had more of a Phil Collins sound to him than a Peter Gabriel sound. The tone of this album is very unique. For one thing it has some sax in it. But, it has a very lonely starkness to it. Like a cold winter day near the shoreline. This album might take some getting use to, if you are already familiar with the Longdon, warmer let me tell you a story, approach. But, give it a few listens, it will grow on you.
HOlly fuck WOW that part starting at 12:00 was just out of this world, i'm really shacked by this track, absolutely marvelous. I'm totally with you for Dream Theater, i really got that feeling of playing technical just for the sake of it sometimes. Modern prog have really incredible gems, cheers man :)
Hi Justin. Great review of this song. So glad you finally got back to BBT. I remember seeing you react to "Summoned by bells" some time ago. Hoping to see more Big Big Train on your channel as they have so many great songs.
This is also my first footsie with this band. I really don't do much contemporary prog. I've never listened to Dream Theater, Spock's Beard, etc. and, as much as I've tried I just don't dig Porcupine Tree. I'm more of a Liquid Tension Experiment kind of person. I think Big Big Train is one of the worst band names I've ever heard, but I decided to open up and give this a shot here. I am at a loss for words as to how wonderful and gorgeous this is. I am gobsmacked and in love. How can a band this good have such an unimaginative name? I guess they're just obsessed with trains. I don't know, but at this point I'll follow you down any rabbit hole my fellows here direct you to. Maybe.....
Greg Davis, I too thought Big Big Train had to be the worst possible name for a band as well. Reading some of Greg Spawton's (Bass player, and only original member left) interviews, he explained that his family was in the rail business, and when he was a kid he actually had a train set called "Big Big Train". I have been listening to them for 10 years now and over time I have gotten use to it. But I always have to tell new listeners to the music to just ignore the name for now. The music will speak for itself.
Glad you liked it, I was blown away the first time I heard it. Not many songs are written about world record steam trains! The live version is even better!!
One of those epic songs from a band I don't know very well but would like to. this album sounds like it's a good rewarding listen. you're comment on the Gabriel and Genesis aspect just what i was thinking halfway through. it's music influenced by the times it was composed and played.
So far, so good. I enjoyed Big Big Train. I liked a lot of elements to this song. And to me ? It doesn't ring of a digital recording ( you would have to know of my love for analog versus digital....)
Craig, for that you can thank their recording (and concert) engineer, Rob Aubrey. He and the band have always taken great pains to provide as high a fidelity a recording as possible, which involves recording and mastering at levels that could be perceived as a bit "lower" than typically done these days (think recording "hot" (EV levels on the board, etc.) vs. recording for Fletcher/Munson curves), which (IMHO) results in a more "vinyl"-sounding recording :-)
Rob Aubrey does a fantastic job of producing all the BBT material, including live. As Michael says, the mix and mastering are done at sensible levels to avoid the worst excesses of the loudness war. The sound is big, clear and you can hear everything. That's what a rock mix should be.
@@michaelheller2035 Interesting. I have a problem with modern recording (admittedly, MY problem). Digital sound tends to detract from my enjoyment. It just sounds too pristine. Too glossy sounding, I guess would be a way of describing it..... Today's bands make Def Leppard's sound ring like Neil Young's sound by comparison....ugh !! Or Boston sound like The Sex Pistols, lol. But bands like 10cc ? Admittedly a very glossy sou ding affair, but with a rich warmth to it. That's it in a nutshell. Recordings today lack that warmth. Big Big Train managed to escape that particular sound & bravo for them !! Thank you, Justin. You may well have pointed me in a great direction with Big Big Train. I might even drop the stance of The Black Crowes & Phish being the last of the great rock bands !!
Delighted you've played this. A wonderful and, yes, breathtaking, track and your reaction to the Mellotron chorus is just how I feel whenever I hear it. So many tracks have that special moment, such as the "change" in The Transit Of Venus Of Across The Sun (you'll know when you hear it!). To be honest, so many of their songs are special. This band can take you on an emotional trip that very few can, for me. They're that special. You've got a treasure trove of wonderful music by this band to discover. Enjoy, Justin!
I heard Big Big Train before. But, as it isn't a band I knew from long time, never got more into them. What a mistake. This was just a perfect song. In the same vein as Steve Wilson's Luminol. Thanks again
Great and underrated band. Some of my favorites: The Underfall Yard: Evening Star, Master James of St. George, The Underfall Yard English Electric Pt. 1: all of it English Electric Pt. 2: Swan Hunter, Curator of Butterflies Folklore: London Plane, Wassail, Winkie, Brooklands Grand Tour: Alive, The Florentine, Roman Stone, Homesong Though all of their stuff is so great
As ugly as the cover is, the song is beautiful. Never heard of them, glad i have heard them now. Have to sample more of them. You are absolutely right... This is what modern prog should sound like! Great musicianship alone doesn't make great Music, you also need soul and be able to surprise the listener and yourself.
I found this band in 2018. There is a long and wonderful back catalogue. They quickly became my favourite band currently making music. They had a NA tour planned in 2020 that got postponed. Had tickets - sadly gotta wait till 2022 it seems.
This song is a modern masterpiece and so fitting JP's review is absolutely sensational for a first listen - I learn so much from these reviews of music I thought I knew so well. Looking forward to more BBT reactions.
Yes, definitely spot a strong Genesis influence there. Enjoyable. Personally I would have argued, tough, that (and I know this is prog and therefore meant to be long) the song would be better with a bit of trimming/editing despite the epic sweeps.
Just from the title alone I knew instinctively what this song was about. The stuff of my dreams as a child. English Electric, is also a railway reference. The Genesis comparisons are tiresome but inevitable. They tend to be either a stick for people to beat bands with, or a term of praise from people who never quite got over Peter Gabriel leaving Genesis, let alone Fish's departure from Marillion. I think this piece of music stands up very well on its own merits. Classy, passionate and uplifting. If you like the emotion in this, you might like Out of This World by Marillion.
@@rudycarlson8245 Yes,! Now I need to go see the A4 Dwight Eisenhower at the railroad museum in Green Bay since I live in the states and probably will never go to British islands to see them live or visit the Mallard. Have always been a big prog rock fan and rail enthusiast so this song is perfect to me.
@@littlestevey4172 The Cab on the Ike is open to visitors at the museum! I went to see her as soon as she came back from the UK my parents took me to see her and when I discovered the cab was open you cannot hold me back with a steel wall! It is just awesome in that cab of that A4! She looks like all she needs is water and coal and she will come to life! She looks that good! But she has not run since July 20, 1963 for her to run again she would need a complete heavy overhaul! Who knows what the future might bring for the lke! She was the first A4 that I have seen and the very first LNER locomotive that I have seen so the Ike is special to me! Still looking for the HO version of her very hard to fine! I highly recommend going to see her you will not be disappointed!
Really good, no thrashy guitars or jarring moments. How prog should be. Talented band. Please please try `Again' by Archive for a modern day take on Pink Floyd! 🙌
Yo JustJP! That was a fun watch. So so glad you liked that song. It is one of my absolute favorites. Playing that song live is why I became a musician. All the best to you!
Hey Nick! Wow, thank you so much for watching and enjoying the video! Thats much appreciated; keep rockin'! 🤘
Great song Nick, I'm a little disappointed Dave Gregory left the band, I've been a fan since XTC days. But I can't wait for the US tour, so sorry we missed it last year, something tho look forward to!
Bravo, Nick, for acknowledging this.
Thank you sir for all the enjoyment you’ve given me over the years. I’m a big Spock’s Beard fan and I’ve been slowly getting into BBT recently. Thanks again.
Ps, Your drum duet with Jimmy Kegan on Falling for Forever was stunning. I just bought the live Snow dvd recently and this bonus track was icing on an already delicious cake.
@Osama Number5 To you as well Osama! Cheers!
I had no idea that modern Prog is still creating amazing beautiful music. I didn't want it to end, yet was shocked that it didn't end way earlier, but it just kept going and moving and I found myself caught in that flow. That's art. That's what music should do. That's how music should make you feel.
There is so much new prog being made now, if you're not up to speed with it then you have a joyous voyage of discovery ahead
@@richardthresh3587 Yes, it's becoming quite clear
Welcome to the Big Big Train family. Start with The Underfall Yard album.
@@progrock21 Thanks 🙂
Great music is still around. You just need to dig a little more to find it
“BBT, if you happen to see this video “
[a few hours later] the band has posted it on their social media.
Mission accomplished:-)
How amazing is that?!
WOW!!!
BBT are one of the most social bands in the world. They really love to communicate with their fans.
Heard it for the first time and I am stunned.
Best kind of reaction!
Welcome to the Big Big Train family. They are an amazing band of musicians. Nick D'Virgillio has played with Spock's Beard mostly but has also played with Genesis, Tears For Fears and toured with Cirque de Soleil. David Longdon nearly had the vocals job in Genesis after Phil left and Dave Gregory was in XTC.
Greg the bass player formed the band back in 1990 and writes most of the music and words although now David and Nick are writing more.
The band sound even better live so check out the live versions.
Next track I would listen to is Victorian Brickwork, another masterpiece. The whole of English Electric is a classic album.
Appreciate that Andrew! Ty
Second vote for Victorian Brickwork
Just learned of David Longdon's passing yesterday. He will be greatly missed. RIP
These guy are the undiscovered jewels of the prog world . Have loved them for a long time. Anything you listen to and the more you listen to will deepen the love affair. Tremendous guitar fiddle and a brass section with prog sensibilities. I mean c'mon , what else ya want?
Yeah Greg’s bass pedals coming in just before the final build up … just adds so much “OOMF”
This is a modern prog masterpiece and Justin your review is probably the best this song has ever got - you have delivered your own JustJP masterpiece! You have so understood who this band are and how they straddle the best of the old and neo prog worlds. This song so moves me at the she flies bit just as the music sounds like we’ve just entered the gates of heaven it’s that huge and powerful yet beautiful. So glad you live this song and manage to verbalise what I feel but am unable to say. Thank you so much
This song is an absolute masterpiece, easily in my top 10 progressive epics alongside Supper's Ready, Close to the Edge, Tarkus or Echoes. Big Big Train is my favorite modern prog band, there's so much to enjoy about this band, so much to immerse yourself into, to sink your teeth into, musically, conceptually, lyrically... I'm so glad I found this band. Each member kills it on their instruments : Dave Langdon, Greg Spawton, Nick D'Virgilio and Dave Gregory, which have been mentioned in other comments, but also Rikard Sjoblom, former leader of Beardfish, who joined the band after English Electric Pt2 and adds another layer to the riche palette of the band.
She Flies!!! … gets me every time… sheer crescendo of emotion build up as David lifts his hand ….
Big Big Train sound like a modern day Genesis and are incredible, brilliant song
Yes, Genesis-influenced indeed.
Except... Genesis didn't go this way... unfortunately... 🙄
"Driving the last spike.....
@@progperljungman8218 true. Everything changes, I guess.
Yes I hear the Genesis influence but I hear Yes as well. In fact I think their sound on this album is a near perfect hybrid of Genesis, Yes and Barclay James Harvest.
Big Big Train is one of the best Modern Prog bands out there. Their last six albums have been pure perfection!!! And Dave Gregory (from XTC) on guitar. And Nick did play on the final Genesis album , Calling All Stations. So good!!!
Nick was also the drummer for Spock's Beard.
I'm a passenger on this train! BBT are one of the best bands in the symphonic progressive genre active today. They have a large catalogue to explore,. I think they really started to hit their stride around The Underfall Yard release and have maintained a consistent standard of high quality to date. I have really enjoyed their DVD releases . Their live performances are exceptional. Unfortunately they have not ever toured the USA. I had tickets to see them twice in the spring of 2020 in the US. Sadly we all know what happened to all concerts. Let's hope they can tour again post Covid. Thanks for bringing this fine band to the attention many who may not have been aware of them. As always good in depth reaction JP! You are now a passenger too!
Hopefully they come over soon!
Quite possibly the greatest song of the century so far👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸
Might be but why the flag?
It is fantastic but there are so many songs out there that are just as good
First listen of this song. I was going to see this band live in New Jersey but they canceled. Sometimes I like to see a band first live and then listen to their music.
A really interesting, and enjoyable piece of music. I'd heard of the band, but not listened to them before. And what an opener. Glancing at the sleeve notes, as well as the band there'a a dozen or more guest artists. And it sounded like everyone was in on this, strings, brass, the whole kit and kaboodle. And all used to great effect. Definitely a band I want to hear more of.
Hi Justin, one note about the drummer: Nick D'Virgilio from California is a monster of drumming, very dynamic and full of incredible ideas on fills, he recorded and toured with tons of bands (Tears for fears, Genesis on "Calling on stations", Fates warning, and he played drums on "The world is a game" from the Canadian band Mystery, but there are many other collaborations). His most recognizable work is with Spock's Beard from the beginning in the mid '90s, also taking the lead singer role after Neal Morse defection early in the '00s, leaving the band for quite a while, and then coming back recently only on drums, because on vocals there is Ted Leonard.
Spock's Beard is worth checking out not only because of Nick ;-) but it adds. Love the later albums with Ted on vocals a lot. And Pattern Seeking Animals too, also with Ted on vocals. Great albums (2 up to now) and a third on the way. Check them out!
@@mariobaert8346 Agree, Spock's beard is one of the best if not the best prog-rock band around, clearly the first albums up to Snow, NDV adds a lot, together with Dave Meros they are a talented rhythm section so pleasant to hear. The only albums a little weaker were the first 2 after Neal Morse, maybe they wanted to change direction but not knowing where to go, by the way with a good help in composing by John Boegehold who is in Pattern Seeking Animals, great album also for me.
Nick is one of (if not THE) the most musical drummers I've ever heard. He is more than just time signatures and bashing the skins. That entire band (BBT) is loaded to the gills with talent but they serve the tune first and foremost.
are you sure? I knew that Nick is from canada (with half italian blood)
@@gianfrancoludovisi9539I'm sure, he was born in Whittier, California, and there he knew and worked with the talented Kevin Gilbert (RIP) and then with Spock's Beard. I guess only in the late '00s he moved to Canada but only because he signed for the worldwide known Cirque du soleil, based in Canada. Now I don't know where he lives but on TH-cam I see him often at Sweetwater music centre in Indiana (maybe he runs it). Yes,, is half italian blood, from Sicily he told me the only time I had the chance to chat with him before a SB gig in Pratteln 20 years ago.
This song is fantastic!! Never heard of this band!! Wow!!
Shared it on their Facebook page
Ty Steve!!
O.K. I'm at the station,I have my ticket. I board and find a seat,as we depart beautiful music starts, suddenly I'm going into a gorgeous plush valley. Then climbing snow swept peaks,dropping down to cascading waterfalls- Mind-blowing! Think this train will become a regular commute! Peace and orchestration,Love and harmony. Later.
Choo choo!
I started listening to prog in the early 70s when I was pre-teen (just); nearly 50 years on I am still listening to new music being made that is every bit as good as (and quite often better than) so-called 'classic-era' releases. I 'found' BBT in about 2007 as a result of hearing their album 'The Difference Machine' and have been a fan ever since. If there are listeners to Justin's channel that have missed out on 21st century prog then you have a lot of of catching up to do (Frost*, Cosmograf, Motorpsycho, Cheeto's Magazine, Southern Empire, I Am The Manic Whale, etc., etc., etc.). For more BBT check out their live performance of the song 'Victorian Brickwork' from Kings Place, London in 2015.
Frost* is really good, and every band has it's strengths. To me Frost* is technically excellent, but never achieves an emotional connection for me. There's technical excellence and melody. Consider the work of Procol Harum and FM, to me they both fall in the domain of progressive rock, but are very different. Procol Harum gives you melody, FM gives you technical proficiency. Occasionally a band combines them well.
Yep that is what got me into BBT so glad it did!
Brilliant review Justin. What a discovery. My new favourite band. I hope you'll do more Big Big Train.
Just beginning to listen to BBT. This song was amazing!!! Your term "breathtaking" was perfect. I was going to say thrilling. Some parts were thrilling!!! Just beautiful.
Really glad you enjoyed it!
After writing that the right word came - exhilarating!
Please do more of this amazing band!
Great reaction JP. This is a truly incredible modern prog masterpiece. I love it for all the reasons you outline. For me the kicker is the moment when the bass pedals and the big old 'Tron choir light up and Dave sings "Into history..." with it. It's absolute ecstasy IMHO. Powerful, uplifting, poetic, majestic. It never fails to make the eyes water and the hair stand up on the back of my neck.
Absolutely! Goosebumps +
Dead on adam872. That mellotron choir gives it a lot of Genesis flavor there, and just makes it so HUGE AND EPIC!!
Greetings from the Big Big Train Facebook group. Great video!
Thank you so much! I appreciate you watching
Your reaction around 12 minutes in is the best!!
Thanks Tim!
Also The Underfall Yard. Kingmaker (very Genesis), Victorian Brickwork, Judas Unrepentant, Folklore, Wassail And The Florentine plus loads more, top band.
To my reckoning, the "most" PG era genesis is "wide open sea" from Far Skies Deep Time. Love that song.
i think we all need to join you on a ‘Big Big Train’ ride...........
Thanks for playing this Justin, It has been called a love song for a steam engine! Incidentally, A new 3 disc vinyl version of The Underfall Yard will be available soon. Check it out! (y)
Thanks, JP. I knew you’d like it. Victorian Brickwork, Judas Unrepentant, Voyager, Kingmaker are all worth listening to. Nice to see people enjoying it for the first time. When I first heard them I had the same reaction: prog is still alive and well, and BBT makes a nice change from prog/metal groups.
EE Pts 1 & 2 came out around the time I started to listen to BBT, and in those first listens this was NOT my favorite song. But, like BBT, it grew and grew on me, and now this is my favorite song by my favorite band. That you got so much of the effect of it on your first listen, I'm a little envious of that. I can only imagine where it will take you in future listens. (Nice touch wearing your cap in "racing style," just like "Joe and Tommy on the plate.")
There are musical themes that run through English Electric (both parts), BBT have done this a few times.
English Electric were (amongst other things) Locomotive builders. They didn't build Mallard though - you can tell that because she flies....
I admit I know little about modern Prog rock, perhaps to my detriment. This was FANTASTIC! Yes, very Genesis like but taking Genesis to where it should have evolved into. The drumming was next level. Share your enthusiasm about this song and band. I guess I’ll have to go to I tunes now. You’re one of a kind Justin. 👌
I'm glad you enjoyed them!
Great stuff! Another English prog band that should be far better known along with Pendragon, Anathema and I.Q. to name a few. Great reaction JP, big thumbs.
Ty Mark!
Hmm. Not even on my modern prog radar, but I like! Very symphonic in places like some Renaissance. Overall, I feel this was a big pour of Genesis with a splash of Yes at the start, and something new and fresh that tastes yummy swirling through out. Thanks for the exposure. Heading over to YT Music to see if I can hop on that Big Big Train..
Only discovered your channel through the Big Big Train Facebook group and now subscribed. This song made me a huge fan of the band and motivated me to fly from Chicago to the UK three times to see them perform live.
Thanks so much Will! I'm glad you enjoyed the video
Hi Justin. Big Big Train are an incredible ensemble of accomplished musicians delivering amazing quality content. May I also recommend Victorian Brickwork, Kingmaker, Judas Unrepentant, Swan Hunter, Transit of Venus Across The Sun. All those are amazing tracks. It's great that you have now discovered them. Many Prog fans love them because you can really feel the spirit of 70s Genesis in their music. Live, they produce an amazing sonic performance which is hard to find in many bands these days.
Ty Killian!
You made the Big Big Train Facebook group and members of the band have been sharing your video...well done 👏
Thats so cool!😄
Went to see them in concert in November 2019, Excellent band, this song is a favourite live, Lockdown came at the wrong time for them as they were going to tour America. Working on a new album with a revised line up as 3 members have left. Try Hedgerow next lovely song
Hedgerow is outstanding, but you almost need to listen to Uncle Jack first to understand the call back in Hedgerow.
I typed up a long response and forgot to hit enter. Need more coffee.
What a great song. Props to those who recommended this. It is like someone threw Genesis in a blender, filtered out any dreck and poured out a pure sweet glass of prog. Bottoms up!
Great review.
🍻
THAT moment... (you know the one)... Always brings a tear to my eye!
Its incredible!
Brilliant, JP!! Big Big Train sure are special and remarkable and your appreciation video is a great watch! Good job! Fantastic review of a fantastic song!!
Ty!
@@JustJP I especially delight in the fact that you're giving Greg Spawton so much praise for his bass playing.... I've met him at a number of times in private and around gigs and he's one of the most humble human beings you'd com across and every time I compliment him for his playing he just shrugs, answering something in the line of "well Tobbe, I'm mainly a song writer and I don't see myself as a gifted musician, but it really helps having a drummer like NDV and just lock in on his playing...." :D
@@JustJP And I also love that you're taking some time to really listen and appreciate the lyrics properly only to find that in Greg's and David's songs about engines, coal mines, flooded tunnels built by Victorian engineers and what not it's always the human beings, the individuals and their hopes, dreams and love that are at the core of the lyrical themes they write about....
Think you got the right word for it ‘breathtaking’ the music has a stunning atmospheric quality, as with many of Big Big Train’s, songs, the lyrics are beautifully constructed very poetic
Men as giants, hammers falling
Works' own heartbeat
Furnace stacks with black smoke rising
Steal the clean air
For those of us that are old enough they hark back to time when Britain was great before the de-industrialisation of the Thatcher era.
Wow, how did I miss this until now??? Thanks for doing this and all your time and effort! I see my favorite Drummer Nick D'Virgilio chimed in as well! Great Band!
Woweee. Justin you did it again! Thank you to all those subscribers who suggested this song. I have heard of Big Big Train but never heard a lick of their music. What a musical ride. I most definitely have to check out their catalog. Plus... up there with Awaken is a pretty high bar and it was great seeing your joy of discovery. Thank you again.
Ty Freddie, happy you enjoyed it!
Justin wanted to share 3 things...
1. I have no idea if you've noticed but I changed my profile to read from Frederick to Freddie. I go by Freddie really.
2. I'm gonna support you on patreon (is that spelled right?)
3. Valentine's day is around the corner...you should seriously consider playing...
Song: My Sweetheart
by Artist: Focus.
Great, great instrumental! When I'm having to drive in the crazy traffic here in South Florida...this is the perfect tune. Please give this tune a thinking over.
🤔
Honorable mention in drive music... Artist: Bill Cobham
Album: Spectrum
Great modern jazz...love it!!
😎
I discovered the band in 2018 and have really enjoyed their back catalogue. East Coast Racer is a top notch song and they have several that are almost if not just as good. Their "Underfall Yard" record and the subsequent "Far Skies Deep Time" EP was the first with David Langdon on lead vocals. There are a string of records of a consistently high quality that are still being produced. There are many earlier albums with real gems on them as well and the band pays tribute to these in their live shows. Their first NA tour planned in 2020 was cancelled cuz of Covid but rosfest was a part of that tour and I think 2022 is the next likely set of dates.
I almost fell asleep. Not because it’s boring, it’s bombastic yet soothing and ok, I’m still drinking a little wine at 6 in the morning. Actually, took my nap from 9:30 pm to 1:30 am. Been painting towards a deadline. Beautiful lushness, production is enveloping. Well, I did just treat myself to new headphones, Status Audio CB-1s... very comfortable and sound great. Pete Thorn uses them.
Very affordable.
Shout out to Dave Gregory, ex-XTC, master guitarist. So glad he found another band family. Wish he would get more solos.
Enjoyed this tremendously, more please, waiting patiently for Transformation (Speed of Love), remember 1976, not 2013. I just think it fell through the cracks.
Take care everyone, pls mask up, enough sickness and death, let’s beat this,
Peace and Big Big Music
David Sancious. Nice!
or "The Bridge". I would be thrilled with "The Bridge".
Houses, paintings or other? I dabbled a bit after retirement but found my drawing skills were deficient and am too lazy (distracted?) to put in the work (damn computer games).
@@maruad7577
Yes, of course, The Bridge too.
Canvas painting.
I made a Hall, Oats and Fripp playlist that included my choices from the H&O catalog and Hall solo stuff with Fripp Exposure and Hall’s Fripp produced Sacred Songs. I know this seems off course, but the first song was Lazyman. I’d never heard it, kind of a funny song , I know a guy... hey, retirement is retirement, if yer not having fun, yer doing it wrong. Hopefully, I can stop working soon so I can devote more time to art.
Peace bro
@@adam872
Welcome to the David Sancious fan club area of the community. Glad knowing you’re out there.
Glad you got some new headphones, and hope you get some rest!
Wow! I don’t say that often! Who are these guys? Love this! I truly don’t get excited very often, but need more of this! Thanks for sharing this first for me too.
Regarding Genesis: Dave Longdon actually auditioned for Genesis after Collins left. He was one of the final 2 considered. And drummer Nick D’Virgillio actually made on to the Calling All Stations sessions playing on a few songs. He has also played with Tears For Fears.
Gregory Spawton is actually not a bassplayer originally but started out as a classical guitar player and was the original guitarplayer of BBT.
The brass section has been playing with them for quite a few years on their albums and even on stage.
To get the best English Electric experience you need to listen to the full 2 disc album which has had the songs in a slightly different running order (I vastly prefer this order then the separate discs running order) and has some additional material.
I have the opposite take of your last statement as I view the order and the number of songs in the separate discs as the most perfect of ANY album from the last decade and the extras from Full Power are just that, extras.
@@WillHsiung I never like the fact that EE2 was frontloaded with ECR, pretty much all songs following after it just felt like an anticlimax where as the position it is on the Full Power version makes the whole album building up to that moment and then with Curator Of Butterflies it gets the perfect send off. The fact that eventually the band decided that the 2cd edition is the definitive version of the album (splitting it up was more a practical thing cause they felt that the band hadn’t had an big enough following to release it as a two disc set) gives it even more gravitas.
@@ChrisEchoes I very much LOVE ECR leading the pack and found the rest of the songs on EE2 remain strong throughout the duration. Actually thought EE2 is the stronger of the separate discs and hence not only my favorite of the two, but my favorite BBT album. It’s what made me a huge fan of the band and got me to fly from the US three times to see them live.
After hearing this track I bought the CD. I come from a railway town in the UK, Darlington, which happens to be on the East Coast Main Line.
My dad helped build the old steam engines here up until the 1960s. Only a few of those trains escaped the scrapyard. So I do feel a strong connection to this song. Thanks for sharing it.
Another band I had never heard before that I quite enjoyed. Thanks JP, and the people that recommended this band for review.
Superb song! Gotta buy the album now and also stick on my Spotify playlist!
This is probably my favorite EE-and-beyond era Big Big Train song. Several parts just produce chills - the piano! But album-wise, nothing is quite like The Underfall Yard. Master James of St. George, Victorian Brickwork, Winchester Diver and the eponymous track are *chef's kiss* (and that's something like 2/3 of the album)
prog will never die! prog is out mainstream system of music; but the prog lovers are a lot and still alive and kicking. And not only old people loves it
Saw this band live at the city Hall Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, oct/Nov, 2019,took the wife along, 1st real introduction to modern prog! They were sensational, and my Mr's liked the gig, job well done👏🎶👍
This is such a great song but I love the live version even more because of the slightly different end section with additional guitar solo by Dave Gregory (former XTC member).
I agree Chris. It is a shame that the studio version doesn't have that change in it. The key changes and chord modulations just take it to another level and offers Danny Manners an nice way to logically end the song without fading out. Just brilliant.
Agreed BBT are a great progressive rock band and are Reminiscent of many phenomenal seventies era artists of the genre. More please...
Have a listen to "London Plane" on their album "Folklore". It's an absolutely gorgeous piece of music, telling the tale of the growth and development of London from the viewpoint of a tree (the London Plane of the title). It does go off a bit in the middle with a Prog jazz fusion bit that, first time I listened to it, didn't seem to fit, but on reading the song notes on their website it made sense as a representation of what, to a tree, would have seemed like the astonishingly rapid growth of the city in the Industrial Revolution.
Damn, I love that song!
Ty for the suggestion Michael!
Folklore is my fave by Big Big Train.
Excellent band and excellent comment. For me, a great discovery. The resemblance with Genesis (vocals and orchestration) is obvious, but it's not disturbing, cause, though, they have enough originality. The class and experience of the musicians are great. Their musical taste, perfect. The transitions are great, all seems natural and integrated. Slow quieter moments and epic ones with many instruments, both perfect.
This is their best song to me.
Every so often I come back and watch your reaction, that moment when you know greatness is in existence and it’s modern. It’s a wow.
Keep rocking JP
Yeah! There's tons of fantastic modern non-metal prog out there! You should do some more 😊
Ah, you're listening to something I haven't heard. I get exposed to something good that I didn't know. Thanks. 😀 That's really good.
I've had a lot of recommendations for BBT from the Marillion fanbase, but never looked them up. Out of all of the artists you've reacted to, JP, this song was by far the greatest song. Reacting to a never-before-heard song from a famous group is nice, but the mystery involved in spinning a great song from a band you've never listened to before is another level of entertainment. I haven't had this much enjoyment and surprise since the first time I watched some obscure band called "Porcupine Tree" performing " Anesthetize".
Your comment about Dream Theatre echoes my thoughts perfectly, except you did not mention the singing is sub-standard.
I'm really glad you enjoyed this one as well Yessquire!
Great to hear you listening to modern prog. I may have mentioned this before but you should try Swedish band Moon Safari especially their album Blomljud.
Ty Andrew! Ive heard many good things about them
Thank you so much Justin. You have just brightened up a pretty bleak Saturday afternoon here in central England. Nick D'Virgillio was an integral part of putting together Kevin Gilbert's 'The Shaming Of The True', after Kevin's untimely death. All these years later he is still capable of blowing me away. I'm off now to download this. Again, many thanks!!!
Their entire caralog is available in MP3 or FLAC on Bandcamp.. well worth investing.
Ty Cloud! I'm glad BBT were able to bring you a bit of sun🔆
Now this is prog I can get into! 👍 I would say my enthusiasm is just slightly below Justin’s, but I am looking forward to hearing more from BBT.
Glad you enjoyed it as well!
Hello, Justin. Dave from Somewhere (only we know). Saw BBT at the Hackney Empire in London in 2019, and their performance of East Coast Racer, with accompanying video of the Mallard steam locomotive, will live long in the memory. BBT and Moon Safari are my two favourite modern prog outfits, mainly because they add something extra to 70s era prog: BBT, the brass band and songs about British industrial history (and more recently the countryside and European culture); Moon Safari, the Gene Puerling influenced jazz harmonies. This is a complex song but you are amazingly perceptive with your analysis. Evocative, euphoric, simply brilliant!
Magnificent !!! RIP David 😢
I was infected by BBT a couple of years back. Really disappointed that the last tour was cancelled...but I did get the T-shirt. The Difference Machine is currently en route to the Colonies (to join 8 of its colleagues).
The Difference Machine is one my favorite albums. BUT, it is very different from most of the other catalogue. This is the last album before the David Longdon era of BBT started with The Underfall Yard. This is the album that started Nick D'Virgilio's relationship with Greg Spawton and Andy Poole. This album had Sean Filkins on vocals on this one, and he had more of a Phil Collins sound to him than a Peter Gabriel sound. The tone of this album is very unique. For one thing it has some sax in it. But, it has a very lonely starkness to it. Like a cold winter day near the shoreline. This album might take some getting use to, if you are already familiar with the Longdon, warmer let me tell you a story, approach. But, give it a few listens, it will grow on you.
Wow, I loved it! Goosebumps when that mellotron hit. Can’t wait to dive into that catalogue.
Glad you enjoyed them!
HOlly fuck WOW that part starting at 12:00 was just out of this world, i'm really shacked by this track, absolutely marvelous. I'm totally with you for Dream Theater, i really got that feeling of playing technical just for the sake of it sometimes. Modern prog have really incredible gems, cheers man :)
Right?! This was awesome
@@JustJP Putting this one on the close to the edge tier
Hi Justin. Great review of this song. So glad you finally got back to BBT. I remember seeing you react to "Summoned by bells" some time ago. Hoping to see more Big Big Train on your channel as they have so many great songs.
Ty crashland!
This is also my first footsie with this band. I really don't do much contemporary prog. I've never listened to Dream Theater, Spock's Beard, etc. and, as much as I've tried I just don't dig Porcupine Tree. I'm more of a Liquid Tension Experiment kind of person. I think Big Big Train is one of the worst band names I've ever heard, but I decided to open up and give this a shot here. I am at a loss for words as to how wonderful and gorgeous this is. I am gobsmacked and in love. How can a band this good have such an unimaginative name? I guess they're just obsessed with trains. I don't know, but at this point I'll follow you down any rabbit hole my fellows here direct you to. Maybe.....
Greg Davis, I too thought Big Big Train had to be the worst possible name for a band as well. Reading some of Greg Spawton's (Bass player, and only original member left) interviews, he explained that his family was in the rail business, and when he was a kid he actually had a train set called "Big Big Train". I have been listening to them for 10 years now and over time I have gotten use to it. But I always have to tell new listeners to the music to just ignore the name for now. The music will speak for itself.
Glad you liked it, I was blown away the first time I heard it. Not many songs are written about world record steam trains! The live version is even better!!
Really good music. You almost hate it to end. I just found BBT last year with Uncle Jack and thought, tremendous!
One of those epic songs from a band I don't know very well but would like to. this album sounds like it's a good rewarding listen.
you're comment on the Gabriel and Genesis aspect just what i was thinking halfway through. it's music influenced by the times it was composed and played.
If you like BTT The Underfall Yard song and album are a must listen.
It's a great song especially if you know the story behind it.
So far, so good. I enjoyed Big Big Train. I liked a lot of elements to this song. And to me ? It doesn't ring of a digital recording ( you would have to know of my love for analog versus digital....)
Craig, for that you can thank their recording (and concert) engineer, Rob Aubrey. He and the band have always taken great pains to provide as high a fidelity a recording as possible, which involves recording and mastering at levels that could be perceived as a bit "lower" than typically done these days (think recording "hot" (EV levels on the board, etc.) vs. recording for Fletcher/Munson curves), which (IMHO) results in a more "vinyl"-sounding recording :-)
Rob Aubrey does a fantastic job of producing all the BBT material, including live. As Michael says, the mix and mastering are done at sensible levels to avoid the worst excesses of the loudness war. The sound is big, clear and you can hear everything. That's what a rock mix should be.
@@michaelheller2035
Interesting. I have a problem with modern recording (admittedly, MY problem). Digital sound tends to detract from my enjoyment. It just sounds too pristine. Too glossy sounding, I guess would be a way of describing it.....
Today's bands make Def Leppard's sound ring like Neil Young's sound by comparison....ugh !! Or Boston sound like The Sex Pistols, lol.
But bands like 10cc ? Admittedly a very glossy sou ding affair, but with a rich warmth to it. That's it in a nutshell. Recordings today lack that warmth. Big Big Train managed to escape that particular sound & bravo for them !! Thank you, Justin. You may well have pointed me in a great direction with Big Big Train. I might even drop the stance of The Black Crowes & Phish being the last of the great rock bands !!
Thank you for sharing. I’ll have to investigate more
Hope you enjoy!
You have completely nailed this!!!
Ty so much Chris! :D
Delighted you've played this. A wonderful and, yes, breathtaking, track and your reaction to the Mellotron chorus is just how I feel whenever I hear it. So many tracks have that special moment, such as the "change" in The Transit Of Venus Of Across The Sun (you'll know when you hear it!). To be honest, so many of their songs are special. This band can take you on an emotional trip that very few can, for me. They're that special. You've got a treasure trove of wonderful music by this band to discover. Enjoy, Justin!
Oops...The Transit Of Venus Across The Sun...an extra "Of" crept in...
Ty so much Phil! This was stunning!
My favourite BBT track. Well done! This was a joy to watch. ❤️❤️🚂
Ty Jeff! Happy you enjoyed the video😃
I heard Big Big Train before. But, as it isn't a band I knew from long time, never got more into them. What a mistake. This was just a perfect song. In the same vein as Steve Wilson's Luminol. Thanks again
Great and underrated band. Some of my favorites:
The Underfall Yard: Evening Star, Master James of St. George, The Underfall Yard
English Electric Pt. 1: all of it
English Electric Pt. 2: Swan Hunter, Curator of Butterflies
Folklore: London Plane, Wassail, Winkie, Brooklands
Grand Tour: Alive, The Florentine, Roman Stone, Homesong
Though all of their stuff is so great
"Curator" - is s beautiful song! Heartbreaking!
As ugly as the cover is, the song is beautiful. Never heard of them, glad i have heard them now. Have to sample more of them. You are absolutely right...
This is what modern prog should sound like!
Great musicianship alone doesn't make great Music, you also need soul and be able to surprise the listener and yourself.
I found this band in 2018. There is a long and wonderful back catalogue. They quickly became my favourite band currently making music. They had a NA tour planned in 2020 that got postponed. Had tickets - sadly gotta wait till 2022 it seems.
Soul is key!
@@476rocket Yup, me too ! Was going to go to their concert in Bound Brook NJ for their first US tour and dreaded Corona hit! 😢
This song is a modern masterpiece and so fitting JP's review is absolutely sensational for a first listen - I learn so much from these reviews of music I thought I knew so well. Looking forward to more BBT reactions.
Thanks Warren!
Yes, definitely spot a strong Genesis influence there. Enjoyable. Personally I would have argued, tough, that (and I know this is prog and therefore meant to be long) the song would be better with a bit of trimming/editing despite the epic sweeps.
Excellent stuff. Straight to my prog rock palylist.
Same!🍻
Just from the title alone I knew instinctively what this song was about. The stuff of my dreams as a child. English Electric, is also a railway reference. The Genesis comparisons are tiresome but inevitable. They tend to be either a stick for people to beat bands with, or a term of praise from people who never quite got over Peter Gabriel leaving Genesis, let alone Fish's departure from Marillion. I think this piece of music stands up very well on its own merits. Classy, passionate and uplifting. If you like the emotion in this, you might like Out of This World by Marillion.
This is amazing!!
If you close your eyes and concentrate when you’re listening to this song you can literally see this event happening! The song is that God!
I meant to say the song is that good!
@@rudycarlson8245 One of my best ever Prog songs and still hardly known!!
@@littlestevey4172 The thing is the song probably not that well known outside the UK? I’m hoping in my lifetime that 4468 returns to steam Someday!
@@rudycarlson8245 Yes,! Now I need to go see the A4 Dwight Eisenhower at the railroad museum in Green Bay since I live in the states and probably will never go to British islands to see them live or visit the Mallard. Have always been a big prog rock fan and rail enthusiast so this song is perfect to me.
@@littlestevey4172 The Cab on the Ike is open to visitors at the museum! I went to see her as soon as she came back from the UK my parents took me to see her and when I discovered the cab was open you cannot hold me back with a steel wall! It is just awesome in that cab of that A4! She looks like all she needs is water and coal and she will come to life! She looks that good! But she has not run since July 20, 1963 for her to run again she would need a complete heavy overhaul! Who knows what the future might bring for the lke! She was the first A4 that I have seen and the very first LNER locomotive that I have seen so the Ike is special to me! Still looking for the HO version of her very hard to fine! I highly recommend going to see her you will not be disappointed!
Glad you said you would listen to the live version, because they are note perfect
The orchestral backing reminds me of Yes' Magnification album. With the Genesis style drumming as a bonus, I am pleased with the results!
Really good, no thrashy guitars or jarring moments. How prog should be. Talented band.
Please please try `Again' by Archive for a modern day take on Pink Floyd! 🙌
Great band. Songs to check out: Judas Unrepentant, London Plane, Along the ridgeway/Salisbury Giant ...