Well that follows the style of "Think Of Me With Kindness". I know people who consider all these Kerry's songs the most beautiful songs on Earth. Next one, and probably the best one from this series would be "His Last Voyage" from "Free Hand" I guess.
I would add Schooldays to His Last Voyage as the two best songs with Kerry on lead vocals. Not by mere chance, also, that both are vibraphone based songs.
Yeah, it's the electric piano that gives this a 'Canterbury' sound but the vocals pull us back to the 16th century sound that make it GG's own. Lovely song.
I am slowly, but surely, becoming a GG convert, thanks to this channel! (As a wise man once said, "One should always be open to the regenerative influences").
This and "Think of Me with Kindness" are like a knife in the heart. Damn you Kerry Minnear! Also, for some added context, England was undergoing a fair amount of social turmoil in the mid 70s (which is part of what gave rise to the punk movement a couple years after this.) So the lyrics are conceptual, but probably also a bit "of the moment".
The tone of this song makes it one of my favorite Gentle Giant pieces. Even though it's a single voice it sounds like the voice of an oppressed populace yearning with hope in its sad anticipation to gain some humanity. The orchestration is based in Kerry's keyboard, the acoustic guitar is the subtle wings trying to take flight; in fact, there's a moment where the guitar plays a very subtle two note bridge that I find remarkably illustrative in its simplicity of people to trying move forward. No game playing here. Just a genuine yearning.
What a contrast. Following the rather challenging 'So Sincere', this is simply beautiful. A wonderful, almost understated track, with a beautiful melody. The keys and vocals do put me in mind of Zep's No Quarter, but it's all GG. And re the vocals, KM's voice, delivery, and cadence, simply superb. Love this song.
You are "so sincere" .... Haunting tune..... Yah I see that smile.... These were the pieces that "stereo" was created for..... Wonderfully simple .....
Wholy moly, its JustJP with another Gentle Giant first listen video. Aspirations is such a beautiful song, One thing I love about Gentle Giant is Kerry Minnear's fondness for the Wurlitzer electric piano, Gentle Giant is the reason to why I prefer that over the Fender Rhodes, its less metallic and more wooden and warm sounding to my ears. Also, Kerry sings beautifully on this song. 🙌 I agree, some Canterbury vibes to this piece, but its more professional, and tastefully executed then what most Canterbury bands was capable of (they have other qualities IMO) from an arrangement and production point of view.
Though I loved Gente Giant from the first time I ever heard them and I loved their music because it is so unpredictable this special song took a time to catch me. But in the end it did and sometimes it seems that it catches me more the more often I hear it. It shows Kerry Minnear's favor for medieval music I think and creates pictures of a gang of monks in a monestery. Wonderful music.
I've seen Gentle Giant 3 times and they were very good live. I'm not a huge fan of the voice in some songs, but this is one of my favorites. Has a great mood. I have 10 of their albums, and like this one best although maybe due to seeing them touring this album. Thanks JP.
A _gentle_ song! And if it doesn't _just_ and utterly _aspire_ you, Justin, then I don't know what will. _So sincerely,_ me. Oh and. Do continue listen to this album please! It's an absolute gem! (:
Yes JP : D One of the Very Best Prog Bands Ever !!! Fantastic Musicians, I've posted plenty about them in the past for you : ) And Power and the Glory is their Best studio album, just great ! And as Always so much better Live with this Band !! : D
GENTLE fits the band perfectly when they're not being GIANT! They could do no wrong in my book until they later tried to transition . This song is so emotionally moving with Minear's signature sweet soft vocals and melodically gorgeous yet still maintains just enough of their smooth jazzy syncopation ! Again their name was perfect bc they could be very GIANT and dominate yet they could be very Gentle. What this song does is capture the mood of the spiritual aspirations of the yearnings of the People! It acts as a hopeful prayer! Minear's vocals always captured & depicted the soft caring emotional side of GG while Derek's lyrics were more defiant, determined & even cynical. 'I LOST MY HEAD' is one that demonstrates both the extrovert edgy & calm introspective sides of GG in one song
I know that many GG fans love the earlier albums but this one was the first one I heard and then bought the In A Glass House album with the see through cover. So, In a A Glass House, The Power And The Glory and Free Hand are my favorites. Still quirky but just a little more accessible.
I almost think *The Power And The Glory* is a concept album that needs to be listened to in its entirety, because all the elements pay homage to the theme. Aspirations hits you right after the cacophony of the previous tune in a way that I've always loved, nothing experimental, but also capturing the 'reflective' portion of the story they're telling. And yeah, Playing the Game is special, IMO...
Jeanine and Friederike Greifswald-Tolleson, I think most of their lp’s are at least loosely conceptual: Free Hand is about getting free of an overbearing record label, Acquiring the Taste the band’s stated purpose in the liner notes (and I paraphrase) is to play us something different or even challenging, Interview is a sort of imaginary interview scenario, etc.
Allright Justin getting to one of my favorites!! Aspirations sets such an atmosphere of contemplation, so beautifully crafted & vocalized, and yes, one of the most beautiful songs on earth.
A slow jazzy shuffle of funky rhythms that is good on the ear. Just quirky enough to be Gentle Giant yet interesting. Had not heard this yet. Love it. 'Smooth', exactly. Gentle, gentle Giant.
So true that what you listen to before the next song influences your listening pleasure. It does have that Canterbury sound, but I think more so the singing style, which is quite wistful. Rather like Caravan.
Thanks Justin for playing this song, as I, and I'm sure others recommended to you. One of my favorites. Now, next, listen to 'No God's A Man' off the second side.....again a mellow song sandwiched between 2 more "hard" songs. No God's A Man is more complex than Aspirations, with beautiful vocal harmonies.Check it out! You'll be glad, and as always, look forward to your reactions and thoughts. Thanks, Rob
Ah good! My favourite GG album quite possibly. Cant wait for “playing the game” and “Cogs in Cogs” Those two along with “The Face” are VERY catchy in Gentle Giant standards. At least in my opinion.
Ciao! I discover your channel yesterday and I really like your works! 🔝 It would be great if you make a review of the two albums "Storia di un minuto" and "Per un amico" (both from 1972), played by "Premiata Forneria Marconi", an Italian prog rock band, they are famous also in the USA and their music reminds a lot about Genesis, King Crimson, Renaissance and Gentle Giant. I am sure you would like them a lot! 😉 Thank you!!! Ciao!!
I think you're right, Justin, that this could fit in with the Canterbury scene, like Hatfield and the North. In fact, you may want to review the 15min Going Up To People And Tinkling Calyx Son Of There's No Place Like by Hatfiled and the North from that scene. But yeah, when GG decide to just do a ballad (in their own way of course) it's flawless -- like His Last Voyage from Free Hand. But my fave GG is Timing from Interview if you are so inclined. Keep up the inspiring work!
Definitely a sweet song and fits nicely in the album. Super looking forward to what you'll think of Playing the Game! One of my favorites on the album.
Oh yeah you know I actually had the rare opportunity and privilege to see them play at the Whiskey A Go Go and they were reluctant to play from this album because they hadn't rehearsed but they said fuck it here we go and I had this instrument that they made still at loose dislike this tiny little Cigar Box Guitar thing didn't look like a cigar box but it was the same angular little about the size of a ukulele and it had that weird tuning to it and the singer now I can't think of this name that's really embarrassing he was actually a big wig for MCA for a while anyhow he starts playing that thing and we knew oh shit here we go and they did the whole album pretty much but when he broke out that saying I was like alright it was so cool because they actually had after they went off the stage that came up upstairs and walked into a back room so they came up in the balcony and that was the closest I have ever been to a 59 Les Paul cuz Gary Greene had his left paw on his hand and he walked between the Isles you know you think I'd be Starstruck by seeing the guys from gentle giant but I was just blown away to see that Les Paul right there I can't remember how many original Les Pauls were made it was probably like less than a thousand or something and that one was like the prettiest Book Mart maple tiger figured face that was adorned to that wonderful Masterpiece of guitar craftsmanship but it was funny because the guitarist I was with David May after that show it's like man why are we even in a band why should we even bother after seeing how good these guys could play by the way just so you know there was a single okay maybe it was like playing the game but you flip it over and it was called the power and the glory so there is an extra song that's not on the album because it's a single even though they put it on the CD later on it's just like with Emerson Lake and Palmer there's a song called Brain Salad Surgery and it's not a single 45 as well and then they released it on one of their compilation CDs or records rather that's a really cool tune as well real low frequency synthesizer it's just a bomb all right my man I went on too long I'll check you on the next I'm sorry I'm so late to the game I'm not playing the game
The album takes on more understanding when you know that it was produced during the Nixon & Watergate era. It is an album making political commentary on the times.
You're absolutely right, Aspirations is a welcome follower to So Sincere. Also, Minner's gentle singing is a perfect counterpoint to Derek Shulman's. And yes, it possible to spot echoes of Caravan (soft vocals and smooth jazzy flavour). When it comes to mellow songs, though, I cherish Caravan more. Strangely enough, considering today's reputation, in my country The Power and the Glory was considered a sort of disappointment compared to previous efforts.
Oh dude you are so ready for “No God’s A Man” from this very same album.Then check out Mike Kenneally’s cover of it. Amazing stuff. Then move on to “Cogs in Cogs” where they accomplished in 3 minutes what it took bands like Gryphon hours - nay, entire careers - to NOT accomplish.
Cool! Gentle Giant was always a band that I meant to check out. Never did. This is a nice first listen. You might like bands like Calexico and / or Giant Sand, as well.
This is really on of their best albums. But for me it is asquering the Taste. I would love to hear, That you are listening to this album as a whole album listen.😊
Chasing the ‘Lamb’ reaction endorsement , whilst listening to ‘Gentle Giant’, whilst wearing a ‘Massive Attack’ T-Shirt. There’s a reason I’ve stuck around for what must be a couple of years by now. I predicted greater things for ‘Mercurial No.6’ a couple years ago when he was languishing around 8,000 subs. He’s now on 60,000 or something like that. Same overview I gave to him. You ‘should’ take off. If not it’s not cause your content. It’s just how things end up. Good luck Justin 😀
First song I've heard by Gentle Giant today; enjoyed it very much. Thank you JP. Was wondering if you could read the following if you have time? I describe myself as a jazz musician and I write and compose my own music; I am in the beginnings of writing what will be my first progressive rock/jazz album. It would be nice to get the attention of someone who can react to my music and critique - even if you couldn't react to it on TH-cam but I sent you an audio somehow. Many thanks, Jack.
A wonderful album, on many days my favourite of theirs alternating between several others. Out of interest the single 'Kites' from their previous band Simon Dupree and the Big Sound is a very good pop song.
I think my favorite GG song of all is "Runaway" off of the "Playing the Fool" album (and possibly, the first "industrial" song......at least that I've heard anyway. )
More Gentle Giant, alright! Good man. Those guys can be smoooth and they can ROCK. Sometimes in the same tune. Rinse & Repeat. Yes, this could fit into a Canterbury playlist, however I never thought of them as such, but I think it’s interesting that Justin mentioned that idea. Other smoothies from GG: His Last Voyage from Free Hand and Pantagruels Nativity from Acquiring the Taste and Think of me With Kindness from Octopus. Those off the top of my head. C, ya.
Was I thrilled at choice of GG today, no. I was out ill yesterday and slept most of it. Just getting my bearings and here we have GG to listen to. This could be bad but, it wasn’t. It was soothing and clubby as you said, made me feel better. Are they my favorite new (to me) band, prog no but, this may be one of my favorite new songs, maybe, we’ll see. Peace and Music
I really like this song, its so smooth ! I have always preferred the soft voices of Kerry Minnear & Phil Shulman to the more angular voice of Derek Shulman (although I am far from hating his voice!).
good analysis JP... put it this way... immagine that this is an english population talking to the person that will take over for Thatcher... or an American population talking to the person in America that will take office after Trump. (Now, don't get Trump defensive people, I'm not criticizing Trump and I'm not trying to make this political ), but remember the name of the album. So... it doesn't matter which prime minister or which president you choose to name, the theme of the album (and this song) remains what it is.
It seems that you are going to review the whole album. OK. The next song is maybe the best one and the rest of the songs are ok as well. But In a Glass House is something else. Don't miss it. It's the best GG-album.
I wouldn't hype In a Glass House that much. What's best is always a matter of personal taste. Within my circle of acquintances, it is considered their poorest effort until The Missing Piece.
I always go back and forth with Gentle Giant albums as far as my favs. I've had 5 different albums as my #1 in the last year alone. Just depends on my mood.
That downward interval leap in the first line fits neither a jazz club nor, with respect, Canterbury. The Sinatra of Canterbury, Richard Sinclair, just doesn't sing that way and Kerry is Kerry because of the Royal College of Music. I adore Richard Sinclair (major Hatfield head), but he's much more a jazz singer. Kerry's a choirboy ;)
An American band from New Orleans called MuteMath were the absolute inspired champions of Fender Rhodes funky 60s stadium jazz dance thunder percussive pop and I miss them . It seems 21 Pilots liked them too Justin. Check out Quarantine for some Yes inspired thunder. Unlike this which balanced things out a trifle too much for a sun-kissed Good Friday. Perceptive comparison with Caravan Justin- I can't call u Just, sorry! So in summary, I need a lie down. No I don't, I need to boogie woogie! I shall not relent from askin u for the best LP of the 80s! No not that one , this one..... "Keith was the sole inhabitant! The White Citaaa-aaaayyy!!!!" Never give up - but in the meantime, enjoy one day at a time with or without the Dolby Sound reduction on this fruity channel of tone and tonic. Diolch!
Robert Wyatt could do a good job of singing this. The Wilson Mix adds an extra minute of jazzy Fender Rhodes. Please stick to that one: sound is better.
This is the only GG song I actually love. They proved here they could just calm it all down from time to time, and actually do something that was heartfelt, instead of just showing off. It does have a Canterbury feel, although at times the vocals are almost Peter Hammill-esque. Playing the Game is quite a good song too. It's not too crazy ;-)
Well that follows the style of "Think Of Me With Kindness".
I know people who consider all these Kerry's songs the most beautiful songs on Earth.
Next one, and probably the best one from this series would be "His Last Voyage" from "Free Hand" I guess.
“His Last Voyage” is amazing!
I have requested His Last Voyage many times. Let's hope Justin hears our wishes.
So true. Minnear’s songs are so beautyful.
Yes, « His Last Voyage » is the best song with Kerry on lead vocal 👍🏻
I would add Schooldays to His Last Voyage as the two best songs with Kerry on lead vocals. Not by mere chance, also, that both are vibraphone based songs.
Yeah, it's the electric piano that gives this a 'Canterbury' sound but the vocals pull us back to the 16th century sound that make it GG's own. Lovely song.
Thanks. You always the decency to listen all the way. That last '..forever. ' just blows gently into my face. Gorgeous.
Such a great album :) Ty Ian
I am slowly, but surely, becoming a GG convert, thanks to this channel! (As a wise man once said, "One should always be open to the regenerative influences").
Glad youre enjoying them!
welcome to the club
I can imagine Peter Hammill singing on this song...
I agree.They both have that unique singing style.
Yes definitely, as long as it is ''Angel'' Peter and not ''Killer'' Peter - although I love them both dearly.
My favorite Gentle Giant song. Skillfully played, sweet vocals, beautiful drums and cymbals, a perfect prog rock ballad
This and "Think of Me with Kindness" are like a knife in the heart. Damn you Kerry Minnear!
Also, for some added context, England was undergoing a fair amount of social turmoil in the mid 70s (which is part of what gave rise to the punk movement a couple years after this.) So the lyrics are conceptual, but probably also a bit "of the moment".
The tone of this song makes it one of my favorite Gentle Giant pieces. Even though it's a single voice it sounds like the voice of an oppressed populace yearning with hope in its sad anticipation to gain some humanity. The orchestration is based in Kerry's keyboard, the acoustic guitar is the subtle wings trying to take flight; in fact, there's a moment where the guitar plays a very subtle two note bridge that I find remarkably illustrative in its simplicity of people to trying move forward. No game playing here. Just a genuine yearning.
As an argentinian this song hits close to home right now.
What a contrast. Following the rather challenging 'So Sincere', this is simply beautiful. A wonderful, almost understated track, with a beautiful melody. The keys and vocals do put me in mind of Zep's No Quarter, but it's all GG. And re the vocals, KM's voice, delivery, and cadence, simply superb. Love this song.
I was hearing 'No Quarter' vibes too, that song came out a year before 'Aspirations' so maybe Zep inspired it.
@@1nelsondj Aye, you never know. Great minds, and all that :)
Great album. 1974 was a top year for Prog.
You are "so sincere" .... Haunting tune..... Yah I see that smile....
These were the pieces that "stereo" was created for..... Wonderfully simple .....
The next 2 songs are just outstanding, "Playing the Game" and "Cogs in Cogs"
They're always so melodic. I love this album; I've always been partial to "Cogs in Cogs".
Cogs In Cogs is my favorite GG song.
Cogs in Cogs👍
The Face is the underrated sleeper on the album. Nobody talks about that amazing song.
@Bookhouse Boy I started with this album on 8 track in 1974. Love this band. I even managed to score the second pressing of Unburied Treasure.
Such a sublime, amazingly beautiful work that has always brought emotion out of me.
Another Gentle Giant song that I love. So much atmosphere and space. I bought this album when I was 14 with my allowance. Thanks!
honestly one of the most unique 70s prog band.
up until their last 3 albums, they had a perfect discography.
Wholy moly, its JustJP with another Gentle Giant first listen video. Aspirations is such a beautiful song, One thing I love about Gentle Giant is Kerry Minnear's fondness for the Wurlitzer electric piano, Gentle Giant is the reason to why I prefer that over the Fender Rhodes, its less metallic and more wooden and warm sounding to my ears. Also, Kerry sings beautifully on this song. 🙌 I agree, some Canterbury vibes to this piece, but its more professional, and tastefully executed then what most Canterbury bands was capable of (they have other qualities IMO) from an arrangement and production point of view.
i don't know my woody Wurlitzer from my tinny fenders then it seems!😅
Proclamation is Fender Rhodes.
@@shyshift Nope Proclamation is Wurlitzer.
@@snuppssynthchannel okay
One of their best, and especially Kerry's vocal.
Playing the Game might surprise you. Gentle Giant - never predictable. Love that you are exploring this fabulous band's music.
Superb and unique: this was Gentle Giant!
In context of the album, it’s perfect. And the lyrics are brilliant.
Yes yes yes, this is the one. That voice.... and such a powerfull message, even (especially) today
That voice!
This album is deep.
Though I loved Gente Giant from the first time I ever heard them and I loved their music because it is so unpredictable this special song took a time to catch me. But in the end it did and sometimes it seems that it catches me more the more often I hear it. It shows Kerry Minnear's favor for medieval music I think and creates pictures of a gang of monks in a monestery. Wonderful music.
I've seen Gentle Giant 3 times and they were very good live. I'm not a huge fan of the voice in some songs, but this is one of my favorites. Has a great mood. I have 10 of their albums, and like this one best although maybe due to seeing them touring this album. Thanks JP.
They were great live.
I can imagine how amazing it was to see them in person!
A _gentle_ song! And if it doesn't _just_ and utterly _aspire_ you, Justin, then I don't know what will. _So sincerely,_ me.
Oh and. Do continue listen to this album please! It's an absolute gem! (:
Lol! Will do😁
Yes JP : D
One of the Very Best Prog Bands Ever !!!
Fantastic Musicians, I've posted plenty about them in the past for you : )
And Power and the Glory is their Best studio album, just great !
And as Always so much better Live with this Band !! : D
Great reaction to a beautiful song. Gentle Giant doesn’t get the love it deserves, except for on this channel of course.
GENTLE fits the band perfectly when they're not being GIANT! They could do no wrong in my book until they later tried to transition . This song is so emotionally moving with Minear's signature sweet soft vocals and melodically gorgeous yet still maintains just enough of their smooth jazzy syncopation ! Again their name was perfect bc they could be very GIANT and dominate yet they could be very Gentle. What this song does is capture the mood of the spiritual aspirations of the yearnings of the People! It acts as a hopeful prayer! Minear's vocals always captured & depicted the soft caring emotional side of GG while Derek's lyrics were more defiant, determined & even cynical. 'I LOST MY HEAD' is one that demonstrates both the extrovert edgy & calm introspective sides of GG in one song
I know that many GG fans love the earlier albums but this one was the first one I heard and then bought the In A Glass House album with the see through cover. So, In a A Glass House, The Power And The Glory and Free Hand are my favorites. Still quirky but just a little more accessible.
I almost think *The Power And The Glory* is a concept album that needs to be listened to in its entirety, because all the elements pay homage to the theme. Aspirations hits you right after the cacophony of the previous tune in a way that I've always loved, nothing experimental, but also capturing the 'reflective' portion of the story they're telling. And yeah, Playing the Game is special, IMO...
It definitely is a concept album about the rise and fall of a dictator.
Jeanine and Friederike Greifswald-Tolleson, I think most of their lp’s are at least loosely conceptual: Free Hand is about getting free of an overbearing record label, Acquiring the Taste the band’s stated purpose in the liner notes (and I paraphrase) is to play us something different or even challenging, Interview is a sort of imaginary interview scenario, etc.
Allright Justin getting to one of my favorites!! Aspirations sets such an atmosphere of contemplation, so beautifully crafted & vocalized, and yes, one of the most beautiful songs on earth.
Kerrys vocals are just heavenly!
Listen to schooldays from gentle giant, one of the best songs ever
You'll love the track Black Cat from Acquiring the Taste. I used to play that one out all the time. Laid back and funky with Kerry vox.
Heh, I was gonna say that opening keyboard line sounds like post-Wyatt Soft Machine.
Am I imagining that JP is holding back tears there for a moment? Let 'em flow, man! This is a great song to weep openly to. :-)
Continue on....,brave knight!!
One of my favorite albums of all time. The next two aren't that smooth (my favorites on the album).
I love this song . The keys and Kerry's voice . The tremor in both . It sounds amazing loud. Sounds like a rohds being played through spining horns.
A slow jazzy shuffle of funky rhythms that is good on the ear. Just quirky enough to be Gentle Giant yet interesting. Had not heard this yet. Love it. 'Smooth', exactly. Gentle, gentle Giant.
Good morning! I'm opening my day with this (6 AM)(first listen) pretty smooth.
Hope you had a great morning!
Hey Justin, love your channel! I suggest looking into Per Un Amico by Premiata Forneria Marconi. Fantastic album.
*Probably my favourite song off this album right beside Cogs and Cogs*
A Gentle Giant song without a tornado of cats is a rare and beautiful thing. Gotta dig the crazy weather as well, though.
Out of all the reactors I frequent, your sound is by far the best. Props to your skills and the Zoom H4, a great tool for the job.
Thank you Andrew😃
So true that what you listen to before the next song influences your listening pleasure.
It does have that Canterbury sound, but I think more so the singing style, which is quite wistful. Rather like Caravan.
Wearing a Massive Attack t shirt whilst listening to Gentle Giants Aspirations.. Priceless.
;)
Brilliantly creative and thoughtful band Music gently cared for and watered like a delicate garden Just the right amount of water and sun
🌱
Thanks Justin for playing this song, as I, and I'm sure others recommended to you. One of my favorites. Now, next, listen to 'No God's A Man' off the second side.....again a mellow song sandwiched between 2 more "hard" songs. No God's A Man is more complex than Aspirations, with beautiful vocal harmonies.Check it out! You'll be glad, and as always, look forward to your reactions and thoughts. Thanks, Rob
Ah good! My favourite GG album quite possibly. Cant wait for “playing the game” and “Cogs in Cogs” Those two along with “The Face” are VERY catchy in Gentle Giant standards. At least in my opinion.
Ciao! I discover your channel yesterday and I really like your works! 🔝 It would be great if you make a review of the two albums "Storia di un minuto" and "Per un amico" (both from 1972), played by "Premiata Forneria Marconi", an Italian prog rock band, they are famous also in the USA and their music reminds a lot about Genesis, King Crimson, Renaissance and Gentle Giant. I am sure you would like them a lot! 😉 Thank you!!! Ciao!!
I think you're right, Justin, that this could fit in with the Canterbury scene, like Hatfield and the North. In fact, you may want to review the 15min Going Up To People And Tinkling Calyx Son Of There's No Place Like by Hatfiled and the North from that scene. But yeah, when GG decide to just do a ballad (in their own way of course) it's flawless -- like His Last Voyage from Free Hand. But my fave GG is Timing from Interview if you are so inclined. Keep up the inspiring work!
This was the song that started me with listening to g.g.
Definitely a sweet song and fits nicely in the album. Super looking forward to what you'll think of Playing the Game! One of my favorites on the album.
Hi 🤴🏻Justin , Nice review ! That next song is probably that most popular most played songs from the Album . A concert favorite !
Fantastic track. Hypnotic
Oh yeah you know I actually had the rare opportunity and privilege to see them play at the Whiskey A Go Go and they were reluctant to play from this album because they hadn't rehearsed but they said fuck it here we go and I had this instrument that they made still at loose dislike this tiny little Cigar Box Guitar thing didn't look like a cigar box but it was the same angular little about the size of a ukulele and it had that weird tuning to it and the singer now I can't think of this name that's really embarrassing he was actually a big wig for MCA for a while anyhow he starts playing that thing and we knew oh shit here we go and they did the whole album pretty much but when he broke out that saying I was like alright it was so cool because they actually had after they went off the stage that came up upstairs and walked into a back room so they came up in the balcony and that was the closest I have ever been to a 59 Les Paul cuz Gary Greene had his left paw on his hand and he walked between the Isles you know you think I'd be Starstruck by seeing the guys from gentle giant but I was just blown away to see that Les Paul right there I can't remember how many original Les Pauls were made it was probably like less than a thousand or something and that one was like the prettiest Book Mart maple tiger figured face that was adorned to that wonderful Masterpiece of guitar craftsmanship but it was funny because the guitarist I was with David May after that show it's like man why are we even in a band why should we even bother after seeing how good these guys could play by the way just so you know there was a single okay maybe it was like playing the game but you flip it over and it was called the power and the glory so there is an extra song that's not on the album because it's a single even though they put it on the CD later on it's just like with Emerson Lake and Palmer there's a song called Brain Salad Surgery and it's not a single 45 as well and then they released it on one of their compilation CDs or records rather that's a really cool tune as well real low frequency synthesizer it's just a bomb all right my man I went on too long I'll check you on the next I'm sorry I'm so late to the game I'm not playing the game
Hoping Yezda Urfa, High Tide, Culpeper's Orchard and a continuation of the Songs From the Wood album are on the horizon.
The album takes on more understanding when you know that it was produced during the Nixon & Watergate era. It is an album making political commentary on the times.
You're absolutely right, Aspirations is a welcome follower to So Sincere. Also, Minner's gentle singing is a perfect counterpoint to Derek Shulman's. And yes, it possible to spot echoes of Caravan (soft vocals and smooth jazzy flavour). When it comes to mellow songs, though, I cherish Caravan more.
Strangely enough, considering today's reputation, in my country The Power and the Glory was considered a sort of disappointment compared to previous efforts.
My ringtone!
god that's a beautiful track, isn't it? simple, perfect melody. not everything has to be hyper-complex.
Definitely!
Brilliant track.
Haha yeah.... smooth. I like that I could actually hear the acoustic guitar sneaking around in the mix. Definitely a "listen again."
Oh dude you are so ready for “No God’s A Man” from this very same album.Then check out Mike Kenneally’s cover of it. Amazing stuff. Then move on to “Cogs in Cogs” where they accomplished in 3 minutes what it took bands like Gryphon hours - nay, entire careers - to NOT accomplish.
Cool! Gentle Giant was always a band that I meant to check out. Never did. This is a nice first listen.
You might like bands like Calexico and / or Giant Sand, as well.
Kerry’s voice at its best.
This is really on of their best albums. But for me it is asquering the Taste. I would love to hear, That you are listening to this album as a whole album listen.😊
Chasing the ‘Lamb’ reaction endorsement , whilst listening to ‘Gentle Giant’, whilst wearing a ‘Massive Attack’ T-Shirt.
There’s a reason I’ve stuck around for what must be a couple of years by now.
I predicted greater things for ‘Mercurial No.6’
a couple years ago when he was languishing around 8,000 subs. He’s now on 60,000 or something like that.
Same overview I gave to him. You ‘should’ take off. If not it’s not cause your content. It’s just how things end up.
Good luck Justin 😀
Thanks David!😁 Only wasy to go is up🚀
First song I've heard by Gentle Giant today; enjoyed it very much. Thank you JP.
Was wondering if you could read the following if you have time?
I describe myself as a jazz musician and I write and compose my own music; I am in the beginnings of writing what will be my first progressive rock/jazz album.
It would be nice to get the attention of someone who can react to my music and critique - even if you couldn't react to it on TH-cam but I sent you an audio somehow.
Many thanks,
Jack.
A wonderful album, on many days my favourite of theirs alternating between several others. Out of interest the single 'Kites' from their previous band Simon Dupree and the Big Sound is a very good pop song.
Yay!
I like Gentle Giant; not everything but a lot of it.
Beautiful harmonies, nice complicated music and nice transitions. In other words: progrock.
I think my favorite GG song of all is "Runaway" off of the "Playing the Fool" album (and possibly, the first "industrial" song......at least that I've heard anyway. )
More Gentle Giant, alright! Good man. Those guys can be smoooth and they can ROCK. Sometimes in the same tune. Rinse & Repeat. Yes, this could fit into a Canterbury playlist, however I never thought of them as such, but I think it’s interesting that Justin mentioned that idea. Other smoothies from GG: His Last Voyage from Free Hand and Pantagruels Nativity from Acquiring the Taste and Think of me With Kindness from Octopus. Those off the top of my head. C, ya.
Love Gentle Giants work. Diverse, love the musicianship. You really need to try Why Not. And now you are saying..... Why Not?! Cheers!
Was I thrilled at choice of GG today, no. I was out ill yesterday and slept most of it. Just getting my bearings and here we have GG to listen to. This could be bad but, it wasn’t. It was soothing and clubby as you said, made me feel better.
Are they my favorite new (to me) band, prog no but, this may be one of my favorite new songs, maybe, we’ll see.
Peace and Music
I hope you're feeling better today David, GG is a box of delights!
@@markspooner1224
Thx, Mark, I do feel better.
Interesting observation about the Canterbury scene. I think you have a point.
Ty Rhobat!
I really like this song, its so smooth !
I have always preferred the soft voices of Kerry Minnear & Phil Shulman to the more angular voice of Derek Shulman (although I am far from hating his voice!).
"Playing The Game" is a big shift from this song, but it's also not a typical GG song of that era.
Perfect mood piece. A time when intelligence was allowed in the music biz.
good analysis JP... put it this way... immagine that this is an english population talking to the person that will take over for Thatcher... or an American population talking to the person in America that will take office after Trump. (Now, don't get Trump defensive people, I'm not criticizing Trump and I'm not trying to make this political ), but remember the name of the album. So... it doesn't matter which prime minister or which president you choose to name, the theme of the album (and this song) remains what it is.
Nice album
Where did you get that Massive Attack shirt?
In the first 30 seconds of your reaction I did read your mind through your smile, you thought OMG! this is a cover of "No Quarter" 😂
🤣
You haven't got to my favorite Canterbury yet.
This was written during the Nixon period.
It seems that you are going to review the whole album. OK. The next song is maybe the best one and the rest of the songs are ok as well. But In a Glass House is something else. Don't miss it. It's the best GG-album.
I wouldn't hype In a Glass House that much. What's best is always a matter of personal taste. Within my circle of acquintances, it is considered their poorest effort until The Missing Piece.
We can recommend albums based only on our personal taste. It's the only way.
@@ithaliem Agree. In a Glass House is your "favourite" GG album, then. Trespass is my favourite Genesis album, but I would not say is their best.
I always go back and forth with Gentle Giant albums as far as my favs. I've had 5 different albums as my #1 in the last year alone. Just depends on my mood.
@@mariosandri4010 In my opinion Glass House is their best album, my favourite is Three Friends / Octopus.
Gentle Giant is an acquired taste, much like Limburger cheese or those tiny Ramen packets of flavoring without the noodles.
Lol! Never had the packets without the noodles😅
I'm your number one 'fan',and you always move me-ha ha! Can't go wrong with Malicious Midget,strive to play more. Peace and prepubescent snakes!
I want some of whatever you're on!
@@lemming9984 Dubious benefit of being old and in chronic pain,I get great pain killers plus medical marijuana! Plus I am a little twisted! ☮️
@@jamespaivapaiva4460 ...just as I suspected. 😆🤪
🤣😁
That downward interval leap in the first line fits neither a jazz club nor, with respect, Canterbury. The Sinatra of Canterbury, Richard Sinclair, just doesn't sing that way and Kerry is Kerry because of the Royal College of Music. I adore Richard Sinclair (major Hatfield head), but he's much more a jazz singer. Kerry's a choirboy ;)
An American band from New Orleans called MuteMath were the absolute inspired champions of Fender Rhodes funky 60s stadium jazz dance thunder percussive pop and I miss them . It seems 21 Pilots liked them too Justin.
Check out Quarantine for some Yes inspired thunder. Unlike this which balanced things out a trifle too much for a sun-kissed Good Friday. Perceptive comparison with Caravan Justin- I can't call u Just, sorry!
So in summary, I need a lie down. No I don't, I need to boogie woogie!
I shall not relent from askin u for the best LP of the 80s! No not that one , this one.....
"Keith was the sole inhabitant! The White Citaaa-aaaayyy!!!!"
Never give up - but in the meantime, enjoy one day
at
a time
with or without
the Dolby Sound reduction
on this fruity channel of tone and tonic. Diolch!
Had a bit of a Steely Dan feel to it. Could have been on Aja.
Robert Wyatt could do a good job of singing this. The Wilson Mix adds an extra minute of jazzy Fender Rhodes. Please stick to that one: sound is better.
Don't know why but GG just never grabbed me. Great musicians for sure but I am ambivalent about most of their catalogue.
This is the only GG song I actually love. They proved here they could just calm it all down from time to time, and actually do something that was heartfelt, instead of just showing off. It does have a Canterbury feel, although at times the vocals are almost Peter Hammill-esque. Playing the Game is quite a good song too. It's not too crazy ;-)
I really tried to like them. I just can't get into them.
Try the Glass House LP. You might change your mind.