Chi Guy Reacts to Jenny and Screech by Ren.
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- Опубліковано 20 вер 2024
- Watched my second video from Ren and was as impressed as I was the first time. He is an amazing songwriter and storyteller. Glad to have checked this out, thanks for the suggestions!
And your instincts are right…Ren read a story in the paper about a 14 year old kid who killed someone in the streets and tried to imagine a story that would explain (not excuse) it.
It’s a story about the tragedy of generational violence, how people who were never exposed to the initial violence done to Violet could still feel it’s effects 14 years later.
Another detail that escaped me at first was Jenny’s backstory. It’s not really explained, but we know she’s a 14 year old girl walking home late at night in high heels through streets she’s walked “1000 times before”. The whole thing is so tragic.
And Ren has talked about the toll these stories take on him as storyteller. I know I was uncomfortable as hell watching the beating in Violet’s tale because it was at once brilliant and entertaining, but also horrifying. If you watch the beginning of her tale again, you’ll see when he gets up from the bed he puts on his minstrel’s mask…preparing to tell such a dark tale. He said he wants everyone to be uncomfortable with that whole song so that they remember it.
Great insight. Ill definitely watch it a few more times, as tragic as it is, to better understand the story and all the detail he puts into it
@@thechiguyshow I just wanted to add that this wasn't originally a trilogy. When Ren read in the paper about a 14 yr old boy killing a young prostitute in an attempted robbery and then being shot and killed by the police later that evening he set out to write a commentary on not just senseless violence but on how desensitized we are in society to all this violence. The main example of this is the words he ends both Jenny and Screech's Tales with "It's such a Shame". In today's society we say that all to often and just move on without a second thought.
Violets Tale was written almost 3yrs later adding another layer of commentary by Ren on not only generational violence but making us think of how this violence comes about. It's not a coincidence that Jenny has the same traits as her mother quiet, voiceless, and timid. Where as Screech mirrors his father in every way Loud, obnoxious, and easily prone & provoked to violence. They didn't know one another and had never met their biological parents. Yet, what made these kids so much like their parents? Was it simply Nature, inherited traits in their genetic make-up or Nurture, being brought up in the broken system of broken children.
Yup... Jenny was abused in the same brutal foster care system that turned James into a brutal thug. For Jenny, it turned her into a runaway by age 12... and an experienced prostiitute by age 14. Hers is probably the saddest tale of all.
His dad Martin does videos on domestic violence. Think his Dad is a massive inspiration..He also is an amazing musician 😊
@@thechiguyshow hey great react, except maybe rewind 5 or 10 seconds after pausing. There's an amazing transition you missed when pausing in Violet's room, just after:
"That's the sound that they make
as they fall like a crashing pilot"
[something like that]
Then the guitar drops and the transition sounds sooooo good, it's my favorite part. But you paused it literally right there 😵🤣 It's all good, I'll live! 😅
My point is, you dont miss stuff like that if you rewind it 5 or 10 seconds after pausing, to catch a ride in that flow again, yo! 😝🎸
If Ren does not win a Grammy, if Ren does not win an Oscar…it’s only because the industry never gave him the chance.
For me, Ren has already earned in spirit both of these tributes.
You got it with your comment at the end of Screech’s story! Ren did a live performance of The Tales trilogy in the street in front of a crowd and said that what he was trying to get at with Jenny and Screech is that they came from the same source and that we should have compassion and empathy for people who at first might seem so very different. The same in politics with the polarization of left and right. He said he believes that the most revolutionary thing we can do is to have compassion for each other.
he also said (re: what you mention about the political polarization) that the most daring political act one can do these days is to occupy the political CENTER and be able to talk to and empathize with people on both ends (b/c those people are accused of fence-sitting, not taking a stand). i can understand this, as i am a libertarian, but some of my politics go slightly left of center while others go right--i practice line-item politics, and sometimes i would rather vote for a GOOD PERSON, someone who has "political" convictions that have more to do with being a good human rather than having the "right beliefs." problem there is both sides think they have a monopoly on the whole "goodness" thing.
Our beloved Brighton Bard strikes once more. The modern day minstrel with a mind full of tales is finally getting the recognition he deserves 🖤 He's just teased a part of the new song that drops on the 29th
👍👍!!🤗
He is like a medieval minstrel bought up to date. Masterpiece
So now it’s time for something fun like “Losing It” or “What You Want”. He has many layers and fits in no certain box for sure. ❤
I think Ren checks every box. 😂
Been hearing so many people describe Ren as the ultimate bard. The way he paints a scene and performs it out blows me away every time. I'm a rock-n-roll guy at heart, but have gone down the Ren rabbit hole, along with some Eminem and NF to get more of a flavor of the rap/hip hop genre. Speaking of which, if you're into rap, The Hunger by Ren is pretty awesome. Thanks for the reaction to The Trilogy, it's been interesting following the Ren reaction posts and think yours hit the mark in many ways.
Thanks a lot. I will definitely check that out. Hope all is well!
His timing is brilliant, always in the right place for sound and other effects.
I think that Violet's silence is a metaphor for society's silence when it comes to addressing or even acknowledging the systemic causes of DV and intergenerational trauma from substance abuse and poverty.
Related to song structure, I think he's adopted a literary approach in many songs. Another reactor noted that many songs are structured more like essays than tradition songs. I see shades of screenwriting influence which makes sense as he's said in interviews that he approaches songwriting as "creating windows of empathy." This trilogy maps as a three act play structurally, imho. With London (and by association, all of it's citizens) as the central character. Rather than just the setting, it features prominently in each act as a casual observer. It seems to me that by the end of the story, the story teller's tone toward the city has changed to one of disgust saying look, these things happened on your "very streets." Have you no shame? No empathy?
Btw, I'm pretty sure that it's a steel string in "Jenny's Tale."
Violet's silence is not a metaphor! Abuse makes you to be silent... people or don't believe you, or don't want to ear bad stories. No one really wants to help you, neither doctors or pills... so you learn is better to be silent, for your own protection. Society isolates sensitive people and praises narcissists. Ren can see and feel it, and he can show a tragic story in a way that is healing for someone that passed through this (he is the voice of the silenced ones) and a reminder for those who don't want to face reality as it is. Even when in recent years a lot of testimonies came out... the ones who talk are always accused of victim mentality, opportunistic and so on... it's a sad reality!
@@analuisabastossousa1 I don't disagree with anything that you said. I'm sorry if what I've written came across as blind to or dismissive of effects of DV trauma. Not my intention. Like much of Ren's lyric choices, there are several layers of meaning within the context of the songs. My point is that within the context of the over arching theme that I postulate (London citizens as casual observers of this violence having done little to prevent it) Violet's silence carries meaning in addition to, and beyond the that of a trauma reaction. Yes, Violet is silent. So is the culture within which she suffered. I hope that made sense.
Ren the troubadour the Minstrel of Brighton England has changed my life. I love music again!
Interestingly, Ren is not English.... but Welsh.
@@garethgriffiths1674 Yes I agree. But he's never minstreled in Anglesey as such. I'm both proud of his welshness and his bath/brightoness. All I have a connection too.
Think about "The Tale of Screech".....Not only is Ren an incredible guitarist, but he did it while walking downstairs. While both tales of Jenny and Screech were done in 2019, Violet's tale was done in 2022. He does such an amazing job at making the 3 of them seem so seamless.
The talent of Ren is so apparent. But the technical side of these videos blows my mind- I read that the acoustics of all the different spaces in Violets Tale was a challenge for him and took him a long time.
Check out some of his lighter stuff - Bittersweet Symphony ( Verve Retake)Loosing It ( Fisher Retake) the videos iare. amazing his lyrics are fantastic.
I have watched to many reaction videos to Ren's music since falling into the rabbit warren of his music catalog. Your reactions are fantastic; unguarded and non tailored. You react to the tragedy while realizing the ingenuity that Ren is delivering.
There is a lot of music he does that is somber, and impacting... you starting with "Hi Ren" and then into "The tale of Jenny and Screech" are heavy first steps into his music. Rest assured, he has a lot of music that is also fun, lively, political, old school.... He is one of the few artists i dont think can be pigeon holed into a specific genre. So rest assured that brighter reactions are in the future if you continue down this path.
That was a long winded thank you... i look forward to you continuing on reactions.
If you want to hear his singing voice chalk outlines and diazepam are couple of my favorites. The hunger, genesis, and money games are some of his great rap songs. However, he is also in a band called The Big Push, they are great and do a lot of busking performances on the streets to practice performing as well as pay their rent. The Ren rabbit hole is deep and wide lol
Been waiting for you to watch this one.
Thanks! I really enjoy this, just new to the whole idea...doing my best!
Great reaction. All the characters in this tale are victims of poor socioeconomic backgrounds and violent upbringings, so you’re right to feel sorry for Screech. Ren did a set of Instagram stories where he played the Screech character in preparation for the launch of Screech’s tale. In it you can see that Screech is not a nice character but he is a victim of domestic abuse himself (his adoptive father). The night he killed Jenny he was committing a robbery to steal money to run away from home. The robbery didn’t go according to plan and it’s in the short aftermath of it when he crossed paths with Jenny. Also, the police were already in the area because of the robbery. Ren also hints at Screech’s girlfriend having an affair with his best friend Patrick which is why neither of them agree to answer his call for help. Screech is abusive towards both Patrick and his girlfriend in the clips, but somehow I get the feeling Screech was suspicious of their cheating behind his back and he’s also somehow jealous of Patrick. I love this trilogy ❤
The Patrick and girlfriend cheating is an interesting layer I had not thought about. Thank you for watching and giving your insight
Well done for getting the ending - it's amazing how many don't! I'm glad y ou get how special he is:)
He also did a performance for a large crowd of his fans that you will probably enjoy: ua-cam.com/video/S_hs8EkWeZg/v-deo.html
You really can't go wrong with any of his tracks but I suggest HowTo Be Me next (the live version)
Thanks might be the next one I check out!
One full take, one producer. He's a musician's musician.
You should keep doing these reactions , you're really good at them .best of luck to you.
Thanks a lot. Im really just trying to be genuine and not throw all that extra stuff people do on their videos....maybe one day Ill get a ring light haha. Seriously though that was a great thing to read starting my day. Thank you
@@thechiguyshow I would have to agree...wholeheartedly. Just subscribed.
hes amazing.....thank you for the reaction
Good insights. Just a word of advice... when you stop in the middle of a bar, you gotta bring it back a few seconds so you don't miss things.
The "themes and storytelling" are REALITY for MORE than our gentle (soft and blind) hearts can comprehend.
Without being too melodramatic... Art is imitating life once again.
This video explains Screech’s backstory and explains a bit of why he did what he did. He was being abused by his foster father and was desperate for money to escape.
ua-cam.com/video/BICvZAS1FR0/v-deo.html
Always after listening to the darker stuff by Ren.. I always go and listen to "Power" ..then I dont feel so bad anymore.
Great reaction 😊
Thanks for the reaction! To lighten the mood you should watch his Bittersweet symphony - a totally different vibe :)
Greetings from Kankakee county! Love Ren!
You are so smart my friend. And your pace is perfect as you approach this content. Your voice, your comments stay relevant even as you allow the performance to be the main focus.
Nicely done. You need to be heard.
Apparently the reason patrick wasnt home is the same reason screechs' gf was busy...
If you want him to make you smile, watch/listen to power. New sub, love the reactions!
I also think that the reason Jenny felt "something in the air" is because her twin was nearby
I resonate with him so much. I have bipolar, ocd, anxiety. Creativity stems from the bad, however different music will come from heightened enthusiam as well. The darkness may be great for forming the complexity of an artwork, however, if you asked if id trade the creative benefits for that darkness? Id do it immediately. Stay safe all
We haven’t even got to the rap section of our Ren tour. It only gets better.
The best part of the whole trilogy imo was either at the end of screeches tale when he kicks in with "Richard was an officer who stood..." or violets tale where he comes in with "that's the sound of his fists..." musically speaking that is.
Don't be quick to condemn screech think about his potential societal position. I read Patrick his best friend has been screwing the love of his life which has been tormenting his mindset and thought processes for a long time. Screech has been suicidal for along time and longing to die. He then bumped into jenny their eyes they met. When he killed Jenny he killed himself. He saw himself in his twins eyes. He acted on ferocious emotion. Unbeknownst to him and he ultimately and immediately regretted his actions. Compassion is needed here.
Patrick was with screeches mrs in Patrick's when he was knocking. He knew this deep down hence the persistence in knocking. He then immediately phones his Mrs but she was busy. This certified his deep agonising suspicions hence he went out swinging he effectively committed suicide.
The trilogy is extremely thought provoking. It's a modern-day masterpiece. Big facts hundred percent.
Amazing story telling.
happy to see this! ren is self taught, using utube videos to learn guitar!! you summed up ren's sides beautifully. i adore his dark side. i think years of chronic pain like ren and myself (and millions others) experience can 'tilt' the mind in unique ways. i appreciate that about ren, he's unique af. again, great reaction dude. much love, kathleen - bts renegade
This was an excellent reaction! Subbed hoping you’ll do more Ren :)
He tells the stories and the filming of the stories are all done so well i found myself looking for the bodies laying on the ground. The saddest thing about this is the fact each of these things are happening in every town, city, and country at this very moment and the cycle continues
Just subscribed. Saw your Hi Ren video and loving your takes.
Chech out chalk outlines live... with chinchilla. Different to hi ren and Jenny and screech but so so good
I've watched dozens of these. You're the FIRST reactor who's remembered that Screech was only 14. Thank you for realizing that men are people, too.
We all deserve understanding. Whatever race or gender or orientation. We all struggle. The idea that one struggle is harder than another is subjective, and keeps us competing over whos pain is worse. Pain is pain. No matter who you are, it hurts...all we can do, as individuals, is not to cause more pain.
Great reaction. I've watched way too many Ren reactions, but you really picked up on the nuances. Subscribed, Good job
Thanks for your reaction and thoughts. Ren is versatile, has a playful side and serious one to :) This particular one was inspired by a newspaperarticle about a young person who committed the serious crime of taking another person's life. For example, Losing it, or Fisher are more light-hearted rap, linguistically murderous :) Chalk outlines is perhaps more beautiful and sad. The Big Push, a street band from Bristol that Ren participated in is pure musical joy (they have stopped playing together) Anyway, for me it's extra fun with the live recordings, Sam behind the camera is brilliant
Ren fan here who watches about all the Ren reactions that I can find, and as you mentioned, there are a lot of them. You are one of a very few who actual mentioned early on, that Screen basically was a victim almost as much as Jennie, but he was ultimately responsible. The Tales also speak about generational violence. I don't want to believe that people are necessarily locked into their fates at birth, but I do believe that no child can raise themself. Thanks for this reaction.
His Love Music 12&3 are fantastic. His band the Big Push have great originals- but their busking videos where the mash up 3 -4 songs. Show their joy in jamming together- the joy of their audience. It’s just beautiful. I love Wade in the Water/ Nina Simone Felling Good/ Trouble So Hard. But honestly any music he has - you cannot go wrong.
I really liked you talking about technical stuff on the video.
New sub here hoping to see you discover more gems from Ren. His older material gives insight into the path he had to walk to be the artist he is today. For pure fun and for the love of great street music, see him and his band The Big Push busking in Brighton. Ren is in Canada now receiving treatment for years of damage from undiagnosed Lyme Disease.
Great reaction to a genius masterpiece...!
Another 3 one take videos in odd places. Is the camera guy an audio engineer? Hope you keep reacting and can't wait for Chalk Outlines!
His camera man is his best mate Sam. Just the 2 of them for this trilogy and in hi ren..
Check out Ren with the big push doing I shot the sheriff/road to Zion, also wade in the water, and war pigs
Also genesis, the hunger, incredible rapping on that… and power, his retake of right here, right now, and bittersweet symphony
great reaction loved that you didn't stop it all the time but commented along side. found it a bit hard to hear you sometimes though so i would turn your volume up a little to be closer to the same as the song
The girl he called was busy with Patrick?
A modern day bard
If you want something a bit lighter in between the heavy subject matter check out his band “The Big Push” You won’t be disappointed
Ren is an AMAZING artist! If you'd like ANOTHER journey, try NF. Most everybody starts with The Search and then...Let the JOURNEY begin! 😁🙋♀️. There is a list of order because all his albums CONNECT! ✌️🫶🔥🎶💯 BUCKLE UP! 😏 SUBBED!
Great reaction. New sub. You should also go down the Angelina Jordan rabbit hole. 👍
If you're going to pause, rewind a little. That way you don't miss anything. You missed several key moments by pausing without rewinding and killed transitions and emotional flow in others. Also, if you enjoy Ren's guitar playing, why mumble continuously, about nylon strings, over the top of his playing, every time it was just Ren and his guitar? If you HAD to make such an obvious point, it only needed to be made once. Why does every male, who's even breathed on a guitar, feel the need to go into full mansplaining mode, usually stating the bleedin' obvious, every time a guitar makes an appearance in a music video? lol
Pls learn when to stop.
Don´t talk during the video, it´s impossible to hear what you are saying.
If you stop, go back 5 seconds before restarting.
Why are you muttering throughout this? It's a loose-loose insofar as we can't hear what you're saying (let's assume you have some insight so might be helpful if we could) and you distract from Ren.
@@thechiguyshow Oh dear, the lack of subscribers/views/general appeal must be getting to you. Sorry.