LEGENDARY singer/songwriter & MODERN singer/songwriter
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- Опубліковано 5 чер 2024
- @TheCaroleKing is one of the greatest singer song writers of her generation and today we are going to listen to the epic Tapestry which sold over 25,000,000 copies despite being the demo recording. We are also going to listen to a modern day singer song writer @reginaspektor and her INCREDIBLE song Samson.
Our channel is all about reacting to the original artwork of some amazing musicians. You should check out the original pieces of music below to get the full picture of the greatness we are reacting to. You can find them here;
@TheCaroleKing - It's Too Late
• Carole King - It's Too...
@reginaspektor - Samson
• Regina Spektor - "Sams...
The music recommended by the @PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS REACT crew in this episode is below;
@JESunde-tm6or - 3 songs
• 3 Songs by J.E Sunde
@AdrianneLenkerMusic - Forwards beckon rebound
• adrianne lenker - forw...
@juliajacklin - Cry
• Julia Jacklin - CRY
@phoebebridgersmusic - Kyoto
• Phoebe Bridgers - Kyot...
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Please leave us a comment below and tell us what you would like us to react to.
Before we film episodes we ask the Scary Pockets Discord and Patreon members for questions on certain episodes, you can find the communities here;
Discord:
www.scarypocketsfunk.com/discord
Patreon:
/ scarypockets
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#CAROLEKING #REGINASPEKTOR #PROFESSIONALMUSICIANSREACT #JACKCONTE #NATALYDAWN #POMPLAMOOSE #RYANLERMAN #LAURENOCONNELL
It seems to me, having been a college student when Carole King's Tapestry was released, that she fell into the need for a music category not addressed by crooners, folk, and rock. Her music was and is that glass of wine after an awful day. Just such a sigh of relief.
I love that analogy!
After every new episode, I am unreasonably grumpy that there aren't seven seasons of back episodes to binge on.
I hope you keep this series going for a long time.
One of my proudest moments is that I made sure that my son's first concert was Regina Spektor! I keep telling him, it is the coolest answer to that question!
YES CAROLE KING!
Samson gave me shivers and goosebumps when I first heard it and it still does like 15 years later. Just breathtaking.
I think I've heard that Samson was actually written about a partner who died to cancer.
- shaving head (but they met before the cancer)
- no appetite
- having to go
- the juxtapostition of the banality of death (bible didn't mention us, this feels so important but why is it only us who knows this hurt?)
That’s such a beautiful, melancholic interpretation. The last verse really supports this well with the defeat of not being able to bring the columns down.
I remember, her song Chemo Limo, also about the treatment of cancer.
This makes it even more devastating. Damn.
Yeayyy finally get to see Nataly in a musician's react video!
regina spektor is one of the angels who supports me.
In one of Regina Spektor's interviews, I remember her saying she finds it hard talking about her songs because she feels like they should be abstract and lively experience. The more you try to explain it, the more you root it in yourself instead of letting it be free. She wants her listeners to have their own experience of the songs.
I think the "manufactured" feel comes more from Carole King's professional songwriting experience. She knew how to take a personal experience and make it universal. I feel an intimate connection to her music even though my experiences are the polar opposite of hers.
Regarding the Regina Spektor lyric "and the Bible didn't mention us, not even once", I've always felt that she is lamenting to both the person she sings to, as well as anyone listening, that SURE, the Bible has the story of Samson and Delilah, but only as paper-cut-out individuals, what their societal positions were, what they did, and the consequences they had to pay as a lesson for all to heed.
Nowhere in that story is the RELATIONSHIP they had, and how their myriad precious unique moments they spent together, be them ecstasy or tragedy, have been obscured underneath a morality tale of what happens if you don't follow the rules. It's that relationship that the "Bible" (or any such story recounting their relationship, like the stories that ex's best friends tell) doesn't mention.
The song Samson is one of the few songs that always brings tears to my eyes... good choice for thos episode.
The way Regina shapes the lyrics and the story with the keys is magical. The swells and sus chords create a tension and feeling, but in a subtle way.
I agree completely, Regina is one of the top songwriters and lyricists of this century...
Madison Cunningham is a new-ish, and extremely gifted (both musically & lyrically), singer-songwriter to watch. Joy Oladokun is a great storyteller, as well.
She's won a Grammy's. Dead Wax should look into her songwriting and could do a whole episode of her guitar playing with alternate tunings and dissonant chords. Gnarly, if you will. All good stuff. 🤘🏼
Best conversation I’ve heard in a long time, loved the two subjects chosen ❤
Okay, I'm a dinosaur but I've never heard of Regina Spektor. Nothing wrong with what I've heard here or her. Carol King is a legend. I'm not sure how we talk about these two at the same time. Tapestry is SOLID. Every song there is amazing.
Nataly has it right. It's all about the hooks, and the melodies, with Carole King. And the fitting lyrics as well, of course. Whatever other musical things go on are secondary. But her hit formula is very simple, and very hard - write great hooks and melodies. :) The brief mention of Paul McCartney is on point ... dude even dreamed melodies.
I think it's important to say that Hallelujah was written by Leonard Cohen
Not enough people are talking about the amazing editing in this channel.
Saw this video pop up on my notifications and was more than happy to watch it. This is music education for me and I love it.
Love it. Totally engrossing!
I think Carol wrote and wrote and wrote mainly for others, and then as she's writing she held back the tapestry pieces. Her voice carries experience and a real sense of I know what I am singing about, even if she doesn't, her voice says I have been through this.
i wasnt expecting Regina Spektor to be considered one of the "greatest singer-songwriters of all time" along with Carole King by the panel. I guess i need to dig into her discography since that is a lofty hot-take
She certainly is a standout among current singer songwriters. I expect her to be a respected member of the all time group when all is said and done...
Making something beautiful yet accessible is the hallmark of true genius.
I'd "like" this ten times if I could. I remember learning to play Caroel King songs on piano and just LOVING how wonderful they tumbled together. The best songs are the most fun to play and they never bedome "un-fun."
This had to be one of the best comment sections across all of UA-cam. Insightful, meaningful points as far as the eye can see!
The way I interpret Samson is that it's a song about a woman watching her boyfriend die of cancer (your hair was long, I cut it for you, you only get out of bed to eat plain bread, etc.).
It makes sense to write a sad song about one of the saddest things that can happen to a person, but what makes it really special is how absolutely *furious* she is about it.
Biblical Samson lost his strength and his hair, but he grew it back and brought the columns down with his renewed might.
My Samson lost his strength and his hair, and spent his final days trying not to vomit up Wonder bread.
COOL. THANKS GOD.
He was my hero, and he deserved the ability kill lions with his bare hands, but NO. Instead the history books will forget us, and the Bible won't mention us EVEN ONCE.
Actually, I think you are pretty much correct with this interpretation. I have read that Regina had a very close friend die of cancer, and this song is an ode to them. The wonder bread has been interpreted as trying to save this person with medication.
This!
Exactly
More evidence as to why this might be the best YT channel out there right now. Great song choices and analysis as always, thank-you.
I hope Nataly comes in for more episodes!
I agree with Ryan, I feel like "Samson" is a novel/story telling, it's the story of the fictional OTHER woman in Samson's life, the one who also cut off his hair, who loved him, who fed him wonderbread... but she is doomed to be let down by Samson, hence why Samson is her "sweetest downfall"... it's a song of longing and sadness because she will always be the other woman, the one that didn't warrant a mention in the Bible.
Beautiful storytelling by an amazing Singer/Songwriter
I love Diane Birch singing her hit “Nothing But A Miracle” I think she’s the closes to Carole King
I'm so glad when Hallelujah was brought up you used the Jeff Buckley version. For a long time (and still now-ish) he and Regina were my an absolute top male and female vocalists
Why is this my favorite channel? The academy for free and fun and knowledge dripping.
my favorite artist of all time on what is quickly becoming one of my favorite channels! carole king’s warmth and melodies have secured her a place in my heart forever
I'm so glad you like it Clara!
Loren has a wonderful way of sending the conversation off in fresh directions. Everyone contributes beautifully, but I really sit up when Loren offers a comment, like “I write more songs because I’ve learned to be a little more divorced from meaning.” That one’s going on a card above my desk.
I, too, love the recasting of ancient stories from a new perspective - Suzanne Vega's "Calpyso" is a great example of this. Thanks for another stellar episode!
I grew up with a dad in the military. This meant a lot of travel on long road trips across the country. One of the staples in the late 70s into early 80s was AM radio and artists like Carole King. When I hear this song it brings me back to that old van, Kmart shopping, the simplicity of being a kid. As a singer it also brings me comfort. The song is so well crafted that it not a struggle to fight through. I just ease through it and savor every note.
A lot of great insight in this one, as usual! Always thought Samson was a beautiful modern example of an artist using religious allegory to shine light on the most personal. Allows everyone room to find their own meaning while still sounding singular... Thanks again guys!
Thinking of Jack talking about his internal drive for logic and meaning in lyrics, and it brings Bernie Taupin to my mind. He wrote super evocative lyrics that you felt but didn’t always understand. They kinda went past my intellect and straight to my body.
Great convo, folks.
So happy to see Nataly here as well. Many partners in crime. 😃
Up and coming: California singer Chelsea Williams. She started covering others, but has blossomed into her own material
When I was researching the history/concept of the "album" in college, I heard that each song on Tapestry ended on a chord that was a fifth of the next song. It was designed that way so it flowed nicely with the fade.
Almost like it was written as a stage musical that just flows from scene to scene.
I came across this video becnof Samson which has been my favorite metaphorical story-telling song. I love how u distinguish everything pieces by pieces and like rveryday, im gonna hear this songa again, once and for all.
Since this about songwriting, i suggest you make a video about Alanis Morissette as well. Kudos team!
Finally a singersongwriter video :D !!!! I've been asking for this since the channel started!! Something to point out: Although Carole did a TON of writing for other people, I feel like each song in Tapestry is very very personal. They might not be specific... but they are incredibly personal. And specificity is not always something necessary to write a deep and personal songs. Think about "Yesterday", which is hardly specific, but since everybody knows what Paul is talking about, it's easy to understand how personal it is. Same happens in Tapestry if you look back on the place Carole was at during those years. If you want specificity, you've got Joni Mitchell (who is f.. singing background vocals with James Taylor in the album!!!!!), but you don't need that to find a song personal. Carole seeks and achieves something completely different. A Case of You gives you chills... But It's Too Late fees tremendously grounded and absolutely relatable to everyone who listens to it. I'm happy you guys talked about Carole!!! P.S. When are Lauren and Ryan going to form a band called Thirdweelers? LOL
So Tapestry....The joy of that album, for me, is hearing a group of players so completely in tune with one another and all playing so relaxed. As an often not very good musician myself, I only rarely experience those moments of being totally at one with my instrument and the band, so it's always wonderful to hear it so clearly from others. Oh and while we're at it, "Writer" is a wonderful album too.
I had JUST finished watching Aretha sing Natural Woman at the Kennedy Center when I saw you guys posted this. So I was already in an emotionally vulnerable state. And the. You hit me with SAMSON?! Are you guys trying to kill me dead?
I've just realized that when Jack went to the Piano explaining her use of harmony...that sequence was so BECK.
Interesting, Beck and Regina both started out in the 'anti-folk' of the early 2000s and there likely some mutual influence there...
Jack's sound is unintentionally channeling Where It's At
She was not doing Brill Building "assembly line" songwriting for a few years by the time Tapestry came out.
24:00 for a moment I thought you were going to play the start of REO Speedwagon’s Keep On Loving You. “You should've seen by the look in my eyes”. It has the same suspenseful tension.
Amazing ✌️
Amazing analysis from every point of view 💙
Thank you so much for introducing me to Tapestry. I listened to it last night and thought at first it was full of cover versions! Obviously that is not the case, all the other versions of the songs I have heard are the covers. I was three when it came out so I am shocked I somehow managed to go this long not knowing anything about it.
Wow, such intelligent insight into these songs and Natalie's wisdom about what brings about change in music. I was hanging on every word.
Love this analysis of two iconic female songwriters!!
I can see how Jack Conte is "restrained" in his analysis with his wife around him, not being the usual chiruppy roaring and laughing like a duck thing going on :)
Y’all are my favorite UA-cam channel now I loved everything this channel has made
To me, her "Samson" is an alternate history of the Bible story. Instead of the events in the bible story where Delilah was Samsons "Sweetest Downfall", what if he were hers. What if those events were the opposite, she cut his hair but nothing happens. They're not in the Bible, etc.
Carole King is a beast🔥🔥I foresee a great vid (:
Thanks for this series. It is so great
This plays into the "10,000 hour" thing, I think. Carole's voice has a lived-in quality, an easy flow that sure isn't hampered by her authorship of the material. She's been doing this since her teens at this point(Tapestry), she's well accustomed to listening how everything works by giving her creations their first airing, whether or not anyone else is listening. Her songbook and credit list is astounding. I was pleased and mostly unsurprised to find she wrote 'The Porpoise Song' which basically opens the super-trippy Monkees' movie 'Head" which I first saw on a bill with '200 Motels' in '73. um anyhoo cheers ;>D
Carole also did not minimize the nasal New Yawkness (and Jewishness) of her speaking voice in her singing, which is an interesting contrast to the universal lyrics.
Another good episode, y'all. Always enjoy it!
Love what you guys do! Each episode is a masterclass on songwriting!
7:10 - Well stated, Jack. I really miss that purposeful, thoughtful use of harmony as dynamics in the pop of today.
Hi guys, sorry but few minutes for Carole King. It’s a joke. I’m going to resume for you what is Tapestry. The dream of all songwriter.
Love your discussions: you really distil the essence of each song your discuss. This process reveals so much! 💙💙
Great video! The questions and answers at the end were great! Love watching your videos. 😃
Smashing episode once again! I can't help but watch even if it's not my genre. Well done!
She worked in the Brill building!
I have grown to love these and one did not feel like 30 minutes. I, as always, am looking forward to the next one.
She was far from the girl next door. She dated Neil Sedaka in high school while in a band with Paul Simon.
That’s because they all went to the same high school? She was already working in the Brill Building as a teen, as did Neil.
Girl next door is a nice way of saying wholesome and not hot.
They’re saying she wasn’t marketed as a sex symbol. Of course people wanted to date her, but she wasn’t the it girl.
The chorus of "It's Too Late" goes IV-I-IV-I, Bb -F -Bb - F, not the other way around as was stated.
Remember this from my teenage years those were the days care free
I have the feeling that some female songwriters, such as Carole King or Joni Mitchell, sound, in a lot of their music, as if they haven't counted with a lot a sound production, and i remembered it when you guys talked about the story about Carole King and the demos. Why do you think it is? To preserve a "simple, calm and pure" style associated with women? (Sorry for my english! Loooooved this episode)
Had to watch this 10 minutes at a time, was a tad dry. I think the conversation point about lacking closure had content, but I personally think the charm of her music is she combines wholesome and genius. Like most smart people I know, they often don't give you answers, rather make you ask the correct questions to frame yourself correctly to answer your own questions. She does this, while being genuine and seemly trying to be fixing her own problems. Her and James Talyor are masters of this genre in my mind.
Upcoming...Laufey❣
I love this show!
What a great video. Nice to see Carole King some of the attention she deserves.
Thanks for the discovery of this record
Know absolutely nothing about music except what I like to listen to and throughly like listening to your channel to give me insight about music. Great job musicians!
This is the best channel I have seen on youtube! Congratulations!
Love the show! Can this be made into a podcast too?....
Carole King is one of my favs and Tapestry is such a great album ❤️ (my favs are So Far Away, Home Again and Too Late).
1971 was an amazing year for music, apparently (I was born in 1988 xD) but Tapestry, Ram, Blue, Hunky Dory, What's Going On, L.A. Woman (Riders on the storm!), Just as I Am, Teaser and the Firecat, etc.
And this conversation also made me think about Sarah Bareilles. I still cry sometimes when I'm listening "Manhattan"... the piano in that song feels so sad!!!!
do NOT stop this series!!!!
Merci à vous pour ce vidéo. FYI I cry when I hear Carole King's voice on the Care Bear movie theme song. Elle est la raison que ce film est tolérable.
JE Sunde reminds me of Bob Dylan… great lyrics but their voices work with nobody else’s songs.
Carole King is a Great singer song writer
Would love to also see a male version of this video. Maybe James Taylor and Elliott Smith?
Impressionist ! (21:20)
25:58 on technology and music. We become what we behold. We build the tools and then the tools build us.
Carole King was part of my childhood as one of the few pop albums in my parents mainly classical collection (along with Simon and Garfunkel, Paul Simon by himself, the Beatles and Otis Redding live at Monte Rey)
You say Carole King marks an opening the "easy going" female singer songwriter. That makes sense. Regina seems to come more from the Fionna Apple branch of the tree. Who are some of the greats if that area of complex but not diva singing? Nina Simone, Fionna Apple, MeShelle Nedgeocello ...
So glad that you used the Jeff B. version!
Very happy to see Natalie on PMR.
Dang...hearing others talk about JE is wild. I remember hanging out with him in a friend's living room picking on a guitar.
Back in the day, I lived in the same tiny community as Carole in Idaho. The Sunbeam cafe was the the gathering place for the 100 or so residents in the remote area (it was also the general store, post office, gas station, and ONLY telephone for 15 miles - no cell service back then). 'Girl next door' is a perfect description for how Carole was viewed around the Sunbeam. She always had a smile and a pleasant greeting for everyone. A couple ranchers had issues with her because of some property rights/access thing. But, everyone I knew considered her to be a friendly spirit and a good neighbor.
Good singer songwriter's wear their hearts of their sleeve, great ones make you taste the tears. Great video!
Check out Ryan Mountbleau - Ships in the night...
Don't forget to remember Toni Stern -- who wrote the lyrics for "It's Too Late"
Tapestry was definitely not a demo you don’t have Lou Adler producing, James Taylor, Joni Mitchell, and Charles Larkey etc as session players on your demo. It was a real production, She was influenced by James Taylor Sweet baby James record which is why is was so raw.
I actually think that in the last few years popular music has moved back toward emphasizing harmony and melody a bit more. That speaks to what Nataly was saying about "reactions and counter-reactions." Maybe people are finally craving something beyond rhythm? That's not to say that the emphasis on rhythm has gone away. Just that it's now being married with more traditional songwriting techniques.
I, for one, am pretty happy about that. As someone with a deep love of complex harmony, I found 2010-2020 to be the absolute rock bottom for pop music. I'm happy that I've found some stuff in the mainstream recently that I want to listen to.
As someone who is in love this past couple years in knowing the history of music and the greats, I'm just so thankful to this channel. I learn so much here about all of these people who matter so much. Thank you for what you all do :D Yet another great video and now I know about Carole King!