Tony Hicks deserves a thread of his own. Hard to find examples of his playing, but he could shred. One of the top guitarists in the UK. Almost completely overlooked.
My neighbor when we lived in England from '63 to '66 was 15 years old. She absolutely adored Tony Hicks and that is all she talked about. I suggested she write him a letter and oddly enough, Tony wrote her back and it was a real letter, not a printed "fan pack". I got off the bus from school one day and here comes Janet waving the letter and screaming like a panther, nearly tackling me to thank me for telling her to write him.
Weren’t we a lucky generation to have wonderful bands like the Hollies. So many hits and their success did not deter when Graham Nash left them. Wonderful songs and harmonies 👍
“The talent level that was required in order to be a professional musician.” You’ve got it in one sentence. You’ll never see Allan Clarke in any top rock poll, or Bobby in any drummer poll: but my God, you should. Excellent analysis. Thank you.
There was a magazine in the 60s. Every issue they gave a top 5 of everything. Allan Clarke was nearly always top male vocalist along with Tom Jones and Paul McCartney, Roger Daltrey. Bobby Elliott, Mick Avory, Charlie Watts, Ginger Baker were top drummers and Bobby nearly always 1st....not sure what magazine it was.
I went to see the Hollies in Charlotte, NC in 1965 when they opened for Herman's Hermits. I can remember us asking each other, "Who are the Hollies?". Boy! Did we find out. They blew the crowd away and have been one of my favorite groups since. Thanks for the video link.
Props to the Hermits for having consistently brought along lesser-known and often edgier bands they dug such as the Hollies and The Who to expose them to fans in the states.
Fil, I watch several "reaction" videos where the poster uses the music for their own aggrandizement.....and I never learn anything. Your videos however teach me tons of information about the bands and music styles and techniques. Very professional.
Watch enough of Fil's videos and you will surely be able to astonish your friends with your broad knowledge on popular music. Particularly about the role of the guitar.
I always like The Hollies. Impeccable vocal harmonies, good songwriting and professional musicianship. Allan Clarke was arguably the best lead singer of that era. I've always considered their hit "Bus Stop" to be the perfect pop music song - nice uptempo song with a sweet story, timed perfectly for the 2 and a half minute radio window.
Without doubt one of the best ever groups to come out of the UK, people raved at the time about the Beatles but these guys were right up there with them, in fact if you would check out the 1960s you will find out that the Hollies had more hits than the Beatles and regards Tony Hicks, he was an absolute one off, I remember at the time with the Manchester club scene, we used to call him `the man with a thousand fingers`, I don't think we realised then what a fantastic group they were, when I think back now 2020 how lucky we were living in Manchester with all the local groups we had.
I saw Graham Nash in Halifax a couple of weeks ago and he performed some Hollies numbers at the gig - wonderful to see and hear him singing them again!
My conclusion after listening to Hollies for over 50 years is Graham had the more distinctive voice and Terry's voice though more generic, blended beautifully with the harmonies. Songs like He Ain't Heavy and The Air That I breath just wouldn't sound as majestic with Graham, but Graham's lead vocals on songs like On A Carousel and King Midas In Reverse are much better than any of the Terry lead vocal songs.
And they had to be capable of playing the song. Nowadays there are way too many musical acts that can't reproduce what ends up being released as their work.
@@cheetoes99 George Martin and The Beatles invented double tracking. It wasn't to make fake harmonies, tho' - it was to create musical landscapes that were never intended to be performed in a live situation. They didn't need DT for the kinds of things they were doing prior to that... they were already the veritable masters of live three part harmony.
Don’t forget the brilliant Bobby Elliott, one of the best British rock drummers of all time - a drummer’s drummer. I saw them live in Peterborough in the early days, I was a fan forever.
In the early sixties (63) I worked with a couple of junior groups raising money for charities. We had the Hollies one night and I was totally blown away by their live sound. Never had large pa systems in those days and a lot of groups played and sang through their guitar amps (when I say sang, it actually took me six months before I realised my bandmates in our group used to turn my Mic off). They were the best live group around in those days. All about their balance and harmonies.
I appreciate your dissecting the songs you have chosen. I am learning a lot of the historical backgrounds of the artists. And you are an excellent teacher.
I love harmony so much...probably why I gravitate to the bands of the 60's and 70's. The Everly Brothers, The Eagles, America, Pure Prairie League...wow did we have music of a life time and a lot of it.
Im a massive Graham Nash fan but I think The Hollies sound got even smoother and easier on the ear when he was replaced by Terry Sylvester. Graham had such a distinctive voice, though and I love him dearly.
I was just going to make that comment. I think their music matured a lot after Terry joined. Not saying he was the one who was responsible for that, but I love the Hollies more after he joined.
@@tonyward2086 The music definitely got more mature. Heck even masterpieces like Butterfly and Evolution were kinda childlike and naive in places. Not saying the Graham era didn't produce some mature music but late 60s/early 70s Hollies were superb and I love the way Terry's voice blended with Allan and Tony. The Hollies mid/late 70s albums are highly underrated, especially the marvellous 1975 effort Another Night.
I remember meeting Clark. 1964-65 we lived in Jersey ( channel Islands) My mother was involved in the go kart track business . We were all sitting next to the cafe eating our lunchtime sandwich when this tall guy ( he was wearing cuben heeled boots) approach us. As he stumbled forward on the gravel, my mother said what on earth is this, commenting on the red shirt black velvet collar and curly hair with a massive bouffant. He asked us about hiring the track for the following afternoon and explained that he was from the pop group the hollies After making arrangements he stumbled away across the gravel ( cuben heels giving him a difficult time) I must say he looked very odd In his get up. The next day they used the track And we're great to talk to and very polite to my mother. We all were given free tickets for their show. There is a short video of them at our go kart track on UA-cam video somewhere. Good old days I could tell many stories about pop groups visiting us in the early 60s as most of them Were keen to try karting. We had them all Including the Stones and Beatles. Exactly one year later never in my wildest dreams could I of imagined that I would be listening to their latest hit ( I'm alive) In the middle of the Sarawak Jungle after coming off of a patrol to hunt a few Indonesians But we were all still alive.
You are spot-on about recording records in those days. Most recording studios were 4-track, so you didn't have the opportunity to add a lot to the songs. Some of the bigger studios had 6 or 8-track but most were 4-track studios back then. Also, I want to give a shout-out to Tony Hicks who I think is one of the more underrated musicians of the era. He sang, wrote songs, did a lot of the lead guitar work but also played bass and piano as well. An all-around great musician!
Imagine a one take audition demo going straight to pressing today?...it just doesn't happen any more. Love the Hollies. ..Bobby Elliot. .great drummer. ..Great one Fil.
I've got to go look for that 8 track, maybe my ol ford with the tape player would still work, I remember driving around drinkin beers and listening to long cool woman at about 100db and lots of distortion.
Naming the band The Hollies as a tribute to Buddy Holly was a nice touch. Great band. Like The Beatles name was a tribute to The Crickets. Thanks Fil for the clip. Nice research.
The Hollies are brilliant, each member so very underrated . Even though Allan is no longer with them, he has just come out of retirement and recorded a new album due to be released in September. You must listen to a track from it - Journey of Regret.
Wow. Had no idea Allan CLarke has come out of retirement. Thank you so much. I am off to order. A fantastic singer as you mentioned, like all in this terrific group, underrated. Best news I have had this year. CHeers.
This is one of the earliest song memories from my childhood, along with tracks from Chet , the fab four and others. Much later, I learned "Long Cool Woman". The Hollies are one of the largest influences on my singing and guitar playing. I was raised in a very musical family, and I appreciate the "natural" musicians that you highlight. Music can be learned, but if you were born into it it's in your DNA. Hearing my dad play and improvise on the keyboard, and my older siblings play as well on other instruments, this reminds me that I am blessed.
Great info as always, Fil. I'm old enough to have experienced The Everly Brothers in real time, and I've always thought The Hollies had the tightest live male vocal harmonies in the business.
Thanks for this one, Fil. I've seen this whole video multiple times in the past, and was always amazed at how great they were live. Tight, solid and perfect.
Man, you are good, Fil!!!! I grew up listening with (somewhat of a critical ear) to many of these bands like The Beatles (everyone has them as the ultimate standard, right?), The Hollies, The Rascals, The Association, The Lovin' Spoonful, The Animals, The Kinks, etc., but YOU are giving me a whole new understanding of the musicians and what was REALLY happening with these groups. Love listening to your insight. Thank You!!! Mitch Long
Absolutely love this band. Funny story, I was restricted in my home growing up from watching/listening to music outside of home including all Rock n Roll. Since popular music only came to my ear after '75, this was well beyond the major popularity of the Hollies and so many others, even the Beatles. I missed out on hearing until recently. At 57, I began attending Berklee School of Music and Spring of last year I took "Rock and Roll History" class. I was introduced to everything from the 50's which now included The Hollies and so many more. I am a new fan of these guys and so many more. It may have been late for me, but It's a massive new love for me. Thank you Fil for reviewing The Hollies and as always, your review is completely spot-on!
Have a go at listening to "The Day that Curly Billy Shot Down Crazy Sam McGee." Not nearly as well known, but similar musically. When I was a kid, we had these 20 Happening Hits albums, and that was on one. I remember that before Long Cool Woman (I was about 6 at the time) even thought it came out 2 years later, and somehow it resonated with me more. Possibly because Long Cool Woman is the one that gets played all the time.
@@mannydavis7708 I don't recall that cut, but listening to it I like the chorus and transitions. I think Long Cool Woman still resonates for me is from when I was a kid, and exploring music past the Beatles this is one of the ones that caught my attention.
I was 9-years-old when that song was released, and it was one of my favorites! It brings back so many great memories. The Hollies have some great songs in their repertoire!
Phil, what an informative and very interesting analysis - since you are a very fine professional muscian, teacher and song writer, I love hearing your views on artists and their music. I absolutely love the Hollies - now I know why! 👍
So many great hits from one of the underrated groups of the 60s. I can not listen to He Aint Heavy He's My Brother without sobbing uncontrollably. I do not think more powerful words can be written. Just a fantastic group.
Rick Beato also has a UA-cam channel for analyzing old rock songs. But in his channel, he has the separate tracks and shares them, so that his audience can hear what individual instruments are doing in each song. And he explains concepts like "reverse piano". Checkout Rick Beato.
I've seen his channel, it's cool! I think he has a lot more time for his videos as I just do mine every day after work! I don't know if he has any help making them but they look like they take a while to put together! Also sharing individual tracks of songs is a copyright minefield! 😅
It seems that Rick Beato had a career of being a producer or sound engineer for big names, among musicians; and so, he might be using master tracks that he hoarded, during years of his employment at recording studios. "More Than A Feeling", by Boston, is a great example of where Rick Beato is in possession of each master track, used in the studio. I don't agree with everything that Rick Beato says. In particular, I am entitled to have my own "expert" opinion because I am an older guy, in my late sixties, which means this is the music that I grew up with. I agree with Rick Beato that Pro Tools and other digital gimmicks does not impress me. Decades ago, musicians had to be good because Pro Tools did not exist to help them.
Allan Clarke was an awesome vocalist and Graham Nash harmonized so great together. Terry Sylvester had big shoes to fill!!!! A shame Allan's voice changed in the 90s and retired.
Did not know the Marianne Faithful connection. Great learning new stuff. Just when I thought I knew it all. Her LP "Broken English" really blew my mind. Thank you Fil
There's an excellent movie titled "Irina Palm" with Marianne Faithfull in the title role, as a desperate grandmother needing money for her grandsons' medical treatment. It's grim yet darkly funny; not an easy movie to watch but worth the effort, and the acting is excellent.
Never broke up or disbanded. Still playing their music today. Often overlooked when the British Invasion is mentioned. Took until 2010 to put them in the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. Yet the fans have loved the harmony vocals and the songs and the group for 50+ years. Proves that the listening public and the music buying individuals knows a thing or two.
Funny how we associate music with various times and places in our lives. It can be very emotional. The Hollies brings back memories of my depressing middle school and high school years during the early 70's, this culminating in a major personal crisis around 1975. It was the upbeat disco sound combined with the booming roller skating culture that pulled me out of a deep whole. The late 70's were so much fun. Music is a very powerful thing for sure.
Wow! So much background information! I will have to watch this again. They were exceptional with so many hit songs. I grew up with radio, records, and tapes. I love your channel because I actually get to see artists perform. Thank you, Fil! Just awesome!
The late 50,s , 60,s and 70,s have produced what we can now call real handmade music played by real musicians. The amount of great music that evolved during that era was unbelievable. The Beatles were first on the scene, immediately followed by all these amazing Brittish invasion bands such as The Hollies,The Kinks, The Rolling Stones,The Moody blues, The Searchers, The Animals, The Who, The Smal Faces and many more. I was right in the middle of all that. A magical musical era, the best ever,pure and simple. Melodies and harmonies that lodge in the mind and soul forever. No better time in music history and music has never been as great either or fear ever will again. I had no idea about the Marianne Fathful connection. Thanks for the info. After 50 years i never get tired of listing to The Hollies.
These guys are the Energizer Bunnies of Rock n Roll. Hit after hit in the mid-Sixties, a hiatus from stardom for a time until He Ain''t Heavy, then The Air that I Breathe, followed a while later by Long Cool Woman. Long after the critics and some of the public thought they were through, they kept rockin'. Loved 'em all but Tony Hicks is my true unsung hero of the song-oriented guitarist. Second only to George Harrison.
@@rsoubiea , completely agree. I was young when the song came out and didn't understand the lyrics till I saw a poster of a kid carrying another kid on his back. The caption said "He ain't heavy, father, he's my brother."
Great analysis as always Fil I was in high school when they were popular here in the US, and they were one of my favorites. I love vocal harmonies, and they were one of the best.
Thanks for providing another great analysis; I enjoy the music history lesson in each of your videos, just a wealth of information. On a side note, "Long Cool Woman" is currently being featured here in the U.S. in an advert for Robert Mondavi Winery. It is my favorite track by them.
Wonderful harmonies. The band continued even after Allan Clarke left. They were favourites in the 60s - preferred them over the Beatles. Thanks again Fil for another excellent analysis.
I was 8 when I first heard it played on the radio here in the UK. Although I couldn't put it into words I loved the vocals, the story and the sound of the steel drums not used here sadly.
Good analyses FIL! Always liked the Hollies! They really continued to mature to make some really good music! They were pretty hot when I was a teen with Long Cool Woman! As I got older I discovered all their previous music which was every bit as good! Thanks Rock!
I've always been a massive Keith Moon fan (as a "natural" drummer) but check out the early Hollies track "SET ME FREE". Bobby Elliot is an animal! SO underrated he was....
Graham Nash used to buy records of Buddy Holly from me on eBay! I met him in Clear Lake Iowa once during the Winter Dance Party annual festival and he told then he considered Tony Hicks to be one of the best! I agree with him.
As always beyond solid analysis, especially highlighting the importance of a tight and reliable rhythm section when you are trying to work such varied harmony lines and not having potential distractions apart from the main melody line when looking for aural cues as you sing.
I love your knowledge and analyses of groups. The Hollies have been one of my favorite groups since the first song I heard them play. Keep up the good work. Your instincts and research are right on the mark.
Tony Hicks deserves a thread of his own. Hard to find examples of his playing, but he could shred. One of the top guitarists in the UK. Almost completely overlooked.
he was so adorable lol
You are so correct amazing guitarist very much unappreciated in the annals of Music history
Never knew that. Thanks.
An analysis of Tony Hicks' guitar playing would be wonderful. He also was very versatile and could play many string instruments.
Agreed. He was way more capable than you'd realize from recorded material. During a 1976 live set in Bonn he performed an outstanding solo piece.
My neighbor when we lived in England from '63 to '66 was 15 years old. She absolutely adored Tony Hicks and that is all she talked about. I suggested she write him a letter and oddly enough, Tony wrote her back and it was a real letter, not a printed "fan pack". I got off the bus from school one day and here comes Janet waving the letter and screaming like a panther, nearly tackling me to thank me for telling her to write him.
Wonderful story. Thanks for sharing. From another Janet who adores Tony Hicks.
LOVE THIS!!!
What a Great post. I Love the Hollies and Tony, is my favorite as well.
Well, she adored Tony because he was adorable!
Weren’t we a lucky generation to have wonderful bands like the Hollies. So many hits and their success did not deter when Graham Nash left them. Wonderful songs and harmonies 👍
Absolutely
We were SO blessed to have lived through that decade of INCREDIBLE music!! 🤗❤️❤️❤️🎵🎶
Thanks Fil!
We were very lucky, yes
The clarity of Allan Clarke's vocal in this is amazing
“The talent level that was required in order to be a professional musician.”
You’ve got it in one sentence. You’ll never see Allan Clarke in any top rock poll, or Bobby in any drummer poll: but my God, you should.
Excellent analysis. Thank you.
There was a magazine in the 60s. Every issue they gave a top 5 of everything. Allan Clarke was nearly always top male vocalist along with Tom Jones and Paul McCartney, Roger Daltrey. Bobby Elliott, Mick Avory, Charlie Watts, Ginger Baker were top drummers and Bobby nearly always 1st....not sure what magazine it was.
@@LordFlashheart.11 oh, I know what it S the "Beat Instrumental"
@@KieroUnasBotasAGoGo that's the one.
I went to see the Hollies in Charlotte, NC in 1965 when they opened for Herman's Hermits. I can remember us asking each other, "Who are the Hollies?". Boy! Did we find out. They blew the crowd away and have been one of my favorite groups since. Thanks for the video link.
Props to the Hermits for having consistently brought along lesser-known and often edgier bands they dug such as the Hollies and The Who to expose them to fans in the states.
Tony Hicks deserves an analysis in his own right. He is a wonderful guitar player.. Thanks for your posts, they're brilliant...
I agree, he's terribly underrated.
@@epipick Was just about to suggest the same thing. One of the best guitarists ever. Total shredder.
Yes indeed. Tony was a master of interesting short licks and phrases. Hollies were not a band for long guitar solos (to my mind) regards
I would love to see Fil review a Hollies song with a good dose of Tony's lead guitar!
I `m so agree with you
My fav single of the Hollies is “I Can’t Let Go”. Here in the Midwest, USA many “garage bands” played that song.
I didn't know that.
The musicianship of Tony Hicks & Bobby Elliot is such an underrated quality of the Hollies.
Agree.
Tony Hicks XXX
Fil, I watch several "reaction" videos where the poster uses the music for their own aggrandizement.....and I never learn anything. Your videos however teach me tons of information about the bands and music styles and techniques. Very professional.
Watch enough of Fil's videos and you will surely be able to astonish your friends with your broad knowledge on popular music. Particularly about the role of the guitar.
I agree.
Totally agree. Actually I hesitated to click on the first video I saw of Fil, and then I clicked again, and now I am hooked. A WOP junkie.
I agree completely. I pride myself on a fairly broad knowledge of popular music of the 60s and 70s but I still learn something from every WoP video.
Thanks!
British 60's bands are awesome. 👍👍
Yes!!!!! Totally cool!
Yeah and I was lucky enough (and old enough) to see many of them live.
I always like The Hollies. Impeccable vocal harmonies, good songwriting and professional musicianship. Allan Clarke was arguably the best lead singer of that era. I've always considered their hit "Bus Stop" to be the perfect pop music song - nice uptempo song with a sweet story, timed perfectly for the 2 and a half minute radio window.
I know! "Bus Stop" is pop song perfection!
Agree 1000percent. Always felt their hit LISTEN TO ME should have been a bigger hit
Without doubt one of the best ever groups to come out of the UK, people raved at the time about the Beatles but these guys were right up there with them, in fact if you would check out the 1960s you will find out that the Hollies had more hits than the Beatles and regards Tony Hicks, he was an absolute one off, I remember at the time with the Manchester club scene, we used to call him `the man with a thousand fingers`, I don't think we realised then what a fantastic group they were, when I think back now 2020 how lucky we were living in Manchester with all the local groups we had.
Wow, I am a Beatles fanatic, but I rate the Hollies right on their heals. They have the most incredible harmonies. Great review Fil.
I see what you did there. ;-)
tony hicks was a very under rated guitar player who could make a great little riff off the cuff superbly
"I'm Alive" (live) -- The Hollies. Tony Hicks' guitar -- so electrically-clean and simple -- a sound that makes the harpist angels blush.
You really miss hearing Graham’s signature voice in the mix. Bus Stop and Look Through Any Window were my faves.
"Bus Stop" was another Graham Gouldman classic. I love that song and The Hollies performance of it.
Through Any Window had a great drum break. Near Moony :)
I saw Graham Nash in Halifax a couple of weeks ago and he performed some Hollies numbers at the gig - wonderful to see and hear him singing them again!
@@Robutube1 He offered CS & N songs "Lady Of The Island" and "Marrakesh Express" when he still was in Hollies.
My conclusion after listening to Hollies for over 50 years is Graham had the more distinctive voice and Terry's voice though more generic, blended beautifully with the harmonies. Songs like He Ain't Heavy and The Air That I breath just wouldn't sound as majestic with Graham, but Graham's lead vocals on songs like On A Carousel and King Midas In Reverse are much better than any of the Terry lead vocal songs.
One of my favourite bands, still in love with Allan after all these years!
Your musical knowledge in general and how well read you are on the history of these bands is quite impressive.
From the days before Autotune. See? Some people could carry a tune beautifully without being enhanced by electronic modification.
And they had to be capable of playing the song. Nowadays there are way too many musical acts that can't reproduce what ends up being released as their work.
Those days you needed talent to make good music. ..today its all electronic gizmos that make "artists" what they are not.
Although, in fairness, a lot of 60s records involved double tracking of vocals.
@@conniethesconnie Like the Beatles?
@@cheetoes99 George Martin and The Beatles invented double tracking. It wasn't to make fake harmonies, tho' - it was to create musical landscapes that were never intended to be performed in a live situation. They didn't need DT for the kinds of things they were doing prior to that... they were already the veritable masters of live three part harmony.
With his UA-cam videos, Fil has taught me more about the popular music of our times than even 50 years of listening to public radio!
The Hollies, great as they were, were underrated.
FIL, you're right about the talent level of bands in the sixties.
Loved the Hollies-enunciation, harmony, joy
Don’t forget the brilliant Bobby Elliott, one of the best British rock drummers of all time - a drummer’s drummer. I saw them live in Peterborough in the early days, I was a fan forever.
In the early sixties (63) I worked with a couple of junior groups raising money for charities. We had the Hollies one night and I was totally blown away by their live sound. Never had large pa systems in those days and a lot of groups played and sang through their guitar amps (when I say sang, it actually took me six months before I realised my bandmates in our group used to turn my Mic off). They were the best live group around in those days. All about their balance and harmonies.
I appreciate your dissecting the songs you have chosen. I am learning a lot of the historical backgrounds of the artists. And you are an excellent teacher.
Thanks!
I love harmony so much...probably why I gravitate to the bands of the 60's and 70's. The Everly Brothers, The Eagles, America, Pure Prairie League...wow did we have music of a life time and a lot of it.
Im a massive Graham Nash fan but I think The Hollies sound got even smoother and easier on the ear when he was replaced by Terry Sylvester. Graham had such a distinctive voice, though and I love him dearly.
But this song Carrie Ann was better with Graham by far.
I was just going to make that comment. I think their music matured a lot after Terry joined. Not saying he was the one who was responsible for that, but I love the Hollies more after he joined.
@@tonyward2086 The music definitely got more mature. Heck even masterpieces like Butterfly and Evolution were kinda childlike and naive in places. Not saying the Graham era didn't produce some mature music but late 60s/early 70s Hollies were superb and I love the way Terry's voice blended with Allan and Tony. The Hollies mid/late 70s albums are highly underrated, especially the marvellous 1975 effort Another Night.
I remember meeting Clark.
1964-65 we lived in Jersey ( channel Islands)
My mother was involved in the go kart track business . We were all sitting next to the cafe eating our lunchtime sandwich when this tall guy ( he was wearing cuben heeled boots) approach us.
As he stumbled forward on the gravel, my mother
said what on earth is this, commenting on the red shirt black velvet collar and curly hair with a massive bouffant. He asked us about hiring the track for the following afternoon and explained that he was from the pop group the hollies
After making arrangements he stumbled away across the gravel ( cuben heels giving him a difficult time) I must say he looked very odd
In his get up. The next day they used the track
And we're great to talk to and very polite to my mother. We all were given free tickets for their show. There is a short video of them at our go kart track on UA-cam video somewhere. Good old days
I could tell many stories about pop groups visiting us in the early 60s as most of them
Were keen to try karting. We had them all
Including the Stones and Beatles.
Exactly one year later never in my wildest dreams could I of imagined that I would be listening to their latest hit ( I'm alive)
In the middle of the Sarawak Jungle after coming off of a patrol to hunt a few Indonesians
But we were all still alive.
There were so many great bands in the 60's and 70's, so much talent, so much creativity.
You are spot-on about recording records in those days. Most recording studios were 4-track, so you didn't have the opportunity to add a lot to the songs. Some of the bigger studios had 6 or 8-track but most were 4-track studios back then. Also, I want to give a shout-out to Tony Hicks who I think is one of the more underrated musicians of the era. He sang, wrote songs, did a lot of the lead guitar work but also played bass and piano as well. An all-around great musician!
Imagine a one take audition demo going straight to pressing today?...it just doesn't happen any more. Love the Hollies. ..Bobby Elliot. .great drummer. ..Great one Fil.
Even without Nash they were great in 69. Tony is cool. Thank you Fil for the review
“Long Cool Woman” done in 1971 was a huge departure from what they were doing only 2-3 years before!
Swamper60 I know one of the co-writers of LCWBD. He also wrote the Pepsi ad song, I’d Like to Teach the World to Sing.
Digital Brand cool! It was so different, didn’t really sound like the Hollies, great song though!
It was so different that I thought for a long time it was a Creedence Clearwater song! duh.
Easily my favorite Hollies song.
I've got to go look for that 8 track, maybe my ol ford with the tape player would still work, I remember driving around drinkin beers and listening to long cool woman at about 100db and lots of distortion.
Billy Elliott is an effortless drummer. Total natural.
There are amazing harmonies and choirboy histories of so many British bands. When you up the blues and soul elements it became an unstoppable force.
Naming the band The Hollies as a tribute to Buddy Holly was a nice touch. Great band. Like The Beatles name was a tribute to The Crickets.
Thanks Fil for the clip. Nice research.
That's what I heard ,but then ,what I understood, was people thought they were named the Hollies in honor of Christmas and the holly tree.
I agree. Fil is an encyclopedia of knowledge on all bands! Amazing.
I've always admired the Hollies harmonies. Classic British talent.
Love The Hollies❣️ So many great songs. Did not realize they had so many changes in band members. Thanks, Fil, for the background❣️
I was lucky enough to see the Hollies live in the US back in the '60s when Graham Nash was still with them.
Loved the Hollies, but I never knew their long history and evolution of personnel. Great details on harmonies and rock solid rhythm section, Fil!
The Hollies are brilliant, each member so very underrated . Even though Allan is no longer with them, he has just come out of retirement and recorded a new album due to be released in September. You must listen to a track from it - Journey of Regret.
Wow. Had no idea Allan CLarke has come out of retirement. Thank you so much. I am off to order. A fantastic singer as you mentioned, like all in this terrific group, underrated. Best news I have had this year. CHeers.
Entire album is out now and it is terrific!
You are so knowledgeable and informative that its always a pleasure to watch and share your videos
Well Said....
This is one of the earliest song memories from my childhood, along with tracks from Chet , the fab four and others. Much later, I learned "Long Cool Woman". The Hollies are one of the largest influences on my singing and guitar playing. I was raised in a very musical family, and I appreciate the "natural" musicians that you highlight. Music can be learned, but if you were born into it it's in your DNA. Hearing my dad play and improvise on the keyboard, and my older siblings play as well on other instruments, this reminds me that I am blessed.
Great info as always, Fil. I'm old enough to have experienced The Everly Brothers in real time, and I've always thought The Hollies had the tightest live male vocal harmonies in the business.
Thanks for this one, Fil. I've seen this whole video multiple times in the past, and was always amazed at how great they were live. Tight, solid and perfect.
Tony Hicks has discovered the secret of eternal youth!
Fil!!!
I really appreciate you going deep into the past to find talent.... From Buddy Holly to SRV you share the greatest rock/guitar talents! ❤
Where is the string section then???
J Horrobin
@@johnhorrobin8560 out stringing around somewhere I suppose.
I loved the way He Ain't Heavy starts with an easy low pitch vocal line, then explodes with harmony on the second line "But I'm Strong..."
Absolutely spot on Stephen.
My favorite of The Hollies. Yeah, those vocals soar at that part. Great song!
Man, you are good, Fil!!!! I grew up listening with (somewhat of a critical ear) to many of these bands like The Beatles (everyone has them as the ultimate standard, right?), The Hollies, The Rascals, The Association, The Lovin' Spoonful, The Animals, The Kinks, etc., but YOU are giving me a whole new understanding of the musicians and what was REALLY happening with these groups. Love listening to your insight. Thank You!!! Mitch Long
With members this good, in playing instruments and harmonizing, I forgot Graham Nash was ever a member
GREAT, GREAT BAND THE HOLLIES ONE OF THE VERY BEST.
Absolutely love this band. Funny story, I was restricted in my home growing up from watching/listening to music outside of home including all Rock n Roll. Since popular music only came to my ear after '75, this was well beyond the major popularity of the Hollies and so many others, even the Beatles. I missed out on hearing until recently. At 57, I began attending Berklee School of Music and Spring of last year I took "Rock and Roll History" class. I was introduced to everything from the 50's which now included The Hollies and so many more. I am a new fan of these guys and so many more. It may have been late for me, but It's a massive new love for me.
Thank you Fil for reviewing The Hollies and as always, your review is completely spot-on!
Long Cool Woman in a Black Dress is one of my favorite pop songs of all time. Good group
Yes my no1 and and no 2 "Get it on" T.Rex
Have a go at listening to "The Day that Curly Billy Shot Down Crazy Sam McGee." Not nearly as well known, but similar musically. When I was a kid, we had these 20 Happening Hits albums, and that was on one. I remember that before Long Cool Woman (I was about 6 at the time) even thought it came out 2 years later, and somehow it resonated with me more. Possibly because Long Cool Woman is the one that gets played all the time.
@@mannydavis7708 I don't recall that cut, but listening to it I like the chorus and transitions. I think Long Cool Woman still resonates for me is from when I was a kid, and exploring music past the Beatles this is one of the ones that caught my attention.
Another "Home Run" Fil!!! I love your enjoyment of the classic rock music!
I Can't Let Go and I'm Alive - two great ones.
I just LOVED these guys .... and their stories in their songs ....
I was 9-years-old when that song was released, and it was one of my favorites! It brings back so many great memories. The Hollies have some great songs in their repertoire!
Hey Donna! I was 9 as well, and I agree with you completely. Shame music is so rubbish these days.
Phil, what an informative and very interesting analysis - since you are a very fine professional muscian, teacher and song writer, I love hearing your views on artists and their music. I absolutely love the Hollies - now I know why! 👍
Thanks for the kind words!
Hi Fil! I love the Hollies! Stop Stop Stop is a fave with Tony Hicks bangin on the banjo!
I believe it was a Vox 12-string
Loved these boys. Such good invasion music. One of the first to go 12 string
So many great hits from one of the underrated groups of the 60s. I can not listen to He Aint Heavy He's My Brother without sobbing uncontrollably. I do not think more powerful words can be written. Just a fantastic group.
Especially knowing the story behind the song.
Rick Beato also has a UA-cam channel for analyzing old rock songs. But in his channel, he has the separate tracks and shares them, so that his audience can hear what individual instruments are doing in each song. And he explains concepts like "reverse piano". Checkout Rick Beato.
I've seen his channel, it's cool! I think he has a lot more time for his videos as I just do mine every day after work! I don't know if he has any help making them but they look like they take a while to put together! Also sharing individual tracks of songs is a copyright minefield! 😅
It seems that Rick Beato had a career of being a producer or sound engineer for big names, among musicians; and so, he might be using master tracks that he hoarded, during years of his employment at recording studios. "More Than A Feeling", by Boston, is a great example of where Rick Beato is in possession of each master track, used in the studio. I don't agree with everything that Rick Beato says. In particular, I am entitled to have my own "expert" opinion because I am an older guy, in my late sixties, which means this is the music that I grew up with. I agree with Rick Beato that Pro Tools and other digital gimmicks does not impress me. Decades ago, musicians had to be good because Pro Tools did not exist to help them.
Allan Clarke was an awesome vocalist and Graham Nash harmonized so great together. Terry Sylvester had big shoes to fill!!!! A shame Allan's voice changed in the 90s and retired.
Did not know the Marianne Faithful connection. Great learning new stuff. Just when I thought I knew it all. Her LP "Broken English" really blew my mind. Thank you Fil
There's an excellent movie titled "Irina Palm" with Marianne Faithfull in the title role, as a desperate grandmother needing money for her grandsons' medical treatment. It's grim yet darkly funny; not an easy movie to watch but worth the effort, and the acting is excellent.
I read somewhere that it was Marianne actually the Hollies' fan club president back in the day so may it had something to do with it, ~connection
Never broke up or disbanded. Still playing their music today. Often overlooked when the British Invasion is mentioned. Took until 2010 to put them in the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. Yet the fans have loved the harmony vocals and the songs and the group for 50+ years. Proves that the listening public and the music buying individuals knows a thing or two.
Funny how we associate music with various times and places in our lives. It can be very emotional. The Hollies brings back memories of my depressing middle school and high school years during the early 70's, this culminating in a major personal crisis around 1975. It was the upbeat disco sound combined with the booming roller skating culture that pulled me out of a deep whole. The late 70's were so much fun. Music is a very powerful thing for sure.
Terry Sylvester's haircut is killing me. 🤪🤣🤣🤣😂😁
Wow! So much background information! I will have to watch this again. They were exceptional with so many hit songs. I grew up with radio, records, and tapes. I love your channel because I actually get to see artists perform. Thank you, Fil! Just awesome!
Without a doubt the music of the late Sixties was the best ever!! Even here in Ireland we looked to the English music scene for quality hit songs!
The late 50,s , 60,s and 70,s have produced what we can now call real handmade music played by real musicians. The amount of great music that evolved during that era was unbelievable. The Beatles were first on the scene, immediately followed by all these amazing Brittish invasion bands such as The Hollies,The Kinks, The Rolling Stones,The Moody blues, The Searchers, The Animals, The Who, The Smal Faces and many more. I was right in the middle of all that. A magical musical era, the best ever,pure and simple. Melodies and harmonies that lodge in the mind and soul forever. No better time in music history and music has never been as great either or fear ever will again. I had no idea about the Marianne Fathful connection. Thanks for the info.
After 50 years i never get tired of listing to The Hollies.
Love Fil"s analysis, always positive, informative, well researched, and expertly presented. Again, many thanks and keep them coming. Love the hollies
"He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother" is their best IMO.
Coolrockndad I’ve always loved ‘on a carousel ‘
I agree. Great melody on ‘Heavy’
Still think Long Cool Woman was the best with Allan Clarke doing the guitar riff
‘Air That I Breathe’ (which Radiohead lifted for ‘Creep’) and ‘Bus Stop’ were two by the Hollies that I particularly like.
"Long Cool Woman" was there biggest hit chart wise but the lyrics in "He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother" is by far the most meaningful. IMO
These guys are the Energizer Bunnies of Rock n Roll. Hit after hit in the mid-Sixties, a hiatus from stardom for a time until He Ain''t Heavy, then The Air that I Breathe, followed a while later by Long Cool Woman. Long after the critics and some of the public thought they were through, they kept rockin'. Loved 'em all but Tony Hicks is my true unsung hero of the song-oriented guitarist. Second only to George Harrison.
100% agree that Hicks is one of the most underated guitarists in the industry
“he ain’t heavy he’s my brother” is such a beautiful song, makes me tear up-a little.
@@rsoubiea , completely agree. I was young when the song came out and didn't understand the lyrics till I saw a poster of a kid carrying another kid on his back. The caption said "He ain't heavy, father, he's my brother."
I always love the Hollies music extremely talented! Group.
What a great band... going to have to dig out my Hollies CD now! Great analysis and cool background info too! Thanks Fil!!
The Hollies were always great.
Allan Clarke did some vocals for Alan Parsons Project. He sounded great!
I always enjoyed this group. Thanks for highlighting them.
I've always loved this song's signature line "Hey, Carrie Ann.." So good. Thanks Fil!
Their version of He's Not Heavy, He's My Brother is one of my all time favorites!
Great analysis as always Fil I was in high school when they were popular here in the US, and they were one of my favorites. I love vocal harmonies, and they were one of the best.
Thanks for providing another great analysis; I enjoy the music history lesson in each of your videos, just a wealth of information. On a side note, "Long Cool Woman" is currently being featured here in the U.S. in an advert for Robert Mondavi Winery. It is my favorite track by them.
Bern Calvert is an awesome bassist! I think he carries the song.
Wonderful harmonies. The band continued even after Allan Clarke left. They were favourites in the 60s - preferred them over the Beatles.
Thanks again Fil for another excellent analysis.
I had this record on 45 when i was 11
I was 12 years old and my older sister gave it to me. Great memories! Peace! 👍👍✌🏼
I was 8 when I first heard it played on the radio here in the UK. Although I couldn't put it into words I loved the vocals, the story and the sound of the steel drums not used here sadly.
I'm American, but I got to know the Hollies song, "Here I Go Again", which if I'm not mistaken didn't chart here in the United States. It's Awesome!!!
Great job you are.doing🎉❤
I always think of "The Air That I Breathe" when I think of the Hollies. Such an amazing tune.
Very beautiful song n their Harmony is off the charts on that one😆👍
Appreciate Fil's history and context of The Hollies. Unbelievable that bands had two takes and out. Keeps it fresh.
Good analyses FIL! Always liked the Hollies! They really continued to mature to make some really good music! They were pretty hot when I was a teen with Long Cool Woman! As I got older I discovered all their previous music which was every bit as good! Thanks Rock!
I've always been a massive Keith Moon fan (as a "natural" drummer) but check out the early Hollies track "SET ME FREE". Bobby Elliot is an animal! SO underrated he was....
And Tony's guitar and Allan's singing energy, what a song(!)
Graham Nash used to buy records of Buddy Holly from me on eBay! I met him in Clear Lake Iowa once during the Winter Dance Party annual festival and he told then he considered Tony Hicks to be one of the best! I agree with him.
The Hollies' version of "I'm Alive" is my fave. Masterful musicianship throughout their career!
i heard that song in a movie and i already can't remember what movie lol
I love this performance even more than the studio version. Very well done. Pros.
As always beyond solid analysis, especially highlighting the importance of a tight and reliable rhythm section when you are trying to work such varied harmony lines and not having potential distractions apart from the main melody line when looking for aural cues as you sing.
I love your knowledge and analyses of groups. The Hollies have been one of my favorite groups since the first song I heard them play. Keep up the good work. Your instincts and research are right on the mark.
I always felt The Hollies were a band ahead of their times. Tony Hicks fits right in to today’s times.
I was hooked onto this band for many years. They're my favorite pop band of all times.
Loved this group! One of my favorites "The Air That I Breath"
My favorite Hollies song is "The Air That I Breathe," then "Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress."