Hellllllloooooo! thank you to everyone for the continued comments & suggestions for songs we should react to. One idea I wanted to throw out there to see if folks would be into it is reacting to music industry news / or specific concerts, or music events. Like for example, what if we had come out with an episode when Daft Punk broke up, and we just talked about their music, influence, production style, holistically, as opposed to focusing on one particular song. Would y'all be down for trying an episode like that? What do you think?
That would be awesome. One sugestion would be to react to studio versions of songs VS live versions (how artists adapt what was recorded on studio into a live performance)
That day was a kick in the pants --would also love more discussion of people's specific contributions to music and their influence. Ex) prince on the development of the Minneapolis sound, Stevie wonder and his blend of r&b, gospel, funk paving the way for MJ, brunoars etc etc
I recorded Superstition with Stevie and Malcolm. No gates on hi hat. TONTO Moog bass line. Clav with tape delay. Horns live emulating bass line. Drums were recorded first out of Stevie’s head, no click. Have fun figuring it all out.💥🎯 natural rubato is a good thing.
While watching I kept thinking "Why on earth do you even consider gates on the hi-hat?!" That's just a drummer who knows what he's doing. Probably unconcievable nowadays with all the "corrections" made in postproduction. Thanks a lot for the comment!
did tonto have a space echo or tape delay built in? is that what we are hearing the clav through? Ive read that the clavs were sent through tonto but curious which module and what effects if you can recall. Otherwise big big fan of yourself and malcolm's work.
@@AlexRides808 naaaaah … please revisit Stevie’s entire BODY of work… I’ll wait and see who tops that. The only other person who could been on the same level, had he not passed away would have been Donny Hathaway
Can we also remember Superstition was on Stevie's 15 Album and he was 22 years old, playing the drums, moog and clav. Only other musicians on the session were the horns
Me and you just became best friends! 😂😂 I feel like NOONE understands how amazing that song is. I’m not even a Christian but I tear up EVERY TIME I hear him sing, “ FEEL IT!! FEEL HIS SPIRIT!” Thank you!! 🙌🏾
Fulfillingness First Finale is the overlooked one in stevie's classic album run in the 70s. It's kind of like his Magical Mystery Tour. Innervisions is my favorite but that album has a special place for me because "boogie on reggae woman" was one of the tracks that got me to probe deeper into stevie's catalog beyond the well known hits
@@creightonmoench6894 if you listen to the artist Snoh Aalegra, she has a song (I want you around) where she says “all I want to hear is Innervisions on replay”. I was sold! Lol
When Stevie and Paul McCartney collaborated, Paul did the drum parts. But when Paul came back to the studio the next day he found that Stevie had snuck back to the studio and re-recorded the drum with his own effort. Paul was not amused.
Its so great how y'all are able to combine both the reaction portion of it, but incorporate some real education to recording and musical composition too. It makes for a really quick 17-minute watch!
You can hear the influence of Superstition on Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel, especially the horns and drums. Also, Stevie's chord changes are so advanced.
So some fun little side notes: 1. The bassline is actually a Mini Moog and not an electric bass guitar. In the mix it's hard to tell, but if you listen closely the characteristic portamento of the Moog is noticeable. 2. Lyrics are actually a protest against Richard Nixon. The song was written before the Watergate Scandal, but it was fitting that Stevie's version was released just a few months after the Watergate break-in. Stevie was a vocal critic of Nixon and many songs were aimed at his administration. 3. The song was originally written for Jeff Beck who collaborated with Stevie on previous records. Stevie promised to write him a song, but the song was so good that Stevie decided he had to track a version as well. Interestingly enough, this version has some different lyrics as well. ua-cam.com/video/n0R8Tdr0oB8/v-deo.html There's a really great podcast that Hit Parade did about Stevie Wonder that has a ton of interesting stories about that period of music history.
Superb intel.the fact that the lady only had a cursory comment about the lyrics historical depth shows the lack of attention to the importance of the message. Musicians with no historical political knowledge do my head in. The word “professional” is a misnomer - these guys do fine on the music theory but suck ass on the political lyricism of Stevie’s impact on the American (and world) culture - especially POC consumers of Wonders music. Not hating here but … while I love this show - I’d love it more if they had a musical political ethnomusicologist historian on their team. Rant over. Nothing but love. Thanks for your excellent comment.
The interesting thing about the Jeff Beck connection is that Stevie felt somewhat guilty for sorta stealing the song right out from under the Jeff Beck Group before their album was released; however, Stevie returned the favor in spades by writing what would ultimately become Beck's signature song: "Cause We've Ended as Lovers"
Hey, I just wanted to mention that I appreciate the in-between screens for the sections ("Composition" - "Melody" etc). It makes the show feel more structured and therefore a bit easier to understand the flow. Really been enjoying all the episodes so far!
Wonderful breakdown. Before Prince, there was Stevie. So good it hurts. Would love to hear your thoughts on Living For The City. The subtle chords changing, Stevie doing every voice, etc.
Stevie was trying to get Prince at Motown but Mr. Gordy couldn't go with a then unknown having that much control over his work. Warner Bros. WON OUT. We all did, really.
I'm one of those old metal head types but I totally agree. Stevie Wonder, Prince, it's hard to pick one but definitely the two most musically inclined people who ever lived. Both men are geniuses and there might not be anyone who can stand shoulder to shoulder with them in my lifetime.
There are a handful of songs i can recall where i was and what i was doing when i first heard them... Stevie's Sir Duke was my first memory. I was a kid swimming at the YMCA and all of a sudden Sir Duke came on the speakers outside and I just froze. He is a genius!
Stevie is my all time favorite music artist. His musicianship, his feel, and the vocal variations, runs and ad libs he does of his melodies are one of his greatest gifts second to none. And to think he was creating all these masterpieces in his 20's! He was 22 when Superstition was released. Think about that! WOW!!! 🎹🎤🎼
Check out the personnel credits on the Talking Book album. You'll see these people singing on one tune, this guy playing guitar on one track, another guy on guitar on another track, and so on. Quickly you'll notice that several tunes have no personnel credits at all, and most of the parts on the tunes mentioning personnel aren't mentioned, either. Then you'll get to the end and see "all other parts by Stevie Wonder."
Great evaluation of Stevie and this song. He was definitely One of the greatest musicians and composers of the 20th century. Absolutely love him and his music. And this song....oh damn, it is the shit! Rick Beato also broke this song down forensically and really nailed why the nuances and expert musicianship of every aspect of the song that made it amazing
The inconsistencies are what make the music unique and human. Having everything on a grid is not something the Beatles or Led Zeppelin did thats what made then great.
Stevie wrote this for Beck, Bogart, Appice who have a totally different take on it but Stevie put out his version first, and notably played most of the instruments. Stevie is a national treasure
@@DeadWaxShow I don't think superstition is Stevie Wonder's greatest song however I can give you some recommendations if you're interested? I know songs the average person doesn't.
I think it's a Moog doing the bass there but, more importantly, I can't believe nobody said anything about the squeaky kick pedal! Haha. I can't unhear it! Stevie did a great job on the drums. Those fills are so erratic that you're like "where's this going?" but before it gets out of hand, he pulls you right back in with the normal beat. Genius. "Superstition ain't the way."
I loved how y'all related the realities of music production in the '70's to today. I would love to hear you react to more of the big influencers, like Louis Jordan, Bob Wills, Elvis, James Brown, etc. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and hearing how they all contribute to today's music deepens our appreciation for the songs of today and our gratitude to those who came before us.
First off... I LOVE your videos. Please keep doing these! I'm learning sooo much from them. I'm finally taking some time in my life to learn about music (#bucketlist) and I feel like I'm watching a masterclass in music composition. This is gonna sound crazy, but I think I need ALL of you in my life right now. Is it a crazy idea for you guys to do something... anything... from the Talking Heads? They're one of my favorite bands of all time, and hearing just about any one of their songs immediately takes my back to a specific place and time when I was a kid... I can even smell the air. Thanks again!
I would love a reaction to "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac. Or maybe some of their other hits. They are really just fantastic musicians! Love the content - keep it up :)
Oh, I am so tempted to say this. I can't resist. The live show of The Chain, on channel Lindsey Buckingham Gems, but only the one with Lindsey wearing a straw hat, has glorious vocals from Stevie and youthful energy from Lindsey that no other version has. Stop the video as soon as the song ends, so as not to *spoil* the vibe with Lindsey's chatter.
Thanks for recognizing the greatness w Stevie. This was at his very best. I was a young musician trying to make my way in the Detroit music scene. What a time for music 1970’s 313 for life OGEE 58
Please check out Stevie's song, You Haven't Done Nothing. The perfect analogue for Superstition, with a deeper groove, great clav lead, and a killer bass line. Lyrically, the perfect statement on politicians, it is well worth checking out.
"As" is Stevie Wonder's greatest song. "Superstition" may be his most POPULAR in the "mainstream," if you will. But the die-hard, core fan base know that "As" is it. It's probably the longest hook ever written, too. It'd be great to see the reaction/analysis of that one. It's heavy.
Agreed. As is a masterpiece. Superstition is great but nothing compared to many of Stevie’s artistic creations. It’s merely clickbait to call Superstition his greatest song.
Thanks to UA-cam for suggesting this to me! It’s really great and also I absolutely LOVE Superstition. I grew up in Germany so Stevie was not as popular here as in the states. I heard the song the first time on a CD my mum had and since then I’ve had in my head and it won’t ever leave 😊
Holy mother of God, you go almost 2 minutes into this song and you can't mention the opening drum groove? That is exactly what hooks you when you first hear this song. That is what we played over and over and over again back in the day by lifting the needle and putting it back down again.
That drum groove was originally played by guitarist Jeff Beck. Beck and Stevie were in the studio when Jeff was playing on Stevie's album Talking Book and Jeff began playing that beat on drums while Stevie improvised the riff that Superstition is built on.
I have the 16track multitrack on this song and yes there are 8 clav parts. 3 are different and a couple are totally dry and a couple have intense delay. 2 vocal tracks, 1 Moog bass, 2 tracks of horns, drums stereo and separate kick drum...Glad to share it with you guys
If you watch Questlove's documentary "Summer of Love," you can see Stevie playing a Clav. He plays so percussive, with such feel, it's going to be different almost every time he plays it. Love this!
just found this channel and this is already the third video I'm watching.... it's 2:36 in the morning and I'm watching music nerds do their nerdy thing so I can be nerdy too.... looooove this song! and the bass part you talk about that's doubled by the horns isn't that just the most singable part of the song? because, I mean, who can remember the lyrics!!!
Love love love this channel. Would love you even more if you reacted to some Steely Dan - Peg, Aja and Glamour Profession (dissect how the bassist consistently leaves room on the 1) all come to mind. You guys have fantastic content.
Here’s what people often don’t even realize when we hear all time great songs from all time great artists… their ages at the moments they create masterpieces. Stevie was 22 when this came out!!! And all these years later, good musicians in their own right who are older than him in comparison to when Stevie wrote it, are blown away with his genius! That’s kinda amazing!
I don’t know if it’s too far out of your guy’s wheelhouse, but I would love to see the professional crowd react to Polyphia (G.O.A.T. Etc.), since they’re pushing a lot of boundaries.
I've been lately obsessed with the v minor chord. It would be amazing to have an episode with songs that use it tastefully. Thanks for sharing all your knowledge guys!
Stick to music a lot of people want to learn about. Your average music fan is only pretending they enjoy Jacob Collier haha. The great art of Stevie, EW&F, Steely Dan, Sting, Bill Withers… they snuck jazz into pop and wrote songs that reached everyone. No ones listening to Collier at a wedding. If you like JC, you probably already have an irritating need to ‘analyse’ the harmony. Let these guys discuss songs that won’t alienate casual music fans and audiences.
@@BassManDan1018 I see where you’re coming from but I believe Colliers music can be enjoyed by anyone, as I myself for one isn’t a person with a lot of music theory knowledge!
I love this damn channel. Side note the baseline on this song is one of my favorite bass lines it's funky as hell and it kind of offsets the clavicle and the perfect way
Just discovered this channel and it's wonderful. Love the terminology inserts and curious to see if every video ends up rediscovering "feel" - the heartbeat that's missing in so much of our auto-generated contemporary music.
Alright I REALLY want to hear you guys listen to Queen’s early music, the lesser known music from their first few albums. And maybe compare it to their later albums. Please!! Anyways love your videos so far!
@@DeadWaxShow So here's the shortest list I could come up with of their lesser known songs: Nevermore Brighton Rock Stone Cold Crazy Bring Back That Leroy Brown You Take My Breath Away The Millionaire Waltz My Melancholy Blues They're all VERY different songs, just goes to show the immense talent they had in almost any style of music. And I know I said lesser known stuff but there's always Somebody to Love, Anotherone Bites the Dust, Bohemian Rhaps... okok I'll stop now sorry
The lyrics are written from a spiritual person who cautions on the reliance on unfounded beliefs.You can dance and enjoy a song that has a message.All my top Artist always have interesting lyrics.
jeez guys! I listened to a bunch of your songs, then this ''inner ad'' came out, I jumped here to give a listen. The quality is insane, really good informations and entertaining also, I could listen for hours.
I did my own cover of this for my 3rd year uni project. Goal was to try and get as close to the origional as possible. I spent an entire year of it and wasn't even close. Managed to get the clavs pretty close, but everything else was a long way off.
Again I just fugging loooove that you guys break down music jargon for us mere plebians. Can you guys maybe break down The Red Hot Chili Peppers? They're coming out with a new album probably somewhere in the next few months. I'm a big fan and would love to hear your thoughts.
Random suggestion: would love to see you guys cover Talk Talk. Such a great band. Love these episodes and can’t wait for more!! I could hear you guys discuss musics genius in just about everything!
I'd love for you to check out Sting's Live in Berlin Album. To me his work with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is on another level and you will have so much fun listening to each individual voice and their nuances!
OMG Great song, great episode. I love this series so much. Was wondering if you could break down "The Weight" by The Band. Its such an Iconic song, and I would love to hear from a musician's perspective as to why and what makes it that great.
If you listen to the versions played live on various TV programs during the period the arrangements are very different depending on the musicians. The sesame street version found on UA-cam is amazing.
Guys, I LOVE your work! I'm your biggest fan. Thanks for releasing this new section Professional musicians react (also, can you put more 'gate' to the Channel change tv static xD)
Stick to music a lot of people want to learn about. Your average music fan is only pretending they enjoy Jacob Collier haha. The great art of Stevie, EW&F, Steely Dan, Sting, Bill Withers… they snuck jazz into pop and wrote songs that reached everyone. No ones listening to Collier at a wedding.. Let these guys discuss songs that won’t alienate casual music fans and audiences.
If you wanna listen to Stevie's music for the lyrics, he's a poet in disguise in most of his work. This is a surprising exception. But "Evil", "Lately", "Overjoyed", "Living For The City", "As", "Summer Soft", "Joy Inside My Tears", "Golden Lady", "Visions", "You've Got It Bad Girl". I mean, "If It's Magic" is literally a sung poem with a harp and nothing else, and it's beautiful. And trust me, the list goes ON. He's truly a master.
Hellllllloooooo! thank you to everyone for the continued comments & suggestions for songs we should react to. One idea I wanted to throw out there to see if folks would be into it is reacting to music industry news / or specific concerts, or music events. Like for example, what if we had come out with an episode when Daft Punk broke up, and we just talked about their music, influence, production style, holistically, as opposed to focusing on one particular song. Would y'all be down for trying an episode like that? What do you think?
That would be awesome. One sugestion would be to react to studio versions of songs VS live versions (how artists adapt what was recorded on studio into a live performance)
And I also suggest reacting to brazilian music. Check out "Linha de Passe" by João Bosco
That day was a kick in the pants --would also love more discussion of people's specific contributions to music and their influence. Ex) prince on the development of the Minneapolis sound, Stevie wonder and his blend of r&b, gospel, funk paving the way for MJ, brunoars etc etc
That sounds awesome!
I say yes to all of that, especially concerts!
And with the passing of Charlie Watts, I think the stones would be a great place to start!
I recorded Superstition with Stevie and Malcolm. No gates on hi hat. TONTO Moog bass line. Clav with tape delay. Horns live emulating bass line. Drums were recorded first out of Stevie’s head, no click. Have fun figuring it all out.💥🎯 natural rubato is a good thing.
Amazing! Thanks for the insight Robert!
While watching I kept thinking "Why on earth do you even consider gates on the hi-hat?!" That's just a drummer who knows what he's doing. Probably unconcievable nowadays with all the "corrections" made in postproduction.
Thanks a lot for the comment!
did tonto have a space echo or tape delay built in? is that what we are hearing the clav through? Ive read that the clavs were sent through tonto but curious which module and what effects if you can recall. Otherwise big big fan of yourself and malcolm's work.
@@havetowant sort of, we used an Amoex 4track with DVD noise reduction on the record and playback side with a CEO to control the delay times.
That’s
DBX sorry for the mis print
Stevie Wonder’s body of work, technique, process, could be a college course.
SHOULD be.
Yes!!! I’ve been saying that for years!
I’d be the first to sign up!!
Someone actually wrote a PhD thesis on the chord structure of “Living for the City” and “Golden Lady”
@@tonyfonderson Wow! There could be other thesis on the lyrics of each of those as well.
The fact that he composed this song at age 22 is mind-boggling to me! A true musical genius!!!!
Stevie is the GOAT!!! BEST SINGER, SONGWRITER AND MUSICIAN EVER!!!!
He was good for his time, but GOAT? Nah.
@@AlexRides808 for his time? Do you know how much his music has been sampled and remade??? Don't be a hater it is not becoming of you.....SMH!!!!
@@AlexRides808 There’s Stevie, Phil Collins, Maurice White (Earth, Wind and Fire) And there’s Prince!
Definitely one of the greatest of all time.
@@AlexRides808 naaaaah … please revisit Stevie’s entire BODY of work… I’ll wait and see who tops that. The only other person who could been on the same level, had he not passed away would have been Donny Hathaway
Can we also remember Superstition was on Stevie's 15 Album and he was 22 years old, playing the drums, moog and clav. Only other musicians on the session were the horns
“Heaven is 10 zillion light years away” is a very underrated wonderfully layered Stevie song.
Me and you just became best friends! 😂😂
I feel like NOONE understands how amazing that song is. I’m not even a Christian but I tear up EVERY TIME I hear him sing, “ FEEL IT!! FEEL HIS SPIRIT!”
Thank you!! 🙌🏾
@@iamkamauDET I’ll bring that song up in a conversation once and a great while and no one has heard it.
Fulfillingness First Finale is the overlooked one in stevie's classic album run in the 70s. It's kind of like his Magical Mystery Tour. Innervisions is my favorite but that album has a special place for me because "boogie on reggae woman" was one of the tracks that got me to probe deeper into stevie's catalog beyond the well known hits
@@creightonmoench6894 if you listen to the artist Snoh Aalegra, she has a song (I want you around) where she says “all I want to hear is Innervisions on replay”. I was sold! Lol
One of my favourites ❤
Stevie played the drums on a lot of his recordings, had a unique style and knew exactly what he wanted.
If you listen closely, you can hear the squeak of the bass drum pedal on this track.
When Stevie and Paul McCartney collaborated, Paul did the drum parts. But when Paul came back to the studio the next day he found that Stevie had snuck back to the studio and re-recorded the drum with his own effort. Paul was not amused.
One of the things that's so beautiful about Stevie Wonder is that he uses his vocal style as percussion too, at times. Great effect.
"I'm happy to be here." "I'm happy to be here." "I...sometimes feel things."
big mood
😂
Still holds up 50 years on. Classic
"2 clavs? I could'a sworn there was a 3rd clav!"
Keyboard players watching: "Oh my sweet summer child..."
Its so great how y'all are able to combine both the reaction portion of it, but incorporate some real education to recording and musical composition too. It makes for a really quick 17-minute watch!
I'm glad you like it Zach!
You can hear the influence of Superstition on Sledgehammer by Peter Gabriel, especially the horns and drums. Also, Stevie's chord changes are so advanced.
I always wondered about that..I kept saying, "I know this, but from what song??" Now I know..😅
So some fun little side notes:
1. The bassline is actually a Mini Moog and not an electric bass guitar. In the mix it's hard to tell, but if you listen closely the characteristic portamento of the Moog is noticeable.
2. Lyrics are actually a protest against Richard Nixon. The song was written before the Watergate Scandal, but it was fitting that Stevie's version was released just a few months after the Watergate break-in. Stevie was a vocal critic of Nixon and many songs were aimed at his administration.
3. The song was originally written for Jeff Beck who collaborated with Stevie on previous records. Stevie promised to write him a song, but the song was so good that Stevie decided he had to track a version as well. Interestingly enough, this version has some different lyrics as well. ua-cam.com/video/n0R8Tdr0oB8/v-deo.html
There's a really great podcast that Hit Parade did about Stevie Wonder that has a ton of interesting stories about that period of music history.
Wow, thanks so much, I'm going to listen to the podcast now!
"You Haven't Done Nothing" is the song about Watergate
Superb intel.the fact that the lady only had a cursory comment about the lyrics historical depth shows the lack of attention to the importance of the message. Musicians with no historical political knowledge do my head in. The word “professional” is a misnomer - these guys do fine on the music theory but suck ass on the political lyricism of Stevie’s impact on the American (and world) culture - especially POC consumers of Wonders music. Not hating here but … while I love this show - I’d love it more if they had a musical political ethnomusicologist historian on their team. Rant over. Nothing but love. Thanks for your excellent comment.
The interesting thing about the Jeff Beck connection is that Stevie felt somewhat guilty for sorta stealing the song right out from under the Jeff Beck Group before their album was released; however, Stevie returned the favor in spades by writing what would ultimately become Beck's signature song: "Cause We've Ended as Lovers"
@@joshw9424 That´s interesting!
I can’t believe a series like this exists! Feel like just stumbled upon some golden content! 🤘
Dude these cats are so educational man! I'm learning so much while being entertained! I wish school was like this.
Hey, I just wanted to mention that I appreciate the in-between screens for the sections ("Composition" - "Melody" etc). It makes the show feel more structured and therefore a bit easier to understand the flow. Really been enjoying all the episodes so far!
I agree!
One of my favorite songs of all time. The groove of the whole thing is just gorgeous.
It’s a belter, to be sure!
Wonderful breakdown. Before Prince, there was Stevie. So good it hurts. Would love to hear your thoughts on Living For The City. The subtle chords changing, Stevie doing every voice, etc.
Stevie was trying to get Prince at Motown but Mr. Gordy couldn't go with a then unknown having that much control over his work. Warner Bros. WON OUT. We all did, really.
I'm one of those old metal head types but I totally agree. Stevie Wonder, Prince, it's hard to pick one but definitely the two most musically inclined people who ever lived. Both men are geniuses and there might not be anyone who can stand shoulder to shoulder with them in my lifetime.
Stevie Wonder is far beyond Prince.
The bad thing with this video is that it sets the bar for other reaction videos so high, and that I miss these guys so much.
I'd love to hear y'alls take on Vulfpeck, seeing as they're one of the other funky powerhouses of UA-cam!
Watch this space...
@@DeadWaxShow On that note (ha haaaa) it'd be fun to see you all go through a KNOWER tune too...
That’s a loaded question since Vulf and Scary Pockets blend over into each other. :D
@@DeadWaxShow I'm too busy watching birds
@@DeadWaxShow Disco Ulysses :)
There are a handful of songs i can recall where i was and what i was doing when i first heard them... Stevie's Sir Duke was my first memory. I was a kid swimming at the YMCA and all of a sudden Sir Duke came on the speakers outside and I just froze. He is a genius!
I remember sitting in my car seat in downtown LA traffic (age 4 probably-I was really small) and hearing Isn't She Lovely for the first time.
Sir Duke is My JAM.
But everything he did is GOLD.
Stevie is my all time favorite music artist. His musicianship, his feel, and the vocal variations, runs and ad libs he does of his melodies are one of his greatest gifts second to none. And to think he was creating all these masterpieces in his 20's! He was 22 when Superstition was released. Think about that! WOW!!! 🎹🎤🎼
New favorite channel on UA-cam!!!!
I would really enjoy more Stevie songs!
Awesome job on that one! Thanks!
One of the things that makes Stevie Wonder so amazing is the fact that he was able to do all that he does and he's blind 😎 what an amazing artist
Check out the personnel credits on the Talking Book album. You'll see these people singing on one tune, this guy playing guitar on one track, another guy on guitar on another track, and so on. Quickly you'll notice that several tunes have no personnel credits at all, and most of the parts on the tunes mentioning personnel aren't mentioned, either. Then you'll get to the end and see "all other parts by Stevie Wonder."
Great evaluation of Stevie and this song. He was definitely One of the greatest musicians and composers of the 20th century. Absolutely love him and his music. And this song....oh damn, it is the shit! Rick Beato also broke this song down forensically and really nailed why the nuances and expert musicianship of every aspect of the song that made it amazing
You could just see the soul oozing out of that man. Just like good ole Ray Charles!!
The inconsistencies are what make the music unique and human. Having everything on a grid is not something the Beatles or Led Zeppelin did thats what made then great.
So True. Today’s music is mechanical and lacks soul.
The 'funky clav' was actually first pioneered by Graham Hudson of The Band in "Up On Cripple Creek"
Stevie wrote this for Beck, Bogart, Appice who have a totally different take on it but Stevie put out his version first, and notably played most of the instruments. Stevie is a national treasure
Woah! How fun to see Jack Conte, the OG UA-cam Musician, doing this. I'm looking forward to this channel! :)
Welcome!
@@DeadWaxShow I don't think superstition is Stevie Wonder's greatest song however I can give you some recommendations if you're interested? I know songs the average person doesn't.
Do a Steely Dan. I think you’ll need two episodes for any of their songs 😊
This song is perfection . What a talent. Great breakdown. Learned a lot.
I think it's a Moog doing the bass there but, more importantly, I can't believe nobody said anything about the squeaky kick pedal! Haha. I can't unhear it! Stevie did a great job on the drums. Those fills are so erratic that you're like "where's this going?" but before it gets out of hand, he pulls you right back in with the normal beat. Genius. "Superstition ain't the way."
One of my favorite features of these reactions is how informative they are with how they explain what terms mean and give examples
I loved how y'all related the realities of music production in the '70's to today. I would love to hear you react to more of the big influencers, like Louis Jordan, Bob Wills, Elvis, James Brown, etc. We stand on the shoulders of giants, and hearing how they all contribute to today's music deepens our appreciation for the songs of today and our gratitude to those who came before us.
Love me some LOUIS JORDAN!!! I blast the shit outta “Ain’t Nobody Here But Us Chickens!!”
First off... I LOVE your videos. Please keep doing these! I'm learning sooo much from them. I'm finally taking some time in my life to learn about music (#bucketlist) and I feel like I'm watching a masterclass in music composition. This is gonna sound crazy, but I think I need ALL of you in my life right now.
Is it a crazy idea for you guys to do something... anything... from the Talking Heads? They're one of my favorite bands of all time, and hearing just about any one of their songs immediately takes my back to a specific place and time when I was a kid... I can even smell the air.
Thanks again!
im loving this series, pls keep doing it
I would love a reaction to "The Chain" by Fleetwood Mac. Or maybe some of their other hits. They are really just fantastic musicians! Love the content - keep it up :)
Oh, I am so tempted to say this. I can't resist. The live show of The Chain, on channel Lindsey Buckingham Gems, but only the one with Lindsey wearing a straw hat, has glorious vocals from Stevie and youthful energy from Lindsey that no other version has.
Stop the video as soon as the song ends, so as not to *spoil* the vibe with Lindsey's chatter.
I truly appreciate and enjoy this series. Lots of love from Philly
I'm glad you like it! Philly has such a rich music history we need to dig into some of your music exports!
@@DeadWaxShow I wouldn't mind that one bit
Thanks for recognizing the greatness w Stevie. This was at his very best. I was a young musician trying to make my way in the Detroit music scene. What a time for music 1970’s
313 for life
OGEE 58
Please check out Stevie's song, You Haven't Done Nothing. The perfect analogue for Superstition, with a deeper groove, great clav lead, and a killer bass line. Lyrically, the perfect statement on politicians, it is well worth checking out.
Absolutely! You Haven’t Done Nothing is mind blowing! Let’s se if they know who is singing the background vocals! LOLOL
@@TheTalented10th I know. 😉
HOW IS THIS FREE?! the quality of this show is insane! side note: i would love to hear ur take on any Pink Floyd song, it would be a delight!
yesss
"As" is Stevie Wonder's greatest song. "Superstition" may be his most POPULAR in the "mainstream," if you will. But the die-hard, core fan base know that "As" is it. It's probably the longest hook ever written, too. It'd be great to see the reaction/analysis of that one. It's heavy.
Man, I was looking for this comment! As is definitely his best song.
As is hands down top 5 greatest songs ever written/recorded. It’s crazy
As, I wish and Too High for me are the greatest.
Agreed. As is a masterpiece. Superstition is great but nothing compared to many of Stevie’s artistic creations. It’s merely clickbait to call Superstition his greatest song.
Facts. As is where it's at.
Thanks to UA-cam for suggesting this to me! It’s really great and also I absolutely LOVE Superstition. I grew up in Germany so Stevie was not as popular here as in the states. I heard the song the first time on a CD my mum had and since then I’ve had in my head and it won’t ever leave 😊
Holy mother of God, you go almost 2 minutes into this song and you can't mention the opening drum groove? That is exactly what hooks you when you first hear this song. That is what we played over and over and over again back in the day by lifting the needle and putting it back down again.
Absolutely!!! If it was on Name That Tune, we could name it in one note. LOL If you caught me slipping on the first beat I might say Billie Jean lol
Exactly. How can a professional musician not appreciate this?
That drum groove was originally played by guitarist Jeff Beck. Beck and Stevie were in the studio when Jeff was playing on Stevie's album Talking Book and Jeff began playing that beat on drums while Stevie improvised the riff that Superstition is built on.
In my humble opinion, Stevie is the greatest song writer/ musician performer ever. I grew up w his music. 70's music was the bestest music ever.
I have the 16track multitrack on this song and yes there are 8 clav parts. 3 are different and a couple are totally dry and a couple have intense delay. 2 vocal tracks, 1 Moog bass, 2 tracks of horns, drums stereo and separate kick drum...Glad to share it with you guys
This was the first song that came to mind when I saw the headline. And That Girl.
If you watch Questlove's documentary "Summer of Love," you can see Stevie playing a Clav. He plays so percussive, with such feel, it's going to be different almost every time he plays it. Love this!
I'll check it out!
just found this channel and this is already the third video I'm watching.... it's 2:36 in the morning and I'm watching music nerds do their nerdy thing so I can be nerdy too.... looooove this song! and the bass part you talk about that's doubled by the horns isn't that just the most singable part of the song? because, I mean, who can remember the lyrics!!!
This song is the rockingest, funkiest tune of all time, & the lyrics are genuinely philosophical, but not obnoxiously so. Amazing.
Love love love this channel. Would love you even more if you reacted to some Steely Dan - Peg, Aja and Glamour Profession (dissect how the bassist consistently leaves room on the 1) all come to mind. You guys have fantastic content.
Here’s what people often don’t even realize when we hear all time great songs from all time great artists… their ages at the moments they create masterpieces. Stevie was 22 when this came out!!! And all these years later, good musicians in their own right who are older than him in comparison to when Stevie wrote it, are blown away with his genius! That’s kinda amazing!
Wow. That makes me feel unaccomplished lol.
He's the EIGHTH WONDER of the World.
Great content. Awesome!! My favorite Stevie Wonder song, interesting to hear Professional musicians give their take on it. Thanks
I don’t know if it’s too far out of your guy’s wheelhouse, but I would love to see the professional crowd react to Polyphia (G.O.A.T. Etc.), since they’re pushing a lot of boundaries.
Great suggestion!
These videos are excellent so far, thank you for making this.
As, Knocks Me Off My Feet, All I do, and Rocket Love are all great songs. Stevie's problem is that he had too many great songs to just choose one.
That’s the best problem to have as a musician
Golden lady, Send one your love so many more…
I've been lately obsessed with the v minor chord. It would be amazing to have an episode with songs that use it tastefully.
Thanks for sharing all your knowledge guys!
I'd love love love a video about Nile Rodgers. His music with CHIC as well as his productions. ❤️
"The song is a party." That one line sums it up perfectly to me.
You guys analysing Jacob Collier would be intense, but also kind of amazing and awesome in every way possible
yessss
Stick to music a lot of people want to learn about. Your average music fan is only pretending they enjoy Jacob Collier haha. The great art of Stevie, EW&F, Steely Dan, Sting, Bill Withers… they snuck jazz into pop and wrote songs that reached everyone. No ones listening to Collier at a wedding. If you like JC, you probably already have an irritating need to ‘analyse’ the harmony. Let these guys discuss songs that won’t alienate casual music fans and audiences.
@@BassManDan1018 I see where you’re coming from but I believe Colliers music can be enjoyed by anyone, as I myself for one isn’t a person with a lot of music theory knowledge!
I love this damn channel. Side note the baseline on this song is one of my favorite bass lines it's funky as hell and it kind of offsets the clavicle and the perfect way
I think you mean clavinet :D
The best version of this song is when he performed it on Sesame Street back in the day! 👍🏻
That was an insane performance.
Just discovered this channel and it's wonderful. Love the terminology inserts and curious to see if every video ends up rediscovering "feel" - the heartbeat that's missing in so much of our auto-generated contemporary music.
Alright I REALLY want to hear you guys listen to Queen’s early music, the lesser known music from their first few albums. And maybe compare it to their later albums. Please!!
Anyways love your videos so far!
fuck no
@@georgefantano4396 why?
What songs?
@@DeadWaxShow
So here's the shortest list I could come up with of their lesser known songs:
Nevermore
Brighton Rock
Stone Cold Crazy
Bring Back That Leroy Brown
You Take My Breath Away
The Millionaire Waltz
My Melancholy Blues
They're all VERY different songs, just goes to show the immense talent they had in almost any style of music.
And I know I said lesser known stuff but there's always Somebody to Love, Anotherone Bites the Dust, Bohemian Rhaps... okok I'll stop now sorry
lol. another brilliant episode. i luv this channel. thaaank you for making it.
On this same token, reacting to Bill Withers would be so interesting. There's so much to break down from that guy. He made his own genre. R.I.P
Love that you guys explain the technical terms that you are using for non-specialist like me out there. Thank you!
The lyrics are written from a spiritual person who cautions on the reliance on unfounded beliefs.You can dance and enjoy a song that has a message.All my top Artist always have interesting lyrics.
jeez guys! I listened to a bunch of your songs, then this ''inner ad'' came out, I jumped here to give a listen. The quality is insane, really good informations and entertaining also, I could listen for hours.
Awesome! Thank you!
One of the best songs in the world!
Thanks professional musicians!
Songs in key of life album is a gift for the entire human kind
I did my own cover of this for my 3rd year uni project. Goal was to try and get as close to the origional as possible.
I spent an entire year of it and wasn't even close. Managed to get the clavs pretty close, but everything else was a long way off.
Hey, I really love this... Keep doing please. Wating also for the vulf and Luis Cole
Ps: Big thank you
Again I just fugging loooove that you guys break down music jargon for us mere plebians. Can you guys maybe break down The Red Hot Chili Peppers? They're coming out with a new album probably somewhere in the next few months. I'm a big fan and would love to hear your thoughts.
Random suggestion: would love to see you guys cover Talk Talk. Such a great band.
Love these episodes and can’t wait for more!! I could hear you guys discuss musics genius in just about everything!
Talk Talk - as in the Music Machine?
I'd love for you to check out Sting's Live in Berlin Album. To me his work with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra is on another level and you will have so much fun listening to each individual voice and their nuances!
This is one of my favorite YT channels. Keep up the great work! I would love to see some Jason Isbell.
Great choice guys ! This tune is iconic ! Let’s “breakdown” some more.
OMG Great song, great episode. I love this series so much. Was wondering if you could break down "The Weight" by The Band. Its such an Iconic song, and I would love to hear from a musician's perspective as to why and what makes it that great.
Especially theLast Waltz version with the Staple Singers. Perfection.
If you listen to the versions played live on various TV programs during the period the arrangements are very different depending on the musicians. The sesame street version found on UA-cam is amazing.
Guys, I LOVE your work! I'm your biggest fan. Thanks for releasing this new section Professional musicians react
(also, can you put more 'gate' to the Channel change tv static xD)
I’m surprised you didn’t mention that there isn’t any bass guitar in this either- it’s Stevie on Moog bass.
what a pleasure you are. Same mindset that made the internet roll!
The lyrics in this song are sooo important and tell such and amazing story. I think you missed the mark on that part
This series is so good!
Would love to see a Sufjan track on this show. Something from Age of Adz especially!
I think I love this song even more now. Thanks!
I'd love to watch you guys have a field day talking about Jacob Collier!
There it is. Especially Moon River and In My Room.
Stick to music a lot of people want to learn about. Your average music fan is only pretending they enjoy Jacob Collier haha. The great art of Stevie, EW&F, Steely Dan, Sting, Bill Withers… they snuck jazz into pop and wrote songs that reached everyone. No ones listening to Collier at a wedding.. Let these guys discuss songs that won’t alienate casual music fans and audiences.
This is the best kind of a "reacting to smth" video! Super cool!
16:51 Whaaaaaat? I need to hear these guys talking about this track for at least another hour.
Thank you for the explanations!
Ryan talking about time and grid is the reason you started this show.
💯Awesome! Thank You. Had to Subscribe immediately
Welcome aboard!
The lyrics to this track are BRILLIANT!!! He addresses every wife’s tale prevalent at that time. Poetically while mocking them at the same time.
If you wanna listen to Stevie's music for the lyrics, he's a poet in disguise in most of his work. This is a surprising exception. But "Evil", "Lately", "Overjoyed", "Living For The City", "As", "Summer Soft", "Joy Inside My Tears", "Golden Lady", "Visions", "You've Got It Bad Girl". I mean, "If It's Magic" is literally a sung poem with a harp and nothing else, and it's beautiful. And trust me, the list goes ON. He's truly a master.