Yes, a British friend sent me this CD back in the 90s, and I listed the heck out of it. It had both versions, the first song and the last song. So much fun!!
Bradford's finest!!! They had a string of UK hits in the 70s - "Oh Carol", "It's Your Life", "I'll Meet You At Midnight", "If You Think You Know How To Love Me", "Don't Play Your Rock And Roll To Me" & "For A Few Dollars More" are among many.
About 20 years ago I was on holiday in Majorca and this was playing outside at the hotel across the road . At the appointed part of the song just about every Brit at nearby hotels seemed to be on their balconies shouting out the lyrics made famous by Chubby Brown . From what I remember Smokey actually recorded his version with him . Great sports and it probably didnt do their royalties any harm !
Hi, Alice here. I was in my late teens living in Northern Ireland when this song came out. I did not know anyone else by the name.i will always be remembered when this song is played.😅
@@eddiemitts1884 Roy "Chubby" Brown is a comedian from Northern England famed for his crudity and foul language. Him and Smokie re-released the song with Brown asking "Alice? Who the f*ck is Alice??" in a very confused way during the chorus. Boozed up Brits *will* sing that bit, it's become a tradition! It's also got a bit of a mini revival now mocking a certain religious group some think are getting a bit over-mighty.
I didn't realize none other this after all these yrs.im 62 and find out so much more about an artist than I did or paid attention to.Thats why I love this channel with Jay and Amber.They make you feel like we just sitting around the living room together just enjoying music!
You've just re-entered the world of one of the greatest pop producers of the 70s. Mike Chapman produced Smokie, The Sweet, Rachel, and many others. Along with his writing partner Nicky Chin. They created a huge catalog of hits. Mike went on to produce many American acts as well, including The Knack, Pat Benetar and Blondie. Very worthy of a spot in the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. Glad you loved it.
Chris Norman was the vocalist from 1964-1986. There are actually no original members left in Smokie today. Terry Utley bass was the last original member. He died in 2021 RIP
Can you imagine 36 years? I left my high school crush over 30 years ago we met when we were 15 we're both 61 now we're getting married in a couple of weeks. Had a crush on her all through high school just couldn't tell her. Ran into her 5 years ago told her how I felt and we're getting married ❤️😎
This is actually the second version of this song, written by Mike Chapman & Nicky Chinn. The first one, also a hit in the UK & Australia, was by The New World Trio who were originally from Brisbane, Australia.
I remember Chris Norman singing "Stumblin' in" with Suzi Quatro back in the 70s. He had that raspy voice that Rod Stewart and Chris Rea had. It was a popular sound.
I had long missed hearing this beautiful song. It reminds me of when I was 17 years old and listening to it. Thanks guys for bringing it to your channel.
Many years ago I was walking through an IKEA store in Murcia, Spain when this song was played over the music system. Immediately you could see which customers were English speakers, because they were paying special attention to see what version of this song was being played. The outburst of laughter tells you that it was THAT version that included the line “ Alice, Alice who the F**k is Alice”. Classic moment 😂😂😂
This is one of my all time favorites, I remember as a boy we would drive to Vermont and we'd get a Polka station eventually and my first experience with this was a Polka cover. Such a fantastic song no matter the version.
I used to follow these guys back in the late 60s, early 70s in my home town Bradford in the UK? As the Elizabethans, they were regulars in a lot of the local working men's clubs, with a huge following. Later, they changed their name to Kindness and, as they say, the rest is history. Big thank you to you guys for reviewing and your sincere comments.
Ahh the memories, i remember sitting on a balcony in spain listening to the British tourists in the pub below singing this with all the gusto of a football crowd.with the added words of course, made me shed a tear how we unselfishly share our culture with the world. 😢
I live in Germany and grew up in the 1970s. British pop music was at the top of its game at the time and Smokie was one of my favorite bands. Chris Norman has a wonderful voice.
when i worked at a hotel/bat years ago this song popped on kareoke quite often with the audience chiming in with "alice.... alice who the F is alice!" LOL
Smokie were huge in many parts of Europe during the 70's. I grew up with their music, and discovered so much more of it retrospectively, as I WAS young and then found so many ways to branch out at the time. I should point out that Smokie were first of all a group initially playing the songs of Chinn & Chapman, just like Sweet and Suzi Quatro. None of those could stay within that mold, so later efforts were both good and bad, I guess.
Great memories,used to travel the country watching football away games and smokie,Rod Stewart, surprisingly Hermans Hermits were always on our slightly older drivers play list.
This song was originally recorded by the band "New World" in 1972. It was written by the hit making team of Mike Chapman & Nicky Chinn - who wrote songs for The Sweet & Suzi Quatro amongst others.
Smokie unexpectedly found that their biggest fan base was in China (of all places). They later went on to record songs in Mandarin and tour spend time there.
One of the most important Glam bands from the early 70s together with Suzie Quatro, Sweet, Bowie, and T-Rex. They had many hits especially in the UK and Germany in the 70s.
Two years after Smokie's "Living Next Door To Alice", lead singer Chris Norman teamed up with Suzi Quattro (who played Pinky Tuscadero's sister Leather in the TV show "Happy Days"), for the hit "Stumblin' In".
I love this song,I don't really remember it when it came out but I came across it one day couple years ago n I lesson to it all the time, when I think of a good song I always look n and see if you reacted to it so glad you reacted to it love you guys 😁😁
Very very Popular British Group from the 70‘ in Germany too. Chris Norman has in the 80‘ a Number 1 Song in Germany with „Midnight Lady“, written by Dieter Bohlen from „Modern Talking (you’re my Heart you’re my Soul etc.).
Anyway Jay and Amber, you're blessed to get to know the song in its original undamaged version... und to fully grab the heartbreak story right away. I love this reaction 🙂 In 1976 I was 11 and I liked the song, big hit on radio and TV, but I was too young to fully understand the story since English is not my native language.
Aussie here, listening to Smokie takes me back to my teenage years, I grew up with their music, in later years I have had the privilege of seeing them perform live 4 times.
Been to see them live a few times, small venue here in Ireland back in the 80s, we always called out the response, the guys took it in the good fun it was meant.
The lead singer is Chris Norman. Suzi Quattro and Chris Norman had a single together in '78 called Stumblin In that went gold. The only hit in the US for Michigan born Suzi. She was most famous for playing Leather Tuscadaro on Happy Days; however, her musical career is astronomically high in Europe, she's not well known in the US 🇺🇸
@Shellgrit In 1999, This Is Your Life featured Suzi. The interesting statistic they claimed was that she had out sold the BEATLES in album sales there in Australia. Here in the US, where she's from, she is only known as Leather Tuscadaro and the one single that went Gold, Stumblin In.
@rodl.miller3353 Thats a shame she didn't take off too much in the US. She's still touring and she's back in Australia in January next year. She still sounds pretty good too
YESSS. Finally. It took you a long while to get around to Smokie. Legendary band and music.The story in the song is relatable to Meat Loaf singing "I'l do anything for love (but I won't do that). Ohh, sorry. That's not the title I'm thinking of. The title is "Two out of three ain't bad" - That has the same kind of story.
They've already done Smokie before. They did "Don't play you're rock n roll to me" and also Chris Norman with Suzi Quatro "Stumblin' In". They obviously don't remember doing these songs
The band has gone through several line up changes over the years. On their Take a Minute album in 2010 they recorded ‘Sally’s song’ A follow up to Alice. Changing all the time is another fantastic song from the early days.
Jay and Amber, this is actually your second reaction to Smokie. You've reacted to "Don't play your rock and roll to me". And also to the lead singer Chris Norman duetting with Suzie Quatro on '"Stumblin' in". This one is by far my favourite Smokie song though.
So glad you are listening to this song it was a great hit, played quite a lot. I am glad I was a teenager in the 70's the music was superb, so much variety, beautiful harmonies and music, they had great song writing ability, something that is missing in a lot of today's music. I think if the song is not up to scratch it will not be successful.
Guys, guys guys, these were my favourite group when I was a kid, I just loved them, people used to take the p!$$ out of the song and used to sign "who the puck is Alice"!!!! Great songs and a great band, they had many other great songs too. Thanks guys and love from Ireland xx
Written by Mike Chapman and Nickie Chin, who produced bands like Racey, early Suzi Quatro and The Sweet, this song is amazing. You should check out their version of Needles And Pins. Ive seen Smokie twice, shouldnt have bothered, because they sounded 100% like their records!! Very talented!
Great Band - saw them live once back in the day. Song is a cover with the original done by a band called New World Trio. Lead Singer Chris Norman did a couple of duets with Suzi Quatro. Fun fact - Smokie was originally spelled Smokey. There is a set of audience participation lyrics to this song.
Smokie had lots of hits in the UK most written by songwriters Nicky Chinn and And American Mike Chapman (they wrote most of the hits for Sweet, Suzi Quatro and Mike produced Blondie's biggest hits) Check out Don't play you're Rock N' Roll to me, Oh Carol, I'll Meet You at Midnight, Lay back in the Arms of Someone and Mexican Girl - All melodic great songs.
There are many theories of who started the crowd response of "Alice? who the f**k is Alice?" , but I know that this was happening when pub bands were playing the song in Ireland and I saw an interview with Smokie band members who said that the first time they'd personally heard the response was when they were touring Ireland.
A couple met at. a A&W root beer stand in 1938. They were married for almost 73 years. Then Lorraine died in 2013, Fred died 3 years later. Before he died he heard about a singer/songwriter contest. Green Shoe studio received a letter from 96 year old Fred. He said, I’ve written a song for my wife. He wrote it a month after she died. The song was Oh Sweet Lorraine. Green Shoe Studio asked Fred if they could record the song professionally. He said how much would it cost me, they replied, it won’t cost you anything. You can search for the song online. I wish someone would record it again, but make it longer with an instrumental break at least somewhere in the middle. Maybe even record it with an orchestra and backup singers.
Oh man, The version featuring the legendary british comic Roy 'Chubby' Brown is what everyone thinks of when this plays. He also released a B Side where he re wrote all the lyrics and its a his friend 'Burt' 😂😂😂😂 Thanks for the memories
Thank you for reacting to Smokie and their Living Next Door To Alice. This brings me back to the 1970s when this amazing group had hit after hit in the UK and other countries. They were unusual for that time in that they featured acoustic guitars and a blend of light rock and country. The lead singer Chris Norman had duet success in 1978 with Suzi Quatro singing "Stumblin' In", which became a big hit in the United States and Europe.
I am shocked you have never heard of them as I am only 57 yet I know them. They even did a comedy version of this same song with Roy Chubby Brown, a blue comic! Worth checking out too as it is funny! ❤️🔥❤️🔥
I am shocked you have never heard of them as I am only 57 yet I know them. They even did a comedy version of this same song with Roy Chubby Brown, a blue comic! Worth checking out too as it is funny! ❤️🔥❤️🔥
Smokie had a raft of hits in the 1970s and very early 1980s. They were one of the bands that Chinn and Chapman produced and (sometimes wrote for) along with other artists like Blondie and Suzi Quatro - they made a LOT of hit music. Smokie's hits included this one, their version of "Needles and Pins", "Oh Carol" (a different song to Neil Sedaka's), "If you Think You Know How to love Me", "Lay Back in the Arms of Someone", "I'll Meet you at Midnight" and others.
I love Chris Norman's voice - saw Smokie years ago and they were so good - perfect harmonies. Still love them. The singer who replaced Chris when he left was Alan Barton. Alan died as a result of injuries sustained in a tour bus accident. He also had a fantastic voice and sounded perfect with the band.
A great 70's band that deserves a look, is Darts (or The Darts, for USA listeners) Great musicians, fantastic vocalists, incredible harmonies, & a nutty Bass-man, who ruled the stage!! Oh, & for Amber, there's Bob Fish, one of the best falsetto singers you're gonna ever hear!! Play literally anything by Darts, they were ALL killer/no filler!! 🤣
One of THE quintessential pop songs of the 1970s. You can tell it's a classic by all the mocking versions there have been - only classic songs get that (take a listen to the Barron Knights version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" for example!). The most amazing thing about the record is that it never quite made it into the US top 20 - where you would think that - in the late 1970s - it would have been meat and drink to FM pop radio stations - but no, it peaked at 25. Nonetheless in almost all other major music markets around the world it was a top 3 hit and made the top spot in no fewer than 8 geographies.
This was their only American chart record, and it didn't even hit the top 20. Big in Europe. Check out "Lay Back in the Arms of Someone"..."For a Few Dollars More"..."Mexican Girl"...and "I'll meet you at Midnight". Lead singer Chris Norman's biggest hit in the U.S. was the 1978 duet with Susie Quatro "Stumblin' In"...
At one point in the 1970ies that song has been played so often by German radio stations that it started to come crawling out of my ears. For some time it was played possibly more often than ABBA. So, in some way, the naughtier version - must have been in the 1990ies - was a kind of relief and coming to terms with the overdose of listening to that song - or rather being forced to listen to that song. Time to learn some German: if kitsch gets cast into music it's called "Schnulze" (shnool-tse) in German - and that song was at least dangerously close to that. However, now after many years, it's become quite bearable again - for me at least.
It's so strange to hear this song without the response "Alice? Who the f*** is Alice?"
A pub classic! 👍
i forgot there was a version without,, who the f*uck is alice
Roy Chubby Brown has a lot to answer for. 😂
Yes, a British friend sent me this CD back in the 90s, and I listed the heck out of it. It had both versions, the first song and the last song. So much fun!!
Even if I have known this songs since my childhood, I have to sing this missing line always watching this now :D
Alice?! Who the fluck is Alice?! 😂
I cannot listen to this version of the song without that ringing through my head, LOL.
😅
You beat me to it!! IYKYK.
Living next doot to Alice
Alice?
Who the f is Alice?
This is the only version that I recognize!! 🥰
Classic bar song 🎵
Bradford's finest!!! They had a string of UK hits in the 70s - "Oh Carol", "It's Your Life", "I'll Meet You At Midnight", "If You Think You Know How To Love Me", "Don't Play Your Rock And Roll To Me" & "For A Few Dollars More" are among many.
A great bar/festival song with the crowd shouting "Who the f*** is Alice" each time they end on "Alice" 🥰
About 20 years ago I was on holiday in Majorca and this was playing outside at the hotel across the road . At the appointed part of the song just about every Brit at nearby hotels seemed to be on their balconies shouting out the lyrics made famous by Chubby Brown . From what I remember Smokey actually recorded his version with him . Great sports and it probably didnt do their royalties any harm !
Only after the remix came out! 😂
heard it the first time in holland in a bar :)
Hi, Alice here. I was in my late teens living in Northern Ireland when this song came out. I did not know anyone else by the name.i will always be remembered when this song is played.😅
You broke my heart when you left in that limousine!! Just joking!. Greetings from Dublin.💚
@@davemarten280 ha ha😂
There’s also a song called Alice by Mott The Hoople. Check it out if unfamiliar with it.
@@jamesdamiano8894 l will definitely listen
@Tom-6502 wish I did 🙂
My sister who passed away last year absolutely loved smokie...Chris's voice is so amazing...
sincere condolences 🙏🙏🙏
my sincere condolences & extends to all fam & loved ones 🙏🙏🙏
@ollier67 ahh thank you so much that's so kind of you...🙏💜
bitter sweet memory for you but cool that you can listen and remember her
@tewaewae absolutely you are 100% right..fabulous memories from music because she loved it so much...thank you for your kind words 🙏
Come on all my fellow Brits, admit it, you're sat there swearing along at this aren't you? I don't even have to ask the Aussies 😂😂😂
haha yeah, sadly i rmemenr
😂😂 automatically sang them words 😊❤️🇬🇧🇬🇧
all the germans as well
All the Australians are singing "Living Next Door To Alan" as well
Canadian here, and I will never not sing back "Alice! Who The Fuck Is Alice!?!" 🤣🤘
‘Lay back in the arms of someone’ and ‘I’ll meet you at midnight’ were 2 great singles by them. They’d had so many hits.
Never put this on when there are any Brits about. Especially if they've had alcohol. Blame Roy "Chubby" Brown..
Why can't we play this song around Brits? Please tell us the story and who is Roy Chubby Brown?
@@eddiemitts1884 Roy "Chubby" Brown is a comedian from Northern England famed for his crudity and foul language. Him and Smokie re-released the song with Brown asking "Alice? Who the f*ck is Alice??" in a very confused way during the chorus. Boozed up Brits *will* sing that bit, it's become a tradition!
It's also got a bit of a mini revival now mocking a certain religious group some think are getting a bit over-mighty.
@@Sir_Gerald_Nosehairs. Thank You so much for that. I'm going to look it up. I'm American but I enjoy learning from other Cultures also.
Don't forget us Aussies!! We LOVED this song at the pub in the 90s! Gotta have a sense of humor!😂
Even without alcohol, we sing the other version 😂
You've done Smokie before guys. You've also done Chris Norman and Suzi Quatro with "Stumblin In". Chris Norman is the lead singer of Smokie
Yeah! One of my favorites.
Yup. 10 months ago.
I didn't realize none other this after all these yrs.im 62 and find out so much more about an artist than I did or paid attention to.Thats why I love this channel with Jay and Amber.They make you feel like we just sitting around the living room together just enjoying music!
RIGHT ON we can Dig it.
That is correct, 1976.
Seventies rule!
You've just re-entered the world of one of the greatest pop producers of the 70s. Mike Chapman produced Smokie, The Sweet, Rachel, and many others. Along with his writing partner Nicky Chin. They created a huge catalog of hits. Mike went on to produce many American acts as well, including The Knack, Pat Benetar and Blondie. Very worthy of a spot in the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame. Glad you loved it.
Love Smokie's 'I'll Meet You at Midnight.'
Seriously, I forgot about that absolute banger thank you for reminder 🥰
Chris Norman was the vocalist from 1964-1986. There are actually no original members left in Smokie today. Terry Utley bass was the last original member. He died in 2021 RIP
Can you imagine 36 years? I left my high school crush over 30 years ago we met when we were 15 we're both 61 now we're getting married in a couple of weeks. Had a crush on her all through high school just couldn't tell her. Ran into her 5 years ago told her how I felt and we're getting married ❤️😎
Awwww...so happy for you both! See....its never too late. Have a wonderful life ❤️ ❤️
congratulations to you both
Don't rush into it.
@@ianhinson2829 hahahaha, love it
@@ianhinson2829 🤣🤣🤣
This is actually the second version of this song, written by Mike Chapman & Nicky Chinn. The first one, also a hit in the UK & Australia, was by The New World Trio who were originally from Brisbane, Australia.
Heeey! It's me Les mcQueen!
I remember Chris Norman singing "Stumblin' in" with Suzi Quatro back in the 70s. He had that raspy voice that Rod Stewart and Chris Rea had. It was a popular sound.
Yes! I loved that song! High school..oh the days…
One of my favourite songs.
I grew up listening to Smokie. Got me through a few girlfriends as a kid! Try “Needles and pins” next!!!!!! It’s a fantastic song!
You should give these 2 Smokie songs a try - Lay Back In The Arms of Someone, and If You Think You Know How to Love Me
For a few dollars more
"Mexican Girl" is one of my favourites
I had long missed hearing this beautiful song. It reminds me of when I was 17 years old and listening to it. Thanks guys for bringing it to your channel.
Not only is the singer great but the band is top notch too......awesome group. Great singing and harmonies. Real nice guitar etcetera
Smokie, my favourite group in the seventies. Another great song of theirs was "I'll meet you at midnight".
Many years ago I was walking through an IKEA store in Murcia, Spain when this song was played over the music system. Immediately you could see which customers were English speakers, because they were paying special attention to see what version of this song was being played. The outburst of laughter tells you that it was THAT version that included the line “ Alice, Alice who the F**k is Alice”. Classic moment 😂😂😂
This is one of my all time favorites, I remember as a boy we would drive to Vermont and we'd get a Polka station eventually and my first experience with this was a Polka cover. Such a fantastic song no matter the version.
I used to follow these guys back in the late 60s, early 70s in my home town Bradford in the UK? As the Elizabethans, they were regulars in a lot of the local working men's clubs, with a huge following. Later, they changed their name to Kindness and, as they say, the rest is history. Big thank you to you guys for reviewing and your sincere comments.
Smokie were huge in the UK during the 70s. So many songs, I'll meet you at midnight is another good one.
Ahh the memories, i remember sitting on a balcony in spain listening to the British tourists in the pub below singing this with all the gusto of a football crowd.with the added words of course, made me shed a tear how we unselfishly share our culture with the world. 😢
YES!!! Smokie - great band
NEEDLES & PINS is my favourite song of Smokie ❤❤
Yes ! I forgot about that one .
In punk covers sounds good
You got that right
I live in Germany and grew up in the 1970s. British pop music was at the top of its game at the time and Smokie was one of my favorite bands. Chris Norman has a wonderful voice.
when i worked at a hotel/bat years ago this song popped on kareoke quite often with the audience chiming in with "alice.... alice who the F is alice!" LOL
Smokie were huge in many parts of Europe during the 70's. I grew up with their music, and discovered so much more of it retrospectively, as I WAS young and then found so many ways to branch out at the time. I should point out that Smokie were first of all a group initially playing the songs of Chinn & Chapman, just like Sweet and Suzi Quatro. None of those could stay within that mold, so later efforts were both good and bad, I guess.
Great memories,used to travel the country watching football away games and smokie,Rod Stewart, surprisingly Hermans Hermits were always on our slightly older drivers play list.
Check out their songs "I'll meet you at midnight", "If you think you know how to love me", "Maxican Girl", "Oh Carol".
I've watched this video three times this week. ❤️
Reminds me of the spoof version where after the singer says Alice, the rest say: "Who the F is Alice?'. lol
Yes another great song from my youth.
I love this song, it takes me back to my childhood, when I first heard it and it was huge hear in Australia, as were Smokie.
This song was originally recorded by the band "New World" in 1972. It was written by the hit making team of Mike Chapman & Nicky Chinn - who wrote songs for The Sweet & Suzi Quatro amongst others.
Smokie unexpectedly found that their biggest fan base was in China (of all places). They later went on to record songs in Mandarin and tour spend time there.
And the whole Pub sings " Alice Alice? Who the f*** is Alice?" 🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪🤪
And don’t forget “Gypsy queen” or Don’t play your rock and roll to me”, and I’ll meet you at midnight” love Smokie
My first crush was (and is till now) Barry Gibb and close behind was Chris Norman from Smokie. Loved his voice and his smile while singing!
Great Tune! I remember when it came out...Thank You!
I love this song! I’ve had it on my playlist for several years! ❤️✌🏻🎶
One of the most important Glam bands from the early 70s together with Suzie Quatro, Sweet, Bowie, and T-Rex. They had many hits especially in the UK and Germany in the 70s.
Absolutely, the 70's is the best music of all time.
JUST WATCHED YOUR REACTION TO SMOKIE "LIVING NEXT DOOR TO ALICE" LOVED IT AND LOVE THE SONG.
Oh god Alice. There was so much fun made of this. You really ought to do the parody:)
Two years after Smokie's "Living Next Door To Alice", lead singer Chris Norman teamed up with Suzi Quattro (who played Pinky Tuscadero's sister Leather in the TV show "Happy Days"), for the hit "Stumblin' In".
I love this song,I don't really remember it when it came out but I came across it one day couple years ago n I lesson to it all the time, when I think of a good song I always look n and see if you reacted to it so glad you reacted to it love you guys 😁😁
Alice moved went to Phoenix. Last I heard she was working at Mel's Diner.
Chris Norman is my favorite singer, has great songs with Smoke but went solo in 1986 and is still singin!!!
This is one infectious tongue in cheek tune from the magical 70s..
A pub quiz favourite here in the UK is to name the other girl in the song “Alice”… And everyone forgets about Sally.
Very very Popular British Group from the 70‘ in Germany too. Chris Norman has in the 80‘ a Number 1 Song in Germany with „Midnight Lady“, written by Dieter Bohlen from „Modern Talking (you’re my Heart you’re my Soul etc.).
Anyway Jay and Amber, you're blessed to get to know the song in its original undamaged version... und to fully grab the heartbreak story right away. I love this reaction 🙂
In 1976 I was 11 and I liked the song, big hit on radio and TV, but I was too young to fully understand the story since English is not my native language.
Aussie here, listening to Smokie takes me back to my teenage years, I grew up with their music, in later years I have had the privilege of seeing them perform live 4 times.
first time hearing this it was so good thanks
It was a HUGE hit in South Africa - number 1 for 2 months in the 1970's. A "lang-arm" dance favourite + a perfect drinking song!
Oh my my who else is listening to smokie what a brilliant song way back from the 70s a legend what amazing lyrics so romantic 🇬🇧❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Been to see them live a few times, small venue here in Ireland back in the 80s, we always called out the response, the guys took it in the good fun it was meant.
I cant believe someone reacted to thos song! I have loved yhis since i was 6 yrs old (1976) when this version came out.
Needles of Pins, so good.
The lead singer is Chris Norman. Suzi Quattro and Chris Norman had a single together in '78 called Stumblin In that went gold. The only hit in the US for Michigan born Suzi. She was most famous for playing Leather Tuscadaro on Happy Days; however, her musical career is astronomically high in Europe, she's not well known in the US 🇺🇸
She was very popular here in Australia too
@Shellgrit In 1999, This Is Your Life featured Suzi. The interesting statistic they claimed was that she had out sold the BEATLES in album sales there in Australia.
Here in the US, where she's from, she is only known as Leather Tuscadaro and the one single that went Gold, Stumblin In.
@rodl.miller3353 Thats a shame she didn't take off too much in the US. She's still touring and she's back in Australia in January next year. She still sounds pretty good too
I remember this. A big nr1 hit (3 weeks) here in The Netherlands.
YESSS. Finally. It took you a long while to get around to Smokie. Legendary band and music.The story in the song is relatable to Meat Loaf singing "I'l do anything for love (but I won't do that). Ohh, sorry. That's not the title I'm thinking of. The title is "Two out of three ain't bad" - That has the same kind of story.
They've already done Smokie before. They did "Don't play you're rock n roll to me" and also Chris Norman with Suzi Quatro "Stumblin' In". They obviously don't remember doing these songs
York-SHIRE? Trust me, it's York-sha 😁 xxx
1995 in Marmaris, Turkey. Every bar played it every other record. Takes me back.
The band has gone through several line up changes over the years. On their Take a Minute album in 2010 they recorded ‘Sally’s song’ A follow up to Alice.
Changing all the time is another fantastic song from the early days.
I can relate to this song..
These guys were huge in Germany (East and West) and surrounding countries. I know, because I was their personal roadie at the time.
Jay and Amber, this is actually your second reaction to Smokie. You've reacted to "Don't play your rock and roll to me". And also to the lead singer Chris Norman duetting with Suzie Quatro on '"Stumblin' in". This one is by far my favourite Smokie song though.
So glad you are listening to this song it was a great hit, played quite a lot. I am glad I was a teenager in the 70's the music was superb, so much variety, beautiful harmonies and music, they had great song writing ability, something that is missing in a lot of today's music. I think if the song is not up to scratch it will not be successful.
Guys, guys guys, these were my favourite group when I was a kid, I just loved them, people used to take the p!$$ out of the song and used to sign "who the puck is Alice"!!!! Great songs and a great band, they had many other great songs too. Thanks guys and love from Ireland xx
Almost everyone miss what "Sally" said in the song. She has been waiting for HIM in 24 years too!
A couple of years ago you guys heard this lead singer and Suzi Q's duet "Stumblin In".
Written by Mike Chapman and Nickie Chin, who produced bands like Racey, early Suzi Quatro and The Sweet, this song is amazing. You should check out their version of Needles And Pins.
Ive seen Smokie twice, shouldnt have bothered, because they sounded 100% like their records!! Very talented!
Great Band - saw them live once back in the day. Song is a cover with the original done by a band called New World Trio. Lead Singer Chris Norman did a couple of duets with Suzi Quatro. Fun fact - Smokie was originally spelled Smokey. There is a set of audience participation lyrics to this song.
Their needle and pins I love too, and lay back in the arms of someone
Smokie had lots of hits in the UK most written by songwriters Nicky Chinn and And American Mike Chapman (they wrote most of the hits for Sweet, Suzi Quatro and Mike produced Blondie's biggest hits) Check out Don't play you're Rock N' Roll to me, Oh Carol, I'll Meet You at Midnight, Lay back in the Arms of Someone and Mexican Girl - All melodic great songs.
There are many theories of who started the crowd response of "Alice? who the f**k is Alice?" , but I know that this was happening when pub bands were playing the song in Ireland and I saw an interview with Smokie band members who said that the first time they'd personally heard the response was when they were touring Ireland.
Smokie were huge in England and Australia....
Wild wild Angels is my favourite...
A couple met at. a A&W root beer stand in 1938. They were married for almost 73 years. Then Lorraine died in 2013, Fred died 3 years later. Before he died he heard about a singer/songwriter contest. Green Shoe studio received a letter from 96 year old Fred. He said, I’ve written a song for my wife. He wrote it a month after she died. The song was Oh Sweet Lorraine. Green Shoe Studio asked Fred if they could record the song professionally. He said how much would it cost me, they replied, it won’t cost you anything. You can search for the song online. I wish someone would record it again, but make it longer with an instrumental break at least somewhere in the middle. Maybe even record it with an orchestra and backup singers.
Oh man, The version featuring the legendary british comic Roy 'Chubby' Brown is what everyone thinks of when this plays.
He also released a B Side where he re wrote all the lyrics and its a his friend 'Burt' 😂😂😂😂
Thanks for the memories
Thank you for reacting to Smokie and their Living Next Door To Alice. This brings me back to the 1970s when this amazing group had hit after hit in the UK and other countries. They were unusual for that time in that they featured acoustic guitars and a blend of light rock and country.
The lead singer Chris Norman had duet success in 1978 with Suzi Quatro singing "Stumblin' In", which became a big hit in the United States and Europe.
And still playing 💕
After 73 years and groups from the Beatles, Stones, Beach boys even the Greatful Dead, you stump me! I never heard of Smokie and I wander why!$$$!
I am shocked you have never heard of them as I am only 57 yet I know them. They even did a comedy version of this same song with Roy Chubby Brown, a blue comic! Worth checking out too as it is funny! ❤️🔥❤️🔥
I am shocked you have never heard of them as I am only 57 yet I know them. They even did a comedy version of this same song with Roy Chubby Brown, a blue comic! Worth checking out too as it is funny! ❤️🔥❤️🔥
Smokie had a raft of hits in the 1970s and very early 1980s. They were one of the bands that Chinn and Chapman produced and (sometimes wrote for) along with other artists like Blondie and Suzi Quatro - they made a LOT of hit music. Smokie's hits included this one, their version of "Needles and Pins", "Oh Carol" (a different song to Neil Sedaka's), "If you Think You Know How to love Me", "Lay Back in the Arms of Someone", "I'll Meet you at Midnight" and others.
They were huge internationally, just not in the US.
@@isebmazo2140 Not in the US - they barely made a ripple in the US - but they were big in most other places.
Love this song
I love Chris Norman's voice - saw Smokie years ago and they were so good - perfect harmonies. Still love them. The singer who replaced Chris when he left was Alan Barton. Alan died as a result of injuries sustained in a tour bus accident. He also had a fantastic voice and sounded perfect with the band.
I remember this one. Not a big hit in the US but it got a bit of airplay and was a pleasant listen.
❤
A great 70's band that deserves a look, is Darts (or The Darts, for USA listeners)
Great musicians, fantastic vocalists, incredible harmonies, & a nutty Bass-man, who ruled the stage!!
Oh, & for Amber, there's Bob Fish, one of the best falsetto singers you're gonna ever hear!!
Play literally anything by Darts, they were ALL killer/no filler!! 🤣
You really should check out "If you think you know how to love me" its my favorite song of smokie ❤
Nice reaction
Don`t Play Your Rock n Roll To Me is another great song by Smokie.
One of THE quintessential pop songs of the 1970s. You can tell it's a classic by all the mocking versions there have been - only classic songs get that (take a listen to the Barron Knights version of "Bohemian Rhapsody" for example!). The most amazing thing about the record is that it never quite made it into the US top 20 - where you would think that - in the late 1970s - it would have been meat and drink to FM pop radio stations - but no, it peaked at 25. Nonetheless in almost all other major music markets around the world it was a top 3 hit and made the top spot in no fewer than 8 geographies.
Smokie were hugh! They had a stack of hits in England, Europe and down through Asia and into Australia and parts elsewhere
This was their only American chart record, and it didn't even hit the top 20. Big in Europe.
Check out "Lay Back in the Arms of Someone"..."For a Few Dollars More"..."Mexican Girl"...and "I'll meet you at Midnight".
Lead singer Chris Norman's biggest hit in the U.S. was the 1978 duet with Susie Quatro "Stumblin' In"...
My wife was in a bar in Greece when the lead singer walked in. Someone put this song on the jukebox ten times in a row. Revenge is sweet...
Love your show guys 😊
At one point in the 1970ies that song has been played so often by German radio stations that it started to come crawling out of my ears. For some time it was played possibly more often than ABBA. So, in some way, the naughtier version - must have been in the 1990ies - was a kind of relief and coming to terms with the overdose of listening to that song - or rather being forced to listen to that song.
Time to learn some German: if kitsch gets cast into music it's called "Schnulze" (shnool-tse) in German - and that song was at least dangerously close to that. However, now after many years, it's become quite bearable again - for me at least.
“Oh Carol” or “Don’t Play your Rock’n’Roll to Me” has got to be next…Smokie was cool!!!