This is a masterpiece. Love it every time I hear it. Crazy introduction followed by three completely different vibes all brilliantly linked together in a roller coaster of a ride. Superb! Enjoyed your reaction.
Bev Bevan is the epic drummer during this period of ELO. He is the one you hear in the beginning using backmasking (played backward) and the lyrics are "The music is reversible, but time is not! Turn back, turn back, turn back."
@@theodore89 I hate to say this (As I'm a HUGE DP fan), but Gillan should've retired in the mid-to late 90s. It makes me want to cry whenever I hear him "try" to sing. I'm traveling to Germany in September to see DP (with the new guitarist, Simon), and Purpendicular, the DP tribute band that Paicey leads. He's my main reason to make the journey...and Roger Glover. But, it'll be great to see the abbreviated Mark IV lineup once last time.
Fire on High was definition of Epic!! It's incredible how this group evolved from this to almost having founded Disco music. It is a very similar transition as The Bee Gees did, during the same period of time. Mr Jeff Lynne is a genius and that's why he worked after with George Harrison and the remaining Beatles. I hope to see The ELO here in Southamerica sometime. Best regards from Chile!! 🙂
Hello Tomas, hope you are well. I know you are a diehard ELO fan, but I must push back on your contention that ELO had anything to do with Disco, outside of one or two songs in 1979. Perhaps you could elaborate. ps~You said ELO "almost founded Disco". I don't think you meant to say that. Disco started in the early to mid '70s as an off-shoot of Philly Soul.
@@Cosmo-Kramer Hi Cosmo!! Yes you are right. It was a very personal appreciation that I formed and that I should have been more clear on that. For me, and my experience as a kid at that time, they where very influential on upcoming rythms (dance) even if they didn't mean to. Thanks for your comment, cause it is very useful to clarify and learn. Best regards from Chile!! 🙂
In Ancient Times, the 1970s and early 80s, before the internet, before ESPN, Howard Cosell used this glorious song during his Monday Night Football "Halftime Highlights" As a kid, we didn't see other teams except our own hometeam (Green Bay Packers) on our nightly news so Howard Cosell of ABC Sports played that awesome acoustic jam to a package of plays, Touchdowns and wicked defensive hits almost on cue. It was MUST SEE TV at the time!
All these decades later, it's hard to listen to ELO and deny Jeff Lynne is a pop music genius. From the beginning spookiness and purposeful backward vocals to its use in sports media, this song has quite a history if you wish to look it up.
@@chronomatt6990 The FACT is, Jeff overall never did much "pop" music. That's just a fact. The VAST majority of his music is symphonic rock and progressive rock. Maybe 2-3 albums had pop music.
AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME. I doubt I ever heard this as a "full song". I was relatively closed minded back then, and I would have pretty much ignored a basically instrumental song. WOW. I LOVED THIS. Thank you Chod.
Chod, stellar reaction. Please do more ELO, you've slept on them far too long. I recommend their 1976 classic, *"Shangri-la".* You will love it! (Studio version, from the album, A New World Record.)
It's a lot less eerie once you know what is being said at the beginning of the song. It is a backward masking message that says "The music is reversible, but time is not. Turn back! Turn back! Turn back! Turn back!"
Thanks for letting us know the back-masking lyrics, Craig. It sets up well the battle in heaven between Satan’s forces and God’s angels. Truly brilliant song which highlights so well ELO’s superb instrumentals and Jeff Lynne’s musical virtuosity. Cool last name, btw.
@Illume Eltanin yes. They were accused of backward masking, as many other bands were. The earlier song that they were were falsely accused of doing backward masking on was "Eldorado ".
@@TheCkent100 Absolutely spot-on correct. Remember that controversy well. Another mid- characterization by the MSM of ELO and their music; the most egregious example.
The song was used, starting with the fast guitar strumming. for the CBS sports weekend show. "From 1976 to 1978, the Electric Light Orchestra's "Fire on High" was used as the theme for the program (when it was known as The CBS Sports Special)" wikipedia I remember it well..
Making a hit record is hard enough. When you incorporate other elements like strings and syns, and have it still be a hit is amazing and pure GENIUS. That describes Jeff Lynne in a nutshell. The year this came out, it was the anthem for The Kentucky Derby. Imagine thoroughbreds pounding down the stretch in slow motion while this played. Gave me chills.😀😀😀😀
Any links for that, Michael, I'd very much like to see a source. Or are you just recalling it? As far as I know, the only (national) media that used it was CBS Sports Spectacular.
I remember seeing them at MSG and they began the show with this song and the video of the ELO spaceship and then the lasers...crowd went nuts and I still get chills when I hear it
I almost read it that you said you saw them WITH msg..(Michael Schenker Group). My first thought was what a strange combination for a show but how awesome! Lol
Kelly Groucutt was a great bass player and vocalist for ELO who doesn't get the recognition he deserves...there's a great UA-cam video where he shares lead vocals and sings the operatic parts for "Rockaria" which is one of the best blendings of '50s rock 'n' roll and classical music you'll find anywhere.
There was a time back in the late 70's and early 80's when almost every DJ on the radio used that acoustic guitar riff as their intro music. Even on the country station my parents listened to.
WELL THIS IS AN E.L.O. TRIPPY BANGERRRR CHOD!!! 😊OFF MY FAVORITE ALBUM ( FACE THE MUSIC ) EVIL WOMAN & STRANGE MAGIC ARE THE HUGE HITS FROM IT! 😊TAKE CARE
This is what the groups of the 70s did better than other music eras. ELO, BOC, Kansas, Pink Floyd etc. They took you on a journey you get 5 songs in one.
Even though Bev played drums on the song you remember that creepy intro right a backmasked message is said by Bevan when you reverse the song the message is The Music Is Reversable But Time Is Not Turn Back (Turn Back said multiple times)
If you want to hear ELO at it’s best, then you need to listen to the song “Tightrope”. It also has some spectacular voices. But “Twilight” is another great melody. ELO have such a big catalog. Jeff Lynn is a genius.
Total aside, Chad... after watching the intro, had to go listen to Staind - Break the Cycle. Never come across these guys b4! So - a cunning way of sneaking recommendations in to crumbly old boomers like me? :) BTW, E.L.O. are great! Nice reaction!
A drum movie right up your alley Whiplash, a drummer movie... 2 more I've recamended for you before that thing you do. great job of recreating the early to mid sixties music scene..... and a comedy that surprises you. With its soul the ......
Hey Wilburn, You definitely picked a good one to check out. Fire On High is a classic and the acoustic part used to be part of the theme music for ABC's Wide Word of Sports back in the day. I have another suggestion for you that is a classic anthem. The Outlaws- Green Grass And High Tides Forever. ua-cam.com/video/cz2CAtExXgQ/v-deo.html Also check out: Tower Of Power- What Is Hip (Live And In Living Color) ua-cam.com/video/A_ytT1pKmNs/v-deo.html Cheers man, Peter St. John Clovis, CA
I have to ask this question. Is it racist that I come on channels like this, without many subs, with people of color to watch them react to what I'd consider fairly strict people of whiteness type music from the last generation? I find it kind of beautiful that we're getting to a point where we can actually share cultural and artistic interests without a care in the world. It makes me want to start a channel and do the opposite. Have a white af dude who grew up in rural Illinois listen to not white pee poe music from the 50s-70s, maybe even 80s to see how much I'm missing with music in general. I bet there's a ton of stuff I'd like and listen to for the rest of my life. And yes, I always like and sub. I would share. But, I don't have many people to share it to. Woe is me I suppose. If I had to make a song request, it would be Wishbone Ash, Persephone.
Good review but miss the point of listening to the whole song as one piece. Stop stopping it!!! You're missing out on the experience. BTW, if you think this is crazy, check out "The Whale" by ELO.
Did you know at the beginning of this song what is being said? If you turn the album backwards then you will get - Turn this, turn this, turn this, the album is reversible, turn back turn back.
Plain & Simple Jeff Lynne is one of the greatest musicians/singer/songwriters/ studio record producers of our time.
This is a masterpiece. Love it every time I hear it. Crazy introduction followed by three completely different vibes all brilliantly linked together in a roller coaster of a ride. Superb!
Enjoyed your reaction.
Bev Bevan was a beast on the kit. He never gets enough credit when the conversation comes around to elite rock drummers. Great choice. 🥁🥁
Absolutely.
It is a masterpiece. The drummer Bev Bevan is a monster!
Bev Bevan is the epic drummer during this period of ELO. He is the one you hear in the beginning using backmasking (played backward) and the lyrics are "The music is reversible, but time is not! Turn back, turn back, turn back."
You'll never miss Bev playing drums, he let's you KNOW he's there.
@@ffjsb No kidding! One of my all-time favorite drummers.
Years after Bev Bevan played on a bunch of ELO releases he joined an Ian Gillan led version of Black Sabbath for the Born Again tour...
@@theodore89 I hate to say this (As I'm a HUGE DP fan), but Gillan should've retired in the mid-to late 90s. It makes me want to cry whenever I hear him "try" to sing. I'm traveling to Germany in September to see DP (with the new guitarist, Simon), and Purpendicular, the DP tribute band that Paicey leads. He's my main reason to make the journey...and Roger Glover. But, it'll be great to see the abbreviated Mark IV lineup once last time.
Interesting and well known piece used in many sports arenas!
Absolute 🔥on high!!
The music is reversible!!!
But time is not. Turn back!
I named my band Perils On The Airwaves LP from 10 years ago: "The Music Is Reversible But Time Is Not..." as a tip of the hat to ELO.
So glad to see more ELO reactions (especially to one of their best and most under appreciated)
Please more reactions to this group!
Fire on High was definition of Epic!!
It's incredible how this group evolved from this to almost having founded Disco music. It is a very similar transition as The Bee Gees did, during the same period of time.
Mr Jeff Lynne is a genius and that's why he worked after with George Harrison and the remaining Beatles.
I hope to see The ELO here in Southamerica sometime.
Best regards from Chile!! 🙂
Hello Tomas, hope you are well. I know you are a diehard ELO fan, but I must push back on your contention that ELO had anything to do with Disco, outside of one or two songs in 1979. Perhaps you could elaborate.
ps~You said ELO "almost founded Disco". I don't think you meant to say that. Disco started in the early to mid '70s as an off-shoot of Philly Soul.
@@Cosmo-Kramer Hi Cosmo!! Yes you are right. It was a very personal appreciation that I formed and that I should have been more clear on that. For me, and my experience as a kid at that time, they where very influential on upcoming rythms (dance) even if they didn't mean to. Thanks for your comment, cause it is very useful to clarify and learn. Best regards from Chile!! 🙂
In Ancient Times, the 1970s and early 80s, before the internet, before ESPN, Howard Cosell used this glorious song during his Monday Night Football "Halftime Highlights" As a kid, we didn't see other teams except our own hometeam (Green Bay Packers) on our nightly news so Howard Cosell of ABC Sports played that awesome acoustic jam to a package of plays, Touchdowns and wicked defensive hits almost on cue. It was MUST SEE TV at the time!
All these decades later, it's hard to listen to ELO and deny Jeff Lynne is a pop music genius. From the beginning spookiness and purposeful backward vocals to its use in sports media, this song has quite a history if you wish to look it up.
This IS NOT "pop". That's kind of an insult.
@@ffjsb
Sorry. You may think it’s an insult, but Jeff wouldn’t. He often refers to himself as a “pop music writer.”
@@chronomatt6990 The FACT is, Jeff overall never did much "pop" music. That's just a fact. The VAST majority of his music is symphonic rock and progressive rock. Maybe 2-3 albums had pop music.
Great choice ELO is awesome. This is one of their greatest hits to me. Thanks for reviewing it.😊
AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME. I doubt I ever heard this as a "full song". I was relatively closed minded back then, and I would have pretty much ignored a basically instrumental song. WOW. I LOVED THIS. Thank you Chod.
Chod, stellar reaction. Please do more ELO, you've slept on them far too long.
I recommend their 1976 classic, *"Shangri-la".* You will love it! (Studio version, from the album, A New World Record.)
I still have this vinyl album ("Face the Music"). There's a great deep track on it, "Poker", that you should check out. I think you would like it.
So much going on...but it doesnt trip over itself.
My favorite ELO piece.
Went to their concert back in the 70s. Fantastic. This is my favorite song of theirs. THank you.
Same here
I have always loved this song!
It's a lot less eerie once you know what is being said at the beginning of the song. It is a backward masking message that says "The music is reversible, but time is not. Turn back! Turn back! Turn back! Turn back!"
Thanks for letting us know the back-masking lyrics, Craig. It sets up well the battle in heaven between Satan’s forces and God’s angels. Truly brilliant song which highlights so well ELO’s superb instrumentals and Jeff Lynne’s musical virtuosity. Cool last name, btw.
Wasn’t this backwards masking in response to ELO being accused of putting subliminal/backwards messages in earlier tracks that weren’t actually there?
@Illume Eltanin yes. They were accused of backward masking, as many other bands were. The earlier song that they were were falsely accused of doing backward masking on was "Eldorado ".
@@TheCkent100 Absolutely spot-on correct. Remember that controversy well. Another mid- characterization by the MSM of ELO and their music; the most egregious example.
This was the theme song for Wide World of Sports back in the 70’s!!
My bad, it was Sports Spectacular!😂
@@jeffstorm4351 I get them mixed up too, but as a kid remember it clearly and loved the tune hearing it on TV. When I found it was ELO I became a fan.
The song was used, starting with the fast guitar strumming. for the CBS sports weekend show. "From 1976 to 1978, the Electric Light Orchestra's "Fire on High" was used as the theme for the program (when it was known as The CBS Sports Special)" wikipedia I remember it well..
CBS Sports Spectacular*
This is my favorite ELO track of all time! Beware of that intro on a stormy night all alone in a dark house 🤣🤣🤣
Making a hit record is hard enough. When you incorporate other elements like strings and syns, and have it still be a hit is amazing and pure GENIUS. That describes Jeff Lynne in a nutshell. The year this came out, it was the anthem for The Kentucky Derby. Imagine thoroughbreds pounding down the stretch in slow motion while this played. Gave me chills.😀😀😀😀
Nice ! Branching out is a good thing !
Any links for that, Michael, I'd very much like to see a source. Or are you just recalling it? As far as I know, the only (national) media that used it was CBS Sports Spectacular.
@@Cosmo-Kramer Hey CK! A recollection I will never forget! Mike.😀😀😀😀
I got this album once, it was amazing !! ELO got a unique sound surely !
Bev Bevan on drums and backward vocals.
I remember seeing them at MSG and they began the show with this song and the video of the ELO spaceship and then the lasers...crowd went nuts and I still get chills when I hear it
I wonder if that was the same concert I saw them at too.
I almost read it that you said you saw them WITH msg..(Michael Schenker Group). My first thought was what a strange combination for a show but how awesome! Lol
Shades of Funeral for a Friend...
Kelly Groucutt was a great bass player and vocalist for ELO who doesn't get the recognition he deserves...there's a great UA-cam video where he shares lead vocals and sings the operatic parts for "Rockaria" which is one of the best blendings of '50s rock 'n' roll and classical music you'll find anywhere.
Exactly. Kelly is sadly missed. May he rest in peace.
There was a time back in the late 70's and early 80's when almost every DJ on the radio used that acoustic guitar riff as their intro music. Even on the country station my parents listened to.
Love the words
I love how people start listening to this song and try moving their heads to the beat. There is no beat to follow! This is a song to experience.
They, is, Jeff Lynne! A genius!!
Jeff Lynn heard Pink Floyds, Dark side of the Moon, and responded with this. Great reaction, enjoyed it.
WELL THIS IS AN E.L.O. TRIPPY BANGERRRR CHOD!!! 😊OFF MY FAVORITE ALBUM ( FACE THE MUSIC ) EVIL WOMAN & STRANGE MAGIC ARE THE HUGE HITS FROM IT! 😊TAKE CARE
Great reaction thank you ❤❤❤
Creepy and creative? Hmm, sounds like you need to listen to some Alice Cooper. How about 'Welcome to my nightmare' from the album of the same name?
This is what the groups of the 70s did better than other music eras. ELO, BOC, Kansas, Pink Floyd etc. They took you on a journey you get 5 songs in one.
Nice reaction! "Night In The City" also may land on your play list
I sponsored that over at HarriBest Reactions, check it out.
@@Cosmo-Kramer Yep, saw that before writing this. Thank you, Thank you!
Yes! I'm loving it 😍 ❤️
" The music is reversible but, time is not. Turn back, turn back, turn back......
Even though Bev played drums on the song you remember that creepy intro right a backmasked message is said by Bevan when you reverse the song the message is The Music Is Reversable But Time Is Not Turn Back (Turn Back said multiple times)
I'm hella late (UA-cam has been trash about showing me my subscriptions) but I knew you would get to this one eventually!! I'm so glad you liked it.
ELO/Boy Blue😊
OPENING TRACK ON THE ALBUM AND THEN IT GOES RIGHT INTO ( EVIL WOMAN ) 😊 IT'S A BEAUTIFULLLLL ( NO PUN ) THING CHOD!
What about waterfall?
@@rogervondrasek5677 Correct. Waterfall follows, FOH. Then after Waterfall, EW follows.
Opening music for CBS Sports Spectacular tv show back in the 70s
If you want to hear ELO at it’s best, then you need to listen to the song “Tightrope”. It also has some spectacular voices. But “Twilight” is another great melody. ELO have such a big catalog. Jeff Lynn is a genius.
It's spelled, Lynne. And Chod has already reacted to, "Tightrope".
Total aside, Chad... after watching the intro, had to go listen to Staind - Break the Cycle. Never come across these guys b4! So - a cunning way of sneaking recommendations in to crumbly old boomers like me? :)
BTW, E.L.O. are great! Nice reaction!
Bev Bevan doing Hal Blaine....
CBS SPORTS USED TO USE THIS FOR THERE THEME
You should really listen to Mr. Blue Sky and The diary of Horace Wimp 😍
‘Ticket to the moon’ is iconic 🤩
A drum movie right up your alley Whiplash, a drummer movie... 2 more I've recamended for you before that thing you do. great job of recreating the early to mid sixties music scene..... and a comedy that surprises you. With its soul the ......
The comedy I mention is called the commitments......
Try NightRider or Poker from the same album
2 other bangers
Both have been reacted to over at HarriBest Reactions.
👍👍👍👍👍👍
Hey Wilburn,
You definitely picked a good one to check out. Fire On High is a classic and the acoustic part used to be part of the theme music for ABC's Wide Word of Sports back in the day.
I have another suggestion for you that is a classic anthem.
The Outlaws- Green Grass And High Tides Forever.
ua-cam.com/video/cz2CAtExXgQ/v-deo.html
Also check out:
Tower Of Power- What Is Hip (Live And In Living Color)
ua-cam.com/video/A_ytT1pKmNs/v-deo.html
Cheers man,
Peter St. John
Clovis, CA
Beg Bevan does not get the credit he deserves.
It's Phantom of the Opera-ish. That's what I hear.
If you want some more crazy from ELO, listen to the Diary of Horace Wimp!
So many good to great songs off the associated album. Hardly a dud. The bookend song at the end of the album couldn't be any more contrasting.
🤘🤘😝
I have to ask this question. Is it racist that I come on channels like this, without many subs, with people of color to watch them react to what I'd consider fairly strict people of whiteness type music from the last generation? I find it kind of beautiful that we're getting to a point where we can actually share cultural and artistic interests without a care in the world. It makes me want to start a channel and do the opposite. Have a white af dude who grew up in rural Illinois listen to not white pee poe music from the 50s-70s, maybe even 80s to see how much I'm missing with music in general. I bet there's a ton of stuff I'd like and listen to for the rest of my life.
And yes, I always like and sub. I would share. But, I don't have many people to share it to. Woe is me I suppose.
If I had to make a song request, it would be Wishbone Ash, Persephone.
Good review but miss the point of listening to the whole song as one piece. Stop stopping it!!! You're missing out on the experience. BTW, if you think this is crazy, check out "The Whale" by ELO.
Jeff Lynn is a musical genius.
Geniuses deserve to have their names spelled correctly, don't you think?
Did you know at the beginning of this song what is being said? If you turn the album backwards then you will get - Turn this, turn this, turn this, the album is reversible, turn back turn back.
The music is reversible, but time is not, turn back turn back turn back.
@@rogervondrasek5677 Would love to turn back time
I've been an epic fan of ELO for decades and this reminds me now of the trans-Siberia orchestra in today's music.