Allan Clarke sings without any enhancements and it shows us he is human, just like us. There is no need for computerised fiddling as we can all sing along with the song with our inaccuracies and have a great time. Great job Fil, and another fascinating insight analysis into a great "human" band 🤟
@Ann Pommer I don't get bored honestly, I enjoy many differing genres of music. Moody Blues what a band, I saw Justin Hayward still playing and singing this year, he's 76 and can still hold a tune. Blind Faith, Clapton was a favourite of mine many a day playing Blind Faith, I met Steve Winwood many years ago in a pub, I say met, more like saw him in a pub lol. Layla I played virtually everyday on my air guitar. Genesis were a big favourite too, so many groups and singers. I feel sorry for the new generations that will never get the chance to hear the music we were blessed with as we grew up. Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and the list goes on and on. I was lucky enough to see quite a few of my favourite bands live at concerts in both UK and Europe such memories stay with us all I suppose. Hope you don't mind the long response 🤘
Perhaps to state the obvious, The Hollies have to be up there as one of the best live bands EVER and Alan Clark’s delivery is so full of emotion. Thank you Fil for posting this wonderful clip.
According to info he also played on their next single I can't tell the bottom from the top and was payed only a session fee approx 10-20 pounds each session for his efforts
@@bryanpalmer9660 I have heard something like that. Little did they know they had a star in their midst. I can just imagine years later those same people who paid Elton that mediocre salary said to themselves something to the point of, "Darn it!!! We should have paid that guy a lot more."
SUCH a beautiful track - the lyrics and the emotion in his voice gets me every time... I'm truly THANKFUL that I grew up during a time when Auto Tune/Pitch Correction wasn't available. THANKS, Fil!💕
The harmonica is amazing, it has always reminded me of a train whistle on the prairies as it approaches the pitch bends. It’s like the poignant reflection that this gorgeous song is.
Allan had a lot of range in his voice.The Hollies in their prime were such a tight,professional group.Definitely one of the great bands of the 60s and 70s.
As a 15 year-old when this was on the charts, all I heard was the emotion behind the lyrics. Love Alan Clarke's vocals and would prefer to listen to him than most of today's singers. The Hollies were fantastic. Thanks again Fil, for your analyses and for choosing such a variety of singing styles. You're right that we, as listeners, listen to and connect with the art of the voice, i.e. not seeking perfect pitch.
Fil, your streams are amazing. I was 17 when this came out. We all loved it. The lyrics and emotion were spot on for us. Thankfully no auto tune then. It was perfect as it was. Thank you for covering these great songs from my generation.
Allan Clarke and the Hollies had the definitive version in my opinion. I still cry every time I hear it - so moving! I am glad that I grew up in a time where there were real singers and musicians and they were allowed to express themselves through voice and music. Phooey on auto tune and pitch correction 😂. Thank you Fil for sharing your knowledge and enjoying the performances with us.
You are so right Fil. This version of this song (to me) is the best. Timeless, the Hollies had so many hits, this one stands out. I think everyone who bought 45's had to have this. This made me think of another 60's band (they got over-shadowed by the 70's disco era,) the Bee Gees. Gotta get a message to you, and Words are just 2 that come to mind. They had the slow melodic sound similar to this but different at the same time. This is one of the best songs to come out of the 60's. Great analysis as always Fil.
Ohhhh wings, this is a fantastic song, wonderful text. Do you know the reason for this song? "He ain’t heavy, Father… he’s m’ brother.” Those iconic words have symbolized the spirit of Boys Town for decades. But many people don’t know how it originated. Back in 1918, a boy named Howard Loomis was abandoned by his mother at Father Flanagan’s Home for Boys, which had opened just a year earlier. Howard had polio and wore heavy leg braces. Walking was difficult for him, especially when he had to go up or down steps. Soon, several of the Home’s older boys were carrying Howard up and down the stairs. One day, Father Flanagan asked Reuben Granger, one of those older boys, if carrying Howard was hard. Reuben replied, “He ain’t heavy, Father… he’s m’ brother.” But the story doesn’t end there. In 1943, Father Flanagan was paging through a copy of Ideal magazine when he saw an image of an older boy carrying a younger boy on his back. The caption read, “He ain’t heavy, mister… he’s my brother.” Immediately, the priest was reminded of a photo of Reuben carrying Howard at a Boys Town picnic many years before. Father Flanagan wrote to the magazine and requested permission to use the image and quote. The magazine agreed, and Boys Town adopted them both to define its new brand. Nearly 75 years later, the motto is still the best description of what our boys and girls at Boys Town learn about the importance of caring for each other and having someone care about them. “He ain’t heavy” is relevant beyond Boys Town, though. At some point in our lives, most of us have needed to be carried by someone, metaphorically speaking. And, at some point, we probably carried somebody else. We’re human. We stumble. And we look to each other for help when we do." www.boystown.org/blog/Pages/story-behind-aint-heavy.aspx
I just watched Spencer Tracy, Mickey Rooney, and 'Bobs' in the movie "Boys Town" before I selected UA-cam and this video was the suggestion. As a kid in the early 60's I somehow ended up on the BoysTown mailing list. (Maybe because I went to a Catholic school?) When the letter arrived, I would get the quarter from my "mad money" bowl and tape it to the return letter, put a stamp on the envelope, seal the envelope, and put it in the mail box. Of course, every letter had your purpose: to provide an opportunity and a little help for a better life.
Love this group & had their records. The Hollies are a British pop rock group formed in 1962 & known for their great harmonies. They had so many great songs such as "Bus Stop", "Stop Stop Stop", "On A Carousel", "Carrie Anne", "Just One Look", "Here I Go Again", "Look Through Any Window", "King Midas In Reverse", "Jennifer Eccles", "Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress" etc. "Graham Nash" was originally in this group & left in 1968 to form "Crosby, Stills & Nash". Neil Diamond also had a hit with this song "He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother" in 1970.
allan clarke is a simply awesome singer, and this song is him at his very best. if this song and his performance doesnt touch your heart id say theres something wrong with you.
Allan Clarke, one of the most underrated singers of the 60s. I feel he doesn't get the credit he deserves. He truly is one of the best singers of the 60s.
I will forever remember the feeling when listening to this song. Being a little girl of about 8, it was on the car radio, as my brother and his wife and I were driving up Mt Victoria in Auckland. Not knowing if my Mum was going to die, or I was going to see her again, as she was being treated for cancer. The ache in my throat, trying not to cry, with my whole world crashing down around me was overwhelming. It still makes me cry, and I don't think I've ever recovered from the feeling of being totally alone and afraid
It's all about the humanity in the expression, particularly in the vocals, but across the board. That's where the art is. Tell it, Mr. Fil! You are a top notch educator as well as musician. I always appreciate your analyses. Thanks!
The Hollies bring me a memory of my brother... he loved "long cool woman (in a black dress") 😊 He would sing that song to me, he just loved the Hollies! Thank you Fil!🌷
A great song from my youth in the 60’s. Thanks for the analysis pointing out the imperfections which add to the character of the song. Thanks for this trip down memory lane, Fil!
I am 70 years old.. I didn't know what pitch correction was or autotune, but I have said for the last few years that singers all sound the same to me. Of course some of the younger people think I am just old and don't appreciate new music. I couldn't figure out what has been bothering me. But of course having grown up with the Beatles and so many great bands, what could I say? 😊
Great example of emotional singing! Theirs is definitely the version I think of when I think of this song. And all what you explained is why my children and many others who were born after the great blues, soul and rock era (60's to very early 80's) still gravitate to this music. When the radio was staticy, and the car engine was loud and the windows were rolled down, do you think we could perfectly hear each word and note - no - it was the feeling and emotion of the song that caused us to want to hear it over and over again. Thank you for continuing to highlight this!
I am sorry for your loss. I lost my brother a year ago and this song reminds me of my brother.We were young teenagers and we would always sing to this song.
Ah the days when people sang without pitch correction or autotune. Remember them? A mate of mine was working in a studio one weekend when the Little River Band was rehearsing in the studio next to him. They spent the ENTIRE weekend rehearsing their various harmonies for one verse - ONE VERSE. Even Glenn Frey publicly commented that LRB were the best vocal band on the planet. It would not have mattered where they were on the planet they would have known EXACTLY what note they needed to sing. Its the slight imperfections that make vocals sound so perfect.
Hey Fil, thanks for the great analysis of this marvellous anthem from my favourite band! What I always love when you analyse singers like this is you go into a lot of detail but, at the same time, with the respect and affection that they deserve. The thing about Clarkey is that he was never a great singer, technically. However, he was a fantastic vocalist, which this song really highlights, as there isn't anyone who can touch his interpretation of this song. I say "was" because, sadly, he developed vocal problems and, particularly in the mid-to-late 1990's, his performances suffered. However, I had the privilege of seeing the band many times in the 90's and they blew the roof off the place every time! I recommend that you check out "Here In My Dreams" and "Sanctuary" by the Hollies, as these are, in my opinion, Allan's two finest vocal performances, as well as being cracking songs. I don't know if you're aware, but Allan has got back into singing after a 20 year hiatus and has a new album coming out on 12th April. Of course, he's a lot older and his voice has changed massively, but he still delivers and it's unmistakably Allan Clarke! And with Graham Nash contributing a lot to the new album, it's like he's come full circle.
Hi Fil…I am one of those golden oldies ladies! Remember this well…I was 23 years of age! The Osmond Brothers also did this one! I loved the Hollies version so much, although the Osmond’s were phenomenal too! Thanks for taking me back to my youth! ✌️
Fil, as I am not a musician, but a music lover, your analyses always bring me new understanding of why I loved these songs. Thank you for your knowledge and integrity. Janet from Louisiana☮🖤🤘
Really enjoyed this one! Years back I also liked The Osmonds version as well. Hollies were the best, but never heard a bad version. This song never gets old. Thanx, Fil
Just try singing this song without your voice wobbling. He struggles with the weight of his load but tells us it's no problem because it's his brother. The wobbles off pitch convey this emotion beautifully. That IS perfection.
Wow, this really truly is a beautiful song. ❤️ And it's a perfect illustration of your point, Fil. The lyric is so deeply emotional---and it's all about real love. How hollow it would end up sounding if technical tweaking erased all the little imperfections of such a heartfelt delivery. Thank you Fil!
I've always loved this song. It is so sad and beautiful and it can make me cry. I think Allen Clarke had an awesome voice and he did a beautiful job on this song. I agree that changing the voice through anything like a pitch corrector or auto tune would just take away the uniqueness of the voice and all the emotions that are put into a song. You did a tremendous job analysing Allen's voice. The amazing thing is that all the members of the Hollies are still alive! 🙂👍♥️
This is a classic song and performance, and like you say, the emotion of the song and the personality of the performer is in all the little details that definitely don't need to be "corrected". Your analysis videos have made me understand now that I realized something was "going on" in the music industry 10-12 years ago, but I didn't understand what. I was traveling and had nothing to listen to but a pop station, and I kept hearing these young female vocalists, and every time I would say, "okay, that's Britney Spears." And then it would be someone else, over and over. They all sounded like Britney Spears to me (the one exception being Lady Gaga), and I couldn't understand it, it seemed weird. Now I know why, thanks to your analyses. At least I know I'm not going crazy!
The same thing happened when I was working at a place that played a Top 40 radio station. It all sounded exactly the same, no song was distinctive or unique enough to stick in my head. And I'm definitely not still listening to any of them 10 years later. And yet, there are people in their teens and early 20's who love these female pop singers, and go to their shows. Can you imagine sitting through a 90 minute show of one song after another that all sound exactly the same, and that don't move you emotionally in any way? And yet, for a certain demographic, that's enough to satisfy them...I find that sad.
@@Terri_MacKay We were all young and insane at one point in time Terri! Thankfully we were young and insane back when great singers and great music was in abundance, ha, ha! 😉🤣💘🙃
Do you know the album "Sentiment" for poem in beat-rock, or "Duality" for metal ? Check any by yourself...( i'm not professionist, i do music only for supporting worth artists... so, i won't publicize myself or even the well known singer on the web performing these albums, but just offer sometime regardering information on music).
Great analysis as usual Fil. Many thanks. The Hollies were wonderful and had their own sound and were very talented performers. All the greats have their own sound
This song is the first one about which I remember myself saying "this is my favorite song of all time", back in my early teens. It may not still be "my favorite song of all time", but it's definitely pretty high in the ranking. Absolutely breathtaking!
Singers that convey a piece of their soul in their singing are the best.Rockers that sing with attitude,give a lot more in their performances too...an edge.No matter what genre of music ,that lead singer has to bring it and do their job to make songs have meaning.
This video blew me away because I just downloaded Stop, Stop, Stop a few weeks ago. I loved the banjo in it. The use of it was so clever. He Ain't Heavy is sung beautifully. I love their harmonizing. You are absolutely right...young people today will say stuff like 'When does the song/singing start?' Not many intros nowadays. What a drag! Your breakdown of this song is excellent and interesting to watch.
I was in elementary school when this version was popular. I loved it then and still do. I looked up the Neil Diamond version and the Osmond Brothers for comparison. Allan Clarke with The Hollies harmonizing is definitely my favorite of the three with the Osmonds and Diamond second and third. As much as I like Diamond his version of this is not his well suited to his delivery. This song sounds best with backing harmonizing IMO. Allan Clarke is truly great. Thanks for this analysis Fil.
This is a beautiful song! I remember this song from the past, when it came out. But I was young and could feel nothing good in my cold , broken, wounded heart. I am so glad I have been healed and can feel the love in this song.
I don’t know how much gain was applied to the mic input but when he hits those first high notes I’m pretty sure the VU meters slammed into the red. It reminds me of the story when Roy Orbison recorded his vocals for the Travelling Wilburys and Jeff Lynne had to rip of his headphones and ask Roy to step back from the microphone because the levels were just too high. There’s no substitute for the power and emotion of the human voice.
My friend was recording Tibetan singers in India for a Werner Herzog film when this shepardess sang a gut wrenching song with so much emotion that it literally ripped the microphone diaphragm out with the harmonic power. They were awestruck with this performance having recorded 100s of albums and never having witnessed such power before.
Thanks for doing this song Fil. Alan seemed to have a fantastic ability to pick just the right thing to do during the entire course of the songs the group performed. As he got older, I feel he just got better with his voice.
Oh, and if you've never done any Three Dog Night you might want to take a look. Nice harmonies, very recognizable voices and style. They had TONS of hits. You can find videos of them performing live all over YT. They were all over the place, sound wise, not where every song sounds exactly like all the others. Old Fashioned Love Song would be a great one to do, I think. Or Shambala, or ONE, or Eli's Comin, or Family of Man, or any one of about fifteen other hits they had. They were VERY popular. Great music, too.
That harmonica intro hooked me into the original listening of the song,, then the lyric 'he aint heavy, he's my brother' was substantive and resonant enough to follow it through. A classic !..
For me isn'y hard, is my normality create deep sentimental songs... Just the singer that two months ago had to realize her whole album with songs written by me, she called this album just "Sentiment"... noteven she (she is the more awesome charmant fashionable singer of web, in history) produced already 13 albums, i think that this album is the best she had to produce, liking so much my songs to request ne other songs (i do exclusively for help), even wishing to release just one month after another my written album... She even don't consider this unthematic song worth to be performed, missed of any expressive emotivated sentimental feeling (i consider this song as fit for one false comedy) !
Loved your analysis of this great song, Fil, as I always enjoy all you do! The Hollies were a great band; I was so blessed to have been young during that time period. I especially love your analyses of music during the 60's "British Invasion" and also the 70's and 80's. There is no music being made today that can even come close. I think you're exceptionally talented, I very much enjoy your music, covers of others' songs and, of course, the analyses. Thanks much for all you do! Rosemarie 💖
Hi Fil, This is a wonderful analysis of a poignant song and powerful vocal delivery. Allan really feels and expresses true emotion and reverence for the song and it’s message. The sharps/ flats are really not a detriment to the song, but glad we could “see” through the pitch monitoring software how it doesn’t make a difference, it’s just a great song! Love the harmonica and the harmonies. Great job on this one Fil! An Iconic and classic song that never gets old. Thanks for analyzing this awesome song. Have a great night! Debbie☮️
Love your takes on music my friend. Special shout out as to how you pinpointed how beautiful Karen's voice was and how even more pitch accurate it was live. Amazing.
That harmonica... sets up the song like nothing else. Song made me cry. Like I'm hearing it for the first time. I remember it as a kid it didn't have the same impact. Is it possible the best pop music is behind us now?
This is a bad song, not at all for beat sound, and less for a beat band.yet (for me is one of worst song i have never heard. This is a exercise of vocalist for singers, not for to be a main theme for song... very awefull melody). Use of harmonica was realized even by The Beatles in one of their most famouse song, and use in country west is the normality (here, just some week ago Fil had to report analysis on Lee Marvin, where was used harmonica). Two months ago was published one of the best album never realized in beat-rock sound, for thematic renaissance poem, even including best songs would be created in that era (performed by the best charming young singer in the web.. she produces 300 songs, of which 200 by originals, and over 100 covers too. She gets 55mln of viewers and 232k followers, renomate in any side of the world, but pratically as unknown here in europe as in her own land DK). Whatever by teenager she began performing for pop music, laterly she had to release two albums both at the same moment... one for gothyc metal and another those here just mentioned for beat-rock: both the best albums as unique masterpieces in these time (that metal was been written by Alex, just front leader of a famouse brasilian metal band... the other was written by me own (by Rome), believe to be by myself the greatest poet compositor in the time). Problem is the maistream and european cultural establishment (mafia english-usa, italian and française), so, you do even stupid questions about musical era was the better. Any song of those albums would have been an international top hit, but it isn't let permitted, about Madonna, Shakira, Pausini and gang associated own of the musical monopolio rule !
Thank you once again, Fil. Solid backing vocals on this iconic song as well as stellar work by Allan. I love how unjaded this song is, and as always I appreciate your ability to tell us everything that works to make it great.
My goodness so much fantastic music you great Brits have given to all of us - Did see The Hollies once in Copenhagen. Great band and delivered the vocals also live- just like the Beach Boys, also in Tivoli, Copenhagen :) Thank you :)
So much to love in this song and your analysis. I have a lot of favorite songs from this era, but this has now rocketed to the top. You have an amazing ability to mimic the singer(s) and even sing alternative ways he might have done it. You hear every detail and pause at important parts to emphasize special qualities. I wouldn’t change a thing about Allen Clarke’s performance or the harmonies with the band. I’ll say it again: There’s so much to love in this song. Thank you for the creative work you put into each of these analyses and your passion for great music and emotional content. Btw, I saw the Hollies live in 1969 perform this song in a college gymnasium in Latham, NY. It was an emotional experience then and it still has an impact on me now.
Imagine that. Can people really be surprised that using a machine to perfect your voice takes the humanity out of it. Thanks for the cool analysis and for advocating for the real human voice.
I think that the idea that singing sharp or flat is "bad" may come from all the singing competition shows that have been popular for the last 15 years or so. I've watched parts of seasons here and there of American Idol, The X Factor, and The Voice/The Voice UK. Many times, the judges are people who work in the music industry, but aren't singers themselves. And one of the most consistent criticisms I've heard on performances that I thought were good, and that the audience responded to very positively, is that the singer was sharp or flat. After watching so many of your analysis videos, I think that what was happening is that I, and the audience, were feeling the emotion in the voice because of it being sharp/flat, less than technically perfect in spots, while the judges were only listening for that technical perfection. And as you've pointed out over and over on the pitch monitoring software, even the best singers in the world aren't perfect when it comes to hitting every single note bang on. I think that even people who work within the music industry are getting too used to hearing the "perfect" end product...songs that have been pitch corrected and tinkered with until they sound robotically perfect. Then when they are judges on these shows, they're criticising good voices that can express real feeling. And they've put the idea in people's heads that singing flat or sharp means that someone is a bad singer.
Thanks for this great analysis of the Hollies' performance. It's been ages since I've heard this lovely iconic song. I could hear the emotion and the conversational quality in Allan Clarke's voice. I hope you don't take this wrong way but when you mentioned that "all of the greatest singers sing flat," it triggered this memory: I was studying for my music therapy internship. My supervisor told me that singing flat was forbidden, that I kept singing flat, and that I "should consider collecting garbage." Nevertheless, I continued to sing and play music despite what she said for the years to follow. Anyway, thanks for providing fascinating insight and that inaccuracies are part of what make a singer/musician/band unique as well as what makes a song memorable. Bravo, Fil!
Hi glamgal! I'm with you! I've learned from Fil how those inaccuracies, on purpose or just mistakes, transmit the performers' feelings. Meanwhile, that was some supervisor you had...I'm glad that's advice you decided to "refuse" (haha!) 😊
I did not “get” this song, when I was younger, when it came out. I have, with age, grown to understand it. I was excited to see your analysis. What a great piece. ❤️
Two things: 1) Loved The Hollies - but now I'm not gonna be able to unhear those misses early in the song. You've made me picky. 2) Graham Nash wasn't missed by this point.
This song is one of my favorites. That slurred harmonica, the singer's voice, everything is great. It's shame that the Hollies never really got their due and weren't as popular here in America. Oddly, I heard a story that the records for the US were pressed incorrectly and actually sped up.
Vinyl pressings could have an incorrect equalization curve back in the day, as that is what happened with Elton John's "Rocket Man, because the standard is different between Europe and North America. But to speed a song up you have to do that with the master tape, the last step before it is sent to the vinyl factory, so that likely couldn't have happened at the vinyl pressing stage. Usually. If the vinyl factory received the master tape and created their master pressing themselves that might have happened. But I think it is unlikely.
I would have been 7 years old at the time, not at the age that you’d sit around purposefully listening to groovy music or buying albums😂 but, I know all the words to this and other songs of the 60’s-80’s, after all this time. I’m sure I can thank my Mum who always had the radio playing in the kitchen. Is it any wonder that we connect so deeply to these songs? They are full of feeling, and they were the constant background entertainment going on in my young life. Thanks for appreciating, and making me appreciate these oldies but goodies, Fil.🤟😊
Speak for yourself. I was 6 at the time, and i already had a interest in music. Of course I wasn't buying records at that time, but I'd listened to the radio. Also, my interest in music was boosted by the fact that I had older brothers and sisters who had music playing, my Mom included.
The Osmonds do a beautiful take on this and their family harmony is great but also so full of emotion as they sing together as brothers. I recommend it.
I graduated from high school in 1969 and was a fan of the Hollies from the beginning. Whenever I hear this song it Jets me right back to that year. What a time that was!
You mostly hear Terry’s backing vocals in this song and most of the Hollies songs (he’s the one doing the higher parts, sings lead on Cable Car and Harlequin for example) but I agree, the few songs Tony sings lead on are also beautiful with his soothing deeper voice. As much as Allan is my favorite I wish Tony sang more, or at least was more appreciated for his writing contributions!
I've loved this song for years - both this one, and Neil Diamonds version. Did some research on the back story - had no idea Elton John played piano on this! Thanks Fil.
hey: no way, right? that's interesting:: wow, they must've been very rich, to get elton tho, yeah? even tho maybe nobody knew who he was: that would frankly surprise me tho, y'know what i'm sayin'?
@@tinfoilhatter Elton didn't have his first big hit until 1970 with "Your Song." When "Heavy" was recorded in 1969, he was just cutting his first album, so back then he probably didn't cost too much for an established band like The Hollies, who'd had hits since the 60s.
While serving in uniform during the Vietnam war, to me this was an anthem of our time serving our country during difficult days. Thank you so much, Fil, for your skill in helping us listen a lot more carefully to music we love.
related trivia note: around this time, Elton -- back when he was simply Reginald Dwight -- was, for a short time, hired as a touring keyboardist with pop band Simon Dupree and The Big Sound. When the three brothers who led that band ended it (late 1969) to found Gentle Giant (future progressive rock icons), they and he discussed his joining their new band, but they decided the songs Reg (not yet renamed 'Elton') was writing wouldn't fit with what they wanted to do.
Always liked the Hollies, especially the way they harmonized with the vocals. Good objective analysis Fil, thanx for what you do. Salute from America.😃
This always has fascinated me. To me auto tune/pitch correction takes away the "human" element. Perfect pitch to me is boring, I'd much prefer to hear a performance like this. It was interesting when you'd analyze stuff like Freddy Mercury. I never realized he could sometimes go in and out of pitch, but it never mattered. It was about the feeling and EMOTION. Something that is often times lost today. Before any voice altering software, singers HAD to have their chops, but also were allowed to have that expressive element. As always, good stuff my man...👍✌️
Robert Scott also wrote "A Taste of Honey". He wrote this with Bobby Russell was dying while he cowrote this tune. They only met 3 times. If you can find Robert William Scott's Warner Brothers album grab it. He sings it in such a way you believe every word. ua-cam.com/video/MOlipXAkMwY/v-deo.html
Allan Clarke sings without any enhancements and it shows us he is human, just like us. There is no need for computerised fiddling as we can all sing along with the song with our inaccuracies and have a great time. Great job Fil, and another fascinating insight analysis into a great "human" band 🤟
It's ridiculous to pretend that all now use auto tune. Most don't. Especially in rock. Cliche statement on your part. Ignorant too
@Ann Pommer Yeah, that was an awesome song too. So many good bands and singers back then.
@Ann Pommer I don't get bored honestly, I enjoy many differing genres of music. Moody Blues what a band, I saw Justin Hayward still playing and singing this year, he's 76 and can still hold a tune. Blind Faith, Clapton was a favourite of mine many a day playing Blind Faith, I met Steve Winwood many years ago in a pub, I say met, more like saw him in a pub lol. Layla I played virtually everyday on my air guitar. Genesis were a big favourite too, so many groups and singers. I feel sorry for the new generations that will never get the chance to hear the music we were blessed with as we grew up. Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and the list goes on and on. I was lucky enough to see quite a few of my favourite bands live at concerts in both UK and Europe such memories stay with us all I suppose. Hope you don't mind the long response 🤘
@Ann Pommer absolutely a favorite!! Made it on many mixtapes... Along with Bus Stop 💚💚💚
Emotional content without being overly exaggerated. I can't help but get a little choked up everytime.
The elegance of this perfection is why I feel autotune is a crime. Also, Tony Hicks is underrated-and adorable.
Totally agree. Tony is such a talented and multi insteruntalist. . It's a crime just how underated he really is.
I'm also adorable. Look at me! I'm a cat! In space! You can't say no to that!
Perhaps to state the obvious, The Hollies have to be up there as one of the best live bands EVER and Alan Clark’s delivery is so full of emotion. Thank you Fil for posting this wonderful clip.
My all-time favorite by The Hollies. Let's never forget that the pianist on the studio recording is none other than the Legendary Sir Elton John.
I did not know that!! 👍
😲😳
I don't think I knew that ... thank you.😊
According to info he also played on their next single I can't tell the bottom from the top and was payed only a session fee approx 10-20 pounds each session for his efforts
@@bryanpalmer9660 I have heard something like that. Little did they know they had a star in their midst. I can just imagine years later those same people who paid Elton that mediocre salary said to themselves something to the point of, "Darn it!!! We should have paid that guy a lot more."
SUCH a beautiful track - the lyrics and the emotion in his voice gets me every time...
I'm truly THANKFUL that I grew up during a time when Auto Tune/Pitch Correction wasn't available.
THANKS, Fil!💕
One of the greatest songs of all times! The great 1960´s music at its best! 🎸🎤
Ahhh ahhh
The harmonica is amazing, it has always reminded me of a train whistle on the prairies as it approaches the pitch bends. It’s like the poignant reflection that this gorgeous song is.
That is really interesting that you thought of the change of pitch as a train moves closer and farther away.
Beautifully written (Bobby Scott and Bob Russell), beautifully performed, beautifully analysed.
Allan had a lot of range in his voice.The Hollies in their prime were such a tight,professional group.Definitely one of the great bands of the 60s and 70s.
Alan Clarke's voice characteristic is so incredible!!! unique... Love it when he is harmonizing....
As a 15 year-old when this was on the charts, all I heard was the emotion behind the lyrics. Love Alan Clarke's vocals and would prefer to listen to him than most of today's singers. The Hollies were fantastic.
Thanks again Fil, for your analyses and for choosing such a variety of singing styles. You're right that we, as listeners, listen to and connect with the art of the voice, i.e. not seeking perfect pitch.
Amen. I was a fifteen year old boy in high school.
Fil, your streams are amazing. I was 17 when this came out. We all loved it. The lyrics and emotion were spot on for us. Thankfully no auto tune then. It was perfect as it was. Thank you for covering these great songs from my generation.
Allan Clarke and the Hollies had the definitive version in my opinion. I still cry every time I hear it - so moving! I am glad that I grew up in a time where there were real singers and musicians and they were allowed to express themselves through voice and music. Phooey on auto tune and pitch correction 😂. Thank you Fil for sharing your knowledge and enjoying the performances with us.
You could almost say you know it's going to be a Hollies song even before it starts ... they were just so very distinctive
You are so right Fil. This version of this song (to me) is the best. Timeless, the Hollies had so many hits, this one stands out. I think everyone who bought 45's had to have this. This made me think of another 60's band (they got over-shadowed by the 70's disco era,) the Bee Gees. Gotta get a message to you, and Words are just 2 that come to mind. They had the slow melodic sound similar to this but different at the same time. This is one of the best songs to come out of the 60's. Great analysis as always Fil.
I always find that your reviews give me so much more to appreciate in every song. Thanks for that! ❤
Ohhhh wings, this is a fantastic song, wonderful text. Do you know the reason for this song?
"He ain’t heavy, Father… he’s m’ brother.”
Those iconic words have symbolized the spirit of Boys Town for decades. But many people don’t know how it originated.
Back in 1918, a boy named Howard Loomis was abandoned by his mother at Father Flanagan’s Home for Boys, which had opened just a year earlier. Howard had polio and wore heavy leg braces. Walking was difficult for him, especially when he had to go up or down steps.
Soon, several of the Home’s older boys were carrying Howard up and down the stairs.
One day, Father Flanagan asked Reuben Granger, one of those older boys, if carrying Howard was hard.
Reuben replied, “He ain’t heavy, Father… he’s m’ brother.”
But the story doesn’t end there.
In 1943, Father Flanagan was paging through a copy of Ideal magazine when he saw an image of an older boy carrying a younger boy on his back. The caption read, “He ain’t heavy, mister… he’s my brother.”
Immediately, the priest was reminded of a photo of Reuben carrying Howard at a Boys Town picnic many years before. Father Flanagan wrote to the magazine and requested permission to use the image and quote. The magazine agreed, and Boys Town adopted them both to define its new brand.
Nearly 75 years later, the motto is still the best description of what our boys and girls at Boys Town learn about the importance of caring for each other and having someone care about them.
“He ain’t heavy” is relevant beyond Boys Town, though. At some point in our lives, most of us have needed to be carried by someone, metaphorically speaking. And, at some point, we probably carried somebody else. We’re human. We stumble. And we look to each other for help when we do."
www.boystown.org/blog/Pages/story-behind-aint-heavy.aspx
I just watched Spencer Tracy, Mickey Rooney, and 'Bobs' in the movie "Boys Town" before I selected UA-cam and this video was the suggestion.
As a kid in the early 60's I somehow ended up on the BoysTown mailing list. (Maybe because I went to a Catholic school?)
When the letter arrived, I would get the quarter from my "mad money" bowl and tape it to the return letter, put a stamp on the envelope, seal the envelope, and put it in the mail box.
Of course, every letter had your purpose: to provide an opportunity and a little help for a better life.
Autotune is a crime against music.
Love this group & had their records. The Hollies are a British pop rock group formed in 1962 & known for their great harmonies. They had so many great songs such as "Bus Stop", "Stop Stop Stop", "On A Carousel", "Carrie Anne", "Just One Look", "Here I Go Again", "Look Through Any Window", "King Midas In Reverse", "Jennifer Eccles", "Long Cool Woman In A Black Dress" etc. "Graham Nash" was originally in this group & left in 1968 to form "Crosby, Stills & Nash". Neil Diamond also had a hit with this song "He Ain't Heavy He's My Brother" in 1970.
Two of my favorites were "I'm Alive" and "I Can't Let go". In fact they still are after nearly another half century.
allan clarke is a simply awesome singer, and this song is him at his very best. if this song and his performance doesnt touch your heart id say theres something wrong with you.
Allan Clarke, one of the most underrated singers of the 60s. I feel he doesn't get the credit he deserves. He truly is one of the best singers of the 60s.
Es una de las voces de oro del rock, eso no está a discusión
@@KieroUnasBotasAGoGo in English please?
I translated it to he is one of the golden voices of rock, no discussion.@@garymaidman625
Allan's only underrated by people that know Sweet F--K All about Music.
@@wayneelliott7011 I disagree, there are a lot of people who know a lot about music who don't rate him as one of the top voices of the 60s.
Love this...how can a song convey emotion if the voice isn't allowed to be real, like it is here? Thanks, Fil.
I will forever remember the feeling when listening to this song. Being a little girl of about 8, it was on the car radio, as my brother and his wife and I were driving up Mt Victoria in Auckland. Not knowing if my Mum was going to die, or I was going to see her again, as she was being treated for cancer. The ache in my throat, trying not to cry, with my whole world crashing down around me was overwhelming. It still makes me cry, and I don't think I've ever recovered from the feeling of being totally alone and afraid
Jenny that was so moving. I feel the pain in your words. Sometimes a great song captures a moment so perfectly it will always resonate.
I hope your mother made it, God love her.
It's all about the humanity in the expression, particularly in the vocals, but across the board. That's where the art is. Tell it, Mr. Fil! You are a top notch educator as well as musician. I always appreciate your analyses. Thanks!
Yeah, he definitely knows his stuff.
The Hollies bring me a memory of my brother...
he loved "long cool woman (in a black dress") 😊
He would sing that song to me, he just loved the Hollies!
Thank you Fil!🌷
Love The Hollies! This one and "The Air That I Breathe" always move me.
I love “the Air That I breathe”
You can't go wrong with Allen Clarke vocal skills, thanks Fil.
A great song from my youth in the 60’s. Thanks for the analysis pointing out the imperfections which add to the character of the song. Thanks for this trip down memory lane, Fil!
I am 70 years old.. I didn't know what pitch correction was or autotune, but I have said for the last few years that singers all sound the same to me. Of course some of the younger people think I am just old and don't appreciate new music. I couldn't figure out what has been bothering me. But of course having grown up with the Beatles and so many great bands, what could I say? 😊
I love the harmonies from the Hollies but Allan had the most beautiful voice.
Personality, humanity isn't perfect and that's what makes it beautiful and approachable, singing with emotions and feeling
Great example of emotional singing! Theirs is definitely the version I think of when I think of this song. And all what you explained is why my children and many others who were born after the great blues, soul and rock era (60's to very early 80's) still gravitate to this music.
When the radio was staticy, and the car engine was loud and the windows were rolled down, do you think we could perfectly hear each word and note - no - it was the feeling and emotion of the song that caused us to want to hear it over and over again.
Thank you for continuing to highlight this!
Alan Clarke's voice always touches me and this one makes me cry every time. My brother died two years ago of a horrendous disease. Still so painful
May it bring you peace and connection and not Loss of separation, he’s always with you in your heart. Blessings
@Karen I'm so sorry...
I am sorry for your loss. I lost my brother a year ago and this song reminds me of my brother.We were young teenagers and we would always sing to this song.
So very sorry for your loss. Blessing to you.
My condolences for your loss....I'm praying you find peace.....❤
Ah the days when people sang without pitch correction or autotune. Remember them?
A mate of mine was working in a studio one weekend when the Little River Band was rehearsing in the studio next to him. They spent the ENTIRE weekend rehearsing their various harmonies for one verse - ONE VERSE. Even Glenn Frey publicly commented that LRB were the best vocal band on the planet. It would not have mattered where they were on the planet they would have known EXACTLY what note they needed to sing.
Its the slight imperfections that make vocals sound so perfect.
What a beautiful song , and Fil's respect and love he's given it is beautiful. Very emotional. Thank you once again.
Hey Fil, thanks for the great analysis of this marvellous anthem from my favourite band! What I always love when you analyse singers like this is you go into a lot of detail but, at the same time, with the respect and affection that they deserve.
The thing about Clarkey is that he was never a great singer, technically. However, he was a fantastic vocalist, which this song really highlights, as there isn't anyone who can touch his interpretation of this song. I say "was" because, sadly, he developed vocal problems and, particularly in the mid-to-late 1990's, his performances suffered. However, I had the privilege of seeing the band many times in the 90's and they blew the roof off the place every time!
I recommend that you check out "Here In My Dreams" and "Sanctuary" by the Hollies, as these are, in my opinion, Allan's two finest vocal performances, as well as being cracking songs.
I don't know if you're aware, but Allan has got back into singing after a 20 year hiatus and has a new album coming out on 12th April. Of course, he's a lot older and his voice has changed massively, but he still delivers and it's unmistakably Allan Clarke! And with Graham Nash contributing a lot to the new album, it's like he's come full circle.
Hi Fil…I am one of those golden oldies ladies! Remember this well…I was 23 years of age! The Osmond Brothers also did this one! I loved the Hollies version so much, although the Osmond’s were phenomenal too! Thanks for taking me back to my youth! ✌️
Fil, as I am not a musician, but a music lover, your analyses always bring me new understanding of why I loved these songs. Thank you for your knowledge and integrity. Janet from Louisiana☮🖤🤘
Really enjoyed this one! Years back I also liked The Osmonds version as well. Hollies were the best, but never heard a bad version. This song never gets old. Thanx, Fil
Few singers ever sang with so much emotion! He could make you cry; what a voice.
Just try singing this song without your voice wobbling. He struggles with the weight of his load but tells us it's no problem because it's his brother. The wobbles off pitch convey this emotion beautifully. That IS perfection.
Wow, this really truly is a beautiful song. ❤️
And it's a perfect illustration of your point, Fil. The lyric is so deeply emotional---and it's all about real love. How hollow it would end up sounding if technical tweaking erased all the little imperfections of such a heartfelt delivery.
Thank you Fil!
I've always loved this song. It is so sad and beautiful and it can make me cry. I think Allen Clarke had an awesome voice and he did a beautiful job on this song. I agree that changing the voice through anything like a pitch corrector or auto tune would just take away the uniqueness of the voice and all the emotions that are put into a song. You did a tremendous job analysing Allen's voice. The amazing thing is that all the members of the Hollies are still alive! 🙂👍♥️
This is a classic song and performance, and like you say, the emotion of the song and the personality of the performer is in all the little details that definitely don't need to be "corrected". Your analysis videos have made me understand now that I realized something was "going on" in the music industry 10-12 years ago, but I didn't understand what. I was traveling and had nothing to listen to but a pop station, and I kept hearing these young female vocalists, and every time I would say, "okay, that's Britney Spears." And then it would be someone else, over and over. They all sounded like Britney Spears to me (the one exception being Lady Gaga), and I couldn't understand it, it seemed weird. Now I know why, thanks to your analyses. At least I know I'm not going crazy!
The same thing happened when I was working at a place that played a Top 40 radio station. It all sounded exactly the same, no song was distinctive or unique enough to stick in my head. And I'm definitely not still listening to any of them 10 years later. And yet, there are people in their teens and early 20's who love these female pop singers, and go to their shows. Can you imagine sitting through a 90 minute show of one song after another that all sound exactly the same, and that don't move you emotionally in any way? And yet, for a certain demographic, that's enough to satisfy them...I find that sad.
@@Terri_MacKay We were all young and insane at one point in time Terri! Thankfully we were young and insane back when great singers and great music was in abundance, ha, ha! 😉🤣💘🙃
Do you know the album "Sentiment" for poem in beat-rock, or "Duality" for metal ? Check any by yourself...( i'm not professionist, i do music only for supporting worth artists... so, i won't publicize myself or even the well known singer on the web performing these albums, but just offer sometime regardering information on music).
Great analysis as usual Fil. Many thanks. The Hollies were wonderful and had their own sound and were very talented performers. All the greats have their own sound
This song is the first one about which I remember myself saying "this is my favorite song of all time", back in my early teens.
It may not still be "my favorite song of all time", but it's definitely pretty high in the ranking. Absolutely breathtaking!
One of my all time favorites, a masterpiece, in my opinion.
Yes.... your opinion... !
Singers that convey a piece of their soul in their singing are the best.Rockers that sing with attitude,give a lot more in their performances too...an edge.No matter what genre of music ,that lead singer has to bring it and do their job to make songs have meaning.
This video blew me away because I just downloaded Stop, Stop, Stop a few weeks ago. I loved the banjo in it. The use of it was so clever. He Ain't Heavy is sung beautifully. I love their harmonizing. You are absolutely right...young people today will say stuff like 'When does the song/singing start?' Not many intros nowadays. What a drag! Your breakdown of this song is excellent and interesting to watch.
I was in elementary school when this version was popular. I loved it then and still do. I looked up the Neil Diamond version and the Osmond Brothers for comparison. Allan Clarke with The Hollies harmonizing is definitely my favorite of the three with the Osmonds and Diamond second and third. As much as I like Diamond his version of this is not his well suited to his delivery. This song sounds best with backing harmonizing IMO. Allan Clarke is truly great. Thanks for this analysis Fil.
You might want to give Cher's version a listen.
This is a beautiful song! I remember this song from the past, when it came out. But I was young and could feel nothing good in my cold , broken, wounded heart. I am so glad I have been healed and can feel the love in this song.
This song is SO Beautiful! Alan, the harmonies, the instruments! (And the pocket squares :)
Yeah those pocket squares are SOMETHING.
You are so right, Fil - the personality is what draws us in, not pitch perfection on every note.
I don’t know how much gain was applied to the mic input but when he hits those first high notes I’m pretty sure the VU meters slammed into the red. It reminds me of the story when Roy Orbison recorded his vocals for the Travelling Wilburys and Jeff Lynne had to rip of his headphones and ask Roy to step back from the microphone because the levels were just too high. There’s no substitute for the power and emotion of the human voice.
My friend was recording Tibetan singers in India for a Werner Herzog film when this shepardess sang a gut wrenching song with so much emotion that it literally ripped the microphone diaphragm out with the harmonic power. They were awestruck with this performance having recorded 100s of albums and never having witnessed such power before.
The variance in frequency of the human voice is the most perfect medicine. Huge blessings Fil, and All
Thanks for doing this song Fil. Alan seemed to have a fantastic ability to pick just the right thing to do during the entire course of the songs the group performed. As he got older, I feel he just got better with his voice.
Oh, and if you've never done any Three Dog Night you might want to take a look. Nice harmonies, very recognizable voices and style. They had TONS of hits.
You can find videos of them performing live all over YT. They were all over the place, sound wise, not where every song sounds exactly like all the others. Old Fashioned Love Song would be a great one to do, I think. Or Shambala, or ONE, or Eli's Comin, or Family of Man, or any one of about fifteen other hits they had.
They were VERY popular. Great music, too.
Beautiful song form a terrific band❤
That harmonica intro hooked me into the original listening of the song,, then the lyric 'he aint heavy, he's my brother' was substantive and resonant enough to follow it through. A classic !..
This song was recorded in 24 hours at Abby Roads Studio. It hit number 1 in 1969 and it was re-released in 1988 and hit number 1 again!!
My all-time favorite from The Hollies. I cry every time I listen. Hard to get much better.
For me isn'y hard, is my normality create deep sentimental songs... Just the singer that two months ago had to realize her whole album with songs written by me, she called this album just "Sentiment"... noteven she (she is the more awesome charmant fashionable singer of web, in history) produced already 13 albums, i think that this album is the best she had to produce, liking so much my songs to request ne other songs (i do exclusively for help), even wishing to release just one month after another my written album... She even don't consider this unthematic song worth to be performed, missed of any expressive emotivated sentimental feeling (i consider this song as fit for one false comedy) !
One of the greatest pop songs of all time.
Loved your analysis of this great song, Fil, as I always enjoy all you do! The Hollies were a great band; I was so blessed to have been young during that time period. I especially love your analyses of music during the 60's "British Invasion" and also the 70's and 80's. There is no music being made today that can even come close. I think you're exceptionally talented, I very much enjoy your music, covers of others' songs and, of course, the analyses. Thanks much for all you do! Rosemarie 💖
I'm glad you noticed that little off-pitch harmonica at the beginning, I always loved that. It is so human and natural.
Hi Fil,
This is a wonderful analysis of a poignant song and powerful vocal delivery. Allan really feels and expresses true emotion and reverence for the song and it’s message. The sharps/ flats are really not a detriment to the song, but glad we could “see” through the pitch monitoring software how it doesn’t make a difference, it’s just a great song! Love the harmonica and the harmonies. Great job on this one Fil! An Iconic and classic song that never gets old. Thanks for analyzing this awesome song. Have a great night! Debbie☮️
Excellent! You let me love the performance even more than I already did! Thank you, Fil, as always.
Love your takes on music my friend. Special shout out as to how you pinpointed how beautiful Karen's voice was and how even more pitch accurate it was live. Amazing.
I was in high school and to this day, this song can choke me up. Where are songs of this quality now?
That harmonica... sets up the song like nothing else. Song made me cry. Like I'm hearing it for the first time. I remember it as a kid it didn't have the same impact. Is it possible the best pop music is behind us now?
This is a bad song, not at all for beat sound, and less for a beat band.yet
(for me is one of worst song i have never heard. This is a exercise of vocalist for singers, not for to be a main theme for song... very awefull melody).
Use of harmonica was realized even by The Beatles in one of their most famouse song, and use in country west is the normality (here, just some week ago Fil had to report analysis on Lee Marvin, where was used harmonica).
Two months ago was published one of the best album never realized in beat-rock sound, for thematic renaissance poem, even including best songs would be created in that era (performed by the best charming young singer in the web.. she produces 300 songs, of which 200 by originals, and over 100 covers too. She gets 55mln of viewers and 232k followers, renomate in any side of the world, but pratically as unknown here in europe as in her own land DK).
Whatever by teenager she began performing for pop music, laterly she had to release two albums both at the same moment... one for gothyc metal and another those here just mentioned for beat-rock: both the best albums as unique masterpieces in these time (that metal was been written by Alex, just front leader of a famouse brasilian metal band... the other was written by me own (by Rome), believe to be by myself the greatest poet compositor in the time).
Problem is the maistream and european cultural establishment (mafia english-usa, italian and française), so, you do even stupid questions about musical era was the better. Any song of those albums would have been an international top hit, but it isn't let permitted, about Madonna, Shakira, Pausini and gang associated own of the musical monopolio rule !
Thank you once again, Fil. Solid backing vocals on this iconic song as well as stellar work by Allan. I love how unjaded this song is, and as always I appreciate your ability to tell us everything that works to make it great.
My goodness so much fantastic music you great Brits have given to all of us - Did see The Hollies once in Copenhagen. Great band and delivered the vocals also live- just like the Beach Boys, also in Tivoli, Copenhagen :) Thank you :)
On the live version Allen plays the harmonica. In my opinion even better than this version if even possible.Great analysis. Thank you.
So much to love in this song and your analysis. I have a lot of favorite songs from this era, but this has now rocketed to the top. You have an amazing ability to mimic the singer(s) and even sing alternative ways he might have done it. You hear every detail and pause at important parts to emphasize special qualities. I wouldn’t change a thing about Allen Clarke’s performance or the harmonies with the band. I’ll say it again: There’s so much to love in this song. Thank you for the creative work you put into each of these analyses and your passion for great music and emotional content.
Btw, I saw the Hollies live in 1969 perform this song in a college gymnasium in Latham, NY. It was an emotional experience then and it still has an impact on me now.
Beautiful lyrics and performance....we need more sentiments like this today....another professional analysis, Fil! Thanks as always.❤
This is structurated for musical vocalism... but on sentimentalism i didn't ear not even the air, absolutely no no no...
This song is a Classic. Great vocals, Great song, Great production, Great Band. And as always Great Video by Fil.
Imagine that. Can people really be surprised that using a machine to perfect your voice takes the humanity out of it. Thanks for the cool analysis and for advocating for the real human voice.
Great vocals, great analysis. Hollies first big hit after Graham Nash left the band.
FYI--Alan Parsons said years ago in an interview that Allan Clarke could stand between 2 six-foot high speakers and OUTSCREAM them.
I think that the idea that singing sharp or flat is "bad" may come from all the singing competition shows that have been popular for the last 15 years or so. I've watched parts of seasons here and there of American Idol, The X Factor, and The Voice/The Voice UK. Many times, the judges are people who work in the music industry, but aren't singers themselves. And one of the most consistent criticisms I've heard on performances that I thought were good, and that the audience responded to very positively, is that the singer was sharp or flat.
After watching so many of your analysis videos, I think that what was happening is that I, and the audience, were feeling the emotion in the voice because of it being sharp/flat, less than technically perfect in spots, while the judges were only listening for that technical perfection. And as you've pointed out over and over on the pitch monitoring software, even the best singers in the world aren't perfect when it comes to hitting every single note bang on.
I think that even people who work within the music industry are getting too used to hearing the "perfect" end product...songs that have been pitch corrected and tinkered with until they sound robotically perfect. Then when they are judges on these shows, they're criticising good voices that can express real feeling. And they've put the idea in people's heads that singing flat or sharp means that someone is a bad singer.
Thanks for this great analysis of the Hollies' performance. It's been ages since I've heard this lovely iconic song. I could hear the emotion and the conversational quality in Allan Clarke's voice. I hope you don't take this wrong way but when you mentioned that "all of the greatest singers sing flat," it triggered this memory: I was studying for my music therapy internship. My supervisor told me that singing flat was forbidden, that I kept singing flat, and that I "should consider collecting garbage." Nevertheless, I continued to sing and play music despite what she said for the years to follow. Anyway, thanks for providing fascinating insight and that inaccuracies are part of what make a singer/musician/band unique as well as what makes a song memorable. Bravo, Fil!
Hi glamgal!
I'm with you! I've learned from Fil how those inaccuracies, on purpose or just mistakes, transmit the performers' feelings.
Meanwhile, that was some supervisor you had...I'm glad that's advice you decided to "refuse" (haha!) 😊
I did not “get” this song, when I was younger, when it came out. I have, with age, grown to understand it. I was excited to see your analysis. What a great piece. ❤️
Two things:
1) Loved The Hollies - but now I'm not gonna be able to unhear those misses early in the song. You've made me picky.
2) Graham Nash wasn't missed by this point.
This song is one of my favorites. That slurred harmonica, the singer's voice, everything is great. It's shame that the Hollies never really got their due and weren't as popular here in America. Oddly, I heard a story that the records for the US were pressed incorrectly and actually sped up.
Vinyl pressings could have an incorrect equalization curve back in the day, as that is what happened with Elton John's "Rocket Man, because the standard is different between Europe and North America. But to speed a song up you have to do that with the master tape, the last step before it is sent to the vinyl factory, so that likely couldn't have happened at the vinyl pressing stage. Usually. If the vinyl factory received the master tape and created their master pressing themselves that might have happened. But I think it is unlikely.
Beautiful! Alan has an amazing voice!Great choice Fil✌️🎵
This is a soulful and touching masterpiece!
It takes me back and still moves me.
I would have been 7 years old at the time, not at the age that you’d sit around purposefully listening to groovy music or buying albums😂 but, I know all the words to this and other songs of the 60’s-80’s, after all this time. I’m sure I can thank my Mum who always had the radio playing in the kitchen. Is it any wonder that we connect so deeply to these songs? They are full of feeling, and they were the constant background entertainment going on in my young life. Thanks for appreciating, and making me appreciate these oldies but goodies, Fil.🤟😊
Speak for yourself.
I was 6 at the time, and i already had a interest in music. Of course I wasn't buying records at that time, but I'd listened to the radio.
Also, my interest in music was boosted by the fact that I had older brothers and sisters who had music playing, my Mom included.
The Osmonds do a beautiful take on this and their family harmony is great but also so full of emotion as they sing together as brothers. I recommend it.
How did they do it? Their songs always mive me totears! This and The Air That I Breath, for iñstance... Great show!
I graduated from high school in 1969 and was a fan of the Hollies from the beginning. Whenever I hear this song it Jets me right back to that year. What a time that was!
I’d be interested in an analysis of Tony’s contributions.
A thousand times yes! LOVE Tony Hicks! So not given the credit he deserves. Plus he and Bobby have kept the band alive all these years.
You mostly hear Terry’s backing vocals in this song and most of the Hollies songs (he’s the one doing the higher parts, sings lead on Cable Car and Harlequin for example) but I agree, the few songs Tony sings lead on are also beautiful with his soothing deeper voice. As much as Allan is my favorite I wish Tony sang more, or at least was more appreciated for his writing contributions!
Beautiful song. Didn't realize who sang it originally haha. Older music such a different feel. Thanks Fil😊🎶🎙🎵🎼🌛
I've loved this song for years - both this one, and Neil Diamonds version. Did some research on the back story - had no idea Elton John played piano on this! Thanks Fil.
hey: no way, right? that's interesting:: wow, they must've been very rich, to get elton tho, yeah? even tho maybe nobody knew who he was: that would frankly surprise me tho, y'know what i'm sayin'?
@@tinfoilhatter Elton didn't have his first big hit until 1970 with "Your Song." When "Heavy" was recorded in 1969, he was just cutting his first album, so back then he probably didn't cost too much for an established band like The Hollies, who'd had hits since the 60s.
While serving in uniform during the Vietnam war, to me this was an anthem of our time serving our country during difficult days. Thank you so much, Fil, for your skill in helping us listen a lot more carefully to music we love.
related trivia note: around this time, Elton -- back when he was simply Reginald Dwight -- was, for a short time, hired as a touring keyboardist with pop band Simon Dupree and The Big Sound. When the three brothers who led that band ended it (late 1969) to found Gentle Giant (future progressive rock icons), they and he discussed his joining their new band, but they decided the songs Reg (not yet renamed 'Elton') was writing wouldn't fit with what they wanted to do.
@@motorradmike Thank you for your service and sacrifice during the Vietnam conflict and welcome home.
Such a beautiful song - I loved the Hollies. This is a great channel - Thank you Mr Fil. ❤✌
Always liked the Hollies, especially the way they harmonized with the vocals. Good objective analysis Fil, thanx for what you do. Salute from America.😃
Expression and Personality' ,,, Absolutely !...
This always has fascinated me. To me auto tune/pitch correction takes away the "human" element. Perfect pitch to me is boring, I'd much prefer to hear a performance like this.
It was interesting when you'd analyze stuff like Freddy Mercury. I never realized he could sometimes go in and out of pitch, but it never mattered. It was about the feeling and EMOTION. Something that is often times lost today.
Before any voice altering software, singers HAD to have their chops, but also were allowed to have that expressive element.
As always, good stuff my man...👍✌️
Thank you so much!! There are notes he hits that are chilling! Combined with the meaning of the lyrics are absolutely breathtaking! Thanks again! 😊
Thanks for your expert analysis. 🎸
Robert Scott also wrote "A Taste of Honey". He wrote this with Bobby Russell was dying while he cowrote this tune. They only met 3 times. If you can find Robert William Scott's Warner Brothers album grab it. He sings it in such a way you believe every word. ua-cam.com/video/MOlipXAkMwY/v-deo.html