STEPPENWOLF "MONSTER/AMERICA" (reaction)

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  • Опубліковано 27 січ 2025

КОМЕНТАРІ • 136

  • @Gary-zq3pz
    @Gary-zq3pz Рік тому +41

    If you're a program manager of any radio station out there... I DARE you to put this song on the air, I triple dog dare ya!!!

    • @stevegarland1526
      @stevegarland1526 4 місяці тому

      no shit. in 1969? and it was too long, Like In a gadda da Vidda, like Closer to Home. right?

  • @johnroberts5637
    @johnroberts5637 Рік тому +37

    There was a lot more to Steppenwolf than "Born To Be Wild," and "Magic Carpet Ride." Other UA-cam reactors cower in darkness and remain ignorant, while SAD forges boldly ahead into a catalog rich with potential hits that never made it from album deep cut to the airwaves. Best damn band in the world that most people don't know beyond their 'radio hits'. This came out during the hottest part of the Vietnam conflict, and the anti-war sentiment and critique of the nation's government would not have allowed this to get much radio play back then. But the words still ring true, perhaps more today than when it was released. Thanks, guys, I've been trying to get someone to react to this for a long time. 👍

    • @SightAfterDark
      @SightAfterDark  Рік тому +3

      Glad we got to it, thanks for watching John!

    • @stevegarland1526
      @stevegarland1526 4 місяці тому

      It didn't get radio play because even the short version was considered too long for the radio programs we had back then. and btw, the song still applies today, think Trump . . . .the song is about self Interest and here we are . . .

  • @firebearva
    @firebearva Рік тому +32

    One of the best protest songs from my youth, the Vietnam era.

  • @user-ch5fh9tr5o
    @user-ch5fh9tr5o Рік тому +20

    We had album rock stations in the early 70s. They played this uncut

    • @rickc661
      @rickc661 9 місяців тому +1

      Yea, long songs were a thing. ' In a gada... 18 min ? different times for sure.

    • @aviadilo
      @aviadilo 8 місяців тому

      Those were the days!

  • @toneyisaiah3556
    @toneyisaiah3556 Рік тому +16

    Powerful song lyrics.

  • @larrysfarris
    @larrysfarris Рік тому +15

    For those being called down to their local Draft Board (Vietnam), I guarantee we knew of this song.

    • @rondepietro3441
      @rondepietro3441 Рік тому +2

      The song following it on the album is "draft resister"

    • @claudebuysse7482
      @claudebuysse7482 4 місяці тому

      @@rondepietro3441 Many of them lived in Canada.

  • @warrenwarmachine
    @warrenwarmachine 11 місяців тому +6

    one of the best songs ever they played "Monster" on FM radio back in the day

  • @ericarnow240
    @ericarnow240 9 місяців тому +4

    In the 1960's there were a lot of rock stations on FM radio which was kind of new. And they were not so commercial, so they would have played this song, as well as some songs by the Doors, Jefferson Airplane, or Grateful Dead that were more than 3 minutes.

  • @stevenwitt1812
    @stevenwitt1812 9 місяців тому +5

    One of my favorite Steppenwolf songs from my favorite Steppenwolf album. John's music has always been very politically outspoken. Interestingly enough, he was born in Germany during WWII, his father killed in the war. His name is Joachim Krauledat, thus John Kay. His mother escaped with him from behind the iron curtain when he was a small boy after the war. He has serious vision problems and is partially blind. They eventually made it to Canada where he learned English, and eventually America to form the Sparrow, which became Steppenwolf. They have soo much great music. Happy birthday to John, who turns 80 today, still active and outspoken as ever! Love ya, John!

  • @LarryOliver-u3v
    @LarryOliver-u3v 10 місяців тому +4

    This song was prophetic because it applies today as much as yesterday.

  • @lesschoenberger3070
    @lesschoenberger3070 Рік тому +12

    This song should be blasted over loudspeakers in every major city in this country! Time to wake up and get it together again, this is beyond pathetic now...

  • @timkis64
    @timkis64 Рік тому +7

    unfortunately, some things havent change since this song was released.its STILL just as relevant today.

  • @GeorgeFitzpatrick-cw6bu
    @GeorgeFitzpatrick-cw6bu 7 місяців тому +3

    It was not a popular song on mainstream radio back in the Vietnam Era and is not popular in the current world, but truer words were never spoken than what you hear in this song! There is a Monster on the loose and its name is the Military Industrial Complex!

  • @sharonpate5481
    @sharonpate5481 Рік тому +5

    My mom didn’t like rock music until I got her to read the lyrics to this song 😎👵🏼💜☮️

  • @toneyisaiah3556
    @toneyisaiah3556 Рік тому +4

    That album featured guitarist Larry Byrom 😊

  • @jesseSylvie
    @jesseSylvie 5 місяців тому +2

    This played full length on the radio and was played a lot.

  • @JJ8KK
    @JJ8KK 11 місяців тому +3

    I heard it on the radio. It was at that time when "underground" FM radio stations had started playing long album cuts, forcing even the AM stations to start playing moderately longer cuts...

  • @smolville
    @smolville Рік тому +4

    I was wearing my official Steppenwolf hoodie with the flag on the back. A brother called me "old-school". That's cool.

  • @rickdean1015
    @rickdean1015 Рік тому +3

    Their song "The Ostrich" is another timeless cut that's in the same vein.....and it's short enough to air.

  • @breakingdad8
    @breakingdad8 Рік тому +9

    So glad that you youngsters really "get it". Good questions and analysis. In the 60's and 70's, some FM stations catered to the audiophiles and played long songs like this. Few commercials too....and great analog quality. "No static at all". Thank you for no interruptions. Keep up the great work!

  • @Ninang363
    @Ninang363 Рік тому +15

    It used to be called Monster/Suicide/America. Still as relevant today as when it was written. A Timeless Classic

  • @lesschoenberger3070
    @lesschoenberger3070 Рік тому +3

    Great backing vocals by 3 ladies called "the Blackberries"!!! GREAT song, GREAT band!!!

  • @spoonerfive
    @spoonerfive Рік тому +3

    I read the lyrics to this song in drama class as a senior in high school in 1971. It got me laid twice. Ah, those were the days. There were only three guys in the class of 18. The teacher was new and young and attractive, which was why I took the class in the first place. Different world back then.

  • @prestonpresley6885
    @prestonpresley6885 Рік тому +13

    It was on FM rock. Steppenwolf was one of the big 5 bands of the time.
    They were considered 'hard rock.'
    "Steppenwolf sold over 25 million records worldwide,[6] released seven gold albums and one platinum album, and had 13 Billboard Hot 100 singles, of which seven were Top 40 hits,[7] including three top 10 successes:"

  • @smolville
    @smolville Рік тому +4

    When it came out, cars didn't have FM and a good home stereo was very expensive. No TV. No video games. You just jammed to the tunes. Steppenwolf played resonator guitar and Hammond organ. That's why I like Grace Potter and Ruthie Foster.

  • @vids2290
    @vids2290 6 місяців тому +1

    The timeless, endless struggle of Good vs. Evil in all of us.

  • @jonathanhurley4055
    @jonathanhurley4055 8 місяців тому +3

    This was played on what was called "the underground" radio stations....mostly university stations. They played entire albums without break. This went on from the late 60s until about 74 or 75. You would turn on the FM station and hear "Dark Side of the Moon" start to finish. Just a different time. This was made 57 years ago. That was a John Kay composition. You could listen to this song, and I defy you to find a single word phrase or reference that would date it. It could be played today, and no one would blink an eye thinking it was a 57 year old song.
    I am a Conservative, and also a Vietnam vet ( 30 months in-country) . This refrain of "America , where are you now? Don't you care about your sons and daughters? . Don't you know we need you now, we can't fight alone against the monster." rings as true on May 24th, 2024 as it did in 1967.
    Truly, we have created a living breathing entity that has its own existence as its priority. That means, sucking the life blood it needs ( money) from the people, and always ALWAYS making sure it has a Proletarian Guard to protect it from disgruntled subjects. The people have created the very animal they fought so hard to free themselves from. They are SHOCKED they have put themselves where they are....and ask... "People of America! Is THIS what we envisioned when we created this nation? Yes, we made mistakes...and have done so much to correct those mistakes, but even as our attention is diverted to correcting our past mistakes, this monster is growing at an accelerated pace....and has become ungovernable. We have become it's servants , and serve it as it is our master.
    At 73, I ask...."America, where are you now? Don't you care about your sons and daughters?"
    Not getting an answer, I ask a different question, but of the same idea " Don't you know that we need you now, we can't fight alone against the monster."
    And still I do not realize that like the people of the USSR when being tortured and soon to be executed would say " If Stalin knew you were doing this, he would have you hanged!!"
    We still haven't realized who the monster really is. We SAY it. ...but by our very questions and actions we show we do not understand we have built a huge omnipotent self-aware entity that also recognizes it has willing and knowing servants. These servants know by bended knee they are assured of prosperity and power...as long as it doesn't threaten the monster's standing.
    We are living it today. The DOJ, FBI, Judges, Democrats, ....and the reason for the fury this monster has unleashed is because of the refusal to obey.
    As the monster has no moral compass, it is up to its human tenders to offer that direction. But, alas, the worldly rewards are too much....and war is the only way our.... or the bent knee.
    Heavy song.
    lol....heavy...now THAT's a dated term!

    • @SightAfterDark
      @SightAfterDark  7 місяців тому

      Thank you for you service, and for sharing your perspective

    • @claudebuysse7482
      @claudebuysse7482 6 місяців тому +1

      The demonstrations of the young people began when the middle class boys were drafted in large numbers. Not when the poors went in like in the beginning of Vietnam adventure.

  • @videoflashbacks
    @videoflashbacks 10 місяців тому

    I was in high school when this song came out and this song still holds true today. This was played on FM underground radio a lot!

  • @timwebb8574
    @timwebb8574 11 місяців тому +2

    As true today as then.

  • @bobbrinkerhoff3592
    @bobbrinkerhoff3592 Рік тому +9

    Although written and recorded in '69 , it is still relevant today to the point of the only thing that has changed is where the war is being fought . Monster was one of the first concept albums, and should be heard in it's entirety, if you can't, then listen to From Here To There Eventually.

  • @johndrx165
    @johndrx165 Рік тому +14

    Powerful band. Lots of songs with meaningful lyrics or iconic imagery. I like It's Never too Late and Screaming Night Hog, but they have a bunch of great songs including the iconic Born to Be Wild and The Pusher.

  • @RichieG
    @RichieG Рік тому +14

    It was definitely played on the radio in its entirety and not rarely. Always after 11 p.m. and it was called in all the markets as long-form album-oriented rock. I wonder if a search for AoR would cite any good write-ups.

  • @ellischernoff8603
    @ellischernoff8603 5 місяців тому

    Still timely even after all of these decades since I first heard it.

  • @VIDSTORAGE
    @VIDSTORAGE 11 місяців тому +2

    STEPPENWOLF is the original leader of the 60s rockers with the most political commentary along with the folks singers who were the originators of that . .. Have you heard Don't Step on The Grass Sam ?

  • @robertgibson7141
    @robertgibson7141 21 день тому

    One of THE greatest protest songs ever. I was blessed to grow up on an era which also included Dylan's "Blowin' in the Wind", Neil Young's "Ohio" and "Eve of Destruction." All still relevant today.

  • @j.dragon651
    @j.dragon651 3 місяці тому

    The new national anthem. We need only change one word, "now we are fighting a war over there" to now we are fighting a war everywhere. They played it on the radio, the last minutes or so were usually cut.

  • @universeconsciouscitizensc592
    @universeconsciouscitizensc592 Рік тому +11

    This song is as relevant today as the day it was written. What started in the late 60's was interrupted and I hope the younger generation can pick it up and continue. We must struggle to get a decent nation to live in, whether we like it or not, or else the monster will swallow up all hopes and dreams in the name of profits. BTW, if people DO really start this progress forward, it will help fuel a music revival equal to that during the 60s, 70's, and 80's.

  • @ericarnow240
    @ericarnow240 9 місяців тому +1

    Very powerful song, I've listened to this since it first came out...and things have gotten worse ever since!

  • @zunbake3
    @zunbake3 Рік тому +7

    It was played plenty on WNEW-FM in New York in the late 60's and early 70's. WNEW at that time was considered one of the first Progressive/Alternative Rock Stations in the Country.

    • @FraterMerovius
      @FraterMerovius 5 місяців тому

      I remember them well. Alison Steele,"The Nightbird". Vin "Bayonne Butch" Scelsa. "The Professor"Scott Muni. Dave Herman. Pete Fornatele. Richard and Dan Neer. Those were some golden years.

  • @toneyisaiah3556
    @toneyisaiah3556 Рік тому

    The Live Steppenwolf album has the same song
    but it is clocked at 9:56.

  • @Skydog722
    @Skydog722 Місяць тому

    Monster = The Swamp
    If this one couldn't get people looking to build signs and protest things that might bother them, nothing will.

  • @stillfishing4sheep
    @stillfishing4sheep 8 місяців тому +1

    Vietnam war baby. It was from that era. But now it’s prophetic

  • @pauldavis2535
    @pauldavis2535 Рік тому +1

    Great prospective 👍

  • @claudebuysse7482
    @claudebuysse7482 6 місяців тому +2

    They were to young to understand the sixties and the Vietnam war. It's ridiculous.

  • @savethelighthouse
    @savethelighthouse 6 днів тому

    Lots of discussion about the contemporary value of this song. Listen to the history lesson that John Kay lays down, that's timeless.

  • @pauldavis2535
    @pauldavis2535 Рік тому +1

    They wouldn’t play much rock on radio then it took a few years until when fm came out before it started to get mainstream

  • @billhiggins1882
    @billhiggins1882 Рік тому +1

    The truth

  • @PeterOConnell-pq6io
    @PeterOConnell-pq6io 10 місяців тому

    So well done it's just as uncomfortable to listen to today as it was back in 1969!

  • @chadbruce1457
    @chadbruce1457 6 місяців тому

    This a huge protest song underscoring American hypocrisy and public apathy throughout history. The interior album photo is pretty cool too!

  • @peperino25
    @peperino25 Рік тому +3

    _Excellent reaction ! New sub+1!_ i recommend you more 🔥
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    ★ - *Steppenwolf - Magic Carpet Ride* || Official Audio 1968
    BONUS TRACK :
    ★ - *Golden Earring - Radar Love* || Official Audio 1973🔥
    ★ - *Foghat - Slow Ride* || Official Audio 1975 🔥
    ★ - *Jefferson Airplane - Somebody to Love* || Official Audio 1967 🔥
    ★ - *Heart - Barracuda* || Official Audio 1977 🔥
    ★ - *Dr. John - Right Place Wrong Time* || Official Audio 1973 🔥

  • @berntborjesson2042
    @berntborjesson2042 2 місяці тому

    ..and the monster is now on the loose again 😢

  • @DrSardonicuss
    @DrSardonicuss Рік тому +8

    Great tunes from a great band that's still not in the rock and roll hall of fame...

  • @cookmoore3736
    @cookmoore3736 Рік тому

    I like your "arf" barking pumpkin shirt!

  • @laurakennedy9250
    @laurakennedy9250 Рік тому +5

    Just about all of Steppenwolf's music is great. And I'm incredibly grateful that it's not the same 3 songs that are reacted to ad nauseam: "Born to be Wild", "Magic Carpet Ride" and "The Pusher". All 3 are good songs but I think I've heard them enough to last the rest of my life. Even though their music is always good "Monster/America" would not be in my personal top 5 either. I won't bother recommending any of my favorites because I can see in the comments that people are requesting the same old 3 again. All that being said I believe Steppenwolf was one of the best bands ever and that some of their lesser known album cuts were their best music.

  • @JimReem
    @JimReem Рік тому +5

    Its was played on the FM stations at the time, I think there was a shorter version with just the Monster part that played on AM radio.

  • @jeffmartin1026
    @jeffmartin1026 Рік тому +5

    Well, one would hope that it could get played on the radio today. It should be played on the radio and blared from your windows and rooftops. Back in the day these songs were being pushed and played on the radio.

  • @scullcap357
    @scullcap357 11 місяців тому

    OH they didnt want this song played at all .

  • @anthonyblakely399
    @anthonyblakely399 Рік тому +4

    Same sh*t in America...different era!!! And this generation NEEDS to speak up about injustice issues like George Floyd and Biana issues and AIDS and Covid-19 and White Supremacy issues in their songs today...but they aren;t doing this in their music, art, or literature....a very "Lame" generation....the U.S. Capital being rioted by extremist needs to be express in songs.....young folks are afraid to speak out in their art....because they want to be famous and popular...and get lots of money...that is why the quality of music today has drastically declined!!! Bands like Steppenwolf were not afraid to speak out about things not right in America!!! And those bands became "Legendary"

  • @JoeandAngie
    @JoeandAngie Рік тому +3

    My lp is in the next room. Monster equates more to America today than it did in 69

  • @squidkid2
    @squidkid2 Рік тому +4

    Steppenwolf is kind of a little overlooked when it comes to their influence on music of their time. Very topical lyrics for the time and what always sounds to me like a foreshadowing of heavy rock that was to come later.

  • @scullcap357
    @scullcap357 11 місяців тому

    SQUONK .

  • @billhawkins1236
    @billhawkins1236 Рік тому +4

    I won $25.00 from one of my smartass friends who thought I couldn't recite all the lyrics, we were sitting in a park on the grass, one of the girls ran home, grabbing her copy of the album and I recited the entire thing with 0 mistakes. Obviously, one of my favorites, then and now.🤠👍👍👍👍

  • @LuisRendon-qz2mg
    @LuisRendon-qz2mg 6 місяців тому

    THANK you but this now

  • @edwardelliott194
    @edwardelliott194 10 місяців тому

    Too long for radio,there was a radio edit but they have to cut out a lot of the lyrics and it loses the flow.The single from the album that was pushed for radio airplay was the much shorter "Move Over" which is another great song

  • @paulfenwick8767
    @paulfenwick8767 Рік тому +3

    American Icons i guess. Musically not that hot, even from the era it was released, but with the lyrics, it becomes quite powerful. There were loads of protest songs in this era what with the Vietnam war ongoing, lots from pathetic hippy types but this was different for me. It's words are probably more real today than ever.

    • @dangabbert3944
      @dangabbert3944 Рік тому +1

      Canadians, I believe.

    • @paulfenwick8767
      @paulfenwick8767 Рік тому +1

      @@dangabbert3944 North American continent...it's all the same to us Limey's🙂

  • @jimschaenzer2467
    @jimschaenzer2467 Рік тому +3

    Way ahead of their time.

  • @RichieG
    @RichieG Рік тому +4

    SAD has the best patrons

  • @glennmartin1632
    @glennmartin1632 Рік тому +2

    I was lucky enough to work for an fm station in the 70s where there was no time limit to what you could play.We were anti 3 min pop

    • @JoeandAngie
      @JoeandAngie Рік тому +1

      Yeah, we knew when y'all were out burning one when the needle kept bumping up against the label for 15 minutes

    • @SightAfterDark
      @SightAfterDark  Рік тому +1

      Sounds awesome!

    • @glennmartin1632
      @glennmartin1632 Рік тому

      @@JoeandAngie Why do you think we always played inagatadvita so much

  • @14gilbertst
    @14gilbertst Рік тому +1

    There was a local radio edit that was pretty great.....it only cut the first verse of the 'Suicide' part as far as I can tell.

  • @vicprovost2561
    @vicprovost2561 Рік тому +1

    Great song, it is of that era but still relevant today, Steppenwolf was such a great pioneering band in rock, so many site them as an influence. Try this one live as well, if you have not heard the Pusher from them, you should do that next. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎹🎶

  • @damonhines8187
    @damonhines8187 Рік тому +1

    Yeah, man! 😊 Love Steppenwolf, like, my jam, bitd. Saw slightly later version mid-70s, loads of hits, sounded great. Cheers, SAD.
    😉🤙🎶❤️✨️🕊

  • @karenmandeville7116
    @karenmandeville7116 Рік тому +1

    when this came out, you only heard it on FM stations like KSHE in St. Louis.

  • @altonT
    @altonT 6 місяців тому

    It is the song that kinda killed Steppenwolf. After it was released there was a ton of conservative backlash. The original cancel culture.

  • @kimberlyturk3915
    @kimberlyturk3915 10 місяців тому

    Are you even listening to it? Just shenanigans. No clue. Totally lost. Seems to be.more about you than the song.

  • @redzone77p
    @redzone77p Рік тому +1

    I loved the air drumming....

  • @garyd8664
    @garyd8664 Рік тому

    Absolutely hate these cringeworthy reaction videos. What is the point? But Steppenwolf? Vastly underrated, lyrically fearless. Check our Draft Resister and From Here To There Eventually.

  • @robertfreeman3831
    @robertfreeman3831 10 місяців тому

    your review seems to miss the social relevance of the song...then...and now....if the maga movement gains power ya´ll will feel the sentiment of this anthem of the 60´s more deeply. I hope you dont have to feel that fear....but it lurks.

    • @edjarolin8054
      @edjarolin8054 9 місяців тому

      So you want to be drafted to fight Russia for the Deep State? Perhaps you should wake up, as to who exactly is trying to subjugate the people.

  • @RichieG
    @RichieG Рік тому

    Great shirt, Sifa.

  • @AmberPearcy
    @AmberPearcy Рік тому

    🔥🇺🇸💛

  • @zunbake3
    @zunbake3 Рік тому +3

    I curse Landau for not putting them along with others like GFR in to the HOF!

    • @RichieG
      @RichieG Рік тому

      Landau? There's a story I don't know

    • @amedeeabreo7334
      @amedeeabreo7334 Рік тому +2

      Steppenwolf is light years beyond Grand Funk! Both musically and their place in Rock history....

    • @zunbake3
      @zunbake3 Рік тому +1

      @@RichieG Jon Landau is the head of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominating Committee.

    • @zunbake3
      @zunbake3 Рік тому

      @@amedeeabreo7334 Are you a musician?

    • @amedeeabreo7334
      @amedeeabreo7334 Рік тому

      @@zunbake3 Well I play some instruments and toy with composition. Mostly I've just listened to a lot of music over the years. Always find things to love in almost any style or time period. How about yourself?

  • @danieljrylander4648
    @danieljrylander4648 Рік тому

    So cool to hear this old Stephen wolf... I played it myself at 10 or 11 years of age on our family turntable ... careful with the needle
    AMERICA WHERE ARE YOU NOW

  • @f.murphy8340
    @f.murphy8340 Рік тому +1

    The song strikes a very right-wing chord today. Pro-Christian. Pro-Manifest Destiny. Mentions Slavery almost as an afterthought. Cities that have turned into "Jungles." "But still"...is a phrase that kind of White Washes" (pun intended) all of the conquest that created "America." The Monster metaphor is powerful.

  • @StevenMichals0812
    @StevenMichals0812 Рік тому

    Monster wasn't played on the radio. You would hear Magic Carpet Ride and Born To Be Wild. It was more about albums back then.

  • @anthonyblakely399
    @anthonyblakely399 Рік тому

    They did not play this song on the radio back then. You have to find songs like this on the albums!!! It was a 2 or 3 minute time slot on the radio in the 60's 70's and 80's.....Long songs like this were o the albums. The song wasn't something that would sell to Companies.

  • @danieljrylander4648
    @danieljrylander4648 Рік тому

    Stupid autocorrect

  • @JoeSomebody-i7k
    @JoeSomebody-i7k 11 місяців тому

    America The Big Joke

  • @kevinlaughery1076
    @kevinlaughery1076 4 місяці тому

    I DONT THINK YOU GRASP THIS TYPE OF MUSIC, LIGHT ONE UP AND CHILL.!!!

  • @JoeSomebody-i7k
    @JoeSomebody-i7k 11 місяців тому

    It just keeps on going on. You are missing the point

  • @JoeSomebody-i7k
    @JoeSomebody-i7k 11 місяців тому

    This day sucks

  • @Tom-c6i9r
    @Tom-c6i9r 7 днів тому

    Is that all you know how to do?...Pretend to play drums???

  • @kimberlyturk3915
    @kimberlyturk3915 10 місяців тому

    Are you even listening to it? Just shenanigans. No clue. Totally lost. Seems to be.more about you than the song.