It has been a while since we did Bowie and it’s time to revisit some! We had a lot of requests for Heroes so here you guys go! Have a great day guys! 😁🔥
"Scary Monsters & Super Creeps" from the album of the same name or practically anything from the album "Low". By the way the the guitar player on this is none other than Robert Fripp from King Crimson, but if you want to hear what he is actually capable of you must go directly to Crimson or his solo work.
I recommend learning about Bowie chronologically. His style was constantly changing and developing, and listening to those changes as they took place is the way to go.
I can’t explain it, but whenever I hear David Bowie, it brings tears to my eyes...his genius coupled with our tremendous loss for not having him around any more? It’s more than nostalgia, methinks.
No!!! David Bowie was of his time cuz they don’t make them like that anymore This songs was written during the Cold War Era so its very much of its time!!!
@@162berto my thoughts as well, he's very much a creature of his time. He was, a chameleon who changed many times over his career. Still can't believe he's gone ... before Keith Richards
@@LaughingStock_Bowie was also a creative genius who gave his life to art. Really shows in the new documentary moonage daydream. Truly a magnificent man
This song I believe is heavily Cold War influenced-The two are lovers split from each other by Berlin Wall. The line about the ‘Guards shot above our heads.’ Is a reference to running away together
It was Tony Visconti and the girl he was having an affair with. David stayed behind and saw them through the window of the studio. I visited the place (Hansa Studios) when I was in Berlin a few years ago. Legendary
David Bowie was on the same record label as Elvis & decided to pay tribute to Elvis by writing him a song. That song was golden years but Elvis never recorded it as Colonel Tom Parker couldn't agree on the song writing royalties....
Here's the thing about Bowie - he has had SUCH an eclectic career. His styles vary over the decades, he transformed himself often. He could bounce effortlessly between pop and psychedelic and funk and rock. Heroes is personally MY fave Bowie song, but I can see why it may not rank high for everyone. I personally love that groove that runs throughout the song, it's kind of a drift away tune. BTW glad you did the full length version, there's a shorter radio edit that always pisses me off LOL.
Station to Station, one of his greatest masterpieces. As for your questions, Space Oddity is from 1969, Fame is from 1975, "Heroes" is from 1977 and Ashed to Ashes is from 1980. I recommend investing his entire discography, he had so many styles through ths years and never stopped working until his final days
I love how the lads let the song speak for itself. Rarely if never pausing. I enjoy other people’s interpretations of the music I love. You gentlemen do it way better than most channels. Great work.
That's what I love about this channel - and they understand more about music than most people their age. Probably why they've been contacted by the artists themselves - I mean they interviewed The Zombies!! 🤘💜🤘
This was recorded 9 years before A Kind of Magic, so it's really Queen who sound like this. Anyway, this is an immortal classic. And I've always loved the effect when that clanking noise comes in after the second verse. It was played by hitting an ashtray... Oh, and I guess the reason why you prefer other Bowie songs like Fame, is that they are more geared towards the American market. "Heroes" is as European as it gets. I mean, it's about two lovers kissing by the Berlin wall.
I didnt enjoy Bowie for a loooong time. Then I heard "Suffragette City" and that was my "in". Have a listen to that. "Sound and Vision" is also a favourite of mine
Remember the Concert for New York City ( a fundraiser following the 9/11 attacks )? Bowie opened the show....and Heroes was his 2nd song. He KILLED it. My all-time favorite performance of his.
That was an amazing performance!!! Sitting crosslegged on the stage with his "toy" omnichord singing America by Simon and Garfunkel and then rousing the ho-hum crowd with Heroes. And I heard He was running a high fever but he really wanted to perform for his local "ladder" of NYC firefighters. He was a hero!!
Oh man, they should react to King Crimson. Although they should definitely start with something accessible. I'd recommend One Time, or 21st Century Schizoid Boy.
I love "Heroes" and it is my favorite David Bowie song. Having said that, when I first heard it I thought it was an ok song, kind of how you reacted. However, as I have matured and learned about the world,the highs and lows, this song's significance for me has continuously risen. I now associate this song with the pursuit for a just world in the midst of a battle against those that would oppress it's people, in their pursuit of money and power. The relevance of this song cannot be overstated. And it has aged well. I really appreciate your reaction as it reminded me how music continues to be one thing that can be counted on to unify people.
I think the reason why it's one of his most famous songs is bc it has that dreamy, yearning sort of element to it that almost anybody can appreciate. Whether you're listening to it passively or actually getting into it. I would say the same thing for songs like Linger. As David once described it, "it's a very pretty love song."
Bowie is my nephew's favourite singer of all time (he's 7). I'll catch him singing various Bowie songs when he's reading or playing (also Queen, because he has me as an aunt) and one he loves is this one and Golden Years. Fame is great, Space Oddity is the greatest.
At "Live Aid," Bowie sang "Heroes" and the crowd went crazy with the donations to feeding the people in Africa. They got to truly be heroes just for one day.
This was coming out of a very troubled time for Bowie. He was living in Berlin and the song uses the Berlin Wall as a metaphor for love between people. Brian Eno rode to Bowie’s rescue and called in Robert Fripp and other Bowie stalwarts and thus Bowie was reborn again following this album with Ashes to Ashes on Scary Monsters. After that album Bowie switched completely and discovered Stevie Ray Vaughn for Let’s Dance. You cannot listen to one Bowie song and get Bowie. Don’t forget Under Pressure, where Bowie crashed a Queen session and legend has it they composed the song in two days. Peace. Out!
Good reaction as always. This song was released in 1977 when he lived in Berlin where he made a trilogy of albums. The song became an anthem of sorts for the fall of the Berlin Wall dividing Germany. You guys need to react to Life on Mars ( similar period to space oddity) Or if you want something relatively unknown you should react to Station to Station which is a 10 minute long masterpiece (imo) Thanks as always, Reece, Scotland
Station to Station is not relatively unknown it just wasn't a radio song. But it's one of the fan favorites and yes, it really is a masterpiece. You should pick the live version from the 1978 album 'Stage', it's fucking brilliant with awesome guitar work by Adrian Belew
he lived in Berlin (my hometown) together with Iggy Pop. The house bears a plaque in his memory today. Heroes even has a verse in german in some releases. Sidenote: worth checking out Motörhead´s cover of Heroes as well ;)
I have the 1981 soundtrack to the German indie movie, Christine F. that stars David Bowie who plays himself. He performs this song live and some of it is in German. Amazing song, it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Gives me the feelings that I can overcome those dark days that are hard to deal with. Thanks guys you’re doing an amazing job. Keep up the good work!
So much more to explore: 27 studio albums, 11 live albums, 51 compilation albums, eight extended plays (EPs), 128 singles, including five UK number-one singles, and four soundtracks. Bowie also released 14 video albums and 72 music videos. [from Wikipedia]
The atmosphere created by Eno's keyboars and Fripps guitar riff really makes this song. Though bass and rhthm have a great groove underneath.i particularly like Fripps guiar riff around 3:08 - 3:20 of your video (after the second verse)
Great choice guys! You should definitely check out the live version @Freddie Mercury's Tribute concert. It has Mick Ronson on guitar and John Deacon nails the bass part. Essential listening guys. Love your reactions as always. Keep on rockin'!
David Bowie was a talent that we rarely get to see. His style and presentation were so far outside the norm that he didn't get as much popular attention as he should have, but I think the man was king of the 'concept album' with what he did with Ziggy Stardust.
The reason for the live version’s success was it was performed in West Berlin within site of the Berlin wall. Thousands of people living in East Germany saw the performance and claimed it spoke to them, Bowie doesn’t deny this. The wall fell soon after.
A bit of trivia-‘Heroes’ had a transcontinental release in multiple languages. English, German, French, and Italian. Actually, the German version is my fav. Bowie sounds so cool singing auf Deutsch 🎶 🎤!
This is my favorite Bowie song mostly from its feel and the lyrical content. During recording he moved the mic farther away for each verse. You commented about the emotion in the later verses. The microphone was about 50 feet away by then and he was basically yelling. Amazing effect.
The song "Stay" from Bowie's 1976 "Station to Station" album is a must-hear track. Everything about it is flawless - - vocals, production, and kick-ass rocking guitar playing by Earl Slick. Play it; watch the long-haired rocker dude and the little blond twink go nuts. (PS: Make sure you do the original full-length album version of the song to get all of the guitar parts, not one of the heavily edited versions floating around on various compilations and soundtracks.)
My absolute favourite Station to Staion Song is the almost forgotten track "TVC 1 5", which, believe it or not, is a ode to a old CRT TV set chassis (Motherboard!) that was very popular at that time, being used in something like 30 different brands of TV.... and it is a damned catchy song.... ua-cam.com/video/dLl1MeOCeKI/v-deo.html
Robert Fripp is the guy who is getting that guitar wailing sound on Heroes. If you're any kind of fan of anything unusual on the guitar, you need to listen to "Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)". They invited Robert Fripp, formerly of King Crimson, to play some HEAVY, hairy guitar licks on the album of the same name. It's wildly and insanely awesome. ua-cam.com/video/NHywdqH3F6Y/v-deo.html(And the song that follows Scary Monsters, "Ashes to Ashes" is the sequel to Space Oddity, where we find out the fate of Major Tom. ua-cam.com/video/YF_ESqYuhSQ/v-deo.html And BTW, Space Oddity was originally released in 1967 (rereleased in 1969 when it really became a hit) Heroes was released in 1977. Also, I LOVE the live performance of this song at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. ua-cam.com/video/UsiQgRp5bfQ/v-deo.html In fact the whole Bowie (and company) set is incredible for all the amazing talent they have on stage. Which includes Mick Ronson (Guitar - Spiders From Mars) Joe Elliott, and Phil Collen (backup vocals - Def Leppard) and the remaining members of Queen, of course. ua-cam.com/video/yJ6T9uYImnQ/v-deo.html He also does Under Pressure with Annie Lennox doing Freddie's Part. ua-cam.com/video/fCP2-Bfhy04/v-deo.html
And he stayed this strong up to his later years. For some more recent Bowie, check out; The Next Day The Stars Are Out Tonight Valentines Day Blackstar Lazarus
The original version predates "It's a Kind of Magic" by 7 or 8 years. This was after Fame and both are from the mid 70s 75-77 timeframe. If you want to hear Bowie at what I consider to be his best, listen to the Diamond Dogs album from 74. I can't believe I am recommending a Bowie album without Mick Ronson, but there you go.
"Heroes" was from one of the Berlin Trilogy of albums that Bowie cowrote with Brian Eno, who also produced and created the magical sounds on the song. Eno is a master of modifying musical instruments until you can not tell what they are.
Come back after hearing this three or four times, this song is like an infection, it gets into your blood. It's also something that is interesting to take in the context of the full album which is a very trippy experience and while this may seem like a "radio song" placed in the whole experience of the album it is very different. Bowie never sat still and this was during his "Berlin period", recorded while he was getting off drugs, living next to the Berlin wall with the juxtaposition of decadent west Berlin beside oppressive communist east Berlin. Heroes, Lodger and Low are intensely experimental albums to explore i the whole, they'll blow your minds.
Studio version first, live version second! I couldn’t agree with you more! While I was growing up in the late ‘60’s and 70’s, there was no internet and no MTV. Bands would release their albums first, then go on tour. So, for me personally, if you’re going to react to a song, you always want to hear the studio version. You then have a baseline from which to judge the live version. Well done, guys! 😊
I agree with that for the most part, but there are some exceptions. A few artists back in the day broke-out to a larger audience and have their best versions on their live albums - Frampton Comes Alive and Foghat Live are a couple examples.
To really understand this song in its place in Bowie's Oeuvre you really need to look up David Bowies Berlin Trilogy and listen to those 3 albums in order: "The Berlin Trilogy consists of three consecutively released studio albums by English singer and songwriter David Bowie: Low (1977), "Heroes" (1977) and Lodger (1979). The albums were recorded after Bowie took up residence in West Berlin in late 1976, and saw him experiment with elements of electronic, krautrock, ambient, and world music in collaboration with American producer Tony Visconti and English musician Brian Eno." (Quote from Wikipedia) Of all three albums this song is my by-far favourite, but I had listened to Low before it and Lodger afterwards. BTW I saw Bowie twice in concert here in NZ, 1979 and 1982/3/ something. At the time it was the Biggest Concert ever held in NZ, an estimated 95000 crowd in Auckland at Western Springs Stadium (A Kart racing track!) The first time was the Stages world tour, then the Glass Spider tour. Both were beyond awesome!
Heroes is from 1977. It gained new life a few years ago when it was featured in the film "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." I'd give it an eight. Ashes to Ashes is still my favorite from him.
Bowie opened “The Concert For New York City” after 9/11 with this song and the energy was incredible. If you are not familiar this was a fundraiser organized by Paul McCartney for the firefighters and cops after the terrorist attack on New York City and Washington DC.
@Andy & Alex First of all, thanks so much for reviewing "Heroes", my favourite Bowie song ! I had been a great fan of his since 1972 and his " Aladdin Sane" album (great songs on it, "Drive in Saturday" and "The Jean Genie" are both a MUST for you to hear !), and like you I always loved some of his late 1960's tracks, but "Heroes" knocked me off my feet. It was played continuously in bars in 1978 when I was on holiday on the island of Mallorca, and it is a song you have to hear often to let it catch you. Great lyrics and the continuous and gradual rise of his voice and the music is fantastic, true magic ! It was a great hit in Germany, where I live, and Bowie actually did a version of the song in which he sang a few lines in German. Finally, I totally agree with you, Andy, that it is better to review an album song before doing a live version. So, once again, thanks for his particular review and, listen to "Heroes" while driving your car, like you suggested, you will get really hooked on it, I promise ! 😘
One of my fave Bowie songs. People use the word "artist" loosely to describe musicians, but Bowie was a rare and true artist. Ahead of his time and a pioneer in ever changing personas. His catalog is so deep, you really can't go wrong with your next pick of his. My vote would be for Rebel Rebel or Golden Years.
Do Blackstar and watch the amazing video doing so. His parting gift, still ahead of anything on the radio nowadays. Took an amazing new-jazz quartet and made them play a whole new style of rock with Kendrick Lamar influences. Lots of symbolism in the lyrics and the vid, which we only understood when 2 days after releasing the album on his birthday, he suddenly died. Huge masterpiece. You'll love it! 🔥 Ashes to ashes, heroes etc were ahead of their times but today there are newer things. Blackstar is still ahead of today's time.
OK, this is one of my favorites. I’m glad you liked it. For some trivia, that wailing synth sound all the way through the song? That was Robert Fripp on guitar. Brian Eno was the producer of the album, and he and Fripp worked together a LOT over the last 40 years. Eno produced three, maybe more, albums for Bowie. And as you guessed, this was way after Space Oddity, 20 years after, more or less. Bowie was one of those folks who re-invent themselves every few years as a way of keeping themselves from getting bored, going stale, or getting stuck in some sort of formula-keeping it fresh, so to speak. Recommendations? Google Brian Eno, Robert Fripp, King Crimson, Roxy Music if you want to know more about them. Brian’s first four solo albums are the most accessible for a listener. He’s where the “this is a good song for driving” thing that you noticed came from. Most of his work is good to play in the background when you’re doing other stuff, of meditating, for that matter. The first four albums are a bit more active. Though, LOL! Now, King Crimson? That’s like a “supergroup” of musicians from lots of other bands come running when Fripp calls and says “hey, let’s do another album.” Lots of big names have been in on those projects. There’s a live video of “Starless” on You Tube that is pretty much the studio version done live. I advise you to watch it, but don’t feel like you have to react to it. It’s rather long, so catch a buzz, kick back, and experience it. So, enjoy! Explore! Stay cool and don’t stop doing your reaction vids, please.
I adore Brian Eno’s work. Especially “Taking Tiger Mountain”, “Here Come the Warm Jets” and “Before and After Science “. All groundbreaking and brilliant records. And King Crimson...oh man, where do I start? Also amazing. There was so much musical “incest” going on at the time, with Fripp(KC) Eno, Roxy Music and various musicians all doing things on each other’s recordings. All magic. Has no one even mentioned Roxy Music, btw? Recommendations- anything from “Siren” or “For Your Pleasure” to start. Eno also played with them. And singer Bryan Ferry STILL has more charisma in his pinky, than most other singers in the rock world.
Are you kidding this is one of Bowie's Epic songs!!! This is about his producer kissing his lover by the Berlin wall...while they were recording. And this song is Way older then Queen Kind of Magic.
I’m so frickin old. I’m looking at you guys and could easily see you guys graduating say 71 or 72 and stepping into your new freedom at 18 in the beginning of the 70’s, what a ride you would have been on. I know that was an adventure I’ll never be able to repeat. Just keep listening and let your minds travel back in time. What memories !👍😊👌
You should react to "Scandal" and "Spread Your Wings" by Queen. I'd say those two are their most underrated songs and two of my favorites! Also, I know you reacted to the song at Rock Montreal, but in my opinion Somebody to Love live at Milton Keynes 1982/06/05 is the best rendition of the song!
These types of vids make me so happy. Mom raised me on 50’s to 80’s music. I’m at the point where I can name a song and group like 2 bars in. From the solid gold oldies, to west coast, to Brit rock, to hair metal, grunge, pop metal, costume metal, hard rock, etc etc. I grew up, hung out with the hippies in highschool who listened to mostly heavy metal x grunge because they loved the “liberation of Iraq” soundtrack, alt/alt rock and so on. So it’s great to see people “discovering” music I’ve been listening to literally since the day my parents carried me home from the hospital.
Please react to Crosby, Stills, and Nash - Suite Judy Blue Eyes - Live. Thank you for your reactions. As a 60 year old Mawmaw, I truly enjoy seeing people find good music. This song is beautiful. Keep enjoying all music! Peace.
And once again I enjoy seeing you blokes being blown away by the music that blew us away when it came out. Good on you. It means that a lot of music is simply timeless.
Bowie! Eno! Fripp! The Most Holy Trinity of Rock! Bowie was always evolving as an artist, so I'd encourage you to explore him chronologically to see how each phase foreshadows the next. Again, I'm really enjoying seeing you explore various musics.
I first heard this song as part of Moulin Rouge soundtrack, it's part of a medley between the leads. But since then, I have fallen in love with Bowie. I own Ziggie Stardust, Man Who Sold the World and Blackstar. Do a compare video of Bowie's and Nirvana's Man Who Sold the World from Unplugged. Both amazing versions, love to hear your opinions. Rock on guys!
I spent some time hauling power cables for Bowie during his " Sight and Sound " tour early 90's. Talked to him a few times. It was all business to him. If I had a choice, I'd hang with you two instead, because of your love of music. Never lose that.
Man, this song always both feels warm and like a hug -- but those amazing guitars and his voice -- that hug is released too and I feel like I'm soaring with him.
If you liked "Fame," you might like "Golden Years" for your next Bowie reaction. I didn't get into this song at all, but music is subjective, isn't it? At least it means I didn't sing along and that's always a good thing.
When this album came out it was the second Bowie album of 1977, the first being Low. The producer set three microphones up for Bowie's vocals one in front, one 20 feet away and one 40 feet away. That's why the vocal sound changes when he gets louder.
Great to see you doing Bowie again! Definitely try the song Aladdin Sane (very avant-garde) Beauty and the Beast, Moonage Daydream, cracked Actor, Lazarus, Black Star, The Hearts Filthy lesson, so many to try, and I agree, studio versions are the way to go for first time listens....
This era of David Bowie os the one I was born in to. He was a part of my childhood. A part of my teens. He was loved through my 20's... then he I experienced his death in my early 30's, and I still mourn his loss, much like the loss of a loved family memmber.
This song, as far as I know, was created around the fall of the Berlin wall, so that would be a reason for popularity. There is a full German version (with Bowie) and there are sooo many covers including Rammstein and Motörhead and (sadly) every cover band...
It has been a while since we did Bowie and it’s time to revisit some! We had a lot of requests for Heroes so here you guys go! Have a great day guys! 😁🔥
Andy & Alex Must react The Motel, amazing Bowie's song
Boys keep swinging is also fantastic guys rating 9.0 for me.
Stay lucky stay safe Mike UK.
"Scary Monsters & Super Creeps" from the album of the same name or practically anything from the album "Low". By the way the the guitar player on this is none other than Robert Fripp from King Crimson, but if you want to hear what he is actually capable of you must go directly to Crimson or his solo work.
Love me some David bowie. Great SONG. RIGHT on guys. Thank YOU for sharing this. Rock on
Good song but more a "famous" Bowie song, but meh.
after Megadeth? quite the transition..
I recommend learning about Bowie chronologically. His style was constantly changing and developing, and listening to those changes as they took place is the way to go.
Michelle Chase Nice idea, and a quick way to do this is listen to all of Bowie at the Beeb
Michelle Chase ....for me his early years were fantastic. Not to mention I’m from that era. Lol. Good suggestion for sure
True.
I agree! He constantly changed both his musical style and his stage persona.
So many ch-ch-changes...sorry.
I can’t explain it, but whenever I hear David Bowie, it brings tears to my eyes...his genius coupled with our tremendous loss for not having him around any more? It’s more than nostalgia, methinks.
Me too 😢
Logico, todos nos convertimos en sub-humanos cuando interactuamos con el Genio
Simply put, David Bowie was before his time and was a musical genius!
Not so much before his time, but unique in his time and anytime...there's only one Bowie 😍
No!!! David Bowie was of his time cuz they don’t make them like that anymore
This songs was written during the Cold War Era so its very much of its time!!!
@@162berto my thoughts as well, he's very much a creature of his time. He was, a chameleon who changed many times over his career. Still can't believe he's gone ... before Keith Richards
No. Simply put, Bowie was a superb musical director who knew who to employ.
@@LaughingStock_Bowie was also a creative genius who gave his life to art. Really shows in the new documentary moonage daydream. Truly a magnificent man
This song I believe is heavily Cold War influenced-The two are lovers split from each other by Berlin Wall. The line about the ‘Guards shot above our heads.’ Is a reference to running away together
I believe the song was recorded in West Berlin.
Harry Novick Because David Bowie lived in West Berlin.
It was Tony Visconti and the girl he was having an affair with. David stayed behind and saw them through the window of the studio. I visited the place (Hansa Studios) when I was in Berlin a few years ago. Legendary
@@dafyddil you are correct.
@@dafyddil yes that is as Tony tells it.
Golden Years will excite your ears😂❤
My thought exactly.
wop-wop-wop! :)
I second that!
David Bowie was on the same record label as Elvis & decided to pay tribute to Elvis by writing him a song. That song was golden years but Elvis never recorded it as Colonel Tom Parker couldn't agree on the song writing royalties....
Excellent Soundtrack for, "The Man Who Fell to Earth," Station to Station album.
Here's the thing about Bowie - he has had SUCH an eclectic career. His styles vary over the decades, he transformed himself often. He could bounce effortlessly between pop and psychedelic and funk and rock.
Heroes is personally MY fave Bowie song, but I can see why it may not rank high for everyone.
I personally love that groove that runs throughout the song, it's kind of a drift away tune.
BTW glad you did the full length version, there's a shorter radio edit that always pisses me off LOL.
Even his " Thin White Duke" persona of the 80s was classic! MY college years, lol! Gotta go put on my red shoes & dance!
It's one of my favorite 3 Bowie songs, finding it hard to choose any one favorite.
Guys, you HAVE TO watch Bowie's live version in front of a Berlin audience. It 's just amazing. Bowie at his very best. God rest his dear soul.
The live rendition of "Heroes" that Bowie did on his 1978 live album "Stage" is absolutely the best version of the song.
Adrian Belew on guitar. Of course it’s the best 😃
Oh god..there are so many good Bowie-songs to choose from.
But if you ask me;
-Moonage daydream
-Life on mars
-Starman
- The man who sold the world
Life On Mars ... great tune ... ua-cam.com/video/AZKcl4-tcuo/v-deo.html
The Ziggy Stardust saga
Great list. Rock n Roll suicide is one of my favorites.
Life on Mars x 10
Five Years
Wild is the Wind
Station to Station, one of his greatest masterpieces.
As for your questions, Space Oddity is from 1969, Fame is from 1975, "Heroes" is from 1977 and Ashed to Ashes is from 1980.
I recommend investing his entire discography, he had so many styles through ths years and never stopped working until his final days
Station to Station "It's not the side-effects of the cocaine, I'm thinking' that it must be love"
I love how the lads let the song speak for itself. Rarely if never pausing. I enjoy other people’s interpretations of the music I love. You gentlemen do it way better than most channels. Great work.
That's what I love about this channel - and they understand more about music than most people their age. Probably why they've been contacted by the artists themselves - I mean they interviewed The Zombies!! 🤘💜🤘
David Bowie, Robert Fripp, Brian Eno all hitting their stride here. He was more into electronic music here. “Life On Mars” would be great to do next.
Life on Mars is an incredible track!
Great suggestion
Yep Fripp brilliant here
This was recorded 9 years before A Kind of Magic, so it's really Queen who sound like this.
Anyway, this is an immortal classic. And I've always loved the effect when that clanking noise comes in after the second verse.
It was played by hitting an ashtray...
Oh, and I guess the reason why you prefer other Bowie songs like Fame, is that they are more geared towards the American market.
"Heroes" is as European as it gets. I mean, it's about two lovers kissing by the Berlin wall.
Bowie was a quirky, exciting and brilliantly talented man! Thank you.
I didnt enjoy Bowie for a loooong time.
Then I heard "Suffragette City" and that was my "in".
Have a listen to that.
"Sound and Vision" is also a favourite of mine
Suffagette City was so fun to dance to. They played it a lot in the club we went to all the time.
Actually, this song turned me on to Bowie
"Suffragette City" and "Space Oddity" were my introductions to Bowie. Don't remember which I heard first.
Always loved Suffragette. For me, the way in was Rebel, Rebel. In any case, Ziggy Stardust & tSFM is an awesome album.
Remember the Concert for New York City ( a fundraiser following the 9/11 attacks )? Bowie opened the show....and Heroes was his 2nd song. He KILLED it. My all-time favorite performance of his.
That was an amazing performance!!! Sitting crosslegged on the stage with his "toy" omnichord singing America by Simon and Garfunkel and then rousing the ho-hum crowd with Heroes. And I heard He was running a high fever but he really wanted to perform for his local "ladder" of NYC firefighters. He was a hero!!
That concert was amazing, with Bowie and ending with Joel, The Who, and McCartney. LOVE!
Bowie and The Who killed it at that show. They were awesome.
Of course they don't. They would have been like three at most.
@@scribejay omg.... true
Heroes takes me straight to seedy 70s Berlin and that insistent groove. It’s all about Robert Fripp’s lead and the groove. Y’all got it.
King Crimsons Guitarist Robert Fripp was the guitar solo and guitar lead on this track
Oh man, they should react to King Crimson. Although they should definitely start with something accessible. I'd recommend One Time, or 21st Century Schizoid Boy.
the line about kissing on the wall always makes my heart crack. and that eno drone through the whole thing turns my bones into water
I love "Heroes" and it is my favorite David Bowie song. Having said that, when I first heard it I thought it was an ok song, kind of how you reacted. However, as I have matured and learned about the world,the highs and lows, this song's significance for me has continuously risen. I now associate this song with the pursuit for a just world in the midst of a battle against those that would oppress it's people, in their pursuit of money and power. The relevance of this song cannot be overstated. And it has aged well. I really appreciate your reaction as it reminded me how music continues to be one thing that can be counted on to unify people.
I think the reason why it's one of his most famous songs is bc it has that dreamy, yearning sort of element to it that almost anybody can appreciate. Whether you're listening to it passively or actually getting into it. I would say the same thing for songs like Linger. As David once described it, "it's a very pretty love song."
Bowie is my nephew's favourite singer of all time (he's 7). I'll catch him singing various Bowie songs when he's reading or playing (also Queen, because he has me as an aunt) and one he loves is this one and Golden Years.
Fame is great, Space Oddity is the greatest.
Now that's a great aunt providing proper musical education!!
At "Live Aid," Bowie sang "Heroes" and the crowd went crazy with the donations to feeding the people in Africa. They got to truly be heroes just for one day.
This was coming out of a very troubled time for Bowie. He was living in Berlin and the song uses the Berlin Wall as a metaphor for love between people. Brian Eno rode to Bowie’s rescue and called in Robert Fripp and other Bowie stalwarts and thus Bowie was reborn again following this album with Ashes to Ashes on Scary Monsters. After that album Bowie switched completely and discovered Stevie Ray Vaughn for Let’s Dance. You cannot listen to one Bowie song and get Bowie. Don’t forget Under Pressure, where Bowie crashed a Queen session and legend has it they composed the song in two days. Peace. Out!
Good reaction as always. This song was released in 1977 when he lived in Berlin where he made a trilogy of albums. The song became an anthem of sorts for the fall of the Berlin Wall dividing Germany.
You guys need to react to Life on Mars ( similar period to space oddity)
Or if you want something relatively unknown you should react to Station to Station which is a 10 minute long masterpiece (imo)
Thanks as always, Reece, Scotland
Station to Station is not relatively unknown it just wasn't a radio song. But it's one of the fan favorites and yes, it really is a masterpiece. You should pick the live version from the 1978 album 'Stage', it's fucking brilliant with awesome guitar work by Adrian Belew
he lived in Berlin (my hometown) together with Iggy Pop. The house bears a plaque in his memory today. Heroes even has a verse in german in some releases. Sidenote: worth checking out Motörhead´s cover of Heroes as well ;)
I read the 33 1/3 book about Low which really covered a lot of Station to Station. It was very interesting.
@@kathleen109 what did it say about the track?
There is so MUCH great Bowie for so many decades. You could spend a LOT of time exploring him.
Robert Fripp doing impossible things on the guitar. As usual.
Try my channel adrian
I love Robert Fripp. King Crimson are legends
Fripp and Eno together is magical.
They should check out more stuff from scary monsters for some crazy solos
@@lukewagstaff5743 They should sample "It's no game part 1" to hear some guitar work by Robert Fripp that peels the paint off the walls...
David Bowie - Starman
yep. Starman. upvoting LOL
S. Baldrick YES I MUST INSIST ALSO ON STARMAN ! It’s a MUST.
Predictable!
His most fun song
yup
I love the expression in their faces, there’re really feeling the song.
This song was a massive hit and one of Bowie's best. Iconic.
My personal favourite for the sheer range, power and passion of his voice and song writing, 'Sweet Thing', from Diamond Dogs. Bowie at his best.
The Man Who Sold The World. Possibly one of the most perfectly written songs I have ever heard. Give it a try.
I have the 1981 soundtrack to the German indie movie, Christine F. that stars David Bowie who plays himself. He performs this song live and some of it is in German. Amazing song, it brings tears to my eyes every time I hear it. Gives me the feelings that I can overcome those dark days that are hard to deal with. Thanks guys you’re doing an amazing job. Keep up the good work!
David made two alternate recordings of Heroes - one in French, another in German. Both are on Spotify.
So much more to explore: 27 studio albums, 11 live albums, 51 compilation albums, eight extended plays (EPs), 128 singles, including five UK number-one singles, and four soundtracks. Bowie also released 14 video albums and 72 music videos. [from Wikipedia]
My All Time Favorite David Bowie Song
Sang With Class
To All The Heroes From The Past To The Future
3 / 9 / 21
The atmosphere created by Eno's keyboars and Fripps guitar riff really makes this song.
Though bass and rhthm have a great groove underneath.i particularly like Fripps guiar riff around 3:08 - 3:20 of your video (after the second verse)
Several live versions out there are so much better. Having seen him in concert several times he was amazing.
Great choice guys! You should definitely check out the live version @Freddie Mercury's Tribute concert. It has Mick Ronson on guitar and John Deacon nails the bass part. Essential listening guys. Love your reactions as always. Keep on rockin'!
You should react to the music video to Lazarus, if you haven't done yet... His last message.
Or Blackstar
...and be ready to get hit right in the feels
Oh, I don’t want to be sad again. 🥺
It was his farewell to all his fans. To record that when you know you are dying is amazing. He was a class act.
David Bowie was a talent that we rarely get to see. His style and presentation were so far outside the norm that he didn't get as much popular attention as he should have, but I think the man was king of the 'concept album' with what he did with Ziggy Stardust.
My all time favorite song. Bowie’s vocals, the buzzing guitar, the sonic production and those incredible lyrics. Definitely an S.
In the lyrics when Bowie talks about standing by the wall, he is talking about the Berlin Wall (before it came down)
Moonage Daydream is an absolute classic if you want that classic rock vibe.
David Bowie's music saved my life with his songs when I thought all was lost.
React to " Rock and Roll Suicide" , "Time" and "Life On Mars?"
Danelle Covey omg, rock and roll suicide is frikking amazing!
Saw him on tour and he sounds just as good live as he does in the studio. Great pick great singer
Please “under pressure” Bowie + Queen
The reason for the live version’s success was it was performed in West Berlin within site of the Berlin wall. Thousands of people living in East Germany saw the performance and claimed it spoke to them, Bowie doesn’t deny this.
The wall fell soon after.
A bit of trivia-‘Heroes’ had a transcontinental release in multiple languages. English, German, French, and Italian. Actually, the German version is my fav. Bowie sounds so cool singing auf Deutsch 🎶 🎤!
Watch "Jojo Rabbit": They play the German version of Heroes over the closing and credits...
And I like the French one.
This is my favorite Bowie song mostly from its feel and the lyrical content. During recording he moved the mic farther away for each verse. You commented about the emotion in the later verses. The microphone was about 50 feet away by then and he was basically yelling. Amazing effect.
The song "Stay" from Bowie's 1976 "Station to Station" album is a must-hear track. Everything about it is flawless - - vocals, production, and kick-ass rocking guitar playing by Earl Slick. Play it; watch the long-haired rocker dude and the little blond twink go nuts.
(PS: Make sure you do the original full-length album version of the song to get all of the guitar parts, not one of the heavily edited versions floating around on various compilations and soundtracks.)
The live Dinah Shore show version is tops.
I was lucky enough to hear Stay live on the Serious Moonlight tour. 😃
My absolute favourite Station to Staion Song is the almost forgotten track "TVC 1 5", which, believe it or not, is a ode to a old CRT TV set chassis (Motherboard!) that was very popular at that time, being used in something like 30 different brands of TV.... and it is a damned catchy song.... ua-cam.com/video/dLl1MeOCeKI/v-deo.html
Robert Fripp is the guy who is getting that guitar wailing sound on Heroes. If you're any kind of fan of anything unusual on the guitar, you need to listen to "Scary Monsters (And Super Creeps)". They invited Robert Fripp, formerly of King Crimson, to play some HEAVY, hairy guitar licks on the album of the same name. It's wildly and insanely awesome.
ua-cam.com/video/NHywdqH3F6Y/v-deo.html(And the song that follows Scary Monsters, "Ashes to Ashes" is the sequel to Space Oddity, where we find out the fate of Major Tom.
ua-cam.com/video/YF_ESqYuhSQ/v-deo.html
And BTW, Space Oddity was originally released in 1967 (rereleased in 1969 when it really became a hit) Heroes was released in 1977.
Also, I LOVE the live performance of this song at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert.
ua-cam.com/video/UsiQgRp5bfQ/v-deo.html
In fact the whole Bowie (and company) set is incredible for all the amazing talent they have on stage. Which includes Mick Ronson (Guitar - Spiders From Mars) Joe Elliott, and Phil Collen (backup vocals - Def Leppard) and the remaining members of Queen, of course.
ua-cam.com/video/yJ6T9uYImnQ/v-deo.html
He also does Under Pressure with Annie Lennox doing Freddie's Part.
ua-cam.com/video/fCP2-Bfhy04/v-deo.html
Also try "The man Who Sold the World". It was covered by Nirvana for their MTV unplugged performance. Amazing song.
And he stayed this strong up to his later years. For some more recent Bowie, check out;
The Next Day
The Stars Are Out Tonight
Valentines Day
Blackstar
Lazarus
The original version predates "It's a Kind of Magic" by 7 or 8 years. This was after Fame and both are from the mid 70s 75-77 timeframe. If you want to hear Bowie at what I consider to be his best, listen to the Diamond Dogs album from 74. I can't believe I am recommending a Bowie album without Mick Ronson, but there you go.
I agree. Diamond Dogs is actually my favorite Bowie album. :)
"Heroes" was from one of the Berlin Trilogy of albums that Bowie cowrote with Brian Eno, who also produced and created the magical sounds on the song. Eno is a master of modifying musical instruments until you can not tell what they are.
You guys should have been born in the 70s. Greatest decade for rock without a doubt. Great reactions. 👍👍
This is regarded as one of his best by Bowie fans like myself, it warms up on you. Bowie has so many great songs, do more Bowie !
Come back after hearing this three or four times, this song is like an infection, it gets into your blood. It's also something that is interesting to take in the context of the full album which is a very trippy experience and while this may seem like a "radio song" placed in the whole experience of the album it is very different. Bowie never sat still and this was during his "Berlin period", recorded while he was getting off drugs, living next to the Berlin wall with the juxtaposition of decadent west Berlin beside oppressive communist east Berlin. Heroes, Lodger and Low are intensely experimental albums to explore i the whole, they'll blow your minds.
Bowie's New Wave phase....no matter how 'modern' he adapted his sound, he brought soul and old school musicianship to it...
try "john. I'm only dancing" and "diamond dogs"for some early Bowie
"John, I'm Only Dancing" has such a killer bass-line.
You should listen to Bowie everyday!!!! Gone but never forgotten.
Studio version first, live version second! I couldn’t agree with you more! While I was growing up in the late ‘60’s and 70’s, there was no internet and no MTV. Bands would release their albums first, then go on tour. So, for me personally, if you’re going to react to a song, you always want to hear the studio version. You then have a baseline from which to judge the live version. Well done, guys! 😊
I agree with that for the most part, but there are some exceptions. A few artists back in the day broke-out to a larger audience and have their best versions on their live albums - Frampton Comes Alive and Foghat Live are a couple examples.
To really understand this song in its place in Bowie's Oeuvre you really need to look up David Bowies Berlin Trilogy and listen to those 3 albums in order: "The Berlin Trilogy consists of three consecutively released studio albums by English singer and songwriter David Bowie: Low (1977), "Heroes" (1977) and Lodger (1979). The albums were recorded after Bowie took up residence in West Berlin in late 1976, and saw him experiment with elements of electronic, krautrock, ambient, and world music in collaboration with American producer Tony Visconti and English musician Brian Eno." (Quote from Wikipedia) Of all three albums this song is my by-far favourite, but I had listened to Low before it and Lodger afterwards. BTW I saw Bowie twice in concert here in NZ, 1979 and 1982/3/ something. At the time it was the Biggest Concert ever held in NZ, an estimated 95000 crowd in Auckland at Western Springs Stadium (A Kart racing track!) The first time was the Stages world tour, then the Glass Spider tour. Both were beyond awesome!
Heroes is from 1977. It gained new life a few years ago when it was featured in the film "The Perks of Being a Wallflower." I'd give it an eight. Ashes to Ashes is still my favorite from him.
Bowie opened “The Concert For New York City” after 9/11 with this song and the energy was incredible. If you are not familiar this was a fundraiser organized by Paul McCartney for the firefighters and cops after the terrorist attack on New York City and Washington DC.
@Andy & Alex
First of all, thanks so much for reviewing "Heroes", my favourite Bowie song ! I had been a great fan of his since 1972 and his " Aladdin Sane" album (great songs on it, "Drive in Saturday" and "The Jean Genie" are both a MUST for you to hear !), and like you I always loved some of his late 1960's tracks, but "Heroes" knocked me off my feet. It was played continuously in bars in 1978 when I was on holiday on the island of Mallorca, and it is a song you have to hear often to let it catch you. Great lyrics and the continuous and gradual rise of his voice and the music is fantastic, true magic ! It was a great hit in Germany, where I live, and Bowie actually did a version of the song in which he sang a few lines in German. Finally, I totally agree with you, Andy, that it is better to review an album song before doing a live version. So, once again, thanks for his particular review and, listen to "Heroes" while driving your car, like you suggested, you will get really hooked on it, I promise ! 😘
One of my fave Bowie songs. People use the word "artist" loosely to describe musicians, but Bowie was a rare and true artist. Ahead of his time and a pioneer in ever changing personas. His catalog is so deep, you really can't go wrong with your next pick of his. My vote would be for Rebel Rebel or Golden Years.
Best version of Heroes is with Queen at the Freddie Mercury Tribute concert. Its incredible. Also features Mick Ronson.
Hey Dudes! This is one of his most beautiful songs! Love under the shadow of the Berlin Wall.
Do Blackstar and watch the amazing video doing so. His parting gift, still ahead of anything on the radio nowadays. Took an amazing new-jazz quartet and made them play a whole new style of rock with Kendrick Lamar influences. Lots of symbolism in the lyrics and the vid, which we only understood when 2 days after releasing the album on his birthday, he suddenly died. Huge masterpiece. You'll love it! 🔥
Ashes to ashes, heroes etc were ahead of their times but today there are newer things. Blackstar is still ahead of today's time.
OK, this is one of my favorites. I’m glad you liked it. For some trivia, that wailing synth sound all the way through the song? That was Robert Fripp on guitar. Brian Eno was the producer of the album, and he and Fripp worked together a LOT over the last 40 years. Eno produced three, maybe more, albums for Bowie. And as you guessed, this was way after Space Oddity, 20 years after, more or less. Bowie was one of those folks who re-invent themselves every few years as a way of keeping themselves from getting bored, going stale, or getting stuck in some sort of formula-keeping it fresh, so to speak.
Recommendations? Google Brian Eno, Robert Fripp, King Crimson, Roxy Music if you want to know more about them. Brian’s first four solo albums are the most accessible for a listener. He’s where the “this is a good song for driving” thing that you noticed came from. Most of his work is good to play in the background when you’re doing other stuff, of meditating, for that matter. The first four albums are a bit more active. Though, LOL! Now, King Crimson? That’s like a “supergroup” of musicians from lots of other bands come running when Fripp calls and says “hey, let’s do another album.” Lots of big names have been in on those projects. There’s a live video of “Starless” on You Tube that is pretty much the studio version done live. I advise you to watch it, but don’t feel like you have to react to it. It’s rather long, so catch a buzz, kick back, and experience it.
So, enjoy! Explore! Stay cool and don’t stop doing your reaction vids, please.
I adore Brian Eno’s work. Especially “Taking Tiger Mountain”, “Here Come the Warm Jets” and “Before and After Science “. All groundbreaking and brilliant records. And King Crimson...oh man, where do I start? Also amazing. There was so much musical “incest” going on at the time, with Fripp(KC) Eno, Roxy Music and various musicians all doing things on each other’s recordings. All magic. Has no one even mentioned Roxy Music, btw? Recommendations- anything from “Siren” or “For Your Pleasure” to start. Eno also played with them. And singer Bryan Ferry STILL has more charisma in his pinky, than most other singers in the rock world.
You really should listen to Stay by Bowie. Fairly certain you will love the guitar work although the entire song is great.
I'd suggest checking out the theme from "Cat People" (I think it's called 'Putting Out Fire"- not sure, though). Great song and Bowie KILLS it!
That song was used in 'Inglorious Basterds'.
RedCrabSC the whole soundtrack to cat people is amazing
RedCrabSC ..boy did you hit that right.....we loved that song in the early 80’s....
I had the 45. Maybe it's still around here somewhere.
Which version? The one from the movie, or the one from Let's Dance with SRV on guitar?
Scott Walker - Night Flights. HUGE influence on Bowie and criminally underrated
Are you kidding this is one of Bowie's Epic songs!!! This is about his producer kissing his lover by the Berlin wall...while they were recording. And this song is Way older then Queen Kind of Magic.
I’m so frickin old. I’m looking at you guys and could easily see you guys graduating say 71 or 72 and stepping into your new freedom at 18 in the beginning of the 70’s, what a ride you would have been on. I know that was an adventure I’ll never be able to repeat. Just keep listening and let your minds travel back in time. What memories !👍😊👌
You should react to "Scandal" and "Spread Your Wings" by Queen. I'd say those two are their most underrated songs and two of my favorites!
Also, I know you reacted to the song at Rock Montreal, but in my opinion Somebody to Love live at Milton Keynes 1982/06/05 is the best rendition of the song!
Bowie always had a genius rhythm section.
"life on mars," "changes," and "young americans." also "MODERN LOVE."
He was a great performer and never let his audience down. Good guy with a big heart. Sorely missed!
Try listening to golden years and young Americans
Young Americans. Second!!
These types of vids make me so happy. Mom raised me on 50’s to 80’s music. I’m at the point where I can name a song and group like 2 bars in. From the solid gold oldies, to west coast, to Brit rock, to hair metal, grunge, pop metal, costume metal, hard rock, etc etc. I grew up, hung out with the hippies in highschool who listened to mostly heavy metal x grunge because they loved the “liberation of Iraq” soundtrack, alt/alt rock and so on. So it’s great to see people “discovering” music I’ve been listening to literally since the day my parents carried me home from the hospital.
Also by Bowie that you may find interesting -
The Supermen
Station to Station
The Man Who Sold The World
Watching 2 people just giving on an amazing Bowie track, gives me hope for the future. You got a new sub. This was awesome, you 2
Please react to Crosby, Stills, and Nash - Suite Judy Blue Eyes - Live. Thank you for your reactions. As a 60 year old Mawmaw, I truly enjoy seeing people find good music. This song is beautiful. Keep enjoying all music! Peace.
And, btw, Stephen Stills is a guitar god.
A '1980s' type song made in 1977. Bowie was ahead of his time.
Have you guys done any Joe Walsh? You most definitely should listen to James Gang Rides Again 1970's THE BOMBER
And once again I enjoy seeing you blokes being blown away by the music that blew us away when it came out. Good on you. It means that a lot of music is simply timeless.
Golden Years. Station to Station. Sound and Vision. Ashes to Ashes.
Bowie! Eno! Fripp! The Most Holy Trinity of Rock! Bowie was always evolving as an artist, so I'd encourage you to explore him chronologically to see how each phase foreshadows the next. Again, I'm really enjoying seeing you explore various musics.
I first heard this song as part of Moulin Rouge soundtrack, it's part of a medley between the leads. But since then, I have fallen in love with Bowie. I own Ziggie Stardust, Man Who Sold the World and Blackstar. Do a compare video of Bowie's and Nirvana's Man Who Sold the World from Unplugged. Both amazing versions, love to hear your opinions. Rock on guys!
I spent some time hauling power cables for Bowie during his " Sight and Sound " tour early 90's. Talked to him a few times. It was all business to him. If I had a choice, I'd hang with you two instead, because of your love of music. Never lose that.
Bowie is always better live. The Alladin Sane album is his finest work imho.
No....he is not.
Man, this song always both feels warm and like a hug -- but those amazing guitars and his voice -- that hug is released too and I feel like I'm soaring with him.
If you liked "Fame," you might like "Golden Years" for your next Bowie reaction. I didn't get into this song at all, but music is subjective, isn't it? At least it means I didn't sing along and that's always a good thing.
Definitely ... your next Bowie should be his duet with Mick the Jagger cover of Dancin’ in the Street ... with their video
When this album came out it was the second Bowie album of 1977, the first being Low. The producer set three microphones up for Bowie's vocals one in front, one 20 feet away and one 40 feet away. That's why the vocal sound changes when he gets louder.
Great to see you doing Bowie again! Definitely try the song Aladdin Sane (very avant-garde) Beauty and the Beast, Moonage Daydream, cracked Actor, Lazarus, Black Star, The Hearts Filthy lesson, so many to try, and I agree, studio versions are the way to go for first time listens....
This era of David Bowie os the one I was born in to. He was a part of my childhood. A part of my teens. He was loved through my 20's... then he I experienced his death in my early 30's, and I still mourn his loss, much like the loss of a loved family memmber.
This song, as far as I know, was created around the fall of the Berlin wall, so that would be a reason for popularity. There is a full German version (with Bowie) and there are sooo many covers including Rammstein and Motörhead and (sadly) every cover band...
Try my channel mac
@Basil The Rat try my channel basil
Basil The Rat
Berlin Wall came down in 1989.