Hey Jamel. I'm lol 😆 Bc your reaction is the same one I had & still have every time I hear this song! I can't remember a password from yesterday... But I remember every single word of this song 😂😍💃 🎵
Okay great song, forgotten hit. And Booger Sugar ? lmao ! First time, I ever heard that. The cowbell comment reminded me of John Cougar's "I need a Lover " ruclips.net/video/4t7ZUzGoll0/видео.html
This song was written and the guitar parts played my my best friend Mike Somerville. We are both from Peoria IL and we played in bands together for years before Mike left to join Head East. Mike wrote all of the Head East hit songs. Mike died from cancer almost 2 years ago and he was my best friend until then. I just want people to know that there would be no Head East without the genius of Mike writing those songs. I also want people to know that Mike was a super great friend.
ALWAYS LOVE hearing this song and it Has to be Full volume!! One of my all time favorites! So glad I grew up listening to these guys! So sorry for the great of a loss of your dear friend! So sad to lose these ingenious masters of music!
TY friend for sharing. I always liked covering this song back in the days when I played a classic rock band in Dallas. Cool rock song with a danceable beat.
they put on a show too. At the time my teen years, I liked the music primarily/ from any artist I was liking. But the acts that put on a show, dancing, moving, funny stuff, lights and lazers whatever///// that I also like on top
@@greglawrencemusic they did it first and not do be too nit picky..... actually Russ Ballard wrote it. He wrote Liar - three dog night, and sang but didn't write the big hit his band had "Hold your Head Up" Argent.....
No they are not. This average band got the attention they deserved. There were thousands of bands like this in the 70s and 80s and not all of them were worthy of world fame. That doesn't mean they didn't make appealing music.
2 different male vocalists, taking turns on Lead vocals. Saw them in concert what seems like eons at times but the show got interrupted by 4 guys just suddenly walking on stage from the wings. After a couple minutes the whole place was screaming. Led Zeppelin was passing through town and decided to stop and say hi to their friends. They played Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop and (of course) Stairway To Heaven. We were so pumped. We just got 10th row watching Zeppelin for the price of Head East. Of course the weed we were smoking had nothing to do with how much we were enjoying the show. I had some sweet purple hair sensamilla that we were wrapping in chocolate flavor rolling joints and passing them around. It was the single greatest moment of my life for many years come... until the birth of my son.
That's John Schlitt, the lead singer who sings most of it, but the opening vocals are from Steve Huston, the Drummer. When then play this song live, Roger Boyd, the keyboard player, goes apeshit on the keyboards. Check out the live versions of this song if u want to see Roger Boyd going apeshit on the keyboards, just watch the live versions. He really goes apeshit!!
Let me tell you, I was a teen when this song and so many others shaped me for the rest of my life! You put this kind of music with the women of the period, DAMN! we had it good!
I was surprised to see Head East being reviewed . However, this was a huge hit at the time. Back in day I was in a band that opened for Head East. Back when I had hair and was the size of a stick. I am 65. We had the best music. Thank you Jamal for your reviews.
Those were the days, brother, this music defined a generation, and that resonates all the way to the present, I was a radio jock back then, started out at a high school radio station that was part of the curriculm then, and after my tour in the army, I came back to the world and got into a new station in town, and I was off, and never looked back, ended my career, finally on a classic rock station, which of course was right in my wheel house, I was actually "there" when this music was just coming out, and boy was it fun running to Woolworth's to pick up the latest album from the greatest bands, from Foghat, to Kiss, Foriegner to BOC, and Uncle Ted, and Pat Traverse and, and and and...now I enjoy watching the younger generation discovering this awesome and some might say the best music of our generation Rock On
I was gonna comment and was surprised that I could almost duplicate your comment! I was surprised to see Head East being reviewed. Back in the day (3/25/1977) I was in "Roadside Band" and we opened for Head East in Terre Haute IN in a High School Auditorium or was it Robinson IN? Anyhow quite a memorable experience when that song was already a regional hit on their "Flat as a Pancake". Later we recorded at Golden Voice in Pekin where that album was recorded! 64.5 yo here and thanks Jamal for "keeping good going"!
When I started reading your comment, I thought you were going to say your band covered this song. I was going to comment that your keyboard player was better than I was. The band I was in tried to cover this, and my fingers just weren't fast enough for the solo.
The high voice is a guy named John Schlitt, who in the 80s joined one of the biggest Christian rock bands, Petra, was with them for a couple of decades.
And he's now sitting-in with Jay Sekulow Band in Nashville. They really do these old tunes justice, as you can see in Never Been Any Reason: ruclips.net/video/4XL5g_YrW5A/видео.html @Jamel_AKA_Jamal they're keeping great music alive too!
Thank you Jamal, for reacting to this song by Head East. Their follow up single, "Love Me Tonight" reached #54 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is worth a reaction. Also "Since You've Been Gone", "Open Up the Door", and the fantastic "Lovin' Me Along", are all excellent tunes..
No they are not. This average band got the attention they deserved. There were thousands of bands like this in the 70s and 80s and not all of them were worthy of world fame. That doesn't mean they didn't make appealing music.
If they had been given the airplay, they would have been a monster band. Still get a grin and a chuckle out of this song every time I hear it. Good GOOD memories attached to it.
This song got alot of airplay, there other great. Songs not so much, seamed like Rainbow stole there thunder with better promotion and unfortunately Tom's drug use got in the way!
My Mom would play this LOUD when cleaning the house.. on a Sunday, 45 yrs ago. You made me feel like i was listening to it for the first time. THANK YOU You are a ball of sunshine. You bridge us and bring the world joy. ROCK ON!
One of the best produced rock songs ever. If you have never listened to this song on headphones you dont know what you are missing . The synthesizers and drums are unbelievable . One of my favorites of all time .
Jamel, the look on your face when you heard the line "better than a white line" and when you called coke "booger sugar" had me laughing so hard that I had to use my inhaler. 😂😂😂😂 This is music from my generation.
Mine too Doobie Dave! Love your name BTW! I always thought it was lie and I've been listening to this song for 40+ years so this is another case of learning something from this channel.
Went to a free street dance they played when I was a freshman at Illinois just before Flat As A Pancake came out. Still one of my favorite 70's bands. Have seen them around the Midwest many times since.
To me, the first verse is about a guy asking a woman to “save his life” and get into a serious relationship with him so he can quit partying so much. The next verse is about him realizing that she’s not that into him and it’s not going to be a long-term thing. And the third verse is about him letting her go when he’s done. But whatever it means it’s a fantastic jam and a fantastic song.
I hear you. My husband and I met in college ‘74. I was just telling him I long for those days of youth, vitality, fewer responsibilities, no regular trips to the doctor’s office, and didn’t have a medicine cabinet full of drugs that aren’t any fun 😐
Thanks Jamel for playing this. 42 years ago my wife and I fell in love to this song. To this day we hear it and still get up and dance to it. In our mid 60s now and we still love each other more today than yesterday . This song brings back sooo many good memories of the great bands of the 70s and 80s. By the way saw them in 79 opened up for blue oyster cult. What a concert!!
John Schlitt is my absolute favorite male vocalist ever, I love his voice. I met him a few times when he was first touring with Petra, what a super nice guy.
The album was titled “flat as a pancake “. It was a reference to the quality of the recording. There is a line shows distortion in recording, and if the line is gone over it effects the sound on the recording. The flatter the line, the higher the recording quality. The whole recording was flat as a pancake.
Also a deeper esoteric reference to the "flatness" of the PLANEt in which we live upon. The album cover is actually an homage to Mt. Meru, the magnetic mountain at the north pole, separated by the 4 rivers flowing from north, south, east and west. An outstanding band, with a beautiful album cover. 1luv brother
@@stevenseagull9683I am always searching yard sales in northwest to Southern Illinois for an original pressing. Only made 5,000 or so. Some day I'll find it.
Love, love this song! 🎧 It’s off of their debut album “Flat As A Pancake”. Awesome song 🤩 your definitely gonna like it ❣️ Yeah, better than a white line, lol 😂
Man I have always loved the shit outta this song. Classic rock has great keyboards: Hammond, Fender Rhodes mk1 and 2, some lowrys, lots of moog, and the prog rock bands got em all on one stage around one guy lmao
I totally agree with you, Old Skool! Terraplane Blues is a fantastic choice. I'm still amazed of how Robert Johnson had originally wrote the lyrics to that song & Lonesome Dave really breathes the best of his voice into Foghat's version.
When you started wondering if the vocalist was a woman, that reminded me of another song you should react to, Jackie Blue by Ozark Mountain Daredevils. Be sure you listen to the long version, with the verse about "indigo eyes". And keep in mind, the lead singer was a man.
and not just jackie blue, a song a tolerate from the band as they have so many other great songs like look away, if you wanna get to heaven, fly away home, homemade wine, noah, etc
Jamel, I could not click on this quick enough! Love, love, love this tune! Head East is from my neck of the woods in Illinois. Saw them in concert a few years back at the State Fair & they are still phenomenal. 🤘🤩🎶❤
Watching you hearing this for the first time was almost as exciting as when I heard it for the first time back in 1976. What a kick ass song. I was overseas with the U.S. Army in Namyang, South Korea. I was in the local bar down in the village and it came over the sound system. I was blown away. I asked them to play it again. They did. It's been one of my favorite songs ever since.
Jamel, brought a tear to my old eyes. Absolute classic. Head East was an incredibly under rated band, great beat, soul, and boatloads of talent. Actually had to listen to it twice. Thank you Jamel, keep up the incredible work keeping these classics alive. Love ya, be well my friend
The story behind this band was that they were University of Illinois students that played primarily in Champagne, with some short tours here and there. This song was originally played locally on the radio stations around campus and it made it nationally. Yes, that's two guys doing lead vocals. I stumbled on your video after watching Rick Beato's top one-hit wonder rock songs of the 70s. He made the comment that he used to argue with his brother about this song being a regional hit. Which is kind of true and kind of isn't. This song along sold well enough to get a gold certification for this album and is featured on a ton of soundtracks, including Dazed and Confused. Amazing song.
I used to play in a group with a guy who was their touring drummer in the 90’s. Met John Schmitt ( the singer whose vibrato you liked) a couple of years ago, super nice guy, they are still going after it all these years later as far as I know… cool to see you reacting to a lesser known group. Schlitt went on to become a Christian years later, and sang for a group called Petra. Won something like 4 Grammys, 10 Dove awards…
I saw Petra in the Netherlands on their "Beyond Belief" Tour. John Schlitt's voice was phenomenal. I also almost got to see Head East in Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1979 or 80 not sure which. We were in the auditorium, in our seats, Head East was on stage ready to play when some dude came out on stage and announced that the concert was cancelled. What a bummer that was. Apparently the lead guitarist for the headlining act (Heart) was sick, got an antibiotic injection and had a bad reaction to it and was out of commission.
The lead singer, John Schlitt, ended up singing lead for the christian rock band "Petra" for several decades. They've embarked on their 50th anniversary tour, and John is still peeling the paint off of the walls with his vocals. Worth a listen, dude!
This song is a full tilt boogie! With synths and guitar. Pauses, breakdown, harmony they pulled it all out for this tune! I would love to have seen this band live back in the day!
I grew up hearing my parents play this song. I love it for the instruments, harmonies, and writing. Years would pass before hearing it again but it always took me back to my youth. 👍👍👍
It's true that Head East was not a singles band and as far as singles go it was a "One Hit Wonder". However when you look into the "Album Rock" stations they received massive air-play with songs from their first three albums.
"Never Been Any Reason" actually didn't chart as high as their version of "Since You've Been Gone" -- but agreed with Lance, they had other tunes played on rock radio stations. Another favorite besides the two previously mentioned is "Get Up And Enjoy Yourself".
I was a teenage hippie during the late '60's and early '70's and this is the ONLY Head East song that was played on the radio back then, at least in the southeast U.S..
I used to watch these guys play in beer gardens all over Illinois back in the late 70's. I Love them. The lead singer's wife saved him from addiction. He wrote this for her. I heard it from the horse's mouth. Great story.
I saw Schlitt in his band called "Johnny" in 1981 in Wichita Falls, TX. They performed in a small movie cinema and there was only about 50 people in attendance. They played this song while we all went down in front of the stage and passed refer with the band. Really crazy.
This group lived on the corner when my hubby was growing up in Manitowoc, WS. He had a front row seat in the driveway listening to them jam in the garage. Awesomeness!!!
I loved being in my teens during the 70s! The radio was filled with FABULOUS FANTASTIC MUSIC! So much to choose from, if you wanted to choose. It ALL was good! I’m 64 Roger in Pierre South Dakota
This song’s lyrics are a lot deeper than I ever noticed before! I’ve heard this song on the radio hundreds of times and picked up so much watching your reaction today! Thanks for keeping great music alive!
My wife went to highschool with theese guys, except the drumer I went to school with him, a small town school . my motherinlaw taught piano to the keyboard player. The high voice is a guy my wife dated in highschool.
Saw them in 1975 as the backup band for Styx. This song brings back such good memories every time I hear it. It's still a great sound even after all this time. Thanks, J! 😘
Thank you for taking a listen and exposing your subscribers to Head East! I'm Iowa born and raised and Head East has been a part of my life since I was 15 (1978) and first saw them live. Opening band was Cheap Trick lol. This is a classic song. Matter of fact the current incarnation of the band was in town July 3 opening for REO Speedwagon. Keep up the good work! Love your reactions and insights
In 77, my best friend Jimmy's folks owned a Bar...CLUB 60. It was beside the Wisconsin River. Electric wires were ran under Hwy 60, and out onto a( probably 5 acre) sandbar. A stage was built, and the band performed this song then. April Wine was another band that was around in those years. At the Big Green Bash (a week long ordeal) Skyfarmer and Fly by Night, kept the neighboring towns and villiages awake all night. The deputies that showed up were NOT allowed to access the "grounds" as their guns they could not surrender😁😂😂😂😂 What a time to have grown up in ... I was 7-10 years old. (With the ? advantage ? of outlaw [Nam.Vet.] Brothers) If the Whiskey/smoke/and women Could have killed me...id have long been dead. THANKS for remindin me of the best childhoods memories😁 In the middle of the river singin' Save my life I'm goin' down for the last tiii- iiimmmmeeee!
Aw man, I love this song. I was in a cover band back in the 80s and this was my favorite song to play - I sang the second vocal (high part) and played bass. Glad to see you enjoying it! Thanks for the flashback.😀
Think he could be talking about the white line on the road. Awe, the memories this song brings ✌❤🤘Try some Uriah Heep - Easy Livin and/or Stealin. Comes from around the same time, I think.
I used to think, due to the first line "did you see any action" that it was 100% about a returning Vietnam Vet but I am not so sure that is it. Like most songs, I think it's about an ambiguous relationship with a woman (I know, how insightful). The music is great, it is no surprise it is a regular on classic rock stations. The line "save my life I'm going down for the last time" is so well placed in my opinion, it anchors the song. Something about that declaration that is so honest and refreshingly OPPOSITE of male gravitas or headstrong hubris, it's beautiful. Every now and then I think it's okay, healthy and relieving to be able to proclaim that, i.e. "I try to control the flow of my life, the flow of events, people, and circumstances, but dammit I am losing it and need help" - it's about people and their innate unrelenting need to connect to other people, and on occasion ask for help. No, I do not need therapy. adzreon November 28, 2011 interpretation of the song was of a Vietnam vet and his wife or girlfriend. The opening lines are actually the common questions asked of a RVN vet when he got home (I know because I am one) and the rest of the song seems to deal with the stereotyped vet being secretive, not talking and relying on drugs as a crutch. The "did you break any glass" may have been added to address the PTSD and any violent outbursts?
The story that I heard (as I remember it) is that the higher pitched vocalist (John Schlitt) did end up a drugs and alcohol casualty and had to leave the band in the late '70s. He cleaned up his act, married his girlfriend, and settled down in a "regular" 9 to 5 job. One of his co-workers who also attended his church was a friend of the manager of the Christian Rock group Petra. Then Petra needed a lead singer and the manager heard from his friend that he knew a guy who used to be a lead singer in a big rock band. Schlitt ended up being Petra's singer for 30+ years. He's also done one-off reunion performances with Head East a few times.
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ROY BUCHANAN THE GUITARIST ELIET
Hey Jamel. I'm lol 😆
Bc your reaction is the same one I had & still have every time I hear this song! I can't remember a password from yesterday...
But I remember every single word of this song 😂😍💃 🎵
Finally ordered my "Be a Good Human" shirt. Can't wait to get it! Thanks for keeping great music alive!
Okay great song, forgotten hit. And Booger Sugar ? lmao ! First time, I ever heard that. The cowbell comment reminded me of John Cougar's "I need a Lover " ruclips.net/video/4t7ZUzGoll0/видео.html
This song is featured in the soundtracks of two Matthew McConaughey films, "Dazed and Confused" and "Sahara". Alright, alright, alright...
This song is an absolute must for any 70’s Rock playlist.
It’s always been on mine
👍
Now we need to get Jamel to taste a little bit of Bloodrock.
OOOO Yaaah It is on mine LOOOOOVE the 70s
When I am playing 70s I include either this one or else All Right Now
This song was written and the guitar parts played my my best friend Mike Somerville. We are both from Peoria IL and we played in bands together for years before Mike left to join Head East. Mike wrote all of the Head East hit songs. Mike died from cancer almost 2 years ago and he was my best friend until then. I just want people to know that there would be no Head East without the genius of Mike writing those songs. I also want people to know that Mike was a super great friend.
I'm from peoria...never knew...rip
ALWAYS LOVE hearing this song and it Has to be Full volume!! One of my all time favorites! So glad I grew up listening to these guys! So sorry for the great of a loss of your dear friend! So sad to lose these ingenious masters of music!
I love this song! thank you for sharing this info!
TY friend for sharing. I always liked covering this song back in the days when I played a classic rock band in Dallas. Cool rock song with a danceable beat.
Thnks, RIP
This is one band that really don’t get the recognition that they deserve. This song is a Classic
And this is just taste of just how talented these people are.
This band also wrote "Since You've Been Gone" that Ritchie Blackmore's Rainbow burned up the charts.
they put on a show too. At the time my teen years, I liked the music primarily/ from any artist I was liking. But the acts that put on a show, dancing, moving, funny stuff, lights and lazers whatever///// that I also like on top
@@greglawrencemusic they did it first and not do be too nit picky..... actually Russ Ballard wrote it. He wrote Liar - three dog night, and sang but didn't write the big hit his band had "Hold your Head Up" Argent.....
Head East, one of the greatest underrated bands that ever played.
No they are not. This average band got the attention they deserved. There were thousands of bands like this in the 70s and 80s and not all of them were worthy of world fame. That doesn't mean they didn't make appealing music.
@@theheepster Sugarloaf was another band that didn't get the credit they deserved, either.
@@theheepsteryou obese RUclips commenter
This is hands down one of those songs that when it comes on the car stereo, I'm always cranking it up
But it never ever does.
I was just thinking that!
I hear it on the radio all the time and crank it!!!
@@markvaars37 You have better classic rock stations than I do here in South Florida apparently
...or Rossington Collins Don't Misunderstand Me.
62 here. Definately one of the top 10 songs of my youth. 70' was a magical time.
63 here--you are exactly right.
Amen to that
Bands were free to create
Head East was one of the best
and criminally underappreciated
bands of the '70s.
Oh to be young again. Cruising around in a 78 Z28 with windows rolled down. Drinking Budweiser, smoking Marlboro Reds, and cranking up this tune.
Yes! Spent the late 70s, drinking, cruisin', & getting together! 😍 Good times!
Skipped my senior prom to see these guys in South Bend, IN in '79. Good memories.
Were they playing with Toto. That's who opened for them when I saw them in San Diego
@@roryschweinfurter4111 No, just Head East. I don't think there was any warm up band.
@@bongodave13 i saw them in 79 so I thought it might have been the same tour
Saw Then Live in 75,76 and 77 !!!
Yes!!! I remember that!! I was in Frankfort Illinois!!
2 different male vocalists, taking turns on Lead vocals. Saw them in concert what seems like eons at times but the show got interrupted by 4 guys just suddenly walking on stage from the wings. After a couple minutes the whole place was screaming. Led Zeppelin was passing through town and decided to stop and say hi to their friends. They played Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop and (of course) Stairway To Heaven. We were so pumped. We just got 10th row watching Zeppelin for the price of Head East. Of course the weed we were smoking had nothing to do with how much we were enjoying the show. I had some sweet purple hair sensamilla that we were wrapping in chocolate flavor rolling joints and passing them around. It was the single greatest moment of my life for many years come... until the birth of my son.
That's John Schlitt, the lead singer who sings most of it, but the opening vocals are from Steve Huston, the Drummer. When then play this song live, Roger Boyd, the keyboard player, goes apeshit on the keyboards. Check out the live versions of this song if u want to see Roger Boyd going apeshit on the keyboards, just watch the live versions. He really goes apeshit!!
@@taqiyyaconcarne6908 Thank you. He just turned 24 in December. Where did the time go?
I'm 57 years old. Head East was my very first concert in 1978 in Ft. Smith, Arkansas. SRO.
I'm 65 I saw them in Cincinnati in 77them moved to Ark.
Yes to be young again!!!!
I was at UA then. Had a bunch of friends from Ft Smith that was supposed to go to that concert with. But I had to miss it. Regretted that one.
Let me tell you, I was a teen when this song and so many others shaped me for the rest of my life! You put this kind of music with the women of the period, DAMN! we had it good!
We just turned our 30 yr old son on to this song last night after supper. It’s a gem.
I'm 31 been listening to it since I was young. It's one of my all time favorites. I love all this classic rock
Wait a minute what’s this we $hit? lol Sorry you don’t look old enough to have a 30 year old
@@youtold7727 Thanks. I got an early start on motherhood. Lol
@@staleo8497
Good for you. Diet, exercise , attitude and plenty of rest.
I was surprised to see Head East being reviewed . However, this was a huge hit at the time. Back in day I was in a band that opened for Head East. Back when I had hair and was the size of a stick. I am 65. We had the best music. Thank you Jamal for your reviews.
Those were the days, brother, this music defined a generation, and that resonates all the way to the present, I was a radio jock back then, started out at a high school radio station that was part of the curriculm then, and after my tour in the army, I came back to the world and got into a new station in town, and I was off, and never looked back, ended my career, finally on a classic rock station, which of course was right in my wheel house, I was actually "there" when this music was just coming out, and boy was it fun running to Woolworth's to pick up the latest album from the greatest bands, from Foghat, to Kiss, Foriegner to BOC, and Uncle Ted, and Pat Traverse and, and and and...now I enjoy watching the younger generation discovering this awesome and some might say the best music of our generation Rock On
I was gonna comment and was surprised that I could almost duplicate your comment! I was surprised to see Head East being reviewed. Back in the day (3/25/1977) I was in "Roadside Band" and we opened for Head East in Terre Haute IN in a High School Auditorium or was it Robinson IN? Anyhow quite a memorable experience when that song was already a regional hit on their "Flat as a Pancake". Later we recorded at Golden Voice in Pekin where that album was recorded! 64.5 yo here and thanks Jamal for "keeping good going"!
That's AWESOME!~APRIL LIPKE
When I started reading your comment, I thought you were going to say your band covered this song. I was going to comment that your keyboard player was better than I was. The band I was in tried to cover this, and my fingers just weren't fast enough for the solo.
Hey Joseph, wanted to say hi from a fellow Durbin. I’m in Wa state. ✌🏼
The high voice is a guy named John Schlitt, who in the 80s joined one of the biggest Christian rock bands, Petra, was with them for a couple of decades.
And he's now sitting-in with Jay Sekulow Band in Nashville. They really do these old tunes justice, as you can see in Never Been Any Reason:
ruclips.net/video/4XL5g_YrW5A/видео.html @Jamel_AKA_Jamal they're keeping great music alive too!
Thank you Jamal, for reacting to this song by Head East. Their follow up single, "Love Me Tonight" reached #54 on the Billboard Hot 100, and is worth a reaction. Also "Since You've Been Gone", "Open Up the Door", and the fantastic "Lovin' Me Along", are all excellent tunes..
Jeff town creek was always a favorite of mine
One of the most underrated rock bands of the 70s. And Flat as a Pancake is one of the best rock debut albums.
100%!
Yes, yes it is. Flat As A Pancake is proudly in my album collection.
No they are not. This average band got the attention they deserved. There were thousands of bands like this in the 70s and 80s and not all of them were worthy of world fame. That doesn't mean they didn't make appealing music.
If they had been given the airplay, they would have been a monster band.
Still get a grin and a chuckle out of this song every time I hear it. Good GOOD memories attached to it.
This song certainly got the airplay.
We got airplay in Tulsa!!
Yeah, charliemac64 is right: This song was EVERYWHERE for a couple of years.
This song got alot of airplay, there other great. Songs not so much, seamed like Rainbow stole there thunder with better promotion and unfortunately Tom's drug use got in the way!
They were on Oriented Rock Stations, also song, Jefftown Creek
My Mom would play this LOUD when cleaning the house.. on a Sunday, 45 yrs ago.
You made me feel like i was listening to it for the first time.
THANK YOU
You are a ball of sunshine. You bridge us and bring the world joy.
ROCK ON!
One of the best produced rock songs ever. If you have never listened to this song on headphones you dont know what you are missing . The synthesizers and drums are unbelievable . One of my favorites of all time .
Jamel, the look on your face when you heard the line "better than a white line" and when you called coke "booger sugar" had me laughing so hard that I had to use my inhaler. 😂😂😂😂 This is music from my generation.
Always thought it was white lie. Learned something new today! 😳🤣
Right on Doobie Dave...😎
The devils white marching powder
Mine too Doobie Dave! Love your name BTW! I always thought it was lie and I've been listening to this song for 40+ years so this is another case of learning something from this channel.
@@kevinlogozzo3952 Me too!
They were among the artists that came out of the University of Illinois, along with REO Speedwagon and Dan Fogelberg.
Exactly.
Played a lot of gigs in Wisco too.
Went to a free street dance they played when I was a freshman at Illinois just before Flat
As A Pancake came out. Still one of my favorite 70's bands. Have seen them around the Midwest many times since.
RIP Dan 😭😭😭 I’ve loved him from the moment I first heard the album Captured Angel.
That is some collection of artists!
To me, the first verse is about a guy asking a woman to “save his life” and get into a serious relationship with him so he can quit partying so much. The next verse is about him realizing that she’s not that into him and it’s not going to be a long-term thing. And the third verse is about him letting her go when he’s done. But whatever it means it’s a fantastic jam and a fantastic song.
"Get Up and Enjoy Yourself"
by Head East is the greatest party song in rock history.
This deserves your immediate attention!
Not a woman singer, that is John Schlitt. Now the lead singer for the Christian rock band, Petra.
The drummer sings part of it too.
I love John Schlitt and Petra!
John Schlitt, one of the best voices in rock.
I didn’t know that! I liked Petra!
Wow.....I knew that John Schlitt replaced Gregg Volz in Petra but NEVER knew he was lead vocals for Head East ~ AWESOME!!!! Thanks :)
One of the great 70's jams! First time I heard this song, it blew my mind. And it still does.
An absolutely underrated band. Love love love this song! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻❤️❤️❤️
Jamal's reaction to "woman with the sweet lovin', better than a white lie" was priceless. He brought out his "logo face"!
Better than a white LINE!!!
"Booger sugar." LMAO!!!
White line
Line....
@@fredlougee2807 LAMO
Central Illinois’ own Head East. A legend in this area.
Exactly.
Don't forget Cheap Trick and REO Speedwagon
I would like to thank my cool ass dad for playing kick ass music
I remember the house they used in St Louis to practice maybe late 70's early 80's. Lived right down the street from it.
Maybe that’s why they performed at the Q Casino in Dubuque a few years ago!!! I didn’t know they were from Illinois!!!
This song is a must on any 70s playlist.
“Better than a white line” I was wondering if he was gonna catch that…Booger Sugar 😂😂😂😂
The ass kicking 70s Wright here ,,
I thought it was white lie?! 🤣🤣
Climax Blues band "Couldn't Get It Right" gotta do this one too!
got to!!
Oh fer sure Jamal, this is a masterpiece man!
I have been asking for that one! I hope he will. 🤞
Yes please, Couldn’t Get it Right, another fave of mine❤️❤️❤️
Yes, pretty please with sugar on top!
have a hard time this year, but when I hear this music it reminds me on better times in the 70s , thank you Jamel.....love&peace
Hang in there Jurgen!! My umlaut has gone astray.
I hear you. My husband and I met in college ‘74. I was just telling him I long for those days of youth, vitality, fewer responsibilities, no regular trips to the doctor’s office, and didn’t have a medicine cabinet full of drugs that aren’t any fun 😐
@@kbusby4824 "my umlaut has gone astray" could be a really great album title. Now I just have to come up with a band name.
Thanks Jamel for playing this. 42 years ago my wife and I fell in love to this song. To this day we hear it and still get up and dance to it. In our mid 60s now and we still love each other more today than yesterday . This song brings back sooo many good memories of the great bands of the 70s and 80s. By the way saw them in 79 opened up for blue oyster cult. What a concert!!
John Schlitt is my absolute favorite male vocalist ever, I love his voice. I met him a few times when he was first touring with Petra, what a super nice guy.
His range was unbelievable.
The album was titled “flat as a pancake “. It was a reference to the quality of the recording. There is a line shows distortion in recording, and if the line is gone over it effects the sound on the recording. The flatter the line, the higher the recording quality. The whole recording was flat as a pancake.
Also a deeper esoteric reference to the "flatness" of the PLANEt in which we live upon.
The album cover is actually an homage to Mt. Meru, the magnetic mountain at the north pole, separated by the 4 rivers flowing from north, south, east and west.
An outstanding band, with a beautiful album cover. 1luv brother
@@stevenseagull9683I am always searching yard sales in northwest to Southern Illinois for an original pressing. Only made 5,000 or so. Some day I'll find it.
Love, love this song! 🎧 It’s off of their debut album “Flat As A Pancake”. Awesome song 🤩 your definitely gonna like it ❣️
Yeah, better than a white line, lol 😂
I don’t think I knew anyone who didn’t have the album.
At least in the St.Louis area.
📻🙂
Bingo Jeff, from st Lou, and this was a huge album when I was in high school. Everyone had the album and talked about the bass line also.
@@mikeconnell5187
I saw them in concert at Six Flags, with Kansas and Missouri ‼️
Best concert. All night [ and all night rides too].
📻😁
If there’s a song that takes you back to summertime in the ‘70s, it’s this one! ☀️📻🎶🎵
I would do damn near anything to go back...
@sandman logan5ran same here
Absolutely correct.
Freedom, Fun and no fear over utterly stupid media driven crap (Covid I'm talking about you).
A better America.
Such a wonderful sight to see the younger generation discovering and enjoying the music of my youth.. LOVE your reactions!!!
Damn, always been one of my favorite songs! Thanks for listening and sharing.
About time someone did this. One of my favs.
I'd recommend listening to thier version of "Since You Been Gone"
Yes, also a great song!
Absolutely!.. the best version..
@@4tuneagent They did it first!
I know they did it first, but I still like Rainbow's better
Absolutely!
Love this group. I'm so glad I grew up in the 60's/70's. Best music. You just don't see this kind of talent anymore. Brings back such good memories.
Our band played it and everyone loved it. I met Head East and told them ❤
I would like to Thank Dazed and Confused for introducing me to this song back in 93.
Same. So much Same!
Dazed and Confused Soundtrack is Great!
Dazed and Confused is damn near a documentary it was so accurate...I was Mitch Kramer, and my older brother was Randall Pink!
Man I have always loved the shit outta this song. Classic rock has great keyboards: Hammond, Fender Rhodes mk1 and 2, some lowrys, lots of moog, and the prog rock bands got em all on one stage around one guy lmao
Jamel_AKA_Jamal you are absolutely right about the need to keep great music alive!
I loved your face when the synthesizer solo kicked in. ❤️❤️❤️
Saw Head East & Foghat together in 77. Couldn't hear for a week afterwards. Check out Foghat "Terraplane Blues".
Me, too, Old Skool. GREAT concert! I also saw them with the James Gang.
You got that right! Terraplane Blues is my favorite Foghat tune.
"Terraplane Blues" rocks the house!
I totally agree with you, Old Skool! Terraplane Blues is a fantastic choice. I'm still amazed of how Robert Johnson had originally wrote the lyrics to that song & Lonesome Dave really breathes the best of his voice into Foghat's version.
When you started wondering if the vocalist was a woman, that reminded me of another song you should react to, Jackie Blue by Ozark Mountain Daredevils. Be sure you listen to the long version, with the verse about "indigo eyes". And keep in mind, the lead singer was a man.
@Beth Crumpton. Countertenors .It is actually a legitimate vocal classification above tenor .
and not just jackie blue, a song a tolerate from the band as they have so many other great songs like look away, if you wanna get to heaven, fly away home, homemade wine, noah, etc
I always thought that was a woman singing on Jackie Blue. I didn't know it was their drummer singing the lead on that one.
If you're gonna do Ozark Mountain Daredevils you must do "If you wanna get to heaven"
@@murrayjennex1377 if you wanna get to heaven.....
You got to raise a little hell!
Jamel, I could not click on this quick enough! Love, love, love this tune! Head East is from my neck of the woods in Illinois. Saw them in concert a few years back at the State Fair & they are still phenomenal. 🤘🤩🎶❤
Watching you hearing this for the first time was almost as exciting as when I heard it for the first time back in 1976. What a kick ass song. I was overseas with the U.S. Army in Namyang, South Korea. I was in the local bar down in the village and it came over the sound system. I was blown away. I asked them to play it again. They did. It's been one of my favorite songs ever since.
Most days I don't get enough cowbell. But today I'm gonna be OK. Thanks ;-)
Jamel, brought a tear to my old eyes. Absolute classic. Head East was an incredibly under rated band, great beat, soul, and boatloads of talent.
Actually had to listen to it twice. Thank you Jamel, keep up the incredible work keeping these classics alive. Love ya, be well my friend
Two lead vocalists with John Schlitt taking the high parts. He went on to sing for Petra. He was the “girl” voice you were hearing. Great song!
The story behind this band was that they were University of Illinois students that played primarily in Champagne, with some short tours here and there. This song was originally played locally on the radio stations around campus and it made it nationally. Yes, that's two guys doing lead vocals.
I stumbled on your video after watching Rick Beato's top one-hit wonder rock songs of the 70s. He made the comment that he used to argue with his brother about this song being a regional hit. Which is kind of true and kind of isn't. This song along sold well enough to get a gold certification for this album and is featured on a ton of soundtracks, including Dazed and Confused. Amazing song.
John Schlitt is the singer. He's been the singer for 40 years now for a Christian Rock band Petra.
Wow never knew that.....Petra is huge
@@roybond1251 Yes they are, great band.
Yes. Still rockin it too. Both John and also Head East continue to tour. Best vocalist right there!
I had no idea!
But, wasn't there two different lead vocals on this song?
I used to play in a group with a guy who was their touring drummer in the 90’s. Met John Schmitt ( the singer whose vibrato you liked) a couple of years ago, super nice guy, they are still going after it all these years later as far as I know… cool to see you reacting to a lesser known group. Schlitt went on to become a Christian years later, and sang for a group called Petra. Won something like 4 Grammys, 10 Dove awards…
I saw Petra in the Netherlands on their "Beyond Belief" Tour. John Schlitt's voice was phenomenal. I also almost got to see Head East in Las Cruces, New Mexico in 1979 or 80 not sure which. We were in the auditorium, in our seats, Head East was on stage ready to play when some dude came out on stage and announced that the concert was cancelled. What a bummer that was. Apparently the lead guitarist for the headlining act (Heart) was sick, got an antibiotic injection and had a bad reaction to it and was out of commission.
Loved Petra..had no idea of this band.. Ty for posting.
Ooohhhhh yeeeaaahhh! You just hit me where I live. The rock and roll national Anthem back in the early seventies. The memories!!
Everything you could ask for in a rock song 🎧
With "booger sugar" you have enhanced my vocabulary once again.
Yeah me too!!!
The Devil's dandruff.
@@jeffalbillar7625 I just burst out laughing when I heard that.
@@timothymunger3186 or what about "Lucifer's Lettuce" for weed?
I made it 56 years without ever hearing that, I'm still laughing.
"Shave my wife I'm going down for the last time"
😂😂😂😂😂😂
Thanks !!!!!! Can’t unhear that now 🥴
Sick puppy ,,, lol
Thats a bar band changing lyrics.
Lmao
The lead singer, John Schlitt, ended up singing lead for the christian rock band "Petra" for several decades. They've embarked on their 50th anniversary tour, and John is still peeling the paint off of the walls with his vocals. Worth a listen, dude!
This song is a full tilt boogie! With synths and guitar. Pauses, breakdown, harmony they pulled it all out for this tune! I would love to have seen this band live back in the day!
Tragically underrated band
This song has been on my playlist for years, and still gets alot of play! One of my all time favorites.
My room mate in college was a bass player in a band...40 years ago. I remember him practicing the bass part of this song. Thank you for the memories!
"Jefftown Creek" is another good one from this band... every time I hear it it reminds me of the good times I had growing up in Oklahoma.
Cool my first ever concert was Head East in Lawton Ok.
used to play in bar in 70s Champaign,ill.. they were very good
also teds in charleston
They played at my brother's Junior Prom is southern Illinois.
Surf Ballroom Clear Lake, Iowa. 😎
Tuscola Ill as well ;)
@@epiphoneguy8392 Pana as well, at least a couple times back in the day and once not too long ago.
Long Trip, getting tired, This song is Better than Coffee. Probably saved "my" life a few times way back when.
Great reaction! 👌
I grew up hearing my parents play this song. I love it for the instruments, harmonies, and writing. Years would pass before hearing it again but it always took me back to my youth. 👍👍👍
Now that's just some straight down the line good 'ol rock and roll. I always loved this jam.
This JAM is FIRE. It never gets old.
Head East is the epitome of a one hit wonder band but their one hit, Never Been Any Reason, did reach #68 on the Top 100 charts.
It's true that Head East was not a singles band and as far as singles go it was a "One Hit Wonder". However when you look into the "Album Rock" stations they received massive air-play with songs from their first three albums.
"Never Been Any Reason" actually didn't chart as high as their version of "Since You've Been Gone" -- but agreed with Lance, they had other tunes played on rock radio stations. Another favorite besides the two previously mentioned is "Get Up And Enjoy Yourself".
They were not obscure by any means. Great concert band
ruclips.net/video/kSXyd4Yaua0/видео.html
I was a teenage hippie during the late '60's and early '70's and this is the ONLY Head East song that was played on the radio back then, at least in the southeast U.S..
I used to watch these guys play in beer gardens all over Illinois back in the late 70's. I Love them. The lead singer's wife saved him from addiction. He wrote this for her. I heard it from the horse's mouth. Great story.
Dude, you're the effing best, in a class by yourself. That's it.
John Schlitt has had such an interesting journey to being a Christian. His bio is very interesting. I went backwards from Petra to Head East.
Petra rocks!!!
He now sits in with 'The Jay Sekulow Band' along with former 'Kansas' singer John Elefante, all them Christians, doing covers of classic rock songs.
@@paulpeterson7853 INDEED:)
I saw Schlitt in his band called "Johnny" in 1981 in Wichita Falls, TX. They performed in a small movie cinema and there was only about 50 people in attendance. They played this song while we all went down in front of the stage and passed refer with the band. Really crazy.
You’re the opposite of born again.
This group lived on the corner when my hubby was growing up in Manitowoc, WS. He had a front row seat in the driveway listening to them jam in the garage. Awesomeness!!!
One of the GOAT rock and roll songs
Oh my goodness, Head East was one of our go-to bands when we threw killer parties. Thanks for the blast from the past.
I loved being in my teens during the 70s! The radio was filled with FABULOUS FANTASTIC MUSIC! So much to choose from, if you wanted to choose. It ALL was good! I’m 64 Roger in Pierre South Dakota
Thank you Thank you thank you for playing this. Legendary. Never old.
This song’s lyrics are a lot deeper than I ever noticed before! I’ve heard this song on the radio hundreds of times and picked up so much watching your reaction today! Thanks for keeping great music alive!
When you get a chance listen to Dave Mason “we just disagree!”
@@paulkinzer1871 must have missed that one
Oh my yes!
Split Coconut too
Forgot all about that great tune. Haven't heard that one in ages. Thanks for the reminder Walter.
81 now and was blasting this over KSHE in the 80’s
These reactions prove that my generation had the best music, mid sixties until the end of the seventies. So many bands so many songs
Takes me right back to my high school days. Recall this cranked on steroes back when.
With the Pioneer Supertuner...Jensen 6X9's, and an equalizer with 100W amp! Greatness back in the day!
This is a great song.
My wife went to highschool with theese guys, except the drumer I went to school with him, a small town school . my motherinlaw taught piano to the keyboard player. The high voice is a guy my wife dated in highschool.
Saw them in 1975 as the backup band for Styx. This song brings back such good memories every time I hear it. It's still a great sound even after all this time. Thanks, J! 😘
Thank you for taking a listen and exposing your subscribers to Head East! I'm Iowa born and raised and Head East has been a part of my life since I was 15 (1978) and first saw them live. Opening band was Cheap Trick lol. This is a classic song. Matter of fact the current incarnation of the band was in town July 3 opening for REO Speedwagon. Keep up the good work! Love your reactions and insights
This song always brings back great memories of high school. Cruising, drinking, friends... Doesn't get much better than this. Thanks for the reaction.
You're absolutely right ✅
This song reminds me of the time I learned the meaning of the term, "One hit wonder." Great song, though!
One of the best songs of the 70's
In 77, my best friend Jimmy's folks owned a Bar...CLUB 60.
It was beside the Wisconsin River.
Electric wires were ran under Hwy 60, and out onto a( probably 5 acre) sandbar. A stage was built, and the band performed this song then.
April Wine was another band that was around in those years.
At the Big Green Bash (a week long ordeal) Skyfarmer and Fly by Night, kept the neighboring towns and villiages awake all night. The deputies that showed up were NOT allowed to access the "grounds" as their guns they could not surrender😁😂😂😂😂
What a time to have grown up in ...
I was 7-10 years old. (With the ? advantage ? of outlaw [Nam.Vet.] Brothers)
If the Whiskey/smoke/and women
Could have killed me...id have long been dead.
THANKS for remindin me of the best childhoods memories😁
In the middle of the river singin'
Save my life I'm goin' down for the last tiii- iiimmmmeeee!
Aw man, I love this song. I was in a cover band back in the 80s and this was my favorite song to play - I sang the second vocal (high part) and played bass. Glad to see you enjoying it! Thanks for the flashback.😀
Think he could be talking about the white line on the road. Awe, the memories this song brings ✌❤🤘Try some Uriah Heep - Easy Livin and/or Stealin. Comes from around the same time, I think.
I am with you.. Head East reminds me a lot of Uriah Heap.. good music from my past!
Sweet Lorraine, anybody? (Uriah Heep)
Look at yourself (Uriah Heep)
I used to think, due to the first line "did you see any action" that it was 100% about a returning Vietnam Vet but I am not so sure that is it. Like most songs, I think it's about an ambiguous relationship with a woman (I know, how insightful). The music is great, it is no surprise it is a regular on classic rock stations. The line "save my life I'm going down for the last time" is so well placed in my opinion, it anchors the song. Something about that declaration that is so honest and refreshingly OPPOSITE of male gravitas or headstrong hubris, it's beautiful. Every now and then I think it's okay, healthy and relieving to be able to proclaim that, i.e. "I try to control the flow of my life, the flow of events, people, and circumstances, but dammit I am losing it and need help" - it's about people and their innate unrelenting need to connect to other people, and on occasion ask for help. No, I do not need therapy.
adzreon November 28, 2011 interpretation of the song was of a Vietnam vet and his wife or girlfriend. The opening lines are actually the common questions asked of a RVN vet when he got home (I know because I am one) and the rest of the song seems to deal with the stereotyped vet being secretive, not talking and relying on drugs as a crutch.
The "did you break any glass" may have been added to address the PTSD and any violent outbursts?
The story that I heard (as I remember it) is that the higher pitched vocalist (John Schlitt) did end up a drugs and alcohol casualty and had to leave the band in the late '70s. He cleaned up his act, married his girlfriend, and settled down in a "regular" 9 to 5 job. One of his co-workers who also attended his church was a friend of the manager of the Christian Rock group Petra. Then Petra needed a lead singer and the manager heard from his friend that he knew a guy who used to be a lead singer in a big rock band. Schlitt ended up being Petra's singer for 30+ years. He's also done one-off reunion performances with Head East a few times.
If you walked into a college dorm around 1980, there's pretty good chance you would hear this playing.
Can confirm.