Fil, you are normally mr. positive. It's actually refreshing to see that you are capable of criticizing a situation. Not everything is sunshine and roses, and glad to hear you call this situation out.
Batphink Reynolds ... Better still, you should have someone take away your electronic devices when you've been downing too many ales or Fosters or whatever your poison is.
You are so spot on here. Music has lost its soul. Music is emotion, raw, achingly beautiful, it should grab your heart and take you on a ride, it’s an experience. Autotune robs you of the mystery, the unexpected and truth of that experience
THANK YOU SO MUCH for giving voice to an issue that has irritated me since the early '90's!!! I'm 60 years old and grew up with bands who could actually PLAY actual INSTRUMENTS and were as good live, if not better, than their album. I pity this generation. 🤘🎸💯
there's always a range for any note, it's not incorrect to be a few cents off. to me it's like saying that artists can only use bright red of a specific degree or none at all, just imagine what that would do to the best paintings in the world, that's what their doing to music and i thank you, Fil for exposing this oppressive trend to remove emotion from all music.
Most rock singers do not have pitch perfect voices: mick jagger, Robert plant, Janis Joplin, joe cocker, Carole king , but they convey their feeling so well. Well done fil!!!!!
*In the old days,* the soundboard tech would just *mute the singers mic* if it was bad or *used a back-up tape.* In the 1990's, a audio tape was leaked of Linda McCartney from Wings (Paul's then wife) was so off key & bad on *Hey Jude* that it was learned that the soundboard techs just muted her mic for the show.
*Brad Delp of Boston* was one such singer. He couldn't sing those higher notes in *More Than A Feeling* live anymore. So Boston had to get younger musicians to sing those parts live. Since Delp died (suicide), Boston hired female musicians/singers to achieve the sound Brad Delp used to do when he was younger.
@@kevinthetruckdriver353 heard that recording on a morning radio show called The Ron & Ron show and there was a guy who called them who was interviewing Paul. when he mention Ron & Ron. Paul became so furious that he wish them to have cancer. sadly, that not a wise thing to say, one the guys on the show died of cancer or some HIV related diease and he lost Linda of cancer. I can understand he was extremely angry and embarrassed with people mocking his late wife but words can back you in the ass if you're not careful.
Do you remember the top 40 in our day ? Our host was Casey Kasem. I lived for it it was the highlight of my week in a tiny little Alabama town with one traffic light. On another note it was Casey who taught me that REO Speedwagon got their name from an antique fire engine
Why can't the music producers of today understand that when they remove the "imperfections," they remove the charm, or the "humanness?" Truely great analysis tonight, Fil!!
Laurie Kane As a music producer who refuses to use it, I can tell you it comes down to two reasons, neither of which is justified: 1. Laziness 2. No historical understanding of music
@@artysanmobile Yeah, I guess you're right. These producers have no business being in the music business. Imagine if George Martin had had this technology in the 60's, and if he had utilized it! The entire landscape of several generations of music would suddenly vanish out of existence!
@@artysanmobile perhaps you could somehow influence those who use auto-tune to stop. It truly ruins good music. Those who can't sing shouldn't be recording.
I saw REO live in the 70s and they really kicked ass. Kevin was absolutely flawless as well as the rest of the band. Fil you are correct! Auto tune has ruined music today. Love your channel Fil! And your music ed teachings. You’re really amazing! Thank you for educating a new generation. ❤️💋🤘🏼
Here is a link to Fil's analysis on Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon (British guitarist analyses Gary Richrath's LIVE Flying Turkey Trot! ruclips.net/video/x4h8tSws2vE/видео.html
I really hate to admit this, but in the 70's and the 80's when I was a child and young adult I didn't really like live recordings because they didn't sound as good as the studio recordings. It wasn't until I was in my thirties that I learned to like and now prefer live music to studio recordings. now days I almost entirely purchase albums and watch videos of bands that are unsigned. In fact I would much rather watch a band in some dive whole in the wall. Now after watching this video I understand why that is, but I had no idea that auto tune is used so much now. You really enlightened me. Thank you Fil!
Completely agree! I only like independent music. All the big acts are so ... blah. There's no excitement, no thrill in listening to them. It's all muzak now.
U listen to many songs from the 60's 70's and even the 80's and I find myself with tears running down my cheeks! I no longer find this happening anymore! I'm 68 and I love your channel 💕
This is why I love this guy so much: he has passion. At 12:30-12:45 Fil is spot-on, bingo, bulls-eye, and any other superlative you can think of. Thank you!
Omg Fil, I am so with you on this auto tune bs. My aunt Anne Phillips is a singer from way back. She had a fabulous, very well-reviewed album in the early 60s called “Born to be Blue” - it’s amazing - she always says that today with all this technology, you can grab any young woman off the street and put her in a studio and auto tune her voice and presto! A pop star - talent not required 🙄🙄🙄 She sang with greats like Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller and this stuff makes her so sad. I love how you’ve said that people like Janis Joplin and Neil young and Bob Dylan didn’t need perfect pitch - they gave you ALL the feels with the heart they put into their music! \m/
I’d never heard of vocal auto-tune before Fil’s explanation here. I knew nothing about it before this moment. But as I listened to Kevin singing in the recording of his band’s performance just prior to Fil’s comments, I was very consciously thinking to myself, “something’s off here”. “Something doesn’t sound right with his vocals”. I thought his voice sounded ‘short’ or ‘chopped’. I’ve listened to Kevin sing this song for nearly 42 years -since it first came out on REO’s album “You Can Tune A Piano But You Can’t Tuna Fish” in 1978. I well know what the real and full performance of this song sounds like! In fact it was THIS song (and its twin Speedwagon hit, “Roll With The Changes” which was released on the same album) that made me a fan of the band when that pair of excellent REO hits first began to be played on the radio and inspired me to go buy my first REO Speedwagon album. As I listened to this particular recording of the song posted by Fil, even before he had begun his analysis, it was OBVIOUS to me that there was a richness or a fullness missing from Kevin’s vocals. As Fil began talking about this vocal auto-tune tweek that’s becoming popular in the music industry now, that’s when I realized my ears or my mind weren’t playing tricks on me. It was the NUANCE of the PHYSICAL EXPRESSION that was MISSING. That it’s PURPOSELY missing (has been PURPOSELY REMOVED) is a travesty. It’s a travesty because what’s been removed is the part that conveys THE EMOTION of the performance! What’s left is MECHANICAL, machine-like, nearly emotionless! Like Fil, I DON’T LIKE IT! Don’t like it at all.
Taylor swift,,,maybe she is good song writer, but her vocal abilities are questionable. I heard her singing live with Mick and she was awful, nothing like her records where she gets by with her limited range.
Thank you so much for explaining this and making us all more aware of autotune everywhere. I still prefer live recordings of my favorite 70s group even when they were losing their voices. Live, without autotune, has so much more emotion and heart! You hit the nail on the head....it's all about the emotional connection!! Thank you!
Possibly my favorite analysis yet, Fil. I appreciate not only your perspective, but passion as well. No need to apologize. Don't think the great Gary Richrath would have partaken in this.
I used to see REO in their early days in Racine WI. They were great! No auto tune needed. I agree the pure vocals need to be brought back. Sad music changed so much.
I also have seen REO several times back in the day and yes they were fantastic but I saw him live recently and he really has lost much of his vocal ability. I don't agree with the use of autotune, everybody's voice changes with time... Look at how many famous singers from back in the day who can't sing at all anymore.
I grew up listening to the great bands of the 70s and you´re so so right about people feeling the music during that era and todays generation simply hearing it
There are a few songs that when I sing them, my voice cracks with emotion, sometimes I even cry. How does autotune deal with that? I prefer 'real' myself. Great rant by the way, I loved it. You are absolutely right that music needs to be felt, not just heard.
This video comes from a professional movie house, that means it was properly mixed and recorded off of the mixing desk. The autotune was applied not during the performance, but on the post production of the video. It's not uncommon on a commercial release of a live album or video of a concert to undergo overdubs for mistakes, vocals to be completely replaced to make the band sound better as a live entity. Best example of a live album that almost is basically a complete studio recording would be Ozzy's Speak Of Th Devil, both performances of the vynil release of all Sabbath material and the the Diary Tour concert film sound absolutely nothing like the actual performances on the raw bootlegs. If you want to see a live band that performs and sounds better live than studio, go watch a Styx concert, they still play everything in the original key, and the harmonies are freaking spine chilling.
Fil That is a perfect summation of the music today. I fell in love with music because of how it makes me feel and think. I never expected a perfect sound. And this an amazing song that got me through a tough breakup many years ago
I love REO Speedwagon. They are still touring and they are still wonderful. I have so many memories with this song. Rock on!! Thank you, Fil for bringing out the info on auto tune. You are amazing with the criticism as well as the praise. ❤️🌹❤️
Fil, I agree with everything you said, with one slight exception. Kevin Cronin has full control over whether or not they use auto-tune on his mic. He's not out there selling records like one of the new one-hit wonders - he and the rest of REO are touring to make money. Period. Kevin has - in fact - a long-standing reputation for being extremely involved in every aspect of his live shows, and not putting up with hijinks. If there's an auto-tune on his vocals, it;s because he wanted it there.
As a singer in a band for (too many) years, I’m definitely losing my ability to hit some notes. When I perform, and half the reason I still perform, is that challenge a singer has - to be able to connect with the crowd. And honestly, sometimes I have to improvise, and really push beyond by limits. It can be very satisfying and sometimes very ugly. However, I (like you Fil) feel like auto tune would be sacrilege. Great subject Fil. You’re the best bro!! 🇺🇸
Thanks Fil, I'm no professional, but I love great music. Interesting to hear your take on the auto tune aspect. I don't like music that is over produced. It needs to sound like it would live.
Hi Fil! REO Speedwagen was played a lot in my house when my daughter was in high school! I loved them too! Music was played constantly in my house, and perhaps that is why my daughter got her degree as a music therapist! Indianapolis held lots of concerts, and I made sure she got to go!
That purple guitar is gorgeous and Kevin's voice is unscathed by time. All points well taken and another stellar synopsis! Most passionate.👍💯🖐🏼 Thanks Fil
Fil...love your videos! I was a teen in the 80s and LOVE 80s music. I agree so much that back then you had to actually have talent versus now...you can just get autotuned to perfection!! Thanks for having so much passion for what you do!
That's telling them Fil. (The auto tune commandos). I agree. I saw REO Speedwagon at the Tulsa Fairgrounds in 1987 and they really put on a good show. Kevin had a great voice live. Great analyses! 👍
"Ridin' the Storm Out" back in 1973 was the first song I herd from REO Speedwagon and was hook. excellent "rant" on "auto-tune" and the music industry! I meant analysis "Chuckle" this is one of your best Fil.
Thanks, Fil ! Having grown up in the 60's -70's , I remember seeing so many bands live that sounded true to their album versions . No auto-tune , just raw, real , and sincere ! I love your info and insight .
Being from the 60's and 70's era in music, you are spot on Fil. My grandsons are very much into music, much from my era because I've shown them the greats and turned it up so they can "feel" what we did back then, to some degree. They realize that TALENT was needed to make back then, no computers, auto tune or anything else. Pure skill and talent!
Quick story about REO, a friend of mine came back from Indiana University in the early 70s and was raving about this great band REO Speedwagon. Little did we know this unknown band in 1972 would turn out to be a super group.
I wish I could give this one several thumbs up. REO Speedwagon is from my hometown and, of course, one of my favorites. Finding this video pleases me...just yesterday, I realized I haven't listened to REO for much too long and was intending to crank it up today, anyway. I've only gotten to see them live once...bummer.
Brother I could not have said it better myself Kevin has such a beautiful voice the bands need control of the final product so people cannot mess with their music like that your right everything is about money these days art goes by the way side over greed on a positive note I love this video the twelve string sounds awesome Kevin glides around the stage playing that incredible intro and I love so many of their songs but this one holds a special place in my heart Thank You for your passion Fil :-)
I have learned more about music in three months, by watching your reaction videos, than I previously knew in my fifty six years of living! What an outstanding, heartfelt, beautifully articulated response to soul killing auto tune! Thank you, Fil, for your support of REAL music and the integrity that must go with it! Great as usual-you keep up the stellar work! Treff
REO was one of those bands that came around every year during the 70's and into the 80's in the midwest. They had so many recognizable songs. I think we took them a little for granted back then. They've been "Riding the Storm Out" for a long time.
agree totally - they were always a part of the Midwest summer concert festival scene AND yes, we did take them for granted (coz we were dazed and confused haha)
Spot on ! Thank you !! Fil, you should have been born in 1950. You would have feasted as a young man in the 60s and 70s. There were no home computers or video games in those days. For me and my friends it was all about how good are your speakers, amp, turntable, cartridge, reel-to-reel, and record collection. Then it was “Who did you go and see last weekend.” The arguments were about solid state vs tube, who makes the superior record cleaning system, and what kind of gloves should you wear when handling records. You would have fit right in.
...It's a technical and philosophical point, but one I've been saying...Look, people can bring up on the I- Phone the ORIGINAL song if they want..they don't want that..they want "LIVE"...a live version with all of it's errors, idiosyncrasies...It's important as it releases the creativity inherent in artists when they can be themselves...If I sing "Time After Time"...people want MY VERSION, not Cyndi Lauper's version because it's already on their phone !!! I've said my piece.
I have been a fan of REO since the 70s. I finally got to see them last year. Unfortunately the acoustics of the venue were horrible. I couldn't understand any of the talking. And it usually took a bit to figure out what song they were playing. They were halfway through Back On The Road Again before I figured out that was what they were playing. And that is one of my favorites.
If Autotune hadn't been invented we would have never heard the names of more than half the "Artists" we have today. That's probably why I love to play acoustic guitar so much it's as honest as it gets. REO No doubt Absolute Professionals at what they do. I'm sure they've had a blast doin it. "Take It on The Run" my personal favorite. Especially the Solo's. Thanks Fil great and honest job as usual. See you Tuesday. ." Live Eruption" Yer The Ambassador To The People Of Rock. Melt our faces off ! ROCK 🤘
I love searching RUclips for multiple live performances of my favorite artists, and different renditions of the same song. I’m a country fan too, and some of my favorite are tracking down multiple versions of the same George Jones songs, and especially hearing him sing the same song at different stages of his career. Live performances are especially great because you get to hear the real artist, and that’s how you can tell who’s the best! It makes music fun! Great work!
"I'm singing this note 'cause it fits in well..With the chords I'm playing...I can't pretend there's any meaning here....Or in the things I'm saying...But I'm in tune...Right in tune...I'm in tune...And I'm gonna tune.....Right in on you...Right in on you.....Right in on you." Getting In Tune, the Who.
Zenzi Cubik To those of us who have a lifelong love of music, those words have one meaning, somewhat ironic. To the bozos programming radio and producing pop music, those very same words have no ironic meaning whatsoever. They literally don’t know the meaning.
Beautiful guitar work at the beginning. 😊 Love that 12-string sound. It’s amazing how he plays it with that strange thumb-barre over the fretboard. Agree with you on the auto-tune!
ITA!!! I can't imagine how Johnny Cash's version of Hurt would sound like utter crap if it had been auto-tuned... his expression and feeling when he sings it absolutely guts me every time! The sanitized version would do nothing to move me.
Wow. Spot o Fil. You brought up points that I hadn't thought of before but you're absolutely right. They are taking the personal nuances out of the work. Excellent observation.
I heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend, who heard it from another that this was going to be about Auto-Tune. Just had to do it take off on a lyric there. Fil thanks you. Flagging good idea.
I immediately went to RUclips and watched this entire performance and watched the whole performance. You are right. I didn't notice the auto-tune. I did notice it right away. I just wasn't feeling moved and it sounded sanitized. As the performance went on it became glaring. I watched another much earlier performance and loved it. What a world of difference. I also went back and watched some live performances of Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley, (The Righteous Brothers) just to guys harmonizing and singing full out was amazing. No auto-tune there. Thank you Fil for shining a light on this. Maybe in the future analyze The vocal talents of The Righteous Brothers.
But, the music industry might collapse if all the teenyboppers stopped listening to music because it suddenly wasn't as good as what they'd got used to.
@@tullfan7872 Then it up to those of us who grew up listening to music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s to show the teenyboppers how real music is supposed to sound. :)
![Quando Rondo - Life Goes On [Official Music Video]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/eIf3fhMXAow/mqdefault.jpg)
That's the first time I have seen Fil genuinely pissed off. Bravo Fil! Everything you said is so true.
And well he should be.
Fil, you are normally mr. positive. It's actually refreshing to see that you are capable of criticizing a situation. Not everything is sunshine and roses, and glad to hear you call this situation out.
Mike Betts ... Is it possible that you were actually trying for actually when you put in accuracy? It actually fits the sentence more accurately.
@@JW...-oj5iw
.....woahhhh
Absolutely.
Batphink Reynolds ... Better still, you should have someone take away your electronic devices when you've been downing too many ales or Fosters or whatever your poison is.
To be fair, I don't think auto-tune makes REO Speedwagon any worse than they already are.
This young man is wise beyond his years. Once again, thank you Fil for sharing your incredible passion for music with all of us. Mucho respect to you.
'Auto tune' should be legally stamped on every 'Music seller'. Let the listener decide!
But can you autotuna fish?
@@ChuckJolley Sure, 'Like a Sturgeon, tuned for the very first time.'
yeah like the explicit lyric stickers
You are so spot on here. Music has lost its soul. Music is emotion, raw, achingly beautiful, it should grab your heart and take you on a ride, it’s an experience. Autotune robs you of the mystery, the unexpected and truth of that experience
You have hit the nail on the head. Says it all, thank you!
You are wrong Fil, the music of today does make me feel something-nauseated, and now I know why. Love your channel!
THANK YOU SO MUCH for giving voice to an issue that has irritated me since the early '90's!!! I'm 60 years old and grew up with bands who could actually PLAY actual INSTRUMENTS and were as good live, if not better, than their album. I pity this generation. 🤘🎸💯
RIP Gary Richrath....the real awesome guitarist that made REO a real rock band
And a inspiration for Power Metal
there's always a range for any note, it's not incorrect to be a few cents off. to me it's like saying that artists can only use bright red of a specific degree or none at all, just imagine what that would do to the best paintings in the world, that's what their doing to music and i thank you, Fil for exposing this oppressive trend to remove emotion from all music.
I relate to slightly flat in blues performances😎
Well said, David.
@@aprils6589 thanks
You just painted a picture through your words of what music is. Honest, real and raw, and definitely untouched by Auto tune. 👍
@@cindypowers4993 ❤️
Most rock singers do not have pitch perfect voices: mick jagger, Robert plant, Janis Joplin, joe cocker, Carole king , but they convey their feeling so well. Well done fil!!!!!
💖🤘💯
Indeed
*In the old days,* the soundboard tech would just *mute the singers mic* if it was bad or *used a back-up tape.* In the 1990's, a audio tape was leaked of Linda McCartney from Wings (Paul's then wife) was so off key & bad on *Hey Jude* that it was learned that the soundboard techs just muted her mic for the show.
*Brad Delp of Boston* was one such singer. He couldn't sing those higher notes in *More Than A Feeling* live anymore. So Boston had to get younger musicians to sing those parts live. Since Delp died (suicide), Boston hired female musicians/singers to achieve the sound Brad Delp used to do when he was younger.
@@kevinthetruckdriver353 heard that recording on a morning radio show called The Ron & Ron show and there was a guy who called them who was interviewing Paul. when he mention Ron & Ron. Paul became so furious that he wish them to have cancer. sadly, that not a wise thing to say, one the guys on the show died of cancer or some HIV related diease and he lost Linda of cancer. I can understand he was extremely angry and embarrassed with people mocking his late wife but words can back you in the ass if you're not careful.
Great video Fil! I totally agree and was really happy to hear you will not show performances that use for autotune future vids. You rock!
Good analysis and even better rant. 👍
Now I understand why the 'top 40' today all sounds the same. I can't even sit and listen to it.
Me neither-🤢🤮 ... it's GARBAGE.
Do you remember the top 40 in our day ? Our host was Casey Kasem. I lived for it it was the highlight of my week in a tiny little Alabama town with one traffic light. On another note it was Casey who taught me that REO Speedwagon got their name from an antique fire engine
The country band Diamond Rio got their name from the same place - in later days REO was known as Diamond-REO.
@@meliplay YES! I remember; it would come on Sunday mornings here in Chicago- I loved it!!
@@meliplay I loved Casey Kasem! He was fantastic. Got my transistor radio out, every Sunday morning it was for us (I'm all the way in Australia)
It's good to see a young person with an understanding of art and expression.
Fil is awesome!
WOW been listening to REO SPEEDWAGON here lately, One of my favorite bands! WOW!!! Thank YOU FIL!!!!
Why can't the music producers of today understand that when they remove the "imperfections," they remove the charm, or the "humanness?" Truely great analysis tonight, Fil!!
Perfectly put music now is clinical yuck
Laurie Kane As a music producer who refuses to use it, I can tell you it comes down to two reasons, neither of which is justified:
1. Laziness
2. No historical understanding of music
@@artysanmobile Yeah, I guess you're right. These producers have no business being in the music business. Imagine if George Martin had had this technology in the 60's, and if he had utilized it! The entire landscape of several generations of music would
suddenly vanish out of existence!
@@artysanmobile perhaps you could somehow influence those who use auto-tune to stop. It truly ruins good music. Those who can't sing shouldn't be recording.
I saw REO live in the 70s and they really kicked ass. Kevin was absolutely flawless as well as the rest of the band. Fil you are correct! Auto tune has ruined music today.
Love your channel Fil! And your music ed teachings. You’re really amazing! Thank you for educating a new generation. ❤️💋🤘🏼
Here is a link to Fil's analysis on Gary Richrath of REO Speedwagon (British guitarist analyses Gary Richrath's LIVE Flying Turkey Trot! ruclips.net/video/x4h8tSws2vE/видео.html
EXACTLY F IL! AUTO TUNE IS JUST PLAIN WRONG. THE HUMAN VOICE IS A BEAUTIFUL THING 😍 I DON'T WANT TO HEAR A ROBOT VOICE 🤖🤖🤖🤖
💖🎸🤘💯
It’s AWFUL
Thanks for speaking up for purity. YES! It's about how music makes us FEEL!!!!
Great rant, Fil! Love REO and can’t wait for the real thing❣️
I really hate to admit this, but in the 70's and the 80's when I was a child and young adult I didn't really like live recordings because they didn't sound as good as the studio recordings. It wasn't until I was in my thirties that I learned to like and now prefer live music to studio recordings. now days I almost entirely purchase albums and watch videos of bands that are unsigned. In fact I would much rather watch a band in some dive whole in the wall. Now after watching this video I understand why that is, but I had no idea that auto tune is used so much now. You really enlightened me. Thank you Fil!
Completely agree! I only like independent music. All the big acts are so ... blah. There's no excitement, no thrill in listening to them. It's all muzak now.
No apologies necessary about auto-tune, I agree with you 100% This was a great analysis as always.. I saw Reo several times and they are a great band.
U listen to many songs from the 60's 70's and even the 80's and I find myself with tears running down my cheeks! I no longer find this happening anymore! I'm 68 and I love your channel 💕
Another great one Fil. Keep em coming.
This is why I love this guy so much: he has passion. At 12:30-12:45 Fil is spot-on, bingo, bulls-eye, and any other superlative you can think of. Thank you!
Omg Fil, I am so with you on this auto tune bs. My aunt Anne Phillips is a singer from way back. She had a fabulous, very well-reviewed album in the early 60s called “Born to be Blue” - it’s amazing - she always says that today with all this technology, you can grab any young woman off the street and put her in a studio and auto tune her voice and presto! A pop star - talent not required 🙄🙄🙄 She sang with greats like Benny Goodman and Glenn Miller and this stuff makes her so sad. I love how you’ve said that people like Janis Joplin and Neil young and Bob Dylan didn’t need perfect pitch - they gave you ALL the feels with the heart they put into their music! \m/
Your aunt- WOW 😲!!! Hey, we have the same last name- maybe we're related because we DEFINITELY think alike!💖🎸💯
Michele Parker ha ha we do! Are you in UK or US? I know
Parker is a very common name in Britain - my husband’s heritage is British
Hee hee! I'm in the US, Chicago, Illinois. 😃
I checked out "Born to be Blue" by your aunt. Veeeeery nice! Don't know why I never heard her before! Kinda reminds me of a female Chet Baker.
Michael McNeill ah thanks, I love that album 🥰
Love this guy's passion...
Thank you Fil. You nailed it perfectly. It used to be about the talent. These days image is all that matters.
I’d never heard of vocal auto-tune before Fil’s explanation here. I knew nothing about it before this moment. But as I listened to Kevin singing in the recording of his band’s performance just prior to Fil’s comments, I was very consciously thinking to myself, “something’s off here”. “Something doesn’t sound right with his vocals”. I thought his voice sounded ‘short’ or ‘chopped’. I’ve listened to Kevin sing this song for nearly 42 years -since it first came out on REO’s album “You Can Tune A Piano But You Can’t Tuna Fish” in 1978. I well know what the real and full performance of this song sounds like! In fact it was THIS song (and its twin Speedwagon hit, “Roll With The Changes” which was released on the same album) that made me a fan of the band when that pair of excellent REO hits first began to be played on the radio and inspired me to go buy my first REO Speedwagon album.
As I listened to this particular recording of the song posted by Fil, even before he had begun his analysis, it was OBVIOUS to me that there was a richness or a fullness missing from Kevin’s vocals. As Fil began talking about this vocal auto-tune tweek that’s becoming popular in the music industry now, that’s when I realized my ears or my mind weren’t playing tricks on me. It was the NUANCE of the PHYSICAL EXPRESSION that was MISSING. That it’s PURPOSELY missing (has been PURPOSELY REMOVED) is a travesty. It’s a travesty because what’s been removed is the part that conveys THE EMOTION of the performance! What’s left is MECHANICAL, machine-like, nearly emotionless! Like Fil, I DON’T LIKE IT! Don’t like it at all.
Such a great album title! Hi Infidelity is as well!
Madonna...Britney...a lot of careers would have died without auto tune.
Taylor swift,,,maybe she is good song writer, but her vocal abilities are questionable. I heard her singing live with Mick and she was awful, nothing like her records where she gets by with her limited range.
@@michaelholycross8718 I am not a Madonna fan, but her first major songs came out in the early 80"s before auto tune..
Thank you so much for explaining this and making us all more aware of autotune everywhere. I still prefer live recordings of my favorite 70s group even when they were losing their voices. Live, without autotune, has so much more emotion and heart! You hit the nail on the head....it's all about the emotional connection!! Thank you!
Possibly my favorite analysis yet, Fil. I appreciate not only your perspective, but passion as well. No need to apologize. Don't think the great Gary Richrath would have partaken in this.
Another amazingly pure voice from that era....two actually. Dennis from Styx and Steve Perry from journey. Steve Perry? Phenomenal.
🏠💯
You forgot the best... Ian Gillan! Mic drop.......
Steve Perry 'THE VOICE'!
@@LostMyMojo100 The Greatest Rock Singer Period. That's saying something, considering the greats." Born Again" still mind blowing today.
John Farnham, THE VOICE!
REO always a must see back in the day! Still great. Thanks Fil.
Some day people will be remembering the thrill of driving cars without auto-control.
Robert Cross I love your profile pic! Sluggo!! 👏👏
Hahaha.....True
I do it everyday.I don't even want a Modern car.
Amy Lee ... You are an amazing singer.
@@JW...-oj5iw Say What?? you got the wrong Amy Lee
I LOVE IT!! Fil... THANK YOU 👍 I knew you would eventually say this because you LOVE music and you are genuine 👍
I used to see REO in their early days in Racine WI. They were great! No auto tune needed. I agree the pure vocals need to be brought back. Sad music changed so much.
I also have seen REO several times back in the day and yes they were fantastic but I saw him live recently and he really has lost much of his vocal ability.
I don't agree with the use of autotune, everybody's voice changes with time...
Look at how many famous singers from back in the day who can't sing at all anymore.
You're a gem, Fil. Glad you're part of the conversation.
Was a big fan of REO back in the 70's. Really loved their live album. There were so many, many great rock bands during the 70's👍😎🤘
Until they turned too bubble gum (for me)
You get what you play for is amzing!
The 60's 2!
@@paulablissett9396 absolutely 👍
@@stargazer1460 YAAAAASSSSS!
I grew up listening to the great bands of the 70s and you´re so so right about people feeling the music during that era and todays generation simply hearing it
There are a few songs that when I sing them, my voice cracks with emotion, sometimes I even cry. How does autotune deal with that? I prefer 'real' myself. Great rant by the way, I loved it. You are absolutely right that music needs to be felt, not just heard.
Fil, your best observation to date, truly.
Live and raw is always best.
Makes me hug my bootleg DVDs and video tapes of live concerts💯❤
This video comes from a professional movie house, that means it was properly mixed and recorded off of the mixing desk. The autotune was applied not during the performance, but on the post production of the video. It's not uncommon on a commercial release of a live album or video of a concert to undergo overdubs for mistakes, vocals to be completely replaced to make the band sound better as a live entity. Best example of a live album that almost is basically a complete studio recording would be Ozzy's Speak Of Th Devil, both performances of the vynil release of all Sabbath material and the the Diary Tour concert film sound absolutely nothing like the actual performances on the raw bootlegs. If you want to see a live band that performs and sounds better live than studio, go watch a Styx concert, they still play everything in the original key, and the harmonies are freaking spine chilling.
Always respected REO. Excellent songwriting, great lead and talented musicians.
Fil That is a perfect summation of the music today. I fell in love with music because of how it makes me feel and think. I never expected a perfect sound. And this an amazing song that got me through a tough breakup many years ago
That was great Fil. How it sounds vs how it feels..that sums it up. So many old songs remind me of times and places and how I felt at the time.
I couldn't agree more. REO is phenomenal live. All the artists from that Era. Today's era is equivalent to Millie Vanillie
I love REO Speedwagon. They are still touring and they are still wonderful. I have so many memories with this song. Rock on!! Thank you, Fil for bringing out the info on auto tune. You are amazing with the criticism as well as the praise. ❤️🌹❤️
Spinal Tap never employed auto-tune. They were real man!
Auto-tune cant go to 11!😳
Autotune is incompatible with dubly noise reduction.
@@garylaverty6607
Bahahaha!
@@garylaverty6607 , "Dubly" noise reduction? Is that a misspelling of Dolby or a Spinal Tap joke that I don't remember all these years later?
@@goodun2974 it's a Spinal Tap joke.
Fil, I agree with everything you said, with one slight exception. Kevin Cronin has full control over whether or not they use auto-tune on his mic. He's not out there selling records like one of the new one-hit wonders - he and the rest of REO are touring to make money. Period. Kevin has - in fact - a long-standing reputation for being extremely involved in every aspect of his live shows, and not putting up with hijinks. If there's an auto-tune on his vocals, it;s because he wanted it there.
As a singer in a band for (too many) years, I’m definitely losing my ability to hit some notes. When I perform, and half the reason I still perform, is that challenge a singer has - to be able to connect with the crowd. And honestly, sometimes I have to improvise, and really push beyond by limits. It can be very satisfying and sometimes very ugly. However, I (like you Fil) feel like auto tune would be sacrilege. Great subject Fil. You’re the best bro!! 🇺🇸
Whoa!! I appreciate your insights and your passion for producing honest music!!
Thanks Fil, I'm no professional, but I love great music. Interesting to hear your take on the auto tune aspect. I don't like music that is over produced. It needs to sound like it would live.
Wow, Fil, you are so right about every single thing you said here, especially about auto tune! Thank you!
Hi Fil! REO Speedwagen was played a lot in my house when my daughter was in high school! I loved them too! Music was played constantly in my house, and perhaps that is why my daughter got her degree as a music therapist! Indianapolis held lots of concerts, and I made sure she got to go!
That purple guitar is gorgeous and Kevin's voice is unscathed by time.
All points well taken and another stellar synopsis! Most passionate.👍💯🖐🏼 Thanks Fil
Wow.....Kevin Cronin can NOT sing anymore. Back in the 80's and 90's he rocked. Today, not so much. Age catches us all.
Well put Fil.
Thank you Fil. You are always spot on. REO sound vs feel. This is so true.
I love REO Speedwagon! Never seen them live though! I was always at a Dream Theater or Van Halen show!! REO Speedwagon are amazing!
Fil...love your videos! I was a teen in the 80s and LOVE 80s music. I agree so much that back then you had to actually have talent versus now...you can just get autotuned to perfection!! Thanks for having so much passion for what you do!
That's telling them Fil. (The auto tune commandos). I agree. I saw REO Speedwagon at the Tulsa Fairgrounds in 1987 and they really put on a good show. Kevin had a great voice live. Great analyses! 👍
Great analogy and great review! Learned plenty.
I say rock on!!!
Love,
DD...
"Ridin' the Storm Out" back in 1973 was the first song I herd from REO Speedwagon and was hook. excellent "rant" on "auto-tune" and the music industry! I meant analysis "Chuckle" this is one of your best Fil.
Thanks, Fil ! Having grown up in the 60's -70's , I remember seeing so many bands live that sounded true to their album versions . No auto-tune , just raw, real , and sincere ! I love your info and insight .
Their opening music sounds so clean. I feel REO is underappreciated.
I can tell your very passionate about this subject and I can appreciate that. Great video, very informative.
That whole album was incredible. "Roll with the Changes" is also a fantastic song. 😊
Always enjoy your videos Fil you have an encyclopedic knowledge of music history.
EXCELLENT JOB FIL ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENT
Thanks!
Being from the 60's and 70's era in music, you are spot on Fil. My grandsons are very much into music, much from my era because I've shown them the greats and turned it up so they can "feel" what we did back then, to some degree. They realize that TALENT was needed to make back then, no computers, auto tune or anything else. Pure skill and talent!
Quick story about REO, a friend of mine came back from Indiana University in the early 70s and was raving about this great band REO Speedwagon. Little did we know this unknown band in 1972 would turn out to be a super group.
I wish I could give this one several thumbs up.
REO Speedwagon is from my hometown and, of course, one of my favorites. Finding this video pleases me...just yesterday, I realized I haven't listened to REO for much too long and was intending to crank it up today, anyway. I've only gotten to see them live once...bummer.
Brother I could not have said it better myself Kevin has such a beautiful voice the bands need control of the final product so people cannot mess with their music like that your right everything is about money these days art goes by the way side over greed on a positive note I love this video the twelve string sounds awesome Kevin glides around the stage playing that incredible intro and I love so many of their songs but this one holds a special place in my heart Thank You for your passion Fil :-)
I have learned more about music in three months, by watching your reaction videos, than I previously knew in my fifty six years of living! What an outstanding, heartfelt, beautifully articulated response to soul killing auto tune! Thank you, Fil, for your support of REAL music and the integrity that must go with it! Great as usual-you keep up the stellar work! Treff
I loathe Auto Tune. Perfection is the enemy of great.
I would say more that perfection is the enemy of individuality..
OUTSTANDING ANALYSIS Mr Fil. BRAVO!!!😎😎
REO was one of those bands that came around every year during the 70's and into the 80's in the midwest. They had so many recognizable songs. I think we took them a little for granted back then. They've been "Riding the Storm Out" for a long time.
agree totally - they were always a part of the Midwest summer concert festival scene AND yes, we did take them for granted (coz we were dazed and confused haha)
Spot on ! Thank you !! Fil, you should have been born in 1950. You would have feasted as a young man in the 60s and 70s. There were no home computers or video games in those days. For me and my friends it was all about how good are your speakers, amp, turntable, cartridge, reel-to-reel, and record collection. Then it was “Who did you go and see last weekend.” The arguments were about solid state vs tube, who makes the superior record cleaning system, and what kind of gloves should you wear when handling records. You would have fit right in.
...It's a technical and philosophical point, but one I've been saying...Look, people can bring up on the I- Phone the ORIGINAL song if they want..they don't want that..they want "LIVE"...a live version with all of it's errors, idiosyncrasies...It's important as it releases the creativity inherent in artists when they can be themselves...If I sing "Time After Time"...people want MY VERSION, not Cyndi Lauper's version because it's already on their phone !!! I've said my piece.
💖🤘
Well said, Fil. Another informative and insightful analysis.
I have been a fan of REO since the 70s. I finally got to see them last year. Unfortunately the acoustics of the venue were horrible. I couldn't understand any of the talking. And it usually took a bit to figure out what song they were playing. They were halfway through Back On The Road Again before I figured out that was what they were playing. And that is one of my favorites.
Even when you're miffed, you are still a gentleman. Thanks Fil. You are top shelf!
If Autotune hadn't been invented we would have never heard the names of more than half the
"Artists" we have today. That's probably why I love to play acoustic guitar so much it's as honest as it gets.
REO No doubt Absolute Professionals at what they do. I'm sure they've had a blast doin it.
"Take It on The Run" my personal favorite. Especially the Solo's. Thanks Fil great and honest job as usual. See you Tuesday.
." Live Eruption"
Yer The Ambassador To
The People Of Rock.
Melt our faces off !
ROCK 🤘
I love searching RUclips for multiple live performances of my favorite artists, and different renditions of the same song. I’m a country fan too, and some of my favorite are tracking down multiple versions of the same George Jones songs, and especially hearing him sing the same song at different stages of his career. Live performances are especially great because you get to hear the real artist, and that’s how you can tell who’s the best! It makes music fun! Great work!
Hate auto-tune. I thought something was wrong with the vocals or the editing before Fil started talking about auto-tune. It sounded wrong.
One of my favorite bands. I have photographed them so many times. They are right up there with STYX as being one of the best live band performances.
"I'm singing this note 'cause it fits in well..With the chords I'm playing...I can't pretend there's any meaning here....Or in the things I'm saying...But I'm in tune...Right in tune...I'm in tune...And I'm gonna tune.....Right in on you...Right in on you.....Right in on you." Getting In Tune, the Who.
Zenzi Cubik To those of us who have a lifelong love of music, those words have one meaning, somewhat ironic. To the bozos programming radio and producing pop music, those very same words have no ironic meaning whatsoever. They literally don’t know the meaning.
Beautiful guitar work at the beginning. 😊 Love that 12-string sound. It’s amazing how he plays it with that strange thumb-barre over the fretboard. Agree with you on the auto-tune!
Goddam beautiful song any man ever had his heart broken it’s for us
I'm so glad that you explained this. I immediately heard the difference but assumed it was because he's getting older and just sounds different.
ITA!!! I can't imagine how Johnny Cash's version of Hurt would sound like utter crap if it had been auto-tuned... his expression and feeling when he sings it absolutely guts me every time! The sanitized version would do nothing to move me.
Wow. Spot o Fil. You brought up points that I hadn't thought of before but you're absolutely right. They are taking the personal nuances out of the work. Excellent observation.
I heard it from a friend who heard it from a friend, who heard it from another that this was going to be about Auto-Tune. Just had to do it take off on a lyric there. Fil thanks you. Flagging good idea.
Thanks Fil. Points well made as always.
Listen to Exile On Main Street by The Stones. Recorded in Keith Richards basement. Raw, rough, Rolling Stones. Perfect.
I immediately went to RUclips and watched this entire performance and watched the whole performance. You are right. I didn't notice the auto-tune. I did notice it right away. I just wasn't feeling moved and it sounded sanitized. As the performance went on it became glaring. I watched another much earlier performance and loved it. What a world of difference. I also went back and watched some live performances of Bobby Hatfield and Bill Medley, (The Righteous Brothers) just to guys harmonizing and singing full out was amazing. No auto-tune there. Thank you Fil for shining a light on this. Maybe in the future analyze The vocal talents of The Righteous Brothers.
Very cool. I wish you would've picked one with the late great Gary Richrath
They make you feel alive 3dxtra!!! Love seeing REO
Q: How to recover?
A: Quit (Auto-Tune) now, cold-turkey.
Jesus, YES!!!🤘
But, the music industry might collapse if all the teenyboppers stopped listening to music because it suddenly wasn't as good as what they'd got used to.
@@tullfan7872 I don't even listen, to the junk being sold today!
@@tullfan7872
Then it up to those of us who grew up listening to music from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and 80s to show the teenyboppers how real music is supposed to sound. :)
Unplug
His voice still gives me chills! 💙💋