Yes to both. And also Age of Consent by New Order. Add in some Depeche Mode and you pretty much have a standard playlist for Q101 Chicago back in the late 80s.
I heard this as a kid in the early 80s liked it but as I hear this later in time it gave me the sound of early U2 mixed with the sound of The Smiths as far as the minor eerie but smooth tone. The guitar sounds kind of give the same vibe as U2.
Gents, this song is a freakin' masterpiece, regardless of Halloween. Echo and the Bunnymen came up with a completely original sound you are immersed in from beginning to end. That is the mark of S-tier for me.
Fainted in the crowd at a 1988 gig, got the life blood squeezed out of me against the stage. Woke up at Ian's feet., the crowd had put me up there. Fainted again. My Beatles moment, best concert ever. ;)
Too pop. They should go for something like Back of Love, I think the way out there guitar stuff from Will would hit them in a better place. That's more of a typical Bunnymen song than Killing Moon is. And they would LOVE the bridge. Les also plays his ass off.
I'm 57, started listening to the Bunnyman around '83, This album, Ocean Rain is pivotal, it, in my opinion along with The Smiths, separated them from the " New Wave" tag. Their albums, Crocodiles, This, their last album, " Echo and the Bunnyman from '87 with the late Pete DeFritas is a magnificent catalog from the'80's.
I'm beyond ecstatic that y'all reacted to this song and took notice of every beautiful sonic detail. Singer Ian McCulloch has often been compared to Jim Morrison because of his vocal style and his songwriting. Other Echo songs to hit include "The Cutter" and "Lips Like Sugar." Another group that emerged from Liverpool (like Echo and the Bunnymen) and found success in the early '80s is A Flock of Seagulls. Their hit songs "I Ran (So Far Away)" and "Space Age Love Song" employ some of the most iconic sounds of the '80s from searing guitar riffs to intoxicating synth. They are more than worthy of an appearance on your channel. Singer Mike Score of A Flock of Seagulls has made Florida his home for at least the past two decades. If you do ever get around to reacting to aFoS, it would be so cool if you could interview him. He's fantastic.
Ian McCulloch was (and probably still is) a big Doors fan. When this song came out, a lot of people mentioned The Doors. I like The Doors but I like this song more than anything The Doors did as it would make my all-time top 50.
Echo & the Bunnymen were pioneers of alternative music back in the early 80s. This song never fails to give me goosebumps. If you wanna keep riding that 80s alternative wagon, make sure you check out The Waterboys and "The Whole Of the Moon". Excellent song as well.
The Waterboys and Echo and the Bunnymen are not comparable in any way. Two completely different bands, two completely different sounds, both absolutely fantastic. Any comparison is pointless.
Great, hypnotic/atmospheric tune, in fact the whole album Ocean Rain is really strong I think. Here's a Killing Moon anecdote for you: I was on a short trip back to NY, and a few friends and I walked into a bar on the Lower East Side at about 4 am for one last drink. A guy sitting at the bar was slumped forward with his head on the bar, just dead to the world, not moving. After about ten minutes, I went over to the jukebox and put on The Killing Moon, and once the first few notes rang out, the dude picked his head up for the first time, gave me a bleary-eyed nod of approval, and immediately put his head back down on the bar and didn't move again.
This is alternative, you need to do more of this genre to really appreciate it. You both look like you enjoyed this more than your ratings, like a drug that you're afraid of getting hooked on. But trust me, late 80's early 90's alternative is a drug worth embracing.
I agree, they definitely create an intense suspenseful atmosphere on this one. A post-punk masterpiece IMO, and is pretty much held up as one of the best tracks in the genre. Interesting factoid: the chord progression is based on Bowie's Space Oddity played backwards
Hmm, Alex doesn't hate all 80s music. 😀 While The Killing Moon is a fantastic song, my favorite Echo song is The Cutter. I think you two should give it a listen.
These guys and Depeche Mode are probably my favorite bands. Ian's vocals, Pete on drums and Will's amazing guitar w reverb made their sound so unique and seriously cool. Many good listens here guys
This band were probably the coolest band in the UK in the early 80s, they were expected to become huge and it never happened. Did some great tracks though, The Cutter, Never Stop, Villiers Terrace, Rescue and the Back Of Love to name a few.
This song still gives me goosebumps. Echo & tBM was a really solid band for and of its time, the kind that easily supports a "best of" treatment. Other favorites of theirs include "Rescue," "Do It Clean," "Lips Like Sugar," and "The Cutter."
Criminally underrated...luckily they always hit Detroit on their tours and Ian's voice alone is worth seeing them...Ian has put out some incredible solo work as well...
@@chuckmeyers1153 Saw in Birmingham Uk few months ago.... rammed and they were great. Im not a huge superfan but I appreciate their legacy. Smiths were better lol
I actually loved the way you guys did the rating. That's way better than the "3..2..1" thing for me, because you determined the rating through a discussion rather than throwing out a rating and then discussing your justification for it. It was much more enjoyable to see you kind of work it out and discuss points before coming to a rating.
I did find them from the Pretty In Pink soundtrack (Bring on the Dancing Horses), and agree w/the Lips Like Sugar votes, but another fav is Bedbugs and Ballyhoo
There are few Echo and the Bunnymen songs that aren’t as good or better than this one. Their work is brilliant. They are one of those band’s that set a new level of excellence when they came out.
Echo and the Bunnymen came from Liverpool and were part of a wave of indie bands from the north of England which emerged in the 80s. including Joy Division/New Order, The Smiths, The Fall, and the Stone Roses, all with a distinct and original sound. This was one of my favourite songs of the time.
So excited when I saw you were doing this. The Bunnymen have been one of my top 5 bands of all time. And Mac’s (Ian McCulloch) voice is my comfort voice. “Lips Like Sugar” is one you need to do. Or “Bedbugs and Ballyhoo”. Pete DeFrietas was an incredible drummer. Will Sergeant is a totally underrated guitarist. His stuff isn’t flashy but is so tasteful. “A Promise”, “Nothing Lasts Forever”, and “Nocturnal Me” are my favorites of theirs. 💜💜💜
This is one of the coolest songs ever written. After 35 years I still listen to it. Check out bring on the Dancing Horses and Lips like Sugar. This is an A.
Thank you for getting to echo. Try "A Promise"; "The Back of Love"; "The Cutter." Such a great post-punk band. Please then go on to Psychocandy by The Jesus and Mary Chain. The drummer, Pete Defreitas, was the only other drummer, besides Victor Delorenzo of the Violent Femmes, who was using brushes on rock/pop songs (although The Cure used brushes on Love Cats).
YES, Back of Love is perfect for them. The breaks are great, everyone is playing at the top of their game, the strings are on point. Everyone loves Ocean Rain so much, but Porcupine is the overlooked gem in the catalogue.
@@eboethrasher I agree. Great comment on back of love. I would say that all of their records are great and "The Game" or the self-titled one has some great songs on it but isn't as flawless as the previous ones.
Echo and the Bunnymen, new wave music at its finest! Check out some of their other songs. They have a unique sound. Lips Like Sugar and Bring on the Dancing Horses are two of their popular hits.
@@5oclockhero542 I never said it was the absolute best, but finest as in very good quality. I grew up in the 70's and 80's and I don't recall hearing their music being overplayed on the radio, like The Fixx, Duran Duran, or Pet Shop Boys. I liken this group to Thomas Dolby. He had one or two commercial hits, but he had a lot of good other music that didn't get much radio play in the U.S.
@@WilliamTheMovieFan I'm confused . No 1 said the absolute best? The Bunnymen, I'm saying , are nowhere near the finest, whether in production, lyrics, music etc. You liked them, good on you. Finest? Stop over exaggerating their role in the new wave scene. Wistful memories can be confusing to us oldies 😁
This is from Liverpool new wave scene. There was a punk club late 70s in Liverpool called Eric's which had all the best punk then post punk bands. Bands like Echo and the bunny men formed by going to the club, there was other bands that formed going to Eric's like OMD, Tear drops explodes, Frankie goes to Hollywood, Icicleworks, The Christians, Mighty Wah and many others. There's a documentary called family rock tree that tells the story about Erics.
The highest praise for "Ocean Rain" by so many critics is well deserved. It is a masterpiece without question. Surely their greatest work. In my top 10
In high school one of my friends was obsessed with Echo & the Bunnymen went into the city to see them but had no ticket and was just hanging around outside of the venue like a bum when one of the people working their told him to hurry up and get inside. They thought he worked there. It was the highlight of his life and he got to meet the band and watch the show .
An intelligent review of a classic from their fourth album, Ocean Rain (1984). This song continues to seduce and inspire more than 38 years later and was the opening track on the film Donnie Darko. For more brooding atmosphere, check out their 1981 second album, Heaven Up Here, particularly Over The Wall and Turquoise Days. The band is still going strong although only singer, Ian McCulloch and guitarist, Will Sergeant, remain. They’ve just finished a US tour and have big followings in Brazil, Japan, Scandinavia, Australia, and of course the UK. A class act from Liverpool who always prized authenticity over fame - just as they were attracting attention in the early ‘80s, they toured Iceland and other remote outposts before it was fashionable to go there. They have an incredible body of work and their distinctive sound and Ian McCulloch’s vocals always make me smile.
Lips Like Sugar is one of my favorites. If you want great context for this song and some other great songs from the time, watch Donnie Darko. One of my favorite films and soundtracks. (other songs on the soundtrack: The Church's Under the Milky Way, Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart and Gary Jules' version of the Tears for Fears song Mad World.) And the movie is great too. Jake Gyllenhaal when he was young (21).
Bands like Echo and the Bunnymen and The Church drive you into a existential musical experience....I think both of these bands are amongst the most underrated bands ever.....although this album Ocean Rain was voted the most influencial album from the 80's, The church after 40 years are still releasing fantastic albums and remain true to their artform...I really suggest you guys listen more from these two fantastic bands
@@theplanetruth yep The Call agreed, i had nearly forgotten about them..there are so many great bands in this genre....Bauhaus, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, Sisters of Mercy, The Mission UK, Fields of the Nephilm...and many more
I highly Agree. I'm under 40 and just dug far into The Church and Echo catalogs the past 3 years. Myrrh is my fav from The Church and Bring on the dancing 🐎 is prob my fave from The Bunneymen. 2 unbelievable way better then given credit for legit important bands no matter what decade
@@neilsmith9066 Just in case you have not heard all The Church Albums I would highly advice....Holograam of Baal, After Everything Now This, Priest = Aura, Forget yourself, Uninvited like the clouds....simply epic albums, im 54 years old therefore I lived and saw these bands live in my teens and even after .
It was my jam back in the 80's! Cold Wave atmospheric echoing guitars with much reverb were haunting and still make me shiver... it would be so cool if you reacted to A forest by The Cure for example...
This song has one of the most iconic refrains of the 80s: "Fate up against your will..." It's a feeling that can apply to life in so many ways. An existential struggle. Maybe even physical struggle, maybe trying to resist passion - "cruelly you kissed me...." I suggest checking out Bring On The Dancing Horses. It's also a big hit of theirs, along with Lips Like Sugar.
This song has always been a favorite since it first came out. I had occasion to see Echo & The Bunnymen perform a few years back and they were brilliant. Every bit as vibrant as they've ever sounded.
So glad you hit these guys; one of the most important and influential post-punk bands to come out of the 1980's (and Liverpool); the band continues as lead singer Ian McCulloch and guitarist Will Sergeant are still recording and touring). A few factoids: 1) Band name: they began as The Bunnymen, but they didn't originally have a drummer, so they used an echo machine for rhythm, and redubbed themselves Echo & the Bunnymen. Even after they recruited the amazing Pete De Freitas on drums, the name stuck. 2) The Doors were a major influence on them, (hence their consistently dark, atmospheric, psychedelic sound). Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek not only became a fan, but joined them for two songs during the recording of their self-titled 5th album: the spooky-cool “Bedbugs and Balllyhoo” and the cover of the Doors “People Are Strange” (for the movie soundtrack of “The Lost Boys”). 3) You could fill an entire Halloween party with Bunnymen songs. Here's a few choice cuts (in discography order): “Going Up”, “Rescue”, “Pictures On My Wall”, “No Dark Things”, Heaven Up Here”, “A Promise”, “The Disease”, “The Cutter”, “My White Devil”, “Heads Will Roll”, “Gods Will Be Gods”, “Higher Hell”, “My Kingdom”, “Angels and Devils”, “Bring On The Dancing Horses”, “Lips Like Sugar”, “Evergreen”, “I Want To Be There (When You Come)”, “King Of Kings”, “SuperMellowMan”, “Flowers”, “Scissors In the Sand”, “Of A Life”, “Think I Need It Too”, “Drivetime”, “Meteorites”, “Constantinople”. 4) McCulloch and Sergeant also had a side project called Electrafixion (Echo with more edge and tons of gritty guitar). Perfect for the late night crowd that wants to party until dawn. Choice cuts: “Lowdown”, “Zephyr”, “Never”, “Razor’s Edge”, “Feel My Pulse”, “Rain On Me”.
Oooh, "Gods Will Be Gods" or "No Dark Things" would be very cool. Bonus points for including Electrafixion. RIP Pete de Freitas: one of the great drummers of his generation. Integral part of their sound; when I saw the original band in concert, his drums would always be center stage.
Alex is spot on it is distorted acoustic bass, a bit like Violent Femmes used. They are such a great band with bangers like The Cutter, Bring on The Dancing Horses, Lips Like Sugar and Do it Clean in their locker
You literally described the exact scene in Donnie Darko where this song was used. It was a house party on halloween, it was sorta chaos all around, and it faded into him and someone else. I got goosebumps
@@azcactus2008'Never Tear Us Apart' was always the indended opening song, and the scene sequence shown with the music line up exactly... even offering foreshadowing.
Both of your reactions were spot on as to feeling and mood. Atmospheric, kinda melancholic and introspective. Remember driving home to this in college in 91 just before Halloween at twilight. Lips Like Sugar also a must listen.
My older brother loved this band. From Liverpool and under rated. I eventually grew to love this song after endlessly listening to it viu my brothers record player
This, "Bring On The Dancing Horses" and "Lips Like Sugar" are the big 3 from this band in my view. "Love Like Blood" by Killing Joke is in a similar vibe.
After their self-titled record in '88 their drummer died in a motorcycle accident. It broke up the band for several years. Luckily, they realized they were stronger together and reformed.
Nice choice, guys. Now, as is often after watching your video, I need to pull out my CD and re-enjoy the lot. Monday nourishment, for sure! senior from Canada
Props to Alex for being open-minded enough to put aside his initial bias against 80s production (a bias which I share in general, but having lived through the 80s knew there are many exceptions)
I love this song. So moody, mysterious and atmospheric, with touches of flamenco style folk. It's a beautiful classic of the era ✨️ 😍 and it brings back great memories
Love that song. When the chorus breaks it's like a blast of cool air on a hot day. Their song "The Cutter" is worth checking out. Other songs to check out: XTC - Senses Working Overtime or Complicated Game.... THE CHAMELEONS - Swamp Thing (post-punk brilliance).... GUIDED BY VOICES: Space Gun or Enemy (Bangers x 1000)
yeh tricky i have the cd homecoming show liverpool empire theatre jan.11 1988 liner note says pete joined in 79 and tragic accident was june 1988 i also have peel sessions cassette 78 before pete joined with drum machine how they started out because the 88 show was recorded and broadcast on bbc has great sound petes drumming outstanding on several tracks was put out windsong label 1991 accident june 1989 correction
This song along with "Lips like sugar" will always end up on my playlist. They also covered The Door's "People are Strange" on the "Lost Boys" soundtrack. Pretty good cover (That entire soundtrack is worth a listen too also, IMO)
I think if you like this, there's a lot of the mid-80s new-wave/goth that you might find appealing - or earlier. I know you tried some Cure before, but atmosphere-wise, you can't go wrong with their "Hanging Gardens" or "A Forest." (It helps if you imagine a smoky dance bar full of young goths dancing like they are conducting an orchestra with lit clove cigarettes, despite the prevalence and proximity of entire mohawks full of Aquanet, to get the full flavor.)
the song is about death and our hesitancy that at some point we have to give ourselves to "him"... ALL atmosphere and deeper than you think. read the lyrics... "the stars hung like jewels" is next level. As far as the vocals ago they will grow on your overtime. It's so much of the Smiths. It took me a long time to appreciate that band because of his vocal style but they are just so good and so far above everything else that was happening at that time. The song will grow on you... 🙌🏻😎❤️
Of course, you should listen to more Echo and the Bunnymen - they are worth listening to. If you are looking for more atmospheric and mood music like this and/or music that fits into the vibe of Halloween, may I make a few suggestions? Oingo Boingo is famous for playing live on Halloween (A band you have curiously avoided reacting to up till now) and Dead Man's Party is their most commercial song, but every YTube reactor has reacted to it and it's not one of my favorites. Here is my Oingo Boingo suggestion - The song - "Nothing to Fear (But Fear Itself)", "Dead or Alive", and "Pictures of You." Out of those three songs - I would pick "Nothing to Fear (But Fear Itself)." I would also start checking out Adam Ant and the first song to review should be "Desperate, but not Serious." It has a very haunting sound to it.
I think you guys would really like "Possum Kingdom" by the Toadies. Appropriate for Halloween--dark, dark serial killer vibes lyrically, and a great song musically!
'Lips Like Sugar' by Echo and the Bunnymen is required listening. Be sure to add 'Under the Milky Way' by The Church to your list of songs.
My favorite by Echo.
Donnie Darko soundtrack. The best.
Yes to both. And also Age of Consent by New Order. Add in some Depeche Mode and you pretty much have a standard playlist for Q101 Chicago back in the late 80s.
Also, Bring on the Dancing Horses and Seven Seas are great songs, and Reptile by The Church.
@@joelhahn2501 Yes to 'Under the Milky Way' by The Church. Long overdue.
This song is 100% mood, just kind of ominous and cool, it's edgy in the right way
At the time I often heard they were the best band in world - mostly from Echo and the Bunnymen.
Exactly what I was going to say. Incredible song that has stood the test of time. Still a total vibe.
Mix between New Wave like Talking Heads and 80s soft punk like The Cure
Love its mysteriousness.
I heard this as a kid in the early 80s liked it but as I hear this later in time it gave me the sound of early U2 mixed with the sound of The Smiths as far as the minor eerie but smooth tone. The guitar sounds kind of give the same vibe as U2.
Gents, this song is a freakin' masterpiece, regardless of Halloween. Echo and the Bunnymen came up with a completely original sound you are immersed in from beginning to end. That is the mark of S-tier for me.
original? assuming you've heard Bono and U2?
@@samuelmregister it's original to my ears Sam. I would put each of these bands in a category of its own
@@samuelmregister funny, I am a long time fan of both and I wouldn't consider the two similar ar all.
@@samuelmregister wow… you think those two bands sound the same?
Remember Brandy (Your a fine girl) was deemed an S tier...i still can't wrap my head around that but to each his own.
Fainted in the crowd at a 1988 gig, got the life blood squeezed out of me against the stage. Woke up at Ian's feet., the crowd had put me up there. Fainted again. My Beatles moment, best concert ever. ;)
"Bring On The Dancing Horses" is another killer track by them.
Hell yes such a vibe!!
LOVE that song!
My favorite
Lips Like Sugar should be your next Echo reaction it's total ear candy.
Too pop. They should go for something like Back of Love, I think the way out there guitar stuff from Will would hit them in a better place. That's more of a typical Bunnymen song than Killing Moon is. And they would LOVE the bridge. Les also plays his ass off.
YES
@@eboethrasher Read it in Books; Villiers Terrace. Silver. So many great songs.
💙💙💙💙💙 sugar 💋 kisses
its ok. the church have a better song and its under the milky way
I'm 57, started listening to the Bunnyman around '83, This album, Ocean Rain is pivotal, it, in my opinion along with The Smiths, separated them from the " New Wave" tag. Their albums, Crocodiles, This, their last album, " Echo and the Bunnyman from '87 with the late Pete DeFritas is a magnificent catalog from the'80's.
the smiths were a lounge act with a depressive asexual frontman , the bunnymen where way more interesting, way more bite
I'm beyond ecstatic that y'all reacted to this song and took notice of every beautiful sonic detail. Singer Ian McCulloch has often been compared to Jim Morrison because of his vocal style and his songwriting. Other Echo songs to hit include "The Cutter" and "Lips Like Sugar." Another group that emerged from Liverpool (like Echo and the Bunnymen) and found success in the early '80s is A Flock of Seagulls. Their hit songs "I Ran (So Far Away)" and "Space Age Love Song" employ some of the most iconic sounds of the '80s from searing guitar riffs to intoxicating synth. They are more than worthy of an appearance on your channel. Singer Mike Score of A Flock of Seagulls has made Florida his home for at least the past two decades. If you do ever get around to reacting to aFoS, it would be so cool if you could interview him. He's fantastic.
Ian McCulloch was (and probably still is) a big Doors fan. When this song came out, a lot of people mentioned The Doors. I like The Doors but I like this song more than anything The Doors did as it would make my all-time top 50.
They also did a cover of People are Strange
@@victoriaswan9041 that’s right! For “The Lost Boys.” Great cover!
Well said Allison.
@@bradlandis7 thanks, friend! ☺️
Echo & the Bunnymen were pioneers of alternative music back in the early 80s. This song never fails to give me goosebumps. If you wanna keep riding that 80s alternative wagon, make sure you check out The Waterboys and "The Whole Of the Moon". Excellent song as well.
good song, but not comparable to echo' best
The Waterboys and Echo and the Bunnymen are not comparable in any way. Two completely different bands, two completely different sounds, both absolutely fantastic.
Any comparison is pointless.
Great, hypnotic/atmospheric tune, in fact the whole album Ocean Rain is really strong I think. Here's a Killing Moon anecdote for you: I was on a short trip back to NY, and a few friends and I walked into a bar on the Lower East Side at about 4 am for one last drink. A guy sitting at the bar was slumped forward with his head on the bar, just dead to the world, not moving. After about ten minutes, I went over to the jukebox and put on The Killing Moon, and once the first few notes rang out, the dude picked his head up for the first time, gave me a bleary-eyed nod of approval, and immediately put his head back down on the bar and didn't move again.
Thanks for not playing it too loud, bruh.
😋
80s post punk is my favorite music. So happy to see you guys react to this.
This is alternative, you need to do more of this genre to really appreciate it. You both look like you enjoyed this more than your ratings, like a drug that you're afraid of getting hooked on. But trust me, late 80's early 90's alternative is a drug worth embracing.
Well said!!
Much like Northern Soul, it would be cheaper and more socially accepted to have a meth habit...
@@bradlandis7 alternative? Alternative to what?
Absolutely! The 80s alternative scene was amazing ❤
Well well said
Chills. Forgot how beautifully dark this song is.
What a pleasant surprise that you're doing this song already!! Quintessential British 80s music.
Peter Murphy - Cut's You Up, is Haloweeny.
I agree, they definitely create an intense suspenseful atmosphere on this one. A post-punk masterpiece IMO, and is pretty much held up as one of the best tracks in the genre. Interesting factoid: the chord progression is based on Bowie's Space Oddity played backwards
Donnie Darko is a classic! There's your bunny man movie.
Hmm, Alex doesn't hate all 80s music. 😀 While The Killing Moon is a fantastic song, my favorite Echo song is The Cutter. I think you two should give it a listen.
'The Cutter' is my favourite E&TB song too. Incredible.
genius song
The Cutter is a kick ass song, especially the last minute.
These guys and Depeche Mode are probably my favorite bands. Ian's vocals, Pete on drums and Will's amazing guitar w reverb made their sound so unique and seriously cool. Many good listens here guys
They have a song called Bedbugs and Ballyhoo that has Ray Manzarek playing keys. It is a GREAT homage to the Doors.
It´s a brilliant track, always on my playlist
One of my favorites. 🎉❤
Mac was often told he sounds like Jim Morrison, so, typical Mac, he started singing Doors songs as a long beginning to one of his.
Didn't know that...great great song
The Bunnymen covered the Doors’ “People Are Strange” for “The Lost Boys” movie. Manzarek played on and produced the song. 💜
This band were probably the coolest band in the UK in the early 80s, they were expected to become huge and it never happened.
Did some great tracks though, The Cutter, Never Stop, Villiers Terrace, Rescue and the Back Of Love to name a few.
At last.A bunnymen fan who knows their great stuff.Not fucking "Lips like sugar."
A&A, if you like this, you'd like "The Cutter" from the previous album.
Absolutely. That one's on my Top 25 of the 80s. It's a fantastic blend of catchy hooks.
Echo & The Bunnymen "Bring On The Dancing Horses",, "Lips Like Sugar",, "Bedbugs & Ballyhoo",, "The Cutter" & "Never Stop"
One of the best singers of his generations. A hell of a writer as well - very, very under rated.
This song still gives me goosebumps.
Echo & tBM was a really solid band for and of its time, the kind that easily supports a "best of" treatment.
Other favorites of theirs include "Rescue," "Do It Clean," "Lips Like Sugar," and "The Cutter."
Do it Clean is fantastic...scathing guitar
and The Back of Love
One of the most underrated bands of the 80's with Ian's haunting voice and range. Lips like Sugar is also a favorite of mine.
Criminally underrated...luckily they always hit Detroit on their tours and Ian's voice alone is worth seeing them...Ian has put out some incredible solo work as well...
Anything from Crocodile or Porcupine
@@chuckmeyers1153 Saw in Birmingham Uk few months ago.... rammed and they were great. Im not a huge superfan but I appreciate their legacy. Smiths were better lol
Voted best song of the 80s somewhere i saw fwiw. The story behind the lyrics is worth a read. Great song .
I actually loved the way you guys did the rating. That's way better than the "3..2..1" thing for me, because you determined the rating through a discussion rather than throwing out a rating and then discussing your justification for it. It was much more enjoyable to see you kind of work it out and discuss points before coming to a rating.
This song will haunt you till you listen again.
I did find them from the Pretty In Pink soundtrack (Bring on the Dancing Horses), and agree w/the Lips Like Sugar votes, but another fav is Bedbugs and Ballyhoo
There are few Echo and the Bunnymen songs that aren’t as good or better than this one. Their work is brilliant. They are one of those band’s that set a new level of excellence when they came out.
The whole album is a masterpiece.
This!
Be honest...it's not
Good for that era, but definitely NOT a masterpiece. Sales reflect that.
Couldn't agree more Raymond. Definitely a masterpiece. Sales don't mean shit, ever eat at McDonalds?
@@jaquestraw1 haa, great point.
You guys have to listen to Bela Legosi’s Dead by Bauhaus on the livestream. It’s such a weird beautiful Halloween song
❤💯👍🏼
During the intro, they're talking about scary bunnymen and indie films, and my mind is screaming -- DONNIE DARKO!!!
Echo and the Bunnymen came from Liverpool and were part of a wave of indie bands from the north of England which emerged in the 80s. including Joy Division/New Order, The Smiths, The Fall, and the Stone Roses, all with a distinct and original sound. This was one of my favourite songs of the time.
I would describe this as a perfect song.
So excited when I saw you were doing this. The Bunnymen have been one of my top 5 bands of all time. And Mac’s (Ian McCulloch) voice is my comfort voice. “Lips Like Sugar” is one you need to do. Or “Bedbugs and Ballyhoo”. Pete DeFrietas was an incredible drummer. Will Sergeant is a totally underrated guitarist. His stuff isn’t flashy but is so tasteful. “A Promise”, “Nothing Lasts Forever”, and “Nocturnal Me” are my favorites of theirs. 💜💜💜
Love this song! Always a fan of Ian McCulloch and this band. "Seven Seas" and "Ocean Rain" are also really good tracks from this album.
Marvellous band. Such a great song. One of the 80’s ‘alternatives’. Happy Monday!
Yep
Maybe The Happy Mondays should be the next band to react to
This is one of the coolest songs ever written. After 35 years I still listen to it. Check out bring on the Dancing Horses and Lips like Sugar.
This is an A.
IMHO, Echo & the Bunnymen's cover of "People Are Strange" from The Lost Boys soundtrack is as good or better than the Doors' original.
That, and Cry Little Sister from the same soundtrack are absolute classics
That’s a movie they need to review. But if they rate it anything less than S we can’t be friends anymore 😂
@@nocteexmortis979 And Roger Daltrey's Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me.
Thank you for getting to echo. Try "A Promise"; "The Back of Love"; "The Cutter." Such a great post-punk band. Please then go on to Psychocandy by The Jesus and Mary Chain. The drummer, Pete Defreitas, was the only other drummer, besides Victor Delorenzo of the Violent Femmes, who was using brushes on rock/pop songs (although The Cure used brushes on Love Cats).
YES, Back of Love is perfect for them. The breaks are great, everyone is playing at the top of their game, the strings are on point. Everyone loves Ocean Rain so much, but Porcupine is the overlooked gem in the catalogue.
@@eboethrasher I agree. Great comment on back of love. I would say that all of their records are great and "The Game" or the self-titled one has some great songs on it but isn't as flawless as the previous ones.
One of the bands that transformed from punk to new wave you should do a review of their song Lips like Suger it's 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Echo and the Bunnymen, new wave music at its finest! Check out some of their other songs. They have a unique sound.
Lips Like Sugar and Bring on the Dancing Horses are two of their popular hits.
New wave at its finest? I think you need to delve deeper into new wave. Good? I'll give you that. Finest? Behave. Nowhere near it
@@5oclockhero542 I never said it was the absolute best, but finest as in very good quality. I grew up in the 70's and 80's and I don't recall hearing their music being overplayed on the radio, like The Fixx, Duran Duran, or Pet Shop Boys. I liken this group to Thomas Dolby. He had one or two commercial hits, but he had a lot of good other music that didn't get much radio play in the U.S.
@@WilliamTheMovieFan I'm confused . No 1 said the absolute best? The Bunnymen, I'm saying , are nowhere near the finest, whether in production, lyrics, music etc. You liked them, good on you. Finest? Stop over exaggerating their role in the new wave scene. Wistful memories can be confusing to us oldies 😁
This is from Liverpool new wave scene. There was a punk club late 70s in Liverpool called Eric's which had all the best punk then post punk bands. Bands like Echo and the bunny men formed by going to the club, there was other bands that formed going to Eric's like OMD, Tear drops explodes, Frankie goes to Hollywood, Icicleworks, The Christians, Mighty Wah and many others. There's a documentary called family rock tree that tells the story about Erics.
The highest praise for "Ocean Rain" by so many critics is well deserved. It is a masterpiece without question. Surely their greatest work. In my top 10
The best British punk/new wave band you haven't heard yet -- the Buzzcocks.
"Ever Fallen in Love" is 2 1/2 minutes of pop-punk perfection.
Great review. The next Echo song should be Bring on the Dancing Horses.
Drum machine... too boring for the boys.
In high school one of my friends was obsessed with Echo & the Bunnymen went into the city to see them but had no ticket and was just hanging around outside of the venue like a bum when one of the people working their told him to hurry up and get inside. They thought he worked there. It was the highlight of his life and he got to meet the band and watch the show .
I agree with Under the Milky Way🎶😎
An intelligent review of a classic from their fourth album, Ocean Rain (1984). This song continues to seduce and inspire more than 38 years later and was the opening track on the film Donnie Darko. For more brooding atmosphere, check out their 1981 second album, Heaven Up Here, particularly Over The Wall and Turquoise Days. The band is still going strong although only singer, Ian McCulloch and guitarist, Will Sergeant, remain. They’ve just finished a US tour and have big followings in Brazil, Japan, Scandinavia, Australia, and of course the UK. A class act from Liverpool who always prized authenticity over fame - just as they were attracting attention in the early ‘80s, they toured Iceland and other remote outposts before it was fashionable to go there. They have an incredible body of work and their distinctive sound and Ian McCulloch’s vocals always make me smile.
Lips Like Sugar is one of my favorites. If you want great context for this song and some other great songs from the time, watch Donnie Darko. One of my favorite films and soundtracks. (other songs on the soundtrack: The Church's Under the Milky Way, Joy Division's Love Will Tear Us Apart and Gary Jules' version of the Tears for Fears song Mad World.) And the movie is great too. Jake Gyllenhaal when he was young (21).
joy division were amazing
Bloodletting by Concrete Blonde: A blues/rock vampire song - perfect for the season.
Bands like Echo and the Bunnymen and The Church drive you into a existential musical experience....I think both of these bands are amongst the most underrated bands ever.....although this album Ocean Rain was voted the most influencial album from the 80's, The church after 40 years are still releasing fantastic albums and remain true to their artform...I really suggest you guys listen more from these two fantastic bands
What about The Call???
@@theplanetruth yep The Call agreed, i had nearly forgotten about them..there are so many great bands in this genre....Bauhaus, Red Lorry Yellow Lorry, Sisters of Mercy, The Mission UK, Fields of the Nephilm...and many more
I highly Agree. I'm under 40 and just dug far into The Church and Echo catalogs the past 3 years. Myrrh is my fav from The Church and Bring on the dancing 🐎 is prob my fave from The Bunneymen. 2 unbelievable way better then given credit for legit important bands no matter what decade
@@neilsmith9066 Just in case you have not heard all The Church Albums I would highly advice....Holograam of Baal, After Everything Now This, Priest = Aura, Forget yourself, Uninvited like the clouds....simply epic albums, im 54 years old therefore I lived and saw these bands live in my teens and even after .
It was my jam back in the 80's! Cold Wave atmospheric echoing guitars with much reverb were haunting and still make me shiver... it would be so cool if you reacted to A forest by The Cure for example...
"Fate up against your will..." pure poetry :)
This song has one of the most iconic refrains of the 80s: "Fate up against your will..." It's a feeling that can apply to life in so many ways. An existential struggle. Maybe even physical struggle, maybe trying to resist passion - "cruelly you kissed me...."
I suggest checking out Bring On The Dancing Horses. It's also a big hit of theirs, along with Lips Like Sugar.
This song has always been a favorite since it first came out. I had occasion to see Echo & The Bunnymen perform a few years back and they were brilliant. Every bit as vibrant as they've ever sounded.
Love this song
Also from them-
Ship of Fools
Stormy Weather
Bring on the Dancing Horses
A Promise
I love their "Dancing Horses". Please do that if you can!
So glad you hit these guys; one of the most important and influential post-punk bands to come out of the 1980's (and Liverpool); the band continues as lead singer Ian McCulloch and guitarist Will Sergeant are still recording and touring). A few factoids:
1) Band name: they began as The Bunnymen, but they didn't originally have a drummer, so they used an echo machine for rhythm, and redubbed themselves Echo & the Bunnymen. Even after they recruited the amazing Pete De Freitas on drums, the name stuck.
2) The Doors were a major influence on them, (hence their consistently dark, atmospheric, psychedelic sound). Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek not only became a fan, but joined them for two songs during the recording of their self-titled 5th album: the spooky-cool “Bedbugs and Balllyhoo” and the cover of the Doors “People Are Strange” (for the movie soundtrack of “The Lost Boys”).
3) You could fill an entire Halloween party with Bunnymen songs. Here's a few choice cuts (in discography order): “Going Up”, “Rescue”, “Pictures On My Wall”, “No Dark Things”, Heaven Up Here”, “A Promise”, “The Disease”, “The Cutter”, “My White Devil”, “Heads Will Roll”, “Gods Will Be Gods”, “Higher Hell”, “My Kingdom”, “Angels and Devils”, “Bring On The Dancing Horses”, “Lips Like Sugar”, “Evergreen”, “I Want To Be There (When You Come)”, “King Of Kings”, “SuperMellowMan”, “Flowers”, “Scissors In the Sand”, “Of A Life”, “Think I Need It Too”, “Drivetime”, “Meteorites”, “Constantinople”.
4) McCulloch and Sergeant also had a side project called Electrafixion (Echo with more edge and tons of gritty guitar). Perfect for the late night crowd that wants to party until dawn. Choice cuts: “Lowdown”, “Zephyr”, “Never”, “Razor’s Edge”, “Feel My Pulse”, “Rain On Me”.
Oooh, "Gods Will Be Gods" or "No Dark Things" would be very cool. Bonus points for including Electrafixion. RIP Pete de Freitas: one of the great drummers of his generation. Integral part of their sound; when I saw the original band in concert, his drums would always be center stage.
This is such a cool song an 80s indie classic 🖤
Alex is spot on it is distorted acoustic bass, a bit like Violent Femmes used. They are such a great band with bangers like The Cutter, Bring on The Dancing Horses, Lips Like Sugar and Do it Clean in their locker
You literally described the exact scene in Donnie Darko where this song was used. It was a house party on halloween, it was sorta chaos all around, and it faded into him and someone else. I got goosebumps
I thought this song was in the opening scene
@@azcactus2008 In the 2004 directors cut version Killing moon was during the Halloween party.
@@azcactus2008'Never Tear Us Apart' was always the indended opening song, and the scene sequence shown with the music line up exactly... even offering foreshadowing.
One of my favorites! You guys have been listening to my kind of 80's music!🖤🖤🖤
ohhhh - I'm so late to the party, but if you haven't done Concrete Blonde "Bloodletting" you are missing out on an AMAZING spooky song!!!!
That’s definitely one for the livestream.
SQUEEEEE! It's Echo and the Bunnymen! 🐰🐰🐰😸
🌅🐈
@@Shadowrider1872 Hi John! 🎃🦇
Both of your reactions were spot on as to feeling and mood. Atmospheric, kinda melancholic and introspective. Remember driving home to this in college in 91 just before Halloween at twilight. Lips Like Sugar also a must listen.
Their cover of The Doors' People Are Strange for The Lost Boys soundtrack is excellent. My favorite is still Lips Like Sugar.
That whole vamp soundtrack is killer.
I can't believe it took this far down to find People are Strange. Amazing song.
My older brother loved this band. From Liverpool and under rated. I eventually grew to love this song after endlessly listening to it viu
my brothers record player
Completely mesmerizing song, absolutely dig the hell outta this band. As usual, your great community has already told you where to go next. :)
GOOOOOOOD MORNING A&A FAMILY!!!
☮️💟♾️
Happy Monday, @John H!!!
This, "Bring On The Dancing Horses" and "Lips Like Sugar" are the big 3 from this band in my view.
"Love Like Blood" by Killing Joke is in a similar vibe.
One of the best rhythm sections in 80’s alt rock. If you want to hear them rock to the forefront check out The Cutter from their 3rd album.
My favourite Echo and the Bunnymen track, closely followed by Seven Seas which I'd recommend for your further enjoyment.
One of my all time favorite “post punk” bands. They are alternative, yet you can dance to it. They have a huge catalog too! Because nobody died. 🎃
After their self-titled record in '88 their drummer died in a motorcycle accident. It broke up the band for several years. Luckily, they realized they were stronger together and reformed.
Sadly Pete De Freitas the drummer did just that. Still in his twenties, in a motorcycle crash. RIP Pete.
As a fan of this band I softly enjoyed your reaction, guys 😁
Definitely see y'all Saturday.
🎃☮️💟♾️
How about some Siouxsie....'Spellbound', 'Headcut', .....many more!
Nobody's doing Siouxsie. Wish someone would go hard on the Banshees
Nice choice, guys. Now, as is often after watching your video, I need to pull out my CD and re-enjoy the lot. Monday nourishment, for sure! senior from Canada
Such a great song, holds up better than most
"The Cutter" gents... S tier...incredible tune.
It stands the test of time. I remember many, many house parties in college with this song playing. Great song.
Everyday is Halloween by Ministry and another vote for Bring On the Dancing Horses
Props to Alex for being open-minded enough to put aside his initial bias against 80s production (a bias which I share in general, but having lived through the 80s knew there are many exceptions)
Love this band. Love this song. Love that it’s used in Donnie Darko. A Halloween-esk movie.
Serious bunny monster stuff. 💜
The Grateful Dead played Werewolves of London approx 30 times in concert over the years. The whole band would don werewolf masks.
I love this song. So moody, mysterious and atmospheric, with touches of flamenco style folk. It's a beautiful classic of the era ✨️ 😍 and it brings back great memories
Love that song. When the chorus breaks it's like a blast of cool air on a hot day. Their song "The Cutter" is worth checking out.
Other songs to check out: XTC - Senses Working Overtime or Complicated Game.... THE CHAMELEONS - Swamp Thing (post-punk brilliance).... GUIDED BY VOICES: Space Gun or Enemy (Bangers x 1000)
Looooove Complicated Game! Andy Partridge has written so many gems over the years.
Keep pushing XTC John!
The word must get out!!
@@32INCHSTRIPER Always!
xtc are amazing
A classic track from a magical 80s era. This song is right up there with any alternative classics.
When the band first formed, they had a drum machine they called Echo.
This track has a real human drummer.
Pete De Freitas who sadly died in a motorbike accident a few years later.
That was made up it was never called echo - It was a lie by Mac because he didn't want to be referred to as Echo
yeh tricky i have the cd homecoming show liverpool empire theatre jan.11 1988 liner note says pete joined in 79 and tragic accident was june 1988 i also have peel sessions cassette 78 before pete joined with drum machine how they started out because the 88 show was recorded and broadcast on bbc has great sound petes drumming outstanding on several tracks was put out windsong label 1991 accident june 1989 correction
This song along with "Lips like sugar" will always end up on my playlist. They also covered The Door's "People are Strange" on the "Lost Boys" soundtrack. Pretty good cover (That entire soundtrack is worth a listen too also, IMO)
I think if you like this, there's a lot of the mid-80s new-wave/goth that you might find appealing - or earlier. I know you tried some Cure before, but atmosphere-wise, you can't go wrong with their "Hanging Gardens" or "A Forest." (It helps if you imagine a smoky dance bar full of young goths dancing like they are conducting an orchestra with lit clove cigarettes, despite the prevalence and proximity of entire mohawks full of Aquanet, to get the full flavor.)
The Cure are really getting a positive revision in the Uk these days i've noticed
Lips Like Sugar should be next. It has a classic, instant guitar hook and great vocals.
the song is about death and our hesitancy that at some point we have to give ourselves to "him"...
ALL atmosphere and deeper than you think. read the lyrics... "the stars hung like jewels" is next level.
As far as the vocals ago they will grow on your overtime. It's so much of the Smiths. It took me a long time to appreciate that band because of his vocal style but they are just so good and so far above everything else that was happening at that time.
The song will grow on you... 🙌🏻😎❤️
INXS - Devil Inside when?
S Teir if there ever was one!
Of course, you should listen to more Echo and the Bunnymen - they are worth listening to. If you are looking for more atmospheric and mood music like this and/or music that fits into the vibe of Halloween, may I make a few suggestions? Oingo Boingo is famous for playing live on Halloween (A band you have curiously avoided reacting to up till now) and Dead Man's Party is their most commercial song, but every YTube reactor has reacted to it and it's not one of my favorites. Here is my Oingo Boingo suggestion - The song - "Nothing to Fear (But Fear Itself)", "Dead or Alive", and "Pictures of You." Out of those three songs - I would pick "Nothing to Fear (But Fear Itself)." I would also start checking out Adam Ant and the first song to review should be "Desperate, but not Serious." It has a very haunting sound to it.
I think you guys would really like "Possum Kingdom" by the Toadies. Appropriate for Halloween--dark, dark serial killer vibes lyrically, and a great song musically!