The music certainly provokes a lot of images, thoughts and emotions....You're right, this music really demands ones attention. Similar to Yes. Thanks again for the late night watch and being first! 🥇
They are the Prog KINGS.👑👑👑 I'm late to the party when it comes to GG. They are interesting, unique and creative. I plan to explore more of them in the future. 💙🎵🎶🎶🎶
I came late to the party. Being a prog rock fan for my adult life, I barely knew about them. Until a few years back. Bought all their albums. "What have I been missing?" Big fan now
Seing you like quiet and soft songs. There are some GG that you certainly would like : Funny Ways, A Reunion, Think of Me With Kindness. For me you should also do On Reflection.
With their Yes levels of depth and creativity, I can understand why you'd be a fan of them as well. Awesome that you saw them live, and 4 times! Wish they would have continued at least through the 80s...
‘Aspirations’ is one of my favorite GG tracks. Remarks are the subtle changes from part to part in that song, and what a soothing voice. It’s also on my snowboarding playlist helping me smooth out the slopes.
I consider *Aspirations* to be the most beautiful song Gentle Giant ever recorded. Just love it. It was featured on GG's *The Power & The Glory* album, which I really like from beginning to end. There are a few other GG songs from other alums I like, but overall GG usually goes beyond the pale for me in terms of experimentation & heavy jazz lean.
This is real music played by gifted humans, that needs to be listened carefully, in the past I found it was a bit too much for me , but it's truly captivating when you get in. Have a nice Sunday Brandon
B, thanks for getting back into GG , a band whose music continues to grow in the minds and psyche of it’s listeners . One thing GG music does , without doubt , is to offer challenges to the listener , but once you ‘ get ‘ them , it is so rewarding . Peel the Paint , just by virtue of it’s compositional changes , requires a number of listens when you’re in the mood . Some of it’s complexities will open up to you as a result . That heavy progression in the verse is actually a variation on a theme played in the softer classical style introduction , but with embellishment , of course . Phil Schulman’s contributions with his saxes , shine on repeated listens . This was an era when the likes of Jimi Hendricks , Led Zeppelin and others like Johnny Winter were throwing up heavy , sometimes unaccompanied guitar solos , but GG managed it on Peel in the midst of so many other different influences . This , in itself , is a challenge to the listener which again , is quite unique . It’s true , GG’s ballads often offer up beautiful melodies but still with some twists and turns . No one has yet mentioned one of the most atmospheric and captivating ballads in the track ‘ Black Cat ‘ from the album Acquiring The Taste . I confidently predict that you will be spellbound by it’s challenges . Thanks again 👏👏👏
Thank you for listening! The special thing about Gentle Giant is, that it is not just hard or just gentle. It's both... and often even within the same song! That's why I love this band. There is no other band that combines both like Gentle Giant.
I´d already known Gentle Giant for a short while, but the first time I´d heard Peel the paint I was sitting on an oven in the evening - too stoned to recognize I was almost burning my bum. Room full of similar stoned people and smoke. And just like you it was the first part of the song that I admired the most - so strange, almost mysterious, the whispering voice, the tick-tock of the violin, the strings. I know that for most people it´s the second part they like. By the time of the "Power and the glory" album GG were already my favorite band - and is until today. When I listened to "Aspirations" for the first time I was finally convinced that they could do just everything that is possible in music and everything in their totally own way - a universe of sound so to speak. Therefore I became so eager to hear what would come next. The song was so beautiful, this voice and the harmony it sang, the e-piano, the drums, these ingenious pauses. Just a masterful composition.
Thank you for this. I like your reactions very much, and especially now, since you react to GG songs! This band is so unique, and so not to be labelled as a specific genre. I loved their music for a long time now. Something else: my compliments for the great video background you use, with those dark trees ans this light beam from above.. Nice! :)
From your reaction I can tell that “aspirations” was your favorite of the two as it was mine and may I suggest a listen or reaction to “nothing at all” also by Gentle Giant?;thank you for your reaction Mr Brandon and have a good night 🙏👍
I was glad to hear Gentle Giant today. They are definitely an acquired taste, but one that I thoroughly enjoy from time to time! I definitely liked “Aspirations” better, as I’m much more familiar with it. A lot more for you to discover! 😊
Yes. They are starting to remind me of Zappa's creativity and intensity. Glad you also like Aspirations. A millionth rabbit hole for my channel. Have a good night!
Has it really been a year since you listened to GG? There is so much to discover. The proggiest of prog bands, in many ways. Yes, there’s two singers. Kerry Minnear is the softer voice. Derek Shulman is the lead vocalist. Other members of the band also contribute backing vocals on many tracks.
Great time to go find out...I was right! Last GG reaction was posted June 22, 2023, wow. I'm glad they won my Patreon poll. Proggiest no doubt. Thanks for confirming on the lead vocalists. So curious as to their other vibes and what the later stuff sounds like. A big shame they called it quits in 1980. Would love to know what 80s/90s/2000s GG would have sounded like. Most 70s bands evolved their sound to some extent in the 80s. Thanks for stopping by Mark!!
@@retroreactions.... There is a band named Echolyn that has been active on and off since about 1990 and they are heavily influenced by Gentle Giant and indeed very talented musicians and writers! The Wiki page for the band has this to say about their style: "The members of Echolyn have cited Rush ,Genesis, Wilco, Gentle Giant, Yes, Steely Dan, Jethro Tull, Igor Stravinsky, Electric Light Orchestra, and The Beatles as influences. While the band's style has varied over the years, those influences have been consistently reflected in their music. Intricate guitar leads, unorthodox harmonic structures influenced by modern classical music, and complex contrapuntal vocal passages have remained significant aspects of the musical sound of Echolyn. The albums they recorded before their 1996 breakup sounded more like "classic" progressive rock, with layered keyboards and extended arrangements. Following their reformation, they have streamlined their style significantly, emphasizing strong, tightly constructed songwriting and more prominent rhythmic grooves, while maintaining much of the subtle sophistication that has caused their music to be labeled "progressive."" Here's a few of my favorite songs that I think you might find enjoyable or at least interesting on the first listen?: YEAR ALBUM: SONG(S) 1995 As The World: "Letters: A Short Essay" and "Never The Same" 2000 Cowboy Poems Free: "High As Pride" 2015 I Heard You Listening: "Different Days"
@@retroreactions.... 😎👍 Yeah, like Gentle Giant and other less than "standard" bands I think Echolyn can take a while to get acclimated too? One of these day's I may request a short set of some of their accessible on first listen songs? 🥰
GENTLE GIANT: convoluted time signatures; powerful musical maelstrom; aggregation of a ton of disparate influences such as folk, jazz, blues, medieval and Renaissance music, Celtic music and classical. Six accomplished musicians, four of whom are multi-instrumentalists, with very different musical backgrounds will form a group whose compositions are like no other. In short: a "Unique" prog rock! GENTLE GIANT and YES, perhaps the two prog bands whose compositions are the most complex. The musical scores of all the songs of these two groups are enough to scare! My top 3 of the best three GG albums: 1. 'Free Hand' (1975) 2. 'The Power and the Glory' (1974) 3. 'Acquiring the Taste' (1971) Thanks.
@@retroreactions.... One or two, you say? The choice is much too limited, impossible for me. For each of my three favorite albums, here are the three compositions that I prefer: - 1. "Just The Same" 2. "Free Hand" 3. "On Reflection" ('Free Hand', 1975) - 1. "Playing The Game" 2. "Proclamation" 3. "Valedictory" ('The Power And The Glory', 1974) - 1. "Pantagruel's Nativity" 2. "Plain Truth" 3. "The House, The Street, The Room" ('Acquiring The Taste', 1971) In short, the choice is yours!!! 😉
Two lead signers indeed. Dereck for the powerful rock voice. I believe the soft vocals are from Kerry Minnear, the keyboard player. Both essential to the GG mix. But Kerry did only backing vocals live. Go to Playing the Fool for their official double live album. Incredible!
Yeay, thanks for doing more Gentle Giant! 🥰👍 Yes, pretty much all GG songs get better over time with repeated listening. (sorry if I led you astray a bit by suggesting Peel The Paint 😬😊) And by the way, the first few beats at the beginning of Peel The Paint were cutoff for some reason? 🤷♂ For another soft beautiful GG song with Kerry singing check out "Think Of Me With Kindness", which is a lovely ballad but a little more complex and "Giant-esque" than "Aspirations" but not too weird and never harsh, maybe a year from now when you do Gentle Giant again you'll include it? 😅
Yes, glad they won the poll, it was way past due! Oh no, can't like all songs equally, so I'm good with it. Yeah, I wondered about that...thought maybe another song transitions into PTP. Guess it was a Spotify error. Oh yes, TOMWK and Memories of Old Days on the short list, along with 8 others. More GG guaranteed by Spring 2026!! 😂
@@retroreactions.... Yes, from the U of Oregon. They were inspired by music pioneer Paul Winter and his world music. Their jazz/fusion uses unusual instrumentation (think oboe and sitar) but play their melodies with improvisation.
How different was that! Never knowingly listened to them so I don't know how representative those tracks were? Beautiful second track... first one just too random for me, I like 'different' but prefer some structure and musical 'conventions.' Brandon, if you are coming round to Genesis again from the beginning, can I remind you about 'The Musical Box' live on The Midnight special? It's 'special' alright!
Song one: absolute Belter. Before the furore I was keen to compare the vocals to that of Kim, doh! no! Not Kim, KIP!!, Napoleon's brother, when he sang at his own wedding. Dynamite ! ( It's A movie, in case you're unaware.) I have several GG LPs but time can't fit them into my schedule of Liff. Your channel solves this particular dilemma. Diolch B. 😂 Song two stayed calm, which took me by surprise. Usually they mix things up. I could never get into them as a young lad (the vocals put me off) but now their creative paths are always Intruigingy interesting and always enjoyable. Chairs B! .
Hello! Thanks for stopping by. Glad I could help with your DJ/music needs haha. I know the feeling...about 1 billion things on my musical "to do" list. Have a wonderful Sunday 😊
It's 7.46am here in Cymru. Surreal and blessed days. Thanks for being cool and unique B. I'll have to stay hydrated today that's 4sure. Judie Tzuke says hi. I'm off on a river cruise next week. Guess which song I'm gonna be humming.... 🌸
Is that Wales? Jealous of your cooler weather haha! River cruise sounds amazing! Have a relaxing wonderful time...My advice would be to hum some Judy and then some Depeche Mode hehe...
Certainly one of the most unique prog rock bands...much to love in their music! Thanks for watching! 🥰
Ah, GG's beautiful chaos. It isn't chaotic though, if you're paying attention.
RIP Ray Shulman, GG's bassist/violinist
The music certainly provokes a lot of images, thoughts and emotions....You're right, this music really demands ones attention. Similar to Yes. Thanks again for the late night watch and being first! 🥇
Controlled chaos. It's a beautiful thing.
I was both 👍
They are the Prog KINGS.👑👑👑 I'm late to the party when it comes to GG. They are interesting, unique and creative. I plan to explore more of them in the future. 💙🎵🎶🎶🎶
At least they set up a place setting for both of us at the party table.... 😊 Super unique and creative. Let's see what I choose next time....
I came late to the party. Being a prog rock fan for my adult life, I barely knew about them. Until a few years back. Bought all their albums. "What have I been missing?" Big fan now
Great to hear! Plenty of amazing music no doubt. Thanks!
Pretty cool, eh saw GG 4 times brilliant live
I LOVE that second song. 🎵🎶🎶
Me 2!!! 😌
Seing you like quiet and soft songs. There are some GG that you certainly would like : Funny Ways, A Reunion, Think of Me With Kindness. For me you should also do On Reflection.
Thanks for the suggestions!
Gentle Giant! 😍😍😍🙃
Haha...glad you love em....
@@retroreactions.... lol, yes I do. Peel the Paint is the closest they ever got to sounding like Van Der Graaf Generator.
Thanks! Asperations doesn't get as much love as it deserves. Love Kerry's voice as well.
You're very welcome. Thanks for dropping by!!
A musical prayer. So apt for 'Aspirations". Jazzy, off-beat blues. More GG.
Thanks for watching!!
Very cool by the genius GG. Saw the boys four times in the 70s brilliant live. Saw Peel The Paint brought the house down ✨️🎶✨️
With their Yes levels of depth and creativity, I can understand why you'd be a fan of them as well. Awesome that you saw them live, and 4 times! Wish they would have continued at least through the 80s...
‘Aspirations’ is one of my favorite GG tracks. Remarks are the subtle changes from part to part in that song, and what a soothing voice. It’s also on my snowboarding playlist helping me smooth out the slopes.
Hello André. Glad you love Aspirations. Wow, GG plus snowboarding down a snowy mountain? Sounds like heaven!!
@@retroreactions.... As a bonus, it sounds absolutely wonderful, very well recorded, pristine sounds.
Enjoy the rest of your day!
I consider *Aspirations* to be the most beautiful song Gentle Giant ever recorded. Just love it. It was featured on GG's *The Power & The Glory* album, which I really like from beginning to end. There are a few other GG songs from other alums I like, but overall GG usually goes beyond the pale for me in terms of experimentation & heavy jazz lean.
We certainly agree on Aspirations then! It's currently my favorite GG! Thanks so much for watching!
This is real music played by gifted humans, that needs to be listened carefully, in the past I found it was a bit too much for me , but it's truly captivating when you get in. Have a nice Sunday Brandon
Well put. The music commands full attention for the proper rewards. Thank you, same to you!
B, thanks for getting back into GG , a band whose music continues to grow in the minds and psyche of it’s listeners . One thing GG music does , without doubt , is to offer challenges to the listener , but once you ‘ get ‘ them , it is so rewarding .
Peel the Paint , just by virtue of it’s compositional changes , requires a number of listens when you’re in the mood . Some of it’s complexities will open up to you as a result . That heavy progression in the verse is actually a variation on a theme played in the softer classical style introduction , but with embellishment , of course . Phil Schulman’s contributions with his saxes , shine on repeated listens . This was an era when the likes of Jimi Hendricks , Led Zeppelin and others like Johnny Winter were throwing up heavy , sometimes unaccompanied guitar solos , but GG managed it on Peel in the midst of so many other different influences . This , in itself , is a challenge to the listener which again , is quite unique .
It’s true , GG’s ballads often offer up beautiful melodies but still with some twists and turns .
No one has yet mentioned one of the most atmospheric and captivating ballads in the track ‘ Black Cat ‘ from the album Acquiring The Taste . I confidently predict that you will be spellbound by it’s challenges .
Thanks again 👏👏👏
* Haha . Hendricks - thinking too much about that Scottish Gin . Hendrix , of course
Thank you for listening! The special thing about Gentle Giant is, that it is not just hard or just gentle. It's both... and often even within the same song! That's why I love this band. There is no other band that combines both like Gentle Giant.
I´d already known Gentle Giant for a short while, but the first time I´d heard Peel the paint I was sitting on an oven in the evening - too stoned to recognize I was almost burning my bum. Room full of similar stoned people and smoke. And just like you it was the first part of the song that I admired the most - so strange, almost mysterious, the whispering voice, the tick-tock of the violin, the strings. I know that for most people it´s the second part they like.
By the time of the "Power and the glory" album GG were already my favorite band - and is until today. When I listened to "Aspirations" for the first time I was finally convinced that they could do just everything that is possible in music and everything in their totally own way - a universe of sound so to speak. Therefore I became so eager to hear what would come next. The song was so beautiful, this voice and the harmony it sang, the e-piano, the drums, these ingenious pauses. Just a masterful composition.
Thank you for this. I like your reactions very much, and especially now, since you react to GG songs! This band is so unique, and so not to be labelled as a specific genre. I loved their music for a long time now. Something else: my compliments for the great video background you use, with those dark trees ans this light beam from above.. Nice! :)
Hello! You're very welcome. Happy that I reacted again to a band you love. I really appreciate you watching and the lovely compliments... 😊
From your reaction I can tell that “aspirations” was your favorite of the two as it was mine and may I suggest a listen or reaction to “nothing at all” also by Gentle Giant?;thank you for your reaction Mr Brandon and have a good night 🙏👍
Yes, loved Aspirations.... very much up my alley. I added your vote for Nothing At All. You're welcome and thank you as always my friend...😊
@@retroreactions.... 👍🙂
I was glad to hear Gentle Giant today. They are definitely an acquired taste, but one that I thoroughly enjoy from time to time! I definitely liked “Aspirations” better, as I’m much more familiar with it. A lot more for you to discover! 😊
Yes. They are starting to remind me of Zappa's creativity and intensity. Glad you also like Aspirations. A millionth rabbit hole for my channel. Have a good night!
They are 2nd to Yes because of Awaken.
Has it really been a year since you listened to GG? There is so much to discover. The proggiest of prog bands, in many ways. Yes, there’s two singers. Kerry Minnear is the softer voice. Derek Shulman is the lead vocalist. Other members of the band also contribute backing vocals on many tracks.
Great time to go find out...I was right! Last GG reaction was posted June 22, 2023, wow. I'm glad they won my Patreon poll. Proggiest no doubt. Thanks for confirming on the lead vocalists. So curious as to their other vibes and what the later stuff sounds like. A big shame they called it quits in 1980. Would love to know what 80s/90s/2000s GG would have sounded like. Most 70s bands evolved their sound to some extent in the 80s. Thanks for stopping by Mark!!
@@retroreactions.... There is a band named Echolyn that has been active on and off since about 1990 and they are heavily influenced by Gentle Giant and indeed very talented musicians and writers! The Wiki page for the band has this to say about their style:
"The members of Echolyn have cited Rush ,Genesis, Wilco, Gentle Giant, Yes, Steely Dan, Jethro Tull, Igor Stravinsky, Electric Light Orchestra, and The Beatles as influences.
While the band's style has varied over the years, those influences have been consistently reflected in their music. Intricate guitar leads, unorthodox harmonic structures influenced by modern classical music, and complex contrapuntal vocal passages have remained significant aspects of the musical sound of Echolyn.
The albums they recorded before their 1996 breakup sounded more like "classic" progressive rock, with layered keyboards and extended arrangements. Following their reformation, they have streamlined their style significantly, emphasizing strong, tightly constructed songwriting and more prominent rhythmic grooves, while maintaining much of the subtle sophistication that has caused their music to be labeled "progressive.""
Here's a few of my favorite songs that I think you might find enjoyable or at least interesting on the first listen?:
YEAR ALBUM: SONG(S)
1995 As The World: "Letters: A Short Essay" and "Never The Same"
2000 Cowboy Poems Free: "High As Pride"
2015 I Heard You Listening: "Different Days"
The softer voice is in fact Phil Schulman
Listening to "How Long Have I Waited" right now. Pretty unique sound!
@@retroreactions.... 😎👍 Yeah, like Gentle Giant and other less than "standard" bands I think Echolyn can take a while to get acclimated too? One of these day's I may request a short set of some of their accessible on first listen songs? 🥰
GENTLE GIANT: convoluted time signatures; powerful musical maelstrom; aggregation of a ton of disparate influences such as folk, jazz, blues, medieval and Renaissance music, Celtic music and classical. Six accomplished musicians, four of whom are multi-instrumentalists, with very different musical backgrounds will form a group whose compositions are like no other. In short: a "Unique" prog rock! GENTLE GIANT and YES, perhaps the two prog bands whose compositions are the most complex. The musical scores of all the songs of these two groups are enough to scare! My top 3 of the best three GG albums:
1. 'Free Hand' (1975)
2. 'The Power and the Glory' (1974)
3. 'Acquiring the Taste' (1971)
Thanks.
Good morning! LOVE your apt and informative GG analysis. They shall be back on the channel. You have any clear 1 or 2 faves by them?
@@retroreactions.... One or two, you say? The choice is much too limited, impossible for me. For each of my three favorite albums, here are the three compositions that I prefer:
- 1. "Just The Same" 2. "Free Hand" 3. "On Reflection" ('Free Hand', 1975)
- 1. "Playing The Game" 2. "Proclamation" 3. "Valedictory" ('The Power And The Glory', 1974)
- 1. "Pantagruel's Nativity" 2. "Plain Truth" 3. "The House, The Street, The Room" ('Acquiring The Taste', 1971)
In short, the choice is yours!!! 😉
Haha, what was I thinking! For my favorite band, the best I could narrow it down is probably a top 25!
The most innovative prog band in the 70'. Songs that are driven by intricate melodies not by chords.
Hello! Great point there. 1 of several reasons that makes them stand apart. Thanks so much for stopping by!
Two lead signers indeed. Dereck for the powerful rock voice. I believe the soft vocals are from Kerry Minnear, the keyboard player. Both essential to the GG mix. But Kerry did only backing vocals live. Go to Playing the Fool for their official double live album. Incredible!
@@benoitrenaud519 The first voice on Peel The Paint is Phil Schulman. He left after Octopus
Yeay, thanks for doing more Gentle Giant! 🥰👍 Yes, pretty much all GG songs get better over time with repeated listening. (sorry if I led you astray a bit by suggesting Peel The Paint 😬😊) And by the way, the first few beats at the beginning of Peel The Paint were cutoff for some reason? 🤷♂ For another soft beautiful GG song with Kerry singing check out "Think Of Me With Kindness", which is a lovely ballad but a little more complex and "Giant-esque" than "Aspirations" but not too weird and never harsh, maybe a year from now when you do Gentle Giant again you'll include it? 😅
Yes, glad they won the poll, it was way past due! Oh no, can't like all songs equally, so I'm good with it. Yeah, I wondered about that...thought maybe another song transitions into PTP. Guess it was a Spotify error. Oh yes, TOMWK and Memories of Old Days on the short list, along with 8 others. More GG guaranteed by Spring 2026!! 😂
@@retroreactions.... 🤣👍
You may appreciate a band called 'Oregon'
Nice... Are they from Oregon by chance? 30 albums? Jazz and world music?? 😍
@@retroreactions.... Yes, from the U of Oregon. They were inspired by music pioneer Paul Winter and his world music. Their jazz/fusion uses unusual instrumentation (think oboe and sitar) but play their melodies with improvisation.
How different was that! Never knowingly listened to them so I don't know how representative those tracks were? Beautiful second track... first one just too random for me, I like 'different' but prefer some structure and musical 'conventions.'
Brandon, if you are coming round to Genesis again from the beginning, can I remind you about 'The Musical Box' live on The Midnight special? It's 'special' alright!
Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts. Glad you liked Aspirations. Do they sing live on The Midnight Special? I'd assume so....
It's live my friend. It's from the time when Gabriel used face paint and in The Musical Box, an 'old man' mask. It's impressive and very different.
Song one: absolute Belter. Before the furore I was keen to compare the vocals to that of Kim, doh! no! Not Kim, KIP!!, Napoleon's brother, when he sang at his own wedding. Dynamite ! ( It's A movie, in case you're unaware.)
I have several GG LPs but time can't fit them into my schedule of Liff. Your channel solves this particular dilemma. Diolch B. 😂
Song two stayed calm, which took me by surprise. Usually they mix things up.
I could never get into them as a young lad (the vocals put me off) but now their creative paths are always Intruigingy interesting and always enjoyable.
Chairs B! .
Hello! Thanks for stopping by. Glad I could help with your DJ/music needs haha. I know the feeling...about 1 billion things on my musical "to do" list. Have a wonderful Sunday 😊
It's 7.46am here in Cymru. Surreal and blessed days. Thanks for being cool and unique B. I'll have to stay hydrated today that's 4sure.
Judie Tzuke says hi. I'm off on a river cruise next week. Guess which song I'm gonna be humming.... 🌸
Is that Wales? Jealous of your cooler weather haha! River cruise sounds amazing! Have a relaxing wonderful time...My advice would be to hum some Judy and then some Depeche Mode hehe...
@@retroreactions.... Judie and Erasure ' s eponymous 1995 classic LP it is then - as some kind of compromise! 😁
😀
.
Thanks for watching!
GG is baroque music played in a rock format. They kill you with the rhythmic lines.