For me, Ben’s voice is an instrument that brings empathy to the song. I don’t need to know what words he’s singing to be completely lost in the feel and the passion
As Joe said on the comments, Ben Howard should be a national treasure in England. I've followed his work from the first time I heard of him on BBC R1, back on 2009 aprox. I recommend you to listen carefully to his albums in cronological order, you may find his soul changed through the years. Love, pain, and life in general might changed him radically from his mindset on the first album. He became darker, but still his words and compositions are so beautiful, deep and intense. He moves me. I am from México, never seen him live, I wish I can at some point in life. Anyway, I recommend you to listen all his work. And specially 'Promise', a live version from KRCV radio, hope you find it on RUclips. Time is dancing is beautiful as well. Cheers from México!
I don’t where you’ve been either, but you and so many others. So many times I say that I love Ben Howard and people are are like ‘who?’. Everyone should hear his music. He’s a genius.
Being an Englishman and (you’re right) being so close to the microphone, Ben does have a propensity to mumble or at least not to annunciate properly. Not like us ‘Mericans do! It’s like his mouth is being smooshed up against the microphone and he can’t talk properly. (After the song) I think everyone needs to take a heavy exhale after hearing that intense, brilliant piece of music the first time.
It is kind of hard to make out what he's saying a lot of times, especially if the song is emotional. but honestly, for me, that just adds to the authenticity of the song and the emotions it delivers. Ben Howard is such a treasure. sometimes you just wanna shut off everything and let his voice touch your soul. if you could hear a broken heart it would sound like this song.
@@ThomasJ_Music the first time I listened to "Empty Corridors" I knew this man is my favorite artist. "Oats in the water" is also his most famous song.
@@f.m848 oats in the water is nowhere near his most famous song. Only love, keep your head up and old pine are by far his most well known songs. Agree that empty corridors is one to listen to though. Would also recommend esmerelda for a similar dark sound to end of the affair
@@aaronbeagley7707 "Oats in the water" is his only song I've heard in other forms of media(like in walking dead, or the witcher 3 trailer). so it might not be the most famous to his fans but it's definitely his most exposed song to the public. Right now my favorite is "Rookery". that song is insane, I just found it 2 months ago and I listened to it maybe a thousand times(Rookery is not officially released in his albums except the new one) If you wanna listen to it check this version, it's live from one of his concerts. the studio recorded version he just released in his "Collections From The Whiteout" just doesn't sound right! ruclips.net/video/YKlt_Kub9mc/видео.html
it was a really good reaction mate! the thing with the vocals is his vocal style really. kind of a mumble folk style like john martyn (which is one of his idols as far as i know). i see why some people wouldn’t like it but i really enjoy it, i think this murmuration kind of style really adds to the dreamy vibe of his songs
Love the review! I think I interpret his lack of clear pronunciation of his lyrics as intentional. This is an extremely emotive song and it really feels like we are hearing his innermost thoughts, slightly blurry and all over the place after this great emotional trauma, his thoughts aren’t clear in his head. This explains the moving closer and further away from the mic, and into his guitar. I view it as more of an insight into Bens unclear thoughts. Just a theory!!
I respect that view but also it seems a bit redundant writing lyrics to a song and then to intentionally not enunciate them. I've read the lyrics and it's a well written song, but purposefully not performing them so they become a fumbled blur is weird.
Great reaction, really in depth, shame you couldn't hear or understand him much, considering I personally think he's the best lyricist out there today, you should react to more of his songs mate, or at least just listen to more of his songs. You won't be disappointed, Ben is a national treasure. Nice video mate!
Joe K I was genuinely disappointed mate when I reacted to this, but only because I knew that if I could hear the lyrics I would have loved the song. I watched it again with the lyrics later on and could then hear every single word! 😂 such a beautiful song have you got any other suggestions of songs by him I should listen to?
@@ThomasJ_Music Yeah I noticed when you mentioned it in another comment, that's a shame, at least you enjoyed it in the end! And yeah mate I can give you a few of his more popular ones and gems, to get an idea of him. His debut album (every kingdom) is what really made him blow up, songs like "only love" "old pine" and "keep your head up" very folk type music with amazing lyrics. And in 2014 he brought out another album called "I forget where we were" and has a song named after the title of the album on there which is a personal favourite of mine along with "small things" and "conrad" and as far as music of his lately, my favourite would be "what the moon does" off his latest album. So yeah sorry for the length but those are just a few of his most popular songs/favourites. You really are in for a treat mate, I'd give anything to listen to ben howards songs for the first time again. Thanks for the reply, hopefully see you react to more of his songs soon, have a nice day mate!
@@ThomasJ_Music As Joe said, Ben Howard should be a national treasure in England. I've followed his work from the first time I heard of him on BBC R1, back on 2009 aprox. I recommend you to listen carefully to his albums in cronological order, you may find his soul changed through the years. Love, pain, and life in general might changed him radically from his mindset on the first album. He became darker, but still his words and compositions are so beautiful, deep and intense. He moves me. I am from México, never seen him live, I wish I can at some point in life. Anyway, I recommend you to listen all his work. And specially 'Promise', a live version from KRCV radio, hope you find it on RUclips. Time is dancing is beautiful as well. Cheers from México!
Just found out about this reaction. Jeez, what an amazing one! Shame you couldn't understand it at first, but so glad you enjoyed it after. If you see this, pleaaaaaase react to Time is Dancing!!
I don't think you need to comprehend the words. The title of the song give the game away. This is a performance piece. Its about anguish and torment, love and passion. It's clearly done in a style that he has made a decision to sing like. Don't worry about what he says or the meaning, you can debate this for a lifetime. Just enjoy the performance.
Great video! I (a non-native english speaker) also had quite a hard time understanding most of his lyrics. Often the lyrics on the internet are wrong as well and, as far as I know, he doesn't release them officially. Still it's worth spending time on listening closely because in my eyes, Ben is one of the finest lyric writers in folk and indie music right now.
@Northern Ear Great you did! His lyrics are really worth the effort. I also think they even got better. His first releases were already good, but his latest album, "Noonday Dream", is one lyrical masterpiece. Feel free to check it out. "Murmurations" is probably my favorite.
very in depth review and very honest, i read you later looked at the lyrics and understood them, which is lovely, it's lyrically one of his darkest tracks in my opinion, a side note, by end of the affair, a novel by graham greene, link up the dots to the track and enjoy the ever changing world we create when listening to a ben howard.
Ben's band have also played as A Blaze of Feather, in which Ben's bandmate, Mickey, is the frontman. THOSE songs are some difficult ones to follow along with lyrically.
This song is EPIC. And I never tire of listening. Not too concerned about the exact nature of the lyrics, tho I've been able to figure most of them out over time. It's just a whole mood.
When Ben reached the bridge, my man finally "got it." NothernEar, listen to "Burgh Island" with those legit headphones you go there sometime. Another experience in and of itself.
Pity you couldn't understand the lyrics, I do agree it's tough to make out at some points. Ben Howard is a genius! Please checkout others of his such as under the same sun
I know I'm a bit late here, bit check out his performance of depth over distance on kcrw. It's a thing of beauty. Also, I think ben forces you to focus, forces you invest your self fully into the song, not just to hear it once and think your done with but really hear it.
I am a big fan of his and also struggle to understand what he's saying after hearing it dozens of times with lots of his songs. I look them up as needed but I kind of like the mystery
Love this review! This song is definitely a tough one though so understandable why you couldnt hear the lyrics on the first listen. If you heard Radiohead in this song Id be interested to know what you think about his recent work :)
The end of the affair The weight of the world The kindness gone to bed The way of your laughter Alive in the halls Did he hear, did he hear The fumbled words you said Living without her Living at all Seems to slow me down Living forever Hell, I don't know Do I care, do I care The thunder's rumbled sound Now I watch her Running 'round in love again Now I talk about you When I'm with our mutual friends The end of the affair The weight of the world The kindness gone to bed It's free of your laughter Alive after all Did he hear, did he hear The fumbled words he said Living without her Living at all Seems to slow me down Living forever Hell, I don't know Do I care, do I care The thunder's rumbled sound Now I watch her Running 'round in love again Now I talk about you When I'm with our mutual friends Now I watch her Running 'round in love again Now I talk about you When I'm with our mutual friends This is it This is just it Go to him What the hell, love? What the hell? This is it This is just it Go to him What the hell, love? What the hell? This is it What the hell, love? What the hell? There's the lyrics now u might understand what he's saying
NOT your fault!!😂 I'm a 50 yr old American woman, who's been following him from the absolute begining and I STILL CAN'T understand a LOT of his lyrics!!! But you can find them and his music is that much more incredible once you do get the lyrics down!! Hopefully, by now, you have and LOVE him like the rest of us do!! I'm a lyric nut and spastic about my music! Once you do get them, take a listen to the live Glastonbury track of this!! OMG!! 😳 Lose your fkn mind incredible!💕💔😭👍♥️😭 Crying, but in the best way possible!!😂👌😍 LOVE when it tells us a story!! Very unlike the repetitive shit on the radio now!👎🙄
I think what Ben Howard is about, is the sound. The lyrics almost come secondary to the sound in terms of evoking emotion. Like there are a few opera songs that I refuse to ever look up the lyrics to, simply because I don’t want to know what it’s actually saying. I want to leave it to the sound to make me feel something. Some songs are more a journey or an experience, or something to be entranced by. This is one of them The lyrics are incredible, obviously, but the unintelligible shouting into the guitar during the break in the second half of the song makes me well up every time. He could be shouting about chips & gravy and I’d still have that emotional response
Uno LiFE is such a Cosmic GiGGLE💙Coz I'm having trouble understanding so many awesome Musicians & Songwriters from YOUR part of the World & that's COOL😎Coz is The MUSIC that brings us SOOOOOO together ANYWAYS 🤪 THANK YOU XXXX
You know? It's really funny because, strangely enought (english is not my primary, nor my secundary language... plus, I'm a bit rusted /blush) but I could pick the lyrics at the first time... Uhmm... maybe because I used my DAW with the gear I use for work (so I'm used to their sound)... But still now, that I'm listening at your video (with my phone and my Nuraloop) I can understand what you say (even when you cover your mouth) but it's easier for me to discern Ben's singing. It's strange, don't you think? And no. I'm not a diehard fan of Ben Howard. Nice video anyway. Thank you.
I’m big on lyrics but it’s not always necessary. Can you make out everything Thom Yorke sings on Radiohead songs and Sigur Ros sings in a made up language.
Peter Jacobs no you’re right Jacob, it’s not always necessary. I loved this performance. I never seen anyone do something like that before. And I think in a live performance, it’s perhaps ok as it’s about the experience. I think I said in the video I was about 90% there just off the performance alone. If I have the same problem from a studio version, then it becomes an issue for me I think, which is partly the reason why I find it hard to listen to much of Radiohead, because I feel too disconnected. As for Sigur Rós, well this is a weird one. I don’t know how I feel about them right now, now that I know it’s a made up language if I’m honest.
Part of the Ben Howard experience is getting lost in it to the point the lyrics don’t matter. They can even stand alone at parts. The lyrics are beautiful but not center stage.
I hadn't heard of Ben Howard before this. He is clearly a passionate and an innovative musician. His performance was intense and I could understand about 60% of his lyrics. Checking on the web, I find various interpretations of the lyrics, but no official release. That may be an artistic choice, but it makes me feel left out and a bit snubbed. If I have to crawl naked over broken glass to understand an artist's message, I guess that I'll pass. Good reaction though Tommy. Perhaps I check out some other performances of Ben later.
I know what you mean Paul and it was weird because I said in a few other comments, once I had a version of lyrics, I could definitely hear all the lyrics after that! He’s someone that would be right up my street for sure, so going to check him out again
Absolutely no disrespect meant but if I was doing a 'Reactor' video (Is that what this new phenomenon is called!) I'd make sure as shit I had the lyrics bang in front of me to stop any ambiguity of what you were about to listen to instead of quite frankly ruining the entire experience by constantly griping about what you can't decipher (which happens with many many songs and makes it more mysterious and enjoyable) but guess what? You're sat in front of a PC just print that shit out. Don't be so lazy please.
What I would give to hear this for the first time again.
Feels like that for me everytime I hear it personally
That weekend after watching that performance,I bought an acoustic guitar and took lessons.
This song feels like a spiritual awakening everytime. Masterpiece.
For me, Ben’s voice is an instrument that brings empathy to the song. I don’t need to know what words he’s singing to be completely lost in the feel and the passion
As Joe said on the comments, Ben Howard should be a national treasure in England. I've followed his work from the first time I heard of him on BBC R1, back on 2009 aprox. I recommend you to listen carefully to his albums in cronological order, you may find his soul changed through the years. Love, pain, and life in general might changed him radically from his mindset on the first album. He became darker, but still his words and compositions are so beautiful, deep and intense. He moves me. I am from México, never seen him live, I wish I can at some point in life. Anyway, I recommend you to listen all his work. And specially 'Promise', a live version from KRCV radio, hope you find it on RUclips. Time is dancing is beautiful as well. Cheers from México!
I don’t where you’ve been either, but you and so many others. So many times I say that I love Ben Howard and people are are like ‘who?’. Everyone should hear his music. He’s a genius.
Being an Englishman and (you’re right) being so close to the microphone, Ben does have a propensity to mumble or at least not to annunciate properly. Not like us ‘Mericans do! It’s like his mouth is being smooshed up against the microphone and he can’t talk properly. (After the song) I think everyone needs to take a heavy exhale after hearing that intense, brilliant piece of music the first time.
It is kind of hard to make out what he's saying a lot of times, especially if the song is emotional. but honestly, for me, that just adds to the authenticity of the song and the emotions it delivers.
Ben Howard is such a treasure. sometimes you just wanna shut off everything and let his voice touch your soul. if you could hear a broken heart it would sound like this song.
What’s another song you would recommend by him?
@@ThomasJ_Music the first time I listened to "Empty Corridors" I knew this man is my favorite artist.
"Oats in the water" is also his most famous song.
@@ThomasJ_Music also this is "End of the affair" with lyrics in case you're interested.
ruclips.net/video/EgOQjvHy23M/видео.html
@@f.m848 oats in the water is nowhere near his most famous song. Only love, keep your head up and old pine are by far his most well known songs. Agree that empty corridors is one to listen to though. Would also recommend esmerelda for a similar dark sound to end of the affair
@@aaronbeagley7707 "Oats in the water" is his only song I've heard in other forms of media(like in walking dead, or the witcher 3 trailer). so it might not be the most famous to his fans but it's definitely his most exposed song to the public.
Right now my favorite is "Rookery". that song is insane, I just found it 2 months ago and I listened to it maybe a thousand times(Rookery is not officially released in his albums except the new one) If you wanna listen to it check this version, it's live from one of his concerts. the studio recorded version he just released in his "Collections From The Whiteout" just doesn't sound right!
ruclips.net/video/YKlt_Kub9mc/видео.html
it was a really good reaction mate!
the thing with the vocals is his vocal style really. kind of a mumble folk style like john martyn (which is one of his idols as far as i know). i see why some people wouldn’t like it but i really enjoy it, i think this murmuration kind of style really adds to the dreamy vibe of his songs
Görkem Yeşiltaş yeah I agree mate. Once you know the lyrics, you can actually hear them! Haha
Fitting that he has a song named "Murmurations" :)
When he screams into his guitar the feels iconic moment 🔥🙌
Love the review! I think I interpret his lack of clear pronunciation of his lyrics as intentional. This is an extremely emotive song and it really feels like we are hearing his innermost thoughts, slightly blurry and all over the place after this great emotional trauma, his thoughts aren’t clear in his head. This explains the moving closer and further away from the mic, and into his guitar. I view it as more of an insight into Bens unclear thoughts. Just a theory!!
Ben said he wrote this after reading "The End of the Affair by Graham Green"
I respect that view but also it seems a bit redundant writing lyrics to a song and then to intentionally not enunciate them. I've read the lyrics and it's a well written song, but purposefully not performing them so they become a fumbled blur is weird.
Great reaction, really in depth, shame you couldn't hear or understand him much, considering I personally think he's the best lyricist out there today, you should react to more of his songs mate, or at least just listen to more of his songs. You won't be disappointed, Ben is a national treasure. Nice video mate!
Joe K I was genuinely disappointed mate when I reacted to this, but only because I knew that if I could hear the lyrics I would have loved the song. I watched it again with the lyrics later on and could then hear every single word! 😂 such a beautiful song have you got any other suggestions of songs by him I should listen to?
@@ThomasJ_Music Yeah I noticed when you mentioned it in another comment, that's a shame, at least you enjoyed it in the end! And yeah mate I can give you a few of his more popular ones and gems, to get an idea of him. His debut album (every kingdom) is what really made him blow up, songs like "only love" "old pine" and "keep your head up" very folk type music with amazing lyrics. And in 2014 he brought out another album called "I forget where we were" and has a song named after the title of the album on there which is a personal favourite of mine along with "small things" and "conrad" and as far as music of his lately, my favourite would be "what the moon does" off his latest album. So yeah sorry for the length but those are just a few of his most popular songs/favourites. You really are in for a treat mate, I'd give anything to listen to ben howards songs for the first time again. Thanks for the reply, hopefully see you react to more of his songs soon, have a nice day mate!
You too buddy! I’ll stick some of those on my list!
@@ThomasJ_Music As Joe said, Ben Howard should be a national treasure in England. I've followed his work from the first time I heard of him on BBC R1, back on 2009 aprox. I recommend you to listen carefully to his albums in cronological order, you may find his soul changed through the years. Love, pain, and life in general might changed him radically from his mindset on the first album. He became darker, but still his words and compositions are so beautiful, deep and intense. He moves me. I am from México, never seen him live, I wish I can at some point in life. Anyway, I recommend you to listen all his work. And specially 'Promise', a live version from KRCV radio, hope you find it on RUclips. Time is dancing is beautiful as well. Cheers from México!
@@reem5492 mate he physically couldn’t hear or understand the words 😂 it wasn’t an insult, maybe watch the video before commenting u mug
Wish I was hearing him for the first time again!
He is amazing noonday dream is a masterpiece
Just found out about this reaction. Jeez, what an amazing one! Shame you couldn't understand it at first, but so glad you enjoyed it after. If you see this, pleaaaaaase react to Time is Dancing!!
It’s been too long since I did a BH song, so I’ll bear this in mind! Thanks and glad to have you with us!
I love love love Thom Yorke. Was looking forward to his performance on RW2020...and they cancelled it. Hope to see them this year or...next?
I don't think you need to comprehend the words. The title of the song give the game away. This is a performance piece. Its about anguish and torment, love and passion. It's clearly done in a style that he has made a decision to sing like. Don't worry about what he says or the meaning, you can debate this for a lifetime. Just enjoy the performance.
Great video!
I (a non-native english speaker) also had quite a hard time understanding most of his lyrics. Often the lyrics on the internet are wrong as well and, as far as I know, he doesn't release them officially.
Still it's worth spending time on listening closely because in my eyes, Ben is one of the finest lyric writers in folk and indie music right now.
lw48wp4 I’m glad you like this. Later on, I took a look at the lyrics and when I played the video again with the lyrics, I could hear every word 🙈
@Kyle O'Connor good to know! I actually checked my CD Booklets of Every Kingdom and Noonday Dream and they came without lyrics :|
@Northern Ear Great you did! His lyrics are really worth the effort. I also think they even got better. His first releases were already good, but his latest album, "Noonday Dream", is one lyrical masterpiece. Feel free to check it out. "Murmurations" is probably my favorite.
very in depth review and very honest, i read you later looked at the lyrics and understood them, which is lovely, it's lyrically one of his darkest tracks in my opinion, a side note, by end of the affair, a novel by graham greene, link up the dots to the track and enjoy the ever changing world we create when listening to a ben howard.
Ben's band have also played as A Blaze of Feather, in which Ben's bandmate, Mickey, is the frontman. THOSE songs are some difficult ones to follow along with lyrically.
This song is EPIC. And I never tire of listening. Not too concerned about the exact nature of the lyrics, tho I've been able to figure most of them out over time. It's just a whole mood.
This is what he's saying, the end of the affair, the weight of the war, the kindness gone to bed."
When Ben reached the bridge, my man finally "got it." NothernEar, listen to "Burgh Island" with those legit headphones you go there sometime. Another experience in and of itself.
A new album would totally make up for 2020......ohw yes...he is THAT good!
Pity you couldn't understand the lyrics, I do agree it's tough to make out at some points. Ben Howard is a genius! Please checkout others of his such as under the same sun
Gareth Bradley it’s one of those where when I had the lyrics in front of me afterwards and re-listened, I don’t know why I couldn’t understand them! 😂
I know I'm a bit late here, bit check out his performance of depth over distance on kcrw. It's a thing of beauty.
Also, I think ben forces you to focus, forces you invest your self fully into the song, not just to hear it once and think your done with but really hear it.
Can't understand the lyrics? Go on RUclips, hit search, ask for Ben Howard end of the affair lyrics and you will receive.
"This is it, this is desert, go to him what the hell love."
I am a big fan of his and also struggle to understand what he's saying after hearing it dozens of times with lots of his songs. I look them up as needed but I kind of like the mystery
"Now I watch her running around in love again, now I talk about you when I'm with our mutual friends."
Love this review! This song is definitely a tough one though so understandable why you couldnt hear the lyrics on the first listen. If you heard Radiohead in this song Id be interested to know what you think about his recent work :)
The end of the affair
The weight of the world
The kindness gone to bed
The way of your laughter
Alive in the halls
Did he hear, did he hear
The fumbled words you said
Living without her
Living at all
Seems to slow me down
Living forever
Hell, I don't know
Do I care, do I care
The thunder's rumbled sound
Now I watch her
Running 'round in love again
Now I talk about you
When I'm with our mutual friends
The end of the affair
The weight of the world
The kindness gone to bed
It's free of your laughter
Alive after all
Did he hear, did he hear
The fumbled words he said
Living without her
Living at all
Seems to slow me down
Living forever
Hell, I don't know
Do I care, do I care
The thunder's rumbled sound
Now I watch her
Running 'round in love again
Now I talk about you
When I'm with our mutual friends
Now I watch her
Running 'round in love again
Now I talk about you
When I'm with our mutual friends
This is it
This is just it
Go to him
What the hell, love?
What the hell?
This is it
This is just it
Go to him
What the hell, love?
What the hell?
This is it
What the hell, love?
What the hell?
There's the lyrics now u might understand what he's saying
It's surprised me but the opening line is actually "the end of the after"
Nice channel! I would recommend Everything, Black Flies and Nica Libres in Dusk if you want to hear more from Ben Howard
NOT your fault!!😂 I'm a 50 yr old American woman, who's been following him from the absolute begining and I STILL CAN'T understand a LOT of his lyrics!!! But you can find them and his music is that much more incredible once you do get the lyrics down!! Hopefully, by now, you have and LOVE him like the rest of us do!! I'm a lyric nut and spastic about my music! Once you do get them, take a listen to the live Glastonbury track of this!! OMG!! 😳 Lose your fkn mind incredible!💕💔😭👍♥️😭 Crying, but in the best way possible!!😂👌😍 LOVE when it tells us a story!! Very unlike the repetitive shit on the radio now!👎🙄
What song do you understand the lyrics the first time you hear it ?
I think what Ben Howard is about, is the sound. The lyrics almost come secondary to the sound in terms of evoking emotion.
Like there are a few opera songs that I refuse to ever look up the lyrics to, simply because I don’t want to know what it’s actually saying. I want to leave it to the sound to make me feel something. Some songs are more a journey or an experience, or something to be entranced by. This is one of them
The lyrics are incredible, obviously, but the unintelligible shouting into the guitar during the break in the second half of the song makes me well up every time. He could be shouting about chips & gravy and I’d still have that emotional response
This song... I know I will listen to it until the end of my days.
Uno LiFE is such a Cosmic GiGGLE💙Coz I'm having trouble understanding so many awesome Musicians & Songwriters from YOUR part of the World & that's COOL😎Coz is The MUSIC that brings us SOOOOOO together ANYWAYS 🤪 THANK YOU XXXX
Ben deserves more than Beats :P
I know, I know! I need some new ones, but surely it’s better than the built in speaker on the laptop? 😂
You know? It's really funny because, strangely enought (english is not my primary, nor my secundary language... plus, I'm a bit rusted /blush) but I could pick the lyrics at the first time...
Uhmm... maybe because I used my DAW with the gear I use for work (so I'm used to their sound)...
But still now, that I'm listening at your video (with my phone and my Nuraloop) I can understand what you say (even when you cover your mouth) but it's easier for me to discern Ben's singing.
It's strange, don't you think?
And no. I'm not a diehard fan of Ben Howard.
Nice video anyway. Thank you.
React to small things from Ben Howard but the lowland version from 2015, it's crazy good
I’m big on lyrics but it’s not always necessary. Can you make out everything Thom Yorke sings on Radiohead songs and Sigur Ros sings in a made up language.
Peter Jacobs no you’re right Jacob, it’s not always necessary. I loved this performance. I never seen anyone do something like that before. And I think in a live performance, it’s perhaps ok as it’s about the experience. I think I said in the video I was about 90% there just off the performance alone. If I have the same problem from a studio version, then it becomes an issue for me I think, which is partly the reason why I find it hard to listen to much of Radiohead, because I feel too disconnected.
As for Sigur Rós, well this is a weird one. I don’t know how I feel about them right now, now that I know it’s a made up language if I’m honest.
Part of the Ben Howard experience is getting lost in it to the point the lyrics don’t matter. They can even stand alone at parts. The lyrics are beautiful but not center stage.
If you really want to appreciate a live version of this watch the Glastonbury version because it absolutely slaps
He was drunk as a newt when he played near my place.
If you know you know😔
I hadn't heard of Ben Howard before this. He is clearly a passionate and an innovative musician. His performance was intense and I could understand about 60% of his lyrics. Checking on the web, I find various interpretations of the lyrics, but no official release. That may be an artistic choice, but it makes me feel left out and a bit snubbed. If I have to crawl naked over broken glass to understand an artist's message, I guess that I'll pass. Good reaction though Tommy. Perhaps I check out some other performances of Ben later.
I know what you mean Paul and it was weird because I said in a few other comments, once I had a version of lyrics, I could definitely hear all the lyrics after that! He’s someone that would be right up my street for sure, so going to check him out again
Perfection...unless Yr deaf!
Sorry, can you speak up a bit?
@@ThomasJ_Music pardon?
Google the fuckin’ lyrics, homes.
I fuckin have done, homes!
I shouldn’t have to sit there with Google open to understand what he’s saying though should I!
Absolutely no disrespect meant but if I was doing a 'Reactor' video (Is that what this new phenomenon is called!) I'd make sure as shit I had the lyrics bang in front of me to stop any ambiguity of what you were about to listen to instead of quite frankly ruining the entire experience by constantly griping about what you can't decipher (which happens with many many songs and makes it more mysterious and enjoyable) but guess what? You're sat in front of a PC just print that shit out. Don't be so lazy please.
Next time please change the screen (artist big, your face smaller)...