Per Songfacts "How long has this been going on" sure sounds like something a guy would say to his cheating lover, but this song has a very different meaning. Ace bass player Terry Comer was working with other bands - he played briefly with The Sutherland Brothers and Quiver - and he didn't tell his bandmates, who felt cheated when they found out. Ace lead singer Paul Carrack wrote the song; when he appeared on the BBC Breakfast news programme on June 29, 2009 he was asked about the inspiration. Rather than being about a two-timing lover it was, he said, about another band who were "trying to nick our bass player." "How Long?" was one of the first songs he ever wrote and remains one of his biggest hits. It was released on the Anchor label in 1974, backed by "Sniffin' About" and produced by John Anthony for Neptune Productions. It has been recorded many times since. Terry Comer, the bass player a rival band were trying to "nick," returned in time to play on the original recording. Paul Carrack was the lead singer of Ace. He went on to sing for Squeeze and Mike And The Mechanics and had a solo hit with "Don't Shed a Tear."
If you look carefully at the Pink Floyd Pulse concert you'll see a guy standing over there in front of the backup singers playing a guitar. He's Tim Renwick, from the band Quiver. Who were trying to nick the bass player. 😁
Paul Carrack(lead singer) also sang “In The Living Years” when he was a band member of Mike and the Mechanics…definitely should check out that song…big hit in the 80s.
This is a classic in the true sense of the word, it sounds great,has great lyrics and is well sung, Carrick is a top notch singer who for some reason flies under the radar of many people
Just heard this in the car yesterday -- takes me right to high school -- and I thought, "I don't think I've seen anyone react to this." And voila! Here it is! I think people respond to this because that hook line is such a rich, warm harmony. I'm driving mom's car to work at my first job at the deli, singing along. 🙂
This song was played on so many different music genre radio stations, pop, country rock, R&B, smooth jazz, when it was first popular. It sounds and feels so good hearing it.
The seventies truly was/were magical. I remember going around the roller skating rink to this song people dancing on skates and the pinball machines and snack bar pizza and Burgers and Fries, and this song and others like Dreamweaver when the lights went down and the Disco Balls came on. This song is a complete and total Masterpiece, Paul carrack is a genius. Everybody always thinks it's about a guy telling his girl how it is but it's about the band and the bass player. But really, the song is whatever you want it to be about, whatever you think it's about is what it is and the mark of a truly gifted musician and artist is when you can create something that has different meanings to different people and it does. This has to be one of the top 10 songs of the 70s and it never gets old. When an artist writes the song like this it is like a gift to all of us, to the world.
He wrote it about the base guitar player who was moonlighting with another group and Carrack found out..he left the group to go with the other less successful one..but came back to Ace to play on this recording !!😂
This was a hit in 1973 but Paul Carrick was in Squeeze and Mike and The Mechanics. He has also had a successful solo career. He could sing the telephone directory and make sound great. He’s from my home City of Sheffield UK.
The STORY is how he was deceived by a fellow BAND member actually!! The song can be applied to MANY situations, which is why it was SO popular. Catchy riff and great led singing. Classic 70s track
This brings back good memories. 1974, 16 years old. On the radio 5 or 6 times a day! Another really good one with Paul Carrack is “Tempted”. It’s from when he was in the group, Squeeze. Check it out if you haven’t already 👍
Everytime you rewind a great song back I say hell ya out loud!!!! I love that you appreciate music as a whole. Your reactions and emotions as a couple is awesome! ❤️😎
Haven't heard this song in years. Absolutely Love it. Good to hear it again. Love listening to real music. Wish they still made it. Thank goodness for these channels or they'd be lost forever. Thanks for keeping them alive.
Love both your reactions..and when you started it again...,I knew you loved it....a real groove going on in that song....loved it from the first time I heard it
In addition to being the lead singer of Ace on this song, Paul Carrack is also played the electric piano. He later sang "Tempted" with a band named Squeeze. Some of Squeeze's members went on to be in Sade's band. He was also lead singer for both "Silent Running" and "The Living Years" with Mike + The Mechanics (Mike Rutherford of Genesis). He also played bass guitar for them. The dude's talent is ridiculous! He's vastly underrated. Peace!
Correct. What's cool and ironic to me is that the first notes of the song are played by the bass when the bass player is actually who the song is about.
Absolutely adore this man's voice. It's soon good. Paul has been lead singer in quite a few bands through the years. He also writes the songs that he sings. Paul sang with Mike & The Mechanics with "Living Years". I think you reacted to that song a few months back!? ( I'm not 💯 but, I think you did) 🇬🇧👍🎶❤
Hi Shawn and Mel so glad you enjoyed this song! It is also one of my favorites. That beautiful harmony just lifts you up and brings you down. It's amazing, this is one of those songs that I get lost in. I find myself closing my eyes and feeling the music like a cool breeze. 70's soft rock is some of the most beautiful music ever recorded and it is almost forgotten about. I always find myself surprised when I sit down quietly and really pay attention to the lyrics and rediscover how meaningful they are for me today at this time of my life. I think everyone can relate in one way or another and that is what makes it so timeless.
This jam be thumpin'! Love ACE! ❤ Thank you so much L-O-V-E your genuine reactions to this timeless, classic! Okay, a suggestion for another '70s classic hit. Gerry Rafferty's (you're going to love this one) "Right Down The Line" Check this one bad boy out! 😊
This song wasn't about a spurned lover.. or a girl who stepped out. It is about a band member who didn't tell his bandmates he was working with another band. And they found out about it.. And they're letting him know. Paul has one of the most soulful voices and the harmony is gr8 with this group.
Ooooh! I haven't heard this in a decade or more. Had it on a K-Tel album back in the 70's (which is an LP record with other artists on it.) Great tune.
Keep yoir eyes on Paul Carrack. This man has a voice that made several groups hit. He's just that good, into his 70s. He is a vocal monster who quietly makes hit after hit.
I had not heard Ace's version in the 70s because it was not played on the radio stations I used to listen to. Because of that, back then I only knew about Lipps inc's version.
Paul Carrack was lead singer for Mike & The Mechanics "The Living Years" which is probably THE best song, ever! If you haven't reacted to it (& I don't think you have) please please do. It makes me cry every time I hear it. ❤🎵
Although it seems to make perfect sense that the song is about a question of infidelity of a girlfriend…it concerns a band member who was moonlighting with another band without their knowledge. The song/tune still gives me chills long after first hearing it upon release in the U.S. circa 1974
This song always reminds me of when I found out our friends' marriage was falling apart because of infidelity. We were traveling cross country, and this song kept coming on the radio. Sad times.
Tidbit, Carrack wrote the song about their bass player who had been playing with another band and was being tempted to leave the band for the new situation. Not about a girl having an affair, but it works just the same. I am a singer and I am studying Carrack, his approach, his songs. A Brit with a soulful voice, self taught, and I am in awe. He closes his eyes and he has an inner tension in his phrases like a jazz trumpet, very complicated vocal riffs, a lot of variation in his tone and texture (this is why he is so interesting to listen to), especially in, IN THE LIVING YEARS, I bow at his altar.
Paul Carrack has been a criminally underrated vocalist for fifty years.
Wish I could give you 100 thumbs up on that!
Paul Carrack,another individual who should be in the ROCK and ROLL HALL OF FAME!!
Amen you are so right.
Golden voice to this day.
And I could not have put it better myself!
This song will never die. It’s a classic. I was 16 when it came out and I still love it. The 70s were very special, great time.
Me too....would be great to go back and realize that this was the best decade to be a teenager....great times. Peace and love brother...😎
Per Songfacts "How long has this been going on" sure sounds like something a guy would say to his cheating lover, but this song has a very different meaning. Ace bass player Terry Comer was working with other bands - he played briefly with The Sutherland Brothers and Quiver - and he didn't tell his bandmates, who felt cheated when they found out.
Ace lead singer Paul Carrack wrote the song; when he appeared on the BBC Breakfast news programme on June 29, 2009 he was asked about the inspiration. Rather than being about a two-timing lover it was, he said, about another band who were "trying to nick our bass player."
"How Long?" was one of the first songs he ever wrote and remains one of his biggest hits. It was released on the Anchor label in 1974, backed by "Sniffin' About" and produced by John Anthony for Neptune Productions. It has been recorded many times since. Terry Comer, the bass player a rival band were trying to "nick," returned in time to play on the original recording.
Paul Carrack was the lead singer of Ace. He went on to sing for Squeeze and Mike And The Mechanics and had a solo hit with "Don't Shed a Tear."
Paul's voice like a fine wine gets better with age. My favourite song sung by Paul is "Over My Shoulder".
If you look carefully at the Pink Floyd Pulse concert you'll see a guy standing over there in front of the backup singers playing a guitar. He's Tim Renwick, from the band Quiver. Who were trying to nick the bass player. 😁
It can also be when jealous friends bad mouth your boyfriend (girlfriend) cause they ain't got one. I've had that happen.
Paul Carack is one of the best lead vocalist in rock and pop music!
I'm going to have to meet that with Harry Nilsson, but Harry was a solo artist. Paul Carrack is top level by any standard.
I have always loved this song.
I have always loved it too
@@leighsaldivar4439 🙂👍
Me, too!
Paul Carrack(lead singer) also sang “In The Living Years” when he was a band member of Mike and the Mechanics…definitely should check out that song…big hit in the 80s.
That’s a great song. Good suggestion.
Paul Carrack has many solo hits such as 'Eyes of blue",One good reason, and "Dont shed a tear".
This is a classic in the true sense of the word, it sounds great,has great lyrics and is well sung, Carrick is a top notch singer who for some reason flies under the radar of many people
Shawn & Mel, Paul also sang on hit songs with Squeeze "Tempted" and Mike & The Mechanics "In The Living Years" !!!
Over my shoulder with Mike and the mechanics was good too. Mike Rutherford from Genesis
Also a big solo hit with Don’t Shed A Tear.
Believe it or not I actually saw this song performed live when it first came out.Ace opened for YES here in Nashville in 1975.
Just heard this in the car yesterday -- takes me right to high school -- and I thought, "I don't think I've seen anyone react to this." And voila! Here it is! I think people respond to this because that hook line is such a rich, warm harmony. I'm driving mom's car to work at my first job at the deli, singing along. 🙂
Man, this song takes me BACK! A phenomenal but forgotten tune
This song was played on so many different music genre radio stations, pop, country rock, R&B, smooth jazz, when it was first popular. It sounds and feels so good hearing it.
I have always loved this song!
I saw Paul Carrack last night playing organ for Eric Clapton. Great show.
The seventies truly was/were magical. I remember going around the roller skating rink to this song people dancing on skates and the pinball machines and snack bar pizza and Burgers and Fries, and this song and others like Dreamweaver when the lights went down and the Disco Balls came on. This song is a complete and total Masterpiece, Paul carrack is a genius. Everybody always thinks it's about a guy telling his girl how it is but it's about the band and the bass player. But really, the song is whatever you want it to be about, whatever you think it's about is what it is and the mark of a truly gifted musician and artist is when you can create something that has different meanings to different people and it does. This has to be one of the top 10 songs of the 70s and it never gets old. When an artist writes the song like this it is like a gift to all of us, to the world.
He wrote it about the base guitar player who was moonlighting with another group and Carrack found out..he left the group to go with the other less successful one..but came back to Ace to play on this recording !!😂
The harmonies among the back up vocals were among the great features of this great production.
Great song! Takes me back to my childhood. Good memories!
Have always loved this song . Pure class. from 1974!
I love this song…still listening to it today. Love his voice and total sound.
This was a hit in 1973 but Paul Carrick was in Squeeze and Mike and The Mechanics. He has also had a successful solo career. He could sing the telephone directory and make sound great. He’s from my home City of Sheffield UK.
The STORY is how he was deceived by a fellow BAND member actually!! The song can be applied to MANY situations, which is why it was SO popular. Catchy riff and great led singing. Classic 70s track
Probably in my Top 10 favorite songs of all time. “All your friends and their fancy persuasions..”
You two really had fun with this one! And Mel is in especially good voice. Must be some power in all that natural hair!
And love from england...we have had sad news today....
The Queens death has been breaking news over here in the States all day 💔
Classic 70's hit my friend's! Haven't heard this in many years! Thanks you two!
PAUL CARRACK - the best British R & B singer ever...Period!
This brings back good memories. 1974, 16 years old. On the radio 5 or 6 times a day! Another really good one with Paul Carrack is “Tempted”. It’s from when he was in the group, Squeeze. Check it out if you haven’t already 👍
been on my playlist for 40 years!!!
Lovin’ the hair Mel!! This is another One of those 70’s songs! One note and ya know it’s greatness.
Hi Shawn and Mel, great choice!!! loving the music 😁👍 y'all rock ♥️♥️
Have always loved this song😻🇨🇦💕
I’ve always loved this song. Great lyrics, great music. Mel…your hair looks awesome!
Everytime you rewind a great song back I say hell ya out loud!!!! I love that you appreciate music as a whole. Your reactions and emotions as a couple is awesome! ❤️😎
Oh My Gosh! I haven't heard this in forever!! Loved this song 🎵. Great lyrics, great lyrics. Thanks for sharing this awesome music 🎶.
Haven't heard this song in years. Absolutely Love it. Good to hear it again. Love listening to real music. Wish they still made it. Thank goodness for these channels or they'd be lost forever. Thanks for keeping them alive.
Great song, sung by one of the best voices ever. Love, love, love your reaction!!!!!!!!
Love both your reactions..and when you started it again...,I knew you loved it....a real groove going on in that song....loved it from the first time I heard it
Loving the hair too Shawn! LOL you look great Mel. "How Long" is always in rotation for me, always.
Paul also sang The Living Years by Mike and the Mechanics.
These guys have such enthusiasm!
It's a perfect song. Perfectly performed.
Love this song listen to it a lot back in the day. Great reaction shawn and mel and have a awesome day guys,all love.😎
Paul Carrack turns anything into gold he sing with!
You 2 just make me HAPPY!! 🥰 Thank you Shawn... Thank you Mel... 🤗
In addition to being the lead singer of Ace on this song, Paul Carrack is also played the electric piano.
He later sang "Tempted" with a band named Squeeze. Some of Squeeze's members went on to be in Sade's band.
He was also lead singer for both "Silent Running" and "The Living Years" with Mike + The Mechanics (Mike Rutherford of Genesis). He also played bass guitar for them.
The dude's talent is ridiculous! He's vastly underrated. Peace!
This song is not about a cheating woman. It is about one of the band members playing with another band behind their backs
Correct. What's cool and ironic to me is that the first notes of the song are played by the bass when the bass player is actually who the song is about.
@@harryjackson6226 LOL!
Great sounds great music great 👍
Absolutely adore this man's voice. It's soon good. Paul has been lead singer in quite a few bands through the years. He also writes the songs that he sings. Paul sang with Mike & The Mechanics with "Living Years". I think you reacted to that song a few months back!? ( I'm not 💯 but, I think you did) 🇬🇧👍🎶❤
Great summer song!
Love this! Takes me back to being a carefree 10 year old having fun during the summer off from school!
Mel that hair !! Love it …… looks beautiful Thanks again for your positive energy start to my day
This is one of those drivin' in your car daytime songs of the late 1970's that you just never forget.
This was a huge song when I was a teenager and got lots of airplay.
Great sound and vibe 👍👍👍
Definitely a “crossover” vibe to this song. Always felt sort of blue-eyed soul to me.
This band played in the Windsor castle Harrow road. And the Drummer gave me he's drum sticks in the late 70s. And I've still got them
I've heard this song a million times but never knew who performed it. Thanks!
British group soundS like a AMERICAN SOUTHERN GROUP.GREAT SONG..
One of my favourite songs from the seventies!!! ❤❤❤
Fantastic song 🤩
Hi Shawn and Mel so glad you enjoyed this song! It is also one of my favorites. That beautiful harmony just lifts you up and brings you down. It's amazing, this is one of those songs that I get lost in. I find myself closing my eyes and feeling the music like a cool breeze. 70's soft rock is some of the most beautiful music ever recorded and it is almost forgotten about. I always find myself surprised when I sit down quietly and really pay attention to the lyrics and rediscover how meaningful they are for me today at this time of my life. I think everyone can relate in one way or another and that is what makes it so timeless.
I love your Orioles hat!! This was one of the most popular songs of the 70s.
Love your reactions to the 70s😍
This jam be thumpin'! Love ACE! ❤ Thank you so much L-O-V-E your genuine reactions to this timeless, classic! Okay, a suggestion for another '70s classic hit. Gerry Rafferty's (you're going to love this one) "Right Down The Line" Check this one bad boy out! 😊
This song wasn't about a spurned lover.. or a girl who stepped out. It is about a band member who didn't tell his bandmates he was working with another band. And they found out about it.. And they're letting him know. Paul has one of the most soulful voices and the harmony is gr8 with this group.
Love this song. Still hoping you will react to one of the greatest guitarists ever Joe Satriani "I Believe ". Love you both ❤️ ✌️
Ooooh! I haven't heard this in a decade or more. Had it on a K-Tel album back in the 70's (which is an LP record with other artists on it.) Great tune.
I said it before… Y’all need a PO Box
Love y’all ❤️
He is amazing. I loved him with Squeeze and he is great here.
This is a classic and a half takes you back.
Splendid!
I’ve heard this a thousand and one times through the dashboard speaker of a ‘69 Volvo wagon.
The happy times!
Keep yoir eyes on Paul Carrack. This man has a voice that made several groups hit. He's just that good, into his 70s. He is a vocal monster who quietly makes hit after hit.
Fender Rhodes Piano, has a great sound!
I had not heard Ace's version in the 70s because it was not played on the radio stations I used to listen to. Because of that, back then I only knew about Lipps inc's version.
Great song of my youth! What memories, more of the great 70's!
The bass is fantastic
Anything Paul Carrick does is perfection. He's played with others, and solo.. but his voice always comes to the front.
I've been listening to this song for the past 30 years. And I didn't know he was Caucasian.
Timelesssssss ❤❤❤
It isn't about a woman cheating....the song was written about a band member who was moonlighting in another band and was found out.....
Paul Carrack was lead singer for Mike & The Mechanics "The Living Years" which is probably THE best song, ever! If you haven't reacted to it (& I don't think you have) please please do. It makes me cry every time I hear it. ❤🎵
YOU TWO CRACK ME UP !!
I love you guys!!
Paul Carrack: The Man With The Golden Voice!!!
Great song but I'm digging Mel's hair!
Although it seems to make perfect sense that the song is about a question of infidelity of a girlfriend…it concerns a band member who was moonlighting with another band without their knowledge. The song/tune still gives me chills long after first hearing it upon release in the U.S. circa 1974
This song always reminds me of when I found out our friends' marriage was falling apart because of infidelity. We were traveling cross country, and this song kept coming on the radio. Sad times.
Go Os! I love this song! ✌🏻
Ace- How Long
Player- Baby Come Back
Michael McDonald
I keep forgetting
These were 3 of the most soulful groups back in the day! Good Stuff! 🎸
Try Paul Carrack on his own he's amazing if I should fall behind is one
Too smooth 😎😉👌🏻
Love your hair!😍
One of my favorite songs
Him: how long has this been going on?
Her: how long has what been going on?
Him: you been strokin'!
Paul Carrack Is a great singer! Check out his solo hits “Don’t Shed a Tear” & “One Good Reason” Excellent
This song is about The Base Player moonlighting with other bands, so "how long".
Tidbit, Carrack wrote the song about their bass player who had been playing with another band and was being tempted to leave the band for the new situation. Not about a girl having an affair, but it works just the same. I am a singer and I am studying Carrack, his approach, his songs. A Brit with a soulful voice, self taught, and I am in awe. He closes his eyes and he has an inner tension in his phrases like a jazz trumpet, very complicated vocal riffs, a lot of variation in his tone and texture (this is why he is so interesting to listen to), especially in, IN THE LIVING YEARS, I bow at his altar.
Poetic,the guy that inspired the song starts with a solo intro.
Oh yes, Paul can sing his ass off! 😁👍