The riff is monstrous. The baritone adds a great deal. And the feeling of monotony is there, including the off-keyish feeling (laziness). Perfect. One of my top3 GG songs (underrated in my book; few people think it's the greatest GG song, even within this album).
I have a computer-oriented, engineering & design desk job where I can listen to music all day, so yes, this song was very apt to my situation...quite fitting. I also have a turntable in my office and Gentle Giant "Three Friends" is one of the vinyl records I have in here on rotation...so this was extremely fitting for me. 😆 Nice choice!
My "Schooldays" must have been a "Prologue" to my adult wage slavery! Not being born to be "Mr. Class and Quality", It's a life of "Working All Day". Till retirement and watching time, "Peel the Paint" with my "Three Friends" The 'crazy' coon cat and Orlando & Justine the ferrets! Peace.
I think it is right that this album is more cohesive than others because it is a concept album about how different the lives of the three people became who had been friends at school. The vocal part reminds a shanty what is a working song and that underlines the whole concept of the song. REMINDER: Make sure you listen to the last two songs "Mr. class and Quality" and "Three Frineds" as one. On lp there is no break between them for good reasons.
Perhaps. I *believe* this was their only attempt a traditional prog Concept Album. And of course all hardcore GG fans will recognize the reworked theme that reprises at the end.
I agree, this, as far as I've heard, it's their best concept or the concept album they made. And Justin, you'll just have to wait, to think again about what you've just said (did you see I wrote Just three times? 😁) : they will show their skills as musicians (prog musicians) on the last two tracks. If not before.
This is the first Gentle Giant album I ever heard. Back in 1972, I was listening to an FM radio station when the DJ played the first track. I immediately called the station and asked who the band was. I've been a huge GG fan ever since.
When you’re finally done reviewing this album, take some time and just blast it while you’re driving. I think this is one of progressive rock’s crowning achievements. You’ll understand once you hear side two. Especially the final two songs which cannot ever be separated.
@@markmaxwell1013 And they can’t be separated and it can’t be the Steve Wilson mix of Mr. Class where he removed the grunt during the guitar solo. I can never forgive him for that.
I agree that Phil’s contribution to this song is enormous . Who else was using baritone sax to add to the depth and heaviness of the mood as displayed here . Kerry’s solo is exquisitely crafted and for a fundamentally more straight forward tune , there’s still plenty to challenge the listener , plus it just rocks 👏
Only other band using baritone sax back then was The Mothers with Motorhead Sherwood playing one and Ian Underwood played a baritone clarinet. Cool stuff!
40 plus years of listening to GG and they only get better as I get older...Thanks for the reaction and hopefully, some of your followers get turned onto GG...
This song sounded fantastic live, and when the three brothers were fronting together it was an extra powerful force. In reality I don't think any of them were tall, but on stage I remember being right at the front of stage and they looked stocky and really did dress and seem like giants. One of Phil Shulman's finest moments with his horn playing driving this track, its a musical element I really missed once he left.
Wow! Someone finally paid attention to Gentle Giant! I saw them live twice; what a great band. Challenging music to listen to, but gratifying if you stuck it out.
Hi Justin. Dave from London. Love What You Do! Gentle Giant was one of those bands I knew well back in the 70s but never really got into. Thanks to you, I am a now big fan second time around. Cheers, mate! Thanks also for posting the music fails the other day, but to be honest, your cheerful personality and the brilliant music you play (OK, maybe Devo excepted!) is tonic enough for me. P.S. my song ref Love What You Do is by The Divine Comedy.
Agree with everything you mentioned and you brought back my original reaction to the song afresh particularly in the hammer quality of the beat, which having heard this many times since somehow I'd forgotten.
"Working All Day" is not bad at all but is still one of the two songs that I like the least on the album with the upcoming "Peel the Paint" (which drags on at the end). My favorite tracks from Three Friends are the first two that open the album and the last two that close it.
You should definetely check out Beardfish any time soon. Its modern swedish prog with a lot of influence of Gentle Giant and Frank Zappa. They already split but one of them, "Rikard Sjoblom" plays in Big Big Train since 2014. Any song from "Sleeping in the traffic pt 2" might peek your interest in them. I recommend "Into the Night" to get a good glance of what they are about. For me they are easily top 5 21st century prog bands.
You can tell that the recording is a slowed down version of the master tape. It’s easy to hear from the guitar intro but even then, the timbre of the voice and horns is “off”. I don’t have perfect pitch but I’m going to guess the key is somewhere in between two standard keys. Either way, I like it.
Frankly this was awesome and yeah I'm on me hols. Justin, listen my friend. July Long Song Saturdays?: You need Mikey R's Ist solo LP - Smallcreeps Day and then Steve Hackett's Please Don't Touch. Believe me, they'll be perfect to discuss whether all the hype is justified. They're perfect whole side listens. Diolch.
I love all there record's but I do have my go to picks. The first GG, three friends and then depending on how hard I want to listen to fast little notes, the rest of the record's!.. lol
(As usual no commentary is just because I have nothing to say. Enjoyed it as usual.) If you get in the mood for some contemporary metal, you might find *Insect - by Sceptic* has something of interest in it for you. ruclips.net/video/oyh9CQTdV_k/видео.html I'm actually scratching my head till it bleeds trying to remember the name of a San Francisco (I think) band from the 90's (I think) with a bald singer. They played "consonantly dissonant music" (to my ear). I kept and saved lots of bookmarks to their stuff (went through a craze for it) but lost them. I messed up my bookmarks files at some point. Every now and then I recall something I once had there that I regret losing track of.
You have the best poker face I've ever seen. I've watched you look totally into songs, only to say you completely hated it afterwards. You ought to be a pro gambler.
Bringing home a lot of dust but not a lot of the money, hmm, sounds familiar. After a three day weekend, I guess I can get back to it but there’s really no days off, the work is still there waiting to be done. Better get a move on. GG was good today. Getting used to their quirks. Get to Nick Drake so Christian can pipe down please. Just a kid, but sounds like a good idea. Peace and work Music
The riff is monstrous. The baritone adds a great deal. And the feeling of monotony is there, including the off-keyish feeling (laziness). Perfect. One of my top3 GG songs (underrated in my book; few people think it's the greatest GG song, even within this album).
I have a computer-oriented, engineering & design desk job where I can listen to music all day, so yes, this song was very apt to my situation...quite fitting. I also have a turntable in my office and Gentle Giant "Three Friends" is one of the vinyl records I have in here on rotation...so this was extremely fitting for me. 😆 Nice choice!
My "Schooldays" must have been a "Prologue" to my adult wage slavery! Not being born to be "Mr. Class and Quality", It's a life of "Working All Day". Till retirement and watching time, "Peel the Paint" with my "Three Friends" The 'crazy' coon cat and Orlando & Justine the ferrets! Peace.
I think it is right that this album is more cohesive than others because it is a concept album about how different the lives of the three people became who had been friends at school. The vocal part reminds a shanty what is a working song and that underlines the whole concept of the song.
REMINDER: Make sure you listen to the last two songs "Mr. class and Quality" and "Three Frineds" as one. On lp there is no break between them for good reasons.
Both songs together are a brilliant ending to the album 👍🏼👍🏼
Perhaps. I *believe* this was their only attempt a traditional prog Concept Album. And of course all hardcore GG fans will recognize the reworked theme that reprises at the end.
I agree, this, as far as I've heard, it's their best concept or the concept album they made.
And Justin, you'll just have to wait, to think again about what you've just said (did you see I wrote Just three times? 😁) : they will show their skills as musicians (prog musicians) on the last two tracks. If not before.
This is the first Gentle Giant album I ever heard. Back in 1972, I was listening to an FM radio station when the DJ played the first track. I immediately called the station and asked who the band was. I've been a huge GG fan ever since.
When you’re finally done reviewing this album, take some time and just blast it while you’re driving. I think this is one of progressive rock’s crowning achievements. You’ll understand once you hear side two. Especially the final two songs which cannot ever be separated.
The closing songs of this album are magnificent!
@@markmaxwell1013 And they can’t be separated and it can’t be the Steve Wilson mix of Mr. Class where he removed the grunt during the guitar solo. I can never forgive him for that.
I agree that Phil’s contribution to this song is enormous . Who else was using baritone sax to add to the depth and heaviness of the mood as displayed here .
Kerry’s solo is exquisitely crafted and for a fundamentally more straight forward tune , there’s still plenty to challenge the listener , plus it just rocks 👏
Only other band using baritone sax back then was The Mothers with Motorhead Sherwood playing one and Ian Underwood played a baritone clarinet. Cool stuff!
Maybe Mel Collins with KC (?)
40 plus years of listening to GG and they only get better as I get older...Thanks for the reaction and hopefully, some of your followers get turned onto GG...
This album was my introduction to GG in '74, been a fan since. Was lucky to have seen them on the 'Missing Piece' tour in '77. Fifth row seats.
I saw them in 1976 opening for Yes.
Great track, The G's well on form, they usually are. I'm keeping it simple, i'm running out of superlatives for these guys.
This song sounded fantastic live, and when the three brothers were fronting together it was an extra powerful force. In reality I don't think any of them were tall, but on stage I remember being right at the front of stage and they looked stocky and really did dress and seem like giants. One of Phil Shulman's finest moments with his horn playing driving this track, its a musical element I really missed once he left.
Great choice, love this album, can't wait for you to get to side 2.
Btw, the last 2 tracks on that side are designed to be played together!!
Great analysis once again. Can't wait for the 2 last sessions: Peel the Paint and the finale with Mr. Class & Quality/Three Friends.
Wow! Someone finally paid attention to Gentle Giant! I saw them live twice; what a great band. Challenging music to listen to, but gratifying if you stuck it out.
Like that Bari Sax in the background which adds to that heavy 'sledgehammer' feel. Interesting instrumentation. (as usual)
I did enjoy it, I'm going off for more!
Masters of the genre.
I just discover this "Yes like band". From Israel. Worth a try. ATMOSPHERA - Lady of Shalott
Hi Justin. Dave from London. Love What You Do! Gentle Giant was one of those bands I knew well back in the 70s but never really got into. Thanks to you, I am a now big fan second time around. Cheers, mate! Thanks also for posting the music fails the other day, but to be honest, your cheerful personality and the brilliant music you play (OK, maybe Devo excepted!) is tonic enough for me.
P.S. my song ref Love What You Do is by The Divine Comedy.
Side 2 is just mind blowing! And please listen the last two songs together!!!
You have a good anylyse. Thank you. I think In a glasshouse are the best I have Gentle Giant from 1974.. regards Jens from Denmark
At first I was uncertain but as it went on I bought into it. Good one.
More Gentle Giant... Hellz yeah, dawg! Keep bringin' dat O GG!
Agree with everything you mentioned and you brought back my original reaction to the song afresh particularly in the hammer quality of the beat, which having heard this many times since somehow I'd forgotten.
"Working All Day" is not bad at all but is still one of the two songs that I like the least on the album with the upcoming "Peel the Paint" (which drags on at the end).
My favorite tracks from Three Friends are the first two that open the album and the last two that close it.
Interesting. I adore peel the paint and think it's the best song on the album. It's great how many different opinions there are about this music.
You should definetely check out Beardfish any time soon. Its modern swedish prog with a lot of influence of Gentle Giant and Frank Zappa. They already split but one of them, "Rikard Sjoblom" plays in Big Big Train since 2014. Any song from "Sleeping in the traffic pt 2" might peek your interest in them. I recommend "Into the Night" to get a good glance of what they are about. For me they are easily top 5 21st century prog bands.
Dare I say it's their best album? Other albums have diamond tracks,,, but 3friends IS a diamond.
You can tell that the recording is a slowed down version of the master tape. It’s easy to hear from the guitar intro but even then, the timbre of the voice and horns is “off”. I don’t have perfect pitch but I’m going to guess the key is somewhere in between two standard keys. Either way, I like it.
Frankly this was awesome and yeah I'm on me hols.
Justin, listen my friend. July Long Song Saturdays?: You need Mikey R's Ist solo LP - Smallcreeps Day and then Steve Hackett's Please Don't Touch. Believe me, they'll be perfect to discuss whether all the hype is justified.
They're perfect whole side listens.
Diolch.
Love the heavy beat on this song!!!!
Glad you enjoyed it.
One late track you must hear is: I lost my head! The last great GG track. (Working all day is also One of their best)
Good stuff. 👍
GG is the best prog band 😎 (at least to me every time I hear them)
i dread the day i have to start working
/pray i stumble upon a piss easy job
I love all there record's but I do have my go to picks. The first GG, three friends and then depending on how hard I want to listen to fast little notes, the rest of the record's!.. lol
(As usual no commentary is just because I have nothing to say. Enjoyed it as usual.)
If you get in the mood for some contemporary metal, you might find *Insect - by Sceptic* has something of interest in it for you. ruclips.net/video/oyh9CQTdV_k/видео.html
I'm actually scratching my head till it bleeds trying to remember the name of a San Francisco (I think) band from the 90's (I think) with a bald singer. They played "consonantly dissonant music" (to my ear). I kept and saved lots of bookmarks to their stuff (went through a craze for it) but lost them. I messed up my bookmarks files at some point. Every now and then I recall something I once had there that I regret losing track of.
My least favorite song of this album. But a great song! The keyboard solo is super cool! Keep "Three Friends" coming!!
You have the best poker face I've ever seen. I've watched you look totally into songs, only to say you completely hated it afterwards. You ought to be a pro gambler.
Needs more Clash 😉
Bringing home a lot of dust but not a lot of the money, hmm, sounds familiar. After a three day weekend, I guess I can get back to it but there’s really no days off, the work is still there waiting to be done. Better get a move on.
GG was good today. Getting used to their quirks. Get to Nick Drake so Christian can pipe down please. Just a kid, but sounds like a good idea.
Peace and work Music
Probably my least favourite track from a strangely patchy album, but it's GG so it gets a like. 🙃
Too simple for Giant, but makes it up with a great atmosphere
Which is a testament to this album. Because this really is the weakest track and yet it’s a banger.
@@hourshandhacker4194 too simple is right, yes.
@@Katehowe3010 misspent youth?
@@Katehowe3010 nah, we only had roman candles.
Hope your boss is not listening.