Composer/Musician Reacts to The Microphones - I Want Wind to Blow / The Glow, Pt. 2 (REACTION!!!) 

Thank you for such an insightful commentary on these two songs. It really helped me in realizing why I love both of these tracks. Especially The Glow's middle section, which is one of the most cathartic experiences I had with music, ever. Now, for some trivia! 1. I believe the "springiness" of the drums is caused by the fact that they are distorted. Phil Elverum (the man behind The Microphones and his later project - Mount Eerie) often expressed his fondness for distorted drums. 2. In short, the concept of these songs (and the album as a whole), is about moving on. When writing this album, Elverum was after a breakup, and I think it was his creative drive for making these songs. The lyrical and musical content (like you pointed out with the "free time" intro of the first song) greatly expresses that. For example, the first line of the I want wind to blow: "The Thunderclouds broke up". The Thunderclouds were a band that was made up of Phil himself and his girlfriend. When he broke up with her, the project was discontinued. So when he mentions "The Thunderclouds" in the song, it means that they broke up metaphorically (like in nature) and literally (as in real life band). 3. The album, from which I selected these songs, is often cited as one of the best "indie" album of all time. And I really can see why. Perfect in it's imperfections, this album creates a feeling that anyone could be a part of this project, but it doesn't take away from the fact, that it's great musicianship (at leats in my opinion). As for recommendations from The Microphones, I'd suggest listening to "The Glow, pt. 2" in its entirety. Then I'd try something by Mount Eerie, which is a continuation of the Microphones, just under different monicker. Their catalogue mostly consists of singer/songwriter or indie folk, but there are more "experimental" project of his, like "Wind's Poem", which incorporates elements of black metal! (not the vocals though haha) Again, thank you for the review. I really didn't expect that you would get so emotional, but I can understand why you did! When I listen to this song, I "drift away" and just listen to the lyrics. Really captivating.

It hurts physically that he didn't go for the third track, The Moon, at the end of The Glow, Pt. 2

This album barely sounds digital or like something made in a studio. It sounds like it's so organic that it was made solely with someone's bare hands out of wood in the middle of the forest.

My favorite opening track of all time, the best 3-track stretch on any album in my opinion!

I wish I saw his reaction when "Samurai Sword" comes

Never heard of these guys before, that second track was pretty damn great. I don't think a song has made me feel that way since Radiohead's Motion Picture Soundtrack

The DIY, lo-fi aesthetic is so endearing, charming

One of my all time favorite albums. Phil is a genius.

The abrupt ending of the glow pt. 2 works perfectly in the run to the next song, “the moon”, it’s more like a trio of linked songs. The rest of the album is best listened to as a whole as well, but especially those first three. Enjoyed your critique!

the glow pt 2 is simply a flawless song

the ad break in between songs did immense emotional damage to me

Man, seeing you listen to this record with virgin ears takes me back to the first time I ever came into contact with it myself. You can never hear your favorite record for the first time ever again, but seeing you have such a visceral & emotional reaction to it might be the next best thing

Such a fantastic album. Equally beautiful in a production sense as it is in a compositional sense. The more and more you listen to it, the more you hear all the tiny details Phil Elverum added to each track, like the massive yet quiet piano that fills the first two tracks with space. All the more impressive when you find out that he did most of the album, including these two tracks, completely alone. He has mentioned in multiple interviews how his ethos for this album was to "keep doing takes until there was a beautiful accident", then he would keep it. Impossibly natural album. Elverum is truly a genius and virtuoso of the studio.

I always thought of these two as going with The Moon as a three part sequence :) As much as I love metal, I'm glad to see people going into folk territory in the special selections. Phil Elverum's a really unique songwriter imo. He does do a lot of this lofi folk stuff, but he also gets into some experimental ambient/noise territory across his projects. I feel like I need to explore more of his work to make a good recommendation though lol.

I've been interested in indie folk for a long time. I don't have a ton of experience with the genre but every time I hear something I always find myself riveted. I probably attribute that to getting obsessed with Bob Dylan years ago and discovering that there's something so powerful in the intimacy of sparse instrumentation with vocals that are more interested in expressing tone and emotion rather than just being beautiful, virtuosic, or even "perfectly in tune". There's a lot of truth in your commentary about imperfections too. It makes art more human. As for these particular tracks, I really liked them, though it's the kind of thing I think I'd like even more in the context of an album because it's so much about the mood. Good stuff.

You should listen to "The Moon" (the track after "The Glow pt 2")

I feel like the microphones sounds like each song is being written as we are hearing it but in a good way

I want wind to blow is such and underrated song, one of his best, its so beautiful and sounds so hand made and rustic almost but in the best possible the way. It feels so bittersweet, almost like "things aren't great, but there is hope". and that noisy bit is just.... goose bumps. If it were to be produced in a really clean, sanitised, high-budget way, it wouldn't be nearly as emotional.

The Glow Pt. 2 is probably my favorite album of all time, really enjoyed this video.

ah Phil is fantastic, and this is my favorite album of all time. Such a beautiful, moving, intense experience and these first few songs aren't even the tip of the iceberg of what this whole album to offer, let alone Phil's whole discography.

It's the melancholy and love of being from the pacific northwest we are all a bunch of sad people who love it. Phil is probably my favorite male singer. Its not that he is super good at singing but i love his voice. I feel so connected to this album. The worst time of life ever was during September 2017. This song felt like the soundtrack to my life. I wish I went one more song. The moon is the best track on the album

Never expected to see this reaction here but I'm glad it is, one of my all-time favs! I honestly think the requester should've indicated, at least even in some small way, that the track would be a bit emotional though. As you heard it's exceptionally heavy stuff and could really throw someone in a bad headspace off. Loved the reaction though, really loving your content!

man i only found your channel recently but youre awesome. i love how whenever there are little imperfections in the music you smile and appreciate it and your reaction/analysis is always so sympathetic and kind

Damn, this was amazing. I knew nothing about this band and I'm definitely checking more stuff. The uneasy feel of the off-kilter guitar patterns reminded me a little of the more experimental tracks by Sam Amidon. Gorgeous choice! And really powerful.

Super emotional in the weirdiest way

Great reaction, very insightful look into some of my favorite songs! If you want something with a similar folky indie vibe I suggest The King of Carrot Flowers, Parts 1-3 by Neutral Milk Hotel!

Recently discovered this album and now it’s one of my favourites

Phil Elverum is an absolute master of his craft. I love just about everything I've heard from him. Toward the end of the video you mention your love of imperfections and the human element of music. In this vain I would recommend the artist Daniel Johnston. His songs Crazy Love, Silly Love, True Love Will Find You in the End, and Story of an Artist. He has a rather large body of work and a lot of varying sound. His work is the epitome of indie, and is generally called outsider music.

The reason for the "mistakes" left in is because it was recorded on tape rather than a DAW. That's why there isn't any digital editing lol

I've seen Phil play many times, mostly in the 2005-2007 era when he started going under Mt. Eerie rather than the Microphones...always a beautiful, genuine experience. If you really want an album to make you cry, listen to "A Crow Looked at Me" focusing on the time after his wife's passing

The boxes you were talking about are called a Cajon! Lots of variety in how they’re made, too.

Loved listening to your insight. This channel deserves more recognition.

Litterally one of my favorite artist, it always makes me happy when more people get to listen to his stuff

Ever since I started watching Bryan's reactions, I've wondered what he would think about, and how he would approach this song. Good pick Damian!

The track "III. Universe" together with "IV. Mount Eerie" from their Mount Eerie LP would be cool to look at. The album is kind of a sequel to The Glow, pt. 2 thematically, but the sound is quite different. Also, "Map" is amazing.

You should listen to "Golden Dawn" By Gospel. An eclectic ride from start to finish. Really cool prog song from a cult classic album. It's a must!

THIS IS MY FAVORITE VIDEO THANK YOU BRIAN

If it's what I'm thinking of, the wooden box drums are called cajons (ca-hone).

The humanity and imperfects are intentional, that’s the style. But thanks for your take it was really insightful.

this band is actually just one guy who does everything live to analog tape. he doesn't even use an engineer. there's a video of him in his recording space starting the tape recording and running downstairs to the drum kit to play the drums on a section. So there's very much an intentional rejection of the perfection of DAW production. Phil also enjoys being very loose with timing and tuning for emotional effect. Also those "box drums" are called cajónes.

Seeing them live next week, so fucking excited

“in the DAW” what DAW

"not digitally edited" it's not even digitally recorded!

microphones fan here, i just love this video, thanks

My blooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood

also the moon not immediately coming after the title track hurts me lol. the glow pt. 2 as an album is built so carefully put together, it really is a true "album" masterpiece, as opposed to one simply filled with really great songs

Hell yea, love me some Microphones. If you're up for it then I'd suggest Mount Eerie but it's on the same downer level of this. Same guy made both bands. He made the later one (Mount Eerie) because he felt like he grew up from making songs and wanted them to be separate if I remember right.

Can't say i like it, but thx for another reaction, really great to explore different genres and directions with u

great video, great couple songs

phil's music is a stark look into the depths of true pain. it's tough sometimes to listen to but it's always worth it.

React to in the aeroplane over the sea! Every song is amazing but the title track is a good start.

Apparently a lot of his work was recorded with analog equipment - helps explain some of his production choices

the wooden percussive box is called "cajón"

Hey Brian. Loved your reaction and breakdown of this song. I’d love for you to do a video of the song Come on feel the Illinoise!” By Sufjan Stevens. It’s an amazingly arranged song and he plays all of the instruments in the song, which I think are about 9 or 10. It’s a little over 6 min long. Beautifully recorded, and has a bit of a folky vibe, but this song fills the space really well. I think you’d dig it.

This album is the process of going through heartbreak

Really enjoyed both of the songs....

Hey man I’d love if u could even react to the entire album there’s bits where it’s just a odd atmospheric sound with a gong (probably symbolizes something throughout the album but can’t be assed to find out) aside from that the glow pt 2 is a classic record id love to see your thoughts as a composer

Maybe listen to IV.Mount Eerie, its one of my favourite songs off of the microphones

Phil is one of my favourite song writers. I love many of his albums.

Also phil is obsessed with diy mono recording. He likes lofi and exposive clipping. There is no autotune as an option. Phil came from hard-core punk so he lobes the in perfection. All mono no computers. dude most underground music are not using autotune. They may use effects or reverb but I promise most band in the underground are ethical against it.

Something about that first track absolutely blows me to bits. Especially the catharsis at that last stretch. Totally devastating for me.

I clicked on this video from the title. because my friend played this album to Me the other day and my initial thought was its making me anxious. And then i see the title of this video…

the suspense is killing me!!

if you want to react to something completely different, i'd be curious to see you react to some massive attack. i would definitely advise something on the mezzanine album, such as "angel" or "dissolved girl". it's a super production-heavy genre, i think you would enjoy their use of layering and samples.

I want wind to blow is probably the hardest track to hit me. I’m going through a breakup right now, we had a long genuine connection. I didn’t give up on my end, she didn’t see it working. Fortunately though, I’m getting better everyday, and Moving on is definitely the theme of this album. It’s musical composition and lyricism really resonates. I loved your insights!

I believe this was recorded using analog MTR, and all instruments and vocals were by Phil.

THE GLOW PT.2 !!!!

Really enjoyed this video, most of the time I watch music reactions it feels like they have nothing to say but speak a lot about the music. Which is okay but not for me. But your commentary was actually engaging and interesting to listen too. Thank!

This, ITAOTS, and Sung Tongs are perfected weird ones

my blooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooood

Them? The Microphones is only the mad genius Phil Elverum. I like how you touched on the humanity of these songs. This and the nature metaphors/imagery are the calling cards of Phil’s music.

This is a classic

i would recommend listening to the album Mt.Eerie by the microphones.

Vektor- recharging the void. 👶

Suprised you picked up on the solitude element, whole album covers that feeling due to the breakup with his partner.

I wonder if Phineas, Billie Eilish's producer/ brother, is a Phil Elverum fan. Some production parallels that seem more than coincidental.

The pure emotional catharsis of that droning section is nigh-unparralelled, and I say that as an avid listener of cathartic music.

That hollow wooden box... do you mean a cajón? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caj%C3%B3n

Maybe some Tori Amos? Spark or Girl or Father Lucifer

Gotta shoutout Aviations - Outliers (Retrospect) again. It's goooooood.

Vocal sounds like J. Mascis from Dinosaur Jnr

Listen to The Argus by Ween, its absolutely incredible

You should review Henry Cow -

The renegade son by regarde les hommes tomber

I had to subscribe dude you didn’t fake anything

cool

Oh god I fucking love Phil. His music is fucking destructive on every level except physically and tbh I can't really say that.

Music sounds exactly like Eric's trip

then listen to "an empty bliss beyond this world"

All the talk about Autotune, but The Glow, Pt.2 was released on 2001 when Autotune hadn't been around that long and certainly was nowhere near as widespread as it was when this video was made. Plus The Microphones were/are lo-fi, so Phil wouldn't have used things like Autotune anyways...

Really original and emotional! (Can't say I enjoyed the "human" flaws as much as you did though Bryan) Speaking about "folk" I came to think of our Scandinavian folk music that's really special and sometimes groovy as fuck! I'll hit you up with some once special selection reopens 😁

Can you react to 1985 by Haken?

cajon

Okay, shifting away from my usual "listen to Neurosis!" schtick, you should give That Handsome Devil's song, "Viva Discordia" a shot. Fun song, way off from Neurosis but I won't give up on 'em! Haha, thanks for the content my guy.

never heard of the microphones. Sounds a bit like toe, envy and a little bit like sometree.

Might wanna check out some neutral milk hotel if you like this

So Hi-Fi it's Lo-fi? Or so Lo-fi it's Hi-Fi....

I thought this album was after his wife died? No?

Autotune, all the more reason to listen to music with screams, shrieks and growls! Which means I really enjoyed this even though it's not my genre and it's not something I will seek out further. I get what section you're referring to that to me sounded emotional, human, vulnerable, but I didn't have quite the same strong reactions as you. More of a difference in strength than kind, though.

that's some 80lvl hipster shit, have no idea what i have listened right now, lol