I think this song deserves a bit more context to explain its intensity: This is a fight! a dialog between two lovers who found out that one is cheating on the other: Lisa's verse is the cheated on. She's calm. Nostalgic. Strong. But in disbelief. Every word is like a bullet to her counter part. Damien's verse is the cheater. He's confused. Acknowledging. Regretting. But angry, not on his counter part. On himself. She mentions their first look, day, date... He mentions their last spark, that moment that ruined everything She wants peace, it's over... He wants blame, a fight, a reaction. This is one of the greatest poetries of modern world.
All time favorite artists. I’ve seen him and Lisa together once, and him solo a few more times. His first album, O, has been on repeat since I discovered him in 2005.
I love every song on O, but the duets he did with Lisa are my favorites. This was probably the last great CD I bought before switching completely to streaming and MP3.
I was thinking of that today, that's how I found this video. I'm glad there's not many reactions though, because I don't want to see people overreact to Damien Rice/Lisa (and especially this live version which always gives me goosebumps).
Saw this guy live in Montreal a few years back and he did a 10+song encore session after sharing a bottle of wine on stage with a fan. I have seen countless performances in my life, but seeing Damien Rice is most likely the most emotional and passionate performances I have ever seen. He’s so underrated.
Words indeed fail to capture the profound experience of this cathedral performance. Over the past decade, I've been entranced by this spectacular show, and every time I watch this song, it has moved me to tears without exception. It's not simply about the lyrics or the music; it's the ethereal energy emanating from every band member. Their performance is visceral, and it feels like a culmination of their life's work, as if they're pouring their very souls into each note. Every shout and smile conveys a sense of urgency and passion as if they're cherishing every moment as if it were their last. One particular moment that stands out is the cellist's smile, exuding pure joy and pleasure, almost like an orgasm. Somehow, I would like to drain people into me so they can feel at least a bit of what I feel, to share the depth of emotion I experience when I listen to and watch them play (emphasizing the visual aspects). Thank you for taking the time to appreciate this remarkable presentation. In sharing my thoughts, I hope I've conveyed even a fraction of the emotions it evokes.
"O" and "9" are the two albums I've listened to the most in my life. Absolutely love them. The only thing that slightly annoys me is that Lisa doesn't get enough official credit. So much more than backing vocals and should at least have gotten a "feat. Lisa Hannigan" on some of the songs.
In fairness, Damien mentioned in a few different interviews over the years he wanted to but he had such a massive ego at the time of recording them that official channels were the only way they were even talking to eachother. So it was label pressure that official credit isn't given.
Damien writes the songs and the music and tells the artist how and when they should play their part on. his songs , she has a great voice but he is the true artist , listen to any 10 other songs and they are all great ,
@@tangobelair Everyone knows they are his songs anyway if he put "feat. Lisa Hannigan" on the songs where she's singing half. Also, Paul Simon wrote everything for Simon & Garfunkel, but they're still presented as Simon & Garfunkel. Not just Paul Simon and some unknown taller guy with weird hair. Lisa is probably the least credited singer I can think of in comparison to her contribution to an album. The other one would be the woman who sang the choruses for E-type 😆.
Lisa's vocals are hauntingly beautiful. This song evokes so many emotions. This LIVE performance to me it's one of Damien and Lisa's masterpiece. Doesn't get any better than this.
Lisa has the most beautiful voice, it cements your whole body and you are just lost in her voice, such an emotive singer, had the pleasure of seeing these two live and the whole audience was in silence when she sang. Absolutely beautiful.
Lisa’s voice almost forces you to either be silent or whisper. You lean in and glean every word. I remember (pun intended) this era of music. It all reminds me of when I met my wife and dated. People like Damien Rice, Connor Oberstz, and Glenn Hansard were like the sound track to our lives at that time.
I saw Lisa in concert recently, and you are dead right, I was leaning in to hear every note. The combination here with Damien's rage is frightening and beautiful.
Don’t know how Damien Rice didn’t get more recognition for this album. Absolute masterpiece. Ed Sheeran credits a lot of his stuff to being a massive Damien Rice fan and you can definitely hear the influence in some of his looper songs.
Fun fact Ed Sheerin sent Lisa Hannigan a demo tape when he was young: “When I first started playing guitar and I first started singing I couldn't play in tune... I sent Lisa Hannigan my demo CD when I was like 11 or 12 and she said she listened to it... and she said it was, you know, [laughing] alright."
I mean he very much did. It broke all kinds of records when it was originally released and put him on the map in terms of popular music at the time. That coupled with his dynamic live performances and you've got an absolute monster of a performer. Rice is very well known.
Ed sheeran basically is a mix of damien rice and nizlopi that he's managed to turn into a more pop version. He's been massively influenced by both. Gives them the recognition too. Says damien is the reason he picked up a guitar
This song, this particular version in fact is my favorite song of all time, I post it once a year to my social just to let those that don’t know about Damian know lol. Damian Rice, in my opinion, is the best singer songwriter of the last quarter century. He and Lisa made the absolute best music together. He doesn’t tour the states much but I was fortunate enough to see him and Lisa in 2003 in dallas, hands down the best show I’ve ever seen.
Steven I live about 60 miles from Dallas. But I just discovered Damien 2 days ago! I nearly lost my mind when I heard him sing. I mean WoW. Unbelievable talent! Lucky you for seeing him!
@@virginiaknighten4687Oh yeah, where abouts? I used to live about 20 miles from Dallas so got to see a lot of shows in deep ellum I’m a little further out now so not so much.
@@melissa-co5kt It's fairly common knowledge (at least in Ireland) and by their own admission - their relationship (personal and professional) fell apart early 2007.
Now we know how that guitar got the way it is. Damien and Lisa are just absolutely fantastic artists and completely in a class of their own. Will never forget seeing Damien and Lisa live when they came on stage as guests of Swell Season (the concert was in Berlin about six months after the movie Once was released) and performed three or four songs from O with Swell Season‘s band. They completely stole the show.
Swell Season is one of my favorite shows ever! With all the guys in the band, they (thankfully) did a few Frames songs, Colm did a solo violin piece with a loop pedal that was awesome, and Glen and Mar were both completely on point. Amazing show. They closed with “Fitzcarraldo” and “Star Star” and I about lost my mind it was so brilliant.
The first time I experienced them together I had much the same reaction. Now, 15 years later and I’m still awestruck when I hear this unmistakable pair. I am so happy you covered them. Thank you
Credit to the sound engineer(s) on this recording!! What a phenomenal track. Thank you, Michael for doing this reaction. You, Sir, are a beauty. And this song, a beast. 💯❤️
Lisa's voice is beyond beautiful, her delivery and understanding of how a song needs to be is sublime, she never fails to make me emotive. If you combine all that with her undeniably stunning looks it leaves me wondering how it is that she isn't one of the world's biggest stars. The L.p. that this features on is 'O' by Damien Rice, it is a lovely, accomplished listen and ofcourse strongly features Lisa. 'Delicate was my personal favourite and I used to perform it, I currently play 'undertow' by Lisa, it always goes down well, to match her note selection I play it in 'D', the price of being a baritone, it doesn't seem to suffer too bad.😎🎙🎸✅
Love how the music they play depicts so much emotion from “both sides” of the lovers’ breakup… haunting sadness and memory, and then pure desperation and grief and anger…
I was a teenager when I first saw this video, and I always found it hard to not catch feelings for Lisa even though I've never met her. Kids are weird, but that's the power of music and the voice.
I’ve watched this video at least 5 times now. I can’t explain it but listening to this performance makes me well up and wanna burst at the same time. One of the most visceral performances I’ve ever seen
After watching your Tori Amos reaction I *immediately* started scanning to see if anyone had recommended this performance because it is so INCREDIBLE. One of my favorite performances to watch. If you *ever* get a chance to see Damien Rice live, take it. You will not be disappointed.
I adore that live version and I absolutely reveled in utter joy at watching you see that for the first time. Especially from a musicians point of view. It is everything you said. It loses itself for a moment at the end but I left that to it being played live because the original version isn't all that. But God, if this version doesn't invoke profound, visceral emotions. Their music was a complete reflection of their relationship and everyone could feel it, in every single note.
Your enthusiasm for the stuff you watch here is infectious. I always have a good time watching your videos and you throw in the perfect amount of theory talk, asides about what’s happening musically, but you never forget to take in what you’re watching and enjoy it. Love your videos, man!
I saw Damien Rice twice. First was relatively early on after the release of "O" (with the Frames opening.) It was such a magical evening. Lisa's voice often sounded like a whisper that took up the entire room and her cello playing? Unreal. The second time I saw Damien was a few months after he kicked Lisa out of the band. I think he was working through some stuff - he took his aggression out on the stage. His vocals and guitar-playing were angry and raw - easily the most intense concert I've attended.
@Virginia knighten I have seen Damien twice. The first concert, with Lisa Hannigan and the Frames, was at the Tower Theater in Upper Darby PA. The second time was in May 2007 at the Mann Center in Philly PA. Lisa was out of the band at that point.
You're welcome @Virginia knighten They both were great concerts. I prefer the first one, with Lisa. Tower Theater is a smaller venue, around 3,100 people, so it felt more intimate.
Saw him live twice during his latest album tour and honestly they were both mind blowing. Seeing him in a cathedral in K-Town Los Angeles was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Such a nice dude, and one hell of a performer. I hope I get another chance to see him live again soon, because it's honestly 100% worth it.
Damien Rice and Lisa Hannigan are a magical combination. So many amazing songs. Love your reviews, the technical info mixed with the open, honest moments are what music is all about.
Dude, just said "the gauntlet' and that's the truest shit I've ever heard. He legit just knew what the fuck was happening, (and even after, he still knew the techs) and STILL ended up lost in love, pain, aggression, tempo, and raw emotion. God fuck! Its cool as shit to see some insight but also some mystery. I haven't related to someone as much as I did When he said, "how did we get here?" And that WAS ONLY HALFWAY THROUGH.
Damien is hands down, my favorite artist of all time. Him and Lisa were nothing short of incredible together. Unfortunately never got to see them perform together, but did get to see each one individually a few years ago. They were both everything I'd imagined. Completely Under-rated.
I had the pleasure of seeing Damien Rice at a small venue called Iron City in Birmingham, AL a few years ago. Amazing talent, amazing songwriter, amazing performer.
He needs to come back. Me and my dad saw him on this tour. Lisa left not long into the tour, but he carried on with the band and a replacement vocalist (might be wrong but it was the cellist in the band) my dad had never even been interested in DR before but he played this song and me and my dad left in tears with exactly the same response as yourself. WOW!! What an artist.
Thanks Again Michael. I only discovered Lisa Hannigan through your channel not realising I had been listening to her for years as part of Damien Rice's ensemble. She is utterly mesmerising when she performs because she gets lost in her music. This song is from Damien's 'O' album which I recommend to all of your channel, it's one of my all time favourites and really haunting. The blend of their voices was beautiful, unfortuantely the relationship ended in tears just before a gig and was all over. On one hand a shame, on the other hand I like that Lisa has stepped into her own spotlight.
It’s my favourite album of all time. Story telling and songwriting at its best, and so very raw. It’s my glass of whisky album, to be taken in in full with no skips. Utterly breathtaking
@@petersadler87 A bottle each it is then. Just enjoyed your 'When We were Lovers' on your channel. Keep writing your own stuff fella, it's a great way to express yourself.
I was fortunate enough to see this live once. The video doesn't do justice to the absolute monstrous wall of noise and emotion that hits at the apex of the song. I've never been the same since.
If you like Damien Rice you need to watch the Arte Concert, especially Trusty and True, one of my favourite performance ever. Shot in an appartement in Paris by La Blogotheque, super small audience, unplugged, truly magical.
I've seen this performance a few times, and I'm always brought to tears from this overwhelming emotional deluge. And I love watching this reaction video, to see someone experience this for the first time is extraordinary. Damien and band's performance of "The Professor" at Union Chapel is exceptional. Seeing the band interact, Damien super loose, the impressions, the audience so fully involved. He has an incredible gift.
Check out Damian Rice doing “Volcanoes” live at Bonnaroo 2004. The guy clearly tripping in the audience is feeling all the emotions in that performance
Now that was a great show I remember that one as clear as day their drummer wasn't there because he had a volcano that's on the the size of on his thumb lol
This is the exact reaction everyone should have to this performance, you've gotta look at Damien's multi instrument solo performance of "the greatest bastard", at some point.
O and 9 were both extremely important albums in my life. I was 17 and 21 when each was released, respectively, and wow, did I need each track on each of those masterpieces. I will always be grateful that we were lucky enough to have them work together for as long as they did, and though I wouldn't pretend to have enough information to comment on the complexities of their relationship (as musical partners, or otherwise), I would love to see them work together again one day. Until that day, or indeed, if it never comes, the albums and live performances they created together will continue to live on. And I'll continue to get joy from seeing people discover their work for the first time.
new viewer to this channel. I'm subbing. I saw Damien live at a small little club in Winooski Vermont right after O came out, had to be right around winter of 2003ish. It is still one of the top 10 shows I've ever been to and I've been to hundreds of concerts. We were 2nd or third row. They did this song first, and I knew the song but the live version is just INSANE as you can imagine. His voice is so odd because there is electrical tape over the mic. I so wish I could go back in time and see this for the first time again.
This is one of my all time favorite songs (specially this version) love seeing a musician analyze it with such passion. Thanks, we were feeling it too,
This is one of my favorite and quite honestly one of the best songs ever created. I just saw you did this song and haven't watched your video yet but I cannot wait. Thank you for supporting Damien.
I saw this live on the original tour for the album, in Toronto, at Convocation Hall on the grounds of the University of Toronto. Absolutely mind blowing. And the opening act were The Frames, who brought the house down and were so incredibly humbled by the crowd response that Glen Hansard, the Frames lead singer, got emotional thanking the audience. Epic, unforgettable night.
Saw them together on that tour and I couldn’t be more thankful. Check out Eskimo from the same tour (you’ll be able to tell) - Lisa fills in for an opera singer that was on the original track and is absolutely phenomenal (as she always is). The two of them together were an absolute masterpiece.
New sub. Great stuff. Gotta say America is asleepnat the wheel...damien one of the best singer songwriters of last 20+yrs and together...they were EPIC. EVERYTHING WAS AMAZING! THEY ARE MAGIC! ❤
The way you are almost unable to swallow and digest what has just happened is perfect embodiment of my feelings the very first time I've heard this masterpiece. Completely gobsmacked, forgetting to breathe. ❤
Damien Rice is a terrific music maker...with lyrics and melodies that haunt you forever. Try also BEN HOWARD and the "end of an affair" live at Jools is a nice starting point. You will thank me.
I got to see them in Brisbane on their last tour together, it was absolutely insane, and they did a huge version of I remember too. They are both incredible.
I saw Damien Rice at Radio City Music Hall in 2007, just a couple of months after he and Lisa ended their relationship. People in the audience shouted several times, "Where's Lisa?" Eventually he had to respond, and just tactfully said that she was off doing her own thing. For the fans, it was disappointing not having her there given how great they were together.
The Letterman Show performance of this song blew my mind. When an Irish girl calls 'time' on someone, you can bet your boots that it means forever. Kind-of like The Civil Wars' Joy Williams' (understandably) jealous husband. Blast & damn them both for it.