i think geordie , like zappa is a master of satirical imitation. one of my favorite black midi songs is “marlene deitrich because he talks in first person about the depravity of the “manosphere”. i think it’s a really cool concept because it shows how stupid and misogynistic it is , without just saying it. i think geordie is a genius and i’m excited to hear the rest of the album!
Geordie is basically a Zappa level musician who also happens to be chronically online and very aware of what’s happening in the world. It’s a dangerous and amazing combination lol
@@Andygee1991I always saw that song as a “damned if you do or don’t” kind of situation for Tristan Bongo. He either is socially peer pressured into lusting sex workers, or commits to it in a way similar to what is depicted in Holy Holy. He is, “condemned, for it is a sin.” (To quote that one line in 953). Interestingly, the option taken is of a perceived impotence, from the general or whoever the narrator or voice is in Welcome to Hell. Regardless of the choice Tristan made, he is welcomed into hell, in a way. Just that he was greeted by the authorities discharging him, instead of suffering an std, or some Shamwow type situation (the other horrid rounds of seeking “high value” as Prof. Skye puts it). This idea of an impending hell, instead of a “deserved” hell is corroborated by tracks like The Race is About to Begin, and of course Holy Holy. Since it is not about pleasures derived from sex itself in these instances, means the actual intercourse contains it’s own myriad of the spiritual questions and anxiety in questioning the morality of sex before marriage and the like.
Also the music video shows an added layer of parasocial relationships. black midi being a chronically online group aides in this depiction, becuase no other band would have tackled that imagery of a masculine figure building themselves up, out of spite to what they cannot have (even when it should by no means be a given).
was listening to this in the gym for the first time and the first half was sick and i loved the character greep was playing and all the steely dan-isms and then the second half came and i kinda just stopped dead in my tracks. the description of how pathetic this guy is seemed to just fucking go on forever and keep mounting and the feeling of ineptitude just kept getting too real. when he said they wont even do anything in the bathroom i almost teared up a bit because i had felt something like this so much in my teens/early 20s due to redpill induced anxieties, i didnt even want sex i just wanted the knowledge of being desired, it was the only thing temporarily stopped my brain from being on fire about how i was percieved by people. it was something i hadnt thought about in a while and it just floored me. and then it ended and i remembered was in a gym, years long past that redpill phase and doing much better now but still trying to lose just a bit more weight and be a bit more muscular because maybe then my brain will stop thinking i'm disgusting to people. habits are harder to change than we think i guess. avaa. u frickin rock
yeah i saw myself in that character as well. especially when i was a people pleasing tween deadset on gaining attention/romance/sex to distract from my feelings of alienation and how uncomfortable my body felt. that man felt like a view of what my life could have been if i had kept fiending for others' attention. that's the type of mentality that kills people cause of reckless abandonment. i hold black midi dear to my heart because they kind of grew when i did. i was the sad hedonistic teenager during schlagenheim, i was the lovebird in a relationship who thought they were fixed during cavalcade, and i was beginning to build a new identity during hellfire. now that i am a more confident person than i was even two years ago, them calling it quits feels fitting. it's like i don't need to seek refuge in them anymore. thanks for the comment :)
I heard this song and immediately thought "I really fucking hope Professor Skye likes this" because I was drawn in to the story of it so deeply. The satire was perfect and it came out the day my cat was put down so honestly amazing timing.
It's not an intentional screwup on the rhythm. No time is lost, it's 4/4 the whole way. The illusion of time signature change is achieved by accenting the 16th semiquaver of one bar instead of the 1 of the next bar, creating a disjointed jerky feel but then playing the rest of the bar as normal. They also do it in another spot by hitting the 2nd semiquaver instead of the 1st. It's great stuff
at a point he even hits the second semiquaver of the bar, then the first of the next bar and then the 16th of that same bar. it's like he's parading the rhythm around, yet he's always in 4, it's so cool
I think it’s meant to be open to interpretation (as most great songs are lyrically) so while I definitely respect your interpretation, I’d say while I do firmly believe it’s written to be have multiple meanings however, it seems to me if your to take it beyond any larger allegory and as close to face value as one can it’s about a megalomaniac (someone with a really big ego will often compare themselves and speak of themselves in a similar way to the character in the song) and the song is describing a, in reality, very sad and pathetic dynamic between a John and a prostitute ( ex. I agree with prof’s comparison to a character like Travis bickle, someone who doesn’t realize just how scummy he is or how slimy the underworld he’s in is). Prof might be into something pertaining some of its larger thematic dynamics but if your taking it literally or at face value I believe it’s that simple. Unreliable narrator, megalomaniac coming at a sex worker and or a woman very down on their luck.
Avaa! I saw Cameron Picton (aka Camera Picture) open for BC,NR in Baltimore and he was fantastic. We may have lost Black Midi, but I'm excited for Greep's and Cameron's music, and I really hope we get to hear more of Morgan's amazing drumming
Perhaps the religious imagery could be referencing how "the manosphere" has almost become like a religion. Holy literally means "set apart" and the charecter in the song uses women and sex in an attempt to set him apart from others; while the faithful seek salvation from sin he seeks salvation from his own negative self image.
@@Andygee1991 It's the frustration of incels from their inability to form romantic or sexual relationships. No amount of fantasy, p**n , or actual encounters will fix that emptiness or shame or whatever the cause of their struggle. It won't fix the underlying insecurities or unmet emotional needs.
@@wren4077 cool and I fully agree with you. I think oftentimes people like to pretend that the world we're living in isnt a major contributor to why so many are sick in the head.
Fantastic analysis! Just to note; that's Seth "Shank" Evans" (Black Midi) that crosses the lane in the bridge, and Morgan is playing on the album... so it will have a lot of Black Midi DNA. Also, when I saw "The Magician" on the track list I relaxed right away. If you don't know the track, check it out live (I love the Tampa concert, which closes with it)... unless you don't want to spoil being introduced to it on the album, which is fair. It's an absolutely amazing, complex, disturbing, and moving song, thematically along a similar line to your analysis here, actually. All the above makes me very confident that there will be a LOT of depth to this album.
AVAA! Great breakdown. Btw, I think your "Jessie Eisenberg" from the music video is Seth "Shank" Evans, the former Black Midi keyboardist who is producing Greep's new record. I think he's playing bass for him too now.
I cried while watching this... The whole song is so visual to me. I can imagine the whole thing happening as this pathetic man yearns for someone to make him feel like a "real man". Such an impactful song.
Hey Professor! Great video and analysis, it has been wonderful to see your skills as a communicator develop even further through the years. When listening to your analyses nowadays, I can't help but aspire to be as good at putting ideas into words as you are. Cheers from Mexico!
AVAA! I originally found your channel thru your Hellfire review, and love your analysis of the band. The track is probably one of my favorite things any of the members have done. The album is gonna be crazy.
shit this video was in my recommended twice and i chose not to watch it both times. then the third time i watched it. i love this analysis a lot. glad i did
AVAA. Great video and great thoughts, love that modern family episode too! Snooker is basically just pool on a larger table where certain balls have different point values and some of them are replaced when you sink them so its more of game where you're trying to win on score. Haven't actually played tho, just watched some youtube videos on ronnie o sullivan who's a snooker king
excellent analysis as always and now as I often do I'll recommend something new: exquisito como el disgusto - socorro when black midi played in Argentina they met Socorro and Morgan actually used their t shirt in their concert they recently released their second album and I think you might like it. loved holy, holy btw.
AVAA! Great analysis, you cover everything that the song tells us. Thank you for being a voice in this online music reviewing sphere, where discussing music has disappeared in return for a churning out of quick fire reviews that are not engaging and in turn teach us nothing about the music whatsoever
its funny you say that the song gets sadder with repeats because for me, it was instantly just sad / pathetic. Because it seemed to be told through a deeply insecure and loser type dude. it went from cringe sad to pathetic sad great music
The pins on strings is just a thing at some bowling alleys, it’s to reset the pins. It costs a lot less to do it that way than all the machinery used to set up the pins on their own.
Great video, really interesting. Two insights from the UK: 1) Snooker (oo like in Snoopy or soup) is like pool but the scoring is more complicated and you don't have the my ball/your ball thing. 2) I saw Geordie live last weekend and he didn't have a big band on stage - just him, bassist, drummer, keys... And cello.
HOLY, HOLY (by Geordie Greep) I could tell you were lonely From the moment you walked in From the way you had your makeup on From the way you'd done your hair From the way you sat down next to me From the way you ordered your drink From the moment you put your hand on my knee I knew I'd have you with ease Do you come here often? Do you know how this thing works? Do you go to bed with a different man every night? Don't tell me, I'm the first? [Chorus] You must have heard about me Everyone knows my name Everyone knows I'm holy Holy, holy, holy, holy All the revolutionaries (Holy, holy) All the Jihadis too (Holy, holy) ' Round the world, I'm holy (Holy, holy) [Post-Chorus] Holy, holy, holy, holy Holy, holy, holy, holy Holy, holy, holy, holy Holy, holy [Verse 2] Do you know my name? Of course, you know my name Everyone does, it's true It's true, it's true, it's true That I'm known around here The barmaids know my name I've had them all before You are new, I'll have you too It's time to give in From the shores of Havana To Moscow and Tokyo In French Guyanese, in Cantonese Everyone knows my name [Chorus] Holy All the revolutionaries (Holy, holy) All the Jihadis too (Holy, holy) Everyone knows I'm holy (Holy, holy) How 'bout we dance some salsa? (Holy, holy) I'll spin you round and round (Holy, holy) On the dance floor, I'm holy (Holy, holy) How 'bout we take this further? (Holy, holy) I'll meet you in the bathroom (Holy, holy) I'll bet your pussy is holy too [Instrumental Break] [Bridge] I'll arrive at around 7pm And I want you to get there no later than 10 I want you to be dressed like a sophisticated tart With too much makeup on, will that be alright? And I want you to sit down next to me, as if by chance I want it to seem like we've never met before How much will that cost? I want you to look unsure of yourself And I want you to look at me as if I'm attractive I want your eyes to say, "Take me" And I want your lips to be unimpressed And I want you to ask the waiter if I really am who I say I am And I want you to blush I want you to shoot a smug look at the other girls To make them jealous I chose you When I tell you your pussy is holy I want you to slap me and then kiss me Make sure everybody's watching, kiss me and then walk away Walk to the bathroom, I'll follow after Don't worry, we won't do anything We'll just loiter there fifteen minutes or so Then I'll choose your new lipstick and we'll walk back out And I want you to tell me I'm a perfect dancer And I want you to tell me I smell great I want you to make me look taller Could you kneel down the whole time? How much will that cost? I want you to put your hand on my knee Will that be alright? I want you to look at me as if you're lost How much will that cost? [Outro] Thank you so much We'll meet the same time next week And the next week after that too And the next week after that And the next month, and the next...
I love how Greep is able to smartly combine satire and irony with genuine talent, expression and commentary on particular phenomena in the world. Where Welcome To Hell felt like a smart criticism of the brutal, horrific, hopeless realities of war, this solo track feels like a criticism of the playboy lifestyle and the repressed desperation of these red-pilled alpha bros who are actually deeply insecure despite portraying themselves as superior and infinitely confident.
@@Andygee1991 From my understanding, these are broad terms for representing people who tend to be obsessed with typically conservative and stereotypical ideals centered around masculinity. These people are considered to often hold a disdain for women and idolize a certain playboy lifestyle that reflects a bygone era of hyper masculinity focused on obtaining as much money, power, and women as possible. The irony comes from how many people in this space are thought to be rather insecure and coping with a sense of loneliness, isolation, or perhaps some amount of trauma that has made them put on this facade as an escape or a way to avoid confronting their inner turmoil. In short, they tend to be worshippers of a certain capitalistic sense of masculinity and put down anyone who doesn’t conform to those bygone attitudes and traditions. It’s wearing a mask and seeking validation from the external world while failing to nurture the inner world of themselves.
@@martian_chan conservative does not equate to red pill. VERY different values. The term conservative has been hijacked by people who want to equate it with thesick and twisted worldview that is being "redpill".
I really like how your videos are structured lectures. My friend is a professor and this is the kind of energy they bring when they're explaining some anthropological concept to me lmao
AVAA! Would absolutely love to hear your take on the new Magdalena Bay album (Imaginal Disk), feels like this one is just dying for your kind of analysis
AAVE it’s so cool to me that you have 2 generations of kids that have/will expose you to new music after you’re old and jaded, and maybe we’ll get a new era of professor skye in 2037 after you’ve gone full rick beato where you make a comeback to being open new music that your kids put you on to.
AVAA, i relate with ur feelings on black midi members' solo stuff, i was introduced to them thanks to injury reserve's use of sweater on their album (shoutout to by the time i get to phoenix) but i'm actually quite digging this new track
I think it's an unfortunate point in music where it is taken so unseriously as an artform many people cannot fathom a narrative protagonist that is both seperate from the artist and in contension to the artist's beliefs in order to prove a point. It is so common in literature but as soon as it's in the context of a song people are quick to misconstrue whatever they would like and label people like Greep as the exact thing they are trying to satirize
AVAA also Jacques Brel mention, that is really cool. A very interesting figure from my homeland Belgium. Beautiful music and extremely powerful and political messages.
Avaa! In terms of the changing sound and influence of somba and salsa music the name of the album and on social media geordie describes the record as “the new sound” so I reckon the whole album might be similar to hellfire in being a number of vignettes but not only in terms of topic but style and genre aswell
Please, please, please will you do an album reaction to the Cacophony by Paris Paloma? It's her Debut Album and I think that it will be amazing judging by the songs she has on Spotify already - I have saved about 35 that she's brought out over several years. She's taking off in the UK - she's selling out a lot of concerts and the tickets are hundreds of pounds. Yet I had hardly heard of her. I would love to hear what you think and it would be a great way to get in early on an up-and coming artist 😊
I love the analysis but don't quite agree with your take on "fake it till you make it". For me, I've used it more as a motivation. Whenever I feel apprehensive about something - social or otherwise - due to a lack of confidence, I just try to throw myself in there and do my best. By "faking" this drive it just sorta teaches you how to actually have the confidence to do the things you want to do. In the end I guess maybe thats just my own interpretation and its more of a "practice till you make it"
I think a lot of the energy that Greep has been projecting has been an attempt to get away from BM fans. Truly they tend to be the exact kind of weirdos made fun of in this song. Greep, in distancing himself from his band, distances himself from the strange fans. On livestreams before Greep has taken the piss out of the fans in a very Zappalike manner of “I need you to like me, but I’m not happy about it.” Unfortunately for Greep and in a way, Zappa, avant garde music attracts weird and somewhat unpleasant fans. That’s my two cents anyway
by all means ignore this opinion because I think I cna't really explain why I think so, but I like this video more because the song itself has interesting themes. So much of the other stuff, it feels like a narrative being inserted after the fact. Like the artist themselves never thought about the stuff you're articulating at the time of writing it
My impression is more like Donald Fagen after liberation from Steely Dan mixed with quirky, pathetic loser characters from a Stan Ridgway ode in the format of a musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda on mescaline.
