Oh man, you better believe I’m watching that video tomorrow at work. I just got so much joy and so many smiles. After watching you discover this first song by streetlight. It was like reliving that experience where you always wish you could hear one of your favorite bands for the first time again, good stuff, my friend
The streetlight crowd is one of the only crowds I’ve ever heard straight up layer their singing with some doing the vocals while others simultaneously sing the horns lmao. Best crowd ever.
It's funny that you mentioned that the horns can offer a counterpoint melody to the vocals. They actually have a song called "Point/Counterpoint". It's a must.
I grew up in NJ, a town over from where Steeetlight Manifesto formed. I remember when I was in elementary school, we had a substitute music teacher for an extended period of time who always played his trombone for us and did all kinds of cool sound effects and I just remembered being so fascinated. Fast forward a few years, around 2009, I saw Streetlight Manifesto for the first time, and the music teacher I had in elementary school just so happened to be the trombonist for Streetlight Manifesto! I’ve seen the band at least a dozen times and out of the hundreds of shows I’ve attended (punk, hardcore), they’ve always been my favorite to see live BY FAR. They play Starland Ballroom around the same time pretty much every year and it’s always a show I refuse to miss
That’s a great story, You’re very luck to live near them! I live in São Paulo, Brazil, and back in 2013 when they announced that they would go on a hiatus and stop touring, I decided to go to their “last” shows, no matter what. I had never travelled to the US, so I had to get a visa, then bought the tickets and at the end of that year I found myself rocking at starland ballroom in NJ lol. I burned through some (a lot) money I had saved but it was SO worth. I ended up seeing them again in NY in 2015 and 2018, and while those were great, it wasn’t the same as the shows in starland. Those two shows I attended were special.
It’s such a treat to see someone experiencing something you’ve known and loved forever for the first time. There’s this feeling of “Oh boy, wait until he gets to that part !” that just makes you smile every time. Love the videos and the knowledge man, I learn a ton in every one of them and it helps me see songs that I know by heart in another light. Keep it up !
Yep! I Think I'm at 8 and they're still probably my favorite band, even if it does remind me that they always take too long to put out new shit (shakes fist at Toh)
the chorus for 'point counterpoint' by this band is burned into my memory so much so that I think by the time I'm 99 years old and I've forgotten everything about my life I'll just be sitting on my porch repeating it to anyone that talks to me
I've probably listened to this song a thousand times in the years I've been a Streetlight fan and to see your genuine delight of this song made me love it all over again. You hit the nail on the head when you said it was a song that is intellectually stimulating since there is just so much going on. To see your musical breakdown of this piece was a treat and I'm sure I speak for a majority of streetlight fans when we say, "we told you so!"
This is my "grateful dead" band. I see them every year and it's like going to church. One of the best live bands. Also, A Better Place a Better Time starts with a baseline.
The whole album "Everything goes numb" is just perfect while A Better Place, A Better Time might be my favourite of their songs. Sadly never seen them live, wish they would visit germany once.
@@Flexflexible it's so hard to pick a favorite but if push comes to shove, that's mine too. It's incredible to sing along live. Looking at all the other faces next to you singing every word, knowing the call and response, etc. And that's the song that I use to get everyone I know into the band.
I've seen them live once, probably 15 years ago. One of the best live performances I've ever witnessed! Great chemistry on stage that was utterly contagious down on the floor!
Streetlight Manifesto is maybe my favorite band to see live. I live in New Jersey and they’re hometown heroes at Starland Ballroom and literally the whole time is an absolute blast
Used to play in a skacore band and when we went to see them live, we were just blown away start to finish. One of the most epic live performances I’ve even seen.
Now that he's heard this song, hopefully he checks out one of the videos of Streetlight playing it live (and has his mind blown yet again when he realizes that the album cut is the *slow* version of the song lol)
I agree. Nonstop energy, speed and precision though the whole set. I took my wife with me to the show and she didn't know their music. She loved it! And we are both 50.
Dude, you have no idea how happy it makes me to see someone discover Streetlight for the first time. Believe me, the community around this band is SUPERB, because we all felt the same way hearing them for the first time. The sheer amount of songwriting depth, musical virtuosity, prodound lyrics, and fun-factor across their entire discography makes it easy to love them dearly.
Damn, you weren't kidding when you said they were up next! 😅 Thank you so much brother. Streetlight has been my favorite band for almost 20 years now. I've seen them live at least 30 times. I never miss them. They originated in Jersey, I live in NY, so getting to see their hometown shows multiple times a year is special. They tour constantly, I recommend you check them out live if you get a chance! They'll blow you away man. Great breakdown and reaction as always!
I'm originally from North Jersey I was just a kid in the early 2000s. My uncle had a band so he showed me a lot of music tool, mudvayne, gorillaz, pink floyd, ect. He would blast a cd of their album in the car too me. They're still one of my favorite bands to this day.
I don’t see enough people in the comments talking about RX Bandits. Ska punk band that turned into something more like prog rock over the years. One of my favorite bands of all time. I would recommend you listen to “…And The Battle Begun” but their music is really better if you can listen to entire albums end to end.
I got exposed to them from the drive thru records compilation dvd and cds. About 19 years ago I started a band and my vocal melodies was influenced by them.
Seeing your reaction when this track first hit reminded me of when I first discovered this band. Had no idea ska (which is overly reductive for them) could sound like this and was absolutely floored. Really fun seeing someone else go through this journey!
I got my brother to watch this video and he's going through this now too. He was always under the impression they were just a "ska band" and is now realizing, its something far different. what they do is far more advanced than anything you'd get from a reel big fish for example. Nothing against that, they're great, but this literally is like he said the prog version of ska.
Thrilled you did this. I know it's too late, but there is a video on youtube of them performing this live on fearless music and outside of it being better just because it's live, it probably actually is a better version than the recording. Go give it a listen / watch!
Look up "bandits of the acoustic revolution" and find live video. It's this band with a 50 piece orchestra. I saw them live in Chicago and it was unreal!
“I can’t stop smiling”. Same! Phenomenal band, phenomenal song! Soo wonderful to see you enjoying it. Streetlight Manifesto offers many tiers above a standard punk or ska band in the constant evolution of songs, the obviously skilled geekery of all the horns and a great thoughtful vision from the outset. Did not know that tidbit about the writing process but that makes a lot of sense. The speed at which everyone is playing is just so fun and adds to the constant catchiness! Thanks for covering this band, a definite fave from Catch 22 days.
I have been absolutely loving watching you dive into the genre I love so much. Streetlight Manifesto is like the end boss of Ska-Punk, their sound is like nothing else I've ever heard.
Man this was so cool!! There used to be a band, Catch 22, which later became streetlight and they have some killer songs worth listening to at some point! Keep em coming dude!!
Check out Face to Face. Scott Shiflett has been their bassist since around 1995, He has some excellent bass lines, and I think you'll like the harmonies and the musicianship they have. "Walk the Walk," and "Handout" from their self titled Face to Face album, or "Disappointed" from Reactionary.
Thank you so much! You understand and break it all down perfectly! Their entire first album, Everything Goes Numb, is a perfect masterpiece, highly recommend! Seeing them live were some of the best shows of my life! They play even faster and with so much energy, technical brilliance, and love, truly an incredible experience.
Everyone in this band is insanely talented, but the most insane one (and most underrated I think) is the drummer, Chris Thatcher. It took me a while to really realize how phenomenal he is, and since you didn’t mention the drums at all I figured you missed them the first time around like I did. Go back and listen again and just listen to how wildly off the cuff this guy is, if you haven’t already. He’s CONSTANTLY changing what he’s doing from phrase to phrase, with seemingly no sense of consistency or structure at all, but in the best way possible. One of the most underrated drummers of all time. And welcome to my favorite band on the planet. They’re like the TOOL of ska music.
This is my 100% favorite band of all time. I adore their entire repertoire As The Footsteps Die Out Forever has a great bass into, as does A Better Place a Better Time, I also encourage hearing the Upright bass playing with Bandits Of The Acoustic Revolution.
I have a hard time saying any one band is my favorite because of all the different genres I listen to but gun to my head I'd say Streetlight. They were my first live show 20+ years ago and I've seen them 8 times. Their performances are phenomenal. There's something special about a large band crammed on a stage playing a small venue packed with people who all know and sing every lyric to any song they play...as someone else said, it's like church. I'm a naturally depressive and pessimistic person but it all melts away at a Streetlight show. It's pure bliss. These shows are some of the only things that have truly made me feel good and allowed me to feel at peace. What music can do is amazing. Love them.
You mention that you could just tell how tight this band is. Can confirm! I've seen them live twice and that was the thing that really jumped out at me was just how tight this group was. Their music is FAST, intricate and complicated and they just NAIL IT live. The energy at their show is amazing. This band is great and it's one that my daughter and I enjoy together.
There's nothing better than a streetlight show. They are the tightest live band. And I'm from their home state, so the shows we have are nuts. If you have a chance to see them definitely do it. No words can describe how fun their shows are.
So, yes, you are totally right about the live shows. Streetlight crowds hum the horn parts and jump the entire time. I got goosebumps when you mentioned it. I’ve seen just about every single punk and ska band and they’re top 3 live. 🎺🎷
@@DeathMetalDerf I just listened to some Common Rider yesterday! He had spoke of LTJ and has done an OP Ivy video, I was trying to mention bands that he maybe was unfamiliar with. Common Rider though... So good!
Pete is a heckuva bassist. I met him many years ago when I helped promote a Streetlight show and have him on Facebook. Based on the music I've seen him post about, his influences are all over the place. For example, I know for a fact he's a massive Squarepusher fan. I believe he's a music educator and when he's busy with teaching, the bassist from A Wilhelm Scream fills in, who I know you've also covered on this channel.
After a long, sad and hard day, I'm in my bed and for an almost 22 years of ska-punk day-by-day listner what can be more enjoyable than a relaxing video mixing two things I love: bass and ska-punk! Thank you so much, you made my day brighter! ❤🎸👀
I say it every time, but I think it’s so awesome seeing you get into these bands. You can’t help but smile listening to this band. Cheers! Hope youre feeling better
Hell Yeah, Thank You! If you decide to give the song another listen I recommend watching them perform it live. There’s a great video on RU-vid where they perform it on Fearless Music HD. It’ll give you an idea of their incredible onstage energy. Unfortunately when they play live the bass player in usually tucked away in the background. And yes, you’re right, one of my favorite bands to watch live!
Another banger of a video. Because of you I put down the guitar the other day and played bass to Descendents songs for 3 hours. First time doing that in a long while. You’re making a difference. Thank you
Wow man, this one got me in the feels. I started these videos about a year ago with no other purpose in mind than to talk about great music I liked, talk about cool bass lines, explore new music, and was happy to have anyone listen with me. I’m so glad you did and I really appreciate you sharing this! Keep on playing, friend 🤘🏼💥
I knew you would absolutely fall in love with Streetlight Manifesto! Thank you for analyzing this song. These guys absolutely rock and they always put a smile on my face as well.
As a long time streetlight lover and beginner bassist, instant follow! I agree with most other commenters when I say seeing you analyze this and smile through the whole thing, made me fall in love with streetlight all over again!!
It's really fun to see someone hear the songs i have been listening to for forever for the first time. I often wish i could forget some of my favorite music so I can experience it that first time again.
The whole album is a masterpiece. It's up there with Ok computer for me. Id give it a good few listens, because it flows so well and is extremely diverse yet cohesive.
Streetlight was the best live experience I’ve seen. They opened for RBF. The close second was Aquabats in a tiny bar. Can’t beat live ska for energy and fun. You can’t help but move. Some Rx Bandits are pretty awesome too. It definitely paired well at the time
There´s more to ska than flip flops learned in one SM song. Their musical expression is amazing, feel free to look more into them :) Live the audience sings along to the horn lines and you see that everyone picks their own favourite instrument to sing along to cause there´s so much going on.
The Dead Kennedys are a classic hardcore band from California back in the 80's. Their bassist, Klaus Flouride, has some intense bass lines. Please add them to the list.
Osker is amazing, my band used to cover Panic, it was so good. Still love the quote I saw from Devon "while you have gallons of mohawks and leather jackets telling you that they do what they want, I don't believe them...I respect the person that says, "I don't care for that" because there is no extreme, it's pure sincerity. Punk is doing what you want despite the infiltrators, outside of the skateboards and shoes and hair and patches and the diets and the tattoos""
I had the pleasure of seeing Catch 22 on the Keasby Nights tour way back in the day, and I know they are pretty much the same band but Catch 22 has a special place in my heart. I was a wind instrument player as well. Clarinet and trumpet. The draw to ska punk was real when I was in HS.
Must have been 98/99? I saw them around that time as well. Haven't seen Streetlight in forever. They had that bass player that used a fret less when I did though. It was at The Shelter in Detroit so you're pretty much pressed up against the band there. Pretty great experience.
@@leftofpunk I believe it was the spring or summer of 1998. It was in a tiny venue that a lot of great bands played in Nashville. Had to have been a capacity of no more than 300. I had listened to a bunch of ska bands but had never seen a live ska band at that point. The heavier edge won me over immediately.
I'm so glad you're doing streetlight! I've seen them 15 times, I have 3 tattoos for streetlight, best band ever! Listen to all their stuff, absolutely amazing
I’ve seen Streetlight live 7 times. Never been disappointed. Best performances and sound and energy I’ve been seen. You don’t have to be a dancer/like dancing to have a great time skanking around the pit with strangers. There’s nothing but love in the audience. Love these guys! Great video :)
I toured on 2012's Warped Tour which they were on, and the skill is no accident. I dont think I ever saw the band members without their instruments in hand.
I've always thought of Streetlight Manifesto as progressive ska. Good shit! "Here's to life" and "Everything Went Numb" are great too. The beef of the bari sax in the intro to Everything Went Numb is just fantastic. Makes me smile every time.
This makes me wish i could discover Streetlight Manifesto for the first time again, but love watching someone else experience this level of pure musical delight.
Also now getting to the part with the discussion of their live act, and can confirm their live act is incredible. Have seen them at least a dozen times, and every time i leave with a big dumb smile on my face.
Oh man you're spot on about their live shows the energy is seriously unreal!! I've seen them three times and every time they absolutely blew me away. One of my all-time favorite bands
I am loving these reactions to the punk and ska bands. It’s so wholesome seeing you discover this music and loving it. I hope you dive into more streetlight for your next vid.
I am a regular concert go-er, after seeing Streetlight for the first time... I made it a point to never miss a show of theirs in my area. One of the most amazing live shows Ive seen.
