Holy crap!!! Those chord progressions and timings are off the chain!...and he throws a spanner in the whole thing by singing over the top of his playing...the man's a musician God!!!
Could listen to this song many times in a row. Today I showed this tune to my 10 and 8-years old kids. They never heard it before. They insisted then for a half of a day to repeat and repeat, all versions - original music video, live from 1985 Live Aid, and this one.
We saw these guys in the 80s with the big hair and synth background and perhaps drew a conclusion that they're not musicians, just showmen with makeup and hairspray? Scratch beneath the surface on the internet with many of these guys and you'll notice since the 80s they're still gigging, writing and playing wherever they can. And writing & playing damn well. Nik Kershaw is a perfect example.
A lot of people don't realize, that Nik Kershaw is a fantastic musician ! .... Bordering on Genius ! .... That guy can play chords, that other musicians can only dream about !
@@Cripsy85 Do you know what the chords are, tho? Do you know that is has two fours, for example? Not hard to play, but pretty difficult for most people to work out by ear, I think... not sure.
I played keyboards for Nik before he got his deal - this wasn't one of the demos but a God Almighty song - work of a genius - at least he gave me credit on the Human Racing Album. Great respect
aln3.albumlinernotes.com/Human_Racing.html "My love and special thanks to Mickey; Jean and the Kids; all at MCA Records; Dennis; Carole at Sarm; Rob Hazelton; all at Rondor Music; Dale, Gillian and family; Chantek; Mum, Dad and Sheri." This is so cool man. must have been such a blast working with Nik.
Millie Maskell he's still a incredible artist, the wonderful thing about this is that nick still tours, it means that people like me can still see their idols from the past and enjoy the music as today it's pretty rare to find such talent.
One of the finest singer songwriters to come out of the 80's. Nik Kershaw is the master of melodies, and his chord arrangements are just out of this World. Total respect to a legend I salute you. 👏👏👏🙏
What a talent!!! In his younger days he was just perfect, no matter what style his hair was. Those bedroom eyes and oh so gorgeous mouth. Stop me before I go further!!! I can't get enough of Nik even though he is older now, he is beautiful to look at...then of course there is his guitar playing. Very sexy. Excuse me while I dive into a cold shower.......
Acapella songs have unique qualities. With a song of this calibre, I think listening to it 'in the raw', as such, is going to bring out its strengths even more?
@@annabizaro-doo-dah I guess you're right. That's probably a spot on psychological analysis. I'd never thought about it in these exact terms but it just makes sense and perfectly overlaps with the impression I get when listening to this kind of performances every now and then. Plus, it's that slightly sad, more relaxed vibe that makes old pop songs truly resonate with nostalgia, at least for me. Again, thanks for your reply and suggestions. Wish you a nice evening.
Still sounds so good. A lot of the stars from the 80's have lost their voice talent that they had when they were younger. This man seems to have kept his and it's richer than it was too.
Too hear Rick Wakeman, one of the fathers of progressive rock (and my favorite keyboardist), say that your song is one of his favorites must be extremly flattering
It's always tempting to arrive at a pre-conceited opinion that these 80's "pop stars" were in it for a few quid. Watching Nik Kershaw here is wonderfully refreshing and moving. The bloke's a musician and an artist. He was then and he is now.
Having heard a music expert explain why that song is so unusual, hearing the difference in tone between chorus one and three you finally notice it. He's a genius!
Back when this first came out I had heard snippets on the radio, but had no idea of the name or artist. Leaving a shopping center I got in my car, started it, and this came on the radio. I waited to the song was over, got the details, then went straight back into the shopping center to buy it. It is the only song I did that for.
Been a fan of Nik Kershaw for over 30 years. The Riddle is still one of my top 10 favorite songs of all time. Really wish Nik was still making records.
Lyrics: I got two strong arms Blessings of Babylon Time to carry on And try for sins and false alarms So, to America, the brave Wise men save [Chorus] Near a tree by a river, there's a hole in the ground Where an old man of Aran goes around and around And his mind is a beacon in the veil of the night For a strange kind of fashion, there's a wrong and a right But he'll never, never fight over you I got plans for us Nights in the scullery And days instead of me I only know what to discuss Oh for anything, but light Wise men fighting over you It's not me you see Pieces of valentine And just a song of mine To keep from burning history Seasons of gasoline and gold Wise men fold [Chorus] Near a tree by a river, there's a hole in the ground Where an old man of Aran goes around and around And his mind is a beacon in the veil of the night For a strange kind of fashion, there's a wrong and a right But he'll never, never fight over you I got time to kill Sly looks in corridors Without a plan of yours A blackbird sings on bluebird hill Thanks to the calling of the wild Wise men's child Near a tree by a river, there's a hole in the ground Where an old man of Aran goes around and around And his mind is a beacon in the veil of the night For a strange kind of fashion, there's a wrong and a right But he'll never, never fight Near a tree by a river, there's a hole in the ground Where an old man of Aran goes around and around And his mind is a beacon in the veil of the night For a strange kind of fashion, there's a wrong and a right But he'll never, never fight over you No he'll never, never fight over you. Cheers!
Hey Rik, I'm back again.. I just need to add you Rik Wakeman are looking a bit plump these days. But you Nik are truly magical, For me a father and son memory thing....thank you Nik
Even better than the original - great song! what a voice (God he looks good for his age - so jealous! I'm 7 years younger and i don't look that good ! lol)
Long live NIK KERSHAW! how I wish you are more recognised around the world. I adore your talent and I will always tell people about your incredible music.
In a rush he created this amazing song. I was 14 years ago le when I first listened to this song. Later in life I learned English and discovered these amazing lyrics.
Hi full marks to both of these guys. Old father time catches up on all of us and these two are no different to you and me. Although we never had their talent. Top class upload. Talent never ever leaves you as these two will demonstrate. Top up load top guys. Love it !!!!!!
Although I sort of miss Nik’s famous “mullet,” there was definitely no questioning his abilities as a musician and lyricist. I still remember seeing Nik as the opening act for Paul Young in 1985. Back then in the States, we had our version of the UK’s magazine “Smash Hits” called “Star Hits”...this article compared the two musicians’ heights-Nik was 5’3” and Paul about 6’2”. I remember watching Nik and my friend said, “He looks tiny!” Well there was certainly nothing “tiny” when it came to Nik’s musicianship...to this day, I have much respect for his abilities.
僕は、中学生の頃に良く聞いた。「The Riddle」は、思い出の曲 A song of memories I heard well when I was junior high school student. . . I still love it. RepairFarm 金子日出樹(HIDEKI KANEKO)
Wow, saw this now for the first time. MAN what a beautifull version!!! I thought Lindsey Buckingham was outstanding good solo on guitar, but this is just that great! Wonderfull.
We all use to buy an album for hits generated by different radio top charts, but in many cases and so also in case of Kershaw many other songs are excellent in structural and harmonic sense. Rich in unespected chord progressions, they are far from usual songs of that time and reveal an artist so special in musical sensibility and creative thinking, who applied many modern musical means in his creative output. Arrangements are sparkling examples of synth era in hands of proper conosseurs showing much how to use them in a fresh and pregnant inventive manner, thus making a kind of wonder to us musicians.
These acoustic versions are so different than the heavy keyboard/ synth laden arrangements from his albums. I thought he played Keyboards! I wonder how he wrote these tunes. Great stuff!
Soooooo beautiful ! Thank you soooo much dear dear Nik ! This is one of my favourite songs in my life time, your voice is always in my ears, no matter how old we get, the feeling this song gives is still the same ;) thank you !
Omg this so song is great and so is Nik Kershaw. Its a testimony to how fantastic this song is that even if you do it in acoustic or without synthesizers it sounds amazing. Can the same be said for the garbage and beats produced today?
@@oliveroneill1388 A year later, it's time to put you in your place. "I wish I wrote it." would be correct, making your statement incorrect. However "I wish I'd written it." is 100% correct. In conclusion, you were so wrong it's not even funny.
Funny thing is that he again made it more complex than the og version with this acoustic xD. Probably one of the most underrated musicians ever. Imo, he's a true musical genius.
