Just another great tune from the 70's. After their big hit, Grazing in the Grass went to Number 3, their 2 releases didn't do as well. Then, Love or Let Me Be Lonely, was released. Such a wonderful tune, delightful vocals, with a magical bass and fabulous horns. The magical idea to speed up and slow down the tempo of the melody was so pleasing to the ears. Reached Number 6 on the Billboard Hot 100's and Number 2 in Canada. Great reaction Harri. Thanks Harri and Brandon. 👏👏 Cheers from Canada 🇨🇦
@brandonious7732 You're so welcome Brandon. Thank you for reminding my aging brain of the treasures than molded my love for music. Stay well my friend. ✌️🎶🇨🇦❤️🇺🇲🤗
I had this record . . . . its funny how you can hear a song that you haven't heard for over 40 years but the words come back to you and you can sing along like you just heard it yesterday.
ABSOLUTELY LOVED this one, then, and NOW! The tempo change is KILLER, it goes from a walking, almost plodding tempo to a high stepping "ass kicking" chorus and the transitions are pop music magic to me. I can't think of another song that does this in such a stark contrast, and the way the track progresses-just a spectacular arrangement to my ear. I always love hearing this one.
They definitely have the perfect name for their band; The Friends of Distinction, because I distinctly remember this song. There's another song I remember that changes tempo, "Sweet Blindness" by The 5th Dimension and written by Laura Nyro. The 5th Dimension and a song written by Laura Nyro is a wonderful combination. Laura Nyro is a musical savant. Here are just a sample of the songs she wrote: "Stoney End" by Barbra Streisand "Wedding Bell Blues", "Save The Country", "Stone Soul Picnic" by The 5th Dimension "And When I Die" by Blood, Sweat & Tears I guarantee that every one of those songs will 'move' you. Laura Nyro is a song writer that deserves more attention.
Yes, the lead singer was Jessica Cleaves who was very much a lady. Jessica became a member of Earth, Wind & Fire for two of their albums. She also sang with Parliament- Funkadelic for a time.
Jessica was not signing lead on this one. It was Charlene Gibson who was temporarily replacing regular Barbra Jean Love who was off because of pregnancy.
@@bradsense7431 Thanks for that clarification . In the videos I've watched she was the front woman but obviously lip synching. She did a very convincing job.
I love the "Friends of Distinction". While some similarity to the "The Fifth Dimension", really quite different. More Soulful, less Cross-Over, and great writing. This group, in my opinion, speaking as "Baby-Boomer" of the early 1970's, is very underrated, especially when you look at the substance of their song's!
Harri so happy you reacted to this one and big thanks to Brandon for requesting. I LOVE this song. To start of it is such a great arrangement. But add those vocals, great bass line, the horns etc then top it with the vocals really taking off during the outro and it is magic. I believe this song more than any other captures it’s time- spring of 1970.
Haven't heard this song probably since the 1970's. I remember how happy it made me feel to hear it when it came on the radio. There's just a joyfulness to it. Fantastic vocals. They remind me a lot of the Fifth Dimension.
Two things not mentioned but should have been. THE DRUMS!!!! Especially in the second half were off the charts and the harmonies of this group especially while singing such a sped up tempo supreme.
Harri, it's funny you mentioned a live version. YES, they do have a live version available, and it's incredible. The second female singer went on to sing with Earth Wind and Fire (listen to, Keep Your Head To The Sky...absolutely awesome) Unfortunately, this singer passed away young.
It comes in waves, with that beautiful lead singer’s voice alternating with the chorus. And then there’s the nostalgia. I remember this song so well. A true classic. Thanks Harri
Love the FOD. Their stuff always sounded subtly sophisticated and soulful. Not raw, immediate soul like, say, Otis Redding, but rather a song that had been buffed and shined by the writers/producers, the way a jeweler romances an uncut diamond.
Brandon - I like this submission choice for a few reasons. First and foremost I finally know the name of the artists who sang this nearly one-hit wonder. Although I am not completely certain of this I do believe that this was the soundtrack for an American show and possibly used as well in a movie. Thank you Brandon and Harri for this one.
I’m a big fan of you and Gary Clark jr and Just watched your reaction to him today. He has an insane catalogue you should react to Bright lights or this land by him, he’s truly one of the best artists around.
I always preferred their version of "Grazing In the Grass" over the often-cited instrumental version by Hugh Masekala. Check it out. Both of their hits are from 1969. I was always surprised they didn't have more staying power. Another couple of songs from this same era (1969) that I know you'd like are "Black Pearl" by Sonny Charles and the Checkmates, and "Isrealites" by Desmond Dekker and the Aces. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-0wSXTN2EfRo.html
Double-time sections are relatively common in music. Maybe not so much in today's pop/hip-hop context, but not rare at all. So actually, "It's Not Unusual".
Please do a song that came out about three months ago. Greta Van Fleet - Meeting the Master. Its great. the forest vid is much better than the desert one if you pic one
Sages from India have no place to play in our love for God. What they meany is that our ove for human being (Venus) if it 8s not propelled by our love for thaprrson as a spiritual being (Juiter/ then it cannot be sustained. That is why being a spiritual person is very important.
