Something In The Air - Thunderclap Newman | Andy & Alex FIRST TIME REACTION!

[@denisemeredith2436]

I haven't heard this song for years but because it was imprinted into my brain from when I first heard it in the 1960's, I remembered all the words and sang along with it. The song is still relevant today because sometimes it feels as though there is going to be a revolution and my cudgel is at the ready.

[@nancy9478]

Why am I laughing? Because, you had me at cudgel. You wrote exactly what I would have, we must be about the same age. This old gal is 64.

[@greypossum1]

Great guitar from a young Jimmy McCulloch who would later go on to play with Paul McCartney's Wings.

[@seandrew7837]

Correct. 👍

[@Rock_Snob]

Didn’t he OD really young?

[@davidrold9770]

Pretty cool info. I didn't know Jimmy was in that band. R.I.P. Jimmy Can't your hands off the Medicine Jar

[@mikek5958]

@@Rock_Snob Yeah he was only 26

[@aquatarkus2022]

Jimmy was a precocious talent who unfortunately didn't live to show his full potential.

[@MrChumpus]

Andy and Alex, most of the songs you react to I've heard a million times but the way you dissect songs has not only pointed out things I've overlooked but also changed the way I listen to music. Thank you

[@nancy9478]

They do break it down. But we have the memories of growing up with the songs, those bring an emotional connection.

[@MrChumpus]

@@nancy9478 definitely we have the emotional connection.

[@cherylhurst7093]

Yes, can't make up for the memories, but I feel they have a more objective approach and it makes it fresh.@@nancy9478

[@DG-uh8uv]

👍🏽🎶

[@jgsrhythm100]

Best garage psychedelic track. Status Quo- Pictures of Matchstick Men ( 1968)

[@John_Chu]

Pete Townshend formed the band to back his former chauffeur, Speedy Keen, a drummer and singer-songwriter. They first met at Townshend's house where they rehearsed material Keen had written, including "Something in the Air." On the record, Townshend played bass to accompany Keen, Jimmy McCulloch on guitar, and Thundeclap Newman on piano. As you guys point out, Keen wasn't much of a drummer. Still, they had their one moment in the sun.

[@mikek5958]

And Jimmy Mac went on to become a member of "Wings." Great musician who died way too young, tragically like so many others from drugs.

[@sherryheim5504]

Great info, thanks!

[@sassymess7111]

Love this song!

[@mark-be9mq]

Townsend produced the album, too if memory serves.

[@sassymess7111]

@@mark-be9mq He did and I heard he's playing either guitar or bass on the recording.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

Wow! I was humming this song to myself when i was at work this morning for no reason at all and...now? Crazy. Trippy.

[@pattyg8464]

Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers does a great cover of this.

[@davidrold9770]

Check out Ronnie Montrose's bands Gamma does a great version also.

[@nettiemac]

Came here just to say this.

[@VulcanDeathGrip44]

Yes! I actually heard it on Tom Petty’s Greatest hits and for the longest time didn’t realize it was a cover.

[@billbitterman9487]

As the one DJ from the Tom Petty Sirius XM channel says…TP&THBs is/was the world’s greatest cover band. They can just about play anything👍

[@todvball]

Thanks! ...now I recall TP&HBs version... so good!!

[@JoaninFlorida]

This song is stunning.

[@jayburdification]

They learned their Abbey Road lessons well.

[@roydownes2458]

my first time ever hearing this song in true stereo.

[@jgsrhythm100]

Best garage psychedelic track. Status Quo- Pictures of Matchstick Men (68)

[@LoriannSmithsanpell]

Thank you for choosing this amazing song. It has just been too long... it is like running into a long lost friend. *smiling*

[@newremote]

I wouldn't call it sloppiness. Andy Newman was a jazz pianist who had no trouble keeping time. His playing just off the beat in the break is part of its quirky tension, and a great contrast to the flow of the melody.

[@garyfletcher844]

he wasn't off the beat. It's called syncopation

[@newremote]

@@garyfletcher844 There are moments when he plays just off or behind the beat. In other words he is sounding the note in a normally unaccented and unexpected part of the measure. That's what syncopation is.

[@rodneygriffin7666]

We have got to get it Together Now in 2024!

[@harriotteworthington3147]

One of the songs that awoke my hippy spirit. ☮️💗☮️

[@shemanic1]

as an OLD hippy this has been on my anthem list for a LONG time

[@jr-xs9tf]

I was a hormone riddled 15 yr old 9th grader when this hit and Vietnam was raging. This song was so relevant at the time. My nascent hippy was outed by this song.

[@Sue-h1h]

​@@jr-xs9tfwell thank god for the late greatest president ever PRESIDENT NIXON..AMEN.

[@Sue-h1h]

Most vietnamese are living in the usa and uk.they out number the brits.what ya got to say about that and the fucking wars been over 58 years.fucks sake

[@Sue-h1h]

I dont mind living in a tent like MASH.cuz most white brits are already living in sleeping bags along with our fucking brave boys our veterans.

[@denpea-mm8zr]

Classic stuff. Really sounded great on Top 40 AM radio back in the day. Tom Petty did a great cover in the 90's.

[@johnniekight1879]

John "Speedy" Keen had some great solo stuff. This song was used perfectly in "The Magic Christian" movie with Peter Sellers & Ringo. The pianist, Andy Newman, was into ragtime music.

[@nazfrde]

Keen also wrote "Armenia City In The Sky" which was the opening track on The Who Sell Out.

[@kellypickle5430]

God you can just feel Pete Townshend all over this just so beautiful and melodic and Powerful. Great song great band Amazing message Pete Townshend is so talented.

[@surlechapeau]

one hit wonder. vote for Gil Scott-Heron - "The Revolution Will Not Be Televised" !!

[@liannehoward4602]

Actually, I did...

[@oboogie2]

YES!

[@David-iv6je]

Oh hell yeah. Not thugely famous at the time but one of the most important songs of the 70s

[@Dr_Bombay]

i keep hoping they will do Gil Scott-Heron, but i also wonder if they are ready/prepared for that song...

[@nettiemac]

PHENOMENAL song. I finally listened to the whole Pieces of a Man album a while back and still as relevant today.

[@williampearson9679]

It was featured in the movie The Magic Christian starring Peter Sellars and Ringo Starr. It came out in 1969.

[@jake1976]

Also in The Strawberry Statement 1970.

[@alanarakelian5021]

Definitely the happiest-sounding song ever about all-out revolution.

[@cherylhurst7093]

That's funny it is.

[@John_Locke_108]

I thought it was about bowling?

[@straycatttt2766]

The pianist was Andy “Thunderclap” Newman.

[@bradparnell614]

I just came to see if anyone already mentioned that a young Jimmy McCulloch played guitar in this group a few years before becoming the second lead guitarist in Wings, replacing Henry McCullough.

[@simonspeak9288]

Jimmy McCulloch was an incredible guitar player. Check out Junior’s Farm or Medicine Jar by Wings sometime.

[@thomas9079]

Wiki: In 1969, Pete Townshend, The Who's guitarist, was the catalyst behind the formation of the band. The concept was to create a band to perform songs written by drummer and singer Speedy Keen, who had written "Armenia City in the Sky", the first track on The Who Sell Out. Townshend recruited jazz pianist Andy "Thunderclap" Newman (a friend from art college), and 15-year-old guitarist Jimmy McCulloch, who later played lead guitar in Paul McCartney and Wings. Keen played the drums and sang the lead. Awesome! Thanks for sharing!

[@westboundno8]

I was 14 when I bought Something in the air in '69. Was a number one hit here in the UK. Produced by Pete Townshend.

[@7259max]

Rest In Peace Jimmy McCulloch

[@straycatttt2766]

He was 15 when they recorded this song.

[@DawnSuttonfabfour]

Amen

[@heartoftherose]

"Medicine Jar"

[@jimled50jl49]

I was only 13 years old when I first heard this song, and it was on someones radio in a childrens park, with swings etc. It got my attention so much so, I stopped walking by to listen. Shortly after I bought it on a 7" vinyl single with my pocket money. I still have it ! Still in great condition. After all these decades it still is wonderful to listen to, as I have many many times over, during my lifetime. I was one of the ones who recommended this track in the voting, and I am so pleased you finally got to hear it. For me, it holds great memories of the 60's, and such a good song, will remain timeless. Thankyou for chosing to listen.

[@trishalou592]

Oh wow I haven't heard this in years. My brother bought it and he played it A Lot. Love this song. My brother is 7 yrs older and this is how I know all the 60's music otherwise I would have been too young. Never knew the band name or title. Thanks Al for blasting it so I could hear it clearly in my room!

[@steves9905]

Anytime I feel despair over our current situation, I put on my happy hippie music and Something in the Air is at the top..

[@aBeatleFan4ever]

You guys missed it. That piano middle section is perfect... because the syncopation is intentionally off kilter. That part could not be better.

[@Sue-h1h]

Thats not all theyve missed

[@armadillotoe]

I remember this from the movie "The Magic Christian." The Magic Christian is a 1969 British satirical farce black comedy film directed by Joseph McGrath and starring Peter Sellers and Ringo Starr, with appearances by John Cleese, Graham Chapman, Raquel Welch, Spike Milligan, Christopher Lee, Richard Attenborough, and Roman Polanski Thanks for the memory.

[@sherryheim5504]

I put this band in the same space as Badfinger in that they are so close to being iconic but that elevator stopped just short of the top floor. Their producer should have given them a small kick in the backside to push them over the top.

[@caryriggs5719]

Badfinger was fabulous in every way. Management killed them. Literally and financially. Stan Polly was a soulless bastard

[@swanvictor887]

Swansea man here with a family connection to Peter Ham...you're right: Warner Bros too, were also responsible. What happened to Badfinger showed me exactly what the Music industry and the scum who run it, are really like...as you say, complete bastards.@@caryriggs5719

[@craighawkins3137]

I can’t agree. Badfinger weren’t a one hit wonder, but rather were a great band that were destroyed by a nefarious individual.

[@swanvictor887]

I posted a comment here last week....seems to have been deleted! I criticised Warner Bros strongly, shall we say lol. Be Aware: You Tube does censor replies, especially when a corporation asks them to do so.@@craighawkins3137

[@sherryheim5504]

@@craighawkins3137 I was not trying to say that Badfinger was a 1 hit wonder, I had their albums. My point was that they had so much talent but were not promoted to a place where they could stay in a top position. I don't know if it was because they were a lot like the Beatles or if it was a management issue, which was often the case at that time. All I do know is that Badfinger had talent and should have been more, but they died a painful death by some means. I think this song, "Something In The Air" showed promise but it doesn't seem like this band continued on to have a stellar career either, also for reasons unknown to me..

[@stevenmix3723]

How about Fifth Dimension again? "Wedding Bell Blues." Otherwise known as "Bill". Marilyn McCoo shines, singing about her lax band member and partner, Mr. Davis, who won't put a ring on it, or so the story goes, I think.

[@michelekomar7848]

I was about 13 then and played that tune endlessly because I had a crush on a boy named Bill. I'm sure I drove my mom crazy with it all!

[@bonniebaltz5717]

I believe Wedding Bell Blues was written and sung by Laura Nyro.I liked her version better.

[@UFOS4]

A million songs in my head for the past 6 decades and this one was one of them. Never knew the name of the band and never paid much attention to it, but it’s an automatic time travel to ‘69 and high school.

[@lextek.]

One of the band members was the piano player and writer but also Pete Townshend's driver. They recorded this at Townshend's home studio in 1969. This record stands up VERY nicely on it's own but as you mentioned, and I and many people have noticed and commented on the close "feel" to George Martin's productions for the Beatles. I was a freshman in college when this hit the airwaves, loved it then and have it on both my vehicles media playlists still!

[@Sue-h1h]

Yea yea ya keep saying.have a day off pal.

[@lextek.]

@@Sue-h1h Are you, umm, OK?

[@bobbyd968]

It's the perfect song for this time and place!

[@michaelyount3176]

Quick peruse of the comments -- did someone mention the origin of the nickname? Supposedly "Thunderclap" came from how hard Newman often hammered the keys when he played. Very melodic tune....and one of those lead vocals that is higher than it seems. You find out when you try and sing along.

[@sandybourdeau9300]

One of the very best songs ever!! Still listen to it regularly.

[@jgsrhythm100]

Best garage psychedelic track. Status Quo- Pictures of Matchstick Men ( 1968)

[@Sue-h1h]

Your right it wasnt televised it happened right under the usa noses and uk n9ses and canadian noses.AND THEY HADNT A CLUE.

[@Sue-h1h]

You live in a dream world while all around you is mayhem and war.your a backward renegade

[@garymaidman625]

This song, particularly the piano/organ solo, always puts me in a trance like state.

[@billide1463]

Ah, back to AM radio in my school days; thanks again guys. senior from Toronto

[@CharCanuck14]

Ditto to all!

[@jamesrowe3606]

I was sixteen when this was released and everything was possible. Everything!

[@Sharkman1963]

Cool song. Never knew what it was called or who the group was. We all would probably go the rest of our lives without hearing this on the radio, so you've rescued this one from obscurity for most of us. Thank you.

[@Jonni1027]

I heard Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers perform this live at Neil Young’s annual Bridge School Benefit Concert in Mountain View CA under the stars. Just 5 days before we’d all gone thru the 6.9 magnitude 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake that killed 69 people. This song felt much different hearing it under those circumstances…it gave us the audience a feeling of we’re all in this together kind of camaraderie especially because we were still in a state of shock. Was really beautiful❤

[@vicprovost2561]

One of the big hits of that era, a one hit wonder but what a song! For another, try I Had Too Much to Dream Last Night by the Electric Prunes, a psychedelic classic, another great song. Enjoy! 🎵🎸🎤🎸🎹🎶

[@lauratartanella2210]

❤

[@jgsrhythm100]

Best garage psychedelic track. Status Quo- Pictures of Matchstick Men ( 1968)

[@swather777]

Yes!

[@denpea-mm8zr]

Yes, yes ! Bring on the Electric Prunes "Too Much To Dream (Last Night)".

[@Sue-h1h]

I think one of the best hits of any generation was THE SEX PISTOLS.ANACHY .You idiots are living it but dont get it.😅

[@chuckdarrow2756]

Thunder Clap Newman got his name from the farts he did. He was also the piano player. As well Jimmy on guitar. He was only 16 at the time. He went on to play with Paul McCartney and Wings.

[@adambnyc4875]

Alex: magnanimous: generous or forgiving, especially toward a rival or less powerful person. "she should be magnanimous in victory"

[@marcdavis8842]

Man going to the moon it's 1969 history being made it was a revolution!!!

[@Cosmo-Kramer]

That's not the revolution they're singing about.

[@christopherstevenson5470]

Man going to the moon😂😂😂WAKEY WAKEY,😂😂😂😉⏰

[@rickcrane9883]

Thanks so much. My senior year in HS. As a history teacher, I showed the lyrics to my class and they thought it was from the American Revolution. True of many 60s songs.

[@jgsrhythm100]

Best garage psychedelic track. Status Quo- Pictures of Matchstick Men ( 1968)

[@jjalanj7318]

EXCELLENT CHOICE! Probably been mentioned, but Pete Townshend played bass on this track, and produced it as well. When you do a full album reaction to Who Sell Out, which you really need to do, the opening track, Armenia City in the Sky, has guest lead vocals by John "Speedy" Keen, the singer here.

[@davecummings2424]

Very Beatlesque. Their Hollywood Dream album has 3 or 4 other great songs but they'll always be a one hit wonder.

[@Historian212]

Agree. The Beatles’ influence is very clear.

[@GopherBaroque61]

*_DON'T FORGET_* that you need to listen to *_"Trilogy" by Emerson, Lake and Palmer._*

[@jaquestraw1]

PLEASE

[@DG-uh8uv]

Trilogy the song and Trilogy the album are timeless classics.

[@oboogie2]

Hey! One I suggested, and an outstanding choice, if I do say so myself! This was Pete Townshend"s (The Who) pet project with a band he put together when he had thoughts of becoming a manager.

[@davidhampshire7723]

This song always makes me emotional…maybe because it reminds me of my youth but this classic track always moves me.👍🎶

[@billbitterman9487]

I could be wrong but I believe that is Pete Townshend on bass guitar.

[@garymaidman625]

They literally said this in the video.

[@KM-sz9ef]

Aka Bijou Drains.

[@howiedavis2316]

This is one of those songs that I didn't know I knew, until I listened to it. Once it started playing I was "Oh, yeah, I know this one!!". Glad you reminded me of it. Made this old 57-year old's day. After doing a little research, I learned I have to listen to "Thunderclap Newman’s 'Accidents', see if I recognize that one as well.

[@Lwize]

One of my favourite songs...ever.

[@michaelmaloskyjr]

This song was used so effectively in Wes Anderson's 1998 "Rushmore." Oh and that Sgt. Pepper psychedelia bridge...

[@mjwaldrep]

Love this song! So good!

[@jeffk2526]

Quiz=what's the longest time between song reactions when the first was S Tier? Answer: Living Colour-Cult of Personailty! Mistakenly thought of as 90s music(1988 relese), it has been THREE YEARS since that reaction! Both gave very enthusiastic S Tier! Legitimately, the first two albums could be full album reviews Incredible, socially conscious lyricism, incredible musicianship and amazing creativity! My personal recommendation is Desperate People, but you could do Elvis Dead, Open Letter to a Landlord, This is the Life or Which Way to America? PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE so another review soon!!

[@Skeezer66]

This is one of those songs that I didn't know I knew until I heard it again. It felt like I've heard it in many movies either made or set in the 60's, besides the one (Magic Flute) mentioned in the comments. It would be in my "B" range.

[@marktubeie07]

Great to hear the full version here - the 'radio' short version is what normally gets played nowadays - stunning!

[@jayburdification]

This song was in the movie Almost Famous, but it was a brief singalong.

[@doughbafett]

And in Kingpin.

[@rollon863]

When Tom Petty put The Heartbreakers Greatest Hits out, it was all from his previous catalogue, except for two tracks. Mary Janes Last Dance & THIS .. Killer cover

[@TheCornishCockney]

One of the best one-hit wonders of them all. Takes me right back to those glorious days.

[@johnchrysostomon6284]

Then 15 years old, guitarist Jimmy McCulloch later was in Wings with Paul McCartney He released with Wings his song "Medicine Jar" - a cautionary tale about taking drugs - which he completely forgot to learn as he died of a drug o'dose aged 26

[@deanwrigleyuk]

Dead on your feet You won't get far If you keep on sticking your hand In the medicine jar

[@bluetopguitar1104]

The dream of a peaceful cultural revolution and a better society for all. Optimism we need today.

[@robertlangley1664]

Brings back great memories,this was a summer hit ,played on the jukeboxes in the pubs

[@jeancoleman6878]

Good choice. This takes me back to my childhood. Loved it way back then and I have it on a playlist today

[@JoaninFlorida]

I hope your playlist also includes Fresh Air by Quicksilver Messenger Service. I think those two songs just go together in that space and time.

[@jeancoleman6878]

@@JoaninFlorida don’t know it but I will have a listen to it

[@shemanic1]

An Anthem that needs playing again & again till people listen. WE HAVE GOT to get it together people.

[@grangerjung4129]

I'm constantly amazed by finding out the titles to songs I heard on the radio back then but never remembered/heard the names of.

[@cpstanley]

Excellent choice, gents! I love this song. Cheers!

[@rexvisitor44]

One hit wonder: "Eve of Destruction" by Barry McGuire. Similar revolutionary theme, a little harder edged.

[@waitn4theharpazo]

Love, love, love this gem. I've never even seen Easy Rider either. I have this on my playlist and hear it at least once a week. Gotta love that hard driving piano which BTW is supposed to have that slightly off timing beat. Gives it that honkey tonk, bar room vibe. Guys please consider Lee Michaels "do you know what I mean".

[@murraybozinsky7067]

I'm so glad you came back to this, it is a beautiful song.

[@Neilsmu]

Love this song… and that magnificent piano break 👌

[@Shadowrider1872]

GOOOOOOOOOD AFTERNOON A&A FAMILY!!! ☮️💟♾️

[@scottmarleneking6298]

Great discussion, guys-- glad you disagreed and aired it out. Still gotta put in a plug for 801 Live "Tomorrow Never Knows"-- a live performance that I think bangs on every cylinder that matters to you. 6 minutes of the most adrenaline-releasing bass you'll find anywhere!

[@meerkat1219]

This song is one of my favorites so I had to see what you guys thought. Always glad to hear it again.

[@michaelt.b264]

You all know that Pete Townshend playing bass

[@garymaidman625]

They literally said this in the video.

[@michaelt.b264]

@garymaidman625 they did? I might have missed it. My wife came in talking so I missed it, I guess.

[@garymaidman625]

@@michaelt.b264 sure did.

[@scotttaylor7767]

A brilliant Pete Townsend production! He was doing this and Tommy at the same time. You can tell he has learnt a lot from Kit Lambert and George Martin. But you can hear a lot of production techniques Pete will use on Tommy in this song. The way the pianos are miked to give it that opening up sound.

[@cherylhurst7093]

Thanks, Andy and Alex, for being honest with your reactions and giving us old folks a new perspective that is not tied to living through the experiences. You all do a great job of interpreting how it was going down then through your imaginations. Definitely Vietnam protest sounding. I will say I have been waiting to get it together for 60 years lol.

[@derkommissar785]

The vocal sounds a lot like Townsend. when it was released, there was a rumor going around that it was him using Thunderclap as a pseudonym

[@bobb9541]

First heard this song many years ago at a drive in watching the movie "The Strawberry Statement" as part of the soundtrack. Have loved it ever since.

[@Keith-if6zv]

Again, this is an AM radio hit. Can’t compare this to what was happening in “underground FM” music. I’ve come to really enjoy the AM radio hits as I am older.

[@Ritaholden1]

Great song. Thanks for the reaction.

[@827dusty]

Man this was a heck of a song.

[@stevenwebber7356]

one of the last songs from the 60s displaying a message of hope - this featured on the soundtrack of the satarical movie, the Magic Christain (1969)

[@VGKDean]

This is one of those songs that nothing was done great but it was a great song regardless

[@majones501]

This is really such a great song. Over the past 48 years I’ve studied rock history and the interconnectedness and influences of the rock bands of the 60s, 70s, and early 80s. I have always felt that there was more to be known about Thunderclap Newman, they were kind of a mystery. The only thing I knew about the band was that Pete Townsend produced them. And that they had some wonderful musicians, orchestration, and interesting songwriting. Like someone else said, the timing in some parts of the song was intentionally shifted. Their shifts between perfection and imperfection, coupled with the tempo changes, is one of the things that makes the song so wonderful. And yes, they may have been one hit wonders, but that had several other songs on that album that were also excellent. One of the beautiful things about that era was the number of groups that had just one album, or even one song that was outstanding. My record collection has many of those. Thanks for playing this one!

[@debjorgo]

This was used in the movie the Magic Christian. This was the movie that Ringo had to leave the Get Back sessions for. If he hadn't had the movie to do, the Beatles might have had more time to work on the Let it Be album. But then, we might not have had the rooftop concert. This song was used for the ads for the Magic Christian. The movie was also a big break for Badfinger. McCartney wrote Come and Get It, a song about a fool and his money, a big plot in the movie, for Badfinger.

[@tjtampa214]

I was a kiddo when this came out but it played off & on for years. 🎵✌😎 This was Viet Nam time - I still loved it as I got older over time. Good to hear it again. Maybe I got distreacted but I never heard that long play in the middle with the banging on the piano.

[@thomasmcintosh390]

Featured briefly in one of my favorite movies, Almost Famous.

[@bigyodatheman]

First heard this song in KINGPIN! Yeah!

[@teresac3964]

Recognized the song but had never heard of the band. Then I remembered I rarely knew the artists name back in the day. All we had was the radio and if you missed the name...you never knew who it was.

[@dadmateryn8092]

man!!!!!!! haven't heard this song since Lincoln was president. Love it!

[@FrankOdonnell-ej3hd]

remember this song and the time revolution was in the air unfortunately it remained in the air until it was blown off by the first little puff of wind ⚛😀

[@shanehughes740]

What a shambolic, beautiful mess. Love it! Thanks as always, guys!

[@swanvictor887]

old dude here lads: please try to remember, this was the late 60s lol....those who listened to this were "Inhaling" !!

[@stevemurrell6167]

Great song. Brings back primary school memories for me.

[@Cheshirecat-nx9zn]

The lyrics are awesome

[@AP-gb3eh]

Wow haven’t heard this in forever,but I knew every word every nuance

[@dabearcub]

Kingpin brought me here. Great film, great soundtrack, great song.