Animals, House Of The Rising Sun- A Classical Musician’s First Listen and Reaction

#animals #houseoftherisingsun
I was very curious to see how a traditional tune like this one could be treated in such a way as to become such a big hit. I discovered a very natural and pleasant sound with this band and it even made me want to play my harp.
Here’s the link to the original song by Animals:
• The Animals - House Of...
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Amy Shafer, LRSM, FRSM, RYC, is a classical harpist, pianist, and music teacher, Director of Piano Studies and Assistant Director of Harp Studies for The Harp School, Inc., holds multiple degrees in harp and piano performance and teaching, and is active as a solo and collaborative performer. With nearly two decades of teaching experience, she teaches privately, presents masterclasses and coaching sessions, and has performed and taught in Europe and USA.
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Credits: Music written and performed by Animals
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[@VirginRock]

Don’t forget to hit the SUBSCRIBE button to help me reach 100k before August 3rd, and we’ll make one BIG Celebration together here, at VirginRock! And if you have any questions, please write them here as a reply. BUT, please, questions ONLY! Thank you!

[@jakeanderson7888]

I’ve really enjoyed you. At first I thought.. she’s very smart but I don’t understand most of this. Now,after just a few months, I listen and watch to learn. I thank you for this! My favorite album is “OK Computer” I think the band Radiohead is incredible, inventive, and unique, but also incredibly talented. Please, Someday, check out that album, then their others , progressively from that point FORWARD. ;). I truly believe you would love it

[@bettyrose959]

The debate of where the song comes from isn't about the folk music backline. It's about what the lyrics are referring too. Copywrites on music didn't begin until 1925 and any composition before 1926 are in the public domain. Such as the National Anthem of the United States. Where the lyrics were applied to a well know pub song "To Anacreon in Heaven" from 18th century Britain.

[@tagadabrothersband]

The Animals can be more associated with the Rolling Stones style than with the Beatles' one in thoses times, due to their strong blues inspiration and background. Eric Burdon remains one of ther greatest British blues singers. But this song in particular can be seen as the birth of folk-rock, a year before the term was used to refer to the music style of the Byrds and of Bob Dylan after the release of Mr. Tambourine Man in 1965.

[@Ottawajames]

Didn't you once say you were from Nashville TN or something? I don't detect a hint of twang in your speech. Every video I struggle to catch it but if anything, I hear a European affect, like German or Dutch.... It's driving me crazy, frankly 😅😂

[@joeconnolly89]

This song was originally taken from letters from a prostitute from this ale house the rising son Tales say she was from London and arrived indentured with dept. from her passage or maybe Irish to America and was forced to work as a prostitute ands she died from syphilis at a young age

[@warrickbell1072]

This Animals' version was recorded in a single take. To me, this particular piece has always represented the cohesive energy and fluidity that comes when a group of musicians play together, and listen to/respond to each other live and in the moment. The performance becomes a living, organic thing.

[@Ingens_Scherz]

Brilliant spot!

[@crazypainter56]

Yes they were on the Chuck Berry tour in Newcastle--went to London by train car baggage car etc. early in the morning'recorded it'went back to Newcastle to finish the tour'-Chas Chandler said it cost about 11 pounds to record

[@michaelcelani8325]

​@@crazypainter56.... ......I do not know this women music critic's name or where she is from. But her music knowledge is extensive , maybe Julliard trained, but she and her " Producer " did not research the New York City connection with the Dave van Ronk singing this song in all the coffee houses so much so that he was associated with it. Then Bobby Dylan heard it and recorded it first before Dave, and so it became " Dylan's" song ! Bob stole it. !! So Dylan's version became the one that made it to the music scene of this new generation of people fired up by " protest folk songs". So the Animals heard the Dylan record and did their own FANTASTIC version, which is one of the most unforgetable songs of the sixties. !! ❤❤❤

[@crazypainter56]

@@michaelcelani8325 YEs this I knew

[@johnhoslett6732]

As teenagers in the 60s, we had no idea this was an old folk song when the animals released it. We’d never heard it before. The Animals had such a distinctive sound, rooted in blues and R&B. And Eric’s vocals were uniquely strong and powerful. Loved ‘em.

[@mikes9305]

Agreed. For decades, this was simply a foundational classic rock song from the British Invasion. Never knew it had any history before that until recently. After all New Orleans is in "new" America, and "folk music" was imagined (when I was a kid) to be only in medieval Europe or remote mountain villages and such. 😄

[@256shadesofgrey]

I sometimes shed a tear when I think of what what passes for R&B nowadays. Also I never knew it was a folk song until I watched this video. But I was a teenager in the 00's, so I guess I have an excuse. This is a great song and one of my favorites since the first time I heard it.

[@ristovirtanen6396]

And every beginning guitarist felt compelled to learn that guitar pattern and it became the first symbol of accomplishment in their early steps of development. 🤔👌

[@ristovirtanen6396]

BTW the band bassist Chas Chandler later became the manager of the legendary Jimi Hendricks!😮✌️

[@jeffidyle4957]

Another great old folk song recorded by a '60s era British rock band was "John Barleycorn" by Traffic (though it was released in 1970 I think). The original version dates back to the 16th century, and describes the process of making beer metaphorically, by torturing poor John Barleycorn... but there are many other interpretations. The Animals had other great songs too, like "We Gotta Get Out of this Place" and "Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood". Eric Burdon was great, he even performed with War in their early days ("Spill the Wine"). He's also the person Lennon was referencing as "the eggman" in "I Am the Walrus".

[@netuno60]

Thanx for your great harp rendition. It was very beautiful.

[@VirginRock]

I enjoyed it myself a lot!

[@lechatel]

She prioritized that at the expense of the piece she was supposedly reacting to.

[@marysweeney7370]

@@lechatel I don't feel that way. I didn't know that the song had older roots, so I like her opening explanation. I actually tune in specifically to hear Amy's interpretations and use of the harp in explaining the music she is reviewing. I enjoy hearing about classical music because I also listen to classical music. I also especially enjoy Irish traditional music played on the harp, so hearing Amy play a traditional folk song like House of the rising Sun on the harp was very exciting for me to hear! In fact, I look forward to the day when Amy reviews John Barleycorn Must Die by Traffic and she plays it on the harp! I feel certain that a lot of her subscribers would agree with me.

[@TR4zest]

@@lechatel The only thing that is trash here is your commrnt, Life must be hard seeeing the world your way.

[@gregvanpaassen]

@@lechatel Amy does not react. Reaction is boring. I don't care how anyone else feels about a piece; I have my own feelings. Amy explains, illustrates, provides context, makes links to other pieces and traditions, and points out subtleties that we may not have noticed. This make my life better! Her enthusiasm is a nice bonus.

[@netuno60]

Eric Burdon was the lead singer and his voice was great for rock style. Alan Price´s organ ability was also great and it's prominent here. His arrangements in this music was great. The guitar and bass complement this great timeless classic.

[@langdalepaul]

Sounds like it was all pretty great. 😉

[@T-bone1950]

The Hammond B3 , for some reason, seems to have lost popularity since the last century. I miss it. 😢

[@TheEulerID]

Eric Burdon was a baby-face 23 when this song was released, but his voice seemed to come from the depths of time. What is very notable on this arrangement is Alan Price's keyboard work on a Vox Continental organ (which was a more portable alternative to a Hammond organ, and designed for touring). John Lennon used to play one too, but his example sold at auction for over $180,000, such is the magic of his name. What happened to Alan Price's instrument, I have no idea. For another traditional folk song turned into rock song (of a sort), then there's Paul Simon's version of Scarborough Fair, which was more thoroughly reworked by Bob Dylan in a "Girl from the North Country" that it might be better described as having drawn upon that song.

[@fredneecher1746]

Bob Dylan also sang an impressive one-man version of House of the Rising Sun on his first album in 1962. Well worth a listen, and in my opinion equal in power to The Animals' version.

[@richardnanian2446]

Dylan didn’t think so. He has said that when he heard the Animals’ version, he was driving and had to pull over because it affected him so strongly. He credits it as being one of the reasons he went electric the following year.

[@Naomi-pq6tv]

Nox Arcana's version of Scarborough Fair is eeriely beautiful

[@grahamokeefe9406]

I LOVE the baroque version! You should definitely do a video of it!

[@VirginRock]

That's the plan!

[@netuno60]

You could also do harp/piano renditions of other folk like songs and other pop modal songs. Like Eleanor Rigby, The boxer and mr Tambourine Man.

[@ruppert5134]

Maybe try a GUITAR version of it @@VirginRock .... You already know the harp part.... It would be great to see you play the guitar...I think you would love it...

[@dennisreyna]

@@VirginRock I've looped that 95 seconds of grace over and over. The Animals version has always been on my all-time favorites list and now I really need a Amy Shafer solo extended harp version to make my music world complete.

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

And a cycling or repeating bass line isn't uncommon in pop and rock either. Most because the bass doesn't do much but playing, well, the bass, following the cyclic chord progression. The big difference is that pop tends to run on a 4 chord loop, while "classic" gives each note and chord a "job" and continues more in an open string than a closed loop. And the verse/chorus format is also pretty much unheard in classic. Leitmotives exist, but they have a different role than a chorus. The repeating pattern in pop clearly has roots in the repetition of blues.

[@fredneecher1746]

Eric Burden is one of the great blues singers. As you perceptively say, he told the story and drove the whole dynamic of the song. The story goes that The Animals travelled down from Newcastle to London, which took about four hours, recorded this in one take, then went back to Newcastle in the evening. I think they were paid £100, but I'm not sure about that. I can't tell you how much this blew our 15-year-old minds when we heard it, especially Alan Price's amazing organ break. We played this endlessly in the music room, which did not please the music teacher!

[@crazypainter56]

they took a break from the Chuck Berry tour -hit the train tracks and went to london to record the song and then back to the tour at 8:30 in the morning-

[@CharlyDS]

This performance changed everything for rock music. Even if the Animals would have done this only (and they did a lot more) they would be recognized for this gem.

[@lechatel]

Indeed. It was wayyyy ahead of its time. (To put it in context: the Beatles offering that year was I wanna Hold Your Hand and She Loves You Yeah Yeah Yeah. Elvis was putting out Kiss me Quick.) This song changed two genres at least: Folk, by encouraging Dylan to go electric, and Rock itself...it is a real precursor to Heavy Metal. It also influenced Sprinsteen and his Blue Collar ballads. It is iconic. I felt she didn't do it justice at all.

[@TheUnknownSophy]

Perhaps to fully and totally appreciate this song you might have had to hear it in 1964 as it blew out of our transistor radios like a melodic cacophony, with organ and voice and all instruments so driving and so superior we knew without doubt it would be a timeless classic. And it really is the one we never tire of. Not to say you csn't appreciate it, but it was total magic back then.

[@trevorelliston1]

Indeed..from Radio Caroline..on holiday in Margate…I was 8.

[@lechatel]

To fully appreciate this song she would have to actually LISTEN to it in its entirety (or at least without so many chops and stops). She didn't do that. She came at the song from one perspective..folk Ballad re-arranged..and didn't make listening to THIS a priority. I didn't hear it in 64. Many many people who find this track a timeless masterpiece have discovered it wayyyyyy later than that, and it is, indeed, magic.

[@MikeyPea72]

What has not been mentioned is the importance of this version in the history of the development of pop/rock. Typically at this time a pop single lasted for approx 2 1/2 minutes and music radio programing was based on this. House Of The Rising Sun ran for 4 1/2 minutes and I well remember speculation at the time that the single would not sell because it was too long. In fact it was so good that it could not be ignored and radio had to adapt. The breaking of the time barrier opened the door for pop/rock records to last as long as they needed to and was another great "freedom" generated in the 60s. It is good to see that your bravery in taking on this project is being rewarded, it is always a pleasure to listen to your analysis.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

Didn't they have to edit the song by shortening the wonderful organ solo for the benefit of American radio?

[@HappyBeezerStudios]

That sort of limit still exists, but sits usually around 3 - 3 1/2 minutes nowadays. Not as hard barrier, but as a guideline.

[@armadillotoe]

This was around when people began listening to complete albums instead of songs. It was also around when FM radio became common and longer songs and even albums were played.

[@melindastabler7002]

Woah - That baroque sheet music is what I played for my 4th gd piano recital! When I heard the Animals’ version I laughed wondering if my piano teacher knew it was about a house of ill-repute! Great job Amy!

[@markrinehart8813]

It's always a treat to hear Amy playing the harp. The Animals were another of the great British invasion bands of the 60s, and this song (among rockers) became their signature song. The Beatles were more into fun, uplifting songs, so when the Animals hit the scene with this dark, gloomy sound it became an immediate hit.

[@mariaeendler599]

Lovely harp rendition! Here I am 59.5 years later, and I still get chills when I hear this song. It has always remained as one of my all-time favorites. I had folk song savvy friends who told me this was based on an old 1850s folk song. They actually knew quite a few more verses. The biggest surprise (to me) was that it told the tale from a male's perspective, when the original was a woman's tale of woe/warning.with Aloha ❤❤❤🥰🌺😻🐾

[@mkenific]

Burden sings this in 3 different octaves. He had a great voice. Actualyl he still does.

[@tonyantonuccio4748]

At their core, The Animals were a blues band. Their respectful covers of many many blues standards shows their love for the genre, as if they wanted more generations to hear them.

[@z0n0ph0ne]

Prices solo on the Hammond still brings goosebumps after all these years.

[@jeremybender401]

Vox Continental

[@foxdenham]

Nice harp chops Amy! I think the organ that waxes and wanes, is what gives this particular rendition its character. As a listener I feel squarely within the mix and feel very much part of the vibe, rhythm and story.

[@aBeatleFan4ever]

The magic of The Animals' version of this song - comes from the combination of Eric Burden's very ballsy and bluesy vocal... which was fitted expertly into the weaving of the guitar and the organ accompaniment. They did a wonderful job with the arrangement of the music... and Eric's vocal was perfection in this song.

[@donepearce]

Interesting connection for you. The bass player here is Chas Chandler, and it was he who discovered Jimi Hendrix, brought him to London and turned him into the legend he became. Now - the retardando - you won't really hear that these days because of click tracks. Back then timing was free and varied throughout a tune. The Beatles particularly made use of this.

[@coinneachmaclellan3121]

One of the things I really like about '50s rock 'n' roll is that songs often ended on a great ringing chord that complemented the character of the song.

[@66gtb]

Fascinating that a nerdy harpist has hooked me. Looking forward to you achieving 1,000,000 subscribers. Y’all deserve every one of them.

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

A haunting melody as you so beautifully demonstrated on the harp. A classic song so many of us learned to play as youngsters. The animals had some great soulful songs

[@joshgoldstein3991]

My guess is that most people that were exposed to this version weren't probably aware to the fact that it's originally a folk song. This version is great however, Eric Burdon's vocals are captivating, and the Vox Continental is completely entrancing imo. This particular mix sounds a bit muddy though, there are versions out there that sound much better. Regarding your comparison to The Beatles, both these groups were rock groups but both groups were rooted in different genres, The Animals were heavily influenced by Blues and The Beatles were rooted in Skiffle and Rock 'n' Roll. It might not seem like a big difference in the big picture, but it definitely impacted the sound these artists fundamentally had.

[@William_Hada]

Enjoyed your harp rendition! I didn't realize that this was an old folksong, its one of my favorites.

[@bobwallace9814]

This song was played by every Jr High and High School garage band in America. "We Gotta Get Out of This Place" was another huge hit, especially with American GI's in Vietnam. "Sky Pilot" is another great one, about a Regimental Clergyman trying to assure the young boys going into a major battle that things will be ok even when he knows better. A Sky Pilot guides the dead who fell in battle from earth to the heavens.

[@sirclarencedarrow]

The harp is simply beautiful.

[@bobrose7900]

Alan Price on the keyboard, such a wonderful song performed by really talented musicians.... Eric Burdens' voice is unsurpassed...

[@netuno60]

I remember to listen to this on the radio at the sixties. I was very impressed and I like it very much. I thought the music was their original. And I’ve got a little bit worried that this band out of nowhere could challenge the success my beloved Beatles were doing. But they did not of course.

[@thomassharmer7127]

For another popular arrangement of a traditional English folk song, try Simon & Garfunkel's version of Scarborough Fair. Having learned the song and guitar accompaniment from British folk singer Martin Carthy, Paul Simon added a second melody with lyrics from one of his own songs for Art Garfunkel to sing as counterpoint in a somewhat renaissance style. I think you could do an interesting analysis.

[@blakenorman4822]

Wow, felt like we were being drawn back hundreds of years into the past with your opening rendition, lots of power and imagery that comes from music, thanks for video

[@IwasInThe60s]

This is really irrelevant to the posting, but I had one of those terrible days where almost everything went wrong. This analysis saved my day! In crossword puzzles there are often the clue to a four-letter word: "someone who saves the day". So today you are my HERO!🙌

[@monty3861]

My request! Very happy to see the vid and excited to see your reaction! Thanks for giving us such great content

[@deanpra]

It's been 60 years since I first used to listen to it, but this song can still send chills down my spine.

[@36karpatoruski]

If you aren’t feeling the subtly creepy and sinister draw of the song, you are missing a big part of it. Everyone has their own personal “House” of unhelpful or unhealthy borderline (or more) attractions into which we are drawn to, and voluntarily “wear that ball and chain”. The Vox organ is key here. A bit of mystery surrounding what exactly is this House imbeds the infectious nature of the story, and is so perfectly suited to the melody, and the vivid bluesy voice of Eric Burdon.

[@chetcarman3530]

You have to actually listen to the whole song to get that, not in dismembered bits & pieces. It's a piece of art, not a machine. 👍💜

[@36karpatoruski]

@@chetcarman3530 Agree completely. The best reaction creators do indeed listen to songs in their entirety. Many can’t seem to do more than about 10 seconds, and 100% miss the whole point and vibe. When they do Pink Floyd, it is unlistenable and I just click out.

[@chetcarman3530]

@@36karpatoruski same

[@lechatel]

@@chetcarman3530 Especially a song like this which is telling a story. It completely destroys the whole build of the story arc and the way this is conveyed in the rise and then fall of the sound. (She went on about the end but didn't connect that with the intense ebb and flow of it during the song which is one of its most notable characteristics. She missed it in all the chopping about.) I think she approached it from the false premise that it was merely a Folk song done in a Rock style. There are people reacting to this with zero knowledge of musical theory who have got WAY more insightful things to say about it- because they actually LISTEN to it and respond to music as you should: from within. I have gone off the whole premise of this channel. It reeks of musical elitism. Huge disservice to a classic track.

[@UnexpectedTurnOfEvents]

​@@lechatelIt's just a different analysis, from a technical perspective point of view. It doesn't mean that there isn't an emotional way to review it.... There are plenty of reviews based on feeling. But this channel is about technical music analysis, and that's what makes it different than other channels. I honestly don't need a non-technical reviewer to tell me how great this song is in the general sense... I already know that on my own. What I appreciate is the breakdown into technical elements I'm not aware of by musicians and vocal instructors.

[@41Forethought]

Thank you so much for the harp solo, Amy... absolutely beautiful! This was one of the first covers our high school garage band learned. As the lead singer, I loved it because Eric Burdon sang in "my" range! 😉

[@lechatel]

Your range must be immense because Eric crosses three octaves.

[@41Forethought]

@@lechatel It was pretty darn good when I was 16... now, 50+ years later, not so much. 😥

[@lechatel]

@@41Forethought Yeah. That's why so many people whose parents weren't even born when this came out, have it on their playlists, and why it has so many views on youtube. Gotcha. I have no idea how much hubris it took to imagine Eric Burdon, famed for his range, sang in 'your' range. LMAO.

[@41Forethought]

​@@lechatel Touchy, touchy... it's a JOKE (remember jokes?) I thought the winky emoji would give it away but guess it was too subtle, so let me rephrase it... "I loved it because I sang in Eric Burdon's range." Happy now...? BTW, EVERY 60s garage band covered the Animals version of House of the Rising Sun. Very few lead singers had any trouble singing it. Oh, one more thing... Burdon was a natural baritone (as am I) and his range was less than 2.5 octaves, closer to 2.3, iirc. That's a decent range but not all that unusual. BTW, Jim Morrison was also a baritone with a similar range. He could go higher than Burdon but often with less control.

[@VirginRock]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@gwengoodwin3992]

As a student of rock music, you must become familiar with the Hammond B3 organ, which has a very distinctive sound. Although Hammond stopped manufacturing the B3 in 1974, the organs are still an essential part of the rock music world. Rick Wakeman played one with Yes and on his solo albums. The Allman Brothers built their distinctive southern-rock style around Gregg Allman's bluesy Hammond sound. If you watch a video of the David Letterman show, you'll see a Hammond B3 featured prominently in the keyboard pit manned by music directer Paul Shafer. Bob Dylan's historic "Like a Rolling Stone" features a B3. These 50-year-old instruments are lovingly maintained and revered by musicians because no keyboard built since then can match its sound. (Hammond's C3 is a B3 with a fancier wooden body; essentially the same organ. It was also discontinued in 1974.) Perhaps the best examples of organ playing in rock come from the catalog of Brian Auger, who has worked as a session musician for the Yardbirds, Rod Stewart, Jimi Hendrix, the Animals (though not on this song), and many others. His jazz/rock fusion band Oblivion Express released 18 albums. You can add those to 22 solo albums in addition to his session work. (This is not a Hammond B3 on this song, but the organ does have a somewhat similar tone.)

[@langdalepaul]

Don’t forget Deep Purple’s Jon Lord, who used the Hammond C3.

[@SubCapt]

Indeed, that's not a Hammond B3 on the track here. Alan Price was playing an Vox Continental, which is another classic vintage electric organ, also associated with the sound of The Doors or Iron Butterfly. q.v. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vox_Continental

[@stpnwlf9]

@@SubCapt yes, this isn't a B3. The B3 had a signature kind of throaty quality that was emphasized with the use of the Leslie speaker. There are modern keyboards that come close to replicating that sound digitally, but in a live environment, they still aren't quite the same sound.

[@thefatbeanie]

Play a Hammond through a B3 cabinet, please Amy! I’d like to share your reaction to playing new instruments one day.

[@N0Sheeple]

One of the best songs in rock history!

[@edgarsnake2857]

Thanks for a thoughtful reaction. This song was an instant smash hit. Eric Burden is considered to be one of the great soulful singers of his day and Alan Price's keys aren't just good or great...they're perfect. THOTRS is one of the greatest records from the British Invasion. I've heard it thousands of times and I still get a kick out of it.

[@goldfieldgary]

The Animals version of this song remains one of my favorite rock classics. I'd never heard any of the background to the piece. Thank you for your thoughful analysis, and for playing it on your harp for us!

[@LeeKennison]

A great classic by the Animals. Dylan also did a version, and as you know it has a long history before that. The lyrics varied over the years. As a UK band they probably picked the more American oriented lyrics due to Dylan's version (rooted in early 20th century versions), with a few more changes of their own. Many new guitar players learn to play this, first by strumming the chords and then by playing the arpeggios. The Animals are a great band with lots of great songs. Eric Burdon is an incredible singer and songwriter. I love your connection with the song through your teaching of folk songs in the baroque style. The Animals version is unique in that it is in 6/8 time, rather than the 4/4 in other versions.

[@deborah9454]

I just love you amazing descriptions . You are so gifted in this. You make any music seem more amazing

[@ChrisM541]

As someone, like the vast majority of your viewers, who is more familiar with The Animals version, the baroque version you played at the beginning was beautiful. Well done, also, for playing this different version first to let us know (one of) your own baseline(s) for this piece. Subscribed!

[@chaddubois8164]

One of the timeless classics, it will be playing in a bar on Mars someday.

[@fatherclarencejones2733]

As I remember this was the first song I learned on the guitar. I loved seeing your facial reactions and listening to your analysis of the Animals presentation of the song. Bravo!

[@satorimystic]

Again, another brilliant reaction, musical analysis, and review. It's always refreshing and enlightening to hear your perspective and emotive expression to the feeling of the music. Thanks!

[@garylester8621]

Always a pleasure hearing your input, and your musical knowledge .

[@fla-gypsy57]

I always felt this more as a blues song of great despair expertly done by Eric who looked like a mere child when he did it.

[@lechatel]

In some ways Eric looked young, but in other ways he looked like an old soul. He had a very gritty upbringing and if you really look, that is there in his face.

[@Mariposa_46]

As I have been following your channel over time, I began by simply being impressed by your ability to deconstruct and re-assemble a piece of music. As an amateur pianist, I enjoy that process, and your classical background gives a different take on popular music. What is fascinationg is all the knowledgable followers that you have attracted to your channel. I learn so much from them that it feels like I am sitting in the midst of group discussion. You have a fantastic channel and many thanks for your creation.

[@alioli592]

This song was one of the first songs we learnt then when playing the guitar . it brings in all sorts of chords great for learning and practicing picking techniques and chord changes. still a great song still relavant today

[@IDLERACER]

😎👍 I just want to mention that there is a song coming up on the Beatles album that you're currently reacting to called "Hold Me Tight," that also ends with a ritardando.

[@ristovirtanen6396]

Actually the whole song is gradual ritardando…🤔 Starts energetically but holding tight continuously is getting strenuous as time goes by…😳🙁

[@jimijamessegoviafeerick1355]

Back in '64, this was one of the classic must learn songs for me as a 15 yr old guitar player in a 5 piece band 😆 Thnx Amy🤘😎

[@MrBarrynicholas]

Thank you for your great insight into popular music. The House of the Rising Sun was an English folk song about a New Orleans brothel. ...."and it's been the ruin of many a poor GIRL" ..... Chas Chandler the bass player in the Animals was responsible for bringing Jimi Hendrix to England and became his manager.

[@patbernstein5122]

Thanks so much for the learning experience you bring to your presentation. A new and very welcome choice to my listening and viewing !!!

[@256shadesofgrey]

I didn't know this was some kind of folk song until you told us in this video. Despite that it was one of my favorite songs for almost 2 decades. (And I'm in my 30's, so that's most of my life)

[@MetalGeek464]

Thanks for the harp rendition and thr deep analysy. Always educational . Back in the mid 80s i had a job delivering news papers for a local fishwrap. Sundays was a grave shift and the AM radio station (only station broadcasting at that hour) would play this song at sunrise every Sunday.

[@BassistInATutu]

This was so interesting I really enjoyed it. I would love to hear a full rendition of it on the harp, please do!! :)

[@milemarker301]

I love renderings of folk music into various compositional styles. Such always seem to make laughter rise in my heart - a delight :)

[@sergiysosnytskiy7150]

Amy's familiarity with the song is a nice twist! Which reminds me that I've never listened to any 'Emerson, Lake and Powell' reaction on this channel. They have a lot a classical music interpretations.

[@BoneyWhy]

I love love love your harp version!!! I almost passed out! The Animals were a great band! Check out "When I Was Young." Their bass player (Chas Chandler) made Hendrix famous. It "has appeal" as you said, because it came out during the British Invasion during a time when such a gritty, down to earth sound had yet to be heard. He sang this way on more songs like "Don't Bring Me Down" and "We Gotta' Get Out of This Place" and "It's My Life." Again, these songs are really worthwhile.

[@trevorelliston1]

I knew a headmaster from the north east. He once ruefully commented he had told one pupil ..”Price, you’ll never become anything with that skiffle group of yours..,”

[@davaughan100]

For decades (60s through 90s), this was the first song that a majority of guitar players were taught. Publishers had the ability to include a well known pop song along with Hot Cross Buns and Mary Malone, putting House of the Rising Sun into the DNA of the rock music to follow.

[@fractaljack210]

Yes, the second song I learned to sing and play. This is still my favourite version. The Animals are a fantastic band. Great reaction.

[@victordevonshire807]

Eric Burdons voice was a one off. Beautiful. 👍

[@victordevonshire807]

It's from the mining towns up north in the uk where his heart is singing from. The North East. Luv yer. ❤👍🙏

[@susansamata3696]

You've got to watch the TV video. Burdon had a chilling stage presence.

[@coldlakealta4043]

in my opinion, the greatest single vocal presentation of its time - truly unforgettable and never heard too often. The reason it had such an impact was that it came out in its time like a slap to the face, totally unlike anything we had ever heard on the pop charts in the day. Alongside the existing stuff, Eric's voice just punched thru the airwaves. The incredible thing: the band had only enough money to record one song. This is it, live with no edits no dubs. Ceck out his performance on Ed Sullivan.

[@bobtaylor170]

That was at about the same time The Kinks released, "Ya Really Got Me," which no one had heard anything like, either.

[@lechatel]

@@bobtaylor170 I like that one too. But the Burdon vocals burn into the brain.

[@perwester6125]

Ok....but when it comes to vocal presentation you must listen to Geordie version ( released about ten years later....the singer is Brian Johnson....later in ACDC). You can find it on the record ”Don’t be fooled by the name”. A masterpiece!

[@bobtaylor170]

...the greatest single vocal presentation of its time... Well. I suppose that given the rapidly changing nature of pop music, it can't be considered of "the time," but the 1956 recording of Frank Sinatra's performance of Harold Arlen's/Johnny Mercer's "One For My Baby" is the greatest popular singing on a record which I know of. Guys like Eric Burdon were shouters. Frank Sinatra was the greatest artist of his type we know anything about.

[@romywilliamson4981]

I love this song and had no idea that it was originally a folk song. Thank you for teaching me something new! The harp rendition was beautiful :)

[@Pedro_MVS_Lima]

For one, I would very much enjoy hearing you play the full piece. Cheers!

[@megamancards]

I've been waiting for this one for forever. Thanks so much.

[@ronstevens4009]

My goodness, thank you so very much for your insightful and enjoyable presentation of your thoughts on this version of such a classic folk song 🥰❣ I loved your harp playing this before listening to the Animals, as I was then able to compare and also recognize the characteristics you explained and pointed out to us as you went through the entire musical piece 💕 You do such a remarkable job of teaching us the intricacies of each of the instruments blending with Eric Burdon's appealing voice and his story telling as you went word for word through this very fun song! I learned so much from your instruction and analysis of the details behind this version, and like you, I enjoyed it ❤ I would also love listening to this as a nice and relaxing journey through the story of The House of the Rising Sun. Burdon truly made this the hit that it became in two nations 🥰❗

[@lechatel]

That is back to front. So the melody and base story is from a folk song (there have been many versions of it from different countries)....but does one, for example, go back first to the folk tales and myths that informed much of classic literature, or actually READ the piece of Shakespeare, or whatever, first? The folk song was a point of departure for the actual piece by the Animals. Anyone who is a creator in any art (i'm a professional artist) actually uses motifs as a springboard. As such I felt that she didn't actually listen to the Animals (far too many stops broke up the flow of the song which is one of its major characteristics) with an open mind. She simly saw it, as you apparently do, as a 'version of a classic folk song'. (It was never a classic or universally known folk song.) Whereas it is a genre-changing piece of music in its own right and resonates to this day for that reason. It took her until 20 minutes in to actually listen to Burden's voice properly and to begin to recognise its quality.

[@DavidLindes]

I wonder how many that heard this when it first came out new the folk song. As someone born in '74, I only remember hearing it in this form... so it was super interesting to hear you play it on the harp before having listened to it in the form I knew it. :) I'm not exactly surprised, I just didn't know, so it's amusing. :)

[@stephenvolt1730]

I love it when you play the harp!

[@marysweeney7370]

I agree with you about the voice/singing giving the song its hit quality. I'd also say that it was the fact that there was nothing like this at the time. Like the Beatles the sound was totally new. That's why the British Invasion generally had such an impact on rock music

[@zredband]

If you listen you can hear the 4/4 time that invokes the sound of a steam train chugging down the tracks. Yes, it's a British group, but that visceral steam train sound is pure Americana and it speaks to us, making us nostalgic for our past. You can hear it even more clearly in "Smokestack Lightning" that was originally recorded by Howlin' Wolf and was covered by The Yardbirds and train "Train Kept A-Rollin'" by Tiny Bradshaw and also covered by The Yardbirds and later Aerosmith. If you haven't heard these songs, you should. British musicians did this a lot; they took American music, usually African-American jazz and blues, brought it back to England, polished it up, and give it back to us.

[@pirtatejoe]

That organ sounds familiar? It probably should.... for the recording, they used a Vox Continental organ. The same organ was used by John Lennon a lot (including on "I'm Down" in their famous Shea Stadium concert). Not sure how many you've heard yet, but also famously used in "Light My Fire" by The Doors, and Van Morrison's "Brown Eyed Girl" among many others. It's a pretty iconic sound in early classic rock.

[@TheDoctorFlay]

I was looking forward to the full piece on harp ! It is worth watching the video version to see them at work on this masterpiece. The organ solo is as mesmerising as Eric's voice.

[@koomaj]

Absolutely fantastic playing. Thank you, Amy!

[@jeffwhitehead7990]

The organ is a swirling, spiraling maelstrom that our antagonist can’t escape which eventually draws him under.

[@RJ-oy7cq]

That was a lovely rendition with the harp. Haunting, forlorn.

[@ComplexSkepsisvehementalbeats]

I would like to hear more of your work... you are best of the best! great selection as well!

[@Caroline_Tyler]

I had no idea that this was an old folk song - to me, this was THE one. Blooming love this record and always find myself singing along to it whenever I hear it.

[@nikkipaintin1689]

Yes please! I would love to hear a full version on the harp .. beautiful ❤️

[@gtrgar4561]

I really enjoyed watching you play the baroque version of "House of the Rising Sun". I applauded when you finished playing.👏👏👏👏👏. "House of the Rising Sun" is one of the early songs that I learned and memorized for performance on acoustic guitar. It is one of my go to songs when I jam with others and when I try out a guitar that I want to buy. 🎸😎 ps: please record your performance of the whole song on harp. I would love to hear it. ❤

[@Raiderblack]

Never gets old. Eric Burden is amazing and this is a rendition for the ages.

[@the_judge_8262]

So interesting Vlad chose this classic band straight after you reacted toJimi. After their success and the band stopped, the bass player of the Animals, Chas Chandler stayed in the music industry. He decided to find new talent and get a band formed. The talent he found was .... Jimi Hendrix 🤯

[@donstor1]

The song moans. Eric belts out the lyrics nailing the notes perfectly. It makes me smile and I find myself melting into the fantastic sound.

[@armadillotoe]

This was such a great song for learning to play guitar. It taught rhythm and both left and right-hand control. The problem most people then encountered was finding somebody with the voice to sing it. I was 14 and learning my 1st guitar in 1964.

[@robertlevasseur6843]

The comparison you make to the Beatles is so true. I remember hearing this song when it came out and thinking it was a blues song delivered by a person with the wisdom of having lived while when I heard the Beatles, they conveyed the youthful enthusiasm of the rockabilly style of playing and singing.

[@ewaa37911]

Hi there, I am from elsewhere, so I did not even know until now this was a folk song. Anyway it has been special and original for me for the past 30 years or so:)

[@davidmackie8617]

I just love when you enjoy a song, your like an Effervescent child, so adorable.

[@garylee2976]

Amy, today is the first time i have ever been introduced to you and your expert, talent. Thank you

[@fewwiggle]

So much more passion and rawness in this song than what the Beatles were doing.

[@t.e.1189]

This was one of my favorite videos from you, because you were familiar with it as a traditional song which I never realized. Thank you for the enlightening me. And YES! please do a harp rendition of it. Would love to see that.

[@daveking9393]

Absolutely some of the best content I find on KZbin Thank you so much for all you do

[@randydickison2304]

This song came out when I was six years old. I started really noticing and paying attention to music when I was eight years old. This was still being played on the radio a lot. It is one of the first songs that I really felt the story, and the music. I loved it every time I heard it on the radio for over a decade. I'm turning 65 in less than a month. This is still one of my favorite songs ever. I watch a lot of music reactions to music from my youth. I have watched dozens of reactions to this song. You are the first person I've seen that knew this as a folk song before reading about it, when doing the reaction. That made your reaction very interesting to me. I enjoyed hearing you play part of this song on the harp before going into your reaction to The Animals version of House of the Rising Sun. I liked your analysis of the song.

[@UglyOckren]

Loved your harp rendition! Stunningly beautiful.. This is the first 45rpm record (on the MGM label) I ever bought, at the old Wallach's Music City in LA. I was an 11 year old boy with money I saved from mowing lawns, completely blown away by this song when I'd hear it on my little transistor radio. The AM radio stations couldn't play it enough for me.... The "cool", haunting, blues based sound of the Animals and Eric Burdon's voice helped to open my mind / tastes to all the great 60's sounds that were soon to come along.. Such a stark contrast to 95% of what was being played on the radio at the time. It holds up so well nearly 60 years on!

[@philipusher4282]

Hey. This band as you say formed in Newcastle. Other musicians I have seen you feature with connections to that city.. Mark Knopfler (Dire Straits), Sting (Police), Brian Johnson (AC/DC). And bonus info, Chas Chandler of the Animals went on to become Jimi Hendrix's manager/promoter. Enjoying your videos, Cheers.

[@ErikMCMLXV]

This was interesting. I first heard this song (the first time I remember hearing it anyway) back in the 80s when I was getting into the British Invasion music. The version you played on your harp sounds like it was influenced by this recording, because the part you were playing with your right hand reminded me of the guitar part. I just had a quick listen to a few other versions and didn’t hear anything like it in those ones. I’m guessing that whoever wrote the piece in the book liked the Animals version.

[@THEREALDANNYD]

This was the most enjoyable critique you’ve given on your channel. Not only that, this is the best review of this song I’ve experienced. Looks like you’ve caught your stride on your channel.

[@rb9628]

To me this song us a cautionary tale of the choices we make in life, and once you make those choices how difficult it is to change.

[@jupiterhopkin7593]

you got the feeling, really tremendous, thank you for sharing this big piece of music !