BAND-MAID - AWKWARD - Ryan Mear Reacts

[@GeographRick]

In over 50 years living, I never thought my guitar hero would be an adorable Japanese girl.

[@b0bm3tal]

Yes! A shirt saying : Shut Up! KANAMI is Speaking! & A wristband said : What would MISA do?!

[@cembor]

Oh... and would you say that change that caught you off guard 2x was.... AWKWARD?

[@cyberspooky]

That next song that started was I decided for myself and it’s another killer , these girls are incapable of doing ordinary full stop.

[@patrickmagrady3563]

What in the world indeed!!!! Band Maid is surreally good. They make me smile, laugh, dance. They make me cry. They make me feel. Each individual woman in this band is capable of doing these things to me at any given moment in any given song. I'm 70 years old and these incredibly talented women make me remember how powerful music is. Great reaction.

[@madsstavang]

Kanami is awesome. You know what she can't do? She can't stop surprising us.

[@陳建仁-l7l]

You can see Kanami dancing on the notes, in the live version.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Kanami told me she hopes secret santa brings her something nice this year so I've bought her a new PRS. MISA asked for hair tongs. Oops, gave that away then.🤦‍♂️

[@zankoo9907]

Live version is one of my favorite to watch.

[@paddyofurniture4681]

The "buffet" Kanami writes from has so many ear candy elements, is there any band out there today that can match this level of composition, over 100+ songs?? Oh and then have the troops at all positions to pull it off, especially live? I love these 5 women so much

[@killiansred1000]

Look at Kanami in the picture leaning on Saiki’s shoulder then contrast that with her solo.

[@RyanMear]

Mincho!

[@Slippy6582]

All i want is this picture in an GREAT resolution so i can make a poster or another desktop wallpaper!!!! Great reaction again, Ryan... Can someone help me with a good resolution for this picture? 1440p would be AWESOME! Have a good day everyone!

[@YaseminLoveÖmer]

5:36 my fav Kanami solo 🤍

[@martinx0882]

Thank you for reacting to songs without videos. BM have so many songs worth some attention. Good reaction.

[@kairukafuka6022]

By the way, MISA plays finger style on this song, not by pick, which she usually does on their ballad-like songs. The Shinkiba live version is way better than the studio version since you can hear every instrument ever so clearly and Saiki's vocals are levels higher.

[@jamie.norris]

This song feels nostalgic. I can't compare it to anything specific, but It's familiar. Like coming home. I love it

[@snowdog5895]

FINALLY!! You did Awkward!!! Possibly their most underrated song, off their most underrated album. Still a top ten contender for me, just a beautiful and masterful composition. Thank you sir for the reaction & insight. 🎶🎸🥁🎸🎶🔥🙂

[@joshi_new_wave]

Awesome song! Great reaction!

[@yirenganye9097]

I think almost of the BANDMAID songs have story development (storytelling?) and play which expand next to next to the last along the story of songs. Changes are just similar to the new page of the story. Awesome and incredible talented band.

[@kyles5513]

Man I can't wait till they come to Canada so I can catch a show

[@russ_henry]

Easily a top 5 Band Maid song for me. It has everything I'm looking for in it. Everything.

[@VegetaRabbit]

They just announced an online acoustic concert for Christmas! I like how Kanami is clinging to Saiki in the picture you chose.

[@ricklarsen7189]

This is going to be awesome. As usual it will probably air at 1 am here. I’m sure my neighbors will love it. 🤣

[@Hethern]

@@ricklarsen7189 On their website it says that it will be pre-recorded so maybe it will be released at a descent hour!

[@ricklarsen7189]

@@Hethern Any time is the right time. 😎

[@LS-uv9gg]

Call me crazy, but that guitar/bass riff right near the end of the song gave me strong Rush Tom Sawyer vibes. Not in similarity or melody etc., of course, but the total coolness of hearing the distinct groovy bass + a shredding guitar together. Good lord, Band-Maid is freaking awesome.

[@leekebot1802]

Mincho was eating breakfast while trying to think of something to really set this song apart. She glanced at the box of cereal and it hit her. Two scoops of solos.

[@me262talon2]

Great picture of the ladies Ryan. I really like Akane's sexy stare.

[@chuckpapermaker]

Great song!! I just watched a live version. It is one of only a few times I've seen Misa playing with her fingers.

[@TomRussell-cy6ll]

Hey Ryan....you should check out the live version with Kanami's lead intro....it's typical BM where the Live version is even better. I think this song and Freezer are the 2 most underrated songs by our girls !!!!!

[@bigbrutalbassbeer410]

In its studio beginnings, Awkward had several different arrangements they were hashing out, but THIS is the one that MISA put her unshoed foot down and insisted on as her favorite. 💪🏻🤘🏻

[@jameswelsh598]

Just one of my favorite songs

[@fredminier8547]

Misa is deep inside akane's pocket!!!🤣👍👍👍👍🦧🍌🙏

[@drogonr9318]

One of the first songs by the band I'd heard, and was immediately a fan. Two words stuck in my mind after hearing it: creative songwriting. This song changes is so many unexpected, wonderful ways, that I was just riveted. The song at times sounds like an improv session jam between Misa and Akane, with Kanami holding down the rhythm, but the pieces fit together so beautifully. I should mention that I saw the live Studio Coast version first, and its impact was so much greater than this studio version that I have trouble now listening to the latter. The live version can be found on bili bili (or BM Prime which has made available the entire Studio Coast concert). Thx for reacting to this hidden gem, but I do recommend tracking down the live version for the sheer pleasure you'll receive. :)

[@falconsooner]

I agree...Bluesy Kanami is my favorite Kanami. That is why I love the Puzzle solo so much...such a bluesy feel.

[@TomClark-Futoura]

Awkward -- a song somewhere between unexpected and masterful. Thx, Ryan!

[@Space_Ranger]

When I first got into Band-Maid, every song had some hook in it that kept me in it. But then they would seem to throw something in that seemed out of place. Like at first I thought the solo was too hard for the rest of the song. But then after listening more than once it's clicks and then I think it's perfect!

[@jsellitto]

There is absolutely nothing Awkward about this song! Just amazing!

[@Puyax01]

I hoped you react to the live version of this song. In this song MISA use her fingers no pick

[@660DOHCNAKED]

PLS check this song official live version! more more more fantastic!!

[@paulcrist7285]

Speaking of Akane,her long hair is looking good on her,one of my favorites photo of them in this pic,she has a lot more music knowledge than she is probably given credit for.

[@ricklarsen7189]

I love this song. It just gets more and more intense. The live version that isn’t on KZbin anymore was breathtaking.

[@TheApilas]

They like to play with our minds... And we can't stop loving them for it 🤗

[@jaycon505]

This is a song thats so cool to the ears while driving by the sunset feel. One of my top songs

[@tinyhato]

Just another masterclass from the best band in the world. Top-tier Band-Maid song.

[@Dtagcity]

The studio coast live ver is a must watch. Gives this amazing track the right atmosphere to make it a truly memorable experience. Damn that outro solo is too good, gets me emotional every freakin time.

[@larryhoopingarner6445]

It is awesome, 1st time hearing, and par for the course you enlighten me,thanks Ryan. Also a lot of information from maidiac comments.

[@zelbinian]

Songs like this, Spirit!!, and Wonderland are the songs that really show how great a drummer Akane is, IMO. Hearing most of their catalog, you wouldn't think the term "subtle" would apply to her but she's got nifty pocket grooves in spades.

[@RyanMear]

💯🤘

[@brunobryant4846]

Always enjoy your BM reactions Ryan, this band cares and it shows, down to the smallest components such as the subtle touches Akane puts on the hi hats, thanks for brightening a hot Townsville, Australian dog day afternoon, hmmmm I think it's time for a beer and more Band Maid, cheers Bruno

[@Puyax01]

In the live version from Studo Coast 2:30 both Miku and Kanami are doing this at the same time and it sounded awesome.

[@BMfansince2020]

Thank you finally to cover this song. This is MISA's favorite song from Just bring it. This is also a song which maids wanted something completely different from what they had before.

[@cembor]

Another absolutely beautiful composition from Kanami and Saiki's vocals are so sensual. To really get a feel for this song you need to check out the Band-Maiko cover of this. I think that cover is actually better than the original. My favorite part though is the tone change between verses when it goes heavier. Just sublimely gorgeous.

[@cygnetseven]

Well... that was AWKWARD. One of my fifty or so top ten.

[@stephanwolfhunter]

How to create a Band-Maid best of playlist: 1) Create a playlist 2) Put every song Band-Maid has put out on it 3) You have your best of list. Enjoy! Misa went to music school to learn bass (so did Akane - same school, in fact) and you don't make it through music school over there by being mediocre. I've heard the schools there are harder than our Julliard.

[@lewissmith4123]

That's exactly like my Spotify play list :)

[@DeanF_MIDI]

You should have 4 times the followers. Your reactions/reviews are the best out there. Plus, an underated aspect, the sound quality of your reactions is A+. Same quality as playing the original. In addition, your pauses are infrequent... you wait to gather your thoughts and let the song breathe a little instead of pausing every 15 seconds like some other musician reviewers. Just perfect in your reaction style, especially with Band-Maid. Great job, Ryan. (But you're still my second favorite reactor, because Wave is married to Rosie and you are not. ;-) )

[@RyanMear]

LOL I guess I'll take that, thank you!

[@DavidMISAMISAMISACook]

MISA MISA MISA! I have been led to believe that MISA had a lot to do with this track if nothing else telling Mincho to "STOP it is ready"

[@maurograziati5769]

Great reaction ryan....the live version is crazy crazy crazy.....

[@JuanSan66]

Ooooh yeah! The song that never step through the same place twice. MISA put a lot of herself into creating it. Between the five they have created an unbeatable team, they are queens of transitions. In Awkward there are several built only by dint of change of pace, something incredible. And to end with the guitar solo ... 'expect the unexpected' is a phrase by Jack (JBF Music) that seems tremendously appropriate to me. Thank you very much Ryan. Delighted to listen to Band Maid in company.

[@cecilthetermite]

Thanks for the insight I've listen to this many times never really put allot of thought in the song. Your reaction is on point as always.

[@jaygonzales7198]

wow!this song is amaidzing !BAND MAID CAN DO JUST ABOUT ANYTHING LOVE THEM ALL

[@benjpr5395]

One word FINALLY!! This why I requested this song on your past reactions 😉. I absolutely love this song the composition is fantastic with unexpected changes, that solo comes out of nowhere and the ending is a pure eargasm! MISA?? I am out of words for what she is doing here it’s otherworldly to say the least. Doesn’t matter how much time I change my top5 BM songs Awkward will have a place in it forever 🤘 Now try the live version on Prime it’s on another level greatness (yes that’s possible!!!!)

[@britwill72jp]

Enjoyed your reaction, as always! After checking out some other Japanese rock bands you reacted, I just realized how Saiki's vocal is important. It's so deep, low and powerful. Her voice is one of the key elemnt that makes them stand out among the others. Needless to say, Kanami's unpredictable crazy riffs and solos, the tone of Misa's bass, Akane's fills and the groove, Miku's backing vocals. There are many bands out there with the "technically" good players, but BM is so special to me (almost the same feeling as I have for SRV). I really love their music and characters.

[@RyanMear]

Realizing what I realized AND an SRV fan? ❤

[@britwill72jp]

@@RyanMear Oh, yes. SRV is so special to me. Comparable to none. It was more than 30 yrs ago, when I first listened to his play on radio. It was like hit by lightning.

[@clivematthews5296]

Wow. They keep surprising me. I only subscribed because you played Nightwish but this band comes a close second in their creativity. Love it.

[@RyanMear]

Ooh....I snagged another! There is nothing but enjoyment from these two COMPLETELY different, but super-talented bands.

[@clivematthews5296]

@@RyanMear And thanks to Band Maid have discovered other talented Japanese bands. Lovebites, Nemophila, Gacharic Spin, Mary's Blood, Sokoninaru and Asterism to name a few.

[@PaulEngineer]

Awkward... brilliant.

[@Thor_Iversen]

Yes, Paul. That sums it up perfectly.

[@packerjip9665]

One of my favorites. I really liked the live version.

[@michaelbeers5034]

Such a great song! 🔥🤘

[@ToObs75]

Heh, quite the contrast of a song after coming from your 'Black Hole' deep dive. Completely different vibe and they're still smashing it. Love how excited you got during this song! Kanami's note choice in her solo, maaaaan. It's great to hear a musician like you say how you have never heard anything like it. I always loved music, but I was never the kind of guy trying to figure out what was actually happening in a song, I just enjoyed it. Then Band-Maid came along.... and that's when it started, where I was like: "Wait, why is this so good!? Why does it feel different, what the FUCK are they doing!?" Kanami is my inspiration, I hope one day I will be able to play even a tiny bit of what she does. Worst part is, at the same time I wanna learn the drums and bass, too + I even try to up my singing game a little bit, hahahaha! I've never had more air guitar/drum/concerts in my apartment. These girls pulled me to the bottom of the lake man and I have no idea how to get out lol. Thankfully there's people like you who manage to keep me motivated when it feels like they are completely out of my reach. Ok, enough rambling. As always, GREAT reaction and video! Looking forward to the next one!

[@RyanMear]

Thanks, toObs! Yeah, I like to show that even with a few decades of playing behind me, it still takes time to learn new things. I have the same problem with wanting to do everything LOL

[@BM4-Life]

Funny was trying to figure what album this is off of and google *BAND-MAID/Awkward* and saw it was off of the *Just Bring It* album. I then bring up the song list and click on *Puzzle* and what video is recommended by google *ryan mear reacts* 😜

[@RyanMear]

Yay!

[@nhy3543]

As always, your reaction to BandMaid is really enjoyable.

[@ullischuster1263]

If most other bands were lucky enough to write something like that, they would make several songs out of it. But Kanami: hey, I still have ideas for 4 songs. But what the hell...we'll just make one out of it.

[@billhallisey7298]

Ryan , my reaction is just like yours. I get tickled by the way they change things up in their songs. I can't wait to hear a new song from them.

[@philcalvino884]

Ryan, thanks again for the fantastic trip through a great song. FYI, there is an acoustic version of this song on the interwebs that is easily one of the most beautiful acoustics that Saiki & Kanami have ever done. Paired with acoustic YOLO.

[@estherbrowne2017]

Awkwardly amazing.... that's all i can say for now.. speechless

[@ranger_a6953]

They do another beautiful version of this on the Band Maiko CD. It's song number five and called Akasimahen.

[@nomusician4737]

To me Misa is a lot like a fusion or funk bassist. Not in style but what she can do and still sit perfectly in the pocket. Think like someone like Henrik Linder of Dirty Loops. He plays the crap out his bass, but it never takes away the groove, get away of the other instruments or really draws attention to himself. She plays the rock equivalent of that thing. She's a great bassist in a lot of ways of course, but what makes her unique is her extreme musicality. I can't think of any other rock bassist that could play as much as she does without it getting muddy and distracting. If you don't listen for it you wouldn't realise just how much she does, and how much it adds to the music. To me that is the best kind of bassist.

[@jimcarmer1685]

Great song Ryan, these Ladies have such a great superb talent. Hey I heard Band Maid is doin another live show 12-25 . yes Christmas Day. Their doing the whole album of UNSEEN WORLD in acoustic. Now that will be one hell'va show to see. What do you think about that Ryan?

[@RyanMear]

I think the way they pull off these insane songs will be a magical treat worthy of Old St. Nick!

[@jimcarmer1685]

@@RyanMear I definitely agree with you Ryan. These Beautifully Talented Aries can do anything at the drop of a hat, no pun intended. Just facts..I remembered hearing you say you enjoyed acoustic playing and listening to it. So I thought you may want to know about this Phenomenal news.

[@TheJerm]

Well, this is weird. Yesterday (11/30), I watched an OLD reaction to this song (live version) that popped-up as a suggested video and immediately thought, "Ryan should hear this". Now...today...VIOLA! Must be the Unseen World at work. Anywhens, I gotta run before the women in the pic you posted with this reaction steal what little remains of my soul. Thanks a train load Ryan!

[@marcel021065]

Nice again, for sure you are now totally in BM , its great band great music, for me its a holiday, home is where my hart is and you now where that is😁

[@stimproid]

This reminds me of yesterdays video where you did a deep dive on the wrong song..........Awkward 😄

[@RyanMear]

I mean....

[@User_9086]

Another band maid? cool, ok let's get this straight, Mr Ryan, while I was watching your reaction to the band maid, I not only learned about their playing instruments from your broadcasts, but I also finally understood slowly, what music actually means on your channel, as a newcomer to music plus newcomer to instrument, and I happen to also like maid bands, and I'm very happy to see you react to every Band Maid song, short, concise, clear with a little bit of your typical joke, thanks again for reacting to this song, stay safe mr ryan and keep rock with our maid 🎸🎸🎸

[@RyanMear]

Wow, thanks and that's great, Alvhian!

[@User_9086]

@@RyanMear your welcome sir, but maybe i am the person who need to be say thanks to you and your channel, and i think u need to check this song before get blocked, BAND MAID - I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT YOU, they play like machine kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5u8k2uce7V0m6s

[@robert-gillesmartineau1208]

Ryan! Getting a bit colder here and spending more times indoors listening to your "from the guts reactions"! I am afraid we have reached a point where we have to forget whatever musical influences they had. It is all Pink Floyd again, with three of them having a classical education and thinking rock as a symphony. It is only a question of time before you label them as "Band Maid Genre"! We might also come up with new nicknames as well: -Kanami: I would not call her "Princess" as she probably would not like it herself nor "The Witch", as it is too dark. "Pixie" would be more appropriate, what with her elusive character, her constant teasing and her dangerous beauty. -Miku; "pigeon" has become too sweet and insufficient. "Magician" would be more appropriate with her building the whole concept, promoting it, notwithstanding her lyrics which will always be understated because of her seemingly goofy character. -Misa: She is just too shy and reserved a person to be called the "Barefoot Assassin". Remember the song "The Dragon Cries"? Well, she is the "Dragon", a magical being supposed to protect the world and always be aware of its needs! -Akane: No, she is not a gorilla (the Japanese have another meaning that we Westerners do not catch, that of impossible strength bent to to the protection of the tribe). "Roaring Thunder" would be better suited especially when you know that Japanese represent thunder with ogres playing giant drums in the clouds! -Saiki: The "Queen" is too simple to do her justice. "Spellbinder" (blimey, such a difficult word!) as she grasps at your mind, senses and soul with her ever improving voice, another reason why Band Maid still have plenty to offer! Mind you, I have a good chance to end up into food for scarecrows if they hear that! LOL Take good care of yourself (ves)! The Little Old French Bilbo under a dormant volcano in the Land of the Rising Sun

[@RyanMear]

Oh, Robert-Gilles, it's always a fun read!

[@robert-gillesmartineau1208]

@@RyanMearSorry, I just can't help it! Lol

[@334zolo]

Holy what a groovy song! And the solo!!! This one u have to listen to many times in a row! And like always, ur comments on whats gong on, just makes it better!

[@armynurseboy]

Misa style is based on counterpoint

[@reesereese2524]

This song along with Freezer and OOParts were my first listens of Band Maid . This band has worked extremely hard to get their foot in the door of a brutal industry. That work is paying off . I enjoys Ryan"ss raw responses. Candid rather than edited is much more fun as well as authentic .

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Ryan if you can find the pro shot live version of "Turn Me On" it has my fav solo from Mincho. She switches halfway thru to a classical style :)

[@RyanMear]

What is this? A serious comment from a *checks notes* G.Holloway??

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@RyanMear LOL. You do know it's in my BAND-MAID contract to write 4 serious comments a month. MISA is watching always :)

[@RyanMear]

Okay, I was worried about you😉

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@RyanMear No need, crap week but your great channel restores the equilibrium :)

[@RyanMear]

When you are in balance, your mind is at rest.

[@hiawatha.g]

Just found this, not sure how I missed it. I learned about this song by seeing the live version from their 2018 concert (no longer posted on YT). In the live version that Kanami solo is almost shocking, it's so unexpected.

[@tomaztruck6]

I have always interpreted the time changes as the pulse of someone seeing their still beloved ex with someone else. Their heart races, then tries to calm down, because you don’t want to make the meeting awkward. And the end leaves you hanging…am I over her?

[@rustygear447]

I can't believe Rick Beato dismissed Band-Maid as "no dynamic". He listened to like 2 seconds of 2 songs and just waved them off. Sacrilegious!

[@Lord_Heron]

Not everyone can have an ear for genius I guess.🤘

[@Liddledriver]

That solo at the end reminded me of Robert Fripp. She is so versatile and she hasn't even reached her full potential. The maids never fail to impress and they by far are the most talented band currently out of Japan and I would even say one of the most talented bands in the world. Most of the others are formulaic, contrived and just plain boring in comparison. Love those maids!

[@GSpotter63]

If you watch this song from their concert (Live at Shinkiba Studio Coast in 2017) You can see Akane sneezes at around 2:05 on the individual song video and at 25:43 on the full concert video interrupting her beat? Just an interesting tidbit.

[@edwardmcalister8743]

And the live version is even better.

[@threemonkeysk]

As Kairu commented the studio version is good but the live from Studio Coast is soooooo much better, it really is!

[@killiansred1000]

About the only way I can describe the band is, “Here they go again.”

[@drvijil]

Great review of a cool song. There’s a 2018 performance in a good size venue, where they play it better live. “Awkward” could almost be a rare slow song, but the girls just have to rock out. Miku plays some subtle, very pretty rhythm guitar in the live version. As usual, all the girls shine in this song.

[@everettnapihaa6111]

Kanami's beautiful lead playing reminiscent of speed sweep picking of Kee Marcello of Rock group Europe that she is on mark with that fluid pattern. Another guitarist of that ilk would be Dan Huff of the Rock group Giant! And of course Ingwei! She's a chemist of Rock ha-ha!

[@maurograziati3768]

This song live is crazy....

[@markmats3028]

The Band Maiko version for this song is Akasimahen and it is absolutely wonderful. Would love to see your reaction.

[@RyanMear]

It is a truly beatiful composition!

[@COTTERO]

This version is cool ... but the live version from the Shinkiba Studio Coast gig is spectacular. 😉

[@mechanicat23]

“Band Maid doing Band Maid things” - Chase

[@Muzicman-ut3jr]

At one point Misa was asked her favorite song, she choose Awkward, she also said it was difficult for her to play but as you can hear she has no problem at all

[@Puyax01]

She was dancing during this song in the Studio Coast concert

[@Prophet12]

The transition between Kanami to Misa when Kanami plays the solo is incredible. Misa assumes the rhythm when kanami performs the solo. It's absolutely seamless. What a testament to the 2 pros.

[@topographic1973ify]

I'm in the hospital, but I'm here. I don't miss Band Maid reviews.

[@tinyhato]

Hope everything turns out well.

[@RyanMear]

Well, whatever is going on, I hope it's resolved as soon as it can be, be well!

[@topographic1973ify]

@@RyanMear when one reaches a certain age things don't recuperate as quickly as they used to.

[@larryhoopingarner6445]

Has it been 2 years? Revisiting your Band-Maid reactions today, 2 years ago was a 1st listen along with you, I recently found live from Shinkiba Studio Coast,MISA appears to slap this one throughout the song,next up Take Me Higher and Play,you're the only reaction/review channel I watch the old 1st reactions from,because a lot of your 1st times was also my 1st time too.

[@RyanMear]

Thanks, Larry!