BAND-MAID - PUZZLE - DEEP DIVE - Ryan Mear Plays

Okay, it is about time for this! I do a deep dive on my livestream on the song, Puzzle, by BAND-MAID!! The first part was my initial deeper look at this song during a livestream (Thursdays at 7pm EST on Twitch), the second part is two days later and I learn some of the rhythms and the solo! Also, for those that actually read this, there is a special vocal and drums only version in the video!! DON'T FORGET ABOUT THE SUPER THANKS if you want to show some support without any scary commitments!
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• Puzzle
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[@metalyuki]

こんな曲は才能が突出したバンドでないと、とても作れるものではありません

[@Greg-om2hb]

Ryan, here is the lyric you like so much (KOBATO is a poet, for sure): 甘く溶けてく飴玉みたいに 君もいつかは消えてしまうのか Amaku tokete ku amedama mitai ni, kimi mo itsuka wa *kiete shimau no ka* Like a candy that melts sweetly, Will you one day *disappear too* ?

[@RyanMear]

Thanks!

[@JazzFatcho]

I have such a musician who makes me tear when I listen to their music. John Lennon, David Gilmore, Eric Clapton, John Coltrane, Bill Evans, etc. My recent musicians are Nobuyuki Tsujii, Hiromi Uehara, Kanami Tono. Their genre are different, classics, jazz and rock. But they love music regardless of genre. Good things are good, beautiful ones are beautiful. They express their hearts.

[@surfingasongwave]

Kanami seems able to direct your focus. I don't know exactly how, but sometimes people when say "she's too low in the mix!" it is exactly where she wants it to be. She doesn't _want_ the attention, she wants you to focus on the lyric, or the bass, or the drums, or whatever. Then, when you put the headphones on and listen specifically to one part, you're amazed at what's been going on the whole time. At 5:25 "Ah, chills! I know this! I love this song, and I still get chills!" Yes, sir. It is witchcraft, I tells ya. And art.

[@philcalvino884]

Thanks, Ryan, always learning even though I've heard this song a hundred times. One thing you mentioned that hit me this time was about how masterful they are at seamlessly building and ramping-up. At the end of Puzzle, there's that tense bridge -> double-time -> half-time. The coolest part is that final 20 seconds where Kanami brings back that screaming guitar bridge and over the top is Saiki keeps repeating that one phrase at the end of the chorus. It seems like some kind of sleight of hand, but it works perfectly to close out the song.

[@がんばりまっちゅん-b7e]

Ｗow!!👍ＩLove This song！！！！！！！！More Band maid Please!!　☺

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Thx Ryan. Great playing my man.👍 It's amazing how two versions of the same song from electric to acoustic can stir the emotions so differently. In the electric version you can hear the tone of scorn & spite in Saiki's voice but in the acoustic she sings the same story with the emphasis placed on longing & despair. And that is my serious comment of the day.🙂

[@RyanMear]

Quick, say something silly!

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@RyanMear Kanami forgot her overnight bag on the Japan tour & had to use her spare PRS strings to floss. Hotel guests said it was the most awesome solo they'd ever heard. Silly enough for you?

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@frankandre4385 Exactly. And man how we do enjoy it.😁

[@RyanMear]

Perfection

[@GaryHolloway-810]

@@frankandre4385 Haha. Saiki wonders why her hairbrush seems to be self cleaning.😏

[@scottboyer3959]

This was the rabbit hole for me, never to find my way out. I just go deeper and deeper.

[@cholatse6745]

That was a fantastic deep dive and congrats you nailed that solo at the end. witnessing your effort was a bit like watching a thriller … is he gonna make it or does he fail in front of the beast 😊 and you did beat this beast - wonderful. The singing/drum part was a true eye opener, but not surprising, class and excellence just on every position of this band. Thanks that was a joyful educational hour 👍🙏👏🏼

[@jwoodjapan]

The more I listen to the Maids, the more I like this song. It's got to be my #1 fav, especially with the two very different but amazing versions. The best of Kanamincho writing and playing and singing. What a showcase for her.

[@neilwoodley530]

Great video kiddo. I was with you all the way. Three things... 1. My idea of a great time with Kanami is to sit at the back of the studio and just watch her work. 2. You wondered how she would react to watching you trying to figure out her music... Why don't you just ask her? They watch You Tube. 3. I'm a singer. The first time I saw Band Maid was the Domination live video. And, the vocals were the most prominent part for me. But despite not knowing what was being said, the vocals didn't sound strange. It took me 2 days to realise that although I was "listening" to a Japanese girl singing, what I was "hearing" was Band Maid's fifth instrument. Saiki sings almost as many notes as Kanami plays. You referenced this in your reaction to the Puzzle acoustic performance... "Take a breath Saiki"...your words. Keep up the good work young man.

[@diklongley01]

Many many songs ago i read sombody tell us - englsh-only speakers - to listen to the vocals as if they are another instrument....Saiki is truly a perfect fit.

[@miqoto]

this is one you can listen to over and over and never tire of it :)

[@fastskipper777]

To me, "Puzzle" is a masterpiece. It's an amazing musical journey. Together with "secret My lips", these two songs are cemented in the Top 5 B-M songs for me.

[@lurkmerchant]

Together with Moratorium, Matchless Gum, Anemone, Wonderland.....and the list continues.

[@niiru4336]

The opening riff is one of the few things I got straight away, because it's similar to how Page plays No Quarter live, there all similarity ends. Still one of my top five Band Maid songs.

[@peterz4427]

My favorite song by the Maids, it just hits all the right spots, whether it's interpreted as sad, angry, or sarcastic. Yes, in so many ways, this is a heavy, heavy song, and I just love it. But then again I love everything the Maids do.

[@stevehall5128]

I think "massive" is a great adjective for this song and the crazy thing it that it applies just as well, with a different nuance, to the acoustic version.

[@neilwoodley530]

Or maybe it was Anemone.....😂

[@Puyax01]

I'm hearing with you and smiling in some of the awesome sections of the song and when looking at the phone you as well have a reaction to the same part. Also while hearing and doing stuff (making coffee) I'm air drumming.

[@christopherscottdempwolf5759]

Ryan I'd like to see you compare the live version from studio coast and the live version from tokyo garden just released. Two great live performances five years apart. Many similarities and some subtle differences.

[@falconsooner]

This a great reminder of why I always find myself going back to Band Maid. It is amazing how well their songs work as instrumentals even if that wasn't their intent.

[@zachmays4272]

Love you buddy

[@AlexJones-wx5kz]

Ryan is not only an excellent performer but also an excellent analyst. Thanks for the spectacular video.

[@geraldz2271]

Thanks Ryan - great work as always. I personally am hoping that the next live video that BM release is Puzzle from the TGT concert.

[@himbo754]

I share your love of Puzzle, so I was happy to indulge your deep dive. Next up, deep dive into Puzzle Acoustic? PS: Puzzle shows off Saiki's great breath control. PPS: Puzzle Live is an intense complaint; Puzzle acoustic is a heart-rending lament. Both are great. And Misa and Akane -- and Miku's vocals and her grungy rhythm guitar -- and of course Kanami -- all great.

[@JuanSan66]

Thank you for these deep dives, they are very clarifying. And it's always a pleasure to immerse ourself in the Band Maid catalogue, just as the band say it's like coming home. For me it was very gratifying to hear this song live again at TGT's okyuji. It sounded as modern as the rest!

[@evgrang995]

Wasn't expecting how well just drums and vocals alone worked. Makes me love the song just that much more. Loving these deep dives into the songs. Makes my enjoyment of the music that much greater. But don't kill the magic for yourself either sir.

[@Bodneyblue]

I love the last notes section of Kanami's solo (LIVE) with the supporting music (drum beat bass note and chang chang guitar sound)...as she reverts back to the opening bars of the riff......Just those few seconds..I can't explain it....Its my favourite part of the track..In the LIVE.... As it has less reverb?..echo sound on the album so kind of loses the feel I get from the live....If any of that makes any sense..hahaha!..I'm waffling...And of course the acoustic LIVE paired with "Anemone" with the music box opening has to be some of the best if not the best few minutes of music I have ever heard....1 guitar 2 ladies....It's stunning...just stunning.

[@Newbfy]

She was using that guitar sound in ‘alone’, too. ‘Giovanni’ style solo bit.

[@_DriveTime]

No matter how you rearrange the puzzle pieces it turns out awesome.

[@ロベルさん菜園]

Ryan mate! Greetings on a very wet Sunday! I remember you saying "Saiki, take a breath!", lol This is an epic song, ain't it? And it will take you more dives to fully explain it! And I am waiting for them, I assure you! Best reards, Robert-Gilles

[@DAVID-io9nj]

This song, Puzzle, with Secret My Lips, and Choose Me are always linked in my mind. The magic for me is how well integrated the lyrics are to the music. Three wonderful variations on a theme, by a great composer lyricist duo.

[@chakouyang2545]

I must listen to this song over fifty times and still surprises and love it

[@ausoleil8269]

When I don't listen to this song for a few weeks, I somehow forget how much I love it. The rediscovery is pure bliss.

[@NeilNTR]

Thanks for the deep dive. Puzzle is still my number one favorite from Band-Maid. I like the live "normal" (non-acoustic) the best.

[@Raiden-R]

I ❤ BAND-MAID You ❤ BAND-MAID

[@nogarddragonkin]

rewatching this again . Still enjoy it both your break down and watching you learn it. Still odd you put this out and the puzzle live performance was uploaded like 2 weeks later lol. Still one of my favourite songs ever by any band

[@RyanMear]

Yes and yes!!

[@hothpeter]

Thanks Ryan. One of my favourite BM songs. Love your analysis as usual. Cheers !

[@adjust_fit_0075]

Moratorium" is their strongest weapon, and I personally think that "Shake That," which Ryan also reacted to earlier, was composed by Kentaro Akutsu, as was "Thrill," although some of the lyrics were written by Miku Kobato. This is another great song.

[@lurkmerchant]

I burnt the studio Coast live on cd and listen in the car. Moratorium, Puzzle, Secret My Lips, Matchless Gum...with extra something. ❤❤❤

[@threemonkeysk]

Nice dive. Puzzle, The live version from Studio Coast is #2 in my all time top 10 and has not changed since the first time I heard it, awesome song!

[@britwill72jp]

Thank you Ryan for this deep dive. Yeah, that song always makes me smile😀 Also, I really wanted to tell you that I'm really so happy that Carlos Santana is the guitarist that Kanami looks up to. If it had been any other fast picking shredding guitarist, this talent would never have been born. Thanks for sharing🤘

[@jenniferread7562]

You make these fun.. great job, great song.. and I meant to ask what your shirt is about.. does it say McClyde or McGlyde? 😆

[@RyanMear]

3Dbotracer on KZbin, check it out!

[@Wonderful-cr9lv]

The vocal sounds like a woman is crying. The guitar sounds like the bgm of some sad drama.

[@kent-oveprestberg3578]

BM's #1

[@stealthcabbie1336]

Wanna comment more. I can't..... Puzzle is my all time favortite Band Maid song.

[@pk13910]

First time I heard Puzzle I thought to myself, "this is my favorite song." Not my favorite Band-Maid song, but my favorite song. Not sure that has changed.

[@佐々木幸司-i2b]

君(kimi)You も(mo)too いつかは(itsukawa)one day 消えてしまう(kieteshimau)disappear 〜のか(noka)? Will〜? 😃…I know it's none of your business. I was looking forward to Band Maid-"puzzle"-deep dive.😃

[@RyanMear]

Thank you!

[@mikeanglada742]

In the live vid, right after Kanami's solo and when Saiki gestures to the crowd,,, Misa just over there locked into the Groove - swaying side to side! One of my favorite scenes ever!!! 🤘❤️🤘 Hard to believe a Band this Great exist!

[@hakosukar]

Thank you!! Thoroughly enjoyed it!

[@alskiindy4725]

Still my favorite!

[@bryandevito5120]

I always tell people that Akane is not the fastest drummer, she’s the smartest, and there is no second place in that contest.

[@lurkmerchant]

She's not the fastest, but nobody can really replicate what she does in a true sense imo even when someone's doing a perfect cover.

[@RyanMear]

Wtf ever said she wasn't fast?! She has more speed and stamina than a hell of a lot of other drummers, but she is creative instead of just blast beats.

[@lurkmerchant]

I think we are saying the same or similar thing in different phrasing. Akane's One and Only. 👍

[@bryandevito5120]

@@RyanMear We ARE saying the same thing. Love the passion though! Rock on.

[@bryandevito5120]

@@lurkmerchant You got my point Fume. Stay awesome! I’ll stay awkward. (2fer).

[@RaffaeleRussorr]

Hey Mate find the live version you will learn the parts better, in this live song Kanami is monstrous she doesn't stop for a moment. Incredible

[@RyanMear]

I checked it out on my Livestream, actually!

[@markvader8083]

My all-time favorite Band-Maid song. Everyone's part in the song was epic!

[@makmiskell3733]

Thanks Ryan! Iconic Band-Maid!

[@marcoserv2385]

¡Gracias!

[@RyanMear]

Thank you !

[@symphonysoup]

not really related to the video, but we love you ryan!!!

[@larryhoopingarner6445]

This song(from Shinkiba Studio Coast '17) made me a Band-Maid fan for the rest of my life,but I must re listen to the studio cut,and Kanami loves playing it, when she sings along the chorus, fun fact I just learned the other day from t-shinji that Yu Watanabe founder of Addictone is Kanami's guitar tutor,everybody else probably already knows this,great deep dive Ryan.

[@RyanMear]

I didn't know that, cool information!

[@DavidMISAMISAMISACook]

MISA MISA MISA!!!!!

[@allanalt2717]

The tone you are getting with the PRS is awesome Ryan. Thanks for this. Really enjoyed it. Puzzle is in my top 3.

[@SilentChaos15]

Now it's time to go and look at the new new live 😆

[@lgme378]

I love this song, it’s my number #1, they all 5 play a such big part of it. Kanami is a monster, Akane adds so much, Misa is always here, Miku (lyrics and vocals) is fantastic, and Saiki is a godess the way she sings. The japanese language is important part also, the accoustic version shows it so well. The song is leading us somewhere, the destination is a delight, always surprising, always pleasant for your mind. We call it solo but Kanami does rarely play alone, Akane and Misa are always here to support her and the song in a whole and it ends on a stand where Saiki and Miku can take it over and continue the journey. God I love this band. (My #2 is probably Unfair game that wrecks my mind every time).

[@Miraie93]

I wish female in my country will make a rock band like japanese female did because kpop legacy are all over the place today.

[@maidsandmuses]

Love these deep dives. "Sometimes it's just fun not to know" (42:11) - indeed, not being a musician myself, this is all magic to me. And I sometimes love that! But I also love it when you explain some of the magic 👍 Fiddling with Allen wrenches... sure that's not a subtle Kyuss reference? 😁

[@RyanMear]

I don't get the reference, I know Kyuss though!

[@maidsandmuses]

@@RyanMear A bit tenuous maybe I admit; Kyuss have a song called "Allen's Wrench", from their album "Blues for the Red Sun"; one of their lesser known songs. That connection just popped into my head when I saw you fiddling with the wrenches; I get that sometimes...

[@RyanMear]

Ha, okay. I would have to mention that too😁