Band Teacher Reaction/Analysis of Band-Maid's Bestie

[@bobcieslinski]

Another awesome song by these lovely and talented ladies. Let me know in the comments where you are from? Join Our Newsletter: bit.ly/BobCieslinskiNewsletter Buy the Best Cookies and save 10% by using MUSICFRIENDS at checkout: bit.ly/Bangcookies Make a Donation: www.buymeacoffee.com/BobCieslinski Buy Highfidelity Ear Protection for concerts and everyday life: bit.ly/highfidelityearplugs Join Channel Membership: bit.ly/BobCieslinskimembership

[@tonygriffin_]

As you can possibly tell by my YT avatar, I'm from Wales (and love Band-Maid!)

[@Kevin6059]

Every encounter with Band-Maid brightens my world.

[@bandmaidfanATL]

Saiki designed the outfits btw. My impression is that the "battle armor" is for "work," and Bestie is a song about personal endeavors and being relaxed with your company and your surroundings.

[@bocatampere]

Same thoughts here 👍

[@bobcieslinski]

Makes sense. Thanks.

[@nussekuddenxxx6564]

Nope! The reason is that this not a "pure" Band-Maid song. It's a co-op, so that is why they dress in something else. Same as when they have other outfits when doing acoustic shows.

[@hiawatha.g]

Best rock band in 50 years. Every new thing they do just proves that over and over. I've seen them live three times and wish I had just committed to seeing every stop on their tours.

[@bobcieslinski]

You said it Hiawatha.g. More epic to come I’m sure.

[@bandmaidfanATL]

This song's instrumentals were a collab with Mike Einziger, guitarist of Incubus. They met at a festival last year at craft service, and the rest is history. Band-Maid also recently opened for Incubus in Tokyo, and Mike joined them onstage for this song.

[@bobcieslinski]

Oh man how cool is that. Nice to hear from you! Hope you are doing well!

[@GaryHolloway-810]

Nice info ATL.👍

[@RogerChance3902]

ATL! 🍺🥴🤘🏻

[@skrrytch]

🍻 Have a nice weekend with and without Band Maid 😅

[@bandmaidfanATL]

Everything is nicer because if Band-Maid

[@Kevin6059]

Hi Bob - it's my understanding that Kanami writes here guitar solos on piano. The melodic nature of her solos is not an accident. She has said that that is always her intent.

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Kevin!

[@drogonr9318]

Thank you for the lovely reaction. Yeah, this song makes me smile - it's completely feel-good. It's like a warm hug. It's also such a Band-Maid song in that it's simple but with enough complexity to keep me fascinated. So glad they had the opportunity to collaborate with the talented Mike Einziger of Incubus (which is why they are wearing white, as its a different, collab sound for the band).

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks for thr kind words!

[@CAPTCHAZ]

If you didn't know Miku wrote the lyrics for this song.. In my opinion Miku Kobato wrote this song for the beautiful ladies of Band-Maid. Read the lyrics and and I think you will think the same thing. There are no bands today that don't get along together. Members will leave bands because they think they are better than anybody else. Miku Kobato put together the greatest musicians and Bestie's or more or less Sisters. Great reaction again, as always. See you again. Keep Rocking Dude 👍👍🤘🤘🕊️🇺🇸

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Cap! Awesome comments!

[@erwinbernardo2797]

Agree !!

[@JuanSan66]

Excellent analysis. The 90s vibe belongs to the intro and outro riff, composed together with Mike Einziger. A beautiful collaboration. For me the highlight of the song is that beautiful bridge with the voices entering during much of the solo. The white clothes were chosen and designed by Saiki, in her words the blank canvas on which to imagine the colors of the band's next years (this is the first song they composed after the milestone of their 10 years together). The cover design of the single is also hers, as well as the suggestion of the lyrics written by Miku about the friendship between the members of Band Maid. Thank you sir!, great video as always.

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Juan! Awesome comments man.

[@bandmaidfanATL]

I worked with Collective Soul in the late 90s, and this song really reminds me of Ed Roland's softer writing, like from Run, She Said, even Shine.

[@bobcieslinski]

Dude that’s pretty cool!

[@waynebenedict5785]

This song shows the versatility we Maidiacs have come to appreciate from these magical ladies.

[@TomClark-Futoura]

Bestie, in the vein of other great mid-tempo Band-Maid songs like Daydreaming, Anemone, Endless Story, PAGE, Wonderland, Awkward, Start Over, Mirage, At the Drop of a Hat and Smile, was co-written by Michael Einziger of Incubus. MISA's playing and bass tone are setting new standards... and Akane's drumming is so in-the-pocket and distinguishable... and Kanami's solo is Daydreaming masterful! The recording and mix are as enjoyable as the song and beautiful MV! And Miku’s English lyrics are heartfelt. Is Band-Maid a band of fashion-forward, trend-setting Besties? 💞 Thx, Mikey, Band-Maid and Bob! FYI - The Maids just released a "Making of Bestie" on their websites where they explain the song and look of their awesome MV.

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Tom for the awesome comments!

[@TomClark-Futoura]

@@bobcieslinski 🙏

[@dahnawa1839]

Saiki is so beautiful it takes your breath away. With the voice of an angel. They all look like angels.

[@lewissmith4123]

Hi Bob. I was so pleased to see how much you enjoyed Bestie. It us an untypical Band Maid song however it subscribes to a typical Kanami composition. The last riff matches the first. There is variation in the verses to keep our attention. The chorus should be melodic. Also in this song and many others Kanami's solo starts and finishes on the same note as Saiki sings giving us a seamless transition into and out of the solo which, when you hear it is unmistakably Kanami even though this song was composed with Mike Enzinger of Incubus. It will grow on you more and more, it's a real ear worm.

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Lewis! This was such an awesome song. The writing both lyrics and instrumental were incredible. They just find a way to keep putting out hit after hit.

[@jameslofton]

Band-Maid are playing with The Warning on June 12th. It's gonna be AWESOME!!

[@bobcieslinski]

That will be epic.

[@johnverley1739]

You picked up on the great parts of this song a lot faster than I did. I took me a few more listens but now I love it. Another great reaction Bob! Thank you

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks John! I appreciate the kind words and the tip!

[@rockyetsx70]

Kanami talked about this experience working with Mike Einziger who wrote the riff and as she said then really she composed around that melody. There's a behind the scenes video on Band-Maid Prime that shows the totally adorable and charming ladies enjoying the new look battle armour for this video.

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Rocky!

[@TlanImass]

Did you catch Saiki-san’s HELD note into Kanami-san’s guitar solo? Four measures!

[@tonygriffin_]

Fantastic analysis, as ever, Bob and (again as always) I got to learn a few new things about the musicianship and composition. This will be a great sing-along at concerts with its resounding and catchy choruses - hats off to Miku for the lyrics. This was a collaboration with Mike Einziger of Incubus in the composition and, for me, it sounded like a slower paced song for Band-Maid - although, weirdly, this song also sounds really great with a faster tempo (ie, playing it at x1.25 here on YT or even at x1.10 if you have the equipment. The costumes were Saiki's choice but not sure what meaning is behind her colour and style choice...but there will be a few layers of meaning behind it, as with most things Japanese in my experience!

[@bobcieslinski]

Hey Tony! Always awesome to hear from you man. Great comments thanks! I’ll have to try to sped up way you mentioned.

[@grahamreed8774]

Great reaction as usual- completely with you with everything you said.

[@bobcieslinski]

I appreciate it thanks!

[@MusicMike747]

Welcome back to Band Maid, Bob. Another Maid offering in a completely different style. If this gets them a wider audience? I’m all for it. All English lyrics, catchy chorus. For my personal taste, it’s not what I gravitate towards. I do love Kanami’s opening guitar tone, though. And her little angel wing sleeves ❤ I’m holding out for their new album this summer. Bring on the riffs!

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks MusicMike for the great comments!

[@jjo154]

Thanks Bob; great reaction! To me, the all-white attire represents the purity of their love for each other, and they all look gorgeous. Kanami's solo is reminiscent of her "Daydreaming" solo in its emotion and flat-out virtuosity. And yeah, Akane's drumming is always so appropriate no matter if she's going all-out or reining things back to fit the song.

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Jjo! Awesome comments. This one was epic.

[@modelsfan]

5 angels sent from heaven 🥰 I think it is a song from Miku to the other band members and as others have mentioned a collaboration with Mike Einziger of Incubus

[@joebarrera9741]

THANKS FOR YOUR REACTION BECAUSE THESE GIRLS ARE AMAZING

[@AchimE]

Nice reaction, Bob! Like their style! Do you know just now they are meeting with The Warning? They play a show together in Tokio on 12th of June. The Warning is already in Tokio, they already met Band Maid! Many fans hope for a collaboration, or some surprises at their show! 👍⚡️🤘

[@bobcieslinski]

That show is gonna be epic. Those people are gonna see an awesome show!

[@HG-kr5dc]

日本から。 Thank you for your reaction to BAND-MAID.　　For the white costume, SAIKI came up with the idea, produced it, and had a designer make it.　Since the song is a collight with Mike Einziger, and it is a new milestone for BAND-MAID in its 11th year, I think it also means that we will take off ther battle armor once and dye it again in ther own colors.　Whatever the case, BAND-MAID came before us as the angels of R&R.

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks HG!

[@HG-kr5dc]

@@bobcieslinski ✌😃

[@agdtec]

My favorite sonic moment is when all the girls add the vocal harmony

[@Greg-om2hb]

They are wearing different outfits because BESTIE is a collaboration with Mike Einziger of Incubus (hence the 90’s sound), not a regular BAND-MAID song. It’s interesting how, just as in MANNERS, the form of the song remains the same from verse to verse, but the intensity keeps building, from beginning to end. I love SAIKI’s new hair.

[@bobcieslinski]

Hey Greg! Nice to hear from you! Thanks for the info! That makes sense.

[@stevehall5128]

Some of Akane's least complex/fast fills, but they're so doggone TASTY they're some of my favorite work by her.

[@brunobryant4846]

Epic, yep that's BAND-MAID and like the cookies, gooey is what happens to my heart each time I hear this amazing Rock and Roll Sisterhood play this song. Spot on with Miku, each time she plays rhythm guitar Malcom Young smiles. Thanks for the reaction, what a fcken band Po 👍🍻

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Bruno for the awesome comments!

[@BRO-HI808]

Always love your reactions and breakdowns. Thank you for continuing to react to the Maids. As for the Angel Battle Armor, I like it, but I do love their Maid Battle Armor, as it is part of their identity. It seems to be tied to this song being a collaboration piece. They were back in their Maid Armor when their opened for Incubus in Japan and did their first live performance of this amazing song. As other's have mentioned, it was co-written with Mike Einziger from Incubus, and Mikey-chan joined and rocked next to Kanami for the debut. They were also in their Maid Armor on the Day of Maid Okyu-ji. PO!🕊 🤘😆🤘

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks so much Bro for the kind words and awesome comments!

[@irwinwei73]

Kanami knows how to use her guitar to reach in and grab your heart… in the best way

[@WilliamHallisey]

Bob, thanks for your reaction to " Bestie". I think this song, while a departure from their normal sound, really shows their versatility and will slowly become a favorite of many Maidiacs.

[@bobcieslinski]

I think you are right.

[@daft73games]

Thank you again @Bob Cieslinski I always look forward to your analysis. 😀😀 🕊🕊🕊

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks so much for commenting and watching daft. I appreciate it!

[@jan-ovepedersen5764]

Thanks for reacting to Band-Maid, the best hardrock band in ages. MISA is a fantastic bass player who always adds a lot of melody to support the vocals while still keeping the rythm with the drums. Akane is one of the best drummers in hardrock ever. Kanami is a genius composer and player. Miku's chorus and rythm guitar backs Saiki's amazing vocals and the rest of the band. Bestie is a great example of how Band-Maid compose and arrange songs. Their songs are epic time and again. I've seen them 4 times so far, and I hope to see them again soon.

[@bobcieslinski]

They are the best. Incredible rockers. I’d love to see them someday too.

[@Bekka_Noyb]

great song! ♥

[@johnverley1739]

Thanks!

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks so much John! I really appreciate it!

[@660dohcnk]

Nice & Thanks!!

[@philipcable437]

This is a song equivalent of a cold bear shared with friends on a summer evening.

[@Skarmo.]

Bear? Or beer? :)

[@stevehall5128]

I mean...Miku IS from Kumamoto 😊

[@_JimS]

I feel the white outfits are because this really isn't a 100% Band-Maid song since it was a co-written song. That guitar part cuts through is in the beginning of the song too. I love Akane's tom work in "Don't You Tell Me" Official LIVE mediating the guitar battle between MISA and Kanami AND "Daydreaming". Just another Masterpiece by the Maids..... so glad and thankful I'm living in their era.

[@bobcieslinski]

They are amazing! Every song is so good.

[@_JimS]

@@bobcieslinski Agreed!

[@arezaryansah3297]

That solo, for me personally, sums up the entire song, with the lyrics included, the image that pops up in my head were, bestfriend recalled their journey after all these years, with up, and down, h*ck even those ordinary days, and then their anticipations to see what tomorrow has to offers.

[@bobcieslinski]

Great take on this one.

[@chrisbergsten1429]

As you might know, white is the color of death and funerals in Asian culture. The song is about a best friend that died suddenly; written from the perspective before they died. That’s why the song cuts out suddenly. …I’m kidding. I always found the abrupt ending strange; letting the guitar’s last notes ring out would have made more sense to me. As far as I know, they ditched the maid costumes because the song is a collaboration… although I understand Saiki picked the outfits, and she’s never liked the maid costumes; make what you will of that.

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks Chris for your thoughts!

[@kennogawa6638]

Misa plays lead bass.

[@Douglas.Scott.McCarron]

Wow, Band Maid can even do pop music, cool.

[@mkoziol2001]

Best.

[@cffex3858]

Could you do an analysis of the song 'Grievous Lady - nothing is but what is not'? I would like to see you analyze its musical theory usage if you don't mind it being an EDM song? It also has orchestra in it.

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks I’ll try to check it out.

[@jeremydawkins8814]

I think it has more of an Incubus vibe. Maybe.😁😁😁

[@erwinbernardo2797]

I miss this vibe in early 2000 like incubus vibe....

[@guygourley2411]

I’m not positive, but I believe this is their first song in all English. Kanami has a set of riffs she likes, you’ll hear them with some variation in a lot of their songs. This isn’t my favorite song of theirs, but it’s definitely fun!

[@bobcieslinski]

I definitely enjoyed this one Guy. Maybe it helped that I could really understand what Saiki was singing about. 😂I’m gonna have to learn some Japanese. Hope you are doing well!

[@guygourley2411]

@@bobcieslinski If you go through some of the songs I sent, you’ll get used to not really knowing the lyrics. One of my favorites is named Greatness in the playlist. It moves pretty fast but has a lot of musical changes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/lZi7iX6weNCYb8ksi=neinuOAIq2h9lKos.

[@bandmaidfanATL]

This is actually their 3rd fully English song, but the first, Don't Let Me Down, they did not write, and the 2nd, The Dragon Cries, was a Collab with Tony Visconti.

[@GaryHolloway-810]

And the compression on TDC is like a tinnitus for the brain. Live or nothing.😔

[@Kevin6059]

@@GaryHolloway-810 I think all of their newer stuff deserves less compression. To me, the highs just sort of splatter when I crank it up. Manners I like to really crank but I really really wish there was more clarity in the highs. I will still listen to them all of course!

[@JehanLSZABO]

White outfits because it's not 100% Band Maid album that is coming but a international cooperation, so they are free to go out of the box. My Guess that next song will be in partnership with the Warning after this Incubus one.

[@bobcieslinski]

Thanks I appreciate the info.

[@schelin1447]

This song sounds like it could be a SCANDAL song, it would have suited SCANDAL.

[@stevehall5128]

One of the many things I love about Band-Maid is their stylistic range, and Scandal does the same; I really need to dive into Scandal's extensive catalogue more than I have so far.

[@paddyofurniture4681]

White??????? BAND ANGELS

[@popscj2a]

They are the best