🎵 Imaginary Lover - Atlanta Rhythm Section REACTION

[@surlechapeau]

Brad & Lex, you’ll love their "So in to You"!!

[@hughdalton7622]

The only song that I knew that lyrics to before I had ever heard it. I saw them in a magazine and the lyrics interested me. Weird, but true.

[@bradcolorado8149]

Yes! Yes! Yes!

[@charliepepper333]

Yes the original recording is the best version

[@AllieJ123]

That's a great choice

[@peterwalsh2470]

yeah the better song IMO

[@SG-js2qn]

While people may snicker at the subject matter, the song is great musically, and the theme of "the real versus the ideal" is something that people actually have to deal with.

[@cainealexander-mccord2805]

Don't knock the "ideal". Sometimes it beats the "real" by a country mile.

[@michaelkeefe8494]

Good thing they weren't doing Jackson Browne's Rosie...

[@dagnabbit6187]

@@cainealexander-mccord2805Yes it does in your mind all the time if you successfully get a handle on it !

[@danielsmith5088]

This is their 3rd biggest and last hit from the late 70's. Definitely check out 'So Into You', their highest charting song from 1976.

[@oldschoolfink3212]

This was an very underrated band. You should check out I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight, So Into You and Champagne Jam.

[@Cadinho93]

You guys should react to more Atlanta Rhythm Section… "So into You", "Champagne Jam", "Spooky", "Dog Days", "Alien", "I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight", "Sky High", "Do It or Die", "Jukin'" 🎸🤘

[@americanmutt9089]

Don't forget "Homesick."

[@roltyd22]

Cocaine Charlie lol

[@mikestand5163]

@@americanmutt9089 homesick's badass! then shanghaied, another mans woman, angel, etc.

[@donalddixon6541]

And you can't forget "Doraville".!

[@DM-hk4cw]

ARS is the smoothest southern rock group, ever. They're from Doraville, Ga. Check out their cover of "Spooky" or their originals "Do it or Die," "Champagne Jam," " Large Time," and "Not Gonna Let it Bother me Tonight." Heck, pick any song. They are classified as a southern rock, but have elements of jazz and some boogie woogie. Master musicians all of them and Ronnie Hammond's vocals, God rest his soul, are so smooth. (The original version of them, that is)

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

It isn't necessarily about "the act", it's more about "the fantasy". It could even apply to a real relationship when you're apart and missing the real person, how tou imagine how it'll be when you're reunited. You imagine an emotional, passiomate reunion, instead you return to a "honeydew" list and tales of how horrible it was while you were gone. Sometimes your partner is better in theory than in reality.😁

[@mike-in-fla4717]

An outstanding group who started as session musicians at a recording studio in Doraville, GA (their first hit "Doraville"). Formed ARS and had a string of hits after adding vocalist Ronnie Hammond. Try "Champagne Jam", "So Into You", "Doraville", "Georgia Rhythm", or "Do It Or Die".

[@DM-hk4cw]

" Doraville" is such a smooth song. Goddard could sure lay down a great bass line.

[@LaurieLewis-gj9me]

Studio One Doraville Ga. Many a hit recorded there.

[@bobmurray6697]

There isn’t a man or woman on earth that hasn’t had an imaginary lover 😊

[@conniekat3424]

I've heard them called the Steely Dan of the South before...love them!!

[@BlsPlayer]

I was in the Army, 19 yrs old, my wife had just left me and taken our two yr old Daughter when this song came out... I did not associate it with 'Pleasuring yourself' at all... Until now... [Thanks Brad..].. To me it was exactly what the lyric says.... Imaginary Lovers are perfect, they have no flaws, and will never hurt you the way Real Life lovers can, and often do.

[@richb313]

Satisfaction guaranteed classic line with a meaning.

[@cleekmaker00]

Champagne Jam, I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight, Spooky... ARS was definitely a tight and most excellent band.

[@dagrizz-ek4ih]

When I'm feeling mellow ARS is my go to band to feed my mellowness! Love you guys and thanks again for sharing!! This band is a bunch of that play in sessions for other artists when they need them and they decided to do their own music together. Simply fabulous sound.

[@KawaTony1964]

ARS had alot of great songs. They are a very underrated band that rarely gets reacted to. Good choice. Check out some of their other songs mentioned by commenters in this thread.

[@tommyc9150]

The absolute smoothest southern rock band ever. Listen to Georgia Rythem, Doraville, So I to You....

[@markwarren7157]

Just another example of the greatness of Southern Rock.

[@davidw119]

Good to see ARS get some of the love that they deserved for decades.

[@amandathibodeau4996]

Lex, your are so good! I totally agree with your interpretation. When Brad gave his opinion it was like, thanks for putting that imagine in my head. Then you came back with a more romantic interpretation. Exactly my impression.

[@deborahcornell171]

Always thought there was something sweetly sexy about this song. The overall sound & groove, the singer's voice...very atmospheric. Check out their "So Into You". Also sweetly sexy.💙☮

[@SirManfly]

It was always kind of mysterious to me 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@deborahcornell171]

@@SirManfly I get that. Actually, I think "mysterious" is a better word than "atmospheric"..or at least fine tunes it a bit.👍

[@cainealexander-mccord2805]

You hit it out of the park with this one. I bought that album in 1978 and I still listen to it. Nothing but hits on that record.

[@nedrini1387]

Hell yeah! Love this song!

[@jackgilchrist]

Yeah... I don't think the song can be reduced to a masturbation song. The imaginary lover listens, is interested in what you say, understands how you feel, doesn't cheat on you, is exactly what you want in a woman, etc. If it were just about sex I don't think the hand would be most guy's first choice. He's talking about all the other stuff.

[@donalddixon6541]

Thank You, Thank You, I really dont understand the young sperm nowadays, they think everything is about sex......

[@steve9833]

Casey Kasem on American Top 40 said this song was about masturbation as a lot of songs are. It's not that big a deal and its not just a young thing.

[@kennethgoin628]

@@steve9833 I had heard the same factoid. I think the romantic content fits the thoughts of a fool looking at Playboys, fantasizing what the girl would be like, of course, culminating in a sexual experience. "Satisfaction guaranteed" says it all.

[@ShaunHensley]

@@steve9833 it reduces men to animals and we are much more than that.

[@funkster007]

ARS used to get quite a bit of radio play in the 70's and 80's. "So Into You" and "Homesick" are classics. They kinda remind me of Alan Parsons Project a little.

[@loupi4bama]

Them boys were born and raised in my area, including the famous writer Buddy Buie. Their radio hits were not always their best songs, but still good. Such great musicians!

[@DM-hk4cw]

Buie could write some music. Georgia boy here, too.

[@loupi4bama]

@@DM-hk4cw I live in GA, but most of those guys are from Opp/Andalusia Alabama. Buie was born and raised in Dothan.

[@DM-hk4cw]

@@loupi4bama I knew I smelled an Alabama fan...lol. In the early formation of the band did you notice Mylon LeFevre's name? He's an Atlanta boy that did well in the Christian music industry. He did some background singing with them on early albums and a cool guy. BTW, I haven't heard Op, Alabama in a long time. The original singer, Rodney Justo was born in New York and grew up in Tampa...I'll forgive him for that. Barry Bailey was from Atlanta area and Ronnie Hammond was a Macon, Georgia boy. Paul Goddard was a Lagrange, Ga. native. So, it was about an even split. But, nonetheless all were master musicians and singers. Buie did a great job of pulling all that talent together.

[@loupi4bama]

@@DM-hk4cw You know the smell of a champion then. Good on ya. I am well aware of Mylon, yes. He's a GOAT as well. Not all of them are from southeast Alabama, but most of them are.

[@easyrolling]

There was a 60's group called The Classic IV..had a number of hits led by the Late Dennis Yost. .. from the remnants of that band came ARS.. basically the Rhythm Section started this band (Hence ..Atlanta Rhythm Section).. they were smooth and easy- listening rock..and also covered a major hit from the original band, Spooky ,great version.. but there are so many other wonderful songs along the way.. Brad's interpretation was right-on..

[@dggydddy59]

So THAT'S why they did a remake all those years later! I had no idea it was practically the same band doing it all those years later. Plus didn't Classics IV do both Spooky and Stormy? Two songs practically identical to each other if I remember correctly. Did ARS do both of those as well?

[@DerekDominoes]

Wow. I never knew that those two bands had such a connection.

[@mcddtlc]

I always liked- another man’s woman from these guys - great band!!

[@BROU-bb2uc]

They have a perfect song for today I'm not gonna let it bother me tonight.

[@SofaKingWashed]

3:11 lmao, "Palmela" threw Lex HARD. She was still stirring that one around in her head for a minute after Brad said that. I never heard of that one either tbf lol.

[@lantose]

Brad, that’s exactly what they were talking about!

[@shawnchristie3634]

Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight and Champagne Jam are classics and must reactions ✅

[@stevemariman8769]

So bluesy, with lots of great piano (similar to Steely Dan) and guitar. ARS has a handful I remember...(this one, of course)..."Spooky" "I'm Not Gonna Let It Bother Me Tonight" "Alien" "Doraville" "Do It Or Die" "Jukin'" "Champagne Jam"

[@deannajones3849]

Absolutely love this one! Another great one by them is SO INTO YOU! And SPOOKY!

[@joepimentel306]

These guys are under rated by miles!

[@HansMcGruber]

I was 11 when this came out. I didn't know what they were talking about, I just liked the song lol

[@roltyd22]

They were about the most underrated band of all..just didn't get the playtime against Skynyrd, 38 Special,Allman Brothers,Molly Hatchet..great band got lots of great songs

[@kellyman2103]

Great live band! What a show!!

[@ronniedrumm1]

Agree with Lex on the Steely Dan vibe. Btw…I loved Lex’s face after Brad referred to the “palm” 😂

[@Tuesdays_Gone]

Back Against the Wall is great and Homesick. So Into You. They were a great band.

[@preachervideo]

“Rosie” by Jackson Browne. Same subject.

[@polska1958]

Brad really picked up on the lyrics well. I've listened to this song for 45 years and it never dawned on me. I just thought it was a song about daydreaming, but it could be that too.

[@karengoodenough827]

Sooo glad someone is finally getting to them! Thank you. Try Champagne Jam, it’s very good, hell most all of their stuff is definitely worth listening to

[@RhettAnderson]

Oh I had forgotten this band! Thanks for bringing them around.

[@donalddixon6541]

A pox on you! You should be ashamed...........

[@jaymilu6384]

Definitely need to listen to So Into You. It’s a fantastically groovy chill song

[@derwoodbowen5954]

These guys were so smoooooth.

[@auralfixxation6702]

And let's not forget Spooky. Great song.

[@markburnham7512]

Brad gets it.

[@johnrudy9404]

It's both, emotionally,,,a person who knows you and is perfect. Also the satisfaction of predictable release of tension, so to speak.😉 ARS came on the scene for only a short time, but was so powerful. Good find B&L!

[@JP-jm9fy]

I met these guys years ago. It was right after a show they put on down the street from where I worked. They came in and ate then left. It was pretty cool up until that point I never met a band or anyone famous before. Crazy part is after this it was like the floodgates of celebrity open up and I met quite a few more after that.

[@zebjohnson5580]

Brad is correct the song is about exactly what it sounds like. Spooky is great song by ARS✌🤘♥️

[@landreaulover]

I actually never thought it was about the actual act of self-pleasuring -- more like imagining that special someone was with you. Though to be honest, I was a little naive back then --- and didn't know that was even a thing.

[@jackolson8775]

Good song. My favorite from them is Homesick. " Where were you in '69 ? Smokin' dope & drinkin' wine." ( well not me, I was 1yr old. I caught up quick ,though.😂 )

[@richardmartin9565]

I never thought of this song like Brad did. I just sat and listened.

[@richardrodriguez2120]

Another great song by this group is Spooky. Great groove

[@michaelfletcher9640]

"That's what they call it?!?" Classic!😆😍🤩

[@Tuesdays_Gone]

We love our Georgia boys. I was so in love with Ronnie Hammond. 🥰❤️🥰❤️

[@teresamcmeans566]

Ronnie was gorgeous. 😍 His voice was beautiful.

[@Tuesdays_Gone]

@@teresamcmeans566, yes he was gorgeous, and his voice was beautiful,minded. 🥰

[@daledodson1279]

So many great songs by ARS to hear!

[@TheNeonRabbit]

A lot of people called them the Steely Dan of Southern rock

[@tonyponchopeters]

"They did that in the 70's" lol Lex is the funniest.

[@jasondunken]

Palmala (Handerson and her five sisters), LOL Brad, I hadn't heard that one in a long time.

[@squireca]

loved this song since it was released. Smoooooth tune

[@Sweep_The_Leg_Johnny]

getting flooded with memories listening to this. we had this song on an 8-track in our Oldsmobile station wagon (with the fake wood on the side). I think the song after this one on the 8-track was Peter Brown's "Do Ya Wanna Get Funky With Me". GREAT song :)

[@TheAcgtrs]

“Spooky” is an absolute classic.

[@edmundhenry5095]

My favorite is "Another Man's Woman" and the cover "Spooky"

[@joedonlewis9820]

Great song. Great band. Very underrated. Brad check out Rosie by Jackson Browne.

[@danielmaher7108]

Or...Pictures Of Lily, by The Who

[@DivaInTheWoods]

Lex got it at 5:42. Your imaginary lover encompasses every positive trait you want in a partner. Years ago, I jokingly told people ARS sang a song about my man, then I would name this song. Dad joke from a young girl gets the same eye roll and groan. 🤣

[@landreaulover]

Yeah, I side with Lex on this one -- I thought this was more about the unattainable than getting off.

[@joepimentel306]

It's like says, " They are a vibe".

[@bluetopguitar1104]

Studio guys who turned into a big band in the late 70s. Very talented all around. A few different styles. "Home sick" and "champagne jam" are two great ones.

[@gordonames1892]

HEARD THEM IN THE MID 70S

[@heydadchannel]

I saw ARS in concert late 70s. Great live show band. Just a groove song...

[@user-pe9gz8si8k]

ATR had a huge amount of hits. It’s very sad they’ve been narrowed down to just a couple. The mind is the most powerful aphrodisiac.

[@billiondollarbaby3276]

ARS is the abbreviation

[@shapeach]

Yep!! Y'all nailed it!! 💖 Love ARS!! Spooky is fire and so is Doraville!

[@jeffrubinelectronics]

Lex, your reaction to "Palmala" was better than your reaction to the song! Love you guys! Keep on keepin' on.

[@seanroberts4011]

I mean, I've always heard it as Mrs. Rosie Palmer and her five daughters, but "Palmala" works too... :)

[@LaserRanger15]

Super band from here in Atlanta (Doraville actually). This is a really good song. Try their version of "Spooky". It is a jam song.

[@hog7203]

That's sorta their version of the Stones' song Miss You. The subject matter is the same anyway. Kinda like Rosie by Jackson Browne. ARS could jam live! They surprised the hell out of me when I saw them in the late '70s. No fancy stage show. Just a giant neon light flashing ARS over their heads and great music.

[@rikconant1228]

ARS did a lot of great songs. Definitely keep them on your radar.

[@steveyoung2317]

Forgot this. Really outstanding song

[@HBFTimmahh]

Today's my 56th. I remember this song from the 70s. Song about the Pin Up Girls we boys all had.

[@julieford8788]

Saw them at Memphis in May years ago. Such a great band. 💙

[@wendideleoncampbell4174]

I love this song soo much 😇❤️🙏

[@tonkatoy3636]

Maestro Fresh Wes - Let Your Backbone Slide

[@chuckgibson6377]

Brad, you are correct. This is amazing... first time for everything.

[@tonyberezowski7859]

Now they need to check out Jackson Browne's Rosie!! lol

[@skyeditor1740]

I live in Doraville where this band is from. Studio one is about a mile from my house. They recorded there along with Lynyrd Skynyrd and a number of other bands.

[@TracyfromNC]

I especially like their live version of Spooky!

[@robertmillar8246]

That's right Lex, "Palmala Handerson" as Brad was hinting at.

[@willfromyadkinville]

underrated group. like others have posted "so in to you" was a vibe!

[@bradcolorado8149]

Good analogy Brad you called it

[@mikebarnett9012]

Hi Brad and Lex, longtime listener but 1st time commenting just couldn't resist because Led mentioned dolls. So I have a suggestion I think you will enjoy. It is by a band y'all like The Police and he song is called "Be My Girl". It is from their debut album 'Outlandos de Armour' from mid 70's. Hope y'all have a great evening!!!

[@mikeb3835]

Yes Lex, Rosie Palm was most young boys first love.

[@danielbardier1372]

Come on Lex, you’ve been there, done that.

[@giuliogrifi7739]

Great song...great band from Georgia !

[@tyreewhite6653]

Easy Listening ! It has a thread to Truth !

[@Russ_Keith]

I think I must take my music too seriously. I didn't even think about 'Palmela' till Brad said it. Thanks for that. I needed a laugh today.

[@jz55859]

I saw these guys in the 80's in Dallas Texas. Before they played this song the Singer introduced it by simply saying, "This is a song about masturbation." The crowd roared. End of speculation.

[@mwrobinson1169]

You guys would probably dig "Spooky".

[@windinthefirtrees8020]

Oh I haven't heard this in year's, thank you felt like a girl of the seventies again!

[@shannonbennett987]

Fantasy is a good thing. As long as it's not the only thing.

[@IrishKack]

Listen to their version of Spooky. So good. As many times as I’ve heard this song, I never thought of “that”! 🤣

[@vancejohnson1709]

Please react to "Spooky". The guitar work is exceptional.

[@TARugg]

Brad gets it right away

[@jeffmay8139]

These guys recorded in such a wide, full stereo sound

[@auralfixxation6702]

Oh and someone mentioned So Into You. That song has an amazing outgoing lead section.