Classical Composer Reacts to Routine (Steven Wilson) | The Daily Doug (Episode 239)

[@svartmetall]

This song is almost unbearably intense, and Ninet's vocal is the crowning touch. Incredible.

[@robertnshine]

Another Steven Wilson masterpiece. “Don’t ever let go. Try to let go”. Quite possibly the saddest ending to any song, ever. I can’t even think about it for too long!

[@davehall8584]

me too Robert.

[@ryer9646]

There is something truly amazing about that song being played like that to a completely empty space, much more so the Royal Albert Hall. It's like an unheard cry for help. It hits so much harder than if the hall was packed.

[@antoniocarlin5026]

On 1984 Warlord made a concert full on a Madison Square Garden empty...!! the band get ahead of the Pandemic Times!!

[@grahamhowes6904]

This is superb- Ninet does a wonderful job and by the way her accurate tuning is exemplary. A terrific song which I personally see as a companion piece to THE RAVEN WHO REFUSED TO SING. As a therapist in a part of my life I know how trauma and grief can eat away at people and routine is one coping mechanism, self medicating another, so it is always cathartic when a person is able to honour the memories and yet live their life. I had a client who had had her daughter murdered she eventually realised at her daughters grave that she had to forgive the perpetrator and, as her gaze fell on a blossoming tree, that her daughter would not want her to stop living. She summed it up perfectly: “The purpose of Life is to blossom and grow.” She forgave the man so she could also let go of the insidious hate gnawing at her. I love this version of the song and, you rightly say, the animation is worth seeking out. Please do THE RAVEN WHO REFUSED TO SING with its haunting animation. A very sensitive response Doug! Thanks

[@sianpodmore4988]

Hi Graham, as a CPTSD survivor there's a lot of recognition in this piece for me too, though for a very different story. There is so much wisdom in your client's realisation and I was very moved by it. Doug critiqued the animated version of TRWR2S some time ago, it's on his channel.

[@charleshill9546]

He did episode 21 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qYC3anuFos9maK8 one of those early ones which may need to be brought upto current standards

[@glendawatson331]

Thanks Graham for those few little words “it’s always cathartic when a person is able to honour the memories yet live their lives “I felt a switch go on in my mind I have not been able to understand how I processed my son’s death 5 years ago but there is something very comforting to me in those words

[@hansthijs]

Very nice resume. Thanks

[@martinbroten9467]

I remember when I first saw the original animated video for this song. When it reached the newspaper headline that revealed what happened, my first reaction was "oh my god, that's what this is about?". Watched it again and cried like a baby all the way through. A great song. A great video.

[@nicholasmoore6487]

Hand Cannot Erase is my 3rd favorite album of all time, and my favorite from him. It's so emotionally charged in a way that comes off as an ugly beauty. It's a fantastic listen all the way through

[@OrbvsTomarvm]

totally get that. for me it's up there with darkside of the moon.

[@Rondo2ooo]

Agree with both of your suggestions. It's also my favorite SW album and heavy as hell, emotionally. I would add to that shortlist 'Selling England by the Pound'.

[@raghav_c]

Hey, what are your other 2 absolute favourites?

[@lexrichardson7820]

I get chills every time I hear it! Don’t ever let go-- try and let go-!

[@rizkyjelang4737]

ok guys to be honest this is not my first listen, but it still emotional. when I listening for the first time, I cried ngl. what a masterpiece.

[@Heiteinah]

At the concert, near the end of the song when the crescendo drops into a SCREAM, that was when everyone screamed together. This one moment feels stronger than most things I've felt in my life. It was incredible, such raw emotion. Just astonishing. Lovely review, Doug. Thanks

[@stephenparolini9921]

Steven Wilson is brilliant. I never tire of listening to his latest creation. I'd put in a vote for Porcupine Tree music, too. My favorites include "The Sound of Muzak" and "Blackest Eyes", both from In Absentia. Great work on this one as always.

[@thomasmeyer8798]

You misspelled "Arriving somewhere but not here"... :-)

[@stephenparolini9921]

@@thomasmeyer8798 Perhaps I did. It's brilliant, of course.

[@whythatspreposterous]

In Absentia was my entry point to PT many years ago. Too many great songs on that album. Trains, Gravity Eyelids, Heart Attack in a Layby...and the track I keep coming back to for the frisson is Lips of Ashes.

[@dennoow]

Porcupine tree is amazing. Anesthesize, Arriving somewhere, Heartattack in a Laybe, Half light, Sleep together etc etc. Love both SW and PT

[@kenlee5015]

Great album and song. Nynette's (sp?) voice is amazing. That scream runs through my soul.

[@laju]

Ninet.

[@petersilver4281]

Ninet Tayeb.

[@wolfsongcg6497]

Even listening through this with your explanation and break-down, the song still gets a lump in my throat. Powerful song. "Don't ever let go. Try to let go" - one of the most brilliant lyrics I've ever heard.

[@emjem99]

Ninet on the song Pariah brings me to tears when she lets it all out. Another wonderful, dark SW track.

[@WhereCrabsAreSquads]

One of that song's that makes me cry every time. You absolutely must listen to it and see a video clip. A masterpiece. Steven is an absolutely genius musician

[@dtltmtgt]

Steven Wilson right after Riverside...great choices Doug! Thanks!

[@emarsk77]

One of my favourite songs - and videos - of his. The entire album is a masterpiece from start to finish, so emotionally powerful it's even too much sometimes.

[@michaelcaparula8312]

Doug, that coda section brings back what I call the "Perfect Life" motif which is heard throughout this entire album, my personal favorite of SW.

[@DeadWaits]

What is coda?

[@mikedavis6884]

Thanks for this Doug-it's such a moving piece, and your way of addressing the music technically as well as the emotional content is helpful, joyful and moving to hear. Blessings to you and yours.

[@TheLanternOfShame]

Such an amazing song.... like you've said before.... it's not always about how many notes, it's about finding the right notes at the right time.

[@charter-rejects]

Great job, Doug! This is definitely the most profoundly important piece of music I've heard in the past 10 years.

[@TheBuglemouthBass]

I doubt there is anyone who has lost someone they loved, especially a loss that is sudden, premature and unexpected, that this song doesn't have the ability to affect. It's always been a bit of a meme with Steven, but to me he is the greatest songwriter of melancholic music we've been blessed with in a long time. The final lines "Don't ever let go...try to let go" are so accurate. You need to move on after such a loss, but you don't ever want to forget. It's a bit of a paradox. Thanks for hitting this one Doug!

[@ArielRodriguezVannini]

Amazing song by an amazing artist, I remembered when I listened for the first time live in Buenos Aires in march 2015, the best concert I´ve attend to to the last years..... Thank you Doug for this song reaction......

[@djstraylight]

Such a powerful song. Also the video for the studio version is amazing.

[@graemew2600]

Fantastic song from SW performed perfectly by Ninet. So emotional, no matter how many times I hear it. And as ever, a great breakdown, Doug.

[@DanielHeikalo]

What an amazing vocalist!

[@sianpodmore4988]

I was very moved by this piece Doug and there is a lot of recognition in it for me (with a very different backstory). I would echo your encouragement to people suffering the anguish of trauma to seek help. You are not dishonouring your woundings by learning how to continue your life.

[@TeaOnTue]

Honestly this was my easiest subscription, can't wait to see more videos of you!

[@OZRIC1985]

Thanks for reviewing this incredible song, Doug! I watched this same live video of "Rountine" some time this past year, and I think the song is just brilliant. It really deeply touches my emotions with those great chord changes, the singing, the lyrics, the orchestration, and just everything. What a true masterpiece of a song! :)

[@stephenhaunch3468]

Great reaction and information. I like that Steven was playing a PRS, the guitar that I have chosen. Beautiful morning here in New Zealand, fortunately for me the bees are humming but no routine, school hols.

[@Quileryn]

This song definitely speaks to me. I think out of all Wilson's songs, Routine hit me the absolute hardest. I also really appreciate how you interpret lyrics, not just the music as well! Each of his songs is like a piece of art, lots of story and empathy to unpack when reading SW or PT's lyrics. I also love how you improvised along to this! When a song inspires you, you just gotta let flow out of you. :)

[@allenhuling598]

Fantastic song, one of my favorites from SW!! Cheers Doug!

[@R_G_S]

A beautiful sad song, sometimes we need something like this, a great work from Steven Wilson..

[@Oliasn8]

Excellent presentation of this beautiful piece. Thank you very much, Doug. 🙏🏻

[@Ueberschaer]

Love this song and I appreciate your approach to this.

[@wnhlz9577]

Music is such a gift...

[@davidkershner7513]

Who are the two soulless bastards that clicked the thumbs down? This song hits me emotionally every time I listen. Your analysis is great, and I'm super glad that you're a fan of Steven Wilson.

[@calwells5612]

This tune is so, so brilliant. So good. Great, even. I think the empty Albert Hall adds another layer of depth to the performance. Thanks so much for the breakdown of the main harmonic elements. Great stuff!

[@dorjon6121]

Was fortunate enough to be present at all three of these RAH concerts (and four other UK shows !) Very many folk with ‘something in their eyes’ during this heartbreaking song.

[@davidwatts836]

Another fab reaction from the master!! that is doug you give me another dimension in listening to music I love dave UK

[@bobgross8761]

Love your reviews. There are several songs on the album this comes from (Hand.Cannot.Erase.) that bring me to tears. This is obviously one of them, but it's not the only one. By the way, the 'Ninet' version is actually a bonus track on the record. The main entry has Steven singing lead, with Ninet providing accents. He's a brilliant composer, and I've been a long-time fan. I'm glad his PT and solo music has found its way to you.

[@GodmanchesterGoblin]

I appreciated this. I attended the second of the three Steven Wilson concerts at the Royal Albert Hall in March 2018. We had seats in the 7th row if I remember correctly. A great experience.

[@125spectrum]

A great commentary on a great song. Thank you for your appreciation on songs that I love. Paul, Scotland

[@anthonydebot45]

I remember seeing Steven live on the Hand cannot erase tour, and being brought to tears by the end of that song. The power of the live performance, the screen projection... As a father of a boy of 4, at the time, it really pulled on my heartstrings. Powerful stuff. Hand cannot erase is one of the masterpieces of this century. I'd suggest reacting to Home Invasion/Regret#9 from the same concert, Royal Albert Hall 2018, it's absolutely stunning.

[@bmrose100]

Powerful, beautiful and healing. Thank you.

[@suedehead23]

Doug, this is a beautiful video! I mean I love the song so much anyway, and I've been lucky enough to have seen him play it with Ninet in the Royal Albert Hall :) your genuine message at the end though of how this affected you, and how this song can give an insight and perspective for people that can help, and how therapy can help.. I work in mental health and really care about what I do, and what can help people. Your message was so perfect and accurate, and I actually think what you said and your example is really gonna help people, along with this song! Great video mate, well done :)

[@canalmacameu]

This song should be part of the History of music, and I am not ashamed to say that Steve Wilson would put him at the height of any of the great names in classical music.

[@tullfan2560]

It's interesting how they're playing to an empty hall. It fits with the theme of the song: the woman who has her routine with her phantom family. I appreciate the way Steven Wilson brings comfort and compassion to the negative experiences in life.

[@johnnicholson8345]

it was a sound check for the Royal Albert Hall DVD.

[@nickiehartekelly8585]

This one speaks to me viscerally, it describes grieving so perfectly. And filming it in an empty auditorium, is also genius.

[@johnnicholson8345]

He;s actually done it a few times. You can find Heart Attack in a Layby also from the same RAH.

[@beapbass]

@@johnnicholson8345 Routine and Hearattack in a Layby are songs that get me almost every time... but while I get to listen to HiaL with more ease these days, Routine only started to hit close to home over time. I guess it shows how your priorities shift getting "older", starting a family, and getting a new perspective on what's paramount in your life.

[@davestewart1685]

I am so glad to see you plug in to Steven Wilson.. So many songs in his library.. Anesthetize (Porcupine Tree) is long but damn, you'd love love it

[@TheCpEric]

He has already reacted to it 😉

[@rpm412]

stellar. nice one Doug.

[@timothyhollandsworth1713]

This song is such a gut wrencher. I always have a hard time with it.

[@bennettskb555]

Thank you Doug, you are a special fella

[@mariovaillancourt3854]

Thanx for sharing your songs with us.

[@wobblynoggin]

I am recently getting into Wilson, and obviously I am loving it. I hear the band Renaissance in some of his work.

[@babylemonade2868]

I saw hand cannot erase live in Sweden in 2016. Amazing show

[@duanesmith1523]

Beautiful haunting song. Love his dark works. Very real indeed

[@strykertube]

Love your insights Doug

[@fusionfan6883]

The incredible Alex Hutchings on guitar - one of the best in the world - and a lovely guy too🎸🤘🏻 Way to go Alex 👍🏻

[@MeyerzumMischen]

Nice, glad to see that one. :-) I think Ancestral is my favorite off that record. I saw the tour when it came out with Guthrie Govan and Marco Minnemann on lead guitar and drums. These two were one of the main reasons why The Raven That Refused to Sing and Hand Cannot Erase stuck with me. The last two albums sadly weren't exactly my cup of tea (except a few songs), but in general, SW's music has been such a big influence on me with his many projects (especially solo, Porcupine Tree, Storm Corrosion, No-Man). I'd like to recommend "Drag Ropes" by Storm Corrosion. It's a little side-project of SW where he teamed up with Mikael Akerfeldt from Opeth. IT's quite haunting and features some really tasty percussion tracks played by Gavin Harrsion (Porcupine Tree, King Crimson).

[@ianwhite6812]

Many, MANY, thumbs up for Storm Corrosion. Exactly the sort of piece that Doug would enjoy analysing.

[@paulb6394]

Thanks Doug, Routine spoke to me too ! 🎼❤️🎼

[@hittsautosound]

really enjoyed this. you have earned a new subscriber, sir

[@adriangoodrich4306]

Thanks Doug. Enjoyed that, and learnt a lot (as always). Hand Cannot Erase is a great album.

[@TheErazar]

What a great piece and a great reaction. Definitely guilty of "escaping" from problems by doing routine things...

[@josephgallagher945]

Saw him on this tour. He did the entire HCE album from start to finish. His drummer then was Chad Wackerman from Frank Zappa. He can perform every sound live to perfection.

[@jeffscalise5927]

Sincerely miss this style of music from SW. New stuff is fun but hope we get another prog album like Grace/Raven/Hand some day…

[@grahamhowes6904]

He has said that he got bored and stale which is why he moved to trying different styles. He said he could predict “where his hand would go next” in a sequence on his guitar. I also sincerely hope he returns to more soulful music.

[@asloii_1749]

@@grahamhowes6904 are you implying the music hes making now is not soulful?

[@Shade_of_Azure]

@@asloii_1749 Some of it is. But is Eminent Sleaze soulful? Personal Shopper? Self? :P Come on. We all like the soulful, genuine-feeling music of Steven Wilson. Thankfully his back catalogue is and will always be there for us to dig into, and thankfully he still writes songs like 12 Things I Forgot.

[@asloii_1749]

@@Shade_of_Azure How would you know what's soulful and not if Steven wrote it? He seems to genuinely enjoy his new sound which leads me to believe there's some soul in it. Listen to Count of Unease

[@Shade_of_Azure]

@@asloii_1749 I've listened to all of the songs. Trust me, I'm a huge fan and Steven has been my favourite musician for a while now. If I have to answer the point you're making... Yeah, I could have a catchy disco song with a deep and beautiful message. But the sound of my song would not convey that, and there's the difference. Instead of arguing, since we both love SW, why don't we talk about our favourite albums and so on? I'm up to chat if you are.

[@zachgoins6807]

I like how you talk over the most emotional part of the song. Music is about listening....

[@heytallman]

I saw SW live in 2018 on his tour promoting the album To the Bone. They played a few pieces from Hand Cannot Erase but unfortunately not this one. I would have been a weeping mess! Would highly recommend seeing him live should you get the chance.

[@jacksonthetaco165]

A dark line that I often think is overlooked is, “all their school books and their running shoes, washing them clean in the dirty steel sink.” I’m pretty sure this line is about her washing the blood off of her kids stuff, which would explain why she has the reaction she does in the music video when she cuts her hand washing the plate and sees the blood in the sink.

[@eric.paquet]

Interesting observation. Hadn't thought about it before I read your comment.

[@n-Chantreuse]

Just came here to suggest this distilled bit of heartbreak, and it seems I just missed you heading out from the previous showing.

[@sebulban]

That concert was easily the best i’ve even seen live. You should react to Ancestral from that concert. The real dvd/bluray version is on YT on Steven’s channel.

[@rmr5044]

Such an incredible performance

[@BeCoShooter]

Fun fact: At the 8:32 mark, that high voice you hear is Leo Blair, son of former UK Minister Tony Blair. Leo was active in choir.

[@xoznemen]

Pero que buen material haz estado revisando Doug!! 👏El solo de guitarra en el disco lo hace Guthrie Govan y le sale tan pero tan bien uff debes escucharlo

[@lonelyfurrow3816]

Hi Doug... not sure if you know this but Craig Blundell is also the drummer with UK Prog band Frost* who you checked out a while back. I'm a big fan of Steven Wilson, Porcupine Tree, Rush, Riverside & Lunatic Soul so keep up the good work and looking forward to the next video. Recommendations - Porcupine Tree "Russia on Ice" or "Hatesong", Steven Wilson "Luminol"

[@myriad1973]

This is such a powerful song at the end…. And even though live it is powerful, I’d have to say that the studio version captures the power even more

[@6lillium]

Nailed it. Well written beautifully sad song...

[@Fieserwicht]

fantastic reaction thx

[@scifimonkey3]

Brilliant version, Ninet is such a good singer.

[@coffeedawg822]

To me the 5/4 time makes a waltz that is broken somehow. Like a wagon wheel with a gap or something. Ninet’s voice at the end brought me to tears...

[@paulmasarek8457]

Moving song. Steven really nailed it. I wonder if you've ever heard Shadowfax, Song for my brother, which has a similar feel, and would recommend it. Thanks.

[@Ocinvrah]

We really feel the Pink Floyd influence in this one. The Em add 9 followed by the Dm is verbatim 《 Hey You》. The scream is also quite reminescent of 《The Great Gig in the Sky》. Still beneath all that it's still a Steven Wilson song. We feel he's touch. The way he can create an ambiance is phenomal.

[@Cejkis1993]

Thanks for doing Steven again, Doug! I'd just add interesting note - the chords and the singing reflects the split in the woman's feelings: 2 bars of haunting, 2 bars of relief. And the singing swiches between individual tones (2x la lalala) and smooth, comforting melodies (2x tah tadah dah). Sort of, haha.

[@dani_commodore64]

Thanks for reacting and analyzing this song ... I hope you can react to the live version of Porcupine Tree's song Anesthetize. A big hug from Barcelona

[@drummerseb]

This singer has a similar tone to Fleetwood Mack's Stevie Nicks which is pretty cool in my opinion. Her voice fits perfectcly to the ambiance of this song.... Great piece and great review/reaction as always

[@sethkaicer319]

You got me confused with someone else brother. I always like Doug's videos instantly.

[@TheAskald]

16:13 its resolution gives me the same feeling as the one in Drive Home verse

[@enricopaoli1183]

Great song indeed.

[@MissingMars]

thanks Doug -means a ton ;-}

[@72826_]

I just can't get enough of Ninet, such a beautiful voice.

[@sknight62]

Hey Doug, I know it's a big ask but I'd love to hear your thoughts on Days of Future Passed by The Moody Blues. The entire album is absolutely amazing so I can't narrow it down to just one song but you can take your pick. There are plenty of good compositions from that album. Thanks for your consideration!

[@chrisnewell2500]

Totally agree, to me the real first album by that line up of the Moodies.

[@snowdog87]

A truly haunting and moving song especially if you lost someone close For me was wife from cancer Definitely relate to things here that still smell of her Maybe my imagination? Doesn't matter Steven is genius And you never do let go

[@Xe4ro]

It’s a bit sad that Guthrie Govan wasn’t still in the band at this time. When Steven got him into the band it was so amazing, really helped him and the Aristocrats to get some more well deserved recognition.

[@DaM2666]

DAMN that music is powerfull

[@pablofurtado6835]

Amazing

[@gtarry]

Love SW's work. Doug: can't remember which, if any, Porcupine Tree songs you've covered?

[@tilman9506]

I know he’s done anesthetize and trains. There are probably others but I can’t remember them

[@fezthecat1]

I think you should listen to "leave the door open" by Silk Sonic. Lyrically, it's sexy, yet funny at the same time. Musically it's clever with its chord progressions and sneaky key changes. I've seen jazz musicians geek out over this song. I think it'll be a nice change of pace that'll leave you surprised.

[@dakencurtiss1709]

Dude, yes! Also, this music video is wonderful, and the song has that old kinda 70's soul train vibes. And, it's all performed with real instruments, which is pretty rare for modern pop music. All in all, it's just a great song.

[@mulderxyz]

That would be cool. A little change from metal. Do Leave The Door Open.

[@kurtd3499]

Hell, yes. Doug, please listen to It.

[@buddhapoi]

It's a fun song. I'd like to see your reaction to it.

[@SB-kr1dw]

Steven and Mariusz from Riverside did a song together in tribute of a superfan of both their bands who died tragically young. It's on YT and worth checking out.

[@ryanmiller7588]

May I request remaining with the Ozzy/Randy Rhoads catalog and suggest reacting to a live version of Revelation Mother Earth??

[@petersilver4281]

Hey Doug! You've had a review of one of Orphaned Land's songs before. Steven Wilson produced two of their albums (and was involved heavily with a 3rd). He even performed some of their songs live in their shows. I'd be happy if you check out some of their more "representative" songs - I think you'll find those much more interesting compared to the one you did (chains fall to gravity). I'd be happy to suggest specific (and provide links to live performance songs which don't tend to show up when searching on YT). Cheers!

[@petersilver4281]

Now I wonder if Orphaned Land had Ninet Tayeb doing vocals at any point 🤔

[@sethkaicer319]

Doug instructed the mundane that it must be truly insane.