Classical Composer Reacts to Thriller (Dirty Loops) | The Daily Doug (Episode 245)

[@brandoncrow3741]

This cover is amazing. They basically said "Let's cover Thriller like Stevie Wonder in his prime". Great reaction, Doug. 👌

[@gabrielberilli6581]

Those are Jonah biggest influences so he was thrilled to sing this

[@tosvus]

@@gabrielberilli6581 I see what you did there.

[@lottawiklund8606]

They were not even on the same continent when they filmed this. Dirty Loops filmed their part in a studio in Stockholm, and Cory Wong and the horns in Minneapolis, and then they stitched the two videos together down the middle, so it's definitely not totally live. Cory Wong said somewhere that they did play live at their end, but I'm not sure what that really entails (I have little to no knowledge of recording stuff), but yeah, it had to be done over several takes at least, or those horn players have some magic skills switching instruments. :D Cory Wong has a podcast (Wong Notes) where, in the episode where he has Henrik Linder as his guest, he talks a bit about how he and Aron Mellergård (the drummer of DL) worked all the details out for the filming. Really interesting episode. Highly recommended. Also, Aron is the one doing basically all the video editing for DL.

[@superman2326]

I knew it! I thought the editing and wide shots on these sessions looked fishy. Thanks for the fun facts!

[@Sassari2930]

Remote recording has been going on since at least the 1970s, especially among prog-rock and fusion bands, but not only...

[@MikeFrame]

Consider me fooled. Lots of the Vulfpeck videos must have also been constructs.

[@jacekwodecki3530]

Fun fact: the trombonist was in charge of arranging the brass section for Prince, and just imagine that they have him here. This is just amazing.

[@jonathanhenderson9422]

It's one skill to master your instruments, study music theory, and write virtuosic, complex compositions; it's another skill to master how to write fun, catchy music that millions of people want to listen (and maybe dance) to; it's a whole other level of skill to master BOTH elements simultaneously. People overlook the talent it takes to make virtuosic, complex music accessible to average listeners. It's one thing that made Steely Dan and Yes so successful, and Dirty Loops is following in that tradition.

[@NeilBlanco]

It's a double nod to Michael Jackson. "Thriller" but done in a shuffle with a "The way you make me feel" vibe. Amazing musicians.

[@JakobStrand]

I think it´s in 12/8 actually.

[@larslindstrom2112]

"Work Shit Out" and "Next To You" can't be overlooked if you want see these guys' technical and arrangement skills. Absolute peak level stuff. They're just one click away, Doug. Can't wait for your reaction on these songs! ;-)

[@timdavis6091]

I don't know how deep you are into their catalogue, but if you haven't heard "Work Shit Out" yet, treat yourself!!

[@metalmark1214]

He says he has that one planned to do Tim.

[@UrbanSkyProject]

On the money there Tim

[@stueat5460]

And Next to You ! Those 2 are kinda fantastico!

[@lesimprosdulezardvert1342]

Yes, it's infectious

[@paulsc36]

The Musicianship. These kids are new Jazzy geniuses, all them Musicians particularly The Horns WOW!

[@jurematoh]

btw I saw them in Vienna a few years back, half expecting them to suck live since the studio recordings sound so clean and perfect. Boy, was I wrong. They performed the same way you hear on their recordings - flawlessly. I had the honor to shake Henrik's hand afterwards and got the CD signed by them. One of the best shows I've ever seen.

[@Trapper50cal]

I was waiting for this one...checking your channel intermittently. I love the ending....leave 'em wanting more. The back-up vocals coming out of the horn section were sublime.

[@theeviljames]

Doug Helvering reacts for the win! Love it, love you, man. Excellent :)

[@ILLGOOD]

Man... I felt just like you until I got a feel of the groove. lol, I listened a few times and I am hooked. Let me tell you about me. I am from GARY, INDIANA, and Mike and I went to the same grad school. I used to look in their window when their dad had them practicing. He ran off my miniature butt and I didn't do that again. I went on and did 29 years in the Army and became an SGM. I still have contact with the brothers and we listened to this via Skype, and we became emotional. I got to myself and my eyes began to sweat because Mike touched this band to re-create this. They let M.J. know they LOVE him and produced their VERSION of "THRILLER" and its pure creativity. LOVE YOU M.J. old friend. (sniff)

[@jeteal99]

Hey Doug. Love your Dirty Loops reviews. Love to see more! "Work Shit out' and 'Next to You' are 2 that have incredible musicianship!!!!!

[@ultimusarcheopteryx7957]

I have just listen to "Work Shit Out" recommended on the chat. And it's a killer

[@andersgranstrom7128]

Keep on doing them Doug! Love your expertise and ear. There are so much more from this band!! "Next to you" would blow you away! It did me.

[@zappafan-eu4wp]

I think it's Pop-Fusion. I am obsessed with this band. Check out "Work Shit Out".

[@metalmark1214]

Doug has that one planned to do.

[@siljamickeify]

The credits in their videos are usually riddled with puns, jokes and gags. The background music is supporting that sentiment... They have a great sense of humor. Thanks for a great reaction! Greetings from Sweden :)

[@Artefact41]

The whole album is simply bonkers. And my 1 year-old loves it too!

[@patricekrysztofiak94]

This is freaking brilliant. And the best part is that they smile all the time :D

[@Bobbias]

Apparently double Bell euphoniums were once a thing. I love when people incorporate variations on standard instruments. It sounds awesome.

[@tpmangan]

I own a Conn five valve double bell euphonium that dates to 1905. So fun to play.

[@mattias5157]

Glad you mentioned Rod Temperton, after all he wrote the song. I always feel bad when his name is being left out, especially in this context where everything is about respect towards one another and paying tribute to one another´s skill and contribution. Teamwork at it´s best. I´m a sucker for that. Long cold winters in Sweden; we get happier than anyone else when we finally find some buddies to play with!

[@JupiterEarth]

This is GOLD! 06:25 you are so authentic and with no boundaries Doug.

[@JamilaGomez82]

When it comes to covers, they don't miss. Ever. They don't miss, period. But their covers are on a whole different level. Please check out 'Work Shit Out'. The music at the end is from "Monsters, Inc.". There's a reference to the movie in the credits. The credits are normally quite humorous when you read them, hence the music.

[@RobMullerUnderground]

If you like this and "Follow the Light," you need to listen to their version of "Circus" by Brittany Spears. They turn it into a jazzy masterpiece. Amazing stuff.

[@ewoien]

Human Nature was written by Steve Porcaro, and he played on it alongside fellow Toto members Steve Lukather, David Paich and Jeff Porcaro. Steve Lukather and Jeff Porcaro played on several songs on the Thriller album

[@TheMrCC21]

Dirty Loops are funk, funk-pop, jazz, and jazz fusion. Don't forget Cory Wong. Dirty Loops and Cory Wong released a collaborative album "Turbo."

[@TheFixsInn]

Work Shit Out is basically their show off entry in the catalogue. You think you've had your mind blown now... wait till the instrumental part takes over... jazz/fusion/pop/prog/r&b/funk all rolled up into an insane triumph of cross-genre brilliance ;)

[@davidrichard1851]

Love this band and your reactions, Doug ! Though I appreciate your vast music knowledge and vocabulary, it is your love of good music of all varieties that shines through and sets you apart from many of the others. Cheers !

[@rykrd0]

The song "turbo" is amazing to, you need to see this performance...

[@drumjosh1987]

Ahh! Making your way down the dirty hole. Make sure to check out work shit out, breakdown m, world on fire.

[@robote7679]

Great, insightful, very entertaining reaction. Thanks. I don't know if anybody else has already mentioned what I'm going to -probably-but what the heck. Background. This amazing cover music and video were recorded on two different continents. Left side of the screen Cory and the horn section in Minneapolis. Loops were shot and recorded in Stockholm, Sweden. Cory's thing really is amazing rhythm. He will on occasion breakout a solo but he drives and holds the beat together with his great rhythm playing. This, "Follow the Light", and the great "Turbo"-you really need to look into that one. Are all from a Cory Wong/Dirty Loops collaboration album called eponymously "Turbo." The credits are a delight for Loops fans. They list personnel, equipment, and often humorous comments. The music is yet more cool stuff from Dirty Loops and a lot of it will grow on you.

[@pbasswil]

That's a Siamese euphonium. The brass smith said he could separate the bells, but one might not survive.

[@danjosephmusic]

The syncopated sextuplets are insane, Aron holds it all together. It looks and sounds to me like a comp of live takes, every video angle synced to each take. Had no idea they weren't all in the same studio. Amazing project.

[@garygraham2513]

Studio recording??? How about TWO studios!?!? Different continents even! Cory and the horns in Minnesota, and Dirty Loops were in Sweden!

[@cerebrix]

Couple things to point out after watching your end part. Dirty Loops always writes everything out as sheet music before playing a single note. That's just their process. The recording was done in 2 locations as was the video. Aaron had Cory and his band record their video and told them what lights and camera to buy, recorded their part in the US. DL recorded theirs in Sweden. Aaron edited and stiched the two together on his mac. So not only is he an incredible percussionist, his digital media and editing skills are on point too. The thing that people don't talk about a lot is DL is kind of "Aaron's thing" if you hear henrik talk about the band. Aaron does most of the writing with Jonah kind of giving input and helping with ideas for the songs. But the songs themselves are nothing like Jonah's solo stuff for a reason. Because for the most part, it's "Aaron's band". Henrik talks about his role as the after part. Like Aaron and Jonah write the stuff and then they send it to Henrik to "do his thing" on what they wrote. Henrik wasn't ever even trying to be all jazz virtuoso when he was coming up. Dude just liked the Chili Peppers and wanted to sound like Flea. My favorite musicians ever If you're going to look at a live performance, I'd suggest "Undo - Dirty Loops (Mid Time Show - Swedish Melody Festival 2015)". They were up for best new Swedish Artist and apparently they wen't on early in the show and basically ruined it for everyone that played after them. Apparently the whole rest of the show was just awkward. I can't even imagine having to follow those dudes.@

[@minty_Joe]

One true fact: Michael Jackson recorded all his lead vocals for the albums "Thriller" through "Dangerous" using a Shure SM7b microphone. The layering vocal effects utilized a high-end condenser mic (like a AKG C12).

[@Flashblackyc4]

This wasn’t recorded live because it’s two different recordings that have been merged. Cory recorded his section with the thorns while DL recorded theirs elsewhere. Pretty amazing I’d say

[@wongsakornwattanavekin7328]

Such stylish cover!

[@timbaker7238]

Would love to hear more fusion bands... Terry Kath era Chicago, Chase, The The or Blood, Sweat and Tears, etc....

[@phaaran]

Great video. More Dirty Loops please! Suggestion: "Work shit out" or "Next to you".

[@BOWLINGCTUSA]

"Work Shit Out" is the pinnacle of the Dirty Loops catalog (to date) . . .

[@Mongoosemcqueen]

Wow, hard not to groove to this.

[@davidwilson7042]

Did you notice the stunt double for Henrik in the credits? ;)

[@Alx161074]

Doug, seems like you finally discovered that these videos have always crazy credits

[@tranquilitybase6417]

Such an amazing group.

[@pputnam100]

Doug, meet the Hornheads, playig as a section since early 90s, often with Prince and other greats. I love that you give the nod to Aron, who I feel doesn't get enough credit

[@mstewart109]

More Dirty loops Doug!! You won't be sorry. Amazing talent. Usually 3 member group, prefer it! T h ey can carry it magnificently

[@birger4788]

Don’t know if it’s recommended already, but Jonahs own cover of Bad, filmed with mobiles, with three outstanding guest soloists, is incredible. Just watch!

[@greatscott88mph]

The horn soli was amazing.

[@ingmarkronfeldt6174]

I agree with those that says "Work shit out". If you want more of Corey Wong, then do "Rings of Saturn". Lots of Corey there, and it is quite a lovely piece!

[@RayN_Production]

More of Dirty Loops please😊

[@ziovit]

Great reaction Doug! Your face! :)

[@MikeKobb]

Hey Doug, amazingly, that video was recorded on two continents. Dirty Loops over in Sweden. Cory and the horns in the USA. (Same with Follow the Light.) They carefully coordinated so that the two video recordings could be stitched together to look like they were on one stage. So, yeah, for sure the track was recorded and mixed beforehand, with the parties exchanging stems across the Atlantic, and then they did the video.

[@davidwilson7042]

Mr. Temperton was also, IIRC, in Heatwave, way back.

[@PetarBladeStrok]

I would love for you to react to their song "Rock You." It's such an amazing track.

[@marienvanraan760]

I have seeng them live a couple of times for the last 10 years. It is almost scary how their techniques are. They are really dirty. ❤

[@Jedibob5]

Hey Doug, recently found your channel and I've been greatly enjoying your reactions and analyses. As an amateur musician it's fascinating to see how experienced music theorists can pick apart and find depth in popular music even as they hear it for the first time. Have you ever considered reacting to some Joe Satriani? He's a technical wizard with a deep knowledge of theory, but is very good at making his compositions highly accessible. I think you'd really appreciate Flying in a Blue Dream.

[@Proghead88]

I was waiting for this reaction :D this must mean you are one step closer to hearing Jacob Collier 😅 Great to hear your educated reaction as always!

[@carlitosross1519]

Great music

[@designer1970]

Wow

[@thomasmeyer8798]

Speechless.

[@mbugg3110]

Just discovered the Dirty Loops today...The Quincy Jones documentary is really an eye-opener, you'd love it.

[@philrobinson5773]

Now you should check out Jonah Nilsson's cover of MJ's "Bad". He has an all star cast of players and Jonah does the drums on it too, just like he does on "Coffee Break" ft. Richard Bona

[@DocFlt]

There was a great jazz trombonist who also played the double-bell euphonium, Ashley Alexander. He taught at the University of North Texas and the University of Northern Iowa. I was raised in a small town in Iowa and our jazz band had Ashley play with us for one concert. He played " Don't Get Around Much Anymore" on the double-bell euphonium. Almost 50 years ago and I still remember what a great night it was. You can see him with it on this album cover: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e6fHcoZnmpWJjtk

[@kimklinke3826]

Dear Doug - here on KZbin I have only been able to find two reactions to Dirty Loops. I will suggest - urge you to listen to and make a reaction to their tune Work Shit Out. I am pretty sure that you will love the over all performance of the band, the arrangement and last but not least the virtuosic blend of classical and jazz from the keyboard player.

[@rickfrancismusic]

I love your videos man. Fun stuff watching your reactions. (Mine are not unlike yours when it comes to picking my jaw up off the floor a lot of the time.) Somebody chime in here, but - regarding hoping to hear more from Mr. Wong on guitar... Is Corey not mainly known for his squeaky tight funky rhythm playing and not so much soloing? In his own band Vulfpeck, he is Mister Groove pretty-much all the time not ever really doing any stand-out "soloing". He is a killer funky groove rhythm guitarist and that - I believe - is why he fits in seamlessly with Dirty Loops. They wanted squeaky tight strat rhythm guitar in there with lots of percussive clicks along with the flipping awesome drummer. That's my take on why Corey is delegated to clean groove rhythm and no soloing.

[@liontone]

Reharms galore!

[@AmbassadorJenks7086]

The horns are The Horn Heads! Check them out.The blue haired young lady is not part of the Horn Hedas her name is Grace Kelly she's awesome check her out!

[@dannytheriault492]

I didn't see any reaction to Vulfpeck on your page...that is Corey Wongs band,,, if you love this sone give Dean Town a try...thank me later.

[@ricardoarana1282]

Great selection, going on my playlist. Should try Blackmores Night!

[@Hammer67Metal]

Hey Doug! Take a look at a band called Animals as Leaders! Great musicianship and several elements crying out for your analisys!!!

[@rherlitz]

Would loove to hear you analyze "work shit out" or "next to you"!

[@jocke1972]

Always read the credits, they are hillarious

[@DutchEddie]

Have you ever heard of the song Gaia by Dutch artist Valensia? Brilliant song, you'll like for sure.

[@soocool78]

The producer of this was the same dude that produced the original Thriller btw.

[@lottawiklund8606]

Not quite. Quincy Jones is just Dirty Loop's manager, and they're producing everything themselves, with the help of Simon Petrén (and this time also with Cory Wong). I've heard them say in interviews that they don't send QJ anything, not even demos, until it's all done.

[@psychofunksoldier02]

Doug, since you seem to dig Dirty Loops and Snarky Puppy, might I suggest you give Reign of Kinda a whirl!? Also Owane!!!

[@RyanMovingViolationz]

It's 4:06 CST....how soon from now???

[@kelvynification]

It doesn’t get better than that:)

[@johndias6614]

First time seeing a double bell euphonium? Welcome to the dark side...we have cimbassos and a wide variety of tubas. Welcome to my world.

[@ManiacTobi]

Yes, just wow!! Besides All Night Long from Jacob Collier (hint hint), the best cover ever.

[@chrisk7652]

YES!!!!!

[@ChickenatorJr]

In credit Henrik's stunt double is listed as Edward Scissorhands. Man these guys are good. Doug you should see their cover of Toxic by Britney Spears

[@jamescollins5136]

Read the credits after all of their videos. The credits are hilarious.

[@Yupppi]

I hope one day there will be Smooth Criminal too, that song just made my head spin (and the amazing music video) when I started to really listen to it. And since you said Yesterday, how about doing some Beatles? How about those weird songs like Norwegian Wood, She Said She Said, Tomorrow Never Knows etc. These horns really make me think of Ihsahn's After album. Former black metal pioneer of Emperor now doing interesting exploration in metal solo career, touching jazzy side and his big inspirations like A-ha and I assume ABBA. Some of the songs on After have 8-string metal guitars and saxophone leads/solos. But I'd try something like Spectre at the Feast or cover Manhattan Skyline. He's really put interesting spins into his "black metal roots" that you can barely recognize today other than maybe some chord progressions or way of playing a chord. Which is odd, I always thought that despite black metal being the ugly son of metal, they have quite nice chords behind the scenes, not just power chords. But Frozen Lakes on Mars is another interesting song, and then there's Unhealer where Mikael Åkerfeldt from Opeth does vocals. Also surprised I haven't seen Ghost on your channel yet. They fit perfectly to the 80's rock with chord progressions and pop like catchy tunes and stadium rock. But with a tongue in cheek satanic theme spin to it and a bit more modern sound with fascinating harmonics. And KNOWER - butts tits money would be fun to see as well. I have no idea what that group really is, it's like jazz music students having a laugh or something, but they make really solid modern silly electronic sounding music with sort of jazz trio like approach.

[@Frankincensedjb123]

Some time ago, a girl I was dating was working in the press, so she always had VIP passes to various events. On one occasion, we went to see Phil Collins at the Greek Theatre and went to the VIP lounge before the show for food and drinks. It was pretty crowded, but we grabbed our stuff and sat down. Once the area cleared out a bit, I noticed that low and behold, I was sitting next to Quincy Jones. Having lived in Los Angeles for many years and having worked in the "industry," as they called it, I generally left stars alone, unless there was a legit reason to speak to him. All I remember is that all the time we sat there, the guy didn't say a thing. Must have had some really tasty food to much on.

[@metalmark1214]

For Halloween week I recommend Halloween by Helloween (full 13 min HQ version) and King Diamond Halloween.

[@antoniocarlin5026]

and Alice Cooper "Steven" too!

[@metalmark1214]

@@antoniocarlin5026 or Welcome to My Nightmare.

[@antoniocarlin5026]

@@metalmark1214 Welcome to My Nightmare...better with Ronnie James Dio.

[@drdalet]

Rod Temperton, who died in 2016, was keyboard player and composer in the group Heatwave. Boogie Nights became a great hit and if you listen to the full version, you can hear why Quincy Jones asked him to produce Thriller.

[@gbulmer]

Quincy Jones produced "Thriller" not Rod Temperton. Quincy Jones hired Temperton to write songs for the album. Temperton wrote "Thriller", "Baby Be Mine", and "The Lady in My Life". Michael Jackson also has a production credit. Best Wishes. ☮

[@RyanMovingViolationz]

It's a happy day when someone gets Doug chair dancing

[@RyanMovingViolationz]

Yeah that's the end of the official cover too, but that song needed more.....killer cover but I wanted like 4 minutes more of them jamming out

[@stefanandersson2402]

You really should try one of their (Dirty Loops) own compositions when/if you get an opening. But ths arrangement is really interesting.

[@Arrow2theACL]

Follow the Light is one of their own compositions, is it not? If so Doug did that one previously. Check Doug's The Daily Doug Directory in this song's description for a list of every song Doug has done.

[@botto57]

Great reaction . You should check out Jonah's version of Bad. pretty cool.

[@antoniocarlin5026]

and Lemur Voice with Beat It...

[@topilinkala1594]

Don't ya know Doug: Gentlemans don't wear hat inside. About the music during the credits: IMHO it was straith from Copacabana.

[@onessela]

Thriller in 6/8. Sooo funky !

[@cdanielpetersson]

12/8 even.

[@airelibrecf]

What about La Cantata del Diablo?, 21 minute celtic rock song from Mago de oz ;)

[@GalegHelross]

Check out Cory Wong & Dirty Loops - Turbo. It's an instrumental.

[@RAAZR-]

Turbo is the best work they have done with Cory Wong and the horns musically

[@SteveBrunelle]

dude its the closing credits lol

[@Xennox2]

Guitarist looks like he having a good time haha.. O O O O O

[@Silverlining-gm8fd]

If "The way you make me feel" and "Thriller Sr." had a child = Dirty Loops/Cory Wong's "Thriller Jr" - Change my mind lol

[@LewdTrout]

If you enjoy the horn arrangement in this, you might enjoy a lot of cory wong's music. I'd recommend the song "Click Bait" it shows of the horn section really well.