First listen to Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Blinded By the Light (REACTION)

[@Kurtiscott]

For me, this is the the only version I’ll ever need

[@jazzyboy7784]

Ditto...

[@kathleensaladin2078]

Yup

[@mik9124]

I'm with you , I grow up with it and love all the creativ music of that Time , till today ...

[@deborahdean]

I'm a huge Springsteen fan, but I prefer this version of the song.

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

It's like a whole different song with their treatment - isn't it?

[@progperljungman8218]

Like a good cover should be. Or to refrase it: Remakes are so much more worth while than plain "covers".

[@cazgerald9471]

With half the words missing :)

[@Lwize]

This was a big rock radio hit, and was nearly inescapable...

[@Alzrad]

That’s right! And still playing on any radio station at any given time

[@LeeWright337W]

This version takes me back to when I was eleven, lying in the back of my family's station wagon on road trips, listening to the radio on my transistor headphones, watching the street lights pass overhead

[@georgewodicka4839]

"We're not trying to figure out which one is better", but we know.

[@DF-ee8vt]

We all thought it was "douche", and most of us didn't have the lyrics written(before the internet), so we didn't understand most of the words, but we still loved the song.

[@egobuilders415]

Yeah and don't forget about, "...and little early birdy gave my anus curly whirly, and asked me if I needed a ride..." 🤣🤣🤣

[@patclark3024]

Amazingly different from Springsteen's. I absolutely prefer this version.

[@Glenner7]

Springsteen wrote a great song, but Manfred Mann found a very interesting new way to present it.

[@laurenpeck3609]

we all sang douche...that is so sad that man lost his dad, I can relate to the music bringing back a loved one we have lost, it actually brings back great feelings and comfort.

[@karenmandeville7116]

i love their version of Dylan's Quinn the Eskimo.

[@waynethera2712]

Now I have to check it out.

[@stephenowens8763]

Springsteen wrote this and spirit in the night after the record company told him he didn’t have any singles for his first album he wrote it the night before he recorded it on a bus and in bed with a rhyming dictionary.

[@waynethera2712]

Shane Vaughn, I’ll check that one too. I listened to the studio and do remember it. I thought it was a Beatles song.

[@waynethera2712]

Shane Vaughn, you’re right that is an excellent live track. Gave it a little growl.

[@kimbunchalastnames5357]

omg, i'd totally forgotten that song! it was really terrific, a great sing-along. thanks for the memory boost!

[@maceomaceo11]

It's not just you. Everybody likes this version better.

[@GrowingUpJersey]

not everybody.

[@kimbunchalastnames5357]

nope, not everybody. ...:::ups volume on the original:::...

[@JustMeAndThePossums]

I was surprised to find out that this was a cover. I was even more surprised at how disappointing the original version was.

[@loutowers6529]

This is an overproduced, commercialized version of the original on Springsteen's first album. You disagree? Ask yourself where Bruce's career went as opposed to Manfred Mann. See where the real talent is?

[@kimbunchalastnames5357]

@@loutowers6529 right? mm's version is like truly insincere prog rock, lol

[@jeffmande4671]

My favorite memory of this song is driving to Las Vegas and hearing " but mama that's where the fun is"

[@DavidB-2268]

And this is what amazes me about the artistry of the arranger/producer: they can hear Springsteen's original and hear this.

[@tymmgwayn302]

This has ALWAYS been my favourite version... In fact, I didn't even know that it is a Bruce Springsteen song until YOU said it... I'm not fond of Springsteen's version, to be quite honest. THIS is the version I know and the one with which I grew and what I've always known. Thanks, Daniel... Again... LOTS of memories from this! You're amazing, my friend!

[@michellewhaley3489]

Holy cow! And I thought this was the original and had no idea Bruce Springsteen wrote it. Man, I must be living under a rock 🤣🤣 And good luck deciphering those lyrics. Been trying to do it for over 30 years. Just have to appreciate the song for what it is. I love it

[@christineschutten8101]

Acid trip?

[@bretthardin9239]

he grabbed a book of rhymes and made as many rhymes as he could. Watch Springstein on vh1 storytellers

[@jaycorby]

Michelle Whaley Don't feel bad...same here. I didn't know there even WAS an original by Springsteen...always thought this was the one and only! Live and learn as they say :o)

[@brettrobinson2901]

Hey!..I'm living under the same rock!.....do me a favour...scooch over a bit...I think my leg is hanging out.

[@michellewhaley3489]

@@brettrobinson2901 🤣🤣🤣

[@shanmcdonough2933]

One of the best - driving in a car with this playing - nothing better

[@James_Loveless]

This is the Only version that really matters... Manfred Mann and the Earth Band ©1976

[@justrob2656]

My first time here, but I already love your channel!!! This song was magical when heard on the radio in my youth. You seem to be a very respectful young man and older people can really appreciate that !

[@zebulon8819]

I think I like this version better than the original.......... I don't know anyone who doesn't. We Are Legion ✌️♥️

[@paulahunt3508]

THE VERY BEST RENDITION OF THIS SONG!!! Back in that day, this is the ONLY VERSION WE LISTENED TO. As a matter of fact we didn’t even know for a long time that Springsteen had recorded it! This is JUST SMPLY THE ONLY ONE TO LISTEN TO. I was a teenager when this was recorded, so go ahead, call me an expert!

[@egobuilders415]

I saw Manfred Mann play this live on American Bandstand on TV in the mid 70's when I was about 7 years old. It blew my mind... the sound of the keyboard, the melody, the guitar... I went and laid in bed for about an hour after that staring at the ceiling trying to comprehend what I had just heard. I kept thinking to my self, "this changes everything... this is the future of music..." Then in 2005 in Costa Mesa California I was at a bar where I was a regular and to my surprise, Manfred Mann was playing a show there one night when I was there. I was pretty drunk and I was trying to explain to the singer how hearing them on American Bandstand as a kid had completely changed my life. He just looked ay me like I was crazy and he turned around and walked away 🤣🤣🤣🤣🙈🙈🙈

[@pica6888]

For the first time I actually know what he's saying. Love this version.

[@sobmaz]

I have been singing “douche” all these years and I’m 58. Thanks to Daniel, an old dog can be taught new tricks!

[@wallyboy6666]

:) Daniel, You get so many comments now ... not sure if you'll see this, but I just want to say ... you are such an admirable young man. This isn't the first video that you've mentioned sending your viewers to give 'well wishes' to another's comment. ♡ Your compassion and empathy are so strong and it seems such a rare commodity these days. Your family, friends, and legion are so much richer because you are who you are. ♡ Just wanted to thank you. :) (Great reaction, by the way!)

[@iancunningham5576]

This song reminds me of camping as a teenager. Our local rock radio station would be played all night as we hung out around the fire and while we slept. In the starlit nights this song and others would drift through our dream states. Classic!!! Both versions. But this one...

[@timothyparsons8327]

Memories of our “local” where we played pool and darts to the background of this, and other mega sounds from the winter of 1976/7. I never payed any attention to the lyrics, but find this song so incredible with its unique structuring, and hearing it now also rekindles memories of listening to the likes of Pink Floyd and The Ian Gillan Band at that time.

[@Derry_Aire]

Having a 'local' and playing darts I'm guessing you're British. This song and "The Things We Do For Love" by 10cc are both winter '76 reminders for me too, along with the cold and lots of snow!

[@stuanhay]

The classic Earth Band line up for me. Manfred, Chris T, Dave, Colin and Chris S

[@switchflow5405]

Bruce Springsteen is amazing but, most people wouldn't know the song if not for this unbelievable cover. That's so much better IMO, but if he didn't do it first Manfred would not have gave us this masterpiece. So thank you Bruce Springsteen. 😎✌

[@paulettejohnson6147]

Summer of 1976! Played on the radio a lot!❤️

[@kathylecluyse7820]

I love Manfred Mann - their beginning in the sixties with Pretty Flamingo, Doo-Wah-Diddy etc, early seventies "Haha Said the Clown",then their comeback in the late seventies with Davy's On The Road Again, this song, and their great cover of Dylan's Father of Day, Father of Night, now that's one I'm quite sure you could appreciate too!

[@DavidB-2268]

There's actually a really good live version that they did for the Midnight Special.

[@Fairygrl_TW]

Hey Daniel, Lovin it, love this song the music/sounds is amazing. Thanx for another great one. Blessings of love

[@steveball515]

The single version was an edit. They cut that whole amazing centre section. Still great though. Next how about the long versions of Mighty Quinn or Davy's On The Road Again from their album Watch.

[@douglasleinbach6313]

Mighty Quinn

[@astonsfan]

I saw them open for Boston and when they did this song they had a bank of lights that was so bright that when I was exiting the building I had a tan and a seeing eye dog!!!!!

[@joanbounacos8958]

I have always enjoyed the "Chopsticks" in the break in this song. Anyone else? That's the part I could play. 😁

[@neilgill1639]

Just a magnifent piece of music. Memories of hearing it when it came out came flooding back. It was a huge hit and just a different, but exciting, fun and interesting sound. A great song indeed. Super reaction and I'm glad you like it too 🙂

[@shannonwhite3721]

Once again thank you for an amazing reaction. I enjoy watching you get lost in the music 🙂😊

[@johnroop9625]

LIVE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL!!! In the 70s,this song had sounds I'd never heard!!! A GREAT SONG! I believe #1 for SEVERAL weeks!

[@veganapiranha7365]

Everyone I knew thought it said "Wrapped up like a douche", lol.

[@tbrackett9344]

Still do. It will never change.

[@DF-ee8vt]

. . . and I didn't know exactly what a douche was at that age!

[@veganapiranha7365]

@@DF-ee8vt I didn't either, I just knew it was naughty, haha.

[@theplanetruth]

Gotta be my favorite song from my childhood. Loved EVERY BIT of this production.

[@nanner3200]

Did not know Springsteen wrote/did this song. This is the version I grew up with.

[@LadyIarConnacht]

I love it when they start randomly playing chopsticks in the middle of the song - not to mention the actual calliope music. These guys deserved more hits!

[@keymack2477]

Daniel, we appreciate you so much, especially that you do album reactions and cover comparisons! Get ready for the great cover comparison reaction of 2021!! In the UK corner, weighing in at about 50 stone, four lads not from Liverpool, but who got together in the 1960's and were told by Keith Moon they would go over like a Led Zeppelin! In the US corner, two sweet sister from Seattle (you do not ask about any ladies weight), who got together in the 1970's and who love Led Zeppelin, I give you Heart! Zep once did a very different, very cool song, featuring some great guitar work, soaring vocals and LOTR references called "Battle of Evermore". Ann and Nancy Wilson loved the track and laid down an awesome version themselves, showcasing sides of both sisters seldom seen in all their other songs! The winner? That will be all of us after getting to listen to and watch your reactions, Daniel, as well as the viewers who will be exposed to this awesome tune for the first time!!!!

[@HALberdier17]

Manfred Mann is singing the final verse. The rest of the song was sung by Chris Hamlet Thompson. He was also singing the chorus while Manfred Mann was singing.

[@paul75ranger]

Bruce got owned by Manfred Mann. They flat out brought the heat in this version. I don't think Ive ever heard Bruce's played on the radio, yet this version I must have heard a few hundred times. Great song. There was a reason it topped the charts and became a number 1 song.

[@johnfoster5295]

Until I found out otherwise, I always thought they were saying "wrapped up like a douche". 🤣

[@jc296x]

We all did... Everyone but Bruce lol

[@bartstarr100]

Wrapped up like a Deuce. Slang for joint.

[@christineschutten8101]

I thought it was racked up

[@bswan57]

“Revved up like a Deuce” is I think referring to a 1932 Ford coupe. It was a very popular car to customize as a hot rod. The Beach Boys payed homage to it in a song called “Little Deuce Coupe”. If you’ve ever seen the movie American Graffiti, the yellow hot rod driven by one of the leads is in fact a little deuce coupe, often called simply a “Deuce”.

[@StatsJedi]

All we ever heard was the single radio version, until decades later. There were some parts of this that I have never heard.

[@lisak6224]

You should listen to Springsteen's "Jungleland" and "Thunder Road"

[@foxandscout]

Yes and YES!

[@keithwalls6316]

Manfred Mann is 80 now! Great reaction video. And yes, back in the day we thought is was “wrapped up like a douche...”

[@bretthardin9239]

Much love to the kid who lost his dad.

[@alanschechterly245]

I didn't know it was a cover. When this first came out I loved it. It is still one of my favorites.

[@malekmo64]

I met the Manfreds the original 60s line-up of Manfred Mann, still have their autographs!!!

[@rkenseth]

If you like this version over the original, you will most likely like "Spirits In The Night" version from Manfred Mann better than Springsteens. I like their version better.

[@catserver8577]

Weirdly, even though I like this one better than the original, I prefer the Springsteen version of Spirits in the Night better.

[@rkenseth]

@@catserver8577 I think I Like Manfred Manns version better because it was played in my friends van all the time as we drove to the mountains for ski trips. He had played that over and over. It might be the only cover from any band that I actually like better than the original.

[@catserver8577]

@@rkenseth I wouldn't turn off either version, myself. :)

[@scottcolman9757]

Yeah this is the best version. Use to jam to pinball with this blaring on the stereo.

[@joanbounacos8958]

When my husband and I got together we had to agree to disagree on the "best" version of this song. (He is wrong, of course, but I let it slide. 🤣) I love this version, and we have been married for over 28 years. 😊

[@jazzyboy7784]

Girl...your right...he's wrong...

[@dannyabe6452]

I have a feeling Daniel told his dad he loved him after finishing the video.

[@Blinkerson55]

Haven't listened to your reaction and I'm already giddy. This was one of our anthem songs!. Springsteen could write a lyric that evoked carnivals and kaleidoscopic adventure. He said he wished he would have continued to write songs this way as he evolved.

[@vinman5432]

Amazing how you reacted just like I did in 1978 when I first heard this song on my way to football practice.

[@axandio]

I love this, Springsteen's version is raw and awesome and he must have the credit for writing the great lyrics and his band does a great job, but there here comes Manfred Mann's Earth Band that takes it and puts THEIR stamp signature sound on it and it's the same song but very different sound. A lot like when Hendrix took All Along the Watcher and re-imagined Dylan's version.

[@1bigrowdy]

Or Santana with the Zombies "She's Not There"

[@go234ko96ts5]

This gem picked at number 1 on the Billboard charts on February 19, 1977, another great piece of music from the fabulous 70's. Manfred Mann had another number 1 hit on October 17, 1964 with the song DO WAH DIDDY DIDDY. Manfred Mann told Rolling Stone magazine he was a better interpreter of other people's songs than a writer of his own. We must also give credit to "THE BOSS" Bruce Springsteen's original version of this song.

[@robertwilson5058]

I remember my first time hearing this song. I reacted alot as you did. I love getting to relive these moments. I've loved these songs throughout the years listening to them too many times to count, but these are special moments in that I'm able mentally, and emotionally to go back.

[@txrockerusa1st862]

Is 1of my top 10 of all time or at least in my 55yrs.👍👍

[@Gregory......]

She going to make it though the Night. Another song that brings me back to great memories from my long past life ! Great pick Daniel !!

[@brightphoebesays]

Great song. Pretty neat lyrics.

[@lionofhighpark]

This song always struck me as a great example of how to do a cover right. Not just copying the original performance, but taking the song and turning it into something musically new, without losing the spirit of the original.

[@bartstarr100]

They also covered FOR YOU and Spirits in the Night Also Springsteen songs.

[@davidbaker8483]

As a kid I loved this on Top of the Pops. They were never big pop stars but superb musicians. This is real production. MM was one of those proving grounds for musicians like JM bluesbreakers .

[@deborahvernarelli6394]

I've only heard this version..I'm 66 and always only heard this version...I'm a 60's music lover..you should listen to their earlier music..Doo-wa-diddy was a huge hit for them.. also my deepest condolences to the sweetie who lost their dad..it's hard to lose anyone close, especially a parent or child..big big heartfelt hugs to you..stay strong, stand tall, do your best to carry on. Remember he will always be with you in your heart and soul❤

[@garylarue3899]

Saw Manfred Mann in the mid 70's in Buffalo, NY. Rick Derringer opened for them. You need to react to Rick's "Rock n Roll Hoochie Coo." A memorable show. You need to hear Mighty Quinn and the long version of Dylan's "Father of Day, Father of Night". They did a few Dylan covers. They apparently still tour across the pond and are quite popular.

[@floorticket]

Apparently it's in D-minor. That built-in melancholy hits me right in the Schwinn bike, transistor-radio feels.

[@MadameRaven1]

I have such a penchant for minor key songs.

[@ms.chuckfu1088]

@@MadameRaven1 ditto

[@hijodevecino1066]

I love Manfred Mann's, I love the 70's Rock Old School men 🙏

[@sourisvoleur4854]

Actually the 7 minute version wasn't the single that hit #1. Back in the day many songs, especially the longer ones, had two versions: An "AM" version -- the short (single) version, with bad words excised -- and an "FM" version, the long (album) version, nothing left out or bowdlerized. The AM version of this song leaves out the long "fantasy" part in the middle. AM and FM stations were very different -- the AM stations played the top-40, 45's (singles) and the FM stations played "album oriented rock", long versions and deep cuts.

[@097534]

This is mega awesome!!

[@firebird7479]

I am bothered that they spell "deuce" incorrectly throughout the video. 🤦‍♂️

[@jondhuse1549]

Yeah... spelled correctly it rhymes with my surname... hah!

[@tonyanderton3521]

Just let it go, Firebird.

[@sidecardog5244]

Many thought at the time that they were singing “douche”😜

[@firebird7479]

@@tonyanderton3521 All the bitching and complaining on these videos and this is the one you choose to tell someone to "let it go"? I apologize if my 20 years of broadcasting experience likes to see proper spelling and grammar --- not that this is important to people in 2021. But a chyron, lower third or score bug spelled correctly (especially names) still has meaning to some of us who worked our asses off to maintain our integrity.

[@tonyanderton3521]

@@firebird7479 Yes, you're right. It was meant to be just a throw-away comment. I apologise. But they are good points that you make. Actually, I'm the same as you - I'm a stickler for correct spelling and grammar. I respect that you have 20 years of broadcasting experience which is more than I have (zero). Please stay the way you are. Regarding the music, I've always loved this cover of Springsteen's song, but this is the first time that I've heard the full-length version. Great stuff. Best wishes.

[@Isleofskye]

A Belated Happy New Year Daniel :) I see you are upping your game now for 2021 with MMEB! Morphing from Manfred Mann who had a multitude of hit UK Singles The Earh Band did some great songs including this, of course. An absolute must is the Live version of "Davy's On The Road Again" and then " Joybringer" based Jupiter from Gustav Holst's orchestral suite The Planets......ENJOY !!!!!

[@georgesams4936]

MM took it to another level !

[@jakmak1199]

Agree, like Jimi Hendrix took Bob Dylan's All Along The Watchtower and put his mark on it.

[@steve55sogood16]

Manfred Mann, great interpreters of Dylan songs, as well as Bruce!

[@evillemike2009]

The weird noise is an engineering trick called Phase Shifting. They used it well - it gives the piece an ethereal feel. Chris Thompson's vocal - I'd eat dead burnt babies on national TV to have that voice.

[@steveosborne3714]

One of the two rock covers that immediately spring to my mind as improving upon the original. The other is Joe Cocker's, 'With A Little Help From My Friends' and you really need to hear it. It's phenomenal.

[@louie115]

I remember when it first came out on the radio back in the 70s.

[@peterbradfield2805]

Actually this 7;07 version was found on MMEB's 1976 album release, "The Roaring Silence" that did make it into the Top 10 of Billboard Magazine's TOP 200 album chart in February - March 1977. There was a single edit version @ 3:48 or 3:49 depending on which radio station @ the time played the single that was what made it to #1 on Billboard's HOT 100 chart (that single edit also was a big hit worldwide, especially in Canada, and New Zealand in early 1977 (it was #1 on the HOT 100 for one week in February 1977).

[@JustMeAndThePossums]

The lead vocalist is Chris Thompson, who has also worked with Alan Parsons on some songs. At some point, you need to react to the original 2006 video version of "Jeff Wayne's Musical Version of The War of the Worlds", featuring Justin Hayward (from the Moody Blues), Chris, Russell Watson and Tara Blaise.

[@iainweller452]

I loved this song as a kid, I didn’t know it was a cover 🤯 I’ll have to check the other version out 👍

[@robertadams7751]

The 100% best ever Ear-gasm of all time

[@ivankaleoniefuchs333]

Ja, I've been told this longer version was most often never played on the radio at the beginning, but everyone knew it und played it on album or 8-track. I don't think most people truly understood the lyrics, but it didn't matter. We played this song when cruising on Saturday night even during my generation. Auf Wiedersehen aus Wiesbaden :-)

[@whyareyousofar]

Manfred Mann's Earth Band, a lot of their albums are a great album, i started to listen at it since i have 13yo and still love it in these days like before, a lot of peoples don't really hear about them. Im a Dj & Soundman Im born on 63 and i think it's the group that i listened more in my all life. Am i crazy lol

[@14gilbertst]

When Bruce was recording his first album in 1972-73, there was a lot of horn based music that was all over the airwaves, Tower of Power, Rare Earth, Chicago, J. Geils Band.......etc etc etc and his sound makes a lot more sense in that context. By 1976, Prog Rock was very big and many bands were making interesting covers of earlier 'rock and roll' songs.

[@jimled50jl49]

A brilliant track I've loved for decades. - A former member of the group & singing here. [ as their line up changed alot ] - called Chris Thompson also appears on vocals on the Original - "Jeff Wayne's War Of The Worlds" singing the track "Thunderchild". An Amazing album incidentally that once started can't really be stopped. I've loved Manfred Mann during the 60's with songs like "Ha Ha Said The Clown" & my favourite "Up The Junction", from the 60'''s movie soundtrack starring Dennis Waterman. I have the album which has several versions of the same song. They had a lot of hit records inc' "The Mighty Quinn" which was one of the few songs to be included in their live shows when they became Manfred Mann's Earth Band. You got some great albums to catch up on. Some totally weird stuff indeed but soooo good. The Album "The Good Earth" with tracks - " Earth Hymn" - "Sky High" & "Earth Hymn 2" I always play in that order, are mind blowing when put together...."Angel Station" with the brilliant tracks "Angel At My Gate" & "Don't Kill It Carol" - So many great albums I could go on. I just mentioned a few of my personal favourites. Enjoy your journey of discovery of the group. It's well worth the trip - [ in more ways than one ] Lol Great response thankyou.

[@Peggi109]

Awesome! Great music, Daniel.

[@visaman]

I'm 56, and my parents liked this song too back in the dsy! LOL!

[@ScottieCub]

Grew up to these geniuses ✌️😂🥁🕶🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@gigantor62]

Another favourite of mine from this group is 'You Angel You' from their '79 album 'Angel Station.'

[@catserver8577]

Much more enjoyable for me as well, it's a very "comforting" sounds, IMO. Warm, soothing. As a kid I loved it a lot. Still do. Manfred Mann has a lot of good songs and renditions.

[@Gregory......]

Now that is what I'm talking about !! Great Song !!

[@Gregory......]

Bruce Springsteen eat your heart out !!

[@waynecox3958]

Let us NOT forget that without the genius lyric and melody from SPRINGSTEEN this would not even exist.

[@knuteboy3778]

This is probably one of the more stunning examples of bringing something new to a cover version. I remember I was 7 years old when this came out and it was all over the radio.

[@temporarystranger95]

Heresy!

[@cesarnarro6013]

Another good song that got overplayed on the radio. After a while I used to change the station when it came on because I didn't want to get burnt out on it.

[@falcon215]

Awesome song, thanks for reacting to it!

[@kenperk9854]

The 70s music scene was full of experimentation of ALL kinds. I have a relative who played a strong role in the Hit RECORDING Capital of the World in Muscle Shoals, Ala in the 70s and into the 80s.

[@iainweller452]

I’ve just noticed your reaction yesterday 😬I’ll check it out 👍