Extreme: Rise (Amazing New Song) First Listen: Reaction

[@babaroga73]

How have you not heard of them, vaguely? Brian May says that "Get the funk out" has one of the greatest solos in RnR ever. And he's not lying... Do a reaction on the "Get the funk out"!

[@_alifeallmine_]

The album ‘More Than Words’ and ‘Hole Hearted’ came from, ‘Pornograffitti II’ is a Funk Metal classic, it’s a concept album and both those songs worked in the album context beautifully. Both great songs, victims of Radio over-play. The album was another animal altogether with riffs and solos to make your draw drop. Give it a big try, put it in your car and let it become part of your life!

[@sean---the-other-one]

Agreed. I think Hole Hearted was added to a later release when More Than Words went ballistic on the charts and the rest of the album was so different- I think they were asked to make another song in a similar vein, but they at least varied it. More Than Words, especially the album version with the extended ending, is a great acoustic number, and Hole Hearted is a great full band ‘unplugged’ track. I love Pornograffiti II, but III Sides To Every Story is my go to album for them, just for the variety of tracks with the three sides.

[@_alifeallmine_]

@@sean---the-other-one Not sure about ‘Hole Hearted’ being added, I bought the album the day it came out and it was on the release version. Was a big fan of the first album after I heard ‘Play With Me’ on ‘Bill &Ted…’ , so I was waiting for the second album to be released. ‘III Sides…’ is pure brilliance too, so much love their first three albums.

[@lencooke944]

@@sean---the-other-one Pornografitti II is probably my go to album for them. I think it is because that was my first hearing of them. But you're right, that album was a bit like a business card for them, saying: here, check us out; but III Sides is a better album. It is more complete and definitely more diversified.

[@sean---the-other-one]

@@_alifeallmine_ I could be wrong. It happened once before in the late ‘90s.

[@sean---the-other-one]

@@lencooke944 Totally understand the attraction to P II. It’s probably got more energy or youthfulness. III Sides is more of a showcase of skills from arrangements to songwriting to playing. Definitely a great duo of albums.

[@ivomusician]

Nuno Bettencourt is a living legend. and Gary Cherone (the singer) is 62 years old. Check out “III Sides To Every Story“.. most underrated album of all times. Cheers from Switzerland

[@taniaPBear]

Yay, Traffic! Awesome, love everything Steve Winwood ever touched.

[@garywalther8048]

Still very 80’s loved it. Still committed their craft all these years

[@TheThamesmen]

Truth!!! Cheers Alex

[@lencooke944]

Chris, this is a great new track that I hadn't heard before. I was aware that Extreme had released a new album a few months back, but I had just never gotten around to listening to it. My first impressions are that this song is very good. It has Bettencourt's fingerprints all over it. This is a driving rock song and I think it taps (sorry for the unintentional pun) the roots of Extreme's sound. I love it when a band doesn't forget where they came from. I could be making this up, but a couple of times in Nuno Bettencourt's solo, I thought I heard some homage being paid to Van Halen's Eruption. I say I could be making this up because I remember reading, not long after Eddie Van Halen passing, that Bettencourt really felt a terrible loss to the world of guitar. He said that it made him feel like picking up the guitar seriously again. Maybe I am being overcome by nostalgia, but I can't imagine a better tribute to EVH, than if Nuno dropped some modified tapping and arpeggios along the lines of Eruption, just to show that EVH is not forgotten.

[@christhecurator]

Well, that would be lovely, but my own dirty little secret is that I never rated the Eruption solo as highly as everyone else does. Too many pauses for breath to leave you breathless! But Nuno is amazing, check out his Mourning Widows band (two albums) with his little brother on bass. Also...if you weren't aware he has toured with Rihanna for the last few years as her lead guitarist, including her Superbowl appearance.

[@lencooke944]

@@christhecurator Ohhh, a harsh critic. What some would call pauses for breath, others would call it letting the instrumental breathe. A matter of interpretation. Until recently, I didn't know Bettencourt was touring with Rihanna. Not until the Superbowl, in fact. No wonder she killed it haha. I am guilty of sleeping on Extreme as after such a long period of inactivity. And, I am not dedicated enough to follow individual band members, other than picking up points of interest through things I read along the lines. It would be at least 6 or 7 years since I last listened to a song from Extreme. Back to my room of self-flagellation, I guess.

[@TheThamesmen]

Really did not know all this depth to the story. He is an amazing guitarist for sure. It does have a touch of EVH for sure

[@helenespaulding7562]

@@christhecurator I’m sorry…. But to me, being Rihanna’s guitarist might pay some bills but is a huge waste of talent.

[@christhecurator]

@@helenespaulding7562 I agree, but it must help pay the bills as you say!

[@gulfgal98]

Gary Cherone (singer) is 61, Nuno (Guitar God) is 56, Pat Badger (bass) is 55, and Kevin Figueroa (drums) is in his forties. Nuno has been Rhianna's guitarist for several years now. If you want to see Extreme do funk metal watch Get The Funk Out. It also features Pat Badger's bass play. This video linked below is a live performance where Nuno opens with Flight of the Wounded Bumblebee and then it goes into Get The Funk Out. kzbin.info/www/bejne/mWKkqaKGiaaarqM

[@_alifeallmine_]

Suze DeMarchi, the lead singer of ‘Baby Animals’ was married to Nuno Bettencort for many years (they had two kids together), it’s why they stopped after the second album. She was also in an earlier relationship with Gavin Rossdale from ‘Bush’, their songs ‘Glycerine’ and ‘Comedown’ are about her (he said in an interview on Howard Stern).

[@TheThamesmen]

Interesting. Thanks

[@benjaminrowlett6960]

Thank you for reacting to this song. I agree with your sentiments on it completely. I absolutely love this band. If you would ever consider reacting to more of their songs, try one of tgese: "Cupid's Dead", "Get the Funk Out", "Hip Today", "Cynical", "Run", "Comfortably Dumb ", "Star".

[@VikingOzzie]

Get The Funk Out is sweet

[@ginamarandino6451]

Lot of people forget that Gary cherone was the third lead singer for Van Halen I highly think you should check out the song fire in the hole

[@kimwalker2886]

No memory of them; but you have to love it when a group are past paying their dues & just let rip, having fun with superb skills...

[@TheThamesmen]

Agreed!! Cheers Alex

[@peggyh8937]

That's the first time I heard the whole song. I had just heard Nuno's guitar solo prior to the release of the record. It's release caused quite the buzz in the music world, as you can imagine. I learned of Extreme through being a Queen fan. Extreme are huge Queen fans, heavily influenced by them. Nuno (guitarist) is fantastic...and yes, I'm sure they can do that song live! They are excellent musicians. They were fantastic at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. You might want to check out their complete set. They were supposed to do their own songs at the tribute concert but they wanted to do a tribute to Queen/Freddie so they did a complete set of Queen songs. They are similar to Queen with their harmonies and varied genres. My favorite Extreme song is Get The Funk Out. Top notch funk. Definitely check that one out. Thanks for the reaction!

[@TheThamesmen]

Ooh love a bit of funk. I want to hear that. Thanks

[@helenespaulding7562]

On your recommendation I just listened to Get The Funk Out. COOL! What a great groove. Now I’ll check their live set at Freddie’s Tribute. Just discovered BETTANCOURT past couple of weeks…I think on Rick Beato’s channel.

[@brianjones8432]

@@helenespaulding7562 Would highly recommend you check out Extreme III (Three Sides to Every Story). It's their masterpiece. From beginning to end it's genius.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

@@brianjones8432 whole album, or song?

[@brianjones8432]

​@@w.geoffreyspaulding6588 The whole album is a masterpiece. It's pretty much their Sgt Pepper, and every song on the album is a banger. Nuno's guitar tone on that album was incredible. Clean and transparent. Then I would suggest going back and listening to the first two if you have the time as well. The first two are more the 80's rock vibe with some funk thrown in, but there is a great mix of styles and genres on those as well. Extreme is the closest thing you get to a 1980's/1990's version of Queen.

[@sean---the-other-one]

I’m surprised no one has mentioned their amazing killer medley of Queen songs they played at the Freddie Mercury Tribute Concert. The big name bands like Metallica came and did their own sets but Extreme got Brian’s wonderful endorsement and they came out and performed Queen tunes in a great string of riffs and harmonies. They were stripped back to a very simple set of instruments, but they did themselves proud. Gary came back and did a great rendition of Queen’s Hammer To Fall in the main show when Queen came on and all the big name singers and frontmen did their own tributes backed by the band. One of the best concerts you can get on DVD.

[@lencooke944]

Sean, sometimes I live under a rock ... I have never seen the Freddy Mercury Tribute Concert. I will skulk off and for a vigorous round of self-flagellation.

[@sean---the-other-one]

@@lencooke944 See if you can get the BluRay version, if you still have a player. It’s got all the bonus tracks and behind the scenes stuff. The sound is fantastic.

[@christhecurator]

@@sean---the-other-one I went through two VHS copies, then had a hell of a time finding a DVD of it, now I'll have to look for the BluRay!

[@lencooke944]

@@sean---the-other-one I bought a new BluRay about three months ago. I will have to hunt the disc down. Thanks for the advice.

[@sean---the-other-one]

@@christhecurator No surprise on wearing out the tape.

[@Kid_Ego]

Yup, great recommendation!! Really enjoyed your guy's reaction enthusiasm and energy! Yes please, more Extreme!! 🍒🔥

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks for the support. If we did a track what should it be?

[@Kid_Ego]

@@TheThamesmen Hmmm, how 'bout 'Cynical' from their Waiting For The Punchline album? Great tune with some darkness to it.

[@marykay19595]

Saw them in Memphis and it was absolutely brilliant!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mikeschenk4730]

I can't believe I missed this! Love this song despite the genre really not being my thing. Nuno has an incredible feel that he brings to his speed playing. Probably due to starting as a drummer. If you watch his interview with Rick Beato, he talks about all the stuff you like about it and more. The way he gets that guitar sound is by only having one pedal that accentuates the percussive elements of his playing. The rest of the guitar sound is just him playing. No wonder you can hear everything...

[@chriszilar3657]

A lot of people reference their 2nd album and it’s great, but for me the stand out is their 3rd offering. It’s a fantastic concept album and so beautifully crafted! From early 90s and I still have it in my rotation. I’m so excited they are back…and yes….Nuno is an amazing player!!!

[@deanmicknal2942]

Agree 100%!! III Sides is one of my favorite albums of all time. Absolutely incredible.

[@robleeming4815]

III sides just came out at the wrong time, or was under promoted. Fab album start to finish

[@brianparsa7794]

Fun song -- I liked that! But, I must say that I'm even more excited that the Wheel of For-Tune has landed on Traffic -- looking forward to that one!

[@marykay19595]

The entire album SIX is unbelievable

[@randywissler9923]

I swear, every time i see that BBC Thames intro, i keep thinking im getting ready to watch Benny Hill!!!😂😂

[@TheThamesmen]

That would probably get us cancelled now!

[@TheEricBooth]

Only took 30+ years but they finally wrote a real rock song. I like it.

[@josephsagona76]

If you would actually listen to their older records you would think otherwise, they have quite a few songs like this, it's far from a new sound for them, Nuno is a true shredder!

[@MrBielok]

Well spotted Sasha! This solo is driving so many people crazy. Neno is seen as the new Eddy van Halen. The rest is indeed pretty average. Immaculate taste again... All hail to the Thamesmen! 😊

[@TheThamesmen]

Thanks!!!! That guitar solo WAS wild!!!! Hope you're well.

[@darrellpasion8925]

It's Nuno noT Neno.

[@maqjoy7307]

I love opening 😎👍👍👍👍

[@andreadee1567]

Oh, Extreme is a band! I did not know. I expected that you are going to do something extreme yourself. Of course I mean the next Pickle Off or something like that, what did you have in mind? The Band was great. Once I heard Nuno Bettencourt in a live recording. Voice and guitar were not enjoyable and I wondered why he is so famous. But this sounded great! I think I’m going to listen to a different song the next time.

[@TheThamesmen]

Was an amazing track. Strong return

[@MrChris1978moleman]

Brilliant lads 😂

[@TheThamesmen]

Thank you

[@bob2shred894]

This song might not be your style but check out Ren HI ren. It's absolutely blowing up . It's a master piece

[@TheThamesmen]

Good call.... thanks we did and WOW

[@scifimonkey3]

This and the conversation regarding May and Jagger brought to mind the lyric ‘ Music of rebellion Makes you wanna rage But it's made by millionaires Who are nearly twice your age’ (Porcupine Tree - Sound of Musak) Nothing inherently wrong with it and they are clearly great musicians but for a song of 2023 it somehow seems a bit forced for a bunch of guys who probably have grandkids and love a horlicks before bed.

[@TheThamesmen]

Impressive they can still fit into rock clothing and look good.

[@helenespaulding7562]

Wow…anyone looking for good hard-ass rock that’s current need look no further. BETTANCOURT is another EVH IMO.

[@TheThamesmen]

That solo eh. super unique. Well worked out! Cheers Alex

[@scifimonkey3]

May’s award was probably for services to badgers……

[@TheThamesmen]

A long lost art we should reward

[@flor9389]

They were victims of bad timing and the runaway success of an acoustic ballad that was unlike 95% of their music. Then grunge hit. Nino is a huge EVH fan and was playing with Beyoncé for a while (tragic under use of a talent). Get the Funk Out is amazing!

[@TheThamesmen]

Now that makes sense. Thank you

[@rickfairman5640]

I must admit I am more confused. I remember Extreme as a soft rock band in their first go round. This song was more hair rock rock. The guitar solo and playing was very good. However I felt you had two forms of rock/music that were very good but as a whole did not seem to fit together. The vocal compared to what I remember of extreme seemed forced trying to match the guitar sound. For me they never meshed. As I said enjoyed the guitar work very much for me the vocal seemed forced.

[@christhecurator]

You're remembering their hits which were rock ballads, acoustic rock ballads in fact, but the rest of their albums were much heavier, with elements of metal and funk amongst others. Sadly after they had the big hits the record company wanted more ballads and they refused to stick to that formula, so they split to do their own things and get back together every now and then to rock out.

[@rickfairman5640]

Thanks for the update and added info. Must be hard to accept the record companies wishes or forge forward on your own.

[@riffman6948]

Stone temple piolets rip off

[@TheThamesmen]

Haven't heard Stone Temple! Cheers Alex