First listen to Traffic - John Barleycorn Must Die (REACTION)

[@timwillard4298]

I remember when this was made. FM radio was new then. AM had top 40 music stations while FM played songs like this. We listened to everything back then, from Beatles to Traffic to Tchaikovsky to Gregorian Chants, Everthing was new and there were worlds to explore.

[@bobschenkel7921]

"Traffic...they can do what ever they want." Damn right.

[@cachickadee]

I saw Traffic do this live in the 70’s in L.A. somewhere. It was mesmerizing. I remember 2 of them sitting on stools, with a spotlight shining down on them, one playing an acoustic guitar as they sang this song.

[@mikeloomis687]

I love Traffic, and never leaves my playlist for long. This album is my favorite. Please start from the beginning and work your way through. "Glad" is the first song, and immediately attracts your attention if you never heard it before. I was in study hall in High School when someone brought the album in (we could bring our own vinyl) and the song came on. SO CLASSY and ahead of its time I thought. I was right, and became a fan forever with all their music. Thanks Daniel!! Enjoy!

[@Gregory......]

Daniel Steve Winwood is a Great Singer, and Traffic is a Great Band !! Great Pick man !! 👍

[@lesliesylvan]

Remember removing the plastic seal from this LP Vinyl, a over a half -century past

[@Pahdopony]

More Steve Winwood please! So many great songs, Shanghai Noodle Factory, Dear Mr. Fantasy (killer harmonica), Forty Thousand Headman, Rainmaker, Spanish Dancer…be careful, it’s a super deep rabbit hole!

[@TTM9691]

This entire album is a perfect, classic album: only six songs, three per side, every one fantastic (and different). You could knock out this entire album in five more reactions! This is the second to last song, and comes after four rockin', psychedelic songs that are filled with surprises, so this is the mellowing off point of the album, the only song on the album without drums. This song has an interesting history that goes back centuries! LOVE this album, love this song! (The other songs: "Glad", "Freedom Rider", "Empty Pages", "Stranger To Himself" and "Every Mother's Son" is the gorgeous last song.) None of the other songs fall into this English folk style.

[@lisarainbow9703]

This deserves a full album reaction Every song is incredible...

[@garytaylor8697]

Another excellent version of the song was done by Steeleye Span.

[@AntonyFleck]

A stunning interpretation of an old 1700s traditional English folk song! Have loved this band for decades!!..

[@sukijohnson5398]

One of my favorite songs of all time! I never get tired of hearing it! Music and voice- just perfect! Thanks for doing this one!

[@MissAstorDancer]

This whole album is fantastic! (Gosh, that becomes a very over-used statement, when it comes to music from this era, but it's very true!) If I saw your live stream where you reacted to "Low Spark", I don't remember it! I would definitely watch you react to it again! One of my favorite jams of all time!

[@paulcarr5918]

Steve Winwood is one of the world's greatest treasures and no one should ever forget that. Any of his incarnations. There is a video on youtube from a few years ago of him just sitting in front of a crackling fire with an acoustic guitar doing Can't Find My Way Home (sadly short lived Blind Faith days) and it is simply amazing

[@dagmar.6954]

Traffic were an English rock band who formed in 1967. They began as a psychedelic rock group & used keyboards, like the Mellotron & harpsichord, sitar, & various reed instruments. Traffic's singer, keyboardist & guitarist Steve Winwood was the lead singer for the Spencer Davis Group when he was only 14 & he was also in Blind Faith. Some of Traffic's early hits were "Paper Sun", "Hole In My Shoe", "Here We Go Round The Mulberry Bush", "Dear Mr. Fantasy", "Feelin' Alright", "The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" etc.

[@lesliesylvan]

Dagmar S. ty/ Good stuff Add Ginger Baker's Air Force to that list of groups

[@justathought88]

And my favorite, "Glad".

[@Robert-gn7de]

Yes, please, a reaction to "Low Spark" would be great!

[@gog583]

If you like Traffic, "Blind Faith" is a must as well. Blind Faith were an English supergroup featuring Steve Winwood, Eric Clapton, Ginger Baker, and Ric Grech. BTW, I like your Opeth shirt (I have a lot of those as well).

[@ericanderson8886]

Second the Blind Faith, good stuff from Winwood and Clapton.

[@kevinsattler6603]

You have to do Blind Faith.

[@imagine1004]

Yes agree!!

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

I keep forgetting Blind Faith. Seems no one reacts to them

[@avdude10]

Agreed -start with "Can't Find My Way Home" Windood's soaring vocals combined with beautiful guitar. It evokes a timeless loss. Enjoy

[@gabrieleflannery6504]

I've always loved how this song is constructed, I'm glad you enjoyed it! The harmonies killed it 🎶 Low Spark would be awesome. Thanks Daniel 💜

[@fractuss]

I play this version and it is a challenge and a pleasure.

[@gabrieleflannery6504]

@@fractuss me too, capo 7th fret 🙃 but somehow I always forget some of the verses. I'll have to print them out one day. Have fun 🎶

[@36karpatoruski]

Traffic’s Hidden Treasures is a sometimes overlooked psychedelic classic. I bet you will love it in the 70’s British musical mindset you are so well currently exploring.

[@markdrechsler5660]

There were several bands that regularly covered traditional English folk songs, all recording around the same time as Traffic. If you like these old songs that tell a story, you should check out groups like Pentangle, Fairport Convention, The Albion Band, Fotheringay, Steeleye Span, John Renbourn, Sandy Denny, Gryphon, Horslips, Bert Jansch, and The Incredible String Band.

[@karenmandeville7116]

i got to see Fairport Convention back in the 70s when Sandy Denny and Jean Luc Ponty were with them. it was a magical concert!

[@fractuss]

I love this list.

[@fractuss]

@@karenmandeville7116 Wow!

[@davidheiser2225]

The whole Low Spark album is great! I especially like Rainmaker and Rock n Roll Stew. There are dozens of versions of John Barleycorn out there, including ones by Jethro Tull, Fairport Convention, and Steeleye Span.

[@Yosef1952]

A great number, and a great album, the opening of which is a timeless track. "Low Spark" would be a great choice and I would watch the HELL out of your reaction.

[@ancientmuse7297]

I love Traffic. "Rainmaker", and "40,000 Headmen" are two of my favorites. If you get a chance, the Santa Monica live concert from 1972 would be a great concert to react to.

[@stratocruising]

The entire album "Welcome to the Canteen" is very good indeed.

[@karenmandeville7116]

40,000 Headmen is such a great tune!

[@africanfartingfrog]

The live version of John Barleycorn from that concert is way better than this version

[@sidecardog5244]

All right! I love Traffic! Try Freedom Rider or Glad, or Many a Mile to Freedom.

[@RMForbes505]

Jethro Tull did a cover of this song on one of their live albums, A Little Light Music.

[@imagine1004]

I thought I heard it by another band. Thanks

[@Stephen-by7wv]

Fond memories of traffic so thanks - would definitely second the notion to return to Jethro Tull. Songs from the wood or Heavy horses please!

[@dixiechatty958]

Low Spark of High Heeled Boys is one of my favorite songs ever. I'd love hearing your reaction to it

[@sherryheim5504]

This was such a stellar group and yes, I would happily listen to Low Spark again. Thank you for reacting to this great ballad. The harmonies on this song remind me of some of the Crosby, Stills and Nash songs like Wooden Ships and a few others

[@-davidolivares]

Low Spark again! Absolutely. I listen to some of this at work quite often along with Glad, Low Spark, Freedom Rider, and few others. Dig the acousticitiness of this. That comment you read of the guy putting his head between the speakers was funny because I did the same thing with our former family stereo, I purloined it into my room. Anyway, my Dad caught me with the small Realistic speakers up close to my ears at low volume and he had a cow. Never do that again he said! Shh, I understand his concern but, it probably is the same as headphones… ear damage, magnetic brain damage… too late now. Uhhhh…

[@kathyrams]

I love Traffic. Yes to “Low Spark”!!

[@mikeloomis687]

I think Jethro Tull could have done this song justice!

[@Katehowe3010]

Forgive my ailing memory, as i forgot The Incredible String Band. Some of the most Psychedelic folk you will ever hear. Please consider "The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter" for a future listen!

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Shel Silverstein yep totally, I agree it has that spooky but wholesome thing. Maybe try “Matty Groves” by Fairport Convention it’s a similar type of song but neither spooky nor wholesome. I think you’ll like it. Great reaction thanks.

[@mimig3904]

This is an album that must be listened as a whole in order to appreciate its brilliance, not by individual songs. Glad, Freedom Rider & Empty Pages should be non-stop like Pink Floyd's Dark Side of the Moon.

[@taniaPBear]

Gosh, I haven't heard this in a minute, beautiful. Traffic were so diverse, and I just adore Steve Winwood. I get where you got the Jethro Tull vibe. I remember you reacting to 'Low Spark', I would definitely watch again if you did another.

[@stephanevilleneuve9450]

This song have the same folky style of Katmandu from Cat Stevens or some soft passages of White Mountain from Genesis on Trespass. Maybe the beautiful flute sounds on each song was played by a young Peter Gabriel.

[@neildonley9626]

Steve does a brilliant solo version of this in an old English farmhouse(?) next to a crackling fire in the fireplace. Almost, or actually, as good as the original. Two other old folk songs worth checking is Fairport Convention's Tam Lin and Matty Groves. Which BTW reminds me you must react to Richard Thomson in the near future. Oh, another is Stan Rogers' version of The Witch of the Westmerland.

[@joanbounacos8958]

Low Spark would be great. I was thinking of Tull's Songs From the Wood and Heavy Horses at the beginning of this, then you made that connection too. Can't wait til you listen to those albums. Love the storytelling here.

[@garysteinert8040]

In this case Steve Winwood and John Paul Jones of Zeppelin have done more for modern music. Incredibly under rated talent.

[@w.geoffreyspaulding6588]

I’ve always enjoyed this song……love the old folk songs of the British Isles……Winwood has such a great voice…..loved his solo work…

[@pattymesagal2654]

thank you for the reaction -- i had not listened to it in quite a few years. as you say very enjoyable. smiles and love to you

[@Lightmane]

Traffic was a cool band, that I didn't listen to nearly enough. 'The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys' is a very cool track. Here's another very cool band that I also didn't listen to nearly enough. They were called 'Return to Forever'. The album, and piece of music, is called 'Romantic Warrior'. It's jazz fusion and it's 10:51 long and the album cover is one of the coolest albums covers there is, if you're into fantasy, that is : )

[@Pahdopony]

Love Return To Forever! Jean Luc Ponty, Mahavishnu Orchestra too.

[@Lightmane]

@@Pahdopony Yes and Yes : )

[@Pahdopony]

@@Lightmane I LOVE The Art of Happiness by Jean Luc Ponty. lol. I still listen to his Cosmic Messenger album a lot. Well, I have it on my phone anyway so it’s not really an album. 😂

[@Lightmane]

@@Pahdopony I have a few of his albums, but I don't have a record player anymore, but who needs one, now that there's the internet. Enigmatic Ocean is his best, I think. Allan Holdsworth is on it too. Awesome album.

[@billpickard7848]

This is ironic Daniel I just saw a Traffic video I wanted to suggest.

[@debrabrabenec3731]

Love this whole album, as well as The Low Spark Of High Heeled Boys. I'd watch you react to anything from these albums. Blind Faith as well! 🎵❤️🎵

[@johnclibbens6803]

This is beautiful. Yes, more Jethro Tull, please: they’ve recently released The Zealot Gene, their first studio album with new material for 23 years…

[@doriwiljt]

Always loved this song and album

[@ronbock8291]

I would watch that. Hell, I’d watch any Traffic reaction, but Low Spark, hells yes.

[@sharonm6262]

The jazzy flute with the otherwise medieval-ish folk song - I was so blown away by this the first time I heard it. For about a year, I thought this was what Traffic sounded like in general. "Steve Winwood? The folksinger?" I'd watch you review "Low Spark of High Heeled Boys" again.

[@stephenrich8808]

A long-time Traffic fan, and I still listen to this album/CD about once a month ... for over 30 years! yes, Low Spark is worth re-reviewing

[@memcmac]

I adore this album and used to listen to it in it’s entirety almost daily in my late teens, in rotation with Songs From the Woods by Jethro Tull (which you should listen to as well, if you haven’t already, it’s also brilliant). I’m so happy that you appreciate the magic in these amazing melodies and lyrics.

[@paulmorris8762]

Steve Winwood was driving force behind Spender Davis group, then joined Eric Clapton & Ginger Baker to form Blind Faith upon the break up of Cream, then when Blind Faith broke up formed Traffic then eventually went solo. He's a multi instrumentalist, and all he does is awesome but Low Spark is a masterpiece that at 52 yr old is still ahead of its time

[@liffick]

I'm wearing my "John Barleycorn Must Die" all-over album shirt as I listen to this ;)

[@myklegue3968]

ah yes, the great Steve Winwood & Dave Mason in their early years!!

[@Wungolioth]

You should give every track on John Barleycorn Must Die a listen, there isn't a bad one on there, Glad is an instrumental intro for Freedom Rider, so they should be listened to together, Empty Pages is easily the most accessible track on the record, but Stranger To Himself is great, and Every Mother's Son is my favorite song on the record.

[@recyclerhopkins]

Daniel, eventually you should watch Traffic Live at Santa Monica 1972, a full concert that features 8 of their classic songs. It's on KZbin. If you watch this concert, you'll get a better appreciation of how talented Steve Winwood is. From his great guitar work (acoustic and electric) to his excellent keyboards (piano and organ) and his legendary vocals, all are showcased in this concert. The other band members are also very talented.

[@brockmiles1606]

I never tire of Low Spark but I can also recommend the Marc Almond Band - The City and MacDonald and Giles - Suite in C

[@waynetozier7767]

it reminds me of seal's and croft a little bit or Jethro Tull beautiful song

[@rk41gator]

I would watch a re-view of 'Low Spark' since it is such an epic tune.

[@fenderchamp8241]

The song Shoot out at Fantasy Factory is a rarely heard Traffic tune. Almost unheard of. But, none the less fantastic.

[@rtwbikerider]

The group Fotheringay, fronted by Sandy Denny, recorded a quasi-traditional song called The Banks of the Nile that dates back to 1801. It is an anti war duet with Sandy singing the parts of both “Nancy” and “Willie”. It is a storytelling song set during the Napoleonic Wars. You might enjoy it. Many of us who first heard it in the early 70’s did.

[@YorkyOne]

Few 'traditional folk songs' are much older than 1800.

[@IDLERACER]

The first Traffic album, "Mr. Fantasy," was specifically designed to be a major "headphone trip." All sorts of panning from left to right, particularly on the track, "Heaven Is In Your Mind." You would definitely enjoy it from beginning to end. The main cut on the second album that I suspect you'll also really enjoy, is "Crying To Be Heard." 😎👍

[@daveking9393]

Another, I think even MORE killer of a sound track, in my opinion can be found on another LP you received... At the time you opened it you acknowledged it as some type of "collaboration album"... not knowing it was Traffic, and AWESOME traffic at that. You will NOT be disappointed. The live version of Dear Mr. Fantasy on this LP I think is one of the best. The live LP name is Welcome to the canteen It was recorded during Dave Mason's third stint with the band, which lasted only six performances. I am so so happy you made it back to traffic. This LP has been in the "to send" pile for a while... it does sound great on vinyl. will get it to your collection soon. I bet it will sound fantastic on your killer sound system. Would definitely like to see low spark done again. thanks for considering.

[@cherylreichardt]

Amazing! Love Steve Winwood!

[@davidrauh8118]

This album started out as a solo album by Steve Winwood, but since his two band mates were helping him out on a couple of tunes it was decided to just make it a group effort.

[@benoitdesmarais2948]

Yes, Tull! (Songs From The Wood or Heavy Horses ? - the Wilson remixes of course.)

[@karenmandeville7116]

yes, yes the flute reminds you to revisit Jethro Tull!! Excellent!

[@davidgale7384]

Folk.... How about some more? Zeppelin's Hallow's Pole Elton John's Talking Old Soldiers James Taylor's Morning In May And of course, Daniel... Tull

[@christianguerin9460]

The whole album is amazing. you should listen to it all.

[@karenmandeville7116]

i've always loved their All Join In. Just such a positive little tune! you should check it out.

[@chandlerbryan1793]

This is the "standout" track on this album because of it's unusual-ness, but you gotta check out "Empty Pages", "Freedom Rider" and "Stranger to Himself" from this album. Bangers all!

[@billythedog-309]

This is a real folk music, not what many Americans call folk music i.e. includes an acoustic guitar somewhere along the line.

[@charlesharris2749]

Funny, I listened to the whole album for the first time in years just a couple of days ago while driving. Have you done 40 Thousand Headmen yet? Great flute in that one. Cheers!

[@davidpisachubbe7869]

I would love to see you react to Elvis Presley. Try Suspicious Minds from his 1970 Las Vegas performance.

[@rk41gator]

Melancholy yet warm.....think I will now go and pour a brandy.

[@RGRG3232]

I know you've probably never heard of the band but there's a band called Wolf People who have a song "Castle Keep" which is in a similar vein as this track and reminiscent of Jethro Tull. The song is from, I believe, 2007. That song and the entire album it's from has a definite 70s vibe throughout.

[@musicairplanes4884]

You really need to do the live version of this from the 70's.

[@nellgwenn]

I like the song Glad from this album.

[@marymargaretmoore9034]

Please do more Traffic! John Barleycorn's lyrics sound like somebody being murdered but actually it's about harvesting barley.

[@waynethera2712]

Hey Daniel, give Steve’s song Higher Love a listen, then listen to his daughter Lily cover it with Steve’s backing vocals. Two great bit different versions for sure.

[@steveullrich7737]

If you like this sound then you may also like the group, Renaissance, who are an English progressive rock group who mixed classical and folk rock music. Some songs to consider are "Carpet of the Sun" and "Can You Understand?".

[@e.nowbodhi144]

what Mark Drechsler said, only I'd add Trees, Mellow Candle, Comus and The Battlefield Band to the list of essential Celtic Rock try the Fairport Convention song "Now Be Thankful" next

[@penelopefloor2935]

Barley is a grain from which whiskey is made. John Barleycorn is about growing barley, making it into whiskey, and how whiskey is condemned. But, the huntsman, tinker, etc. rely on it.

[@maxrnb01]

Since you are getting into Traffic, you should checkout Dave Mason who shared vocal and guitar duties for the band. He had a successful solo career with with many great hits. You could start with “Feelin’ Alright “.

[@davidcohen821]

Definitely would watch a Low Spark re-reaction.

[@Katehowe3010]

Along with Drake, John Martyn, Fairport Convention, and the untouchable Pentangle, this album sits rather nicely among my Folk collection. I didn't mention Roy Harper as i don't consider him an out and out folkie. I've said it once, but it bears repeating that no one can touch you at the moment! 👍

[@markdrechsler5660]

Untouchable Pentangle! Do you think he’s ready for “Jack Orion?”

[@Katehowe3010]

@@markdrechsler5660 I certainly do.

[@randyhall5165]

Widespread Panic does a great "Low Spark" great start to them.

[@Eliza-pz3dv]

Definitely would listen to low spark of the high-heeled boys is an awesome song.

[@jeffreyjernigan7125]

"Glad" from this album is also a good one.

[@terrycunningham8118]

If you like quirky English folk stylings done by excellent musicians with a somewhat hippie bent, try The Incredible String Band

[@bobangell1679]

It totally figures you'd have an Opeth t-shirt!

[@joefilter2923]

“Hidden Treasure" by Traffic is also good.

[@stratocruising]

A suggestion probably more for yourself than as a possible reaction, since nobody remembers this one. Burl Ives, in his album "Wayfaring Stranger" sang a song "High Barbaree" Other people have sung this, but as upbeat and cheery, but Burl Ives gives this the solemnity it deserves. I understand you well enough by now to know you will enjoy this a lot. Maybe even go ahead and do a reaction, I'm sure you'll be the first. (The whole album is worth getting to know. These were the songs of my childhood.)

[@stellaharris4826]

First viewer😁love Steve Winwood

[@zoniekat]

Yeah.. Would definitely listen to Low Spark with you even though you've heard it.

[@donsmith3474]

You should explore Fairport Convention Liege and Leaf album particularly Matty Groves. Please check out Jethro Tull’s Stand Up album which is probably one of their best.

[@zoniekat]

The flute is reminding me of Peter Gabriel. Have you done Genesis' Supper's Ready yet? I know it is on your list. You are going to love it. I promise you. I've been with you almost since you started. I know a bit about your taste in music. 😃

[@Joolzratbag]

Would love to see your reaction to Low Spark, please do! ❤

[@shelliewerner5624]

Yes, do Low Spark of high heeled boys...

[@philosepos]

PLEASE check-out "September" by Earth, Wind and Fire!! You'll love that groove, I promise.

[@johng.8517]

Check out this great song by YES - "That, That Is".