HAPPY THE MAN & MANFRED MANN'S EARTH BAND REACTION to Spirits In The Night/Mr. Mirror Reflections

THANKS TO COLIN FOR THIS MARATHON!!!
1. Happy The Man - Mr. Mirror Reflections On Dreams
2. Manfred Mann's Earth Band - Spirits In the Night
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#progressiverock

[@1042Rocky]

The album 'Solar Fire' is a must for all prog fans

[@shyshift]

I started with Solar Fire in 1973.

[@ProgMannen]

@@shyshift for me it was Messin' in 1973. Not many groups made 2 awsome albums the same year.

[@rudolfbecker4313]

@@ProgMannen back in those days some bands did, Led Zeppelin, Uriah Heep, CCR just to name a few ones.... by the way my first MMEB was Nightingales and bombers, bought in 79 knowing only Spirits in the night from radio, but already having Roaring Silence and Watch on cassette recorded from friends' LPs. There was simply to much music and not enough money to buy everything ...

[@clannad99germany70]

Absolutely, it was a great album !! Also the title track. Spirits in the night was beside Runner my favorite song of MMEB.

[@RayRay-ot5xd]

Happy The Man’s first two albums “Happy the Man” and “Crafty Hands” are up near the top of American prog. Saw them when the reformed in the 90’s and to see them live is a total experience of masters at their craft. They are just incredible and I’m happy you got to hear them.

[@bmac1205]

The keyboard player on this track is Kit Watkins who also played on at least two 'Camel' albums and has some awesome solo albums where he plays everything.

[@lonroyd]

Have they done any Camel (one of my favorite PROG bands) reactions yet?

[@GreatScott203]

GS here. Manfred Mann EB is most recognized for "Blinded by the light", which is a cover from Bruce Springsteen's song of the same name, but MM version is more popular. Spirits in the Night is also a cover of Bruce's song of the same name; I believe it was mentioned below that MM did a few other covers of Bruce's stuff. however, this was a very good reaction.

[@battmale]

Genesis has a catchy song from 1972 called Happy the Man, Peter, and Phil both sing on this track. The song was released as a single with the song Seven Stones from the Nursery Cryme album, it is a comparatively little-known track due to not being released on any of their albums. There are a few other tracks in Genesis discography that are not on any of their albums.

[@michaelttwilliams4091]

Well done for getting to Manfred Mann's Earth Band. I recommended them in April bearing in mind that you like Genesis and Floyd. Inventive compositions, great arrangements and virtuoso musicianship. Massively undervalued like Barclay James Harvest. But one day at a time. I love your reactions. I love your company. Really good job!

[@shyshift]

Manfred Mann’s Earth Band: Solar Fire ( full album) 1973

[@bmac1205]

Another underrated USA Prog Band you might want to check out is Echolyn, from Eastern/Southeastern, PA

[@johndrx165]

I believe Happy the Man were from the DC area and there were members who worked at a music store me, my brother and my best friend worked at. I was in the warehouse, so never met them. Cool stuff.

[@steveselby6201]

The Roaring Silence is a superb album. My favourite track is Singing the Dolphin Through

[@jimled50jl49]

Another brilliant album ! [ there's sooo many ! ]

[@rudolfbecker4313]

also love the Road to Babylon and Questions

[@jornspirit]

MMEB I'm very familiar with - they did a lot of great stuff in the 70s (recommend 'Time is right' and 'Buddha' next, but there are so many other great ones), Happy the Man is new to me - amazing stuff... I need listening to them more, but this was very promising on first listening, and I can easily imagine, that its a 'grower'... love joining your journey NicknLex - you fantastic, adorable couple and team! xx :)

[@NicknLex]

Thank you for your kind words and support! ❤️

[@blackdog661]

Crafty Hands which I have on vinyl is Happy the Man's other album from the following year - not sure why it's not on streaming platforms but it's also worth checking out!

[@JimmyRJump]

Saw Mann on their 1982 "Somewhere In Afrika" tour at Brussels Forest National. Great live act with Chris Thompson on vocals.

[@jimled50jl49]

Hi Nick, I've not yet played [ You know me by now Lol ] ...Manfred Mann's Earthband ....Nick you are seriously going to love this prog band who found a way as a pop group "Manfred Mann" in the 60's and transformed into a prog rock band. If you check out any album make one be "The Good Earth" and that's it ...you will be totally hooked. This track "Spirits in the Night" is a good pop/rock song but you have no idea what lies ahead. Manfred Mann's keyboard playing is like nothing you have ever heard. The soundscape he brings to the group is amazing. So many wonderful albums but some also an aquired taste as it can go weird ....which I suspect you will love. The album I mentioned I have played to death and wore out my vinyl copy, so it's played now on a cd. The cover defies what music lies within. The group does hit singles pop/rock, but album tracks are ....... Prog Heaven ! ... You will be blinded by the light from this band ! [ Ok , going to play video now Lol ] Byee Jim X

[@kenslater7354]

The Good Earth is one of my favourite prog albums and I still have the UK vinyl in which they gave away the deeds to a square foot of land on the Brecon Beacons in Wales. This is TRUE! and legendary as the most amazing free gift ever given away with anything let alone an album. Listen to The Good Earth and Solar Fire. #nicknlexrequest

[@jimled50jl49]

@@kenslater7354 Lol Yes ... same here on my vinyl. It is all true....and I played it again earlier after this video. "Skyhigh" with that bass line is awesome !!! & Earth Hymn 1 & 2 Wow !!! The album isn't that long but boy does it pack a punch !!

[@kenslater7354]

@@jimled50jl49 I put an electric fence around my square foot!!!

[@kenslater7354]

@@jimled50jl49 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZ_YZqKLerGXiKM

[@jimled50jl49]

@@kenslater7354 😂 Lol

[@ProgMannen]

Manfred Mann's Earth Band.... well good for u, Nick !! Yet another rabbit hole. Exept for the first album... their 10 next albums is great. My favs is Solar Fire and Messin'. Bought Messin' when it was released in 1973. Loved it ever since...

[@murdockreviews]

Manfred Mann's Earth Band had a touch for beefing up early Springsteen tunes, but also had some cool originals. Musically somewhere between 70s arena rock and prog. One of their other big hits "For You" (also penned by Springsteen) is a classic late 70s/early 80s rocker. Mann actually started in the 1960s with pop hits like "Do wah diddy diddy" (he was the keyboarder NOT the singer).

[@rudolfbecker4313]

Not to forget Ha ha said the clown and Mighty Quinn, being #1s in Germany in the 60s, Mighty Quinn returning at #36 in 1978 with the new version of the Watch album version .... which was all over SWF3 - Land 😆

[@tlatosmd7074]

@@rudolfbecker4313 While also led by Manfred Mann, his 1960s Manfred Mann Band was a completely different thing from MMEB. His 1960s band was softish, highly commercial pop, while MMEB was deep and highly virtuous prog.

[@shyshift]

Spotify is crazy. The Muse Awakens was released in 2004.

[@erickvermeulen9734]

Hearing this version of Spirits in the Night again after a few decades, I notice now how clean and beautiful the production is. Exceptional for mid-seventies. Manfred Mann had in the sixties quite a few pop hits, including a cover of Bob Dylan's Mighty Quinn.

[@rudolfbecker4313]

Yes, back in those days, when the music came "out of a cheap radio", most of the time, you didn't realize the great sound, but MMEB already had it on its LPS ... and if your stereo and speakers were good and not 08/15 (german expression for something real simple) you clearly could heard the great sound ... so did I when I bought Nightingales and Bombers back in the 70s

[@anthonyblakely399]

The album "Roaring Silence" by Manfred Mann's Earth Band is an excellent album of musicians and sounds and deep lyrics. I have this album. this band is the most underrated progressive bands in music history. I am glad you hear some of their earlier music.....but pls....pls.....check out "Roaring Silence." And btw....this Rock is way older than Alan Parson Project or Pink Floyd........those bands were influenced by this band. Manfred Mann was an English rock band, formed in London and active between 1962 and 1969. The group was named after their keyboardist Manfred Mann, who later led the successful 1970s group Manfred Mann's Earth Band. So, I know you weren't even thought about then....however......many of us who request and recommend these bands to you heard.......listened......supported.......and experienced these bands. We are sitting back watching your reactions and responses to our music that was created in the 60's and 70's and later on became Music legends. So, if you ask us or me a question about the songs or albums were have the History. This Band was apart of the psychedelic Rock scene that influenced bands like Led Zeppelin.......Pink Floyd......Rush.....Alan Parson Project....and even Yes.

[@progperljungman8218]

You're right with much. Don't think Pink Floyd were inspired by the 60's Manfred Mann though. Alan Parsons was def since he started after Manfred Mann went prog and the similarities are very audible like Nick picked up.

[@tlatosmd7074]

@@progperljungman8218 Yeah, the 1960s Manfred Mann Band was a very different animal from 1970s Manfred Mann's Earth Band. Both led by Manfred, but the music was so different. The only real connection is Manfred's keen ear for melody.

[@seanwinstead3463]

My favorite Manfred Mann track. Thanks for doing this!

[@michaelkeefe8494]

Springsteen live at the Hammersmith in '75 for the definitive Spirits in the Night.

[@ganazby]

Happy The Man are incredible. The best American prog band, imho. More please! ‘Knee Bitten Nymphs in Limbo’ and ‘Stumpy Meets the Firecracker in Stencil Forest’ are sensational. Thanks for the great reaction.

[@unichusettsofmassadversity9705]

Happy The Man!!! :)

[@debrabrabenec3731]

Wow! Happy the Man! Happy the ME! Never heard them before but I'll be finding more of them to listen to! Thank you, Colin and Nick! As for the Springsteen cover- sorry, but I was VERY into his first 3 albums and could never get into Manfred Mann's busy arrangements of Bruce's earthy songs. To each his own, right? I'll be Happy the Woman to hear more Happy the Man, though! 🎵❤️🎵

[@bmac1205]

Thanks @Mr Colin!👍

[@larswikstrom9090]

Now we're talking!! Manfred Mann's E.B. at the Swedish TV live music show "Oppopoppa" ca 72-73. Sensational, I never had heard anything like it before. I got hooked and became a fan! Happy The Man: I found this LP in a second hand record shop in the late seventies and bought it just because of the cover picture. Fantastic music!!

[@rudolfbecker4313]

I once was impressed by swedish breakfast TV when they had Opeth promoting their Watershed album .... but not with a song with growling 😂🤘

[@markhollin]

Happy the Man was courted by Peter Gabriel to be his backing band after he left Genesis. He decided to go in a different direction, but the energy it generated helped the band land their contract with Arista Records. Those first two albums are stellar. I particularly like the instrumentals like this one (which are about half of the tracks). Quite quirky and loaded with impeccable playing. In concert they played just as tightly as in the studio. They have gotten back together over the years and released a handful of other projects that are quite good.

[@devogoodwin1828]

You guys should check out a band called Caravan ,a good start would be "In the Land of the Grey and Pink" ,you wont regret it !

[@paulkazakoff9231]

Now we're talkin'.Great suggestion and Caravan have many good albums worth checking out.For instance For girls who grow plump in the night is a beauty !

[@rudolfbecker4313]

I'm glad and I'm sad: glad because MMEB made it finally and sad, because I had planned a marathon and this was for sure one of the songs on my list ... I have to think about it. MMEB was huge in Germany in the 70s, 3 Top 10 albums, one of them even being in the charts for 20 months. And the listeners of my local radio station always put them on #1 of the listener's charts. They were as successful as Supertramp and Alan Parsons which both were at their peak in the 2nd half of the 70s. They have so many great songs and even the change of the singer lifted them from a very good band to a very good successful band. I've never heard of Happy the man , but for sure is worth a second listen and to check more of their music

[@richarddobson815]

Hi Nick, I had heard of 'Happy The Man' but never listened to them. It was great and the ending was tremendous. Great music. Manfred Mann however, I know very well from the sixties. His first band, called 'Manfred Mann', were originally an R'nB band featuring Paul Jones, one of the UK's finest vocalists. They morphed more into a pop band as the sixties wore on, and Paul Jones left and was replaced by Mike D'abo as the music became more pop orientated. They had numerous Top 20 hits but Manfred became frustrated by the poor sales of their albums, and the band split at the end of the decade. Most of the history of 'The Earth Band' is detailed below, and suffice to say, all their albums were really good, with them scoring hits with versions of various early Springsteen songs, plus 'Joybringer' which was based on 'Jupiter' from 'The Planet Suite' by Gustav Holst. Being South African, Manfred became an ever more active Anti-Apartheid campaigner, and his album 'Somewhere in Afrika' is well worth a listen, innovative and hard hitting! He is a musician I have a great of respect for, and his music has always hit the mark. Thanks Nick and Colin, another great reaction. No-one else is reacting to this music, always the pathfinder!

[@enejka]

Crafty Hands de1973 , y otro de 1978 Happy the man ; dos grandes albumes absolutamente progresivos , muy bien que se hayan destacado , un tecladista kit watkins brillante ....

[@steveheck4348]

Stanley Whitaker guitarist and Frank Wyatt keyboardist / saxophone from Happy the Man had a great band circa 2005 to around 2015 by the name of Oblivion Sun. I always went to see them play in the Baltimore area. Should check out their work.

[@shiftingperception]

I only know Blinded by the Light by Manfred Mann, but loved this other piece. I thought the verses sounded a bit like Steely Dan, it has that laid back feel. But Happy the Man was new for me. Those chord progressions 🤯 I will definitely check more of their songs out, I wonder if they are all as brilliant as this piece.

[@Musiquesaecouter]

In fact they are, full of surprises, even more complex in direction like Genesis structures, but even adding some jazz, and it is an early American prog band (along with Kansas or Styx) , but mostly Instrumental. They got definitely a impressionistic feel and atmospheres

[@frankswarbrick7562]

For Happy the Man you really want to check out all of their albums. The four official ones are: Happy the Man (1977) Crafty Hands (1978) 3rd "Better Late" (1979/1990) The Muse Awakens (2004) Band members Stanley Whitaker and Frank Wyatt released the following: Pedal Giant Animals (2006) They also formed a new band, Oblivion Sun, who have two releases: Oblivion Sun (2007) The High Places (2013) Then there is Frank Wyatt & Friends, with additional former HTM members: Zeitgeist (2019) I've not heard PGA or Zeitgeist, but I have CD releases of all of the others and they are all great.

[@ethosardour2320]

There are at least a few others, Beginnings, Death's Crown and Happy The Man Live with tracks from the self titled album and Crafty Hands.

[@wietzejohanneskrikke1910]

You forgot to mention the best of all: Labyrinth by Kit Watkins and Coco Roussel

[@garyarnett1220]

Always loved Manfred Mann's cover of Springsteen's song. Everyone reacts to their cover of his "Blinded By The Light" but this is the first time I've seen a reaction for this one. Second song and band I've never heard, interesting. Thanx Nick from the other side of the mountains.

[@paulaarts7173]

Hi Nick, a while ago, commenting on your reaction on Sound Struggle, I also tried to draw your attention to Happy The Man. In my opinion, their best album is Crafty Hands (1978), which unfortunately is not on Spotify. The band had some excellent musicians, like keyboarder Kit Watkins (who also played with Camel) and guitarist Stanley Whitaker.

[@ftlpope]

Their hit was another Springsteen tune, Blinded By the Light.

[@rudolfbecker4313]

#1 in the US charts 🤘being part of a great album, Singing the dolphin through, Road to babylon, Questions ... pretty unique in those days, especially because of Mann's keyboard arrangements. I think Nightingales and bombers had a little more guitar because of Mick Rogers

[@garyspry1444]

Check out their "Good Earth" 1973 lp. One of my favorite and earliest intros to MM.

[@progperljungman8218]

Great video! Nice to see some change from the Brit-domination in prog of the seventies. Manfred Mann is a South African (yes, something good came out of "white South Aftrica" - Trevor Rabin of Yes fame was another one). His band was all British though (I think). Happy the Man are American. They did do a couple of albums in the 70's that aren't on Spotify. The Muse Awakens is originally from 2004 according to Wiki but yeah, almost 30 years after.

[@scottstevens7639]

Picked up the ‘Happy the Man’ album in a bargain bin decades ago. Only listened to it once or twice. Guess I should’ve paid closer attention… And you’re right, there’s no way to be able to listen to everything. I’ve been exploring every nook and cranny of the world of music for over half a century and I still feel like I’ve only barely scratched the surface.

[@fenderchamp8241]

For You might be their hardest rocker. Worth checking out.

[@wendellwiggins2900]

MUST DO MORE HAPPY THE MAN with WIFE they are soooo emotionally positive & cleverly virtuoso OMG😮! HTM are smooth and sweet and intricate. Not ELP but more HEAVENLY

[@genecase9464]

After Blinded By The Light was a major hit in '75 or '76 they re-mixed Spirits In The Night and re-released again. It had a different feel to it but went a little higher in the charts the second time around. I heard Manfed Mann's versions of the 3-4 Springsteen covers first which might be the reason I prefer over the originals. But Bruce's lyrics with Manfred's music? Awesome!

[@shyshift]

Love both bands!

[@millefleurs1831]

National Health, yo. Though I'd be almost shocked if no one has mentioned it here. :)

[@grahamhowes6904]

Several times as well as their previous incarnation HATFIELD AND THE NORTH! But who,listens to me? Saw both bands live which is where they excelled in making amazing music. Bill Bruford played with them for a while. Nick would love them

[@jimled50jl49]

Hi Nick ..again... I've not heard of Happy The Man....The beginning was not looking good for me, but I stuck with it and boy the changes really took things to another direction and I listened wondering ... What would happen if Mozart were in a prog rock band ? Looks like this was pretty close. Really good....Thankyou for this and of course Manfred Mann's Earhband....I just got out my cd of theirs ; "The Good Earth" you put me right in the mood to play it....This channel has that effect, to dig into my archive collection. Byee Jim X

[@TONE11111]

checkout 2 Sublime Happy The Man tracks: Befrost & Hidden Moods ✌

[@bmac1205]

Nick, of the bands you never heard of list, you already heard Patrick Moraz on 2 songs by Yes. They are ‘Sound Chaser’ and recently ‘To Be Over’ which you reviewed with your lovely wife Alexia. You and Alexia also reviewed a Carvan song probably a year or so ago made up of 4 or 5 parts which name escapes me at the moment.

[@gawful44]

I recommend, John Abercrombie Quartet, album Arcade, song, Nightlake. Spirits in the Night, a Bruce Springsteen cover.

[@geneleonard4368]

A little history about Happy the Man ,they got there name from the obscure Genesis song by the same name . They do have more albums then are easy to find . But their most popular to prog fans are " Happy the Man" "Crafty hands " ," 3rd Better late " Crafty hands being my personal favorite . After the 3rd Better late they had pretty much broken up because Kit Watkins had left to join Camel 🐪 . But released a lot of unreleased music & live album . Later members of the band reformed & put out a new prog music under the name " Oblivion sun " which are also Very good . All their music is worth getting or checking out if you can find it . ✌️😎

[@debrabrabenec3731]

According to Wikipedia, their name is a reference to Goethe's Faust and a verse in the Bible, (Psalm 1:1.) 🙂

[@14gilbertst]

The Springsteen version of Spirit in the Night......has a remarkable amount of the crazy only teen in the '70s can relate to.....hearing someone actually say these things.

[@rudolfbecker4313]

.....like "making love in the dirt " ? 🤣

[@bmac1205]

Reminds me a little of the quirkiness of Gentle Giant sometimes...just sometimes.

[@alanmusicman3385]

The overall sound of "Spirits in the Night" always reminds me a LOT of Steely Dan - and Nick, the riff you were talking about is fairly similar to "Change of the Guard". But, yeah, it is a great record, though the full version goes on a bit after it runs out of ideas and lyrics - but hey ho!

[@fenderchamp8241]

Solar Fire is overlooked as many of MMEB albums.

[@waltergill345]

Hey Nick, Did you know that this is a Bruce Springsteen song from around that time? But, I love, love, love their version much better then his and I am just being completely honest with you!! Hoping that you're having a wonderful week & or weekend and please give Lex my best and let her know that I'm praying for her for good health & healing with her back!! Sending you all love and prayers for good health & happiness!! Can't wait to hear from you soon!! Thanks & Stay Metal!!, Walter - 🤘❤🙏🤘 P.S. They also did a cover of Bruce's #nicknlexrequest Blinded By The Light that's so amazing as well that you need to react to as well, Nick!!

[@steveselby6201]

Patrick Moraz was the keyboard player on Relayer by Yes

[@jimled50jl49]

His solo album " i " is excellent also.

[@ethosardour2320]

Agreed that most of us do not have time to listen to everything., but the great albums are worth taking the time to listen to in full. Happy The Man - self titled is a brilliant album, the greatest american prog album I have heard. Since you dig this track, I am sure you will dig the rest of it. This is one of those albums that repays repeat listens and it continues to reveal it's charms.

[@notadri11]

Try Crafty Hands from an album of the same name.

[@chris_debian5368]

Hi, both. Could you consider reacting to 'Thus is Spinal Tap'? Cheers, Chris

[@jeffretipton6887]

I read where Jimmy page wrote some of guiter solo for Munford Mann earth band still though great musiansion s love them good reaction Aloha ps check out budgie

[@waynedavenport6053]

A very underrated band, I have loved them for years all the way back to the 60's They have some great albums which have a smattering of 'covers' particularly Bruce Springstein, but to me their versions are way better than the originals. Even Bruce Springstein prefered their versions to his! So please do yourself a favour and play more MMEB you will not be dissappointed.

[@bmac1205]

Alexia should hear the Happy The Man track!

[@FireMunki63]

Happy the Man are one of my favourite bands. Incredibly varied output, lots of writers within the band and everyone a virtuoso. You can't go wrong with their track Knee Bitten Nymphs in Limbo by HTM kzbin.info/www/bejne/m3qXfqmre9-Vask

[@drumsybatabamboom8022]

There are more HTM albums. Check Out "Crafty Hands" And "Better Late".

[@narvik9035]

The beginning of the second song reminded me of the intro of Moonchild by Iron Maiden. Two great songs.

[@davidevans4535]

Hamill is the singer of Van der Graf Generator the bands Caravan and Audience are great prog bandsfrom the uk

[@lonroyd]

HappyTheMan is amazing, If you enjoyed "Mr Mirror" then you should react to their songs "Stumpy Meets The FireCarcker in Stencil Forest" or "Knee Bitten Nymphs in Limbo" they are far better IMO. ENJOY!

[@dust4magnet]

Good stuff. You're getting the musical education that music fans used to get from FM rock stations. Spotify etc give you none of that. As a plug, I encourage you to react to Audience's House on the Hill. Truly essential prog.

[@s1nd33finn8]

Forgive me if i'm redundant, but "Spirits in the Night" is a Springsteen cover. IMO probably better than Bruce's version. They also had a hit with Springsteen's Blinded by the Light. If you like this album, "Nightingales and Bombers", i suggest "The Good Earth", particularly side 2. (beginning with Earth Hymn). Sorry i had vinyl speak.

[@bmac1205]

Nick, you got the songs listed backwards😁

[@bmac1205]

For a USA Prog band, HTM sounds the most British/European more so than Kansas or Styx. Quite a shame they didn’t have big success. Goes to show what a good manager, promoter and record label can do for you. If they were on Atlantic like ELP or Yes they would have more than likely had a lot of success.

[@joshsosa]

Escucha a Maneige de Canada y a Banda Elastica de Mexico, si es que te gustó Happy The Man.

[@wendellwiggins2900]

I NEVER knew u did HAPPY THE MAN. They are from the DC area where I was born and grew up and saw in 77. THEY ARE BEST AMERICAN PURE PROGBAND EVER. I rate them in my TOP UPLIFTING. PROGBAND OF ALL TIME ! They are TOTALLY UNDERAPPRECIATED because of lack of publicity! DO MORE! My favorite and best Manfred was THE GOOD EARTH album. Here they sound like a nice rip off of STEELY DAN.

[@joelliebler5690]

The second time seems more interesting and experimental.

[@joshsosa]

La mayor influencia de happy The Man es Gentle Giant.

[@sanpaku6869]

Eggs keyboard player worked later in Bruford

[@shyshift]

Happy The Man: Starborne Stumpy Meets Firecracker In Stencil Forest Kneebitten Nymphs In Limbo Befrost On Time As A Helix Of Precious Laughs New York Dreams Suite Service With A Smile Ibby It Is Steaming Pipes Wind Up Doll Day Wind Open Book I Forgot To Push It Nossuri(the moon i sing) The Muse Awakens Barking Spiders

[@TONE11111]

Please Checkout 2 Sublime Happy The Man tracks: Befrost & Hidden Moods

[@earlgrey691]

If any band fitted the def of under appreciated it would this particular combo.Real uplifting psychedelic tinged rock with the most far out keyboardist of them all.

[@sidecardog5244]

Thanks Colin! You the Man(n). Good cover, however, I still prefer Springsteen's original. Ps, Is there a lake in New Jersey that is not greasy? Happy the Man is new to me. Now, I can see where Spock's Beard got some of their early sound from. Very Gentle Giant-ish. Very very good.

[@debrabrabenec3731]

I also prefer Bruce's original songs- it may have to do with which artist one hears first, but I loved that first album so much I could never get into Manfred versions.

[@rudolfbecker4313]

I knew MMEB's version many years before I heard the original and as for me music is first I like MMEB better, but always have been wondering about the "strange" lyrics .... in my german ears 🤣🤣

[@claywalnum3143]

So you think someday you might get around to listening to all the music? Let’s see. According to one music database, there has been nearly 10,000,000 English language albums released. If we presume an average of about 45 minutes per album, and listening to the music 10 hours a day, it would take you 750,000 days, or 2,055 years, to listen to it all. Good luck! 😀

[@mauriciodelarosa2449]

I think not 😂

[@NicknLex]

Wow!! Exciting!!

[@GreatScott203]

of course, by the time you listen to everything like that once, so much more will have been generated. It's a never ending battle.

[@debrabrabenec3731]

@@GreatScott203 Battle or joyride?😀

[@debjorgo]

This doesn't sound like the version from Nightingales and Bombers. It sounds like the remake with new singer Chris Thompson. It was the bigger hit; the one that gets played now.

[@rudolfbecker4313]

Please re-check the original version again - this one here is Mick Rogers and not Chris Thompson ... just sing for yourself and remember the first line of Blinded by the light and you find out about the difference between Mick and Chris 😉🤘

[@debjorgo]

@@rudolfbecker4313 Hmm. You are correct. I don't have Nightingales and Bombers and I assumed the version I have on the two Greatest Hits packages, was the version by Chris Thompson, since it was the bigger hit. But that's not true. And apparently the remake, which was the bigger hit, is not the version radio has been playing all these years. They went back to the original version. I think Mick has the slightly better voice, but they are pretty close.

[@mauriciodelarosa2449]

I actually like their version of Blinded By The Light better than Bruce’s. But Spirits In the Night has to go to The Boss not even close IMHO

[@grahamhowes6904]

Egg were an excellent prog band.

[@bmac1205]

I only know of 3 Happy the Man Albums. HTM, Crafty Hands, The Muse Awakens, the first two are great. The last one is good, but to me not as good as the first 2.

[@rmac8008]

MM did the best covers This is a Bruce Springsteen song

[@rudolfbecker4313]

... and not the only of Bruce ... but I also like his Dylan covers, rearranged so you wouldn't recognize the original... fantastic music as Father of day, father of night and others

[@johnpflugfelder698]

You shut it off to soon!

[@joelliebler5690]

Bruce Sprinsteen’s original has much more feeling. This has a sugar coated fake sense about it.

[@johndrx165]

I am not a huge Bruce fan, but you are right about this one. I really like Bruce's version.

[@mauriciodelarosa2449]

Exactly!

[@gradypatterson1948]

Despite "Spirits In the Night" being a Bruce Springsteen song, almost no one knows the Springsteen version: Springsteen's "Americana" sound just didn't support the song worth beans. Manfred Mann (& the Earth Band) excel at taking weak songs and finding the mood and feel, then reworking the song to bring that to the forefront - and this song is no exception - and it is *still* one of the weaker songs on the album, imo! "Countdown" is a frantic, blistering rocker with semi-classical undertones, while "Time Is Right" starts as a 12-bar blues - but in 5/4 - then breaks into a crazy bit in alternating 9/8 & 8/8, then a spacy little bridge, and back to the 12-bar blues! "Crossfade" is a total jam, with a driving bass & drum groove and Mann's synth explorations taking it all over the place! "Visionary Mountains" is another cover - this time of a Joan Armatrading song - that just feels right at home on this album - dreamy & introspective! "Quit Your Low Done Ways" (only on US pressings) is the third cover, this time of Bob Dylan: a fairly basic classic rock version, while good, it is (to me) the weakest song on the album - the only one that feels like "filler". The title song is a psychedelic mind-trip through space & time - and "Fat Nelly" adds a touch of (slightly macabre) humor when you get back to earth! The last song is a live recording of a nearly ambient jam - it *feels* like an improv, although I can't find that verified anywhere: at the end of the tune, the instruments fade out to be replaced by the recording that the album was named after - a British ornithologist was recording nightingales in 1942, only to be drowned out by a flight of bombers from a nearby air base! MMEB also has several more classical/jazz/prog influenced albums - "Solar Fire", "The Good Earth", and "The Roaring Silence" are all excellent - as Denis said below, "Solar Fire" in particular should be in any prog-centered collection! Happy the Man - what can be said? They are themselves, and they are amazing! I've heard nothing from them that doesn't fit that description!

[@manninjam]

Grady, the final track 'As Above So Below' is taken from a live performance at The Marquee Club in London (18 Dec 1973) and was part of an instrumental break from 'Mighty Quinn' which was a 16 minute track that night.

[@jeffretipton6887]

this is a oldbruse springtein song but they do it ten times better than him aloha