Jason Isbell -- Elephant [REACTION/RATING]

I did this reaction based on requests, and this is one of those songs you just have to experience.
RockN2Country is about non-pop country music reactions and reviews, with a change of pace thrown in once in a while. Enjoy, please SUBSCRIBE and LIKE, and keep rockin' 2 country!!
_____________________________________
TWITTER: @RockN2Country
FACEBOOK: / rockn2country
PAYPAL ADDRESS: RockN2Country at g mail dot com
BUSINESS EMAIL: RockN2Country at g mail dot com
_____________________________________
#JasonIsbell #Elephant #CountryMusicReactions

[@mattgalardo2022]

John Mayer once said "Jason Isbell lives at a level where even great songwriters can only visit."

[@crimsontide2186]

Best songwriter of this generation.

[@JesseWilliam95]

Of all time for me. With Blaze Foley and Bob Dylan being up their too.

[@riainoloughlin2946]

@@JesseWilliam95 and dont forget Chris Stapleton, incredible songwriter and musician

[@deanmarr785]

No. Jeff Tweedy best of his generation.

[@smalltownfire]

Uh nope John Moreland hands down

[@radzzy1563]

@@smalltownfire I love John Moreland but he isn't on Isbell's level lyrically imo.

[@ThoseBackPages]

One of the best songs ever written. Jason tells a novels worth of story in 3 minutes. This one always moves me to tears.

[@R0291-l1l]

I love jason isbell. "Andy" in the song is, from my intepretation and what I've heard in interviews, just a long time friend who may have been romantically interested at times but "gave up his place in line" several times and just never got to that level, but still loves her very much.

[@earlbaker3976]

This came out when my son was dying with cancer. Music doesn't get more real than this.

[@RockN2Country]

@Earl Baker Ouch, man, I'm so sorry for your loss and can't imagine how you'd even be able to listen to some songs given how close to home they hit. Keep the faith, and welcome aboard, my friend.

[@earlbaker3976]

@@RockN2Country Thanks. Time and life move only in one direction. You find comfort in the sorrow. Oddly enough songs like this helped. I knew that many other people were going through the same things.

[@madmaddiesmadhouse4062]

I've recently come out of a divorce and my ex wife has leukemia. It's going to take 4 more years about, and every day it crushes me. I want to be there all that I can for her, and I just discovered this song yesterday and have been ugly crying straight on through til morning.

[@grilledspaghetti]

I cried the first time I heard this. What a story of unrequited love and putting aside all of that to do the right thing and make a sacrifice of self for a friend in need.

[@clem0822]

Jason is amazing. That song, and that entire record quite brilliant indeed.

[@simeonteitelbaum3673]

Southeastern is an incredible record almost start to finish, I would count about a half dozen stone cold masterpieces. There is something haunted in the songs on this record, his other solo records are good but nowhere hear as consistent. He does have some fun songs too, and there is stylistic variety, check out his songs with the Drive by Truckers before he went solo

[@RockN2Country]

Thanks for the info, Simeon!

[@TripletDad3]

Southeastern is fantastic. New South Wales paints a picture, and Super 8 is a fun and funny song that has a memorable chorus. If We Were Vampires is a flat out masterpiece lyrically. You should definitely do a reaction to it.

[@Puncheons84]

Stone Cold Masterpieces is Accurate

[@lilymcallister9751]

It is such a perfect album.

[@AlvinEranus]

I’d argue something more than free has the same quality

[@Mcrafi139]

Probably the best singer songwriter to come out of North Alabama..proud to say he's from my home town

[@jiudice1]

Cry every time I hear this song. Every f'n time.

Probably the finest song of the 21st Century to date. Saw him twice in Toronto in 2016-17 when my mom was dying of cancer and he didn't play this song. Saw him in Buffalo a year ago, and he did. It was a genuine catharsis.

[@RockN2Country]

Wow, what a journey you've been on, Paul. I'm sorry for the loss of your mom, as I lost mine at about the same time you did (Feb. of 2018). But I'm glad you got to hear him play "Elephant," since it sounds like that was the song you wanted to hear.

[@11B4V]

Grew up right down the street from Muscle Shoals Recording studio.

[@adamhuett9128]

I'm from the Shoals area too. I fell on hard times and he to move back, years ago, about the same time he quit the drive by truckers to get clean. I saw him play lots of these songs in really small restaurants.

[@TheGotoGeek]

I showed up at a Steve Earle concert where Jason opened. I was a bit late, and showed up just as started playing this. I’ve been a fan ever since.

[@isthatwhatemptymeans8222]

Nice reaction. He has an amazing body of work. As I'd mentioned on the Sturgill Simpson video that "Cover Me Up" and "Last of My Kind" were the 1st 2 Isbell songs I'd heard of his and my fandom has grown ever since.

[@ronniefromOR]

so great.. he just keeps getting better and better and better

[@Rolltidemom65]

And thank you for the shout out to Greenhill. They usually say he's from muscle shoals

[@pamela1144]

Don, I have no idea how I missed you do this one of Jason's. His songs and Tyler's are where I stay these days. Phenomenal writers, voices and beautiful musicians. They are rare treasures. I am so proud Jason was born 50 mile from where I was born. ❤ Green Hill, Alabama I know is filled with pride. Love your reaction to this painfully hard hitting song. I lost one of my dearest ever friends to cancer. Take care Don, Pam

[@jacobcounty]

First timer for your videos. This song tears me up every time

[@RockN2Country]

Welcome aboard, Jacob! And yeah, some of these songs will break us open.

[@PositiveMind1991]

What a great review of this song, I really enjoyed listening to your perspective. Also love Isbell, of course. The whole Southeastern album is incredible. I love Traveling Alone and Cover Me Up. Incredible.

[@The1TheOnlyTrey]

Very Happy to see more Jason Reactions! Also from AL (Roll Tide) and supported Jason since his drive by trucker days. Amazing songwriter so please do more...

[@RockN2Country]

I'm on it, especially if the Tide win the championship. Remind me!

[@AlvinEranus]

Goddamn lonely love is top 5 favorite songs of all time

[@tonyviti88]

You made me a subscriber when you spoke about being patient with songs

[@RockN2Country]

@Tony Viti Glad I struck the right note, and welcome to the channel!!

[@stevethompson4348]

Hes not the husband hes a guy that was friend zoned but still stays with her and helps her ease the suffering

[@fireguy3000]

Which adds a whole extra layer of complexity and emotion to the scenario. Unrequited love is a deep set of emotions itself and then to experience the slow loss of it in this way... deep, deep stuff. Love this man’s work!

[@JesseWilliam95]

I legit was about to give up on the song and then it developed... Damn.

[@RockN2Country]

@Jesse Starke Jason has a way with words, right? I've learned to be real patient through my reactions since I never know how (or if) a song is gonna develop. Sometimes the storyline doesn't resolve itself, and sometimes that's purposeful and others times it feels like an incomplete effort. Jason has yet to leave me hanging, which is amazing given the topics he covers and how he goes deep.

[@JesseWilliam95]

@@RockN2Country love the videos.

[@carolinemackenziemacdonald1157]

wow what a great song to listen to = these lyrics are awesome = agree with your rating - and review- puts lots of ideas in ones brain does this one !!

[@RockN2Country]

Sooooooo many ideas and images!!

[@Rolltidemom65]

Roll Tide! I'm from Greenhill Al. We're very proud of Jason !

[@AlainDumasblogphoto]

Reminds me of Jackson Brown......

[@josiewales44]

I met Jason a few years ago, I think it was at the Flora-Bama...might have been at a Wayne Mills Tribute and he has turned out to be one of my favorite artists/songwriters. Jason writes very powerful lyrics evidenced by those in "Elephant". The first time I heard it, it was described as "the saddest song ever written" I don't know if it's the "saddest", but it definitely ranks pretty high. You rated it a 9.0, I'd rate it a 10+. I like MOST of Jason's music, some better than other, but , I surely enjoy it...both live and recorded. I don't mind paying to see his shows or buying his albums. Jason is just one of my musician friends...maybe you should check out and rate songs by The Wilson Brothers, Josh Newcom, Adam Hood, Davis Nix, Casper McWade, Chris "MoonDawg" Hall, Brigette London, Donna Slater AND the late, great Wayne Mills. These guys write and perform REAL country music...NOT "BRO" COUNTRY. Give them a listen, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

[@anoldmannameddave7455]

You’re so right, Don.. The simplicity of the music is the balance, from the weight of the hard hitting lyrics. Jason’s a phenomenal guitar player too. He plays with Wilco, at Mountain Jam, on the song ‘California Stars’ He and Nels Cline trade licks, that bring the house down. Also, 😊, I still recommend ‘To Love Is To Bury’, by Cowboy Junkies.. 😊✌️

[@marydavis8030]

The song as you said, you have to take time to listen to see where is it going. Jason Isbell i Ihave just learned of him and his music. Listen to something Vampires, The lyrics to this song are so deep, meaningful, and hit home with me. He is so talented, amazing. I really do not consider him Country, do you ? He is labeled outlaw country along with Jamie Johnson and others. I cannot believe I have never heard of him, this man can really write lyrics we have never thought of. He is great and as always I liked your reaction, how can you rate after that song and you have not heard anything else. You did good with your 9 after you listen to the vampire song you will then understand why he deserves it.

[@RockN2Country]

Right on, Mary! As for "If We Were Vampires," I did it four days ago. Here ya go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/f2m3m6djjc6Ua9k

[@amberlyhenry9478]

Riding with private Malone did the same thing. Great country song. Any song with substance has story and build up. Always been that way

[@jacobcounty]

And btw ....vampires is just as good or better

[@keithkinkade4265]

He is actually better live.....

[@lilymcallister9751]

Yes!! Thank you. He (and the 400 unit) are sooo good live. I've seen them a dozen times and it never gets old.

[@Jaden5Seven]

Can confirm. His voice is so powerful.

[@jasper_north]

Jason, the rest is history...

[@wendel5520]

I love my alt/Americana country music only problem is it does get enough play time. Guy Clark "the Guitar" I love this song 2009 song RIP Guy Clark

[@TripletDad3]

The first time I heard that song, I just sat back and went, wow! Outstanding tune!

[@lilymcallister9751]

I feel the same. I love alt/americana-country. And it gets so little coverage. Singer/Songwriters who can write both lyrics and music and SING. It seems a niche. Especially these stripped songs. Gets me. And I love that.

[@deanwestveer91]

Anyone who has ever held an acoustic guitar should love this song. It's the Devils deal without that deal.

[@anoldmannameddave7455]

Yessir , Guy is the poster child for Austin Country! Speaking of guitars,, Neil Young’s song, This Old Guitar,, is as real as it gets too.

[@paullevine1813]

Helps to understand the term Elephant refers to terminal cancer. One of Jason's most potent songs. wait till this guy hears Jason plugs his electric guitar in & tears it up.

[@RockN2Country]

@paul levine Thanks for that insight, as I hadn’t heard that term in relation to cancer.

[@walmartden6602]

I think it is more about the elephant in the room that is her condition

[@marisa9968]

Great! He is known in Texas Red Dirt music and also a very big part of the Americana country, East Nashville set that boasts others greats such as Elizabeth Cook, Todd Snider, Margo Price...etc. Many of the songs in the Americana songs can be dark but have a definite message. Elizabeth Cook's "Heroine Addict Sister" is a strong song with a great message as is her new autobiographical "Stanley By God Terry" I think it is available on KZbin. Great song!

[@RockN2Country]

Thanks for the intel, Marisa!! There is so much good music out there that many people never even hear about, though you obviously know a lot. ;-)

[@bradleycarroll7838]

I’d be interested to hear your reaction to “Terrible and True” by Lost Dog Street Band

[@walmartden6602]

I love lost dog street band

[@Bastikovski99]

You looked like you got punched in the face at the end of that song. Haha. Same as me first time I listened.

[@cindycassinelli7185]

Oh wow...please don't shit. This is deep. Good rating.

[@RockN2Country]

First part: LOLOL!!! Second part: Totally deep, and thank you. :-)

[@wendel5520]

Do " if we were vampires

[@wendel5520]

Sorry wrote that before I heard you say you were going to get it.

[@RockN2Country]

Do I have a choice now? ;-)

[@RockN2Country]

No need to apologize at all. I was actually thinking that I have to do the song just so I can become more familiar with Jason's music. Keep up the good work!

[@isthisgary]

He didnt take a risk he's just the real deal.... you just listening to the pop?

[@RockN2Country]

@Zed Boringer No sir, but all artists are presented with managers and labels and lawyers who have ideas on how they could sell more music, and I was just saying that Jason took the risk of staying as he is. Many artists have taken that risk and fell into obscurity, but Jason didn't and we're all glad he made the choice. His songwriting is so good it would have been a shame had he done what a bunch of other artists did. I don't begrudge those artists for wanting to make the financial bigtime, but I bet many of them wish they could return to their roots. Jason never had to return since he never left.

[@justtrumpem4849]

///M 💪

[@jeffisraw2000]

Nice video buddy. I hope you get back to Cody Jinks soon and check out 'David" by Cody'! Keep up the good work!

[@RockN2Country]

Thanks Jeff, and "David" is on the list. I'm looking forward to reacting to that one.

[@jeffisraw2000]

@@RockN2Country Can't wait!!

[@toddhodges4405]

Forgot the ht lol, never heard this one lol

[@RockN2Country]

What's the "ht"?

[@toddhodges4405]

Was supposed to have been hat, you didn't turn it around lol

[@RockN2Country]

Ha!! I sooooo want to turn the hat around but the chair that I've been doing my reviews in for the last couple of weeks is so tall that blocks the hat from going backwards. When I switch chairs again I'll be good to go!

[@bamachine]

Yeah, country is really not the correct genre to assign to someone like Jason. He does not make country songs, he makes art. I think he and Chris Stapleton are the two best songwriters out there today. Chris gets classified as country also but he is more of a blues artist, IMO. I guess Americana might be about the best classification for Jason. He is from Alabama(near Muscle Shoals, home of some of the best American music) but his wife, Amanda Shires is from Texas. Another artist(group in this case) from Muscle Shoals area, that you should check out, is Alabama Shakes. BTW, I am a metal and hard rock guy but I appreciate great music in any form.

[@CelebrateSuccessPodcast]

I loved your review, but I don't believe she is his wife, or anything relationship wise. It's always sounded to me like she was just a really close friend. He eludes to it when he said "if I fucked her before she got sick, I'd never hear the end of it".