Jason Isbell -- If We Were Vampires [REACTION/RATING]

A lot of folks requested this one, and of course Jason does what Jason does best---blow your mind.
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!!
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#JasonIsbell #IfWeWereVampires #CountryMusicReactions

[@dianethornhill3651]

I found this song a few months before my hubby of 42 years passed away 7 months ago. This song helps me make it through the night. We were together from ages 14 & 15 until 60 & 61. I lost my best friend. His birthday would have been tomorrow. Thank you for your posts. 🧡

[@RockN2Country]

@Diane Thornhill, I'm sorry for your loss! I know today is a tough day since it's the first birthday since your husband passed away, so I'm glad there's something to help you a little bit to get through it. But a loss like that just stays with you, and it sounds like your memories are good enough to keep you going. --Don

[@Itsyaboy88]

i hope you're doing okay Diane- hes with you always.

[@dianethornhill3651]

@@Itsyaboy88 thanx. I’m doing ok although I miss him very much.

[@jdoreck]

So sorry to here that Diane. I got three types of cancer about two years ago , I am controlling it now with immunotherapy, but I don’t know how long I have. I met my wife when she was 14 and I was 17, II am 62 now and she is about to be 60. I heard this song about a week ago. I’m seriously thinking of having them play this at my funeral to honor my wife. She is my rock.

[@lilymcallister9751]

The most beautiful song ever written. But damn, it makes me cry. Every. Freaking. Time.

[@lilymcallister9751]

How the two of them sing it to each other slays me.

[@cadburybabies]

Have you heard “Elephant”?

[@Caperhere]

Just found Jason Isbell last night. My oh my.

[@RockN2Country]

Right? The dude is the real deal.

[@susanolsen7248]

It's like Christmas in July! He is amazing! See him live ASAP!

[@MrBigbri2011]

I was blown away by this song when I first heard it. Simply beautiful.

[@patrickfulmer9596]

Supporting vocals by his wife, Amanda Shires makes this even more special. I was lucky enough to hear Jason play this for an audience for the first time at Track 29 in the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex. He played it on a resonator guitar of some type.

[@keithkinkade4265]

Amanda Shires is his wife. She is also an artist. They both play in each others bands. She sings backup on this song.

[@ogfdnbvjkfdn]

I love when people hear the "If we were vampires" line and everything just instantly *clicks*. This is one of the greatest songs ever written.

[@isthatwhatemptymeans8222]

Jason's Lyrics are so impressive. Much like the sound of a Sturgill Simpson album. They are unique and generational talents in country music their emergence will mark a special awakening in country music history

[@RockN2Country]

I think you're right about the awakening. Maybe even a revival of sorts.

[@JackCerro]

One of the better songwriters alive.

[@jhzab666]

This is one of the, if not the most beautiful love songs ever !!!

[@simeonteitelbaum3673]

I think Jason was best described not as a country or folk singer but a romantic poet with a southern band, although he's also an incredible guitar player. He's written several of the best songs I've ever heard. I'll give you a primer of his songs I think you should check out, from earliest to latest: "Outfit" "Never Gonna Change" "Danko/Manuel" "Goddamn Lonely Love" "Stockholm" "Live Oak" "Songs she Sang in the Shower" "Yvette" "Flying over Water" "Speed Trap Town" and "Children of Children". Just to start lol

[@RockN2Country]

Hey Simeon, thanks for all the feedback and ideas!! If you give me one or two of your favorites I'll put them on the list. Thanks!

[@Sunday-pr9qf]

Jason is most definitely a GREAT songwriter. He will take his place in history as such. Not only that but a hellava guitar picker. His talent (and Amanda’s) transcend much of what is out there today!

[@Crankbait420]

The female backing vocals in this song, and most of his songs, is his wife Amanda Shires.

[@michaeltodd5820]

Two Jason Isbell songs you would love are Cover Me Up & Live Oak

[@jesperjohansson3761]

Elephant, If we were vampires, Cover me up & Live oak are my 4 favourite songs for sure, maybe together with Molotov. And that's coming from a heavy metal fan from Sweden. Jesus christ this dude knows how to write songs!

[@pamela1144]

Such a profound song, I love it. Him and his wife are a joy to watch as they make this beautiful music.

[@simeonteitelbaum3673]

He's also done some wonderful covers and live performances. If you want to see a particularly good live performance look up 2006 Isbell "Dress Blues" with Drive by Truckers, the latter of whom have a voluminous canon which is well worth exploring as well

[@RossArmer]

I discovered you after a John Prine search. You sir have an understanding of philosophy and life that I can relate to as I have also discovered solace in great songwriting. I have found that heartening to find tonight. Thank you and keep going.

[@RockN2Country]

@Ross Armer Thank you for the kind words and observations. I’m in seventh heaven when I’m made to think and feel in equal measures, and having discovered traditional country’s ability to draw that out of me I was hooked. Welcome aboard the channel!

[@johnallen5999]

I believe Tom Petty called Isbell the greatest songwriter (either alive or in history). I can't find the quote now, but I vividly remember it being mentioned. I'm forced to agree. Music today is empty/shallow. Isbell's music is full/deep. That's the best way I can think to describe it.

[@lilymcallister9751]

What you say makes sense. I think of being mindful. This song screams "appreciate your moments", don't spend it on your phone showing others your moments...LIVE them. I see kids sit at Thanksgiving posting to Facebook, while their Great Grandparents, who may not be there next Thanksgiving, not even bothering to spend time with them. I only wish I had mine around to hear their stories. I think this is a 9.8. But hey, I love his music. It speaks to me...every album he has done.

[@robinburkhart8347]

Just found your channel and subscribed because of your review of Jason Isbell, one of my favorite singer/songwriters. He also visits the issue of death of a friend (by cancer) very poignantly in"The Elephant". He is very poetic, has a way with words that hits my gut sometimes with a punch that only the truth can deliver. The Avett Brothers' music also appeals to me for the same reason with the added bonus of wry humor they toss in. I am eager to hear more of your opinions in future reviews.

[@RockN2Country]

Hey there @Robin Burkhart, welcome aboard!! Thanks for the comments. I did a reaction to "Elephant," as well as to an Avett Bros song--here are the links. Enjoy! Jason Isbell -- "Elephant": kzbin.info/www/bejne/nHmZpneLlKmGjac Avett Brothers -- "Murder In The City": kzbin.info/www/bejne/rn6bZ3SjqL5mmcU

[@jodyparrish637]

Okay sir found your channel and love it!! Just subscribed and let me suggest Townes Van Zandt. Any song but ‘Waiting Around to Die’ ‘Lungs’ and ‘Rake’ you will be wowed!!

[@donaldscobie8455]

Best songwriter around these days.

[@28happenstance]

Just my opinion, but I believe Isbell to be the best songwriter of our generation, at least in the Americana genre.

[@charlesbolton8471]

I believe him to be the best songwriter regardless of genre. I do think there are others who are at his same level with their best work, but so far Jason has maintained a consistency across his body of work that others can’t match.

[@kennethgarrison521]

It's a LOVE SONG!

[@Bamaboompa]

I know this is 2 years old but I’m now a subscriber...because you’ve reacted to Jason Isbell. I was NOT a fan because I thought most of his songs are too depressing. But the more I listen, they’re just fucking real and that’s what we’ve got! (Hope to celebrate my 32nd Anniversary this year. ) One comment/question about your comment about “going out for a smoke” Is it that “we “ can live forever or, We can go out together by walking into the sunlight and go “up in smoke”. My wife has already told me I better NOT go first!

[@wadewimmer16]

Need to check out some Hayes Carll. He co-wrote "A Drunken Poet's Dream" with Ray Wiley Hubbard. That is a good place to start.

[@mdtuch]

Maybe time running out is a gift . . .

[@RockN2Country]

@mark tuchscherer I like the way you think.

[@juliegoodman4626]

That’s the point I think. If we were vampires we wouldn’t appreciate the now as much. He wouldn’t be holding her hand... beautiful!

[@charlesbolton8471]

That line is really the core of this song. It’s right up at the top of my list for favorite line from any song along with “Is a dream a lie if it don’t come true?” from The River by Bruce Springsteen.

[@user-gu9lp2ug3c]

Jason’s songs have a different meaning everytime I hear them

[@earlwatts6073]

not a country guy at all but I love Jason, Drive by Truckers, Driving and Crying, Cross Canadian Ragweed, etc...watched you because I have a little buzz on and wanted to see if someone else reacted to Jason like me. rock on man...rock on

[@RockN2Country]

@Earl Watts Welcome aboard the channel, and I hope you’re chilling into your evening!

[@okonokosfour]

much love

[@RockN2Country]

Thanks, Jonathan!

[@saremile]

I would love to hear you do some more "Red Dirt Country" or Texas Music...Koe Wetzel's song "February 28, 2016" is awesome and reminds me of my 20s lol

[@RockN2Country]

I'm all about it, and it's now on the list!!

[@melissaparker935]

I hate seeing my mommy cry over my daddy being in heaven... it just breaks my heart that she hurts so bad

[@RockN2Country]

Yeah, that's hard to watch someone you love so much being in such pain, especially when you miss him too.

[@etb10]

Speaking of going fishing, Erik Dylan’s Fishing Alone is a fantastic song.

[@chucksarvis2991]

Lucero I'll just fall

[@robertbeckler5058]

This song is groovy

[@SkllHunter]

I lost my wife on 6-15-2019 , that's when I went from living to surviving . So I know what it's like , it's very , very hard every day .

[@RockN2Country]

@SkllHunter Ouch, I'm so sorry on you losing her last year. Man that's rough. I hope things are getting a tiny bit better with each passing week or month, but that type of loss sticks around for a lifetime. I wish you well along the way, and welcome to the channel!

[@SkllHunter]

Thanks for taking time to reply , it means a lot .

[@Rowdyblackwell]

Hey man, New Jason Isbell out today! Would love to hear your thoughts!

[@carolinemackenziemacdonald1157]

Defo a reflective song with lot of good lyrics - oh yeah I remember when I got a day without worries - but to be honest -restful as it was - I was a bit bored but then thats just probably me and my busy mind-good review and rating Don xxx

[@RockN2Country]

Yoga, baby!! Take some yoga!!

[@carolinemackenziemacdonald1157]

my son in law does lots of Yoga and always wanting me to go to Yoga with him so might go for a try next week - you reckon its good for an overactive mind -need something I think - well I know- cheers Don x

[@luke_skinner]

You need to do some John Prine!

[@RockN2Country]

On the list now--thanks!

[@johnmyers7570]

@@RockN2Country Jason's wife and Jason have done many shows with Prine, and Prine can blow you away with his raspy vocals and his songwriting. There is a reason why Kris said they need to break his fingers when he first saw him play. Extremely personable and approachable after a show for an hour, if you were honored enough to listen to his tales. If you take a look into Prine, you will enjoy it.

[@leetrusty4441]

New subscriber thought throw one out. Newer artist but very western. Anything from Colter Wall. I’d suggest “Kate McKannon” murder ballad or “The Devil Wears a Suit and Tie”. Thank you!

[@RockN2Country]

@Lee Trusty Welcome aboard the channel, and you’ve got good taste in music. I’ve done a number of Colter’s songs, including the two you suggested. Hit the search bar on the channel’s page and type “Colter,” and they’ll all come up for you.

[@leetrusty4441]

@@RockN2Country well then I just scrolled a while and made and an assumption. I’ll revert to doing it legitimately. 😂😂 I have another.

[@Rolltidemom65]

That's his wife singing with him. Amanda shire

[@jerrymoadj.r.1911]

On 2 fb hypeman out

[@RockN2Country]

Thanks, bruthaman! I got one for you coming up soon, too. Keep rockin'!!

[@phillipmcdonald2548]

If you like his elephant song check out only children on his new reunions album... reaction would be great thanks!

[@abaste]

Check out Survivor Blues by Cory Branan!

[@Bastikovski99]

The most real part of the video was when you simply said "yep."

[@stevevice9863]

Jason pronounces his last name as "Iz-bull". He corrects people when they pronounce it "Iz-bell".

[@RockN2Country]

@steve vice Oh yeah, I got corrected almost immediately after doing my first reaction and someone blasted me for being an idiot. Love and learn. Ha! Welcome aboard the channel, BTW!

[@stokedspokesmtb4907]

Pronounced is-bull

[@jodyparrish637]

Here is a link to Townes singing ‘Waiting Around to Die’ from the movie ‘Heartworn Highways’ kzbin.info/www/bejne/rF61omBqqNWFsJY

[@jodyparrish637]

This is the link I wanted send kzbin.info/www/bejne/mnfCZKqVnL2cpMk

[@RockN2Country]

Thanks, Jody--it's on the list now!

[@EPHESIANS-2.4-9]

Seek Jesus Christ and salvation through him. Maybe 40 years here but eternity is much longer

[@ShawnMiller009]

I really dig your analysis man! Good stuff. Not trying to over-load you with Isbell, but this one's is my favorite. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nn27cnede5mnr6s

[@RockN2Country]

Hey Shawn, thanks for that--I'm humbled! Glad you connect with it. So many good people out there and music sometimes brings a few of us together. I'll put the Jason song you recommended on my list and will get to it at some point. Thanks for providing the link, too. Jason is the real deal.

[@MegaDizz23]

Not his best imo. The lyrics hit me but the music doesn't. I prefer " relatively easy" off the Southeastern record.

[@bobbymathews]

Relatively Easy is so underrated. As is Grown.

[@KDavis1163]

Jason is not country!

[@charlesbolton8471]

Neither are the people having hits on the “Country” charts.

[@patrickfulmer9596]

Supporting vocals by his wife, Amanda Shires makes this even more special. I was lucky enough to hear Jason play this for an audience for the first time at Track 29 in the Chattanooga Choo Choo complex. He played it on a resonator guitar of some type.