LOVE THIS! - I THINK IT'S MY FAVORITE! - (REACTION) - Asaf Avidan - In a Box II - "Bang Bang"

[@uptnogd]

"Bill, Hey there I couldn’t agree more with your reaction to Bang Bang! As you mentioned this song is particularly mesmerizing because of how he channels such vulnerability and power simultaneously into this song. The raspy texture of his voice, combined with his unique use of falsetto and vibrato add his lyrics. pure Genius. I know how much he pours into all his music but it seems that everything he touches turns to gold. Let's not forget the genius behind the arrangement-each instrument feels like an extension of his storytelling. It's incredible how he can make every note feel deeply intentional. I am always in awe of his many talent. He can turn anything into a masterpiece. I mean who would have thought to sing about "I love you like a gun in my hand" into a work of ART. There is no one that is anywhere near his genius. As always hanks for shining your light on his brilliance; we need more reactors diving into his talent!" Thank you Rinat for determination in spreading his sound everywhere

[@BemusingBill]

Thank you so much, my friend! Asaf reminds me of Bowie in the sense that they are both complete artists in every way, right to their core of being. It's obvious how much he puts into each composition- he doesn't do 'fillers'. Each song is a masterpiece because of his dedication to his craft. His commitment to each song as if each one is the most important song he's ever written. He inspires me to be more creative- to be more original. To 'live' art and not look at it as something separate and momentary but something that becomes part of you like a soul being expressed. Brilliant!

[@Rinat.N]

​@@BemusingBillPowerful❣️

[@uptnogd]

@@BemusingBill Thank you! 😊

[@WNYretiree]

This was spectacular and I am going to be replaying this and thinking about it all day.

[@BemusingBill]

I have been as well as Nancy, too. I just can't get enough of this song!

[@sampanther8854]

He's definitely a special soul 😊❤️ thanks for sharing with us 👍 happy new year to you 🎉

[@BemusingBill]

Thank you so much, my friend! Happy New Year to you and yours! ❤️

[@cherylwitter5038]

🔥❤️✌️

[@BemusingBill]

🤘❤️🤘

[@orlylivne]

I love your enthusiasm in all of Asaf's reactions, dear Bill. He’s such a unique and extraordinary artist : a true musical genius who captivates anyone who listens to him. The oriental influence in this performance is absolutely mesmerizing, (The musical instrument could be a tank-can guitar or a jar-can guitar-handmade or custom-built.) Great reaction dear Bill ❤!! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with us! And THANK YOU Rinat for this one ❤❤!!

[@Rinat.N]

🫶🫶

[@BemusingBill]

Thank you, my friend! Yes, definitely hand made or custom made, also could be a cigar box guitar. They actually sell kits to DIY at home! Such an incredible song and such a powerful, fully engrossed performance. Simply the best! ❤️❤️

[@mstewart109]

Asaf and Bill for common sense and logic. I agree 100%. Scary as hell. Shortcuts that remove emotions, feelings and creativity. 😮. Bill- like comparing music today in general to the music of the 60s 70s we grew up in. 😮😮

[@BemusingBill]

Honestly, the longer I live and experience music the more I'm convinced the music of the 60s and 70s was such a high point musically, and culturally. I don't know why except for the fact that everything was so new and undiscovered. Nowadays, there seems to be the thought, 'where do we go from here?', 'What can I do that sounds original and fresh?' Asaf takes the old and combines it with the modern and adds his intellect through his poetry which is brilliant! He proves that there is still a lot to be discovered in the musical landscape. I'm not sure how AI will influence the art. Afterall, it's a tool that can be used to enhance and perhaps flavor a composition but you're right: no emotion or feelings there. Relying on it to do all the work will sound flat and may not have any human connection. But who knows how it evolves over the coming years.

[@Rinat.N]

Oh, yeah! Picking a favorite Asaf song is an impossible task, isn’t it? 🤣 Honestly, I can’t blame you! Every one of his songs feels like the one… Let’s just call it 'the beautiful curse of brilliance'! 😉 Now, what an absolute masterpiece! Asaf’s voice doesn’t just sing; it aches. It feels like he’s carving poetry straight out of his soul. The metaphors in this song are powerfully emotional and layered: ● 'I love you like a Jew on the run' A love that feels pursued, overwhelming, and full of struggle.. ● 'I love you like a scalpel loves flesh' Like a scalpel cutting through skin, it hurts but can also bring healing.. ● 'Bang Bang Bang I’m back again' Coming back to pain or a cycle of love and hate, repeatedly pulled back into this relationship, no matter the consequences.. The way he uses all the instruments, the loops, and every technique with such precision is mesmerizing! He takes each element and turns it into something so powerful 💪 Btw , what about his cigar box guitar playing? I would’ve loved to hear your thoughts on that- it’s such a unique and integral part of this performance that really stands out. Also, thanks for including the clip where Asaf talks about AI! He’s endlessly fascinating- whether he’s singing or speaking, you can’t help but hang onto every word. :) And Bill, your energy and enthusiasm here were infectious!! I could see how much you were vibing with this performance (and I think Sassy caught the vibe too😍 I spotted her back there totally feeling it like a true fan! ). Your reactions and insights always make me appreciate Asaf’s work even more deeply! A BIG thank you, dear Bill, for being such a passionate supporter of Asaf. You’ve been a huge part of helping more people discover his brilliance. Watching your reactions is always a highlight! Much LOVE & HUGS to both you and dear Nancy❤️ I’ll be happy to send more song requests your way soon! Stay tuned! 😊

[@BemusingBill]

Thank you for the insight! I was looking forward to that and I was thinking along the same lines with the scalpel reference. Watching the video on the big screen (which I have at least 3x now) I see it's not a cigar box guitar but a can of something like a paint thinner, TOO COOL! His playing is extraordinary and weaves it's thread through the rhythms like a painter adding the slightest details on top of the background of a piece of work. Truly amazing stuff! Thank you for another amazing piece of art, my dear friend. Nancy and I send our love and a ton of hugs! ❤️❤️

[@Rinat.N]

Thank you so much, Bill! I had no idea it was a can of paint thinner… 🤭 What a fascinating choice! And watching Asaf on the big screen? That’s like doubling the genius-it’s Asaf-sized brilliance in Asaf-sized proportions!😀 The way he uses such unconventional instruments and weaves them into his performance is beyond amazing!! I also loved your analogy of him being like a painter adding intricate details- it captures his artistry perfectly. Huge thanks for sharing, and to you and Nancy for all the love and support! ❤️❤️ ​@@BemusingBill

[@Irmelinis]

YUP! That's what he does to me too. Vibrates my soul 😁🤩 His music and lyrics has helped me so much in my existential dwellings I get stuck in sometimes. His music sets me free. Awesome reaction, Bill

[@BemusingBill]

Thank you, my friend! I'm glad that his music has helped you- I can totally see how that could be! He inspires me and has opened my eyes to so many possibilities!

[@nirahammer7299]

Dear Bill, I liked and enjoyed your reaction so much. I liked your perspective, the wisdom and emotion you put in it. I believe this is an art of itself. And Asaf, well .. what else can be said on this genius multi talented guy ❤

[@BemusingBill]

Thank you so much for your kind words, my friend!

[@reneedevry4361]

I am also concerned about the amputation within art. Not just a loss of heart and soul but also of all the blood sweat and tears that goes into the mastery of vocal or instrumental skill.☹️ Asaf is an amazing artist👍 🥰🥰Much love from a Canadian🦫Dear🇨🇦

[@BemusingBill]

I agree with you whole heartedly, my friend. I felt this way back in the late 90s when my college roommate showed me his 'paintings' he did on his computer. He told me it was 'the future'. But as someone who enjoys pushing paint, I thogh it was devoid of actual skill and emotion. Now, there will be that very same thing in music. Oh wait, that's been happening already without AI in the pop world! Thank you dear friend! Much love from down in NY❤️❤️

[@Marcin-o2z]

Bang the algorithms!

[@BemusingBill]

YES!!!

[@VelouriaLaRue]

Asaf! Phenomenal talent! And I agree about AI. It might be entertaining to play around with, but I find it creepy af. People's intellectual property is no longer their own. Thank you❤❤

[@BemusingBill]

I feel the same way, Velouria and I think it's only going to get worse. Thank you, my dear friend! ❤️❤️

[@TheIndelibleBoy]

By that reasoning, AI is an artistic creation in and of itself. I understand the existential concern and how it impacts human development, though. Instant gratification expands far beyond the recent development of AI. ❤ Also love the music.

[@BemusingBill]

AI is just that but of course it can be (and will be) abused- think internet, social media, etc. I think it's already being over-used. We're only at the beginning of this whole thing and I think only time will tell.

[@mstewart109]

Ren and Asaf are both deep deep thinkers and well read. Ren also admitted he is a nerd., is Asaf)?

[@BemusingBill]

I don't know Asaf well enough to know whether he has referred to himself as a 'nerd'. 😁

[@mstewart109]

Asaf is one of a kind vocally and as a musician. I hope A1 doesn't overpower him ever. Same with Ren.. that thought is heartbreaking and would silence true brilliance . Save it for those with a subpar toolkit. Ya know I keep wondering about if a collaboration of Ren and Asaf would work or water them down? Just a running thought 😂❤

[@Rinat.N]

Rest assured that no one and nothing, not even AI, can overpower Asaf!😀 His uniqueness, in all its aspects, cannot be copied, replicated, or recreated! Lucky us..😍

[@mstewart109]

​- as I am also a huge fan of Ren also, I hope same goes for him.

[@BemusingBill]

Personally, I don't think artists like Asaf and Ren would really lean on AI- they are far too creative and original! Boy, would I love to see a collab between those two! ❤️❤️

[@mstewart109]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/mXWmaWOcZ9Noj7ssi=RfibSR1UvA3tXVCZ fyi less than 2 min song by Dirt Miller. ( hope he is ok) His voice kinda reminds me of Asaf at times. I know he is moving along slowly on his album he thought he might have released by now. He slowed it down he said. His perfectionist side was not happy. That song i sent could mean he is still struggling with it. Maybe not.

[@BemusingBill]

Thanks for the link, my friend! I've heard his name before but not familiar. Can't wait to check it out!