Musician reacts to Ren - Tale of Jenny and Screech (Full)

[@mcflyjp]

Crazy that I need to say this BUT: my point on the finger tapping wasn't to take away from Ren at all! I have played guitar for 20 years both electric and acoustic, nylon strings steel strings etc. I'm fully aware of how much more difficult it is to do on an acoustic than an electric ESPECIALLY nylon strings. This was just talking about finger tapping in general not being as hard as some people may think. And for those of you that might say I did it terribly: probably. That's what lack of practice does but that's why I'm getting back into it.

[@llchristensen77]

Smh there's always somebody. I appreciated the explanation because I fully assumed it was crazy technical. Haters gonna hate bro. Lol

[@mcflyjp]

@@llchristensen77 it's definitely technical. But I think the "pirate shanty" is far more difficult than the finger tapping

[@ThroughGreyEyes]

@@mcflyjp the screech part with the 5th string ham/off after patrick doesnt answer while singing and walking was way harder than the tapping. dont know why people get butthurt when things are explained even though you highlighted the intent of the tapping. what a sha-a-A-a-ame

[@ThroughGreyEyes]

@@llchristensen77 He wasnt even hating on it either. the rewind had a slipping string and there were plenty of other oopsies. almost all intentional by ren to give his songs an off-beat or really dissonant notes (kind of like how he usually slams the bass note so it rattles.)

[@mcflyjp]

@@ThroughGreyEyes I think the _pirate shanty_ was technically difficult compared to the tapping as well.

[@texashookem22]

McFly at the end of Screech’s Tale: “I don’t know how it can get any more dark…” Ren: Hold my beer…

[@LeeannG]

I thought the same thing 😭

[@mcflyjp]

That was Ren personally attacking me! 🤣

[@toddbridgeman6683]

Haha I was gonna post the same comment 😅

[@thehazelinthejane]

I literally said that out loud and that exact moment 😂

[@Bearlissimo]

Lol I said this later than you & a little different

[@iansheppard4529]

I actually laughed out loud when you said "I dont know how it can get any more dark" right before Violet's Tale hahaha 🤣

[@mcflyjp]

I walked right into that one didn't I?

[@jasonrumph5851]

I did exactly the same thing and thought this guy about to get hit by a truck 🤣

[@mcflyjp]

@@jasonrumph5851 a semi with a snow plow in front of it is more like it.

[@llchristensen77]

Came here to say this 😂😂

[@pookie7584]

Same bro

[@theresab.1857]

"I don't know how it could get any darker and tragic" - violet's tale: "hold my beer."

[@mcflyjp]

At least I can say Ren personally attacked me 😭

[@rog2224]

Also - wait for the moment that "What was a 14 year old girl doing in high heels on a path she'd walked a thousand times doing?" hits home.

[@mcflyjp]

Ouch. I didn't even think about that.

[@thehazelinthejane]

The first time I heard these tales something about the high heels just didn't sit right with me. But it took me three or four times before it clicked. I think the general thought when thinking of Jenny versus Screech is that Jenny somehow had a better life but yet we don't really know that do we? This is the most descriptive yet non-descriptive story I've ever heard. It leaves so much open for the listener's interpretation.

[@samuelabernetti658]

@@thehazelinthejane same same

[@Mr.Ekshin]

Yup... Jenny's tale is the saddest of all. If she's walking the streets late at night in high heels (and has done so a thousand times before)... just doing the math tells you she probably ran away from the foster care system at age 11 or 12. She's been on her own ever since, and all the while looking for some way out of that life.

[@syyneater]

aww hell, that didn’t even click until I read this…gdi

[@kennethmichael5404]

I get so frustrated with so many reactions because so many tend to miss the line "he swung possessed with the devil in his chest"....he killed her. So many miss that, some never catch it, even through the whole story. Thank You for not being one of them. Also, for "Screech's Tale", it seems that almost no one catches that Screech's girlfriend and his friend Patrick, happen to be "busy", or not available, at the same time. Consider why. Maybe they were together? Patrick wasn't home...was he with Screech's girl at her place and that's why she was "busy"? It adds a whole other layer to the story. Also consider that Jenny and Screech were born side by side, and essentially died side by side, one street apart. Born on the same day (2005), died on the same day (2019). An entire family, mother and twins that never knew each other, wiped out by a cycle of violence. An abused mother, a 14 year old prostitute, and a 14 year old thug/murderer. Powerful stuff. In the "Violet's Tale" the way he uses the acoustics of his environment to accentuate the song is absolute brilliance. The man is truly special.

[@mcflyjp]

Someone mentioned in the live chat that Patrick and screech's girl were doing the nasty. Makes a huge impact on the story for sure.

[@mjvozzella]

@@mcflyjp These were "teaser" instagram posts by Screech after he stole Rens phone. You can tell Screech's gf has a thing for Patrick. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHqmp413iJZ5iJI

[@claytonhomer3096]

I am stunned at how many people miss that Jenny died and have to hear the first line of Screech for confirmation. He uses past tense when he says "she KNEW this town, she KNEW this floor."

[@supertuscans9512]

True!

[@beckyl4441]

I think they knew she was dead, just didn't want to admit it. And when you don't know the story or have any idea who violet is it's weird to kill off the main character at the beginning. I'm just waiting for someone to notice the foreshadowing in Screech's tale.

[@baldbearded9601]

Too many people literally just watch and don't talk about their interpretation, but I like your input and you seem to catch most of what's going on 👌 First time on your channel.. Good reaction man!

[@mcflyjp]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it! Hope you'll enjoy all the channel has to offer.

[@vinniewheeler5441]

There was no need to make it seem like YOU COULD DO WHAT HES DOING SO “EFFORTLESSLY” that’s DISRESPECT AND YOUR LOOKIN JEALOUS OUT HERE GUY

[@mcflyjp]

@@vinniewheeler5441 Where did I ever say it was effortless? Generally finger tapping is way easier than it looks. All I said.

[@stevenmeyer9674]

@@mcflyjp When an artist's audience has become fanatical, any perceived slight is taken to extremes. Sometimes the youtube comment section is very weird.

[@debrashrider4062]

We as an audience need to be Nice and be Kind, and be Better.

[@Shiroar]

“I wasn’t ready for that”. No one is. You can’t be ready for this sort of storytelling. The vivid imagery Ren paints with words is just masterful. Violet’s Tale gets physically uncomfortable for me. Especially with that eyelids part. Ren pulls you in and then slaps you in the face with horrifically realistic stories. And you can tell that every little detail is intentional- both for the songs and the performances. Ren is special.

[@mcflyjp]

I didn't think it would get darker. I was mistaken.

[@rebeccaburnell9319]

the most jarring line I've heard Ren speak so far anywhere in his catalogue is "things turn violent" AFTER he's just described how Stevie has folded Violet's eyelids open. Every single time, my brain screams THIS WAS ALREADY VIOLENT (but obviously I get that the lyric fit the rhythm/storytelling, and it's not like it's something that bumps Violet's Tale from its status as the part of the trilogy I like best).

[@pippafinland]

I wish it was just storytelling, but Ren is really painting a painful story of real life shit. Been working in social work for almost 20 years and this is the brutal truth for too many people. 💔 Ren is amazing and a great reaction too! 👌🏻

[@samuelabernetti658]

Violet's tale was written about two years after the previous two.

[@mcflyjp]

I didn’t know that. That’s awesome! Imagine waiting that long for the conclusion.

[@samuelabernetti658]

​​@@mcflyjp Ren performed the last installment for the very first time during a live show in Brighton. There's a video of that on his channel too.

[@frankensteinfpv]

Man I love your reactions and breakdowns. So many miss that it's live and how he uses his surroundings for reverb and effect. That stairwell rise into his falsetto and the fall back down is one of my favourite parts of all of rens music. Love your work bro and can't wait for the next one 👌🤌👏🔥❤️

[@mcflyjp]

Thank you so much. Glad you are here! I have so many artists i want to do but also want to keep drilling down this rabbit hole. Good issue to have I guess.

[@frankensteinfpv]

@McFly JP haha thats it hey! So hard to get away from the genius and emotion of Ren!

[@WitsEndGirl]

Glad to see you've reacted to this trilogy. I like your vocal and musical insights. Ren's delivery, particularly in screech's tale reminds me very much of the British tradition of old time music hall, especially the exaggerated pathos used in the opening lines. I used to sing in a group that took old time music hall into old people's and care homes and we took our style from a TV show that ran from the 50s to the early 80s called The Good Old Days. As he is too young to have experienced this first hand it's a really surprising style to adopt, but a very effective one.

[@mcflyjp]

The Good Old days. I feel like things have maybe gotten closer to then then ever before. Weird how it's called the good ol days.

[@deborahcarson8310]

I had forgot about that show but remember watching it as a child. That was a nice reminder.

[@WitsEndGirl]

@@deborahcarson8310 there's quite a few episodes on KZbin.

[@deborahcarson8310]

@@WitsEndGirl Will check that out..wee trip down memory lane..cheers 😊

[@NothingOnEvents]

Finally caught up - great reaction. One of the few that caught the fast forward instead of assuming the worst of that scene. I love the staircase scene too but in top of the musicality I also consider it a fade out/ fade in between the focus on Violet and then on Stevie which is super clever

[@mcflyjp]

Hmmm I like this interpretation!

[@lemurskin1234]

Agree. "The devil comes to dance..."

[@seagull01-cp8pb]

Spot on ‘cinematic experience with music as the backtrack’. This is the sort of stuff Ren says he wants to do more of. I too really appreciate the singing in the stairwell. My favourite line is ‘two spat detach’ when he hits Violet’s jaw which I believe is a reference to knocking two of her teeth out. Great reaction.🦇

[@mcflyjp]

Thank you! I appreciate the love! I like these because they take you on a journey. He said on his twitch stream he has two more tales in this universe.

[@slayerrocks2]

Tooth spat

[@Defiance-77]

Thank you for this reaction. Spot on with a lot of things. Especially Violets tale showcases how much work Ren puts into everything he does. Every step and every movement in that video is planned in detail together with every note he plays and every word he sings. Absolutely every detail is planned into perfection and that is how he go about it every single time. Ren mentioned in one of his chats that for Hi Ren he spent every waking moment for weeks before recording practicing the guitar part to have it in muscle memory so he could give 100% attention to the performance part while recording. I love this guy so much and no matter that I watched all these videos several hundred times I keep finding new levels of his utter genius every time I watch it.

[@mcflyjp]

That's what makes a good artist. Someone you can watch or listen to over and over again and still get something from it every time.

[@annasaunders5554]

He once said he would love to write a "dark" musical for Netflicks one day. "Call me", he said. LOL!

[@mcflyjp]

I'd watch that faster than any show I've watched.

[@phaedralewis285]

Jenny and Screech were, I think 2019. Violet's tale is the new addition. You can see how much he advanced and learned between them. To me his Violet's tale, although disturbing, is so beautiful.

[@mcflyjp]

100% my favorite of the 3. Eerily beautiful imo.

[@Bigglesman96]

Last one is the best because hes noticably a few years older, i think like. 5 year difference. Its cool to see the skill progression.

[@mcflyjp]

The difference between Violets take and The other 2 is actually crazy.

[@Kontract_]

He's a modern-day bard. Love your reactions man. Started with Chinchilla Fingers and knew I had to watch you discover Hi Ren. I can't get enough of seeing new people hear that song for the first time. This trilogy is good but Hi Ren and his duets with Chinchilla are out of this world. His Big Push stuff is really cool too. Dude is so multi-faceted I wouldn't be surprised if he goes into acting. I think he's got the chops....oh, and his friend Sam who controls the camera in all his videos is a talent as well. I truly hope to get to see them live one day.

[@mcflyjp]

I have I think 30+ Ren videos at this point. Crazy how it's been that many already. The dude is a generational talent.

[@Kontract_]

@@mcflyjp yea dude I honestly haven't fanboi'd this hard since I discovered Twenty-One Pilots.

[@annebiebrich9155]

Nothing is accidental with Ren....every single note, movement etc is completely and carefully thought out and intentional !

[@mcflyjp]

100% true and he's a genius for that.

[@whythecows]

I agree, Violet's tale was musically the best. The acoustics in the hall and stairwell were excellent.

[@mcflyjp]

Love the entire thing but Violets tale is a masterpiece.

[@juliecooper-nm7cm]

Was waiting for you to react to this one and it was everything I expected. The way you listen and analyze both the music as well as the lyrics puts you amongst the best reactors. So happy you decided to take your channel in this direction. More Ren please! 😊

[@mcflyjp]

Thank you very much. So much more Ren coming! Hopefully you'll hang out for the other artists as well!

[@margaretc5679]

"I don't know how it could get anymore dark than it already is." Ren: Hold my shoes...

[@mcflyjp]

Jesus I'll never hear the end of it for that.

[@margaretc5679]

@@mcflyjp foreshadowing? Pun intended. Lol

[@PlymouthLad76]

@mcflyjp I've ve been waiting for a reactor to pick up on the hallway section where he sings "she never stood a chance" as you put it its very angellic just beautiful and gives me goose bumps every time. Ren is our next musical genius his music will be eternal along with the greats.

[@mcflyjp]

I 100% agree. It's just hard to be patient for people to come upon his music.

[@irrgamer]

Great reaction ! and gotta say : I am SO happy that I was not alone hearing "Thunderstruck" during Screech's Tale ;)

[@mcflyjp]

I can't unhear it lol

[@ranahooke1907]

Great reaction, as always. You pick up a lot more than an average reactor. Big props. ❤

[@mcflyjp]

I appreciate you! Thank you!

[@jimholmes692]

I was impressed that you were the first reactionist to understand in Violet's Tale, the arpeggiating down that he did in the outdoor scene was him fast forwarding back to the present. 2005, 14 years before Jenny and Screech's Tale

[@mcflyjp]

It makes sense. He did chromatic slides up right after saying "We mus rewind". It makes sense that the other way would be fast forwarding. But I'm glad you enjoyed! This ...Performance is yet another masterpiece from Ren.

[@Thomas.Saunders]

Thanks for this reaction. I'm not sure why, but of the Ren videos, it took me a little longer to appreciate the musicality of this one.

[@mcflyjp]

It's more of a cinematic experience with accompanying music than it is a song. It's a performance piece.

[@dreamwalklady5805]

Just found your channel because I’m binging reaction videos at the moment. I really appreciate how technical you get. It makes your commentary much more interesting. I also had to comment on the Rugrats windbreaker 😂 it slaps

[@mcflyjp]

@@dreamwalklady5805 thank you! Sometime so feel I get too technical. It’s my favorite jacket. Unfortunately it tore one day when I was taking it off 😭

[@Paul-Gleave]

This is not a complaint, this is genuinely one of the best reactions I've seen to these songs... As a 35 year guitarist myself, I couldn't agree more with what you said about tapping being more impressive than it is difficult but I'd still like to add in Rens favour that tapping on nylon strings like it's just another regular nylon tapping Tuesday, is what really impressed me the most about that part, I've not seen that before... Not saying it hasn't happened, just that it's new to me and it kinda dropped my jaw for that reason.

[@mcflyjp]

I've actually been getting a lot of heat for saying that. Hence the pinned comment. But you are 100% correct. Generally speaking, tapping isn't difficult. What he's doing though is.

[@Paul-Gleave]

@@mcflyjp I stand with you bro, a lot of reactors go all bleary eyed about the tapping and I'm always thinking, "Yes it's cool but everything else he's doing is much harder and far more impressive.".

[@mcflyjp]

100%. The arrangement is far more difficult than that. Let alone having to worry about what notes he's playing while singing/rapping and making sure he's in the right spot.

[@christopherbillups7562]

"I wasn't ready for that one yall". No worries dude, none of us were. GG

[@mcflyjp]

Still one of my favorites of his. Incredible performance. Bard of our Time b

[@Vmcf1968]

okay i just got to this and see your hat. when i grew up in california i lived in sanjose bay area for three years 7-11th grade. all your hats are killing me. everyone has been my favorite teams. i live in pa. now. it does my old heart good to see a human that knows what teams matter. lol

[@mcflyjp]

Dang that's a long ways from home! I bet that NFC Championship game made it hard to live out there.

[@Vmcf1968]

@@mcflyjp word lol

[@horsehollerer]

Don't worry JP, your reaction was great. I completely agree that Violet's tale is levels above the first two acts ... but I think it dropped at least a year later, maybe even longer? I think Ren was just better at doing Ren things by then! Interesting that you mention the prevalence of rapping in his other Bardcore classic, Hi Ren ... weirdly, it was his SINGING in Hi Ren that really blew my mind and took it to the next level for me. Go figure? Thanks! P.S. Finally someone who plays guitar pointed out that the rhythmic hammers in Violet are not as difficult as they look lol. 10/10 to Ren for throwing them in there, right at that moment, tho. That was such an ADHD roulette move and thankfully it was a genius outcome imho!

[@mcflyjp]

People dislikes that I mentioned it thinking iw as attacking Ren, but I feel the overreaction to finger tapping in general has got out of hand.

[@horsehollerer]

@@mcflyjp I think ultimately it was a great (and ballsy) move by Ren that works perfectly at that point in the song ... and I can't say I blame him for flexing a little. Thanks again!

[@syyneater]

@@mcflyjp It also gives the non-guitarist a peek behind the scenes to understand the complexity/composition, which I appreciate!

[@anticafo]

This reaction went beyond my expectations! I started typing this and then you say, you weren't happy with the end of this reaction and here I'm thinking this is one of the best reactions to the Trilogy I heard so far! You just raised a level on reaction - covered so much in terms of storytelling, production, guitar and so on - You're competing with Knox here, you don't miss much, do you? lol! Hope you take it as a complement! Would love to see your breakdown of the Money Game video 1 and of course 2! Although, if you want to switch up the vibe and cover something more upbeat and fun - Try Ren and Sam Tompkins Blind Eyed (Live versions such as busking or the MC Sessions) or the Big Push originals and covers are beyond amazing, take your pick - Bongo Bong, Englishman in NY, I shot the Sheriff/Road to Zion/Hip Hop, War Pigs, Wade in the Water are a great start and then onto the originals - Sweet Little lady, Watch Out, etc. Thanks again, this was dope!

[@mcflyjp]

Wow thank you! Knox Hill is one of the greatest in terms of not missing a thing and it's hard to compete there. But I appreciate that. I shot the Sheriff is in the list to react to eventually. So much Ren content it'll all come up eventually.

[@gabrielstratton1775]

Shock is an appropriate reaction to Ren Night Shyamalan's final twist in this tale

[@mcflyjp]

Lol I like that name a lot.

[@vivienneclarke2421]

I've watched so many reactions to this trilogy. No one ever mentions how Ren drags out the hissing sound when he knocks on Violets door. As a survivor of DV,that hits me SO HARD. I often went to bed thinking there was a demon in my house. That "sssss" just makes me think of the snake in Eden,and hits so hard.......

[@mcflyjp]

I've watched it now over 50 times and don't think I noticed. I will have to watch again.

[@lauralynn1124]

I really appreciate how you explain the work that goes into Ren's art.

[@mcflyjp]

There's more to music than just the catchy singing. So much more goes into it especially with Ren's art.

[@Halpedersen]

Like that you pointed out that finger tapping part. That "pirate" section on guitar is way more difficult.

[@mcflyjp]

I think musically and technically hell yeah. But finger tapping on nylon strings is no small feat.

[@mcflyjp]

But I agree that that pirate song was super cool both audio wise and visually.

[@johnl3624]

Shakespeare didn't even write tragedies this deep.... wow!!! What a story!!!

[@mcflyjp]

Ren is the modern day Barde

[@91adam12]

I just discovered Chinchilla this morning on KZbin. I’m going to have to look into her along with SamTompkins. As far as Rens trilogy. I loved watching your reaction. Again,Ren has come out with some intense music. Tis amazing. I agreed with everything you had to say about it.

[@mcflyjp]

Glad you enjoyed and thank you for the kind words.

[@91adam12]

Those fingernails of Chinchillas should be registered as lethal weapons. I have an issue maybe you can help me with. I follow different people for different reasons and being low tech I don’t know what is possible, or how to get there. I follow Sabina and Loren,(prepare yourself). Un….Believable! I also follow Joe Plater, who is from Brighton Beach area. All of which are accessible through KZbin. I know Ren and Sam Tompkins are from that area. I just thought it would be cool 😎 if they could get in touch with a common cause.

[@91adam12]

Sabia and Loren. My bad.

[@DigitalianFX-GT]

Man, you are the complete package! I've noticed everything you mentioned, especially in Violet's Tale, and was kind of hoping to come upon a reactor who also did, and you did not disappoint! Thank you! One more thing that you can notice, is how Ren progressed through these tales, as Jenny's was 4 yrs ago (everything was basic, but already using an Arpeggio), Screech's 3 yrs ago, everything ramped up - the use of his guitar as sound effects, the use of the camera for angles and shots, the story telling - freaking blows my mind when Screech met the cops, shouting to the top of his lungs in the middle of the street at night. I wonder, they must have gotten a permit just so the neighbors won't call the cops on them 🤣. And finally, Violet's tale (not even a year ago) where even the room acoustics played an important aspect of the musicality, and as you mentioned, the timing to get that! Even the breaking of the 4th wall during his rapping acapella (which he never missed a beat to). This trilogy showed how he and Sam matured in their crafts. The closest person I could think of, who could pull off, or has pulled off something like this, is Lin-Manuel Miranda. Both him, and Ren I think are brilliant artists.. and we are lucky to be alive today to be witnesses of their brilliance. Thanks again for the awesome reaction/analysis! 👊

[@mcflyjp]

I think Lin Manuel Miranda is a fantastic writer/composer/lyricist. But idk about the overall talent. (Multi instruments, relatable content, matured singing voice, etc). But I haven't seen enough of him to know.

[@DigitalianFX-GT]

@@mcflyjp you might be right there about being multi-talented. I guess I just was referring to him coming up with Hamilton. Btw, if you're keen on checking out multi-talents, you might wanna check out Ez Mil. 😉Especially on his earlier videos, he even directs, produces and edits them. He plays instruments and makes his own beats. Sings, dances, he's sick with his flows. Multi-lingual too. I saw your other reactions, you're doing great! 🔥

[@mcflyjp]

I'll add that to the list.

[@AnjeannetteMarie-Swifie4Ever]

@@DigitalianFX-GTI was thinking of recommending Ez Mil to him too! Because he is in his own lane with his art, not making bs garbage to make $, his art is unique and authentic like Ren’s.

[@scottwatson9453]

Imagine the neighborhood hearing "Screech and the little prick Stevey." going off in an insane way down the dimly lit alleyways in the cloak of darkness in the wee silent hour's. The switchboard at the emergency services must of crashed.😮

[@mcflyjp]

Lol. I think I remember him saying that the town was always supportive of him making music in the streets.

[@scottwatson9453]

@@mcflyjp Still, try explaining to to the children that it's just good old Ren the busker having a bit of a sing song .

[@IratePuffin]

Worth it for the silence and the “I wasn’t ready.” 😂

[@mcflyjp]

I mean that's the best way to describe what happened haha

[@shannonriley8837]

Great reaction/review. Well worth the wait! Thanks!

[@mcflyjp]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@debrashrider4062]

Your reaction followed the story better then others I have watched.

[@mcflyjp]

Glad to hear it. Love this one! And Ren is a great story teller.

[@BrianLee-cq2hc]

Violet's Tale: Sex and violence; glamourised Tarantino flow, no lullaby From Losing It

[@mcflyjp]

Damn. This is pretty accurate.

[@letsart6434]

I also love how when he's in the hallway right before he uses the reverb of the stairwell in Violet's Tale, he says he'd never leave the room as he's in an enclosed space that sounds as though he's in the room. I also love how as he's walking down the alley and saying the doctor noticed something terribly wrong, theres reverb, until he exits the alley and stops as he says she was pregnant. Its almost like that moment in shows or movies and things are swirling and chaotic and ethereal until one phrase snaps you back into reality and into the monent. He and Sam are absolutely genuis

[@mcflyjp]

Yeah everything being strategically placed in the doors they were supposed to. Two geniuses working together creates a masterpiece

[@garygreen1782]

Great reaction 👍 analysis was spot on 👍

[@mcflyjp]

Thanks! Always a lot to unpack with Ren's videos!

[@tonymckenzie3091]

great reaction, love the way you not only catch the full story with understanding (not all reactors follow what has occurred)...you also break it down musically, but best of all you recognise the production and the prep work it must have taken to get this right...I'm still amazed at how they done these in one take, its almost like a well co ordinated dance between Ren and Sam. Oh and the staircase bit, I pick up its not only the use of reverb but also the line 'she never stood a chance' while looking up into the stairwell is like looking up to heaven almost like asking why is God allowing this to happen....very next line 'devil comes to dance' would seem to back this up. Anyways....great job, can't wait for you to do his newest one.

[@mcflyjp]

I think that's a cool take on it. Either way that's definitely my favorite part of the whole trilogy.

[@JoelMyaer]

Nice reaction, new sub cause I'm a huge 49ers fan and after discovering Ren a month ago a huge Ren fan too!

[@mcflyjp]

We are in the same boat. How you liking the new roster?

[@JoelMyaer]

@@mcflyjp hard to say so far, lost so many guys, still need a RT, K plus other spots, draft should help with 11 picks even if they are later on in the draft, just want Brock to get better. Teams going to look a lot different this coming year that's for sure.

[@mcflyjp]

@@JoelMyaer we have 3 QBs. One of them gotta pan out

[@JoelMyaer]

@@mcflyjp I sure hope so 😁👍

[@JoelMyaer]

@@mcflyjp I just read a crazy headline I'm not sure I believe, "49ers reportedly ready to pursue Aaron Rodgers if deal with Jets falls through"

[@laurencemayshroom5940]

Your comprehension of this stuff makes me wonder why you haven't been doing it longer! Noticed the tape but also you have done your research on it as well. Big love everyones

[@mcflyjp]

I don't like to be completely oblivious to the artistic process. I feel you cns appreciate it more when you know how it works.

[@ethantodd4400]

Worth the wait bro ✊🏽.. I've heard a few reactors comment on the square or rectangular marking on the floor at the end of the hallway, saying its his mark for that part of the song, but i think its deeper than that, as I've noticed that most Tesco's have them in their stores for some unknown reason, maybe its a taped up hatch for water or electrics or something. I could believe Ren added it in for his Tesco lines to add effect... Just a small detail but interesting all the same.... Stay well brother ✊🏽

[@mcflyjp]

As farfetched as that sounds I agree I wouldn't put it past Ren to put that there. Good catch.

[@ethantodd4400]

@@mcflyjp I just don't see Ren needing an X on the ground as to where to stand, this man knows every move and has carefully planed it that way on these one takes.... ☺️

[@mcflyjp]

@@ethantodd4400 true. It's also possible it was already there for something else.

[@ethantodd4400]

@@mcflyjp ha, the gate to hell.... 🥶😁

[@lesasmart6043]

Or in Jenny's tale when he sings she wanted to escape can you blame. He stops just at the point with obscene graffiti saying lick

[@inatcacenco3006]

I was waiting for this reaction from you. Thank you a lot, it was great!

[@mcflyjp]

Glad you enjoyed it! Hope you stick around for my other reactions! Much appreciation!

[@bright_and_free]

I don't know if I'm going insane or what but from Jenny's tale, I get strong 'The A Team' by Ed Sheeran vibes, and for Screech's Tale, I'm getting 'Ain't No Rest For The Wicked' by Cage The Elephant & a vague impression of an old school Parisian circus with like a classic rock/bluesy feel too

[@mcflyjp]

Not where I would've went with it but I also would have to listen to those songs again. Great thing about great music is that it can be interpreted in so many different ways. True works of art.

[@nidaladil4150]

Wow u killed it. Thanks ❤

[@mcflyjp]

Thanks I appreciate that!

[@sixjhontongalamar979]

It makes more sense, to me at least, that it was named "the tales of Jenny and Screech" without the inclusion of Violet. It means that the main protagonists are those two where the whole story revolves. Meanwhile Violet, instead of just a third "protagonist", is the one that also ties the story of the first two and finishes the whole tale. As we've seen, we've followed Jenny and Screech until their fateful end, then here comes the flashback that actually, they're also connected by birth (and in between as "history repeats itself" based on their personality). That's just my take on it tho.

[@mcflyjp]

It's a literal storybook story. Ren is a modern day Bard.

[@patriciaspaeth4215]

You should check out his mastery of piano. He plays more than 1 instrument

[@mcflyjp]

Oh yes I know. I have reacted to a plethora of his stuff. Check out the Ren Playlist. He is a masterful musician, writer, mixer, producer.

[@DukeOfTwist]

Couple of things that his guitar playing may have represented. 1. the lead up to your reference to 'thunder struck' felt like Screech running from the scene, then slowing down as he arrived at Patricks. 2. the finger picking felt like the nurses, doctors 'n surgeon rushing to attend to Violet. as everything as you say, is deliberate with Ren.

[@mcflyjp]

There is so much that could be a possibility with Rens music that we could sit down for days analyzing. The sign of great music.

[@DwarfsRBest]

Digging the 9ers swag my man. REN is what's up. Cheers

[@mcflyjp]

BANG BANG. This one is one of my favorites to watch reactions to now. The Bard of our Time.

[@derekoliver5772]

A good breakdown. Excellent reaction, great work to watch. Peace.

[@mcflyjp]

Thanks. I appreciate you.

[@annebiebrich9155]

His talent is being able to brilliantly do everything!....writing lyrics and music...producing his creations...directing.....story telling (he is a bard)...mixing..playing drums, electric guitar, bass guitar, piano.....etc

[@mcflyjp]

Didn't know he played drums too! That's pretty cool!

[@michaelresponsible6372]

I’ve watched what seems like hundreds of the reactions and this is the best so far, spot on bro, you’re a pro

[@mcflyjp]

Thank you so much!

[@bethscott4330]

Great job reacting. I enjoyed your analysis.

[@mcflyjp]

Glad you enjoyed

[@surrayahsjewels]

Nobody is ready for it....

[@Vmcf1968]

great insight again. brilliant

[@mcflyjp]

I appreciate you! Ren motivates me I guess haha.

[@buddahpete1241]

The square of tape on the floor, is to highlight a manhole cover which has been tiled over. It is to make maintainance easier, but it is a nice thought though.

[@mcflyjp]

Someone with knowledge on the subject. Thanks!

[@bosbornefischer]

I don’t think anyone can be prepared for the first listen to any given Ren song... and if you warn people ahead, it blunts the full impact of the song.

[@mcflyjp]

Agreed. Glad I wasn't prepared. I guess.

[@Dkiddeh]

This piece of Ren is SO good.. I can't get over it. Great reaction Sir!

[@mcflyjp]

Thank you. One of his best story telling tracks I've seen so far

[@sallymclachlan357]

So fascinating watching these reactions from people with different professional backgrounds focusing in on their expertise. I have no expertise and can just be mesmerised by the whole thing at the same time, even stopping breathing at times. I then like to go back and watch the musicians, producers, physiotherapists, rappers, vocal coaches and poets teaching me basically why it is so great. I really think Ren has invented a new form of entertainment for youtube, that can give this intimate experience. Absolutely love his Brighton Busking too with The Big Push which I am lucky enough to have witnessed several times. Yes I'm one of the oldies at the back lol.

[@mcflyjp]

That's so cool you got to witness that. I haven't seen any of his busking videos yet but I plan to. To be able to see Ren live in any form must be awesome!

[@sallymclachlan357]

@@mcflyjp Yes it really is!

[@madboydaz]

What a story and storyteller

[@mcflyjp]

Everything about it was amazing.

[@helenjarvis7755]

One of the best reactions to this I've seen. I've seen hundreds. It took a while for me to watch all the way through. But its so genius I persisted and reactions like this just add to the experience.

[@mcflyjp]

Thank you so much for the kind words. I just enjoy talking about music and it tends to lend itself to pretty good reactions, if I'm looking at the reception of everything.

[@letsart6434]

I'm here! And you did NOT seem to catch what I have noticed 😊 in the first song, Jenny's Tale, when he first introduces James or "Screech" notice how much the vibe and the song sound like Smoke Two Joints by Sublime. When he exclaims loudly "JAMES" was a boy in the streets it's the same note as the line "Daddy, he once told me, "Son, you be hard working man." Not to mention "He'd been smoking ganja with the boys." And the beginning of smoke two joints has that monologue where the guy says one of them was male, and the other two were female." Screech, Jenny, and Violet. I may be reaching a bit but I hear it and no one else has seemed to notice it. I'm curious if it's just me? Am I way off base or is it there? I hear some red hot chili peppers at times too as well as many other influences in his music but most reactors catch on to all those

[@mcflyjp]

I think there are definitely similarities and that's a unique catch. Do much stuff going on in the song and I didn't even think to hear the ska callouts. I like it.

[@letsart6434]

It's definitely a lot to take in in one go lol I've also only seen one person mention the seagulls after violet goes silent the last time. I don't expect anyone to catch everything it's just fascinating watching multiple different reactions and learning more and realizing new things. Your reactions are great, thank you for doing them!

[@shawanish]

he sings about screech by screeching. Melting into the black night like snow. Snow sticks out like a sore thumb.

[@RonNL70]

Great reaction/breakdown 👍 Ren is something special ❤️🔥

[@mcflyjp]

Couldn't agree more! And thanks for the kind words!

[@stranger2Utube]

Great reaction mate, bot technically detailed and emotional (though you clearly try to keep it inside)_

[@mcflyjp]

Hard to say words when you're crying all over the place. That's mostly what it is.

[@DomAtaGlance]

Obviously this tune isn't on my weekend Playlist. Nor is it on my gym Playlist. But what I love about this song is 1) rens performance. The way he portrays each character. He really brings the themes to life. And 2) the themes. Tragedy. Desperation. Fate. Violence. Cyclic nature of life. Trauma. We are so conditioned to the Hollywood structure of story telling. The heros journey. Redemption. Triumph. Kisses and hugs. Like ren said in hi ren he imagined he would defeat the forces of darkness. Yet life presents a far different story. Sometimes in life, I would say many times actually, their are no winners. Sometimes the pendulum swings in your favor and sometimes it doesn't. The moral of this story to me is that no matter how hard everyone tried they couldn't escape the tragic fate that awaited them. I saw this story like this : in 2004 a girl named violet was at home awaiting the inevitable abuse that was on its way in the form of the man she thought she could trust. The only other man she thought she could trust in life, her father, had abused her for years. She withdrew into silence as this was her only coping mechanism to shield her from the pain. She resigned herself to the fact that she would always be trapped in a cycle if abuse. A permanent victim. But she hoped that the child inside of her would break free, that her child would end the cycle and have a better life. The night she wad beaten to death she resigned herself to death and pleaded that her child be given the chances she never had. That night at the hospital a pair of twins were delivered as orphans. They were given matching generic names, Jenny and James and sent up for adoption. The pair were separated, Jenny adopted out to a wealthy couple from east London. She never knew of her twin brother and what fate he would meet. Jenny was given all the love in the world and she never imagined the cycle of trauma and violence that bjrthed her. James was not so lucky. He went unloved. He grew up in orphanages and foster care. One time he thought he had been found by his forever family but itnturned out that they simply wanted him around to take their.anger out on. He ran away from.several foster homes. Eventually he would find his home on the street. He was scared, angry, alone. The night he met his twin sister he would unleash on her all of pain and anger and violence and trauma that the two of them were destined to succumb to. The cycle was complete. No no escaped. Their were no winners. Only tragedy. Violet met her end at the hands of someone she trusted. Jenny met her end violently at the hands of her own brother. James killed his own sister and died in a hail of bullets. Patrick will forever have the guilt that if only he had been home that night or answered the phone James would still be alive. The police officer will forever have ptsd from having to gun down a child. Violets mother will have the guilt of allowing her child to be abused. Stevie will sit in prison knowing he killed hjs wife.anf children The doctor and surgeon will forever e traumatized having to watch a young girl be beaten to death just as she gives birth. Jenny's adopted parents will have to bury a child. All they wanted their while lives wad a child of their own. And they are forced to bury their beautiful child. Stevies parents will watch their son rot in prison for the rest of his life. No winners. Only tragedy. No angels. No demons. No gods. Just human beings.

[@mcflyjp]

Not sure why YT held this for review but.... There is obviously so much that can be talked about in this song. I think the important thing here is that in the end, he kind of did make you feel at least a tad bit bad for even Screech. Is this trying to touch on systemic and societal issues with orphans and children who have to grow up without parents? Or is it as plain and simple as the issues that Jenny and violet went through. I think it's deeper than we think.

[@Cunning.Stunt7]

Jenny didn't actually have such a wonderful loving time unfortunately mate.... she was a 14 year old child prostitute... "She knew this floor, she'd walked these streets a thousand times before" "still as a statue in high heel shoes" "She finally found somewhere to sleep" "I guess she escaped"

[@seth1455]

great review man

[@mcflyjp]

Thanks!

[@annebiebrich9155]

You have yet to discover........Ren also has a band, The Big Push! Check out The Big Push, Live ...."I Shot The Sheriff/ Road To/ Hip Hop:" ! Another side of Ren's many styles !

[@mcflyjp]

Yeah, this has been highly requested and will be reacted to soon.

[@aidansadventures3009]

Very good reaction. Your so smart

[@mcflyjp]

Thanks. I am just talking about what I see.

[@simplysimon9868]

Alas poor Jenny and Screech we didn't know them well.... till now! What a performance from Ren. Bardcore as it's been dubbed hits hard at the end. The acoustics perfect and he had to test them before. Real and raw so good. I'm with you on music now with CGI and autotune. Also with Ren having no backing financially the videos used to his advantage with huge impact. He truly appreciates reactors checking out his music and very humble and genuine. I saw Violets tale pop up on my feed first and hooked straight away. Great reaction!!! 👍👍👍

[@mcflyjp]

Thank you very much Simon! I appreciate that a lot! And thanks for checking out the reaction! Ren has a way of resonating with MANY people!

[@thehazelinthejane]

Bravo 👏👌 thank you for reacting to that and thank you for all of your insight as you were watching that. I think you understand why it was your number one most requested song to react to. If you can really call it a song. It's just a work of art. It's a modern-day Shakespearean tragedy in three parts. And it calls attention to something that happens in every city in every country in all of the world. This is the sort of thing that will stick with you. I was very excited to watch your reaction and I would like to repeat what I said when you decided you were going to react to music. You absolutely deserve a seat at the table. Right next to Knox Hill.j I think every person in your comment section has said it before and will say it again, Ren is different. Ren is special. The world needed him. And he understood the assignment.

[@mcflyjp]

I'm sure he is humbled by all the love he's getting. And I'm humbled by the love too. Knox has a keen ear for music that I don't have yet, especially when it comes to rhyme schemes. But to be even compared to him is awesome. Thank you!

[@thehazelinthejane]

The comparison I mentioned had less to do with the individual knowledge that each of you have and more to do with the thoughtful analysis that each of you provide. It's the obvious love of music. It's the fact that you both put your all into doing these reactions. You have the potential to learn all of that fun stuff when it comes to rhyme schemes and all the ins and outs of rap music (that I personally don't know, but am now leaning about) if that's something you are interested in. Regardless, what you bring to the table is informative, well thought out, and honest. You seem to have a natural ability to understand and read people and situations. To look at the big picture as well as what's in front of you. To recognize context clues. Or at least I feel like you do. (I would be willing to bet that you did fairly well in English class when you were in school.) Ren said at the end of Illest Of Our Time: "never second guessing, intuition getting wise" and I feel like that's something to keep in mind. Because your instincts are good. Trust yourself. You deserve all the kudos and all the flowers. 🖖

[@bissy_in_melbourne]

Great breakdown love your insights into the music and production too!

[@Carl-gj4ed]

Hammer-ons on electric are easy as heck but nylon strings on a classical guitar is a completely different story. Same technique but way more difficult. I've tried both so speaking from experience.

[@mcflyjp]

Dude I've been playing guitar for over 20 years and I'm aware of the difference. This wasn't knocking Ren at all. This was generally speaking on finger tapping.

[@lynette.]

He is like a medieval minstrel brought up to date. Masterpiece.

[@mcflyjp]

He's bardcore. 😄

[@davidricks7128]

He tells the stories and the filming of the stories are all done so well i found myself looking for the bodies laying on the ground. The saddest thing about this is the fact each of these things are happening in every town, city, and country at this very moment and the cycle continues

[@mcflyjp]

You get out into the world he's creating. It's a sad and unfortunately all too common story

[@Phil_D_Waller]

great reaction!

[@mcflyjp]

Thank you!

[@mldkenny]

I don't think anyone was ready for that ending, what a story!

[@mcflyjp]

Just when I thought it couldn't get worse!

[@patdriver9635]

Is great breakdown. I like how forensic it was, while you still got so absorbed and moved by the storytelling.

[@mcflyjp]

I can't help but breakdown the music and the message. But this one grabs you by Violets tale of not before.

[@DanKennedy-i3z]

An all to common story about the cycle of violence brilliantly performed by this artistic genius, the end blew me out of the water .

[@mcflyjp]

The end screwed me up. It was unexpected but it also makes sense.

[@patjoyce]

Very cool reaction - I've watched loads of them, but this is the first that I've commented on - You Get It! Salutes from Australia buddy!

[@mcflyjp]

Thank you sir! I appreciate that.

[@toddbridgeman6683]

I knew you'd nail this reaction mate! You caught all the things I hoped you would and break it down. 👌

[@mcflyjp]

Glad you enjoyed it. Ren is on another level with these.

[@heathanders86]

Great reaction BTW. Good storytelling. Fingertapping is easier than people think, but definitely harder to make sound clear on acoustic, and with nylon strings.

[@mcflyjp]

That's true, but the point still stands that it's easier than people think.

[@ChrisLawton66]

Great reaction. Personally, it hadn't occurred to me to pick a favorite. I love the story in it's entirety. Appreciate your musical insight. Edit: According to cinematographer Samuel Perry-Falvey "Hi Ren" was take 4 and there were edits with a handheld for close-ups at the end.

[@mcflyjp]

Thanks for that info on Hi Ren. They are one story with 3 acts. At least that's how I see it.

[@ChrisLawton66]

@@mcflyjp I think that's precisely what it is

[@stevenmeyer9674]

fantastic reaction. Well worth the wait. Every reactor missed noticing the "mark" on the floor in the stairwell.Go Niners !

[@mcflyjp]

Thanks for that!

[@PeteAxeShields]

Absolutely spot on McFly JP 👍 So many other reviewers seem to think Jenny didn't die when Ren sings " She found somewhere to sleep, well she knew this town, she knew this floor, 'cause she'd walked it about a thousand times before, I guess she escaped " They missed the analogy of " escaping " . you got it straight away. 👍Very darkly poetic and very Shakespearian, indeed. I hear a thing going on, almost Prokofiev ( Peter and The Wolf ) like, where Ren almost plays a different riff for each character, which subliminally, to the listener, outlines the identity of who is speaking. Great point about the " hammer on's " being easier than they look BUT far more difficult on an acoustic guitar and, as you implied, they need to be applied at the correct point in a song / story, and have a relevance, rather than just being used to " musically masturbate " 🤪 Yes, his use of natural reverb is beautifully observed and executed. Your reaction to its use at the stairwell was exactly the same as mine 😎 ... and your understanding / explanation of the " cycle of abuse " was eloquently spoken. " Back to where we started, that put her in the hospital " you are switched on brother 👍LOVED the stunned look on your face as you processed the twist at the end 😯 I get what you are saying about preferring Violet's Tale but it is a whole story so every " chapter " is 100% necessary to paint the narrative and build the tension. Ren doesn't seem to do anything by " accident " so, Violet's Tale was, most likely, the strongest ( musically ) acting as a crescendo .... that is my take on it anyway. Fabulous stuff McFly JP. One of the most enjoyable critiques I have watched, to date. Well done brother 🙏

[@mcflyjp]

Thanks so much for the kind words. While I know they are all one story I see them each as an act in an overall story. Just like a y okay or movie you can have favorite acts or passages and Violets tale is mine in this case.

[@WilliamLamyPhotographe]

It’s crazy the amount of reactors that miss the Thunderstruck reference. Knowing how Ren has a ton of references and musical culture, it’s 💯 sure intended to represent Screech

[@mcflyjp]

The first thing that came to mind at the beginning of screechs tale.

[@tafinzer]

I've loved every reaction you've done so far. I'm grinning inside at the possibility that he is merely a pedestrian musician with the guitar. His use of this I can assure you is one hundred percent intentional. With his instruments and vocal ability, he is near savant level. He "dumbs it down" It's spooky.

[@mcflyjp]

Yeah that comment and section of the video is getting a lot of.....attention. By no means am I saying he is pedestrian at the guitar. Quite the contrary actually. That is hard to do on a nylon string acoustic and doing it as clean as he did is especially difficult. But the concept of finger tapping, generally, isn't as difficult as people might've thought, is all I was getting at. Hopefully it doesn't deter you away for. The channel. 😅

[@tafinzer]

@@mcflyjp Absolutely not, I am here for it brother. You have a knack at this. I loved your reaction to this. As well as all of the other reactions i've had time to watch. I have a few more left. Then I will be looking forward to every time you upload another.

[@ytnineoj]

Enjoyed your reaction and breakdown...could see the wheels turning at the twist. Having watched many reactions to this story, you caught so much more than most...thumbs up..shame we can only hit the like once.

[@mcflyjp]

I appreciate that a lot. I try to stay tuned in to what I'm watching!

[@Bearlissimo]

20:52 "A father who's violent & a mother who stays silent, history repeats itself"... Go back to Jenny's Tale... A girl who stays silent & frozen in the face of violence, a boy who is violent without control or regard for any life until the consequence is out (in Screech's Tale) or in this case "say something Violet?" - "SILENCE"... Now, Jenny's tale, A Major, B Minor (the twins) played for both Jenny's parts (Arpeggiated strums allowed to ring softly) and for Screech, Hard plucked, percussive finger mutes... The difference between the twins that don't know each other.... 🤯🐐

[@mcflyjp]

Just so much that goes into the art! Its crazy!

[@danitheuerkauf7095]

Hes singing that way because hes singing about Screech. Screech, screeches.

[@mcflyjp]

Good observation. I wasn't questioning it. Figured it was part of the character.

[@deborahcarson8310]

This is my first proper watch of the trilogy and glad l held off..really enjoyed your breakdown 😊

[@mcflyjp]

Wow thank you so much I'm glad you enjoyed it! I'd say take some time to watch the entire thing in all it's glory in one fell swoop. It just is very different altogether.