My Response To The Greatest Review Of All Time.

I was alerted to this video by one of my patrons. It was posted on Running Punks Instagram and it is a review of The Darkness's debut album Permission to Land from the perspective of a runner. I don't think I've ever heard anyone describe my music quite like this. I wish he was a music journalist from 20 years ago!
Check out Running Punks on Instagram here: runningpunks
And you can watch Jimmy's reviews on YT here: @Jimmywatkins800
You can order the re-issue of Permission to Land...Again on vinyl and CD here: lnk.to/TD-PML20 (it includes bonus tracks, demos and b-sides!)
The JHRA Merch Is Out Now! thejawsofvictory.com/
I do monthly Zoom Call Nights over on my Patreon, they're A LOT of fun: www.patreon.com/jushawk
Justin Hawkins Rides Again...The Podcast. You can listen on Apple Podcast, Spotify etc: open.spotify.com/show/0hQYjIww4Rfaka9Fqc11mX?si=ab25d61ba0c74618
The Darkness are going on a World Tour this year to celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Permission to Land - get your tickets here: www.thedarknesslive.com/tour-dates/
#running #thedarkness #justinhawkins

[@JustinHawkinsRidesAgain]

You can order the re-issue of Permission to Land...Again on vinyl and CD here: lnk.to/TD-PML20 (it includes bonus tracks, demos and b-sides!)

[@R_SENAL]

October seems so far away! I confess, I never listened to your records until after discovering this channel, and now I'm hooked. I'm deep diving, I'm gonna buy them all and then make a mix CD for my car. I haven't discovered and dove into a band like this since I joined the fandom of Sevendust around their 5th album and bought every one since. Whenever album 8 of The Darkness drops, I'll have it on pre-order, no doubt! You guys rock, and as a lyricist, I absolutely adore some of your turns of phrase! Cheers from America!!

[@jdsnics]

@@R_SENAL Ok, I'm not the only one.... whew .. hmmm --- I'll have to have a listen, maybe I'll love it?

[@R_SENAL]

@@jdsnics I think you will. The more I hear the more it is all like AC/DC and Queen had a child called The Darkness! Some of my new favorites so far include: Solid Gold, Love Is Only A Feeling, Heart Explodes, Last Of Our Kind, Nobody Can See Me Cry, Is It Just Me, Open Fire, Growing On Me, and One Way Ticket.

[@stephencater2604]

Cant wait 🎉 will there be any signed copies??

[@craigstewart4995]

Hey bro ,love your chanel and music I'm 62 so been listening and seen plenty of artists and bands over the years..I'm Australian we have this young kid he's been on you tube since he was 6yrs old playing guitar just learning his craft..He's also a savant /genius who is now 13 and progressed to singing as well...He's played with Santana at the house of blues ,Orianthi and many others and just shreds with his own style of blues,rock, and guitar improve etc that will blow your mind...He dresses like SRV and probably is his reincarnation by the talent and way he plays and just a humble down to earth Ozzie kid..Think his family have just sold up in Oz and relocated to the states where he is selling out shows all over the country there for more opportunities ...anyway just thought he may be of interest to you and a way of getting him out there more for others to see...if not no worries keep up your good reviews man good to see somebody on here who doesn't take himself to seriously..enjoy your day bro..Craig😎

[@Jimmywatkins800]

Oh wow! Thank you so much for making this video and for giving Running Punks a shout out. Whenever I post a review, I think “is there too much madness in this one”, so I’m delighted to see how happy this has made you! I’ve been listening to your music on every run since, and I love it! Runners and wind turbines unite! Jimmy 💜

[@MrHotsnakes]

Really enjoyed your review. You've got yourself a new subscriber

[@ZuzuTheLemon]

I've been trying for 20 years to explain to people why I think PTL is so, so magical, you have surpassed my every attempt by a thousand miles. I salute you!

[@Rocksarum]

I enjoyed so much your review, Jimmy, it's very authentic! I'm also impressed that you don't get any stitch while shouting and running at the same time for so long!😳Nice!😊

[@raquelsnt]

Great review!

[@leish_dee]

Really awesome!

[@Joecatling]

This guy was a lecturer at my music college last year, genuinely one of the nicest people and showed so much passion for what he did / other ideas people had ! Deserves all the success in the world !!

[@richardcurtis7854]

this Welshman is a poet journalist

[@grahamnunn8998]

Truly beautiful words, clearly some kind of nutter. I would very much like to share a pint with this guy.

[@lewisb85]

@@grahamnunn8998 He's straight edge that's part of his healing journey but im sure if you get him a becks blue or calibre he'd be into it.

[@jeffstumpf9129]

Yeah, those Celts are good with words. Is he being chased by invading Anglo-Saxons?

[@Adrian-515mm]

Jimmy lives nearby & sometimes runs past my house - a lovely guy.

[@nobotshere8364]

I was in Greggs today getting my porridge, the darkness was on the speaker system. Everyone in the queue was universally nodding to the tune in synchronization. I saw plenty of foot tapping too. Made my day and I thought of you Mr Hawkins. I wondered if when you wrote your tunes you ever thought they would be playing in Greggs and make our Sunday 😂

[@SpaceFairyness]

🤣This is the best review ever! Companies should hire him to write reviews for all sorts of things immediately🙌🏻😂 Also- imagine chillaxing in the forest, or having a picnic, then seeing this guy screaming through the forest like he's on fire🔥 I love it 😂😂😂

[@lewisb85]

Justin should get Jimmy on the show as one of his podcast chats, his journey is similar to yours but different as well commonwealth games/athletic world championship level runner, quit to join a fairly big uk indie/noise rock band, started drinking heavily, got fired, formed running punks and his own band to help with his recovery, quit drinking and got his life/body back together. guy is inspirational.

[@kathrynhegedus]

This guy Jimmy's shear joy of listening to PTL for the first time had be shedding tear of laughter when I first heard it the other day. He had so many zingers in his response I had to write them down because it was an absolutely beautiful review of an album I dearly love. Thanks Justin for sharing your reaction to his reaction, I was really hoping you would. ❤

[@danielholloway]

Running Punks and Jimmy have changed a lot of peoples lives for the better!! Running meets music with best people and merchandise in the land…thanks for sharing Justin….Running Punks Forever 💜

[@Crashed2023]

That was brilliant. What a review. I want to listen to the album... Again for the millionth time! Thank you both.

[@sah-win]

I love this! All the little philosophical bits in there were a nice touch. And I know exactly how he felt when he pondered about how his life would’ve been different the last 20 years if he had been listening from the start. I didn’t find The Darkness until approximately 18 months ago. It’s been a wonderful, joyful ride since!!

[@Lukei182]

The crossover I needed! Love Jimmy’s running review vids

[@wolf-dietergrabner9762]

Thanks for all the good vibes to you two guys - brilliant review of a brilliant album.

[@tanjakirchhoff7183]

Watched it twice ❤ Brilliant reaction, from both of you. Thanks for bringing joy 🤩

[@jomoore4135]

It was Rach who originally shared it on Discord! 😉

[@Lvalentino91]

New to the channel, but you’re one of the most enjoyable and relaxing people to listen to and watch! Thanks for doing these videos!

[@Reid_Jorgensen]

That was freaking awesome! Unbridled joy and passion for PTL. Can't wait for the 20th Anniversary box in October. Cheers to The Darkness! 🎊🎉

[@rhiannonstundon3643]

Yay I'm so happy you're reacting to this ❤️❤️❤️

[@crazymarilou805]

Great review of this awesome album! Love running and have rocked out to this album on many runs! 🤘

[@kimzwolinski9919]

I love this guy 😂 As someone who unfortunately only discovered your music during the pandemic I can’t believe I was deprived of it for so many years. What a great review from this man ❤❤❤

[@SineEyed]

This Watkins guy is not only tremendously insightful and creative, he's giving a masterclass on lateral association (all those off-the-wall analogies and descriptions of things which seem absurd at first but are actually enviably clever and remarkably accurate.) As far as I've seen, very few minds operate at his level. Theo Von might be a good comparison for the employment of that particular skill. In any case... my hat's off to you, Jimmy--don't ever stop being you..

[@kreavix]

How can you not love songs of the Darkness? 😊 You can actually have great conversations just reciting the song titles of all the Darkness albums... Try it out. There's one for every occasion 🎉

[@JF-kv1gm]

"I believe in a thing called love" played on the Coop radio at my local branch in Italy the other morning. I was the only person singing along. Made my day. Big hugs. Buonanotte. Xx

[@rockmoussealt7764]

What a review, from a man who embraces life. Demonstrates the power of music and the power of The Darkness. "A Thing Called Love" was playing when I walked into the vet's office on Thursday. My dog and I danced up to the reception desk. The receptionist gave me a big smile and nod and said,"Ooh. The Darkness." Never leaving that veterinary practice.

[@rockivassalino9276]

This is the most beautiful and in depth review ever ❤❤ I listen while I’m at work or taking a walk through the forest. No running, with all these titanium bones I’ll sound like an AT-AT going up the street.

[@anndelfel7469]

Love this!❤ The combination of running and listening to the Darkness has definitely put him in a poetic euphoria! I'm not a runner, but next time I go on a hike, I'll have to put the Darkness in my ears!😂 I'm probably one of those few people who watch your channel and have listened to only a few songs of the Darkness. That changes today!

[@MariaFrancesca]

You're in for a treat 🙂

[@cherwilkes4564]

I haven't laughed this hard in so long. His discription is SPOT ON! Thank you I needed this!

[@lestatsluv317]

The fact that this man exists proves that we still have something out there worth saving in humanity......Live reactions to music actually are what this man was born to do. I did not know that could be a soul's mission.....but it is. And I love that. 😊 Permission to Land is an album that takes me back to just after I turned 17 and it was the bright spot in an otherwise super dark time....because how can you stay in such a bad headspace with that album on, you know? I even listened to it on the way home from having my tongue pierced in the summer of 2004. lmao I had many late nights, drunk as hell, with Love is Only a Feeling on repeat because I was falling in love for the first time and I did have any patience for or interest in love. It did not keep me from falling for my first love but I love the song so much that I forgive it for that. 😂 To this day, it is my favorite song by The Darkness. Also, I had the BIGGEST crush on you and that video really sealed it for me. You were absolutely adorable in it....even more than you usually were. It was the cute little ass shakes that got me, I think. lol😁

[@jacquesnel8384]

Wonderful commentary !

[@JasperDrums15]

You can tell that this review really was a breath of fresh air for Justin and by the end he was hanging on every word from Jimmy. The power of your art being truly recognised and enjoyed in such a freeing format as running is just so good!

[@vinmakesthings]

I’m a runner and I listen to Permission to Land a lot on hour-long runs. Absolute banger. I’m going to check the running punks out.

[@archribaldbunker1060]

Question is- do you have a favorite wind turbine? Alas I live in a turbine-less area and wondering now what I'm missing without one to favor. Am I even a real runner?

[@vinmakesthings]

@@archribaldbunker1060 I do have a favourite wind turbine!

[@robinwallace1399]

Brilliant review of a review 😉

[@MashaT22]

As I’m sitting here, I’m thinking you should go for a run with this guy and review songs together from time to time. It could be a really fun collab!

[@Briandnlo4]

I think I just broke a rib cough-laughing. Cloughing? claughing? I have to go lie down, and I didn’t run anywhere.

[@MichaelBerthelsen]

That was HILARIOUSLY fun!❤😂 And yes, LOVELY Welsh accent.😏 This is such an awesome concept, and such a sweet and heartfelt running review!😁

[@andrewpage1002]

Cracking work Justin & Jim. Love to all Running Punks.

[@MashaRollz]

I can so relate to the elevated feelings this guy goes through. I often listen to the Darkness while running. I actually sang in my head on repeat 'English Country Garden' during the run in my first amateur triathlon last year, I believe thanks to the rhythm I managed to achieve my personal best time 😂.

[@NinStardust]

I took up running because of you, Justin! You’re always so enthusiastic about it, I thought I’d see what all the fuss was about. A whole year later and I still make time to go for a jog 2-3 times a week. Absolutely love it, though I don’t have a favourite wind turbine yet. Am definitely going to listen to PTL on my next run. If that doesn’t get me a PB, I don’t know what will! Jimmy’s review was awesome! Only that type of surrealist commentary could ever accurately describe a Darkness album! Really hope he reviews each of your albums in turn! That would be amazing! 😁🥰💖

[@phoenixgirl70]

That was the best review I’ve ever heard. There’s nothing else I can add as it’s just brilliant!

[@TheTobesOfHades]

that was one of the best reviews I've ever heard. And to that while he's running, excellent!

[@Nicolasmondragon707]

Justin Fucking Hawkins Rides Againnnnn 🎶🎶🎶

[@davedavem]

This makes me want to go running AND listen to this record again! And come up with some crazy metaphors. Although I'm sitting waiting on a bus, so I'll just do the music bit.

[@cheryllyons3738]

Incredible review. Pretty spot on. 😊 Loved it.

[@DrLager2000]

Jimmy's band The Vega Bodegas released an album called The Complete History of Witchcraft. It is one of my all time favourites! All my fish are dead is an all time banger.

[@gretchentruscott4274]

And a shout out to Kevin Cole of KEXP who showed me The Vega Bodegas as part of KEXPs runcasts.

[@danko7269]

I first saw them at the Hammersmith Apollo when they exploded with PTL. They're a real rock band. Izzy Stradlin turned Slash on to the Darkness in the early 2000's. Both big fans apparently as the Hawk must know for obvious reasons

[@ffximasterroshi]

Loved the duder's way of describing things! Gives the good vibes

[@katrinajames7478]

Brilliant, what a great review by a great guy. I also love running to the greatest album of all time 🎸 ❤

[@samthebarber93]

So much energy! Flipping heck 😵‍💫 I agree on most of the points he made but the one that stood out to me and I absolutely agree with is just how awesome the chorus on “love on the rocks” is. I absolutely belt that in the car, most days! Fortunately for my family, I have a reasonably good range myself so they vibe with it too 😂 Love to you Mr H!

[@MBMelchior888]

20 years later... you've changed someone's life. Brilliant.

[@eurekasteve7747]

I first saw The Darkness when they supported The Wildhearts at The Roadmender Northampton before they exploded! . I went along with ex early Wildhearts singer Snake. I have to say The Darkness that night were the loudest band I had ever heard. The Bass thumped right through your chest. It was fantastic. Glad that Justin and the Darkness are still giving it some welly to this day.

[@ThornyLittleFlower]

I saw Thunder there!

[@taramunro2]

Please send him a couple of concert tickets - and a VIP pass! Best album review I’ve ever heard, brilliant!

[@Katt_Dubbs]

Permission to Land will always be my favorite for many reasons, one being the nostalgia surrounding it, but Easter is Cancelled is definitely a close second ☺️

[@raquelsnt]

I like very much too "One Way Ticket". It is a good album too

[@dianneoberski2212]

Hilarious 😂 best review ever 🤣 if that doesn't make anyone listen to Permission to Land that haven't heard it before..I don't know what will!

[@vinskeeter]

Your singing is awesome, but what I like best, are the bad ass rhythm riffs you guys come up consistently. Great tone and killer lead guitar solos, too.

[@selkieseal1177]

Get the guy on for an interview. Amazing perspective and storytelling!

[@briansaunders3543]

The running punks have got me out the door to better health time and time again. Jimmy is wonderful me PTL is now on my playlist next run!

[@melanieday3375]

Aw, this guy is making me miss home. Briliant review!! Tidy mun!

[@gaynorduncan9058]

Brilliant!😂❤

[@MariaFrancesca]

😂 This is the best review I have ever seen!

[@ericdapt]

I want Open Fire played as my coffin slides into the furnace. I also want Les Dawson feelings played during the service.

[@thefeelcompany]

What a fabulous pairing.

[@tigerlily2519]

I want this guy to review everything in existence

[@Shelly-op1kx]

Justin, my family and I knew the moment we saw you years ago, that you were going to be hugely famous. So cool to see your success.🥰

[@kathytyrrell9713]

So expressive!!!!xx

[@jimmcdougall9973]

Brilliant! A modern Dylan Thomas. And quick with the wit! Yes, I Believe in a Thing Called Love has the classic rock hook with that guitar riff/chord structure. It can be compared to the Tina and Brian song It’s Only Love. Grabs you from the intro.

[@leish_dee]

This was awesome!!

[@dkline74]

Epically poetic review!

[@davedavem]

My favourite wind turbine is the first one I ever saw. The one at the Michelin factory in Dundee, Scotland.

[@robdurr]

An absolutely beautiful review.

[@actonman7291]

That album is a national treasure.

[@raquelsnt]

😂 i can't understand how is possible to run and talk without stopping, but it has been an awsome review! And as i am one of the people who "discover" "The Darkness" few time ago really (during pandemic guys it was, even you don't believe it i wasn't aware of this great band before) i can understand the reaction of him... Because i thought something like this; How is possible that i didn't know to this great band? I love PTL, is a great album, with good guitars solos as he says and lyrics ... I wish i could travel and celebrate the anniversary with u... Or that you finally had a stop in Spain! Well, i think you're a great band, with all the things that a good rock band needs to have, good music, goog guitars and good frontman... And beside, you have the best KZbin Channel Justin! Thank u for give us all this subject!

[@CJ-oi7zm]

not only is he running and talking, how or who is recording this while he's running let's hope his discovery of the darkness is contagious

[@raquelsnt]

@@CJ-oi7zm lol true!

[@whiskeytangotv1758]

You need to hire this guy, send him the album lineup too do one of these reviews before final recording

[@evedavey2475]

Your hair is looking good .keep it growing 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@user-ti4hg5fr9t]

Jimmy's a legend! Get him on for an interview.

[@jackiethetee]

This was lovely. Thanks. I too have a favourite wind turbine!

[@sinfrax]

Hang on a minute, he's the old guitarist from Future of the Left, sick! Definitely gonna check out Running Punks :D

[@SumoRabbitOfDoom]

This Jimmy Watkins is in a band called The Vega Bodegas. How long before Justin does a review? I'm here for it!

[@jonathansimpson7085]

That is gold!

[@andrewleedaviescomic]

The Running Punks are my people. I owe them alot. ❤

[@xboxhussy37]

You have just put me on to the best shizz on the tinternet 🤟🙌 love it 😂🤣🤟

[@o0Donuts0o]

On the panned rhythm guitar parts, Guns n Roses did this brilliantly on their Appetite album where Slash and Izzy were so different and “sloppy” that it added so much during the verses it felt like you were discovering new unheard parts and lines on each listen.

[@allisonhauser]

Side note what headphones and mic set up do you have?! I need

[@MariaFrancesca]

Oh, this ought to be interesting!

[@drdanthelizzyman]

I can't believe I had to wait 20 years for a running review of PtL.

[@jaystel2381]

Haha this was awesome! Also, running and talking so much at the same time also needs to be applauded 😅😅

[@brianwhite4873]

Well that was incredible...never quite heard a review of anything using words that don't go together, but it all worked in this case...I can see Jimmy Watkins Running Punks subscriptions rise as I type...Cheers.

[@Nayz13]

What a nutter 😂 I’ve subscribed to his channel . Good hair day Justin 👍

[@cherryllcooper679]

This guy is experiencing all I ever wanted from running that I NEVER achieved. Maybe I need to invest in some bone induction headphones and a copy of PTL?

[@musicalimagesbymikeo8290]

FUN !

[@juliehartley3652]

What an excitable chap he was - I'm not sure running is good for you if it makes you get that shouty. Perhaps I am not a running type? Anyway his review was really fun. I am going to have to watch it all now - the full version (yes despite the shouting). Oh and then I suppose I shall just have to listen to the full album too - but what if 'Permission To Land' was the real cause of his shoutyness - will I become shouty too? It is just a cross I will have to bear if it happens. Thank you for this reaction to Jimmy Watkins review - it was very entertaining. 😁😍🤩

[@opinionatedfemale]

The place where I grew up has five wind turbines scattered in three different directions, so a favourite one for running to is hard to choose, especially since they are all uphill... 👀

[@chefyvr]

Will you please do Dinner Lady Arms at the Newcastle gig? Cheers

[@shiftybat7318]

Love that performance (I have the Gibson-shaped USB) but if this poor guy hears the vocal layering on the album version his lungs will explode.

[@raquelsnt]

I completely love this song! And the way to sing and Justin's voice in it!

[@samsewall8341]

Oh man, I LOVE running to the Darkness! Any album really. Actually doing anything with teh Darkness on my bone conduction headphones make it a 10/10.

[@bighilltom]

love this…sweeet!

[@McNeej]

This man is a comedic genius!

[@CorkElectric40]

yes

[@gonzogriffin5137]

Justin Hawkins is one cool ass dude !! you rock !

[@ZuzuTheLemon]

I have a favourite wind turbine, but don't run. I'm slighty afraid I might automatically explode if I go over 5mph. Maybe I should risk it.

[@andrewbird9721]

I'm big in to the Darkness (so am biased). I listen to them a lot when I'm training and seem to hit a lot of my top stuff soundtracked by them. They are made for speed!

[@Rocksarum]

When The Darkness finnally announces a tour date in one's city: 02:53 🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🏃🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂