Queens of the Stone Age - Christian Brothers

Queens of the Stone Age covering the Elliott Smith song 'Christian Brothers'.

[@janicat76]

I never would have discovered the exceptional talent of Elliott Smith if it weren't for this cover.

[@amee-maymason5660]

That's wicked! I bought his album titled, "From A Basement on a Hill" on the name alone, because @ that time I too lived in a basement on a hill. That's it. Face value I knew nothing of the man prior and since have listened to and introduced him to many others as well. He still makes my melancholy moods more palatable...

[@rightleftofthemiddle4240]

Same. Elliott is my fav songwriter now. Thanks to QOTSA lol

[@starquinones2746]

Same

[@deniseg4028]

Is there room for another “same”?

[@ElkoSkate]

I feel like every artist nowadays owes something to Elliott smith

[@tahatasl5219]

are you still here bro

[@AFormerClarity1]

@@trendybistro Fuck WEEN.... Ween is not bad... they are very good but saying Elliot ripped off Ween is ridiculous as shit.... Do you play guitar? I have for 16 years and the difference e in the ring is very very different. Elliott's chord choices and fingerings and uses of alternate tunings.... Ween uses cool chords but Elliott would use some pretty complex chords.

[@henriqueamorim6589]

@@trendybistro lol

[@ArkadianDream]

I fell hopelessly in love with qotsa in 2011, totally ignored this cover and forgot all about it, then fell in love with Elliott's music in 2018 independently from my qotsa obsession. When I discovered this cover last year I completely lost my shit. What were the odds??

[@op-pv2nn]

You’ll love this then. It’s next level. kzbin.info/www/bejne/embQl6N6gcSkarc

[@godchi1dvonsteuben770]

Same.

[@godchi1dvonsteuben770]

Oh, btw, Elliot Smith was a MUCH bigger influence on QotSA then any of them have ever openly remarked on. Listen to Elliots song "A Distorted Reality is now a Necessity to be Free," and you'll see what I'm saying. That big shift we've seen jn QotSAs' music over the years? Listen to QltSAs' music before and after his death, then compare the post Elliot Queens music, and compare it to "A Distorted Reality is now a Necessity to be Free."

[@friendlyhippopotamus5227]

Fantastic cover of a fantastic song. I'm pretty sure Josh wasn't insulting Eilliott though. He's covering the guy's music after all and that's a sign of respect as far as I'm concerned.

[@ottifant64]

Well... they covered Robin Thicke...

[@renbelmont]

they literally made a studio version of this cover, idk what kinda person would go thru all that work for disrespecting someone lol

[@Daniel-pu9fi]

Love how Josh looks at Troy being like "Am I doing it right?"

[@deatheater459]

Awww they liked Elliott Smith!!

[@iggmeister4137]

deatheater459 everybody does

[@Sebastian-mr1ik]

T@Eric Andre because most people look to the radio, Tik Tok, or any other source of mainstream bullshit for their music. Most of my friends who I have shown Elliott really loved and appreciated him but they had no idea who he was before I showed them. Steer clear from sharing this beautiful artist with the likes of someone who listens to Takashi 69/any other bullshit like that

[@eeplordsupreme]

@@Sebastian-mr1ik okay

[@deanyy3373]

@@Sebastian-mr1ik didnt elliott criticize his fans for acting pretentious because he shared a stage with mariah carey? youre doing that right now dickhead.

[@deanyy3373]

actually it was celine dion

[@doctorjay33]

i love elliott and QOTSA and this is a cover of mad love and respect

[@SillyHello]

I'd love to hear them do more Smith songs. His voice really suits Elliott's songs

[@bacardi119]

It is nice to see a band cover a song from my favorite singer.

[@Ser1alExper1ments]

the same.

[@lLostGems]

Josh his voice is so beautiful

[@Snapdragontank]

i don't think he was even attempting to compete with the original. just an homage to an artist he sortof reveres. it didn't sound as good as the person who created it, but respectively i doubt that replicating the stone age sound usually comes out as good either.

[@jamesmurphy6314]

What a haunting song…Elliott’s breathy thin voice really is one of the unique things u can’t hear anyone do like him..he was a kinda spooky and mysterious guy..even tho he was very nice and soft spoken..it was kinda freaky what came out of him

[@AubreyGrahamMaster]

Elliott Smith played the song slightly different on guitar than Queens of the Stone Age play here. Elliott Smith's progression for the song ascended far up the neck, while Queens of the Stone Age play the progression at the top of the neck and don't ascend down to the bridge. I got to respect Queens of the Stone Age for at least covering one of his lesser known songs which has always been one of my favorites.

[@Davilla888]

It’s a very weird/tricky chord progression I play it totally different and not as good on piano -

[@jwiegand1022]

Elliott played it live with a mix of bar chords and cowboy chords but it's pretty much the same. Queens tunes down alot but this seems like Eb possibly

[@rightleftofthemiddle4240]

To be fair Elliott’s chord progressions are strange and difficult for more traditional guitarist imo.

[@athen2379]

@@rightleftofthemiddle4240 they play this in e standard while Elliot does D

[@konstantincvetanovic5357]

This cover introduced me to Eliott Smith. Now im equally thankful for that as i am for entire qorsa disocgraphy

[@bolerkins]

what a great cover of a great song by great songwriter/performers

[@auditoryarmory]

sorry about raving again, but Josh's voice is perfect in this. it makes me want to be listening to this version on an overcast day on a beach, looking at the sea and sky. I love how Josh can bring out beautiful melody as well as haunting, charming rock vocals.

[@shapedsilver3689]

I like how they clap for themselves, like they know they did a good job.

[@CrashExhibition]

Excellent cover. I've been listening to Elliott Smith for nearly 10 years now.

[@megaton_a]

OK but seriously Troy Van Leeuwen is such an underrated musician.

[@mattmiller4516]

Also a great part time vampyre

[@AubreyGrahamMaster]

They played the correct chord progression, but you have to realize Elliott Smith used a lot less conventional chord shapes in his songs. He played "Christian Brother" farther up the neck of the guitar.

[@fossilizeddung8227]

elliot also used a different tuning... he tuned all his strings down 1 step and used a lot of jazz chords in his arrangements

[@ArkadianDream]

This song has my most favorite chords in all of the songs i can play. Elliott's talent for chords progression was a goddamned gem and his version is unbeatable, but i do love the openness of this cover, it's got an airy feel to it that i also love

[@AllofJudea]

Josh has those same demons. RIP Elliott and long live Josh

[@deniseg4028]

Do we know why Josh does? We know why Elliott did but I’ve never heard of anything about Josh’s upbringing, it seems to have been a privileged childhood.

[@pr0dd2k9]

It's not about playing it exactly the way Elliott did. They did their own rendition of it, and that's respectable. I'm sure Elliott would have loved it.

[@zakurodrop]

Super cool the moment Troy started to playing. And love this one. Can’t stop listening.

[@leroyatleroys]

Honestly one of my favorite Elliott Smith songs played by one of my favorite bands. I feel a bit ashamed that I am barely watching this performance now. Though I will say that the tone feels different. Still enjoyable.

[@SheetSandwich]

I have to say, he does say he loves the song at the end. Just listen for it.

[@sk8bow]

how can you love his music and not be a fan?

[@PLueschpuppe]

OMG! What a combination, incredible! I love both, Elliott Smith and QOTSA, so - wow!!

[@auditoryarmory]

Love Elliott, Love Josh. PERFECT. i absolutely love this. thank you for uploading!

[@AubreyGrahamMaster]

Pretty sure Josh's vocal range suits the chorus just fine, he is a low tenor after all and probably has a wider range than Elliott Smith. He just has a different timbre than Elliott Smith and probably fucked up a few notes. Smith didn't exactly have a wide vocal range (or just preferred singing in the mid third octave to upper fourth octave), but used all the notes he could hit to perfection.

[@barbosadead]

"i love this song so much..." me too. just great !!! both genius .

[@mattmorgan4]

i think he made the gesture out of nervousness, like accounting for the perception people have of elliott when they hear his name, which makes it seem like a weak gesture, even though it wasn't intended to offend.

[@barneyfromblueshift]

@red157 I think the issue is that while Elliott DID have some bad shows, he was magical even at his worst. The way they treat this song is like an insult, to be frank. Elliott Smith saved lives with his music, and this is like a slap in his dead-face.

[@welltrev]

I fell in love wirh this song some time ago and just now discovered it is originally an Elliot Smith song, now I want to listen to more of his work

[@melissabrown942]

In my opinion this is perfection

[@sk8bow]

imo, his music is an escape from the sickness of living-greed, fame, the pursuit of power and success. it's about the pains of growing up and the sad truth of relationships as well the beautiful, temporary moments in it. there's more to his music than this. it's not glamourous, but it's definitely special.his music has helped me through some tough times. so when i hear others doing a cover of his music, it makes me cringe because it's not the same. it's nothing personal to queens....

[@red-xv5ki]

I've only commented so much on this particular video as I uploaded it and haven't yet switched off email notifications for comments. So every time someone makes a message akin to QOTSA being a 'Corny ass pop rock band', I feel compelled to question their understanding of music in general.

[@gvalentin2767]

I don't think Josh Homme disrespects Elliott Smith... though he has a very dark sense of humor, don't get me wrong. through this cover it's like I'm seeing vulnerable side of Homme I've never seen before. It's beautiful how artists can connect to the songs of others.

[@killedsouthernbelle]

my two favorites in one :)

[@joeshow1985]

Please never delete this video.

[@philiptromp231]

Christian Brothers / Lyrics No bad dream fucker's gonna boss me around Christian brothers gonna take him down But it can't help me get over Don't be cross, this sick I want I've seen the boss blink on and off Fake concerns is what's the matter, man And you think I ought to shake your motherfucking hand Well I know how much you care Don't be cross, this sick I want I've seen the boss blink on and off Come here by me I want you here Nightmares become me it's so fucking clear Nightmares become me it's so fucking clear Source: LyricFind Songwriters: Steven Paul Smith Christian Brothers lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

[@TheJurneyMan]

I'd love to see the Queens live

[@kevinlong4657]

Nice choice of a pretty deep cut as far as the ES catalog goes!

[@TTripp1]

I wouldn't have thought, with the type of music they make, that they would have liked Elliott. I'm kind of glad they appreciate him too.

[@joshuastephenson1446]

I could really see the comparisons/influence in songs like In the Fade, Into the Hollow, Suture up your Future, and many more now that I’m connecting the dots. Very introspective, dealing with the toughest emotions and addiction.

[@joepalmer7815]

This recording isn't the best, however I think QotSA's Non-LP Version (can be found on Spotify) I think personally is the best version of this song. There is some bias there as I am a huge Queens fan, but I've listened to many versions and I really do think that one is simply the best. :)

[@biscuit2702]

Homme is too slick to be covering songs like this, he should be doing Elvis covers

[@red-xv5ki]

'have an open mind red157' I haven't laughed for a while, thank you.

[@Tanikaze2]

amazing cover

[@Ismorec]

So beautiful

[@FatherofMan25]

much appreciated. great upload!

[@Capitano81]

this song is awesome!!!

[@TheLemur47]

agreed..my friend just showed me and i couldnt believe it. i wish they did a needle in the hay cover too

[@kaputfretudy]

That they don't come close to the original is irrelevant (who could?), it's cool that they covered one of his more obscure, and in my mind, most hauntingly beautiful songs.

[@BandWagon07]

He was simplifying the fact that this song is depressing, and people cut themselves, and putting the two together saying "don't cut yourself" great song.. great cover.

[@Dani92670]

Wow, so freaky to see a 13 year old comment. Feels like 2007 was 100 years ago now.

[@claudiomargheri2087]

@@Dani92670 Yes thats how it feels like...maybe is actually way more near than we perceive

[@Dani92670]

@@claudiomargheri2087 Yes! I know what you mean!

[@stellarlove21]

Gurt McDirt, then you obviously haven't seen enough of Elliott's performances. There are plenty where he is not only singing in key but also strumming the guitar beautifully. If you need links for proof, let me know.

[@red-xv5ki]

I certainly agree with that. Same for a lot of the more popular bands/artists I listen too.

[@SheetSandwich]

Don't get me wrong, Elliot Smith did a great job, I just prefer Josh Homme's voice. It's a bit too "sadcore" for me, but not bad, if you in the mood for it.

[@Paran01dAndr0id]

its so funny. its like if josh didn't bother learning the chords. strumming and muting the strings.

[@funnyname92]

can anyone tell me where i can download the sick sick sick ep because i,ve been listening to this nonstop

[@StareLikeAHoodlum]

People need to stop hating. Josh's remark probably went towards the dark mood of the song. Plus, consider listening to the actual recording, you'll probably change your opinion about this cover.

[@gutaschlussel]

Josh Homme is the coolest guy I've ever seen. He walks and talk so confident. Who wants to be friends with him? o/

[@ShokyShrox]

I think he just meant its a sad song. Everyone sees these songs diferently "One person might look at a picture of New York and think it looks really depressing and frightening. While Someone else might see all the fun things ou can do in new york. I think songs are sort of like that -Elliott Smith

[@randomdude19]

qosta is full of musical genius as well as elliott smith. different types of genius, but both genius. if you can't take a joke, good luck with living your life

[@777Liquid777]

Making a cover is a way of showing your admiration and respect to an artist, so even if he has some twisted sense of humour, (which I like) it's pretty obvious that he admires Elliot Smith and his music.

[@user-dh2kn1qc6y]

This is whole nother side to Josh I've never seen. I like.

[@Swashbuckler9x]

That's interesting, can I ask what you mean by that a little more? because I have a feeling I've got some vids you'd love to know about

[@GunnerCantu]

I was there homie.

[@kristendolan7165]

Why am I just seeing this

[@ydub3765]

Same here!

[@iamLizardJohnny]

something i would love to hear; josh homme acoustic album he's got a beautiful voice when you take out the low-tuned fuzz haha not that i dont love queens, but an acoustic album would be lovely!

[@PDXCHawk]

I want some Magix merch!

[@notlukeharris]

Anybody who professes to be an Elliott Smith fan should know he didn't cut his wrists, so I think the gesture is more in reference to the fans of Elliott Smith, or to the movie "The Royal Tenenbaums", where Luke Wilson tries to kill himself to Elliott Smith. Also, keep in mind that when you're on stage and trying to make people laugh, occasionally, you say something that bombs.

[@MusclesfromB]

he might have been talking about the "slitt his wrists" sign Josh did at 0:47 and i have to agree although i really like the queens this was uncalled for

[@regressmenot]

Same here... never heard of him before this cover.

[@MarKOsaurus92]

I lol'd. Badass performance too.

[@schoolybear1]

Love this tune

[@jthesik8132]

When playing live, you are gonna have your off days. That's just the way she goes. Did this live version sound the best? No. And that's ok, they ARE human. Personally I think the studio version is absolutely awesome though. If you know anything about Homme, he has a huge revere and respect for the music that influenced him and music in general. This guy is ALWAYS making some new awesome project and experimenting musically. He is a musician's musician, and I say this as a musician myself.

[@myriambalagna8764]

y a des super voix qui marque !!! ....

[@looshkin66]

This was originally a heatmizer song......they did it before neil gust and elliott went their separate ways...

[@looshkin66]

I was there the first time it was played live actually.

[@elcuerpoesunmomento]

Genios de la existencia humana.

[@johnno.johnno]

Anyone know what type of Guild guitar Josh is playing here?

[@jacksonfilm]

you can't beat the original

[@TakeItBrendanLSD]

i think they purposly pick guitars that make them look even bigger. except that one hollowbody homme uses on lullabies. that thing must be massive.

[@abayomi000]

RIGHT ON!

[@AureliusR]

@viddikaka that's a really good point -- their acoustic sets always get badly levelled, it's a shame

[@Rennfahrer555]

never thought about it that way

[@theradhoodx]

This song makes me feel bleh, a good bleh.

[@Yerkface]

Well said

[@jamieanderkin7512]

Damnit I want a parlor acoustic.

[@Deadbolt1209]

+Jamie Anderkin I know, me too. I like to form factor and I just find it odd the kind of sound you can get out of one with the size they are.

[@parasympathicus]

great cover

[@pepe7drum]

Rest in peace Elliot ❤️

[@MusclesfromB]

it is believed Elliott killed himself it is not sure though, but he had a suicide attempt in his past, the thing Josh did didn't really show much respect for the musical genius Elliott was

[@MIKE-TYTHON]

What guitar is josh playing ??

[@PeterLorre]

yess

[@Josephdorf03]

what is the guitar Josh is using? I think Ricky Nelson has one.

[@alex-cooper]

I'm a fan of queens of the stone age and a HUGE fan of Elliott. Yes, I agree the gesture was offensive to Elliott, and it didn't make me happy, but people should calm down it was just a joke he made. The cover is descent and it's true they have talent, but Elliott's version is beyond beautiful. That's my opinion.

[@red-xv5ki]

He couldn't though. That's why he was an elementary school music teacher whose student's grew up to post negative comments on youtube videos.

[@Pohmellimon]

gold

[@jaysonscott187]

Lol Reminds me of the Elton Joel song "tiny piano man" I'm an idiot

[@Hitamaru]

i believe josh himself doesn't like the song, he say no one cut themselves

[@Galefox]

A very worthy cover... Josh's voice is pretty soothing, but I'll still have to put the original at the top.

[@Grungerocker4489]

@tim035 I wasn't trying to be profound. It was just an opinion. I will admit, "dying" may have been a bit strong. It's just music, to me, over the last 10 or so years has started to lack honest passion, and is becoming more about just getting on the radio. And of course with a few exceptions. Elliott and QOTSA are both great. I was just saying we'd rather pick sides than support the music. But again, thats just my opinion. Either way, thank you for your kind and caring words.

[@Teuchterdavie]

What kind of acoustic guitar is Josh playing here?

[@nmaudio1]

I remember Greg Dulli (Who has often collaborated with Homme) saying he spent some of Elliotts last days with him at a bar in L.A. Maybe Homme also knew him and had a deeper connection than we know about? Just sayin'.