MURRAY HEAD - ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK | REACTION

#MURRAYHEAD #ONENIGHTINBANGKOK #REACTION
MURRAY HEAD - ONE NIGHT IN BANGKOK | REACTION
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Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.

[@krisa990]

Not a surprise that one of the 1980s best songs were written by Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus...the two genious songwriters and male singers of ABBA.....yes, Time Rice was in on it too. Interesting video to this song as well.

[@e.s.9080]

It's no wonder then...that I've always felt this song unfolds like a play to me. It always screamed "musical" to me back in my teenage years when it first came out, and I was enrolled into a performing arts school.

[@jamesgoodwin4543]

Anything they write would be a big hit. They also wrote a swedish song called Mio min Mio sung by Gemini. It's one of my favorites.

[@sloot69x]

From the Musical Chess written by the two guys from ABBA and Tim Rice.

[@eddiewillers1442]

Yul Brynner became famous in his role as the King of Siam (today's Thailand) in the movie "The King And I".

[@paulavandeusen8930]

Love that movie so. 🧡

[@rayniecox7683]

eddie willers, after growing up watching the movie, got to see Yul Brenner in Theater in the Round in Maryland reprise his role. Even older had such a presence!!😎😎😎😎

[@DavidBDavis-lz7bt]

In the early '70s, Yul Brynner once again reprised his role in a sitcom on CBS, Anna & The King of Siam. Stage, feature filma and television. He was in other stuff, too, but the King of Siam is the role that he will always be remembered for.

[@altarmedyatanburak5579]

As an 80s teenager, this song was a hit of our disco club and house parties. It is of the same era of Falco Rock me amadeus, Cameo Word Up, Germain Jackson Pia Zadora'sa When the rain begins to fall.

[@Rockaria23]

I was 16 when this was in the charts back in 1984. It reached Number 1 in 10 countries.

[@DavidBDavis-lz7bt]

I was just a little older, about 19 or 20; it was very successful, a big deal because it was a little something different. I still like it to this day.😊

[@Me-qp8vz]

And his 2nd song never broke the top 200. You know that one too don't you?

[@liquidninja6654]

It’s basically an ABBA song in structure. Brilliant

[@jpar2623]

To fully understand the lyrics you would need to listen to/watch the Chess Musical as this is just one song from the middle of the production. The song's lyrics often refer to earlier songs and events on the musical. Chess was written by the two guys from Abba and Tim Rice,(famous lyricist who did the songs in Disney's Aladdin and others), which is why the music and lyrics in Chess are some of the best in any musical. Glad you reacted to this song and love your channel!

[@kelvinhill9874]

You’re thinking of Bjorn and Benny from ABBA.

[@paulqueripel3493]

Tim Rice's most famous lyrics must be Don't Cry for me Argentina, thanks to Madonna's (not as good as the original) cover.

[@mystisith3984]

The lyrics full of puns and wordplays re chess game and Thailand... This is a masterpiece.

[@Mark-iv7np]

I think this is one of the worst songs ever. I'm listening to music over 60 years. It shows how everyone is so different.

[@HappyCatholicDane]

@@Mark-iv7np Haha, so you watch this reaction in the hope she won’t like it 😁. So what makes you dislike it so much?

[@emanuellawton7942]

From Wikipedia: " "One Night in Bangkok" is a song from the concept album and subsequent musical Chess by Tim Rice, Benny Andersson, and Björn Ulvaeus. English actor and singer Murray Head raps the verses, while the chorus is sung by Anders Glenmark, a Swedish singer, songwriter, and producer." Actor and singer Murray Head also appeared on the concept album for the hit Broadway musical "Jesus Christ Superstar" that by Andrew Lloyd Weber and Tim Rice. Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus were members of the Swedish pop band ABBA.

[@dr.burtgummerfan439]

A bunch of chess grandmasters were in town for a tournament. They were standing around the hotel lobby, bragging about their victories and strategies. The hotel manager could take no more, and threw them all out. He didn't care for chess nuts boasting in an open foyer. 😁

[@mce_AU]

Nice.

[@keithrobshaw179]

From the musical “Chess’, the same as ‘I know him so well,. Murray’s playing the ex champ trying to manipulate the next world chess match. Yul Brynner also played the king of Siam (old Thailand) in “The King And I”. Love your reactions.

[@corvus1374]

And Anthem. One of the most beautiful songs ever.

[@williamandrew9721]

Was living in Thailand from the early 70's till mid 80's, when i hear this song i remember my life there married to a Thai lady, and my beautiful daughter, Oh those amazing years i spent there with her and the Thai life

[@paulavandeusen8930]

I love the flute & this guys moodiness.

[@aaronbarlow4376]

He's singing about a top level chess tournament in Thailand. That's why he says "Iceland, Hastings or this place..". Famous world championships were held in those places. Reykjavik, Iceland held the famous match between Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky..

[@chriskat2457]

I was so young when this song came out and didn’t understand any of it. It didn’t matter. I loved it. That beat. That melody. Perfection. I still play it all the time and now I’m old. It’s so clever and still perfect. Great reaction. I love your videos

[@TheKyrix82]

As a former Heroclix player, this song speaks to me on a deep level

[@thisworldofwater8017]

K.S.O., as others have explained, this song is from a musical called Chess. The music was written by Benny and Björn of Abba. Nerdy fact: Murray Head is the big brother of Anthony Head who played Rupert Giles in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. You're welcome.

[@Bekka_Noyb]

somebody beat me to the Buffy connection

[@thisworldofwater8017]

@@Bekka_Noyb You have to get up pretty early in the morning to get anything past me.

[@discogareth]

He also took over from Murray in Chess and would have sung this song himself

[@RLucas3000]

Here’s another prince of family related Chess trivia. Whitney Houston recorded another song from Chess, “I Know Him So Well”, a duet she does with her mom Cissy Houston!

[@murdockreviews]

Never saw the whole musical, but this song was a childhood favourite 😀

[@petereirich6502]

This song is about a championship chess game being held in Bangkok, Thailand. It is a rarity, a London theatre/Broadway song that became a pop hit. The singer is disgusted with having to play the game in such a seedy, rundown place.

[@hildajensen6263]

I think he's more disgusted by all the tourists who take advantage of the people living in such a seedy, rundown place by doing other things than playing chess.

[@hevydavy]

@@hildajensen6263some of us don’t enjoy chess so…

[@rayphelps2129]

"Game Over", lol. Always loved this way this song has been put together. That chorus is just awesome. Another one that just scream's 1980's.

[@biggles7272]

There’s a bit of subtext and assumed historical knowledge references in this song. During the Cold War, the USA and Soviet Union players used world championship chess tournaments as battlegrounds to show their system’s ideological superiority. The Iceland reference is about the Bobby Fischer and Boris Spassky match in 1972. Other commenters have described Bangkok’s reputation for vice from the 1960s onward.

[@johnmason4673]

This song was in the top 10 this week in 1985 as per the Sirius XM 80s on 8 weekly countdown. The VJ introduced the song citing how this song was in "Chess" which was a metaphorical of the Cold War. I was in 8th grade. I remember having nightmares of Nuclear war. The movie "The Day After" didn't help. Playing Donkey Kong was a good distraction :)

[@emorimacedo]

Hola Stuar. Me interesó tu comentario. Entonces, ¿está canción es apología de occidenteen la guerra fría o es un ironía? Estudio Historia contemporánea, esta canción es de mis favoritas, pero no había leido el subtexto que señalas. Muy interesante.

[@MysterD.]

"A show with everything but Yul Brynner" is a reference to Thailand's ban against "The King and I" because of his portrayal of King Mongkut. The Thai consider it extremely offensive. I learned this while living in Bangkok back in 1993. The song means a lot more to me after having been there than when I first heard it almost a decade earlier. Based on particular words--"Sunshine" was in popular use back then--and phrases, I'd say it was written by someone who had indeed been there during that era. "One Night in Bangkok" sounds like one more oddball 80's pop song, but it is a lyrical gem.

[@ohauss]

Well, Thailand still has pretty strict laws concerning any reference to its King to this day.

[@lilkr8844]

Absolutely alot of people get the meaning of this song wrong you explained it awesomely

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Never knew it was banned in Thailand

[@MrSirwolf2001]

Well, to be fair, it IS a 1980's oddball pop song (1984) which came from the Chess musical stage play. I still always liked it though. The song itself is about a Chess Tournament between two Grand Masters (American and Soviet) during the cold war. "Play at this level there's no ordinary venue It's Iceland or the Philippines or Hastings or Or this place!"

[@MysterD.]

@@michaeltaylor8835, the movie is banned but not the song. It was wildly popular in the bars when I was there in '93, especially at a place called the Tilac on Soi "Caboy" (Cowboy Street). I wouldn't be a bit surprised if it still gets a lot of play.

[@kma559]

Lots of references to the seedy underbelly of sexual tourism in Bangkok. That’s what he means by referring to Bangkok not being the city that it appears to be on the surface. Dig deeper and you will find Bangkok’s sex bars, “massage” parlours, lady boys (lyrics - “if you’re lucky then the god’s a she”), etc. So much to pull apart and analyse in the lyrics and if you take the time to do that, you find that it’s actually a very carefully and cleverly constructed social commentary about Bangkok (and Thailand).

[@76Bigsmile]

Bjorn and Benny... 😍 Loving this one and "I Know Him So Well" from the same musical. Elaine Page is Barbara Dickson's version is close enough, but I just can hear Agnetha and Frida singing "I Know Him So Well"

[@xanajak]

Music and MTV at its finest. "I get my kicks above the waistline, sunshine."

[@corvus1374]

The Tyrolean spa, Iceland, Philippines, Hastings, those were all places where chess world championships were held.

[@thatnorwegianguy1986]

Having practially grown up in Bangkok the fear and dread refers to those folks who end up getting themselves into a lot of trouble in the city, mostly tourists who spend all their money and end up losing everything. But Bangkok is not bad city it's really safe if you use your common sense and once you understand how the Town works and you accept the quirks, it's a terrific city with incredible culture and nightlife. It has something for everyone

[@williamandrew9721]

Just to tell you Yul Bryner played the King in the movie the King and I a filn about an English teacher who taught his children during his reign as king

[@tonyperez3920]

Love this song so many memories thanks for playing this great tune

[@davmtu]

Murray was Judas Iscariot in the original recording of Jesus Christ Superstar. So even though it doesn't show in this song, he has a powerful voice.

[@xanajak]

It's so great that this song about playing chess -- chess! -- in exotic locales became the most popular song in the world.

[@grapeman63]

As you've probably worked out, this song is very hard to sing! Murray Head is Anthony Head's (Giles from Buffy) brother.

[@wendyleeconnelly2939]

The Tyrolean spa was a reference to the previous year's event in Italy.

[@jmrx12]

From the "Chess" album/musical (hence the chessboard pattern at the beginning of the video).

[@vmaxgr]

Huge favorite from the 80's dancefloors!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@howardmckenna]

Murray Head, never dissed by Eminem.

[@bemused9522]

Yes!!!!!! So glad you reacted to this video!!!!!

[@cjones4635]

If you ever see Chess, be sure to read up on the rivalry between Bobby Fischer and Borris Spassky. The parallels are uncanny.

[@damonhines8187]

Murray Head also performed the part of Judas Iscariot on the original recording of 'Jesus Christ Superstar' in 1970, lyrics by Tim Rice (who did 'Chess' with Bjorn and Benny from Abba), music by Andrew Lloyd Webber ('Cats', 'Phantom of the Opera').

[@alistairmcdougall9625]

Such an unusual record remember it from my youth & still sounds great, every aspect of the record really works, so much going on but it all comes together wonderfully 🇬🇧

[@daylocke6181]

This is still the jam

[@otisblack3921]

The irony here is that this song, written by Benny and Bjorn from ABBA along with Tim Rice, hit number 1 on the American Billboard chart.....a feat that ABBA tried desperately to duplicate after Dancing Queen, ABBA’s only American number one.....so the success of this single must have been very bittersweet. It lends truth to the belief that America had a built in almost knee jerk negative reaction to ABBA

[@eq1373]

The ironic thing is that most American metalheads love ABBA.

[@shadow-js2hn]

The ironic thing is that ABBA doesnt care about this fact.😂

[@MrChristian331]

LOL! I just love the reaction on her face when the song snaps to the lyrics after the orchestration intro. LOL!

[@TangoEliott]

This was the direction Bjorn and Benny went in the last year's of ABBA.

[@lyricglass2411]

This was a favorite. I still play this from time to time.

[@simonwaters2332]

This song was one of my dirty little secrets! I didn't realize others liked it so much. (and I am a prog rock fan). Love the line about the queens to this day.

[@georged7627]

New sub and friend here bloody beautiful song 🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾🤘🏾

[@Cupcake66441]

Thailand has a horrific child sex trafficking problem. Their laws are insufficient in dealing with that reality.

[@NowVs1980s]

Love love love it ✨🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾💜

[@thelyricologist9568]

It was written by the male half of Abba and was part of the musical called "Chess" - the chess tournament taking place in Bangkok. :-)

[@laughing5559]

I was in Iceland when the album came out and the chess match was held in Iceland. I bought the album because it was one of the few records the store had. Since been to England and Bangkok. PI is on my list. You must listen to the whole album to understand the setting. Bangkok was just part of the journey depicted. In one song, the male singer tells his mistress to call his wife if she wants attention because he needs to be alone to study for the upcoming chess match.

[@dougbowers1256]

The other comments are excellent. The only thing missing is that the soundtrack recording and this video were released before the musical “Chess” was ever actually staged. The music was popular but I don’t believe that it was popular after they finally staged it in London. The album was released in ‘84, finally made it to London’s West End in ‘86 and Broadway in ‘88.

[@dalem8332]

Love this song! ♥️🎼🎶🎵🇨🇦

[@Mark-iv7np]

I hate it

[@time2chill121]

I love your channel Trucker from America

[@JonzStoneroadAvalon808]

Murray Head was also an actor in Sunday Bloody Sunday with Glenda Jackson, Peggy Ashcroft, and the late Peter Finch.

[@winni223]

Check as well for Robey's version. IMHO slightly more catchy arrangement.

[@DylansPen]

Very cool song from the 80's. Unique. Is it me or does much of the music from the 80's just make you smile.

[@nicholasmangialardi1618]

Check out Mike Tyson singing this song at the end of The Hangover 2 lol 😂

[@IngeNaning2]

Please react to another song from the same musical called Anthem. It's sung by swedish singer Tommy Körberg who played a russian chess player who defected from his country. He has an amazing voice.

[@JohnDavis-ed5sg]

I love that song! Any patriot would.

[@karenkms7646]

That song is so awesome.🥰 Finally someone who listen to a song without posing from time to time the video. Great.👍

[@alboystewart2212]

Check out “ madam butterfly 🦋 “ by Malcolm McLaren

[@markspooner1224]

If you've ever seen Buffy the Vampire Slayer Buffy's minder Rupert Giles (Anthony Head) is this singers brother.

[@discogareth]

He also took over from Murray in Chess and would have sung this song himself.

[@markspooner1224]

@@discogareth I didn't know that!

[@isebmazo2140]

Two old disco gems you should react too is Eruption - I Can't Stand the Rain and One Way Ticket.. some powerful beautiful voices.. ta

[@PatRick-qi9so]

Chess is a game where the real field is in the mind of the players , in the song you are focused on the 'game' so much you dont appreciate everything else that the environment can offer to you . . . Smart song !

[@brianhitzone37]

This is one of my most fave songs ever thank you so much for doing this reaction. Love one night in bangkok.

[@ronaldcardinali2809]

There's also another version with the ABBA on the chorus, called "One night in Bangkok chess", shot in studio

[@elysehfm8797]

Nothing brilliant to add, just happy I'm able to comment again.

[@januzzell8631]

Loved this song when it came out - still do ^-^ - and, as people explain below, it's one of the songs from the musical Chess (by the male half of ABBA) and Tim Rice. It also had I Know Him So Well - another great song

[@alphaomega7191]

Murray Head was the original Judas in Jesus Christ superstar and had a hit in the late 60's with "Superstar"

[@rollomaughfling380]

You should hear his work as Judas on the original Jesus Christ Superstar album. Phenomenal!

[@lucysnowe31]

Yes! The original concept album of JCS with Ian Gillan and Murray Head is the best of all, imo.

[@johnbarrett9249]

World championship of chess.

[@henrikl1394]

You should listen to Anthem from Chess, And the singer Tommy Körberg.

[@zepfanforever6502]

You got it 👍

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Its from the musical Chess

[@michaeltaylor8835]

Great review

[@eanjamesmogg9488]

Yep as below me, Chess the musical. Think there were a few songs of it 😁

[@flaviorivera8373]

El tiempo en que se hacían excelentes videos...

[@Hi-kq1vi]

Murray is the older brother of Giles from Buffy The Vampire Slayer. This is pretty untypical of his work-he did some great stuff in the 1970's like Say It Ain't So Joe & Jesus Christ Superstar & is also a well established actor here-he did a very good turn as Robert Powell's coke dealer in Holby City many years back.

[@KneeJerkReactions13]

Seems the chess player is a metaphor representative of performers and athletes. They often travel to a lot of cities and countries but don't actually get to be a tourist and see the city. Strictly business. T-boys are a possible surprise if you are in Bangkok and your intentions are not the purist..

[@flatebo1]

It's not really a metaphor. In the 1980s (and, really, throughout the existence of the USSR) international chess tournaments were one of the arenas in which the superpowers competed - as if one nation/side having the world's reigning chess champion validated their ideology. But the whole East/West competition in the Olympics, chess, ballet, etc. did result in at least some media coverage of the events with the participants being treated like minor celebrity athletes. Chess stopped getting any media coverage once the Cold War ended, though. It's not exactly the most telegenic of competitions, although I did see a few televised tournaments in England in 1987.

[@peterstrahed5459]

Is this the last video you sent sweet heart just wonder ? hugs from a man from Sweden ohhhh

[@bentramer1]

❤❤❤

[@porflepopnecker4376]

I had this 45 single. I am so freaking cool.

[@YesThatNeal]

From the musical "Chess" co-created by Bjorn Uvaeus of ABBA.

[@paulsharkey6576]

The dude from ABBA wrote this

[@teromattila72]

The dudes.

[@jonathanoakey4745]

Try "Pity the Child", another song with Murray Head from Chess - it's a stunning song in many ways!

[@jorgeandrew]

This is a good song👍, but I prefer "Break my stride" of Mathew Wilder 👏👏👏 Same year 1984. #BreakMyStride #MathewWilder 🕺🎶

[@gedemondas347]

There have been many covers of this song over the years but this is still the best version. The second best, imo, is Robey's version.

[@IshiAndNomyJackson]

Love the beat!

[@Renkk17]

Check out "Lindsey Buckingham" (after Fleetwood Mac) song - "Go Insane"

[@davesunhammer4218]

This is about a Cold War thing disguised as a chess match. Dude is in Bancock, but no time to take it in... and Bancock has a reputation of prostitution and lady-boys still. So, even if you head out to have fun there is a chance the it wont be the "fun" you expect. Back when this was written Bancock was... uh... Untamed.

[@josbroersma6112]

Please react to Jaki Graham- Set Me Free, thanks!

[@stpaley]

Murray Head is more of an actor then a singer, i remember he was in a movie with Glenda Jackson & Alan Bates in the 1970's; i do remember this song when it was released i believe the composers did so to raise money and anticipation for their musical Chess

[@DanielOrme]

The movie you're thinking of is "Sunday, Bloody Sunday" (1971), with Glenda Jackson and Peter Finch (not Alan Bates).

[@JonzStoneroadAvalon808]

@@DanielOrme brilliant film!

[@stpaley]

@@DanielOrme i thought of that title but i was thinking it was 1981, but i am probably confusing two titles & movies

[@DanielOrme]

@@stpaley You might be thinking of "Women In Love" (1970). That starred Glenda Jackson and Alan Bates.

[@stpaley]

@@DanielOrme yes i do know of that movie, but did it have Murray Head in it?

[@greendoor49]

Big deal in the chess world Fisher vs Kasperov if memory is correct.

[@wendyleeconnelly2939]

Lots of double entendres throughout

[@ByRon-wn9tb]

Check out shelter me by Cinderella featuring little Richard and boss s daughter by pop evil featuring Mick mars of motley crue

[@GenXicansReact]

React to Sneaker Pimps- 6 underground

[@kennethgrainger1112]

You should listen to the rest of the tracks. :-) Is it OK to send you a package at your PO box? I sent Jamel_AKA_Jamal this on vinyl. It's a broadway musical/rock opera. It's a story of "east" vs "west". Murray plays ""The American", who is mostly modelled after Bobby Fisher. "The Russian" is mostly modelled after Anatoly Karpov. The first setting is in Merano, IT, which is in South Tyrol (Tyrolean) in northern Italy.

[@kennethgrainger1112]

@Sincerely, KSO Looks like I can't ship from Amazon to CA. Sorry. :-(

[@sst3d]

Actually, showing some Thai women would have been nice....actual full blooded Thai...

[@alphaomega7191]

So in terms of the song it comes at the start of the 2nd act. In the first act the American (Head) a spoilt arrogant brat of a man loses his World Chess title to a Russian in a Tirolean spa town - the Russian then defects to the US. In the 2nd act a couple of years later the Russian is to defend his title against a new challenger a new "loyal Soviet" Russian this time in the Thai city of Bangkok. The American is back this time as a commentator on the tourney. The lyrics are from his point of view where he sees himself as above the seediness of Bangkok but in fact he's even more corrupt than anything that goes on in the city - so everything he says/sings is pretty much the rantings of a bitter little man. Murray had played Judas in the original album of Jesus Christ Superstar and it's clear they picked him for his ability to embody someone who thinks he knows better than everyone else and who has absolutely no awareness of his own faults. Interestingly he remains the bad guy for most of the show until the very end where he actually overcomes his own flaws and shows some decency and tells the Russian how to beat his new challenger who has a flaw in his game only the American has seen. He has a great song called "Pity the Child" which explains why he is the way he is and it's pretty heartbreaking. There is a narrative line where his ex-assistant falls for the Russian who leaves his family for her when he defects - it's another reason he dislikes the Russian - in the end after his victory the Russian leaves the assistant and returns to his wife. Nobody is truly good or evil and everybody has shown both the ability for cruelty and compassion in the show.

[@matthewfarrer8395]

As others have said, the lyrics are going to be a bit opaque without the context: this is the opening number for act 2 of a musical with a fairly detailed story. The narrator played by Head is a dethroned American chess champion who's involved in a plot to humiliate the man who took the title and his woman away from him. That's what he means when he comments about watching the game and controlling it. The Tyrolean spa was the Italian mountain town where he lost the title the previous year, which was the climax of Act 1. The character is frankly a pretty unpleasant person, arrogant and selfish (although we get an insight into how he got that way in another song "Pity the Child", which is really powerful and moving). So when he sneers at the city he's being the stereotypical arsehole Westerner looking down on the locals and bragging that he's far too lofty and cerebral to be interested in the more, uh, physical pleasures Bangkok has a reputation for. Love this song, love that you reacted to it. If you want to go down the Chess rabbithole, "I Know Him So Well" was the other single from it, and "Heaven Help My Heart", "Anthem" and the aforementioned "Pity The Child" are well worth a listen too. (Grab the ones from the original cast recording, though, that's still the best version.)

[@emorimacedo]

Hola, gracias por tus importantes alcances. Entonces, una pregunta,: ¿ esta canción podría ser tomada como una suerte de autoburla occidental o realmente están haciendo juicios de valor? Me interesa saber tu opininión

[@matthewfarrer8395]

@@emorimacedo Interesting question. Superficially the show seems very political, since its story is heavily tied into the Cold War, but really it seems to me to focus on the very personal stories of the main characters and doesn't try to make big statements and judgements. I think the remarks about Asia and the West that the character is making in this song are meant to reflect his own arrogant and judgemental personality, but I don't think it's intended as a sweeping observation of a whole society. (Having said this, it's been a long time since I saw the full show and my memory of it may not be perfect.)

[@emorimacedo]

@@matthewfarrer8395 gracias, Matthew !! Saludos desde Perú.

[@chrisrandall2710]

Finally! ❤️🇨🇦🤓