Supertramp- A Soapbox Opera (REACTION//DISCUSSION)

[@poetjenoetje]

I played this song over and over and over when I was in college. It gave me goosebumps every time. Love, love, love this song

[@AzimuthTao]

Supertramp was a band that clearly had a Prog essence but wasn't overly pretentious or obscure. Their genius was their lyrical style and melodies that could appeal to anyone. I wore this cassette tape out, the year it was released. And yes, I said cassette.

[@stevenschembri1288]

Congratulations JP! You are learning more and more about this legendary band. That can ONLY be done by profiling one of their REAL songs. "A Soapbox Opera" is one of their best. A true timeless classic to say the least.

they DID this song live in Edmonton on there crisis what crisis tour and they sound just like the album only better live >>like pink floyd all the weerdsounds u hear now I heard live > blew me away for life ! :) WELCOME to the NEXT LEVEL btw theresalot of great gold on this album ... that i like more then a soapbox opera :) Supertramp - Ain't Nobody But Me

[@ljsites]

Can someone tell me why I just don’t get tired of listening to Supertramp?

[@richardcapwell3955]

Because every time you listen, you hear something new.

[@pentagrammaton6793]

@@Katehowe3010 we're in alignment on this one.

[@ljsites]

@@Katehowe3010, not mad at all. I honestly do not get tired of listening to them. They are one of my top 5 bands of all time!

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Afflicted with good taste?

[@Kruegerisgod]

They're too good

[@SebGeddy]

The best song from an underrated album IMHO

[@premgandharvmusic]

Such a beautiful and deep Song, thanks for sharing it

[@daveking9393]

I appreciate you taking this journey as the only supertramp I am really familiar with beyond their hits is breakfast in America so I'm really enjoying this new exposure for me. Thanks again for all you do!

[@timwhitnell7145]

Dave, I am a lifelong Supertamp lover. If you like what you heard from Breakfast In America, their most successful commercial album, then do your ears and soul a favour and listen to the entirety of Crime of the Century (my favourite album of all time), Crisis? What Crisis?, Even In the Quietest Moments and Famous Last Words. There is not a filler track on any of those albums. I'm not exaggerating when I say Breakfast In America might be only their third or fourth best LP, and it is superb.

[@daveking9393]

@@timwhitnell7145 Thanks Tim. I will give it a listen.

[@daveking9393]

@@timwhitnell7145 thanks again. Not sure why I never owned the Crime LP. I do know several of the popular tunes. Looked at Justin's reactions and I have not watched so I have a playlist for my to do list.

[@johnmavroudis2054]

Roger Hodgson was the heart of the band, imo. He always struck the right note (musically / vocally) to hit me in the feels. Here's a prime example of his best work... with thoughtful lyrics (Cut out the charlatan middle men and go straight to the source) and emotional delivery. This is one of my two favorites on this wonderful album. (the other being The Meaning... which I'm eagerly anticipating your reaction to). Great stuff as always, Justin!

[@andrewpearce9633]

JP...Brilliant! Playing the outro to the previous song and situating the reviewed song within the context of the overall sonic environment is so important. When making an album the song's placement in the tracklist has been deliberately considered by the artist within the overall body of work and this significantly influences your reception and understanding of the piece. Singles can be great - but they cannot compare to the wonder of a cohesively constructed quality album - this is the highest goal and achievement of major musical works. Just...well done. I have never seen anyone else do this before in 'reactions'. Thanks

[@robertcartier5088]

Love this era in music... Not sure if I've mentioned this before, but I'm glad you are doing these albums in order, recreating our own experiences as they were released. Shows a lot of respect for the artists. Cheers!

[@keithjones6023]

You love this era in music! Me too for me the 70's, especially the first half were a phenomenal time for music, so many great artists/bands producing album after album of superb work. Nearly all the music I play is from that era.

[@robertcartier5088]

@@keithjones6023 Yep, early 70"s was the best! But since I had 6 older siblings, my playlists include some 60's stuff too!

[@keithjones6023]

@@robertcartier5088 6 older siblings? There must have been a lot of music playing in your house!. It wasn't until the 70's that I started buying albums, in the 60's I bought mainly singles, Beatles, Stones etc. I remember listening on my little transistor radio to Alan Freeman presenting his' hit parade 'show with his catchphrase "Greetings pop pickers", listening to Radio Luxembourg, it was such an exciting time for music. One song I remember hearing on Alan Freeman show is It's All Over Now by the Stones, it's been a favourite of mine since then!

[@robertcartier5088]

@@keithjones6023 Ah yes, 45's... Still have some of those somewhere... Have the original Yellow Submarine, with Elenore Rigby on the flip side! Lol

[@andyparnham7542]

Great song and video Justin. Once you’ve heard all the albums you’ll be able to indulge in Supertramp’s double live album ‘Paris’, in my opinion one of the best ever live recordings. Cheers JP 😁

[@jfergs.3302]

I'm guessing you've not heard Steve Hillage's 'Live Herald' :)

[@andyparnham7542]

Jfergs. No, but I do own a few Steve Hillage studio albums so I’ll give it a listen. By the way, I didn’t say that ‘Paris’ was THE best live album ever, I said it was ONE of the best, so your reply was a bit harsh considering my comment 😁

[@jfergs.3302]

@@andyparnham7542 Wow, I just can't catch a break on being taken the wrong way at the mo. And I put a smiley face on and everything! I did see what you said, and looking again, I could have worded my comment better, see what you mean. Yeah, give Live Herald a listen, I don't think you'll be disappointed. Cheers.

[@andyparnham7542]

Jfergs. Don’t worry about it, my comments have been taken out of context in the past too, judging by your response to my reply it’s obvious that I was a bit harsh to you too! Thanks for recommending the live album 😁

[@Grizazzle]

Yes! Songs on the live album sound sooooo much better than the studio versions IMHO.

[@richardsmith3121]

I love this song. well put together, played and sung; one of my Supertramp favourites.

[@scotstevens5263]

JP you will know after playing this album that the entire album is fantastic as well as every album they have done. The lyrics and music take you on a journey. I’m sorry I never got to see there live shows

[@synen]

Well every album Roger was on :)

[@peterschunk1678]

Wow! A super track from a brilliant Supertramp album. Thank You for the video!

[@John.Mini-Clubman]

Quality music that inspires

[@Divedown_25]

Supertramp’s Crisis what Crisis in my ears is a beautiful album and I listened to all Supertramp album in it’s full as young....

[@RockChickFace]

its musical ambition and you never tire of it

[@1nelsondj]

6 months before this release The Kinks released a concept album (their 3rd) "Soap Opera". It was meant to be a teleplay but that fell through, still the band played the album in its entirety on tour. I've always liked it although critics weren't happy with it. There are some memorable melodies and real sentiment behind it. Basically Ray Davies' character sets out to prove he can turn the most ordinary man into a star (the subtitle of the album is Norman and the Starmaker). To do this he takes over Norman's life including sleeping with his wife and eating shepherd's pie. 'Have Another Drink' is a pub singalong, 'You Make It All Worth While' may be the most romantic song he ever wrote and it ends with an anthem 'You Can't Stop the Music'. Even better is the earlier "Arthur or the Decline and Fall of the British Empire".

[@colecomatt]

Always a great day for Supertramp. 👍 thank you! No one else sounds like Supertramp. Same with Genesis. Unlike today's music.

[@capecyn]

Good morning! Love me some Supertramp!

[@Habichiwoowoo]

If this is the beginning - the first hour let's say - of a spiritual journey, then, Lord Is It Mine (from Breakfast in America), is the eleventh hour inquisition. I never tire of listening to Supertramp, and this album in particular. Thank, JP. The day begins contemplatively...

[@alencar5420]

Fabulous music. Great Analysis. ✌️

[@keithjones6023]

Looked forward to this one, love this song, for me it's one of a couple of songs from Crisis that would deserve a place on Crime!

[@ljsites]

JP, you maybe on to something here. When playing song tracks from an album, play a few seconds of the end of the previous track, and maybe take it a step further and play a snippet of the next song. Just once in a while, to give us, who know the album, what we are already doing subconsciously a little surprise.

[@1nelsondj]

Okay you've finally convinced me, I made a volume 2 of Supertramp's best songs. "Retrospectacle" came in both a 1 and 2 disc format, I already did the 1 disc which has nearly all their hits. This makes the new 2nd disc more interesting, a deeper dive. I gathered the remaining tracks, substituted the studio version of 1 live song which gave me 3 more minutes and added 3 extra songs. 2 ('If Everyone Was Listening' and 'Just Another Nervous Wreck') are from an earlier anthology, slipped them in as tracks 1 and 4 and I closed with 'Ever Open Door' which was the closing track to "Brother Where You Bound". I really like how this one came out.

[@Kruegerisgod]

This song straight cures any anxiety I have. How does that even happen? Lol

[@cedricmilford5254]

Love this song! 👍🏻

[@BrianR.]

Hadn't heard this in quite a long time, I forgot how good it is. Thanks for playing it.

[@cousmaster]

THE KINGS OF MIND MUSIC

[@durv13]

THINK YOUR THE ONLY REACTION ON THIS SONG . GOOD ON YU MATE . FROM AUSTRALIA , THIS IS A MASTERPIECE

[@JustJP]

Appreciate that Dave! Thank you for watching 🙂

[@davidcopson5800]

This is a great track from this super album. My favourite track though is 'Just A Normal Day'. Keep up the good work Justin.

[@justineapril7922]

Great deconstruction of "A Soapbox Opera," Justin! You seem to really get Supertramp, and especially Roger Hodgson, who is the more spiritual writer, with Rick Davies as more popish. I equate them to be like Lennon and McCartney, except Roger's songs are mostly more well-known outside of people who don't love nearly anything Supertramp. Thank you for delving into the lesser known of Supertramp's "Big 4" albums. 'Crisis? What Crisis?' is my personal favorite because I bought it new in 1975. Justin, please continue this journey into the next 2 albums and them you will be poised for one of the best live albums by any band, 'Paris!!' ✌

[@anahatatutu]

I love this song. They get a really slinky groove on it. Poignant combination of lyrics and music. The British version of Utopia is a good show too ... Really!

[@sicko_the_ew]

Next stop for this song would be to go and find it on Live in Paris. (Same goes for any other song on that album.) It's a great live album.

[@astrogoodvibes6164]

Speakers corner in Hyde park London (UK) is a place where anyone can get on a soapbox and say whatever they want as anyone interested gathers around. Some speakers are political, others are religious but it has always been a place for free speech on any topic since the mid 19th century. This place is the source of the voices in the intro to Soapbox opera.

[@Batfemme639]

I love this song!

[@AndrewJamesGordon]

Wow, it's been almost 2 months since you've listened to this wonderful track. I think we're all looking forward to yur reaction the the next rack on the album "Another Man's Woman"

[@Hartlor_Tayley]

Super stuff. Great reaction.

[@derekmeade6350]

Always loved this song: reflects my own search for a religious identity (43 years later, still looking!). Next track also starts during the fade out so you may want to repeat the last 10 seconds or so of Soapbox Opera before starting Another Man’s Woman (another belter of a song!)

[@jfergs.3302]

43 years! maybe it's time to call the search off.

[@cornellrosiu8818]

Life's an adventure, watch it unfold, don't call off the search... kzbin.info/www/bejne/eWWbmXxvhsdlp5Y

[@leoscone4036]

I think one thing Steely Dan and Supertramp have in common is their incredible finesse in the studio.

[@keymack2477]

Thanks for the reaction Justin! I look forward to your reactions on the rest of the LP, especially "Two of Us"! Don't forget that for Halloween it would be fun to react to "Werewolf" by The Five Man Electrical Band!!!

[@JustJP]

🐺

[@jamespaivapaiva4460]

What? Ain't Nobody But Me, enjoy the taste of calamari? Must I get on my Soapbox and sing an octopi Opera? Nobody eats squid for Breakfast In America, but in the U.K. or Japan, the tentacles are in the pan. And of seafood and music, I'm a huge fan! Peace.

[@scifimonkey3]

Quick click for this one……..fabulous track!

[@bigjapi1]

There are many other jewels to discover from Supertramp, keep going Justin! Paris live album was for them as Seconds Out was for Genesis, a megamasterpiece. I hope that one day you will open a parallel channel called JustinJP live! to review many epic&historic live albums.

[@torbjornmelin5089]

Next song on the album soon please!! Too long wait...😅😉

[@greenbluemonkey]

One of my favourite Supertramp songs. And albums. Its an album with more anger, emotion, and cynicism that other albums I think. Less metaphorical. Its not about some construct in "Rudy", the songs are more about their own real life personal battles, being out on the road so much, away from their wives, and what that does to relationships.

[@drcarp7377]

Great track. And so very relevant even today.

[@-davidolivares]

A coworker who at the time and still may be, had only seen the first episode, said “ it’s like an exaggeration “, I replied, “Is it through?” Nuff said. Today’s song is fine, not particularly pulling me in to listening again but, it was fine. I prefer Roger’s voice and I only heard Rick once, which is acceptable. Peace and fine Music

[@twelvemonkeys8786]

What a great song. Never heard it. Will be my neighbours favorite song also lol.. Get back to Utopia 👍

[@JustJP]

Lol!

[@timwhitnell7145]

Father Washington collecting sinners in an old tin cup; Sister Washington collecting teardrops in a paper cup. The lyrics gives me the vibe of The Beatles' Eleanor Rigby. So many people compare Supertramp to Steely Dan. I know it's meant as a big compliment but in listening to Supertramp, my favourite band of all time, for almost 50 years I don't get it. The only thing I think Supertramp and Steely Dan share is superior production value.

[@keithjones6023]

I love both Supertramp and Steely Dan, two of the best bands ever. I've listened to both bands for nearly 50 years now, and in all that time I've never thought there was any similarity between the two bands.

[@michaelbaucom4019]

Other than extensive use of the saxophone, and excellent production/engineering, not much similarity between Supertramp and Steely Dan. Well, one more similarity...both exemplify intelligence, in music and lyrics

[@timwhitnell7145]

@@michaelbaucom4019 I certainly will agree with that.

[@mauriceforget7869]

I suggest a little game for you young jp. (an everybody else), take a photo of your face, print and paste it on a piece of paper, cut it out and glue it on the image replacing the model's face by your own. And keep watching yourself in the scenery.

[@stevious7278]

This album was released when I was in my formative years, and it, along with Crime were a huge influence on me. Combine with Pink Floyd, throw in a lot of "substances", simmer for a couple of years and you have to a large extent the man who sits here typing 60 years later. I think it was a good recipe :-) peace

[@michaelbaucom4019]

A superb, lush arrangement. The usual great musicianship/production. Lyrically, a rebuke of organized religion. But the best song on this album follows this song, " Another Man's Woman "

[@kevdarby9460]

A quiet suggestion for Crowded House-'Don't dream it's over' I wouldn't steer you wrong:)

[@billjones8503]

I had misgivings to this song tbh. I guess cus was/am a Christian, & a Catholic made me feel that way. Is still a great searching spiritual song of questioning, so is valid in its scope.

[@Original_Lurke_fromthe_Unknown]

I really love this track although it’s under 5 minutes it rolls through a land scape of sounds. Unreal awesome. Now I’m hearing a bit of Elton John “Bennie and the Jets” similarly. I stick with my original comment for you Justin: MASTERPIECE!! In under 5 minutes.

[@cometogether999]

Another great Supertramp track. How was the musical gig the other day?

[@michaelbochnia5686]

Still think you really need to try Toto's first album. Girl Goodbye will totally surprise you. Great vocal, rocks hard with a great drum track and believe it or not one of the great screams that would make Roger Daltrey of the who take notice. The first album of theirs is full of great music.

[@broadsword6650]

Forget Squid Game. “Only Murders In The Building” is the show.

[@Divedown_25]

Haven’t even started to think of watching Squid but guess I will learn about it just because everyone talks about it. Like GoT, didn’t see any GoT. I bought season 1-6 of GoT on DVD at Costco and all books. Haven’t seen a second yet. Only like two minutes from two trailers but even by all talking about it and all writing you basically know the story

[@daveking9393]

No squid for me...

[@sourisvoleur4854]

The textures of this song are so varied. It's very "chewy" in that sense. He's looking for something and not finding it. What is he to do?

[@billdemudd6697]

1 view and 6 likes... the sort of youtube magic i like lol

[@-davidolivares]

I like first, then listen. Don’t want to forget.

[@billdemudd6697]

@@-davidolivares good stuff me too

[@BaldJean]

We have a special surprise for you, Justin. We know you love "Man-Erg" by Van der Graaf Generator. Well, here is a video of Peter Hammill and Hugh Banton performing "Man-Erg" live at the Savoy Theatre in Helsinki yesterday, Oct 24th. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l6CclZikbth1mJI Have fun watching it!

[@JustJP]

Chillingly great! Would've loved to be present! Ty :)

[@vdggmouse9512]

Sad to say but aside from 'Crime Of The Century' Supertramp's other albums upon re-review keep slipping in their relevance and their quality - which I once thought was pretty up there - seems to be diminishing over these later years. There was a time when I enjoyed 'Crisis' as a whole - but not so much anymore. Perhaps just a current trend - but the only album that holds up is 'Crime' (in my current mode of thinking). I think the problem may be that I mainly hear not only Supertramp songs but most artists songs via these reaction videos and by doing so I'm sabotaging myself and my own pleasure by not evaluating each artist for what their original intent was - to make great albums. I might have to seek out reactors who evaluate artists by album listening rather than this one song at a time approach. I'm beginning to lose context. I'm sure I can pick and choose a few good songs - but as a whole - Supertramp doesn't excite me anymore. This song - taken in isolation - and not in album context which I don't like to do - offers little to me. It's OK - but does it scream to me - 'hear me again'? Not so much. For proper review I should listen to this album again as it has been a very long time and maybe an entire album listen would elevate my current appraisal that I overrated Supertramp on the strength of the greatness of only one album.

[@a.k.1740]

I'm with you on this one ! I can say I am one of those admirers of Crisis? What Crisis? taken as a whole, but on its own "A Soapbox Opera" doesn't really resonate with me. it's not a bad track but a bit bland from my point of view. Which begs the question: can we really judge a song by itself or in the context of an album ? I don't think I have the answer because a song can stand on its own very well but not fit in with other tracks on an album and conversely, an insignificant piece taken in isolation can shine in the context of an album.

[@eddhardy1054]

Everyone's entitled to an opinion and opinions are a very personal thing. Having said that I disagree with everything you've just said. Supertramp are still, after 40+ years one of my favourite Prog Rock bands...and I also love Van Der Graaf Generator so go figure 😀

[@kayew5492]

Can't agree with you sorry. I first heard this album in the 70s and still love it.

[@markmaxwell1013]

Same with me. There are some bands I loved and saw in the 70s and recall great memories because of them but can't pretend to love anymore. Don't dislike them but they just don't seem fresh to me anymore. Kansas would be another one. The bands that still seem fresh to me are ELP, Tull, PRE POP Genesis, Gentle Giant, KC and of course VdGG/PH among many others. I have discovered so many previously unknown to me artists since then and have only so much time to listen and some artists have to fall by the wayside. The more you know, the more you know you don't know of music I guess. Peace and PH

[@markmaxwell1013]

@@eddhardy1054 I agree that music is personal and subjective based on our own experience and we can only voice our own opinions. Always nice to find other VdGG fans and opinions✌️

[@jfergs.3302]

PS. Re Squid Game, yes, watched it, and mostly enjoyed it. Good premise, great production values, and well shot. Acting-wise, a mixed bag. could vary from wonderful to laughably overacted. Finale, a little disappointing I felt. Our heroes reaction a little strange, and seemed definitely written with more series in mind rather than a stand alone, one great story. Would i say 'must see tv', no. More well worth a watch if you've the time. I will watch S2 when out though, see where it goes next :)

[@JustJP]

How hilarious were the Americans voice acting😅

[@markspooner1224]

A good track, Hodgson has always had a thing with questioning religion and meaning.

[@-davidolivares]

Father Washington could be a linking up of church and state but not hearing good book lessons from government or a contradictory governmental influence on sermons. Who knows?

[@markspooner1224]

@@-davidolivares Father Ebeneezer is not without blame (allegedly).

[@-davidolivares]

@@markspooner1224 Nothing on paper… no evidence.

[@markspooner1224]

@@-davidolivares It'll all come out when he's 85.

[@Lwize]

JP hyping squid game? I am disappoint.

[@mauriceforget7869]

Stop, for a moment just look at the cover. It was 1975 and we all knew we where in crisis. Now we are in crisis but all we are doing in 2021 is to reach out some 50 years in the past to reflect at what wasn't done when we had to act. Living in the past?

[@georgedavis-stewart4225]

Hmm...

[@barriehull7076]

Never will see Squid game. Not a video gamer. Do have a PS1 and PCs, laps etc.

[@linusfotograf]

It’s nothing to do with video games

[@vinsgraphics]

Squid Game was alright, the ending fell flat IMO.

[@JustJP]

Agreed

[@jfergs.3302]

Right, before i'm stomped for being negative, please read the wiki page for this album, it's illuminating. In a nutshell, on the back of the huge success of 'Crime' the record company strong armed them into getting another disc out pronto. Thing was, coming off a major tour they had almost no new material, just castoffs from 'crime', stuff not thought good enough. Hence, this was cobbled together, rushed, and the end product, even the band largely hated. Now, yes, one has since said they've changed their mind and it'a a fave, but is it? All i'm saying, i found this bland, uninspired, and uninteresting. But having read wiki after hearing this, at least now i know why.

[@mda037]

If this song were on Crime of the Century .. it would easily be the worst song on the album. Crisis .. has its great moments but I don't get why this is considered a great song. It is very blah to me.

[@keithjones6023]

A bit harsh! 🤔 For me it's as good as most of the songs on Crime. The only exceptions would be Rudy and School.