"When The River Runs Dry" is a musical masterpiece by them

They are certainly the original writers and performers of this song.

Most Australian bands sound better live. Especially from the 80's. They were used to playing in pubs in front of drunk patrons where they had to be good or they would get abuse thrown at them! 80's Australian pub rock scene was brilliant and very diverse.

Pls watch the DAAS version. It's incredible.

You should take a listen to an Aussie band called 1927, they were awesome, lead singer Eric Weidemann had a magnificent voice and they wrote some beautiful songs

An Australian classic that will bring Australian men to tears as they sing along at the end of a night drinking.

Are you kidding, Great Voice. Maybe one reason is that it is natural, honest, real, not perfect and not overproduced.

You have to imagine it’s the late 80’s, you’re pissed, listening to it with your friends in a pub,singing it together - swaying as you hold on to eachother 😊

From Wikipedia: “In 1990, a slower, more acoustically introspective version of the single was recorded and released from their compilation album Collected Works. The promotional video was a mosaic of all their previous videos.”

In Australia, this blokes are freaking legend. If you don’t know what this song is about it’s one of the best songs about when you leave somebody.

The DAAS version with Paul McDermott’s incredible voice is better. Note to self, I need to request it on Patreon.

I remember seeing H&C live, free, with Hoodoo Gurus in the Melbourne City Square, back in the day. Oh the memories.

DAAS, The Doug Anthony Allstars,(you reacted to their I Heard it on the Grapevine, recently) in my opinion, have the best versions.

True Aussie anthem. This is the beautiful one by the original band and there are many stunning covers also.

This song was originally released by Hunters and Collectors in 1984

This song has always hit me deep.

This is Mark Seymour that you heard live - when H&C were younger, when they were an amazing pub rock band - when they first released this song. Everyone since in Australia has sung this song standing at a farewell, or a Graduation, arms around their friends, tears in their eyes. Since then Mark has gone on to become one of the greatest storyteller songwriters, touring singers - his voice has just gotten better and better, more emotive and incredible to watch. Like Paul Kelly, he writes songs that are modern Australian poetry. Castlemaine, Westgate, Back in the Hole and of course, When the River Runs Dry - musically brilliant. All he needs is himself and a guitar and his songs now.

I can see what you're saying, I love the song and am used to hearing it this way! Like you said the song itself is lovely. Missy Higgins, who you've reacted to before, does a beautiful live version that you should check out. It's on one of her albums when she covered it during a concert of hers. Love your reactions btw especially to our beloved John Farnham! 😁 ❤️

Love HC but you should have done Pauls version - ooh dat voice!

His brother is the Bass player in Crowded House 🏠

Paul Mcdermott from Comedy group DAAS does a great version of this song.

Absolute classic Aussie song, loved it from the first time I heard it ❤, but great truthful reaction Nick 👍 also think the love for this song comes down to memories of wh as t we were doing when we heard it the first time🥰, I hear it a lot at funerals these days, but beautiful song all the same

see also Hunters "True Tears Of Joy"

Doug Anthony All Stars also did a great version of this. They were renowned for their comedy but their singing talent was also incredible. Check them out in "Jack" or "Broad Lic Nic"

Saw Eddie vedder do this at Eastern Creek many years ago to keep the crowd happy. Brilliant.

The trumpet player is now my accountant. That deep percussion knocking sound is a hot water drum.

Hunters were always awesome live. That 1990 clip was not representative of Mark's voice normal style.

Pearl Jam regularly cover this song in concerts

The live version of this song is twice as good.

AFL Grand Final and I agree he sounds way better live! I love this song so much I really wish it was requested live! The lyrics can bring me to tears

Underrated as a songwriter but arguably third behind Nick Cave and Paul Kelly as far as "modern talent" is concerned. I can't knock the song choice, but they chose the wrong version. Yes the DAAS version is great, but where's the Selina's @ Coogee Bay Hotel version? Final number of their final concert and it's just sublime.

DAAS cover of this song is excellent.

Hunters and Collectors were never meant to be a mainstream band.. they were more alternate, Indy types, but the mainstream eventually came to them because of their unique musical output. I saw “Say Goodbye” on Rage one night and have been a follower ever since. “When the River runs dry” is another one of their standouts.

Hunters and collectors and Mark Seymore are different. One is him solo and the other is his rock band. Australian Rock isnt about structure and perfect voices. Infact we hate that stuff. I out Mark in the same catagory as Neil Young. Imperfectly perfet voice. I dunno maybe Wreckless by Australian Crawl is more your thing. But most Aussie rock has an aussie accent. Very little classical or gospel training in vocals and alot more soul. Our rock definitely focuses more on lyrics and the overall musical vibe

The singers brother is the bass player for crowded house

This is more or less the unplugged version from 1990. You want the original album version from 1986. Human Frailty was the album. Another great track from that album is This Morning.

he has an Australian pub rock folk sound.

Holy Grail

This was my baby mamma's song in 1998.

I requested a live version of this song (back in Feb) as u think it sounds so much better. Great song & great fun to sing along even you hear it live 😊

Mark Seymours ACCOUSTIC version is best. Live at the Chapel.

I prefer this version as it was what I heard first and because it has special meaning for me, as it does for many people and I think it is one of the best Australian songs ever. I think you get more feeling for it if you get yourself in that headspace.

all Aussie bands started live in pubs, and as such they are better live than recorded. very few can translate that live vibe onto a studio Album

Under One Roof has the best versions of their songs live. They are so much better live

I still like “Say Goodbye” by Hunters & Collectors

Mark Seymour sounds great live but i also like the recorded version. He's also the brother of Nick Seymour who is in Crowded House, who have covered this song too.

They're awesome. I prefer When the River Runs Dry and Holy Grail but they've got at least a half dozen songs technically as good or better than this. But let's be honest it's a bit of a tear jerker which is always good.

The bored attitude matches the lyrics. It’s a ballad about finding beauty in a meaningless one night stand. But yes most covers/ other versions bring emotion to it which makes it a better listen. The DAAS one is spectacular.

Yes- you reacted previously to hunters and collectors AFL grand final performance

This is Awesome live. 🎼🎵

To be fair mate, you're spot on about the lack of emotion in the music video performance. After so many years of seeing Mark Seymore perform this live, he's absolutely lacking in this performance comparatively. I love the way you're so onto it bro. even the subtleties, you pick em up bro. Noice.

You’re right re marl\k’s voice. He started running marathons and his voice got Waaaaay better. Simply an amazing band live.

The late 70s to early 90s were an absolute golden time for both Australian pop groups and pub rock bands. Between AC/DC, INXS, Farnham. H&C, Pseudo Echo, 1927, Icehouse... I could go on and on for hours. I was fortunate to be a teenager during this time (1971 drop here). I was listening to this just last night and was wondering how you'd react--but didn't think it was a good representation of H&Cs. They're less ballad, more rock. If you get a chance in your own time, check out 1927's If I Could and Icehouse's Iva Davies--he's 70 now and like Farnham can still belt out a tune with a range like you wouldn't believe.

They did 2 versions of this. The 1986 version is a classic and I'm not sure why they did another one.

on another note Mark Seymour's Brother Nick is still in Crowded house .

So funny you were 2 and I was 22, he sounds different on different songs. Mark hated Recording or going on shows where could not play 100% live and pretend to play parts. They are amazeballs live rocked out to them many times. Have noticed when you 1st hear our storyteller singers you say not a fan of their voice, I think it is the Aussie Accent that makes it harder for you to feel it, have noticed once you hear them few times your brain adapts to accent and you end up loving them, Paul Kelly is perfect example.

Hunters and Collectors grassroots band and you are absolutely correct they were fabulous live saw them several times. The thing about them was that their songs were accessible to their audiences their concerts were often in pubs so smaller intimate performances and everyone would sing along. It was really the songs themselves beautiful lyrics and they were fine musicians too. But I agree his voice was an aquired taste and this actual video does not convey the emotion he used to sing it when I saw him perform this song live.

Dude, appreciate your honesty. I love hunters and I feel that version wasn't that good. Keep it real. That's why we watch. Cheers.

Always said Mark Seymour had a crap voice BUT put him in front of Hunters and Collectors in a pub and it just worked.

Seriously you did a DAAS song. Do their version of this!

Hi .. I totally get what you’re saying… sometimes artists are better LIVE….. Mark Seymour is the Lead Singer, ( Music Fact) Mark’s brother Nick is Bass Player and Long Term member of Crowded House… ie The Hunters and Collectors Live you reacted to was AFL Grand Final Day ( Australian Rules Football) equivalent to Your Super Bowl…. Melbourne Cricket Ground….100k people attend…👍🇦🇺.

I don't think Hunter's ever did a cover,all original material...but don't quote me on that 😉🤫

You can always look for Live Under One Roof version it’s great

Yep he’s a 100% better live. Seen Mark play solo on his guitar a dozen times because he’s one of hubby’s faves. Live entertainment is a different frequency, that’s why it’s always better.

Check out The Civil Wars. They did a song for one of the Hunger Games movies. They are incredible!!

Oh yeah, it was "over produced". That's what you're hearing. I remember this issue in the music industry at the time. Pub rock bands with talent would go into the studio and the resulting recording often fell well short of the live experience. If I recall correctly, there was a push to get all the talent to be accepted in the larger international market and for some reason this caused all the "rough edges" to be erased. I remember the reviews often blamed the record producers for making great live bands sound bland in the studio but it might also have been a technology issue.

The 1990 version was the slower version released, before hand it was a faster pub rock song. I love Mark Seymour and the 1990 version is my fav.

Should hear Paul McDermotts version, makes me weep

You reacted to the lead singer Mark Seymour sing this before.

This is still not the best version of this song, it's the slow lazy version, not the original (that's probably the 1984/86 version you heard of). Mark Seymour's voice sounds totally different because he was young in this version, in the live version he's in his 50s and probably got at least 30 years smoking behind him so his voice has changed. You've gotta listen to the original because the end section has about 4 or 5 different harmonies (part of why it's a pub song) and it's much more emotional. Edit: yep it's the 1986 version that everyone knows and loves!

Yeh yeh you saw this played live at a grand final (AFL I think) ! I do like them live too.

If Mark seems familiar his brother nick is the guitarist in crowded house. They are better live but like all other comments try listerning to daas version

This is a hard song to sing but I think he is singing very flat in this version. The original is the best but still sung quite flat.

Have you heard of Midnight Oil?

The one night stand song!

They sing it way better live

I do like his voice, especially in Talking to a Stranger. I saw them live in the 80s & the energy was great & they sounded really good. I prefer a real reaction over those fake ones…you can always tell they didn’t think much of it & are only placating the audience. I find that disappointing.

i agree with you a live performance sounds better this version sounds numb and 99% you are spot on with your reactions

Yes .. more hunters MORE I SAY>

All bands sound better live. Maybe because we were drinking. Aussie bands had it tough they had to travel all around Australia, then UK, Europe and then if they made it in the US. If they made it in the US. Which many didn’t still meant don’t to this day don’t make it.

Say goodbye, you don’t make me feel like a woman anymore!

Hunters & Collectors started out in the early 80s very experimental like in the style and song structure , lead singer Mark Seymour was probably the best singer songwriters that sings a little off key and still sound good . This song was their first mainstream hit that had more commercial success.

Have you heard of the Hu they were stuck in Australia during a tout wiyh covid

Hunters and Mark Seymour are better live. They/he is my fav aussie band/artist. For me it's the story he is able to tell with his lyrics. Similarly to Paul Kelly etc

Pearl Jam covered it too

Our band supported hunters in a pub in Melbourne and as I was trying to get trew the crowd on the dance floor to go back stage becouse l was a roadie l got stuck in the mosh pit and everyone was bouncing all into me ..l was like a pin ball bouncing trew the crowd ..l didn't know what was happening ..lol... yeah a weak vocalist but the people could sing along to the story most songs were more up beat punk rock heavy bass n drums ..

I love this song but have to admit this version sounds a little flat.

I think you are right here mate... this is very flat and lacking zest. Much better live and without being overproduced by producers working for the label!

Are any of these the PayPal requests from the live stream that got copyright struck yesterday?

I didn’t send you this version when I requested it because both you and I prefer live versions. This is an ok recording, but Mark Seymour has a much better vocal presence live. Unfortunately most of the live versions of Mark singing this song, with or without H&G, are really badly recorded! I stand by the one I sent you as the best live version with Mark singing. And yes it is Mark Seymour’s original song. As you have noticed, the song has ‘legs’.

kzfaq.info/get/bejne/gJZge6ynyMXacXk.html that's the version you need to do. It's jazzed up a bit.. and maybe there was a different singer then. But someone did mention they did a slower instrumental version in 1990..maybe that's it

I have never been much of a fan of Seymour's voice. He always sounds like he has a blocked nose and instead sings from the back of his throat. BUT I love this song. This version in particular, with the simple, tribal beat, sounds much better than the mainstream version.

Good song, but it doesn't sound like the version I remember.

He sings flat. That's him. But I think it represents a time. It's the nostalgia for people. He was never considered a great singer.

You're right. He sings flat. His pitch is awful frankly. But it appeals to Australian Punters who sing along like they are singing over drunk mates at a bar. So you need to review Hunters live. I helped Jack Howard (trumpeter) publish his biography a year or so back. I went through school with him. Book is full of great stories. Will send you a copy. Here is a better indication of what the song becomes live with a room of drunk punters. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/grBkf8WfxNqZlJ8.html

He has always sung off key, live or recorded

Love their songs, but there's no getting around the fact Mark Seymour isn't the greatest vocalist.

The 1986 version is better.

I doubt you’ll read this but can I just offer 2 personal criticisms I have watching your “first reaction” clips..? I) People click on their favourite songs to listen to the song itself & for your opinions as well. But it’s constantly frustrating when we’re getting into the groove of the song & you constantly pause the clip to make a comment. This kills the vibe of the song, especially when it’s mid-chorus or midway through the highlight of the song. Maybe play the song twice? Once without interrupting so viewers can enjoy the experience then the 2nd time you can pause and comment your observations & opinions. II) I understand the novelty of making a “first reaction” to a song you’ve never heard before. But maybe you can do a quick google/wiki search first about the band or artist so at least you’re a little more knowledgeable about what you’re about to listen to. Not knowing that DAAS is actually an acronym or appearing confused when Don Walker is singing when Jimmy Barnes is the lead singer is a tad frustrating listening to you being confused. Maybe also look up the lyrics & possible meaning behind the songs so at least you’ll sound more knowledgeable with your comments.

Hes the only singer l knew for hunters . I was asked to do sound for hunters but had other commitments and like you Mr singer reaction..l don't really like them...not my style of vocalist.