HELLO EVERYONE! My goal for RUSHMAS is to reach 30k Subs I am REALLY CLOSE! So if you aren’t subscribed if you could that would be very fun and nice and if you ARE you can comment share and do all the things you are already doing. Appreciate you all more than words can express! Merry RUSHMAS!
Those transitions in the song are meant to represent changing a radio dial and ending up on different stations playing different genres of music (e.g. reggae).
It contains a HISTORIC "REMINDER" ... of PIRATE RADIO ... which todays KIDS have no clue about, but in the 80s and before all the radio frequencies were distributed (speak: REGULATED) by THE GOVERNMENT, so - since Britain is an island - some entrepreneur started playing radio from aboard a modified ship ... outside the 3-mile zone ... in international waters. This broke up the STUFFY radio programming and allowed more "alternative" music to be played.
The animation is interesting by the way they drop little bits of some of their other albums in there. This song was from Permanent Waves, but at one point they show some guys carrying boxes, reminiscent of Moving Pictures. During Alex's solo, you see "21.12" on the neck of his guitar [2112]. Near the end, where the foot pedal cabinet expands out, you see a star [2112 again], an owl in flight [Fly By Night], some bolts [Counterparts], and when you see the radio break apart, you see some toy pieces [Different Stages (Live)], and an inuksuk (a native stone figure) [Test For Echo]. And of course, at the end, you see the tribute to Neil.
What makes Rush Rush? They're virtuosos, they're nerds, and they're not afraid to admit it. They toured extensively supporting KISS in the 70s, and KISS would have the groupies and the nightly parties while Rush just went back to the hotel and read. They certainly enjoyed their vices, but were more introverted in how they went about them. Their drummer, Neil Peart, is often considered the best rock drummer of all time. Geddy Lee, the singer, is mentioned among the best bass players of all time (and he does it live while also playing keys - sometimes with foot pedals). Alex Lifeson is a really good and unique guitar player, and probably gets too little respect because of how good Peart and Lee are around him. They wrote progressive music, I mean stuff music nerds love to this day. They never had a song reach the top 20, so popular radio play was limited. Yet they managed to have several Top 5 Billboard albums, and either started or influenced the emergence of a new genre: Prog Metal.
To point out just one of the many callbacks in a great video: @4:40 the DJ shown is Donna Halper of WMMS Cleveland, who gave Rush their very first airplay in the USA. The album she’s holding is Rush’s self-released debut LP. Her playing of the song “Working Man” on her show got a HUGE reaction in Cleveland, and quickly led to the band being signed by Mercury Records. The rest, as they say, is history.🎶
The whole video is a callback. Points in time for the band and for radio itself . E.G. .pirate radio in England . Neil learning songs to the radio.driving the red Barchetta. All the DJ’s who played their songs who advanced their career. Radio made bands before the internet “The words of the prophets were written on the studio walls Concert hall” “The echos with the sound of salesman “ The love of making music with your band mates and the hate of the “buisiness” of music
Of salesmen! I love the concept of this video, of how the DJ's back then would just play a song because they liked it and have it spread like wildfire. All real DJ's, too. As many times as I've watched the video, that final shot still chokes me up a bit. I would recommend The Pass, or Roll The Bones, or Witch Hunt, or... well, anything really. It's all beautiful.
So happy you are doing Rushmas! They are the quintessential deep dive band! So many things I could say to characterize their music, but for one example, I will say that the balance in their parts and how they integrate with each other is one hallmark since they are all equally masterful at their instruments. Often the thru line or ‘melody’ is passed between them in a seamless way that is so artfully done, you might not notice without repeat listens. Many Rush fans say you need to listen to each song at least four times, focusing on each part individually to recognize what is great about it and then trying to take in the whole.
I love Rushmas, my favorite holiday! Check out “The Garden”, from their final album, Clockwork Angels. Though not recorded last, it is the last song on the last album, making it “the last Rush song”. And it’s absolutely. Fucking. Perfect. Have a great holiday!
Seconding (or thirding?) the rec for "Xanadu" from the Montreal show of the 1981 _Exit... Stage Left_ tour, from the StickHits channel. A theatre kid should love it. th-cam.com/video/2byjJkN_nVY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=4UDc2Xf1vUKqwFd7
What makes Rush so unique was their openness to experimenting with their sound throughout their careers. They always pushed themselves to be better. The wrote music that was very full sounding for just a three piece band and merged that with insightful real life lyrics. Lastly,as you hear more of their music , you’ll notice they change the tempo within a song often and yet it is done very seamless without being jarring to the listener.
Most excellent! ❤ You started with my all-time favorite 😍 Of course, that's not saying much (lol) as easily half of their music could be my favorite. Rushmas is gonna be great! 🤘😛
that ending took them into a reggae grove, and the words were inspired (in that part) by "The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel . S&G's vocals were: "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls" Neil changed them to be "For the words of the profits were written on the studio walls, concert halls"
Did ya catch the part where Neil was driving the Red Barchetta??? I grew in Toronto during this time and it warms my heart to see you so excited when discovering this hometown treasure of mine!! (Yes, they are mine, I own RUSH lol 😉)
"In 1974 after the release of Rush's debut, self-titled album, Donna Halper, a DJ at the Cleveland rock station WMMS-FM, was credited with playing the very first on-air Rush song in the United States. The song: Working Man. The rest: is history." To this day you hear rush played all over the city.
The dedication at the end of the video to Neil Peart. Neil was the band's drummer for a majority of the band's existence & succumbed to cancer in Jan. of 2020.
Here's a great Rushmas present for you, as many others will also attest: Xanadu from 1981 Exit Stage Left (Live). I've listened to this album over and over since mid 80's, yet when I finally saw Xanadu, live in concert on youtube, only just this year, I was blown away. I find myself looking for every reaction videos of it out there. You'll get a lot of requests for this song at the same concert. It's just amazing at what these 3 musicians are able to do live. Especially Geddy, not only on vocals and bass, but keys, sometimes all 3 at once (assisted by HIS FEET). All the percussion Neil manages in this creates such a perfect ambiance for the theme of song. You won't be disappointed.
Great reaction!!! Rush is absolutely the best 3-piece band ever (quite frankly top five best band ever). Pure musicianship and artistry in each of them and their instruments along with the pure chemistry between them. I would suggest the songs below to add to your Rush list for reactions. All of these are absolutely fire!!! - La Villa Strangiato - Live in Cleveland from 2011 Time Machine Tour (Instrumental - custom "carnival" intro) - original was 1978. Pure musicianship!!! - Working Man... Live in Cleveland from 2011 Time Machine Tour (original studio version was in 1974)...The pure sight and performance of three men in their upper 50's take control of the stage and perform and play like they were in their 20's. - Xanadu...Live version 1981 Exit Stage Left tour...will leave you speechless from pure musicianship...original was 1977. - YYZ…live from Rio in 2002…original was 1981 - Best Intro Ever - Live version (R30 tour 2004) - various riffs from their 1970's songs leading into Spirit of Radio - original was 1980 - Closer to the Heart (Live 1998 Different Stages) - original was 1977 - The Garden (Clockwork Angels tour live) - original was 2012 - Subdivisions...studio version or live version - original was 1982 - Freewill... Live from Snakes and Arrows Tour 2007 - original was 1980 - Fly by Night - original was 1975 - Leave that Thing Alone - Live in Cleveland from 2011 Time Machine Tour (Instrumental) - original was 1993 - Malignant Narcissism and Drum Solo - Live 2008 Snakes and Arrows Tour - original was 2007 - Also...Neil Peart's Drum Solo Live from Frankfurt 2004. He was The Professor...a pure musician and percussionist...not just a "drummer". Be ready to be amazed by not just his hand coordination...but most of all his foot coordination...basically his feet being completely individual in timing from his hands during segments of this performance. He was the master of this technique.
Charis, that was an actual studio the 'Tom Sawyer' and 'Limelight' clips were filmed at, during the recording sessions for the 'Moving Pictures' album, and it was even called 'Le Studio' 😀 Have a wonderful pre-Christmas time, and thank you for Rushmas! 😊
@@CharisSellick - Yes, it did also have accommodation for the artists working there 🙂 Sadly, it got ruined by a fire some years ago. Alex and Geddy were given a guitar and a bass made from the wood of the entrance door, which is kinda cool 😀 Greetings from NZ, where it's the beginning of Summer! 😊🙌☀️
@GunsmithSid - I actually had to think of April Wine while typing my comment, too! 😀 I love their 'Harder, Faster' album in particular 😊👍 And of course, it's very sad that their singer/guitarist Myles Goodwyn had passed away this week 😞
Merry Rushmas!! 🎄🎵 I really dig your Rush reactions! Try not to get too caught up in the masses thoughts on how you should be doing this or that with "their" band. You've been honest and respectful, so I personally can't wait to get more Rush from your channel!! Thanks!!
I saw RUSH live 6 times from late 1974 & the last time around 1982. They pushed themselves to do more & more, adding new instruments & sounds, rather than adding another band member! They did this until the 2012, & also during the 2015 tour, when in grandiose fashion they added a small string ensemble to their stage show! Spectacular to say the least. The Garden live from either of these tours is great. Xanadu from the 1981 live show is also a great song to react to!
In part Rush are having a go at the music industry :"for the words of the were written on the and echo to the sound of ". Simon & Garfunkel's original lyrics: "words of the prophets were written on the subway walls". Very clever but no doubt you guessed Rush is like an onion you peel off 1 layer then you find yet a further hidden message, no wonder some students have based their Phd thesis on the group
This song was my 'alarm clock' tone every morning for many years but I let it go.. The reason is the friend who introduced me to Rush by singing every word of their album "Grace Under Pressure" to me, tragically died in a car accident. I still love the song but it wrenches my heart.
'The spirit of radio' was actually the first time Rush had a commercial radio hit in 1980 and also marked a turning point for the band musically from the album 'Permanent waves'... Rush had spent the 70's making challenging progressive rock music... They actually owed their career to radio - a station in Cleveland, Ohio got a copy of the first Rush album in 1974 and put the song 'Working man' on the air (Rush was still a local band in Toronto, Canada) and she was given a shout out in the music video here... The song generated sales of the first Rush album and got them signed to Chicago-based label Mercury Records... But it wasn't until their 4th album '2112' in 1976 when Rush finally took off - they didn't get on radio much because their songs were often too long, but they built a huge fanbase from their live shows and their exceptional records. By 1978, Rush was burning out on touring and making challenging records... Geddy Lee recently admitted to drug use and were admittedly fried as a result. The band made a decision that they would not push themselves that hard anymore. They wanted to have fun again and make music that was not as demanding...maybe not tour as extensively as well cos they had families by then. Neil Peart (drums) said that he became a huge fan of the late 70's 'new wave' bands like The Police, The Cars, Blondie, Talking Heads, etc... and they wanted to incorporate those influences into Rush.... They changed their sound & image overnight and went for a 'modern' sound & casual look on 'Permanent waves' in 1980 and scored radio hits that year w/ 'The Spirit of radio' ... and 'Freewill'... and the album sold platinum (It had some longer songs, but it was very different from the 1978 album 'Hemispheres') and set the stage for the huge success of their 1981 album 'Moving pictures'. In 1982, Geddy Lee saw the new synthesizers being used by British pop bands and wanted to use them in the 80's... Rush proceeded w/ their 'keyboard-heavy years' in the 80's w/ the 'Signals' album in 1982 and found platinum success w/ singles like - 'Subdivisions' ... 'The analog kid'... 🤘🤘🔥🔥 But it was a way different Rush from the one in the 70's.
Rush has often been called a 3 piece orchestra -- such a full and complete sound every time. Rush never took their fans for granted, did not take themselves too seriously, created pieces with intellect and meaning as well as sounding unique and original and complex, and most of all they were always best of friends and even family with each other. And still are.
I’m 52 years old and have been a rabid Rush fan since I was 13 years old. They’re absolutely my favorite band ever and I can’t tell you how happy your reaction made me. I’m subscribing
That is the way I have always seen it. I just now googled up a picture of a Barchetta and one of the older ones looks very much like what you see in the video.
Although the video is relatively new, the song was on their Permanent Waves album, released in 1979. The cartoons of them individually are mostly from how they looked in that time period.
A tip of the hat for that notion of reactors being today's DJ's :) I think I actually agree! We get to know the reactors we like and 'tune in' to hear them talk about songs we already love ... or maybe have them get us to listen to something we otherwise wouldn't.
I subbed, as anyone that is willing to do a Rushmas deserves support. I would suggest you dig deep and go back to the first album for Working Man. Very much more a blues type song before Neil joined and got them more cerebral. I have loved these guys since seeing them at my high school while I was in grade 9 just after the first album released. If you wanna do a really long reaction listen to 2112 in full.
Here's a thought about RUSH lyrics. Drummer Neil Peart wrote most if not all of RUSH's lyrics. That would explain why the lyrics meld so well with the rest of the instruments in the band,
Be careful what you wish for, LOL. Rush has 40 years of music, to choose from. This is my favorite Rush album. Other songs from this album...Freewill, Jacob's Ladder, Different Strings and Natural Science. Those should help add some cheer, for Rushmas.
What makes RUSH, RUSH is a combination of things ... as Boomers, we all grew up during a time of real social upheaval, a president, JFK and his brother assassinated, Dr. Martin Luther King assassinated along with others, a sexual revolution, and other social phenomenon. It was living through all of this that helped create some of the best music every made. It was a confluence of different musical styles, jazz, soul, rock & roll, country, instrumentals all contributed to the 1960s through 1980s as a unique time for music. Another thing was people's appreciation of musicians who played instruments. Pretty much every Boomer had to learn some sort of instrument at some point, meaning we all learned to read music, so you had TON of kids coming out of high school with the ability to play instruments, have learned something about music theory and/or composition, and lastly, forming a band or singing group was a kind right of passage for many kids! With Alex, Geddy and Neil, they are a product of that unique Boomer culture with Geddy's parents being Holocaust survivors, they immersed themselves in music and playing their instruments. All three are literal virtuosos of their instruments and had a unique way of music composition and lyricism.
You are in good company regarding how specific and precise Geddy is with his enunciation. It is a point that has been made several times by Eleizabeth Zharoff (The Charismatic Voice) in her Rush reactions.
For me, what makes Rush Rush is the fact that they were always focused on the music. It wasn't about stardom or personalities or image. They went where the music took them. They didn't talk much about their problems or conflicts (I believe Geddy said something like "We had the same problems as any other band, we just didn't talk about it.") because it wasn't about THEM as much as it was about the music.
The song was constructed to sound like it was on the radio no matter how you listened to it. The interludes in the middle that go from rock to reggae and back emulates when you hear two songs on two different stations at once and you can't decide which one to listen to, but you end up "choosing" rock. (Older car radios had these big buttons to press to go back and forth between stations) The guitar solo was recorded through a tiny amp with a little "crackle" so it would sound like an AM radio. The inspiration for the song was a radio station in Toronto, CFNY. Lots more history on that too! One of the things that makes Rush, well, Rush is the songcraft and the transitions. That's but one of very many :)
One of the things that makes Rush Rush is the fact they they've always had the limitation (by choice) of three members. This makes each of their parts critical to filling out the sound. For example, normally a band will have at least a rhythm guitar and lead guitar - Alex does both but not usually at the same time, so he doesn't muddy the overall sound (and he can replicate it live). Also Geddy's voice and his way of singing cuts through the music well and is definitely informed by the fact that he is a bass player. Geddy's bass playing, as with Neil's drumming, is never there to just keep time. Interesting rhythms are everywhere and the bass also helps to fill in for the lack of rhythm guitar, often during guitar solos. Also, always trying to do something different and interesting, even from the last verse or chorus, keeps the songs from becoming monotonous. Neil's thoughtful lyrics are another big part of their identity, with personal freedom and independence of thought being common themes.
In my case Happy Rushukkah. It's not just the transitions, follow the time signatures, 4/4, 3/4, 2/4 and 5/4 time signatures. Playing bass singing and playing a foot Taurus pedal mini moog all at the same time is insane and then mix in texture changes and time signature changes and transitional changes It is beyond insane. I can barely play bass and do backing vocals at the same time.... Rush is also known for their instrumental pieces, 9 minute instrumental masterpieces like La Villa Strangiato and shorter ones like YYZ and then if you really want to go down the rabbit hole they have 10 to 20 minute long songs like 2112 and Xanadu... Neil uses All sorts of percussion instruments from wood blocks to tubular bells and chimes and xylophones its insane
What makes Rush, Rush? My take as a seasoned fan: 1) They always explored ways to fill up the sonic space of the listening experience. They want their music to be visual, BUT: 2) At the same time, they maintained their roots in the era of 70s hard rock: catchy and intense guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and an overall edge to make the song an exhilirating experience. 3) They always explored ways to improve their instrumental abilities, BUT: 4) always in tasteful ways to work with each other and complement each other, and contribute to the overall message of the song 5) They always chose to write music less about certain emotions and more about conceptual, narrative, and topical issues, BUT: 6) Described in ways that are not only thoughtful but suggest a more profound emotional response from the listener as they work through the meaning of the song
The Drummer writes the lyrics, He was a huge book reader , In High School he considered him self an outsider not in the click , He wrote a song about not fitting in and the expectations of youth in his time and now , The song is called Subdivisions there is a video
"What makes Rush Rush." is sort of a complicated thing, because I feel like Rush have had probably 3 distinctive eras, sound-wise. From the late 60s to the early 80s, they had a more classic "rock" sound, they explored more electronic stuff throughout the 80s and 90s, and then they went into a progressive hard-rock sound for the final 20 years or so of their career.
not true. including their first album, which he was not part of the band, but not including ones in which he was only partly credited with: Before and After (Geddy and Alex) Best I Can (Geddy) Cinderella Man (Geddy) Different Strings (Geddy) Finding My Way (Geddy and Alex) Here Again (Geddy and Alex) In the End (Geddy) In the Mood (Geddy) Lessons (Alex) Need Some Love (Geddy) Take a Friend (Geddy and Alex) Tears (Geddy) What You're Doing (Geddy and Alex) Working Man (Geddy and Alex) So Most? yes, but not all.
Check out the trees , very underrated song...rush is an amazing band, I currently live in Neil's hometown of st catharines and I'm from Geddy's hometown of Toronto
So Geddy was asked about the hand gesture the other night at his book reading in Denver and he said he was just trying to get the audience to clap...lol!
Rush: Odd Time signatures pre-1980: - epic side long songs Philosophical Lyrics Highly composed soundtrack-esque music Virtuoso instrumentalists Geddy's voice
What about Rush makes them Rush? Daring themselves to experiment and grow as musicians, and daring the audience to learn and grow with them as the decades changed...
Nice thoughts! I think you'd love "The Trees" It's like one of those Brother's Grimm Fairy tales that has a bit of darkness under the surface. Kind of in your face actually. 🤭"By-Tor and the Snow" Dog" is delightfully nerdy. 🤓. I'll def sub for RUSHMAS. The "2112" apocalypse for NYE? I mean, it's fitting.
What makes Rush Rush? I appreciate your reactions, Charis! The three songs you have heard are among the most popular from the band. That being said, you have to go back further to understand the answer to your question. "A Farewell to Kings" and "Hemispheres" and "2112" are all phenomenal productions and, honestly, you can only really know Rush by listening the way we did, front to back. An arbitrary pick off of each album that would provide tons of new sounds and thoughts: Xanadu from Farewell, La Villa Strangiato from Hemispheres and 2112 off 2112 is simply THE epic production that a person might justifiably point to and say "this is what makes Rush Rush!"
Charis, Rush's mind-blowing songs La Villa Strangiato instrumental. 1978 Live Pink Pop festival, 🤯Natural Science Live 1997 Test for Echo tour. 🤘❤🔥One of Rush's sweetest and shortest songs is a MUST live Closer to the Heart. Rest in Peace Neil Ellwood Peart. Sept. 12th 1953-January 7th, 2020."The Professor" 🥁 Rush's Time Changes were effortless. "But Glittering Prizes and Endless Compromise Shatter the Illusion of Integrity" The Radio stations wanted Rush to write shorter more "Catchy" radio friendly tunes. Rush is known for writing some of the longest songs in history. 2112 20 minutes long. La Villa Strangiato 10 minutes long. Natural Science 10 minutes long. Cygnus X-1 Book Two 18 Minutes long.
Take three musicians, add creativity and pure talent, genuine friendship between the members, and remove any sense of ego or self-importance, and you get Rush.
Rush is Rush because of a mix of intelligent song writing, virtuoso level musical ability by all members and an almost psychic connection with each other related by decades of experience. As for songs, I'll suggest Subdivisions, Red Barchetta, Big Money and Working Man. Enjoy!
You've now heard three of their sleeker, more streamlined tracks, you may now be ready for 'Xanadu'. Make sure you do the Exit Stage Left live version from 1981. It's interesting you deem them to be symphony-like, as they've been described as the 'world's smallest ever symphony orchestra'. The ESL version of Xanadu shows this off to best effect.
Spirit of Radio is a perfect song to begin with. Classic song! The djs that they are spotlighting in this video are all real DJs that impacted Rush's life in their early days, like Donna Halper, the Cleveland radio DJ that discovered them and gave them their first real break
Although I didn’t relate it to Pirate Radio - as this video does - at the time, I certainly see how Pirate Radio was attempting to avoid the corporate and government control of content…
I suggest you consider reacting to the RUSH songs: "Armor and Sword" by RUSH, "Test For Echo" by RUSH, and "Cygnus - X-1 - Book 2 of Hemispheres" by RUSH - some of my favorites
If you like the comic videos, you are going to have to do the version of 2112 with the comic storyboard. All the transitions in this song are meant to simulate changing stations on a radio dial
@@mdu2112 I hear you. Ideally, the initial experience is like we had back in the day reading the album jacket while listening. I feel like the comic version gives a little of that extra context, but I also see how it distracts from the music as well.
To be clear, this was made after Neil's passing in January of 2020, as referenced at the end of the song. It was originally released on their album "Permanent Waves" in 1980. It was Neil's way of talking about how much he loved listening to the radio as a youngster, but after being in a rock band, it all became too commercialized.....the record companies & salesmen, all just wanting to make a lot of $$ with short songs. As always, RIP to "The Professor".
HELLO EVERYONE! My goal for RUSHMAS is to reach 30k Subs I am REALLY CLOSE!
So if you aren’t subscribed if you could that would be very fun and nice and if you ARE you can comment share and do all the things you are already doing. Appreciate you all more than words can express!
Merry RUSHMAS!
Those transitions in the song are meant to represent changing a radio dial and ending up on different stations playing different genres of music (e.g. reggae).
It contains a HISTORIC "REMINDER" ... of PIRATE RADIO ... which todays KIDS have no clue about, but in the 80s and before all the radio frequencies were distributed (speak: REGULATED) by THE GOVERNMENT, so - since Britain is an island - some entrepreneur started playing radio from aboard a modified ship ... outside the 3-mile zone ... in international waters. This broke up the STUFFY radio programming and allowed more "alternative" music to be played.
@@Muck006well said!
In my opinion they were, and possibly still are, the best 3 piece band ever 🤘🏻💥🔥🙏🏻💯
Alex I also think is one of the most underrated guitarists.
Possibly? One of the best bands period( my choice as best).
The solo on this song is lit
Bout right mate!
The animation is interesting by the way they drop little bits of some of their other albums in there. This song was from Permanent Waves, but at one point they show some guys carrying boxes, reminiscent of Moving Pictures. During Alex's solo, you see "21.12" on the neck of his guitar [2112]. Near the end, where the foot pedal cabinet expands out, you see a star [2112 again], an owl in flight [Fly By Night], some bolts [Counterparts], and when you see the radio break apart, you see some toy pieces [Different Stages (Live)], and an inuksuk (a native stone figure) [Test For Echo]. And of course, at the end, you see the tribute to Neil.
What makes Rush Rush? They're virtuosos, they're nerds, and they're not afraid to admit it. They toured extensively supporting KISS in the 70s, and KISS would have the groupies and the nightly parties while Rush just went back to the hotel and read. They certainly enjoyed their vices, but were more introverted in how they went about them. Their drummer, Neil Peart, is often considered the best rock drummer of all time. Geddy Lee, the singer, is mentioned among the best bass players of all time (and he does it live while also playing keys - sometimes with foot pedals). Alex Lifeson is a really good and unique guitar player, and probably gets too little respect because of how good Peart and Lee are around him. They wrote progressive music, I mean stuff music nerds love to this day. They never had a song reach the top 20, so popular radio play was limited. Yet they managed to have several Top 5 Billboard albums, and either started or influenced the emergence of a new genre: Prog Metal.
To point out just one of the many callbacks in a great video: @4:40 the DJ shown is Donna Halper of WMMS Cleveland, who gave Rush their very first airplay in the USA. The album she’s holding is Rush’s self-released debut LP. Her playing of the song “Working Man” on her show got a HUGE reaction in Cleveland, and quickly led to the band being signed by Mercury Records. The rest, as they say, is history.🎶
The whole video is a callback. Points in time for the band and for radio itself . E.G. .pirate radio in England . Neil learning songs to the radio.driving the red Barchetta. All the DJ’s who played their songs who advanced their career.
Radio made bands before the internet
“The words of the prophets were written on the studio walls
Concert hall”
“The echos with the sound of salesman “
The love of making music with your band mates and the hate of the “buisiness” of music
The idea that reactors are the modern day DJs is brilliant. Subscribed.
agree
Of salesmen! I love the concept of this video, of how the DJ's back then would just play a song because they liked it and have it spread like wildfire. All real DJ's, too. As many times as I've watched the video, that final shot still chokes me up a bit. I would recommend The Pass, or Roll The Bones, or Witch Hunt, or... well, anything really. It's all beautiful.
So happy you are doing Rushmas! They are the quintessential deep dive band! So many things I could say to characterize their music, but for one example, I will say that the balance in their parts and how they integrate with each other is one hallmark since they are all equally masterful at their instruments. Often the thru line or ‘melody’ is passed between them in a seamless way that is so artfully done, you might not notice without repeat listens. Many Rush fans say you need to listen to each song at least four times, focusing on each part individually to recognize what is great about it and then trying to take in the whole.
I love Rushmas, my favorite holiday! Check out “The Garden”, from their final album, Clockwork Angels. Though not recorded last, it is the last song on the last album, making it “the last Rush song”. And it’s absolutely. Fucking. Perfect. Have a great holiday!
Love your reaction! Check out Working Man live in Cleveland
WELCOME TO RUSHMAS!!!
DROP YOUR RECS HERE:
YYZ (Live in Rio), Witch Hunt, Natural Science!
'The Trees'/'Xanadu' - the remastered and epic 'Exit...Stage Left' (live in Montreal) version on the StickHits channel!
😃👍
Xanadu Exit Stage Left 1981 there’s a remastered version you can find on TH-cam by StickHits.
Enjoy your reactions!
Neil's drum solo in Frankfurt:
th-cam.com/video/LWRMOJQDiLU/w-d-xo.htmlsi=PY45XPfBZu_eZosI
Seconding (or thirding?) the rec for "Xanadu" from the Montreal show of the 1981 _Exit... Stage Left_ tour, from the StickHits channel. A theatre kid should love it.
th-cam.com/video/2byjJkN_nVY/w-d-xo.htmlsi=4UDc2Xf1vUKqwFd7
What makes Rush so unique was their openness to experimenting with their sound throughout their careers. They always pushed themselves to be better. The wrote music that was very full sounding for just a three piece band and merged that with insightful real life lyrics. Lastly,as you hear more of their music , you’ll notice they change the tempo within a song often and yet it is done very seamless without being jarring to the listener.
Absolutely the best band without contestation
Rush on my friend
Reading Geddy’s book made me realize just how funny they are/were. Find the very short film of Paul Rudd and Jason Segel backstage at a Rush concert.
I love the symbolism of radio chatter with the opening and closing of the hands. And the change of the music like changing stations
Most excellent! ❤ You started with my all-time favorite 😍 Of course, that's not saying much (lol) as easily half of their music could be my favorite. Rushmas is gonna be great! 🤘😛
that ending took them into a reggae grove, and the words were inspired (in that part) by "The Sound of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel . S&G's vocals were: "The words of the prophets are written on the subway walls and tenement halls" Neil changed them to be "For the words of the profits were written on the studio walls, concert halls"
Did ya catch the part where Neil was driving the Red Barchetta???
I grew in Toronto during this time and it warms my heart to see you so excited when discovering this hometown treasure of mine!! (Yes, they are mine, I own RUSH lol 😉)
Glittering prizes and endless compromises.
The lyrics are brilliant, of course.
"In 1974 after the release of Rush's debut, self-titled album, Donna Halper, a DJ at the Cleveland rock station WMMS-FM, was credited with playing the very first on-air Rush song in the United States.
The song: Working Man. The rest: is history." To this day you hear rush played all over the city.
Everyone who listens to a Rush song always has a smile on their face.😊
The dedication at the end of the video to Neil Peart. Neil was the band's drummer for a majority of the band's existence & succumbed to cancer in Jan. of 2020.
Three songs into your Rush experience and you can already grasp the genius of these very talented musicians. I now respect you! Rock on and Rush on!
Here's a great Rushmas present for you, as many others will also attest: Xanadu from 1981 Exit Stage Left (Live). I've listened to this album over and over since mid 80's, yet when I finally saw Xanadu, live in concert on youtube, only just this year, I was blown away. I find myself looking for every reaction videos of it out there. You'll get a lot of requests for this song at the same concert. It's just amazing at what these 3 musicians are able to do live. Especially Geddy, not only on vocals and bass, but keys, sometimes all 3 at once (assisted by HIS FEET). All the percussion Neil manages in this creates such a perfect ambiance for the theme of song. You won't be disappointed.
And the magic music makes your morning mood
Great reaction!!! Rush is absolutely the best 3-piece band ever (quite frankly top five best band ever). Pure musicianship and artistry in each of them and their instruments along with the pure chemistry between them.
I would suggest the songs below to add to your Rush list for reactions. All of these are absolutely fire!!!
- La Villa Strangiato - Live in Cleveland from 2011 Time Machine Tour (Instrumental - custom "carnival" intro) - original was 1978. Pure musicianship!!!
- Working Man... Live in Cleveland from 2011 Time Machine Tour (original studio version was in 1974)...The pure sight and performance of three men in their upper 50's take control of the stage and perform and play like they were in their 20's.
- Xanadu...Live version 1981 Exit Stage Left tour...will leave you speechless from pure musicianship...original was 1977.
- YYZ…live from Rio in 2002…original was 1981
- Best Intro Ever - Live version (R30 tour 2004) - various riffs from their 1970's songs leading into Spirit of Radio - original was 1980
- Closer to the Heart (Live 1998 Different Stages) - original was 1977
- The Garden (Clockwork Angels tour live) - original was 2012 - Subdivisions...studio version or live version - original was 1982
- Freewill... Live from Snakes and Arrows Tour 2007 - original was 1980
- Fly by Night - original was 1975
- Leave that Thing Alone - Live in Cleveland from 2011 Time Machine Tour (Instrumental) - original was 1993
- Malignant Narcissism and Drum Solo - Live 2008 Snakes and Arrows Tour - original was 2007
- Also...Neil Peart's Drum Solo Live from Frankfurt 2004. He was The Professor...a pure musician and percussionist...not just a "drummer". Be ready to be amazed by not just his hand coordination...but most of all his foot coordination...basically his feet being completely individual in timing from his hands during segments of this performance. He was the master of this technique.
Charis, that was an actual studio the 'Tom Sawyer' and 'Limelight' clips were filmed at, during the recording sessions for the 'Moving Pictures' album, and it was even called 'Le Studio' 😀
Have a wonderful pre-Christmas time, and thank you for Rushmas! 😊
But it was also a house though right?
@@CharisSellick - Yes, it did also have accommodation for the artists working there 🙂 Sadly, it got ruined by a fire some years ago. Alex and Geddy were given a guitar and a bass made from the wood of the entrance door, which is kinda cool 😀
Greetings from NZ, where it's the beginning of Summer!
😊🙌☀️
I like the April Wine video ‘I like to Rock!’ That was also filmed there. Please take that as a reaction suggestion. :)
@GunsmithSid - I actually had to think of April Wine while typing my comment, too! 😀 I love their 'Harder, Faster' album in particular
😊👍
And of course, it's very sad that their singer/guitarist Myles Goodwyn had passed away this week 😞
Merry Rushmas!! 🎄🎵 I really dig your Rush reactions! Try not to get too caught up in the masses thoughts on how you should be doing this or that with "their" band. You've been honest and respectful, so I personally can't wait to get more Rush from your channel!! Thanks!!
I saw RUSH live 6 times from late 1974 & the last time around 1982. They pushed themselves to do more & more, adding new instruments & sounds, rather than adding another band member! They did this until the 2012, & also during the 2015 tour, when in grandiose fashion they added a small string ensemble to their stage show! Spectacular to say the least. The Garden live from either of these tours is great. Xanadu from the 1981 live show is also a great song to react to!
In part Rush are having a go at the music industry :"for the words of the were written on the and echo to the sound of ". Simon & Garfunkel's original lyrics: "words of the prophets were written on the subway walls". Very clever but no doubt you guessed Rush is like an onion you peel off 1 layer then you find yet a further hidden message, no wonder some students have based their Phd thesis on the group
This song was my 'alarm clock' tone every morning for many years but I let it go.. The reason is the friend who introduced me to Rush by singing every word of their album "Grace Under Pressure" to me, tragically died in a car accident. I still love the song but it wrenches my heart.
'The spirit of radio' was actually the first time Rush had a commercial radio hit in 1980 and also marked a turning point for the band musically from the album 'Permanent waves'... Rush had spent the 70's making challenging progressive rock music... They actually owed their career to radio - a station in Cleveland, Ohio got a copy of the first Rush album in 1974 and put the song 'Working man' on the air (Rush was still a local band in Toronto, Canada) and she was given a shout out in the music video here... The song generated sales of the first Rush album and got them signed to Chicago-based label Mercury Records... But it wasn't until their 4th album '2112' in 1976 when Rush finally took off - they didn't get on radio much because their songs were often too long, but they built a huge fanbase from their live shows and their exceptional records.
By 1978, Rush was burning out on touring and making challenging records... Geddy Lee recently admitted to drug use and were admittedly fried as a result. The band made a decision that they would not push themselves that hard anymore. They wanted to have fun again and make music that was not as demanding...maybe not tour as extensively as well cos they had families by then.
Neil Peart (drums) said that he became a huge fan of the late 70's 'new wave' bands like The Police, The Cars, Blondie, Talking Heads, etc... and they wanted to incorporate those influences into Rush.... They changed their sound & image overnight and went for a 'modern' sound & casual look on 'Permanent waves' in 1980 and scored radio hits that year w/ 'The Spirit of radio' ... and 'Freewill'... and the album sold platinum (It had some longer songs, but it was very different from the 1978 album 'Hemispheres') and set the stage for the huge success of their 1981 album 'Moving pictures'.
In 1982, Geddy Lee saw the new synthesizers being used by British pop bands and wanted to use them in the 80's... Rush proceeded w/ their 'keyboard-heavy years' in the 80's w/ the 'Signals' album in 1982 and found platinum success w/ singles like - 'Subdivisions' ... 'The analog kid'... 🤘🤘🔥🔥 But it was a way different Rush from the one in the 70's.
Rush has often been called a 3 piece orchestra -- such a full and complete sound every time. Rush never took their fans for granted, did not take themselves too seriously, created pieces with intellect and meaning as well as sounding unique and original and complex, and most of all they were always best of friends and even family with each other. And still are.
Another Rush essential: Red Sector A, based on the experiences of Geddy's parents as Holocaust survivors. Cheers from Toronto!
🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐
I’m 52 years old and have been a rabid Rush fan since I was 13 years old. They’re absolutely my favorite band ever and I can’t tell you how happy your reaction made me. I’m subscribing
So at 3:36 or so, that's Neil driving a red barchetta? What do you think?
That is the way I have always seen it. I just now googled up a picture of a Barchetta and one of the older ones looks very much like what you see in the video.
Although the video is relatively new, the song was on their Permanent Waves album, released in 1979. The cartoons of them individually are mostly from how they looked in that time period.
Checking in for Rushmas.
I love Rushmas! Nice holiday music
A tip of the hat for that notion of reactors being today's DJ's :) I think I actually agree! We get to know the reactors we like and 'tune in' to hear them talk about songs we already love ... or maybe have them get us to listen to something we otherwise wouldn't.
I subbed, as anyone that is willing to do a Rushmas deserves support. I would suggest you dig deep and go back to the first album for Working Man. Very much more a blues type song before Neil joined and got them more cerebral. I have loved these guys since seeing them at my high school while I was in grade 9 just after the first album released. If you wanna do a really long reaction listen to 2112 in full.
Here's a thought about RUSH lyrics. Drummer Neil Peart wrote most if not all of RUSH's lyrics. That would explain why the lyrics meld so well with the rest of the instruments in the band,
Be careful what you wish for, LOL. Rush has 40 years of music, to choose from. This is my favorite Rush album. Other songs from this album...Freewill, Jacob's Ladder, Different Strings and Natural Science. Those should help add some cheer, for Rushmas.
They released this video shortly after Neil's passing.
What makes RUSH, RUSH is a combination of things ... as Boomers, we all grew up during a time of real social upheaval, a president, JFK and his brother assassinated, Dr. Martin Luther King assassinated along with others, a sexual revolution, and other social phenomenon. It was living through all of this that helped create some of the best music every made.
It was a confluence of different musical styles, jazz, soul, rock & roll, country, instrumentals all contributed to the 1960s through 1980s as a unique time for music. Another thing was people's appreciation of musicians who played instruments. Pretty much every Boomer had to learn some sort of instrument at some point, meaning we all learned to read music, so you had TON of kids coming out of high school with the ability to play instruments, have learned something about music theory and/or composition, and lastly, forming a band or singing group was a kind right of passage for many kids!
With Alex, Geddy and Neil, they are a product of that unique Boomer culture with Geddy's parents being Holocaust survivors, they immersed themselves in music and playing their instruments. All three are literal virtuosos of their instruments and had a unique way of music composition and lyricism.
You are in good company regarding how specific and precise Geddy is with his enunciation. It is a point that has been made several times by Eleizabeth Zharoff (The Charismatic Voice) in her Rush reactions.
For me, what makes Rush Rush is the fact that they were always focused on the music. It wasn't about stardom or personalities or image. They went where the music took them. They didn't talk much about their problems or conflicts (I believe Geddy said something like "We had the same problems as any other band, we just didn't talk about it.") because it wasn't about THEM as much as it was about the music.
The song was constructed to sound like it was on the radio no matter how you listened to it. The interludes in the middle that go from rock to reggae and back emulates when you hear two songs on two different stations at once and you can't decide which one to listen to, but you end up "choosing" rock. (Older car radios had these big buttons to press to go back and forth between stations) The guitar solo was recorded through a tiny amp with a little "crackle" so it would sound like an AM radio.
The inspiration for the song was a radio station in Toronto, CFNY. Lots more history on that too!
One of the things that makes Rush, well, Rush is the songcraft and the transitions. That's but one of very many :)
One of the things that makes Rush Rush is the fact they they've always had the limitation (by choice) of three members. This makes each of their parts critical to filling out the sound. For example, normally a band will have at least a rhythm guitar and lead guitar - Alex does both but not usually at the same time, so he doesn't muddy the overall sound (and he can replicate it live). Also Geddy's voice and his way of singing cuts through the music well and is definitely informed by the fact that he is a bass player. Geddy's bass playing, as with Neil's drumming, is never there to just keep time. Interesting rhythms are everywhere and the bass also helps to fill in for the lack of rhythm guitar, often during guitar solos. Also, always trying to do something different and interesting, even from the last verse or chorus, keeps the songs from becoming monotonous. Neil's thoughtful lyrics are another big part of their identity, with personal freedom and independence of thought being common themes.
Gotta check out YYZ live in Rio!!! Instrumental only!
In my case Happy Rushukkah. It's not just the transitions, follow the time signatures, 4/4, 3/4, 2/4 and 5/4 time signatures. Playing bass singing and playing a foot Taurus pedal mini moog all at the same time is insane and then mix in texture changes and time signature changes and transitional changes It is beyond insane. I can barely play bass and do backing vocals at the same time....
Rush is also known for their instrumental pieces, 9 minute instrumental masterpieces like La Villa Strangiato and shorter ones like YYZ and then if you really want to go down the rabbit hole they have 10 to 20 minute long songs like 2112 and Xanadu...
Neil uses All sorts of percussion instruments from wood blocks to tubular bells and chimes and xylophones its insane
Happy RUSHmas! 🎄 Hoping for 2112 under the Tree! 🎁🥰🐰
What makes Rush, Rush?
My take as a seasoned fan:
1) They always explored ways to fill up the sonic space of the listening experience. They want their music to be visual, BUT:
2) At the same time, they maintained their roots in the era of 70s hard rock: catchy and intense guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and an overall edge to make the song an exhilirating experience.
3) They always explored ways to improve their instrumental abilities, BUT:
4) always in tasteful ways to work with each other and complement each other, and contribute to the overall message of the song
5) They always chose to write music less about certain emotions and more about conceptual, narrative, and topical issues, BUT:
6) Described in ways that are not only thoughtful but suggest a more profound emotional response from the listener as they work through the meaning of the song
Donna Halper WMMS FM 100.7 Home of the Buzzard Cleveland Ohio. Gave Rush their American breakout and got them into the big time. They never forgot.
I always loved the music in this song, Charis. 😊
Love your Rushmas idea and i say react to what you want and most importantly always be You.
The Drummer writes the lyrics, He was a huge book reader , In High School he considered him self an outsider not in the click , He wrote a song about not fitting in and the expectations of youth in his time and now , The song is called Subdivisions there is a video
Love the channel charis.❤
Merry Rushmas Charis Entre Nous is a great older Rush tune. ❤
"What makes Rush Rush." is sort of a complicated thing, because I feel like Rush have had probably 3 distinctive eras, sound-wise. From the late 60s to the early 80s, they had a more classic "rock" sound, they explored more electronic stuff throughout the 80s and 90s, and then they went into a progressive hard-rock sound for the final 20 years or so of their career.
One interesting detail to note about Rush, Neil wrote all of the lyrics.
not true. including their first album, which he was not part of the band, but not including ones in which he was only partly credited with:
Before and After (Geddy and Alex)
Best I Can (Geddy)
Cinderella Man (Geddy)
Different Strings (Geddy)
Finding My Way (Geddy and Alex)
Here Again (Geddy and Alex)
In the End (Geddy)
In the Mood (Geddy)
Lessons (Alex)
Need Some Love (Geddy)
Take a Friend (Geddy and Alex)
Tears (Geddy)
What You're Doing (Geddy and Alex)
Working Man (Geddy and Alex)
So Most? yes, but not all.
Check out the trees , very underrated song...rush is an amazing band, I currently live in Neil's hometown of st catharines and I'm from Geddy's hometown of Toronto
I’ll sub for Rushmas! Seems the Canadian thing to do.😊
So Geddy was asked about the hand gesture the other night at his book reading in Denver and he said he was just trying to get the audience to clap...lol!
Charis ....Rush are one of the greatest of all time.
Try xanadu live from 1981. Mindblowing.
listen to Time Stand Still. gets me every time. RUSH has a DEEP catalog of awesome songs.
Please don't do it. I am tired of feeling sad this month.
Rush:
Odd Time signatures
pre-1980: - epic side long songs
Philosophical Lyrics
Highly composed soundtrack-esque music
Virtuoso instrumentalists
Geddy's voice
RUSH The greatest rock band that ever was or ever will be.
What about Rush makes them Rush? Daring themselves to experiment and grow as musicians, and daring the audience to learn and grow with them as the decades changed...
Nice thoughts! I think you'd love "The Trees" It's like one of those Brother's Grimm Fairy tales that has a bit of darkness under the surface. Kind of in your face actually. 🤭"By-Tor and the Snow" Dog" is delightfully nerdy. 🤓. I'll def sub for RUSHMAS. The "2112" apocalypse for NYE? I mean, it's fitting.
Excellent reaction!🎸🤘
What makes Rush Rush? I appreciate your reactions, Charis! The three songs you have heard are among the most popular from the band. That being said, you have to go back further to understand the answer to your question. "A Farewell to Kings" and "Hemispheres" and "2112" are all phenomenal productions and, honestly, you can only really know Rush by listening the way we did, front to back. An arbitrary pick off of each album that would provide tons of new sounds and thoughts: Xanadu from Farewell, La Villa Strangiato from Hemispheres and 2112 off 2112 is simply THE epic production that a person might justifiably point to and say "this is what makes Rush Rush!"
Charis, Rush's mind-blowing songs La Villa Strangiato instrumental. 1978 Live Pink Pop festival, 🤯Natural Science Live 1997 Test for Echo tour. 🤘❤🔥One of Rush's sweetest and shortest songs is a MUST live Closer to the Heart. Rest in Peace Neil Ellwood Peart. Sept. 12th 1953-January 7th, 2020."The Professor" 🥁 Rush's Time Changes were effortless. "But Glittering Prizes and Endless Compromise Shatter the Illusion of Integrity" The Radio stations wanted Rush to write shorter more "Catchy" radio friendly tunes. Rush is known for writing some of the longest songs in history. 2112 20 minutes long. La Villa Strangiato 10 minutes long. Natural Science 10 minutes long. Cygnus X-1 Book Two 18 Minutes long.
Take three musicians, add creativity and pure talent, genuine friendship between the members, and remove any sense of ego or self-importance, and you get Rush.
OMG OMG OMG RUSHMAS?!?!?!
Rush is Rush because of a mix of intelligent song writing, virtuoso level musical ability by all members and an almost psychic connection with each other related by decades of experience.
As for songs, I'll suggest Subdivisions, Red Barchetta, Big Money and Working Man. Enjoy!
You've now heard three of their sleeker, more streamlined tracks, you may now be ready for 'Xanadu'. Make sure you do the Exit Stage Left live version from 1981. It's interesting you deem them to be symphony-like, as they've been described as the 'world's smallest ever symphony orchestra'. The ESL version of Xanadu shows this off to best effect.
Spirit of Radio is a perfect song to begin with. Classic song! The djs that they are spotlighting in this video are all real DJs that impacted Rush's life in their early days, like Donna Halper, the Cleveland radio DJ that discovered them and gave them their first real break
Although I didn’t relate it to Pirate Radio - as this video does - at the time, I certainly see how Pirate Radio was attempting to avoid the corporate and government control of content…
MUST check out Working Man live in Cleveland. It's perfect.
Great reaction! There’s nobody cuter than you 🥰
It was a Simon and Garfunkel reference about the graffiti. This song has content about the corrupt music industry at the time.
I suggest you consider reacting to the RUSH songs: "Armor and Sword" by RUSH, "Test For Echo" by RUSH, and "Cygnus - X-1 - Book 2 of Hemispheres" by RUSH - some of my favorites
loved it a super lot. top tier energy. super glad I came across your channel! 🔥🔥🔥Please reacto to October Ends Dark
If you like the comic videos, you are going to have to do the version of 2112 with the comic storyboard.
All the transitions in this song are meant to simulate changing stations on a radio dial
The 2112 animation is great but I favor the album version for an initial listen.
@@mdu2112 I hear you. Ideally, the initial experience is like we had back in the day reading the album jacket while listening. I feel like the comic version gives a little of that extra context, but I also see how it distracts from the music as well.
To be clear, this was made after Neil's passing in January of 2020, as referenced at the end of the song. It was originally released on their album "Permanent Waves" in 1980. It was Neil's way of talking about how much he loved listening to the radio as a youngster, but after being in a rock band, it all became too commercialized.....the record companies & salesmen, all just wanting to make a lot of $$ with short songs. As always, RIP to "The Professor".
Xanadu live from Exit Stage Left. Required listening. StickHits remastered version.
As the cartoon indicated its meant to sound like someone flipping through a radio dial.
Love your reactions! Keep up the great content! Later Gator!
I saw them perform this song live 8 times
Awesome music, enjoy!
The spirit of radio 😊
Geddy is a badass. One of 3. 😁
THE drummer wrote the lyrics.
Roll the Bones - Rush. not enough people react to this one.
Great enthusiasm
Great Band, Great reaction
What might blow your mind is Neil Peart writes most of the music, including the vocals. That might explain the time changes.
My favorite band. Btw would love to see you react on Dark by October Ends
XANADU - Album version or Live 1981......listen to this one and behold the GREATNESS of RUSH!
Long live RUSH ❤