What does this song and band mean to me? This band, to me, is the closest any of us will get to perfection... just watch them live. I joined the party late in 1987, and this was the first song I really "heard" from Rush. I asked my drummer friend how many members in this band like 10... he said 3... THREE ??!! Rush is thee greatest band in any universe... period 😎☝
@@OhNoNotAgain42 Y'know, I've met plenty of Rush fans through the years, and there's one thing I've noticed about the vast majority of them: There ain't many dummies among 'em. :)
It does have a chorus, it just doesnt sound like one. There is a TH-cam vid where geddy talks about the structure of this song. The chorus is the heavier part, “jump to the ground as the turbo slows to cross the borderline.” Thats the chorus. It just doesnt have a typical chorus sound to it. But they do have other songs that legit dont have a chorus, such as closer to the heart. Another with a chorus that doesnt sound like one is enemy within. Does high water have a chorus? Cant remember one. I hate that song lol
The album is Moving Pictures. The movers are moving pictures, the bystanders are moved by the pictures. On the back cover, someone is filming the scene, taking moving pictures. Pretty cool.
Alex is one of the greatest and also one of the most underrated guitarists. That just goes to show how good this band really is, when someone as amazing as Alex is commonly overlooked :-)
@@Ferd414 Damn. That's hard to believe. I can understand people not caring for a genre, but even still one can't deny they are all three at the top of their craft (or were).
Oh it's actually kind of funny the way Alex is overlooked. Have you ever seen that documentary they did a few years before Neil died? And there is one scene where the crew is with Geddy and Alex, and they're just in a diner having food, talking about the impact of the fans and interacting with the public. And the waitress comes up to ask Geddy for an autograph, and literally shoves Alex out of the way to put the paper and pen in front of Geddy. Geddy even points to him and says "He's in the band too you know" and she just kind of glances at him, and then turns away like "yeah sure". The whole time Alex is just laughing his ass off at the whole situation.
Come on, that's a myth, he was never underrated or overlooked. But I guess you're an American who believes in any random poll. He was never up there, so he must be mediocre or worse. Polls are for idiots who wants to be entertained. And if you're American, switch on your TV and et your proof. Alex Lifeson was never underrated or overlooked, neither by his fellow musicians or the listeners.
Neil wrote this song after reading a short story about "after cars" in Road and Track magazine .. the short was called "A Nice Morning Drive" by Richard S Foster
@@patricknicolucci5073 The animated video for Rush's Spirit of Radio shows cartoon Neil driving a red barchetta of that vintage. Ferrari 166 MM's have sold for as much as $10,000,000 at auction.🤯
This came around 1980 about, and was written to future, 50 odd years. 1950 plus around 50 would put it to early 2000 at the earliest - could be later, we dont know when his uncle got it? Scifi story anyways. Rush at their sharpest.
Rosalie, welcome to the Rush family, sister! You have just joined the most fantastical musical bandwagon known to mankind. Your life has changed, as you’ve said so already, “I think I just got smarter”. Buckle up for the ride of your life. As Rush fans we are all excited to watch your continued moments of speechless amazement, learning, and appreciation of 3 guys who never shied away from trying new things and pushing their limits. Absolute joy to watch your mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, SMH, “Are you freaking kidding me, already?” expressions as we’ve all had them ourselves and sharing them is a true gift for all. Thanks for letting us in. 🤙🏻😎
The car represents freedom from tyranny of society and progress. How long before internal combustion engines are outlawed. More prophetic than I ever imagined.
How long until women's rights and the Constitution are outlawed? Maybe this November if a certain wannabe jan. 6 dictator is not stopped in his tracks.
@@lindaward5376 Good. Countries everywhere are setting record high temps and devastating droughts and hurricanes. Grandchildren won't have a planet to live on if we continue on this path.
I used to blast through the Santa Cruz Mountains in my red Scirocco with this song turned up to 11. Not quite a Barchetta, but a bright red scalpel that could slice up a mountain road with the best of em. Perfect song to accompany a sprint towards San Gregorio.
I've been fortunate to see Rush in concert multiple times before Neil Peart passed away. Often when they played this song, they played a video of the actual car flying around country roads, and then the chase by the futuristic Police trying to chase him down and impound the car, arrest him, etc. All sorts of special effects came with that movie/cartoon, often accompanied with lasers and such. Definitely an experience to be had. Sadly it ended with Neil's passing. Rush is still one of my all time favorite bands. My son and I traveled hundreds of miles to see Rush and those travel stories go along with this story too, when I hear this and most any other Rush song. It is a father/son experience I cherish to this day. Thanks for your review!
Consider this : "back to the farm to dream with my uncle by the fireside". This is almost like a Norwegian Wood moment for me. Did all this actually happen, or is it a dream of the narrator? Is it the dream of a person in a government controlled state pining for the old ways, or a dream of a person in the current reality worried about what might happen in the future ? Or did all these events actually happen ? Kinda fits with the whole triple entendre theme of the album cover. Thank you Rosalie for your wonderful commentary - you always come up with new ideas and insights into your reaction videos !
Every musical passage/tempo is designed to reflect driving a racing car.... the shifting & drifting... the chase!... the gears shifting up... the gears shifting down... sitting by the fireside with his uncle... just listen! These Rush guys are freaking geniuses!
Neil Peart! Not only an amazing drummer that inspired a generation, but an amazing lyricist as well. By all accounts he spent an inordinate amount of time reading, which would explain a lot.
Neil wrote this song after reading a short story in Road & Track magazine. He implemented elements of the story in the lyrics. Many years later Neil arranged to meet the author of the story and he accompanied them on part of a tour. You are working your way through the best album recorded by the best band ever. They will continually blow your mind with their incredible music.
When I need a story, I want it from the GOAT Neil Peart. One of my top 5 RUSH songs. RIP Neil😇 They didn't always play this in concert, but when they did there was a seriously cool video background to go with the story.
No question, no doubt. There has been many other bands that others would consider to be the best ever, but let''s face it - those bands required more players, had more members floating in and out, didn't as long and in most cases, were not nearly as poetic and conceptually driven.
Omg. I’m a big time Rush fan. I’m 59 I’ve been listening to them since I was 10. I love this song so much I love Ferrari and cars. I’ve never heard anyone describe a song like you just did unbelievable the way you did that. I loved it. You are so good at what you do thank you and keep doing rush.
Never ever cut short a Rush outro you will miss some amazing stuff. They left the listener wanting more and gave them it when they played live. Excellent review though keep up the Rush rabbit hole it will absolutely blow your mind. You are absolutely right Neil's lyrics were way ahead of their time. He was somewhat of a modern soothsayer.
@@rimskykorsakov2892 yes … we both know the 1970’s tinny tone is much preferable to soft effeminate Rush fans as compared to the supercharged heaviest representation of Rush EVER seen in Rush history as displayed in the RIO version (only the best parts as PREFERRED by Rush) th-cam.com/video/3pLsvbLwTwg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Zbq-5Q2pXvgW1oXF
We were blessed to have these three individuals come together to give us an amazing part of themselves. They've taken a fantastic explorational musical journey that impacts nearly everyone who experiences it. Thank you Alex, Garry(Geddy) and Neil for sharing.
I learned this on guitar at age 15. I used to crank it when my parents were gone, so much that my neighbor four houses away heard it. The solo is tricky with that delayed entrance. Later, several decades, I played it at a bar with a professional drummer. He was a Neil Peart disciple and played it very accurately. I'm proud to say I nailed the solo.
You sound like my husband. We were childhood friends. He's a drummer and would practice very loudly to Rush so the whole neighborhood could enjoy it. He's 60 and can still play every Rush song to perfection. Of course, he's in a band too.
The song was inspired by the futuristic short story "A Nice Morning Drive ", written by Richard Foster and published in the November 1973 issue of Road & Track magazine.
Rosalie, what is so interesting about Rush is their musical unselfishness. In this case, the guitar is the color, and frequently the bass carries the melody. But as great as Alex, Neil and Geddy were as musicians, lyricists and composers, they always made room for each other to feature, and were never afraid or unwilling to write their parts to compliment the others. That's how they survived as a band for over 40 years.
Completely agree that none of the three ever steps on the others. As complex and densely layered as their music is, the impression I always leave with is restraint. It never feels like anything is overdone.
Geddy: “The trick in Rush was always to be able to find a proud sound for the bass that still worked with the other instruments and didn’t hog too much of the spotlight. We tried to share the spotlight. To be aggressive and stay out of the way when you needed to stay out of the way was always a challenge for me."
Agreed. I heard a description of RUSH that nailed it pretty good . . . RUSH is composed of three musicians, always playing solos at the same time, yet it works.
Wonderful music and lyrics. I am glad you mentioned Alex. He is often lost amongst the greatness of Geddy and Neil. Those harmonics at the beginning and end are beautiful Geddy and Neil are great on this track but I love Alex contribution
Your interpretation of the song is perfect. One confusing part is the alloy-air cars. Neil Peart was inspired to write these lyrics after reading a reader-submitted creative story in Road & Track Magazine(A Nice Morning Drive by Richard Foster) in which new cars were constructed of a space-age material which wasn't easily damaged. Drivers would seek out and wreck old cars as sport. The ones in the song are two lanes wide, and are therefore physically too large to cross the one-lane bridge.
I think this song expresses the spirit of adventure. Imagine a world where everything is controlled for your own good and safety but there is no freedom. Some people willingly give up their freedom for security and some chafe under rules that bind. I tend to feel a strong sense of nostalgia with this song also (esp with the lyrics about a "better vanished time"). When a commonplace drive in the country is a risky adventure, what does that say about the society you live in and have built? Just like the cover art, expect meanings within meanings within meanings for Rush songs.
Who knew Rush would be so prophetic with this one as there are now "powers that be" wanting to outlaw internal combustion engines. Listening to music with you and hearing your thoughtful commentary is always such a treasure!! 💛
The name "Moving Pictures" refers to the elusive triple entendre. Movers are "moving" (verb) the pictures. The people watching are crying because they find the pictures moving (adjective). ...and the back cover shows a movie set recording the scene as a Moving Picture (noun)
Your a very smart girl, I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on ‘Witch Hunt’ by RUSH. 😊👍🏻 I’m going to throw another psychological RUSH song at ya. ‘Losing it’ Trust Me! 😊
I listened to this song many times while flying across a desert in the southwest. Hard not to push yourself and the car to the limits while listening to this. This was based upon an article Neil read in a car magazine based on the Ferrari Barchetta. The Giant Alloy Air Cars are 2 Lanes Wide, aka they are too wide to go across a 1 lane bridge.
@@jeffjohnson8444 yeah we head up to Logan and Ute Lake a lot and go by Soccoro. And White City and the No Scum Alowed is neat. Take the side bys out to the old silver mines and ghost towns.
So pleased you are discovering what we love about RUSH music. Layers upon layers of well crafted music with well thought out storytelling. I see another fan has annotated the short story Neil based the lyrics on. We’ll never see their like again. 😢
The most romantic song about cars!!! "The scent of the country air... Old debris that hide the shining car..." The song is a fresco in itself! Neil Peart is a genius of writing!
Neil loved cars. This story is based on a short story based in some potential future from a car magazine that Neil read. A car for Neil was a symbol of freedom. Individuality and freedom are frequent subjects in Neil’s writings. Neil wrote the vast majority of Rush lyrics. Occasionally he would co-write with friends outside the band and Geddy occasionally provided lyrics but most are Neil with Geddy collaborating in an editorial capacity so he was comfortable singing what Neil wrote. They loved working together, all 3 of them. Alex is the spontaneous one and many of his solos starting around Permanent Waves (Spirit, Freewill, etc) were built from multiple takes then composited together by Geddy and whatever producer they were working with at the time.
You really need to watch/hear Rush's live album "Exit Stage Left". I was lucky enough to see them on that tour ,London 1981.....and honestly its the greatest gig ive ever seen,and ive been to plenty over the years......there will never be another band like Rush.....they,in particular around that time were truly amazing. What im finding amazing is your reaction is similar to mine when i first heard this....40 years ago!!!!
One of my favorite memories was back when I lived in Colorado Springs and owned an old Porsche that I used to love shooting up US 24 through Ute Pass to drive to Woodland Park (and get breakfast at The Hungry Bear) and then fly back down the pass. With this song blaring.
If you look at the lyrics again, you can see that the alloy air cars are "two lanes wide", which is how they couldn't cross the one lane bridge. Love this song so much.
I have been a fan since I got A Farewell to Kings in 77 after it just came out. I have listened to this song 100's of times and never caught that. Thanks, just another reason to love Rush and Rush fans: We educate each other.
What I love about this track is how cinematic it is. You're right in there with the protagonist, experiencing the thrill of it all with him. It's an exhilarating track and also at times beautiful and calm.
Re-listening to this just now, I am continually reminded at how well each instrument is heard in the recording. Especially the drums. Especially the concert toms (the really high-sounding toms that have amazing the ability to bounce your sticks off of to get that rapid stick hit) (Yes, an amateur drummer here!) the sound of every instrument is so clear. (I consider each tom, snare and kick drum an instrument)
Rush, three Canadian BFFs, who also just happen to be virtuosos, multiinstrumentalists, who like to write musically complex epic story songs in strange time signatures using some of the oddest phrasing, and arrangements. Every concert that they played was pure enjoyment like they were just playing in the garage and they were really thankful that fans just kept coming to listen to their music. Truly wondeful people. I have been listening to this band since moving pictures came out, and yes I own all of their albums. And yes Rush is in almost every playlist that I listen to. Rush: where every guy in the band, is THE BEST guy in the band.
I’ve been very fond of driving home on old country roads blasting this song…. The music fits the narrative perfectly “ride like the wind, stretching the limits of machine & man” BTW, your analysis is spot on… well done!
That's because that's almost exactly what it is. Look up "A Nice Morning Drive" - it's a short story first published in Road & Track magazine that inspired the song. Ultra-short recap: Safety regulations imposed by the government have gone crazy to the point where the cars we drive today are effectively (but not *ACTUALLY*) illegal on the road because they don't have enough crumple zones and safety features - they don't comply with "The Motor Laws". Meanwhile, "Modern" cars have evolved into behemoths, ("two lanes wide") because of the crumple zones and assorted safety gear that are required for confromance to "the motor laws". In the story, people driving "modern" cars consider the antiques of today to be targets - they make a game out of trying to crash 'em when one shows up, and the government doesn't care/turns a blind eye - they WANT "those old junkers" taken off the roads permanently, so the more drivers of modern cars clobber them, the less effort they have to put in.
The song is based on a short story Neil had read in Popular Mechanics, or one of those mags. Yes, the story is about how the protagonist breaks the law by driving a car with a motor (I suppose gasoline engines are illegal?) but ditches the alloy air-cars "two lanes wide" at the one lane bridge.
Alex: "I remember that we really loved this song, and so the writing of it was very quick. It was born from a jam, which is how a lot of the stuff on 'Moving Pictures' came about... The parts were quite satisfying to play, which is probably one reason why the song was written so fast. Everything felt very natural and easy." Neil: "My friend [Richard Foster] had published this story in Road and Track magazine, and it was set in a dystopian future where certain cars are outlawed. He used an MGB in the story, but I used my dream car, this red Ferrari. It was so cinematic for us, and we were learning to be concise, but also making soundtracks. It's probably one of our best in that sense being a short movie, and every section is a cinematic accompaniment to the lyrics." Of course Neil Peart’s lyrics make it a metaphor for the lure of danger and freedom; and the band responds in kind. Alex Lifeson shifts gears with ease, coming up with a new riff for each stage of the story. Geddy Lee was really stretching his vocal abilities at this point, and here he’s still young enough to connect with the adolescent narrator. - uDiscoverMusic
This song is so poetic. It's full of sensory references, my favorite being: "Well-weathered leather, hot metal and oil. The scented country air. Sunlight on chrome, the blur of the landscape, every nerve aware." I would love to see a "movie" of this. Not a full length, expand the story movie, but a "video" of the song, with images that match the lyrics. I'm surprised no one has done it.
Neal Peart was a big motorcycle nut! "Red Barchetta" reminds me of a 1977 Yamaha RD400 restored & modified (took 6 years) Went on a few high speed runs late at night, Windsor to Bedford in 20 min ! (Speed limit 110KPH 50Min normal)Speedo only went to 200KPH MAX !! What a "RUSH" Still ride at 61! Great video!😀👌👍✌
Headphone only song and actually the whole album. The time signature changes in this song are so seamless. Read about what made Neil write this song! Moving pictures is the album I would listen to on a desert island!
Neil was such a visionary genius..."Before the Motor Law"... He saw a vision of the future in which motor cars would be outlawed, replaced by air cars. This song celebrates the joy and the freedom of an old forgotten time. It sounds like science fiction, but we are closer to this than you may think.
I was literally sobbing watching you listen to Red barchetta as a young man I listen to this album 100 * I came to the realization that a big part of me was because of this album being a musician came from this album thank you for enjoying it as much as I do
I haven't looked through the Rush suggestions but I am 100% sure that I am preaching to the comment choir when I say the number 2112. No doubt, one of THE most lyrical, musical, iconic, etc. recordings of all time. The professor also has a long solo from a Frankfurt concert that demonstrates why he is the GOAT.
The lyrics, written by drummer Neil Peart, were inspired by Richard S. Foster's short story "A Nice Morning Drive," which was published in Road & Track magazine in 1973. In the song, the protagonist sneaks away to his uncle's farm, where the car has been hidden. He takes it out for a thrilling drive through the countryside, evading the authorities in their "gleaming alloy air cars." The song captures themes of freedom, rebellion, and the joy of driving, contrasting the passion for old-school machinery with a future of strict regulation and technological control. The vivid imagery and dynamic storytelling have made "Red Barchetta" a fan favorite and a standout track in Rush's catalog. I referenced this song in my High School Yearbook in 1985.
I've watched a lot of reactions to Rush's music, and Rosalie, you are the first to actually go into the psychological aspect of their music. I consider Rush to be the "thinking man's" rock band. Their music has always carried a deep meaning. On a side note, Neal Peart is not only by far one of the best drummers of all time, he is also the composer of the majority of their song lyrics. A very deep and prophetic man who has touched the lives of many. If you read this Rosalie, one prophetic song you may want to listen to is Rush's song "The Garden". It's the final song on their final album "Clockwork Angels". I can assure you, you won't be disappointed.
Each man is an artist of their craft. Fortunate to have seen them numerous times in Ontario. As well had the pleasure of doing some landscape lighting at Alex’s house. Very nice man.
Thank you for recognizing Alex Lifeson's brilliance; he often gets overlooked when talking about "The Best..." where Neil & Geddy are always at the top of those lists. May I recommend MY favorite Rush song, "The Trees", especially the Exit...Stage Left version with the beautiful "Broon's Bane" lead in !
Decades ago in an interview Geddy referred to Neil having this 'crazy idea' that automobiles would one day become illegal. Forty plus years later and the powers-that-be are tip-toeing to that reality, especially here across the pond.
For me, the music on this entire album beautifully captures the feelings described in the lyrics (except for "YYZ," of course . . . unless you're Brazilian, in which case apparently there ARE lyrics). The other song from this album that really seems that way to me is "The Camera Eye."
One of the unique things about Rush was that not only did the drummer write all the lyrics, but also that those lyrics weren't about love and lust and women. They were about other things in life, which, in the end, did two things - one, it kept a lot of women from liking the band, and two, it kept their music vital until the end, precisely because they weren't 60-something old men still blabbing about chasing tail.
Ferrari Barchetta was a small sports car. Neil Peart was a lover of motorcycles. He rode all over the place on a bike and loved the freedom it gave him.
Your analyses is very theral Love your enthusiasm. Neil wrote most of the lyrics for their songs and their music =sound= takes you anywhere you want to go...
What many don't know is that Neil Peart, the lyricist for many Rush song's, was a very well read person, dabbling mostly into futuristic stories of how governments work such as Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand for one example. This lead him to write incredible songs like 2112, Red Barchetta, and many others. Also, the Canadian Provence of Quebec based many of their laws on French rulings, including using yellow headlights on vehicles as they did in France. That has gone by the way side now, but it was active when this was written.
Thank you, it's nice to see someone hear a rush song for the first time, and like it. Pause if you need to, it's a bit annoying yo see comments from people who watch a reaction video, who complain about pausing to react. They don't care or understand TH-cam's excessive use of copyright strikes.
Neil liked to travel by bike, motorbike and car, he used to ride his motorbike to concerts instead of going in the bus with the others and wrote many books about his travels around the world. A song that summarises his passion is "Workin' Them Angels" from the album "Snakes and Arrows"
What does this song and band mean to me? This band, to me, is the closest any of us will get to perfection... just watch them live. I joined the party late in 1987, and this was the first song I really "heard" from Rush. I asked my drummer friend how many members in this band like 10... he said 3... THREE ??!! Rush is thee greatest band in any universe... period 😎☝
This song is so well written that almost no one notices that it is missing a chorus! Musical phrases repeat, but never words. Pure Genius!!!
Ummmm.. I think a lot of Rush fans recognize that many of their songs are stories with no chorus
@@OhNoNotAgain42 Y'know, I've met plenty of Rush fans through the years, and there's one thing I've noticed about the vast majority of them: There ain't many dummies among 'em. :)
It does have a chorus, it just doesnt sound like one. There is a TH-cam vid where geddy talks about the structure of this song. The chorus is the heavier part, “jump to the ground as the turbo slows to cross the borderline.” Thats the chorus. It just doesnt have a typical chorus sound to it. But they do have other songs that legit dont have a chorus, such as closer to the heart.
Another with a chorus that doesnt sound like one is enemy within. Does high water have a chorus? Cant remember one. I hate that song lol
A song without a chorus is a Ballad
40yr fan...yes! No chorus...amazing cinematic song...who needs a chorus...my fave Rush song...by far🤘
Alex's problem is that in most bands the bass and drums are there to support the guitar. Rush was three god-level musicians supporting each other.
Yea!!! Neal plays lead drums!!!
The album is Moving Pictures. The movers are moving pictures, the bystanders are moved by the pictures. On the back cover, someone is filming the scene, taking moving pictures. Pretty cool.
triple entendre.
And definitely not band members! LOL
I don't like puns 😅
The guy filming the scene is taking ‘moving pictures’ of ‘moving pictures’.
@rickschlosser6793
...taking moving pictures of movers moving moving pictures.
(3x fast)
Alex is one of the greatest and also one of the most underrated guitarists. That just goes to show how good this band really is, when someone as amazing as Alex is commonly overlooked :-)
Rolling Stone just left him off their top 50. Such a sham! The list was ridiculous!
@@stevenmonte7397 Rolling Stone has made no secret that they despise the band Rush for decades.
@@Ferd414 Damn. That's hard to believe. I can understand people not caring for a genre, but even still one can't deny they are all three at the top of their craft (or were).
Oh it's actually kind of funny the way Alex is overlooked. Have you ever seen that documentary they did a few years before Neil died? And there is one scene where the crew is with Geddy and Alex, and they're just in a diner having food, talking about the impact of the fans and interacting with the public. And the waitress comes up to ask Geddy for an autograph, and literally shoves Alex out of the way to put the paper and pen in front of Geddy. Geddy even points to him and says "He's in the band too you know" and she just kind of glances at him, and then turns away like "yeah sure". The whole time Alex is just laughing his ass off at the whole situation.
Come on, that's a myth, he was never underrated or overlooked. But I guess you're an American who believes in any random poll. He was never up there, so he must be mediocre or worse. Polls are for idiots who wants to be entertained. And if you're American, switch on your TV and et your proof. Alex Lifeson was never underrated or overlooked, neither by his fellow musicians or the listeners.
Neil wrote this song after reading a short story about "after cars" in Road and Track magazine .. the short was called "A Nice Morning Drive" by Richard S Foster
Yes!
Picked up the original issue a few months ago. Happy to have it.
A quick google will give you several places to download/read the story. It's worth the effort.
No he wrote the lyrics..Alex and Geddy wrote the music
@@rimskykorsakov2892 Baammmm!
The Red barchetta is a 1950 Ferrari 166 MM Barchetta Neil did own one of these beauties.
That's a cheap car...not😂
No Neil never owned a 1950 Ferrari 166 MM - it was his dream car - he had an amazing colleciton of cars but this was not one of them.
@@patricknicolucci5073 The animated video for Rush's Spirit of Radio shows cartoon Neil driving a red barchetta of that vintage. Ferrari 166 MM's have sold for as much as $10,000,000 at auction.🤯
This came around 1980 about, and was written to future, 50 odd years. 1950 plus around 50 would put it to early 2000 at the earliest - could be later, we dont know when his uncle got it? Scifi story anyways. Rush at their sharpest.
But he could barely pay for it and then it only cost about $2000 dollars!
More than any other song I can think of, this one sounds exactly like what it is about. Another 10/10 masterpiece by Rush!
Yes Alex's guitar is crafted so that every sound and every beat is the sound of mechanical precision and automotive performance
Yea! Cause it seems that most of their songs don’t even say the title in the songs.
This song is so cinematic to me. The narrative, the supporting music all create a visual to me that is the most cinematic of all Rush's songs.
Absolutely agree. I can practically see the movie running through my mind. It's one of my favorite Rush songs ever!
Red Barchetta is one of the greatest unknown rock songs and prediction that is near to reality. Thanks for the review!
My Absolute Favorite Rush song...I can cliterally close my eyes and see it unfold...Such Great Lyricism and Storytelling...
Rosalie, welcome to the Rush family, sister! You have just joined the most fantastical musical bandwagon known to mankind. Your life has changed, as you’ve said so already, “I think I just got smarter”. Buckle up for the ride of your life. As Rush fans we are all excited to watch your continued moments of speechless amazement, learning, and appreciation of 3 guys who never shied away from trying new things and pushing their limits. Absolute joy to watch your mind-blowing, jaw-dropping, SMH, “Are you freaking kidding me, already?” expressions as we’ve all had them ourselves and sharing them is a true gift for all. Thanks for letting us in. 🤙🏻😎
The car represents freedom from tyranny of society and progress. How long before internal combustion engines are outlawed. More prophetic than I ever imagined.
Many jurisdictions have banned the sale of ICE cars past 2035. Europe for one. But also Canada, where Rush is from.
This was them seeing the future.
How long until women's rights and the Constitution are outlawed? Maybe this November if a certain wannabe jan. 6 dictator is not stopped in his tracks.
The Canadian Government has already mandated that by 2035, all new cars must be 100% electric, so that time is coming.
@@lindaward5376 Ya I wouldn't hod your breath on that or hang your hat upon it.
@@lindaward5376 Good. Countries everywhere are setting record high temps and devastating droughts and hurricanes. Grandchildren won't have a planet to live on if we continue on this path.
RIP Professor. 😢
3:49 from a better vanished time… could not be more prophetic.
Don’t give up the fight!
And if your foot doesn’t go hard to the floor at “drive like the wind, straining the limits of machine and man” , you may want to visit a physician.
I used to blast through the Santa Cruz Mountains in my red Scirocco with this song turned up to 11. Not quite a Barchetta, but a bright red scalpel that could slice up a mountain road with the best of em. Perfect song to accompany a sprint towards San Gregorio.
I've been fortunate to see Rush in concert multiple times before Neil Peart passed away. Often when they played this song, they played a video of the actual car flying around country roads, and then the chase by the futuristic Police trying to chase him down and impound the car, arrest him, etc. All sorts of special effects came with that movie/cartoon, often accompanied with lasers and such. Definitely an experience to be had. Sadly it ended with Neil's passing. Rush is still one of my all time favorite bands. My son and I traveled hundreds of miles to see Rush and those travel stories go along with this story too, when I hear this and most any other Rush song. It is a father/son experience I cherish to this day. Thanks for your review!
"Red Barchetta" is an example of a Rush's story telling. Another is "By-Tor and the Snow Dog" musical ear candy and great story telling.
Such a great but underrated song.
Consider this : "back to the farm to dream with my uncle by the fireside". This is almost like a Norwegian Wood moment for me. Did all this actually happen, or is it a dream of the narrator? Is it the dream of a person in a government controlled state pining for the old ways, or a dream of a person in the current reality worried about what might happen in the future ? Or did all these events actually happen ? Kinda fits with the whole triple entendre theme of the album cover.
Thank you Rosalie for your wonderful commentary - you always come up with new ideas and insights into your reaction videos !
Or does he have the car but the race is a dream for one day? Ahhh imagination 👍
Every musical passage/tempo is designed to reflect driving a racing car.... the shifting & drifting... the chase!... the gears shifting up... the gears shifting down... sitting by the fireside with his uncle... just listen! These Rush guys are freaking geniuses!
Best band ever. This album is a trip, should be fun ride. 😎
Put me on a desert island and THIS is the only album I need.
Neil Peart! Not only an amazing drummer that inspired a generation, but an amazing lyricist as well. By all accounts he spent an inordinate amount of time reading, which would explain a lot.
: )...I was the generation he "inspired" in the mid 70's...He's done a few more since then too...:)
not Pert, Peaert
Neil wrote this song after reading a short story in Road & Track magazine. He implemented elements of the story in the lyrics. Many years later Neil arranged to meet the author of the story and he accompanied them on part of a tour.
You are working your way through the best album recorded by the best band ever. They will continually blow your mind with their incredible music.
I got the honor of seeing them perform this live shortly after Moving Pictures was released. There are no words.
When I need a story, I want it from the GOAT Neil Peart. One of my top 5 RUSH songs. RIP Neil😇
They didn't always play this in concert, but when they did there was a seriously cool video background to go with the story.
Simply...the best band ever.
Yep
No question, no doubt. There has been many other bands that others would consider to be the best ever, but let''s face it - those bands required more players, had more members floating in and out, didn't as long and in most cases, were not nearly as poetic and conceptually driven.
@@micron001 Spot on accurate, on all points.
Omg. I’m a big time Rush fan. I’m 59 I’ve been listening to them since I was 10. I love this song so much I love Ferrari and cars. I’ve never heard anyone describe a song like you just did unbelievable the way you did that. I loved it. You are so good at what you do thank you and keep doing rush.
We enjoy you enjoying these wonderful musicians. RIP Neil. The professor.
I don't think that there has ben a better reaction to anything.Ever. Rosalie you absolutely RULE! Great job GREAT song!
Welcome to the Rush rabbit hole, you are in for a journey, especially if keep reading Pearts's lyrics, best drummer and lyricist EVER
Most underrated guitarist, in my humble opinion.
It just sparkles!
My favorite song of theirs. The imagery is amazing to me.
Alex's guitar work is sublime.
Never ever cut short a Rush outro you will miss some amazing stuff. They left the listener wanting more and gave them it when they played live. Excellent review though keep up the Rush rabbit hole it will absolutely blow your mind. You are absolutely right Neil's lyrics were way ahead of their time. He was somewhat of a modern soothsayer.
On the fade to Tom Sawyer are some of NP's best drum fills.
They never wasted a measure
2112 overture is a musical masterpiece.
Best represented in RIO
She's not ready for that yet...
Gotta do the full thing with the official video when she gets there. I know she'll dig the themes.
@@thatsnice99 No Billy the original recording.
@@rimskykorsakov2892 yes … we both know the 1970’s tinny tone is much preferable to soft effeminate Rush fans as compared to the supercharged heaviest representation of Rush EVER seen in Rush history as displayed in the RIO version (only the best parts as PREFERRED by Rush)
th-cam.com/video/3pLsvbLwTwg/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Zbq-5Q2pXvgW1oXF
The song creates an emotion of a slightly sad nostalgia, longing for simpler times with people we care about.
We were blessed to have these three individuals come together to give us an amazing part of themselves. They've taken a fantastic explorational musical journey that impacts nearly everyone who experiences it. Thank you Alex, Garry(Geddy) and Neil for sharing.
Thank you! Thank you! Alex rarely gets his due. I love you are going through the whole album.
We were spoiled back in the day. Had the best music.
I learned this on guitar at age 15. I used to crank it when my parents were gone, so much that my neighbor four houses away heard it. The solo is tricky with that delayed entrance. Later, several decades, I played it at a bar with a professional drummer. He was a Neil Peart disciple and played it very accurately. I'm proud to say I nailed the solo.
Alex recorded the solo in the control room on a little 10 watt practice amp so the solo would sound like an AM radio in a speeding Ferrari...
You sound like my husband. We were childhood friends. He's a drummer and would practice very loudly to Rush so the whole neighborhood could enjoy it. He's 60 and can still play every Rush song to perfection. Of course, he's in a band too.
The song was inspired by the futuristic short story "A Nice Morning Drive ", written by Richard Foster and published in the November 1973 issue of Road & Track magazine.
this is the reaction I was waiting for.......music and lyrics explained.....10 out of 10
Thank you very much! :)
Rosalie, what is so interesting about Rush is their musical unselfishness. In this case, the guitar is the color, and frequently the bass carries the melody. But as great as Alex, Neil and Geddy were as musicians, lyricists and composers, they always made room for each other to feature, and were never afraid or unwilling to write their parts to compliment the others. That's how they survived as a band for over 40 years.
Agreed, an not only why they had a 40 yr discography but also what made them one of the greatest bands ever.
Completely agree that none of the three ever steps on the others. As complex and densely layered as their music is, the impression I always leave with is restraint. It never feels like anything is overdone.
It's like a 10-string guitar played with four hands.
Geddy: “The trick in Rush was always to be able to find a proud sound for the bass that still worked with the other instruments and didn’t hog too much of the spotlight. We tried to share the spotlight. To be aggressive and stay out of the way when you needed to stay out of the way was always a challenge for me."
Agreed. I heard a description of RUSH that nailed it pretty good . . . RUSH is composed of three musicians, always playing solos at the same time, yet it works.
Wonderful music and lyrics. I am glad you mentioned Alex. He is often lost amongst the greatness of Geddy and Neil.
Those harmonics at the beginning and end are beautiful
Geddy and Neil are great on this track but I love Alex contribution
Your interpretation of the song is perfect. One confusing part is the alloy-air cars. Neil Peart was inspired to write these lyrics after reading a reader-submitted creative story in Road & Track Magazine(A Nice Morning Drive by Richard Foster) in which new cars were constructed of a space-age material which wasn't easily damaged. Drivers would seek out and wreck old cars as sport. The ones in the song are two lanes wide, and are therefore physically too large to cross the one-lane bridge.
I think this song expresses the spirit of adventure. Imagine a world where everything is controlled for your own good and safety but there is no freedom. Some people willingly give up their freedom for security and some chafe under rules that bind. I tend to feel a strong sense of nostalgia with this song also (esp with the lyrics about a "better vanished time"). When a commonplace drive in the country is a risky adventure, what does that say about the society you live in and have built? Just like the cover art, expect meanings within meanings within meanings for Rush songs.
Who knew Rush would be so prophetic with this one as there are now "powers that be" wanting to outlaw internal combustion engines.
Listening to music with you and hearing your thoughtful commentary is always such a treasure!! 💛
Red barchetta was my favorite song to see them do live in concert, I saw a rush eight times from 1981 to 92 in St Louis MO.
The name "Moving Pictures" refers to the elusive triple entendre. Movers are "moving" (verb) the pictures. The people watching are crying because they find the pictures moving (adjective). ...and the back cover shows a movie set recording the scene as a Moving Picture (noun)
Your a very smart girl, I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on ‘Witch Hunt’ by RUSH. 😊👍🏻
I’m going to throw another psychological RUSH song at ya. ‘Losing it’
Trust Me! 😊
I listened to this song many times while flying across a desert in the southwest. Hard not to push yourself and the car to the limits while listening to this.
This was based upon an article Neil read in a car magazine based on the Ferrari Barchetta.
The Giant Alloy Air Cars are 2 Lanes Wide, aka they are too wide to go across a 1 lane bridge.
As some who has lived his 53 years in South Eastern New Mexico, totally feel you on those desert drives!
@@robertherring9277 Yep, I spent a lot of time on those roads as well. Lots of empty space, aka Roy, NM
@@jeffjohnson8444 Im in Roswell!
@@robertherring9277 Nice ride from there over to Socorro
@@jeffjohnson8444 yeah we head up to Logan and Ute Lake a lot and go by Soccoro. And White City and the No Scum Alowed is neat. Take the side bys out to the old silver mines and ghost towns.
So pleased you are discovering what we love about RUSH music. Layers upon layers of well crafted music with well thought out storytelling. I see another fan has annotated the short story Neil based the lyrics on. We’ll never see their like again. 😢
The most romantic song about cars!!! "The scent of the country air... Old debris that hide the shining car..."
The song is a fresco in itself!
Neil Peart is a genius of writing!
A great song, and some of their best lyrics
Everyone always notices Neil's phenomenal drumming but some don't realize what a great poetic lyricists Neil was! Modern day poet!
ROCK ON, Rosalie ! Should blow your mind !
Neil loved cars. This story is based on a short story based in some potential future from a car magazine that Neil read. A car for Neil was a symbol of freedom. Individuality and freedom are frequent subjects in Neil’s writings. Neil wrote the vast majority of Rush lyrics. Occasionally he would co-write with friends outside the band and Geddy occasionally provided lyrics but most are Neil with Geddy collaborating in an editorial capacity so he was comfortable singing what Neil wrote. They loved working together, all 3 of them. Alex is the spontaneous one and many of his solos starting around Permanent Waves (Spirit, Freewill, etc) were built from multiple takes then composited together by Geddy and whatever producer they were working with at the time.
You really need to watch/hear Rush's live album "Exit Stage Left". I was lucky enough to see them on that tour ,London 1981.....and honestly its the greatest gig ive ever seen,and ive been to plenty over the years......there will never be another band like Rush.....they,in particular around that time were truly amazing. What im finding amazing is your reaction is similar to mine when i first heard this....40 years ago!!!!
"Alloy aircar shoots towards me, TWO LANES WIDE"... "at the ONE LANE BRIDGE, I leave the giant stranded at the riverside"😉
One of my favorite memories was back when I lived in Colorado Springs and owned an old Porsche that I used to love shooting up US 24 through Ute Pass to drive to Woodland Park (and get breakfast at The Hungry Bear) and then fly back down the pass. With this song blaring.
If you look at the lyrics again, you can see that the alloy air cars are "two lanes wide", which is how they couldn't cross the one lane bridge. Love this song so much.
I have been a fan since I got A Farewell to Kings in 77 after it just came out. I have listened to this song 100's of times and never caught that. Thanks, just another reason to love Rush and Rush fans: We educate each other.
What I love about this track is how cinematic it is. You're right in there with the protagonist, experiencing the thrill of it all with him. It's an exhilarating track and also at times beautiful and calm.
I'm 59 and this is still my favorite track of theirs. Still kills.
Nice interpretation of the lyrics!
Re-listening to this just now, I am continually reminded at how well each instrument is heard in the recording. Especially the drums. Especially the concert toms (the really high-sounding toms that have amazing the ability to bounce your sticks off of to get that rapid stick hit) (Yes, an amateur drummer here!) the sound of every instrument is so clear. (I consider each tom, snare and kick drum an instrument)
Such a well constructed song! Always a great listen, great reaction!
Rush, three Canadian BFFs, who also just happen to be virtuosos, multiinstrumentalists, who like to write musically complex epic story songs in strange time signatures using some of the oddest phrasing, and arrangements. Every concert that they played was pure enjoyment like they were just playing in the garage and they were really thankful that fans just kept coming to listen to their music. Truly wondeful people. I have been listening to this band since moving pictures came out, and yes I own all of their albums. And yes Rush is in almost every playlist that I listen to. Rush: where every guy in the band, is THE BEST guy in the band.
I’ve been very fond of driving home on old country roads blasting this song…. The music fits the narrative perfectly “ride like the wind, stretching the limits of machine & man”
BTW, your analysis is spot on… well done!
I always though this was a song about driving a car in the future where cars were forbidden to be driven.
Correct
That's because that's almost exactly what it is. Look up "A Nice Morning Drive" - it's a short story first published in Road & Track magazine that inspired the song. Ultra-short recap: Safety regulations imposed by the government have gone crazy to the point where the cars we drive today are effectively (but not *ACTUALLY*) illegal on the road because they don't have enough crumple zones and safety features - they don't comply with "The Motor Laws". Meanwhile, "Modern" cars have evolved into behemoths, ("two lanes wide") because of the crumple zones and assorted safety gear that are required for confromance to "the motor laws". In the story, people driving "modern" cars consider the antiques of today to be targets - they make a game out of trying to crash 'em when one shows up, and the government doesn't care/turns a blind eye - they WANT "those old junkers" taken off the roads permanently, so the more drivers of modern cars clobber them, the less effort they have to put in.
@@Ferd414 I think so. Just like "The Trees" was about Oaks and Maples fighting in the forest. Nothing else (As Niel once remarked).
The song is based on a short story Neil had read in Popular Mechanics, or one of those mags. Yes, the story is about how the protagonist breaks the law by driving a car with a motor (I suppose gasoline engines are illegal?) but ditches the alloy air-cars "two lanes wide" at the one lane bridge.
Alex: "I remember that we really loved this song, and so the writing of it was very quick. It was born from a jam, which is how a lot of the stuff on 'Moving Pictures' came about... The parts were quite satisfying to play, which is probably one reason why the song was written so fast. Everything felt very natural and easy."
Neil: "My friend [Richard Foster] had published this story in Road and Track magazine, and it was set in a dystopian future where certain cars are outlawed. He used an MGB in the story, but I used my dream car, this red Ferrari. It was so cinematic for us, and we were learning to be concise, but also making soundtracks. It's probably one of our best in that sense being a short movie, and every section is a cinematic accompaniment to the lyrics."
Of course Neil Peart’s lyrics make it a metaphor for the lure of danger and freedom; and the band responds in kind. Alex Lifeson shifts gears with ease, coming up with a new riff for each stage of the story. Geddy Lee was really stretching his vocal abilities at this point, and here he’s still young enough to connect with the adolescent narrator. - uDiscoverMusic
TY Rosalie! You made my day!
The most underrated rush song of all times my all time favourite
This song is so poetic. It's full of sensory references, my favorite being: "Well-weathered leather, hot metal and oil. The scented country air. Sunlight on chrome, the blur of the landscape, every nerve aware."
I would love to see a "movie" of this. Not a full length, expand the story movie, but a "video" of the song, with images that match the lyrics. I'm surprised no one has done it.
Neal Peart was a big motorcycle nut! "Red Barchetta" reminds me of a 1977 Yamaha RD400 restored & modified (took 6 years) Went on a few high speed runs late at night, Windsor to Bedford in 20 min ! (Speed limit 110KPH 50Min normal)Speedo only went to 200KPH MAX !! What a "RUSH" Still ride at 61! Great video!😀👌👍✌
Headphone only song and actually the whole album. The time signature changes in this song are so seamless. Read about what made Neil write this song! Moving pictures is the album I would listen to on a desert island!
First many times I listened to this album were on headphones. Only one stereo in the house.
FYI this is dangerous to drive too. Lol. Such a great song. Telling such a beautiful story of nostalgia and freedom.
Alex is a beast on the guitar for sure. I can't wait for Witchhunt. That song will make your stop and think for sure.
The alloy air cars were "two lanes wide"....that is why they couldn't cross the one lane bridge.
Neil was such a visionary genius..."Before the Motor Law"... He saw a vision of the future in which motor cars would be outlawed, replaced by air cars. This song celebrates the joy and the freedom of an old forgotten time. It sounds like science fiction, but we are closer to this than you may think.
I was literally sobbing watching you listen to Red barchetta as a young man I listen to this album 100 * I came to the realization that a big part of me was because of this album being a musician came from this album thank you for enjoying it as much as I do
I haven't looked through the Rush suggestions but I am 100% sure that I am preaching to the comment choir when I say the number 2112. No doubt, one of THE most lyrical, musical, iconic, etc. recordings of all time. The professor also has a long solo from a Frankfurt concert that demonstrates why he is the GOAT.
The lyrics, written by drummer Neil Peart, were inspired by Richard S. Foster's short story "A Nice Morning Drive," which was published in Road & Track magazine in 1973. In the song, the protagonist sneaks away to his uncle's farm, where the car has been hidden. He takes it out for a thrilling drive through the countryside, evading the authorities in their "gleaming alloy air cars."
The song captures themes of freedom, rebellion, and the joy of driving, contrasting the passion for old-school machinery with a future of strict regulation and technological control. The vivid imagery and dynamic storytelling have made "Red Barchetta" a fan favorite and a standout track in Rush's catalog. I referenced this song in my High School Yearbook in 1985.
Classic. There is nothing broken that cannot be fixed or moulded into something new of value.
I've watched a lot of reactions to Rush's music, and Rosalie, you are the first to actually go into the psychological aspect of their music. I consider Rush to be the "thinking man's" rock band. Their music has always carried a deep meaning. On a side note, Neal Peart is not only by far one of the best drummers of all time, he is also the composer of the majority of their song lyrics. A very deep and prophetic man who has touched the lives of many. If you read this Rosalie, one prophetic song you may want to listen to is Rush's song "The Garden". It's the final song on their final album "Clockwork Angels". I can assure you, you won't be disappointed.
Enjoyed it Rosalie
Each man is an artist of their craft. Fortunate to have seen them numerous times in Ontario. As well had the pleasure of doing some landscape lighting at Alex’s house. Very nice man.
Thank you for recognizing Alex Lifeson's brilliance; he often gets overlooked when talking about "The Best..." where Neil & Geddy are always at the top of those lists.
May I recommend MY favorite Rush song, "The Trees", especially the Exit...Stage Left version with the beautiful "Broon's Bane" lead in !
Decades ago in an interview Geddy referred to Neil having this 'crazy idea' that automobiles would one day become illegal. Forty plus years later and the powers-that-be are tip-toeing to that reality, especially here across the pond.
Amazing song, an incredible story...
For me, the music on this entire album beautifully captures the feelings described in the lyrics (except for "YYZ," of course . . . unless you're Brazilian, in which case apparently there ARE lyrics). The other song from this album that really seems that way to me is "The Camera Eye."
One of the unique things about Rush was that not only did the drummer write all the lyrics, but also that those lyrics weren't about love and lust and women. They were about other things in life, which, in the end, did two things - one, it kept a lot of women from liking the band, and two, it kept their music vital until the end, precisely because they weren't 60-something old men still blabbing about chasing tail.
Don't let Rush fool you, Rosalie 😁. It's not about a car really💯😁. Great dissecting of the song as always.
One of my favorites. A song so good it doesn't even need a chorus. :)
Ferrari Barchetta was a small sports car. Neil Peart was a lover of motorcycles. He rode all over the place on a bike and loved the freedom it gave him.
When you dance you smile❤❤❤❤
Your analyses is very theral Love your enthusiasm. Neil wrote most of the lyrics for their songs and their music =sound= takes you anywhere you want to go...
What many don't know is that Neil Peart, the lyricist for many Rush song's, was a very well read person, dabbling mostly into futuristic stories of how governments work such as Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand for one example. This lead him to write incredible songs like 2112, Red Barchetta, and many others. Also, the Canadian Provence of Quebec based many of their laws on French rulings, including using yellow headlights on vehicles as they did in France. That has gone by the way side now, but it was active when this was written.
Thank you, it's nice to see someone hear a rush song for the first time, and like it. Pause if you need to, it's a bit annoying yo see comments from people who watch a reaction video, who complain about pausing to react. They don't care or understand TH-cam's excessive use of copyright strikes.
Neil liked to travel by bike, motorbike and car, he used to ride his motorbike to concerts instead of going in the bus with the others and wrote many books about his travels around the world. A song that summarises his passion is "Workin' Them Angels" from the album "Snakes and Arrows"