Musician REACTS RUSH Cygnus X1 Book2 HEMISPHERES 1978 FIRST TIME HEARING REACTION
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 24 ก.ค. 2022
- Musician REACTS RUSH Cygnus X1 Book2 HEMISPHERES 1978 FIRST TIME HEARING REACTION
RUSH Reaction
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A lot to unpack here. First of all, YOU Sir deserve a medal for taking this on. In my mind everything Rush was working towards throughout the 70's was this album right here. I consider this a masterpiece. On Alex - you raise very good and valid points. IMO his playing on the next 2 albums will really impress you. That said, he dude continued to evolve his sound for decades. Like the rest of the band, he never sat still and as their music evolved he embraced his ever shifting roles. But as a guitarist myself, actually playing his parts is quite challenging because he's so damned unconventional. And I play some challenging stuff (I have a degree in Music Theory and I played in a Dream Theater tribute band for years). No other guitarist approaches his instrument the way he does. Cheers to you Sir!
In my opinion, Alex's greatness does not come from his solos at all. He does have some shining moments at times throughout the catalogue (La Villa is a good example), but his solos are nowhere near his greatest contribution to the band. I did not truly appreciate his work until I started learning Rush songs on guitar and discovered the intricacies of his chord structures and just how melodic most of his picking patterns are. This is why the chorus of people who say he is underrated are mostly guitar players themselves. And in one of my more unpopular opinions, I think he did some of his best work in the mid-eighties when the guitar was taking more of a backseat to the synthesizers. The work he does in the space he is given on those records is really quite beautiful if you listen closely. He is definitely more of a role player, but to me he plays his role magnificently. Steve Vai or Joe Satriani in Rush would suck something awful.
Again, I have to say that people really overlook the fact that he composed the music with Geddy for most of these songs. I mean, if Neil had not composed the percussion solos and things he wouldn't be considered such a great drummer now. People listen to what they hear someone playing but don't stop to think about the fact that they had to compose this stuff. He is underrated because people like Jimmy Page are overrated because people recognize these great compositions and then call him a great guitarist because of them.
Hey Alex I completely agree man! I think the band as a whole reach their pinnacle of songwriting with Grace Under Pressure. Some of my favorite songs are from that era... Hand Over Fist, Kid Gloves. The solo in Kid Gloves is imho one of Alex best. I really like the chordal approach he uses and I think that, as you said, the keyboards kinda forced him into a different space and he really shines because of it.
For me, Hemispheres remains the greatest album this band ever recorded. Regarding songs, however, my favorite will always be Natural Science from Permanent Waves.
Your take on Alex is is spot on, and the reason he was considered “underrated.” Rush isn’t a guitar band, and Alex played his role perfectly, even if it meant not being the star. I think that’s one of the things that made Rush who they were. Alex easily could have left due to not getting more spotlight. If you listen to his interviews, he’s just not that guy.
The grin where Book I came in was gold. Thanks.
He did speak up during the mid-80s as Geddy added more synth lines and solos that were taking the parts of the songs where Alex would normally be taking the lead and told Geddy he'd like his space back. It was a big step to raise the issue and assert that he wanted his chances to shine in the songs.
I think the credits on most of the songs, "Music by Lee and Lifeson. Lyrics by Peart" say a lot. A lot of people don't stop to think about the fact that Lee and Lifeson wrote all this music without being anywhere near the studio.
Alex and Emppu from Nightwish remind me of each other. They are both very generous guitar players, not trying to hog the limelight but doing whatever it takes to make the song shine.
"The Sphere". One of the most beautiful pieces ever made!
At 2:34 in to the song I like how you smiled in appreciation for the the triangular bell's shining moment in the sun...it was brief yet oh so bright...THE SINGLE GREATEST TRIANGLE MOMENT IN ALL OF ROCK HISTORY!!!
It's the arpeggios and textures from Alex on this song which really hold it all together. He is even credited with inventing the "Lifeson chord" - that initial F sharp minor with the open E and B strings. There's an interview on TH-cam where John Petrucci talks about it!
There may be hundreds or even thousands of guitarists on TH-cam who can play technically more impressive stuff than Alex. But back then he was certainly one of the trailblazers and held his own alongside a juggernaut rhythm section for more than 40 years.
Here's Petrucci talking about that chord! th-cam.com/video/Yp6CyVFJIGM/w-d-xo.html
Which he uses again on Far Cry in 2007 and variations there upon in between. One of Lifeson’s signature moves: partial barre chords moving around while others are played open. Particularly useful during the synth era. I believe.
Without a doubt my favorite Rush album! All killers no fillers. The production is also perfect and the lyrics are magnificent.
it's just perfect.
I don't think the production is perfect. It's good, but Neil has far better drum sounds on many of the records to come. Also, I far prefer his 80's lyrics to his 70's fantasy/history/sci-fi lyrics.
@@carlgibbons5777 My favorite Rush production is Signals, but Hemispheres is the best of the "prog era". Counterparts also has a fantastic production
If nature were able to create guitar solos, they would sound exactly like Alex's. His feel for what a guitar solo should be is unmatched. Your drive thru the forest of Alex Lifeson has just begun.
In terms of Rush Prog ventures this is the pinnacle. They overachieved and burnt themselves out in the process. But the attention to detail on this album is insane for a power trio. As musicians from here on out everything they did they made it look easy to do. Neils hi hat work on this album is my favorite of his. This album has everything including the kitchen sink in what the boys poured into this one. It's more technical than 2112. Imo it's not a rock out album like 2112 it's more of a brilliant technical piece that takes several listens to appreciate the intricate work together they did.
Not to mention, Geddy stretched his voice to the very limits on this song.
Alex’s solo in La Villa….if that doesn’t move you then not much will from him. He’s less about taking center stage and more about holding together the crazy bass and drums going on. Alex has sone insanely tasty solos in his 80’s work on albums like power windows and hold your fire. A lot of their albums when you listen to them you start to appreciate what he’s doing in the background. Very thoughtful and a lot of guitar players would struggle to fit in with players like geddy and Neil.
Also, if someone hasn’t mentioned it before, that first chord you hear in this song has become known as the Alex Lifeson Chord. John petrucci from dream theater I believe coined that phrase. Explains it as F sharp major with added 4th and the flat 7. No clue what that means but there you go. lol.
Keep up the honesty. I appreciate you finding different things to point out from others. Likely because you know what you are talking about.
I think 2 of his most moving solos are on Caress Of Steel - the outro of The Necromancer, and No One At The Bridge.
As a guitar player, I think Alex plays a different role than most guitar players. He really has to carry both rhythm and lead guitar. He’s very compositional in his playing, and it shows in the 80’s era. He’s not a Satriani type of player, and if he was, it would be terrible in this band. That being said, he can shred when the song calls for it. I get really bored with guitar players who just wait for their moment to show off. It sounds repetitive and reductionist to me. Alex’s guitar work had a lot more “meat on the bones” for me. I’m never bored. Great reaction though, but you need more listens. 😎
I'm a 25 year guitar player and I've always LOVED Alex's playing style. I do think he's highly under-rated as a guitar player. Maybe not under-rated... everyone agrees he's a great player, but maybe not brought into enough guitar conversations. That being said, I totally agree with you. One of the MAIN attractions to Rush (personally) is the rhythm they so skillfully produce. Some of the bass lines in this song are so groovy alongside Neil's drumming.
But being a three piece band is tough for a guitar player (or any band with a single guitarist). You have to be both solo and rhythm guitar. Alex does a great job jumping back and forth... and sometimes doing both at the same time. He has very odd chord structures and picking patterns that I never understood when I was younger. Now, it makes more sense. He plays a lot of the higher pitch portions of chords to balance the bass out all while picking out more singular notes for accents and solos.
I hope you enjoy the studio version of La Villa Strangiato. I'ts my favorite Rush song to highlight Alex.
Alex’s solos are so musical and creative and emotional.
I honestly think Alex is the key to Rush. Without him they would not be anywhere close to what they became.
La Villa Stringiato guitar solo is my personal favorite Alex lifeson guitar solo you might like that one
..to this. Immortal. Place...my favorite Geddy vocal line ever!
Hi everyone! Great response so far!! Lots of ALEX talk as I assumed would happen. Tomorrow's video I talk more about Alex (fyi I recorded these videos last week so I won't be addressing anything specifically commented...yet). I'll listen to the entire album 1-2 more times before I do my weekly Overview/Preview/Wrapup/etc video on Sunday... at which point I'll talk more about Alex. Obviously yes a shredder wouldn't fit the band I'm totally not saying or suggesting that. To me thusfar Alex is just getting started. I said at AFWTK that he sounded more like 'him'. More like he's finding his sound, his place, his style, etc etc. At least that it's maturing. Gotta run, but wanted to drop in and say hey I see all the Alex talk (I started lol). More to come...
21:35
This moment always pumps me up. When Alex draws up the neck, his timing is perfect and it's so simple, tasteful and effective.
"Then all at once the chaos ceased, a stillness fell, a sudden peace."
Ever since the Rush documentary, I just piss myself laughing at Geddy thinking to himself, "fuck me, these vocals are really high". There are bits in the Armageddon sections where he's really straining.
Always choose your key wisely if you're gonna sing it later!
I was at the Hemispheres concert date in Knoxville, Tennessee in 1978. I still have the ticket stub. Great concert.
Thing is, the mood and ambiance are all created by Alex.
That’s an incredibly important part of their music. when you get to Clockwork Angels, you will see his true genius.
no one can creat mood with a guitar like he does.
The thing about a 3 piece is everyone has to hold up their end, so in Rush you hear more Bass and Drums because you can only do so much as an individual. I think he uses chords that a lot of other guitar players don't use or afraid to use, that what makes him special. I think you will hear the guitar more front and centre shortly.
My TOP 3 Rush songs:
1). The Fountain of Lamneth
2). Cygnus X1 Book 2: Hemispheres
3). Natural Science
The thing about Rush is that, in all their stuff, you can feel their joy at finding a couple of other guys who spur each other on to be as spectacular as they were together.
Alex is in the same boat as Pete Townshend... He's the not-so-flashy glue holding everything together behind two very extroverted players. He adjusts his playing and sound to the circumstances.
All the members of Rush were very inspired by The Who, as well as Hendrix, Cream, the Beatles etc. But the one band I've heard them cite the most often as an influence is The Who.
Hello Justin,
Thank you for taking the time to indulge into the incredible catalogue that Rush has created for our enjoyment. It has been a pleasure to go on this journey with you, and I wish you continued success and addiction to one of the greatest bands of all time.
Regarding your analysis of Alex: I agree with you that having a rythym section as bombastic and talented as Rush, doesn't create a lot of space for a virtuoso guitar player to shine. However, I will interject that, in my opinion, it takes a true virtuoso to find his "space" within the music and occupy that space as well as Alex has. One thing you'll hear in subsequent albums, is a shift in songwriting and the role he plays, and during the mid to late '80's his role was redefined, not necessarily to his liking. However, his dedication to the music allowed him to explore different ways of creating harmonic structures to support the melodies. His close friendship with Geddy also likely played a strong role in him continuing that trajectory, as Geddy really dominated the soundscape with vocals, synth, and bass.
In my reactor journey, through music I'm not too familiar with, I have found different musical voices refreshing and enlightening. As you know, being a musician, the rest and absence of certain sounds can also be a dynamic often overlooked. A dynamic that helps to create the overall feel and mood. Sparseness and spacing enhance the mood. It take a true virtuoso to live within the full aspect of sound creation...silence included. Alex knows when and where to make his musical voice heard and his use of arpeggios is a signature of his style. Not the Yngwie Malmsteen "look what I can do" style of arpeggios....you'll hear what I mean when the time comes
Thank you for adding your voice to the world of reactors.
God Bless.
Joshua 1:9
The phrase "damning with faint praise" often springs to mind during your Rush reactions lol
😂
Alex is one of may favorite guitarists ever. Not because he’s a crazy solo player or legendary rhythm player. It’s because he’s perfect for the band. The further you get into this experiment the more apparent it’ll become. Over the years he developed a massive vocabulary of unique playing. He absolutely started out sounding like Page and others, but you’ll never get that again. He’s a guy who often zigged when everyone else was zagging and though you’ll find some really great solos it’ll be due to his creativity, tone, and how well it fits the song, not blazing scale runs or flashy techniques. In fact, Rush decided early on as a band that guitar solos should actually be solo sections for all of them together so that’s something you’ll find with some frequency. Regardless, Alex is definitely one of the most underrated guitarists ever in my opinion, but I have their entire body of work as a frame of reference.
That's word of mouth support to reach a million
This is my favorite album. Oddly enough, as Geddy sings "I see the Gods in battle rage on high Thunderbolts across the sky", I was having a thunderstorm raging here.
And let's not forget, Rush was HIS band!
That's right - Geddy was fired from Rush by their "manager" years before Neil joined! They begged him to come back after neither Rush nor Geddy's new band was doing so well.
Always enjoy your comments and honesty as a professional musician.
The one comment, knowing that I am not a professional musician, since Alex is playing both rhythm and lead guitar it is amazing to me the fullness and sound Alex gets. To me it sets him apart from all the "great" other rock guitarist. All three are epic players in my view..... But its awesome you realize it will take a few listens to RUSH to really appreciate them. There is too much going on to retain it in just one listen.!
I think Alex is underrated, but because Geddy & Neil stand out more among their peers. I believe the next few albums (and La Villa Strangiato on this album) show off his greatness more, too. The solos on Free Will and Limelight are examples. But I think it’s largely that so often bass players & drummers don’t stand out so much. So those two get lots of attention. In Led Zeppelin, Bonham, Page & Plant get so much attention, the amazing John Paul Jones sometimes gets overlooked, even though he’s easily one of the top bass players in rock music.
OMG that solo in Limelight is one of the all-time great guitar solos in rock.
I love reliving my excitement of hearing this album for the first time through you.
I loved Alex Lifeson at the time. He was one of my favorite guitar players. Like you said, there are great guitar players everywhere. It took much more brain matter to create and play this music than the standard guitar music at the time. Long gone are the days of the power trio with this band. I am surprised that the lasted so long.
Fav song my fav band
If you watch an interview with Alex, you can here in his demeanor that being number 1in the band was not an option. There aren't any egos here. Love Alex.
My favourite Rush album!
Really looking forward to you getting Grace under pressure, my second favourite, very very 80s but still Rush.
Loving your journey through their albums man 🤘🏻
Alex was never the flashiest player but his guitar fit the music being played. Being the only guitar in the band, he did an amazing job of holding up the rhythm side and the lead side. Very difficult to do well and he did it better than most. His expansive chords filled the sound stage so it rarely sounded thin.
You have a great point regarding why Alex would be considered underrated. Geddy and Neil are considered top 10 of all time on their instruments by many. And like you said there are so many great guitar players. Where in many bands the rhythm section holds down the fort, in Rush, Alex plays that role. As to why it took so long for the album to become platinum, it’s my opinion that many people like me discovered Rush in the 80’s, Then they worked their way back through the discography. I think the same could be said about bands like Yes and Genesis as well
This was the first album I ever bought. I heard the Trees on my FM station and used my grass moving money and bought the record. Loved the little poster inside as well. Put it on my bedroom wall.
Yeah you're definitely right, most of the amazing things I'm hearing in Rush more than anything is the drumming followed by the bass playing and then guitar
This record is very consistent!! It's always a joy to listen 👂
For me there were no egos in Rush it was always a team thing . I think in the early years not just Alex but Rush were underrated . Rush stood the test of time . Rush were phenomenal and individually they were all phenomenal. Look at David Grohl,s speech reaction when he inducted them into the rock and roll hall of fame …Justin thanks for taking the Rush trip , you have a long way to go but so much to look forward too. Take Care for now ..
Notice how Alex Lifeson's guitar sound was FULL. It filled all the space while the bass and drums tightly interweave below.
There are dozens of "rhythm" guitar riffs Alex is notorious for. I can only think of a handful of Eddie Van Halen riffs. Besides that, with Michael Anthony riding an open E (probably tuned down a half step), and with bro Alex just keeping a beat, there is plenty of space for Eddie to shred away. With Rush, all three are showing off. Many musicians have been inspired by this particular musical team. I've always noticed Alex not getting much attention in guitar magazines, for example. He still carved a huge niche in the guitar world.
Nah, commenters are wrong. Alex is not underrated, and he's not overrated. I think he's been accurately rated in the guitar and music community over the years, recognized for his signature approach to the guitar (heavy use of arpeggiation and suspended chords, expressive approach to solos in context of a "hard rock" band, memorable riffs even in odd rhythmic times, etc).
Commenters are just complainers ; )
I think it’s because they complain that he hasn’t made the “best guitarists” lists. In terms of musicians, prog fans and Rush fans, Alex’s playing is loved and appreciated. He’s one of my personal favorites.
Love this song! Of their 3 full-side epics it has become my favorite surpassing 2112. The song Hemispheres (full title of "Cygnus X-1:Book 2: Hemispheres") continues the story of Cygnus X-1.
The space traveler in Cygnus X1 enters the black hole and ends up at Olympus (home to gods of Greek legend) caught in the middle of the battle of heart vs mind( (as the album cover art depicts)
Musically Rush fans were introduced to the famous "Hemispheres Chord" or the "Alex Lifeson Chord" that would make a reappearance in the song "Far Cry" from Snakes & Arrows in 2007. Hemispheres was played on the Hemispheres and Permanent Waves tours and then portions of it were played in 1981, 1994, 2004 and 2015.
Justin you are totally on target about Alex’s style of playing yet he is crucial to Rush’s sound. They’re not a metal band and Alex is not a shredder. His playing serves the song and the melody. He’s always been in 3rd place among the three musicians. But Rush would not be Rush without him. While he does have several cool solos throughout their career, this style of playing as you described it will basically be his style throughout their catalog.
Great reaction, Justin! I think your hearing their arranging getting a lot better! This is such a great album! Be well and God bless.. from Texas!!
My favorite album from them amazing!
I always that loved the transition that comes at about 9:25 in your video.
Alex is playing the harmonica, then a transitions to the overdriven electric, awesome. listen to that 15 seconds a few times. it’s epic.
I am a Rush fan since 1991, till 2015 Neil was my favourite band member. But Alex will get better and better I think during his career. He is my favourite member now…but true, the more prominent guitar sound will come.
SPOT ON with "His function in the band isn't that of other classic rock guitar players..." To me it's more of a tribute to his greatness -- a team player who doesn't need to be the main focus. Still an absolute master of his craft. Great videos really enjoying watching your journey! 👍🏻🤘🏻
well said, team player.
1981. I was 16. All the cool kids in my high school band are talking about this band, Rush. I was into Journey, Foreigner, Loverboy, and Hall & Oates haha but I get Moving Pictures on vinyl. Different, but fascinating. Weird, but strangely attractive. Fast-forward to a Sunday-night pizza party by my church Youth Group, and we're at a Straw Hat Pizza place having a good time playing Asteroids and Defender video games :) And there's this super cool guy in the group, to whom I happen to mention that I was interested in Rush. Dude takes me to his car like a mentor. We disappear from the pizza party for over an hour, and he mentors me on Rush, and the most important thing he tells me: "Hemispheres is the best thing that Rush has ever created ... and don't let anyone ever tell you differently." I had no idea at the time, but this was a HUGE life moment. Ended up seeing Rush 22 times in concert. But anyway, I bought Hemispheres immediately after cool guy mentor tells me to, and I listened to this weird un-radio-friendly album that was so different from Journey, Foreigner, and Loverboy. haha. But dammit, that cool guy church group guy was absolutely right. I'm not crazy. But Hemispheres has stimulated the release of more personal dopamine than any other thing. Girlfriends included. By far. :) If I had to spend the rest of my life on a deserted island, and I could only have one form of entertainment, it would be Rush: Hemispheres. :) End of report.
Alex Lifeson is the sound of Rush as far as I'm concerned. All of his work defines everything about the bands sound & even in the 80's, when he started getting overwhelmed by a massive wall of synths and digital drums, he still found a way of cutting through all of that.
I would not consider Alex a brilliant guitarist or a shredder by any stretch of the imagination but he is a founding member of Rush and therefore, cements his rightly deserved place in the rock & roll hall of fame. One of the few people who actually deserve to be in there, along with Geddy & Neil.
Really strong take, hope nobody gives you any shit for your comments on Alex. Been a fan for 20 years and you nailed it. A lot of the cool Rush stuff is rhythmic, but that’s bound to happen when you’ve got one of the greatest drummer/bassist combinations in rock history.
Just can't wait for La Villa Strangiato. Three musicians showing off.
Hemispheres! 16 years old, blasting this album with my headphones, like the kind the helicopter pilots wore, with a nice fat cord like those old telephones. I was determined. This was my first concert. How was I to know. They say, what did you do with your life? I don't know, but I saw a lot of concerts. Not bad for 5 weeks of work and no preconceived ideas. But how? How did they do it?
Great reaction, Justin. Obviously there's a lot to chew on here. IMO your comments about Alex's role being primarily harmonic at this point are spot on. For example, "Hemispheres" opens with Alex heroically hitting the "Rush chord". John Petrucci calls it a "F# major with the added 4th and the flat 7", but I just think of it as F#m7 sus 4. It really catches your ear, and I think Alex, from about Farewell to Kings on, was shifting his thinking about the role of guitar towards inventive use of chord colors and melodic lines, and less about rock god soloing. As an epic song, "Hemispheres" encapsulates everything Rush had been striving for til then: the tight interplay, the stop start dynamics, the proggy suite arrangements and story telling, the power trio riffing -- it all comes together here. This is their "Close to the Edge" (or they hoped it would be), although I suppose you could just think of it as "2112" turned up to 11. But you can tell they just needed to get "Hemispheres" out of their system before they could evolve. This entire album served them well, but they were clever enough to realize they'd hit dead end and needed a fresh direction, especially since the heyday of prog rock was fading fast. That's about the time they took notice of an English trio featuring a talented drummer, an ex-fusion guitarist, and talented singer-songwriting bassist...
Alex's strengths have more to do with how he fills out the sound, and in fact, he and Geddy are composing the chordal structure as a duo. We often talk about Rush as 'players', but there are many bands made up of great players. What I love about Rush is that they are a true collaboration, which is more rare than people realize. They are as close to a perfect triangle as we will likely ever hear, and Alex is a full third of that triangle. Okay, that was my 'defend Alex' bit. It is true that with a rhythm section like Geddy and Neil, very few guitarists could measure up or find a 'place' in that sound. Alex was that guy...
Your assessment of Alex is warranted at this early stage of RUSH, no question Alex displays more of his guitar virtuoso on some of the upcoming albums. Alex is credited by some rock guitarist as having a specific chord named after him. I think it's know as "The Lifeson Chord".
Not listened to this in years and like better than 2112. The Cinematic section you refer to was If I remember Alex using a Roland Guitar Synth. I tried to count the transitions in this masterpiece but gave up and just enjoyed the song and your reaction. I was 14 when this came out and remember finishing school and heading into town to our local record store to purchase and ran back home with a big smile on my face.
Neil's lyrics here were a reflection of his ongoing efforts to unite his logical, rational, thinking left brain with his sensitive, passionate, feeling, right brain, and I really like how the instrumental composition, interweaving sections from the prelude into subsequent parts, serves as a unifying force, like the chorus of a traditionally structured song. And did you recognize that section from Book 1 played at the end of Part 4? As I see the constellation Cygnus, currently climbing in the northeastern sky right after sunset, I'm reminded of how much better I am when I allow my sensing/thinking left brain to work together with my intuitive/feeling right brain. Great reaction as always; looking forward to seeing what you think of the rest of Hemispheres!!
🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🔥 🔥 🔥
Really good analysis of this song. I've always felt it was very specific to Neil's life.
I wore this album out in high school. Absolutely love Cygnus X1, the music, the lyrics, the whole story!
Completely agree with your take on Alex. I don't think Alex is concerned about how recognized he is. He plays a part in this band and does so very well. He has his chance to stand out on various songs in their catalogue. I love the balance and how much the rhythmic nature of the band comes across. What I like about Alexs' style is his tone, composition and use techniques to set a mood. Its not about how fast he can play or how many notes he can jam into a bar. Sure he can shred once in a while (see Working Man live in Cleveland), but he can also evoke a strong emotional response by playing more simply (Like in La Villa Strangiato - A Lerxst in Wonderland section, or even in the Limelight solo).
Cygnus X-1 book II has an interesting story that ties in to the theme of the Album (Hemispheres). It takes some time to appreciate and absorb. Look forward to a few more listens.
Thanks again for a great reaction video.
Great album that opens with John Petrucci's favorite chord, which he dub's, "The Alex Lifeson Chord."
Great video man. I've always thought of Alex as a player who served the songs. Yes he gets his fill of moments. But even during the rise of the keyboards, he was still quite a servant to the songs even as his presence dimmed on some of those recordings.
Don't sleep on Alex as a rhythm guitarist..... His interplay with Neal and Geddy is foundational! You are correct in your assessment of him finding his lead guitar voice, some of his best work starts to show on the next couple of albums.
I had forgotten how much Neil used the hi-hat (opening & closing) back then however it was the 70's, he tends to switch between a jazz and disco (sorry Neil) style on it. The use of the hi-hat to accent has unfortunately largely disappeared in modern mainstream music.
Hemispheres is my favorite Rush album and it was really weird finding out it was recorded less than 30 miles as the crow flies from my house. It's not like I could have gone and listened or watched them record, but it's cool to know for a few weeks the Rush members shared the same weather and countryside.
Fair point about Alex, he is good and nobody else would have fit in but Neil and Geddy were among the greatest on their instruments.
Ironically, when they were playing bars in Toronto, around the time the 1st album came out, I think it was Alex who was the featured ‘performer.’ Once Neil came to the band, things changed exponentially.
Your comment about Alex is well founded but the reason he gets overshadowed is that the other two are arguably the best of all time playing their respective instruments. Their chemistry is their greatest strength. Alex does have some tastefully beautiful solos and considering Alex plays Rhythm and leads especially live without a back up is impressive to me alone. La Villa Stangiato showcases them big time and he has a beautiful solo in it.
Without Rush....there would never have been Dreamtheatre,..... you can hear the influences so clear.
This is why I like your reactions. You aren’t worried about having everyone else’s rush experience, you’re having your own and you have your own preferences in music, and background. Alex is my favorite guitar player for the reasons you stated. He doesn’t need to be in front, he services the song. Looking forward to more of these videos. Also was wondering if you ever listened to Alice in chains’ cover of tears.
oh yeah I heard AIC Tears..
@@JustinPanariello brilliance at it's finest,
I’m a 55 year old drummer who discovered Rush as a 12 year old and immediately became obsessed with Neil and Geddy because of the rhythm sections and how tight but loose at the same time they gelled together. Alex is one of the greatest guitarists ever, but when you’re in a trio with arguably the best drummer and bassist of all time it’s easy to be overlooked.
You say you are a fan of Dream Theater so it's interesting your take on Alex... Reason being John Petrucci said and I quote "Rush is my favorite band of all time, and Alex is one of my favorite guitar players of all time. He’s such a big influence on me not only as a player, but on my sound and style of writing, too. When Dream Theater first came out, a lot of people said we sounded like Rush. I don’t know if that was a criticism or a compliment, but I took it as a compliment, of course"
Alex is part of a team of virtuosos. The complexity of his sound is not something you'll absorb in a single song, no matter how long it is. His depth is extensive...and he deservedly is one the all time greats.
I was one of the people who were criticizing you for your comments on Alex. But I like, and understand, the way you described it today about his playing. He fits in perfectly by what he plays in the song. As another person commented, a different guitarist who is a shredder or who wanted to show off they're skills, probably would have ruined the precision (if that is the right word I'm looking for) of the songs. The fact that he is the only guitarist in the band, and cowrote the music makes him awesome.
In terms of Alex's solos, just finish out the album...his solo in La Villa Strangiato is my personal favorite of his and honestly in my top 5 solos of all time, it's so good.
Someone on a forum I was on said of Alex. With a lot of rock guitarists you say how did he play that with Alex Lifeson you say how did he write that?
You know sometimes when you do to much people say oh man that was over the top, and then when you don't do enough people say man there should have been more, Until you sit down and attempt to play his parts and then you say wow that was not as easy as it sounds. Eddie VH was amazing, John Petrucci, wow, but if you listen to what they say about Alex you get so see true genius Alex is. His style fits Rush. The late Taylor Hawkins said it best Alex Lifeson, melodic sometimes chaotic guitar solos. As you know La Villa Strangiato is coming up soon. His solo has been said by many that is such a slow melodic solo that just blows you away. Its not speed and scales all over the place. It allows your ears and your brain to process what you just heard. To me that is the masterful. You will hear in the next few albums how his guitar is more involved and then on one of the albums it takes a back seat, Until they say ok time to change. Alex has a certain vibe and style unmatched. Yes the rhythm section of this Epic Little Novel is very pronounced, but in the background there is that little voice saying I will keep this train moving. IMO
Only Rush could swing it through the heart's despair...
Musically I thought this was a difficult song. Geddy's singing and Neil's drumming were way up there, bass was excellent. Alex, I always like his solo's because they fit the song so well. Nothing I could fault him really in his phrasing or choices.
A tough thing to do is to try to dance to this one without knowing it intimately. Luckily I can't dance so I'm pretty much just hopping up and down like a rabbit most of the time anyways. :)
I came back to this to add more commentary about Alex and I think a part of your problem is that you really haven't spent as much time with this music as we did back in the ancient times when we were waiting in between each release for the next one. Spinning these albums a lot and you get to listen to the whole album at a time and the solos and the context of the music. I just heard 2112 again, the entire album, I know the music and solos probably note for note. When you speak of these songs (in contrast) you're not likely recalling all those great moments that were there. Just my opinion too. Hahaha, still you're doing ok and still having fun and that's pretty much what counts here. :)
And, well, Rolling Stone reviews... I don't think I've ever read one...
Now I'm back again. Still enjoy this so much more compared to the late stuff. There's something here that keeps me warm in the middle of winter. No wolves, no hunger other than wanting to hear an old favorite to feed the ears/brain. :)
Yet another comment about Alex and his solos as if that's the only thing he does? What about writing the music and playing the rhythm guitar?
@@squaaaaak3178 Well obviously he does a lot more as there's only the three of them and Geddy is as busy as a one-armed-wallpaper-hanger. If Alex was consistently hanging back I doubt we'd be talking about them like this... Or at least in my opinion...
IMO, ALL of Alex's best guitar solos come from the 80's save maybe LaVilla Strangiato on this record. Alex is the KING of emotive, goosebump raising guitar solos. You will see soon enough. Nobody in rock gives me the goosebump chills like Lifeson. Not even Eddie Van Halen. Listen to Between The Wheels by Rush. The guitar solo IS the star of the song.
Alex really blossoms on Permanent Waves. Then he keeps growing and expanding until the keyboards take over in Power Windows. Then the keyboards dial back and he comes back to the front again. To me his peak is Moving pictures. The guitar work is pure artistry. He is more of a painter, a-la Andy Summers.
Alex always liked interesting chords, but starting on A Farewell to Kings and coming through in this album, he really started using a lot of chords all over the neck with various open strings, leading to some interesting chord voicings. I always liked they sometimes airy/spacey and sometimes tight dissonant sounds as an interesting way to add a lot of depth to the guitar part. Then, when I became a serious student of classical guitar (i.e. as a music performance major), I came across the Etudes and Preludes of H. Villa-Lobos, and one of his the trademarks of his classic guitar pieces was in this same thing. Alex's genius is not in being a shredder in the typical sense (although that doesn't mean he can't play). I'd say that his real genius is in managing to compose and play parts that fill out nearly *everything else* that isn't the rhythm section and the vocals (with the exception of Geddy's keyboards, but we're not talking about Rick Wakeman keyboard parts here).
In general, I would say that Alex is underrated when it comes to his guitar *work*. Now if you put him on stage with a bunch of high-end shredders--I mean yes, I'm sure he can't do all the tricks that Steve Vai and Joe Satriani can (for example), but neither of them would have been able to bring what Alex brought to Rush. If Rush was a band built around Alex (let's say the way that perhaps Triumph ended up being essentially Rik Emmett and "the other two"), then yeah, he probably can't do that. OTOH, he's the guy who consistently brought relevant and interesting guitar parts (and co-wrote with Geddy) to the one of the greatest rhythm sections of the history of prog rock.
I'm a hard core Rush fan but surpringsingly I agree with you on Alex. My turning point on Alex was his solo in the studio version of La Villa Strangiatto. This completely blew off my mind.
Simply put, in my humble opinion, Rush would not be Rush without Alex Geddy and Neil. Alex is every much an integral part to this band as the other two. Geddy and Neil were techno Wizards in their craft, where Alex played more from the heart. He also played what the music called for instead of trying to shine all time. I think that is what makes a truly great musician, which he was in his band. The three of them created a chemistry that was simply awesome, in my opinion. And that is what made Rush one of the greatest prog rock bands ever. Okay, I'm a major fan so there is some bias. I will admit that, LOL.
I'm cool with you digging G and N more than A. I'm a guitarist from a classical background, Alex has amazing tone and attack control, add in his modulation sensibility. Thats why I dig Alex.
I totally get what you're saying about Alex, he's more or less playing for the song and not doing Eddie Van Halen type of stuff all the time, but there is the occasional guitar solo that does widen people's eyes, you'll probably notice it on a song like Kid Gloves from their Grace under pressure album. He actually reminds me of Jimmy Page reminds me quite a bit too who played for the song rather than some being flashy stuff. Page amazed people more in concert with his extended solos than on Zep records. Alex reminds me of that type of playing.
I get what you’re saying about Alex, but a shredder would have ruined Rush. His playing is far more nuanced than your run of the mill rock player and this becomes more evident as you go through their catalogue. In this way he’s similar to Andy Summers in the Police. On paper there were far better guitarists around, but the chemistry wouldn’t have been there.
I agree! Alex Lifeson is the PERFECT FIT FOR RUSH! ANY OTHER GUITAR 🎸 PLAYER WOULD NOT FIT! To me he brings the overall VIBE to RUSH that would be SORELY MISSED WITHOUT HIS PRESENCE AND PERFORMANCE
But Alex can shred!
Yeah, Alex can shred, but -- as Justin said -- what a group featuring a busy and talented drummer and a busy and talented bassist needed was a guitarist who would allow space for the other two to shine. It's sort of why the dynamic of Yes' early rhythm section worked so well. They had a VERY busy and talented bassist (and later a busy and talented guitar player) so the drummer took an almost minimalist approach while carving out a harmonic space where he could be heard. Anyways, I've always thought of Alex's greatest contribution to Rush was that he was an incredibly humble musician. He knew he was part of a good thing, and wasn't going to screw it up by adopting the usual rock guitar ego! Must have been a Canadian thing. 😉
Shredders are boring, who wants to listen to someone playing scales fast the whole time.
@@nodrush80 Amen! I hate that crap.
Neil’s drumming on this album is
worth the price of admission alone.
La Villa Strangiato is above & beyond all… great reaction, Justin.
I'm loving the investigation and retrospection you do before and after every album. It adds more depth to these reviews 🤌🏾🔥🔥🔥
I'm a Rush fan since 1986 and have seen them 25 times live in concert. I'm a drummer and i've played in Rush tribute band in the past. And I agree with your assessment. Alex is brilliant at textures, note selection and writing the perfect parts for this music. But it also means that he's rarely playing blistering solos. If i'm a 15 year old guitar player learning to play lead I will be much more drawn to Eddie VanHalen, Randy Rhoades and those types of guitarists so I totally get how you feel. On another note I love your honesty and I always love watching people in the process of discovering my favorite all time band!
Thanks!
22 times live in concert here. I agree. Alex is a brilliant artist. Textures, yes!!! I keep thinking: Michael Anthony and Alex Van Halen are never in the discussion of best drummers and bassists. So, Eddie (and vocalists David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar) carried that band. Alex is underrated because he didn't have to carry his band, because the other members were average.
You're really really right about the dynamic of the band. I think Alex did what he did because it fit.
duuuuude! How can u, as a musician, NEVER heard this before?! 😜 better late than never. Now you can live to a ripe old age fulfilled, lol.
Funnily enough, his guitar sound, tone and style really stands out during a lot of their keyboard-heavy 80's period. I'm not as into some of those albums as some of their other eras, but his solos on - for example - "Open Secrets" from "Hold Your Fire" - are quite brilliant
Yeah... The first couple of minutes into this album and I am already happy! So much better than anything from them that came before it IMHO. I love this song! 🤘🔥
On the Alex issue... you are in 1978. You still have 30 some odd years to go 😉
great observation... on the alex issue. totally get it and agree.
There are so many tempo changes or "mini songs" or "hooks" that each onel could be a song within this one song...did I make sense? lol Someone on Reddit broke down the time signatures. (I Remember when learning on the drums I counted them as (And Im good with the whole time sig thing I got a lot of drum lessons of Bill Bruford while doing my music Degree) Ok So from when the drums come in 5/4 - 6/4 - 11/8 -4/4 3/4 7/8 3/4 4/4 3/4 7/8 3/4 4/4 3/4 7/8 3/4 4/4 3/4 7/8 3/4 4/4 then 4/4 for 6 bars then 3/4 for one -- Then 4/4 for 3 bars then 3/4 for one - Then 6/8 for 9 bars then
Right I cant be bothered to do the rest now but in the section before the vocals come in it alternates between
5/8 and 6/8 I would not count anything in this song using 16th notes nope nope)
Oh..It Happens...trust me...even early stuff...Working man...jeez...necromancer...et al...he knows he's with juggernauts...that's why he's restrained and working within Neil's song lyric goals and Neil and Geddy's rythymic structures...not an easy job...