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Just pause for a moment to consider where Rush were five or six years before this and how much they’d progressed in their playing and songwriting abilities, through shear hard work and touring, perfecting their craft. This was a real beacon of hope for those of us who loved rock but despaired of the hair rockers and stuck in the past blues rockers. Rush continued to progress past this album and lost some of the hard core rockers on the way, but they were always trying something new, which is what creativity is all about.
Really great song by their perosona “The Fabulous Men”!! Much more “Fabulous Men” to come!! Lol. I’m going to predict you like “Permanent Waves” better!! We’ll see at noon !! See you then! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!
This song ends Moving Pictures beautifully and leads right into Signals, I just love the way Rush threads the two albums. Moving Pictures is a definitive Rush record and a best seller for a reason, it is simply great music perfectly executed. But for me, I have a great affinity for Signals and have found myself listening to it more than Moving Pictures or any previous album. “You move me, you move me” It's the magic of Rush, it's all great but for your individual tastes some will stand out more than others.
I'm kind of there with you, although Vital Signs is probably in my top 5 Rush songs, none of the rest on this album are. Signals hooked me for good. I dont think Justin will like it as much as you and I do. I'm old and listened to the radio a lot when this album came out and never knew this was a single and never remember hearing played on Rock radio. Probably because they were all too busy playing Tom Sawyer.
@@KennethStCyr-dv6cm Yup, I hear you. I remember when Rush played high schools, so I go way back. Like you I don’t recall Vital Signs played on the radio, while I do think Moving Pictures is a great record and has quite a lot of great music on it, I just enjoy Signals just a bit more. With Rush, it’s all good.
@@reallymysterious4520 Yes! it's Vital Signs, I just love the Easter eggs Neil puts in there is a kind of continuity to his writing. "The impulse is pure, Sometimes our circuits get shorted, By external interference, "Signals" get crossed, And the balance distorted, By internal incoherence" Neil Peart, Vital Signs.
@@WeDanceWestie I remember when I went to my first high school and as I looked at photos on the wall I saw that RUSH had played there a number of years earlier
One of my personal favorite songs of all time. It mixes Prog with Pop, Raggae, and a bit of Funk? So unique and distinct. Which is my favorite type of art.
Just fyi, while people may want to hate on synth era Rush, it's still very much RUSH and houses some synth heavy masterpieces. They continue to write great melodic songs with equally deep lyrics.
I had just gotten my "Ham" radio license when this album came out. This record has all kinds of geeky goodness. From morse code inspired YYZ, to Vital Signs. Signals even kicks it up a notch with The Analog Kid, to Digital Man. If you're not paying attention to the lyrics, you're missing 50% of the greatness of Rush.
My favorite Rush song of them all. It's a personal theme for me. Ever since the first time I heard it, the last minute fills me with joy and sadness as they build and build. To me it's like a beloved friend I haven't seen in years leaving to go home after spending a good deal of time hanging out and catching up and having fun. They're saying goodbye until next time, and I'm like no! not yet!
Neil's lyrics were interesting in this song. He used terms from the recording studio and juxtaposed them with real world relationships, like "Pause, rewind and replay - warm memory chip...Random-Sample-Hold the one you need" and "Signals get crossed and their balance distorted, by internal incoherence"
"I feel like I need to hear it again" don't be shy you can do it again in the video🤣 Yeah man this my favorite off the album. I love how rush seasons their music with different styles here and there like jazz and reggae without being full blow THAT. (Count down to Test for Echo🕐🤌🏾🔥🔥)
"You get it now, with your statement - "That sounded like nothing I've heard Rush do." That's what they're all about - an ongoing restless musical experiment, 'that I and many others fans stayed on for decades. Everything is the same but different. I'm glad you like Permeant waves so much, it's my favorite Rush album.
"Interesting". That's pretty apt. It's got a nice melody and some interesting things going on. The clear definition between the instruments and vocals makes everything pop. It's a nice way to wind down the album.
It took me a year or more to 'cozy-up' to this track, but then I fell in love with it - because of the lyrics! Back in the day, it became a (sort of) source of anxiety for me as I'd drift off to sleep because as it faded out, I knew I'd have to get out of bed to flip the record over..........and over again.......
1981 was the first time I seen Rush. The tickets was $12.00. All total l seen them 31 times over the decades. I have never seen a bad show. Always perfection.
Yes this song is preview of what's to come. This would have fit on Signals. I'll be interested to see what you think of Signals. That album marked a change in their sound.
As I recall, this single got picked up by the alternative radio stations (for me that was KROQ in LA), but mainstream FM radio didn't pay much attention. And as you noticed, Justin, when Rush "goes reggae" it's not like they're suddenly a Bob Marley cover band! This has always been a bit of an outlier in the catalog, and definitely on the album. They must have felt comfortable enough with the other recordings that they let this one drift into more experimental or "quirky" territory. You picked up on the snare sound, the elevated use of synths, plus there's the treatment of Geddy's vocal and his bass. But you still had Alex hitting the power chords, the unison interplay, the hook-y melodies and riffs... It still sounds like classic Rush. Can't wait to see how you respond to Signals (or are you going to dive into Exit... Stage Left first?)
Hello, Justin. I guess you will go on to the next album, that is Signals. To me, another master piece...different, but so freaking good. No fill in songs, just pure creativity with unmatched lyrics. I noticed, just like it happens to most of us, when listening to Rush, you just get caught up in the great music they provide, but, man, you have got to pull out the lyrics...I insist. All the songs from signals are a real treat with a great sound. Well recodered and engineered album. There is no waste to this one....you got to react to all of them, specially Countdown.....the lyrics are so descriptive and precise, that it makes you feel like you were there on that very day.... One more thing, when you started doing these reactions, I did not feel like you really felt any excitement about checking Rush catalog.... something has changed and I feel like you are digging it.....it takes a while, but once you start understanding these masters, the endless journey begins.....Looking forward to the next one.
"Interesting snare sound" So because this song has an "electronic" feel and drum machines were really becoming prevalent, they wanted to make Neil's drums sound like a drum machine for that first part. Neil described it as "akin to making wood look like plastic!". In addition, they taped a mic to Neil's chest to try and capture what the drums sound like from the drummer's perspective. Great bass line in this song. Just driving and relentless but so cool. Also notice that when Geddy does step up to take a solo, he does it in the context of the song. In LVS or YYZ, he's flashy because that is what the song calls for. But in WH or VS, he's slow and tasteful. He's so good. Finally, you need to listen to Battlescar by Max Webster and do a reaction to that. It's a contemporary of this record so the timing is right. Max Webster (no one in that band is named Max Webster, btw) would play Battlescar in concert before it was on a record. They also opened for Rush a LOT over the years. So apparently (according to Limelight by Martin Popoff) Neil would go onstage, sit behind his kit (under the tarp!) and play along to Battlescar with Max. The audience couldn't hear him (probably) but Max's drummer sure could! And apparently Neil would screw with Max's drummer by changing the time feel for different parts to see how Max's drummer would react. So when it came time to record that song, Rush asked to join in. It's epic. Super slow and the contrast between Kim Mitchell's voice (super deep) and Geddy's is awesome.
They were listening to a lot of new music at the time including New Wave and post punk which were styles themselves designed to push forward. Neil, for sure, was influenced by this ability to change and grow. And that’s what they strive towards. Fascinating band. The sheer push to not stay the same is amazing. Ya might not like it all, but ya gotta give ‘em credit for trying.
Not sure if it was intentional, but this last song references "Signals" frequently. You might think of the "Reggae" on this track as influence by The Police, who Rush were listening to at this time. I like Geddy's bass on this track, and as always Neil's Drums. The production mixing and sound on this album are among the best I have heard from the analog age. I always feel like I want to hear this again, after listening to Vital Signs. Get ready for more synth, and more great music.
Alex said in and interview back when Signals came out that he was obviously influenced a bit by other guitar players and styles who were popular at the time. This song sounds very influenced by The Police. The Edge from U2 becomes an influence on Signals, even more so on Grace Under Pressure.
It's difficult to appreciate just how shocking this song was for the diehard rockers who from this point forwards insisted they only liked "early Rush". The rest of us who were more open-minded continued on their musical odyssey onto Signals.
This is a really cool song and definitely points to the future of the band's sound through the 80s...we've entered my favorite era of Rush and I will be very interested in your take from Signals and Power Windows in particular
In general, Rush put out a lot of songs that need a few listens to really get everything--I think that that is the big reason why it took me awhile to really get into them as I listened to their material (this was back in the early 80s when their latest album was Signals). Even when I was a Rush fan, it sometimes took a few listens before I started to figure out what I really liked. For example, I remember being totally underwhelmed by Power Windows (which came out my freshman year in college) on my first listen, but I actually think it is a really great example of mid-80s Rush. However, it took a few listens for me to really get to that point.
Don't concern yourself with what other people say or write - Rush do their own thing. You don't get Rush with one listen - many of us have been listening since the 70s and personally I still hear new things and sounds - and your not even doing lyrics !! You can say it if you like - don't be shy - they're fucking brilliant' 😂👍
This wasn't on the radio very much, if memory serves, but it was all over MTV, when MTV was a music channel. MTV was fantastic back then and was a huge influence in shaping us musically. Sad what it turned into, but it was really great when I was a youngster. I sat in front of my grandparents tv for their maiden voyage and was hooked from the jump.
Very creative on all parts and vocals, and a good segue into Signals, and the beginning of a decade of evolution until the early 90's, where yet, they 'evolve' again.
Their music at the time was influenced by the Police at the time. The Police were blowing up at the time this was released. Don't worry, Permanent Waves was my favorite of the two "big" albums as well
The reason the drums sound like they do on this track is that Neil was wearing a special recording device that caught the sound of the hits on the drums and cymbals but not the resonance, giving the drums a crisp sound.
Permanent Waves is probably my second favorite album behind Grace Under Pressure. I like Moving Pictures ok but it's actually down my list a bit. Vital signs and Tom Sawer are easily my favorites off this.
That was interesting, I need to hear that again! I think you’re going to be saying that a lot from this point forward😂. There are a lot of great comments here. You know nearly all of the 60s and 70s bands that were still going in the 80s went heavy in synth sounds. Of course there are exceptions like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin’s in through the out door in 79 was heavy synth. Even Eddie Van Halen started playing synth in 84. Prog bands that already used synthesizers like Genesis and Yes pushed synth either further to the forefront and tightened up their songs to be more radio friendly. There was (and still is) lots of controversy about all this. Many fans were turned off and felt their bands sold out. However, many of these bands gained new fans and some of these albums were their most popular and best sellers. I believe this is what brought about the rise of the hair band, to fill the void that was left when many of these bands switched to Synthesizer. I can’t pick a favorite Rush album, but I will say I love the next three albums!
A bit off-topic, but did you see/hear Geddy and Alex got together live onstage at Red Rocks in Colorado last Thursday for the first time since Neil passed away? There's a lot of videos of the event all over youtube. They will also perform live at the Tribute to Taylor Hawkins concert at Wembley Stadium in London on Sept 3.
Justin, as a bass player I think Power Windows and Hold Your Fire might just be what you need. Great bass work all over both albums. I agree that this is not reggae. Reggae influenced yes, but more Police influenced in my opinion
This is my favourite track on the album. The bass line is hypnotic. I had a feeling you’d like it. At this point, and on the next couple of albums, they incorporated some elements from reggae, but didn’t try to make it a reggae track. You can definitely hear the influence of The Police, particularly of Stuart Copeland on Neil’s approach, and maybe some Andy Summers flavour in Alex’s playing. I don’t think Geddy took anything from Sting, though. Maybe he’d been listening more to King Crimson? Anyway, it doesn’t sound like imitation so much as incorporating some ideas they liked, and making them their own. Excellent track.
When I was young Limelight was my favorite Rush song on MP, but Vital Signs became & remains #1. It's a great groove. There is a regae "influence" but it's not resounding, it's a touch. Love it, hope it'll grow on you, it's cool to have "mixed feelings" abt new stuff. What 2nd listens are for. I think you'll like most of Signals.
Neil Peart became a really big Police fan in the late 1970s (to the point of, once they were headlining, including some Police tracks in his mixtapes that would play before the house lights dimmed... in the UK, because Rush had more of a metal and prog fanbase which considered itself completely opposed to the punk and new wave crowd that liked Police, that would pretty consistently result in several minutes of booing). He also played a fair amount of Marley tapes on the tourbus during this period, but most of the reggae influences in this period are filtered through the new wave bands that they were listening to.
Love this song! :) Having at that time spent way too much time with computers already I really did want to elevate from the Norm! (Cheers!) j/k... Hope you ran it again a few times by now.
I'd say more techno. They even joked about it when they were trying to get the vibe/feel for the song while recording. Okay, now it's going to get a little, or a LOT different musically. The next album is where they lost a lot of older fans, but also picked up a bunch of new fans. I highly recommend pulling up the lyrics from this point on. I think if I could only listen to one song from Rush, it would be from the upcoming album. It's the lyrics that make it the one song that stands above the rest, but as you know music is subjective. Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Take care ✌
The Police had a lot of Reggae flavor and this sounds more Police influenced to me, as it will in coming songs. I like The Police (wish I had seen them in concert, but did see Sting when he went solo) and their sound on these songs sounds more like that to me.
Well here we are on the last song. The reggae style is more pronounced in this piece. You made a comment about the snare drum sound. It's actually being played on an electronic pad. Again I refer to the Time Machine concert. You can watch Neil actually play it. I don't know what your knowledge of reggae is, but if you were to listen to some traditional pieces you would notice that Neil's drum sounds mimic them. And it was at this point Terry Brown became concerned with the use of so much keyboard technology. He would go on to only do one more album with the band for this very reason. You will find when you dive into Signals how smothered the album is in keyboards. Alex was rumored to be very upset, and made the comment, "What's up with all these keyboards? They're not even a real instrument". Later Rush producers would feel the same way. But personally I think they struck a good balance by the time they got to Grace Under Pressure and Power Windows. So that's all I have to comment about for now. I can't wait to see you do the deep dive into Signals. 😎☮️
I get it I get it. And it makes sense because yyz started as a bass & drums song that Geddy and Neil used to jam to in practice. And then the whole Morse code yyz thing come to Neil and they added to there practice jam and Alex added his part. And Charles Berthound is just nasty on the bass but you right in asking how is he in a band. Bcuz there also this amazing internet drummer Dylan Elise and on his own he is a monster but in a band ehhhhh. So I get it. But to us the regular people who have picked up instruments and couldn't quite get it. But understand the complexity. Hear someone jamming like Rush can Jam and it's simply amazing. So there you go. We love it you don't OK we get it.
If there is one song that seems out of place on this album it’s Vital Signs. Certainly, it’s a reggae-influenced song. Also influenced by The Police. More Police inspired reggae to come on Signals. Signals will have more songs that sound like Vital Signs than Tom Sawyer, Limelight, YYZ, etc. I always thought this song was so cool and was disappointed there was no live version on ESL since they played it live on the MP Tour as well as the ESL Tour. The New World Man "single" rectified that by providing an excellent live version from 1981 or 1982 and then more recently another previously released early live version was released on the live cd from the 40th Anniv of MP. It was released as a single but I don’t recall it getting much air play.
This song is about two computers. That's why the song feels and sounds disjointed. One computer is trying to help the other to become more human...hence the computer repair/program jargon and the comparison of human feelings to computer logic. Random, sample, hold the one you need. Think of the android Data from Star Trek. ha ha
This album was a commercial success but I like the 3 preceding albums better and probably Signals better as well. Can’t wait to see what you think of “digital man” on Signals. “Witch hunt” is such a hidden gem and is probably my favorite off moving pictures and the reason I listen to that album. Which is not to say any of it is bad I have just heard it a lot. I wore it out when it came out. This is when a lot of friends got it like I had been getting it for 6 years at that point.
I’m sure you have already started Signals or might’ve finished it already, Losing It will more than likely be blocked, it’s always getting blocked. Have a great weekend Justin, (now that it’s almost over).👍
Part of me wonders if you just like Permanent Waves better because it’s the first Rush album you “actually” really like. And maybe you’ve heard too much of Moving Pictures already. Just a thought…
I liked A Farewell To Kings too. Permanent Waves is great front to back. I just think it's stronger overall. Camera Eye is good but even in comments you see its hit or miss. I do like Red Barchetta just needed to hear it more. YYZ can be left out, for me. I'm just not into the Rush instrumentals. AFTK had Cinderella Man. Easy pick to me.
If this was a single, it got as much radio play as the Necromancer did. Lol. And do not worry about reggae. They had sone influences coming from bands like the police which has that reggae sound at times but Rush always takes that popular stuff and makes it their own. Digital Man which you’ve already heard from Signals is one of those reggae influences songs. At least that is what the experts say. Wait until Roll the Bones……I won’t spoil what you’ll hear there. I think based on your reactions to side 2, you’ll end up liking their 80’s synth stuff. The songs are shorter and very different from the harder sound. But they still have the Rush sound and still pack a lot of time signature changes (which we all know you love to count) and has some incredible guitar work from Alex even if you don’t hear it in the first listen. Signals which is the next studio album has been one of Alex’s least favorites because it’s so synth heavy but honestly, he does crazy great parts in almost all the songs. Exit stage left is next. Not my favorite live release just due to the fact that I prefer watching the concert video of it but you’ll enjoy. I believe the recordings on the album release are the same as the video unlike a show of hands which used different recordings.
Let the 80's experiment experience begin - It's a good sign that you want to hear this song again you might enjoy the ride (or at least stay curious). Though for me this song has too much Police influence.
There is reggae influence, but it's subtle, it's still a rock song. You have to take Rush "singles" with a grain of salt, they really weren't singles or played on the radio that way
I never thought of this song of having any reggae in it at all. Maybe the guitar is a bit reggaeish in style? I think Jinjer does a much better job of mixing music genres together. Excellent song though and yes a bit different.
“Everybody’s got mixed feelings.” Count me in, and not in a good way. It’s not a bad song, but it made me nervous. Turned out (for me) to be for good reason. I’ll leave it there, other than to say that Canadian reggae reminds me of Canadian bacon.
Its just personal opinion but I cannot stand the Police and Sting in particular. If this was the Police I would call it crap. Since its Rush I will just say its in keeping with most of Moving Pictures, poor by their extremely high standards. I repeat just my opinion as I know many regard this album as their favourite and I respect that even if I disagree. Good luck with the next album!
Instead of having a static album cover on screen, you should try to do some lyrical videos. Rush was as much about lyrics as they were about music You miss a lot by not knowing the lyrics.
So many people tell me about the lyrics. And I tell them all NO! lol ... I want to listen to the music with my EARS not my EYES. Especially on my first listen. Lyrics can be for another time. Obviously every person tells me how important their lyrics are, I hear it loud and clear.
I don’t have to wait until noon: Justin’s Synopsis of Moving Pictures: First I like Permanent Waves BETTER. Second I like Tom Sawyer, Witch Hunt, and Vital Signs. Third and this is from me Gary…Unfortunately Alex Lifeson starts turning more and more like RHYTHM GUITARIST AND NOT LEAD GUITARIST…so 1984-1994 is not my favorite RUSH period. They don’t get back to guitar bass and drums until the Counterparts album. So in sum for me Gary: BEST:74-82. WORST 84-96. 2002 to 2015 GREAT! I’m copying and pasting again for the noon 🕛 show! Don’t blame me blame the coffee ☕️
The synth from this album on took over there sound too much for me .The guitar gets lost in the synth sound. This was the last album i bought by them as a teen. There are some great songs after this but i grew up on old Rush and its what brings me back every time i listen to it. Rock on man . I cant wait till you get to some Tool one day
Check out some of the 90's and 2000 Rush. From Counterparts on they get back to their heavier sound. Clockwork Angels their last album is a full concept album and much heavier. I think you would enjoy them. Cheers
Really? You're going to leave us in suspense for a couple of hours to reveal your stiil obvious opinion regarding your favorite album so far.? Well this one is mine. Still, you would have a rough time pulling me into arguing your opinion.
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It's more them doing The Police than it is them doing straight reggae. There's a couple great tunes on Signals that feel even more like that.
This is what The Police wish they sounded like
Just pause for a moment to consider where Rush were five or six years before this and how much they’d progressed in their playing and songwriting abilities, through shear hard work and touring, perfecting their craft. This was a real beacon of hope for those of us who loved rock but despaired of the hair rockers and stuck in the past blues rockers. Rush continued to progress past this album and lost some of the hard core rockers on the way, but they were always trying something new, which is what creativity is all about.
Beautifully said. I feel exactly the same way. Rush still speaks to me.
Likewise
80's Rush over 70's Rush every day and two weeks from Sundays. Whatever that means! haha
Really great song by their perosona “The Fabulous Men”!! Much more “Fabulous Men” to come!! Lol. I’m going to predict you like “Permanent Waves” better!! We’ll see at noon !! See you then! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!
Every RUSH album has a " HIDDEN GEM " 💎 on this album, this is it !!! Nice 👍
This song ends Moving Pictures beautifully and leads right into Signals, I just love the way Rush threads the two albums. Moving Pictures is a definitive Rush record and a best seller for a reason, it is simply great music perfectly executed. But for me, I have a great affinity for Signals and have found myself listening to it more than Moving Pictures or any previous album. “You move me, you move me”
It's the magic of Rush, it's all great but for your individual tastes some will stand out more than others.
I'm kind of there with you, although Vital Signs is probably in my top 5 Rush songs, none of the rest on this album are. Signals hooked me for good. I dont think Justin will like it as much as you and I do.
I'm old and listened to the radio a lot when this album came out and never knew this was a single and never remember hearing played on Rock radio. Probably because they were all too busy playing Tom Sawyer.
@@KennethStCyr-dv6cm Yup, I hear you. I remember when Rush played high schools, so I go way back. Like you I don’t recall Vital Signs played on the radio, while I do think Moving Pictures is a great record and has quite a lot of great music on it, I just enjoy Signals just a bit more. With Rush, it’s all good.
And either Witch Hunt or Vital Signs has the word "signal" in it
@@reallymysterious4520 Yes! it's Vital Signs, I just love the Easter eggs Neil puts in there is a kind of continuity to his writing.
"The impulse is pure, Sometimes our circuits get shorted, By external interference, "Signals" get crossed, And the balance distorted, By internal incoherence"
Neil Peart, Vital Signs.
@@WeDanceWestie I remember when I went to my first high school and as I looked at photos on the wall I saw that RUSH had played there a number of years earlier
One Masterpiece Album Rush 80' Era
One of my personal favorite songs of all time. It mixes Prog with Pop, Raggae, and a bit of Funk? So unique and distinct. Which is my favorite type of art.
The fill at 5:21 as a drummer is too good
Just fyi, while people may want to hate on synth era Rush, it's still very much RUSH and houses some synth heavy masterpieces. They continue to write great melodic songs with equally deep lyrics.
The guitar rythem is almost impossible to replicate
Rush at their pinnacle. Permanent Waves is Legendary, but it is this record that sent Rush into the stratosphere. With good reason. Perfection.
I had just gotten my "Ham" radio license when this album came out. This record has all kinds of geeky goodness. From morse code inspired YYZ, to Vital Signs. Signals even kicks it up a notch with The Analog Kid, to Digital Man. If you're not paying attention to the lyrics, you're missing 50% of the greatness of Rush.
This song is a gateway for what's to come.
My favorite Rush song of them all. It's a personal theme for me. Ever since the first time I heard it, the last minute fills me with joy and sadness as they build and build. To me it's like a beloved friend I haven't seen in years leaving to go home after spending a good deal of time hanging out and catching up and having fun. They're saying goodbye until next time, and I'm like no! not yet!
Neil's lyrics were interesting in this song. He used terms from the recording studio and juxtaposed them with real world relationships, like "Pause, rewind and replay -
warm memory chip...Random-Sample-Hold the one you need" and "Signals get crossed and their balance distorted, by internal incoherence"
"I feel like I need to hear it again" don't be shy you can do it again in the video🤣
Yeah man this my favorite off the album. I love how rush seasons their music with different styles here and there like jazz and reggae without being full blow THAT. (Count down to Test for Echo🕐🤌🏾🔥🔥)
Indeed, that’s prog music all about and why we’re enjoying them so much!
Thanks Justin. I just noticed they used the word Signals rather prominently in the song. Those guys were so clever.😆
I just noticed that, too! They were foreshadowing
That's exactly how I thought about the song...." INTERESTING". It grows on ya over time.
A great closing track to one of the greatest rock albums of all time.
"You get it now, with your statement - "That sounded like nothing I've heard Rush do." That's what they're all about - an ongoing restless musical experiment, 'that I and many others fans stayed on for decades. Everything is the same but different. I'm glad you like Permeant waves so much, it's my favorite Rush album.
"Interesting". That's pretty apt. It's got a nice melody and some interesting things going on. The clear definition between the instruments and vocals makes everything pop. It's a nice way to wind down the album.
It took me a year or more to 'cozy-up' to this track, but then I fell in love with it - because of the lyrics!
Back in the day, it became a (sort of) source of anxiety for me as I'd drift off to sleep because as it faded out, I knew I'd have to get out of bed to flip the record over..........and over again.......
1981 was the first time I seen Rush. The tickets was $12.00. All total l seen them 31 times over the decades. I have never seen a bad show. Always perfection.
The Reggae parts in Permanent Waves and the song, Vital Signs were a salute to The Police, who we're one of their influences.
Yes this song is preview of what's to come. This would have fit on Signals. I'll be interested to see what you think of Signals. That album marked a change in their sound.
Vital Signs took me by surprise at the end of that album. Cool, unique song.
As I recall, this single got picked up by the alternative radio stations (for me that was KROQ in LA), but mainstream FM radio didn't pay much attention. And as you noticed, Justin, when Rush "goes reggae" it's not like they're suddenly a Bob Marley cover band! This has always been a bit of an outlier in the catalog, and definitely on the album. They must have felt comfortable enough with the other recordings that they let this one drift into more experimental or "quirky" territory. You picked up on the snare sound, the elevated use of synths, plus there's the treatment of Geddy's vocal and his bass. But you still had Alex hitting the power chords, the unison interplay, the hook-y melodies and riffs... It still sounds like classic Rush.
Can't wait to see how you respond to Signals (or are you going to dive into Exit... Stage Left first?)
exit stage left first
@@JustinPanariello exit stage left is arguably their best live performance my favorite album of their's. 😊 th-cam.com/video/UBZylavISJw/w-d-xo.html
Hello, Justin. I guess you will go on to the next album, that is Signals. To me, another master piece...different, but so freaking good. No fill in songs, just pure creativity with unmatched lyrics. I noticed, just like it happens to most of us, when listening to Rush, you just get caught up in the great music they provide, but, man, you have got to pull out the lyrics...I insist. All the songs from signals are a real treat with a great sound. Well recodered and engineered album. There is no waste to this one....you got to react to all of them, specially Countdown.....the lyrics are so descriptive and precise, that it makes you feel like you were there on that very day....
One more thing, when you started doing these reactions, I did not feel like you really felt any excitement about checking Rush catalog.... something has changed and I feel like you are digging it.....it takes a while, but once you start understanding these masters, the endless journey begins.....Looking forward to the next one.
"Interesting snare sound" So because this song has an "electronic" feel and drum machines were really becoming prevalent, they wanted to make Neil's drums sound like a drum machine for that first part. Neil described it as "akin to making wood look like plastic!". In addition, they taped a mic to Neil's chest to try and capture what the drums sound like from the drummer's perspective.
Great bass line in this song. Just driving and relentless but so cool. Also notice that when Geddy does step up to take a solo, he does it in the context of the song. In LVS or YYZ, he's flashy because that is what the song calls for. But in WH or VS, he's slow and tasteful. He's so good.
Finally, you need to listen to Battlescar by Max Webster and do a reaction to that. It's a contemporary of this record so the timing is right. Max Webster (no one in that band is named Max Webster, btw) would play Battlescar in concert before it was on a record. They also opened for Rush a LOT over the years. So apparently (according to Limelight by Martin Popoff) Neil would go onstage, sit behind his kit (under the tarp!) and play along to Battlescar with Max. The audience couldn't hear him (probably) but Max's drummer sure could! And apparently Neil would screw with Max's drummer by changing the time feel for different parts to see how Max's drummer would react. So when it came time to record that song, Rush asked to join in. It's epic. Super slow and the contrast between Kim Mitchell's voice (super deep) and Geddy's is awesome.
They were listening to a lot of new music at the time including New Wave and post punk which were styles themselves designed to push forward. Neil, for sure, was influenced by this ability to change and grow.
And that’s what they strive towards. Fascinating band. The sheer push to not stay the same is amazing. Ya might not like it all, but ya gotta give ‘em credit for trying.
Love this whole album it is considered a masterpiece by many people!
Signals is all fire. Can’t wait.
Closing out the album with my fav song on the album
Not sure if it was intentional, but this last song references "Signals" frequently.
You might think of the "Reggae" on this track as influence by The Police, who Rush were listening to at this time.
I like Geddy's bass on this track, and as always Neil's Drums.
The production mixing and sound on this album are among the best I have heard from the analog age.
I always feel like I want to hear this again, after listening to Vital Signs.
Get ready for more synth, and more great music.
Alex said in and interview back when Signals came out that he was obviously influenced a bit by other guitar players and styles who were popular at the time. This song sounds very influenced by The Police. The Edge from U2 becomes an influence on Signals, even more so on Grace Under Pressure.
Which song by the Police influenced this.
@@RushfanUK anything off their first three albums. Almost everything they did had a reggae or ska sound.
It's difficult to appreciate just how shocking this song was for the diehard rockers who from this point forwards insisted they only liked "early Rush". The rest of us who were more open-minded continued on their musical odyssey onto Signals.
This is a really cool song and definitely points to the future of the band's sound through the 80s...we've entered my favorite era of Rush and I will be very interested in your take from Signals and Power Windows in particular
Hey Justin, just watched your cool reaction to Vital signs. Next time you hear it, have the lyrics with you.....music nerds...the greatest!
In general, Rush put out a lot of songs that need a few listens to really get everything--I think that that is the big reason why it took me awhile to really get into them as I listened to their material (this was back in the early 80s when their latest album was Signals). Even when I was a Rush fan, it sometimes took a few listens before I started to figure out what I really liked. For example, I remember being totally underwhelmed by Power Windows (which came out my freshman year in college) on my first listen, but I actually think it is a really great example of mid-80s Rush. However, it took a few listens for me to really get to that point.
Signals!! Let’s go
In preparation for the album review, I hear pitchforks clanking on a torch-lit hill.
Rush has a whole archive of one-offs in their discography, because they left nothing off of their albums. It's all there.
Don't concern yourself with what other people say or write - Rush do their own thing.
You don't get Rush with one listen - many of us have been listening since the 70s and personally I still hear new things and sounds - and your not even doing lyrics !!
You can say it if you like - don't be shy - they're fucking brilliant' 😂👍
This is now part of my daily routine. Before I log on for work, I get my daily dose of Rush! Thanks man!
Glad you enjoy it!
Love that tun..it is an interesting somg
This wasn't on the radio very much, if memory serves, but it was all over MTV, when MTV was a music channel. MTV was fantastic back then and was a huge influence in shaping us musically. Sad what it turned into, but it was really great when I was a youngster. I sat in front of my grandparents tv for their maiden voyage and was hooked from the jump.
I'm excited for your daily reviews of 80's Rush! I grew up on 80's Rush, beginning with ESL. Diving into your first two reactions of that one... now!
Very creative on all parts and vocals, and a good segue into Signals, and the beginning of a decade of evolution until the early 90's, where yet, they 'evolve' again.
Their music at the time was influenced by the Police at the time. The Police were blowing up at the time this was released. Don't worry, Permanent Waves was my favorite of the two "big" albums as well
The reason the drums sound like they do on this track is that Neil was wearing a special recording device that caught the sound of the hits on the drums and cymbals but not the resonance, giving the drums a crisp sound.
Permanent Waves is probably my second favorite album behind Grace Under Pressure. I like Moving Pictures ok but it's actually down my list a bit. Vital signs and Tom Sawer are easily my favorites off this.
That was interesting, I need to hear that again! I think you’re going to be saying that a lot from this point forward😂. There are a lot of great comments here. You know nearly all of the 60s and 70s bands that were still going in the 80s went heavy in synth sounds. Of course there are exceptions like AC/DC, Led Zeppelin’s in through the out door in 79 was heavy synth. Even Eddie Van Halen started playing synth in 84. Prog bands that already used synthesizers like Genesis and Yes pushed synth either further to the forefront and tightened up their songs to be more radio friendly. There was (and still is) lots of controversy about all this. Many fans were turned off and felt their bands sold out. However, many of these bands gained new fans and some of these albums were their most popular and best sellers. I believe this is what brought about the rise of the hair band, to fill the void that was left when many of these bands switched to Synthesizer. I can’t pick a favorite Rush album, but I will say I love the next three albums!
A bit off-topic, but did you see/hear Geddy and Alex got together live onstage at Red Rocks in Colorado last Thursday for the first time since Neil passed away? There's a lot of videos of the event all over youtube. They will also perform live at the Tribute to Taylor Hawkins concert at Wembley Stadium in London on Sept 3.
Justin, as a bass player I think Power Windows and Hold Your Fire might just be what you need. Great bass work all over both albums. I agree that this is not reggae. Reggae influenced yes, but more Police influenced in my opinion
It’s as reggae as three white guys from Canada can get🤘🖖✌️🤣🥁🎸🎹🎤
It’s been years since I’ve played it but this was always a fun one to play on bass
This is my favourite track on the album. The bass line is hypnotic. I had a feeling you’d like it. At this point, and on the next couple of albums, they incorporated some elements from reggae, but didn’t try to make it a reggae track. You can definitely hear the influence of The Police, particularly of Stuart Copeland on Neil’s approach, and maybe some Andy Summers flavour in Alex’s playing. I don’t think Geddy took anything from Sting, though. Maybe he’d been listening more to King Crimson? Anyway, it doesn’t sound like imitation so much as incorporating some ideas they liked, and making them their own. Excellent track.
I think Rush was leading the 80’s and others followed them.
When I was young Limelight was my favorite Rush song on MP, but Vital Signs became & remains #1.
It's a great groove.
There is a regae "influence" but it's not resounding, it's a touch.
Love it, hope it'll grow on you, it's cool to have "mixed feelings" abt new stuff. What 2nd listens are for.
I think you'll like most of Signals.
Funny how you make a funny face at the end of your videos!
Neil Peart became a really big Police fan in the late 1970s (to the point of, once they were headlining, including some Police tracks in his mixtapes that would play before the house lights dimmed... in the UK, because Rush had more of a metal and prog fanbase which considered itself completely opposed to the punk and new wave crowd that liked Police, that would pretty consistently result in several minutes of booing). He also played a fair amount of Marley tapes on the tourbus during this period, but most of the reggae influences in this period are filtered through the new wave bands that they were listening to.
Everybody got to elevate from the norm and that's what they did here. Its not pure reggae it's Rush new wave rock.
Everybody's got mixed feelings about this song, lol.
Actually, I quite like it.
Love this song! :)
Having at that time spent way too much time with computers already I really did want to elevate from the Norm! (Cheers!) j/k...
Hope you ran it again a few times by now.
It was a single that I heard on the radio only once. Not unusual in LA because they rarely got radio play.
I'd say more techno. They even joked about it when they were trying to get the vibe/feel for the song while recording.
Okay, now it's going to get a little, or a LOT different musically. The next album is where they lost a lot of older fans, but also picked up a bunch of new fans. I highly recommend pulling up the lyrics from this point on. I think if I could only listen to one song from Rush, it would be from the upcoming album. It's the lyrics that make it the one song that stands above the rest, but as you know music is subjective.
Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Take care ✌
The Police had a lot of Reggae flavor and this sounds more Police influenced to me, as it will in coming songs. I like The Police (wish I had seen them in concert, but did see Sting when he went solo) and their sound on these songs sounds more like that to me.
Well here we are on the last song. The reggae style is more pronounced in this piece. You made a comment about the snare drum sound. It's actually being played on an electronic pad. Again I refer to the Time Machine concert. You can watch Neil actually play it. I don't know what your knowledge of reggae is, but if you were to listen to some traditional pieces you would notice that Neil's drum sounds mimic them. And it was at this point Terry Brown became concerned with the use of so much keyboard technology. He would go on to only do one more album with the band for this very reason. You will find when you dive into Signals how smothered the album is in keyboards. Alex was rumored to be very upset, and made the comment, "What's up with all these keyboards? They're not even a real instrument". Later Rush producers would feel the same way. But personally I think they struck a good balance by the time they got to Grace Under Pressure and Power Windows. So that's all I have to comment about for now. I can't wait to see you do the deep dive into Signals. 😎☮️
I get it I get it. And it makes sense because yyz started as a bass & drums song that Geddy and Neil used to jam to in practice. And then the whole Morse code yyz thing come to Neil and they added to there practice jam and Alex added his part. And Charles Berthound is just nasty on the bass but you right in asking how is he in a band. Bcuz there also this amazing internet drummer Dylan Elise and on his own he is a monster but in a band ehhhhh. So I get it. But to us the regular people who have picked up instruments and couldn't quite get it. But understand the complexity. Hear someone jamming like Rush can Jam and it's simply amazing. So there you go. We love it you don't OK we get it.
His shows how Rush was willing to be influenced by the current music, in this case, it was The Police and reggae
If there is one song that seems out of place on this album it’s Vital Signs. Certainly, it’s a reggae-influenced song. Also influenced by The Police. More Police inspired reggae to come on Signals. Signals will have more songs that sound like Vital Signs than Tom Sawyer, Limelight, YYZ, etc. I always thought this song was so cool and was disappointed there was no live version on ESL since they played it live on the MP Tour as well as the ESL Tour. The New World Man "single" rectified that by providing an excellent live version from 1981 or 1982 and then more recently another previously released early live version was released on the live cd from the 40th Anniv of MP. It was released as a single but I don’t recall it getting much air play.
This song is about two computers. That's why the song feels and sounds disjointed. One computer is trying to help the other to become more human...hence the computer repair/program jargon and the comparison of human feelings to computer logic. Random, sample, hold the one you need. Think of the android Data from Star Trek. ha ha
This album was a commercial success but I like the 3 preceding albums better and probably Signals better as well. Can’t wait to see what you think of “digital man” on Signals.
“Witch hunt” is such a hidden gem and is probably my favorite off moving pictures and the reason I listen to that album. Which is not to say any of it is bad I have just heard it a lot. I wore it out when it came out.
This is when a lot of friends got it like I had been getting it for 6 years at that point.
I’m sure you have already started Signals or might’ve finished it already, Losing It will more than likely be blocked, it’s always getting blocked. Have a great weekend Justin, (now that it’s almost over).👍
I haven't actually I'm pretty behind. I just filmed Exit Stage Left last night, still need to edit and upload.
It's metal reggae!
Part of me wonders if you just like Permanent Waves better because it’s the first Rush album you “actually” really like. And maybe you’ve heard too much of Moving Pictures already. Just a thought…
I liked A Farewell To Kings too. Permanent Waves is great front to back. I just think it's stronger overall. Camera Eye is good but even in comments you see its hit or miss. I do like Red Barchetta just needed to hear it more. YYZ can be left out, for me. I'm just not into the Rush instrumentals. AFTK had Cinderella Man. Easy pick to me.
If this was a single, it got as much radio play as the Necromancer did. Lol. And do not worry about reggae. They had sone influences coming from bands like the police which has that reggae sound at times but Rush always takes that popular stuff and makes it their own. Digital Man which you’ve already heard from Signals is one of those reggae influences songs. At least that is what the experts say. Wait until Roll the Bones……I won’t spoil what you’ll hear there.
I think based on your reactions to side 2, you’ll end up liking their 80’s synth stuff. The songs are shorter and very different from the harder sound. But they still have the Rush sound and still pack a lot of time signature changes (which we all know you love to count) and has some incredible guitar work from Alex even if you don’t hear it in the first listen. Signals which is the next studio album has been one of Alex’s least favorites because it’s so synth heavy but honestly, he does crazy great parts in almost all the songs.
Exit stage left is next. Not my favorite live release just due to the fact that I prefer watching the concert video of it but you’ll enjoy. I believe the recordings on the album release are the same as the video unlike a show of hands which used different recordings.
It is not reggae. This song begins the transition into Signals and the 80's sound of RUSH. I am enjoying you going through the discography
Early Ska
I’m the 1st one!! 😝
That was fast. I liked your actually comment better. You did not even have time to write "God Bless.... From Texas"! in this one.
@@toddashton9696 GOOD ONE, my friend!! God bless… from Texas!! 😝
Everybody Hass to emanate from the noise
Not the banger closer like on their previous albums but still good. You've probably already made your videos for Signals, hope you liked the album
not yet. doing exit stage left first.
@@JustinPanariello oh yeah, I forgot you're including live albums
This song is kinda like the Police (the band)....I bet they would agree !!!
Let the 80's experiment experience begin - It's a good sign that you want to hear this song again you might enjoy the ride (or at least stay curious). Though for me this song has too much Police influence.
There is reggae influence, but it's subtle, it's still a rock song. You have to take Rush "singles" with a grain of salt, they really weren't singles or played on the radio that way
I never thought of this song of having any reggae in it at all. Maybe the guitar is a bit reggaeish in style? I think Jinjer does a much better job of mixing music genres together. Excellent song though and yes a bit different.
I think of Alex's playing as more of a staccato riff than reggae.
Rush’s version of “Reggae”…
“Everybody’s got mixed feelings.”
Count me in, and not in a good way. It’s not a bad song, but it made me nervous. Turned out (for me) to be for good reason. I’ll leave it there, other than to say that Canadian reggae reminds me of Canadian bacon.
One could call this a progressive reggae rock song.
Definitely reggae style playing on guitar and bass but not really lol!
Its just personal opinion but I cannot stand the Police and Sting in particular. If this was the Police I would call it crap. Since its Rush I will just say its in keeping with most of Moving Pictures, poor by their extremely high standards. I repeat just my opinion as I know many regard this album as their favourite and I respect that even if I disagree. Good luck with the next album!
Instead of having a static album cover on screen, you should try to do some lyrical videos. Rush was as much about lyrics as they were about music You miss a lot by not knowing the lyrics.
So many people tell me about the lyrics. And I tell them all NO! lol ... I want to listen to the music with my EARS not my EYES. Especially on my first listen. Lyrics can be for another time. Obviously every person tells me how important their lyrics are, I hear it loud and clear.
I don’t have to wait until noon: Justin’s Synopsis of Moving Pictures: First I like Permanent Waves BETTER. Second I like Tom Sawyer, Witch Hunt, and Vital Signs. Third and this is from me Gary…Unfortunately Alex Lifeson starts turning more and more like RHYTHM GUITARIST AND NOT LEAD GUITARIST…so 1984-1994 is not my favorite RUSH period. They don’t get back to guitar bass and drums until the Counterparts album. So in sum for me Gary: BEST:74-82. WORST 84-96. 2002 to 2015 GREAT! I’m copying and pasting again for the noon 🕛 show! Don’t blame me blame the coffee ☕️
It's Rush reggae
It's more New Wave.
The synth from this album on took over there sound too much for me .The guitar gets lost in the synth sound. This was the last album i bought by them as a teen. There are some great songs after this but i grew up on old Rush and its what brings me back every time i listen to it. Rock on man . I cant wait till you get to some Tool one day
Ditto twice, Gary. I made it through Grace Under Pressure, barely, and I was done. The second ditto is for Tool. Great minds think alike. 👍
Check out some of the 90's and 2000 Rush. From Counterparts on they get back to their heavier sound. Clockwork Angels their last album is a full concept album and much heavier. I think you would enjoy them. Cheers
I'll second Clockwork Angels if you like Tool. Also Test for Echo is straight up the Lateralus intro. Adam's a rush fan so not surprising.
@@alexcaroll3161 From Counterparts onward they went back to there heavier sound. I really like the later Rush.
I don't really hear any reggae elements in this song at all. If there are any, I don't think it's intentional.
Really? You're going to leave us in suspense for a couple of hours to reveal your stiil obvious opinion regarding your favorite album so far.? Well this one is mine. Still, you would have a rough time pulling me into arguing your opinion.
i hate the direction they went prefer the 70s sound guitar driven not synth