Alex LIfeson's guitar solo is his personal favorite he ever wrote...it emotes the sadness and loneliness of fame. Brilliant musicians and I miss them so much.
Neil Peart (Drummer and lyricist) was a private man who felt uncomfortable with the fame. He would always be pleasant, and was happy to talk to strangers he met organically, but the pretending a stranger was a long awaited friend lyric explains his feeling.
All three are top musicians. Neil is considered one of the greatest drummers of all time, and Geddy is always ranked as one of rock's best bassists. Alex is an amazing guitarist. He's a musician's musician. He comes out with amazing pieces. He can do rhythm, lead, backup, atmosphere, classical, jazz.... he's phenomenal. His solo in "La Villa Strangiato" is amazing. His guitarwork in "Red Sector A" makes you feel the hopelessness and despair of the people. He's one of the best.
Alex recently did a breakdown of this song in an interview and he said he built the solo to sound almost fragile as it fit the theme of the song. I never thought about it like that but once he said it, it was like how did I not understand and hear that all these decades! He may not be a shredder like a lot of top guitar players but he is one of the most creative and tasteful players of all time. He has so much to fill out in the sound and he’s a master.
@@rushrules81When he was 17, he was in a Canadian documentary about troubled teens who are shipped out to the country to get straightened out. I wish I could remember the name of it, but it’s on TH-cam. Anyway, Alex plays his guitar for his bored looking housemates and he is, infact, shredding. I can’t help but wonder how those guys felt when they realized he was the kid they watched play back then.
There was something about Rush that just appealed to me so much… it’s the nerd in me. They were probably the most talented band I have every really experienced from a musical standpoint and saw them over 20 times back in my early teens… my fav song from them was Marathon… even if you don’t react just listen… something about it truly made me enter into another plane… Thanks so much and Rest in Peace to Neil… 🫶🏻♥️🫶🏻
Neil Peart - Drums, Percussion, Lyricist Geddy Lee - Bass, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Guitar, Lead/backing vocals, foot pedal keyboards (master multi-tasker and wrote lyrics to some songs) Alex Lifeson - guitars, keyboards, synthesizer, backing vocals, foot pedal keyboards, also wrote some lyrics to a couple of songs (they all shared the tasks to create their sound live to sound like their original songs on their albums, and never used backing tracks!). Always mind-blowing, thought provoking and masters at their craft!
Despite their fame, they really seem like 3 normal goofy guys who are geniuses at their art. There's a couple of documentaries of them that are really good. You'll find the fans are very loyal to them.
The song Xanadu (Live, from Exit Stage Left) is a staple, but for very good reasons: great song, great performance. Anyhow, I've been hanging out for the Tool reaction also. I'd also recommend the band Jinjer, really super duper top notch playing and writing. I won't lie, it's super heavy. But they are a contemporary band in there prime and worth attention. Anyhow, glad you're digging Rush and The Professor's lyrics. It's good to see you. I enjoy the company.
Of course, Peart borrowed the line you liked from Shakespeare: “All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances, And one man in his time plays many parts”
Hey brother Rush is about to become your favorite band. Their music is beyond amazing and their talent is beyond even that. They will make you think while you jam out and play air drums.
Besides being possibly the greatest drummer of all time, Neil Peart was a master lyricist. I love the distinction he makes, as an admitted introvert, between those who wish to seem (the persona) and those who wish to be (the authentic self). Peart was a poet philosopher which I’m sure you’ll discover as you keep listening to their discography. Oh yea, and all three are master musicians!
As you dive deeper into the Rush catalog, you will be amazed at the variety of subject matter they write songs about. That is one of the reasons after 60+ years they are my favorite band ever.
7:35 I love watching Alex do this section live the way he switches on a repeater and changes the guitar effect, then turns off the repeater and again changes the guitar effect. Too bad you cannot watch them live but we have so many fantastic live shows of theirs on video.
The performance clips you saw, including what you saw during Alex's solo, were taken from the promotional videos for their 1977 album A Farewell To Kings, including the title track, Xanadu, and Closer To The Heart. The title track's lyrics are even more relevant today than when Neil wrote them, as they accurately reflect what our world and its leaders have become; Closer To The Heart tells of how much better our world would be if we could just start working together; and the performance of Xanadu from the Exit Stage Left video is pure perfection. Have a beautiful evening, and Rush on! 🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐
This is one of my favorite Rush songs. As a fellow introvert, I understand Neil's lyric about not wanting to pretend a stranger is a long-awaited friend. Neil really struggled with the superficiality of fame, and the expectations that some fans had on him. He was a private person. He left the meet-and-greets and fan interactions to Geddy and Alex. Following gigs, Neil used to immediately leave the venue and go to his own bus, which would park in a lot somewhere overnight and then Neil would ride his motorcycle to gigs. It was his chance to be on his own and travel in a way that felt comfortable to him. As for this song itself, I love Geddy's plaintive vocal and Alex's haunting guitar solo. I believe I read that it's Alex's personal favorite of his own solos. Alex always had an uncanny ability to create the perfect solo for any given Rush song. The solos are unusual, innovative, and very melodic and soulful. To that end. I suggest checking out the live version of 'Mission' from Birmingham in 1988. Neil has some of his best lyrics, I feel, and Alex's guitar solo at the end is incredibly powerful.
Yes, because you’re really paying attention to the Lyrics, I’m Subscribing. And only 2 songs in?! I’m sold. Best band ever! My suggestion is Xanadu from the Exit stage Left tour 1981 Montreal. Said to be the best live performance ever recorded.
I appreciate your willingness to hear and interpret music and lyrics as part of a process of discovering a new band. In this regard, I think it may be useful to note that Rush released 19 studio albums between 1974 and 2015, each of which achieved gold or platinum (or multi-platinum). In fact, Rush only trails the Beatles and Stones for most consecutive gold or platinum releases by a rock band (a stat which includes compilations and live albums as well). And, unlike many of the bands whose music appears regularly on today’s classic rock stations/channels, the men of Rush never stood still. They were forever embracing the latest technology and allowing themselves to be influenced by music to which they had been introduced. as such, their eponymous premier album sounds nothing like their fifth LP, which in turns sounds nothing like their ninth LP, and so on. All of which is to say that you’re going to need to buckle up and devote some serious time to hearing the different epochs of Rush represented in their music. Speaking of which, the best answer to what sort of genre describes their music was provided by Gene Simmons of Kiss (for whom,Rush opened in their early days: “Rush is Rush.” Their music is its own genre. PS - Speaking of other musicians, I recall your mentioning Tool in the video. Rush was a highly influential band. The of musicians who credit Rush as an inspiration to them is very long. It includes members of Tool, the Foo Fighters, Metallica, Dream Theater, Alice in Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, Jane’s Addiction, Primus, Anthrax, Iron Maiden, Megadeath, Queensryche, Rage Against the Machine, Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nine Inch Nails, the Pixies, and more.
"RUSH really knows how to write GOOD songs guy's"...The understatement of the day...Neil's thought provoking lyrics are Brain food while the melodic high energy Music feeds the Soul...You gotta witness these 3 virtuoso's perform Live (Xanadu - 1981 Montreal) because it is a full on sensory experience for the mind, body & soul...
A great start to the Rush journey.....and it's a long one. Some suggestions for more Rush would be "Subdivisions", "Red Barchetta", "The Spirt of Radio", and "Freewill". And if you want to hear the guitarist Alex Lifeson in his element, listen to the instrumental "La Villa Strangiato". As always, RIP to The Professor.
It's the fans who seem to think that because they've listened to a band's music or watched an actor's performances, they KNOW them and are entitled to their time etc. Those fans are cringey!
If you like the hooks in the melody, you really should check out a British band called Supertramp, “Bloody Well Right” or “The Logical Song”. They were around back about the same time.
I was 18, when I walked into my favorite record store looking for something new, when an employee lead me to Rushes first album. With a long drive ahead of me, I of course got the 8 track tape! Obviously it was a great ride!😎 Hopefully your next Rush will be Spirit of Radio! Another great riff, and lyrics. The song mimics what our old car radio sounded like when you were turning the knob and other songs from other stations were playing. So creative! 👍🏻 your reviews!👊🏻
During an interview with Gene Simmons off KISS, he said that when Rush was their opening band, after the concert kiss would go and party and the band members of Rush would just go back to their hotel room and watch tv.
Neil didn’t want to be idolized ! Check out what happens after the 2112 encore from the Clockwork Angles concert in Dallas! He always had an escape plan! Geddy and Alex handled the after concert stuff!
The song that first got me hooked on RUSH was By-Tor and the Snow Dog from their second album, the first one to feature Neil Peart, and boy, did that song give us a great taste of what was to come from his addition to the band!. These guys were the best live performers ever! I first saw them live in 1978 on their Farewell To Kings tour, just incredible to see that only three performers could pull off such amazingly complex music live and do it so well. Check out Xanadu from that album performed live on their Exit Stage Left release, widely considered the finest live rock performance ever recorded, for a taste of what that was like! I saw them every time they came to town after that until their final tour and every show was absolutely fantastic!.
“But above all, in order to be, never try to seem" - Albert Camus. Neil was widely read and that shows through his lyrics. He has also written several books, all worth checking out!
Very good reaction Sir! I have been listening to Rush for 40 years and I’m still not over their music. If you like good lyrics, let me suggest "Xanadu". The "Exit Stage Left" live version is amazing and demonstrates all their talent. Those lyrics will take you on an amazing journey. For Limelight, Neil Peart (pronounced Peert) their drummer and lyricist who was a really private guy expressed his discomfort about all the attention fame brought the group as you talked about. Neil was revered by his peers and yes, he was referred to as "The Professor". He was already one of the best drummers and still decided to take some more lessons. He never wanted to stop learning when he wasn’t beating those drums with so much musical subtilities, he would be reading all kind of books. Please keep going down the Rush rabbit hole. You will not regret it. Peace!
I found with Rush music that you need to listen to the studio album to hear all the music without the live crowd sounds. But you get caught listening to the music, and missing the lyrics, and then it switches. The watching the song performed live a number to times to catch how the 3 of them create the studio sound. IMHO "Xanadu" is Rush's most complex song done in the days of analog before MIDI was really available. When you watch it live, all of what I wrote above applies, big time. When ever the camera shows Neil's drum kit check out all the things he has to hit and swip. He basically has all the percussion toys usually found in an orchestra.
Took my whole family to R40. I was 3 when the 1st Rush album dropped. Listened to Rush my whole life. Entheogens? Yes for Rush, Pink Floyd and a lot of bands from that time.
Time to go live. Sample from every decade of their 40 years together. Alex is a master of tone. I feel like he is always singing from his core, just giving all that he is.
🤗 All the Worlds indeed a stage! We are merely "Players", "Performers" & ""Portrayers". 😉 Things I learned from Rush that got me through some tough situations. 🥰🖖🏿🐰
tip of the hat - you are only the second person to catch the ' all the worlds indeed a stage & we are merely players " lyrics & meaning. I have been waiting for people to do it cause the lyrics are real .
Neil Peart was a very private and shy person and he was very uncomfortable with being famous. Alex Lifeson's guitar solo is so hauntingly beautiful. Songs Xanadu from Exit Stage Left Montreal Digital man from the Snakes and Arrows tour Closer to the Heart Different Stages
This is a more straightforward Rock song. The lyrics are always top notch with Rush. This was a good song for an introduction to Rush. I would love to see more of your reactions to Rush. Here are a couple of suggestions on what to listen to next: The Spirit of Radio Freewill Fly by Night
Dude your gonna lose your mind with this band They were the thinking man’s band!!! So so many of their songs for you too freak out on 🤘 Check out natural science Incredible lyrics and it showcases the best of their work transitionally or if you wanna stay with the moving pictures album definitely check out witch hunt, the lyrics are hauntingly exactly what we’re experiencing in North America right now an it was written in 80
You hold the acumen to graduate to their more complex works. Such as: 2112 (twenty-one 12), and Natural Science. If you want live, go to Xanadu 1981 (a proverbial tale to be careful what you wish for.... AND, If you do Xanadu, please read the unfinished poem by Samuel Coleridge called Kubla Kahan as part of the reaction - most people don't know Neil's inspiration), and for more stellar guitar work, La Villa Strangiato! Also, Neil's(RIP) drum fills in Bytor and the Snowdog (lie in '81), will melt your mind Welcome to the rabbit hole that is RUSH!
Rush 1974 - 1981 is about riffs and melodies with sometimes great lyrics. Rush 1982 - 1993 is about inspiring and life saving lyrics, with great music. Rush 1993-2015 was a hit or miss combination of both.
Great reaction! The "long awaited friend" line has to do with the musician/celebrity being approached by, literally, a stranger -- not a threat, though; this is a fan who wanted to meet their celebrity-hero -- but Neil is saying that is a difficult situation for him because he does not want to be seen as more than what he is -- he does not want to be made into a "hero" or a superman. He wants to be himself, keep trying to improve, to stay in the moment and not see himself from the third-person perspective but to stay grounded in who he is and what his mission is. Fame can be corruptive if you buy into the hype about yourself, that's out there from the fan's perspective and from the Media's perspective. Neil, and all the members of Rush, was a person of integrity and humility but it was a struggle due to Rush's new found fame, from the early-80's onward.
It you really want to delve into the deeper inner workings of how brilliant they are, check out their fear series written across 3+1 albums. The first 3 were written across 3 albums in reverse order and then a 4th was added later. Part 1 Enemy Within on Grace Under Pressure 1984 Part 2 The Weapon on Signals 1982 Part 3 Witch Hunt on Moving Pictures 1981 3 completely different styles of music But still Rush. Witch Hunt is Cinematic, atmospheric and movie soundtrack like in which they beautiful explore fear of the other and the danger of mob rule. 😮 The Weapon - 80's Rock with Synth- Is a derp dive into how propaganda is used as a weapon. The Enemy Within - Reggae rhythmsProbes personal fear, paranoia and phobias that can direct our decission making process. The 4th part is Freeze from Vapor Trails 2002 deals with fear in a flight or fight situation.
The use of “gilded cage” is very meaningful to the point where you understand Neil’s position. While amongst all fans , fame and popularity, they are still inside their little private box, a cage on and off stage. The price of fame is for the most part a loss of a private life.
My top three Rush songs lyrically would be... No.3 - Freewill, No.2 - Natural Science No.1 - The Garden With a shout out to "The Fountain of Lamneth" for encapsulating a lifetime in one musical piece. Other Rush fans will disagree, but they're the ones that resonate most with me lyrically.
The camera eye they mention in these lyrics is also the title of the first song on the B-side of this album, Moving Pictures is Rush's biggest commercial success and every song on it is great. 😊
Great reaction and analysis!! Rush is my all-time favorite band. And seeing your reactions, bring me back to my discovery of them and how they opened my mind. If you want another mind-blowing song, check out Natural Science...see what you think.
Neil was always happy to interact with anyone while traveling that did not know he was. It was the fan worship that made him uncomfortable… based on your deep lyrical interpretations, to be a little different, I will recommend The Weapon, The Way the wind Blows, Freewill, or Emotion Detector. Rush on!
My friend if you continue down this RUSH rabbit hole, you will discover 40+ years of musical genius. Trust me, this will be one of the most interesting and thought-provoking journeys you will undertake musically 🎸🎶🎹🎶🥁🎶🎤😊 Enjoy the venture you are about to start 👍💯☺️
Now you have a taste of a couple of their more accessible (for them) tunes, check out the 'Exit Stage Left' live version of Xanadu. It will blow your mind. Also, check out the other Canadian musical genius, Devin Townsend. He's less well known, but as much of a MUST as Rush.
I get a kick out of watching Neil Peart bash those cymbals. Neil Peart became the main lyricist for RUSH upon joining the band in 1974. He replaced the original drummer, John Rutsey, because of health issues John Rutsey was the drummer on RUSHs' debut self-titled album, and he was a darn good drummer in his own right. ☮
I love you reactions! The "Meta Song" and "Atomized Individual" are my new favorite words. Written from the point of Neil who said, "All I want is to be just a guy." Neil found it cringy for fans to think they were his friend. You are so much fun! I look forward to you reacting to Natural Science.
Very deeep rabbit hole you're fallen into my friend you will enjoy it though!!!You're really good at what you do, one of the more perceptive reviewers I've seen reacting to Rush but keep em coming cuz Rush fans will push the hell outta your algorithm, in a good way
![Rush - La Villa Strangiato [GEN-Z REACTION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4Sd2q-ZzZ5s/mqdefault.jpg)
![Rush - La Villa Strangiato [GEN-Z REACTION]](/img/tr.png)
![Rush - Vital Signs [GEN Z REACTION]](/img/n.gif)
"I never wanted to be famous, I wanted to be good.... that's a whole different thing" - Neil Peart
#Preach 🙏🏿 RIP Professor
Alex crafted every guitar solo to specifically enhance each song. One of the most accomplished and creative guitarists ever
You better believe it brother.!!!!
Alex LIfeson's guitar solo is his personal favorite he ever wrote...it emotes the sadness and loneliness of fame. Brilliant musicians and I miss them so much.
Neil Peart (Drummer and lyricist) was a private man who felt uncomfortable with the fame. He would always be pleasant, and was happy to talk to strangers he met organically, but the pretending a stranger was a long awaited friend lyric explains his feeling.
One of the most insightful reviews I have come across on YT, especially interpreting the lyrics. As a decades-long RUSH fan I have one word: BRAVO!!!
So true.
All three are top musicians. Neil is considered one of the greatest drummers of all time, and Geddy is always ranked as one of rock's best bassists. Alex is an amazing guitarist. He's a musician's musician. He comes out with amazing pieces. He can do rhythm, lead, backup, atmosphere, classical, jazz.... he's phenomenal. His solo in "La Villa Strangiato" is amazing. His guitarwork in "Red Sector A" makes you feel the hopelessness and despair of the people. He's one of the best.
Alex recently did a breakdown of this song in an interview and he said he built the solo to sound almost fragile as it fit the theme of the song. I never thought about it like that but once he said it, it was like how did I not understand and hear that all these decades! He may not be a shredder like a lot of top guitar players but he is one of the most creative and tasteful players of all time. He has so much to fill out in the sound and he’s a master.
True, about Alex not being a shredder. Yet, la Villa Strangiato live on Exit Stage Left proved he could have been if he wanted to.
@@rushrules81When he was 17, he was in a Canadian documentary about troubled teens who are shipped out to the country to get straightened out. I wish I could remember the name of it, but it’s on TH-cam.
Anyway, Alex plays his guitar for his bored looking housemates and he is, infact, shredding.
I can’t help but wonder how those guys felt when they realized he was the kid they watched play back then.
I am in my 60's and I am still discovering the deep meaning of Neil's lyrics!!!!!!
(which he wrote in his 20's)
I followed Rush for years. I’m 55 and loved Neil’s drum playing. I didn’t know that he was the principal songwriter until years later.
There was something about Rush that just appealed to me so much… it’s the nerd in me. They were probably the most talented band I have every really experienced from a musical standpoint and saw them over 20 times back in my early teens… my fav song from them was Marathon… even if you don’t react just listen… something about it truly made me enter into another plane… Thanks so much and Rest in Peace to Neil… 🫶🏻♥️🫶🏻
Neil Peart - Drums, Percussion, Lyricist
Geddy Lee - Bass, Keyboards, Synthesizer, Guitar, Lead/backing vocals, foot pedal keyboards (master multi-tasker and wrote lyrics to some songs)
Alex Lifeson - guitars, keyboards, synthesizer, backing vocals, foot pedal keyboards, also wrote some lyrics to a couple of songs (they all shared the tasks to create their sound live to sound like their original songs on their albums, and never used backing tracks!). Always mind-blowing, thought provoking and masters at their craft!
Despite their fame, they really seem like 3 normal goofy guys who are geniuses at their art. There's a couple of documentaries of them that are really good. You'll find the fans are very loyal to them.
The song Xanadu (Live, from Exit Stage Left) is a staple, but for very good reasons: great song, great performance. Anyhow, I've been hanging out for the Tool reaction also. I'd also recommend the band Jinjer, really super duper top notch playing and writing. I won't lie, it's super heavy. But they are a contemporary band in there prime and worth attention. Anyhow, glad you're digging Rush and The Professor's lyrics. It's good to see you. I enjoy the company.
Great! The song Xanadu, the live version from 1981 Exit Stage Left.
Of course, Peart borrowed the line you liked from Shakespeare: “All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players;
They have their exits and their entrances,
And one man in his time plays many parts”
Everybody needs to tell this guy that he has to watch the spirit of radio, the animated version the excellent tribute to Neil Peart
Hey brother Rush is about to become your favorite band. Their music is beyond amazing and their talent is beyond even that. They will make you think while you jam out and play air drums.
Welcome to RUSH!! Buckle your seatbelt!! Nice job!!!
Besides being possibly the greatest drummer of all time, Neil Peart was a master lyricist. I love the distinction he makes, as an admitted introvert, between those who wish to seem (the persona) and those who wish to be (the authentic self). Peart was a poet philosopher which I’m sure you’ll discover as you keep listening to their discography. Oh yea, and all three are master musicians!
Nice to meet another Byron who is a rush fanatic
That last note of the guitar solo is still ringing today!
As you dive deeper into the Rush catalog, you will be amazed at the variety of subject matter they write songs about. That is one of the reasons after 60+ years they are my favorite band ever.
Because of Geddys vocals/bass/keys, and of course The Professors percussion Alex was often overlooked. One of my favorite guitarists.
Best Rush reactor I’ve seen. The dude gets it ! Enjoy the entire catalogue
Welcome to the rush rabbit hole! I started listening to rush in 1982. All time favorite band.
7:35 I love watching Alex do this section live the way he switches on a repeater and changes the guitar effect, then turns off the repeater and again changes the guitar effect.
Too bad you cannot watch them live but we have so many fantastic live shows of theirs on video.
The solo is my favorite part as well, and that's saying a lot: so much to love here--
Your perspective is really on point, and smart as hell. I really enjoyed hearing your thoughts!
I appreciate that!
One of the best thought out responses I've heard nice job!!👍
I appreciate that!
The performance clips you saw, including what you saw during Alex's solo, were taken from the promotional videos for their 1977 album A Farewell To Kings, including the title track, Xanadu, and Closer To The Heart. The title track's lyrics are even more relevant today than when Neil wrote them, as they accurately reflect what our world and its leaders have become; Closer To The Heart tells of how much better our world would be if we could just start working together; and the performance of Xanadu from the Exit Stage Left video is pure perfection. Have a beautiful evening, and Rush on!
🎤 🎹 🎸 🥁 🎸 🐐 🐐 🐐
This is one of my favorite Rush songs. As a fellow introvert, I understand Neil's lyric about not wanting to pretend a stranger is a long-awaited friend. Neil really struggled with the superficiality of fame, and the expectations that some fans had on him. He was a private person. He left the meet-and-greets and fan interactions to Geddy and Alex. Following gigs, Neil used to immediately leave the venue and go to his own bus, which would park in a lot somewhere overnight and then Neil would ride his motorcycle to gigs. It was his chance to be on his own and travel in a way that felt comfortable to him. As for this song itself, I love Geddy's plaintive vocal and Alex's haunting guitar solo. I believe I read that it's Alex's personal favorite of his own solos. Alex always had an uncanny ability to create the perfect solo for any given Rush song. The solos are unusual, innovative, and very melodic and soulful. To that end. I suggest checking out the live version of 'Mission' from Birmingham in 1988. Neil has some of his best lyrics, I feel, and Alex's guitar solo at the end is incredibly powerful.
Alex Lifeson can shred on the guitar, but some of my favorite solo's of his are the ones where he plays sparsely, but with incredible emotion.
I said this on the last reaction. Rush is a thinking man’s band. The lyrics and music are so personal, these 3 guys are excellent musicians.
Check out RUSH'S Documentary - Beyond the Lighted Stage 😊
Yes, because you’re really paying attention to the Lyrics, I’m Subscribing. And only 2 songs in?! I’m sold. Best band ever! My suggestion is Xanadu from the Exit stage Left tour 1981 Montreal. Said to be the best live performance ever recorded.
I appreciate your willingness to hear and interpret music and lyrics as part of a process of discovering a new band.
In this regard, I think it may be useful to note that Rush released 19 studio albums between 1974 and 2015, each of which achieved gold or platinum (or multi-platinum). In fact, Rush only trails the Beatles and Stones for most consecutive gold or platinum releases by a rock band (a stat which includes compilations and live albums as well).
And, unlike many of the bands whose music appears regularly on today’s classic rock stations/channels, the men of Rush never stood still. They were forever embracing the latest technology and allowing themselves to be influenced by music to which they had been introduced. as such, their eponymous premier album sounds nothing like their fifth LP, which in turns sounds nothing like their ninth LP, and so on.
All of which is to say that you’re going to need to buckle up and devote some serious time to hearing the different epochs of Rush represented in their music. Speaking of which, the best answer to what sort of genre describes their music was provided by Gene Simmons of Kiss (for whom,Rush opened in their early days: “Rush is Rush.” Their music is its own genre.
PS - Speaking of other musicians, I recall your mentioning Tool in the video. Rush was a highly influential band. The of musicians who credit Rush as an inspiration to them is very long. It includes members of Tool, the Foo Fighters, Metallica, Dream Theater, Alice in Chains, Smashing Pumpkins, Jane’s Addiction, Primus, Anthrax, Iron Maiden, Megadeath, Queensryche, Rage Against the Machine, Soundgarden, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Nine Inch Nails, the Pixies, and more.
Rush, The Trees, spirit of the Radio, 2112
Story telling on the next level
Red Barchetta.
Everything they played served the song, not their ego.
"RUSH really knows how to write GOOD songs guy's"...The understatement of the day...Neil's thought provoking lyrics are Brain food while the melodic high energy Music feeds the Soul...You gotta witness these 3 virtuoso's perform Live (Xanadu - 1981 Montreal) because it is a full on sensory experience for the mind, body & soul...
A great start to the Rush journey.....and it's a long one. Some suggestions for more Rush would be "Subdivisions", "Red Barchetta", "The Spirt of Radio", and "Freewill". And if you want to hear the guitarist Alex Lifeson in his element, listen to the instrumental "La Villa Strangiato". As always, RIP to The Professor.
Thank you for your very thoughtful perspective of this song!!!
LONG LIVE RUSH ❤
Canada, RUSH & TRIUMPH
You are leaving out MANY Canadian bands that are as good, The Guess Who, The Tragically Hip, April Wine...
@@Wishes890Let us not forget about Saga.
Check out "Subdivisions ".
It's the fans who seem to think that because they've listened to a band's music or watched an actor's performances, they KNOW them and are entitled to their time etc. Those fans are cringey!
Thank you. I subscribed as well because I like your thorough dissection of their lyrics. Good job! Keep them coming.
You're right, it's about a musician, Neil Peart himself. He was very introverted and he wrote this about himself and how he dealt with fame.
The Professor was as much a title as a nickname for Neil (RIP). He was known as “The Professor on the drum kit!”.
If you like the hooks in the melody, you really should check out a British band called Supertramp, “Bloody Well Right” or “The Logical Song”. They were around back about the same time.
Good shout.
Please check out Freewill and Red Barchetta next. Great deep lyric followed by fun story
For the solo they set up speakers outside Le Studio to get the natural echo of the landscape. That is part of the tone. Aside from Alex himself.
I was 18, when I walked into my favorite record store looking for something new, when an employee lead me to Rushes first album. With a long drive ahead of me, I of course got the 8 track tape! Obviously it was a great ride!😎 Hopefully your next Rush will be Spirit of Radio! Another great riff, and lyrics. The song mimics what our old car radio sounded like when you were turning the knob and other songs from other stations were playing. So creative! 👍🏻 your reviews!👊🏻
During an interview with Gene Simmons off KISS, he said that when Rush was their opening band, after the concert kiss would go and party and the band members of Rush would just go back to their hotel room and watch tv.
Neil didn’t want to be idolized ! Check out what happens after the 2112 encore from the Clockwork Angles concert in Dallas! He always had an escape plan! Geddy and Alex handled the after concert stuff!
RUSH...some things words cannot define. So much impressive music. Try La Villa Strangiato. And Welcome!
Great commentary man!!
The song that first got me hooked on RUSH was By-Tor and the Snow Dog from their second album, the first one to feature Neil Peart, and boy, did that song give us a great taste of what was to come from his addition to the band!. These guys were the best live performers ever! I first saw them live in 1978 on their Farewell To Kings tour, just incredible to see that only three performers could pull off such amazingly complex music live and do it so well. Check out Xanadu from that album performed live on their Exit Stage Left release, widely considered the finest live rock performance ever recorded, for a taste of what that was like! I saw them every time they came to town after that until their final tour and every show was absolutely fantastic!.
“But above all, in order to be, never try to seem" - Albert Camus. Neil was widely read and that shows through his lyrics. He has also written several books, all worth checking out!
Geddy Lee- bass guitar,keyboards, foot pedals and vocals
Alex Lifeson- guitars and foot pedals
Neil Peart- percussion and lyricist (professor)
Rush. Their style of rock is Progressive rock, that's why you may not have heard riff and time signature changes like that before Sohum. Cheers.
Very good reaction Sir! I have been listening to Rush for 40 years and I’m still not over their music. If you like good lyrics, let me suggest "Xanadu". The "Exit Stage Left" live version is amazing and demonstrates all their talent. Those lyrics will take you on an amazing journey.
For Limelight, Neil Peart (pronounced Peert) their drummer and lyricist who was a really private guy expressed his discomfort about all the attention fame brought the group as you talked about.
Neil was revered by his peers and yes, he was referred to as "The Professor". He was already one of the best drummers and still decided to take some more lessons. He never wanted to stop learning when he wasn’t beating those drums with so much musical subtilities, he would be reading all kind of books.
Please keep going down the Rush rabbit hole. You will not regret it.
Peace!
Alex Lifeson is the master/artiste of the whammy bar
it’s actually a tremolo bar alex uses
Whatever, he wiggles it good.
@@ethanburgess3475 as a drummer, I didn’t realize there was a difference, TIL, Thanks.
@@caryd67 no problem!
I found with Rush music that you need to listen to the studio album to hear all the music without the live crowd sounds. But you get caught listening to the music, and missing the lyrics, and then it switches. The watching the song performed live a number to times to catch how the 3 of them create the studio sound. IMHO "Xanadu" is Rush's most complex song done in the days of analog before MIDI was really available. When you watch it live, all of what I wrote above applies, big time. When ever the camera shows Neil's drum kit check out all the things he has to hit and swip. He basically has all the percussion toys usually found in an orchestra.
Took my whole family to R40. I was 3 when the 1st Rush album dropped. Listened to Rush my whole life. Entheogens? Yes for Rush, Pink Floyd and a lot of bands from that time.
Time to go live. Sample from every decade of their 40 years together. Alex is a master of tone. I feel like he is always singing from his core, just giving all that he is.
🎵I have no ❤ to lie!....
🤗 All the Worlds indeed a stage! We are merely "Players", "Performers" & ""Portrayers". 😉 Things I learned from Rush that got me through some tough situations. 🥰🖖🏿🐰
First time watching. Great reaction! You would love their song Closer To The Heart. There’s a great live video in Toronto, 1983 I think.
tip of the hat - you are only the second person to catch the ' all the worlds indeed a stage & we are merely players " lyrics & meaning. I have been waiting for people to do it cause the lyrics are real .
Best band ever, IMO. Enjoy the journey 👍
Neil Peart was a very private and shy person and he was very uncomfortable with being famous.
Alex Lifeson's guitar solo is so hauntingly beautiful.
Songs
Xanadu from Exit Stage Left Montreal
Digital man from the Snakes and Arrows tour
Closer to the Heart Different Stages
That line is actually Shakespeare. Niel Peart was a genius.
You hit the nail on the head with Alex, he is one of the few great guitar players that made a guitar sing. I can think of 5 at the most.
It might be time to watch Rush Xanadu live in Montreal 1981.
This is a more straightforward Rock song. The lyrics are always top notch with Rush. This was a good song for an introduction to Rush. I would love to see more of your reactions to Rush. Here are a couple of suggestions on what to listen to next:
The Spirit of Radio
Freewill
Fly by Night
“This is my favorite part”, it PULLS you into amazing!
Dude your gonna lose your mind with this band
They were the thinking man’s band!!!
So so many of their songs for you too freak out on 🤘
Check out natural science
Incredible lyrics and it showcases the best of their work transitionally or if you wanna stay with the moving pictures album definitely check out witch hunt, the lyrics are hauntingly exactly what we’re experiencing in North America right now an it was written in 80
You hold the acumen to graduate to their more complex works. Such as: 2112 (twenty-one 12), and Natural Science. If you want live, go to Xanadu 1981 (a proverbial tale to be careful what you wish for.... AND, If you do Xanadu, please read the unfinished poem by Samuel Coleridge called Kubla Kahan as part of the reaction - most people don't know Neil's inspiration), and for more stellar guitar work, La Villa Strangiato! Also, Neil's(RIP) drum fills in Bytor and the Snowdog (lie in '81), will melt your mind
Welcome to the rabbit hole that is RUSH!
Rush 1974 - 1981 is about riffs and melodies with sometimes great lyrics. Rush 1982 - 1993 is about inspiring and life saving lyrics, with great music. Rush 1993-2015 was a hit or miss combination of both.
Great reaction! The "long awaited friend" line has to do with the musician/celebrity being approached by, literally, a stranger -- not a threat, though; this is a fan who wanted to meet their celebrity-hero -- but Neil is saying that is a difficult situation for him because he does not want to be seen as more than what he is -- he does not want to be made into a "hero" or a superman. He wants to be himself, keep trying to improve, to stay in the moment and not see himself from the third-person perspective but to stay grounded in who he is and what his mission is. Fame can be corruptive if you buy into the hype about yourself, that's out there from the fan's perspective and from the Media's perspective. Neil, and all the members of Rush, was a person of integrity and humility but it was a struggle due to Rush's new found fame, from the early-80's onward.
It’s hard just to give you a few suggestions, but I’ll try:
- Anthem
- Natural Science
- New World Man
- Presto
- Driven
- The Garden
It you really want to delve into the deeper inner workings of how brilliant they are, check out their fear series written across 3+1 albums. The first 3 were written across 3 albums in reverse order and then a 4th was added later.
Part 1 Enemy Within on Grace Under Pressure 1984
Part 2 The Weapon on Signals 1982
Part 3 Witch Hunt on Moving Pictures 1981
3 completely different styles of music But still Rush.
Witch Hunt is Cinematic, atmospheric and movie soundtrack like in which they beautiful explore fear of the other and the danger of mob rule. 😮
The Weapon - 80's Rock with Synth- Is a derp dive into how propaganda is used as a weapon.
The Enemy Within - Reggae rhythmsProbes personal fear, paranoia and phobias that can direct our decission making process.
The 4th part is Freeze from Vapor Trails 2002 deals with fear in a flight or fight situation.
The use of “gilded cage” is very meaningful to the point where you understand Neil’s position. While amongst all fans , fame and popularity, they are still inside their little private box, a cage on and off stage. The price of fame is for the most part a loss of a private life.
Next step is "Xanadu" in Montreal 1981
My top three Rush songs lyrically would be...
No.3 - Freewill,
No.2 - Natural Science
No.1 - The Garden
With a shout out to "The Fountain of Lamneth" for encapsulating a lifetime in one musical piece.
Other Rush fans will disagree, but they're the ones that resonate most with me lyrically.
The camera eye they mention in these lyrics is also the title of the first song on the B-side of this album, Moving Pictures is Rush's biggest commercial success and every song on it is great. 😊
Great reaction. Don’t let Alex hear you say “his use of the whammy”. He’s adamant he uses only tremolo for tremolo’s sake and isn’t a fan of whammy!
"Is fame a problem?" If you ever want to get away from it, it is. "You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave..."
A rabbit hole that will take you on a wonderful journey. Hold on to your hat, you're in for a ride.
Great reaction. Very thoughtful. Keep it up :)
Great reaction and analysis!! Rush is my all-time favorite band. And seeing your reactions, bring me back to my discovery of them and how they opened my mind. If you want another mind-blowing song, check out Natural Science...see what you think.
Neil was always happy to interact with anyone while traveling that did not know he was. It was the fan worship that made him uncomfortable… based on your deep lyrical interpretations, to be a little different, I will recommend The Weapon, The Way the wind Blows, Freewill, or Emotion Detector. Rush on!
That’s what I always say: Alex makes the guitar sing! ❤️
My friend if you continue down this RUSH rabbit hole, you will discover 40+ years of musical genius. Trust me, this will be one of the most interesting and thought-provoking journeys you will undertake musically 🎸🎶🎹🎶🥁🎶🎤😊 Enjoy the venture you are about to start 👍💯☺️
Go down the Rush rabbit hole.
I guarantee you will not be disappointed.
Now you have a taste of a couple of their more accessible (for them) tunes, check out the 'Exit Stage Left' live version of Xanadu. It will blow your mind. Also, check out the other Canadian musical genius, Devin Townsend. He's less well known, but as much of a MUST as Rush.
"FREEWILL" should be NEXT and The Lyrics will Resonate with YOU!!!!
I get a kick out of watching Neil Peart bash those cymbals. Neil Peart became the main lyricist for RUSH upon joining the band in 1974. He replaced the original drummer, John Rutsey, because of health issues John Rutsey was the drummer on RUSHs' debut self-titled album, and he was a darn good drummer in his own right. ☮
The Professor- Neal Peart!👍
I love you reactions! The "Meta Song" and "Atomized Individual" are my new favorite words. Written from the point of Neil who said, "All I want is to be just a guy." Neil found it cringy for fans to think they were his friend. You are so much fun!
I look forward to you reacting to Natural Science.
Very deeep rabbit hole you're fallen into my friend you will enjoy it though!!!You're really good at what you do, one of the more perceptive reviewers I've seen reacting to Rush but keep em coming cuz Rush fans will push the hell outta your algorithm, in a good way