This album was recorded after Neil studied drums with Freddie Gruber. He reinvented his style and it affected how the other two played to it. They talk about it in the documentary. The live version doesn’t have the harmonized bass, and it’s killer!
The live versions are so good! Geddy just goes off. I've always thought the meaning of the song was that Geddy was tired of playing bass and wanted to play lead.
The live versions, Geddy is plying the higher tone bass part. Almost sounds like he is playing chords. This is a lot of people's favorite tune off the album and was one they played live. Hopefully when you hear a few of the upcoming songs you can get past the lyrics and enjoy the music.
Check out the live version of this if you haven’t already. It’s typical Rush being a bit heavier and not so glossy in a live setting. I vaguely recall an interview where Ged spoke about having to adjust to Neil’s new internal clock after the lessons. He said it wasn’t obvious upon listening for him, but then when they played together on the floor, he felt a difference. Interesting. I wish I could remember where I read it, but ya know, twenty five years…
Nice! I don't remember which live album because I saw it live several times. Geddy does a cool bass solo that leads into Alex's solo on this. Give the live version a whirl and hopefully you can gain additional appreciation for this tune. Cheers!
I don't understand why people doo doo on this album and saying it's the worst or one of the worst albums, Hold your Fire was Doo Doo with the exception of Time Stand Still. Test for Echo is way above that. Finally more turning away from the keyboard driven songs.
Still love the guitars in this... screaming & chaotic 👍 "Half" & "Color of Right" are brighter, poppier mixolydian songs, but still love them. Time & Motion is heavy & spacey! 👊
I read, just last night, that Geddy said this album is as close as they came to 'going through the motions'. An accurate assessment. And that's the best thing he said about the album. He did however say the selected songs translated much better to a concert setting.
It was between Counterparts and Test for Echo that Neil took up motorcycling (interestingly, inspired by Alex, though Alex dabbled for a bit and moved on... which Neil did more than dabbling). For the tour for Test for Echo, Geddy and Alex abandoned the bus and started flying from city to city, while Neil kept the bus and started motorcycling from the morning after each show early afternoon before the next show (he was planning to publish a book length transcription of his journal of the tour, tentatively titled "American Echoes: Landscape with Drums", but... life got in the way (he would eventually do that idea with the R30 tour as "Roadshow: Landscape with Drums")). My read on these lyrics is that they're inspired by the feeling of control one gets when one starts riding. Live this is one that turned out well. Firmly endorse the Rio version. I like Test for Echo, partly because this was the first Rush album I heard as "New Rush Album Just Dropped!": I'm pretty sure I heard the album premier on WAAF one Monday night that fall.
Yeah it’s a product of its time. It is definitely pretty grungy sounding. Never knew it had 3 bass tracks layered. It’s got memorable riffs which is good and the keyboard’s actually help for once.
Yeah, I remember having the impression myself at the time that this was a very modern-sounding album, heavily influenced by the likes of Tool, and friends of mine who'd never before cared for Rush suddenly really liked them, after hearing 'Test For Echo' 😄 I liked it a lot myself back then (except for that one song with the cringey 🎵"Net Boy, Net Girl"🎵 lyrics 😬😅) but somehow had meanwhile never been drawn to it again. Nice to hear it again now, after 27 years (🤯) and via this channel, but I doubt there'll be another listen in the nearer future 😅
yeah didn`t really think about the harmonizing. a lot of peole love this song, a take or leave it for me. Half The World is my jam on this album, and Colour of Right.
Ok so now you're into Test For Echo. This really isn't one of my favorite albums from them. It was the third one they released after I began following their music, and I didn't like it as much as Counterparts. There is really only one song I consider a smash, Resist. There are some other good songs, like Driven and the title track, but nothing comparable to their classic stuff besides Resist. The live version on Different Stages is fantastic, Alex has some very beautiful guitar licks. Later on they performed it acoustic live, which i wasn't a fan of. Around this time I was beginning to think Rush was done making smash albums that belonged in the same category as their classic albums. Even Counterparts, while an excellent album, doesn't quite stack up. Then Neil had his tragedies and I was simply thankful to get ANY new album from them. It turns out, that new album, Vapor Trails, was a masterpiece SMASH with several songs that are fantastic. It remains among my very favorite ones from them, and deserves mention with the all time best. So if you can trudge through TFE you at least get rewarded with VT. Clockwork Angels is also a masterpiece, but I won't get into that one yet. You mentioned some folks said Dog Years and Virtuality are bad songs. I think the issues is the lyrics, I really like the music. Virtuality in particular has a really nice Alex riff to start the song. Anyway, keep up the good work! It's really cool to hear a relatively new Rush fan give their initial take on their music!
I love Vapor Trails-but I’d recommend the 2013 remix over the original (muddy AF) release. For me, that 2013 remix is the definitive version of the album.
@@MrDuneedon That's a good point, the remix sounds better and would probably be a better one for Justin to react to. Having said that, I thought it was a smash album from the get go, muddy mix and all. :)
There is an amazing soundfile of Alex’s terrible isolated background vocals on a live version of this song somewhere. Wish like hell that I could find it again. The title was something along the lines of “Alex’s singing is driving us into a deep, dark hole.”
There we go. Some old school Rush for ya. There's a pretty cool video that goes with it. But notice how it's in triple meter. Much of Neil's study with Freddy Gruber was how to swing better in triple meters, so when you watch the live versions you'll notice he switches to trad grip. And suddenly more triple meter songs start appearing on these later Rush albums. The bass harmonics don't bother me here, but I get that that can be a thing for others.
Neil should have stuck with the Ludwig drums. That drum sound on Counterparts......wow! Drum sound took a step backwards here in his first record with DW. He's using coated heads as well. Drum sound is too warm/muddy although Neil's playing is awesome like usual. Engineering on this record did capture a lot of subtle stuff on this track. You can actually hear Neil's hi-hat foot keeping time in that middle section where it's bass only. Neil is replicating the bass riff/odd times on the ride cymbal while his foot is playing straight quarter notes. This makes the hi-hat alternate between downbeats and upbeats. Brilliant stuff. Also, those double stroke rolls that swell in this song captured nicely during the "driven to the edge of a deep dark hole" parts.
I like the idea of them trying to make a heavier song, but I always felt the guitar was too far back in the mix which is I think pretty much what you are saying. It’s like they weren’t quite ready to move away from all three instruments bring prominent. I think they finally got it right on Clockwork Angels, their last and heaviest album.
Test...will grow on you and as you shed memories of the last couple of albums, you'll note the overall improvement in song writing and arrangements. Note how the songs are also tailored to Getty's vocal "status" at the time. Also, take an evening listen when the day's delirium is done. Maybe the idea of Driven, analogous to racing entities? I always liked the dual bass.....
I don't hear Neil moving the beat either. I'm not a drummer, but I never really noticed a difference after he "reinvented" himself other than that he started holding the sticks the right way (he used to play holding the small tip end and hitting the drums with the big end for a beefier sound). I've seen similar comments from jazz fans that Neil doesn't really swing on Burning for Buddy. Anyway, as probably every other comment has said now, the live version of this without the harmony bass is why people love this song, moreso than the version you heard here.
“Sounds like 90’s riffs. Is it that not a sign that they are changing, adapting, evolving? Can’t stay at What your doing for 45 years…. They fact that they change their sound is a testimonial tot heir talent, while still being recognizable.
Neil's post-Gruber "metamorphosis" is well-covered territory at this point, but how much did it actually affect his playing? I really think it did, not only in terms of where his pocket sat, but, to me, it also rounded off the rough edges. His playing became less stiff and less angular. I can hear how far back that snare sits here. To me, it sounds more like a Bonham, Kunkel, Gould, or Porcaro than it does vintage Peart. It's subtle, but it's there. The song itself is cool enough, but Geddy's vocal melodies were flat and uninspired by this point. It works much better live. There is a great version on the Rush in Rio DVD (somewhere on TH-cam, I'm sure).
Ah, Driven… confounds me every time I try to count the tempo. And a great example of musical sex. Listen to Geddy’s solo and the climactic scream Alex’s guitar gives in response. The album version is good but the live versions are outstanding!
I'll just say it. I've been waiting for you to react to a song with as much excitement as you did for "Show dont tell". it has not happened, and I don't think it ever will. After yesterdays Test for Echo reaction, when after the song ended you talked for 10 minutes, and none of it about the song. Rush changed style as they are want to do to a heavier style after Presto, I remain unconvinced any album since has been "better". They were still a great band to see live though.
I see where you're coming from, Presto was definitely my favorite post-Signals Rush album, but I think the Vapor Trails Remix will definitely get his attention as a great album I'm predicting.
So.. from watching some of your reactions.. You want a Rush that stays within a 70s -early 80s window ...and the lyrics free of too much sociopolitical commentary.. Well... at least you're not asking for much.
it is what it is. I just want the music to not suck right? that's not too much to ask. I know it's not possible every time. Maybe if they had songwriting sessions where they wrote 20-40 songs and picked the best 10-12 ... maybe thats a better formula. The Peart interview being released now (started yesterday and is 6 parts so next few days...) he says they have NO vault material and that every song they wrote was put out.... that says a lot. They released all the fluff. Thats why tracks like Dog Years and Tai Shan etc got released. This is my opinion. NONE of this means I don't like Rush as some people like to think.
and if you think I'm only finding Rush music I like in the 70s-early 80s you aren't watching my videos.. which is fine, you don't have to. But theres plenty of mid to late 80s I like. Including specific tracks on HYF. And specific tracks on 90s albums that I've heard so far. But yeah this later stuff is tougher for me. It's not fire, the albums are hit or miss. But that's still why I like going through full discographies because when you find those gems its cool its worth it.
@@JustinPanariello well... "suck" is a subjective term... but I know you're getting at. I am on the fence about Tai Shan.. I know Geddy doesn't even like it.. but I think an artist should be allowed a little creative leeway.. freedom to express.. even if it ends up flopping.. They still made money... and Tai Shan may still be SOMEONE'S favorite song.. you never know... Dog Years.. another story altogether. They could have spent another week in the studio and trashed that one in favor of something potentially better. .. I aint trying to start a war.. opinions vary.
Also... I didn't even like everything I heard from their early albums LOL There was specific tracks I liked on early records. Only records I thought were a total smash was Permanent Waves and Signals (minus countdown lol). I mean front to back full album smash. GUP is a great record. Power Windows is great. AFTK is cool. etc.
sorry. I'm not trying to start a keyboard war with you either lol. it's all good its just music. People may be surprised of my opinion on Dog Years actually... mostly in my overview. People can like what they like I totally don't care it's all good. I just want to be able to like what I like. And everyone is literally watching me find what I like out of Rush's HUGE catalog on videos daily.
Most people don't like everything a band does especially when it has as many albums as Rush has. You're probably starting to see why most fans consider '74-'81/82 to be their absolute peak years, but I noticed even you didn't show a great like for everything on those albums as well. Example I thought all of 2112, Kings and Hemispheres was gonna blow you away, but you just seemed kind of lukewarm to it.
"" Also... I didn't even like everything I heard from their early albums LOL There was specific tracks I liked on early records. Only records I thought were a total smash was Permanent Waves and Signals (minus countdown lol). I mean front to back full album smash. GUP is a great record. Power Windows is great. AFTK is cool. etc. ""
I think so many Rush fans consider the early stuff the peak only because that was their introduction to Rush and what they cut their teeth on. I cut my teeth on early to mid 80's Rush and then when i went backwards from the beginning one record at a time, I found the records much less accessible although i still really liked them because it is Rush after all. I think Rush hit their stride on Permanent Waves and that continued through Power Windows. Of course some fans of heavier music or "prog" purists are going to disagree.
This is the nearest Alex will get to a guitar solo again intil 2007. Hope you were satisfied because there's nothing but a big ol steaming pile of disappointment for Rush 🎸 fans from here on out!
It's definitely a concert song because everything just punches through much more aggressively. As an album song, it doesn't do a lot for me actually. The whole album just seems mediocre in the context of Rush's entire back catalogue. It just doesn't make my top 10.
This album was recorded after Neil studied drums with Freddie Gruber. He reinvented his style and it affected how the other two played to it. They talk about it in the documentary. The live version doesn’t have the harmonized bass, and it’s killer!
A bad decision to change his style.
Hands down the best song on the album, the live version on Different Stages is incredible, I was at the show.🔥🤘🏻
The live versions are so good! Geddy just goes off. I've always thought the meaning of the song was that Geddy was tired of playing bass and wanted to play lead.
Geddy is the Cartman of the group for sure😂
The live versions, Geddy is plying the higher tone bass part. Almost sounds like he is playing chords. This is a lot of people's favorite tune off the album and was one they played live. Hopefully when you hear a few of the upcoming songs you can get past the lyrics and enjoy the music.
yeah I dig into it a little bit. I think/hope more gets cleared up in my overview video after I had more listens.
I fricken love this song. Driven and Time And Motion make this whole album for me.
Totem's alright, and Roll away the Stone is fine. This is their weakest album, in my opinion, but even it has its gems.
I really like this song and as you know Rush would flow with times and not stay in a previous decade.
The live version is a banger!
cheers
This song is so heavy live and you aren’t wrong about the bass here. Different Stages and the Rio set versions are both awesome
You need to hear the Rush In Rio version! The bass is perfect!
This song just rocks..one of my favorite Rush tunes.
Check out the live version of this if you haven’t already. It’s typical Rush being a bit heavier and not so glossy in a live setting.
I vaguely recall an interview where Ged spoke about having to adjust to Neil’s new internal clock after the lessons. He said it wasn’t obvious upon listening for him, but then when they played together on the floor, he felt a difference. Interesting. I wish I could remember where I read it, but ya know, twenty five years…
I never noticed the bass harmonies before. Cool thanks.
I agree about the bass part, imagine him playing this on the old Rickenbacker
Nice! I don't remember which live album because I saw it live several times. Geddy does a cool bass solo that leads into Alex's solo on this. Give the live version a whirl and hopefully you can gain additional appreciation for this tune. Cheers!
R in rio
I’ve always liked this song…
I still do.
I don't understand why people doo doo on this album and saying it's the worst or one of the worst albums, Hold your Fire was Doo Doo with the exception of Time Stand Still. Test for Echo is way above that. Finally more turning away from the keyboard driven songs.
I totally agree with you!
Still love the guitars in this... screaming & chaotic 👍
"Half" & "Color of Right" are brighter, poppier mixolydian songs, but still love them. Time & Motion is heavy & spacey! 👊
I read, just last night, that Geddy said this album is as close as they came to 'going through the motions'. An accurate assessment. And that's the best thing he said about the album. He did however say the selected songs translated much better to a concert setting.
one of the great car song, all taste of songs is in that album.🤘🤘🤘
It was between Counterparts and Test for Echo that Neil took up motorcycling (interestingly, inspired by Alex, though Alex dabbled for a bit and moved on... which Neil did more than dabbling). For the tour for Test for Echo, Geddy and Alex abandoned the bus and started flying from city to city, while Neil kept the bus and started motorcycling from the morning after each show early afternoon before the next show (he was planning to publish a book length transcription of his journal of the tour, tentatively titled "American Echoes: Landscape with Drums", but... life got in the way (he would eventually do that idea with the R30 tour as "Roadshow: Landscape with Drums")). My read on these lyrics is that they're inspired by the feeling of control one gets when one starts riding.
Live this is one that turned out well. Firmly endorse the Rio version.
I like Test for Echo, partly because this was the first Rush album I heard as "New Rush Album Just Dropped!": I'm pretty sure I heard the album premier on WAAF one Monday night that fall.
My favorite track from t4e. They played this live on the VT tour and it was amazing.
I’m a fan of this song. Have been since I heard it.
Soundgarden do this type of sound music better. In fact, Rush were fans of many Grunge bands!
Yeah it’s a product of its time. It is definitely pretty grungy sounding. Never knew it had 3 bass tracks layered. It’s got memorable riffs which is good and the keyboard’s actually help for once.
Another one of their songs where I would love to hear his '70s style vocals on, I think it would have made the song that much better
Yeah, I remember having the impression myself at the time that this was a very modern-sounding album, heavily influenced by the likes of Tool, and friends of mine who'd never before cared for Rush suddenly really liked them, after hearing 'Test For Echo' 😄
I liked it a lot myself back then (except for that one song with the cringey 🎵"Net Boy, Net Girl"🎵 lyrics 😬😅) but somehow had meanwhile never been drawn to it again.
Nice to hear it again now, after 27 years (🤯) and via this channel, but I doubt there'll be another listen in the nearer future 😅
Another classic! What a great album!
Good hard “driving “ song for me. I like it a lot!
I just love this song!! Be well and God bless… from Texas!!
yeah didn`t really think about the harmonizing. a lot of peole love this song, a take or leave it for me. Half The World is my jam on this album, and Colour of Right.
I actually like this song and it’s killer live!
Ok so now you're into Test For Echo. This really isn't one of my favorite albums from them. It was the third one they released after I began following their music, and I didn't like it as much as Counterparts. There is really only one song I consider a smash, Resist. There are some other good songs, like Driven and the title track, but nothing comparable to their classic stuff besides Resist. The live version on Different Stages is fantastic, Alex has some very beautiful guitar licks. Later on they performed it acoustic live, which i wasn't a fan of.
Around this time I was beginning to think Rush was done making smash albums that belonged in the same category as their classic albums. Even Counterparts, while an excellent album, doesn't quite stack up. Then Neil had his tragedies and I was simply thankful to get ANY new album from them.
It turns out, that new album, Vapor Trails, was a masterpiece SMASH with several songs that are fantastic. It remains among my very favorite ones from them, and deserves mention with the all time best.
So if you can trudge through TFE you at least get rewarded with VT. Clockwork Angels is also a masterpiece, but I won't get into that one yet.
You mentioned some folks said Dog Years and Virtuality are bad songs. I think the issues is the lyrics, I really like the music. Virtuality in particular has a really nice Alex riff to start the song.
Anyway, keep up the good work! It's really cool to hear a relatively new Rush fan give their initial take on their music!
I love Vapor Trails-but I’d recommend the 2013 remix over the original (muddy AF) release. For me, that 2013 remix is the definitive version of the album.
@@MrDuneedon That's a good point, the remix sounds better and would probably be a better one for Justin to react to. Having said that, I thought it was a smash album from the get go, muddy mix and all. :)
You might be right about the bass harmonization stuff. Interesting. Never thought about it. Still a pretty good song.
I didn't have a problem with Geddy's bass lines, and it still left a lot of space for Alex's improv during the entire song.
There is an amazing soundfile of Alex’s terrible isolated background vocals on a live version of this song somewhere. Wish like hell that I could find it again. The title was something along the lines of “Alex’s singing is driving us into a deep, dark hole.”
There we go. Some old school Rush for ya. There's a pretty cool video that goes with it. But notice how it's in triple meter. Much of Neil's study with Freddy Gruber was how to swing better in triple meters, so when you watch the live versions you'll notice he switches to trad grip. And suddenly more triple meter songs start appearing on these later Rush albums. The bass harmonics don't bother me here, but I get that that can be a thing for others.
Neil should have stuck with the Ludwig drums. That drum sound on Counterparts......wow! Drum sound took a step backwards here in his first record with DW. He's using coated heads as well. Drum sound is too warm/muddy although Neil's playing is awesome like usual. Engineering on this record did capture a lot of subtle stuff on this track. You can actually hear Neil's hi-hat foot keeping time in that middle section where it's bass only. Neil is replicating the bass riff/odd times on the ride cymbal while his foot is playing straight quarter notes. This makes the hi-hat alternate between downbeats and upbeats. Brilliant stuff. Also, those double stroke rolls that swell in this song captured nicely during the "driven to the edge of a deep dark hole" parts.
you need to checkout the live version from rio
Ok but what you think of the songs? Do you like it, apart from technical interesting question?! 👌🏻 Nice reaction👍🏻…
I like the idea of them trying to make a heavier song, but I always felt the guitar was too far back in the mix which is I think pretty much what you are saying. It’s like they weren’t quite ready to move away from all three instruments bring prominent.
I think they finally got it right on Clockwork Angels, their last and heaviest album.
Test...will grow on you and as you shed memories of the last couple of albums, you'll note the overall improvement in song writing and arrangements. Note how the songs are also tailored to Getty's vocal "status" at the time. Also, take an evening listen when the day's delirium is done. Maybe the idea of Driven, analogous to racing entities? I always liked the dual bass.....
Check out the live in rio version
This song is 🔥
I don't hear Neil moving the beat either. I'm not a drummer, but I never really noticed a difference after he "reinvented" himself other than that he started holding the sticks the right way (he used to play holding the small tip end and hitting the drums with the big end for a beefier sound). I've seen similar comments from jazz fans that Neil doesn't really swing on Burning for Buddy.
Anyway, as probably every other comment has said now, the live version of this without the harmony bass is why people love this song, moreso than the version you heard here.
“Sounds like 90’s riffs. Is it that not a sign that they are changing, adapting, evolving? Can’t stay at What your doing for 45 years…. They fact that they change their sound is a testimonial tot heir talent, while still being recognizable.
The live version is killer!
Justin sits at a restaurant, and orders his meal. After he’s been eating for a bit, the waiter comes by and asks, “Is anything ok?”
Neil's post-Gruber "metamorphosis" is well-covered territory at this point, but how much did it actually affect his playing? I really think it did, not only in terms of where his pocket sat, but, to me, it also rounded off the rough edges. His playing became less stiff and less angular. I can hear how far back that snare sits here. To me, it sounds more like a Bonham, Kunkel, Gould, or Porcaro than it does vintage Peart. It's subtle, but it's there.
The song itself is cool enough, but Geddy's vocal melodies were flat and uninspired by this point. It works much better live. There is a great version on the Rush in Rio DVD (somewhere on TH-cam, I'm sure).
3/4ths baby. Such oddballs 🤟
LOL Counterparts made you forget "Adult Contemperary Hold Your Fire". This song is hard for Rush.
You can definitely hear the likes of Soundgarden on this song!
Well, I’m still completely unable to guess what you will and won’t like. 😂 I really thought you’d dig this one.
It's not 2112, so...
Is it just me or does that bass solo sequence sound a bit like Tool? Had never noticed it before...
You should watch this live.
Maybe they are so used to Neil driving the song (no pun intended), that if he isn’t they consider that playing the back beat? IDK.
Ah, Driven… confounds me every time I try to count the tempo. And a great example of musical sex. Listen to Geddy’s solo and the climactic scream Alex’s guitar gives in response. The album version is good but the live versions are outstanding!
I'll just say it. I've been waiting for you to react to a song with as much excitement as you did for "Show dont tell". it has not happened, and I don't think it ever will. After yesterdays Test for Echo reaction, when after the song ended you talked for 10 minutes, and none of it about the song. Rush changed style as they are want to do to a heavier style after Presto, I remain unconvinced any album since has been "better". They were still a great band to see live though.
"want to do..wont to do...yeah yeah,...
I see where you're coming from, Presto was definitely my favorite post-Signals Rush album, but I think the Vapor Trails Remix will definitely get his attention as a great album I'm predicting.
I liked that more in the 90s I think. It's OK, but relistening to it now after all this time it seems a little... plodding.
Test For Echo has no issues
Best. Song. Of. This. Album. Fight me! 😂😂😂 (fight me is just a joke)
The live version is way better. Not so muddy. Just plug in a play the dang instruments guys...
Much better live imo.
So.. from watching some of your reactions..
You want a Rush that stays within a 70s -early 80s window ...and the lyrics free of too much sociopolitical commentary..
Well... at least you're not asking for much.
it is what it is. I just want the music to not suck right? that's not too much to ask. I know it's not possible every time. Maybe if they had songwriting sessions where they wrote 20-40 songs and picked the best 10-12 ... maybe thats a better formula. The Peart interview being released now (started yesterday and is 6 parts so next few days...) he says they have NO vault material and that every song they wrote was put out.... that says a lot. They released all the fluff. Thats why tracks like Dog Years and Tai Shan etc got released. This is my opinion. NONE of this means I don't like Rush as some people like to think.
and if you think I'm only finding Rush music I like in the 70s-early 80s you aren't watching my videos.. which is fine, you don't have to. But theres plenty of mid to late 80s I like. Including specific tracks on HYF. And specific tracks on 90s albums that I've heard so far. But yeah this later stuff is tougher for me. It's not fire, the albums are hit or miss. But that's still why I like going through full discographies because when you find those gems its cool its worth it.
@@JustinPanariello well... "suck" is a subjective term... but I know you're getting at. I am on the fence about Tai Shan.. I know Geddy doesn't even like it.. but I think an artist should be allowed a little creative leeway.. freedom to express.. even if it ends up flopping.. They still made money... and Tai Shan may still be SOMEONE'S favorite song.. you never know...
Dog Years.. another story altogether. They could have spent another week in the studio and trashed that one in favor of something potentially better.
.. I aint trying to start a war.. opinions vary.
Also... I didn't even like everything I heard from their early albums LOL There was specific tracks I liked on early records. Only records I thought were a total smash was Permanent Waves and Signals (minus countdown lol). I mean front to back full album smash. GUP is a great record. Power Windows is great. AFTK is cool. etc.
sorry. I'm not trying to start a keyboard war with you either lol. it's all good its just music. People may be surprised of my opinion on Dog Years actually... mostly in my overview. People can like what they like I totally don't care it's all good. I just want to be able to like what I like. And everyone is literally watching me find what I like out of Rush's HUGE catalog on videos daily.
Great tune. Come on, cool bass effect, totally disagree. The bass was more in tune with Peart"s playing.
Yep definitely better live on Rush in Rio, but then most rush songs sound sterile compared to the live versions
'It would've been better without it'
Get ready to say that a lot
Most people don't like everything a band does especially when it has as many albums as Rush has. You're probably starting to see why most fans consider '74-'81/82 to be their absolute peak years, but I noticed even you didn't show a great like for everything on those albums as well. Example I thought all of 2112, Kings and Hemispheres was gonna blow you away, but you just seemed kind of lukewarm to it.
Its true though. I just commented on Michael Enos post about this lol... let me copy/paste hang on.
"" Also... I didn't even like everything I heard from their early albums LOL There was specific tracks I liked on early records. Only records I thought were a total smash was Permanent Waves and Signals (minus countdown lol). I mean front to back full album smash. GUP is a great record. Power Windows is great. AFTK is cool. etc. ""
I think so many Rush fans consider the early stuff the peak only because that was their introduction to Rush and what they cut their teeth on. I cut my teeth on early to mid 80's Rush and then when i went backwards from the beginning one record at a time, I found the records much less accessible although i still really liked them because it is Rush after all. I think Rush hit their stride on Permanent Waves and that continued through Power Windows. Of course some fans of heavier music or "prog" purists are going to disagree.
The live version of this song is actually better
This is the nearest Alex will get to a guitar solo again intil 2007. Hope you were satisfied because there's nothing but a big ol steaming pile of disappointment for Rush 🎸 fans from here on out!
It's definitely a concert song because everything just punches through much more aggressively. As an album song, it doesn't do a lot for me actually. The whole album just seems mediocre in the context of Rush's entire back catalogue. It just doesn't make my top 10.
Geddy plays one track live.. just saying. :0
The live version from Snakes And Arrows is much better!!
Live version is better, more natural.
PS: I'm fine with the bass harmonies here - but the keys really _were_ totally unnecessary.
Think that's the problem with this album, nothing stands out.
I kind of agree with that other than the first 2 tracks. lol Although, even a Rush non-standout song is better than most bands out there.
Not a good album