I always like the way "Madrigal" contrasts with "Cygnus X-1". Even though they don't exactly segue, it just always felt like it was "the calm before the storm"... Some people say the song's too chaotic or disjointed for them (not for me, makes sense to my ears) , but there's no denying that opening bass riff. No denying.
Hemispheres is my favorite album by Rush This song and Hemispheres should be played back to back Book 1 into book 2, and yes its like a cliffhanger Book 1 ends with To be continued at the end...
Exactly. Spinning, whirling, still descending, like a spiral sea unending. Also, prior to this, the image is created of a monotonous journey through space, followed by a repetitive, gradually accelerating fall into a black hole and oblivion. I think it's wonderful! P. S. I'm one of those who waited 13 months; and I wasn't disappointed! 😊
I think their musical illustration of the experience of flying into a black hole is masterful. At various points they capture both the stillness and vastness of space, then ending with chaotic violent turbulence of the black hole, almost all just in the music, with the lyrics just hinting at the plot, and perfectly complimenting the music. The middle section of "We set a course just east of Lyra etc." is the most "normal" section of the piece musically, to accompany the initial "normal" part of the journey. And it goes literally "downhill" from there. :-)
When Cygnus X-1 (the celestial object) was discovered in 1964 it was just known as a strong source of x-rays. It was later determined to be a binary system consisting of a blue supergiant and an unknown compact object circling each other. Based on observations it was determined that the compact object was very massive and thus probably a black hole. The gravitational force of the black hole is stripping gases from the blue star into what is called an accretion disc from which the gases eventually fall into the black hole. As the gases near the black hole's event horizon they are accelerated to near light speed causing the emission of x-rays. (Yes, I'm a nerd, but don't forget, so is Dr. Brian May.)
@@rationalwatcher7739 call it whatever you like, I hope that Justin calls it next. IMO Hemispheres is the greatest album ever recorded. I’m going to listen to it right now,
Rush at its' Proggiest.......LOVE IT !!!!!!!! Book one is chaotic while Book two is more cohesive; IMHO this album and Hemespheres could easily have been a double album; so enjoying your Rush journey !!!
@@neighborbruce It turns some people off with its extreme nerdiness, but I love it. Carress of Steel in general I find to be one of their strongest albums.
I love listening to them jam on The Necromancer! Musically, it's a really good song. Unfortunately, it's lyrically terrible. I think Neil was still learning and they all got a little lazy and/or comfortable with that album. The lackluster response shook them up and gave them the incentive and motivation they needed for 2112, which was a masterpiece.
Rush's Great Prog Era !! I was so great seeing them at their early height. JP I move to Queens, NY in 1977' and saw Rush twice each year in77,78 & 79' then, They started their US Tours in the east then and months later would end up doing more shows in the bigger eastern cites for a 2nd go around, then they went off to Europe. A great time for live shows in the decade of the 70s JP !! : D
The sci-fi of this and 2112 was really appealing to me as a teenager. This sound was really new and unique back then, with a raw energy of their own youth. As they matured their sound sound became more refined and accessible to a wider audience. Compare their later sci-fi, "Red Sector A" or historical science "Manhattan Project". Cygnus definitely doesn't top 2112, but was a fine follow-up. I imagine if I were listening to it for the first time today, after all the prog I've heard, it sure wouldn't have the same impact, but in 1978 Rush was ground-breaking.
I've always like the lyrics on "Manhattan Project". "Red Sector A" is quite disturbing to listen to, but that's obviously part of the point, being about the Nazi concentration camps, which both of Geddy's parents went through. This comparison reflects Neil's gradual maturation as a lyricist from the fictional sci-fi and comic themes of their first decade to reflections on real life and history. I once read an interview, I think of it was with Neil, maybe in the 1990s, where he was asked how he felt about their earlier work. He said it's like growing up and looking at your drawings from elementary school. You appreciate where you were at the time, but you can see how you've grown and changed since then too, and it's all good.
Hemispheres, as an album, is Rush pushing the boundaries of their musicianship; in some cases, past that of which they even realized they were capable. I like every Rush album but I would say that Hemispheres is the peak in terms of technical ambitions and in their compositional complexity.
Not to worry Justin. Cygnus X-1 is definitely an acquired taste. Took me a few times before I absolutely loved it. Hemispheres is a much more polished experience. Book 1 has all the rawness of being sucked into a black hole. I'm hoping someday you'll get round to the other 2 parter (kindof) By-tor and the Snowdog and the Necromancer as they remind me of Stephen Colbert's interview when he asked them about their influences " Have you ever written a song so epic that by the end you found you have actually influenced yourselves as musicians as the beginning started so much earlier on in your career ?" might have paraphrased sorry ☺
Jumping in just to be contrary. I think part 2 is a little too long and repetitive and the story is a bit juvenile, especially for someone of Peart's intellect. Not that it isn't wonderful (we're judging on a scale here), but I prefer the moodiness and power of part I. Also side 2 of Hemispheres is flawless. So side 1 has a lot to live up to.
@@daneng3641 I agree. The intellectual connection between traveling through a black hole and arriving (SPOILER ALERT!) in the ancient Greek city of the gods always seemed a bit of a stretch to me. Why would the other side of a black hole turn out to be ancient Greece from Earth? Maybe that's just how the protagonist perceives it because it's the closest thing his experience can relate it to? Or was at all a dream? And the conclusion that you need both heart and mind seem fairly obvious without making a long song about it. But maybe it's Peart's attempt to mythologize how humanity as a whole came to that conclusion, in which case locating it in the ancient world makes more sense. Bottom line, I appreciate both pieces on their own, but I've always thought the connection was kind of tenuous.
Like most "epics," whether it be in rock, jazz or classical, Cygnus X-1's movements (or sections) are like chapters, and chapters made up of moments. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Not knowing what's coming next is what makes it interesting...twists, turns, full stops and abrupt starts...all part of the fun! Its definitely not dance music. :)
It feels “rushed” (lol) and fast and chaotic on purpose. Especially at the last section, they willingly make you uncomfortable with those dark and heavy riffs (this is a typical Black Metal riff IMO) and keep a fast pace just to emulate the feeling of the character - getting swallowed by a black hole. This is my favorite tune by Rush because there is no other song by them that even comes near this. All their songs are unique, but this one definitely takes the prize of being the most different.
JP as you know, I got into Rush during Moving Pictures and I quickly started moving through their back catalog. When I first heard this song, I had the same reaction "I wasn't liking it much". For me at the time, I felt the song lacked a melody I could get into. Anyway, as I also mentioned about early Rush, put the headphones on and read along to the story. This is where the song has value. You have to remember the era when the song was created, Science and astronomy is light years (no pun intended) ahead of what was known during the 70's. I can sorta picture Peart reading some science magazine about what could be the first black hole discovered in the constellation Cygnus. Now imagine a impressible kid reading the lyrics and taking that journey across the Milky Way to a black hole. For me as a teenager, the value of the song was in the imagination and visualizing the journey. As always enjoyed the reaction.
One of my all time favorite Rush pieces. Those drum fills are sweet, and I love the cliff hanger guitar chords at the end, which return in book 2. It's much better to hear both books back to back.
This part, book 1, is building up an atmosphere of encountering ac black hole. The ambient parts allow them to build that atmosphere and take you on the journey. I do agree it is a little disjointed sounding on first listen. Over time when you know the individual moments better you’ll probably enjoy it more. Part II is definitely easier to comprehend on the first listen.
Yes, listening to part two will help bring it all together. Part 2 is definitely the better piece, but they’re both great. Hemispheres is my favorite Rush album, in no small part due to La Villa Strangiato (my favorite Rush song). But the whole album is wonderful. And I love Geddy’s screaming on this track. Love a good rock scream.
Indeed: "Part 2 is definitely the better piece, but they’re both great. Hemispheres is my favourite Rush album, in no small part due to La Villa Strangiato (my favourite Rush song). But the whole album is wonderful" ... this; precisely.
Yes, it is a cliff hanger. At the bottom of the lyrics on the inside of the album it says; To be continued... Had to wait a year for Hemispheres to be released. It was worth the wait as Book II - Hemispheres is my personal favorite.
Man, oh, man Justin. Love it. So glad you did this one. :) I love how you dissect what you hear, and this one is no exception. Well, just another plug for Eighty-One from the Miles Davis album ESP.
I totally understand your reaction here, Justin. Well ok, not 'totally', lol. I agreed with everything you said though. I see why you didn't love it on the first listen, but I'm fairly certain that after you've listened to it a few more times and then listen to Hemispheres, you'll come to love this for all the right reasons. The commenters have pretty much said all that needs to be said. Once you've thoroughly explored these 2 pieces, you'll greatly enjoy how 'disjointed' this piece sounds, compared to how 'polished' Hemispheres is. Combined, this is just one more great EPIC by RUSH. You definitely want to check out 'By-tor and the Snowdog' from their album 'Fly by Night' and then 'The Necromancer' from 'Caress of Steel'. They're also connected and it's just fun. I'm pretty sure they were playing some D&D when they wrote it, lol. Lastly, The Fountain of Lamneth was their first 20 minute epic from Caress of Steel.
BOOK II NEXT POGICITY Also this song to me is more pure thick a t m o s p h e r e rather than a traditional banger like most other Rush songs. It gives me really vivid imagery of some wack cosmic outer space shit, especially towards the end Book II is more of a normally structured prog epic, and IMO one of the best songs ever written :)
Re: the "disjointedness": I'm not sure if this qualifies, but I wonder if this song can be described as "thorough-composed", music that does not repeat motifs or melodies...in music theory class, we were tasked with finding pieces examples of that. I could not find one back then, but I think this might be...
It's pretty hard to put a guy flying into a black hole to music, but I think they nailed it. The strumming at the end of the song precedes the continuation of this part of the story in book ii. The ambient section whre they jam out right after I always thought it was the Ros falling into the black hole and then all hell breaks lose. Don't forget, this entire song is just about a guy falling into a black hole, so that's why it seems to move fast. Not much happening, but the music sets the scene. Oh, plus the flow of time changes the closer you get to a black hole so more could have happend and we just don't know it...well, until Book II.
This song tells the story of the journey to the black hole. Book 2 tells the story of the reason for the journey, and the outcome of the protagonist’s passage through the black hole.
I always loved the fantasy in this track... It took you somewhere. 😊 The sound effects added to the mystery butty. 😊 Very Sci fi Justin. The music is just a groove fest to me.. Awesome guitar work by Alex and Geddys imo.. Great review off a timeless Rush classic album Justin. So glad you finished this album butty. AFTK is an album I always go back too with Rush. Something magical about this opus imho. ❤️
Yeah, "Cygnus X-1" is more of a teaser for Book 2 than a great standalone piece. It takes a few listens to find subtleties and things you like. _That said,_ I adore "Cygnus X-1." The best bits for me are the aspects of the music that sound like the spaceship and its journey: The opening bass riff is starting up the ship, the "menacing" ambient guitar is finally seeing the black hole in all its silent chaos and feeling the tension build as you realize this is the last chance to turn back, the drums/bass that come out of nowhere are random debris hitting the hull, and the busy riffing at the end is the pilot getting caught in the black hole's pull and being torn to particles. Also, I'm impressed with how much groove the band can squeeze into each section, especially the repetitive riffs toward the beginning.
You need to look at the title. It's The Voyage, this is spaceflight. Fans of the TV series The Expanse can get this. It's based on a novel by Samuel R Delaney
When this album came out it was 1978. All my friends, who were hardcore AC/DC fans, would tease me because Rush never "jammed." A few months later, Rush came to our city on the Hemispheres tour. My buddies who teased accompanied me to the concert which began at 8:00. At 11:00, they had a different opinion. They no longer hassled me over Rush not "Jamming."
Book II: Hemispheres is my favorite song by Rush. It’s also in my Top 10 prog epics! I think the album Hemispheres was Rush’s peak in prog rock. Also, I believe some of Dream Theater’s songs are heavily influenced by the tracks of this album. For example, The Count of Tuscany flows similar to Book II: Hemispheres and Barstool Warrior like The Trees. What I think all these songs have in common is that they were inspired by early Genesis’ way of writing a fictional story in a song. Anyway, now I’m just rambling haha I can’t wait for you to listen to Hemispheres!! 😁🤟🏻
As a kid I loved this song, and for awhile it was my favorite Rush song. Loved the scifi aspect. If you watch the show "The Expanse" the name of their ship is also called the Rocinante. The name originally comes from Don Quixote's horse, but I have a feeling the writers were nodding to Rush a bit when they named the ship. Listening to this now it's no longer my favorite, but I still love it. It is a little disjointed and there are certain parts that work better than others. Part II - Hemispheres is a lot better. Hemispheres is probably my favorite Rush album overall. I go back in forth between Hemispheres and Kings, but as of now Hemispheres is my fave.
Analysis excellent as always, Justin. It will grow in you with further listening, especially after hearing part two, but I can understand why you don’t “love” love it. The one thing it does really well at is convey the chaos and accelerating pace of falling into a black hole. The atmospheric effects are so incredible, as well. The Rocinante was Don Quixote’s horse, so I always felt the captain of the ship was on a fools errand trying to pass through the black hole - mad with delight as he is spaghettified. Made me think more of Disney’s The Black Hole, but I like Event Horizon as well. No spoilers, but part 2 may not seen to connect at first, but don’t worry - it will all come together. I will say I think Book II is their only piece that can stand up to 2112 in terms of musical mastery, composition, and story-telling. I can’t wait to hear your opinion on that! Cheers!
That time Rush accidentally invented death metal. BTW the ship's name Rocinante is the name of Don Quixote's horse because flying into a black hole is the ultimate tilting at windmills. "To be continued..." was a joke, Neal felt they had to deliver on it. Listen again and pay attention to the heartbeat after "every nerve is torn apart".
Back in the day I knew a guy was really into punk music. I was playing the song one time he was like blown away. I often wondered if rush was inspired by punk music when writing this song.
Love it, Love it, Love it!!!!!! Check out Part 2 and the story concludes in a way not expected. Hope your family is doing well. By the way, you’re right, Event Horizon is awesome.
Justin, always love your thoughtful & intelligent breakdown. ALWAYS a great reaction! This song especially reminds me of the King Crimson influence in their music. Yes, this song is chaotic, but JUST WAIT until you hear Book 2!! It is LUSH and..NOT chaotic!! The songwriting AND the musicianship AGAIN takes a leap, just like every album before it. Every album is better and shows growth than the last. You MUST react to " Book 2, HEMISPHERES"!!!!! Thanks my friend!
I don't like to call Cygnus X-1 a song. It's more of a musical piece to me. A kick-off and stage-setter for the full story of Hemispheres. It's got a lot of interesting and fun musical elements to it. I think it ends A Farewell to Kings nicely. It's got a lot of power to it and emotion. What's interesting about it is that it tells the story of a starship traveler falling into the black hole of Cygnus X-1, but this was back in 1977. Scientists still weren't sure Cygnus X-1 was a black hole or not. Stephen Hawking had made a bet with Kip Thorne in 1974 that it wasn't a black hole. All they knew for sure was that it was a source of strong x-ray radiation. It's since been determined that it is, indeed, a black hole. This was cutting-edge science back in the 70s, and somewhat obscure for the average person, yet Rush was writing songs about it. I loved that at the time.
You should really listen to Book II: Hemispheres. To me it’s more epic than the first by a mile. Hemispheres was my first Rush album to listen and what kickstarted my biggest journey as a rush fan. Definitely give Hemispheres a listen!
Magnificent ending (with one of their greatest tracks) to their best album. BTW if you (obviously) like Geddy's vocal check out Pavlov's Dog and their album Pampered Menial - think you'll like it. Also if you want (for me) the ultimate ambient space journey try Tangerine Dream's Phaedra.
Excellent review! Keep in mind that although Black Holes are still quite mysterious, they were mind blowing in the 70's... It all sounds mundane, now, but this was released 2 years BEFORE Disney's "The Black Hole", which was many viewers' first exposure to such a thing! Fun fact: The spaceship in the lyrics is called, The Rocinante... which is the name of Don Quixote's horse. But it also inspired the name of the hero ship in "The Expanse" sci-fi series! --> Highly recommended for anyone who loves sci-fi, but is not willing to compromise on real science! Very, very realistic spaceships and space physics!
Amazing you mentioned Metropolis 1 and 2 by Dream Theater because they pay homage to Rush's Cygnus book 1 and 2 with the echoing callback in part 2 just the same way. I'm about see if you caught it in your reaction to book 2. I'm watching this late. This is so fun!!
I love this track, far more than its follow up. I can only listen to one track on "Hemispheres". but these things are always open to reevaluation, so maybe I can do that when you get to it.
What they all said. 😉Experimental is the word. Never really got this song versus the rest of the album, until... Hemispheres. I don’t think in the first release I bought that it said anything about Book 1. So I didn’t know there was a Book 2 coming.
Man, really surprised that you weren't more impressed by this, but i have a feeling you will definitely love the grand scale of book 2. It makes a 20 minute song feel like 5. On another note, i don't know if you're interested in electronic and/or synthwave, but if you like atmospheric ambient soundscapes i would recommend a bit of an obscure album called The Enchanter Persuaded by Sinoia Caves. It's full of long brooding, atmospheric pieces with some dark synthy ambience - and the 2nd epic on the album is clearly influenced by Echoes and A Saucerful of Secrets by Pink Floyd.
I did not appreciate this song until I heard Book 2. When you are able to put this into context, it all makes perfect sense. Had it been placed anywhere else in the story of Cygnus X1 it would have taken the story too far off course. Having it as a separate piece on a different album is genius. ✌️☝️☝️✌️
@@JustJP I think you will be pleasantly surprised as to how book 1 relates to book 2. Not what one typically expects” I’m all geekd up for your reaction to book 2! Listened to it twice already today and it’s only noon! ✌️☝️☝️✌️
Book II is more homogeneous, the whole song flows more compact and not just good sections not connected together like Book I, . I can´t wait your reaction of "La Villa Strangiato"... MASTERPIECE, is my top 3 Rush discography. What night will the 🐀 arrive in Miami ? 😀 Ah! your face reaction at 2:20 is priceless!! LOL
Has anyone asked Rush how much of Book 2 was written at the same time as this? Sure, there are some chords here and there in this that pop up in Book 2, but it seems like they must have had at least a plan for what was going to come next.
I hope TH-cam last another few decades...I wonder how you'll perceive music 20 years from now...:)...You still haven't heard the greatest music ever written in the history of man; Rachmaninov's Piano concerto #3 ...:)... A melody that will haunt you...
@@HippoYnYGlaw :)...That's what turned me on to it, Initially...It ( the movie) made a big impact on me in 96...:)...As a musician for decades; I've never heard it's equal...... Great movie though!
Justin, I must say it's difficult to read your body language while you're listening to a song. I kind of thought you disliked it, TBH. I'm glad I was wrong. You should remember that in 1977, Rush was a very new, young band. The album was released several months after 2112, the album that could have ended Rush. So, the experimental nature of "Cygnus X1, Book 1" is astounding. It is because of this that NASA named Rush their official band! A Farewell to Kings came out while I was in boot camp and after 2112, I didn't know what to expect. And yes, other Rush fans and I had to wait nearly a year for Hemispheres and "Cygnus X1, Book 2." I'm sure I'm not alone in saying, "I can't wait for you to hear Book 2!!" 💙
Can any of the other Rush fans here tell me if Geddy recorded this song on the Rickenbacker? The bass sounds like thats what he used, but I'm also not a bass player so I could be mistaken
I'm of much the same opinion, this is the first time I've listened to the plot of the song. I love scifi but this start and stop music left me cold and I'm not fond of the screeching vocals. I can vouch for you on "Event Horizon" which I re-watched last month. Standout performance by Sam Neill.
My two favorite songs on this album are Xanadu and Cygnus X-1, but Xanadu is much better. I have always felt that way and the intervening years have not changed my opinion. But rest assured, part II is a vast improvement. It is probably my favorite song by Rush. I will say no more. You will find out for yourself when you get to there.
Thank you for being here! If you're interested, heres my Album Review for A Farewell to Kings! th-cam.com/video/_DKvhlnkj40/w-d-xo.html
I always like the way "Madrigal" contrasts with "Cygnus X-1". Even though they don't exactly segue, it just always felt like it was "the calm before the storm"...
Some people say the song's too chaotic or disjointed for them (not for me, makes sense to my ears) , but there's no denying that opening bass riff. No denying.
Or that riff that comes in after about 8 minutes, so cool and simple yet brutal
Hemispheres is my favorite album by Rush This song and Hemispheres should be played back to back Book 1 into book 2, and yes its like a cliffhanger Book 1 ends with To be continued at the end...
The song is chaotic by design. It's about flying into a black hole for goodness' sake.
10 points for the correct use of a floating possessive apostrophe.
Yours, the Grammar Police (Punctuation div.).
You beat me to that exact comment for goodness’ sake!! 😂😂 How are you suppose to pause and breath?? 🤷♂️🤦♂️
Exactly. Spinning, whirling, still descending, like a spiral sea unending. Also, prior to this, the image is created of a monotonous journey through space, followed by a repetitive, gradually accelerating fall into a black hole and oblivion. I think it's wonderful!
P. S. I'm one of those who waited 13 months; and I wasn't disappointed! 😊
I think their musical illustration of the experience of flying into a black hole is masterful. At various points they capture both the stillness and vastness of space, then ending with chaotic violent turbulence of the black hole, almost all just in the music, with the lyrics just hinting at the plot, and perfectly complimenting the music. The middle section of "We set a course just east of Lyra etc." is the most "normal" section of the piece musically, to accompany the initial "normal" part of the journey. And it goes literally "downhill" from there. :-)
When you listen to book 2 Hemispheres, you'll hear the connective elements
When Cygnus X-1 (the celestial object) was discovered in 1964 it was just known as a strong source of x-rays. It was later determined to be a binary system consisting of a blue supergiant and an unknown compact object circling each other. Based on observations it was determined that the compact object was very massive and thus probably a black hole. The gravitational force of the black hole is stripping gases from the blue star into what is called an accretion disc from which the gases eventually fall into the black hole. As the gases near the black hole's event horizon they are accelerated to near light speed causing the emission of x-rays.
(Yes, I'm a nerd, but don't forget, so is Dr. Brian May.)
And I think we can safely assume that Neil Peart was a bit of a nerd too. :-)
it's time for Cygnus X-1 Book 2 on Hemispheres
I'm headed there straight away having watched this.
It is really okay to just call that Hemispheres.
@@rationalwatcher7739 call it whatever you like, I hope that Justin calls it next. IMO Hemispheres is the greatest album ever recorded. I’m going to listen to it right now,
@@rationalwatcher7739 Whatever you want
Rush at its' Proggiest.......LOVE IT !!!!!!!! Book one is chaotic while Book two is more cohesive; IMHO this album and Hemespheres could easily have been a double album; so enjoying your Rush journey !!!
Man, watching you try to nod to that off-time beat in the beginning had me rolling. 🤣
Dude its so hard sometimes 😅
Good thing Rush didn't get canceled before the next season. Unresolved story lines suck.
Imagine the show cancelled and the spinoff series following a minor character no one was interested in
We must close our eyes for imagine images with the sounds ... So powerfull ,pure prog rock of the 70s so unik like we exepect from Rush...
When the drums kick in over the bass line.... oh yeah!
The other big, dark epic from Rush is The Necromancer. That song also rules.
The Necromancer is the most overlooked Rush song IMO. One of their best.
@@neighborbruce It turns some people off with its extreme nerdiness, but I love it. Carress of Steel in general I find to be one of their strongest albums.
Also love The Fountain of Lamneth off of that album.
@@TrevRockOne totally agreed. The nerdiness is the best part for me :)
I love listening to them jam on The Necromancer! Musically, it's a really good song. Unfortunately, it's lyrically terrible. I think Neil was still learning and they all got a little lazy and/or comfortable with that album. The lackluster response shook them up and gave them the incentive and motivation they needed for 2112, which was a masterpiece.
Rush's Great Prog Era !! I was so great seeing them at their early height.
JP I move to Queens, NY in 1977' and saw Rush twice each year in77,78 & 79' then, They started their US Tours in the east then and months later would end up doing more shows in the bigger eastern cites for a 2nd go around, then they went off to Europe.
A great time for live shows in the decade of the 70s JP !! : D
The sci-fi of this and 2112 was really appealing to me as a teenager. This sound was really new and unique back then, with a raw energy of their own youth. As they matured their sound sound became more refined and accessible to a wider audience. Compare their later sci-fi, "Red Sector A" or historical science "Manhattan Project". Cygnus definitely doesn't top 2112, but was a fine follow-up. I imagine if I were listening to it for the first time today, after all the prog I've heard, it sure wouldn't have the same impact, but in 1978 Rush was ground-breaking.
I've always like the lyrics on "Manhattan Project". "Red Sector A" is quite disturbing to listen to, but that's obviously part of the point, being about the Nazi concentration camps, which both of Geddy's parents went through. This comparison reflects Neil's gradual maturation as a lyricist from the fictional sci-fi and comic themes of their first decade to reflections on real life and history. I once read an interview, I think of it was with Neil, maybe in the 1990s, where he was asked how he felt about their earlier work. He said it's like growing up and looking at your drawings from elementary school. You appreciate where you were at the time, but you can see how you've grown and changed since then too, and it's all good.
Hemispheres, as an album, is Rush pushing the boundaries of their musicianship; in some cases, past that of which they even realized they were capable. I like every Rush album but I would say that Hemispheres is the peak in terms of technical ambitions and in their compositional complexity.
THE HYPE IS REAL FOR THIS VIDEO!!! I’ve been waiting so long for this
😁😁😁
The intro to this is SO solid and tight!! Keep up the great work Justin.
Not to worry Justin. Cygnus X-1 is definitely an acquired taste. Took me a few times before I absolutely loved it. Hemispheres is a much more polished experience. Book 1 has all the rawness of being sucked into a black hole. I'm hoping someday you'll get round to the other 2 parter (kindof) By-tor and the Snowdog and the Necromancer as they remind me of Stephen Colbert's interview when he asked them about their influences " Have you ever written a song so epic that by the end you found you have actually influenced yourselves as musicians as the beginning started so much earlier on in your career ?" might
have paraphrased sorry ☺
Good morning, greetings from Ontario Canada. So good to see how much you are enjoying your Rush journey. Stay safe.
To me, part 2 is way better, more cohesive and all-around more musically appealing. Think of part 1 as the appetizer and part 2 as the entree.
Thinking the same!
Agreed!
Totally!
Jumping in just to be contrary. I think part 2 is a little too long and repetitive and the story is a bit juvenile, especially for someone of Peart's intellect. Not that it isn't wonderful (we're judging on a scale here), but I prefer the moodiness and power of part I. Also side 2 of Hemispheres is flawless. So side 1 has a lot to live up to.
@@daneng3641 I agree. The intellectual connection between traveling through a black hole and arriving (SPOILER ALERT!) in the ancient Greek city of the gods always seemed a bit of a stretch to me. Why would the other side of a black hole turn out to be ancient Greece from Earth? Maybe that's just how the protagonist perceives it because it's the closest thing his experience can relate it to? Or was at all a dream? And the conclusion that you need both heart and mind seem fairly obvious without making a long song about it. But maybe it's Peart's attempt to mythologize how humanity as a whole came to that conclusion, in which case locating it in the ancient world makes more sense. Bottom line, I appreciate both pieces on their own, but I've always thought the connection was kind of tenuous.
Like most "epics," whether it be in rock, jazz or classical, Cygnus X-1's movements (or sections) are like chapters, and chapters made up of moments. The whole is greater than the sum of the parts. Not knowing what's coming next is what makes it interesting...twists, turns, full stops and abrupt starts...all part of the fun! Its definitely not dance music. :)
The Fountain of Lamneth is my favorite Rush epic.
Yes! A truly beautiful piece that surprisingly gets little of the worship it deserves!
My 3rd fav of all time.
The explosion is the star imploding and going supernova to create Cygnus X-1 the poem is very cool giving us back round on the story
My favourite Rush track ever. Proggy AF, and that Rickenbacker tone!!! I'm quite surprised you weren't feeling it.
Great song from the Great RUSH ☝️❤️
It feels “rushed” (lol) and fast and chaotic on purpose. Especially at the last section, they willingly make you uncomfortable with those dark and heavy riffs (this is a typical Black Metal riff IMO) and keep a fast pace just to emulate the feeling of the character - getting swallowed by a black hole.
This is my favorite tune by Rush because there is no other song by them that even comes near this. All their songs are unique, but this one definitely takes the prize of being the most different.
I agree with you 100% It’s also my favourite
That black metal riff! Yeah!
This is my favorite RUSH Album
Alex's best guitar tone was on A Farewell to Kings... it was the Hiatt amps. Sounded great on Hemispheres too...
I love the sounds of this song - pure aural ecstasy! But it's not the typical Rush song.
JP as you know, I got into Rush during Moving Pictures and I quickly started moving through their back catalog. When I first heard this song, I had the same reaction "I wasn't liking it much". For me at the time, I felt the song lacked a melody I could get into. Anyway, as I also mentioned about early Rush, put the headphones on and read along to the story. This is where the song has value. You have to remember the era when the song was created, Science and astronomy is light years (no pun intended) ahead of what was known during the 70's. I can sorta picture Peart reading some science magazine about what could be the first black hole discovered in the constellation Cygnus. Now imagine a impressible kid reading the lyrics and taking that journey across the Milky Way to a black hole. For me as a teenager, the value of the song was in the imagination and visualizing the journey. As always enjoyed the reaction.
It's not a traditional rock song, thats whats cool about it.In your face brilliance.
Great reaction, Justin!! I think everything has been said my my troop below!! Lookin forward to Book II!! Keep it up and God Bless!
One of my all time favorite Rush pieces. Those drum fills are sweet, and I love the cliff hanger guitar chords at the end, which return in book 2. It's much better to hear both books back to back.
This part, book 1, is building up an atmosphere of encountering ac black hole. The ambient parts allow them to build that atmosphere and take you on the journey. I do agree it is a little disjointed sounding on first listen. Over time when you know the individual moments better you’ll probably enjoy it more. Part II is definitely easier to comprehend on the first listen.
Ty Greg, looking forward to the next half
I can't wait for your Book 2 listen & potential album listen! My favorite Rush song from my favorite prog album
try The Fountain of Lamneth :)
epic stuff
Yes, listening to part two will help bring it all together. Part 2 is definitely the better piece, but they’re both great. Hemispheres is my favorite Rush album, in no small part due to La Villa Strangiato (my favorite Rush song). But the whole album is wonderful. And I love Geddy’s screaming on this track. Love a good rock scream.
Indeed: "Part 2 is definitely the better piece, but they’re both great. Hemispheres is my favourite Rush album, in no small part due to La Villa Strangiato (my favourite Rush song). But the whole album is wonderful" ... this; precisely.
This is the appetizer....Hemispheres is the main course. It will all make sense pretty soon.
Looking forward to it!
This one will grow on you, I bet. The riffs and songwriting and performances are just too good.
Yes, it is a cliff hanger. At the bottom of the lyrics on the inside of the album it says; To be continued...
Had to wait a year for Hemispheres to be released. It was worth the wait as Book II - Hemispheres is my personal favorite.
Man, oh, man Justin. Love it. So glad you did this one. :) I love how you dissect what you hear, and this one is no exception. Well, just another plug for Eighty-One from the Miles Davis album ESP.
I totally understand your reaction here, Justin. Well ok, not 'totally', lol. I agreed with everything you said though. I see why you didn't love it on the first listen, but I'm fairly certain that after you've listened to it a few more times and then listen to Hemispheres, you'll come to love this for all the right reasons. The commenters have pretty much said all that needs to be said. Once you've thoroughly explored these 2 pieces, you'll greatly enjoy how 'disjointed' this piece sounds, compared to how 'polished' Hemispheres is. Combined, this is just one more great EPIC by RUSH. You definitely want to check out 'By-tor and the Snowdog' from their album 'Fly by Night' and then 'The Necromancer' from 'Caress of Steel'. They're also connected and it's just fun. I'm pretty sure they were playing some D&D when they wrote it, lol.
Lastly, The Fountain of Lamneth was their first 20 minute epic from Caress of Steel.
BOOK II NEXT POGICITY
Also this song to me is more pure thick a t m o s p h e r e rather than a traditional banger like most other Rush songs. It gives me really vivid imagery of some wack cosmic outer space shit, especially towards the end
Book II is more of a normally structured prog epic, and IMO one of the best songs ever written :)
P o g g e r
@@JustJP the sky cleaved in twain and the pogs rained from the heavens
That scream of Geddy’s at the end is the highest note he ever hit on an album 💿. 🤟🏻
Your ready for book 2! Rushes best song
Re: the "disjointedness": I'm not sure if this qualifies, but I wonder if this song can be described as "thorough-composed", music that does not repeat motifs or melodies...in music theory class, we were tasked with finding pieces examples of that. I could not find one back then, but I think this might be...
It's pretty hard to put a guy flying into a black hole to music, but I think they nailed it.
The strumming at the end of the song precedes the continuation of this part of the story in book ii. The ambient section whre they jam out right after I always thought it was the Ros falling into the black hole and then all hell breaks lose. Don't forget, this entire song is just about a guy falling into a black hole, so that's why it seems to move fast. Not much happening, but the music sets the scene. Oh, plus the flow of time changes the closer you get to a black hole so more could have happend and we just don't know it...well, until Book II.
Book 2 is the greatest Rush tune there is.
Great reaction , most thoughtful reactor on here
This song tells the story of the journey to the black hole. Book 2 tells the story of the reason for the journey, and the outcome of the protagonist’s passage through the black hole.
I love this song. It takes me away to places i cant find on my own.
The best music will do that 😄
I always loved the fantasy in this track... It took you somewhere. 😊
The sound effects added to the mystery butty. 😊
Very Sci fi Justin.
The music is just a groove fest to me.. Awesome guitar work by Alex and Geddys imo.. Great review off a timeless Rush classic album Justin. So glad you finished this album butty.
AFTK is an album I always go back too with Rush.
Something magical about this opus imho. ❤️
Yeah, "Cygnus X-1" is more of a teaser for Book 2 than a great standalone piece. It takes a few listens to find subtleties and things you like.
_That said,_ I adore "Cygnus X-1." The best bits for me are the aspects of the music that sound like the spaceship and its journey: The opening bass riff is starting up the ship, the "menacing" ambient guitar is finally seeing the black hole in all its silent chaos and feeling the tension build as you realize this is the last chance to turn back, the drums/bass that come out of nowhere are random debris hitting the hull, and the busy riffing at the end is the pilot getting caught in the black hole's pull and being torn to particles.
Also, I'm impressed with how much groove the band can squeeze into each section, especially the repetitive riffs toward the beginning.
"On my ship, the Rocinante" A reference to Don Quixote (work horse). Also the name of the ship in The Expanse.
You need to look at the title. It's The Voyage, this is spaceflight. Fans of the TV series The Expanse can get this. It's based on a novel by Samuel R Delaney
And the ships share the same name! ;-]
When this album came out it was 1978. All my friends, who were hardcore AC/DC fans, would tease me because Rush never "jammed." A few months later, Rush came to our city on the Hemispheres tour. My buddies who teased accompanied me to the concert which began at 8:00. At 11:00, they had a different opinion. They no longer hassled me over Rush not "Jamming."
Part 1 stood on it's own. We had no idea Part 2 was coming.
In the second ambient piece the notes drop as the ship falls into the black hole.... Then all hell breaks loose.
Really enjoyed this analysis.
Book II: Hemispheres is my favorite song by Rush. It’s also in my Top 10 prog epics! I think the album Hemispheres was Rush’s peak in prog rock.
Also, I believe some of Dream Theater’s songs are heavily influenced by the tracks of this album. For example, The Count of Tuscany flows similar to Book II: Hemispheres and Barstool Warrior like The Trees. What I think all these songs have in common is that they were inspired by early Genesis’ way of writing a fictional story in a song. Anyway, now I’m just rambling haha
I can’t wait for you to listen to Hemispheres!! 😁🤟🏻
As a kid I loved this song, and for awhile it was my favorite Rush song. Loved the scifi aspect. If you watch the show "The Expanse" the name of their ship is also called the Rocinante. The name originally comes from Don Quixote's horse, but I have a feeling the writers were nodding to Rush a bit when they named the ship. Listening to this now it's no longer my favorite, but I still love it. It is a little disjointed and there are certain parts that work better than others. Part II - Hemispheres is a lot better. Hemispheres is probably my favorite Rush album overall. I go back in forth between Hemispheres and Kings, but as of now Hemispheres is my fave.
Dramatic one, ain't it ? Love this album, this & Fly By Night are my faves. If I already hadn't said so....
😎
Analysis excellent as always, Justin. It will grow in you with further listening, especially after hearing part two, but I can understand why you don’t “love” love it. The one thing it does really well at is convey the chaos and accelerating pace of falling into a black hole. The atmospheric effects are so incredible, as well. The Rocinante was Don Quixote’s horse, so I always felt the captain of the ship was on a fools errand trying to pass through the black hole - mad with delight as he is spaghettified. Made me think more of Disney’s The Black Hole, but I like Event Horizon as well.
No spoilers, but part 2 may not seen to connect at first, but don’t worry - it will all come together. I will say I think Book II is their only piece that can stand up to 2112 in terms of musical mastery, composition, and story-telling. I can’t wait to hear your opinion on that! Cheers!
Thanks Matt!
The strumming at the end of this song occures in Hemispheres right before this story continues.
@@OriginalMergatroid And awesome mysterious chords, that just make you have to wonder what comes next, if anything...
That time Rush accidentally invented death metal. BTW the ship's name Rocinante is the name of Don Quixote's horse because flying into a black hole is the ultimate tilting at windmills. "To be continued..." was a joke, Neal felt they had to deliver on it. Listen again and pay attention to the heartbeat after "every nerve is torn apart".
Back in the day I knew a guy was really into punk music. I was playing the song one time he was like blown away. I often wondered if rush was inspired by punk music when writing this song.
Love it, Love it, Love it!!!!!! Check out Part 2 and the story concludes in a way not expected. Hope your family is doing well. By the way, you’re right, Event Horizon is awesome.
Ty so much Jim, we're doing ok🙃
Justin, always love your thoughtful & intelligent breakdown. ALWAYS a great reaction! This song especially reminds me of the King Crimson influence in their music. Yes, this song is chaotic, but JUST WAIT until you hear Book 2!! It is LUSH and..NOT chaotic!! The songwriting AND the musicianship AGAIN takes a leap, just like every album before it. Every album is better and shows growth than the last. You MUST react to " Book 2, HEMISPHERES"!!!!! Thanks my friend!
Ty Rick!
I don't like to call Cygnus X-1 a song. It's more of a musical piece to me. A kick-off and stage-setter for the full story of Hemispheres. It's got a lot of interesting and fun musical elements to it. I think it ends A Farewell to Kings nicely. It's got a lot of power to it and emotion. What's interesting about it is that it tells the story of a starship traveler falling into the black hole of Cygnus X-1, but this was back in 1977. Scientists still weren't sure Cygnus X-1 was a black hole or not. Stephen Hawking had made a bet with Kip Thorne in 1974 that it wasn't a black hole. All they knew for sure was that it was a source of strong x-ray radiation. It's since been determined that it is, indeed, a black hole. This was cutting-edge science back in the 70s, and somewhat obscure for the average person, yet Rush was writing songs about it. I loved that at the time.
You should really listen to Book II: Hemispheres. To me it’s more epic than the first by a mile. Hemispheres was my first Rush album to listen and what kickstarted my biggest journey as a rush fan. Definitely give Hemispheres a listen!
Magnificent ending (with one of their greatest tracks) to their best album. BTW if you (obviously) like Geddy's vocal check out Pavlov's Dog and their album Pampered Menial - think you'll like it. Also if you want (for me) the ultimate ambient space journey try Tangerine Dream's Phaedra.
God damn, this song rules
Excellent review!
Keep in mind that although Black Holes are still quite mysterious, they were mind blowing in the 70's... It all sounds mundane, now, but this was released 2 years BEFORE Disney's "The Black Hole", which was many viewers' first exposure to such a thing!
Fun fact: The spaceship in the lyrics is called, The Rocinante... which is the name of Don Quixote's horse. But it also inspired the name of the hero ship in "The Expanse" sci-fi series! --> Highly recommended for anyone who loves sci-fi, but is not willing to compromise on real science! Very, very realistic spaceships and space physics!
Ty! Ive heard good things about The Expanse
@@JustJP Many reaction channels do popular TV series all the time... Maybe you could do The Expanse! Food for thought. Cheers!
Amazing you mentioned Metropolis 1 and 2 by Dream Theater because they pay homage to Rush's Cygnus book 1 and 2 with the echoing callback in part 2 just the same way. I'm about see if you caught it in your reaction to book 2. I'm watching this late. This is so fun!!
Turn that back up!!!🎸🎵🎤👍
I love this track, far more than its follow up. I can only listen to one track on "Hemispheres". but these things are always open to reevaluation, so maybe I can do that when you get to it.
When I saw this live and I don't know 78-79 they played cygnus X-1 went straight through and did the entire hemispheres album.
What they all said. 😉Experimental is the word. Never really got this song versus the rest of the album, until... Hemispheres. I don’t think in the first release I bought that it said anything about Book 1. So I didn’t know there was a Book 2 coming.
Now I'm really sure that I couldn't do your job (here) Justin, I couldn't say half as much about this as you, well done.
Sometimes I don't even know if I can do my job🤣
Any song about a black hole is cool with me 💜 the shirt
Ty ty!
9:26 Rush's heaviest riff if you ask me
Man, really surprised that you weren't more impressed by this, but i have a feeling you will definitely love the grand scale of book 2. It makes a 20 minute song feel like 5.
On another note, i don't know if you're interested in electronic and/or synthwave, but if you like atmospheric ambient soundscapes i would recommend a bit of an obscure album called The Enchanter Persuaded by Sinoia Caves. It's full of long brooding, atmospheric pieces with some dark synthy ambience - and the 2nd epic on the album is clearly influenced by Echoes and A Saucerful of Secrets by Pink Floyd.
Sounds interesting, im intrigued
I did not appreciate this song until I heard Book 2. When you are able to put this into context, it all makes perfect sense.
Had it been placed anywhere else in the story of Cygnus X1 it would have taken the story too far off course. Having it as a separate piece on a different album is genius.
✌️☝️☝️✌️
Context is what I'm looking for! Ty John😀
@@JustJP I think you will be pleasantly surprised as to how book 1 relates to book 2. Not what one typically expects”
I’m all geekd up for your reaction to book 2! Listened to it twice already today and it’s only noon!
✌️☝️☝️✌️
A Farewell To Kings!!!
JP I suggest you do the illustrated version for Book 2 I think it's the same guy that did the 2112 one.
Book II is more homogeneous, the whole song flows more compact and not just good sections not connected together like Book I, . I can´t wait your reaction of "La Villa Strangiato"... MASTERPIECE, is my top 3 Rush discography.
What night will the 🐀 arrive in Miami ? 😀
Ah! your face reaction at 2:20 is priceless!! LOL
The mouse arrives quite soon!😀
One does not nod their head to a single beat to this song 😂
Has anyone asked Rush how much of Book 2 was written at the same time as this? Sure, there are some chords here and there in this that pop up in Book 2, but it seems like they must have had at least a plan for what was going to come next.
I hope TH-cam last another few decades...I wonder how you'll perceive music 20 years from now...:)...You still haven't heard the greatest music ever written in the history of man; Rachmaninov's Piano concerto #3 ...:)... A melody that will haunt you...
@@HippoYnYGlaw :)...That's what turned me on to it, Initially...It ( the movie) made a big impact on me in 96...:)...As a musician for decades; I've never heard it's equal...... Great movie though!
The next album is much cohesive and better. Hemisphere is probably their peak musicianship wise.
Justin, I must say it's difficult to read your body language while you're listening to a song. I kind of thought you disliked it, TBH. I'm glad I was wrong.
You should remember that in 1977, Rush was a very new, young band. The album was released several months after 2112, the album that could have ended Rush. So, the experimental nature of "Cygnus X1, Book 1" is astounding. It is because of this that NASA named Rush their official band!
A Farewell to Kings came out while I was in boot camp and after 2112, I didn't know what to expect. And yes, other Rush fans and I had to wait nearly a year for Hemispheres and "Cygnus X1, Book 2."
I'm sure I'm not alone in saying, "I can't wait for you to hear Book 2!!" 💙
Haha, sometimes its hard to know what I'm feeling during the song, as I'm trying to take it all in😆
@@JustJP I got it. I just can't wait for your reaction to my personal favorite Rush album, Hemispheres!! 💜💜💜
Can any of the other Rush fans here tell me if Geddy recorded this song on the Rickenbacker? The bass sounds like thats what he used, but I'm also not a bass player so I could be mistaken
I'm of much the same opinion, this is the first time I've listened to the plot of the song. I love scifi but this start and stop music left me cold and I'm not fond of the screeching vocals. I can vouch for you on "Event Horizon" which I re-watched last month. Standout performance by Sam Neill.
Absolutely, Sam is fantastic in it
If you start reviewing ambient albums, do No Pussyfooting (fripp/eno) before the Eno solo ambient albums! It's the OG!
Morning "Whats Going On?" I think you Rush-ed to find cygnifigence,dont let this be your swan song, reach for other galaxies! Peace.
My two favorite songs on this album are Xanadu and Cygnus X-1, but Xanadu is much better. I have always felt that way and the intervening years have not changed my opinion. But rest assured, part II is a vast improvement. It is probably my favorite song by Rush. I will say no more. You will find out for yourself when you get to there.
LOL, I was listening to this album last night, and I haven't listed to it in a while.
Gotta love the timing!
Their next album splits your human brain in two with the first song. Who does that?
Dude, that shirt tho'
😉
Yes&Crimson-ish