Rush while at Mercury Records would record four akbus abdvthen a live abum. If you keep doing one song per album, the fifth song would be a live version of a song from one of the previous four albums. I'd say Bastile Day off Catess of Steel and then 2112 off of 2112 (they recently made a graphic novel style video for each song on that album. Try that version as it will help explain the song better. Then Working Man Live in Cleveland. Then Closer to the Heart Last Villa Strangiato - official video ignore that it is live as the only noticeable difference is the studio version starts onacoustic The Spirit of Radio Tom Sawyer Xanadu - Live from Exit...Stage Left (one of the best live performances you will ever see) Then Subdivisions Red Sector A The Big Money Time Stand Still Between the Wheels live R30 Show Don't Tell Roll the Bones Stick It Out Driven Dreamlike live One Little Victory (Feedback is an album of cover songs and can be skipped. Insert Neil Peart Drum solo Frankfurt) Far Cry The Garden (last song recorded by Rush) Headlong Flight live
2112 should be your next Rush reaction. Then I recommend that you watch Xanadu from Exit Stage Left. That will explain everything you need to understand about Rush.
On this album - definately - "By-tor & the Snowdog." But good choice with "Anthem," the other best choice on this album IMHO. You actually hit upon MY favorite thing about RUSH music; the INTERPLAY of the instruments complimenting each other to make a winding, dreamy piece of art come together in a tasty eargasm that blows your mind. Keep 'em coming. It's fun to see someone enjoying it as much as you are. You appear to "Get it"
It's always amazed me how all three of them just go off at the same time and, while they're all in the pocket playing complicated and enthralling tunes, they never play over each other; it all blends to make a tapestry of music. Even though they're all playing crazy stuff, there's no band that's ever been as tight and together as them.... it's mind boggling.
This is when Neil had joined the band. You can certainly hear the difference in drumming and the lyrics got more complex as Neil was writing them. They also started becoming more progressive on this album. Bytor and the Snow Dog off this album is a must to hear. I think picking a couple songs off each album going in order is a great idea. I would suggest interpersing a live version of the song you have picked here and there in the reactions to see them live. I would say they are hard/progressive rock not metal although they did inspire bands like Metallica. If you watch the documentary Beyond the Lighted Stage there are a number of bands that quote them as being an influence. You can find the documentary on either TH-cam or Netflix. Cheers
"Fly by Night" is the most commercial song from this album, but if you enjoyed the extended instrumental in Working Man and don't mind a long song, I think you'd enjoy "By-tor and the Snowdog".
So jealous of people just nicely discovering Rush. Fantastic band, beyond fantastic talent. Enjoy the journey. Hope you get into the instrumentals here soon… mind blowing.
Great reactions. I think you now have a sense for why the Rush Family is so supportive and prominent on reaction channels. We are all just trying to recapture some of that first time "dear lord what did I just experience" sensation. In terms of strategy, and given that you seem to have a real sense of music style and artistry, I love the idea of picking out a few songs from each album but doing them in chronological order. It will get you more quickly to seeing the evolution of the band and their sound over the years, and hit some of the big ticket tracks. But, hopefully we can leave you hints on some of those tracks that maybe have been done less on channels but are hidden gems.
Anthem is just as good as anything on Moving Pictures or anything else they have done for that matter. To think this was the opening song of only their second album. This just pure classic Rush.
Love, love, love this song!! Just an awesome tune.. FBN is the total package a of a fantastic album where all three members shine.. I would like to recommend "Bytor and the Snowdog" off the same album. RUSH on.....
If you would like to do a fast pass Rush orientation, I suggest that you do start from the beginning and play the third track off of every studio album in chronological order. They did record many of their albums during the LP age, when entire albums were being sold and there was no downloading song by song. So, the first track had to hook the listener regardless of any singles released from the album. By the time you got to the third track, the overall sound of the LP had gelled to a degree but, once you're in the deep tracks, there's nothing left to prove and, I believe, the band was totally free to be themselves. Even pulling one song from every studio album will still give you a 20+ song list. It's my personal opinion but, by sticking to a pattern (be it every 3rd or 4th or whatever--except the 1st or last) you will avoid the influence of any A&R guy, should one have been involved. Btw, cool reaction! Cool video! 😎✌️
"Beneath, Between, and Behind" should be the next listen!! This is the first album with Neil Peart on the drums, having replaced John Rutsey after the debut album. He had just a few weeks to learn the band's set list before hitting the road in support of their debut album, RUSH!☮
And Neil was not yet the principal lyricist of the band. It was on this tour they realized he read a lot of books while on tour and thought "Hey, maybe he could write stuff?"
BB&B is a BANGER!! Neil Peart crushes it! Excellent, hooky, heavy, upbeat, fun song from those fresh-faced kids (circa 1975) Rush!! Plus, that song doesn't sound like anyone else! They were staking their claim to greatness, even before 2112!
Great reaction! One of my favorite Rush songs right there. A few comments: - Keep doing what you're doing now... stick to the studio versions and enjoy the mastery of their abilities. Plenty of time for live versions later. That's what all of us "old" Rush fans had to do... no TH-cam in the 70s! - Every Rush song requires at least 6 listens: one for overall effect; four to focus on each of drums, guitar, bass and vocals; and one to focus on lyrics. Of course, that's "minimum" listens! - Not every Rush song is going to hit like this one... some will take a few listens to grow on you. But once you fall in love with the band, all of them are golden! - Enjoy this journey... it's been a 45 year one for me, and it never gets old!
Agreed! We had no video's until MTV... which used to actually be a music channel... LOL.. I've been a fan since 1975... seen them several times live in the 70's, early 80's.. I listen to Rush every day! They never get old for me either. Rush Army!!!
When you get to Xanadu, back-to-back that with the live from their Exit Stage Left 1981. That’s where the live version really surpassed the studio (imo) You can judge.
I know By-Tor is popular, but the song "Fly by Night" is still a staple on rock radio stations for a reason. I'd say By-Tor is more of a deep dive. Well, slightly deep.
Bytor And The Snow Dog off this album will melt your face, GUARANTEED! I really appreciate what you're attempting, you will quickly realize that NO OTHER BAND wrote and arranged music like these three, THANK YOU BTW, lol, I love when you giggle like a little school girl at certain points in the song, reminds me of me 47 years ago!
You will begin to notice The raw emotion in Geddys voice began to become more controlled as you advance through the albums. I would suggest the Necromancer from the next album where he will showcase his voice and the long instrumentals will showcase their talent through a variety of styles.
Relieve it or not but Alex Lifeson is underrated as a top guitarist by classic rock fans. Many just don’t know his name, probably because most of the attention goes to Neil or Geddy . Possibly because he didn’t have the charisma live that Page, Hendrix and others that you will come to know did. But he is definitely in my list of top 20 rock guitarists.
Please listen, By-Tor and the Snow Dog. This was the first song that the band dared to try new things... I won't give you expoilers so as not to take away the surprise.
This is the first song on their frist album with Peart, and he announced his presence clealy on this song. Geddy's voice is incredible. Many people, critics included, couldn't stand his high-piched vocals, but he was always in tune and had excellent control, as you can hear in this one. I can't think of a better-suited voice for Rush. The big thing to understand with these guys is they evolved constantly, but you kinda have to if you want to stay revelant for 40+ years. They were 21 when this was recorded, and the early years were very much hard rock in the vein of Zeppelin, et al. They quickly moved into more progressive, story-driven style, with multi-part epics that ofen had a fantasy or sci-fi. From there, the songs became more concise prog rock with many great hits like Tom Sawyer, Limelight, and The Spirit of Radio. Late 80's brough in heavy synths, and they just kept gong from there. They ended with a pretty heavy sound with hard-driving bass lines. Just an incredible evolution to hear.
Your strategy of playing the hits of each album is a good approach. While everything off their first 6 albums is great, some of it takes a while to appreciate. An exception is their 4th album, 2112. When you get there, you must listen to side 1 in its entirety in one sitting.
This is the song that introduced us to the incredible talent of Neil Peart. I love the debut album but this will always be the “real” debut in my heart.
So IF you're taking 1 or 2 songs from each album, the next song from the second album should be By-Tor And The Snow Dog because it is a glimpse into the direction their heading over the next 4 albums which are my favorite period of Rush. If you wanted a 2nd song off the first album (although you've moved on) my fav is Before and After. BUT also, if you plan on going through these in order, the next 4 feature entire side of the album compositions. So maybe don't go in chronological order yet. But I would go "Closer To The Heart", "Circumstances" or "the Trees" then Spirit of Radio. You've already done 2 from Moving pictures, but YYZ is recommended. And that will kind of cover the first period of their anthology and I would then break and do some deep dives like Necromancer and Fountain of Lamneth, 2112, Xanadu and Cygnus X-1, Hemispheres and La Villa Strangiato, Freewill and Natural Science. Then you can move on to their next period from Signals to Presto
Subbed for your Rush Journey... yes, there are some songs you absolutely need to do the live version of... you cannot fully appreciate Rush until you see the complexity of their music between 3 people being played out Live on Stage. I do like you want to stay with studio versions as much as possible.. it's the way we listened to Rush back in the day.. we didn't have music videos and unless you got to see them live (thankful I was able to several times in the late 70's/early 80's) you didn't know anything but the studio version.. but they are so much more than that. Rush Army alive and well... gotta see what else you've reacted to! ENJOY THE JOURNEY!!! It's a deep and wide rabbit hole of some of the best music ever created by a band, much less 3 people.
The problem with picking "popular" sings form their albums is that it presumes that the best songs got airplay. Often, they didn't. As you've noticed, Rush never did subscribe to the radio policy of 2 1/2 minutes songs; they explore themes, they tell stories and sometimes, the into alone will be more than 2 1/2 minutes. Some of their best songs never got any radio play because of how long they were.
If you're torn between live & studio - check out the "official" music video for La Villa Strangiato. Performed live - in a studio with no audience - just for the video. You kinda get both worlds. And one of their best songs ever, and an epic performance at that - th-cam.com/video/eK1hmDpa8bo/w-d-xo.html
Rush studio first to get the feel and then Live. Rush live Cleveland however is not a album I would tell someone to listen to. The band was amazing and instrumently, sounded better than ever. Geddy's voice was 34 years older at that concert and while they've taken that into account and the songs are still good, it just didn't "do" it for me. It sounded strange to my ear. Everyone ages, I know this - I'm freaking 54 years old but without the upper part of Geddy's range and him singing in a lower key often ... it was missing something and made my soul sad. Getting old sucks.
Do keep in mind the definition of heavy metal has shifted over the years. Some of their earlier albums had songs that would have been considered heavy metal at the time but not compared to bands that are considered heavy metal now. While their music is always great many of the music videos are kinda hit and miss. Some being neat with others leaving you wondering what you just witnessed. That said they actually have had video released decades after the songs and those videos are the best ways to experience those songs. 2112 is a song that took up an entire album side, has multiple sections, tells a story with an interesting plot, and the music video they went back and made for it is an animatic style of a comic/graphic novel of the story displayed in time with the music. th-cam.com/video/w5jwxrTqoEA/w-d-xo.html Several other songs they went back two with either brand new animated music videos that are amazing and official lyric videos that are quite interesting. Part of what makes them such an interesting band is not only would they sometimes switch style between albums or different songs on the same album but occasionally inside a single song. They are well known for using complex time signatures and changing time signatures during the song. I would highly recommend La Villa Strangiato as an example of just how many times they could switch things up in a single song. There are no lyrics, just outstanding music.
"Fly By Night," the title track, got a good deal of attention when this came out, but there were a number of excellent songs on this album that did not get as much notice and "Anthem" was certainly a deserving song to review. That said, I agree with G Man below - "Beneath Between and Behind" is a great, review-worthy, and under-appreciated song off this album, as is "By-tor and the Snow Dog" (although "By-tor" is longer and a bit more . . . for lack of a better word, proggy?).
Should probably get to some SuperTramp if you like RUSH. Both bands are similar in that they are both unique and technically brilliant. RUSH tends to have a more modern side, and SuperTramp is more classical. To me, as far as musicianship goes, they might be the two best bands I've ever heard.
Have to listen to "Bastille Day" and "Anthem" (first 2 opening songs) off of their live set "All The World's A Stage" - one of the best live rock albums of all time
I would recommend the title track to this Album for your next listen. It's great to see the guys perform the song so check out the Official video: Fly By Night th-cam.com/video/nEVDZl5UvN4/w-d-xo.html There is also a great performance video for Anthem, which would have been better than just the audio version: th-cam.com/video/3oEQuzHp5I0/w-d-xo.html Bytor and the Snow Dog would be my second choice off Fly By Night. Thanks for another fun reaction
First album with Neil. This is Neil's first go at writing lyrics, and the permanent lineups first collaboration. Love this album. They are progressive rock by the way and you will recognize it.
I agree with Bill Willis. Xanadu live performance exit stage left 1981 really showcases their unsurpassed talent and ability to pull off, in a live performance, such complex masterpiece. Each one of them mutitasks throughout the song. It's quite a spectacle to behold, not to mention it's a great tune. Some of their best work and one of the greatest performances of all time. It's a must see.
live in Cleveland, you must understand his voice is trashed by that concert. I wouldnt listen to that live version, Id only listen to live versions from Live in Rio or older. The R30, & especially R40 Geddy's voice is awful
@@tbradley6250 I'm a huge Rush Fan. Was listening to Rush back in the 70s, I grew up with them. I listened to them when no one else was, I bought albums, then cassettes, then CDs of the same albums as my stereos changed. I would go see R50 & R60 if Neil was still alive, but when I want to listen to Rush at home or in the car or on TH-cam, I am not going to listen to Geddy struggle to sing.
I've been addicted since I heard Moving Pictures on the WRNO ([New Orleans) midnight album hour on February 12, 1981, and it changed my life. It's fun watching you because it's like watching myself back then! Enjoy the ride my friend - I envy you! Great channed - I subbed! :)
@@Prone2Thrill Oh man... Prog - more notes always equals better. I read the autobiography by Tony Iommi. Black Sabbath took Yes on tour in '72. He said when they were on stage and if anyone made a mistake, they stared at each other. Wakeman hung out with Sabbath a lot of the time and said, "I wish I was on tour with you." Iommi said, "if someone makes a mistake, so what!"
I consider them hard rock. I saw them in 1982 promoting their "Signals" album. I think a couple popular songs from each album first is the way to go and go back and view the live versions in chronological order. I think most would agree that "Tom Sawyer" and "Limelight" are 2 of their most popular songs of all time. Loving your reaction videos😃
Saw RUSH as a 15 year old kid in 1975 at a 5 band holiday spectacular concert at the old n now gone Capitol centre in Landover Maryland. First and best concert that I've ever been to since 👍🔥🔥😎💪 That $15.00 ticket didn't hurt either lol
I can't wait till you get to 2112. That's the one that made EVERYONE stop and go "Wow!" It's considered one of the "must listen to" pieces of Rock. It's classic and timeless.
Great early Rush, Alex in full hard rock, Jimmy Page protege mode. Off the same album you should do Bytor & the Snow Dog, Which along with Anthem, are the best tunes on that record. Since you are so into Led Zeppelin's and Rush, let me introduce another guitarist who belongs in the same sentence as Alex, that is Michael Shenker. A brilliant hard rock with metal leanings guitar player from Germany, originally from the Scorpions, he left his brother Rodolf to go to UFO in 1973 and they created a string of Classic albums in the 70s that influenced all the great rockers that came after.try from their epic Strangers in the Night: Live, UFOs Lights Out, Love to Love and Rock Bottom. He left UFO in the 1980s to form his own brilliant band, MSG, they have tons of good songs, too. Try UFO, the Scorpions and MSG as time permits, if you want real rock, like what you are exploring, take a chance on Michael Schenker, one of the best ever! Enjoy. 🎸
Oh, no, but you don't know. Some of Rush's live performances are 'better than anyone, ever' epic. I digress, you should still wait a bit. We fans should be patient 😄 Whatever you do, I would still suggest you hold off a minute doing 2112 (from 4th album of same name). I would just do By-tor next or go to next album. 🤘
This was the FIRST OUTING with Neil Peart as the Lyricist - This is BAND is truly the definition of a Syzygy (Look it up I'm not going to make it that easy)
If you couldn't go any higher in volume - I HIGHLY suggest you get a headphone amp/DAC that runs off a standard USB port, like the Audioengine D1. Drives my big cans to insane levels (if desired) plus is a much better DAC than comes in any computer.
Keep 'em coming boss. You ain't heard nothing yet. Soon you will be ready for Hemispheres, my son. And of course my fave Rush album besides 2112, "A Farewell to Kings". You have a long hot summer of Rush ahead of you. Build those subs!!
Bytor and the snowdog next for sure. I suggest you do 2 songs from each studio album until you get to Moving pictures, then treat yourself to some live stuff, they have tons. Start with the 1981 Exit stage Left tour, then do some live from 1988 2003 2005 2007 2011 2013 and their last tour 2015. Each tour has a dvd and most are on youtube.
Many comments say to listen to Bytor. Shockingly they are correct. However you MUST listen to the Exit Stage Left (live) version that way you won’t fall asleep after the brief Neil Peart drum solo.
You can't turn it up louder! That is actually quite funny to the Rush Army. On the back cover of Rush's early albums there was a "notice" at the end of the credits. " For best results play at maximum volume" LOL. My neigbours clain they could see the whole house vibrate when I played Rush!
Judas Priest ''Grinder'' live from the Seminole Hard Rock in the 90s. Studio version is kinda tinny and sterile. Live version of the song and video is absolute fire. I play it once a week to keep my lungs and heart kickstarted. 🤘
I think the Fly By Night video would be perfect at this time. It's the studio cut, but you can watch them play. They are so young and Niel Peart had only just joined them. It's such a bare and raw Rush.
Alex was a huge fan of Jimmy Page and in interviews has told the story of finally meeting him in the 90’s snd just being a fan-boy. I think Alex matched his idol in many respects
I agree with most of the comments I've seen. Stick to the studio versions. There's something to be said about hearing them the same way we were all introduced to them. Absolutely go back and listen to some live stuff, but not until you're much further into your journey, IMO. It is so much fun to watch you discover Rush. Their talent is much more appreciated now than during the time they came out with the tracks you're listening to. But those of us who have been fans since the beginning (or very early on) can appreciate what you're experiencing, and I am very happy to go on this journey with you!
From the electric vocals, to the crazy guitar solo or the exciting drums...I don't know what to say guys. What a song.
You should check out this awesome cover of the song. th-cam.com/video/fULwDbZ4iSU/w-d-xo.html
Rush while at Mercury Records would record four akbus abdvthen a live abum. If you keep doing one song per album, the fifth song would be a live version of a song from one of the previous four albums. I'd say Bastile Day off Catess of Steel and then 2112 off of 2112 (they recently made a graphic novel style video for each song on that album. Try that version as it will help explain the song better. Then Working Man Live in Cleveland.
Then Closer to the Heart
Last Villa Strangiato - official video ignore that it is live as the only noticeable difference is the studio version starts onacoustic
The Spirit of Radio
Tom Sawyer
Xanadu - Live from Exit...Stage Left (one of the best live performances you will ever see)
Then Subdivisions
Red Sector A
The Big Money
Time Stand Still
Between the Wheels live R30
Show Don't Tell
Roll the Bones
Stick It Out
Driven
Dreamlike live
One Little Victory
(Feedback is an album of cover songs and can be skipped. Insert Neil Peart Drum solo Frankfurt)
Far Cry
The Garden (last song recorded by Rush)
Headlong Flight live
Hi there....please consider reacting to Firth of Fifth by Genesis . Thank you.
2112 should be your next Rush reaction. Then I recommend that you watch Xanadu from Exit Stage Left. That will explain everything you need to understand about Rush.
There are some ‘purists’ that think this is gold. It’s a little rough in my opinion. RUSH just has so many greats
On this album - definately - "By-tor & the Snowdog." But good choice with "Anthem," the other best choice on this album IMHO.
You actually hit upon MY favorite thing about RUSH music; the INTERPLAY of the instruments complimenting each other to make a winding, dreamy piece of art come together in a tasty eargasm that blows your mind. Keep 'em coming. It's fun to see someone enjoying it as much as you are. You appear to "Get it"
It's always amazed me how all three of them just go off at the same time and, while they're all in the pocket playing complicated and enthralling tunes, they never play over each other; it all blends to make a tapestry of music. Even though they're all playing crazy stuff, there's no band that's ever been as tight and together as them.... it's mind boggling.
I thought the same. He said he liked the guitar and bass battle.. no better battle than Bytor.. XD
I agree!!
This is when Neil had joined the band. You can certainly hear the difference in drumming and the lyrics got more complex as Neil was writing them. They also started becoming more progressive on this album. Bytor and the Snow Dog off this album is a must to hear. I think picking a couple songs off each album going in order is a great idea. I would suggest interpersing a live version of the song you have picked here and there in the reactions to see them live. I would say they are hard/progressive rock not metal although they did inspire bands like Metallica. If you watch the documentary Beyond the Lighted Stage there are a number of bands that quote them as being an influence. You can find the documentary on either TH-cam or Netflix. Cheers
"Fly by Night" is the most commercial song from this album, but if you enjoyed the extended instrumental in Working Man and don't mind a long song, I think you'd enjoy "By-tor and the Snowdog".
So jealous of people just nicely discovering Rush. Fantastic band, beyond fantastic talent. Enjoy the journey. Hope you get into the instrumentals here soon… mind blowing.
Thanks for your RUSH reactions. Very enjoyable. Keep em coming. The more the better.
Great reactions. I think you now have a sense for why the Rush Family is so supportive and prominent on reaction channels. We are all just trying to recapture some of that first time "dear lord what did I just experience" sensation. In terms of strategy, and given that you seem to have a real sense of music style and artistry, I love the idea of picking out a few songs from each album but doing them in chronological order. It will get you more quickly to seeing the evolution of the band and their sound over the years, and hit some of the big ticket tracks. But, hopefully we can leave you hints on some of those tracks that maybe have been done less on channels but are hidden gems.
RUSH make everything alright ✨
Wow dude if you haven't really listened to much Rush before welcome to the rabbit hole..endless greatness
This is my favorite Rush song.
Fly by night is the best rush album cover- that owl is so mysterious.
Glad to see you do this song - one of the best!
Anthem is just as good as anything on Moving Pictures or anything else they have done for that matter. To think this was the opening song of only their second album. This just pure classic Rush.
Love, love, love this song!! Just an awesome tune.. FBN is the total package a of a fantastic album where all three members shine.. I would like to recommend "Bytor and the Snowdog" off the same album. RUSH on.....
You want the full experience, By-Tor and the Snowdog
Rush is really great!
If you would like to do a fast pass Rush orientation, I suggest that you do start from the beginning and play the third track off of every studio album in chronological order. They did record many of their albums during the LP age, when entire albums were being sold and there was no downloading song by song. So, the first track had to hook the listener regardless of any singles released from the album. By the time you got to the third track, the overall sound of the LP had gelled to a degree but, once you're in the deep tracks, there's nothing left to prove and, I believe, the band was totally free to be themselves.
Even pulling one song from every studio album will still give you a 20+ song list. It's my personal opinion but, by sticking to a pattern (be it every 3rd or 4th or whatever--except the 1st or last) you will avoid the influence of any A&R guy, should one have been involved.
Btw, cool reaction! Cool video! 😎✌️
u need to see this live
Nice sound on your vids to man… good stuff 👍🏼✨
Fly by night should definitely be the next one
APO is a good EQ for Win 10 if that's what yer running. Its free and works great. Get the added volume you are wanting and more
Your missing out if you don’t hear By-tor and the snowdog
Btw, Neil was 22 here. Think about that.
You're really just getting started. You haven't even reacted to 2112 yet. That's going to be interesting.
I keep pushing for that and Xanadu :)
Check out Rush yyz, I cant think of a better instrumental only track by anyone.
Don't listen to the people crying for their lie performances they know nothing always listen to the studio version First
I’m not being funny about our low T Rush fans. They HATE these heavier Rush songs. Bytor live is the next one to listen to……
"Beneath, Between, and Behind" should be the next listen!! This is the first album with Neil Peart on the drums, having replaced John Rutsey after the debut album. He had just a few weeks to learn the band's set list before hitting the road in support of their debut album, RUSH!☮
Definitely 👍
And Neil was not yet the principal lyricist of the band. It was on this tour they realized he read a lot of books while on tour and thought "Hey, maybe he could write stuff?"
BB & B have always been a favorite of mine. The version on Exit...stage left is an absolute gem.
BB&B is a BANGER!! Neil Peart crushes it! Excellent, hooky, heavy, upbeat, fun song from those fresh-faced kids (circa 1975) Rush!! Plus, that song doesn't sound like anyone else! They were staking their claim to greatness, even before 2112!
Excellent!! Probably my second favorite from FBN.
My most favorite is Bytor.
Great reaction! One of my favorite Rush songs right there. A few comments:
- Keep doing what you're doing now... stick to the studio versions and enjoy the mastery of their abilities. Plenty of time for live versions later. That's what all of us "old" Rush fans had to do... no TH-cam in the 70s!
- Every Rush song requires at least 6 listens: one for overall effect; four to focus on each of drums, guitar, bass and vocals; and one to focus on lyrics. Of course, that's "minimum" listens!
- Not every Rush song is going to hit like this one... some will take a few listens to grow on you. But once you fall in love with the band, all of them are golden!
- Enjoy this journey... it's been a 45 year one for me, and it never gets old!
Agreed! We had no video's until MTV... which used to actually be a music channel... LOL.. I've been a fan since 1975... seen them several times live in the 70's, early 80's.. I listen to Rush every day! They never get old for me either. Rush Army!!!
When you get to Xanadu, back-to-back that with the live from their Exit Stage Left 1981. That’s where the live version really surpassed the studio (imo)
You can judge.
That and la villa strangiato, also leave that thing alone , hard and jazzy
Listen to Side 2 of the third album, "Caress of Steel". It's a multi-part song called "The Fountain of Lamneth". It's one of my Rush favorites!
Rush was great live but I normally recommend people listen to the studio versions first and then the live to gain a whole new level of appreciation.
Totally agree. People will miss things in the live version if they don't know the sound from the studio.
By-Tor, off this album, would be a great transition to their future evolution of more progginess, intensifying in their next album, Caress Of Steel.
By-Tor does a pretty good job of saying "hey guys, meet our new drummer".
And also, you remember our shredding guitarist Alex? He's back.
I know By-Tor is popular, but the song "Fly by Night" is still a staple on rock radio stations for a reason. I'd say By-Tor is more of a deep dive. Well, slightly deep.
Bytor And The Snow Dog off this album will melt your face, GUARANTEED! I really appreciate what you're attempting, you will quickly realize that NO OTHER BAND wrote and arranged music like these three, THANK YOU
BTW, lol, I love when you giggle like a little school girl at certain points in the song, reminds me of me 47 years ago!
You will begin to notice The raw emotion in Geddys voice began to become more controlled as you advance through the albums.
I would suggest the Necromancer from the next album where he will showcase his voice and the long instrumentals will showcase their talent through a variety of styles.
I second "The Necromancer" for the next album first listen.
Hear! Hear!
from this album, check out Bytor and the Snowdog, is basically the beginning of Prog Rush !!!!
Relieve it or not but Alex Lifeson is underrated as a top guitarist by classic rock fans. Many just don’t know his name, probably because most of the attention goes to Neil or Geddy . Possibly because he didn’t have the charisma live that Page, Hendrix and others that you will come to know did. But he is definitely in my list of top 20 rock guitarists.
By Tor and the Snowdog next (not Rivendell…lol!)
Please listen, By-Tor and the Snow Dog. This was the first song that the band dared to try new things... I won't give you expoilers so as not to take away the surprise.
Got to be next
This is the first song on their frist album with Peart, and he announced his presence clealy on this song. Geddy's voice is incredible. Many people, critics included, couldn't stand his high-piched vocals, but he was always in tune and had excellent control, as you can hear in this one. I can't think of a better-suited voice for Rush.
The big thing to understand with these guys is they evolved constantly, but you kinda have to if you want to stay revelant for 40+ years. They were 21 when this was recorded, and the early years were very much hard rock in the vein of Zeppelin, et al. They quickly moved into more progressive, story-driven style, with multi-part epics that ofen had a fantasy or sci-fi. From there, the songs became more concise prog rock with many great hits like Tom Sawyer, Limelight, and The Spirit of Radio. Late 80's brough in heavy synths, and they just kept gong from there. They ended with a pretty heavy sound with hard-driving bass lines. Just an incredible evolution to hear.
“By-Tor and the Snow Dog” must be next - epic guitar solo buy Alex! Fly By Night is one of my favorite RUSH albums.
Beneath, Between and Behind and By-Tor are two must listens from this album.
Neal's drums are incredible - so much power.
Your strategy of playing the hits of each album is a good approach. While everything off their first 6 albums is great, some of it takes a while to appreciate. An exception is their 4th album, 2112. When you get there, you must listen to side 1 in its entirety in one sitting.
I agree 100%. I was thinking the same at the beginning when he was discussing the plan. It's truly the only way to react to 2112
Absolute MUST is all side 1 from 2112 but if you are so inclined "Passage to Bangkok" is a great choice from side 2
This is the song that introduced us to the incredible talent of Neil Peart. I love the debut album but this will always be the “real” debut in my heart.
So IF you're taking 1 or 2 songs from each album, the next song from the second album should be By-Tor And The Snow Dog because it is a glimpse into the direction their heading over the next 4 albums which are my favorite period of Rush.
If you wanted a 2nd song off the first album (although you've moved on) my fav is Before and After.
BUT also, if you plan on going through these in order, the next 4 feature entire side of the album compositions. So maybe don't go in chronological order yet.
But I would go "Closer To The Heart", "Circumstances" or "the Trees" then Spirit of Radio. You've already done 2 from Moving pictures, but YYZ is recommended. And that will kind of cover the first period of their anthology and I would then break and do some deep dives like Necromancer and Fountain of Lamneth, 2112, Xanadu and Cygnus X-1, Hemispheres and La Villa Strangiato, Freewill and Natural Science. Then you can move on to their next period from Signals to Presto
Subbed for your Rush Journey... yes, there are some songs you absolutely need to do the live version of... you cannot fully appreciate Rush until you see the complexity of their music between 3 people being played out Live on Stage. I do like you want to stay with studio versions as much as possible.. it's the way we listened to Rush back in the day.. we didn't have music videos and unless you got to see them live (thankful I was able to several times in the late 70's/early 80's) you didn't know anything but the studio version.. but they are so much more than that. Rush Army alive and well... gotta see what else you've reacted to! ENJOY THE JOURNEY!!! It's a deep and wide rabbit hole of some of the best music ever created by a band, much less 3 people.
The problem with picking "popular" sings form their albums is that it presumes that the best songs got airplay. Often, they didn't. As you've noticed, Rush never did subscribe to the radio policy of 2 1/2 minutes songs; they explore themes, they tell stories and sometimes, the into alone will be more than 2 1/2 minutes. Some of their best songs never got any radio play because of how long they were.
If you're torn between live & studio - check out the "official" music video for La Villa Strangiato. Performed live - in a studio with no audience - just for the video. You kinda get both worlds. And one of their best songs ever, and an epic performance at that - th-cam.com/video/eK1hmDpa8bo/w-d-xo.html
Rush studio first to get the feel and then Live. Rush live Cleveland however is not a album I would tell someone to listen to. The band was amazing and instrumently, sounded better than ever. Geddy's voice was 34 years older at that concert and while they've taken that into account and the songs are still good, it just didn't "do" it for me. It sounded strange to my ear. Everyone ages, I know this - I'm freaking 54 years old but without the upper part of Geddy's range and him singing in a lower key often ... it was missing something and made my soul sad. Getting old sucks.
If you want to see an amazing version of this song check out Two Minutes To Late Night here on youtube. Amazing.
Do keep in mind the definition of heavy metal has shifted over the years. Some of their earlier albums had songs that would have been considered heavy metal at the time but not compared to bands that are considered heavy metal now.
While their music is always great many of the music videos are kinda hit and miss. Some being neat with others leaving you wondering what you just witnessed. That said they actually have had video released decades after the songs and those videos are the best ways to experience those songs. 2112 is a song that took up an entire album side, has multiple sections, tells a story with an interesting plot, and the music video they went back and made for it is an animatic style of a comic/graphic novel of the story displayed in time with the music. th-cam.com/video/w5jwxrTqoEA/w-d-xo.html
Several other songs they went back two with either brand new animated music videos that are amazing and official lyric videos that are quite interesting.
Part of what makes them such an interesting band is not only would they sometimes switch style between albums or different songs on the same album but occasionally inside a single song. They are well known for using complex time signatures and changing time signatures during the song.
I would highly recommend La Villa Strangiato as an example of just how many times they could switch things up in a single song. There are no lyrics, just outstanding music.
Glad to see you’re on the Rush journey! Looking forward to it!
"Beneath, Between and Behind"
STELLAR !!! 🔥🔥
This was covered by Danny Carey from Tool and some other names you will know look it up on TH-cam , even on your own time
Happy to see people still discovering Rush. Best band ever
Great song, ushered in "The Professor" Neil Peart, By-Tor and The Snowdog is a must before Caress of Steel
Who else can’t help but hear the beginning of “best I can” when Anthem ends ?
"Fly By Night," the title track, got a good deal of attention when this came out, but there were a number of excellent songs on this album that did not get as much notice and "Anthem" was certainly a deserving song to review. That said, I agree with G Man below - "Beneath Between and Behind" is a great, review-worthy, and under-appreciated song off this album, as is "By-tor and the Snow Dog" (although "By-tor" is longer and a bit more . . . for lack of a better word, proggy?).
This whole album is awesome!!!
FINALLY someone reacts to Anthem!
Should probably get to some SuperTramp if you like RUSH. Both bands are similar in that they are both unique and technically brilliant. RUSH tends to have a more modern side, and SuperTramp is more classical. To me, as far as musicianship goes, they might be the two best bands I've ever heard.
Supertramp is a great call - I suggested Yes Starship Trooper as well. Fantastic music out there!
Have to listen to "Bastille Day" and "Anthem" (first 2 opening songs) off of their live set "All The World's A Stage" - one of the best live rock albums of all time
ATWAS is their best! GOLD from beginning to end!
I would recommend the title track to this Album for your next listen. It's great to see the guys perform the song so check out the Official video:
Fly By Night
th-cam.com/video/nEVDZl5UvN4/w-d-xo.html
There is also a great performance video for Anthem, which would have been better than just the audio version:
th-cam.com/video/3oEQuzHp5I0/w-d-xo.html
Bytor and the Snow Dog would be my second choice off Fly By Night.
Thanks for another fun reaction
First album with Neil. This is Neil's first go at writing lyrics, and the permanent lineups first collaboration.
Love this album. They are progressive rock by the way and you will recognize it.
You should do the title track, it’s one of my all-time Rush favorites.
I agree with Bill Willis. Xanadu live performance exit stage left 1981 really showcases their unsurpassed talent and ability to pull off, in a live performance, such complex masterpiece. Each one of them mutitasks throughout the song. It's quite a spectacle to behold, not to mention it's a great tune. Some of their best work and one of the greatest performances of all time. It's a must see.
2 choices from this album: Popular= Fly By Night ........Hidden Gem = By-tor and the Snow Dog
live in Cleveland, you must understand his voice is trashed by that concert. I wouldnt listen to that live version, Id only listen to live versions from Live in Rio or older. The R30, & especially R40 Geddy's voice is awful
Agreed. However, the Rush Army would put me in front of a firing squad if I said that.
@@tbradley6250 I'm a huge Rush Fan. Was listening to Rush back in the 70s, I grew up with them. I listened to them when no one else was, I bought albums, then cassettes, then CDs of the same albums as my stereos changed. I would go see R50 & R60 if Neil was still alive, but when I want to listen to Rush at home or in the car or on TH-cam, I am not going to listen to Geddy struggle to sing.
Next from Fly By Night.....By-Tor and The Snow Dog.
It will inform you on what to expect from their next several albums.
Also, it kicks ass.
I've been addicted since I heard Moving Pictures on the WRNO ([New Orleans) midnight album hour on February 12, 1981, and it changed my life. It's fun watching you because it's like watching myself back then! Enjoy the ride my friend - I envy you! Great channed - I subbed! :)
I'm a musician... I love Rush. But don't let the Rush head's dominate. Heheh. There's lots of music out there.
He needs some YES Starship Trooper in his life lol or maybe Whipping Post by the Allman Brothers!
@@Prone2Thrill Oh man... Prog - more notes always equals better. I read the autobiography by Tony Iommi. Black Sabbath took Yes on tour in '72. He said when they were on stage and if anyone made a mistake, they stared at each other. Wakeman hung out with Sabbath a lot of the time and said, "I wish I was on tour with you." Iommi said, "if someone makes a mistake, so what!"
I consider them hard rock. I saw them in 1982 promoting their "Signals" album. I think a couple popular songs from each album first is the way to go and go back and view the live versions in chronological order. I think most would agree that "Tom Sawyer" and "Limelight" are 2 of their most popular songs of all time. Loving your reaction videos😃
Saw RUSH as a 15 year old kid in 1975 at a 5 band holiday spectacular concert at the old n now gone Capitol centre in Landover Maryland.
First and best concert that I've ever been to since 👍🔥🔥😎💪
That $15.00 ticket didn't hurt either lol
I can't wait till you get to 2112. That's the one that made EVERYONE stop and go "Wow!" It's considered one of the "must listen to" pieces of Rock. It's classic and timeless.
Great early Rush, Alex in full hard rock, Jimmy Page protege mode. Off the same album you should do Bytor & the Snow Dog,
Which along with Anthem, are the best tunes on that record.
Since you are so into Led Zeppelin's and Rush, let me introduce another guitarist who belongs in the same sentence as Alex, that is Michael Shenker. A brilliant hard rock with metal leanings guitar player from Germany, originally from the Scorpions, he left his brother Rodolf to go to UFO in 1973 and they created a string of Classic albums in the 70s that influenced all the great rockers that came after.try from their epic Strangers in the Night: Live, UFOs Lights Out, Love to Love and Rock Bottom. He left UFO in the 1980s to form his own brilliant band, MSG, they have tons of good songs, too. Try UFO, the Scorpions and MSG as time permits, if you want real rock, like what you are exploring, take a chance on Michael Schenker, one of the best ever! Enjoy. 🎸
Oh....this is just so good. It just doesn't get old. Smiling ear to ear watching you experience it.
Listen as you please bro. Now that you're ''in'' you're good to go man. I'm 58 . Rush has been MY life soundtrack.
Oh, no, but you don't know. Some of Rush's live performances are 'better than anyone, ever' epic. I digress, you should still wait a bit. We fans should be patient 😄 Whatever you do, I would still suggest you hold off a minute doing 2112 (from 4th album of same name). I would just do By-tor next or go to next album. 🤘
This was the FIRST OUTING with Neil Peart as the Lyricist - This is BAND is truly the definition of a Syzygy (Look it up I'm not going to make it that easy)
If you couldn't go any higher in volume - I HIGHLY suggest you get a headphone amp/DAC that runs off a standard USB port, like the Audioengine D1. Drives my big cans to insane levels (if desired) plus is a much better DAC than comes in any computer.
Studio or Live. No disappointments. It will become a hard choice as the journey continues👍👍.
I can't wait until you hear Cygnus X-1 Book II: Hemispheres and Xanadu (Exit Stage Left Live). Maybe save those 2 for last
Keep 'em coming boss. You ain't heard nothing yet. Soon you will be ready for Hemispheres, my son. And of course my fave Rush album besides 2112, "A Farewell to Kings". You have a long hot summer of Rush ahead of you. Build those subs!!
Bytor and the snowdog next for sure. I suggest you do 2 songs from each studio album until you get to Moving pictures, then treat yourself to some live stuff, they have tons. Start with the 1981 Exit stage Left tour, then do some live from 1988 2003 2005 2007 2011 2013 and their last tour 2015. Each tour has a dvd and most are on youtube.
rivendell
Many comments say to listen to Bytor. Shockingly they are correct. However you MUST listen to the Exit Stage Left (live) version that way you won’t fall asleep after the brief Neil Peart drum solo.
You can't turn it up louder! That is actually quite funny to the Rush Army. On the back cover of Rush's early albums there was a "notice" at the end of the credits. " For best results play at maximum volume" LOL. My neigbours clain they could see the whole house vibrate when I played Rush!
Did you know Geddy's name is actually Gary? His Polish mom's pronunciation sounds like "Geddy" so his friends all picked it up...
🥰 You're adorable! 😒 But trust me, do Live in Cleveland or we'll just keep bugging you! 🤗 I know us! 😁😂🐰
Judas Priest ''Grinder'' live from the Seminole Hard Rock in the 90s. Studio version is kinda tinny and sterile. Live version of the song and video is absolute fire. I play it once a week to keep my lungs and heart kickstarted. 🤘
I know you're completely aware, but All the World's a Stage amps up ALL their early tracks.
I think the Fly By Night video would be perfect at this time. It's the studio cut, but you can watch them play. They are so young and Niel Peart had only just joined them. It's such a bare and raw Rush.
Alex was a huge fan of Jimmy Page and in interviews has told the story of finally meeting him in the 90’s snd just being a fan-boy. I think Alex matched his idol in many respects
You absolutely need to check out Neil Peart Drum Solo - Rush Live in Frankfurt
Awesome to hear Rush when they were RAW, but they were still more polished at this stage than almost all others, and Neil's first unveiling.
I would recommend Bastille Day and then 2112 both are awesome. 2112 is one song taking up the first side of the album.
I agree with most of the comments I've seen. Stick to the studio versions. There's something to be said about hearing them the same way we were all introduced to them. Absolutely go back and listen to some live stuff, but not until you're much further into your journey, IMO. It is so much fun to watch you discover Rush. Their talent is much more appreciated now than during the time they came out with the tracks you're listening to. But those of us who have been fans since the beginning (or very early on) can appreciate what you're experiencing, and I am very happy to go on this journey with you!
If you want a tight, compact banger, try "Beneath Between and Behind". But if you want a gritty epic 9 minute battle, try "By-Tor and the Snow Dog"